Copyright 2000 By Francis O'Ratigan. All rights reserved. With the exceptions of short excerpts for critical reviews, no part of this work may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without permission in writing from the Author.
This story is complete fiction. This story in no way implies the ACTUAL sexual orientation or beliefes of Actual living people. In other words FICTION!!
I would like to Congradulate Andy a good friend of mine. He just crossed a major milestone in his life. He did with Courage and Integerty.
Is any one still reading this story? Any comments are welcome. Good or bad. Feel free to e-mail me at frnceso@hotmail.com
Rude Awakening Chapter 15
"I believe that Jason and you will make idea foster parents for Johnathan," said the Social Worker smiling. Kevin breathed a huge sigh of relief. The first hurtle was crossed. Now all he had to do is convince Jason that this was a good idea.
"When can he move in with us?" asked Kevin wonderng how much time he had to convince Jason of the idea.
"You need to talk to Jason first. Than you need to get a room ready for Johnny," sugested the Social Worker. "The Child Wellfare Department will help with the expences. Kevin shook his head no.
"I can afford to do this with out costin the taxpayers any more money. Besides I'm doing this out of the kindness of my heart," Kevin said.
"I'll tell you what, why don't I bring Johnny out here first thing in the morning? We will see how he likes the place. I want to watch how you three react to eachother first," suggested the Social Worker as she got up and walked to the door. She opened the door and stepped out onto the porch. "This is a lovely home, Johnathan will love it here," she smiled.
"I hope he likes it enough to stay for a while," Kevin said looking down at his feet.
"I'm sure he will, this is a nice place. Lot's of room for an eight year old to run. The question is Kevin, what happens when the Luekemia goes into remission?" she asked bluntly. Kevin frowned and looked out into the yard. He noticed that the trees were starting to bud out. He smiled at the thought of Jason and him walking through the spring trees.
"You want an honest answer?" he asked.
"Those are the best ones," she smiled.
"Maybe adoption," he said skipping down the steps onto the circular driveway kicking at the gravel. "I like him alot. He's had a tough life. He deserves a real family. And I think that Jason and I can give him that."
"Didn't Jason loose his wife and son not six months ago?" Kevin nodded silently. "Is he ready for a son right now?" she asked. Kevin didn't answer the question. Silence filled the air as they both thought about what had transpired. Her hand found Kevin's shoulder and he jumped at the touch.
"Why don't you and Jason have a talk about the future. See if Johnathan fits into that future. Johnathan and I will be by in the morning."
"Thanks," Kevin said giving her a small hug. She climbed into her car and drove down the driveway. Kevin reached into his pocket and pulled the remote to the gate and pushed the button to let her out. He turned and headed into the house to start dinner. Jason would be up in a little while and would need to eat. He busied himself in the kitchen making Jason's favorites dishes. Grilled Chicken and Alfredo and pasta with steamed brocoli. He also put a loaf of Italian bread in the oven to warm up. He heard a noise behind and stood up and looked towards the kitchen door. Scrappy came walking in. "Hey Scrappy," smiled Kevin bending down to pett him on the head. Scrappy politely licked his hand. "Where is Jason?" Scrappy just wagged his tail and wandered over to the water dish. Kevin shrugged his shoulder and headed into the living room. Grabbing the remote he switched on the TV. He saw that the news was on. He was also shocked to see him and Jason on the screen. He hit the volume button.
"This was the scene at the Orlando Airport late this morning. Kevin Richardson and Jason Gibson arrived at the Airport to catch a flight to Dulles Airport Washington DC where it is rumored that couple are returning to Jason Gibson's recidence South Fork in Front Royal VA. Mr. Gibson is seen in a wheel chair being pushed by Mr. Richardson. We discovered later in a suprise announcement that Jason Gibson is suffering from Cancer." The newscaster said. The scene at the airport clearly showed that Jason was sick. He looked terrible. Kevin saw for the first time what the rest of the world saw. Jason had lost weight. He looked tired and old. Tears came to Kevin's eyes. He didn't even try to hide them. They fell from his eyes onto his cheeks. The only bright spot in the news segment was when Jason stood on his own and told the reporter off. Kevin smiled at the old fire and stubborness burned brightly in Jason's eyes. Thankfully nothing was mentioned about the Aids incident at the Airport. Jason did not need that kind of publicity. Kevin was so engrossed in the news that he didn't hear or see Jason walk into the living room.
"Hey sexy!" said Jason grinning at Kevin. Kevin jumped and looked back. Jason let out a laugh. "Did I scare you?" he giggled wrapping his arms around Kevin's waist and pulled him close. Kevin bent forward and kissed Jason on the nose. Jason dodged his lips and caught them in his mouth lightly biting on Kevin's bottom lip. After dueling with eachother's tongues for a few moments they parted. Jason looked hard into Kevin's eyes. "Want to tell me what is on your mind?" Jason asked. Kevin took his hand and led him to the dinning room and sat him down. After getting the food on the table he served Jason and himself.
Jason picked up his fork and stabbed a peice of Chicken and popped it into his mouth. His eyes lit up at the taste. He than rolled some pasta on a fork and popped that in as well. "Delicious Babe," he said grinning. Kevin picked up his glass of water and took a drink to his surprise his hands were shaking. Jason caught this and raised his eye brows. Jason realized that Kevin was nervous as hell and this worried Jason because Kevin never allowed the outside world to know what he was feeling. Jason decided that it was time to get to the bottom of what was bothering his husband. Jason picked up his napkin and wiped his mouth and than set ont he table beside his silverware. "Ok Buster," he said firmly. "I know something is on your mind. Now Spill it!" Kevin looked up at him guiltily and than looked down at his plate. "It's about Johnathan isn't it?" Kevin looked up at Jason with the scaredest look on his face that Jason had ever seen. "Please Kevin," he begged. "Tell me what is wrong so we can fix it together." Kevin sighed and put down his fork and looked at Jason.
