"Doesn't that hurt?"

        "What?"

        "The thorns, at least-"

        "They don't bother me."

        "How sharp are your teeth?"

        Drew smiled.  "The quality of your weapon improves as you learn how to use it."  He offered the rose to Kevin, who gave an obedient sniff.  "It's getting dark.  Isn't it pretty?  The sky's so..."  Drew gazed up at it with awed pleasure.

        "If we're not on Earth, whose sky is that?" Kevin asked.

        "What do you mean?"

        "Where are we?"

        "You're not very good at letting things be on their own," Drew observed.  "You're going to fuss at me about every little thing until I give you answers you want.  Precise, scientific, provable answers.  We're not on your planet.  We're not on any planet.  Yes, it looks like Earth, only nicer.  And I look like a human, only better.  It is misleading.  But you know the difference.  Now come inside so I can give Nick a rose."  Drew started for the palace.

        Kevin followed, deciding to be more amused than irritated.

        The palace was cool and airy.  Kevin's boots disturbed the peace, and for a moment he felt guilty, like someone yelling in a library.  Someone swearing in a church.  Drew walked along before him, short and muscular, happy and daydreaming.  Just before a doorway, Drew turned and pointed at him.  Kevin stopped walking.  Drew went into the room.

        "No, it's all right," Drew said.

        Silence.

        "Her mother was on the plane."

        "Yes," a new voice said, soft and warm.  Kevin's toes curled.  He looked down at his feet, alarmed.

        Silence.

        "It's all right," the warm voice said.  It had to be Nick.  "She'll be all right."

        A soft, muffled sound.  Almost like someone about to cry.  Kevin frowned.

        "Is this for me?" Nick asked.

        Sniffling.  "Of course it is."  Sounding a little brighter.  "I thought that you might like it."

        "Thank you."

        "Do you like the way it smells, the way it looks, or the way it feels, best?" Drew asked.

        "The way it feels," Nick said.  "The soft, smooth, satin of the petals.  Beautiful and alluring, welcoming...  And the sharp prick of the thorns."

        "Love."

        "You have to learn to be careful," Nick said.  "Thank you, Drew.  Is Kevin here?"

        "He's in the hallway.  We're going back to my room.  There's work to be done."

        "AJ is looking for him."

        "Oh."  Drew sounded perplexed.  "He can't go back until I've helped him.  Nick!  Nick, did you know that Brian's dying?"

        "Yes.  Jeff said so."

        "We have to do something!"

        "It's not our job."

        "Nick!"

        "How can we help?"

        "Bring Brian here."

        "Jeff would never let another rose live."

        "Are you more worried about Brian Thomas, or about some silly plant?"

        "They're not silly."

        Silence.

        "Where is Jeff?" Nick asked.

        "Outside."

        "All right.  I'll make it quick.  Why can't you do it?"

        "I'm in enough trouble already."

        "I'd better change."

        "Remember shoes."  Very quiet warm sounds.  They were hugging.  Kevin wanted to look.  "Be quick.  Don't hurt him," Drew said.  Moments later, Drew came back through the doorway.  "Come on, time for bed," he told Kevin.

        Only by sheer force of will did Kevin keep from looking into the room as he passed.

        He gave AJ the quick update; no word on Kevin, no one had heard anything.  It was unusual for Kevin to disappear.  Unlike Kevin.  AJ, maybe.  Kevin?  No.

        A gentle tap on his shoulder.  He turned.

        Stared.

        Stared some more.

        "Excuse me, are you speaking with AJ?"

        "Yes."  Wait.  What?

        Beatific smile.  "Will you say hello to him on my behalf?"

        Hi, AJ, his brain murmured in sweet obedience to this man.

        "Who is that?" AJ asked in his ear.

        "I overheard you talking about Kevin.  He's fine.  You needn't worry."

        "You know Kevin?" Brian asked.

        "Brian!  Who is that?" AJ asked.

        "Will you please turn off your phone?"

        Brian lowered his hand, thumb turning off his phone.

        Another smile.  Deep dimples.  So happy...

        Entering the palace, he headed for Nick's favorite room, wanting to check in.  He liked to make sure that things were running smoothly.

        "You're a big drooler, aren't you?"  Laughter.  "What's your name?"

        "Louis," Nick said.

        Jeff stood in the doorway.  Disbelief.  Brian, happy and alive, vibrant Brian, was sitting on Nick's sofa, nose-to-nose with Louis, scratching Louis into a puddle of doggy love.

        Louis was very friendly, yes, but meeting a stranger, without Jeff's interference, he should have had Brian cornered and frightened, at the least.  This familiar affection was impossible.

        Why.  Was.  Brian.  In.  His.  Home.

        Jeff looked at Nick.

        Nick glanced over, saw him, and paled.

        Jeff let his displeasure show.

        Nick looked nervous.

        "Hi, Louis," Brian said.  He was cheerful.  Jeff needed to dim the lights.  No human being should glow like that.  "My name's Brian.  Do you like to sing?  'Louie, Louie...'"

        Louis barked.

        Brian laughed.  "You like that one?  Didn't know they had songs about you, did you?"  Louis's chin rested on Brian's knee.  Brian scratched Louis behind the ears and looked over his shoulder.  He frowned; recognition flashed in blue eyes.  "Jeff!"

        Jeff strode forward, snapping his fingers.

        Louis dropped from Brian and trotted to Jeff.

        "You brought him here?" Jeff asked Nick.

        "Yes."  Nick was doing his best to be the powerful and ancient Weaver of Love.  Jeff's equal.  Not cowed in the slighest.

        Brian left the sofa; not to stand, but to kneel.  He looked up at Jeff, hands in his lap, amazed.

        "Would you like to know when you're going to die?" Jeff asked.

        "No," Brian said.  "Thank you."

        Jeff nodded.

        Louis sat.

        "You're not going to let him die," Nick said.

        "I am," Jeff said.

        "You can't.  Look at him!  I've never met anyone with such a capacity to love."

        "I do not choose to interfere."

        "So you can be cold and smug?" Nick asked.  "That's the easy way.  To sit back and watch.  Who do you think is in charge here, if you're not?  You have the understanding and the power to understand, to know when to step in and when to let it go.  That's your place!  That's your responsibility!  To interfere, to know when and how and why!  Not to say, well, I'm not supposed to influence this world.  You are who you are for a reason!"

        Jeff snapped his fingers and pointed to the door.  "Out.  Go."

        Louis left with a lingering look at Brian.

        "Get up, come with me," Jeff said to Brian.  "You, stay here and do your job for once."  Jeff walked out without another glance.  Brian followed him.

        Nick smelled his rose and turned on the portal.

        "Do you know who I am?" Jeff asked.

        "Yes," Brian said in a soft voice.

        "Are you afraid?"

        "No."

        "Do you trust me?"

        "Yes."

        "I won't hurt you.  You'll feel warm, and then it will all be over."

        "Thank you," Brian whispered.

        "Don't cry," Jeff said gently.  "Hold very still."

