The following is a work of fiction and is the property of the author. If you are bothered by same sex relationships, read no farther. This is a story about the inter-relationships of males of differing ages. It's a story with some sex, not sex with some story.
Pop
Chapter 17
New Year's Eve was spent in quiet celebration in the apartment with our fully extended family. The younger boys played with Nintendo and some of the hand held computers and board games they had received for Christmas. The older boys played with the new pool table which Dexter had given the family. I had never realized how entertaining it would be to sit and watch four younger men as they circle the pool table, bending to tap the ball with their cue as their snug trousers hugged every curve of their tight butts and thighs. It was sometimes like an erotic dance and made me constantly think how nice it would be when everyone went home, or to bed and I could really ring in the New Year with Dex.
The physical sex with Dex had originally started out great and gotten better and better, as had the mental sex. He was an extremely intelligent man and I often conjectured he had developed his fabulous body to hide his outstanding mind. He had a skill with handling people which extended from our staff and customers right down to counseling and guiding our boys. His natural care for them caused them to quickly treasure his friendship and trust him implicitly. He had a natural, grounded approach to life which he not only lived by, but influenced others toward, just by being with them. Dex was an alpha male not because of a domineering preoccupation with being number one, but because of his natural ability to lead and cause others to wish to follow. He was unique.
In our bedroom, we were well matched. Dex had a curious and adventurous spirit which fit perfectly with my maturity and steadfast experience. When he would lead, we would be open to enthusiasm and fast paced fulfillment. When I led, we indulged ourselves in lengthy passion and exploration of our senses and commitment. It was an ideal mix for both of us, which at a whim we could reverse and surprise both ourselves and our partner. To satisfy our dominant personality traits, we each took responsibility for certain specific portions of our lives. These areas were not absolute and if one encountered a problem with some aspect of the other's territory, we negotiated to resolve the problem. I can honestly say there were very few occasions when a raised voice or harsh word ever occurred between us.
Early New Year's morning as we finally reached our room, I was so hot I could have spontaneously combusted. My cock had been rigid for the last two hours and every man I looked at for the last hour had appeared in my mind to be naked.
"Strip, boy." I ordered gruffly as our bedroom door was closed. Dex turned his head slightly and glanced at me. He could read me like a Braille book, even at a distance and my excitement shone from me like a beacon. In an instant his clothing lay in a heap on the floor beside him and all he was left wearing was a big, sexy grin. He walked to me and dropped onto his knees. Grasping my butt in both hands he rubbed his face over my groin causing me to gasp and groan as he nibbled on my cock shaft through my slacks. I unfastened my pants and he slid them and my shorts smoothly down my legs
My manhood was as stiff now as it had ever been and when his lips surrounded the head I gave into my lust, grabbing the back of his head firmly and sliding it down his throat. Dex knew how to handle a cock. He swallowed, massaging the head and shaft and nearly brought me over the edge. I slid out of his mouth.
"A couple more seconds and I would have been all done." I told him. "I'd like to at least get in you before I blow my wad."
"Why don't you let me get you off ? Then we can start from the beginning slowly." he suggested.
"I'm really excited tonight." I admitted. `When I blow, it's going to be a big one. I can't be sure I'll be up to a second session before morning.
"That's okay, David." he responded. "I'd like you to have a big one however you want. You're the boss." I knew if we just got started and I ejaculated it would not be much of a night for Dex, but if we both got off and then we took our time later, we would both be way ahead.
"Let's 69 for now and see what comes up later." I suggested, knowing he would accept it as a direction rather than a suggestion. We climbed on our bed, head to toe, and settled into an oral adventure. Dex proved to be just as excited as I was, so when we both had engulfed the other's manhood, it was not anytime at all before we delivered major loads into our partner's gullet.
Sleep captured both of us as we held one another and cuddled. It seemed like we had just closed our eyes and there was a knock, knock, knock at the bedroom door. Actually it was more like a pound, pound, pound.
