"Are you sure?" Haden asked warily as he looked around at the command staff in front of him.
"I'm positive," Julio replied seriously. "I would've asked sooner, but I wanted to make sure that nobody else would have issues if you did it. You wouldn't be any different than Noah and Caleb."
Evan nodded. "I see what you mean; they are part of two Divisions. They're hanging out with their family one minute in Orlando, and helping with something at AI a minute later."
"Pretty much," Julio replied. "They've got their own place in both sides, they just hang out where they're needed. They didn't abandon their new Dad to join AI Division, he actually told them to follow their dreams and things would sort themselves out. With the doors, you can actually live in one place, yet walk into the other like you were going to the bathroom."
Ardell added, "With Des Moines becoming the first topside extension of Klaus and Nick, we think that having you four with your families as our on-site liaisons will make things go smoother. When it was suggested in Council, the response was almost immediately in favor of it, as long as it was the four of you."
"There's one other thing," Jesse stated. "All of the AIs put in their own opinions. This is one of the few places that has the manpower to let you guys just spend time together, without having to spend most of your time on Archnania to do it. Haden, both you and Barrett need time with Evan. Jimmy needs time with all three of you. Evan needs time with all three of you. Due to the nature of what they're doing in Vegas, you'll never get that time; your Dad and Pop realize that, and have been looking for a way to get that for all four of you for the last month. They were actually relieved when we made the offer, as they were not having any luck within the Vegas structure."
Barrett thought it over, then stated "One of Father's hopes was that I would finally find out who was my family. Not only did I finally find them, but I've found two brothers who I never want to lose again. Father's message that he left for me said that Klaus has something special set aside that Father wanted me to have. All I really know is that Father said I need to have a place where I can give his gift the attention it deserves. I've got a suspicion of what it could be, which is why I have not asked Klaus to reveal it yet, since I really never set up a home of my own. If I'm right, this would make it work, and I could share what was left for me with my brothers."
Julio nodded. "I've got a pretty good guess too, considering what else he left. Peter's already built you guys a house here on the main compound; knowing him, everything's ready for you to accept. Evan and Jimmy? Just so you know, Peter's put a few extra rooms in the house, a couple of which are near your suite. Since you two have been such a help, I'm giving both of you titles that allow you to delegate things to others instead of doing them yourselves unless you want to. Jory's onboard with this, so don't think that you're abandoning the Unit - Jory considers it a permanent transfer due to your skills. I'd like the two of you to head the 'Special Skills Intake and Support' section of the Des Moines Command Team."
"Before you ask, Evan," Julio added with a grin, "the way that you naturally supported Haden and made sure that he could explore his natural talents is what makes you qualified. The way that you accepted Jimmy, who has one of the rarer talents, just sealed the deal. You and Jimmy as a team will handle everything I can think of, which is why I'm wanting you two to share the top position."
"By the looks my little brothers are giving me," Evan stated as he rolled his eyes, "I don't think I get a choice. You in, Jimmy?"
Jimmy nodded. "I kinda like the idea; I would have loved having someone to go to."
"Great," Julio replied. "Johnny's going to fill you in on what he's done through Intel, then you guys can decide just how you want to set things up. Knowin' Kyle and Ty, they probably have already figured out what kind of pointers they think will help you, probably before I even thought of the idea. You guys will be the first team dedicated to this in the Clan, so just do what seems right and give a yell if you want help or another viewpoint."
"Klaus might have a few ideas too," Barrett added. "I'm pretty sure that if you ask, he'll give you his experiences, and he might have a few suggestions for people that will be able to help out."
"That should eliminate a few mistakes," Evan nodded. "Thanks; this sounds like it might actually work!"
"Does that mean we can find out what the surprise is that Grandpa left with Uncle Klaus now, Daddy?" Caedin asked as he climbed up on Barrett's lap.
"I guess so, Cae," Barrett replied.
"EFFERN!" Cae exclaimed loud enough to cause temporary hearing damage to all present.
