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Chapter 10 Last rites

Two weeks after Arthur became a vampire he came round, this time without Marc. He was distraught.

"I want to say goodbye to me family" he said "But Marcus has forbidden me to see them. He says nothing good will come of it"

"They think you are dead" Said Jason "If you appear they will not understand. They will be confused and probably terrified. They'll never stop looking for you and it will ruin their lives. You can't tell them you are a vampire, and there isn't any other explanation"

"I know all the arguments" Arthur said "I've discussed it with Marcus for hours, but I need to do it".

"Do you have some kind of plan?" I asked.

"I wondered if you could get them all together so I can see them one last time" Said Arthur.

"That wouldn't be wise" I said. "If we contact them, we implicate ourselves in your death. If the police ever found out, they would come round and arrest us. Once our names were in the open no one, even Spencer could stop it."

"Look" Said Jason "We'll think about it, and see if we can dream something up. Give us a couple of days and we'll get in touch"

"Via webcam" I said

Arthur went pink, despite his vampire pallor

"I hope you don't mind about that" He said. "I set the camera up and wanted to show Jason how well I was doing on the computer and one thing led to another. You know what he's like"

"I doubt it was entirely one sided" I said.

I drew him close and hugged him, then moved my hand down and grabbed his hard cock through his jeans.

"I know what you're like too". I said.

I kissed him, and went to make a coffee.

Two days later Jason asked Arthur to come round.

"We have thought about it long and hard" I said "I can't think of any way of getting your family together".

"We thought about getting Spencer to find a Will" Said Jason "but what teenager makes a will. We thought about setting up a séance or some kind of spiritualist meeting, but I think that is really far-fetched. We thought Marc could approach one of your family members and 'persuade' them to arrange something in your memory, but if he won't co-operate that won't work either".

"You've tried you best" Said Arthur. I suppose I'll just have to forget about it".

"No" I said "Maybe we can't get everyone together, but does it have to be that way? If you tell us which of your family you want to see most we can find them. Maybe get them to go somewhere where you can see them without getting too close"

"I thought it was all a bit Agatha Christie" Said Jason "but it's the best idea we have come up with so far".

"The ones I'd like to see most are my mum and dad and my sister" Said Arthur almost in tears.

He gave us their names and his mum and dads address. He could not remember his sister's address and of course he had lost everything that might remind him. Arthur left soon after and Jason immediately got onto the internet and contacted Marc

Jason:- "Marc, Arthur came round. He wants 2 c his family"

Marc:- "I know. It's stupid. It'll all end in tears"

Jason:- "Will u help?"

Marc:- "No"

Jason:- "He wouldn't actually meet them, just see them one last time"

Marc:- "He'll want 2 c them again"

Jason:- "We could get them 2 go somewhere together as a memorial" Jason:- "Arther would see them all and get over it"

Marc:- "How will u do that"

Jason:- "We thought u could persuade his sister"

Marc:- "r u mad"

Jason:- "They could go for a meal somewhere"

Marc:- "u r mad"

Jason:- "Please - it would mean a lot to Arthur"

Marc:- "No good will come of it"

Jason:- "Does that mean you'll do it?"

Marc:- "I'll think about it"

Jason:- "You can lay down conditions. I'm sure that Arthur would agree"

Marc:- "Tell him I'll do it, but I'll take her blood at the same time" Marc:- "If he agrees to that I'll do it"

Jason:- "You wouldn't do that would you?

Marc:- "Of course not and I hope he knows that"

Jason:- "OK I'll tell him do u know her address"

Marc:- "I'll find it. bye"

Jason:- "Thanks. It's really good of u"

Marc:- "I'm regretting it already bye xxx"

Jason:- "bye xxx"

"Tyler" Said Jason "I think I have persuaded Marc to go along with us"

"Brilliant" I said "What's the plan"

"Marc will persuade Arthur's sister to plan a memorial meal" Said Jason "We have to find a venue where we can be there, but leave quickly if Arthur gets emotional"

"How about the 'Fish Inn'." I said "They are always busy so most people eat outside of on the terrace. We will be able to see them from the car park or eat a discreet distance away"

"Perfect" Said Jason

We arranged to see Arthur the next evening

"Come in. We have some news" I said.