"Hey, guys. It's 10 o'clock." Timmy's voice yelled from outside our door. "Tom says, I can have some cereal, but I want pancakes."
"Timmy. I told you not to wake them up." We could hear Tom scolding. "Am I going to have to come over there and thump you before you listen ?"
"I was listening." Tim insisted. "I just want pancakes, not cold cereal."
"Okay, you're in trouble now." Tom threatened. "I'm going to go and tell Billy you woke up Pop and Dex. Wait `til he finds out."
"No, Tom. Don't. Don't tell Billy." Tim pleaded in a whiny voice only a youngster can produce. "I don't want him to be mad at me. I'll eat the cold cereal."
Silence.
"I guess our big morning SEX-O-RAMA' is going to have to wait, so we can save poor Timmy from the cold cereal demon." Dex whispered to me. "At least we now know the truth about the old question, Does having children affect your sex life ?'."
"I'm beginning to appreciate all those couples who answered, `What sex life ?'." I responded to Dex while chuckling.
"You have an I.O.U. to be used anytime you want." Dex declared, giving me a bright morning smile as he pecked my lips and slid from our bed.
"You too, My Love." I promised.
On Saturday, January 4th in the early hours of the morning, Mattie Horton passed away. Billy and I were there when she died, Billy sitting quietly, holding her hand. We had spent the night at the hospital, knowing the end was near. It had been a peaceful night, Billy and I talking quietly, Mattie semi-conscious, but not experiencing any pain. I'm sure Mattie knew we were with her as she squeezed Billy's hand several times throughout our vigil.
After the Doctor had pronounced her death, Billy released her hand and came over to me.
"Can I grieve now, Pop ?" he asked and when I nodded to him, this manly, sixteen year old, sat on my lap, placed his head on my shoulder and wept softly, allowing himself to express a boy's sorrow from within..
The funeral, two days later, was small, with our extended family and a few of Mattie's friends and neighbours. Bill spoke briefly at the church and reminded everyone we had gathered to celebrate his Mother's life, not grieve our loss. He managed well with his grief and allowed his brothers to extend comfort and companionship to him throughout the following weeks. I know watching Bill deal with his grief helped Greg and Brian to finally bring some closure to their feelings of loss and despair over their parents as well.
Chapter 18
By the beginning of February, our little hive was taking on the look of a happy and productive operation. All of our schedules were set, the boys were attending school and all were doing well, Brenda was all aglow monitoring the success of her growing family, Cliff and John were both up for promotions and the Health Club was busy, busy, busy. Into every well oiled machine a little disruption must fall.
Her name was Millicent Tudpost and she was Betty Grolier's new Supervisor. They had come, by appointment, on a "courtesy" call, so Ms. Tudpost could become more familiar with Betty's case work.
"Very nice to meet you, David." she greeted me at Betty's introduction. There was a certain tone to her voice and the manner in which she extended her hand and then shook mine which caused the little hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
"Thank you, Millicent." I replied and noted the slight pause she had as I used her given name like she had used mine. This lady was out to dominate the situation and I imagine she was use to having her own way. "Please, come and sit in the lounge area. We will have a little time to talk before the boys start coming home from school." She and Betty followed me to our comfortable seating area. After preliminary chatter, Millicent got to the core of what she was after.
"There seem to be some problems with the placements which we have put in your care, Mr. Merrill." she stated. I expect I was suppose to show concern at this point and draw out information from her in bits and pieces, but I just sat quietly and waited for her to continue which seemed to make her a little uneasy.
"I see Mr. Hyatt has moved into the residence without obtaining our approval." she pointed out accusingly. "This is a small offense, but then it was repeated when Billy Horton also moved in without our approval. We can't have just anyone living here while our boys are in residence."
"Dex and Billy moved in while only Tom and Timmy were living here with me." I responded. "The boys required more residential support than I could provide alone and they approved of his moving in. Dex has applied for his Fostering License. Billy was placed here by State Troopers. I thought your Agency co-operated with the Police Departments. After they were here, your Agency saw fit to ask us to accept further emergency placements which pretty well endorsed them being here, wouldn't you say ?" I now waited quietly for Ms. Tudpost to reply.