        "You'd better call me back!" AJ shouted at his phone.  "You call me back, Brian Littrell, you call me back and tell me you're all right!  Life's too short enough, and your life, and now...now..."  He threw his phone at the wall.  "Where are you?!  Brian!  Kevin!  I lost Emily, I'm fucked, but I can make another one, I can replace her, it'll work out.  You lose friends, I don't have enough friends as it is, I can't afford to lose them like this!  I can't.  Are you trying to tell me something?  I know I'm alone in this world!  You've proved your point!  You lousy motherfucker, I never liked you anyway!"

        The clock hit the wall.

        "What's going on here?  Someone's making off with people like Ted Bundy?  Aliens coming after us?  Wherever you took them, you'd better bring them back!  I want them back safe and sound, in one piece, or you're going to have one pissed-off man on your hands!  Where are they?!"

        Seconds later, the room was empty.

        Jeff ran his fingers across Brian's forehead.

        There had been something, someone, a flash of red.  A flash of light.  And now he was here.  Here.  Where was here?  He was here.  And someone else was here.  Whoever had brought him here, was also here.  Here with him.  Somewhere.

        He reminded himself not to yell at God anymore.  Apparently the Big Guy took things personally these days.

        Nice room.  Sort of open, free of clutter.  A rich person's room.  Someone with too much time, money, and space.

        He glanced at himself in the mirror.  Then something growled.

        Big dog.  "Hey."  Whoa.  "This is your territory, I get that.  Good for you.  Just show me the door and I'm out of here."  Teeth.  Fangs.  Ugh, drool.  Big, big teeth.  Growling, territorial dog.  "I was always on Odie's side," AJ offered.  Should he let the dog smell his hand?  Or would he lose a few fingers?  "You don't want me here, I don't want me here, we're all in agreement.  No fighting, no biting.  No biting.  Definitely no biting.  Here, smell.  Just little old me.  I'm not here to rob you, I'm not here to hurt anybody.  Just passing through."

        Louis investigated.

        "You should have a collar.  With your owner's name and address on it.  So I'd know where the fuck I am.  No, no growling.  I'm friendly.  No growling, no teeth, stop snarling.  Don't rip out my throat. I'm sorry I'm in your house, I'm sorry I yelled at God.  I'm a puppeteer, cut me a break.  I'm happy with my blood on the inside, really.  You don't want to kill me and get blood all over this nice room."

        Louis took the tail of AJ's shirt into his mouth and turned away.

        Follow the leader.  That was a hell of a lot better than kill and dismember.  AJ took the hint and let the drooling French mastiff walk him from the room.

        Into the hallway.

        The dog stopped.

        AJ stopped.

        The dog sat.

        AJ had no motor control.

        Nick made sure that his radiance was turned off.  Then he walked closer and put a hand over AJ's heart.

        AJ inhaled.  Exhaled.  Leaned forward.

        Nick's eyes closed.

        AJ kissed him.

        Brian opened his eyes.

        "I've healed you.  No more bleeding, no more headaches."

        Brian looked up at him.

        "You're going to live forever," Jeff said.  "I've made you immortal and I've stopped the aging process."  He sat on the edge of the bed and brushed warm fingers over Brian's cheek.

        "I don't know what to say," Brian whispered.

        "You know how hard it will be.  Killing you would have been a favor."

        Brian nodded.

        Jeff touched Brian's tears.  Hot and wet.  "I would have done anything to keep you alive."  His thumb caressed quivering lips.  "Crying heals.  I want you to be happy.  Happy, whole, healthy..."  Jeff was looking far away, and smiling.

        Brian's breath caught on a quiet sob.

        Jeff looked at him again.  "Do you see my radiance?"

        Brian nodded.  "Yes," he choked.

        "I see that when I look at you.  Inner light, shining out, all around you.  How can anyone be blind to it?"  He smoothed Brian's hair.  "I haven't touched anyone for so long...  Without being afraid.  Without being careful.  Humans are so soft..."  He leaned down and kissed Brian's lips.  "Rest.  I'll return."  He left the room.

        AJ had no idea who this guy was, but he was never leaving the guy's bed.

        This body.  God had done this guy a lot of favors.

        This guy was doing AJ a lot of favors.

        It was a new experience for AJ.  To have someone take charge like this, be in control, yet not make that move.  This guy - - he needed some name.  Dog owner.  Timmy.  Timmy was tasting and touching and smelling and just exploring him all over.  AJ was getting felt up and licked and everything else.  Timmy had no inhibitions.  Big, strong, gorgeous, curious, very much in the mood.  Living on an erotic plane, and inviting AJ to stay a while.

        He knew AJ's name.

        Something was very wrong.  Many things were very wrong.  AJ was going to take care of everything, as soon as this gorgeous, sexual man stopped licking between his thighs.

        Nice hands.  Good.  Wide.  Strong.  Warm.  All over AJ's naked body.  Caressing and groping and making love to every inch.  AJ's skin felt oversensitive.  He couldn't catch his breath.  He couldn't hold still.

        "AJ."  Kiss by his hip, lick over his abdomen, tug of teeth at his nipple.  "AJ."  Very blue eyes.  Deep and...  "You'll make love to me, won't you?"

        AJ's heart stopped.

        Kevin dislodged Drew's touch.

        Drew kissed his cheek.  "I think I'm in love with you.  Nick must have done something to me."  Drew sighed and curled his fingers in Kevin's hair.  "I wish we could make love."

        Kevin untangled Drew's fingers.  "Maybe you should sit over there."

        "I know how sex works."

        "Good for you."  He ducked in time to avoid another cheek kiss.

        "I want to rub against your naked body."  Drew sighed with pleasure and rested against Kevin's shoulder.  "I bet that would feel good."

        Maybe Jeff should have had Drew neutered after all.  Kevin wasn't sure he was allowed to shove the Weaver of Dreams off of his lap.  It might not be a good idea.

        "People dream about sex," Drew said.  "Sometimes they're very nice dreams.  Sometimes I don't quite understand them.  You've had wet dreams?"

        "Yes."

        "Mmm.  Those can be nice.  Boys are so innocent.  I don't have dreams."

        "What are you doing now?"

        "Talking to you."

        "You're asleep.  You're dreaming."

        "I'm very much awake."

        "You're sleeping."

        "I'm using my brain in a different capacity.  So to speak.  I'm aware, I'm conscious.  I simply happen to be in a different...plane of existence."

        "I'm asleep and dreaming."

        "Yes.  But you'll remember this when you waken.  It's extremely rare, but in a few cases, human beings can cross over the same way I do."

        "From one plane of existence to another."

        "Yes."  Drew smiled.

        "But this is a dream."

        "Yes."

        Kevin raised his eyebrows.

        "And no," Drew admitted.  "It must be frustrating to be you.  To need definitions and names and concrete evidence.  And..."  He frowned.  Wiggled.  "You're sexually aroused."

        Kevin sighed.

        "What's happened?" Drew asked.  "What's stimulated you?"

        Kevin stared at him.  This guy was impossible.

        Drew waited for an answer.

