Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 21:10:41 -0400 From: Eff Del Subject: Flights of Angels-Chapter 7 Flights of Angels-Chapter 7 By Eff Del It is almost always a mistake to heed the advice of others when such consel is in opposition to the inner voice that is our most reliable guide. Don't believe anyone who says you can't be happy. You can. Don't believe anyone who says that life has to be unpleasant or tedious. It doesn't. Don't believe anyone who says you should ignore your feelings or desires or wishes. You should not ignore that voice inside of you that insists things can be better. Anyone can be happy. Anyone can find fulfillment. Anyone can achieve their true dreams. If you listen to yourself at the deepest level, you will always know this to be true The floor to ceiling windows that formed three of the bedroom walls were already brightening with the glow of impending morning as I opened my eyes. At once, I realized that I was laying ensnared among the limbs of the two stunning young men who still slept soundly, arms and legs embracing me in a delightful tangle. I smiled to myself as I thought 'A two boy morning beats a three dog night every day of the week'. I attempted to carefully extricate myself from the sweet fleshy pile in order not to wake them yet but I was unsuccessful. Just as I was slowly stretching one leg over Sean's torso toward the edge of the bed, his beautiful eyes snapped open and moments later I was greeted by a goofy little half asleep smile. He sat up and with a lazy scoot over, he half leaned and half fell against my chest while wrapping his arms around my neck. He nuzzled his cheek against mine and murmured; "Morning Dad." I pulled his face to mine and kissed him as I ran my hand down his smooth firm back just as far as the top of his perfect ass cheeks. "Good morning to you my sweet little man. Shhh. Let's be quiet so Jack can sleep just a little longer." I slid softly off the bed, lifted him up and carried him into the bathroom as silently as I could. We stood side by side in front of the bowl as we took our morning piss. I looked down at him while he tried in vain to stifle several sleepy yawns. Shortly, we were standing under the steaming water of the shower running our hands randomly over the other's wet slick skin as we did each morning before getting down to the business of soap and shampoo. "Hey, make room for me you guys." We turned our heads in unison just in time to see Jack step into the shower with us. His lithe long limbed teen aged body melded against ours as we stood luxuriating in the spray. His face was alight with his devilish smile as the water plastered his red hair against his face. The shower at the condo was nowhere near the size of the one at Joyous Gaurde, thus soaping and shampooing with the addition of a teenager, especially one with Jack's devilish nature, made the experience interesting but certainly not unpleasant. ************************* The flight home was uneventful save for the pleasure of sharing the first flight experience with Jack. Captain Lucas had been his usual wonderful self and he'd brought both boys up to the cockpit shortly after we were airborne and when he returned them to me, they were both flushed with excitement. I allowed Jack to have a beer with his lunch on the jet and I watched the two boys as they crowded against the window and each other giggling and poking while they ate. Their affection for each other was so obvious that is was almost a thing that you could touch. For the first time I found myself considering that I was probably never going to allow Jack to return to the NEST. It was no surprise that John and Jack took to each other at once and the ride back to town was a constant conversation punctuated with Sean's laughter and Jack's deeper chuckles as John and Jack engaged in an amusing give and take. By the time we were pulling into Struthers' parking lot, Jack was challenging John to a game of 9 Ball stating with youthful cockiness that '8 Ball is an old man's game.' Jacob Struthers approached me with a smile as soon as he saw us enter the store. "Eric, welcome as always! How may we take your money today?" I wrapped an arm around Jack's shoulder and ushered him forward. "Young Jack here needs a wardrobe that will get him through the rest of the summer Jacob. I'll bring both of them in next month and we'll get them outfitted for the fall." I noticed Sean and Jack exchange surprised but happy smiles as I spoke. "Well then Jack" Jacob said while leading the red head off toward the back room "let's have Albert take some measurements. Please step up on this stool." The difference in demeanor indicated by the boys' ages became obvious at once. While Sean had wiggled and twisted during his measurement sessions, driving poor Albert nearly to apoplexy; Jack stood still and straight cooperating during the entire procedure. Two hours later, our purchases were being placed neatly in bags and carried out to the limo. Jack timidly took my hand and pulled me aside. "Eric, did you mean it? Am a really going to stay with you through the fall?" I smiled as I looked into his emerald eyes. I gently stroked his cheek and answered him; "The fall, the winter, the spring and the summer; unless you object Jack, you're never going back to the NEST. We'll talk about all that later OK?" "OK Eric!" There were tears pooling in his eyes and he was trembling slightly. I pulled him into a tight hug and surreptitiously