Date: Thu, 4 Jan 2024 14:05:46 +0000 (GMT) From: blackscar01 Subject: Operation Pied Piper - 154b IMPORTANT NOTE TO ALL READERS This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, organisations, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, locales, organisations, or events is entirely coincidental. The author claims all copyrights to this story and no duplication or publication of this story is allowed, except by the websites to which it has been posted, without the consent of the author. ******* If you enjoy my story or any others on the Nifty site, please show your appreciation and donate what you can afford. ******* Finally, thank you once again to my editor, Jim. ******* "Ahh, your boyfriend is trying to fit me up as well... Well Forts, not this time, you are going to have a shower and then we are both going to tell him." I flashed him a smile, "Only if we can shower together." "Forts, this is serious." I grinned and sniffed my armpits, "You are right, I really need a shower. Will you do my back please," I whined. Davy held out his hand, I helped him up, "I thought you would never ask, or do you want to check with your boyfriend first?" With that he broke for the door leading to our bedroom and ensuite, with me in hot pursuit. ** Operation Pied Piper – Part 154b Part 154b minor characters making an appearance or receiving a mention: Daniel Scherer – (Dan) Forts and Davy's security team. Dexy Mackenzie – (Dexy/Major Mackenzie) US Army. Promoted Lieutenant in 152b. Then Major. Captain Ted Krueger – (Ted, Captain Krueger) US Army. Captain of South African Boer heritage. Lance Kreider - 5'08" (Lance / 2nd Lieutenant) US Army. German Heritage. Greg Esposito - (Greg / 2nd Lieutenant) US Army. Italian Heritage. Finlay Montrose, Chaplain to the Clan MacDonald ** James takes up the story I had, I think, wisely decided not to have an opinion either way about how Draco should be addressed. 'If it looks like a minefield, best treat it like one', that's what I had been told as a young officer and right now it seemed sound advice. * While Davy and Forts were both smiling as they waved off Fergus with Alexandra, I could sense the tension rising for the upcoming meeting. Forts had sent out what amounted to an ultimatum to all of his Russian relatives demanding they attend or forever hold their peace. With a final wave as the car headed off down the carriageway, Forts turned to Davy, "Come on, let's get this over with." * The four of us re-entered the house in silence, the ominously growing atmosphere palpable. We headed down the corridor to the Garden Room where everyone had been asked to assemble. There had already been a full and frank exchange of views between Forts and Dima. The two of them had to be separated by Darius and myself after they went for each other in the corridor the day before. Dima had just kept goading Forts. I seriously doubted that their relationship would ever be the same again. Since then, Dima had been noticeable by his absence, neither he nor Robert appearing for the evening meal. It had been left to Count Samara to later seek Forts out and suggest that all the Russians gather to clear the air. Initially Forts and Davy too had been dismissive of the idea, but eventually Samara's wise council had swayed them. * "Remember, I am with you," Davy muttered as we approached the closed double doors. Denis was standing outside, he gave a head bow to Forts and Davy and then mumbled, "Allow me," as he moved to open the doors. Forts nodded, "Thank you, Denis." Denis stepped into the room. His commanding voice silencing the babble in the room, which came to an abrupt stop as he spoke. "His Imperial Highness, The Sovereign Heir, Grand Duke, Drageon Drageonivanov Romanov. Prince of the Blood Imperial and His Grace the Duke of Pittodrie." Forts gave a little chuckle, "Thank you, Denis... But don't make a habit of it, will you?" Denis smiled, his voice barely a whisper, "Hopefully it helps to remind them who you both are." Forts nodded. He turned to me, "James, stay nearby, please." "Yes, Forts." Everyone in the room was now standing facing us. Alexandra slipped in behind us and crossed to join them. They all gave either curtseys or bows. Dimas' was noticeably the least respectful, he looked angry and sadly ready for a fight. Forts and Davy acknowledge them all. I caught the Grand Duchess' face; she glanced at Dima and visibly sighed. She took her seat once more beside the Princess Anastasia