        "You're sitting here moving against me telling me that you want to rub against my naked body," Kevin said.

        "I've aroused you?" Drew asked.  He beamed.  "Nick will be proud of me.  Please don't tell Jeff; he'll misunderstand."

        Kevin had no intention of telling Jeff anything, especially that Drew had turned him on.  He didn't understand the situation, though.  Drew had clambered into his lap and begun to touch him, yet was surprised that he was affected?  What had been the purpose, if not to arouse him?

        Drew was smelling his hair.  "You're so beautiful, Kevin, so handsome...  I'd enjoy seeing you have an orgasm.  The sight of your face, your body, in ecstasy..."  He sighed and caressed Kevin's chest through Kevin's shirt.

        Kevin took Drew's hand in his to hold it still.

        Drew's thumb rubbed over Kevin's knuckles.  "I like the way you feel.  You have very nice hands.  You must bring your lovers great pleasure."

        Kevin disengaged their hands.

        "You must have a very attractive penis, as well.  And you're rather a large person.  How tall are you?"

        "About six two," Kevin said.

        "Sixty-two what?"

        "Six feet, two inches."

        "Feet?"

        Oh.  "Never mind.  Tall."

        "I can see that for myself," Drew said.  His fingertips stroked up and down Kevin's neck.  He kissed Kevin's jaw.  "Close your eyes."

        Kevin decided against it.

        "Close your eyes," Drew repeated.  Apparently he didn't like being disobeyed.

        He closed his eyes.

        "You're sexually aroused.  I want you to put yourself in a sexual fantasy.  Let your mind spin dreams.  How would you like to reach orgasm?"

        Kevin opened his eyes.  "Are you...are you going to be inside my head watching this?"

        "Yes."

        "Don't."

        "You aren't going to shock me."  Drew studied him.  "You aren't going to do it unless I promise to stay out of your thoughts.  Shall we make a deal?  If you promise to put yourself into your fantasy, to make a true effort, I will stay right here."

        "No poking around in my head."

        "I promise."

        Kevin closed his eyes.  Took a deep breath, let it out.  A sexual fantasy.  He needed a woman.  Blonde.  Long-legged.  Full-breasted.  He settled on his back, aware that Drew moved with him, resting on his chest.  She came to him backstage in some cheap club.  Drew's fingers, tracing patterns at random through his shirt, found a nipple.  She was naked beneath her skirt, and her hand was hot on his sex.  Drew shifted, getting comfortable, hip rubbing right over his arousal.  Her breasts were soft against his chest.  Drew's hair grazed his chin.

        Kevin opened his eyes.

        Drew raised his head.  "What's wrong?"

        "Can you wake me up?"

        "Yes.  What's wrong?"

        "Wake me up."

        Drew looked concerned.  "All right.  Close your eyes."  Kevin closed his eyes.  "Open your eyes."

        Kevin opened his eyes.  He was in the dimly lit, canopied bed.  His balls ached.  Drew slept on, at peace.

        A soft, full groan.

        AJ was going to come.  He held still, letting his nerve endings sizzle.

        "Mmm..."

        God, yes.  AJ ran a hand down the broad, muscular back of his lover.  This guy had a great ass.  A great everything.  Fucking spectacular body.  And tight, god, AJ's cock was having the time of its life.  Giving in to a sentimental urge, AJ planted a kiss on his lover's spine.

        A slow arch, a slow slide backwards.

        AJ groaned.  This guy had to be kidding.  He could take the hint.  He moved back, then thrust.  Thrust.  In, in, deeper, harder.  Not too fast.  Let the guy feel it.

        He was feeling it.  He moved back into AJ's thrusts, expressing his pleasure with every second, groaning and gasping.  He moaned AJ's name.  He shivered.

        AJ wondered how high he could send this guy.  Pretty damned high, from the looks of it.  Maybe the guy was on drugs.  No normal person liked sex this much.  Except, AJ was having a good time, too.  Maybe it was contagious.

        Shit, contagious.  What the fuck was he doing screwing without a condom?  But, damn it, he couldn't stop now.  There was no way he was leaving this moment.  He grit his teeth and surged forward.

        His lover moaned and twisted, muscles flexing, satin skin taut.

        AJ could come just watching this guy.

        He moved back against AJ, wanting it, loving it.  AJ kept fucking into him, driving into his ass, making him groan with rich pleasure.  That groan heated AJ's spine.

        AJ had to come.  Now.  He reached around and found his lover's cock, hot and hard and huge in his hand.  He wanted to take his time, to enjoy the feel of it, but it was a point of honor for AJ not to come first when he was doing the fucking.  Besides, this guy was having enough fun as it was.

        He came, shuddering, twisting, saying AJ's name in a voice drenched with ecstasy.

        AJ slammed his hips forward, pumping into tight heat, letting himself come.  He was left shaken and breathless, draped over his lover's back.  He held still, waiting for the world to right itself.  Once the air stopped shimmering, AJ crawled off of his lover and collapsed on the mattress.

        AJ's lover held him close.  Started...nuzzling him.  AJ held off his coma to enjoy the sensual moment.

        He might as well ask now.  "What's your name?"

        "Nick."  His lips found AJ's earlobe.

        Nick.  Nice.  AJ was all for affection, but he'd never had someone...cuddle him.  He'd never been nuzzled.  What was he supposed to do?  Lay there and take it?  Nuzzle back?

        "I want to make love to you," Nick murmured, stroking AJ's chest.

        Now?

        "Would you like something to eat?"

        Uh...  "Sure."

        "Stay here."  Nick kissed him.  Kissed him really well.  Then Nick was getting up and putting on that red silk again, leaving the room.

        AJ rolled over and decided to go to sleep.

        "I need food."

        "You don't eat," Jeff said without looking.

        "Are you making something for Kevin and Brian?"

        "I will."

        "Could you make a third portion?"

        Jeff stood and turned.  Looked at Nick.  "Why?"

        Nick blushed.

        "Nick?"

        "AJ's here."

        Jeff frowned.  Something was very, very wrong.  He couldn't quite...  "You had sex!"

        "Jeff-"

        "You had sex?!  What were you thinking?!"

        "He made love to me," Nick said, tugging his clothes in a belated attempt at modesty.

        "You let that man penetrate you?!"

        "Yes."  Nick's expression warned Jeff to tread lightly.

        Jeff backed off for a moment to think.  "You brought him here.  You had sex with him.  Now you want me to feed him."

        "Yes."

        "May I ask why?"

        "I love him."

        "You love everybody."

        "I'm in love with him."

        "Send him a nice telegram!"

        "What?"

        "Nick.  You aren't in love with him."

        "You're in love with Brian."

        "I am not in love with Brian."

        Nick smiled.  "You're not?"

        "Don't act superior with me," Jeff warned.  "You can't pull that over on me.  I don't fall in love."

        "Everyone falls in love."

        "I don't!"

        "I do, and I'm in love with AJ.  I'm going to ask him to stay."

        "Stay?  Stay here?!"

        "Yes."

        "He can't stay here!  He shouldn't be here now!  Are you out of your mind?!"