wiped his tears away with my thumb. He smiled up at me. "Thanks Eric." ************************************************** Richard met us at the door. He was more and more taking over the day to day household duties from Walter and doing a fine job of it. The staff seemed to like him and he'd won Martha over his first day at the job. "Welcome back Sir, welcome back master Sean and welcome to you master Jack." He held out his hand in greeting to the young red headed boy who beamed ear to ear as he returned the greeting. "Richard, would you have all of Jack's things brought up to the empty bedroom in the same wing as mine...the one across the hall from Sean's?" "Right away Sir." He smiled. I was privately amused at how quickly Richard had adopted Walter's formal manner when on "butler duty". I hadn't considered that I'd be deciding to keep Jack at Joyous Gaurde permanently and I explained to the boy that we'd have his room fixed up to suit his tastes quickly. "Besides Jack, you'll be spending the next couple nights out at Fish Camp with Doctor Swaim helping him with a project." Noting the confused look on the boy's face I squeezed his shoulder "Never mind all that now Jack. I'll explain it later when we all get together before dinner. Right now Sean, why don't you take Jack inside and introduce him to Mrs. Edwards? Then show him where his room is and if you like, you guys can hang out at the pool. I'll meet you there in a bit." "Come on Jack!" Sean was tugging on the older boy's arm as he led him half galloping into the house. "That boy Jack is a piece of work!" John was smiling as he closed the trunk of the limo. "I hope you won't mind if I kick his young ass unmercifully when we play pool Eric?" "Be my guest John and don't forget that you've got a tentative game with Chris as well. Someday, you may even come up against someone who'll surprise you." He looked at me with a serious expression. "You forget Eric; you surprised me when we first met that evening. I never expected a scared skinny kid like you were to shoot that good." I smiled and kept the twinge of affection I felt for him to myself. Since that day so long ago, whenever the subject came up, John would tell everyone how much my skill with a cue had surprised him and how hard he'd had to work to win that first game. I of course remembered that the truth was; he had beaten me easily, decisively and with his usual generous good nature. I strolled back into the house, stopped by my study to pour a drink and then walked out to the south wing to track down Walter and Uncle Phil. ******************************************** "He's sharp as a tack Eric." Uncle Phil was mixing us each a second round of drinks as he and Walter were filling me in regarding their intensive sessions with Chris. "It took a bit at first to convince him that we weren't pulling his leg and that our interests were actually as vast and all reaching as they are. Once he realized everything we were telling him was truth, we had his complete attention." "And the questions he asked Eric!" Walter had interjected himself into the conversation. "Insightful, probing, and to the point...he even picked apart many of the answers we gave him recognizing we were only supplying him part truths or glossing over some of the salient points." "I swear Eric, give this kid a couple of years, and he'll be teaching ME things!" Uncle Phil said shaking his head enthusiastically. "So, how have you two left it with him?" "Well, after Walt and I agreed that our initial reaction about him was correct, we told him that you would be offering him a high level position in our organization. He of course protested that he still had two maybe three years of college before earning even his BA. We explained that his degrees would be taken care of. Walt stretched the truth a bit and told him that we had a special work study program with the University which allowed certain of our employees to earn their sheep skins while working for us." "I fucking well lied to him!" Walter laughed. "What was I supposed to tell him? That if he wanted us to we'd buy him a doctorate?" "Don't listen to him Eric. Walt was eloquent and brilliant. The kid bought it as if it was the most natural thing." "So, you think he's interested?" "I think if you offer him a job, he'll pee his pants to take it. We have not even hinted to him the scope of the job you'll be offering him. He has no idea that we plan to groom him to be my replacement. Walt and I both felt that information would be best coming from you. We both agree though, that you found us the right guy." "Thanks Uncle Phil. Thanks Walter. I'll talk with him tonight after dinner and probably make the offer tomorrow. See you guys at dinner tonight. I think you'll like the boy I've brought back from Houston. He'll make a nice addition to the family." I noticed their startled expressions and quickly added; "Oh no...I don't intend to adopt him but I'm going to make him part of my household as my ward. I'm going to have myself appointed his permanent legal guardian until he reaches the age of majority. He's already won over John and Martha, I expect he'll get to you both in no time." Setting down my empty glass I left the room to track down Sean and Jack. I suspected that the pool should be the first place to look and I was correct. As I was rounding the hedge, I could hear peals of laughter coming from the other side. Turning onto the deck I saw the three of them. They'd hooked up the