Saffron spoke with both the funeral director and Mr. Strauss. They allowed him to view the body; Matt staying with Destin in the lobby while he did, though Saffron rather wished he hadn't. He had no idea how he was managing to function enough to continue a conversation with both men, when all he wanted to do was go some where and cry. But they finalized the plans, including Corey's will stating he was to be buried beside Shane back in Boston and Mr. Strauss had arranged for that. Mr. Strauss had informed Saffron that Corey had owned the house, and that it was no doubt in the will who got it next. They set the funeral for two days hence and Saffron supposed he needed to go to the flower shop, though he wasn't sure he could do that today. He left the funeral director's office, walking back toward the lobby by himself, seeing Matt and Destin on the couch in the corner. Destin was flipping through the coloring books that had been sitting on the side table, pointing out pictures to Matt.

Matt looked up as he felt Saffron's approach and felt his heart clench at the sight of how pale and tired he looked. He stood and carefully stepped past Destin to go to his side. "It's okay, angel." he whispered softly as he reached him, unable to stand seeing how much all of this hurt him. "My shoulder's right here..." he added, reaching out to caressed Saffron's cheek lightly.

Saffron looked at him with a sigh; just looking at him for a moment before he gave in, stepping close and tucking himself into Matt's arms, his head on his shoulder. "Half the casket is going to have to stay closed...I don't even see where the good in that is...I shouldn't have even gone back there..." He muttered softly, closing his eyes against the tears.

Matt wrapped his arms around him, aware of Destin behind him on the couch. "Hey... lots of funerals have half caskets... assuming it's the bottom half that stays closed... rather stupid having just his feet available for viewing.." he said softly with a smirk.

Saffron sighed softly, with a slight snort, "No...the upper body is the only...part worth viewing..." He muttered, before sighing. He raised a hand, wiping his eyes and glanced toward Destin, who was half watching, half still flipping through the coloring books. "I arranged for the funeral the day after tomorrow...should go to the flower shop...but they said I could do that tomorrow..."

Matt stroked Saffron’s hair back with one hand. "You sure you want to do this? You said he had no family that cared... is there going to be a turn out for a funeral? Maybe we should skip it and just do a short graveside for the three of us...." he said softly.

"He was well liked here in this town...people have already been calling here about when it is..." Saffron said softly, leaning against him. "Mr. Strauss has kept telling them his sister in law was taking care of it. "Well…its not so much a funeral as it's...a memorial service...It's in Corey's will to be buried next to Shane, back in Boston...Mr. Strauss has already arranged for that though..."

"So... we'll have a viewing here then go back to Boston for a graveside?" he asked, still stroking  Saffron’s hair lightly as he held him. "Rather ironic we drove a hearse..." he said softly.

"It depends..." Saffron replied softly, finally sighing, and standing straighter. "A lot of Corey's will depends, like the house and all..." He added and he looked toward Destin. "Why don't we go see about some lunch..?" He added, looking back at Matt.

"Sure... we can get something to go and eat in the park." Matt said softly. As they headed back over to Destin, Matt asked softly. "If he was a big deal here in town, maybe I'll stop and pick up some dye for my hair. Just for the funeral... I mean... you've got custody of his son and all... and you're with me... I don’t want to stir anything up..." he suggested softly, leaving his arm around Saffron’s waist as they walked.

"You don't have to, but if you want to..." Saffron replied softly. "Corey was a physician's assistant, so there's going to be quite a lot showing up..." He sighed softly. "I'm going to have to meet a lot of people..." Destin looked up as they reached the couch. "How are you for MacDonald’s?" Saffron asked Destin. "We can eat at the park." He added. Destin beamed, crawling off the couch and nodded. He seemed to attach himself to Matt's leg between them, just to be close to both of them.

Matt smirked softly as he looked down at him, then on a whim, bent to lift him into his arms, holding him between Saffron and himself. He was afraid to admit just how good it felt being with Destin. He'd only just met the kid, but already it felt like he was his own son. He just didn't know whether that had to do with the death connection they shared along with Destin's personality, or if it was something else entirely. "Alright... maybe you can help me dye my hair later on. When we're done, it'll be a bit darker then yours... but not as dark as Saffy's. Think I'll look okay?" he asked as they three of them made their way out to the car, Bob dangling from Destin’s grip.

Destin looked at Matt, looking at him for a moment with a thoughtful look. "You'll look more like me..." Destin said after a moment. Saffron smirked faintly as they walked across the parking lot toward the hearse. He let his gaze go around the street and other building. People were slowing down, either staring at the hearse, or the three of them. An old couple who were walking down the side walk in front of them, the old woman had blatantly stopped, gaping at them, though her husband seemed to be trying to get her to keep walking.

Matt actually not only noticed the stares, but blushed slightly. He'd never let it bother to him before and had gotten to the point where he rarely even noticed... but today it bothered him. Today he had Saffron looking gorgeous at his side, and Destin... both of them looking very out of place with him, even if he was dressed in 'regular' clothes. He kept walking until they came to the hearse and he unlocked the passenger side doors first, setting Destin inside before opening Saffron's door.

Destin buckled Bob in and then buckled himself, kicking his feet lightly, but didn't seem to notice anything. Saffron had paused at the open door, watching the people watching them for a moment, before looking at Matt. "It's a small town Matt...I doubt they've ever seen some one with blue hair other then on TV...but if it's up to you if you want to dye it..." He said softly, reaching up to touch a lock of his hair, curling it around his fingers a moment. He liked being affectionate with him. He wanted to tell Matt he loved him...

Matt snorted softly. "Yeah... I live in a small town, Saff... I know all about it. I just figured, things will be hard enough on you and Destin while we're here.... why add to it?" he said quietly, then before he could change his mind, leaned in to kiss Saffron softly. "Come on... let's go."

Saffron didn't pull away from the soft kiss. "Alright, Matt... but I'll miss the blue...even if it's temporary." He replied softly, before finally pulling away and sliding into the car, glancing back to check on Destin who was talking to Bob.

Matt closed the door gently before heading around to his own door, not trying to read too much into the fact that Saff hadn't stopped the kiss... or kissed him back. He slid behind the wheel and glanced in the mirror at Destin before starting the car. "Alright... McDonald’s then the park for a picnic... The pretty lady, the boy and his zombie.. and the blue haired giant..." he said with a soft chuckle, despite the blush.

"I like the blue hair." Destin said from the back seat, looking up. "Can I dye my hair blue?" He asked, looking at Saffron.

Saffron snorted softly. "Maybe in October..." She replied with a faint smirk.

Destin grinned, then titled his head to the side. "Will you go trick or treating with me? When Halloween comes?" Destin asked Matt.

Matt grinned then laughed softly. "Sure. I've never been trick-or-treating before... I usually just stay home and scare people all night." he said as he pulled out onto the street. "What about it, Saffy...?" he asked, using the nick name just to tease him. "Will you come too?"

Saffron snorted softly, "I don't see why I wouldn't..." He replied softly, as Matt drove, entering the business district. Mr. Strauss had already given them the address and directions to the park. He realized there was so much to consider where holidays were concerned. Halloween,  Thanksgiving... Christmas especially. The fact he was going to have to introduce Destin to his parents, and Lex and the others…

Matt spotted the familiar golden arches and pulled into line at the drive thru. When they made it to the window to collect their order, the girl only stared a bit... and Matt noticed as they pulled away there were quite a few faces looking out the windows at the custom hearse and its occupants. By the time they reached the park and Matt had pulled a blanket from the back for their picnic, he'd spent so much time rolling the idea of the three of them together in his head he'd made up his mind to ask. It was just a matter of when.

Destin was running back and forth between bites, playing in the close by play ground, seemingly very happy. He was even giggling and laughing. Saffron watched him play, as he ate, and caught sight of mothers in the park, staring their way and snorted softly. "I guess we make an unusual looking family..." Saffron said, looking over at Matt.

Matt smiled at the word 'family'. "Oh well?" he said lightly, his attention drifting between Destin and Saffron. Finally he sighed softly and finished his burger. "You decided what you guys are going to do once things are done here?" he asked softly.

"I really don't know yet. I haven't had time to put intense thought into it. Mr. Strauss  suggested to me that the house was...in Corey's will...and would...probably go to me, or possibly Destin. I don't want to take that away from Destin if so..." Saffron said softly, sipping on the soda as he sat with his legs extended to the side, watching Destin play. "And then...for some reason, the idea of living here...or I guess, living away from Boston with Destin...just...be a small family with out anything to do with everyone back there..."

"Oh." Matt said softly, suddenly deflated. He'd wanted to ask him to come live with him... but here was probably better for them. It was farther away from everyone and Saffron could start over... he just wished it wasn't so far from his home, as well. He watched Destin playing a moment then spoke softly. "What if I sold my place and moved out here?" he asked.

Saffron had finished eating and took another drink of soda, before looking over at Matt, a bit surprised. "I wouldn't...mind...I mean, if Destin and I stay here. I'd like having you close...I don't want my taking Destin to away from...what we have, but...do you really want to sell the church..? What about your job?" Saffron replied softly, setting the cup aside. It was chill, but the sun was warm and Saffron moved, lying back on the blanket in the sun, enjoying it.

Matt watched him a moment before shifting a bit closer and running his fingers over Saffron’s cheek. "The church is just a place I live, Saff." he said softly. "I... I want you to be my home... you and Destin..." he added. "I'm trying, but... I don’t want to be just your friend anymore. I want last night… every night." he smirked softly. "Only with you sober...."

Saffron was quiet for a long moment, before opening his eyes again, looking at Matt for a long moment. His eyes were sad, a faint fear in them; he'd had his heart broken bitterly not too long ago and he was afraid of it happening again, yet...he wanted to be with Matt. "Matt...I don't...I don’t remember last night...Please...give me... give me a chance to...experience that again... before I say yes. I mean...to living with you..." He blushed darkly. "Let me get THIS..." He gestured, "Out of the way first..."

"If you're saying you want to sleep me with again before you consider living with me.... no problem." he said with a soft smirk, then after a glance to check on Destin, he bent down to kiss Saffron, keeping it gentle but full of his love for him. "That just leaves the question.... if I have to sleep with you for you to consider living with me... then what do I have to do for you to consider marrying me?" he asked lightly, his eyes sparkling almost playfully.

Saffron blinked, his eyes a bit wider. His hand had come up to rest on Matt's cheek. "Time..." He replied softly. "Time to get all this out of the way..." He couldn't say yes to Matt at the moment. He knew he was in love with him, it was just...he needed time. And the idea of Matt asking him to marry him right way...that was a bit too much for Saffron. A part of him just... wanted to have sex with Matt, be a casual lover; he couldn't get his heart broken that way... "Let me seduce you tonight...after Destin goes to bed..." Saffron said in a whisper looking up at him, feeling the flush but trying not to blush. "I'll answer you eventually..."