        "He requires sustenance."

        "I am not feeding him!"

        "That's all right.  I'm sure he knows how to cook.  I'll go and fetch one of your animals."

        "You are not killing my animals!"

        "Why should I respect your reign if you won't respect mine?"

        "Nick.  He's very passionate, and I'm sure that you're drawn to him for that reason, but you need to remember who you are.  What you are."

        "I think that I'm qualified to recognize love when it happens to me."

        "Love doesn't happen to you!  You control it, you're not a victim of it."

        "Are you going to feed AJ or do I need to pursue other options?"

        "Get out of my sight."

        "Don't even think about poisoning him."

        Drew's room was silent, and he heard no sounds from the hallway.  He held his breath and closed his eyes.

        Nothing.

        All right.  He opened the door and stepped into the hallway, closing the door again.  No attack; no signs of life.  Kevin started down the hallway, trying to remember his way.

        Coming to a large open courtyard, he paused.  Straight ahead, or right?  Was this the place they'd turned, or...?

        A low growl.  Kevin turned around in time to be knocked off-balance; he fell on his rear and right arm, looking up into the face of a huge, drooling dog.

        Louis.

        Calm.  Kevin was calm.  "Louis," he said, hoping that the familiar name would reassure the dog.  "Louis.  Let me up, Louis."

        Louis growled and showed no signs of backing down, preferring to stand over Kevin and look menacing.

        Kevin wondered whether Louis were on the verge of attack.  How would he know?  How could he protect himself?  Why was he hoping for Drew's arrival?  Drew was asleep, lost to dreams.  He was alone here.  Drew couldn't protect him anyway.  From anything.

        Drew belonged to the world of fantasies.  Intangibles.  And what were those to Kevin now?  Was he to wish Louis away?  Click his heels three times?  Close his eyes and hope really hard?

        "Louis."

        Kevin felt at once grateful and doomed.

        Jeff snapped his fingers.  Louis growled at Kevin, then turned and went to Jeff's side.  Jeff crouched to scratch the dog.  "Get up.  What are you doing here?"

        Kevin stood, brushing himself off, trying to restore some of his dignity.  "I was looking for you."

        "You're to stay in Drew's room."

        "I want to go home."

        Jeff looked up at him.  Stood.

        Good.  "You don't want me here, and I don't want to be here."

        "Why?"

        "What?"

        "Why don't you want to stay?"

        "I don't belong here."  What was wrong?  Jeff was supposed to be pleased.  At least, helpful.  What was with this guy?

        Jeff was studying him.

        Who was Jeff, anyway?  Drew and dreams.  Jeff and...jerks?  The Jerkweaver.  The Weaver of Jerks.  Jell-O.  Jehosophat.  Jealousy.  Kevin reined in his thoughts and straightened his shoulders.  "I don't belong here.  Drew has other priorities."

        "You had everything once."

        Kevin felt himself tensing.

        "The world let you down and you haven't trusted it since.  You've watched matters grow worse.  You're not going to let this situation blow up in your face; you're going to get out now while you still can.  Before anything else happens."

        Kevin refused to speak.  He was not going to say anything about himself.  Not to this man.  His story was none of Jeff's business.

        "He'll only go after you.  If you leave here.  He'll follow you, hurt, confused, and determined to help.  He's an incredible optimist.  You can't say no to Drew."

        "There has to be a way out of here."  He wanted to go.  Away from this place, away from these men.

        "Death."  Jeff shrugged.  "He can't follow you there."  He scratched Louis, then looked back to Kevin.  "But that's not an option for you, is it?  You won't commit suicide.  You're here, Kevin.  You're stuck in this life.  Start living it."  Jeff turned and left, Louis at his side.

        How did he know?  "Who are you?!"

        Jeff kept walking.

        AJ exhaled and rolled closer in sleep.

        Nick's forefinger traced the lines of AJ's dark goatee.  What lovely, dark eyelashes.  What lovely, pink nipples.  He kissed AJ's bare shoulder, kissed his way down one tattooed arm.

        "Mmnn."  Dark eyes opened.  AJ held still.

        Nick raised his head.  AJ was looking at him.  He smiled.

        Charming, fake smile.  "Hi.  Nick.  Where are we?"

        Nick pulled himself back up towards the pillows, too busy admiring the cut of AJ's lips to notice AJ's wide-eyed look at his body.  "Home.  This is where I live."

        "Where exactly would that be?  How did I get here?"

        "I brought you."

        "Why?"

        "I wanted to love you."

        AJ paused to frown.  "You wanted to love me?"

        "In person.  It's much more meaningful this way."

        "Who are you?"

        "Nick."  He wanted to kiss AJ again.

        They looked at each other.  AJ narrowed his eyes, nodded, and got out of bed.  Nick watched him dress.

        "Would you like to see the garden?  There should be food soon if you're hungry."

        "Just point me to the exit," AJ said.

        "You want to leave?  You just got here."

        AJ tugged on his boots.  "Give me a call sometime."

        "What's wrong?"  Nick stood, turning AJ to face him.  AJ's form was slender under his hands, but powerful.  The body of a survivor.  He couldn't resist, running his hand down AJ's arm, enjoying the feel of skin against skin when his touch reached AJ's palm.  He brought AJ's hand to his face, looking at the strength.  Slender, masculine hand; long, attractive fingers.  A hand that worked, a hand of use.  He planted a warm kiss in AJ's palm.

        "I've been knocked unconscious and this is a dream," AJ said.  "I've lost my mind.  This is a trick."  His lips parted for Nick's kiss.

        He returned to the bed to sit and pray.

        Once finished, he dressed in the clothes he found folded on a chair.  Normal clothes, regular clothes, like something he'd own, only not his.  They fit perfectly.  Barefoot, he left his room.

        Maybe not the rosebushes.  Those seemed to be Nick's, and he rather liked Nick.

        He'd piss on-

        Kevin stopped short and stared.

        Brian stopped short and stared.

        "Brian."  It couldn't be.  He'd heard, Drew and Nick had said, but...

        "Kevin!"  Brian looked as shocked as he felt.  "Kevin, what are you doing here?!"

        "How did you..."

        "Nick brought me.  I'm, Kevin, I'm..."  Brian's eyes were wet with unshed tears.  "He healed me."

        "Nick?"

        "Jeff.  He healed me."  Brian's smile was beautiful.

        Kevin couldn't believe it.  Could not believe it.  Or understand it.

        "Kevin, he..."  Brian put his hand on Kevin's arm.  "I..."

        Blinding light.  The pain and fury of fire.  Kevin's skin twisted, bones melted, muscles tore.  Someone was screaming.

        A dog barked.

        Soothing coolness.  "Ssshhh, ssshhh, Kevin Scott, it's all right, it's okay."  Warm hands on Kevin's temples, keeping his skull from splitting.  "Louis, take Brian back to his room.  Go.  Kevin, it's all right, ssshhh."  Fingers brushing back his hair.  "Focus on your breathing.  Feel the rhythm of it.  The fullness of the air, the purity of the oxygen.  There you go.  Ssshhh, it's all right.  Brian touched you.  He didn't know that it would hurt you."