small goals at either end of the pool and were involved in a game of two on one water polo. What a glorious sight they made; three of the most beautiful young men I'd ever seen. Chris was cavorting as if he were a teenager himself and I had to remind myself that he was actually closer in age to Jack than he was to me. "Dad! Dad!" it was Sean that spotted me first. "Get your clothes off and come in and play with us!" They'd all three turned facing me and I realized they were all dazzlingly naked and none of them seemed to have any qualms about it. "Please come in and play on my side Eric" Chris urged with a grin. "These two are killing me." I needed no further coaxing and was soon out of my clothes and into the pool. I was met immediately by a very wet hug and kiss from Sean. Jack's smile was ear to ear as he exclaimed; "I thought Sean was fooling when he told me you guys swim naked! This is sooo cool!" "Well now bucko, let me tell you; we swim naked when we're in private and with other people who like to do the same thing. Otherwise, we wear swim suits just like everybody else. That's why it's always important that you bring your shorts with you whenever you come to the pool. Got it?" "Aye Aye Sir!" said the red head with his best mischievous grin decorating his face. Having spoken, he turned and duck-dived under water giving me a marvelous view of his snow white ass. I burst out laughing as I realized I'd just been mooned by the little devil. "What's the score?" I asked. "Four to one" Sean said tauntingly. "We're killin' him!" "OK let's start right there. How about ten wins the game?" Moving to the deep end of the pool I slapped my young guest and (hopefully) future employee on the shoulder. "Come on Chris, let's kick some little kid butt all over this pool!" We played for almost an hour and it was exhausting but highly enjoyable. In the end, Chris and I won the game ten to nine but it could easily have gone the other way. I quickly noticed that Jack was almost as at home in the water as Sean and only our superior reach and height allowed us to emerge victorious. Glancing down at my watch, I urged my pool mates out of the water and into the showers. "Its cocktail hour in the library and Professor Swaim is in charge. We don't want to be late guys. Besides, I can't wait to see all three of your beautiful asses while you shower." The look that last remark drew from Chris made me quickly wonder if I'd made a faux pas but it turned so quickly into a smile that I didn't give it another thought. **************************************************** There was quite a group sitting around the library. Sean and Jack were seated on the long black leather sofa chatting with Walter and Phil. The two older men were obviously enjoying the company of the boys. Sean and Jack were nursing their glasses of lemonade. I'd given Jack a choice; telling him that he could have a beer now, or wine with dinner. He had opted for wine with his meal. Walter and Phil each sipped their usual tumblers of Crown Royal with just the hint of a splash of club soda. That had also been my father's favorite drink and I supposed it was just one of the many things they shared after almost a lifetime of working together. As I'd anticipated, once the Professor found out that Chris' preferred drink was Jack Daniels and water, I was in for an unmerciful chiding from the big man. "Well then Eric," he'd begun "It would seem that our new friend young Christopher here has remarkably good judgment in so far as his choice of libation is concerned." Eventually I turned to Chris and smiling so that he wouldn't take me seriously I said; "You know Chris, I'm beginning to have second thoughts about bringing you down here. Personal taste is an important factor in judgment making." He was quick on the uptake; "Well Eric, if I thought it would help, I'd have asked for a scotch but I've tried the stuff and I can't stand it. I honestly don't know how anyone can drink that awful crud." This drew load guffaws and a 'Bravo" from the professor and some chuckles from Walter and Uncle Phil. "Now Jack," Doctor Swaim had settled into one of the large overstuffed leather arm chairs and was facing the red haired boy. "You are to be a tremendous help to me with a research project I'm working on concerning the Nestwell-Turnbridge Academy of which you are quite familiar." "You mean the NEST right Doctor Swaim?" the boy asked. "Quite Jack...the NEST. I'll be asking you some simple questions and I'd like for you to give me the best answers that you can. The whole project should take about two or three days." He reached out and placed a large hand on the boy's knee. "Don't worry, we won't be at it all the time. As they say; 'all work and no play makes...err JACK a dull boy." He continued despite the chuckles. "We shall make plenty of time to teach you how to fish as well." Jack's face suddenly glowed with pleasure. Sean had told him all about his adventures since coming here and the teenager was no doubt delighted by the prospect of having his own fishing lessons from the big man. "After dinner, why don't you put a few changes of clothing in a bag and we'll head out to the cabin so that we can get started early." "I can take him there tonight." Sean entered the conversation. "I'll help him pack an I can drive him over in the Red Kitty. Maybe I can even stay with him? Jack's like I was...he's never spent the night alone yet. Can I Dad?" "You MAY Sean IF it doesn't interfere