"Why did you marry me?" he asked bluntly. Jason looked a little shocked.
"I love you Kevin. That is why I married you," Jason answered reaching across the table and taking a hold of Kevin's hand.
"Have you ever thought of having children with me?" Kevin asked. "I guess what I am trying to say is that I want a family."
"Kevin," Jason said almost in a whisper. "God Kevin I'm sick, and to expect a child to come into our lives and to have to deal with one of his parents being sick is asking to much for him." Kevin eyes watered up with unshed tears. "This is about Johnathan isn't it? You want to adopt him don't you?" Jason asked bluntly.
"No," said Kevin. "At least not right away." He stood up and walked to the window. He stared into back yard. The sun reflected off the swiming pool. Scrappy was walking along the edge of the pool as if trying to decide whether to jump in or not. Jason came up behind Kevin and placed his hand on his shoulder.
"Than what do you want Babe?" Jason asked gracing Kevin's neck with his lips. Kevin turned around and pulled Jason close.
"I was thinking of foster parents at first. You know to see if it works out," Jason nodded his head silently and sat back down and started eating. He didn't say anything for the rest of the meal. Kevin was devestated but didn't say anything either. After dinner Kevin snuck into the study and picked up the phone and called Brian.
"Hey Brian," said Kevin into the phone. "You have a few minutes?"
"For you, yes," answered Brian. "What is wrong."
"I fucked up again," Kevin sobbed into the phone. Brian waited a few seconds to give Kevin some time to calm down.
"Why don't you start from the beginning Kevin?" asked Brian.
"You know about Johnathan?" asked Kevin.
"Yea that is the Kid who you want to sponcer the Bone Marrow Drive for," Brian stated.
"Well I was thinking of asking Jason if he could move in with us. Jason and I could be his foster parents," Kevin explained. It got real quiet on the other end. "You don't like the idea either," Kevin said wiping his eyes as fresh tears streamed from them.
"No that is not it Kevin," Brian explained. "How does Jason feel about it?"
"Well he left the house to go for a drive by himself. I'm really worried about him Brian," Kevin said.
"I'm sure he'll be fine Kevin. I'm just worried that you are setting yourself up for a major fall," Brian cautioned.
"How would I be doing that Brian?" asked Kevin rolling his eyes.
"What if this kid dies, or Jason for that matter?" Brian asked.
"Brian, he has no one that he can call family. He deserves at least that," Kevin argued.
"Sounds like you already made up your mind," Brian said sighing heavily.
"Yea I guess it does, what am I going to do about Jason?" asked Kevin looking down the drive. There was no sign of him yet. The sun was almost down now and soon it would be dark. Kevin was not happy about Jason being on the road in the dark alone.
"Give him time Kev," advised Brian. "He is a great guy. He will come to the right decision." The two cousins talked for a few more moments and than hung up. Kevin went out onto the front porch to wait on Jason. He didn't have to wait long. Jason's BMW pulled up the drive and stopped infront of the house. Jason got out carrying a couple of bags.
"Did you have a nice drive Jas?" aksed Kevin trying to keep the worried tone out of his voice. Jason walked up the steps with Scrappy close behind him. Jason sat down in one of the chairs. He was silent for a few moments watching the sun sit the rest of the way. Kevin waited patiently for Jason to say something. Jason finally turned to Kevin and handed him the bags.
"I have missed the sound of children in my home," he whispered.
Kevin looked into the bags and his eyes filled with tears again. "Oh Jason," he sobbed out as he fell into Jason's arms. Jason held him for a few moments letting Kevin cry. Kevin reached into the first bag and pulled out a Nintendo 64 game system.
"Tomorrow we will set up one of the guest rooms for him," Jason said. "I've already called the local furniture store in town. They will send out a rep first thing in the morning. I also have some other things on the way as well. But you will have to wait until tomorrow to see them," Jason finished with a hint of laughter in his voice.
"What in the world did I do to deserve you?" asked Kevin wiping his eyes. "You are the most wonderful man in the world."
"You are great too Babe. I just thought about what you said about wanting to start a family. I may be sick now but I am on the road to recovery and I want our house full of happiness again. And if Johnathan will make you happy than so be it Dad!" Jason smiled. Kevin eyes got big with pleasure at the sound of Jason calling him dad. "You have to admit it has a nice ring to it."
"I don't have the foggiest idea where to start," mumbled Kevin as he stood and walked off the porch and leaned against the BMW. Jason got up and walked to the porch railing and held it for a few moments to rest before continuing on his way down to meet Kevin.
Taking his hand and placing it in Kevin's he looked into his husbands eyes. "We start together, with love and compasion and a lot of humor, those are all the things that a growing boy will ever need." Kevin's eyes filled with love and happiness he gathered Jason's body in his arms and hugged him tenderly.
"I love you so much Jason Richardson," he whispered as he kissed Jason on the lips. Jason slid his tongue into Kevin's mouth gently running his tongue over the smooth edges of his teeth. Kevin gently took hold of Jason's face and turned it slightly to the side and slid his tongue in too. The two continued their never ending duel for control. Each sucking on the other's tongue. Kevin ground his crotch into Jason's. Jason let out small whimper as he began to get aroused. Kevin was already hard as a rock and he was ready for some loving. Jason broke apart and looked into Kevin's eyes with lust filled eyes. Jason reached down and rubbed Kevin's crotch through his jeans. Kevin's knees got weak as he let out a moan. Jason could feel Kevin's rock hard cock straining to free itself from it's tight confines.