        He was on the floor.  Where he'd seen Brian.  What was Brian doing here?  What... He healed me.  Jeff.  Jeff had healed Brian.  Why?  How?

        "Ssshhh."  Jeff massaged Kevin's temples.  "You need to rest.  Come with me.  It's all right.  Stand slowly."  Jeff helped Kevin to his feet and supported him as they walked down the hallway.  After ushering Kevin into a small bedchamber, Jeff eased him down onto the bed.  "Rest here.  Ssshhh.  Is that better?"

        Kevin closed his eyes and tried to deny the pain.

        "Let yourself feel it.  You have to accept it first.  Let it in, then let it out."  Jeff smoothed his hair again.  "I need to speak with Drew.  Rest here."

        What had happened?  What had he done?  He'd done something wrong, he'd hurt Kevin.  His touch?  He hadn't felt anything, but Kevin had been in agony.  It had been terrifying, to see his friend in that pain.  To be the cause of it.

        He looked into Louis' eyes.  Louis looked back at him.  "I can touch you."

        Louis agreed.

        "Is something wrong with Kevin?  Why is he here?"

        Kevin had been missing, or at least they hadn't been able to find him.  He'd been here?  When he'd first met Jeff, at that club, Jeff had been with Kevin.  Maybe Jeff's real interest was Kevin, and Brian was a side venture.  What would Jeff want with Kevin?  What would Jeff want with Brian?  What was happening?

        "It's my fault," Jeff said, taking a moment to pace Drew's room.  "I left Brian alone without explaining his situation.  I hadn't expected him to leave his - - it's done now."

        Drew thought.  Thought some more.  He couldn't escape his conclusion.  "This is your domain.  Kevin's fate is in your hands."

        Jeff looked at him.  "It is my responsibility, but I respect your opinion on this matter.  He is yours more than mine."

        "You know what I would want."

        Jeff nodded and resumed pacing.

        "May I see him?"

        "I've tried to calm him.  He shouldn't feel any pain."

        "Does he know what's happened?"

        "I will explain it to him, if-"

        "I will," Drew said.  "Jeff..."  There was too much to say.

        "Go."

        He was having a great time nonetheless.  Every time he looked at Nick, the same word popped into his head: rapture.  He didn't know what the deal with the red silk was, but he was on the verge of developing a Pavlovian reaction to it.

        If you knew where to look, you could see Nick's cock through those pants.  He was naked under that silk.  AJ wanted to cup him, feel him through the fabric, but wasn't sure about the parameters of this relationship.

        Oh, what the hell.  AJ reached over and put his hand between Nick's thighs, running his fingers down Nick's cock, finding the head.

        Nick stopped talking and looked down.

        AJ slid his hand inside Nick's pants, taking Nick naked in his hand.  AJ's own cock was erect, excited at the idea of touching Nick.  Feeling the sweet slide of cool silk at the backs of his knuckles, AJ stroked Nick's thickening shaft.

        With a rich moan, Nick wrapped an arm around AJ's waist, hand finding AJ's ass, pulling AJ close.  As Nick bucked into AJ's hand, his mouth met AJ's mouth.  Tongues tangled.  Nick could remember running his hands down AJ's skinny hips, lifting AJ's hot, proud cock to his mouth, tasting AJ's sex.

        "Nick!"

        Startled, AJ almost hurt Nick.  He pulled his hand free, turning.

        Nick ran his hand over his mouth.  "Jeff."

        Jeff.  AJ knew him.  What the fuck?  First he was in the club, then he showed up in the hotel, now here?  Wait a second.  Wait a motherfreaking second.  "Where's Kevin?"

        "I need you," Jeff said to Nick.

        "What's happened?" Nick asked.

        "Where is Kevin?" AJ repeated, more suspicious by the second.  Something was going on here.  He trusted his instincts.  This Jeff guy...

        "Now," Jeff said to Nick.

        AJ held Nick back, eyes on Jeff.  "Wait.  Where is Kevin?  Who the hell are you?"

        "I'll deal with you later," Jeff said.

        "Deal with me?  I'm not one of your - - you tell me where Kevin is.  What happened to him?  What did you do, kill him in revenge for touching your lover?"  AJ wished that he hadn't said that.  He didn't want to say that Kevin was dead, because Kevin might be dead, and as long as he didn't say it, it wasn't true.  "You let Hooch eat him?"

        "Hooch?" Nick repeated.

        "Turner and Hooch.  Big drooly dog."

        "Louis," Nick said.

        "Whatever."

        "He's Jeff's dog."

        "Why does that not surprise me?"  AJ glared at Jeff.  "Where's Kevin?  What'd you do to him?"

        "Jeff hasn't done anything to him," Nick said, trying to calm him, a reassuring hand on his back.

        AJ turned to Nick.  He felt worse now, because Nick was confirming his suspicions.  Something had happened to Kevin, and these guys were in on it.  "Where is he?"

        "With Drew."

        "Short guy, big nose, kind of a diva."

        Nick nodded, a little uncertain.  "Drew brought him here as I brought you here."

        "Why?"

        "To help him."

        "Let me see him."

        "Nick!" Jeff snapped.  "Now.  You, stay here," he told AJ.

        "Where is he?" AJ demanded.  Nick started to follow Jeff; AJ grabbed Nick and restrained him.  "Where is Kevin?"

        "He's fine," Nick said.  Then he looked at Jeff.  "What's happened?  Jeff."

        Jeff glared at AJ, saying to Nick, "Come with me and we'll discuss it."

        "Something's wrong with him?  Jeff, you-"

        "Nick-"

        "You can't, for Drew-"

        "Nick!  Come with me!  Alexander, stay."

        Stay?  What was he, the dog?  Fuck that.  AJ headed for the doorway.

        Nick seized him, gently yet firmly, and pulled him back.  "Jeff wants you to stay here."

        "I don't give a fuck what Jeff wants."

        "I do," Nick said, behind him, holding him in place.  A warm hand ran down his chest.  "I'll find out what's happened to Kevin.  Please, stay here."

        AJ pulled free and headed for the door again.

        "AJ-"

        "Fuck off."  AJ started down the hallway.

        "What happened?" Kevin asked.

        "Nick brought Brian here.  Jeff..."

        "Healed him."

        "Yes.  He won't die now.  He won't die, ever."

        "Ever?"

        "He's, he's like us.  He's not one of us, but he shares some of...  He isn't mortal, or dependent on his body in the same way that you are.  And you remember that I said that with my radiance, and my power, I can't touch you?  Brian shouldn't have touched you.  I'm not certain what he's done to you, because he's limited, he's not one of us, but..."

        "What happens if we touch?"

        "Last time it happened was a disaster.  We're still dealing with the consequences."

        "What's going to happen?" Kevin asked.

        "You could continue life in this state.  You could be raised to a higher state, like Brian, immortal and enlightened.  Or you could die."

        "How..."

        "It's up to Jeff."

