In the past few months, Archers life had slipped like pebbles of sand through the cracks between his fingers. He no longer seemed to have any control, and any moment that he wasnt at the studio, he was bent on his hands and knees, pushing Bets head away from the open jars of paint he had dotted the apartment with as he did the final touches. Between meetings and home visits and training sessions for Bet, Archer felt the world speeding up, and he was jogging to keep up with it. But then everything came to a screeching halt, on a cool day in March, when Archer found himself wedged in the car, and stopping in front of a short, square building that was laid with dark tan bricks. His eyes searched the front of it, finding it to be a plain building with nothing remarkable about it. Suddenly, his husband pressed his hand against Archers wrist, a comforting gesture that made him snap out of it.

"Whenever youre ready, kitten." Hunter muttered, eyeing the car that had pulled up next to theirs. It contained the rest of their family-his parents, uncle, great aunt, and grandparents-and all of them started piling out.

Archer opened his mouth, but clamped it shut again, unable to find the words that he desperately wanted to say. Glimpsing over at his husband, he was relieved when Hunter seemed to understand and slid a long arm around his waist. "Am I ready, Hunter?" His voice came out shrilly.

Hunter shrugged, "Theres only one way to find out. The say that the only moment youll truly know is when you hold them in your arms." Popping his door, Hunter slid his legs out and walked around the front of the car. He opened Archers door for him, extending his hand. "Come on, honey. Our baby has waited long enough for his parents."

Archer took Hunters hand and dawdled just three steps behind him, meeting his daddys gaze when he flashed his eyes to the side. His daddy pulled a small smile onto his lips. Gripping tighter onto Hunter, Archer cautiously stepped through the sliding doors, and instantly felt as if hed done something irreversible. The lobby only had one other couple in it, the two of them clutching a baby girl to them, and patiently waiting for the last of the forms to be handed over to them. Hunter stepped up to the front desk, speaking to a woman whose requirement it was to know both French and English. After a few words, the womans plump cheeks pushed so high up that her eyes squinted. "Yes, weve been expecting you. Youve been working with Lydia on the adoption? Please, be seated, and Ill send her right down. Shell show you to the nursery."

Hunter thanked her, and then pulled Archer over to the chairs in the lobby. His family lowered all around them, none of them grabbing for the magazines, or glimpsing up at the TV. All of their eyes were set on Archer and Hunter, the former clinging to his husband as if he would vanish off of the earth if he let go. "Dont be nervous, my love." Hunter kissed the top of his head, ignoring their familys expectant gazes. "This is what weve wanted."

"Ive only seen a picture of him." Archer swallowed the mucus that had built up in his throat. "Hes never been real before, Hunter."

Hunter was only able to squeeze his hand before a small, brown haired woman with a pony tail swinging behind her pushed through a pair of doors. "Hunter and Archer?" She said, her brown eyes settling on them and wrinkling at the corners. "Its so good to see both of you. If you two are ready, Ill take you up to the nursery. Hes been getting fussy. He must know that you two are here to take him home." The recently graduated, perky girl nearly skipped back over to the doors when Archer finally made his limp legs stand.

Before he left, he felt his daddy reach out and touch his arm, whispering for him to have courage. Archer looped his arms around one of Hunters, his wide eyes tracing the womans every step. As soon as they were through the doors theyd never been behind before, Lydia twisted around, her brows furrowed, "Hunter, when we first spoke, you told me that you would like to bring home two boys. Is that correct?"

Hunter nodded, "That was our intention, yes. But were more than happy with the baby that you matched us with."

"You werent looking for twins, were you?"

"No... that wasnt necessary." Hunter said steadily. Archer didnt know how he was able to even form sentences in his head. "We just wanted two boys. The thing is, my husband and I were raised together as children, as were my in-laws. Archer and I thought that bringing home two boys could be good for them... give them someone to talk to and play with."

