Richie lay reclined on the chaise, his eyes trained up at the night sky and the sound of flickering flames filled the quiet night. He glanced over at Jon, whose face was cast in a soft orange glow from the fire pit. The older man smiled, his heart filled for his lover.

"Raiden said he wants to be Iron Man for Halloween," he said to Jon, looking into the house to ensure the child was still happily watching his movie. Murray rested beside him, enjoying the free head scratches. "Are you still going with us for Halloween Night? He invited his school friends along."

"You know I wouldn't miss it for-," Jon's phone buzzed on the side table. One look at the screen and he groaned.

"Who?"

Jon looked up at Richie and sighed. "Dot. I'm surprised she hasn't called earlier, to be honest."

Richie's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "What's she want?" he asked, his voice tinged with annoyance. "We could always put Raiden to bed...then I'll take you upstairs and make you forget," Richie whispered into Jon's hair.

"I do like the sound of that," Jon sighed, smiling up at his lover. "I'd much rather deal with you than Dot tonight."

Buzz buzz buzz

The phone buzzed insistently beside them. "Then deal with me, baby," Richie cooed.

Jon growled low in his throat and reached up to Richie's hair, pulling him closer and claiming his mouth in a heated kiss as Richie's hand smoothed up and down his side.

The feeling of Richie's lips against his was intoxicating, sending a wave of heat through his body. He could feel Richie's hands moving lower, sliding under his shirt and grazing against his skin. He moaned softly, his lips parting to let Richie deepen the kiss.

A merry tune, the one Jon had assigned to his wife years ago, started playing, gradually getting louder the longer he ignored it. Wrenching his mouth away from Richie's enticing lips, Jon snarled, "God damn it! Let me get rid of her real quick," he said and pressed the green answer button. "Hey Dotty...." He tried to keep the annoyance to a minimum.

"I was starting to think you died," a flat voice answered back. "You busy?"

"I was until you rang," he said, frustration now creeping into his voice. "Do you need something? Are the kids okay?"

Dorothea snorted and answered, "The kids are fine. And I'm fine too in case you're wondering." The sarcasm dripped copiously from her last words. "Where are you? At the hotel?"

Jon hesitated for a moment and sat upright, placing his feet on the ground and leaning his elbows on his knees. Feeling Richie's eyes boring into his back, he glanced over to see his lover watching him intently. "No," he said, meeting Richie's eyes. "I'm with Richie and Raiden...at their place."

The line went silent and Jon's hand wandered over to rest on Richie's thigh. He felt his lover's fingers entwine with his own and gave a reassuring squeeze.

"God, I fucking knew it," she replied, a hint of dark, mirthless humor in her voice. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised."

"What do you mean by that?" he asked, the lines between his eyes deepened into a frown.

"Doesn't even matter anymore. Not to you anyway," she said. "When are you gonna be back home?" She put some heavy emphasis on the last word.

"We're taking Raiden trick or treating with his friends from school," Jon said. "So I can come home Friday, I guess."

"You guess?! You guess?!" The sounds of Dorothea's bitter laughter was loud enough for Richie to hear. "All this time you're spending in California.... You still have a family here and kids that miss you, you know?! Here! In Jersey!"

Jon inhaled sharply. He could never forget his kids and he was in touch with them daily but, by their own words, seemed to be doing fine with their lives. It helped that they were all old enough to know that they could ring him any time of the night or day if they needed him.

"I know that, Dot," he said succinctly, not allowing impatience to colour his tone...yet. "I do speak to them every day, and they know that I'm just a phone call and a private jet away."

"Jesus Christ, you're an asshole! I'll see you whenever you decide to show your face again, husband," Dorothea snapped and the line went dead.

Jon snorted derisively and very deliberately closed his phone down before placing it back on the table. He sighed and scrubbed his hands over his face as he replayed the conversation in his head. "Fuck," he swore softly.

"Never thought I'd hear that woman say anything against you," Richie commented. "You think she knows? About us, I mean."

"If she didn't before tonight," Jon said, standing up to pace some of the anger away, "then she probably does now." He found himself at the side of the pool, staring down into the inky blackness of the dark water, his rippled reflection distorting with every gust of breeze.

Was Dot right? Was he spending too much time out here with Richie and his son and not with his own family? Or should he go home and face Dot's wrath?