        No.  No.  Why?  Kevin sat up, angry, scared.  It wasn't up to Jeff, he wouldn't let it be.  This was his life.  He was fine.  There was nothing wrong with him.  He wasn't going to be raised and he wasn't going to die.

        "Kevin."  Drew cupped his jaw in two hands, trying to capture his attention.  "Kevin, you aren't in pain anymore, but you're still hurt.  You need to stay here and rest.  You've been contaminated, and your body's fighting."

        "Contaminated?"

        "You're not prepared for the infusion of...  We're higher beings.  It's like putting the consciousness and power of a human into a...  Oh, that's going to sound insulting."  Drew nibbled his lower lip.  "Jeff's tried to soothe you.  But you mustn't get agitated."

        "Agitated?"  That smug bastard was going to come in there and either kill him or raise him to a higher state!  Sounded like good cause for agitation to him.  A higher state.  Higher beings.  Kevin pulled away, pushed Drew away.  He had to get out of here.  He didn't belong here.  Contamination.  These worlds shouldn't come into contact.

        "Kevin," and Drew pinned him to the bed.  "You're going to hurt yourself.  It'll be easier if you hold still.  I can try to make you comfortable."

        There was something wrong.  There was something in Drew's eyes.

        "Kevin."  Drew's fingertips traced his neck.  "Kevin, I love you.  Stay here with me as long as you can."

        Drew was afraid.  He was going to die.  He was going to die.  He was going to die, soon, very soon, and Drew wanted to be with him for these last few minutes.  Wanted to spend these precious seconds with him.

        Drew touched Kevin's tears.  "Jeff always says that crying heals."

        Kevin held Drew close, in his arms, against his chest.  He was going to die, so why not?  Why not cling to this dreamer while he could?

        Drew rested his cheek on Kevin's shoulder, tangling his fingers in Kevin's hair.  "I love you.  I've seen love, and I've understood love, and I have loved, and I am loved, but this is different.  Love is pure and complex all at once.  Simple, yet painful.  I've never felt like this before.  It's very intimate and very deep inside of me.  I have to trust Jeff to do the right thing.  I have to believe in him."

        Hearing the fear in Drew's voice, Kevin was beginning to understand the situation.  Drew had faith in Jeff.  Drew needed to keep that faith.  Was struggling to hold on to it.  If Drew didn't trust Jeff, his world collapsed.  If Drew trusted Jeff and Jeff did the wrong thing, Drew's world collapsed.  Drew had to trust, and Jeff had to prove trustworthy.  It was a test, almost.  A turning point.  Kevin's life was at stake, but something even larger, something more important, hung in the balance.

        "I want to cry," Drew whispered, and hid his face in Kevin's neck.  "Tell me that you love me."

        He could say it.  He was going to die, and he could give Drew anything right now.  "I love you, Drew."

        "What would you do if you could?"

        "What do you mean?"

        "Would you go walk in the garden?  Play professional sports?  Enhance your career?"

        "What would I do with the rest of my life?  If I could dictate its direction, right now?"

        "Yes."

        "I'd shower and shave first.  Then I'd make love with you.  I know, I know that I can't.  But this is a fantasy."  He let himself indulge.  Let himself wish the fantasy, let himself feel its pain.  He couldn't have Drew.  He couldn't have anything.  It hurt to know that.  Yet there was a smooth, delicious warmth in the dreaming.  He wanted to make love with Drew.  He wanted Drew's naked, muscular body under him.  He wanted to kiss that wide mouth.  He wanted Drew to ride his cock.  He wanted Drew to sleep with him, in his arms.  He wanted to hold the dreamer through the dreams, to be there when Drew wakened.  And he wanted, he wanted to walk with Drew, to explore Drew's world, to see those dreams for himself.

        Kevin yanked himself back to reality.  No dreams.  No wishes, no fantasies, no impossible goals.  He was here.  He was going to die.  He'd walked into a fantasy, and he didn't belong here, and he was being ejected.  Rejected.

        Brian belonged here.  He should've guessed.  There was too much love and life in Brian for a mundane, Earthbound existence.

        "Can you sleep?" Drew asked.

        Drew wanted him to sleep.  Wanted to visit him there?  Wanted to remember him whole and healthy in that world.  Kevin tried to relax.  He'd sleep.  He'd spend his final moments with Drew.  His beautiful dreamer.

        "Control him?" Nick asked.  "I'm not omnipotent, Jeff."

        That was almost funny.  Nick had a good point.  "Are Drew and Kevin in love with each other?"

        "Yes."

        "I mean it, Nick.  It has to be one of those impossible, true, romantic loves.  The soul-deep forever kind.  Would you choose Kevin to be with Drew forever?"

        "Forever," Nick repeated, and thought about it.  "I need to see him again.  What's happened?"

        "There's been an accident."

        What was this place?  Who were these guys?

        Drew was cute, but nuts.  Jeff was an asshole.  And Nick, Nick was...

        AJ walked faster.

        Kevin was here.  Kevin was his friend.  AJ didn't have steady, solid friends.  He hadn't realized how much Kevin meant to him until now, until Kevin was in danger, until Kevin had disappeared.  Kevin was missing and Brian was dying and AJ didn't even have his freaking puppets.  He was going to get Kevin and keep Kevin, because he wasn't running through this world alone anymore.

        He wasn't big on settling down with his white picket fence.  But, damn it.  It might be nice to have somebody to talk to.  The same person for two weeks in a row, even.  Sure, he had friends.  Sure, he found friendly faces in his life.  But he wanted a deeper connection.

        Kevin was his friend.

        He couldn't do anything, anything, for Brian.  He'd be damned if he was letting Kevin go, too.

        And he'd been having sex.  Pulling out his dick while Kevin was god knew where.

        "AJ.  You'll make love to me, won't you?"

        Fucking some guy, not even knowing his name.  Rolling over for a good body.

        "I wanted to love you."

        AJ walked faster.

        It was good that he'd had no dreams.  It was good that he'd lived his life as it was.  He could die without losing much.

        Die without losing anything.

        "Kevin!"  He turned and caught Drew in his embrace, felt Drew's arms go around his neck.  "Kevin," and Drew kissed him.  Lights rose.  Drew's kiss was soft and innocent.  "Kevin, don't let it be like this.  Tell me your dreams."

        "I don't have any."

        "I know you do.  You can tell me."

        "I don't have any dreams."

        "You told me that you want to make love with me."

        "It didn't mean anything."

        "You said it."

        "We can't do it, and we're not going to do it, so why think about doing it?"

        "We can," Drew said.  "We can make love."

        "No, we can't."

        "We can," Drew said.  "I've never made love.  I want to make love with you.  You must give good orgasms."

        "Why haven't you had sex?"

        "We live quite happily without the lesser bodily functions."  Drew's hands tightened on Kevin's back.  "I don't want to live happily without you."

        "Everyone dies."

        "Jeff's been trying to get me to understand that concept for a long time now.  I still don't like it."

        "You don't have to like it."

        "Don't lecture me."

        "Sorry."

        "I'm learning love.  I wonder if someday I'll learn death."