Chikenoff, Dima's mother, and Princess Alexandra Maloshia. Dima was standing slightly on his own, Prince Edik Vassiiliov, Count Samara and Father Vladimir were standing together behind the seated ladies. Forts and Davy stopped several feet away from everyone. I moved to stand just off to Forts' right-hand side. Forts, his voice firm but not exactly friendly, said, "Thank you all for coming. You all know why I have asked you here. It concerns how Draco, Davy and my son, is to be addressed." Forts didn't get the chance to finish. As Dima growled, "Your son." Forts stopped and turned to Dima. "Prince Chikenoff, you have something to say?" Dima turned to face him, their eyes totally focused on each other. "I said YOUR SON... Draco was conceived by the union of you, an Imperial Russian Prince and an Imperial Russian Princess, my sister, Princess Theodora Chikenoff... His conception had nothing to do with Davy." Forts' eyes darted to Count Samara. Samara stood emotionless, just watching. I could see Forts was desperately trying to control his rising temper, but the growing flush of his neck against his white tunic was giving him away. "Dima, you are my closest friend, but please, you go too far. Davy and I are Draco's parents. You will treat him with respect!" Dima grunted contemptuously. "Whether you accept it or not, Draco is an Imperial Russian Prince, he is nothing to do with Davy. What's more, it is his birthright to be called by the title, His Imperial Highness. Are you going to deny him his birthright?" An already tense atmosphere had just ratcheted up a few notches. Forts' neck flushed even more, his lips tensed. I swallowed, knowing Forts would never stand for Davy being spoken about like this. Davy's hand reached to take hold of Forts'. Davy knew him so well. Forts glanced down at Davy's touch and forced himself to give him an acknowledging nod. Forts turned back to look at Dima, "Prince Chikenoff, Dima please, we are not suggesting that we take away Draco's birthright. But Davy and I feel that while he is still a little boy, with two young brothers, well, we want him, in fact them all, to have as normal a childhood as possible." "Your Imperial Highness, YOU are deluding yourself. Draco has no brothers, just us, his caring family. I am his blood uncle, he has my blood flowing in his veins, not Davy's." Dimas voice dropped into a sneer, "I have no other nephews... Aaran is the son of the lunatic Gary, and Andrew, the son of a no one." Embarrassed, Davy looked at the floor. Forts swallowed, looking like he would explode at any moment as Dima continued, "Have you forgotten my sister Theodora died giving Draco life! She worshipped you Drageon, have you both forgotten that?! Theodora made her sacrifice willingly, and now you dare to throw it all away." Forts' whole body tensed, his hands formed into fists. I glance towards the door. Duke pulled himself to his full height, just waiting for the signal. I had to intervene; I stepped between Forts and Dima. "Prince Chikenoff, you forget yourself and who you are addressing." Dima glared at me, "And you forget your place. How dare you speak about something that doesn't concern you! This is a family matter." There was a sigh from the couch. We all turned to look, including Dima, as the Grand Duchess stood, her eyes red, her voice clear but feeble. I stepped back to Forts' side. "Is this what we have come to? Didn't the Bolsheviks do enough to this family? Didn't they kill enough of us without you two turning on each other like this? Have we all learned so little? My husband would be turning in his grave listening to you... He loved you both so dearly and so wanted you to be friends and confidants... Prince Chikenoff, James is right, you do forget yourself, you are addressing the future Tsar and, more importantly your cousin, your only surviving male blood relative." She glanced at Dima dismissively. He bowed his head. "Forts and Davy only want what is best for Draco, indeed for all the boys... The world has changed Prince Chikenoff. Mine even more than yours! That being said, you are right, Draco is no ordinary little boy, he is our future... Think on that. How do you consider he will feel when he hears his father and his uncle, his only male relatives, fought like this? OVER HIM..." she shook her head, "No, not over him, but over how he was to be addressed." The Grand Duchess walked over to Forts and Davy. Dima bowing again as she passed him, his eyes avoiding