"Does anybody know where we're at?" Julio asked in confusion as he looked around the room the group had suddenly found themselves in.
"Welcome to the dining room of the second oldest compound still in existence," Barrett stated. "Only Ark has this place beat; Nick's place is a very close number three."
"And, up until now," Ardell added, "the only Clan members with access other than Haden are my direct family. This place is restricted, only those of us from the beginning and a very select list of those we trust are allowed here. Me, Hac, Klaus, Barrett, and Trevois are the only ones that can invite someone down here; this is part of our history, and we don't want it changed."
"So when are we allowed to be here?" Jesse asked.
"Any time you need to get away." Ardell replied. "You don't need to worry about being interrupted; Ark, Klaus, Nick, and Kerry are the only ones that will know that you're here, and none of them will interrupt your time here unless there is no other choice."
The conversation seemed to drift off as each of them noticed Klaus and Kerry enter the room. both looking extremely serious. As they came to a stop, Klaus stated "Everyone please be seated. Barrett, Haden, and Evan? I need the three of you to hold your thoughts and listen until I tell you that I'm done with explaining what I need to say, okay?"
All three nodded, apprehensive at the unusual mood of Klaus.
Seeing their response, Klaus began once everyone was seated. "What I'm about to discuss has been sealed by Father due to the impact it might have had. There are events that happened recently that finally met the conditions on the seal, which finally gave me access to the file's contents. Barrett, the first line says that Father believed that you knowing this before certain things happened could very well have caused you to lose your memory again; that is why he hid it from everyone, including putting an override on my memory."
"Okay," Barrett stated, knowing that Father's intuition was usually pretty accurate.
Klaus nodded. "Father spent the first twenty years trying to find out where you came from. He finally found the answer, but it wasn't something he was expecting. The lab that Hac came from was doing a lot more than genetics; the event that stranded you and shifted Evan and Haden was due to one of their more secret projects. The failure of that project actually kept the Second Cycle from ending like the Third did, so there was one small good point about it. Somehow, the project that your parents were working on, which was an attempt at making a doomsday bomb, triggered a minor spatial abnormality which killed the adults within the lab that was working on it, and had varied effects within a quarter-mile radius."
"My shields protected those of us inside, since we were just outside the effect range; and from what we could tell Hac and his group were on the other side of our mountain from the event. You escaped for some reason, Barrett, but your brothers got shifted into the future - a lot. Father believed that the loss of your brothers, especially your twin, is what messed up your memory; kinda like what Cory had happen when Mikey died. Haden and Evan, I talked with Kyle just before I came in here, and he checked on your arrival in this time. According to him, the Timeline adjusted itself to your arrival, including masking memories of when you came from. He thinks there might have been a little intervention from Up High, but he can't prove it."
"I think that explains a few things that Haden and I have wondered about," Evan acknowledged.
Klaus smiled, "Kyle said to tell you yes. While he was there, he found a pair of boys who also lost their parents, and he was pushed to bring them back here with him. Would you and Jimmy be interested in a jump-start to your new family? Kyle's already taken care of the culture shock for you, and he's got a gut feeling that you'll be good for them."
Evan and Jimmy exchanged a long look, then Evan answered. "We need to meet them first, but we're willing to trust Kyle's gut feelings."
"Thanks, guys!" Kyle giggled as he popped in with a pair of eight-year-old blond haired, green eyed boys. "Julio let me watch through him, so technically I didn't cheat! I did cheat so that these guys know who all of you are, though; not knowing anybody wouldn't be fair to them. The kid with all the freckles is Kaen, and his brother with no freckles is Foemann. Just so you know, I've already got together with Klaus later today, and we've taken care of the medical procedures to stabilize them both. Jimmy, you're cleared for the same procedure now; it looks like it might actually help you with control, and Ark's figured out how to match you to Evan on your aging. Klaus has the okay as soon as you're ready to do it."
"Thanks, Kyle," Jimmy replied as him and Evan dropped to one knee and held their arms out.