Richie pushed himself from his seat and walked up to Jon, sliding his arms around his lover's waist and giving his neck a kiss. "You don't have to decide anything now," he said softly, his breath warm against Jon's ear. "We can do whatever you want. But why don't we go inside and have a glass of wine?"

Jon leaned back into Richie's embrace, feeling the comforting weight of his body against his own. He inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of his lover's cologne float around him on the breeze and letting the stress and tension melt away.

"That sounds perfect, Mookie," he murmured, tilting his head for a kiss. They broke apart at the sounds of a dog whining and panting, both looking down at Murray who was racing towards them.

Murray skidded to a stop in front of them, his tail wagging frantically. "What's the matter, boy?" Richie asked, kneeling down to pet the dog's head. Murray whimpered in response, his eyes darting from Richie to the house.

Jon's brow furrowed in concern. "What's wrong?" he asked, scratching the dog behind the ears. Murray nuzzled up against his leg, his breathing still labored. The dog took off back into the house and Richie followed the dog. Jon grabbed his phone off the table where he'd left it and hurried after them.

"Raiden!" Richie cried.

The source of Murray's mood became obvious once inside. Raiden was laying on the couch, tremors rocking his body and his limbs were locked in awkward positions. Richie raced to his son's side, putting a pillow under his head.

"Jonny, grab his injection case," Richie demanded, his attention fully on Raiden. Jon quickly complied, handing the case to him. Richie took the contents out and carefully prepared the medication, injecting it into Raiden's arm with practiced ease.

Raiden moaned softly as the medicine took effect, his body slowly relaxing into the soft pillow. Richie smoothed his hand over his son's hair, soothing him as best he could. "It's okay, buddy," he said softly. "Everything's going to be okay."

Jon stood quietly by the side, his hand resting on Richie's shoulder. He could feel the tension in his lover's body, and he could see the worry etched on his face. But he also saw the love there, the love that he had for his son.

"He's going to be okay, Mookie," he whispered. Watching Richie care for his son solidified any doubt in Jon's head. He was where he belonged, with Richie and Raiden. That was his home now. He felt a newfound sense of confidence and resolve, knowing that he had made the right decision.

Richie looked up at Jon, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you," he said softly, his voice catching in his throat. "You have no idea how much that means to me. To have you here. You always were my rock when I needed you...you know...before-."

"Shh...I know, baby." Jon smiled softly, his hand still resting on Richie's shoulder. "I'm here for you both now." He glanced down at Raiden, whose fingers and toes twitched as the medication raced through his system.

"And I'm here for Murray too," he added, in an attempt to lighten the mood a little, giving the dog a gentle pat on the head. "You saved his life, boy. That deserves a treat."

Murray's focus was solely on Raiden, his large furry paws pinning his arms and upper body down to prevent injury. Jon returned with a treat but not even that was enough to break the dog's concentration.

Jon sat next to the sofa and Richie. Their hands intertwined, their warmth radiating through the cool air. They watched Raiden's breathing slow and even out, his body finally relaxed. Richie let out a sigh of relief, the tension leaving his body.

"Thank you," he said softly, turning to Jon. "For staying with us. For always being there for us."

Jon leaned in and kissed Richie's cheek, feeling the softness of his skin against his lips. "Why don't we take him upstairs...."

"I can't leave him alone," Richie cut in, "not until he's calmed down completely.

"Hey kiddo...you wanna lay down in Mookie's big bed?" Jon asked Raiden, who nodded and gave a small smile.

Richie lifted Raiden from the couch and carried him upstairs, followed by Murray and Jon. He carefully laid Raiden down in the center of the king-sized mattress, soft and warm, with plenty of room for the three of them, covering him with a blanket. Murray curled up at the foot of the bed, keeping a close eye on his owner.

Jon sat down next to Raiden, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. "Feeling better?" he asked softly. Raiden slowly nodded, his eyes still closed.

Richie leaned over his son and kissed him on the forehead, smoothing his hand over his hair. "Sleep tight, buddy," he whispered. "We'll be right here if you need anything."

Raiden shivered and curled into the pool of blankets. "Love you, Mookie...Love you, Papa J." His voice was soft and slow, affected by the medication. Jon smiled softly, his hand still resting on Richie's shoulder.