her gaze, his face suitably chastised. She took hold of Forts' hand. Forts dropped to his knee, "Grandma, I am so sorry. Davy and I..." "Drageon, stop, please stand," Forts slowly got to his feet, she turned to Davy and took his hand as well, as she addressed them both, "Being a parent is never easy. Yes, I was one too, you never got to meet my son, he was killed while serving in the White Army. You have my total support to raise and call Draco what you wish... and also to deal with Prince Chikenoff as you see fit. His words about Davy were unforgivable and, sadly, beyond redemption. Now please, you will all have to excuse me. I need to get some air." Dima's mother and Alexandra both jumped up and came to the Grand Duchess's side. Forts and Davy both gave respectful head bows and the old lady headed for the door, Denis quickly opening the door to let her leave, bowing as he did so too. * The door closing reinforced the silence in the room. It appeared that all the players were unsure what their next moves would be. Finally, Forts spoke again. "Prince Chikenoff, Dima, The Grand Duchess is correct, your words about my partner and the love of my life, Davy, are unforgivable. No apology could ever be enough to make up for the hurt I know he is feeling. I remove you as my equerry and order you to leave Pittodrie House." There was an audible gasp from Samara, Vlad, and Edik. Dima said nothing. He just kept his head looking at the floor. It was Vlad who spoke, his eyes imploring as he looked at Forts. "Your Imperial Highness, Prince Chikenoff is your brother, you have called him that so many times... Please, reconsider... You can't banish him from your life." Once more, a silence hung over the room. It was Davy who whispered something into Forts' ear. They turned away and seemed to be having a discussion, although I couldn't hear what about. Forts nodded and turned back to a now red eyed and shell-shocked looking Dima. "Prince Chikenoff, it appears his Grace is in a more forgiving mood than I am. He suggests that you and Robert move from here into Hill Croft House, that way, Robert can continue to work as my secretary. I will ask James to sort out the details with you both." Dima nodded. "Thank you. Thank you, both." I glanced at Vlad. Like Dima, I don't think he could quite believe it, but pragmatic as ever said nothing more. Forts nodded and stiffened again. "Let me make it clear to the rest of you. Our son is to be called Draco here at Pittodrie. We insist he has as normal a childhood as is possible with his brothers. If you can call any of this anywhere near normal..." Forts gave a wave of his hand, "But as a concession to who Draco is, like myself, if we are in a formal setting, he will be referred to as His Imperial Highness. Do you all understand?" Edik, Vlad, and Samara all bowed in agreement. ** Davy takes up the story Dima and Robert had moved out of Pittodrie and into Hill Croft House the next morning. Things had been very strange since then. Forts was distant and obviously troubled by the whole affair, and what can I say? About his about his Russian relatives, Hmmmm, they were as usual inscrutable. I remember years ago now, when Count Pyotr Adraxine Ouranoff had first appeared at Castle Fraser. Athol had quoted to me something Winston Churchill had said, 'Russia is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.' That didn't only apply to the country, but to its people too, I now realised. Today was New Year's Eve, or Hogmanay, as it is celebrated in Scotland. It was supposed to have been a big fun party, but as I have already said, Forts, well, Forts wasn't his usual self, distracted is probably the word. Again, this morning I had woken to find him already up and gone, Albert telling me he had left early in his riding gear. Yesterday, Chris and James had told me they had gone with him the last two mornings and he had hardly spoken, barely acknowledging them. I knew he was upset about Dima, but it was Forts who had decided that he was to leave Pittodrie, no one else. Why was I feeling it was all my fault? * Forts was also a no show for this morning's estate meeting. I entered to find the three Russians, Samara, Edik, and Vlad, present. Robert was sitting quietly with his papers, his eyes, his eyes were dead. Chris arrived just after me with Darius. Chris nodded, giving me a mixture of a look of concern and at the same time as trying to be reassuring. I had been expecting Forts as well. "Hi Chris, any