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he is still cold. Although winters in Hadrian are relatively warm, never falling muchbelow -15° C anymore and this New Year’s Eve is considered mild at -5, Todd still had to make the trek across town. Todd and his Papa Mike live in subsidized housing on the northern edge of Antinous, Hadrian’s capital city, whereas the Hunters live in a more posh region, along the Nelson riverbank.
    Dean shoots Geoffrey an exasperated look before smiling for Todd and asking, “Is Papa Mike working overtime tonight?”
    â€œNah, he has a big date,” Todd says while shrugging off his coat.
    The way Dean glares at Geoffrey over this piece of information one would think Geoffrey was to blame for Mike Fulton’s absence. Geoffrey chooses to ignore Dean’s pointed expression, welcoming Todd with a handshake. “Well, we’re glad you were able to join us, Todd.” Gesturing, he adds, “Go on into the kitchen and help yourself to some punch. Frank’s in there with Roger and a friend.” Following Todd with his eyes as he walks away, Dean calls, “Mind you take from the purple bowl. The crystal bowl is for adults only!”
    â€œAnd tell Frank to quit eating all our food,” Dean adds as Todd disappears.
    â€œYes, sir,” Todd chimes back from the kitchen.
    * * * * *
    Frank, Anthony, and Roger are the only ones in the kitchen. The three boys are clustered together around the table filled with food. Like most teenage boys, Frank’s appetite is humongous, so he has spent most of the night standing at the kitchen table eating. Todd laughs, “Papa Dean wants you to quit pigging out!”
    Frank smiles as soon as he sees Todd. He instantly steps forward and pulls Todd in for a bear hug. Being so much taller than Todd, standing 6’ 3”, he actually lifts his friend off his feet, holding him suspended briefly. “Glad you could make it, pal. We were ready to give up on you.” Frank is a very attractive youth. His oval face and reddish brown hair, although slightly feminine, do not detract from his obvious strength, for like Todd, Frank is muscular. He too enjoys playing v-ball, b-ball, and wrestling. He is even a long distance runner for track. His eyes are a speckled green, blue, and gray. When Frank smiles, his eyes always seem to light up.
    Anthony scowls as soon as Frank greets Todd, instantly turning his backto concentrate on the cheese and crackers. Like all of Frank’s boyfriends, Anthony is short, standing only 5’ 5½”. He has a small wiry frame, almost too skinny. Although he stands by the food table and appears to pick at the cheese, he doesn’t eat anything.
    â€œHey, Todd,” Roger calls out happily. Todd is like an older brother to Roger, sometimes even more so than his real brother. Frank is great, but he doesn’t listen like Todd. Whenever Roger is upset and neither father is around, Todd is the next person Roger seeks out for help. Frank is a last resort because he seldom ever takes seriously anything Roger has to say. “Want some Brie? Papa Dean put it out for your Papa Mike. Is he here?”
    Todd leans in between Anthony and Frank. “Excuse me, skinny,” he teases Anthony, who does not respond, refusing even to move out of the way for Todd. Frank grabs Anthony’s shirt collar and pulls him to his side. Anthony’s smile for Frank barely conceals his contempt for Todd. Todd is not oblivious; he knows Anthony is jealous, which is utterly stupid since he and Frank are just friends. Cutting off a huge chunk of Brie, Todd slathers it on a cracker before offering it to Anthony, “Here,” he teases, “let’s fatten you up a little so Frank has something he can grab onto.” Roger howls in laughter.
    Anthony glowers at Todd; then peering up, he complains, “Frank, your friend is being mean to me.”
    Todd chuckles along with Roger while Frank fights back the desire to join in.