We walked through to the lounge

"Marc has laid down some conditions, but I think he'll help us get you to see your family one last time" Jason Said

"WHAT - COOL" Said Arthur. He went to Jason and hugged him

"Hang on" I said "You haven't heard it all yet.

We sat on the sofa with a coffee.

"Marc has agreed to see your sister and 'persuade' her to have a get together as a memorial to you" Said Jason "He'll suggest 'the fish Inn' and a date and time"

"There is no guarantee it will work and there are no second chances" I said "If it does work you'll get to see them one last time, but you mustn't be seen and you mustn't talk to them"

"That easy I'll agree to that" Arthur said "At least it gives me some hope"

"There is one other condition" Said Jason seriously "And I don't think you'll like it. Marc has insisted that he will take blood from your sister as the price of his cooperation"

"He wouldn't" Said Arthur "He can't"

Tears came to Arthur's eyes.

"I can't believe he would do that, why would he do that"

Arthur turned to Jason and wept openly on his shoulder. I put an arm round his as well.

"Is it so bad?" I asked "He took blood from you"

"I know but that is different, that was love, this is just feeding" Said Arthur.

"Wasn't it just feeding the first time with you" Said Jason

"Maybe" Said Arthur "But I don't think so"

"Think about it. Do you want a drink, some food?" I asked

"Who's cooking?" Arthur asked

"What!" Jason said, laughing "You'll only stay if Tyler is cooking."

"Isn't that why you are still here" Asked Arthur. "I can't be for the sex"

We both hit him in play and I got up and opened a bottle of Chianti and started making pasta.

By the end of the evening Arthur had reluctantly agreed to Marc's demands

"I think he's trying to stop me going ahead with it. I don't think he'll do it. He wouldn't take blood from my sister like that, it's just not Marc. So tell him I agree"

"I think that's a really good decision" Said Jason "I'll tell him exactly what you said".

"So we should meet there Sunday after next as early as you can. We'll get you a wig etc. Can't have you being recognized eh?" I said

We were in the car park to the Fish Inn at nine pm. We had a wig in the back of the car and a moustache and beard as well as glasses. We were determined to get Arthur reasonably close. We watched the clock tick away.

"Sunset" said Jason. "They'll be along in fifteen minutes or so. Are we all ready?"

"Yes I think so" I said.

Within five minutes, Marc and Arthur drew up on Marc's BMW. Arthur dismounted and got in the back of the car.

"You were quick" I said

"We err 'camped' nearby. Took a bit of a risk but I wanted to be here as early as we could. I don't want them to go before I arrive. Are they here yet?"

"I don't know, but put on this wig and glasses. Maybe the 'tache? I don't think the beard will work" I said.

We spent a couple of minutes making Arthur look presentable, and hiding his ginger hair. The glasses made him look completely different, and the 'tache completed it. We decided against the beard.

"You must still stay away from them" I said

"I know" he said. "I'm not going to ruin it now after all this effort"

We all walked down to the pub. Marc went in first then Jason and Arthur, and I followed last. Marc paused at the entrance to make sure the coast was clear and then beckoned us in. We bought drinks, went out into the garden and sat at a bench with a good view of the terrace. Arthur was looking everywhere.

"Look there they are. On the terrace at the far end" He said eventually

We looked where he was pointing and could see his family. They were dressed up in their best clothes eating puddings. They were all ginger too. Arthur's sister looked just like Arthur but slightly older. Arthur stared longingly for ages, then looked at Marc

"No" said Marc "Think about it. They think you are dead. If you suddenly appear there will be chaos"

"Arthur you promised" I said. "Just one last look and then you would be able to say goodbye"

"OK. I only asked" He said and spent the next twenty minutes just staring at them, tears in his eyes.

Jason excused himself and went to the toilet. After about twenty minutes, Arthur's family gave a toast, and then started getting ready to leave. Five minutes later Jason returned with more drinks

"You were a long time" I said "Did you meet someone nice in the loo"

"Yes" He said "I thought I'd just fuck him while you lot were out here staring into space"

We all laughed. Arthur's family was leaving. We watched them leave the table, pay and then walk slowly to their car. Within five minutes, they were gone.