idea where Forts is?" Chris paused, "He is still out riding, Davy." "Isn't he coming back for the meeting?" Chris glanced at the others, "No, I don't think he is." I could feel everyone's eyes on me, waiting for my reaction. I probably sighed, "Okay, let's get on then, Robert, what have you for us today?" Robert looked totally lost, his eyes red, "Just the party this evening. Your Grace." I bit my lip. Why was he calling me, Your Grace? As if I didn't know. Again, I could feel everyone's eyes on me. I was beginning to feel very alone. I exhaled, "Please Gentlemen, could everyone apart from Robert leave? Give us fifteen minutes, please." No one moved, Chris leant over to me, "Davy..." "Now, please! Gentlemen, fifteen minutes... Thank you!" There was a shuffling and scuffing from their chairs as they all stood, each facing me and giving me a head bow, mumbling, "Your Grace." That was it. I stood and banged my fist on the table. "No, in fact, all of you sit... We are going to deal with this right here and now!" They all hesitated again, each glancing at the other. "I said, sit back down. No one is leaving until we clear the air here!" I remained standing while they all sat back down, now all of them were avoiding looking at me. I took a deep breath, "I know all of you blame me for Prince Chikenoff being asked to leave... But I was the one who managed to get Forts to agree to only let him move into Hill Croft House. Blaming me is really unfair. If Dima hadn't said those things about me, he would be sitting here with us. Forts felt he had no other option, Dima just wouldn't stop... We both love Dima, more than anything... Now rather than blaming ME, let's put our heads together and work out how we can sort out this mess." I sat down as I felt my legs trembling under me. Chris patted my shoulder. At least one person didn't blame me. Robert exhaled and put down his pen. "Davy, everyone, you have probably guessed, Dima is in a total mess. He loves you all... There is no excuse for how he spoke to you, well none I could make on his behalf... But like Forts, once he gets railed, there is no stopping him." Robert paused, "I think you all know that Dima is sterile, consequently he can't father children... Draco was born to his only sister Theodora, who as we all know died shortly after giving birth. He consequently feels very protective of the boy... Add in his own father being responsible for the death of Forts' parents and..." Robert paused while he recovered himself, "But that doesn't excuse how he spoke to you Davy... I know he is really sorry... He just sits all day saying, 'How could I have said those things?'" Roberts emotions overwhelmed him, he sobbed again and took out his hankie, wiping his eyes and blowing his nose. When he spoke again, his voice was barely a whisper, "I doubt he will ever forgive himself, he is lost without Forts and you in his life... It has no purpose anymore." I couldn't speak. Thankfully Vlad did, "Davy, do you think we can get them to at least speak to each other?" How was I to answer that? Forts had been furious, after all, this wasn't the first time Dima had overstepped the mark with him... And yet, Forts loved Dima too. "Vlad, we are dealing with two pig headed and very hurt individuals, both defending what they hold dear..." I sat back in my chair, "Robert, can you bring Dima to the party tonight?" Robert looked at me questioningly, "Davy, our invitation was withdrawn by James, on Forts' instructions." "Ah, I didn't know that... Well, I am reinstating it... Please, do everything you can to get Dima to come, and then it is down to the rest of us to facilitate the reconciliation process." * I still hadn't seen Forts, and it was nearly lunchtime. Albert placed down a cup of tea next to me. I glanced up, "Thank you Albert, I take it there is still no sign of him?" Albert shook his head, "No, Davy." I tried to smile, "I hope he isn't expecting me to get on a horse and go and find him!" Albert chuckled. "Davy, if you think there is anything I can do... You only have to ask." I nodded, turning away quickly as my eyes began to fill. * There was a knock on the door and James' head popped into the room. "Davy, sorry to intrude, Dexy has arrived with a Captain Tim Krueger, the new officer at the supply base and also Lance and Greg." "No Enzo?" "Apparently not, he decided to let Captain Krueger have the night off instead." "Okay, still no sign of Forts?" "No, he was up at the stables