"Come on Babe," he whispered into Kevin's ear. "Let's go up stairs and let Jr. out to play." He took Kevin's hand and led him into the house and up the stairs.
"Oh God Jas!" groaned Kevin as he was pushed onto the bed. Jason tackled him pulling his shirt over his head. Running his tongue over the surface of Kevin's body sent shivers up Kevin's spine. Jason continued to tongue lash Kevin's nipples and abs. He straddled Kevin as he pulled Kevin's belt off and tore open his fly. Kevin lifted his hips to allow his lover to remove his pants. Soon Kevin was naked lying on the bed with his legs spread apart to allow Jason in the middle. Jason rested his head on Kevin's right thigh looking up at Kevin's rock hard cock. He just sat there admiring the view. "Uhh babe?" asked Kevin in a strained voice.
"Yes Babe?" asked Jason with laughter in his voice. He lightly blew on Kevin's balls. Kevin let out a groan.
"What are you doing?" he asked looking down at Jason. Jason reached up and planted a light kiss on Kevin's head. Kevin's cock twitched at the feeling.
"Just admiring the view," Jason giggled. A huge drop of precome slid down the shaft and Jason quickly licked it up. One taste of Kevin's cock and Jason was hooked. He quickly engulfed the shaft in one gulp. Kevin immediatly started to gently thrust in and out of Jason's mouth. Kevin looked down at Jason's smiling face. His eyes were closed as he enjoyed giving his lover pleasure. Jason was concentrating on breathing and trying to open his mouth as wide as possible so he could get more and more of Kevin's cock into his mouth. Kevin's breathing became heavy and his moans became more and more urgent.
"OOOhhh yea babe," he breathed. "God you suck cock real good." Jason continued his work trying to bring Kevin to an orgasm. He craved the sudden blast of cum that would shoot out of Kevin's cock. He worked harder on the suction and tongue action. Kevin continued to thrust in and out. Jason reached up and gently took hold of Kevin's balls. They had traveled up and were tight, a sure sign of an aproaching orgasm. Also Kevin's cock head had swollen almost twice his size. "Fuck yea babe!" he shouted. "Here it comes!" his entire body tencing up as tight as a rock. He slammed his hips forward one final time spewing his load into Jason's waiting mouth.
Jason welcomed the first blast as it shot of Kevin's cock head and slamed into the back of his throat. The sudden salty meaty taste that was Kevin assaulted Jason's taste buds. He swallowed as quickly as he could until Kevin's cock stopped it's flood. Finally Kevin gently pulled Jason's reluctant head off of his cock. He fell back onto the bed breathing heavily. Jason plopped down on top of him smiling brightly.
"See!" he said brightly. "I told you that Jr. wanted to play." Kevin just shook his head in amazement.
"You are incredible Jas," he whispered. He closed his eyes thinking that he would get a few moments rest. Jason had other plans. Jason grabbed his hand and started pulling on him.
"Come on Kevin," he said. "Let's go take a shower." Kevin slowly climbed to his feet and stumbled into the bathroom and into the shower with Jason. Jason grabbed the bar of soap and started to lather Kevin up. Jason slowly cleaned Kevin's entire body. Than it was Kevin's turn. Only problem was that Jason was falling to sleep in the shower.
"Come on Jas," laughed Kevin leaning in for a kiss hoping to wake Jason up so he could finish the shower. Jason opened his eyes and smiled.
"Sorry Kev," he whispered. "Guess I am kinda tired," he finished with a huge yawn. Kevin laughed softly as he helped Jason out of the shower and got him dried off and into a pair of sweats. He than carried Jason to the bed and laid him down and covered him up. Than he climbed in him self spooning up close to Jason.
"I love you Jason," he whispered as he planted a kiss on the top of Jason's head.
"Love you too," mumbled Jason as he snuggled closer to Kevin. Soon the two love birds were asleep.
It is late that night and Jason wakes up. He is covered in sweat and burning up. He struggles out of bed holding his stomach. "I'm getting sick," he says to himself as he struggles to get the bathroom on his own. Finally he makes it and rushes to the toilet and flips open the lid.
Kevin turns over to put his arms around his lover. He reaches for him but doesn't find him. "Babe?" he asked in a sleepy voice. He hears Jason gagging in the bathroom. He flings the light blanket and sheet off of him and grabs his robe and runs to the Bathroom. Poking his head in he sees his lover sitting on the floor with his head leaning against the bowle. Tears are streaming down his face. Jason is hit with another series of gagging and vomitting. Tears comes to Kevin's eyes as he goes to his sick lover. He gently rubs Jason's back as Jason continues to have dry heaves. After about fifteen minutes of this Jason finally calms down. "Better?" askes Kevin as he helps him to the counter. Jason nods as he grabs a glass and fills it full of water and rinces his mouth out.
"When is it going to stop?" he askes Kevin. Kevin pulls him into a hug and kisses on the forehead. "I am so fucking tired of being sick all the time!"
Jason was getting mad and was starting to vent. "All I want is to be happy with my husband. Is that to much to ask?" he shouts at the ceiling.
"No Jas, it's not to much to ask. You will be happy soon, I promise," sobbed out Kevin.
"Don't make promises that you can't keep," Jason hurled at him. Kevin stepped back hurt. Jason immediatly regretted what he said. "Kevin I'm sorry," he whispered as he reached out for Kevin. "I had no right to say that." Kevin took his hand and put it to his mouth and kissed it lightly. "Forgive me?" Jason asked as he rubbed the side of Kevin's face with his free hand.