"Thank you everyone" Said Arthur. "I've said my goodbyes now I can remember them that way forever".

"Yes you can" Said Jason "I got loads of photos. I got a really nice one of your sister proposing a toast"

Arthur stood up, went to Jason and hugged him.

"Jason, so that's why you were gone so long, thank you. You are so good to me" He said

"We'll put them on a CD and send them over. I'll print a couple and laminate them for your wallet" Said Jason.

Marc spoke up for the first time. He had been sat brooding all evening.

"I was surprised Arthur that you let me take blood from your sister" He said

"I don't believe you did" Said Arthur evenly looking him in the eye.

"It was a condition of me helping" Said Marc.

"I still don't believe you did it" Said Arthur. "You would not be the person I love if you would carry through on that. It was a test".

Marc pulled Arthur close and put am arm round his shoulder

"Thank you for believing in me." He said "You are right I would not do such a thing. Not at a time like that. I just wanted to know how deeply you wanted this and what lengths you would go to"

"I know" said Arthur "I won't ever see them again, but I have memories of them now, and thanks to Jason some photos too".

He kissed Marc deeply.

"You are all good friends" He said "and I think, from the look of those people coming this way from the pub we should be going"

We left our drinks and ran to the car and bike as four huge skinheads in England shirts walked across the grass from the pub. They stopped when we left and walked back. Arthur gave them the finger from the back of the bike.

"I bet Marc wants to go back and teach them a lesson" I said to Jason

"Probably" Said Jason "He probably has a picture of them in his mind and he'll come back in a month and beat them to a pulp, after he's had a drink first".

We discussed all the ways he might humiliate them, all the way home.

#

One evening Jason and I were playing on the sofa, Cocks out, we were kissing and tickling each other. Jason kissed me, stood up and walked toward the bedroom.

"Come on lets go to bed" He said "I'm horny"

Just as he said "I'm horny", the doorbell rang. I giggled and smacked his cock gently on the way to the door. Zipping myself up. Marc and Arthur stood at the door giggling. They rushed in and Arthur said

"Gotta get changed for a party is the bedroom free?" He walked past me followed by Marc.

"But..." I said and started giggling too.

By the time I got to the bedroom door, clothes were being cast aside and hands were roaming everywhere.

"Oh well" I said and started stripping off too.

Arthur came over and pulled me onto the bed. He jumped onto the bed and knelt down one leg either side of my chest and started trying to get his cock down my throat.

"MMMM" I said as I pulled him nearer my mouth and swallowed his cock.

I had missed his exuberant style of sex. His cock went all the way down my throat and I started to choke. He backed off.

"Gonna have to get used to that" He said and dropped down alongside me to kiss me and undo my trousers.

I could see Marc and Jason at the other end of the bed kissing. Marc was on top wanking both their cocks together. Marc slowed and then stopped and Arthur pulled my pants and undies off and knelt by me. His cock sticking out inches from my face.

"We have an idea" said Arthur. "You know that Marcus used to fuck me and then drink from me when we came together? Well it's the most sensual experience I've ever had. It's the best orgasm ever, times ten. The problem is we can't do it to you because drinking your blood might kill us. We need you both to let us"

I looked at Jason. Jason shrugged and nodded.

"Are you sure it will work?" I asked

"Yes" Said Marcus "It worked when you saved us after the fight with the twins. I'm certain it'll work now, but only if you want it and only if you both agree, and remember this is magic and it'll only work if you two love each other, if you think it might come between you must say no"

Jason looked at me "We both offer you a little blood as the climax to making love".

I repeated, "We both offer you a little blood as the climax to making love".

Marc immediately started rubbing his and Jason's cock together again, and this time started sucking his nipple. Arthur again lowered himself down onto my mouth and I started sucking his cock in earnest. I put one arm round behind him and started getting a finger into his bottom. He was very tight so I spanked him instead, and then went back to getting my finger inside him. He turned round and knelt over my head, his head in my crotch, and he started licking my cock and balls. I took him full length into my throat for a few seconds before I started to choke again. He let me up for air and scooted off the end of the bed. He lifted my legs and started to lick my bottom, getting his tongue right into my hole. I was squirming. I could see that Jason was in the same position. We both reached out and held hands.