last I heard." "Pegasus sees more of him than I do at the moment." I had said it before I could stop myself. I stood, "Alright, I will come and meet them all now, then stick them somewhere until later..." James nodded, "Will do." * "Gentlemen, His Grace... Davy." I fixed my smile as I entered the Garden Room with Radost and Nadya at my feet, well actually, typical dogs, I followed them in. The four Americans were all wearing full-dress uniforms. They had been all looking at the painting of Forts, the boys, and me. "Davy!" Dexy was beaming. He came over and hugged me. "Davy, so good to see you and cheers for the invite to the party. Allow me to introduce Captain Tim Krueger, you already know Lance and Greg." I had to check myself, God, was this really Captain Kreuger, Dexy's deputy? He was stunning, over six feet tall, square jawed, tanned skin, shockingly blond hair and stunning, yes, stunning, blue eyes. Now, you all know I have a thing about eyes. Captain Krueger's were like turquoise and had dark limbal rings, you know what I mean, those dark framing circles. I couldn't tear my eyes away from them. He coughed, snapping me out of my trance. "Your Grace." He gave a curt bow while clicking his heels together. That wasn't an American accent. "Sorry," I swallowed, "Please, call me Davy." I paused, "Please excuse me for asking, but where is that accent from? You don't sound like any of the other Americans." I turned, smiling to Dexy, "Unless he is from that place, 'BumFuck' you keep talking about, Dexy?" Dexy roared with laughter, while a bemused Captain Krueger looked on. Dexy adding, "He is a naturalised American, he is from South Africa, one of them Dutch Boers... That's where he gets his stunning good looks and that blond hair from." I took Captain Kreuger's hand, "Ah, it is an amazing accent... Very sexy." Oh no, had I really just said that? He smiled as I continued to shake it, hoping he hadn't heard me correctly. "Welcome to Pittodrie House, Captain Krueger." He smiled, "If I am to call you Davy, please, you are to call me Tim... by the way, that painting doesn't do you justice." He gave me a little wink. God, was he flirting with me? I blushed and turned to James, who stepped forward. "Gentlemen, you will have to forgive Davy, His Grace, he is very busy and I know must get on with arrangements for tonight." You know when one of those voices in your head screams out... "Nooooo," that had just happened to me. I held up my hand, "James, please, it will be my pleasure to spend some more time with our friends. Can you inform Marcus that I will be dining next door with them now, please?" James nodded, he looked confused, he leant into me, "I thought..." "And I have changed my mind." I said, my expression not changing. James smiled and nodded, his eyebrows slightly raised. Dexy chuckled, I think he saw right through me. "James, is Forts about?" "He is up at the stables, I think." "Great, I have been wanting to see Pegasus and Ladon again. Davy, if you don't mind, I will leave you here with Tim, while I take Greg and Lance up to the stables." Tim winked at me, "I hope you don't mind being saddled with me for a while?" I smiled, sure I was blushing even more and praying he couldn't read my mind, 'I would love to have been sitting on his saddle!' As soon as the door closed behind them, Tim smiled again, "I hope you don't mind, but I brought you and Forts a couple of presents with me." He bowled me another googly in cricketing parlance. "No, but you didn't need to, that is so kind of you." I was staring again, drawn deeper into his eyes. He broke the spell once more, this time he winked. "That picture really doesn't do you justice. It makes you look so much older, more tired looking, than you do in the flesh... His Imperial Highness... Forts, is a lot older than you, is he?" I actually giggled, "Forts is older but only by four or is it five years, he is twenty-four." Tim laughed, "I had better be careful then, that is the same age as me." * "So, you spent the afternoon with this Captain Krueger?" Forts didn't even look round. "Yes, Tim. Well, you were nowhere to be seen." Forts didn't answer. "Did Dexy, Lance, and Greg find you okay at the stables?" "Uhhhh." "Forts, we have to talk, this is horrible, I can't stand this atmosphere between us." "From what I hear, you managed fine with 'Tim'." "Forts, that's not fair. I had to welcome them, you had vanished, again!" He didn't answer, he just continued dressing in