"I see two boys who really look like they could use some hugs," Evan stated with a smile. "C'mon over guys, we're not going to let anyone hurt you."
"Go ahead, guys; they won't care about you being augmented empaths," Kyle instructed loud enough for the prospective parents to be warned.
The two boys hesitantly made their way towards Evan and Jimmy. The instant that the two eldest touched the two youngest, the new boys slammed into their respective possible-parent's chest, tears streaming down their faces.
Jimmy looked up, his own eyes wet with tears from the emotion that Foemann was transferring. "Klaus, you have one minute to make these boys our sons, or I set High Priest Dave loose in your main core."
"They all are saying yes," Kyle informed Klaus, while still keeping an eye on all four to ensure that nobody was driven into overload.
Klaus nodded. "Go ahead and update Justy, Kyle; I'm declaring them family."
"Done," Kyle replied. "Haden, I think you might find that your new nephews will be able to be added to the short list of people that you can handle hugging you without warning. You knew them before; you might not remember them, but your subconscious does, so you'll probably not have your normal reaction."
Haden nodded. "Thanks for the warning, Kyle."
"You better tell Barrett what Father saved for him before he pees his pants!" Kyle giggled as he poked Klaus.
"Considering that Father said I'd need to accept responsibility for Cae before I could find out, I have a guess," Barrett stated after sticking his tongue out at Kyle.
Klaus nodded. "Father always said that Caedin was meant to be your son, what he didn't say out loud is that you and Haden were actually used as the main genetic source that made him. Cae, that means that your daddy and poppa are REALLY your daddy and poppa. just like they gave life to you"
"That explains how come he's so close to the two of us, more than anyone else," Haden observed. "Why would they use us, though?"
"Because your reasoning power is off the charts," Klaus explained. "Both of you are at the high end of the bell curve, and you both think on levels that no non-enhanced kid could do back then. You two naturally can do things that nobody had figured out how to do using genetic enhancement."
"So how many people did they use my little brothers to make without telling them?" Evan asked protectively.
"Only three," Klaus replied. "The genetic sequence was lost when the lab was lost. Obviously, Caedin is one; the other two had not been brought out of their forced-aging yet when the lab went up. Fortunately, the stasis pods they were in protected them. Kerry and Antonio have checked them out, and just finished the needed procedures to stabilize them. There's a set of brown-haired, green-eyed seven-year-old boys in the medical bay that are ready to start their life. As their parents, only the two of you can give the final approval to give them life."
Haden pulled Caedin into a hug. "What do you think, little guy? Could you handle a couple of big brothers?"
Cae nodded his head rapidly, his green eyes shining hopefully. "Yeah! Please, Poppa? Please, Daddy?"
"The boss has spoken," Barrett grinned. "What are their names?"
"That is up to the two of you," Klaus replied. "They'll need a little mental update to account for languages and such, so that can be slipped in before they wake up."
Haden looked over to Kyle. "You're doing that part, aren't you Kyle?"
"I can, if you want," Kyle replied seriously. "I wanted to be here to meet them, but if you want me to get them ready, I'll do it for you."
"Please do," Barrett interjected. "Our sons only get the best."
Kyle sat back after spending a few minutes going over what was already in the heads of the twin boys. "Okay, let's talk before I do anything," he stated seriously.
"What's wrong?" Haden asked.
"Nothing really bad," Kyle replied. "It looks like the genetic docs left themselves notes in the kid's memories. They both were to get 'C' names, as they're the 'C' version of the experiment. Both are enhanced with a genetic tweak that simulates the learning bands, which I'll bet means they're gonna need the fix like you guys got. I found TK skills in their heads that are going to need teaching right away. They figured out that you guys splitting into twins triggered the genetic mutation that made you so smart, so they duplicated that with these two. As far as the things they'll need to act their ages, their heads are not even close to being ready. In fact, they have more adult stuff in their heads than kid stuff."
"That means I need to double-check a few things," Antonio noted. "Thanks, Kyle." he stated as he turned and ran towards the medical bed.