"Well yes, I can see your point." she grudgingly admitted after a pause. "We just need to see approvals are given to cover changes in your household."
"I'm quite sure you are vastly qualified to wade through the necessary bureaucratic red tape, Ms. Tudpost. We tend to be a little too busy looking after the boys' immediate needs to worry if we dot all the i's and cross all the t's. The boys are of course the most important thing, don't you think ?" I stopped and waited for her to acknowledge my question.
"Well of course they are." she acknowledged.
"I'm glad we agree." I replied.
"You have had several very difficult cases, all in a very short space of time." she observed. "Betty notes that she has spent nominal counseling time with the boys, because you have handled most of the counseling. What type of counseling experience have you had, David." I could see Betty physically tense up when the question was asked.
"I have a number of years youth counseling experience working under Dr. Eleanor McDivott." I told her, naming the prestigious University. "I have also found Betty to be an excellent Supervisor, guiding me whenever I have been uncertain."
"Actually I would like to comment here." Betty interjected. "David is a superior therapist and in truth, I have learned a great deal from him in a very brief time. One aspect of this is the boys come to trust David totally, within a very short period of time, so he is in a much better position to reach them than anyone else. You know how backed up our psychological referrals are and I believe the boys in this residence will not need therapy beyond what they are receiving here."
"I know about the work of Dr. McDivott in child therapy and she is an outstanding educator." Millicent admitted. "We appear to have gotten a bonus when you signed on with us, Mr. Merrill. I look forward to seeing the boys, to see how well they are adjusting to living here, in a homosexual home." The last two words were said in a manner which implied a lower status which I thought was likely a dig for her having to admit the therapy issue.
I didn't get a chance to say anything further as at that moment the elevator doors opened and out poured our five young residents chattering, laughing and carrying on.
"Miss Grolier !" Timmy announced in a loud voice on spotting Betty sitting in the lounge area and came charging over. Seeing someone he couldn't identify, he stopped abruptly. "I'm sorry if I interrupted the conversation." he apologized quietly.
"It's okay, Timmy. We've been waiting for you guys." Betty said, standing and stretching her arms out to him. He proceeded immediately to collect his hug.
I called the other boys over and introduced them to our guest. Each was polite, but you could feel the air of uncertainty from them. They were invited to sit with us and talk. I took the opportunity to excuse myself for a few minutes and went down to the Club to see Dex and Brenda. I wanted Ms. Tudpost to have an open opportunity to question the boys about living with us and find out for herself if they were happy.
Returning to the apartment about 15 minutes later, I was immediately enveloped by an atmosphere of anger and hostility. Millicent remained seated where I had left her in the lounge, but she was alone. Betty was in the kitchen area with Tom and Billy. The other boys were seated around the dining table. Tom appeared in an agitated state and Betty was trying to calm him down. Everyone exuded either animosity or antagonism or both..
"Hey guys. What's going on ?" I inquired as I entered the common area. When Tom heard my voice, he came whipping out of the kitchen and over to me, wrapping his arms around my chest tightly and holding on to me.
"You know what she did, Pop ?" Timmy called to me from where he was seated at the table, pointing at Millicent Tudpost. "She asked Tom if you or Dex ever touched him on his penis."
"It's all right, guys." I soothed them, stroking Tom's back gently as I spoke. "Ms. Tudpost is just making sure you guys aren't being treated improperly. She might not have asked very diplomatically, but she is just covering all the bases." The boys seemed to calm down a little at my assurance and I suggested they take their things into their rooms and start any homework they had for tonight. I then guided Tom back into the lounge area with me and we sat down together.
"Tom, what did you tell Ms. Tudpost when she asked about touching you ?" I asked.
"He told me I was a dirty minded, old bitch." Millicent interjected with an ill-treated tone to her voice..