"We love you too, kiddo," he said, his voice low and gentle. "We love you too."

The room was still and quiet, the only sound the gentle breathing of Raiden and Murray. The lamp cast a warm glow over the room, illuminating their faces and the love in their eyes.

"You know I won't stop you from going back to the Dot," Richie finally relented, laying down on one side of Raiden and Jon laying on the other. "Much as I want you here, it's your decision in the end."

Jon shifted closer, his hand resting over Richie's. "I wanna be here," he said firmly. "I wanna be here for you and Raiden. I wanna be part of your family. It's nice to feel needed and wanted again."

Richie looked at him, his eyes shining with emotion. "I know," he said softly. "I can see it in your eyes. And I can feel it in the way you touch me." He took Jon's hand in his and kissed the knuckles, his breath warm against Jon's skin.

"Staying with Dot...it's...I dunno," Jon whispered, "It's not fair to anyone...including Raiden." He felt a sense of guilt, knowing that he was breaking Dorothea's heart. But he couldn't deny that he was more at home with Richie and Raiden.

"I understand," Richie said softly. "I know how much you want to be with Dorothea. But you also need to be true to yourself." He squeezed Jon's hand tightly, his fingers tightening around his. "And I need you in my life, Jon. I can't lose you again."

*~*~*

"And you know I don't wanna lose him, kiddo. So...we have to make it a good one," Jon told Raiden, kneeling in front of him outside of the jewelry store.

"Then we make it a good one!" Raiden agreed excitedly, gripping onto Murray's leash. "We make it the best!" He clapped his hands together, his eyes shining with determination. "What do you think we should get, Papa J?"

Jon looked at Raiden, his heart swelling with love. He could see so much of David in this child, from the mischievous glint in his eyes to the stubborn streak in his personality. But also the light and love that only Richie could give. And in that moment, he realized how much he had grown to love them both.

"I think we should get something special," Jon said, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Something that will make people jealous when they see it." He took the child's hand and led him into the store, the small bell tinkling merrily above the door as they opened it.

Raiden looked around the store, his eyes darting between the glittering jewels and precious stones on display. From behind the counter, a man dressed in the finest three-piece suit greeted them warmly.

"Jon! My old friend! What brings you in today?"

"We need the best," Raiden told the man with a wide smile.

"I like your style, young man," Michael replied. "Are we looking for engagement? Wedding? Anniversary?"

Jon grinned at Raiden, who grinned back. "Engagement band. A male engagement band. I was thinking maybe black...with some red?"

"Classy...follow me." Michael led them towards a display case, where the bands were lined up on display. Jon slowly ran his hand over the gold, silver, and platinum bands, feeling the weight of each one.

"What do you think, Raiden?" he asked, glancing down at the boy.

Raiden bit his lip as he studied the rings, his excitement palpable. He pointed to one black band with a strip of rubies around it like a halo. "I like that! It's Mookie style!"

"Your son has great taste," Michael commented. "We just got that one in yesterday. All the rings are one of a kind created but this one, in particular, is a special piece." Jon smiled at the phrase your son and showed it up close to Raiden.

"He's definitely one of a kind," Jon agreed, his eyes shining with love. "We got a special little guy here," he said, ruffling Raiden's hair. "How long to get it in a size 10, Mike?"

"You're in luck, Jon. This one is a 10. Standard size for all our rings unless they get customized," Michael explained. "You could leave with it today if you choose to buy it."

Jon watched as Raiden walked down the large cases, studying each display piece and Murray following closely. "Don't wander away, kiddo."

"Can we get Mookie this too?" Raiden asked, pointing to one of the necklaces. Jon peered over the child's shoulder to the piece he was pointing at. It was a long chain with a black cross hanging from it, basic as pendants go but very much Richie's style.

"I think he would love it," Jon agreed. "And it would look great." He smiled at Raiden's excited face as he hopped up and down with anticipation.

Michael smiled at them, his lips curving into a slight grin. "I think this is a fine choice for your Mookie," he said. "I'll go get it for you right away." He turned and disappeared into the depths of the store, leaving them alone to explore.

Jon watched Raiden as he jumped from display to display, his eyes scanning each piece eagerly. He couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia as he relived his own childhood, filled with excitement and wonder at the world around him.

