Binding The Soul

Rebuilding

The taunts started early the next morning. Both Nancy and Robin made jabs.

"That's Mine" growled Robin playfully as Nancy reached for the juice. The guys looked at each other, faces flushing not sure if it was what they thought it was.

It wasn't until Nancy said "Hey Rob I think I heard a dog bark last night" when they knew they had been home to hear everything and they turned crimson.

Both girls laughed.

They backed off as soon as Max came in for breakfast but the minute she saw Steve and Billy her skin matched her hair and she ran out of the room.

"Oh fuck" Billy said and followed Max and caught her before she ran back into the room she stayed in.

He pulled her in for a hug with tears forming in his eyes "I'm so sorry Max we thought you three were still out. You shouldn't have had to hear that".

Max dug her face into Billy's chest and mumbled "I was just taken by surprise. I'm happy for you guys but that was different from other times. Billy, it wasn't just the sex it was the fact you told Steve that you love him".

Billy's mind went blank. He knew he said it and he knew he meant it but hearing someone else repeat it made him feel the realness of it. How could three words make the whole world feel as if it was collapsing on top of him?

"Max, why did that bother you?" Billy asked, trying to keep the conversation focused on Max and what she was feeling instead of having to focus on his own feelings.

Max sniffled and said, "I'm afraid you guys won't want me around and that we won't have as much time together".

Billy got down to her level, looked her in the eyes and said "you are never going anywhere and I will make sure we still have time for just the both of us. We will pick a day and that will be our day but it has to be a Saturday or Sunday because you're not using it as an excuse to miss school".

Max laughed and Billy ruffled her hair and the two headed back into the kitchen where Steve had been pacing a hole in the floor the whole time.

"All good" Billy said and started to make Max her breakfast.

"All good" Max repeated as she hugged Steve and took a seat at the table.

"Oh no she's starting to mimic him we should have more girl days out" Nancy said making Robin and Max laugh while Billy just made a snorting noise.

After everyone had eaten they gathered in the living room to plan out the renovations.

"I think we should do the back house first seeing as that will be our forever home" Robin said, lacing her arm with Nancys.

Nancy nodded and said are we hiring contractors or did the two of you suddenly become carpenters as well"?

Billy looked at Steve and a silent agreement was made.

"We will be hiring professional contractors to build your house and to do the needed changes to this one as well as the outdoor lounge area, pool, and front area," Billy said.

Steve got something out of a folder and it looked as thick as a book.

"So this is the planned renovations to make all of our lives simpler:

Constructing a house right behind this one for Nancy and Robin.
In between the two houses will be a patio with deck and lawn chairs, a grill and a swimming pool with a pool house for entertaining.
In here we will be turning the basement into another entertaining area with a fully stocked bar.
We will be turning the third floor into an area the kids can play their dungeons and dragons in or just a hangout room.
The second floor will stay about the same except for redecorating and of course, fixing the wall and door to the main bedroom.
The kitchen will also be getting a major overhaul. We want an open concept and all the appliances will be replaced with the newest versions of them.
The living room will gain a new fireplace along with new furniture and the dining room will also be getting all new furniture and an extension since I am hoping we will all eat dinner together at least.

Anything else can be added as we go. I will be meeting with a contractor later today to get an estimate of price and length of time it will take" Steve said as everyone stared at him.

"I couldn't sleep the other night so I drew up plans in case something like this was to happen," Steve said as his face flushed red with embarrassment.

The room rang out with "I love it" making Steve smile.

While the others worked on where they were going to stay during the renovations Steve went and talked to the contractor.

When he got back he looked exhausted as he collapsed onto the couch.

"What's wrong Steve," Nancy asked sitting at the end of the couch in the now almost bare room.

"Nothing really. The construction people were really nice and they said they could get it done in a month because they would bring in their crew from Indy as well.

There was just a lot of paperwork and details to work out plus I have been wondering where we are going to stay for the next month" Steve said taking a deep breath.

"Well dingus with our little team plus some hired help we got everything into storage and Billy here booked us a two-month stay at some ritzy resort in California. So don't be so gloomy this will be so much fun" Robin exclaimed gleefully from across the room.

Steve sat up and smiled at the two women. He couldn't ask for better friends.

His eyes lit up though when Billy and Max came in. They were his family and a little vacation was what they all needed to bond.

Though his light dimmed a bit when he saw the rest of the kids follow them in.

"Somehow their parents heard that we were taking them with us on vacation as well, even Lucas's little sister, Erica" Billy said while glaring at Max, who had a guilty look on her face.

Going over to Steve he whispered "Don't worry too much baby we will have our own play time" and kissed him.

"When do we leave," Steve asked loudly making Robin and Nancy laugh again.