Arthur and Marc then started to stand up. They hooked our legs over their shoulders and leant forward. I felt Arthur's cock at my hole, and then a push and he was inside. Almost no pain, but he waited for a while gently rocking forward and back while I got used to his size inside me, then he started rocking harder and pushing harder. After a few minutes, Marc and Arthur were both fucking us hard. I could feel the start of my orgasm

"I'm nearly there" I said

"Me too" said Jason.

Quickly Marc and Arthur stood and flipped us over onto our fronts, then moved onto our backs. Arthur pushed his cock straight into my hole this time and started to fuck hard and fast. I could hardly breathe. Arthur grabbed my cock and started pumping in time to his thrusts. I screamed as I started to come. Then I felt his mouth on my neck and his teeth broke the skin.

I could feel him coming inside me as I pumped my cum onto the bed, and my whole body went into orgasm at the same time. Every muscle I had tensed and the most exhilarating sense of pleasure passed through me. Just as Arthur promised it was like a million orgasms going off at once, and it never seemed to end.

Eventually it did end, and I lay on the bed panting. Jason held out a hand again and I took his hand in mine. We both lifted our heads to smile at each other but the effort was too much. It took ten minutes before we could get up. Marc and Arthur sat on the bed cuddling and licking their lips, I think it was their private joke.

"WOW" I said.

Jason came round and we kissed. He led us to the shower where we cuddled and washed each other like big kids. Neither of us could get a hardon as we usually did in the shower, we were completely spent. We eventually came out wrapped in towels. I got a couple more towels out and threw them at Arthur.

"Your turn" I said.

When they came out of the shower ten minutes later they were also dressed in towels.

"That was awesome" said Jason. "I can understand now why Arthur let you do that to him".

"I was a one off" Said Marc "A thank you for saving our lives".

"We won't...can't ever do it again" said Arthur "That would be intruding on your love for each other. Your consent might protect us once, but we might harm your relationship if we repeated it, and you didn't and can't consent to that".

"Thank you" I said and hugged them both.

I then went back to Jason and hugged him too.

"One other thing" Said Arthur "Thanks for this"

He opened his wallet and showed us three photos. One was of Marc in a smart grey suit, another was of us cuddling on the bad naked, presumably from the webcam session, and the third was of his sister proposing a toast.

#

Three weeks before Halloween, Arthur came round.

"I want to ask you both for another favour" he said "I'd like to have a housewarming party, but I can't. Nobody must know where I sleep"

"You want to have it here" Said Jason. His face lit up. "Yeah party time!!"

"Yes" said Arthur "I want it to be the best Halloween party ever"

"Fancy dress" I said "and we can decorate the room"

"A bit more than that" Said Arthur "I want to dress up the garden and the house, make pumpkin faces. Have stuff to give to the kids. Giant spiders and cobwebs, gravestones, ghosts, hanging lanterns, fancy dress, everything"

"The only thing is" said Arthur "only Marcus and I can come as vampires. Everyone else can come as they want, but not as vampires. I've arranged with Marcus for you to use the charge card. Can you buy stuff and I'll help set it all up".

"Can you make a list of everything you want?" I said "and we'll get it, plus if there's anything else we think you might like, we'll get that too".

"Hehe" said Arthur "I'm way ahead of you"

He handed me a long list. Jason grabbed it from me and started scanning it.

"I can order most of this on the internet" He said "The food we'll have to get nearer the time".

"I also want a cake" Said Arthur "It must be in the shape of a coffin and grey with red velvet inside. Can you do it, or do we have to order it in".

"I can probably do it, but wouldn't it be good if Spencer could do it instead, or Delilah" I said "I'm sure they would love to help out"

Jason designed invites on the computer that evening and we sent them out the next day. We invited the usual crowd, Spencer and Silas, Matt and Delilah, Marcus, plus a few of Jason's friends from college and some of my friends from university. We also handed over invites to Arthur and Marcus so they could bring all their friends. Jason started internet shopping in style.

