Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2012 23:05:36 -0700 From: B.E. Kelley Subject: Keys to the Kingdom Chapter 14 This story is a work of FICTION. The events described are my own invention. Any similarities to actual events or persons are strictly coincidental. The author retains the copyright, and any other rights, to this original story. You may not publish it or any part of it without my explicit authorization. This story contains depictions of consensual sexual acts between teenage males. It is intended for mature audiences only. If you find this type of material offensive or if you are under the legal age to read said material; please proceed no further. It takes a while before there is any sex in this story but I think you'll like it. As always comments are welcome but please, be gentle. Please send your comments to: HailCaesar2011@hotmail.com The Keys to the Kingdom Chapter 14: The Heart Seeks Pleasure First When the kiss was broken, the boys sat back against the headboard of Ethan's bed, still holding each other. For a long time they sat quietly, not speaking. When he couldn't take it anymore and had to know what was on Aiden's mind, Ethan broke the silence. "What are you thinking about?" asked Ethan. "All the things that I was forced to do, you know, before," said Aiden. "Why are you thinking about that?" asked Ethan. "Because," Aiden began, "I used to think that God was punishing me for something by making me go through all that. Now I'm wondering if it was just God's way of bringing me to you." "You think God let you endure all that just so you could meet me?" asked Ethan incredulously. "I don't really know, all I know for sure is that this seems meant to be," said Aiden, "I mean look at us, we could be twins, we like the same things, we have so much in common, I can't help but think this was all, somehow, to coincidental." "I felt something for you the first time I saw you," Ethan confessed, "it just took me a little while to realize what it was." "I don't blame you, I looked like shit," said Aiden. "You didn't, but that's not the point anyway, you're looks didn't have anything to do with it," said Ethan, "I kind of just knew I loved you." "That's the part that confuses me the most," said Aiden, "I'm so ashamed of everything I've done, how could you love me after all that..." "Aiden, nothing that happened to you matters to me, it wasn't your fault, none of it," said Ethan. "I know that in my head, I just don't feel it in my heart yet," said Aiden, "but I do know that I love you too." Ethan smiled and kissed Aiden on the cheek. "That scares me too," said Aiden. "Why?" asked Ethan. "Because, I'm sick, my blood is practically poison, I don't want to hurt you," said Aiden. "You won't hurt me," said Ethan. "But what if..." Aiden began. "You won't hurt me," Ethan repeated as he interrupted Aiden, "we'll take things slow, we'll be careful, but I know you won't hurt me." "It's not fair to you though, I know you must have urges, what if you find someone else who can give you what I can't?" said Aiden. "You're the only one that I want, Aiden," said Ethan, "but there is something I should tell you." "I, I've been having sex with Nicky and recently with Jack," Ethan confessed. "Wow, really?" asked a surprised Aiden. "It doesn't mean anything," said Ethan, "of course I love them but not like I love you, the sex stuff is just getting off. They're both straight and the only reason they've done anything is because it was fun and felt good." Ethan went on to explain how everything started and promised Aiden that he wouldn't do it anymore. He desired Aiden's love more then he lusted after his sexual partners, he knew what was more important. "Don't do that," said Aiden after thinking for a moment, "don't quit having sex with them." "Are you sure about that, I can go without sex," stated a confused Ethan. "The way I look at it is like this, they're straight, you said it's just getting off, at least if you're doing it with them I don't have to worry about you falling in love with someone else," said Aiden. "And I want you to have fun, I mean if I wasn't sick, hell, they're both cute," laughed Aiden. "You're such a dork," said Ethan with a roll of the eyes. "So does this mean we're boyfriends now," asked Aiden. "I don't think we should rush into labels," said Ethan, "We do have to take this slowly, we're going to be brothers. We'll always be a part of each other's lives now." "I'm not sure what you mean," said Aiden. "We're family now," Ethan began, "let's see how things go, I don't want to rush it and have our relationship not last then have there be this thing hanging over our family." "Actually that makes a lot of sense," Aiden agreed, "maybe instead of boyfriends, for right now we can just be, I don't know, extra special best friends?" "I like that," Ethan giggled. "Speaking of family, what should we tell dad and daddy?" asked Aiden. "Nothing yet," said Ethan, "let's wait and see what happens, but I'm sure they'll be supportive when the time comes." "You don't think they'll be pissed?" asked Aiden. "Of course not, we're not blood brothers, we're not doing anything