Julio spoke up, suggesting "Guys, I don't think your new sons are version 'C" anymore. I have an idea, if you're interested. Since they're being born with no names, just like Vulcan kids, you could ask Grandfather Spock to do a Naming. You'll have to ask Klaus if it can be done down here or if it has to wait until we get home."
"Grandfather is not limited in any way on his access to any of our installations," Ardell stated firmly, clearly making use of his seldom-used ability to make executive decisions.
"The Council has been informed, Zon Pri," Klaus noted, surprised at the declaration being made without even Hac being consulted first.
Barrett and Haden exchange looks as they mentally discussed the option, then Barrett stated "We think that's a good idea. Kyle, could you please ask for us? It would be nice if we could do it as soon as they're awake."
"Ty's asking now," Kyle replied. "Dad says he's on his way, and that you're making decisions that honor your family."
Just then Spock popped in, Tyler providing escort. After a quick scan of the surroundings, Spock turned to Evan, Jimmy, Barrett, and Haden. "My sons, your actions have displayed a maturity beyond your years. James, I have been told that you have been extended the opportunity to undergo procedures which would stabilize your genetic traits; procedures that have in excess of a ninety percent chance of extending you lifespan to equal Evan. Have you reached a decision on acceptance of this option?"
"Yes, Sir," Jimmy replied. "Since Evan and I just agreed to raise Kaen and Foemann as our sons, it would be a bad example if I didn't take advantage of the procedure to ensure my genetics were stabilized."
"Your logic is impeccable, my son," Spock noted. "Ardell, as the stated current purpose of this location is as a retreat for consideration of items which may have far-reaching effects, I would suggest that the Council considers extending access to Patriarch Cory and his husband Sean. By previous actions, it would be safe to assume that Timothy and Ricky would join them, even if not directly given access."
"Ain't that the truth!" Julio giggled.
Ardell seemed to think for a minute, then replied "I can not find a logical reason for denying your suggestion, Grandfather. Upon placing the proposal up for vote, I have been informed that we have reached the needed votes to approve the inclusion of Cory, Sean, Timmy, and Ricky on the access list. It should be noted that the Council chamber broke out in laughter at the observations regarding Timmy and Ricky. Thank you for the guidance, Grandfather."
"You are welcome. If you have time once our stated tasks are completed, Ardell," Spock replied, "I would be most interested in spending time with you to tour this location and gain knowledge of its historical significance."
"If I didn't have time, I'd get Kyle to make time for me!" Ardell smiled. "In fact, any of you guys that want to join us can; the more people there are, the more questions that I wouldn't think to state the answers to otherwise."
"Logical," Spock stated with a small smile.
"Guys?" Klaus interrupted, "Kerry says that him and Antonio have the boys ready to wake up whenever we're ready for them."
"Is it possible that you are aware of the surnames which Barrett, Haden, and Evan were using at their birth?" Spock asked.
"Sheiraen," Klaus replied, followed by spelling it out.
Spock nodded. "Evan, Haden, and Barrett; it would be logical for you to consider at this time if you wish to resume using the surname of your birth. It would be prudent to discover the history of your biological predecessors before coming to a decision; I would suggest asking Kyle and Tyler if their assistance would be warranted."
"We can take you on a quick trip to see," Tyler stated. "I'll do it, since I can help you if seeing someone pops up a memory."
"Go for it, little brothers," Evan stated. "I'll go with what you two decide; you were affected a lot worse than I was."
"You sure?" both Haden and Barrett replied in shock.
"Positive," Evan smiled. "Go on, see what we left behind."
"Okay ..." both boys managed to get out before seeming to blink out for a fraction of a second. As soon as they realized that they were back, Barrett stated "Hey, Klaus? Tyler wants to see our pool!"
"Sure thing, Barrett!" Klaus giggled as Tyler popped out, then re-appeared soaking wet."
"Next time, you'll warn us," Haden stated seriously.