with Professor Swaim's plans." "It won't at all, in fact Sean, you may be of help both with the fishing and the project." "Well then, I guess that's settled." Dinner was a smashing success. Martha had outdone herself with cold crispy Caesar salad, a huge standing pork rib roast, homemade sauerkraut, homemade applesauce, glazed new potatoes and creamed spinach. Desert was a fabulous raspberry trifle, home churned peach ice cream and thin sugar cookies. By the time the desert plates were going around I noticed that both Jack and Chris were looking a bit bewildered. I laughed; "Don't worry guys, we don't always eat this fancy and we hardly ever use this big dining room. Today is special just in your honor...both of you. After desert, Sean and Jack excused themselves to go upstairs and pack their bags. We adults enjoyed coffee and brandy until Walter excused himself to go to his apartment for the evening. Phil also bid us goodnight and headed out back to take his golf cart to his condo. The Professor also rose to leave. "Perhaps you'd like to bring Chris out tomorrow for a little fishing Eric. I should be done questioning Jack for the day by about one. I don't want to make this seem like a tedious unpleasant project for him." "We might just do that Doc. Goodnight." Shortly after the big man drove off, the boys came down to bid us good night. Sean pulled me down for a long kiss and then held me tightly. "Night Dad. I'll miss you but I didn't want Jack to be scared or lonely. He looked out for me when I came up from the little kids section at the NEST and he never let me get scared." "I understand and I'm proud of you Sean. Have a great time. I know you will." "Dad?" He was looking at me with a serious expression. "Did you really tell Jack he's not goin back to the NEST?" I nodded affirmatively and he pulled me into a little boy version of a bear hug. "Thanks Dad! You're the best there is...I love you so much!" "I love you too Son." I tousled his hair. "Goodnight Eric. I'm so happy that I don't know what else to say." Jack was now hugging me tightly and I was returning the love gently stroking his strong young back. "You don't need to say anything Jack. I'm happy that you're here with us. We've got lots of time to talk...right now just have fun." Sean had bid Chris goodnight and was carrying both bags out back to his cart. Jack had crossed the room and was engaging Chris in a long tight embrace. "Goodnight Chris. I had fun with you today." "Goodnight Jack. So did I." We stood on the back patio watching as Sean expertly pulled off onto the path leading into the forest like property. When they were out of sight, I turned and invited Chris down to the library for a nightcap. ************************** Somehow, a nightcap had turned into the third drink and we'd been talking long and seriously about the many revelations he had received from Walter and Phil. "It's almost impossible to believe that something like this exists and yet all of you are just normal ,nice very likable people." "Normal, likable very ,very powerful people you mean." I chuckled. "I'm hoping that you're inclined to want to play the Great Game with us Chris." He stood up and took my glass from my hand and walked over to the bar. As he fussed with two more drinks he said; "Yes, Phil and Walter implied that you might be offering me a place in...what did they call it...'Magnus Venatus'?" "Yes, that's what my father called it; 'Magnus Venatus'...the Great Game. I hope you find the idea interesting." He crossed the room slowly almost deliberately handing me my glass. "What if...what if I were to tell you that while I find myself very interested in the game, I find myself even more interested in the Game Master?" He was staring at me and his eyes were unflinching. I didn't miss a beat this time. "I suppose then Chris, you'd have to ask yourself if you felt any conflict of interest in your heart of hearts." He turned so that his back was to me and I could see he was taking a large swallow from his glass. "Yes, I would have to do that but I must tell you that right now I don't feel that one interest would naturally preclude the other." His back was still turned to me as he spoke. You know what?" I swallowed hard and replied; "What Chris?" "This afternoon when we were in the showers and you said...what you said, I wanted to tell you that I was hoping you were interested in doing a lot more with my ass than just looking at it." I stood up and gently touched his shoulder. "Chris...Chris, is this another invitation?" He turned to slowly face me. We stared into each other's eyes for a very long time and then suddenly, he was in my arms and we were kissing passionately. I slid my hand down feeling the long taut muscles of his young athletic back and kneaded the firmness of his wonderful ass which seemed to strain against the fabric of his light blue trousers. He pulled back from the kiss and almost whispered; "Do you know what else?" "What else Chris?" I managed to say without my voice breaking. "You've never shown me your bedroom." He answered as he dropped his gaze in anticipation. I reached out and stroked his cheek as I gazed upon his amazing face. "Well that was rather a bad oversight. We should correct that right away." I took his hand in mine and led him down the hall to the elevator. (To be Continued) Thanks for all your input. Remember feedback is what keeps people like me writing. Also don't forget to take time to make a contribution to NIFTY.