silence. "Forts please, don't ignore me like this. I haven't done anything wrong!" Forts turned to me, "I know... I am sorry, I can't believe what Dima said, I have never tried to deny Draco his birthright." He pulled me to him, "Davy, I am sorry, I just need to get this all straight in my head, can you let me do that?" What could I do but nod? He turned back to the full-length mirror. He looked amazing in his long kilt, in fact, we all did. It had been so long since I had seen him in it and looking so splendid. The door opened, and Darius came into the room. He was wearing a long kilt, matching Forts' and mine. "A Kilt?" I gasped. Darius nodded, adjusting his stance, "Forts asked for us all to dress like this in the matching tartan." I suddenly realised what Darius had said. "You all are?" Darius nodded. "Duke and Dan are next door, we are all ready when you both are." The door closed behind him as he left. Forts hadn't said a word, he stood looking at himself in front of the mirror. "Davy, I am sorry, but I really don't feel like partying tonight. Do you mind if I don't go?" I had been waiting for this, if I am honest. Forts had barely spoken since he had gotten back, he had picked at his lunch and then I found him sat with a book, only looking up from it to glance out of our apartment's windows. He had barely even acknowledged me. I crossed to him and slipped my hands round his waist and hugged him, kissing the back of his head. "Please Forts, I have been really looking forward to it after the last few days, it won't be the same without you." Forts' eyes met mine in the mirror, he looked so sad. "Okay, just for you." He sighed, and then muttered. "Let's get it over with." Wasn't that what I always said? I chuckled and kissed his neck again, "Now you are sounding like me." Was that a glimpse of a smile I caught? Forts and I quickly went and said goodnight to the three boys, Tobias greeted us by their bedroom door. Forts' smiled, "Sorry you have to work". Tobias nodded, "Not a problem, at least I don't have to wear a kilt like the rest of them." "Well, thank you all the same. I know Edik appreciates the night off, too." "It's my pleasure." * After saying goodnight to the boys, we made our way down to the sitting room. Darius, Duke, James, and Dan all began to get up as we entered. Forts stopped them, "Please, I need a drink first, hopefully you will all join me... Oh, and Dan, remember in a kilt you either have to have your knees together or your sporran pushing down the front kilt material, when you are sitting down." Forts chuckled as Dan suddenly realised Forts and I were getting a full-on flash of his cut cock and large balls. "Oh, Gee, I've never worn a skirt before, and Duke said to me no pants!" Dan blushed and pushed down on his sporran. We all had a good laugh at Dan's expense. It was the first time I had seen the old Forts for quite some time. * The party was taking place in the Ball Room. In addition to all of our family and American guests, the local 'great and the good' had been invited along with many of the estate's key workers and their partners. Chef and the kitchen team had been busy preparing a sit-down meal for everyone. The music was to be provided by the Inverurie Pipes and Drums Band, with some fiddlers and a couple of accordion players to accompany the dancing. Robert had even managed to get a caller to guide and lead the dancing. All in all, it had promised to be a great night, but then, that was before the incident with Dima. * With our glasses drained, we made our way downstairs. Denis welcomed Forts, James, and me at the door. He gave a signal that I must have missed again to one of the other footmen. "Smile," I whispered. Bless him, Forts just nodded and looked skyward. The doors swung open, and Denis slammed his staff onto the floor three times. The sound rang out into the ballroom. The excited bustle of just seconds ago changed to an air of anticipation and excitement as over a hundred faces rose from their seats and turned to look at us. Denis timed it perfectly, as always, "His Imperial Highness, The Sovereign Heir, Grand Duke, Drageon Drageonivanov Romanov. Prince of the Blood Imperial, and His Grace the Duke of Pittodrie." With a great skirl of the drums, the pipes and drums began playing 'Hielan Laddie' the traditional salute to the chieftain. I squeezed Forts' hand, he glanced at me and smiled. Hey, that was number two. Our guests parted, and Forts, James, and I began