As the train pulled into the little country station Paul found his heartbeat increasing as he saw the lone figure standing waiting on the platform blurred at first but sharpening in his vision as the movement of the train ceased. Could this be him? Could this be the man with whom he has been corresponding on the Internet with for the past few months? If not was it at least a representative who had been sent to meet him, or was he going board the train and leave Paul standing alone on the deserted station when the train pulled out again?
Ridding himself of such notions he stood up and grabbed his case from the luggage rack, walked down the corridor to the door, pushing the button which commanded it to open which it did after a few seconds, and he stepped down on to the platform, aware that there was a look of expectation upon his face. He heard the door close behind him and the sound of the locomotive powering up to pull out of the station and continue its journey.
The figure had not moved. Paul felt relief break over him as the figure lifted up an arm in a wave and he saw white teeth erupting into a smile of welcome and found himself responding in like manner as he walked towards the figure, pulling his case by the strap as it rode upon its wheels behind him.
"Paul Pritchard-Jones"?
"Yes I am - are you Father Abbot Ignatius"?
"No but he waits to welcome you, I am Brother Aidan". The hand outstretched in invitation to shake it and Paul complied, he felt the strong masculine grip and looked closer at the face, aware that his own face was also being studied at the same time.
The hair was blonde and close-cropped, the forehead square, the eyes a deep steely blue, the nose regular, the lips full and red, the face clean shaven with a few lines upon it. Very attractive Paul thought as his eyes studied the rest - the white T-shirt outlining the definition beneath, the peaks of the nipples clearly visible also. The blue jeans outlined his groin and his legs well and Paul noticed that the fly was buttoned and was straining to contain something beneath which created an awareness of similar straining behind his own grey slacks. The white socks were clearly visible in the sandals.
"I expected you to be dressed in the habit of a monk Brother", Paul blurted out, not knowing what else to say at this stage of the acquaintance.
Another smile.
"Out in the world we dress as the world does, in the Abbey it is different - did Abbot Ignatius not explain this to you?"
"He probably did it's just that I cannot remember everything and I will confess I am a little nervous and excited that this is actually happening, that I'm here."
Another smile.
"That is understandable - it was like that for me also, sometimes it still is! We have a way to go yet, come give me your case and I will load it in the car. Welcome and greetings."
"Thanks - how far is it?"
"About fifteen miles and after that the boat across to the island, the road is narrow but about an hour from now we should be there."
The rumble of the train receded into the distance as they walked silently down the platform to the station exit. Outside was a small lay by with an old, battered looking car, a blue Austin Mini, that had obviously seen much better days, awaited them.
Brother Aidan extracted some keys and unlocked the boot, Paul was amazed that he managed to fit the case inside, but he succeeded somehow and closed the boot.
"Get in, the door isn't locked and remember your seat belt" Aidan said with a grin. "Sorry if you are not used to such a small car but we only use it for trips to the station and some shopping and there are no roads on the island so we have to keep it by the jetty. One tankful of petrol usually lasts us months."
The door on the passenger side creaked as Paul opened it and for a moment he feared it would actually fall off its hinges but it didn't and he squeezed himself in, Aidan entering the car by the driver side door.
"Cigarette"?
"Yes please - didn't know you could smoke!"
"We have no rules and regulations forbidding us, we don't overdo it but I think it would help you relax."
"We weren't allowed to smoke on the train so yes I could do with one, thank you."
Brother Aidan opened the glove box and extracted a packet of cigarettes and a lighter. He did not offer one immediately to Paul but instead placed two of them between his lips, lit up and inhaled before taking one out and handing it over, his hand brushed against Paul's as it was exchanged and Paul placed the cigarette between his lips and inhaled, surprised that another man had done this for him.
"Now clip on your belt and we'll be off".
They both pulled the belts over and clipped them in. Aidan placed the key in the ignition and turned the switch, the engine started immediately and sounded surprisingly smooth for such an old car.
"The engine sounds better than the car looks!" Paul exclaimed as Aidan engaged first gear and began to accelerate away.
"Yes that's one of my jobs - taking care of it."
"What do you do at the Abbey?"
"General factotum and dogsbody with anything mechanical and electrical - I used to do that sort of work before I joined the Abbey - what did you do?"
As he changed gear, Aidan's hand brushed against Paul's leg and he felt an electrical thrill of the touch. Paul wondered if it was deliberate but he couldn't be sure given the confined space.
"I was a civil servant in Wales - nothing too exciting, dealing with matters of finance mainly."
"Oh an accountant! Well no doubt that skill will come in useful at the Abbey - Abbot Ignatius has been doing all that himself and no doubt would be glad to be free of it so he can concentrate on other things."
Aidan wound down the window and flicked the ash from his cigarette out of it. Another gearchange, another brush, another electric thrill.
"How long have you been with the Abbey Brother Aidan?"