Hesitating outside of a white door, Lydia placed her hand on the knob, but didnt open it yet. "I... wanted to talk to the two of you. Recently, we had a baby left outside of our facility. It was a relief that someone found him when they did. We dont know anything about his history. There was no note... just a box and a blanket. Hes been kept in isolation because there are... concerns. You see, we think that he was a premature birth. Hes abnormally small for being two months old... at least, so we guess he is. Hes about six months younger than the one that you two have been invested in. But, our main problems are that hes not eating the way that he should. He doesnt sleep for more than two hours at a time. Weve contacted several families about him, but were having trouble getting the little guy a home. You two wouldnt be interested in taking home another baby, would you? You could even wait a couple of weeks. Well just have to take a check from you today."

Archer automatically flicked his eyes up to Hunters face, which was slightly rumpled around his eyebrows and his lips. Hunter lowered his head to Archers, and he grunted, "What do you want to do, sweetheart? We did plan on taking two home."

Archer bobbed his head, "I would like to meet the baby." He looked at Lydia, "Please, could you let us see both of them?"

"Of course." Lydias face brightened as if he had just told her she won the lottery. "Hang out here for just a second. Ill go get him. Hell be happy to meet both of you."

Blinking at the spot where she once stood, Archer murmured quietly, "Do you think we could care properly for a baby who needs extra assistance? What if he doesnt eat for us, Hunter?"

"We could take him to a doctor, Archer." Hunter rubbed his hand up and down Archers back, "No matter who hes with, he might not eat for them. But... we can try our best. If all else fails, we can have him hooked up to a tube."

Archer shuddered at the thought. Before he could make another comment, the door that they were standing by swung open, and Lydia appeared, pieces of hair sliding from her ponytail. She tucked them behind her ears. "Please... come in. Theyre awake, and ready to have visitors."

Swallowing, Archer let his husband go into the room first, and he followed shortly after him. The room was hardly big enough to fit the three of them, let alone the two cradles that were set side by side. On the counter, there was a tiny sink with a headrest, like the one that Archer had bought, and beside of that an assortment of needles and liquids. When his husband stepped so far ahead that he nearly lost his grip on him, Archer scampered back to his side. Lydia walked over to one of the cradles and bent down, scooping up a bundle of blankets that had rubber ducks on them. "How was your nap, little man?" Lydia murmured to him, gently bouncing the cocoon. "You have people who want to see you. Give your best impression."

Lydia brought the blankets over to them, and Archer watched her deposit them into Hunters arms. Hunters face immediately changed when he looked down at what he was holding, and he lowered the pile of blankets so that Archer could also get a peek. Wrapped up cozily, with only his balled up fists waving above his chest, was a chubby baby, his cheeks so round that it looked like he had marshmallows stuffed into them. His skin was a golden color, like syrupy honey, and his large eyes, shadowed by wispy, red lashes, sparkled like emeralds, such a deep green that the irises nearly blended in with the pupils. His mouth was thin, a pale pink color, and was wet with saliva. Shaggy, rust-colored waves of hair toppled over his pointed eyebrows. Mindlessly burbling, the baby swatted his hands at the air, the jerky movement making Hunter chuckle weakly. He handed the baby over to Archer, who stared down at him as if he didnt know what he was.

A bubble of drool swelled between his parted lips, popping and oozing down his chin. Archer held the baby closer, carefully wiping the lower half of his face. "Zabe." He choked, as if he somehow knew that this baby was meant to be their Zabe. "Hunter, its Zabe. Look at him... Hes so handsome and sturdy. His eyes are intelligent. He must be thinking a thousand things right now."

Hunter smiled at his weeping husband, who bowed his head and pressed a soft kiss to the babys forehead. Wrapping his arm around Archer, Hunter rested his head on his dark curls, the frizzy pile crinkling under the weight of his chin. He nodded at Lydia, "I think its been decided. Could we see the other child, please?"

Nestling the baby into his chest, Archer watched Lydia once more, his eyes torn between Zabe, who had started gurgling and kicking his feet, and the new baby, who he hadnt yet seen. Lydia, whose own eyes were glimmering, turned back to the crib and scooped up the next baby as if he were a fragile piece of art. "There, there, little one. Dont cry at me. Here you go. These could be your parents. Someone will love you."