wrong, they love us and they'd want us to be happy," stated Ethan confidently. "It took me awhile to accept that they loved me," said Aiden, "you know after..." "They love you because you're cute, sweet, kind, caring..." drifted Ethan as he kissed Aiden's lips between each word. Aiden laughed at Ethan's behavior then kissed him back. The boys made out for a little while longer, enjoying the new bond they'd just sealed between them. A couple of days later it was the 4th of July and we decided to spend the holiday sailing. The last time I took the boy's out on the boat, we had discussed sailing up to New York City to watch the fireworks. After looking at the charts, we decided it would be better to sail up Long Island Sound and watch the fireworks displays put on by the coastal towns, rather than navigate the merchant traffic near the city. We left early and drove down to the marina, in New Haven, where I dock my boat, SPQR. Fellow history nerds might recognize those initials as Senatus Populusque Romanus, the Senate and People of Rome. We boarded the boat at 9:00am and started loading our supplies. We packed sandwiches for lunch and planned to BBQ burgers and hot dogs for dinner, on the stern deck of the boat. Once everything was stowed in its proper place, I tossed my keys to Ethan. He gave me a quizzical look. "Take her out Captain," I smiled. Ethan smiled back at me, I'd let him sail the boat plenty of times but I'd never let him take us out of the marina before. He immediately started giving orders to his crew so that we could get underway. "Nicky, Jack, single up all lines and prepare to cast off," Ethan ordered. "Aye, Aye, Captain," Nicky smirked. "Huh?" said Jack. "It means untie all the ropes so we can go," Nicky explained. "I thought we were just going boating, not filming the sequel to Master and Commander," said Jack sarcastically. "Step lively Mr. Clark or prepare to walk the plank," Ethan snickered. "Now you've done it," laughed Nicky. "Ok, ok, I'm going, geez," said Jack with a smile. Aiden sat with Cam and I while we watched the crew go to work. He wanted to help but that damn cast was cumbersome and I didn't want him to get caught on a line and get hurt. Once Ethan was satisfied that we were ready for sea, he started the engine, used for navigating the harbor, and took us out into the sound. We moved slowly among the other boats in the harbor and when we reached open water, Ethan secured the engine and issued more orders to his crew. "Hoist the mainsail and prepare to come about," Ethan commanded. Once again, Nicky showed Jack what to do. Careful not to hit their heads on the boom, they pulled the halyard, raising our sails and we were soon cruising at a comfortable 5 knots. At this point, I made everyone put on a lifejacket, we don't normally bother in calm, shallow water, but we were now in the open channel with heavy traffic so, safety first. We encountered everything from 5 foot hobby sailors to nuclear submarines, as we cruised up the Connecticut coast, but Ethan navigated through the traffic like an expert. Nicky and Jack took off their shirts and climbed up near the bow to work on their tans, Cam was napping, I was enjoying the view and Aiden was watching Ethan. "Want to try steering for a while?" Ethan asked Aiden. Aiden looked at me for permission. I scanned the horizon, there was a freighter off to port but it wasn't close and looked to be heading away from us. "It's ok with me," I smiled. Aiden got up quickly and started to slip; he wasn't used to walking on a boat, while underway and hadn't acquired his sea legs yet. Ethan caught him and they smiled at each other. Aiden took the wheel with one hand and Ethan stood at his side with his arm around his waist, to keep him stable in the choppy surf. I watched the twins interact with each other as Ethan whispered instructions in Aiden's ear. They were giggling and having fun and once Aiden got the hang of things, Ethan rested his head on his shoulder while continuing to hold on to his waist. I nudged Cam and gestured at the boys. "What do you make of that?" I whispered. "I don't know," said Cam, "but they seem happy so I wouldn't worry about it." I couldn't argue with that, I was just happy to see that the boys were happy. Ethan has really come out of his shell since Aiden came along. He's always been a shy, reserved and serious boy. Watching him giggle and be silly with Aiden was just further confirmation that his becoming a part of our family was meant to be. After a few hours, we pulled into a secluded cove and dropped anchor. We spent the rest of the afternoon there, where we had lunch and then went swimming. Aiden sat at the stern, dangling his legs in the water while the rest of us played in the surf. That cast comes off in a week and we'll all be glad to be rid of it. None of us likes leaving him out of things but its occasionally unavoidable, particularly in situations like this. When the sun went down, I took over from Ethan and pointed the boat back toward our home port. We had to use the radar to navigate in the dark and I didn't think Ethan was quite ready for that yet. Cam stayed with me