"I just want the suffering to stop Jason," Kevin said leaning into the touch and kissing his other hand. "Every time you hurt it tears me up." Jason smiled at the touch. Kevin always did know what to say to make him stop hurting. "Come on let's get you cleaned up and back into bed. Johnathan will be here in a few hours," Kevin said helping Jason out of his sweaty clothes and into the shower. Kevin helped Jason shower and into clean clothes and back into bed. Just as he got to sleep the alarm clock whent off. He quickly shut if off and climbed out of bed. Jason sat up and rubbed his eyes and prepared to climb out of bed too.
"Why don't you stay here and sleep for a while. I'm sure the social worker will understand," Kevin said. Jason shook his head stubbornly and stood up and headed into the bathroom. Kevin shook his head in annoyment. "You are so blasted stubborn!" he shouted at Jason.
"But you love me right?" asked Jason giving Kevin a weak smile.
"You know I do Baby," he giggled as he joined Jason in the bathroom.
In Orlando.
Justin groaned as he sat down in front of the huge pile of fan letters in front of him. He loved his fans and on most days he would welcome the chance to read some of his fans letters. After all they had taken the time to write him. It was the least he could do to at least read some of them. He picked up one and tore it opened. A picture of a boy fell out. He frowned and picked it up. He smiled at the picture but the smile soon turned into a frown. He took the letter and opened it and read it.
(Dear Justin,
My name is Johnathan but most people call me Johnny. I really love your music. I think that Nsync is great. I'm eight years old and am suffering from Leukemia. My only hope to live is through a bone marrow transplant. It is my dream to someday meet you in person. But I am thinking that the possibility of that happening is getting slimmer. I am enrolled in the Make a Wish Foundation. When I submitted my wish I was told that it would not happen. So that is why I am writing you this letter.
"It has been my dream to sing and dance in a Boy Band. I have watched all of your videos and have memorised most of your dance stepps. When I got sick and weak I had to stop dancing. I really miss it. I still listen to your music when I can. I have this mean nurse that thinks it is unatural for me to like you guys so she doesn't let me watch you guys.)
Justin frowned at that. He wondered why the nurse had so much control over a patient. He read on.
(You see I don't have any parents, they abondoned me at birth. So I am a ward of the state. What ever that means. I think it means that I am stuck to live with that mean nurse for the rest of my life.)
Justin let out a small laugh. JC walked into the kitchen and stopped suddenly. He saw Justin reading a letter with tears in his eyes. JC bent down and picked up the picture that Justin had laid on the table.
(Well anyway I want to ask you a question. Can you come and visit me? I would really like to meet you in person. JC can come to although I don't like him as much as I like you. Promise not to tell him Please. Here is my address and phone number. I know that you are really busy and don't have time to come and visit a fan in the middle of nowhere but hey there is always the chance.
Your number one Fan. (I bet they all say that)
Johnny)
Justin wiped his face clean of the tears. JC handed the Photo back to Justin. "Who is that?" JC asked with concern in his voice.
"His name is Johnny and he has luekemia. He wants to meet me," Justin said sadly. "I never thought that this would happen when I became a singer," he said shaking his head.
"Justin?" aksed JC. "Why don't you meet him? I mean the tour doesn't kick off yet for a while yet. Where does this kid live?"
"He lives in Front Royal," Justin said getting up and going to the window.
"That is perfect, you can go visit Jason and Kevin!" exclaimed JC.
"I've never done something like this before," Justin said looking at JC. "I mean what if the kid hates me?"
"No one can look at you and hate you Curly. You don't have the face to hate," JC said smiling at Justin.
"You really think I should go?" JC nodded and picked up the phone and handed it to him. "What is this for?" he asked with a confused look on his face.
"Call Jason and tell him that you are coming two Front Royal to visit this Kid," answered JC rolling his eyes. Justin shook his head and took the phone and dialed Jason's number.
In Front Royal
"Come on Kevin!" shouted Jason excited. He had just rushed the furniture people out of the house. It had been hetic all morning. And Jason was having the time of his life watching Kevin panic. "He'll be here in five minutes and you're not even dressed yet!" Jason was energiesed after he had a walk and breakfast and was in one of his hyper moods. He understood why Kevin was so nervouse after all it's not every day that one becomes a foster parent. He ran down the stairs and right into Kevin who was franticaly looking around for something. Jason tried hard not laugh. He had never seen Kevin act like this before. "What is wrong Kev?" he asked smiling.
"No time to talk, I'm looking for Jason," he said running past poor Jason.
"Uhh Kevin?" he asked giggling. He remembered a time when he acted the same way.
"What?!" shouted Kevin turning around.
"You looking for me?" Jason asked holding his arms out grinning.
"Yes I am now leave me alone so I can go and find you uh uh--, Hi!" he said sheepishly. Jason lost it laughing so hard that he was holding his sides because they hurt so much. "Ha ha ha ha," growled Kevin walking over to Jason and wrapping his arms around him. "Very funny mister," he giggled back leaning in and kissing him on the nose. "I have to get dressed now leave me alone so I can do that."
"Hey I'm not the one looking for me and than telling me that you are looking for me and than turn around and continue to look for me!" giggled Jason.
"Yea yea yea, go find something to do while I go get dressed," smiled Kevin.
Jason of course followed him into the bedroom He sat on the bed looking at Kevin as Kevin dropped his robe and rummaged around in the closet. Jason let out a loud whistle. Kevin spun around blushing. "Don't you have something important to do?" he asked slipping on a pair of pants.
"Uh huh," said Jason licking his lips.
"Oh no you don't!" scolded Kevin pointing his finger at him. He reached out and grabbed Jason's hand and pulled him up and gently pushed him out the door. "Go take a cold shower or something Mr. Horny Toad!' he said laughing.