Matt smirked softly and moved to stretch out beside him. "You don’t have to marry me you know." he said softly. "That was mostly a joke... not that I'd mind if you did want to..." he said. "I would be fucking deliriously happy just to live here with you both. I'd even be happy just being able to spend time with you if that's all you can give me. As long as you know how I feel about you, Saff.... I just can't continue pretending anymore. Plus... I already told Destin I was your boyfriend..."

"I never said I'd say no..." Saffron replied softly, oddly enjoying the moment. "Just...that I need time..." He added softly. "I want so much to remember last night..." Saffron added, blushing slightly, turning slightly, one of his arms came to rest on Matt's waist. "Wish you hadn't let me drink so much...I want to remember what it was like to sleep with you..." He replied, blushing.

Matt smirked softly and slid his arm beneath Saffron’s head, pulling him closer. "Maybe tonight will spark some memories..." he suggested softly. "And if not... we'll just create more." he added, watching Destin a moment as the boy climbed through a jungle gym, Bob trailing behind him. "And you can have all the time you want Saff... as long as I can have this at least."

"What's in it for you?" Saffron asked softly, looking up at him. He decided to keep the words `I love you’, out of the conversation for a bit, and decided to be Matt's lover...and enjoy it for what it was worth; he'd worry about his heart later.

"For starters ...You." he said softly, tenderly. "Even if it's just moments like this... You have no idea what this means to me." he said, brushing a strand of hair of Saffron’s cheek. "And there's also Destin... he wants me to be his dad, Saff... can you believe that?"

Saffron sighed softly. "I heard him ask you that...he's very set on me being his new mom..." Saffron replied softly, "And I can't really see any reason to tell him other wise..." He let go of Matt with a sigh, before lying back on his back next to him. "It's...not like I haven't...toyed with the idea...I grew up living as a girl. I'm comfortable that way. I'll just go back to that...for Destin's sake..." He said with a blush.

"What about for your sake?" Matt asked, turning onto his side beside him, his arm slipping over Saffron's waist. "Destin has known he had two dads who loved each other all his life, babe...even if he doesn't have any memory of seeing them together. I think he'd be just fine having two more if that's what you wanted." Matt said softly. "Whether you remain this stunning beautiful woman or go back to being a very... pretty... man.." Matt said with a wicked smirk, "Should be based on what you want... not anyone else."

Saffron snorted softly. "Would you shy away from me if I said I was comfortable this way?" Saffron asked softly. "More so then...the other way...?" He added, blushing. "I guess I got used to it in the Black Court...and living on the streets..." He replied softly. He watched a pair of women walking by exercising and neither seemed to be able to take their eyes off of them...or more rightly Matt.

Matt smirked softly and slipped his hand up to cup Saffron's face and turn him towards him for another kiss; this one considerably deeper. When it ended, he smiled softly and stroked his cheek. "Does that seem like I'm shying away from you?" he asked softly. "Fuck, Saff.... I've enjoyed being out with you today... even if it was for some rather grim errands. And I've already claimed you as my girlfriend... "

Saffron sighed softly, but a soft smile came to his lips. "I could see it you know..." He said softly. "The three of us living here...together..." Those three words wanted to slip, but he held off. And didn't have a chance to add more as Destin suddenly pounced on Matt from behind with a giggle, plopping Bob down on Saffron's stomach.

Matt laughed softly as he reached around and grabbed hold of Destin, pulling him over him to land between them. "Hey kiddo... we were just talking about where to live. Saffy says she likes the idea of the three of us living here... but we have to wait until we know whether we'll have a house to live in or not. And I was thinking... if not... then you two could come live with me instead... what do you think?"

Destin settled between the two, looking back and forth a moment, holding Bob. "The three of us live together?" Destin asked.

"It's looking that way, kiddo." Saffron said softly, still lying where he was.

"We can live here...or with you?" Destin asked, looking at Matt.

"Yeah. I live in Massachusetts in an old church just outside a town a lot like this one. But if your dad left the house to Saffy or you... then I'll sell my place and move here with you guys..." Matt said simply. "Think that'll be okay?"

Destin looked back at Saffron a moment, before looking at Matt and nodded with a smile. "Is okay with me." He said cheerfully, before moving to grab the kids size cup he had from MacDonald’s. Saffron watched dark clouds beginning to cover over the blue sky and the sun and sighed softly. Yet beside the idea of rain, he felt happy.

"What about Bob?" Matt asked. "Think he'll be okay having a blue haired giant for a temporary uncle?" he asked, plucking the zombie doll from where it lay and looking at it. "This is adorable... you and Bob here have to come visit me at my place at least once so I can show you off... Rosemary will have a fuc...flippin' cow."

Saffron snorted softly with a smirk, before sitting up, making sure the skirt stayed covering his legs. "Oh, I believe that...if seeing you with me, doesn't do it, seeing Destin AND me with you should...Shame I won’t be pregnant..." Saffron replied, looking over at Matt.

Matt laughed softly. "Hell... we can fake it. Stuff you with pillows. If we're moving here, they'll never know. We can make you big enough and claim it’s twins.. or triplets..." he said, laughing harder.

Saffron smirked, watching him while he stroked Destin's hair. Destin turned his attention from Matt, to look up at Saffron a moment. "Couldn't I have a baby brother or sister?" Destin asked suddenly.

Saffron blinked, looking down at the boy a moment, before blushing. "Maybe..." Saffron answered softly with a certain touch of honesty to the answer.

Matt felt a sudden hollow feeling hit him at that sudden knowledge... that Destin would be the only child in their lives; unless they were able to adopt later on… but same sex couples didn't have as good a chance at adopting as hetro couples .. and one look at Matt and any chance they might have had would be gone.

"I'd like to be a big brother..." Destin said innocently. Saffron smiled softly, weary. He leaned over and kissed Destin on the forehead. "We'll have to wait and see, Destin." He said softly. He wasn't sure WHY he answered that way, but instinct told him to, that the possibility was there. He glanced up at Matt at those thoughts.

Matt glanced over at Saffron and just hoped his face didn’t look as empty as he felt right then. "Sure... but how about we enjoy some time with just the three of us for a while before we start thinking of adding more, alright?" he said then tore his gaze away, noticing the clouds moving in. "Looks like it might rain soon. I want to make a couple stops before we head home so we should get going soon. You want to do any more running around with Bob, you'd better get to it..."

Destin got to his feet, grabbing Bob, though he paused long enough to hug both Saffron and Matt, before running back toward the playground area. Saffron watched him go with a faint smile. "Don't rule it out, Matt..." He said softly, before glancing at him. "I mean the idea of another child...Don't rule it out...my instinct says other wise." He added softly, brushing the hair back behind his ear.

Matt watched Destin as he sat up. "You know the statistic’s on same sex couples adopting, Saff... it's been in the papers and shit often enough. Look at me... you think this will help our chances any?" he asked sourly then sighed and drew his knees up before him. "I doubt they'd even give us much of a shot as foster parents... so unless you're planning on screwing around and knocking some chick up... Destin’s it for us..."

Saffron sighed softly, deciding he might as well out all of it. As far as he and his brother had found, there was still a year or two to go before the magic broke completely, but they'd already discussed it in private. "You forget Matt...I'm part of the trinity...Lex and I merely have to find our other sibling..." Saffron replied very softly. He'd never really told Matt any of this, and didn’t know how much Matt would have heard around the office.

Matt shook his head softly and lay back down, pulling Saffron back into his arms. "Don’t. It's okay. If something happens and we can have more kids in our lives... great. But I'm really just happy with you and Destin right now. I don't need any more... I was just... sad thinking that he'd never get to be a big brother." he said softly and kissed him. "I don’t want to think or plan ahead too far about too many things. I just want to enjoy what I have now."

Saffron leaned against him, resting his arms crossed on Matt's chest and looked down at him. "Then take my word for it Matt...don't rule it out...it'll happen." Saffron replied softly; for the moment, glad he didn't have to go through the whole explanation of being part of the Trinity right now. He figured he'd have to explain it soon enough as it was.

"If it happens... great." Matt said softly, stroking Saffron’s face with both hand. "But I'm fine if it doesn’t. I have you and Destin... that’s way more then I ever imagined having."

Saffron raised a hand, brushing his fingers over Matt's lips. "It'll happen." He said simply, leaving it at that, especially at hearing the thunder over head. "I think we should get going, before it starts pouring." He said, moving to sit up.

Matt sighed softly as he sat up. "Come on Des! Time to go!" he called out as he stood then pulled Saffron to his feet and stole a kiss before stuffing the rest of their trash into the take out bag and collecting the blanket. "I have to grab something for my hair and I figured we could stop by the florist while we're out."

"That's fine...I have to...get a razor and stockings anyway...My legs are in serious need of shaving..." Saffron muttered softly, as Destin came running back toward them with Bob. Saffron was blushing a bit at having said that, considering his legs already looked shaved. He kept them shaved...just a habit. Not that any one else knew...

Matt snorted softly. "Look fine to me..." he said softly, letting his hand slip behind him to run down the skirt, smirking wickedly as he leaned in to whisper. "Shall I cop a feel to let you know how they feel?" he asked as Destin suddenly ploughed into his legs, hugging him tightly. Matt chuckled lightly as he gave Saffron’s rear end a pat before looking down at Destin. "Storms moving in, kid... go get Bob buckled in. We have to be home before it gets too black... Saffy doesn’t like storms.." he added in a stage whisper.

"You can give me your personal opinion later." Saffron replied softly in reply, trying to get the blush under control. Whether he told Matt how he felt or not, having him as a lover was still going to prove interesting and take awhile to get used to. Destin headed toward the hearse with Bob, just as it started sprinkling.

Destin gave a delighted squeal, clutched Bob to his chest and ran for the car. Matt gave Saff a light push after him. "Hurry up and get in before you get wet." he said with a soft laugh. By the time he finished tossing the blanket and the bag of trash into the back of the hearse, the others were buckled in and ready to go.

~~

The day had seemed almost impossibly long, though doing the simple things with Destin, like shopping, dinner...those kinds of things were wonderful. Saffron could shamefully admit he liked being a parent...a mother even. And he liked watching Matt with Destin. It was already late, and Destin had asked Matt to tuck him in. Saffron was taking care of last minute phone calls and looking forward to getting out of the skirt and heels, which were killing his feet. He was just tying up the conversation with Kay, finally getting around to calling her. But he didn't mention the idea of the house, or staying there...or the change in relationship with Matt..

Matt slipped back down stairs quietly and snuck up behind Saffron, wrapping his arms around him and kissing his neck playfully while he was still on the phone, then slipping away before he could get smacked for doing it. He moved to pull out a chair at the table and turn it around to straddle it, facing Saffron and toying with the vase of roses that sat in the center of the table. He'd been a bit embarrassed when he'd been hit by the idea of buying Saffron roses, but had gone through with it anyway; claiming they were an apology for the memory loss.

Saffron moved the phone slightly, "Leave the roses alone, Matt; you'll make the petals fall off." He said with a smirk, then explained loosely to Kay that some one had given him roses. He didn't feel like explaining much more then that. He turned his back, leaning his shoulder against the door frame for balance as he let one foot run over the back of the other leg to take care of an itch, while he twisted the spiral phone cord around his fingers. "We're fine, really...the funeral's set for the day after tomorrow, but there's still things I'll need to take care of...Of course I'll bring Destin back to Boston to meet every one...Corey wanted to be buried next to Shane anyway and Shane is buried in Boston...it's only fitting to have a small graveside service for his friends that are still in Boston." Saffron said into the phone.