Over the next two weeks stuff arrived almost every day. Everything was piled up in the lounge. Eventually we had to retreat to the bedroom because there were so many boxes everywhere else. Spencer volunteered to do the cake and gave us daily updates on progress, from buying the ingredients to making the base to decorating it. Matt and Delilah, not to be outdone, volunteered to buy presents for Arthur.

In the week before Halloween, we were really busy decorating the lounge and kitchen. We had a huge spider on the lounge ceiling, cobwebs hung everywhere. There were plastic spiders and a real spider called Boris in a coffin shaped tank that a friend of Jason's lent us. Black candles, red candles, Lanterns.

The fancy dress arrived. I opted to go as a werewolf and Jason went as Scream, complete with a very large kitchen knife, which he promised he would keep strapped to his leg except when people were taking pictures.

Five plastic gravestones were ready to go on the lawn, and a stuffed owl. Plus some fencing bent and rusty to make it look even spookier.

I made two huge pots each of Chilli and Curry, and vast amounts of rice, and we had loads of nibbles. Besides the obligatory beer and lager, we decided on boxes of red and white wine and even a bowlful of mulled wine and hoped that Marc would not kick up a fuss that there was no Amarone for him, I did stash away a bottle just in case. We also got the makings of Rum and Coke, but no more spirits it was not to be that kind of party. We put a cauldron by the door and filled it with goodies for the kids, and rigged a skeleton to drop down when we opened the door. One of Jason's friends was going to bring along a huge python so he could answer the door with a snake round his neck and scare the children.

Jason bought some spooky music for the occasion and spent an evening arranging a playlist or three.

The day before Halloween, Jason came home from college late. He was laden with things from the supermarket including a carrier with orange juice, bacon, eggs, beans, hash browns, black pudding, sausage, tomatoes and mushrooms.

"Breakfast tomorrow" he said

"You have to be kidding" I replied. "We'll be busy all day, we can't possibly spend all that time cooking breakfast"

"Better get used to your right hand for a week then" Said Jason "No breakfast, no nooky"

"I really think you'll crack before I do" I said

"We'll see" said Jason coming up behind me and taking me in his arms.

He cupped me in his hand and played with a nipple while licking my ear. Then he sauntered off to the bedroom and booted up the computer. I was left with a boner and a wet ear. On the big day I got up early and cooked breakfast. I took it into Jason and he smiled and folded the duvet back to let me in.

"Mmmm. This is lovely" Said Jason "I'm so glad you gave in last night I was so horny I nearly gave in, but you buckled before me"

I punched him in the arm and started sucking a sausage suggestively. I got punched back moments later.

Once we were up and showered we started putting the finishing touches to the decorations. Jason set up the garden like a graveyard, and then came in and set up the music. Spencer came round briefly with the cake, which was awesome. Then later Matt and Delilah came round to drop off their stuff. They had an enormous pumpkin head. They put it by the path. It was a very sick looking face with an open mouth, and they spread the pumpkin innards around the mouth making it look like it was being sick. It was horrible, and the kids would love it. They also brought Arthur's presents, which they had wrapped, and no one was to see what they were until he opened them.

By six we were all ready and sat down for a coffee and a rest. I had a shot of Sambuca, and Jason, devil that he is had a shot of neat Absinth.

"Just to liven us up after a long day" Said Jason.

"That will knock you out, rather than liven you up" I said.

When we had done with the shots and decided against another we put on our fancy dress and wasted time making out and feeling each other up.

#

Spencer and Silas were the first to arrive as Morticia and a Zombie. They jumped about a foot in the air when the skeleton dropped down. Jason and I could not stop giggling. I do not think Silas saw the funny side, but he tried to hide it well.