"Grouch!" grumbled Jason as he walked down the stairs. The door bell rang and Jason heard the bedroom door slam and Kevin came racing down the stairs.
"I got it!" he yelled as he raced by Jason. Jason just laughed as he headed into the living room He heard the phone ring and he picked it up.
"Hello, Richardson's Residence, Jason speaking," he said using his formal Butlers voice. He heard a very famialar voice laughing on the other end. "Justin is that you?" he asked grinning from ear to ear. Kevin came in and right behind him close at his heals was Johnny and a social worker. Kevin frowned when he heard Justin's name.
"Yea it's me Jason!" Justin said in an excited voice. "Hey guess what?"
"What?" Jason asked still grinning.
"I'm comming for a visit tonight. Is that all right?" he asked.
"Yea sure Justin. You know you are always welcome here," Jason said. He caught Johnny out of the corner of his eye and saw him looking at Jason in shock.
"Jason?" asked Justin. "Are you there man?"
"Yea I'm here Justin. "What time are you comming in tonight?" Jason asked. Johnny and Kevin and the social worker left the room to go into the kitchen for something to drink.
"We'll be there at about five," Justin answered.
"We?" asked Jason.
"Yea JC wants to tag along," Justin said.
"Hey Justin what are you comming here for any way?" asked Jason.
"I am comming out to suprise a sick boy. He wants to meet me so bad. He lives at the hospital and some mean old nurse is giving him a hard time. Poor Kid gots luekemia," Justin said sadly.
"Uh Justin does this kid have a name?" asked Jason.
"Yea his name is Johnny," Justin answered.
"Oh my God!" exclaimed Jason. "Hey Justin I've got to go. I'll see you tonight." Jason hurried up and hung up the phone.
Chapter 16
"So Johnny," started Kevin. "Did your social worker tell you why you are here?"
"Uhh kinda," he said shyly looking at the floor. "She uh said that you might be my uh foster dad." Johnny looked up at Kevin with a questioning look in his eyes. Kevin's heart jumped for joy. He was falling in love with this kid. All he wanted to do is take care of him and be his father.
"Umm how do you feel about living here with Jason and Me?" asked Kevin looking behind him in time to see Jason walk in.
"I guess it would be alright," Johnny mumbled looking down. "I mean I think you guys are real cool and all." Jason smiled and put his hand on Kevin's shoulder. He frowned sightly as he discovered how tense he was.
"Hey I got an idea," Jason spoke up. "Why don't you and Kevin take a tour of the house and grounds while the Social worker and I talk for a while?"
"That sounds like a great idea," agreed the Social Worker. Kevin looked scared shitless but Jason smiled at him and took his hand and placed it in Johnny's hand.
"Don't worry Babe, he wont bite," Jason laughed softly. Kevin swallowed once and nodded.
"Come on Kevin!" shouted Johnny as he pulled Kevin out of the kitchen. Jason let out a laugh as Kevin was dragged out of the room. Once the two were out of the room Jason turned to the Social Worker.
"How bad is he?" he asked bluntly. "Is my husband setting himself up for a major heartbreak?"
"He is in the advanced stages. His only hope is to get that Bone Marrow Transplant," the Social Worker answered just as bluntly. "I wont lie to you Mr. Richardson. There is a real chance that Johnny could die." Jason choked back his tears. He needed to think with a clear head right now.
"Damm the world and it's cruel jokes," he hurled softly to himself. He was feeling the weakness descend upon himself. He visibly shook himself awake. "Kevin has been through alot of crap."
"Yes I know that you are sick," she said. "But he loves that boy out there.
And Johnny deserves a chance to be with a family. Kevin wants to give him that. What are you going to do?"
"I am going to do what I have to," Jason said wiping a tear from his eyes. "I am going to support him in his effort to be a father and hope and pray for a miracle."
"You are a great man Jason. I can see why Kevin loves you so much. Johnny is lucky to have both of you." Jason nodded and showed her out the door. After she was gone he struggled up the stairs and out of his clothes and fell into bed falling to sleep.
"Wow!" exclaimed Johnny as he spotted the pool. "This is a really cool place!" Kevin laughed at Johnny's eagerness. Scrappy was following them too. Every chance that Johnny had he would wrap his arms around Scrappy's neck in a tight hug. Scrappy would patiently tolerate him and give him a polite lick on the nose and Johnny would bust out laughing. Kevin drank in the sound of the child's laughter smiling with delight. He was beginning to understand the bond that Jason once shared with his son. "When can I get in?" Johhny asked sticking his hand in the cold water.
"When it gets alittle warmer," Kevin said putting his hand in the water too.
Scrappy of course had to put his paw in the water too. He looked puzzled and shook his paw and walked off and laid down with a loud sigh.
"Umm can I ask you a question?" asked Johnny.
"Sure, you can ask me anything you want to," urged Kevin sitting down in one of the chairs. Johnny sat next to Scrappy and Scrappy laid his head in the boys lap.
"Umm You and Jason are married right?" Johnny asked.
"Yes that is right," said Kevin.
"So that means that you are gay," he said bluntly.
"How do you feel about that?" asked Kevin getting alittle worried.
"Well my old nurse said that being gay is not normal," responded Johnny looking down.
"Well how do you feel about it?" Kevin asked gently. Johnny shrugged is shoulders. Kevin got the impression that Johnny did not want to talk about this.
"Why don't we go upstairs and set up your room. The moving guys should have brought your stuff by now," Kevin suggested. The two headed upstairs and into Johnny's new room. They spent the rest of the morning unpacking and hanging up picture and stuff. Kevin reached into one of the boxes and pulled out a large stack of posters. He opened the first one and noticed that it was Justin of Nsync. He smiled and turned to Johnny. "Hey Johnny where do you want your posters hung up?"