This babys blankets were an eggshell white, bordered with droplets of rain and tiny umbrellas. As she had done before, Lydia set the baby in Hunters arms. This time, Hunter looked surprised by something, and Lydia instantly looked concerned, her arms stretching out. But Hunter only drew the baby closer, shaking his head slowly, "His eyes are so beautiful... like glass. And his hair is as white as milk."

Hunter switched the baby for Archers, letting him closely examine the child. Archer peeked into the blankets, meeting a pair of eyes an even lighter shade of blue than those of his pére. This babys skin was white like a freshly fallen sheet of snow. His blond curls tumbled over his forehead. His lips were the pink of roses, his bottom one thicker than his top. His nose, unlike the narrow one of the other child, looked like a tiny button that someone had sewn into his face. Much lighter, and smaller, than the other baby, he lifted his white lashes and peered quizzically up at Archer, who smiled helplessly at his teardrop face. "Elz. Youre Elz." Pressing the baby to his chest, Archer lifted his swimming eyes to Hunters grinning face, "Hunter... this is Elz."

"I know he is, beautiful." Hunter patted Zabes bottom through his thick pile of blankets. He winked at Lydia, "Well be taking both of the children home."

Lydia breathed out heavily, as if shed been sucking in her gut in anticipation. "Im so glad to hear that. Do you have any family members to look after them while we finish up the last bits of paperwork?"

Hunter rolled his eyes, "Oh, do we ever." Carrying the babies out of the room, Hunter and Archer walked side by side, and Archer smiled, more pleased than hed ever been, when Hunter cuddled Zabe closer to himself, only to pull the baby slightly away when one small fist raised and thumped his chest. "Oh, come on, Zabe. Were not starting this now, are we? I thought that every parent was guaranteed a good kid until their teenage years."

"Elz is being good." Archer pointed out, the blond baby snuggled deep into his blankets and drifting off to sleep during the peaceful walk. "Maybe its just you he doesnt like."

Lydia laughed, "I didnt mention it, but he has quite the temper. Hes one that youll need to purchase earplugs for. Just remember to never disrupt his feeding schedule."

Groaning, Hunter tipped his head down to the baby, who had started kicking his feet again, "Oh, no. We have a dog at home to play with both of you, but Bet might actually be scared of you, little squealer."

Archer would have smacked his husband, had both of his arms not been full, "And when we were little, who was the one that always had the house in an uproar?"

Hunter glared at him, "You, and I can even ask Blaine to back me up on this. You cried about everything. I couldnt even poke you without getting tattled on."

Sighing, Lydia shook her head sadly, "And you two thought that having a repeat of two boys in the house would be a good thing? Poor, little Elz. Hes the least aggressive of the four of you."

Hunter chuckled, "It worked out that we found Elz. We need a peacemaker in the house. Theres no such thing as being quiet or calm in our family."

Stretched out like a sunbathing cat in the window, Hunter reclined his shoulders against the arm of the couch, his legs propped up in a position that was starting to make him cramp, but he couldnt shift out of because Bet had decided that Hunters feet were the best place for him to sit and chew on his toy. With Elz curled up in the crook of his arm, and Zabe lying across his chest, Hunter tried to manipulate the book he was reading, leaning it against his leg and awkwardly flipping the page every now and then. Archer was due home any minute, news that pacified Hunter, who didnt know if he could stay this still for much longer.

Scraping another page to the side, Hunter glanced up at the sound of a brief, hard knock on the door. He furrowed his brows, slowly lowering his book, before he flashed his eyes down to Zabe, who had started squirming at the banging. "Shh..." he soothed the fussy baby, sliding himself off of the couch as carefully as he could. His movements disturbed Bet, who had been preparing to hop down and investigate, anyway. Carrying one of the babies in each of his arms, he deposited them into their cradle to make sure they didnt roll anywhere. He paced over to the front door, gradually prying it open so that the babies would stay asleep. On the other side of the door stood a skinny, lanky man, his head topped with a swirl of black hair. A wry mouth, with a crease of a dimple on one side, was twisted up at the corner. His deep blue eyes met Hunters brown eyes.