But he also felt a sense of contentment, knowing that he was sharing this moment with Raiden.

Suddenly, Raiden's hand clasped around his, his eyes wide with excitement. "Papa J, look!" he said, pointing to a necklace with a shooting star hanging from it. The chain was gold and feminine, child sized. "That's so pretty! Can we get that one too?"

Jon smiled at Raiden's enthusiasm, his heart melting at the child's innocence. "I think your Mookie would approve," he said, placing his hand on the boy's shoulder. "But it's a little...dainty for him."

"It's not for Mookie...it's...um...."

Jon smirked and nudged Raiden playfully. "Is it for...a certain little girl you might be in the same class with?"

"It's her birthday next week," Raiden confessed. "I thought maybe I could give it to her...you know...as a present."

Jon lifted it from the display and let Raiden look closer, smiling when he nodded in approval. He allowed Raiden to carry it to the counter, watching the child hold it carefully in its box. Michael was waiting for them when they approached the necklace, his eyes sparkling with delight.

"Looks like the young gentlemen found something to spark interest." Raiden placed the box on the counter and grinned. "Fine choice, Sir."

"Mike, I swear you could charm the pants off anyone," Jon laughed.

Michael took the box, carefully checking the necklace for any imperfections. "So beautiful," he murmured, his eyes scanning the intricate design. "I'll wrap it and have it ready for the lucky girl. And..." He lowered his voice to a whisper so only Jon could hear. "Management is here and up my ass."

"Lubed up first?"

"Not even close," Michael replied. "Especially on a Monday." He took out a purple bow and began to tie it around the box, his movements graceful and precise. "What's the special girl's name?"

"Irina," Raiden answered. "She's in my class."

"She's a cute little thing," Jon said, leaning into Michael. "I think it's a mutual crush at this point."

Michael smiled and nodded his head. "Ah, nothing like finding true love at recess." Raiden rolled his eyes and Jon gently slapped his shoulder in warning.

They watched Michael's movements, his eyes following the bow as it wrapped around the box. "You really do have a gift," said Jon, his voice low and appreciative.

"Only the best for an old friend." Michael finished wrapping the necklace, placed it in a beautiful silver bag and handed it to Raiden. "Here you go, young man," he said with a smile. Then handed Jon a gold bag with his ring and necklace inside. "Hope Richie likes them."

Jon did a double-take and Michael laughed. "How'd you guess?"

"Please...I've known you two since the 80s. Ray Charles could see there was something between you two," Michael answered. "Gimme a call. Let me know how it goes."

Jon and Raiden left the shop shortly after, both clutching their purchases like lifelines. "Can we get pizza?" The child asked hopefully, hoping into the backseat with Murray. He strapped himself in and held the silver bag carefully in his lap.

"Yeah, just don't tell Mookie," Jon chuckled. "You know how jealous he'd get. How about I put your gift in my bag? Put them in the trunk and out of sight."

Once the gifts were secured, Jon drove them over to a local pizza joint known for its New York style pies and the gooiest brownies on the Pacific Coast. They found a booth in the corner where Murray could relax and be out of the way.

"So the ring means you stay?" Raiden asked.

Jon inhaled sharply through his nose and held it for a moment. "That's the plan but Mookie doesn't know about the ring. Just us. I'll have to leave briefly but I'll be back for good."

"I like having you out here, Papa J," said Raiden, taking up the small pack of crayons at the table and starting coloring the child placemat the restaurant offered. "Makes Mookie happy. And me. And Ava. You have kids like me?"

"No, like you...but I do have four. Three are all grown up and one is graduating high school."

"WOW! That's old!"

Jon chuckled and nodded his head in agreement. "Yeah, I'm getting up there in years. But I love having you around, Raiden. You bring so much joy into my life." He reached across the table and ruffled Raiden's hair affectionately, his eyes twinkling with affection.

Raiden giggled and squirmed away, but his eyes remained on Jon. "You're not bad...for an old guy!"

"You'll get there one day, kiddo," Jon laughed as the waitress came over and took their order. "I have to talk to them and handle a few things in Jersey, but I promise I'll be back."

"Okay, Papa J. Just hurry. I can't go long without your bedtime stories."

~~**~~