"Two years, two wonderful years. I have seen people come and go but I have stayed. Only you can decide if you too will stay."
"Didn't the people who left not like it?"
"It is not for everybody and sometimes people, having tested their vocations, realise this. None have said they have not learnt and grown, many return for retreats and many support us financially and in other ways - the brotherhood is bigger than that at the Abbey."
"Yes I remember Abbot Ignatius telling me that, it is people of like mind all over the world."
"And we have people of like mind from all over the world at the Abbey, truly an international community, called to and exercising their special vocation. I do hope that you will find it to be yours."
The tone of voice of this last sentence could only be taken one way - Aidan wanted him and Paul already knew from that first sight or him that he wanted Aidan, wanted him in brotherhood and communion, wanted to see him for the first time in his naked flesh, to share in holy lust the divine ecstasy of his cock and semen, to taste it exploding into his mouth and to feel it pounding his asshole, to kiss those red lips, to explore with his tongue that wonderful body. His cock had risen to full erectness within its cage and he felt his nipples harden also. He took another drag on his cigarette and looked at Aidan who was keeping his eyes to the front, reading the winding narrow road.
"I hope it will be too," Paul said hoping his voice conveyed his meaning. It obviously did because Aidan free his left hand from the wheel and placed it upon Paul's leg, gently and lovingly stroking it through the material of his slacks.
"I know what you want my brother and it will indeed be yours. But a little patience or we shall never get there. Tonight in the rite of holy welcome you will receive what you desire."
"Already you read me well."
"You are of like mind, if you weren't you would not be here in the first place. It's not a special gift to discern that although our homospirits speak. Father Abbot knew that before he accepted your application to join, you have already been through a certain amount of testing Paul although you may not be aware of it. Not all get as far as this, as far as wanting to join our community and serve God within it. It's a special vocation within a special vocation and its effects rise far beyond the Abbey."
"He did not mention this Holy Welcome rite."
"No - it's specially for the brotherhood of the Abbey, one of our special rituals we share with each other only. Fr Abbot will explain more to you when you see him. The rituals you have so far engaged in are a pointer, a foretaste, a preparation. Your Noviciate is a preparation for becoming a full brother. Don't be nervous Paul it will be wonderful."
Aidan stubbed out his cigarette into the small dashboard ashtray, Paul realised sheepishly that he had thrown his out of the window.
"I was nervous on the train but seeing you it is going."
"That's quite normal being nervous but I'm sure seeing any brother at the Abbey would be equally calming - we have no fronts, nothing is hidden, there are no secrets that we need to keep, no jealousies, no possessiveness. Any disagreements are quickly over - cattiness and backbiting are unknown, it's truly a community of love, a witness to the world outside."
"My you are enthusiastic Brother Aidan."
"I had my doubts, my worries, my fears, my problems too, my baggage from my past, but here I have learnt something new."
He took his hand off Paul's leg and returned it to the steering wheel. For the next part of the journey nothing much was said and yet much was, it was a silent conversation, each enjoying and attuning to the presence of the other. Flashbacks of memory ran through Paul's mind and he sensed that Aidan was experiencing the same. His earliest memories of being different, of his being gay, of being attracted to men, to his own sex, the unfulfilled desires, the feeling of uniqueness and loneliness, the condemnations of his religion, the attempts at conformity and heterosexuality, the secret and furtive masturbation, the shock of his first emission, the changing rooms at school, the sneaky looks at the cocks of other boys. Then finding the light of gay sexual experience, the existence of others who were as he was, the self-acceptance that followed and the knowledge that we was fully accepted by the God who had made him. The internet searches and conversations, the meetings with other men, the discovery of the christian_cock brotherhood, the questioning and the answers, the growing desire to be part of it, the renunciation of the world he had lived in, that had led him to this moment.
"We're almost at the jetty now".
The words pulled him out of his reverie and Paul became aware of the afternoon sunshine and the road leading down to the lake, which shimmered in the heat. In the middle of the lake was an island and the spires of the Abbey arising out of its rocky foundation on one edge. Although he had seen photographs of the Abbey, he was not prepared for the thrill of joy that hit him as he saw it with his own eyes. It appeared larger than he had thought, perhaps just as well given that it was the home to some fifty monks. He became aware of the well-tended gardens around it, the greenery, the tiny specks of colour that must be flowers, the trees that circled round and hid what lay between them but he knew it was used as a chapel for open-air worship when the weather permitted. He could see a few figures moving around the garden area, appearing to be working at tending the flowers, one of them looked up and shielded his eyes against the sun with his hand then waved and vanished. The other figures vanished also.
"They've seen us", Aidan said, "The Abbot will be informed, let's have another cigarette whilst we pick up the boat."