Then Jason's friend Dan with the snake arrived. He had already dropped his spider off a few days previously. He was dressed as a skeleton. We did not drop the surprise for him for fear of disturbing the snake. Although the python was draped round his neck he also brought a huge insulated box, with some hand warmers to keep it warm. If the snake started to get cool he would be put back in his box to warm up. We all gathered round to feel the snake, and I held it. It was gorgeous, warm and muscular and the skin felt almost like velvet. I was a bit wary of the head especially when it started investigating my nose. The snake, a carpet python, was about 7 feet long, black with white/yellow scales and some diamond shapes all along its sides and back. I thought it was beautiful, but Jason was unimpressed.

Matt and Delilah, who were dressed as Beatlejuice and Lydia Deetz the emo girl played by Winona Rider, were next and some more emo friends of Jason's. Delilah would not go near the snake, but looked at it across the room. Guests had already started on the wine and beers and the nibbles.

Then children started arriving. They loved the pumpkin, but their parents would not let them touch. We got Dan to greet them at the door with the snake, and got a very mixed reception. Some kids screamed others were intrigued. We asked the parents if they wanted a closer look and most said "yes". Dan was busy for the first couple of hours showing the snake off. The kids also loved the cauldron. Some came twice and one little boy tried for his third handful, so we dropped the skeleton and he ran away scared half to death.

Marc and Arthur arrived around nine o'clock. They looked fabulous. The perfect vampires even down the thick black cloaks with red velvet linings. Both had fangs, but I am not sure if they were plastic or the real thing! We ushered them in and made sure they had drinks. Arthur was over the moon with how things had turned out. He especially liked the graveyard and the huge spider just over his head.

I tapped on my glass and called for quiet. Jason turned down "Don't fear the reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult in the background.

"I would like to propose a toast to one of my dearest friends" Jason said "Who wanted a housewarming party, but he can't because loud noises and parties and drinking aren't allowed as part of the tenancy agreement - but probably a more likely reason is he doesn't want drink spilled on the new carpets - to Arthur"

Everybody drank a swig

"And I'd like to propose a toast to another of my dearest friends" I said "Who also doesn't want drink spilled on his carpet - to his boyfriend Marcus".

Again everyone took a swig. Arthur stepped forward

"And I would like to propose a toast to two of the nicest people in the world, who have helped me through thick and thin, and been true and loyal friends, and even volunteered to risk you all spilling wine on their carpet - To Tyler and Jason"

A third round of swigging.

Then Marcus led a cheer "hip hip" and everyone replied "Hurray" the usual three times.

Jason turned the music up again. By now it was "Killer" by the Plain White Ts, and everyone got back to talking and drinking.

At around ten o'clock there was another knock on the door. I went to answer and was met by Marc.

"Some friends of ours" He said "I think Jason will be intrigued".

I opened the door and was surprised to see an oldish gentleman and a lady arm in arm and behind them four young men. The youngest looked about seventeen and the oldest about twenty five or six. They were all tall and skinny with the same long straight hair, except the lady whose hair was gathered at the back in a long ponytail. I invited them in and Marc introduced us. Jason and Arthur quickly jopined us.

"This is Keith and Denise and their sons Dan, John, Andy and Aaron" Marc said introducing the family one by one

"And this is Jason and Tyler, and you've met Arthur" We shook hands, and took them into the kitchen to get them drinks.

Jason whispered to me "Are they what I think they are" he said

I was surprised "What do you think they are" I asked

"Werewolves" He said

Keith came over to us

"I know this is a bit personal but I would love to see your tattoos" He said.

Jason and I raised our left arms and showed them off.

"Fantastic" He said. "I've never seen those on a human before. I assume you know that we are Lycan"

"I thought that you and Marc wouldn't get on" I said. "The films suggest you are enemies"

"The films have got vampires down to a tee, but werewolves have a bad reputation" Said Keith "and it isn't really warranted. There's a lot the films got wrong about us. Anyway we'll talk of that later. We are here to welcome Arthur. Let's go and get drunk"

Keith was an enigma to me. He was not my type at all, but strangely attractive and a born leader, it was very easy to follow. I went round people, chatting and drinking and eventually came across Jason with Dan and John the two eldest sons of Keith and Denise.

"Tyler" Said Jason grabbing my arm and pulling me into the group "This is Dan and John, and this" pointing at me "is my boyfriend Tyler"

"Pleased to meet you" said Dan shaking my hand.