walking into the room accompanied by Darius, Duke and Dan, towards the smiling faces of our family. I whispered to Forts to check out how the three security guys looked. He smiled, was that number three? It is one of the worlds' truths, unless you are used to wearing a kilt, you can look really odd and uncomfortable doing it for the first time. My mum and dad, Athol, Archie, The Grand Duchess, Princess Chikenoff, Princess Alexandra, Prince Edik Vassiiliov, Count Samara, Father Vladimir, Chris, Gethin and Callum... all bowed as we approached. Then Forts saw him. He came to an immediate halt, he turned his head to James, hissing, "What is he doing here?" I took his hand, "Forts, I invited him and Robert... Now, please, behave." "But Davy!" "Forts, this has to stop. It is destroying you both. It was me he insulted not you, and if I am prepared to let it pass... So can you." Forts took my hand and squeezed it. "Are you sure?" "YES!" Forts took a deep breath, and we began moving again. I caught the eye of the Grand Duchess, her bottom lip appeared to be trembling, and this on a lady seldom noted for showing her emotions. She nodded her head to me and mouthed, in Russian, "Spasibo, Davy." (Thank you, Davy) Now, I had to bite my lip, as her words nearly set me off, I nodded. 'Smile and Wave, Smile and Wave, Support your Man!' ringing in my head. Forts and I greeted each of the family in turn. I could feel the atmosphere tensing as we approached Dima and Robert. As Forts stopped in front of him, Dima came to attention and then dropped to his knee and took Forts' hand, touching it to his forehead. Forts blustered, helping him to get up, tears were silently rolling down Dima's face, "Thank you." Forts nodded. He could barely speak either, "Please Dima... We will speak later." Forts moved on quickly, next were Dexy and the Americans. Enthusiastic handshakes followed and Forts was introduced to Tim, sorry Captain Krueger. Tim burst into a smile as I approached him, "Hello again." "Hello Tim." Once more, he clicked his heels together and gave a curt head bow, followed by a wink. He looked me up and down, "Very smart, Your Grace, I don't think I have ever seen so much tartan in one place." There was that South African accent again, my knees went weak. I laughed, "You must see Balmoral Castle, then." Tim's eyes locked on mine, "Maybe you can take me?" I was staring again and nodding. "DAVY!" The spell was broken as Forts held out his arm to me. I clasped it, Forts turned to Tim, curtly, "Captain Krueger." Forts led me round to our seats, "What was that all about?" I gripped his arm tighter, "Oh, have I finally made you jealous? Don't be silly, he is just being friendly... But oh, don't you just love that accent." "I am going to be keeping an eye on you tonight." He winked, his eyes full of love once again. Denis invited everyone to stand while the band played 'God Save the Tsar', followed by 'God save the King'. Forts insisted I stand with him, as he welcomed everyone and wished them a good evening. A quick grace was said by Minister Montrose and then another by Vlad. The meal followed, I couldn't miss the winks and smiles I was getting from Tim, nor did Forts. I didn't miss the glances and nods exchanged between Forts and Dima, either. Later, with the tables cleared and the footmen offering round champagne to our guests, Denis announced the start of the dancing and introduced the caller. He was a big local, obviously well known. One of the footmen approached him with a silver Salver holding a crystal tumbler containing a dram of whisky. He picked up the tumbler and raised it to Forts and me. "Your good health, gentlemen." He then knocked it back. Forts and I both returned the salutation. The caller turned away, the accordion players and fiddlers now sitting round him. "Ladies and gentlemen, please take your places for the Gay Gordons." Time for the first surprise of the night, several kilted men and ladies made their way onto the floor. I looked at James; he smiled. "Robert thought we might need some help, so he asked the local Highland dancers to come and show us how it's done." I grabbed Forts' arm, "Oh, what fun. Come on, how difficult can it be?" Forts shook his head, "You are crazy! I love you so much." Needless to say, he joined me on the dance floor. And as the great chords sung out, we were off. Neither of us having a clue what to do. * The evening fast became a blur of tartan and the white of the ladies' dresses