"Evan?" Barrett asked, "Are you ready to hear about our parents?"
"Go ahead, bro," Evan replied.
"Paprus was a fourth-generation engineer; Haden and me take after him. Matrus was a teacher, and you kinda take after her. They had just picked the three of us up, and they were trying to get us far away from that place since they'd just found out why the doctors kept wanting to see us. When the lab went up, it caused the skimmer to crash just after you guys vanished. They were killed on impact, and I ended up wandering for a couple of days before I was found. We looked back a few generations, and it looks like our family on both sides was highly thought of in the engineering community. None of our bloodline survived to the end of the Second Cycle; they took the loss of us and our parents badly, and avenged our apparent deaths to the very last one of them."
"So none of our family survived because we vanished?" Evan asked with wide eyes.
"Not a single one," Haden confirmed. "We can't let our family name die."
"Thanks to them," Barrett added, "none of the real monsters that they wanted to make were ever completed. Since the lab was the cause of our loss, they went after any hidden lab they could find, taking them out of the picture totally."
Knowing the looks on his brother's faces well, Evan knew that they wouldn't make it official; the final decision had to be his, and his alone.
"Grandfather, as eldest of my bloodline and as a member of Family Clan Short of the House of Surak of the Planet Vulcan, I declare all those presently living that are of the linage Sheiraen of the Second Cycle of the Planet Earth are to dispose of their current surname and take the surname Sheiraen. All offspring, adopted or genetic, are included within this declaration. My Word is given."
"The House of Surak finds your declaration honorable and logical, Eldest," Spock replied. "Kyle, inform Justin of the required change, instruct him that it is to process immediately."
"Done, Father," Kyle replied.
"Hey, Kyle," Barrett added, "Could you fill in our newest sons on how they'll get their names, please?"
"No problem," Kyle smiled. "Okay, done!"
"I'll get the Naming Table and robes," Tyler stated.
"Hey! No fair trying to start without us!" Cory announced as himself, Sean, Timmy, and Ricky appeared nearby.
"We were hoping our luck would hold out ..." Julio prodded.
"Bite me, Julio," Cory grinned.
"Sorry, Patriarch," Jesse quipped, "but Julio is only allowed to bite me. You'll have to settle for Sean."
"Jesse!" Julio, Cory, and Sean exclaimed as they broke into full-body blushes.
"Parents are weird!" Timmy giggled as him and Ricky decided to greet Evan and Jimmy's new sons.
"... and as declared by the Vulcan Council, it is determined that Evan Sheiraen and James Casey Sheiraen meet the requirements for long-lived exemption, and are hereby declared married under Vulcan Law. As Councilor, my Word is Given."
As Evan, Jimmy, and their two boys engaged in a four-way hug, Haden and Barrett cuddled their three sons; Caedin, Dermot, and Diarmait. The two newest had quickly picked up on Caedin's habit of addressing Haden as Poppa and Barrett as Daddy, and were now intent on bonding with their new family that they'd been born into.
Shortly after Cory finished, everyone but the two new families followed Ardell to get a tour of the compound. The nine Sheiraen boys stayed back, Barrett promising to take his family on their own tour once the new members were settled in.
Haden, Barrett, Evan, Jimmy, and all of their boys appeared at the entry to a large house that overlooked the DSM HQ soccer field. Before any of them could speak, Grandma Morrison popped in behind them.
"Good evening, gentlemen," Grandma said softly (for her).
All four older boys winced as they turned to greet her. "Hi, Grandma," Haden said half-heartedly.
Smiling at the greeting, Grandma stated "You can relax; I heard about your day so far, and I came over to help you settle in and to cook you a quiet family dinner for your first night here. I have instructed everyone to leave all of you alone tonight; there is nothing that can happen that someone else can't handle for a change. If you find that you are ready, your Dad and Pop would like to join you at dinner to meet their new grandsons. I have promised them that when you are here, that I will take care of you as part of my own family. That means that anything you need, just ask me."
"No more surprises might be nice," Haden muttered.
