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Joseph spent New Year's Eve evening sitting out in his uncles' covered rooftop garden, hidden by the big pots of rose bushes that Dave loved to culture. Only at midnight did he join the family to cheer in the New Year and sing 'Auld Lang Syne.'

He moped around until the third of January, then flew back to Boston. Once he got back into the loop of studying, the weeks passed fairly fast. Although he'd told Web about his time with Max, he didn't tell him about the plans he'd made with his Dad until they'd both finished with their final exams. When he did tell him, Web's response was explosive.

"You bastard! You've known all these weeks and you didn't say a word. Damn you, Joseph, I've made all these plans for us for the next three and a half years, and you're just up and leaving."

"I'm sorry. I just didn't want you worrying about it while you were concentrating on your exams."

Web fell back on his bed and just stared at Joseph.

"Web, you know I've got to do this."

Web grimaced, got up, laid his arms around Joseph's neck and pressed their foreheads together. "I know… I know… it's just that in the last few months I've come to love you as a dear friend. I'm going to miss you, Bud."

"We've got to keep in touch," Joseph said, but as he uttered the words he knew that it was unlikely they would. He would miss his friend, but life without his Max just wasn't worth living.

Three weeks later, having set up an appointment with the Dean of Students at USC before he left Harvard, Joseph sat in front of his big desk piled high with stacks of files. A computer monitor sat on one side. The dean sat behind it, glancing over the records that he'd pulled up on the screen. He turned and studied Joseph before saying, "Harvard is a very prestigious school, why would a top honors student like you want to transfer way out here?"

"Harvard may be very prestigious, Sir, but scholastically, this university ranks right up there with it."

"True, but you didn't answer the question."

Joseph offered the Dean his most winning smile. "Would you accept that I'm tired of the cold and I'm seeking a warmer climate?"

"Would that be the truth?"

"Well, it is nice not to have to bundle up every time I go outside."

The dean laughed, "I agree with that, now tell me the real reason you're transferring."

Joseph studied his clasped hands, then looked up into the Dean's eyes. "My life partner is going to medical school at UCLA. He was initially accepted to Harvard, and it's my fault that he's not going there. The distance between us was damaging our relationship, so it is my responsibility to rectify the situation."

The Dean's eyes didn't waver as he studied the young man. "Thank's for being honest. That is an admirable reason." He cleared his throat. "Your application for transfer was received a couple of weeks ago and immediately approved. You will be a second semester freshman carrying the same work load you did back East. If you need any assistance, Joseph, don't hesitate to ask." He stood up, indicating the interview was over, and walked around the desk as Joseph stood. He placed a friendly hand on Joseph's shoulder as he shook his hand and said, "Give Professor Darcy my regards next time you talk to him."

"Dad told me he knew you, Sir."

"We were in the same graduating class at Harvard, Joseph, and we're still good friends."

"So it was his influence that got my transfer accepted?"

"Not at all, Joseph. I haven't talked to your dad in a couple of years."

"I'm glad to hear that. I was afraid Dad would try to pull some strings. Thank you, Sir. I will tell him you said 'hi,' but you should give him a call. But then… I'm sure he'll be calling you to check up on me," Joseph said with a grin.

Using a map, Joseph found his way from the USC campus just south of downtown L.A. to Max's address in Beverly Hills.

Max's little red Miata was in the driveway next to the big black Cadillac that Max had described. Joseph parked his rented car behind the Miata, got out, trotted up the stairs and knocked on the door. There was no answer, so after a moment he started back down, only to be confronted by a grinning Claire.

"Joseph Darcy. You are as handsome as Max described you."

Identifying her from Max's vivid description, and immediately liking the lady, Joseph grinned. "But you already knew that since you've seen me in your infamous dreams, Ma'am."

Claire didn't look a bit abashed. "Max isn't here. He said something about you flying out for a visit, but I don't think he's expecting you until next week. Does he know you were arriving today?"

"Claire," he playfully admonished, "you know he doesn't know."

She laughed. "Ah, you are going to give me a difficult time just like Ben and Jim do, aren't you."