and those Scottish cries of 'Whiiiccckk'. The dancers quickly joined by the locals, led us all in 'Strip the Willow,' 'The Dashing White Sergeant,' 'The Military Twostep,' 'The Pride of Erin' waltz each of which seemed to have an encore, then we were back to the 'Gay Gordons,' once more. I managed to keep Forts dancing well for a while. Several times, as partners changed, I found Tim in front of me, it seemed to be every other dance. His appearance quickly followed by Forts again, with a 'Gentlemen's Excuse Me', a typical way in Britain for a man to interrupt a dance and take over as the dance partner. Laughing, I had asked him if he was keeping an eye on me. Forts chuckled, "Not on you...Just that bloody South African." I haven't laughed so much in months. I think Forts was a bit jealous. Tim was a surprisingly good and enthusiastic dancer, and he made me laugh so much. While the caller and musicians took a well-deserved break, the Inverurie Pipes and Drums Band played a selection of tunes and we were treated to a display of the 'Sword Dance' by eight very well built local young men. It was just what we all needed to get our breath back. Of course, as soon as the dancing began again, I lost track of Forts, strangely, tonight of all nights, he seemed to embrace his official duties of welcoming and pressing the flesh. If I am honest, I think he was just avoiding the dancing. It was so funny, watching him waltz, he was all grace and poise, but Scottish Country dancing reduced him to a bull in a china shop. His attempt at the 'Eightsome Reel' was really something to behold. It did make us both laugh, though. With only minutes to go before midnight, the caller and the band paused. All heads turned to the large clock. Where was Forts? I felt a pair of hands slide round my waist. I turned, it was Forts. "Are you ready?" "Yes, but where have you been?" He smiled as he pulled me closer to him, "Just meeting the great and the good." "Have you spoken to Dima?" He nodded, "I have, thank you, Davy." I smiled, "Oh, look, not long now." He squeezed me tight, and the two of us watched the clock. * Bong, Bong, Bong, Bong, Bong, Bong, Bong, Bong, Bong, Bong, Bong, Bong! "HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE, now link your arms for Auld Langs Syne." The caller was back on his feet. Forts was looking into my eyes, "Happy New Year Darling. Never forget I love you." "And I love you too! Don't you ever forget it either." With Langs Syne coming to an end, the usual greetings began, Forts going one way round the circle and me the other. I came face to face with Tim. He smiled as he leant into kiss me, "Happy New Year Davy..." ** Darius takes up the story I couldn't believe it, "What do you mean you have lost Davy?" Duke stood, "He gave me the slip. I am sorry. Darius, where is Forts?" "I am hoping he is with Dan. The three of them seem to have vanished. Right, we have to find them. You check the apartment, I will check down here." I watched as Duke headed off out of the ballroom. "Oh Darius, have you seen Tim Kreuger? We seem to have lost him." I looked round. It was a grinning and slightly pissed Dexy. I really didn't need this. "No, when did you last see him?" Dexy giggled and put a finger to his lips, "Shush, don't tell Forts... But with Davy." I nodded and hurried off down towards the kitchens. The fucking lights were off. I fumbled for the switch, stopping as I heard moaning, or was it smooching? I flicked on the light switch, exclaiming. "Shit! Captain Krueger." He grinned back over his shoulder at me, in front of him a bent over a bare arse impaled on his thick cock, the wearer's kilt slung up over their head. ********************** Folks, there is nothing more rewarding than hearing from you that you are enjoying the story. Please take the time to email me to let me know. Blackscar. Other Nifty stories by Blackscar. 'The Therapist' - Gay/Authoritarian 'NightCam Fun' – Gay/Encounters 'Exploring my brother' – Gay/Incest 'Josh's Adventures series' - Gay/Adult Youth 'An Army life for me' - Gay/Adult Youth/Military 'Grandmas Bedroom' – Bisexual/Incest 'Dominic Online' – Gay/Adult Youth 'Vampyre' – Gay/Adult Youth 'Operation Pied Piper' – Gay/Adult Youth 'Scream if you want to go faster' - Bisexual/Adult Youth 'Red and Nick' – Bisexual/Military 'The Extraordinary Christmas Party' – Bisexual/Incest 'A Brother Used' - Gay/Incest 'A very English Trailer Park' - Gay/Adult Youth 'Special lube Oil' - Gay/Adult Youth