The two of them were about matched for height, with Hunter only creeping an inch or two taller than him, so it was a change for him to not have to tilt his head down to see his overwhelming number of shorter family members. Hunter had never gotten to know Archers biological dad, and had only spoken to him directly for a few minutes at the wedding. Their brief conversation had included Cooper commenting on how he hadnt expected his brother to let Archer marry at such a young age, and Hunter grunting. Except for the blue eyes, Archer resembled his adoptive dad more than he did his biological one.

Feeling a tiny nose bump into his ankle, Hunter peered down at Bet, who had poked his head through his legs. "Get back, Bet. Youre not going outside, little guy." Hunter took a step back, "Sorry about that. Hes always wanting me to take him on walks." As Cooper slid inside, shrugging out of his coat, Hunter cleared his throat, "Its nice to see you again, Cooper. Archer is at the dance studio. Hell be back soon. Would you mind waiting for him?"

Cooper shook his head, his eyes searching the room, "No... I, uh... well, I would like to see him. But Im actually here to speak to you." Hunter screwed up his face at that, but swiftly turned around at the sound of a soft sneeze. Coopers brows shot up. "You actually did it. Blaine called me and told me that you had adopted two babies. I thought that he was just pulling my leg."

Hunter stood up straighter, assuming the stance of a proud dad, "Yes... two boys. Please, come meet them." Waving Cooper over, Hunter shuffled toward the cradle and pushed aside the toys that hung above it. He reached down and smoothed his knuckles over Elzs rhythmically lifting and dropping chest. "The little, redheaded one is Zabe. The blond one is Elz. Theyre beautiful, tiny creatures, arent they? Something I could have only dreamed about." His knees bent forward when Bet rushed at him and pounced on him, his tongue hanging out as he stared adoringly up at Hunter. Hunter smirked at the dog, "Youre a handsome boy, too, Bet."

Cooper smiled fondly at the children, but there was a sense of disconnect in his blue eyes, as if he were unable to form attachments to the helpless beings. It was then clear to Hunter why he had given Archer up to Blaine. "Cute." He agreed halfheartedly, and then he turned back to Hunter, launching into what he had come there for. "Hunter, I wanted to talk to you about your book."

One of his brows pressed into his hairline. He motioned for Cooper to move away from the cradle and sit with him on the couch, so that their voices didnt bother the babies. "What about my book?" He opened his arms for Bet, who was wiggling by his feet and trying to leap into his lap.

Cooper held up his hands, using large gestures to express his enthusiasm. "Over the past few months, your book has gained tremendous amounts of success."

Hunter shrugged, "I wouldnt go so far as to say that its a bestseller... but, yes, my publisher has had to print an extra five hundred copies already. I havent done any book signings for it. With the babies at home, and Archer off at work during the day, I simply dont have time to go outside of the home for readings or signings. Its nothing special, anyway. Its a romance book you can pick up for the change in your pocket at any store."

"Were going to have to work something out, then," Cooper pointed at Hunters chest, "because I want to turn your book into a movie. I read it because youre family, and then I had the rest of my crew read it because I thought that it was brilliant. You mixed together romance and satire so easily. And the characters were so relatable. And that twist at the end! You know how to use your words to pull at a mans heartstrings. I smell a box office hit with this one. And if we bait the public just enough, and give out trailers every few months, but wait to announce the theatrical release of the movie, your book sales will go off the charts."

Taking a deep breath, Hunter looked away from Cooper, "Cooper... thank you for the offer. I do appreciate it. But I never wrote this book to have it be bought off the shelf every time I blinked. I didnt expect anything to come of this book. Besides, when I started writing this... well, I didnt think of it ever becoming a movie. I prefer to let the people who read the story see what they want to see. It makes the story more personal to them. Thats why I described everything so vaguely."

"Youre not selling out, Hunter." Coopers voice was flat. "Its the personal choice of the reader if he wants to have every detail spoon-fed to him or not. But, Hunter, dont you want more exposure?"

