Chapter 26

"Hey, Devyn," Jason knocked on the door before slowly opening it.

Devyn was sitting on the bed, on a bright blue and green comforter that he had picked out. He had his drawing pad on his lap with his new set of drawing pencils laid out next to him. The kid smiled up at him, and Jason felt his heart jump. That smile was for him. A real smile, a happy one.

He had brought the kid to his home--a place where horrible memories did not lay around every corner--and Devyn was slowly beginning to feel secure, to understand that he was finally free of Brad's control. It had only been three weeks since he'd been out of the hospital so Jason wasn't expecting miracles. But the smiles helped.

It would take time for Devyn to come to terms with his past, with everything that Brad had put him through. A lot of time. Devyn had woken up almost every night with nightmares, and Jason had often wondered how many the kid had suffered through alone in that big mansion of Brad's with no one to hear him. Mostly, he thought they'd been brought on because of the therapy sessions; things Devyn had buried for so long, had become numb to, he was now facing again, coming to terms with.

Devyn had two therapy sessions a week by himself right now, as well as one with Jason. Devyn had wanted someone with him, especially with a new person, so Jason had stayed. At first, Devyn had, of course, refused to talk (the therapist was proficient in sign language should Devyn decide to communicate that way and Jason had already enrolled himself in a course as well so Devyn could express himself however he wanted). The therapist had agreed that it might be helpful for both of them to have a 'family' session as well as individual ones. Jason had smiled at the mention of the 'family' sessions; Devyn had eyed him with some trepidation at the time.

"I have something for you," Jason said as he carefully sat on the edge of the bed.

Devyn set his drawing pad aside, and Jason was glad to see that it was a picture of Serenity. He still had his old notebook. He'd even taken it to his therapist a few times, but it was part of his past now, and he wouldn't be drawing in that one anymore. Jason had gotten him several new drawing pads, real ones, not just a spiral notebook. His therapist encouraged him to draw whatever he wanted, even if it felt dark or violent. But mostly, the drawings now were of Michael or even Jason--or Lyle and Jason.

Jason handed Devyn a small box.

Devyn frowned as he opened it, his brows quirking in confusion. ^A phone?^ he both mouthed and signed.

Jason laughed at the boy's confused look, obviously thinking that Jason had lost his mind for buying a mute a phone. "Well, I thought you could use it to keep in touch with Michael, and well me too, when you go out. You can text as much as you want."

Devyn's eyes brightened as he realized what Jason was saying.

"See look, I've already programmed Michael's number in. Go ahead, text something to him."

Devyn grinned giddily as he tucked his legs up under him as he examined the new toy. He typed quickly on the on-screen keyboard and hit send.

A few seconds later, the phone alerted him to a message. Devyn grinned even wider, and Jason felt his heart leap with the joy he saw on the kid's face. Devyn's eyes became watery as he looked up. 'Thank you,' he signed.

"You're welcome," Jason said, as he signed back as well. He still wasn't very proficient at it, but with the class and Lyle's help, he was getting better.

Jason was surprised when Devyn threw his arms around his neck, and he felt his breath catch in his throat. As he wrapped his arms around the boy's thin frame, he tucked his head against the boy's shoulder, forcing back tears, reveling in the fact that the teen wanted his comfort.

For a while, Devyn had still flinched whenever anyone but Michael touched him, with good reason of course. But it had nearly broken Jason's heart when Devyn would recoil at first at his touch to comfort or soothe him when he was distraught or upset or in the throes of a nightmare. Eventually, Devyn would relax and let Jason hug him, but for a while he'd remained stiff and tense.

Jason smoothed his hand over the blond locks. "I love you, Devyn," Jason breathed against the kid's hair, and for a second, he wanted to tell him again how sorry he was, how he wished that Devyn had never had to go through all that, how he--

But he didn't. They'd done all that already, even the therapist said that he had to let go of his guilt. And while Jason still figured he'd always feel guilty for not figuring things out sooner, he knew that Devyn didn't think that way. Devyn didn't blame him. Because Devyn saw him as his savior.