"I won't give you a hard time. Just know that I know that you know." He grinned impudently at her. "So, where is my little man?"

Claire looked at her watch. "It's a quarter to eleven. He's most likely at the gym. His first class today isn't until 1:30."

"If you will let me into his apartment, I'll change and go meet him there. I could use a good workout after that long flight."

She pulled a key from her pocket and held it out to him. "So you are now a student at USC."

Joseph studied her a moment, then glanced at the key dangling from her fingers before saying, "You really do see things, don't you?"

Claire smiled. "Of course."

Joseph hiked his eyebrows and grimaced. "I apologize."

"No need of that," she replied with a smirk, and dropped the key onto his out-stretched hand.

She gave him instructions on how to get to the gym and turned to her backyard gate. Joseph grabbed his suitcase, bounded up the stairs, dug through it, dressed in gym clothes and headed for Max's gym. It was a beautiful warm California winter day, so he decided to walk and discover the neighborhood.

When Joseph stepped through the gym door, he searched for Max. He immediately recognized Allen, and surmised that the tattooed fellow was Jim; so the other one had to be Ben. He didn't see Max until one of the three big muscular bears moved and he saw him lying on a bench pressing weights.

Joseph stuck his fingers in the waistband of his shorts and leaned against the wall studying the interaction between the four men. The gym attendant walked up to him and asked if he needed help. Joseph just smiled and shook his head. "I'm just waiting for my four buddies over there."

The attendant gave him an admiring once over as he said, "As their guest, you may join them if you wish. Or… you could become a member."

He ignored the cruise. "Thanks. Maybe tomorrow I will."

He saw Allen looking at him and winked at him. Allen nudged Ben and discreetly pointed at him. Ben grabbed Jim's arm and pulled him around pointing with his chin.

Max, noticing that Ben was no longer spotting him, pushed the weights up, laid the bar back on the rack, and sat up to see what had attracted their interest. Seeing Joseph, he yelled, "Oh, my God," scrambled off the bench and ran across the room. Joseph grabbed Max as he leaped into his arms, wrapping his legs around Joseph's waist, and planting his lips on his. Joseph was laughing so hard he had to pull away for air. Neither noticed the resigned look on the gym attendant's face, as he sighed and went back behind the desk.

"What are you doing here?" Max asked.

"I came to join you guys for a workout."

"No… you're not supposed to be out here until next week."

"I couldn't wait. Classes ended yesterday. So here I am."

Max kissed him again, ignoring the fact that everyone in the gym was watching. Ben cleared his throat. Max released his legs and slid to the ground. "Guys, this is..."

"Joseph," they said in unison

"Joze, this is Ben and Jim, and you know Allen." Max nodded at the smallest of the three men.

Ben and Jim, knowing that Joseph and Allen hadn't seen each other since that fateful day months ago, stood protectively on each side of Allen, unsure of what Joseph's reaction would be. Joseph studied Allen, who had his head down and wouldn't look at him. When the silence became uncomfortable, Allen glanced up at him. Simultaneously, both said, "I'm sorry," and Joseph held out both arms. Allen stepped into his arms saying, "Forgive me, please… forgive me."

Joseph held his old friend and patted his back. "I forgive you, and I ask your forgiveness, too."

Allen pulled back so he could see Joseph's face. "You've done nothing to forgive."

Joseph shook his head. "You just don't know. We need to sit down and have a good talk, just the two of us."

"Just keep your fists to yourself, Joe," Ben said.

Joseph looked Ben in the eyes. He considered correcting him but then thought, 'What the hell, I'm away from the confusion of so many Joes, so why not?' "He has nothing to fear from me, Ben. I think we both learned a lesson that terrible day."

Jim stepped up to Joseph and embraced him. He murmured in his ear. "I'm glad you're staying. Max needs you."

Consternation registered on Joseph's face as he wondered how Jim could know he was staying when he'd told no one his intentions. "Claire's been talking out of turn," he murmured back.

Jim grinned and shook his head as he stepped back. "Not so, Joe, not so."