Overhearing Haden's mutter, Grandma assured him "The only surprises that you have left are the ones you'll find as you discover how Peter set up your new home. Peter has assured me that you will find them pleasant. Anything else has to make it through me first; I will be staying in the guest wing tonight unless you tell me otherwise. I believe that a night of just being boys who happen to have sons would be good for you; you can worry about the details of living in your own place when you are ready."
"So we've got a guard grandma until we get settled in?" Jimmy quipped.
"If that's what the four of you decide, then yes," Grandma nodded.
"Lets go see what Peter did this time," Barrett commented as he opened the door and led the group inside. They made it only a few feet before the mansion-styled foyer brought them to a halt, all of them speechless at the marble floors, walls, and ceiling.
Getting her voice back first, Grandma quipped, "Boys, I believe exclamations of 'Holy SHIT' would be most appropriate at this time."
"Yeah, what Grandma said!" Caedin giggled.
Haden frowned, looked up at Grandma, and stated "Grandma, none of our sons have the slightest idea of when curse words are appropriate. We would appreciate it if you would NOT encourage the use of them around any of our boys. We will accept you assisting them with understanding what words they are not allowed by us to use, and why we feel that way."
To the surprise of everyone who knew her, Grandma just nodded. "You just passed your first parenting test. If you approve, I will assist your boys in the same way I assisted Mark. He can swear in three different languages, knowing what every word means, but also knowing the appropriate situations for his age to use them. There are times when one appropriately used swear word can draw attention that the child needs help."
"Okay, but if they slip up, you're getting your butt chewed, too." Barrett stated firmly. "I promise, I'll teach you some new words if that happens."
"Understood," Grandma acknowledged. Turning to the younger boys, she added "Boys, you just saw an example of how much your parents care about you. Not all parents would stand up to someone of my age like they just did."
"My new brothers, new cousins, Daddy, and me's LOTS older than you, Grandma!" Caedin giggled.
"Technically," Grandma smiled, "your Poppa and Uncle Evan are older, too. That makes all of you a special family, that's why you get a special house. Your Uncle Jimmy is special in a different way; not just anyone could bond with your Uncle Evan like he has. That means his brain works like the rest of your family's brains do, not like current-day people's brains do. Since he thinks like the rest of you, he belongs here, not out with the general public."
"Really?" Jimmy asked. "How do you know that?"
"You're not the only one who keeps their lessor-known skills private," Grandma stated. "I've just had more practice with mine. I can tell you that the procedure that you just had will help a lot with some of the ones that you have had issues with."
Jimmy nodded, then answered Evan's curious look. "We'll talk later, Ev; I need to figure out how to explain some of it in words that you'll understand; some of it I can't explain to me yet!"
"I hate it when that happens!" Evan quipped, letting Jimmy know without stating it that he was okay with waiting.
The discussion was sidetracked by Kerry's voice. "Guys, I'm under orders from the Council to pass this message on to you. Colin, Ardell, and Hac were letting Cleiton and Kaique know about the sudden changes that just happened for their brothers - that's you, in case you forgot - and Cleiton declared that House Ramos would be solely responsible for ensuring that your family was assisted in adjusting to the new culture that they have found themselves in, as his sons are experiencing the same type of culture shock that your sons will be experiencing. He's definitely Ardell's son; he refuses to back down on it. He said that they will join you as soon as you say that you are ready for them."
"Thanks, Kerry; I think we need to discuss this first," Evan replied.
"Go ahead, just let me know what you decide," Kerry stated before ending the call.
"It appears that your nephew thinks he can get around me," Grandma quipped. "This should prove amusing."
"Don't be too hard on him, Grandma," Evan grinned. "Despite him having the diplomatic skills of a rock, he has a point; all of us are going through culture shock in one way or the other. Jimmy and I just had a bunch of changes, Haden and Barrett are both adjusting to finding out that they are the genetic fathers of three boys, as well as having to interact with the public, and all of our sons except Caedon have no idea just what their new lives are going to be like."