But Jason couldn't forget that he had driven the kid to five of the 'tutors' before he'd figured out what was happening--that he had dropped a kid at the door of sexual predators and walked away. He was even angrier that Chris and Trent practically knew what had been going on and had done nothing for years. Lyle's guilt rivaled his own because he had suspected something was wrong as well but hadn't been able to prove it being as removed as he was from the on-goings of the household. But Devyn had forgiven him as well, even seemed willing to absolve Chris and Trent, even though they had been more aware of what had been happening. Devyn had known that they were as trapped as he was under Brad Milburn's control.

Devyn pulled back out of the embrace slowly. 'I--I love you too,' he signed slowly, still hesitant to show much of his emotions, well, other than anger.

Jason nodded and smiled before both of them broke down into a sobbing mess.

"Hey," Jason started but choked up and had to clear his throat, "Um, I'm going out with Lyle tonight for a bit. Will you be okay?"

^Of course,^ Devyn smiled, then glanced up shyly before his hands moved in a flurry. Jason frowned, not having caught the signs.

"Slow down, I'm not that good yet," Jason chastised gently.

Devyn signed and mouthed at the same time. ^Can I ask Michael to come over while you are gone?^

Jason smiled. "Of course."

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"Are you tired?" Michael asked, and Devyn looked up at him from where he had his head laying in the other boy's lap.

Michael had arrived before Jason left. Devyn had watched both of them shake hands and joke a bit before Jason left to meet Lyle for dinner. They had ordered pizza and were settled on the couch watching TV. Michael had had his arm draped over the back of the couch, and Devyn had curled in against him, eventually sliding sleepily to resting his head on Michael's thigh.

Devyn nodded slightly, a yawn giving away how tired he truly was. But he didn't move from his spot. He reveled in Michael's closeness, the fingers that trailed absently up and down his arm as they'd watched the TV.

Michael shifted. "Maybe you should head to bed, then," Michael offered. "I'll come back tomorrow."

Devyn shook his head, nearly panicked that Michael would leave him. It had been so long that he'd actually felt safe with anyone, that he craved the closeness of Jason or Michael. He had hated the loneliness of the stark bedroom in Brad's mansion, even knowing there were people around wasn't the same as having people around who cared.

'I'm not that tired,' Devyn signed as he squirmed around to sit up. His hand rose to Michael's jaw, his thumb caressing the chiseled cheekbone before he leaned in. Michael's moan of acceptance as Devyn devoured Michael in his kiss sent a spike of heat right to his groin. He wriggled to get closer and suddenly Michael's firm grip was guiding him onto his lap.

Devyn settled as Michael's strong arms wrapped him in a warm embrace, fingers sliding up and down his spine. Devyn delved deeper into Michael's hot mouth, wrapping his fingers in the thick black waves.

Michael's touch was gentle, caressing and possessive, and Devyn found that he craved the contact of other boy. He hated feeling so needy now that he didn't have to worry about survival, but Michael didn't seem to mind at all. Michael curled his arms around Devyn's frame and let Devyn cuddle into his chest, nuzzling against his neck.

Devyn sighed contentedly against Michael's throat, kissing his way up his chin. Michael smiled and continued to caress his spine, dipping slightly into his waistband. When Devyn's eyes fluttered closed and his body sagged against the bigger body, Michael pressed a kiss to his forehead.

"You're tired," Michael whispered against his temple. "Let's get you to bed."

Devyn whimpered a protest, but Michael just gathered the smaller teen in his arms and carried him down the hallway to his room.

'I'm fine,' Devyn signed, not sure that Michael even saw him since he continued on into the room.

Devyn tried to stifle the yawn as Michael plopped him on the bed, but Michael grinned knowingly down at him. Michael knew that Devyn still had moments of becoming exhausted too quickly. He'd lost a lot of blood and between the emotional turmoil of what Brad had put him through and finally being free of it, Devyn sometimes found that he mentally and physically taxed himself too easily. It was sometimes a fight within his own mind to realize that he was truly free of the horrors of Brad's physical and mental torture as well as learning to trust again, which was actually the hardest.