Matt watched him a moment before leaving off playing with the flowers and heading back over to him. Pressing a finger against his lips with a smirk, he grabbed Saffron around the waist and lifted him up to sit on the counter, then knelt to massage his feet. His gaze continually flicked up to see how he was liking it… and whether or not he'd have to hang up the phone...

Saffron's eyes fluttered closed, and he had to bit his lip rather hard to suppress a contented moan, before managing to get himself under control. He had the stray thought it was a bad idea to be sitting on the counter in a skirt...especially with Matt at his feet. "I don't know if I plan on renting an apartment there or not yet... I still have to do something with my own apartment. And Destin's an unusual child; I'm not sure how he's going to take to other kids right away..." Saffron answered Kay. "I know...dad thinks it would be for the best..."

Matt smirked as he listened in, tempted to yell out that he was keeping Saff for himself, but figured if he did that he'd get kicked. Instead he bent to kiss Saffron's leg as he continued massaging his foot, letting his gaze slip up to were the skirt gaped open and thinking of a few other things he could do that would earn him a kick or slap while Saff was still on the phone..

"I really don't want to have to argue that point with him. I certainly am thinking about Destin." Saffron replied a bit tartly, trying to ignore the fact that his feet were ticklish. He glanced down long enough to see where Matt's gaze was and bit his lip hard to keep from groaning, leaning his head back against the upper cabinets behind him. "Has it even set in with him, that technically he's a grandfather now?" Saffron replied to a comment. "Destin may not be so by blood, but he's certainly going to be my adopted son.  Or does dad not think I'm up to the challenge and responsibility?" He snorted, rolling his eyes at something Kay said. "Recklessness aside, I was young and stupid at the time...He's just pissed that I came up here to Maine with Matt...he would have preferred me to ask someone else."

Matt snorted softly at that and switched to the other foot. "Tell her you have to go... you have a handsome brunette massage your feet and begging to fuck you..." he whispered softly, tucking a hunk of the newly dyed hair behind his ear and kissing Saffron’s knee playfully.

Saffron sighed softly, glancing down at Matt a moment. "Is Lex begging to talk to me that much...? Alright...I'll call him too...Have to go for now though...have some details to finish up. Bye..." He leaned forward enough to hit the button on the call with Kay and looked at Matt. "Going to have to give me enough time to call the brat...before he starts calling here. And Kay heard that, by the way."

"Details?" Matt repeated with an incredulous look. "I'm a 'detail you have to finish up'?" he asked. "My excuse was better... and if she heard me then why'd you have to make an excuse on top of it?" he moped playfully before letting go of Saffron foot and rising up to let his hands slip beneath the skirt to caress Saffron’s thigh and push the skirt a bit higher.

"Didn't feel like spending any more time on the phone explaining who said brunette was...and the fact my father is going to go ballistic over the idea..."Saffron replied softly, a faint moan escaping him, causing him to clutch the phone a little tighter. He started to hang up the phone, but jumped, startled when it rang just as it touched the base. He answered. "Hello...hello Lex..." He said with a sigh and looked at Matt a moment, wondering if he'd behave...

Matt smirked wickedly as he continued to slide the skirt slowly higher and kissed Saffron’s thighs as they were exposed, then just as the skirt bunched around his crotch, Matt stood and stole a quick kiss, his eyes sparkling as he hopped up to sit beside him and slip an arm around him.

Saffron wondered absently if he should take it as a good sign or not, that Matt wasn't kneeling any longer. "Sorry, Lex, just been busy. I'm not ignoring your calls. Not using my cell phone right now...No, we're staying at the house. It's easier on Destin." Saffron said softly, answering Lex's questions.

Matt let his fingers curl over Saffron’s stomach and stroke playfully as he listened to him talk to his brother. He felt so... alive. It was strange how good he felt and the only difference was that he'd come out to Saffron about his feelings... and had Destin in his life now. Smiling softly he reached over with his free hand and brushed the hair back off Saffron’s shoulder and bent in to kiss his neck lightly. "You gonna tell Lex about the guy you hooked up with?" he asked playfully, knowing that this close to the phone, Lex would hear him and immediately jump on Saff about it.

Saffron groaned softly, gritting his teeth. As long as Matt's hand didn't slip any lower, he MIGHT be able to continue the conversation. "No, I didn't hook up with some guy off the street, Lex...As if. No...Matt's trying to seduce me," Saffron said, a giggle escaping him at the sputtered question and reply coming from Lex who was in shock. "Foreplay, Lexi...ask Nate about it some time." Saffron giggled.

Matt smirked and suddenly plucked the phone from Saffron's grasp, letting his other hand slip downward and under the skirt as he did. "Hey Red." he said with a smirk. "Did you know your brother makes one gorgeous babe?" he asked, his eyes sparkling. "I've deciding I'm going to keep him. You don’t mind, do you?"

Saffron gasped softly, and ended up leaning against Matt, his eyes closed for the moment. Before suddenly pulling away, and sliding off the counter, grabbing the chair close by against the wall and pulling it closer. He turned back to Matt, his eyes sparkling a brilliant emerald and grabbed Matt's hand, tugging, until he got him off the counter and shoved him into the chair, kneeling.

"You can't be serious." Lex answered on his side, still sounding shocked, and even skeptical. "It's a just a joke...has to be..." Lex added. "The very idea would give half the people here heart attacks and scared the other half to nightmares. Bad enough the two of you are best friends..."

Matt raised an eyebrow as he watched Saffron, but Lex's words hit home and his voice went soft and serious. "You think it's a joke, Red?" he asked softly. "What if I tell you that I've been crazy in love with Saff for a while now... and just told him last night? And that the three of us just spent the day as a family... and I fucking loved the shit out of it. I never want it to end..." he added, one hand going out to stroke through Saffron's hair. "Still think I'm joking?"

"Its just...for one thing... Saffron's...I never thought he was comfortable with the whole change, but the way you say it… making a gorgeous girl...is Saffron dressing like a girl? For two...you never struck me as the type to be into boys...especially extremely feminine boys...and I think everyone else had the same idea..." Lex's tone was soft and hesitant and even submissive, like he knew he was in trouble...

Saffron reached up with a hand, caressing Matt's cheek a moment, his eyes still sparkling, before he let that hand drop down. He fumbled with Matt's belt, trying to ignore and not show the trembling in his hands as he undid it, before finally getting it undone, along with Matt's jeans. Glancing back up at him with a wickedly coy smirk, he slipped a hand inside.

Matt listened to Lex as he watched Saffron, his fingers still trailing over his hair. He closed his eyes as Saffron’s hand closed over him and it took a moment for him to remember he was on the phone. "Lex... you're right... I was never into boys. But I love Saffron. I don’t care if he's a boy or not... he's who I want to share my life with." he said, trying to keep his mind on the conversation as he stroked Saffron’s hair lightly. He hadn't meant to talk to Lex... just joke or tease him.. but now that he was talking to him... he felt a need to make him understand. "You're the only one who knows this, Lex. Saff and I are planning on being a family and raising Destin together. But if you feel the need to tell someone that Saff is involved with someone... just say it's a tall handsome brunette... if they demand anything further... say it's Destin's uncle Matt...." he said with a soft chuckle.

Lex snorted softly, quiet for a moment, "I suppose it's a good thing you do love him...he's been in love with you for a while...I don't suppose he's told you about the change next year..?"

Saffron continued to caress Matt for a moment, looking up at him, while he talked and stroked his hair. Then Saffron leaned down, at the same time freeing Matt from his jeans, letting his lips brush lightly over the hard length of him.

Matt bit back a moan as Saffron’s lips touched him. "Hey Red... I gotta go... it's Saff's turn to seduce me and .. fuck… I'm going to give him my full attention. Why don’t you go slip over to the cowboys and try a little seducing yourself..." he added with a smirk. "Don’t sweat it okay? We're making long term plans here, kid... even talked about more kids later on... I'll take good care of him, red... don’t worry okay?"

"I hope so...he's going to need some one to take care of him, all the trouble he gets himself into." Lex said dryly. "Bye..." He added softly, not even about to reply to Matt's suggestion; not that he wasn't sorely tempted to take it.

Saffron raised his eyes again, watching Matt, his eyes sparkling and that wicked smirk still in place, as he let the tip of his tongue run down the length of him, before licking up the underside, then letting his tongue lick at the tip of him.

Matt moaned deeply, his fingers slipping through Saffron’s hair, then for some reason he was suddenly struck by a thought and chuckled. "Oh fuck… what's MacDonnell's number...? Quick... please tell me you know it..." he said. "I want to send him running to Lex's...."

"Wicked, Matt..." Saffron replied softly, almost in a purr, but he gave him Nate's number anyway, holding off on taking him in his mouth yet, just stroking him with feather light touches. If it worked...Lex was likely to thank Matt...

Matt just stared at him a moment in shock before quickly dialing, "Fuck… I can’t believe you actually know his number... should I be worried?" he asked with a slight smirk. When an irritable Nate answered the phone a moment later, Matt didn’t even give him a chance to finish saying hello. "MacDonnell... shut up and listen. Saff just got off the phone with Lex and we really think you need to get over to his place right now." he said, as seriously as he could... not that Saffron was helping. "Just... whatever the fuck you’re doing... drop it and go... he needs you." he said then quickly hung up before he could give himself away. "Think they'll invite me to the wedding?" he asked with a chuckle, tossing the phone aside before leaning down and stealing a kiss. "Ready for bed yet?"

Saffron smirked, kissing him back playfully, and continued to stroke him. "Not yet..." He replied softly with a purr, "And you might get a thank you from Lex..." He added, before leaning back down, letting his tongue run over him again, before taking him in his mouth.


~~

*** Click here to read about Lex & Nate ***
~~


Matt smirked softly then let his head fall back with a soft moan, his fingers slipping through Saffron's hair. "Gods... this is almost as big a dream come true as last night was... Bigger, actually... had this one longer..." he added huskily as he let his eyes close.

Saffron raised an eyebrow, pausing in his torture for a moment. "Is that so..? Well lets see if I can live up to the dreams." He replied softly, before going back down. He took the length of Matt in his mouth, as much as he could, letting him slide in and out slowly, as he sucked and licked gently.

Matt smiled around another deep moan, his fingers tightening in Saffron's hair before he made himself relax them again. "Fuck... sweet heart... every moment with you today has been a dream come to true... and they've all blown me away..." he broke off speaking with another moan, his hips rising off the seat. "Holy shit..." he gasped, look down at him as soon as he could catch his breath again. "I don’t want to know where you learned that... but I'm really fucking glad you did..." he added softly.