"Cleiton's not the only one with a hard head..." Barrett quipped to Haden, his glare at Evan making it obvious who he was referring to.
"You're telling me; at least you had a break from him," Haden stated, his small smile at Evan giving away the fact it was said in love.
"Evan, while you make some valid points," Grandma advised, "I think such decisions would be best to wait until tomorrow; tonight your sons should be your focus."
"Thanks, Grandma," Haden and Barrett stated, both relieved that they didn't need to disagree with their brother vocally.
Taking the hint, Evan stated "Kerry, I know you at least have a VI core listening. Could you tell Cleiton that tonight we just need family time, but we will discuss his offer more once we finish breakfast tomorrow?"
"What is it about you family Patriarch guys always being so formal?" Kerry giggled. "I have informed House Ramos of the determination of House Sheiraen, Sir."
Everyone, including Grandma, giggled at the look on Evan's face at Kerry's statement. "When did that happen?" Evan exclaimed in shock.
"I think it was when you declared what everyone was going to use as a last name," Jimmy grinned. "You almost sounded like Cory!"
"Cleiton was just unwillingly placed in the same role." Grandma said with a nod at Jimmy. "If nothing else, I would suggest that you and him get together fairly soon, since he was at least prepared for it by his family."
"That sounds like a good idea," Evan acknowledged. "Why don't we check out the house before my brothers make me King."
After a long glance at his husband, Rick, Neal stood up to address his suddenly-expanded family gathered at the dinner table. "Guys, could I have your attention for a few minutes?" he asked calmly.
Once he was sure that everyone was paying attention, he continued. "Evan, Haden? After we found the two of you in the desert, the two of us lost more sleep than we can count worrying about if you could ever recover at least some of what was stolen from you. We watched proudly as you took advantage of the Unit training to regain your confidence. Barrett and Jimmy, the two of you are responsible for more of the healing of Evan and Haden than you'll ever fully comprehend. No matter what you do in life, know that for the rest of Eternity the four of you are our sons, no matter where you are."
"We mean that, guys," Rick interrupted. "Any time you need us, even if it is just for a quick hug, we're just a call or transport away. Today you guys learned things about your past that answered questions that none of us could answer before. When you found out what happened to your bloodline after the events that split you up, you honored their sacrifice by bringing back the family name. Not only are we proud of you, but all of you earned some serious respect for taking an action that most adults wouldn't even consider."
Neal nodded, then continued. "Caedon, we're really glad that you found out that your Daddy and Poppa are really in that position by blood. That just makes the fact that they adopted you before they even knew it even more special, and now that you have the rest of your brothers with you, you can make sure that they know all about how special your parents are."
After making sure that Haden and Barrett were not going to self-combust from blushing, Neal said "Derm, Diam? Welcome to the family. If I understand correctly, the two of you are probably the only people other than Caedon who even have a chance at completely understanding the fine details of the projects that your Dad and Pop are involved in. Don't be afraid to take advantage of that; your entire extended family in Family Clan Short encourages that kind of thing, and celebrates the unique skills that each of us has. I can't wait to see what you three boys come up with as you're learning from your Dad and Pop."
Turning his head to the last two new faces, Neal stated "Welcome to the family, Kaen and Foem; don't worry, you're just as special as your cousins. Your Dad and Pop need someone to love and trust them just as much as you need someone to love and trust you. The two of you using your special skills alongside your Dad and Pop is going to make a big difference in the lives of a lot of people, and your new house is in the best place for you to do that. Just remember, if you get the feeling that your Daddy or Poppa need a hug or a cuddle, just do it; neither one of them will admit it to themselves if they are doing something else."
Neal had to work hard at not laughing as the five youngest members of the group immediately decided to cuddle-attack their parents. Haden ended up with Caedon, Barrett was double-teamed by the twin D's, Kaen claimed Evan, and Foemann camped out on Jimmy. Once everyone was comfy, Neal quipped "That proves it, you five are definitely our grandsons!"