"You mean I can hang them up?" Johnny asked surprised.
"Of course you can hang them up," Kevin said smiling.
"The nurse at the hospital wouldn't let me. I had to hide them from her to stop her from throwing them away," Johnny said frowning at the bad memory.
"Well that wasn't nice of her," Kevin commented casually. He knew that he was touching on a sensitive subject. He wanted to make sure that Johnny was comfortable talking to him about it. "Why wouldn't she let you hang them up?"
"She is a old meanie. She thinks that it is unatural for me to like Nsync. She says that only girls like them," he said in a sassy voice. Kevin almost busted up laughing but caught himself in time.
"So you like Nsync?" he asked. Johnny nodded picking up a poster of Justin and climbed on his bed and tried to hang it over on the wall. Kevin got the thumb tacks and helped him position it. Johnny looked at it and nodded aproavingly.
"Which one is your favorite singer?" asked Kevin although he knew the answer to that one already. Given the number of Justin Posters that he had.
Johnny looked at him like he was nuts. "Justin of course silly!" he giggled. "He is soooo cute!" he sighed falling back on the bed. Looking up at the poster.
It suddenly dawned on Kevin. Johnny had a major crush on Justin. "So you really like Justin," Kevin said softly laying beside him. Johnny sat up in a hurry with a scared look on his face. "Hey," soothed Kevin. "It's all right Johnny, I'm not that mean old nurse. And remember I'm gay!" Johnny smiled and laid back down.
"So it is cool with you that I have a crush on Justin?" he asked looking at Kevin with hopeful eyes.
"Johnny, let me tell you something. It doesn't matter what I think about it. What matters is what and how you think about it," Kevin said putting his hand on the boy's shoulder.
"But the nurse says--," he started.
"It doesn't matter what she says or what she thinks. You make up your own mind. If you are gay than that is what you are. Are you gay?" asked Kevin.
Johnny's eyes filled up with tears. "I will feel no different about you if you are or if you are not. You are still Johnny and that will never change."
"I don't know, I think I might be," he answered slowly looking up at Kevin scrunching up his nose. "I mean I used to know this kid in school. He was really cute. We used to hang out all the time. He even kissed me, you know like on the lips," he said grinning.
"How did you feel about that?" Kevin asked.
"I liked it!" he said excited. Kevin laughed softly. He also noticed that Johnny was yawning.
"Why don't you take a nap and I will wake you up for lunch, ok?" he asked Johnny nodded and crawled under the blankets and closed his eyes. Kevin stayed there watching him until he fell asleep. He quietly slipped out of the room and into the hall. Kevin wanted to go find Jason and spend some time with him. As he passed Jason and his room he heard Jason's light snoring. He peeks in and spots his lover laying on his side of the bed hugging his pillow. Kevin smiles and creeps into the room. He slides under the blankets and spoons his lover. The snoring stops and Jason turns over rubbing his eyes. "Did you have a nice nap Jas?" asked Kevin as he leaned in for a kiss.
"Uh huh," mumbled Jason sleepily. "Where is Johnny?"
"He is taking a nap before lunch, I think he wore himself out," laughed Kevin. "We also have a small problem." Jason looked worried at the word of problem.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Come on I'll show you," suggested Kevin as he pulled Jason to his feet. Jason slid his feet into the puppy slippers that Kevin had given him and followed him out. Kevin opens the bedroom door and Jason slips his head in and spots Johnny curled up sleeping. Scrappy was laying at the foot of his bed sleeping too. Jason smiled at that. It seems that Scrappy had adopted Johnny. Jason looked around and was amused to see so many pictures of Justin hanging on the wall. He looked at Kevin raising an amused eyebrow.
"I think our son has a crush on Justin," said Jason smiling at Kevin.
"There is no thinking about it. I asked him and he does," answered Kevin closing the door and leading Jason down the hall to the steps. "What are we going to do about it?"
"We do nothing about it," Jason said flatly. "He is going to have crushes. They will pass in time. Although I can't wait to see how Justin is going to handle this. Speaking of Justin we have problem that needs addressing now."
"Weren't you on the phone with him when Johnny came this morning?" asked Kevin holding Jason's arm as they made their way slowly down the stairs.
"Yes and he is comming to see Johnny this evening," Jason answered. Kevin took a sudden breath in. Jason looked over at him and saw the dark impression on Kevin's face. "At Johnny's request."
"How did Johnny request Justin to come and visit him?" asked Kevin frowning.
"Johnny wrote him a fan letter telling his story and Justin wants to meet him. Justin has no idea that Johnny is now our Foster child. And Johnny has no idea that We both know his crush intimatly," said Jason. He continued to make his way into the living room. He spotted the couch and gratefully sat down in it. He was tired and weak. He was also frustrated. Just to walk down the stairs wore him out. He felt like he had ran a marathon. this was getting old.
"Ok so Justin is on his way and niether of them have any idea what is really going on," Keivn stated. "Oh well such is life." Jason leaned his head on Kevin's shoulder and closed his eyes. "Babe I have to make lunch for us three. Why don't you lay here on the couch and rest while I whip something up for us to eat?" He got no answer from Jason. He looked down and saw that Jason was already asleep. He smiled and carefully laid Jason down on the cusions of the couch and headed into the kitchen to get lunch.
Later that afternoon.
"Hey JC," spoke up Justin. "Do you think that Johnny has a copy of our new CD?" They were driving a rental to Front Royal.