Saffron smirked faintly, around what he was doing, and increased his efforts. He closed his eyes with a faint whimper, taking him in as far as he could, before the length of him hit his gag reflex, then let him slide out, switching tricks. He'd never really cared to do this for anyone else, but he wanted to for Matt...he opened his eyes, looking up at him through his lashes.

Matt found his control quickly slipping beyond his grasp and it was taking more and more concentration to just stay sitting and passive, and not accidentally pull Saffron's hair. "Oh shit... angel... fuck you're killing me here..." he muttered with a smirk, his eyes closed as he managed to slid his hands out of Saffron’s hair and down to his shoulders instead. "I'm not lasting if you keep that up... barely holding on now..."

That only seemed to encourage Saffron even more and he increased his efforts to make him cum. He had to admit, part of him had wanted to do this to Matt before...there had been a few times when close together, that he'd had the guilty thought of just dropping to his knees then...Thinking about that made him blush, but he didn't stop or let up. He moved one hand up, placing his fingers on Matt's lips to silence him.

Matt let his eyes close again as he caught hold of Saffron's finger and sucked on it playfully a moment before letting it go. He hadn't been kidding when he'd said he wouldn't last long; he'd become really good at controlling his climax so he could last longer, but nothing seemed to work for long with Saffron. His hands slid back up through Saffron’s hair and held his head as his control slipped away completely. "Oh gods... Saff.." he gasped as he couldn’t help but thrust  upward enough to meet each of Saffron's moves. A moment later he felt his orgasm slam into him almost as strong as it had last night, bringing a strangled cry from him as he tried to cut it off at the last minute so not to wake Destin.

Saffron took everything Matt had to give, for the first time not minding in the least. He eased himself away, sitting back and getting off his knees, since the kitchen floor was a bit hard. He brushed the hair out of his face and leaned back on a hand, looking up at Matt. "I take it you enjoyed that?" He asked softly, playfully.

Matt smirked softly and held out a hand to him, patting his knee with the other hand. "Fuck yeah... beyond dreams  angel... way beyond..." he said softly.

Saffron smirked a bit more before moving, taking his hand and sliding on to Matt's knee, slipping his arms around Matt's neck and kissing him. "You have no idea how many times I've actually wanted to do that..." He said softly behind the kisses. "Now you'll have to help me remember the rest of last night..."

Matt smirked softly and moved to kiss his throat lightly. "Let me catch my breath and I'll start by carrying you up to bed again..." he said, letting his arms wrap around him. "If you don’t mind... I'd think I'd rather go a bit slower tonight... you were pretty set on fast and hard last night and.... as fabulous as it was... I want more."

Saffron actually blushed at that. "I must have been drunk then..." He replied softly. "Trust me, I won’t complain if you want to take it slow..." He added, letting the fingers of one hand slid through Matt's hair. He rather missed the blue already.

Matt smirked again and kissed him slowly, licking and sucking playfully at Saffron’s lips before kissing him fully. Within no time he could feel himself hard again and he broke the kiss with a soft laugh. "Everything locked and turned off except the lights in here, right?" he asked as he set Saffron on his feet long enough to stand up.

Saffron snorted softly. "Of course." He replied, bending over to retrieve the high heels, and not caring about the skirt riding up more then it already was. He grabbed the phone, hanging it up as well.

Matt shut off the light, plunging the downstairs into darkness with only the moon and streetlights outside providing any illumination. He slipped up behind Saffron and kissed his neck. "In that case... time for bed..." he said huskily with another brush of his lips against Saffron’s neck before scooping him up into his arms. "You decided if I can live with you yet? Or are you holding out until after the main performance...?" he asked playfully as he headed to the stairs, climbing quietly.

Saffron snorted softly, some how glad he hardly weighed much, since Matt was carrying him. "I never said you couldn't live with me...But if you want a full answer later, I'll tell you then..." He replied softly, sparing a glance at Destin's room at the top of the stairs, knowing the boy was still asleep.

Matt smirked softly. "When I suggested it, you said you wanted to wait until after you'd slept with me and could remember it..." he said quietly as he headed into the bedroom and set Saffron on the bed with a kiss before quickly slipping across the hall to check on Destin and partially close his door, before doing the same to theirs as he returned.

"Yus, I know what I said," Saffron said softly, when Matt had returned. He'd already gotten out of the skirt and blouse, leaving him in a pair of dark purple satin hipsters and a short white satin cami that he'd worn under the blouse. "But I never said no either..." He added. "So ask me again, after you fuck me."

Matt just stared at him a moment before smiling softly and starting to get undressed himself. "I'm not going to fuck you... did that last night. Tonight is going to be much much more than just fucking you..." he said softly.

Saffron slipped off the bed long enough to turn, pulling down the blankets this time. "I won’t complain either way..." he replied softly, blushing faintly. Once he had the blankets down, he pulled off the cami, the black wings on his back visible, the ends of the wings disappearing behind the material of the panties on his butt.

Matt stripped down quickly and completely as he watched Saffron, then slipped up behind him and pulled him close. "My angel..." he whispered softly in his ear as he ran his hands over Saffron's bare chest, pressing him back against his erection. "My beautiful, sexy dark angel..."

Saffron smiled slightly, leaning back against Matt, reaching behind him with one hand to caress Matt's cheek. "I've never been anyone's angel, Matt." He said softly. He kicked himself for not remembering the night before, but at the same time knowing this was all he'd wanted for awhile. It'd been getting so hard to just be Matt's friend...

"You're mine, Saffron." he said sincerely, letting one hand slip down to caress the satin covered bulge. "You've always been my angel...  even when I was too chicken shit to say so..."

Saffron's eyes drifted closed and he had to lay his head back on Matt's shoulder, entirely glad Matt was holding him up. The words `I love you’ wanted to escape, but he couldn't seem to get them out and he had no idea why he was holding back for now. He whimpered softly, turning his face inward, kissing Matt's neck.

Matt let his eyes close for a moment as he felt Saff's lips on the neck, even as he let his own hand slip inside the satin shorts and start to ease them down as he stroked the skin beneath. "I want to wake up with you in my arms every morning, Saff. " he said softly, pushing the satin far enough that they feel the rest of the way on their own before his hand returned to caressing him.

Saffron moaned softly, fighting with himself to tell him how he felt, but he held off just a little longer. He leaned back against Matt, letting his body rub against him, half not able to believe it felt so fantastic and so very right to be like this with him.

"I love you, Saff." Matt whispered softly in his ear before sweeping him off his feet and carrying him to the bed. "In case you don’t remember me telling you that already..." he added as he unhooked the satin underwear from where they hung off of Saffron's ankle, and tossed them to the floor before slipping into bed beside him.

"I don't remember...but it doesn't make it any less wonderful, hearing you say it..." Saffron replied softly, catching Matt in a deep, hungry kiss; one that certainly gave his feelings away with out having to say anything yet.

Matt kissed him back just as hungrily, letting his fingers stroke over Saffron's chest teasingly, pausing to toy with each nipple. He didn't think he could be happier than he was right then, and didn't miss hearing Saffron say he loved him in return, simply because it wasn't anything he'd ever heard or expected to hear, aside from Saffron’s rather drunken confession the night before. The way Saffron looked at him and touched him and kissed him was more then enough proof of what he meant to the Death elemental.

Saffron moaned softly behind the kiss, having to break it finally for a breath of air, gasping softly. He squirmed slightly under Matt's touch. "What ever I did last night...I'm glad I did it..." He whispered breathlessly, leaning into kiss and nuzzle Matt's neck.

"Me too." Matt agreed softly, letting his fingers stroke down over Saffron's ribs and over his hip to caress his back side lightly. "And I tried so fucking hard to stop you too... what a fucking moron I was..." he said with a soft chuckle. "Really glad I caved... not that you were giving me much choice..."

Saffron actually blushed, hiding his face against Matt's shoulder for a moment. "I'm having trouble picturing myself being so...demanding..." He replied softly with a faint smirk, the faintest giggle escaping him. "I've always submitted to some one else..."

"Hmm... " Matt said with a soft smirk as he held him, his hands till stroking over his backside lightly. "You weren't really demanding.. just ... insistent…" he said with a chuckle before sliding his hand between Saffron’s thighs and pulling him closer, his thumb rubbing over his opening lightly. "It was sexy as hell... and extremely cute... if I hadn't been trying so hard to peel you off of me, I'd have enjoyed it a hell of a lot..."

More of a giggle escaped Saffron, who shook his head, pulling back enough to look up at Matt. "And you were actually trying to pull me off of you...? Hmph...I won’t tell any one YOU tried to turn down sex..." He said softly with a smirk, before his eyes fluttered closed, a soft whimper escaping him at Matt's touch.

"They'd never believe you anyhow." Matt said simply. "They won’t believe you instigated things between us, either... no doubt once they learn of us they'll assume I took advantage of you in a weak moment..." he added with a rueful smirk before kissing him hungrily. "Doesn’t matter... You're mine... that’s all that matters."

"Hmm...there’s a part of me that wouldn't have cared if you had or not, Matt..." Saffron breathed behind the kiss, pressing against him. "I've wanted to be with you for to long..."

Matt smirked softly, rolling over and pressing Saffron into the bed beneath him. "Like I said....the how doesn’t matter. All that matters is we're together now. The way we're supposed to be. " he added softly, kissing him passionately as he rubbed his erection against Saffron’s lightly.

A soft moan escaped Saffron who pressed up against him at his move. "Don't let me push you away, Matt...ever..." Saffron replied breathlessly, kissing him back just as passionately.

"Not a chance, Saff. I'm never letting you go." Matt said softly, his tone serious. "I would go completely psycho stalker if you left me…" he added with a soft laugh as he shifted above him, pulling Saffron's legs around him so he could settle between them better. "Plus... we ever split up… you know Destin will choose me... and you can't leave the kid, so you're just fucking stuck with me."

Saffron snorted softly, wrapping his legs around Matt's waist. "So cruel of you to use Destin like that, but I know he would..." Saffron replied softly, but smiled faintly. "I'm glad he's taken to you..." He added softly, kissing him tenderly.

"Yeah... me too." Matt admitted with a soft smile. "Something else no will EVER fucking believe... me with a kid that LIKES me…" he added with a soft chuckle. "Two if you count Bob." he added with a wink and let his hand slip between them and wrap around Saffron's shaft, stroking gently as he kissed him again. "Enough talking... we'll end up waking the kid and ruin all our fun for the night..."

"Then stop talking..." Saffron managed to reply with a soft moan, squirming slightly, with a bit of an arch at Matt's touch. It was hard to believe he'd ended up with a lover who gave a damn about rather he was enjoying it or not...

Matt chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling as he leaned down to kiss him and whisper in his ear. "Yes ma'am." playfully before reached over to the bedside drawer and pulling out one of his purchases from earlier that day. Kneeling above him, Matt opened the small vial of scented massage oil and the room was suddenly filled with the scent of jasmine and sandalwood, bringing a soft smirk to his face as he poured a small amount into one hand and set the vial aside before briskly rubbing his hands together to warm them. Watching Saffron’s face, he wrapped one oil slick hand around Saffron's erection, while the other slipped lower, caressing and stroking in time with the other hand.