While he mostly felt safe, there were times, especially when he would go to sleep or wake up alone in his bed that he forgot that. That he would wake up in a panic, wondering who would hurt him today and how.

Michael settled him on the bed, and he couldn't help but roll onto his side and cuddle his pillow, feeling a moment of peace rush over him.

"Okay, well, I'll see you tomorrow," Michael smiled down at him, fingers brushing away a strand falling in his eyes.

As Michael started to turn, Devyn's hand snapped out, latching onto the thick wrist. Michael's eyes widened in surprise.

^Stay^ Devyn pleaded, his blue eyes begging Michael not to leave him.

He needed the other teen. He needed to know that he was wanted. That he was loved. That someone could care for him even after all that he had done, after all that had been done to him.

'Please,' Devyn signed with his free hand.

A slow smile curled on Michael's lips. He kicked off his shoes and slid under the covers next to Devyn. They were still both fully clothed, but that didn't matter. Devyn curled into Michael's side, snuggling up under his arm. He felt Michael's hand sliding up under his shirt at his lower back, fingers tucking in the edge of his waistband as Michael kissed him gently. Devyn slipped his hand over Michael's belly, feeling the muscles twitch at his feathery touch. Devyn snuggled in closer, draping one leg over Michael's thick thigh as his hand settled over Michael's heart.

^I love you,^ he mouthed against Michael's shoulder knowing the other boy couldn't see what he was saying. So he tapped his fingers against the other teen's chest, then drew a heart over Michael's rapidly beating one.

"I love you too, Devyn," Michael said, as his arm tightened around the smaller boy.

Devyn sighed and finally let his eyes drift close, sheltered and protected in Michael's strong arms. While he could feel his groin pressing against Michael's thigh and felt Michael's interest in him against his own leg that was draped over Michael, Devyn felt his exhaustion washing over him. The sense of contentment and peace winning out over the desire for pure physical pleasure.

Devyn smiled against Michael's side, as he felt his breathing evening out and his muscles relaxing against the hard muscles of the other teen. He thought for a moment maybe they should have shed some layers, but then they probably wouldn't be sleeping right now. He could tell from the thudding under his hand that Michael was nowhere near sleep; but he also knew that Michael was safe, that he wouldn't do anything that Devyn didn't want him too.

But there was time for that later, Devyn thought with a sleepy sigh. Maybe tomorrow. In the morning...

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Jason felt himself pressed against the door as Lyle leaned in, the man's warm breath mixing with his. Lyle's forearm was leaning on the wall by his head as he licked kisses across Jason's jaw. Jason could feel Lyle's erection straining against his as their bodies were pressed together in the cool night air.

"Maybe, we should take this inside?" Lyle whispered against the shell of his ear, and Jason shivered.

Jason groaned, grinding against Lyle's hips as his hands slid up the firm pectoral muscles. "Michael's jeep is still here."

"So?" Lyle shrugged, "Your room has a door, doesn't it?"

Jason laughed slightly as they broke apart enough for him to dig for the keys. Jason chased Lyle's swollen red lips one last time before clicking open the door.

Lyle's hands caressed his hips as they slid through the door. Jason grinned as the man's hand slipped over his ass as he turned to close the door behind them.

He was surprised to find that the living room was quiet and empty, even Lyle raised his brows and peeked toward the kitchen.

"Devyn? Michael?" Jason called, his brows furrowing.

Lyle stepped around him, concern for the young teen etched in the way he held his body. Jason knew that Lyle felt just as much for Devyn as he did. Jason followed him down the hallway.

He almost bumped into Lyle's back when the man stopped abruptly. When Lyle turned slightly, he could see the sly grin spreading across the man's face.

"What?" Jason asked as he tried to see around the man's broad shoulders.

Lyle shifted, and Jason gasped at what he saw in Devyn's open doorway. Devyn was sound asleep curled up on his side, with Michael wrapped around him protectively, pressing up against the smaller teen's back. Jason was a bit surprised that Devyn had allowed Michael to wrap around him like that, but then Michael had been the only one that Devyn had even let hold him after he'd gotten out of the hospital. Of course, Michael had been the only one he'd ever fully trusted after so many years of having no one be there for him.