"If he is a loyal and true fan than I am sure he does. If he doesn't have one I am sure that you will give him one." JC smiled over at Justin. It was so easy to read what Justin was thinking. JC removed his hand from the steering wheel and placed it on Justin's leg and gave it a squeeze. Justin looked over at him with a worried expresion.
"What if he doesn't like me?" he asked.
"We already know that he does like you Just," JC said reasuringly. "Just be your charming adoring self and I am sure he will fall in love with you." Justin punched JC in the shoulder and laughed. "Hey that hurt!" JC whined rubbing his shoulder. "Well Buddy it is show time," he announced as he pulled up to the gates of South Fork. "When did Jason have these installed?" he asked as he pushed the button to the intercom.
"Kevin had them installed for privacy," Justin said. He heard Jason's voice come over the speaker.
"Yes, who is it?" he asked. Justin face wrinkled with worry. Jason sounded tired.
"Yo Jas!" shouted JC. "It's us, come on open up and let us in."
"All right JC. Just drive up to the house. We're expecting you," Jason said as the gate swung open. JC and Justin drove onto the South Fork Compound and the Gates closed behind them.
In the house.
Jason walked into the study where Kevin and Johnny were setting up Johnny's computer. They were laughing and joking around. Jason watched them interact for a few moments before making his presence known. "Umm sorry to interupt guys but we have company driving up the driveway." Kevin looked up and smiled at Jason.
"Ok Babe," he said setting Johnny down on the floor and standing up and stretching. "We'll be down in a moment."
"Who is comming to see us?" asked Johnny as Jason headed back down stairs. He heard Kevin mumble something. Than he heard the bright laughter of Johnny. He shook his head as he stepped out onto the porch and sat in one of the chairs. He smiled as the car drove up to the house and Justin stuck his head out the window.
"YO! Jason!" he shouted excitedly. JC stopped the car and Justin was out in a heart beat and running up to the porch and hugging Jason. The front door opened and Kevin stepped out onto the porch. He looked worried.
"What's wrong Babe?" Jason asked him.
"Johnny is having cold feet about meeting Justin. He's locked himself in his room," he said. Justin looked devestated. Jason quickly stepped in to save the day.
"Why don't we all go inside and get ready to fix dinner. I am sure that once the smells of food cooking start rising to his room it will bring him down." They all agreed with Jason and headed inside. Jason held the door for them. JC came up the rear carrying all of the bags. Jason went to help but JC shook his head no.
"I'm fine Jason," he smiled.
Justin waited for Jason to come into the living room. "So Jas, are you taking care of yourself?" he asked worried. Jason rolled his eyes.
"Yes Justin, I am taking care of myself. And Kevin is real good at spoiling me too. He makes sure I get plenty of rest and good healthy food. How are you and Ben doing?" Justin immediatly blushed. "Oh now I know you had better tell me!" Jason laughed.
"We're doing OK," he said looking down at his feet.
"Is he treating you all right?" Jason asked. "Cause if he's not I'll have to open up a can of whoop ass on him," Jason said assuming a fighters stance. Justin laughed again and hugged Jason again.
"He is a perfect gentleman. I think this time it is going to work," he sighed. Jason was happy for Justin. He had tried so long and hard to find love. It seems that he did with Ben. He saw Johnny peeking around the corner. He looked scared half to death.
"Come on in Johnny, there someone here would like to meet you," Jason said.
Johnny shuffled into the room looking down at the floor. "Johnny I would like you to meet a good friend of mine, Justin Timberlake. Justin meet Johnny your number one fan." Justin turned around a smiled at the eight year old boy. He wasn't prepared for the sight. The picture he had of Johnny showed a eight year old with a head of hair. Johnny was bald with a ball cap on. Tears came to his eyes and he forced them away. Bending down he stuck out his hand to Johnny.
"Hey Sport!" he said in his cheerful charming voice. "I've heard a lot about you. It is nice to finally meet you." Johnny swallowed hard and stuck out his hand and shook hands with Justin. Justin pulled the boy in a hug and held him for a while. Johnny looked up at Jason with a scared look on his face. Justin looked at Johnny and said, "You are a very brave boy."
"I'm not brave," Johnny said looking Justin in the eye. "I'm just sick is all." Than he got this michiveous grin on his face. "Hey you want to see what Jason got me?"
"Why sure I do, lead the way," Justin said. With that Johnny grabbed Justin hand and pulled him out of the living room and upstairs. Justin had time to look back and yell. "If we're not back by morning send out the dogs!"
"We're only going to my room Uncle Justin!" Johnny said laughing. Justin turned and mouthed "Uncle?" at Jason. Jason just laughed and shrugged his shoulders.
Jason turned and walked into the living room where he spotted JC an Kevin in a coversation. Kevin turned and smiled at Jason. "So where is Johnny and Justin?"
"Well Uncle Justin and Johnny are up stairs in his room," laughed Jason.
"Uncle?" asked Kevin looking confused. Jason shrugged his shoulders and smiled. "This should prove interesting." They heard another buz at the gate. "Yea, who is it?" asked Kevin.
"It's your cousin and three other guys," whined Brian's voice. "Come on let us in!" Jason could hear Nick's voice in the background. He laughed softly and pushed the remote to open the gate.
Up in Johnny's room.
"Comon Justin!" exclaimed an excited Johnny. They had the Nintendo 64 set up and Johnny was beating Justin's but in Rogue Squadran. Justin was amazed at the energy that this kid had. It was hard to believe that this rambunctious eight year old had life threatening disease. Justin lost another ship wich of course Johnny busted up laughing. Justin looked around at all the posters of himself and smiled.
"So which on of us is your favorite," he asked casually. Johnny looked at him like he was nuts.