Saffron inhaled sharply, not even bothering to retort to being called ma'am, arching a bit more off the bed. His eyes fluttered closed, a soft whimper escaping. He gripped the sheets tightly with one hand, the other gripping the pillow under his head.

"Don’t worry, angel..." Matt said softly, a wicked smirk on his face as he slipped an oil slicked finger inside him. "I'll make damned sure you remember tonight..."

Saffron bit his lip rather hard, moaning. He pushed back against Matt's finger, twisting and squirming slightly. "Gods...Matt..." He moaned softy, half glad he didn't remember the night before.

"Don’t hold back, sweetheart." Matt said softly, slipping a second finger inside as he watched Saffron's face. "Just go with it..." he added softly.

Saffron wondered if he'd be able to catch his breath at any point, but the way Matt was going, he doubted it. He whimpered in reply to Matt, pushing back against his fingers. He could already feel the first climax building. He supposed it was only fair since he had tortured Matt down stairs...

Matt smirked softly and bent down to flick his tongue over the tip of Saffron’s erection where it was still fairly oil free. "Remember... sleeping kid..." he said softly before repeating the move slower, neither hand slowing in its work.

Saffron gritted his teeth, clutching at the sheets and pillow even more, twisting the material. "Don't tease..." He whimpered breathlessly, twisting more. Matt was going to drive him crazy...though not in a bad way...

"Hmm... can dish it out but not take it?" Matt asked playfully, giving a final lick before sitting back. He continued stroking Saffron slowing as he pulled his other fingers free, then paused long enough to get a bit more oil. Then with one hand wrapped back around Saffron, he began to stroke his own erection as well, the slick feel of the oil against him bringing a moan.

Saffron moaned softly, but finally opened his eyes to look up at Matt. "That's not the point..." He replied breathlessly, but his eyes were sparkling. "I just want more...I want you..." Saffron added.

Matt smirked softly. "It's coming... don’t be so fucking impatient..." he said playfully, his eyes sparkling even as he  rubbed the head of his shaft against him, pushing slightly inside before pulling back out. "Even sober your fucking demanding..." he said teasingly, enjoy the way Saffron arched against him. Leaning down to kiss him softly, Matt slid back inside him, trying not to lose the rhythm his other hand had taken on.

Saffron snorted softly behind the kiss, a faint smirk coming to him. "Deal with it, you make me feel good… I want more of that..." He replied softly, before kissing him back, pressing against him.

Matt kissed him again, letting go so he could take hold of Saffron’s hips and left him a bit, letting him slide in all the way. "Oh fuck..." he said softly, sucking on Saffron’s lip playfully. "Love how you feel..." he whispered softly, before he wrapped his fingers back around Saffron again.

Saffron had no idea how he was going to hang on any longer, since he'd already felt the orgasm approaching anyway. He moaned softly, arching a bit more, keeping his legs wrapped around Matt's hips and slipped his arms around his neck, kissing him hungrily.

Matt could feel the tension in Saffron’s body, and knew he was fighting a climax. He gripped him a bit tighter, letting his thumb rub over the tip of him. "Stop fighting it baby.... cum for me..." he whispered huskily before kissing him again, letting his thrusts sped up a bit in time with his hand.

Saffron struggled to breathe, his eyes closed. His hands had slipped down to Matt's shoulders and back, his nails already scratching. He whimpered, still trying to fight it but at the same time, loosing control.

Matt moaned at the feel of Saffron's nails on his back and gave him a light squeeze. "Cum for me, angel..." he whispered huskily, kissing him again before leaning back to shift the pace to something closer to last nights, knowing Saffron wouldn't be able to hold on past that... the only question was whether he himself could or not.

Saffron's nails dug in a little more at that, another whimper escaping him and he arched up a little more against Matt. It didn't take long, before he gave a soft cry as he came.

Matt eased off on the hard pace as soon as Saff came, going back to slow deep thrusts as he kissed him just as slowly and deeply. He savored the taste of him as much as the feel of the scratches he'd left on his back, loving every ripple of after-shock that went through the body beneath him. "That's better... thank you baby..." he said softly as he let him catch a breath before going back to the slow sensual kiss.

Saffron struggled to catch his breath, though it was coming a bit easier. Though it didn't seem like the orgasm was going to completely go away, he was pretty sure it was already building again. But he kissed Matt back, in the same way, slow and sensual.

Matt moaned into the kiss as he rubbed an oil slick hand over Saffron’s chest, pinching the nipple he encountered teasingly. With another soft moan, he broke the kiss and dropped his head to catch the other delicate bud of flesh between his teeth and bit lightly before nuzzling at it.

Saffron moaned softly, squirming a bit, his fingers still on Matt's shoulders and he let his nails graze lightly over the same scratches, though one hand slipped up to tangle gently in Matt's hair.

Matt lifted his head to catch Saffron’s mouth with his again, abandoning the careful slow pace for a faster but no less satisfying one. "Tell me what you want, angel.." Matt whispered between kisses.

Saffron whimpered softly, slightly frustrated, since he really couldn't think of anything to say in reply. He couldn't form a legible thought. "Just you..." He whimpered softly, kissing him back.

"You have me, angel…" he said softly. "For as long as you want me and then some...." he added, with another kiss then slid one hand down to caress Saffron’s thigh and lift his leg a bit higher before increasing his pace once again, no longer wanting to hold back.

Saffron arched more again him, with a moan, his nails biting a little bit more. He couldn't hold back on saying it any more. "Gods...I love you, Matt...I do..." He whimpered softly.

Matt felt his eyes suddenly start to sting at hearing him say it fully sober and aware of the words... and knew he meant it. "Fuck... that sound so...wonderful.." he whispered softly before kissing him hard and letting go, taking himself over that edge with enough force that he cried out before remembering they weren't alone. Gasping for breath with his heart pounding loudly, he wrapped his arms around Saffron and just lay there waiting for any sound that he'd done the unthinkable and woken Destin.

Saffron managed to catch his breath, though his heart was pounding as he listened closely for any sound from Destin's room, but there wasn't which meant the boy slept on. After a few minutes, Saffron laughed softly, and snuggled against Matt. "Welcome to being a parent..." He said softly.

Matt gave a soft groan that melted into a breathless chuckle. "Damn... that would've been fucking embarrassing as hell..." he said softly before kissing him again and shifting over onto his side. "I'm ruining the sheets... going to have oil stains everywhere..." he said with a wry smirk.

Saffron snorted softly with a faint smirk. "Can change the sheets in the morning." He said softly. He sighed, comfortable. "You know...it wouldn't be so bad...Living here I mean. It's a plus for Destin...he's familiar with the house...and town...and it's...really a chance for me to get away from everything back in Boston...and every one..."

"So we wait to see if Corey left you guys the place.. and if he didn't... we check with a realtor to find another one." Matt said simply, pulling Saffron against him and getting comfortable. "Although I can't see him leaving you the kid and not the house for the kid to live in..." he added with a soft smirk.

"I pretty much think the house was left to either Destin or I...its not like Corey to buy an investment like that and not put it in his will." Saffron said softly, snuggling against Matt. He was quiet for a moment, "But are you sure you'd want to give up the church?" He asked softly.

"It's just a building, Saff. It was a home when I needed one... but now I have you." he said softly. "I'll miss the place, yeah... but that's part of moving. You always miss what you leave behind... even if you weren't that happy with it." he said softly. "I don't have to sell it right away... can hold onto it for a while if you want.... we can use it as a vacation house or something. Or I can just rent it out. I don’t have to sell it. Not sure what would piss Rosemary off more... me selling the place to someone else... me renting the place out... or me moving you and Destin in .." he said with a soft laugh.

Saffron snorted softly, a faint smile on his lips, loving the feel of snuggling in Matt's arms. "I suppose the only other question now, is about continuing to work for Chaos Inc...Though I'm well aware if I stay here with Destin, it's going to piss my father off..."

"Screw him." Matt said softly. "If we do move here...we'll just quit. Between the two of us I'm sure we have enough money to carry us until we find jobs. Especially if I sell or rent the church out... that'll be some income... plus I have my writing. We'll be fine without them. Probably better off for Destin too without one or both of us running off on dangerous assignments and shit...." he said with a snort. "Nah.... better to make a clean break and start fresh. Just the three of us."

"I can't say I don't like the idea..." Saffron said softly, "I mean...of just breaking all ties there...and starting over here...with you...and Destin..." Saffron replied softly, yawning. "Having a family like that..."

Matt nuzzled his neck softly as he thought a moment. "I want to pop back down town in the morning." he said softly, trying to remember when the store hours had stated they opened. He'd looked but hadn't gone in at the time. "So if I'm not here when you get up... I either went for a run or to the store. Depends on whether Destin is up then too." he said softly.

Saffron frowned slightly. "Alright...I'll probably be swamped with a lot of stuff anyway...last minute details and all..." He replied softly. "If he is up, maybe you can take him with you..."

"If I do, the car will be gone. Unless you'd rather I leave you a note..?" he asked softly. "This should really suck, you know... here I am actually expecting to wake up early... you two have ruined me." he said with a soft chuckle before kissing his ear. "Get some sleep, baby. If we are gone... we won’t be long. "

Saffron snorted softly. "Just leave me a note letting me know you've gone. If anything I'll just call your cell phone." Saffron replied softly. "I won’t worry too much. As for ruining you...you get to be a parent now...get used to it."

Matt smiled softly at that and buried his face in Saffron’s hair. "Yeah... now shut up and go to sleep before I run the risk of waking the kid up..." he said softly, letting his own eyes close as he held him. "Having a gorgeous naked angel pressed up tight against me is still a new experience... you keep me awake too long and I'll have to enjoy it some more...."

That brought a soft giggle from Saffron who blushed slightly, but snuggled more against Matt, making himself comfortable and closing his eyes. It really didn't take him long to fall asleep. As he drifted off, he sighed softly. "Love you..."

Matt smiled softly. "I love you too, angel." he whispered, kissing his ear gently before letting himself relax into sleep.

~~



Just like he'd expected, Matt woke up early. Being careful not to wake Saffron, he grabbed a quick shower and got dressed then headed down stairs to put some coffee on. If Destin hadn't woken up by the time he'd finished breakfast, he'd head out on his own.

It wasn't long before Destin made his way down stairs, still dragging Bob with him, still in his pjs and made his way to the kitchen. He stopped in the door way with Bob, looking at Matt a moment. "Llo." He said with a childish yawn and smile.

Matt looked over from where he'd been making a couple simple toasted peanut butter sandwiches. "Morning, Des... Bob. You hungry? I've got peanut butter toast made... or I can make you something else....." he offered.

"That's fine..." Destin said, with a yawn, but made his way over to the table, pushing out a chair, and climbing on to it with Bob. "Where's Saffy?" Destin asked, swinging his feet from the chair, Bob planted in his lap.

Matt set one of the sandwiches on small plate and set it down in front of him before tossing  in a couple more slices of bread for another sandwich. He leaned back against the cupboard as he waited for them. "Still sleeping..." Matt said simply taking a bite of his sandwich. "I'm going to run back down town to get something for her. You want to come with me? It's a surprise though, so if you stay, you can't tell her..."