"I want a peaceful life. I certainly dont want my children to have to be barricaded in the home if we cant step outside without being bombarded."

Cooper scowled, "There are ways to avoid that. But, Hunter, think about it. You made... what? A couple of tens of thousands of dollars on your first book? And Archer cant make very much from that studio-"

Hunters jaw twitched, "I would rather not discuss my financial situation with you, Cooper. Archer and I make enough to give ourselves comfortable lives."

"Dont you want more for your children, though?" Cooper persuaded, that one sentence making Hunter turn his head back to him. "Hunter, I could turn this one book into a movie, and you and Archer would be sitting on an enormous stack of cash. Dont you think that this apartment is cramped for four people and a dog? If you signed this deal with me, you could have any house you wanted. You could buy Archer anything he wanted. And I can promise you that my team and I will make you a quality movie. You could even supervise. Think about whats best for you and your family, Hunter."

Narrowing his eyes, Hunter thoughtfully rubbed at his jaw, "And... if I did this, I wouldnt have to go to many events? I could stay home with my children and husband?"

Cooper flicked his fingers, "You can schedule as many events as you want to. Itd be beneficial for the company if you went on a tour in at least a few cities. Its good advertising. It makes the public think youre humble."

Hunter had never been exposed to this side of the business world before. With his publisher, the transactions had been straightforward and quick. Hed signed a few papers, and his publisher had taken care of the rest. Whether Cooper was family or not, he had a gleam in his eye that betrayed that he was only in this for himself, to be the first to get his hands on a potentially successful novel and boost himself up in his new role as a movie producer. Still, the temptation to take the money that Cooper was holding just above his head urged Hunter to ask, "How much money would Archer and I be looking at?"

Brought back to earth, Cooper unlatched the top of the briefcase that hed brought with him and thumbed through the papers. As he shuffled around, Hunter stood up and went over to the cradle, where the babies had snuggled into each others warmth, their lashes fanned over their cheeks. Suddenly, Cooper spoke again, "We can negotiate, but Im willing to offer you seven hundred to sign over the rights of your book."

"Seven hundred?" Hunter, who hadnt taken large strides in school when it came to mathematics, doubted that anyone could have been worse at it, until Cooper said that. "Im not that desperate for money, Cooper."

"Thousand." Cooper clarified. "Seven hundred thousand dollars. Ill write a check to you now." Hunter, who had very swiftly whipped around and was staring at Cooper with a slight twitch in his eye, opened his mouth to bark at Cooper to stop kidding. Assuming from the look on his face that Hunter wasnt pleased, Cooper interrupted him, his voice cool, "My crew takes their work very seriously, Hunter. Were one of the most famous companies internationally. For a book like yours, my company would get on their hands and knees. You have a gift, Hunter. Besides... as his biological dad, I want to make sure my kid is living the best life that he can."

"Ive never seen that much money." Hunter coughed.

Nodding at his brief case, Cooper said with a smug grin, "If you sign over the rights of your book to me, Ill hand you a check that has that much money on it. And that will just be the start. Youll get a portion of what comes out of this movie, as well as your continuous book sales."

Scooting his feet across the floor, Hunter leaned over the side of the couch and squinted at the single piece of paper that Cooper had held up. "Youre sure about this, Cooper?"

"I think youre forgetting that Blaine is my brother. This might be a business deal, but if I ever put you or Archer in a bad situation, hed have my head." Cooper slipped a pen between Hunters fingers. "You have my word, Hunter. Ill take good care of your book, and you take good care of your family with the money."

He sucked his lips in, swiping the piece of paper from Coopers hands. He flitted his eyes over the front of it, and then went over the rules that he was supposed to abide by once more. Once he was satisfied that there were no loopholes or lines of fine print, he clicked the pen and swept the tip of it over an empty line. Almost instantly, Cooper snatched the paper back as if he needed it to survive, and he replaced it with the smaller slip of paper. Hunter looked at the paper, feeling his stomach roll nervously as he eyed the amount of money that was installed into this one rectangular sheet.