He held on a moment too long

"Yes and me too - pleased to meet you" Said John.

He looked at Dan and then back at me. He too held my hand far too long and maybe I encouraged it just a bit.

"So what do you do for a living?" I asked

"We run a kennels" Said John "Dan and I run it, though the whole family owns it. Andy and Aaron aren't into it. They are too 'academic' to be messing around with dogs all the time".

"I think what John is trying to say is that they are to up themselves" Said Dan.

We all laughed. I looked across the room, and they may have been "up themselves" but they both had there arms round girls, and one of Jason's friends looked as if he was going to kill one of them.

"They seem to be successful with the girls" I said

"Yes" Said John, "Pathetic isn't it. Girls get one sniff of them and start taking their clothes off"

"Dan and John think it's gonna be a long drive home and were wondering if they might be able to sleep over?" Said Jason.

I looked at John and smiled, and his eyes lit up

"I really do think that would be the best thing all round." I said "You two can have a good nights sleep here and Aaron and Andy will have room to take their girls back. We only have one bed I hope you don't mind sharing?"

Everyone giggled and Jason and Dan gave each other a high five.

"Besides" I whispered to John "I think I've figured out who smells nice round here".

Matt and Delilah were talking with Spencer and Silas in a corner. I went over and started chatting with them.

"Everyone is a bit young" said Silas "Do you mind if we give the presents to Arthur and then get going".

"Us too" Said Matt. "Delilah is getting a bit tired too, she has two to think about"

"Don't worry" I said "It's lovely of you to come I hope you have had a wonderful time"

I tapped my glass again. Everyone went quiet, and Jason almost fell over a speaker trying to get at the music. He turned down "Everybody Hurts" by REM.

"One last thing we must do this evening before we turn the lights down and the music up" I said

Arthur we have one or two little gifts to give you.

"First Jason and I will be boring and give you a gift voucher for some sounds" I said

"...and an iPod" piped up Jason "so you can listen to sounds through earphones and the neighbours won't complain"

Arthur hugged us both and took our presents

"Marc gave you some more vouchers to help you buy furniture" I said "He said that your place looks a bit spartan at the moment, and that you need a little help to make it more homely".

Arthur went to Marc, hugged him and then kissed him on the cheek before facing me again.

"Spencer and Silas volunteered to make you a cake which should appear about now" I said.

Almost instantly Spencer and Silas appeared with the cake held out in front of them, from behind some of Jason's friends. A table appeared from the other side of the room and Spencer put the cake on the table. The cake was astonishing I was about 18" long in the shape of a grey coffin. A headstone to one side said RIP in white letters. A skeletal arm was pushing the lid off showing a red interior. The sides were adorned with handles that looked like bones and near the base a small pumpkin. The coffin stood on a mound of earth. Everyone got their cameras out and started taking pictures of it and congratulating Spencer

"Finally" I said "we all scratched around and asked Matt and Delilah to get a few little goodies for you"

Matt and Delilah came forward and placed several boxes at Arthur's feet.

"Apparently you have to open them all, and show us each one." I said

"Thank you all" said Arthur and started shaking everyone's hand and hugging everyone.

Then he knelt down on the floor and started opening presents. Everyone crowded round. He had given us a list of things he needed, so Matt and Delilah were sure he did not get duplicates. Not everything they got was on the list.

The first present was in a huge box. Arthur ripped the paper off and revealed a large electronic station clock about three feet across. It said 'Kings Cross Station'.

"That will go great in the kitchen" he said "I've always wanted a station clock, but the antique ones are impossible to get now. Getting one like this is inspired".

The next present was smaller, but heavy. A set of knives, forks and spoons. They were all steel very simple, with no flourishes on the ends of the handles, but with a small 'hallmark' like mark on each piece.

"Fantastic. Thanks. I love the minimalist style" He hugged Delilah.

Next up was another small but heavy present. When the paper came off it was a carving knife, steel and fork set, in a case.

"I bet this was Jason's idea. I think he secretly has a thing about knives".

The fourth present was bulky but light. When Arthur opened it his eyes lit up and he looked around for whose idea it was. It was a summer sleeping bag, and two memory foam pillows.