Destin blinked, watching him a moment, before eating on his breakfast. "What kind of surprise..." He asked, looking back up at him.

Matt blushed slightly as he finished swallowing a bite of sandwich. "You promise not to tell?" he asked softly, lowering his voice in case Saffron had woken up. Destin considered it a moment before nodding and Matt smirked. "I want to buy her a ring. She's not ready to actually marry me or anything, but... since we're going to living together as a family anyhow... I'd like her to have one." he said softly. "You want to come with me or stay here and watch cartoons until Saffy wakes up?"

Destin looked thoughtful for a moment while he ate. "Are you going to get married?" He asked after a moment, looking back up at Matt innocently.

"I don’t know. If we do... I don’t think it'll be for a while. But once we live together for a while, everyone considers you married anyhow... And all that really matters to me is being with her." he said honestly. "I just thought it would be nice for her to have a ring from me."

"Rings are good things. Girls think they're pretty..." Destin replied as he finished eating. "My parents weren't really married, but daddy always said they were..." he added as if it made sense to him. "Weddings are icky anyway...you have to wear a suit..."

Matt smirked. "Yeah... so unless Saffy really wants to have a wedding... we can just be sort of married without one." he said, turning to make his other sandwich. "You want something to drink? I saw milk and some sort of juice in the fridge... Think you're a bit young for coffee or I'd pour you a cup." he said with a wink.

Destin grinned at that. "Milk please." He replied simply. "I went to a wedding last year...I had to carry the rings...It was boring...they talked a lot..." He added, shifting Bob.

Matt got Destin a cup of milk and returned to finish off his second sandwich and drink his coffee. "Well, we'll just get the ring and leave the talking for now. How's that?" he asked and Destin nodded in agreement. Matt chuckled softly. "So... if you want to come with me, as soon as you're done that, go brush your teeth and get dressed so we can go. You think you'll need help?" Matt asked, suddenly remembering the shoes from the other day.

~  ~

Saffron tried to rearrange all the contents of the fridge, since tons of people had dropped by all morning, with food, and to meet Corey's sister in law. The counter was buried beneath a layer of covered dishes; four different kinds of chicken, three different kinds of beef, tons of veggies and a shit load of deserts; everything from tarts to cobbler, cake and pudding.

He'd woken up, put laundry on and started to do some cleaning, dressed in a pair of  rather short cotton shorts, suited for house work and the likes, and Matt's t-shirt from the night before. Stretching too far up, would revealed a flash of knickers and skin, and he'd felt a little bad for meeting all the people at the door while dressed that way. Matt and Destin had been gone for a while, but Saffron wasn't worried.

Matt held open the door for Destin  before slipping inside himself. The boy already had his shoes off and was wiggling out of his coat; Bob was slumped on the floor next to him waiting patiently. Matt chuckled softly as he helped Destin, and handed him the gift bag. "Here... sounds like Saffy is in the kitchen... Why don’t you go give her your gift and soften her up a bit for me, alright?" he asked quietly. After the stop at the jewelry store, they'd popped into Walmart for Matt to get a couple things, including a new dress shirt to wear to the service; he'd decided that the one he'd brought probably wouldn't go over any better then the blue hair would've. Destin had spotted a necklace at the jewelry counter on the way out and gone to look, and they'd ended up buying an antiqued silver heart-shaped locket with a rose etched onto it with the word 'mom' inscribed beside it.

Destin grinned, taking the bag and grabbing Bob, totting him along as he headed for the kitchen at a run. Saffron turned from putting a couple dishes in the fridge at the sound small running footsteps and watched Destin run into the kitchen. He headed straight for Saffron, grinning broadly, who was able to catch him with out being knocked over. "And what are you so happy about?" Saffron asked him with a smirk.

Destin held up the gift bag. "This is for you...I picked it out." Destin said still grinning. "It’s a surprise...and dad has a surprise too." Destin added in a rather too loud whisper.

Saffron blinked, at Destin calling Matt dad, but decided not to correct Destin. "Oh really?" Saffron replied, heading over to the table with Destin and sitting down. Destin sat on his knee, watching Saffron open the bag and find the locket. Saffron blinked, surprised, but...happy. "You picked this out, huh?" He asked Destin. Destin nodded. Saffron smiled softly, before kissing the boy on the forehead. "Thank you."

Matt hung their coats up, then took his own boots off and left them beside Destin’s. He set the bags containing his clothes on the bottom step to be taken up later and headed into the kitchen. He watched Destin and Saffron a moment before heading over. "Need a hand?" he asked, holding out a hand for the locket so he could put it on him.

"Yus, please." Saffron said softly, handing Matt the locket. Destin giggled and slid off Saffron's lap, heading for the fridge and opening it.

"Oh wow..." Destin said, seeing all the containers and covered dishes full of food.

Saffron laughed softly. "In case you haven't noticed," He said to Matt, "I think we're good on food for a few more days."

Matt glanced over and saw the over flowing fridge... then spotted the containers lined up on the counter as well. "Damn." he said with a soft smirk as he fastened the chain around Saffron's neck. "There... you can find a photo to put in it later if you want... or Des says you can have a piece of his hair." Matt said with a chuckle. "Hey Des... what do you think... think you got her softened up enough for me now? Or should I wait?"

Saffron smirked slightly. "Every one's been dropping in this morning while you two were gone. I'd just get back to the kitchen, when some one would ring the bell again." He replied.

Destin shut the fridge and headed back toward them, and nodded at Matt's question. "Yep."

Matt smirked softly. "Then I guess I'd better make this quick before someone else shows up." he said simply before pulling the box out of his pocket and flipping it open. Inside were two matching rings of 'braided' antiqued silver; the smaller of the two bore a small diamond and onyx setting. "I uh... was just going to get the one, but..." he gave a slight shrug, blushing. "I know you said you're not ready to get married and that's fine. Really. But if we're living together anyhow, pretty soon we'll be common law husband and wife anyhow, so.. I figured... why not go with it? Wear rings, introduce you as my wife... should keep some of the guys off of you..." he babbled on softly.

Saffron blinked in surprise, eyes wide, staring at the rings a moment. He could hear Destin giggling near the chair. He forced himself to look up at Matt. For a moment, he couldn't say anything, before replying softly. "They're beautiful...I love it..." He blushed, but raised a hand, letting his fingers brush over the smaller ring. "I'd be happy to wear it..."

Matt looked up in surprise, having convinced himself Saff would have a reason to turn it down. "Yeah?" he asked, a grin breaking out on his face as he set the box down and plucked the smaller ring from it. "Then I guess I'd better make sure it fits... if not, the guy said he could have it resized by tomorrow at the latest..." he said, slipping it on Saffron’s finger.

The ring fit perfectly and Saffron watched him slip the ring on his finger, marveling at it. "It really is beautiful..." He said softly, looking at it a moment, before looking up at Matt. "Thank you..." He added, blushing. Destin hugged his legs at that moment, still holding Bob. "I guess this means I'll be introducing you tomorrow to everyone as my husband..."

Matt snatched out the second ring and pressed it into Saffron's hand. "You don’t get to do that until you put this on me." he said with a smirk, his eyes dancing.

Saffron smirked slightly, turning the ring over in his hand a moment, before he took Matt's hand and slipped the ring on to his finger. "Just think about every one's reactions in Boston now..." Saffron said with a slight smirk.

Matt snorted, but rather then reply, he leaned in and kissed him, earning a round of giggles from Destin. "So... Are we Saffron Azreal and Matt Hogan? Or Mr. and Mrs. Hogan?" he asked lightly. "Perfectly acceptable to keep your own name... easy enough to change it too..."

"I think for a little while, I'll stick with my own name; at least until all this paper work is done over Destin. Then I'll change it." Saffron replied softly, his left hand caressing Matt's cheek. Destin merely hugged his legs tighter.

Matt smirked softly. "Yeah... figured that would be the way to go. " he said, stealing another kiss. "Alright.. so, Des.. we've got our woman all claimed and decked out in jewelry. What do you say we send her up stairs to soak in a bubble bath or something like that while we ransack the goodies?'

Destin giggled again, before turning and heading back to the fridge. Saffron snorted softly, eyeing both Matt and Destin. "Trying to get rid of me?" Saffron asked playfully. "I do need to shave my legs before tomorrow though."

Matt grinned and laughed softly. "Then go. That way you won’t see all the crap we're about to eat and so can’t complain." he said with a smirk. "Feel free to call me to inspect them when you're done so I can let you know if they're smooth enough."

Saffron snorted softly, "I'll keep that in mind." He replied before getting up. "You should find plenty to eat, there's a large variety. Just don't let Destin eat any desert before eating something for lunch." he added, tealing a kiss.

Matt pouted. "But that WAS going to be lunch." he said in a slight whine, a smirk on his face then chuckled and gave Saffron’s rear end a playful whack. "I'm joking... go on. We'll eat sensible stuff before we raid the desserts... and I'll fend off any more visitors." he said softly. "Need to do something to distract me from joining you in the bath..."

"Hmm, can't think about that; you have the responsibility of watching a four year old." Saffron replied over his shoulder with a smirk. "You can join me in a bath later." He added, leaving the kitchen to head back upstairs.

Matt watched him go with a smirk before joining Destin at the fridge. "So.. what do we have?" he asked, beginning to check dishes until he found some that they both decided were what they wanted and went to heat up their lunch. While it was heating up, they peeked into the living room and listened for Saffron, then raided a tub of homemade butter tarts and squares off the counter.


~~

Funeral homes were some of the places Saffron hated being in. They arrived early since there was a viewing before the casket was taken to the church down the street for a memorial service; from there, Mr. Strauss would have it moved to Boston. Saffron had decided on one last grave side service in Boston, for the friends Corey had there who couldn't make it here. Saffron was kneeling by the door, trying to straighten Destin's tie; the boy kept pulling at it and trying to get it undone. "Destin...I promise you'll only have to wear it today, just for a few hours." Saffron said with a tired sigh.

Destin pouted. "It’s itchy." He whined.

Saffron snorted softly; he would have loved to know where the black on black suit in Destin's size had come from. It was so in Corey's taste, and Destin reminded Saffron a lot of Shane right now, since Shane hated ties. Saffron himself was in a black pencil skirted dress with a bollero jacket. It still gave off the illusion of curves, though that might have been helped along by the padded bra. Stockings and vintage heels finished it off, and true to Corey's sense of humor, Saffron had pinned up his hair, and worn a forties style black hat. He had the feeling Corey and Shane were no doubt laughing their asses off, and it brought a smile to Saffron's face to think about that.

Matt stood behind Saffron, scowling slightly as he tugged at his own tie. Destin had sulked and moped and pointed out that 'dad' wasn't wearing one... so Saffron had raided Corey's closet and found one for him. At the moment, the only thing that felt like him, was that fact that most of what he was wearing was black, with the exception of the dark purple dress shirt. His dark brown hair was pulled back in a loose pony tail that still hid his ears unless he turned too sharply, which meant that the winged skull ring in his one ear was fully visible. The gold rings on the other ear were fine, as was the cuff, but he knew he was going to get looks about wearing a skull to a funeral, but he was uncomfortable enough in the suit and being here; He hadn't been to an actual funeral since his cousins.