at the wheel, while the boys climbed up by the bow and watched the fireworks that helped to guide us home. It was after 11 when we tied the boat up in her berth, a long day but one that we all enjoyed. I was back at work on Monday, it's nice to be able to walk to the office rather then have to fight the traffic. As there was still a month to go before school started, I was only putting in half days and that would be very convenient this week. I had to take Jack, Ethan and Aiden to the tailor to have them fitted for their school uniforms and then Thursday, Aiden and I had his appointment with Dr. Marshal. We'd also be making a special stop on the way home that afternoon. On Tuesday, I wrapped up my paperwork at noon, than asked my assistant for a copy of the dress code specifications as today was our tailoring appointment. "Are you having a jacket fitted also, Dr. Clark?" she asked, "they'll need to start on your portrait if they're going to have it finished before school starts." "Uh, what?" I asked. "You're portrait for the lobby downstairs," she explained, "the headmaster's portrait always hangs there, didn't anyone tell you?" They hadn't in fact. I'm not sure how I failed to notice it before but in the lobby of the administration building hung the portraits of all the past headmasters, including Dr. Charlton. There was an empty space in the center of the wall where my portrait would go. I also noticed that they were all wearing the Bartlett Academy blazer so I guess the kids won't be the only ones being poked and prodded by the tailor this afternoon. The nice thing about school uniforms is that it makes shopping easy. It only took us a few minutes to find what we needed, the delay's came as the tailor measured each of the boy's for alterations. Aiden's cast made things a little difficult but the tailor assured me that if things didn't fit perfectly, then he'd re-alter them without charge. The boy's thought it was particularly funny when I had to undergo the same poking and prodding. "Gee Uncle Brenden, don't you think you're a little old for a school blazer?" teased Jack. "I know you don't like math daddy," added Ethan, "but I didn't think they could hold you back this many years." "Hey, knock it off guys," said Aiden coming to my defense. "Thank you son," I stated. "He'll never graduate if you keep picking on him," said Aiden, drawing laughs from the others. "I'm glad you guys are enjoying yourselves, keep it up, I'll be happy to tell Mrs. Pennybaker how much you all love liver and onions," I threatened, with a wicked laugh. "But daddy, I love you," said Nicky as he pushed out his bottom lip and gave me the puppy dog eyes he's famous for. We all laughed at his reaction. "Don't worry Nicky, I know how seriously you take dinner," I teased. When we left, each boy had two navy blue blazers, five white button down oxford dress shirts, 5 pairs of khaki trousers and a couple of stripped school ties. The jackets all had to be embroidered with the school crest, cuffs had to be taken in and pants had to be hemmed. The tailor assured me that he'd have everything ready on Thursday, which was perfect as Aiden and I would be in New Haven that afternoon for his appointment. Wednesday was another half day at the office and I finished my morning by making some calls regarding the surprise I had planned for Aiden. When I got back to the house, I took the boys over to the pool for the afternoon. We were able to wrap Aiden's arm in a garbage bag, to keep the water out, and he stayed in the shallow end. Cam was just pulling into the driveway when we got home. The kids went inside to change, while Cam and I sat on the front steps and talked for a few minutes. We talked about the surprise I was putting together; I let him know that everything was going according to plan and that he should meet us the next day after Aiden's appointment. We went inside just in time for Mrs. Pennybaker to announce that dinner was ready. Oh my God, can that woman cook. Tonight's dinner was a fresh garden salad, roast chicken with potatoes and summer squash, followed by a bowl of her homemade peach ice cream. The boy's all made sure to tell her how wonderful the meal was and how much they appreciated everything she'd done for them since we'd moved in. The sure way to ruin the boys would be to let them treat Mrs. Pennybaker like a servant, Cam and I didn't do it and we wouldn't tolerate that from the kids. Fortunately, I don't think that will be a problem, the boy's seem to really like Mrs. P, as they call her, and she dotes on them as if they were her own grand children. On Thursday I left the office at 1:00 and drove Aiden to New Haven to meet with Dr. Marshal. He got quiet in the car; he doesn't like these appointments because she forces him to talk about his feelings, he doesn't realize it yet but this is good for him and will help his recovery. He was still pouting when he came out of the doctor's office. Fortunately Dr. Marshal didn't need to speak with me this time, good, we wouldn't be late. Aiden seemed to be deep in thought as we navigated the streets of New Haven. He didn't even notice where we were going