"Is that what you said, Tom ?" I asked him. He had released me and was sitting staring daggers at Millicent.
"Yes, Sir. That's what I said." Tom answered.
"But that doesn't answer the question she asked." I responded. "Do you want her to think you are afraid of her question ?"
"No, Sir." he replied. "It's just that after what all those others did to me, asking about you and Dex is so stupid. You two are the only adults I wouldn't object to touching me, but other than looking after where I was hurt, you never would."
"It's okay, Son." I told him. "We'll talk about this later. You go and put your things away now and start your homework, or read for awhile." I stroked his back a couple more times as he got up and left us.
"You need to read the case files more carefully before you start asking question, Millicent." I commented. "You picked the wrong one to ask that question. Any of the others would not have created an upset, but Tom is still too close to his abuse. He is just now beginning to work out his feelings." There was a silence.
"You knew what I was going to do, didn't you David ?" she asked.
"I had a good idea." I replied.
"If I were to ask you if you set me up, would you tell me ?" she inquired. I didn't respond, I just sat quietly. "I don't often apologize, David, but I do sincerely apologize to you and that young man. The reports coming in about this place were just too good. I was sure two homosexual men could not possibly be doing the wonderful work which Betty has been reporting. I realize it was in part my own prejudice, but I was sure I'd find a demon. Tom found the demon and it was me. He nailed it right on. When I asked him, I was being a dirty minded old bitch and he could see it."
"I'm quite willing to believe your goals were good, Millicent." I told her. "You wanted what we all want, to see the boys safe and well cared for. We are lucky. The boys here have responded well, they have found security and they are healing and growing. Let's resolve to all continue working toward those goals as co- operatively as possible."
"It would be a pleasure to strive for those goals with you." she responded. "From now on please, call me Millie."
Millicent Tudpost had arrived looking to find a den of iniquity from which she could save the persecuted and abused children. Instead she found a group of bright, happy, moderately to well adjusted, young men who related to each other and the adults who cared about them. By the time she left, she had tucked in her horns and made a commitment to do everything she could to help with their continued well being.
In the middle of February we celebrated Bill's seventeenth birthday. I discussed his wishes for a party with him a week or so ahead of time and he felt he would like to keep the celebrations small and simple. Brenda insisted on cooking him a Birthday dinner and he accepted her offer, making it clear he considered that to be a thoughtful and generous present from her. When asked about inviting anyone special to dinner, Bill requested we only have our regular group and extended family come, so eleven of us were present to embarrass him when we sang, Happy Birthday and insist that he too put on one of the funny hats.
In spite of Bill's protestations of not wanting people to buy him gifts, he received a nice selection of clothing items, CDs, a new electric razor, some computer games and a gift certificate for a Driver's Course which he quickly realized would lead to him getting his license. Just before he climbed into bed that night, I went and sat with him for a few minutes. His reflections were about how fortunate he felt to have family and friends who cared about him and his appreciation of his good fortune. Our eldest son was becoming a really terrific young man.
By the end of March, I had reached a point I could barely remember what life had been like for me before Dex and the boys. The one thing about it which remained with me was the memory of being lonely, a feeling I had not encountered since Tom and Timmy first arrived. Over the winter months, we had all become adjusted to living with each other. I expect learning to live with adolescents is much different than having raised children to that stage. Each boy had unique qualities and eccentricities which, while making them singular, also had to be learned by the rest of us as part of their individuality.
Billy came to us as a loner. Having lived all his life with just his Mother, he was adept at being on his own. This provided him with the ability to be independent and to make decisions on his own. We had supported his continued martial arts training and three times a week, one of us took him and picked him up from his classes. He accepted responsibility and had an advanced level of maturity from interacting with adults most of his life. On the other hand, he had a slight tendency to be selfish in some matters and sometimes had a difficult time understanding the younger boys were not up to his level. Overall, he was a great young man who adapted well to community living and what he lacked in experience dealing with the younger boys he made up for in enthusiasm about and love for them.