Destin sighed, but decided he'd behave for now. "Thank you Destin." Saffron said about him behaving, before standing. He glanced toward the coffin a moment, still unable to believe that was Corey laying there. With a sigh he turned away, and found a tall man stepping into the room. He was good looking and had dark brown hair, almost Matt's color. He stepped past the three of them walking to the coffin and looked down a moment. Before turning and walking back toward them, his gaze focused soley on Saffron. "You must be Corey's sister in law, Saffron." He man said.

"Yus. I'm Shane's little sister." Saffron answered.

"I'm James Cavallaro. Corey and I were...close."

Matt's eye brow raised at the name. He hadn't heard it in almost two decades and the odds of it being the same one... He stepped up behind Saffron and slipped his hand around his waist, Destin was already clinging to his other hand, sulking a bit at having to leave Bob at home. He looked the man over and immediately recognized the resemblance to his uncle... which meant the guy HAD to be the same James. "How's Nonna?" he asked softly in Italian, watching the man for his reaction.

James looked taken back a moment, his gaze turning to Matt and eyed him, before answering in Italian. "The same as always; still matriarch of the family."

Saffron raised an eyebrow, turning enough to glance back at Matt with a questioning look, before looking back at James. "Corey never really talked about friends up here..." Saffron said.

James looked back at him. "He certainly talked about you." James replied.

Matt snorted softly. "Really... and did he mention me as well?" he asked softly, doing his best to be civil. As a child, James was one of the cousins who would tease and torment him to no end. Not that Matt took it... James had eaten his fair share of dirt and bled on enough school informs. He had the idea though that James hadn't recognized him. Rather surprising with his resemblance to his father and his eyes.. James had always loved teasing about his eyes and ears.

"That depends; who are you?" James replied slightly sarcastic.

Saffron heard some one else coming into the room and glanced back to see the lawyer, Mr. Strauss. "Oh good," Mr. Strauss said. "I wanted to tell you the will was relatively short and could be dealt with here, before the memorial service if you like."

"When ever is fine." Saffron replied. "Well it only names three people, yourself, Destin and Mr. Cavallaro." Mr. Strauss said.

Matt raised an eyebrow at that bit of news. "Such a popular well loved guy... and he only has three beneficiaries... two of them family. You must have been very close indeed." Matt said lightly, wondering if he should introduce himself or just hint a bit more... or let his ears show. He knew he was being an ass about it. After all, all the crap between them had taken place as children; over twenty years ago and in another country. He just didn't like the idea that his family were even here. "I'm Saffron's husband. Saff, Des... James is my cousin." he said simply, his eyes never leaving the man. "It's been... what...? Twenty two? Twenty three years?"

James eyed him a moment, before it seemed to come to him. He snorted softly. "Something like that. Didn't figure on seeing you here... last we heard you'd died..." James said, leaving it at that, though there was a smug look.

"Corey had his eccentric tendencies." Mr. Strauss answered about only three people being named in the will.”

 "Well if it’s that short, you could probably get it over with right now." saffron said.

Matt just smirked in answer to James. "In other words... Corey didn’t mention me..." he said simply, unable to resist being just a bit of an ass. "Odd that he'd tell you all about Saffron... but not her husband.." he said, then looked to Mr. Straus. "Why don’t we sit down first?” he asked simply. Destin was leaning against his leg, still holding onto his hand.

"Corey never mentioned Saffron being married." James replied simply, though with a slight edge.

Mr. Strauss looked rather uncomfortable at this, "It's common law," Saffron told Mr. Strauss who relaxed a bit.

"Why don't we sit down?" Mr. Strauss said, nodding to the circle of chairs in the back corner. Everyone headed that way, and sat down. Destin climbed up on to Matt's lap. Mr. Strauss sat his brief case on the coffee table between the chairs and opened it.

Matt held Destin on his lap with one arm and reached out to hold Saffron's hand with the other. Part of him was almost surprised that he wasn't blushing like mad at having the kid sitting on his lap, but then all his reactions to the kid had been natural and easy and surprised him just the same. As it was, his attention was focused mostly on James, anyhow.

The man's simple comment about him being dead bothered him. Not that they'd thought him dead; he figured it was better that way since if they knew what he was they'd probably just try to kill him anyhow, and he'd rather not have an entire clan of Strega after his ass. No, what bothered him was that he'd so easily let that belief be ruined and possibly put himself and his new family at risk. When he'd recognized James he should've left or given a fake name, or something... So now he was left watching the man for any clue about what he might do with the information... and part of him wondered if he had it in him to try to 'befriend' him in an attempt at damage control.

Mr. Strauss shifted through the papers in his brief case before taking out a folder and opened it. "As I said, it's a rather short will. I'll just jump straight to the legal parts." He said, flipping a couple pages. "To my sister in law, Saffron Azreal," Saffron smirked faintly at that. "I place the care of my son, Destin Shane MacManis, fully and legally in her care. I also leave her the sum of $300,000." Mr. Strauss said. There was a faint snort from James;  Mr. Strauss apparently did not hear it. "As well as the house and all possessions in it, with the condition that she raise Destin there." Mr. Strauss added. Saffron had rather kind of expected that. "To my son Destin, I leave the contents of the security box, a trust fond of $300,000 and his father's sword." Mr. Strauss read. Saffron could only imagine what was in the box, knowing Corey.

Matt watched James, only partially paying attention to what was being said. His mind was mostly on what he remembered of his childhood and family. The only relative he truly missed and would ever consider contacting again was his great grandmother... his nonna. She'd been just about the only one who'd consistently given a shit about him, but he doubted even that would be enough to save him if the family believed him returned from the dead. He caught a mention of a sword and blinked, snapping out of his daze to feel Destin leaning into him; the boys arms wrapped around him. He sighed softly, deciding to focus on the now and deal with everything else later, and hugged the boy closer.

"The security box to be open when Destin is eighteen and Saffron can hold on to the sword until she feels his old enough." Mr. Strauss said. "To James Cavallaro..." Mr. Strauss had to pause, frowning slightly. "Type face is a little blurred..." He muttered, before clearing his throat again. "I leave the Thunderbird, the sum of $80,000 and the ring." Mr. Strauss concluded.

Saffron blinked. "The ring? What ring?"

"I believe there's a picture in the file...yes, let me look." Mr. Strauss said, before finding a photograph and handing it to Saffron. The ring in question was a man's gold ring with a blood diamond, the red stone cut to look like a skull.

 "Oh no, I don't think so." Saffron said suddenly defensive, looking up. His eyes flashed.

"E-excuse me?" Mr. Struass asked. "This ring, was left to Destin by his father, Shane. It wasn't Corey's to will out!" Saffron snapped.

Matt glanced at the photo as Saffron stood, catching only a glimpse of it, but it was enough, combined with Saffron’s sudden mood, to make him stand as well; cradling Destin against him with one arm. "Mr. Strauss... I'm sure there's a mistake. Saffron is right... Corey can't give away property left in trust with him."

"Well...I suppose there...could be a mistake..." Mr. Strauss replied.

James had already stood, which just prompted Mr. Strauss to stand. "Doesn't look like a mistake to me." James replied.

"Bullshit," Saffron snapped, managing to remember to keep his voice soft. "Shane left that to Destin in his will, I should know; I was there at the reading of Shane's will. It was his father's and he wanted Destin to have it!"

"Then all Mr. Straus has to do is look into Shane's Will.. I'm sure Shane's lawyer has a copy on file." Matt said, eyeing his cousin closely. "And in the mean time, Mr. Straus, perhaps you should have that... 'blurred' print looked at. Mr. Cavallaro is a witch..." he added, deciding to forget damage control. Saffron was upset about it enough that he knew something wasn't right... and his cousin, while never managing to get caught,  had always had the reputation among his peers as being someone good at getting his way.. even in seemingly impossible circumstances. Of course.. that was just based on rumors spread by other kids, so who the fuck knew.. .

James’ eyebrow shot up and he eyed Matt. Mr. Strauss was looking at the papers a bit perplexed.

"I'll have Shane's lawyer fax a copy of his will Monday." Saffron said stiffly, since it was Friday.

"This is ridiculous." James said. "Corey knew what he was doing."

Saffron gave the man a cold look.

"Assuming Corey wasn't under a spell or even had anything to do with it at all... I'm sure he did." Matt said simply. "Why don’t you go home , James? I'm sure Mr. Straus will contact you when everything's been checked out." he added coldly. Destin had sat up enough in Matt's arms to watch James as well, and Matt couldn't help but remember a comment Saffron had made the other day about how Destin could pass for his son... and how James would take the closeness between the two of them already.

James turned a glare on Matt a moment. "I can't believe this." He muttered, shaking his head and turning away from Matt. He took Mr. Strauss aside. Saffron on the other hand, moved toward the coffin.

"What's the matter, James? It's only a couple days... If everything is on the up and up then you have nothing to worry about... do you?" Matt asked loudly enough for both men to hear. "You should be glad to get this looked into and avoid any legal troubles that might arise from it." he added with a dark look before following Saffron. He set Destin back on his feet, holding his hand again.

James flipped Matt off, before going back to his conversation with Mr. Strauss. Saffron felt Destin tug at the skirt of the dress when he and Matt reached his side and glanced down at him, with a weary smile. "The ring's in the house though..." Saffron said softly. "It’s in the box on the dresser, I've already seen it..."

"Then maybe you should get a safety deposit box to keep it in for now. If he knows where it is.. he might try coming after it." Matt said softly, letting go of Destin's hand to slip his hand over Saffron's back. "Although if he's dumb enough to try anything to hurt either of you, I'll deal with him." he said softly.

"I honestly don't remember Corey ever mentioning him." Saffron replied softly. Destin had wrapped his arms around Saffron's legs, leaning against him. Saffron sighed softly, resting a hand on Destin's head. "Well I wasn't surprised about the house...its a good thing I like the place…living there's fine..."

Matt snorted softly. "Yeah. Hey Des... do you remember that man?" he asked as he squatted down at eye level with the boy. "James says he was a really good friend of your dads... do you remember ever seeing him or your dad ever talking about him?" he asked softly.

Destin looked back at James who was just leaving. "Some times." He answered Matt. "Some times he stayed at the house." Destin added.

Saffron snorted softly. " `Bout the only way he'd know about the ring." Saffron replied softly.