Almost as if hed timed it this way on purpose, Archer suddenly tossed the front door aside, bags of groceries tucked under his arms. He happily greeted a bouncing Bet as he set the food down on the round table, and then his big, blue eyes flew over to Cooper. The pleasure in them drained away as quickly as it had appeared. "Cooper? Hunter, whats wrong?"

Hunter voicelessly extended the hand that was holding the check, "Honey... theres something we need to talk about."

It was coming onto the seventh week of their search for a comfortable home that would fit their growing family. This would be the thirteenth house that they would be viewing, and that Hunter would undoubtedly reject because it lacked a view of a spacious, green yard, or had bedrooms three feet too small, or had a roof that was angled the wrong way. "If Im going to be spending nearly a million euros on a home, I want it to be the perfect home." He had told Archer one night that he had been complaining about how tired he was of viewing homes, and was desperate enough to settle for the first home he saw for sale. But Hunter, as he did everything else, wouldnt take less than the best.

They had dropped off the babies and Bet at his parents home, and stopped to get a bite to eat at a restaurant that Archer whined was too expensive for simply grabbing something quick, a few grumbling words that Hunter had made a point to ignore.

As Cooper had predicted, they were not only bestowed with the first check after Hunter had signed away his book, but had collected the intake of increased book sales that sent his novel to the top of several bestselling lists. And Hunter, although he spoiled his family a little more, remained absolutely the same, and never scoffed at Archer, who, despite bringing in nothing more than a fraction of what Hunter did, loved his job at the studio enough to stay there, even though his income got swallowed up when he combined it with Hunters. Hunter had scheduled one book signing at a small bookstore that had sent him a pleading email to draw attention to their store, a request that Hunter had gladly taken on. When he showed up, he thanked the owner for having him, and then said that anywhere that sold any number of books was worth something in his eyes. Hed brought Archer and the babies along with him, and had held one or the other of them in his lap, bouncing him on his knee as he smiled and made conversation with those who read his book. Archer had watched him proudly, seeing the happiness as if it was written on his face, and wondered where the arrogant man he had met years ago had gone.

Bringing himself back to the present when they reached the plot of land, Archer popped his mouth open as he realized that this was the extra acreage that surrounded the lake, where his pére and Keegan had grown up, and where his deceased uncle was buried. Although this was nearly on the other side of the lake, and was quite a distance from the cherry tree, Archer still felt a moment of giddiness, his eyes flying open as Hunter pulled into a pebbly driveway. Manicured blades of grass surrounded the driveway, sloping toward the portion of the lake that was on the property. The tinted water, which had taken on the color of the grass that was soaking, rippled as a tiny water bug popped up and then plunged back into the depths. The driveway ended a few feet later, revealing a house that was slightly concealed by tall, splintering trees.

The gray house, which stood nearly as tall as a small mansion, but wasnt very wide, was decorated with flowers that bordered the foundation of it. The clash of bright colors against the plain, dark house made his eyes light up. Attached to the wide branch of a tree were two thick ropes, which had a wooden swing hanging horizontally between them. The outside of the house had several windows along the front of it, one that must have looked in on the living space, and a curved, long one that wrapped around a rounded tower. White paint bordered the roof, which was shaped like a triangle and sloped partially over the walls, and was a charcoal color.

Unable to keep himself contained, Archer unstrapped himself, "How beautiful!" This was more of a reaction than hed had for any of the other houses, which, although had all of the modern conveniences that would make his life easy, didnt catch his eye. "Hunter, this land would be perfect for the children and Bet!"

Hunter chuckled, "Dont get your hopes up. It could be an ugly house on the inside."

Archer narrowed his eyes at his husband, who he followed out of the car. "I shouldnt have married a pessimist." He muttered, even though part of him could tell that Hunter was teasing with him, and knew something that he didnt. Taking Hunters offered hand, Archer let him escort him to the front door, which was a shocking eggshell white against the ashy backdrop. Hunter opened the door and nodded for him to go inside. Archer stepped into the entryway, finding the walls painted a soft gold, which wasnt glaring to the eye, but made him feel like royalty. The walls were bare, something that Archer pointed out to Hunter. "Hunter, we have space for your paintings. See?"