        "No," Kevin said, and held him tighter.

        "Jeff will take care of you," Drew said.  "Jeff knows what he's doing.  He'll take care of you."

        Kevin didn't share Drew's confidence.

        Drew glanced over his shoulder as though seeing something.  "Kiss me again."  He lifted his face, lashes lowering, lips parting.

        Kevin kissed him.

        And then awakened.

        There were fingers stroking his face.  Warm, gentle, comforting.  Loving.  Kevin felt soothed, supported.  Then he realized that Drew's hands were still by his hip and in his hair, and this was someone else's touch.  He opened his eyes, tensing.

        A warm smile.  "Hello, Kevin.  I'm Nick."

        His toes curled.  Tingling warmth hummed in his chest, in his balls.  He smiled back.

        "You haven't shared much love in your life lately."

        No.  He hadn't.

        "I can help you with that."  Nick's fingers drifted down the back of Drew's neck.  "Drew can help you with that."

        Drew's fingers curled in Kevin's hair as he slept, in response to Nick's touch.

        "It wouldn't take much to strengthen your friendships with AJ and Brian.  With them for support, you could move on to another kind of love."

        Move on to Drew.

        "Your first instinct was to welcome me.  Why are you pushing me away?" Nick asked.

        He hadn't moved, hadn't spoken.  How did Nick know?

        Jeff stepped into the room.  Kevin's arms tightened around Drew, protective.  Possessive?

        Nick smiled.  Understanding, almost amused.  Kevin didn't let go, cupping a hand over Drew's shoulder.  He neither liked nor trusted Jeff.  He wouldn't accept any help from Nick's corner.  He'd been rescuing Drew from their first encounter, and he'd keep doing it until he couldn't anymore.

        Until he died.

        Until Jeff killed him.

        Jeff came closer to the bed, and Drew stirred.  Drew saw Nick, then raised his head and turned to see Jeff.

        "I need time alone with Kevin Scott," Jeff said.

        Nick rubbed his thumb over Kevin's jaw.  It felt like a benediction.  Then Nick was gone.

        Drew looked into Kevin's eyes.  Kevin looked back at him.  "I wanted to help you," Drew said.

        "I know."

        "You came to me.  It was my responsibility."

        "It isn't your fault."

        Drew kissed him.  There were tears in hazel eyes.  "Jeff will take care of you."  Too soon, too quickly, Drew slipped from his embrace and hurried from the room.

        Kevin was alone with Jeff.

        Jeff put his hands on his hips and eyed Kevin.

        He started to run.

        Down this hallway, down these stairs, around this corner, up this hallway, dead end, this way, that way, nothing, this way again, try these stairs, through this doorway, and - - whoa.  He'd ended up outside.  Shit!

        "Would you like to see the garden?"

        He had to turn, to go back.  He couldn't waste time lingering here.  He had to track down Kevin, get out of here, go home.  There was nothing for him here.

        With one final glance at the scene, the setting sun's glow over the blooming life, AJ turned to go.

        And ran smack into Nick.

        A hand on his elbow steadied him.  "I've seen Kevin.  Jeff is with him now."

        "Where is he?"

        "You may see him when Jeff is finished."

        "Finished doing what?"

        "That is Jeff's decision."

        "What are you doing to him?"

        "What is best."

        "What is best!  That's not up to you, that's not up to Jeff!"

        "AJ-"

        AJ pulled away from Nick's grasp.  "Who does he think he is, God?!"

        Nick hesitated.

        AJ shoved Nick out of his way and started back into the whatever it was.  Building.  Overdone mansion.  He had to find Kevin.  Shit.  He'd only get lost.  He'd make Nick tell him where Kevin was.  AJ turned.

        Blinked.

        It was a trick of the sunset.  It was some weird lighting effect.  It was...

        It stopped.  "AJ?"

        Should've brought his sunglasses.  "What the fuck is going on here?"

        "I'll explain if you're patient."

        "No."  He backed up.  He didn't trust Nick.

        "AJ.  It's all right."

        He backed up further.  "Don't touch me."

        "It hurts not to be trusted," Nick said, but he was talking more to himself than to AJ.  "To feel this personal rejection.  First Kevin, now you.  I only want to help you."

        "If you want to help me, get Kevin and me out of here."

        "If I can't touch you, I'll ask you not to touch me, either."  Nick gave a small sigh and there it was again!  What was that?  AJ stared, stepping closer, trying to understand.  "Once I know what Jeff has decided to do about Kevin, I'll tell you, and you can further your plans.  I'll show you around the garden while we wait.  I'd hoped to provide you with food, but Jeff has had other matters to tend to."

        "Do you have a flashlight taped to your back?"

        "No."  Nick looked puzzled.

        "You're glowing."

        "It's my divinity.  Please don't touch me.  I could continue to withhold it, but restraining it makes me feel stifled.  I wish that we could have made love this way."

        Sex with a glowworm.  Sure.  "Divinity."

        "Yes."

        "Turn around."  Nick turned in a circle.  AJ didn't see anything that would make him glow.  AJ did see a few fireflies in the distance.  Brian liked fireflies.  Brian.  "Kevin's here."

        "Yes."

        "Brian here?"

        Nick smiled.  "Yes.  Once Jeff has spoken with him, I imagine you'll be able to see him."

        AJ couldn't believe it.  "You got anybody else stashed in this place?"

        "Just the few of us."

        "Where's Brian?"

        "In his room."

        "Where?"

        "You'll see him soon enough."

        "I want to see him now."

        "I know that, AJ, and I understand.  You'll have to wait."

        "Fuck you."  AJ turned and headed inside.  He hadn't gotten far before he was grabbed and turned around again.  Nick had stopped glowing.  He tried to yank away, but Nick's grip was locked.  He glared into blue eyes and imagined violence.

        "Kevin and Brian need your friendship, now more than ever.  They'll benefit from your strength and from your love.  Your honest anger has its place, but it will do them little good.  A little fear of Jeff, a respectful fear, may be a healthy thing.  Do not be afraid of me.  When you first saw me, you embraced me, you coupled with me.  Trust your instincts."

        "It was sex."

        "It was love."

        "You don't love me!  I don't love you.  Let go of me!"

        "I do love you, AJ.  Let me share that love with you."

        "Sex isn't love."

        "I know the difference."

        "Good.  Then let go of me."  He was shaking.  He wanted to hit and run.  He had to get out of here.  This was not a safe place.

        Nick kissed him.

        AJ opened himself to Nick's kiss, let Nick's hands learn the planes of his body through his clothes, pressed the bulge at his groin to Nick's hip.  He was burning, he was melting.  This was a safe place.  He'd never felt safer.  Or more scared.  Or happier.  Nick whispered his name and kissed his neck.

        Naked, Kevin resettled himself.  He followed instructions with gritted teeth, feeling hatred flare in his eyes, arranging his limbs as Jeff wished.  He refused to speak.  He didn't dare say what he wanted to say.

        One question remained.  Trembled on his lips.

        Jeff walked around the bed, looking at him.  "You know who Drew is."