"So he's not lying about knowing him... and the rest of the shit sounds alright in comparison to what he left the two of you ... but you're right about the ring. That wasn't left to him... I don’t know what he's up to, but James is Strega... I have no clue how strong he is or even how much he bothered to learn... but if that ring is any kind of blood stone, he'll want it. Even if the ring itself has no magical bearing... he'll want the stone. Some Strega use blood stones as a focus... usually the ones who have shit all for power on their own or are too lazy to learn the normal way." Matt said softly, his eyes following James. "Could be the ring itself... Shane was a Death Knight... our family would probably view that as along the same line as Necromancers and Fae, and so evil... powerful." Matt added with a shrug. "Whatever reason... I say we make sure he doesn’t get it. "

"Shane wore the ring all the time...he was a second generation death knight. It was the only thing he had from his father...the only thing left at the orphanage with him. As far as I know it is a blood stone...and the ring it's self probably has power to it." Saffron said softly, glancing at Matt. "I don't know much about it, except what he told me and what I saw. It tended to open doors for Shane in Boston's underworld. No body said no to him when he flashed the ring..." Saffron added.

Matt snorted softly and narrowed his eyes. "Then definitely keep it from my dear cousin. Forget the security box... as soon as we get home, call Lex and get him to have someone portal over and take it back to the offices and put in their safe... no one will fucking get near it there." he said softly.

"Yeah, I'll give Lex a call later. I imagine it won’t be hard to get some one to come pick it up..." Saffron replied softly. He finally turned from the coffin to face Matt. "I just don't want him to raise a bunch of shit over it..." He said softly.

Matt snorted. "From what I remember... James doesn't raise shit... he causes it.. but well enough to never get the blame for causing it." he said softly, slipping his arm around him and pulling him closer, Destin now in front of them still leaning against Saffron's legs. "Don't worry... we'll deal with this shit. The ring is Destin's.. end of story."

"I know I've still got Shane's lawyers number...there should even be a copy of his will in the lockbox at the house...Corey would have kept a copy, for legal reasons..." Saffron said softly, glancing toward the door as two identical looking men came in. They headed straight past Mr. Strauss and James and approached the coffin. "I thought you two were in New York." Saffron said loud enough to get their attention.

The two twins turned to look at Saffron and both grinned. "Oh aye, but when we 'eard, we took a leave o' absence." One said.

Saffron smirked. "Matt, Conner and Patrick, possibly Shane's cousins, possibly not, never did know for sure. Conner, Patrick, this is my… husband Matt."

 "Well there's a surprise," The other twin said. "Some on' finally caught ye..."

Matt nodded to the two men, then after a moment, offered his hand. He'd never been one to shake hands, but then... this trip he'd found himself doing a lot of things out of character for him. "Nice to meet you both… sorry it had to be under these circumstances though." he said simply, one hand going to brush lightly over Destin's hair.

"Aye, 'ave t' agree with ye there." The one twin with short hair said, "I'm Conner, that's Patrick." He added, nodding to the twin with the long hair as they both shook Matt's hand.

"Well at least the two of you have figured out SOME way to tell you apart." Saffron said with a weary smirk.

Matt snorted softly. "Either of you two know James?" he asked softly. He was aware that his cousin had left the room, but could still here him speaking softly. A quick glance showed him standing across the hall just inside a second room. Matt wasn't sure if he was still talking to Straus or to someone new, since whoever it was, was out of sight. "If you do... you again have my condolences..."

Both twins snorted. "Haven't met him, but heard about him." Patrick said.

 "Really...that's odd. Corey never said a thing to me about him." Saffron replied softly.

"'E didn't?" Conner replied with a raised eyebrow. "Maybe 'e didn't wanna trouble you..." Patrick added.

"What did he tell you about him?" Matt asked softly. "How... serious... were they?" he added, his gaze going back to his cousin who glanced his way and scowled before turning back to whoever he was speaking too.

"Well they were always fightin', from wha' we 'eard." Conner said.

"'Bout one thing or 'nother." Patrick added.

 "Fighting?" Saffron asked softly.

 "Aye...well I wouldn't say they were...datin', but they definitely weren't serious..." Conner replied.

Matt snorted again. "So him leaving the bastard in his Will would be strange?" he asked lightly. "I should've drown the bastard the day I had the chance..." he muttered softly.

"Well I can't really see wha' he'd leave the bastard..." Conner said, glancing at Patrick.

"Me neither..." Patrick added.

 "A nice sum of money and the 63 thunderbird." Saffron said, picking Destin up, who was tired of standing.

"Well I can't really see wha' he'd leave the bastard..." Conner said, glancing at Patrick.

"Me neither..." Patrick added.

 "A nice sum of money and the 63 Thunderbird." Saffron said, picking Destin up, who was tired of standing.

"Plus... according to James and the Will... a ring that wasn't even his to bequeath. That is being contested. No way is that happening." Matt said in a soft growl, wrapping his arms around both Saff and Destin. "Why don’t you two pay your respects then we can sit down and talk?" Matt suggested.

"Aye...We'll be with ya in a minute." Conner said.

Saffron smirked faintly, and watched them head toward the coffin, before he carried Destin back over to the chairs; the boy was back to fidgeting with the tie and looking bored.

Matt cast a last glance towards his cousin, then sat down and patted his knee. "Come on, big guy... I'll teach you a trick to getting through these things..." he said softly with a wicked smirk, his eyes sparkling as he looked at Saffron.

Saffron eyed Matt, as Destin crawled off Saffron's lap and on to Matt's knee. Saffron sighed, glancing back toward the twins, watching them paying their respect and talking between themselves. "The twins are good guys...they used to run around with Shane in Boston, when he was off work."

Matt reached over and slipped his hand through Saffron’s squeezing softly. "Kay Des... now... you can't giggle or laugh or do anything that will give us away or get us in trouble, alright?" he asked softly, leaning close to the boy. "Oh... you're not afraid of ghosts, are you?"

"No." Destin answered.

Saffron glanced back at Matt, raising an eyebrow. "Exactly what do you plan on doing, Matt?" He asked softly.

Mat raised an eyebrow. "Nothing big... no zombies or anything... that would be a bit traumatizing, after all..." he said lightly then dropped his voice to a more serious tone. "Trust me.. been there." he added with a soft snort, then leaned back to Destin. "Well... there's a couple ghosts hanging around... only one is in here right now. She's right over there by that vase of flowers by the door. Now... it's up to you... Shall I bring her over so you can talk to her? Or should I give her a bit of a energy boost so she can have a bit of fun... before lots of people show up."

Saffron snorted softly. "Makes for interesting father-son bonding..." He said softly with a faint smirk.

Destin giggled. "Let her have fun..."

"And gee, there's only TWO in this place? You'd think there'd be a few more..." Saffron added from his spot.

Matt snorted and looked over at him. "Never said there were ONLY two... just said there were a couple hanging around. Feels like more out back… probably the prep room. Some upstairs too. The closest too are the lady in here.. and a kid out in the hall. He seems to have taken a liking to my cousin... I may have to give him a boost and let him have some fun too..." he added with a smirk. "That would definitely be best done before people start arriving.." he added with a smirk. "So Des... how much of a boost shall we do... enough for her to move stuff a bit... or enough to let herself be seen if she wants....?"

"I've really never come across a funeral home that isn't haunted." Saffron said softly. I guess some that come in, never leave..." He added softly.

"Um...move stuff." Destin said in reply. Conner and Patrick were coming over by then.

Matt smirked softly and focused on the spirit, getting her attention before sending her a bit of energy. A moment later the flowers shifted a bit in their vase with a faint rustle. Another moment and a bit more shifting, as if she was rearranging them. By the time the twins reached them, Destin was giggling and Matt covered his mouth playfully. "Shh.. no giggling.." he said in a loud whisper, chuckling softly. "You might tick her off... funeral home ghosts are very touchy..."

The twins eyed Matt and Destin a moment as they sat down. "Just ignore them." Saffron said with a faint smirk. Destin was only giggling more, trying to pull Matt's hand off his mouth.

"So how come we weren't invited t' a weddin'?" Conner asked.

Saffron sighed. "We really haven't had a whole wedding thing...yet. Common law." Saffron replied.

"Yeah, we're debatin' whether the gown'd be white...or black." Patrick said with a smirk

The flowers paused in their rustling movement at the sound of the giggles, then suddenly the whole bunch flew straight up out of the vase and scattered to the floor. Matt clenched his lips tightly shut to hold back a laugh. He glanced at the others then leaned close again. "Told you so." he said softly, his eyes sparkling as he took his hand away. A couple landscape paintings took turns shifting slightly as the spirit wandered around the room, 'tidying'.. Obviously things were not to her liking and she felt she had to fix them. Matt glanced towards the hall then smirked wickedly as he reached out to the ghost in the hall and gave him a bit of a boost too.

Saffron had leaned over and smacked Patrick lightly for his comment, with a slight smirk. The twins had become momentarily distracted by a painting that couldn't decided which angle was better. "How is work in New York?" Saffron asked them.

Conner smirked. "Tremendously profitable." He replied, to which Patrick snickered.

Saffron shook his head. "Why am I not surprised? Staying out of trouble and sight I hope?"

 "We did some time in the dungeon a wee time 'go." Conner said.

"Aye...now there's a place t' people watch...the scum that comes though there..." Patrick said, shaking his head.

"What do you expect...? Manhattan's 15th...down town...that's a tough place." Saffron replied.

"Why Saffy, didn't know ye'd e'er been?" Conner said lightly.

 "I popped in a few times...when I was a kid." Saffron replied with a shrug.

There was a rather loud startled curse from the hall and Matt laughed out loud before covering his mouth and clearing his throat loudly. "Sorry..." he said softly, his eyes sparkling. "I think we'd better stop before we get kicked out... your dad would not be happy with me for that... neither would your mom…" he added in a whisper to Destin, laughing softly as he pulled his energy back. “Besides, I can hear people on their way in... we have to be on our best behaviors now." he added as the sound of the front door opening and hushed whispers sounded in the hall.

Saffron looked at Matt at the laugh and eyed him. "While I'm all for torturing James, save it for later." He said softly. The twins snickered. Destin merely giggled. Saffron sighed as people started entering the room, one was a florist, running back and forth with a shit load more of flowers. Saffron had no idea what he was going to do with all the flowers, there were so many of them. Saffron stood, heading toward the coffin and letting people pause to pay their respects and  express sympathy to him; all of them thinking Saffron was Corey's sister in law.

Matt watched her go then looked down at Destin. "Think we should go stand with her and lend our support?" he asked the boy softly. "If you get tired you can just let me know and I'll pick you up, alright?"

Destin pouted slightly, but nodded. One of the twin's cell phone's went off and Conner pulled it out, looking at it, before slipping out of the room and Patrick got up, going over to Saffron. "Think we've gotta run...work callin'. But we'll be in Boston fer the graveside service." He told Saffron.

Saffron nodded, "You two take care of yourselves." He said, hugging Patrick. Conner slipped back into the room and gave Saffron a hug as well as more people filed in, along with more flowers.

Matt and Destin took their place at Saffron's side, Destin in front and between them both holding their hands, leaving them each a hand free. Matt did his best to be properly somber despite the fact that both spirits he'd contacted were now bugging the shit out of him for more attention... the younger one apparently really wanted to give James another kick. Fighting temptation, Matt slipped his hand free of Destin’s to place it on Saffron's back, his free hand coming to rest on Destin’s shoulder.

~ ~