Evan froze in the doorway at the sight before him in his brother's bedroom. Barrett was in his normal place, cuddled into Haden's right side. That didn't surprise Evan, as the pair of brothers had done the same since the first night they slept in the same building. The little arm latched over Barrett's arm on Haden's chest proved than Caedon was in his favorite place - cuddled between his Daddy and Poppa. The set of twins cuddled tightly against Haden's left side, however, surprised Evan, as Haden would normally be in a full panic attack at being boxed in, and would never sleep through such a thing. Instead, Haden had the most peaceful smile on his sleeping face that Evan had ever seen.
"I believe that your brothers are finally complete," Grandma stated softly from behind Evan. "You brought them to this point, now it is time to let them spread their wings. Remember Haden's smile; you are the sole reason that it graces his face."
"I think I need to see Doc Dan, that actually made sense!" Evan giggled before turning around and giving Grandma a hug. "Thanks Grandma; I needed to hear that."
"You passed the hardest test that life can give," Grandma replied as she returned the hug. "You were a father when no-one was there to support you. You've earned my respect for what you accomplished with no example of what to do. Even when you lost direction due to being dehydrated, you didn't give up; instead you flagged down a passing plane and gave yourself and Haden a new life. I'm sure that you probably saved Barrett's life when you did that, as the chances are likely that he would have felt his brother's death. As Timmy said, some times bad things have to happen for the good things to happen. You carried your brothers through the bad, now it is time to let the good happen."
"Thanks, I'll do that, Grandma." Evan stated as her words cleared doubts that he didn't even consciously know he had. "I'm going to wake up my little brothers, that way they can start their new life."
"I'll go start breakfast; I believe there are nine young men who need shown just how special they are." Grandma acknowledged with a smile, her senses telling her that Evan was now on the right path.
As Grandma headed to the kitchen, Evan moved over next to the bed, leaning slightly to touch both Barrett and Haden's shoulders. "Hey little bro's, time to wake up; Grandma is starting breakfast."
Evan never had a chance. All five woke at once, and the twins immediately reached out and grabbed his arms, pulling him off-balance to land on top of the group. Seconds later, he found himself the victim of a fourteen-hand tickle attack - even Haden got in on it.
A few minutes later, Evan returned from an emergency bathroom run to find all five sitting on the edge of the bed, obviously apprehensive as to if they had crossed a line. Evan smiled before stating "Thanks, I needed that after how nuts it's been lately. I'll call it even if I can get a double hug from my favorite little brothers followed by a triple hug from my favorite nephews."
Not sure if it was a trap, both Haden and Barrett moved slowly to just the edge of Evan's reach. Evan opened his arms, stating "C'mere guys; I'm not going to do anything to get even."
After a quick glance at each other, the pair took the chance and moved in for a hug. Once Evan had them in his arms, he softly said "I love both of you, and I'm more proud of you than you'll ever understand. Even though there's gonna be times that me, Jimmy, and our boys are off doing one thing while you and your boys are doing another, we're still family, and I'm still here for you if you need me. We'll still do things as one big family too. Just don't make the goof that I did; I missed being a kid because I tried to be a Dad with no help. Let people help you, and enjoy being a kid with your sons; give them some happy memories to tell their kids about." Picking up on a thought that floated to the top of his mind, Evan added "Haden, don't ever feel guilty about me missing being a kid to protect you. I'd do it all over again if I had the choice. Today, you had a smile on your face while you were sleeping that I can't remember you ever having before; That one smile, seeing you really happy, made every single thing that I did worth it."
The squeeze from Haden told Evan more than a thousand words could convey; Haden accepted his wish, and the subject was resolved.
"I think I'm getting some of my memories back," Barrett stated softly. "I was dreaming about the three of us playing somewhere, with our birth parents watching. You were a really awesome big brother in my dream; I'm glad I got our big brother back."
"I hope that all of us get those memories back," Evan said softly. "I'm glad I have BOTH of my little brothers back."