        "The Dreamweaver."

        "And Nick?"

        "The Loveweaver," he guessed.

        Jeff nodded.  "You want to know who I am."

        He did.  He wasn't going to ask.

        "I am the Weaver of Life.  It is a balance.  There are two sides.  Life."

        "And death," Kevin said.  Oh...  He closed his eyes, pressing his lips together.

        "And death," Jeff agreed softly.

        Louis sniffed his fingers.

        "I've been blessed," Brian told Louis.  "I must use this gift.  I can help others, I can do good."

        Louis seemed to think that it was a fine idea.

        "I'll have to learn what I can do.  How to use it," Brian said.  He wanted to speak with Jeff again.  But he didn't dare leave this room.

        The door opened.  Louis turned, pleased, and sat in obedience.  Jeff closed the door again, and knelt beside Brian.

        "It is my fault," Jeff said.  "I did not think to explain to you the circumstances of your situation."

        Brian didn't know what to say.  He looked into Jeff's eyes, felt Jeff take his hands.  His breath caught.

        "You have much to learn," Jeff said.  "It will be a pleasure to teach you."  He kissed Brian's hand.  "An honor."

        "I knew that we could trust Jeff," Drew said, his voice hushed and warm.

        "Why did he do it?" Kevin asked.  He looked up at the painted ceiling.

        "He wouldn't have done it only to please me.  He wouldn't have done it only at Nick's advice.  Jeff knows what to do.  Knows what is best.  He isn't infallible, but he has a way of seeing a situation from all sides, from all angles.  All of the outcomes, all of the consequences.  He can see the future."

        "What does the future hold?"

        "What do you want it to hold?"

        "I don't know."

        "You need practice wishing for things.  I can help you."

        "Wishing for things?"

        "Yes."  Drew's fingers ran over Kevin's naked ribcage.  "Let's start where we were.  You said that if you could do anything with your life, you would shower and shave and make love with me."

        "Drew-"

        "I will draw you a bath.  Will you let me help you to wash?"

        "No."

        "Won't you need someone to scrub your back for you?"

        "No."

        "I don't see why you always make things difficult.  I think you like to make me grumpy."  Drew pinched Kevin.  "You may take a nice, long soak in the bath and practice dreaming."

        "I wanted a shower."

        "You wanted a shower.  You're getting a bath.  You don't always get exactly what you want, but it suits your purposes, does it not?"

        The Weaver of Life spoke with serious earnestness, wasting no words, his hands shaping the world.  Brian only spoke to pursue a point, to question and learn.  Jeff was patient, explaining thoroughly, widening Brian's verse of experience.

        "When the sun rises, we shall venture out," Jeff said.  "And you may visit with your friends.  For now, I want you to sleep.  Your body and spirit need rest."

        "I don't know how to thank you."

        "I know your gratitude," Jeff said.  "You owe me nothing more than anyone else from your world.  Nothing less, but nothing more."  He stood and left.

        Louis rested his head on Brian's knee.

        Nick put a proper distance between their bodies, then revealed his radiance.

        "Damn," AJ said.  "You can do it on command?"

        "Yes."

        "Makes you a lot easier to see in the darkness," AJ said.  "I can't touch you?"

        "No."

        "Why not?"

        "Our compositions are just similar enough that your being becomes confused when it encounters mine.  Other living creatures are unaffected."

        "My being."

        "Yes."

        "Which is what?"

        "Human."

        "That's it?  I'm a person.  What are you, then?"

        "Different."

        "Out under the stars, who knows where, with a complete stranger.  Anything can happen.  Anything is possible."

        "Yes."

        AJ rolled to his back and looked at the sky.  "Stop glowing for a second."

        Nick hid his radiance.

        "I could fall in love with you and stay that way forever."

        Nick moved closer.

        "I don't want to, but I think it's too late.  I don't believe in love at first sight.  Lust at first sight, yeah, but love, that's not possible.  It doesn't make sense.  But you've done something to me."

        "I've loved you."

        "I don't want to love you.  I don't believe in love.  I know the stories, I've heard the fairy tales.  But I don't believe in any of it.  It's shit, it's nothing.  It isn't real."

        "Love is real."

        "It's not this permanent lasting thing.  It comes with clauses and traps and a warranty.  It doesn't last.  It doesn't stay.  There are relationships, there are friendships, there are families.  Every connection between every two people is different.  Yeah, there are pieces and shades of love.  There are bonds, there are understandings.  But that romantic thing, that now and forever, that monogamous commitment, that's not real."

        "You don't believe in love."

        "That's what I said."

        "I believe in love."

        "You shouldn't."

        "Why not?"

        "It leads to heartbreak and disillusionment and a lot of pain.  Scarring."

        "I love you, AJ."

        "Don't."

        "Let me share my love with you."

        Strong, warm arms embraced AJ.  Nick smelled of musk and roses.  He was solid and present.  Very real.  Undeniably real.  A source of comfort in the cooling, dark night.  He wasn't glowing, but it felt as though soothing radiance drifted over AJ, seeped into AJ's bones.

        When he returned to his room, Drew took his hand and dragged him to Drew's room, to the black canopied bed.  Pushed him in without ceremony.  He tried to crawl out the other side, but Drew dragged him into place and settled atop him.

        "I need to sleep.  Stay here."

        "Drew."

        "Kevin."  Kisses on his cheek.

        "I'm glowing."

        "Yes."

        "Not as much as you, but...I'm shining."

        "A little, yes."  Kisses on his neck.  "It's your beauty.  Your inner beauty.  It's dull right now, but I can help you with that."

        "Inner beauty?"

        "Yes."  Drew switched to the other side of his neck.  "I'm very proud of you and very pleased with Jeff."

        "He said that I'm immortal now."

        "Yes."

        "He said that...he expects you to look after me."

        "I shall."  Drew kissed Kevin's ear.  Sucked his earlobe, licked the shell of his ear.

        "He raised me to a higher state."

        "Yes.  That was nice of him."

        "What am I supposed to do now?"

        "Learn to dream.  Learn to make those dreams come true.  I'll help you."  Drew raised himself and looked into Kevin's eyes.  "You'll like it here, Kevin.  Brian will be staying for some time.  AJ is here."

        "AJ?"

        "Yes.  Nick's fallen quite in love with him.  Jeff is displeased, but he'll get over it.  Especially with Brian here."  Drew laughed.

        Kevin wasn't prepared for how Drew's laugh warmed him inside.

        "With you and AJ here, Jeff may pretend to be in a foul mood, but with Brian here, he'll be happy and patient.  If you want a new species, now would be the time to ask him."

        "A new species?"

        "He loves to experiment.  He's like a child playing with blocks.  Building, creating, seeing what new things he can make, practicing and perfecting his favorites."

        "Why are you called Weavers?"

        "Life and death.  Love.  Dreams.  There are patterns, interlacings, connections, dependencies, creations.  Nothing is arbitrary.  Everything fits into a larger scheme, which in turn feeds the larger pattern, which is only a part of the overall work.  There is a whole, and each person's life fits as a strand."