Joseph wondered what he meant, but didn't want to get Max's curiosity up, so he let it go. Ben took Jim's place and wrapped Joseph in a bear hug. Joseph was taller than Ben, but Ben was way more massive, making Joseph feel small. Ben kissed him on the cheek and stepped back, not saying anything.

"God, I just can't believe this," Max said. "Have you guys had enough workout? Let's go celebrate."

"But I just got here," Joseph protested.

Max looked at him with an impish grin. "Okay, you stay and workout… we'll go celebrate."

Joseph rejoiced that Max was totally like his old self here with his friends. "Like hell. I'm the cause célèbre. You can't go without me."

"Well, come on then. You can start working out tomorrow."

They piled out of the gym and mounted their motorcycles. Ben and Jim had acquired a Harley for Allen; he was getting pretty good at riding it, but he wasn't ready for a passenger. Max got on behind Ben, and Jim motioned for Joseph to join him. With a roar, they flew the few blocks to Max's apartment.

Allen went immediately into the bathroom. A few minutes later he appeared freshly showered and dressed. Joseph took note that Ben had discreetly gone to the kitchen and made a sandwich that he wrapped and handed to Allen, who apologetically explained that he had to rush to make it to class. Joseph watched Ben and Jim take turns embracing and kissing Allen good-bye. Allen then turned and waved to Max and Joseph as he left.

Jim and Ben headed for the bathroom to shower as if they lived there. Joseph sat on the edge of the bed and watched Max pull out clothes for the day, and assumed that this was a normal routine.

Once Max had his clothes laid out, he turned and walked up between Joseph's knees and embraced him. "What a wonderful surprise. I'm so happy you came out sooner."

"I love you, Max."

"God, I've missed you so much."

"Hey! It's been less than a month since we saw each other."

"You saying you didn't miss me?" Max asked.

"Just why do you think I'm here. I can't live without you, Max."

"So, how are two weeks going to hold you until summer?"

"It's not."

"So, how are you going to manage?"

Joseph moved Max back so that he could stand. "Max, I know we didn't discuss this, and I hope you're not going to be upset with me…"

"What have you done, Joze?"

"I....I....I uh....."

"Tell me, Joze. You're making me nervous."

"I transferred to USC."

Max yelled, "YOU WHAT?"

The bathroom door burst open and two big naked men were instantly on each side of Max. "What's going on?" Jim asked. "What did he do to you?" Ben demanded, wiping toothpaste foam off his lips with the back of his hand.

"He's transferring out here." He paused. "To USC."

"Why the hell to USC?" Ben asked, in a quiet calm baritone voice.

"I-it has the better ratings o-on-on its law school." Joze stammered.

Max turned and glared at Ben. "Don't you get it? Joze is moving out here so we can be together."

Jim looked exasperated. "I knew that. But I missed which school."

"You knew it? How?" Ben and Max asked at the same time.

"Claire told you, didn't she?" Max said, pulling back from Joseph.

Jim shook his head. "No, she didn't."

All three men were staring at Jim. Ben asked, "So, Joseph told you?"

"I've told no one," Joseph said, as Jim shook his head again.

"I just knew it, that's all," he said.

Ben turned and took his lover in his arms. "I've suspected this since Christmas." He kissed Jim on his lips. "I love you, Babe." They got involved in the kiss and forgot they had an audience.

"Hey, Guys, we're already horny - we don't need an X-rated show. So…uh... you wanna go get some clothes on? "

Both men grinned and tried to act embarrassed as they covered their chubs.

"I like your cat, Jim," Joseph said.

Jim smiled and forgot his modesty as he turned around to show Joseph the whole tattoo.

"Cute butt, too," Joseph commented, ogling his endowment.

Max elbowed him as Ben affectionately slapped Jim's rear end and grinned at Joseph. "It is cute, isn't it?"

"So is yours, Ben." Joseph said, as they disappeared back into the bathroom to finish their ablutions.

Max looked at Joseph and asked, "So you like their butts, huh?"

Joseph grinned. "Nah, compared to yours theirs are flabby. There's only one butt for me, and that is your hard, little tight muscular butt."