"You and Kevin are dense!" he giggled. He got up and turned off the game. "You are my favorite!" he said blushing slightly. "I mean I like JC too but not as much as I like you! I think you dance real good and I love your voice. I wish I could dance half as good as you and sing half as good as you do."
"Well you know with lots of practise you could be as good as me even better," Justin said.
"Better than you!" Johnny exclaimed. "No way! You're the best!"
"Oh I think that you could do it! I would be willing to help you!" Justin said. Johnny got up and turned on his stereo and sliped in a CD. Tearin up My Heart started blearing out of the speakers.
"Come on Uncle Jusitn!" he said as he started dancing. "Show me what you got!" He reached out and grabbed Justin's hand and pulled on him until Justin stood up and started dancing. Soon the two were dancing their hearts out. Justin was really suprised that Johnny was that good. He had real potential. After the song ended they plopped on the bed breathing hard. "Wow!" exclaimed Johnny looking over at Justin. "I can't believe that I just danced with Justin Timberlake!" Now it was Justin's turn to blush. "Ha ha ha made you blush!" giggled Johnny as he tackled Justin and started wrestling with him. Justin let him win. They heard Kevin's voice yelling for them down stairs. They headed down stairs. On the way down stairs Johnny grabbed Justin's hand. Justin looked down raising an eyebrow. Once down stairs they smelled the barbecue grill. Johnny took off running out on the patio dragging poor Justin with him.
"Burgers!" he exclaimed as he raced around the corner and right into Brian.
"Whoa there partner," laughed Brian. "Where's the fire?" He looked down at the eight year old infront of him.
"Umm hi," Johnny mumbled. "I'm Johnny."
"Well Johnny, I'm Brian, Kevin's cousin. It is nice to meet you," Brian said sticking out his hand. Johnny took and shook it. Soon the rest of the Backstreet Boys were all gathered around Johnny shaking his hand and patting him on the shoulder. Needless to say Johnny was a little scared. Jason came to the rescue.
"All right everybody dinner is ready come and get it!" he shouted. The guys took off to the buffet tables and started loading their plates. Johnny headed over to the table. He reached up and grabbed a plate. "Why don't you let me help you with that?" asked Jason. "Just tell me what you want." Soon the two of them had their plates loaded with food. They found a seat next Kevin. Kevin already had his plate and was digging in. Johnny frowned at him which caused Kevin to stop eating.
Johnny made the sign of the Cross and said, "Bless us oh Lord in these thy gifts which we are about to receive from they bounty through Christ our Lord. Amen." After making the sign of the cross again he picked up his burger and took a bite out of it. Nick sat down next to him and put his arm around him.
"So Justin tells me that you beat him in Rougue Squandran," Nick said. Jason rolled his eyes. Nick loved video games and he loved a new challenge.
"Yup!" Johnny said with a mouth full of burger.
"Do you think you can beat me?" asked Nick grinning at him.
"I don't know, I heard you are pretty good," Johnny said frowning at him. "How about we play after dinner?"
"How about you get your shower and into bed," Kevin gently said. "You have a really busy day tomorrow."
"OOOHHH do I have to?" whined Johnny. Jason choked back a laugh. He was sitting back watching the interaction between Kevin and Johnny. And than he pulled out the mother of all excuses. "It's still light out." Jason got up in a hurry to leave to the area cause if he didn't he would bust up laughing. Justin followed in the house. Only when they were in the saftey of indoors did Jason loose it. Justin sat back and waited patiently for Jason to finish laughing. He peeked out onto the patio and saw that Kevin was hugging Johnny. It seemed that Kevin had won. Johnny whent around saying goodnight to the rest of the guys. As he walked by Jason he reached up for a hug. Jason leaned down and hugged him.
"Hey Justin would you tuck me in? Kevin says it's ok if you do," Johnny asked hopefully.
"Sure I will. How about I read you a bedtime time story?" asked Justin picking up Johnny and swinging him up on his shoulders.
"Come on Uncle Justin I'm not a baby!" Johnny giggled. Jason laughed as he headed back outside. He walked up behind Kevin and slid his arms around him and kissed the back of his neck.
"Hi Babe," he whispered into Kevin's ear.
"Hi yourself," Kevin whispered back. "He really likes him doesn't he?"
"You mean Justin and Johnny?" Jason asked. Kevin nodded as he took a drink from his beer. Jason took his hand and led him back into the house and out the front door and onto the porch. Sitting down in the porch swing he patted the seat beside him and Kevin sat down next to him. "They really hit if off didn't they?" Kevin snuggled up so that his head was resting on Jason's shoulder. "You know something Kevin?" he asked softly.
"What?" Kevin whispered sleepily.
"You are going to make a wonderful Dad," Jason said smiling as he ran his fingers through his husbands hair.
"I'm glad you think so," Kevin responded. Kevin and Jason sat on the porch swing watching the sun set. Justin walked out on the porch looking a little frazzled. "What's wrong Uncle Justin?" Kevin asked grinning. Justin blushed and looked down.
"He is a great kid, where did you find him?" he asked sitting beside Jason.
He looked over at Jason and saw that he was asleep. "Jason is asleep," he commented.
"Yea I know, he is just taking one of his cat naps," Kevin said bending down and kissing Jason on the forehead. "We met on the plane over here," he said looking over at Justin.
"What are his chances?" Justin asked getting serious.
"If he doesn't get the Bone Marrow transplant he will most likely die," Kevin said softly.
"Well we're just going to have to find him a donor," Justin said with his voice thick with emotion. Kevin nodded looking away to hide the tears from Justin and Jason.
Ok that is it for this installment. Please let me know what you think of it. E-mail me your comments at frnceso@hotmail.com