Jason smiled as Lyle's hand slid up his back to gently massage his neck.

"I think Devyn's finally letting go," Lyle whispered as he leaned to Jason's side, swiping a kiss against his jaw.

Jason instinctively tilted his head to offer the man better access, and Lyle nibbled at the tendons of his neck.

"Yeah," Jason breathed, finally feeling that things might be alright. That Devyn would finally be okay.

"I think it's time for you to let go too," Lyle murmured, taking his hand and pulling him toward his bedroom.

Jason let Lyle lead him down the hall towards his bed room. With his mind at ease about Devyn, he could let go. He loved when the man took over, sometimes it was nice just to be taken care of.

They had been seeing each other practically every evening since Brad's arrest. Lyle had even slept at the hospital lounge while Jason hovered over Devyn, worrying constantly about the boy's recovery both mentally and physically.

Lyle had been lucky to find a job at the stable that they had chosen to board Serenity and Maverick in, which made Devyn infinitely happier about being farther away from his horse, knowing that someone he knew would take care of her. So, even though he was sometimes late getting over, Lyle still dropped in to visit every evening, checking in on both him and Devyn.

"What are you thinking about?" Lyle asked huskily against his neck as he nibbled his way down his Adam's apple.

Jason moaned. "About you. And Devyn and how happy we all are now."

Jason felt Lyle smile against his skin. "So I make you happy?"

"Well, hell yeah, you idiot," Jason said as he grabbed the bottom of Lyle's tight black T-shirt and stripped it over the man's head.

Lyle's tongue delved into his mouth, laying claim to what was his. Jason surrendered to the possessive intrusion. Lyle had pushed the door closed and was backing Jason up towards the bed. This certainly wasn't the first time that they'd been together, but each time felt like something new, like things were finally right in his life. It felt like something he'd want forever.

Jason kicked his shoes off as his shirt was yanked over his head. He was nudged back toward the bed until the back of his knees hit it and he plopped down, with Lyle crawling up over him. He shifted farther onto the bed as the man he loved liked a path across his collar bone to his chest.

Wait. The man he loved?

For a second, Jason froze. Love wasn't something he'd expected to hear himself say, even in his own mind. It was a distant concept, not something that he thought he'd find for himself in anything but a family way--for his father, for Devyn. But he suddenly realized that he had been thinking that way lately. He had been thinking about the future, forever, with Lyle.

God, he was in love with Lyle.

Lyle had felt Jason stiffen and frowned up at him, those piercing eyes questioning, worried. "You okay?"

"Yeah," Jason smiled, rubbing his hand through the blond fuzz of hair. God, please don't let me blurt out that 'L' word and scare this man away, he prayed to himself.

Apparently, whatever look Lyle saw now convinced him that Jason was fine and he continued his nipping and licking to Jason's aching nipples. Jason's groaned under the man, arching his body and trying to get friction for his cock that desperately wanted attention now.

He was barely aware of Lyle's hands on the buttons of his jeans as the man sucked at first one nipple and then the other, teeth skimming the taut points. He gasped in relief when his cock finally sprung free of its confines and he realized his jeans were missing. The rough fabric of Lyle's jeans scraped over his sensitive cock and he groaned, trying to grind against the man. Lyle slowly stroked him, and Jason wasn't sure if he would last much longer in the hands of the man he loved.

Loved.

Jason smiled again, although he barely had control of his brain, this one thing kept slamming itself to the forefront now. And Jason let the giddiness wash over him as the sensations from Lyle's skillful mouth and hand threatened to push him over the edge.

Jason whined in frustration when Lyle's hand suddenly disappeared. He opened his eyes to find the man smiling down at him.

"And what are you smiling so much about?" Lyle grinned down knowingly.

"You," Jason grabbed the man and pulled him down into a devouring kiss. Their tongues fought and speared each other fighting for control. "I l--"

Shit. Jason caught himself before let out the words that might scare the man off. "I need you," he amended quickly.