until we pulled up in front of his former foster home and found Cam waiting there for us. The last time we'd been here was the day Aiden had run off and I'd discovered that this place was for sale. "Hi guys, how did things go with Dr. Marshal?" asked Cam, as we joined him on the lawn. Aiden ignored the question and posed one of us own. "What are we doing here?" he asked nervously, "I hate this place." "I know you do," I said as I put my arm around his shoulder, "but just be patient and I think you'll like what you see." Aiden seemed very nervous being here but I think what we have planned will really help him burry some of his demons. He didn't say anything else and Cam and I made small talk while we waited. I looked at my watch and right on time, a truck pulled up and began to unload a bulldozer. "What's going on?" asked Aiden. "Son, the day you ran away and we found you here, it was obvious the hold this place has over you," I began, "we love you very much and like I told you, we'll do anything to help you bounce back from the things that happened here." "I still don't understand," Aiden sniffled. "Last time we were here there was a for sale sign on the lawn," I explained, "we made some inquires and well, this is for you." While we'd been talking the crew had finished unloading the bulldozer. "Are we ready to get started?" asked the bulldozer operator. "Yeah, go ahead," I replied. The operator fired up his dozer and aimed it at the house, in a matter of minutes we were starring at a pile of ruined bricks and debris. When the dust settled, Aiden was at a loss for words. It took him a moment to find his voice. "You, you bought this house just so you could tear it down, for me?" he asked. "It's gone now," I explained, "You'll never have to come here again and all the evil things that happened to you here, well, they can't hurt you anymore." Aiden had tears running down his face as he hugged me then Cam. "I don't know how to thank you for this," he sniffled, "The things that they made me do in that place...I dreamed about it burning down but this is even better." "You don't have to do anything," said Cam, "we wanted to do this, we had the means to make it happen and we thought seeing this place torn down would prove to you that it's just a house, just bricks and mortar, there's nothing here now but bad memories." I know what you're thinking, what kind of idiot buys a house just to tear it down? It hadn't cost that much, I had the money sitting in my account and just like I'd bought my piano and sailboat to feel close to my parents, so we bought this house to destroy it and help Aiden get some closure. If you had the capacity to obliterate a monument to your child's suffering, wouldn't you do it? I held Aiden in my arms and let him cry and when the tears stopped, he was smiling. We can't bulldoze his memories of the things that happened here but hopefully now, those will start to take their place on the trash heap of history. Ethan was waiting in the foyer when we got home. "Where have you guys been?" he asked, "I thought you'd be home an hour ago." Aiden walked over and put his arms around him. "Hey, are you ok?" Ethan asked, concerned. "Yeah, I'm great," smiled Aiden, "let's go up to our room, you won't believe what dad and daddy did for me." When they got to their room, Aiden hugged Ethan again and held on tight. "What are you so happy about?" Ethan smiled. Aiden explained where we'd gone after his appointment, with the shrink, and how seeing that house torn down made him feel. "Wow, that's great Aiden," said Ethan, "you seem so happy." "I am happy," Aiden replied, "I don't know how to explain it, seeing that place go down felt like cutting the cord to my old life. I just can't believe they did that for me." "See, I told you they love you," Ethan smiled. "Yeah, I guess that clears up any doubts I could have," Aiden agreed. "Ethan I feel so great," Aiden exclaimed as he grabbed Ethan for another hug. Shortly after the boys went up to their room, Cam got home. After we'd left the demolished house, he went by the tailor for me and picked up everyone's school uniforms. I was going to do it but Cam thought it would be best to take Aiden home, so he performed the chore. The tailor had kept each boy's clothes grouped together so all we had to do was call them downstairs for distribution. "Okay," said Cam, "I picked all this stuff up; let's see what it looks like." "Right, we need to make sure all the alterations are correct," I added. "That goes for you too, Headmaster," said Cam, as he handed me my jacket. "But I..." I began. "No buts," Cam smirked, "Lead by example, go change." I rolled my eyes and followed the boys upstairs. When we gathered back down in the den, Cam and Nicky clapped and wolf-whistled at us. Ethan and Aiden really hammed it up by walking across the room like runway models but they looked great. I had to arrange for a photographer to take some pictures of me so that I wouldn't have to pose for the artist painting my lobby portrait. I decided that I'd arrange an evening appointment so that Cam could be home, while we were at it, we'd have a family portrait done.