Hunter nodded, "Those, and family pictures." Placing his hand at Archers lower waist, he led him into the living space, which was nearly as large as their apartment. The room was long and square, and furnished wealthily with furniture much like the kind they already had, but unquestionably more expensive. The next room was the kitchen, which was dressed in a whitish gray paint, and had golden, rectangular lights glued to the walls. Golden flowers were painted underneath the cupboards, and above the sink, oven, and tabletops.

They then went down to the basement, which was obviously designed as a room to entertain children. Plump, blue couches sat in front of a TV that was stuck into the wall. The walls were painted a muted yellow. On the other side of the room, there were several shelves that housed small toys, from stuffed animals to balls.

The first floor above the one on the ground contained the bedrooms and two bathrooms. There was a smaller, guest room that was decorated neutrally, and next to that was the childrens room, one that had been painted a light blue, and had white carpet, but was otherwise bare. The other bedroom would be theirs, a large room that was painted a mixture of white and gold, and had reddish tinted carpet. Their room only had a skeleton of a bed, and a dark brown dresser with brass, curved handles. The room opened onto a balcony that overlooked the backyard, which had nothing in it.

Before they left that floor, they checked the bathrooms, one of which was half the size of their bedroom, and was painted pearly white. The tile floor was broken up by double sinks, a toilet, a skinny shower, and a large, round tub.

The last floor that Hunter took Archer up to had only two rooms, one of them a square room that was lined with shelves. A desk sat in the center of the room. "This is your office?" Archer questioned, and Hunter shrugged.

"It could be. Itll serve as a good library, as well. But theres a room thats more important for you to see." Hunter grasped his hand tighter, his lips curving as he drew Archer out of the dark office and across the hallway. This room had two glass doors outside of it, silver handles on each of them. Hunter pulled one of the doors open and nudged Archer inside, trailing after his slow footsteps.

This room was larger than any other theyd seen, besides the basement, and had a sticky, grayish blue mat covering the hard floors. Mirrors stretched from the floor to the ceiling. There were bars along the sides of the room. Archer stepped onto the gray mat, staring at himself in the mirrors. When Hunter entered his vision, and Archer saw him wrap his arms around his waist in the mirror, Archer took a shaky breath, "You had something to do with this."

"I might have called some people. I noticed that none of the other homes had places for you to dance, so I took it upon myself to assure that you would have somewhere that you could call your own and dance exactly the way that you want to." A smile curved his lips as Archer took all of it in. "Unless you want me to watch you, this will be a private place for you to do as you please." He winked.

Looking at his husband, Archer opened his mouth to say something else, but instead let out a tiny squeak when Hunter suddenly bent him backwards, one of his hands sliding down to cup Archers bottom. Burbling with laughter, Archer reached up and laced his fingers at the nape of Hunters thin neck. "You arent dancing, Hunter. Youre flinging me around like a rag doll."

As his round, blue eyes gazed into Hunters wrinkled, brown eyes, Archer shuddered at the electricity that zapped his skin. He wondered if the excitement that came with his husband would ever fade away. Hunter seemed to feel it, too, because his grip around Archer tightened, and he drew his body upward, sealing him against his beating chest. Archer parted his lips, "Kiss me." He whispered, eyeing his husbands wide mouth, and then snapping his eyes shut when Hunter hungrily sucked on his lips.

Somewhere in the back of his mind, he noticed his body tipping farther back, but he couldnt bring himself to care as he was held securely against his husbands broad chest. His back collided with the floor, sandwiching him between a cold mat and the heat that radiated off of Hunter. A low, keening sound broke out of Archers lips as Hunter licked between them, maneuvering his tongue between Archers pearly rows of teeth. A strong hand scraped over the front of him, cupping the small bulge between his legs. And when Hunter started to rub his palm up and down, Archer opened his mouth with another high pitched noise. But then everything was quiet, except for the shifting of their clothes.