He thought he saw a flicker of something in the beautiful gray eyes, but then the man was flipping him over and Jason had strong, calloused hands sliding down his back. As the rough hands smoothed over the muscled planes, massaging and kneading, Jason felt himself melt into the mattress.

Lyle's hands slowly made their way down his body, thumbs rubbing over his firm ass cheeks, before they were spreading them, exposing his quivering hole.

He nearly shot off the bed when Lyle's tongue licked over the sensitive tissue. "Shit!"

But Lyle just gripped his hips more firmly and suddenly Jason felt the tip spearing into him.

"Oh, God, what the hell are you doing to me?" Jason groaned, gripping the pillow as he writhed under the ministrations of Lyle's talented tongue.

He was barely coherent when he heard the nightstand drawer slide open. One of Lyle's hands was still rubbing over his ass as the other was apparently working Lyle free from his jeans. Jason had the momentary thought that he should help, but when he tried to turn over, a firm hand between his shoulder blade held him in place.

Once Lyle had kicked free of his jeans, Jason heard the tell-tale shnick of the lube cap opening. As few seconds later, he felt the coolness of a lube-slicked finger sliding into his tight channel. He bit the pillow as the finger slid in and out a couple times before the sweet pressure of a second finger was added. Arching his hips, he began pushing back against the man's fingers, trying to get more, trying to drive them deeper. He groaned out loud when the third finger was added.

"Just fuck me already," Jason gasped and heard the deep chuckle behind him as a foil wrapper was torn open.

Jason instinctively tensed for a second at the pressure of the sheathed steel rod of flesh seeking entrance. Then he breathed deeply, relaxing as he pushed out and back, nearly impaling himself. Lyle's gasp of pleasure rocketed through is body, and he already felt his balls aching for release.

He panted into the pillow trying to control his orgasm, keeping himself from coming too soon. But as Lyle sheathed himself in Jason, he couldn't help but clamp down around Lyle's hard cock, eliciting a grunt of pleasure/pain from the man.

"Shit, Jase," Lyle hissed as Jason finally released his tight hold and Lyle started thrusting, at first slow and rhythmically, but soon Jason felt the thrust become urgent and needy, the fingers on his hip gripping tightly.

Jason lost himself in the sensations, and Lyle's hard cock driving against his prostate, pegging his gland send him spiraling over the edge.

"Aaaghh!" Jason gasped inaudiably as his cock exploded and spurted warm cum over the blanket under him. As he rode out his orgasm, he heard Lyle gasp behind him when his channel clamped down on the man's thrusting cock. It apparently shoved Lyle over the edge as he felt the pulsing of warmth inside him.

Lyle's sweat-slicked body collapsed on his back, and Jason loved the feel of the man covering him, enveloping and possessing all of him. He almost whined when the man moved, slowly pulling out of him, leaving him cool and a shivering slightly in the aftermath of their coupling.

But the man returned a few minutes later, apparently having disposed of the condom, with a warm rag. He gently nudged at Jason's shoulder to roll him over. After wiping Jason carefully clean, he yanked at the dirty blanket, urging Jason to roll off of it. After Lyle had finally freed the blanket, he grabbed the other one that was folded on the chest at the end of the bed.

Lyle climbed in behind him, and Jason couldn't help the breath of satisfaction as Lyle's long lean body nestled against him, spooning into his back. Lyle's arm slithered over him, wrapping him up in a warm embrace, his thick thigh snaking over Jason's to basically pin him to the bed. Jason smiled against the pillow as he felt Lyle's warm breath against his neck.

Jason felt himself sliding into the bliss of serene sleep. He knew Devyn was safe and loved. And he knew he, himself, loved this man whose arms he was wrapped in. Life couldn't get much better. Except if...

He absently felt Lyle's lips pressing small kisses against the nape of his neck.

Then the words that put his whole world in place were breathed hotly across his skin, and he fell over the edge into the best sleep ever, his heart soaring free.

"I love you, Jase."