"Perfect for you in summer. Much better than a duvet. Marc told us how confined your bedroom was" Said Matt. smiling "We'll get you another one for winter when the time comes"

Arthur pulled Matt toward him for a hug and a kiss. Delilah cleared her throat and everyone laughed.

The last present was a selection of sex toys. Arthur blushed, but still examined every one.

"This has Tyler's name all over it" He said

"Who me" I said, pretending to be innocent "What use would I have for a paddle or a dildo. I thought you were the one who told people to use those"

Arthur blushed again, deeper pink this time

"Well YOU got them out" He said

"I think it was YOU who told me to use them" I said. "I don't know what you can do with the rope, but I bet Jason knows".

"Woohoo" Said Spencer. "Carry on like this and we'll all know what you've been up to. Don't get me wrong I'm all for it. What do you do with this?"

She held up a black tube about a foot long.

"It's a fleshlight" Said Arthur. I didn't ask for one of those"

"It'll keep you occupied on those long hot summer days" Said Jason laughing.

By the time everything was packed away again Arthur was almost crying. He stood and hugged Delilah and then Matt

"Thank you so much" he said, and walked with them and Spencer and Silas into the kitchen.

Marc, Jason and I all joined him and we all hugged everyone and said goodbye to Spencer and Silas and Matt and Delilah. We walked with them to the door and eventually to their cars. Everyone waved at them as they drove off for home.

"Right" I said "we have a party to get drunk at. Who's up for a shot?"

We all marched inside again, and Jason got shot glasses for those who wanted them. Dan and John joined us, and I said I would have one. Arthur went off to the loo. I went to the bedroom and found the other Dan putting the snake away in his warm box.

"I'll leave him here tonight if that's OK and pick him up tomorrow. He'll be plenty warm enough with the hand warmers. Is that OK?"

"Fine by me" I said "so long as I can have another look at him tomorrow. If you ever get baby snakes I'll have one. I love him"

Dan returned to the party and I fished out the bottle of Amarone for Marc

"Marc I have something for you" I said and presented him with the bottle.

His face brightened and he hugged me. I gave him a couple of glasses and left him to find Arthur. I returned to Jason, Dan and John in the kitchen

"Tyler what's been keeping you? We thought you'd been looking at Dan's python" Said Jason

"That's exactly what I have been doing" I said "and giving Marc some wine"

"I hope you wore a condom" Said Jason laughing.

I punched him gently

"Where's the sambuca?" I said.

I set up four shot glasses and filled them. We all downed them in one.

"Have you ever tried this?" said Jason bringing out the Absinth

"Be careful" I said "Just take a sip at first"

Dan was fine but John coughed, grimaced and gave his to Jason. Dan and I had another to catch up with Jason. We then joined our college friends in the lounge and started dancing.

By midnight our college friends decided they wanted to go onto a club and they left en-masse with Andy and Aaron each escorting a lady. Marc and Arthur also decided they would leave and Keith and Denise were a bit put out that nobody would be going home with them.

"You must be home by midday tomorrow" said Keith "You have jobs to do at the kennel, and I hope the other boys remember to get home by midday or there'll be hell to pay"

"Yes Dad" said Dan and John together.

More hugs and waving and then everyone was gone. Just the four of us remained with a wrecked house.

This is a fantasy, entirely fictional. No animals or other entities living, dead or undead were harmed in its making. The only things that suffered are good taste and the English language.

The inspiration for the story was a dream I had after a night drinking absinth, together was a song by the Plain White Ts

Basically it is a love story, but we will see how it goes from there. These things seem to have a life of their own.

And it's semi-auto-biographical. I like my coffee black with sugar. Hehe

I would appreciate any constructive criticism, complements, or suggestions my readers may have to share with me. You may write to me via: liveintheshadowsdieinthelight@gmail.com

I would like to thank you for reading my tale. It is my first attempt at getting a story on nifty, and indeed at writing fiction.

Well that's it - what did you think? Mail me and let me know. liveintheshadowsdieinthelight@gmail.com

If you want more, with some of the same characters, look out for my next offering - Justin