Tom was trapped living at two different levels of maturity. On one side he was a youth, undergoing all the changes and challenges which all older boys becoming young men experience. He was rapidly experiencing and adjusting to thoughts and feelings which he had repressed for several years and combined with the adjustments to daily life and learning, he had a full plate to deal with. The other half was the part of him which had experienced a squalid side of adult sexuality. The experience and treatment he suffered left him with knowledge of an aspect of male sexuality condoned by few and yet he had also gained an aspect of sexual sophistication far beyond his tender years. Tom had worked hard to establish relationships with all in his new family and therapy had helped him to accept himself as an individual, worthy of love and respect.
Timmy was a boisterous, exuberant adolescent who bubbled his way through his daily adventures. In therapy he had been able to release the fear and anger which had encased him during his torment. He had a unique perspective of life for any human, much less a youth of his early years and that along with a will of iron and a remarkable sense of humour had propelled him into his new life. His spontaneity often placed him on the edge of trouble, but his innocence usually saved him from forging too far into the unknown. In any tenuous or stressful situation, it was almost certain without realizing he had done so, Tim would blurt forth an appropriate or significant comment which more often than not would lighten the mood and turn events from whatever perilous direction they were headed. His natural enthusiasm radiated from him and was bound to effect all within his venue.
Greg was a typical 13 year old adolescent. His thoughts and interests were geared within the normal level of his peer group and sex, clothes, music and girls, in that order were his preoccupation. His sexuality was currently in the experimental stages and his questions and desires were being satisfied by his association with Tom. Therapy had helped Greg deal with the horror of his Mother's murder and he was now able to accept the reality of the events he had witnessed and acknowledge the legitimacy of feelings which had been generated. Greg's Father had been found unbalanced and committed to an institution for the criminally insane where he would very likely remain for the rest of his life. Although Greg had some issues dealing with the concept of homosexual relationships, because of his father's expressions of hatred, he was accepting of Dex and myself in our roles as parents and resistive to any suggestion about relocating Brian and himself.
Brian was a very quiet young boy, who we took special steps to insure was not overlooked. A naturally passive disposition left him vulnerable to being swept along with the flow and in our busy household, those who did not speak up, ran a risk of being overshadowed. He had taken the loss of his parents deeply and it required several sessions with him before he would share his trust with me. An extremely sensitive youth, he was a thinker, who would go off quietly and read for long periods. I had a "spend time with Brian" sticker in my daybook calendar which I moved forward to a day or two from when I had last visited with him. Brian was a true friend and admirer of Timmy, who also sensed the need to draw Brian out and did so naturally at least three or four times a day.
These five boys had within four or five months accepted Dex and myself as substitute parents and settled into a family structured life with us. They had accepted as well the extended family available to us and were gaining the benefits which each of those special individuals were able and willing to offer. Brenda had become a Grandma figure to all of us, although it was sometimes hard to picture this vital, exuberant woman as a Grandmother. John and Cliff had become Uncle figures as they fit in with Dex as if they were all brothers. Neil's relationship to the family was the most difficult to categorize, although he could easily be seen as the youngest brother of the previously mentioned group of three. I never asked, but I was pretty certain Tom knew about his sexual relationship with the Troopers and if so, he appeared to be accepting of it.
Then there was Dexter, who I often thought of as "the oldest boy". Often it was hard to delineate his exact relationship with any one boy as it changed from parent to big brother to co-conspirator. He had a marvelous ability to feel out what role would best meet their needs at any given moment and fill that role to perfection. He could sit and talk with them, give them shit for some misdeed, or get down on the floor to play and wrestle. Each time, in each role, he was accepted and appreciated. I knew the strength of this man was not solely in the marvelously defined muscles which covered his body, but in the perceptive feelings and caring which lay within him. He was one of a kind and I gave thanks every time I wrapped my arms around him, or saw him guiding one of our boys, that he had come my way.