He brought the car to a halt next to the jetty, applied the handbrake and switched off the engine. Again he lit both cigarettes and handed one over. Paul thanked him and opened the door to get out, glad to stretch his legs after the journey. Aidan emerged from his side of the car, opened the boot, took out Paul's case and place it gently on the ground. He then locked the doors and the boot. "Lovely view isn't it?" Paul sought agreement for that statement as he surveyed the lake, the island and the surrounding hills.
"I never tire of it" Aidan responded. They smoked their cigarettes in silence, when they were finished Aidan extinguished them and placed the butts in the packet.
"I will remember to be more careful with them in future", Paul promised to which Aidan responded with a smile.
"Look they are coming over in the boat."
Paul could see the solitary figure climbing in the boat at the other side, about half a mile distant and the oars being placed in the rowlocks, the rope being cast off and the boat being rowed towards them.
"That is Brother Cuthbert" the Abbey ferryman. He is a Chinese oriental from Hong Kong originally, a wonderful man, full of love and lust for the brethren and his massages are to die for. If you like Chinese food you will enjoy his creations and he is an utter joy to worship with as you will see."
Paul tried to make out Cuthbert's face but realised he was rowing backwards and could only make out the cropped black hair that also glinted with hints of silver in the sun. Suddenly there was the sound of the tolling of a bell from somewhere within the Abbey but the sound was joyful, not mournful, reminding Paul of the sounds of bellringing he had heard in Orthodox churches.
"That will be Brother Augustine ringing the bells. He was once the tower captain of the bells in a country parish - until he was discovered having sex with the Priest by one of the churchwardens. They had forgotten to lock the church door behind them and the warden walked in to find the priest leaning naked over the altar being fucked by an equally naked Augustine. They were only celebrating their sexuality and their freedom before God as we do but you can imagine the local reaction - the hate, the condemnation, the casting out, the ostracism that followed."
"Yes I can indeed Aidan - but what happened to the Priest?"
"He was not only deprived of his living but unfrocked for sacrilege and blasphemy - not only because it was in a church but on the altar! The Bishop even came down and rededicated it. It was all over the papers for a couple of days surely you must have read about it?"
"Yes I do remember something come to think of it. Yes! The priest was sent for counselling or something and jumped in front of a train?"
"That's right. There wasn't much left to bury but the funeral was well attended by those whom he had loved and helped and served. A great loss but at least he rejoices with the Risen Lord now. Augustine had a breakdown and had to move away, he was tempted to do the same but was fortunate to meet a brother who helped him through, to see that we he had done was not wrong and pointed him towards our Abbey. He has been here for three years and is totally at peace as you will see. The church where it happened has less than half the congregation it did and the churchwarden is now in prison for child sex abuse. There is a divine justice in the world!"
Paul had visions of what might be happening to the churchwarden in prison - the gang rapes in the showers, the being forced to suck the prisoners and the warders cocks with the heterosexual warden hating every moment of it...
"Justice indeed" he agreed.
The boat was now drawing near and Paul could see Brother Cuthbert half turning his head in order to judge how far he was from the jetty and noticed that Cuthbert was also wearing a white T shirt and he assumed blue jeans also but he could soon see the golden legs visible in the boat and knew that Cuthbert must be wearing shorts. The legs looked smooth but that was not unusual for an oriental and Paul wondered if that was true of the rest of his body.
"Hail brother, hail brother." Came wafting across the water from the boat.
"Hail brother," replied Aidan.
"Hail brother," Paul replied hoping he was replying correctly. Is that how they always greet each other? he wondered silently to himself.
Aidan seemed to have sensed the question. "We greet this way when we have been away from the island or are coming here for the first time. We don't do it all the time there because there are some fifty of us so we usually save it for our rituals and interpersonal encounters. Usually a simple morning, afternoon or evening suffices."
The boat glanced against the jetty and Aidan ran up and grabbed hold of the rope that Cuthbert threw out, tying it over the mooring to secure it. Cuthbert stowed the oars and stood up, leaping onto the jetty in a single bound. He quickly embraced Aidan and then they were deeply kissing, crotch to crotch, hands over each other's buttocks, lips and tongues intertwined. Paul could not help being slightly jealous but he controlled it, realising that they were bound brothers and he as yet was not, conceding that it was a beautiful sight to see, lovers expressing their mutual love.
They soon parted and for the first time Paul could look at Cuthbert more closely at the moon-shaped gentle face, the slanted eyes exploring him all over, the smile of greeting that beamed from a rose-lipped mouth. He was shorter than Aidan and had less definition through the T-shirt but there was definition in the shorts which were white and could not hide the fact that Cuthbert had an erection there protruding forward like a tent against the flimsy material. He held out his hand and Cuthbert gently took it in his own, it felt much softer than the grip of Aidan, the fingers more slender.
"Greeting and welcome brother Paul, I am Cuthbert."
"Greeting brother Cuthbert it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Full pleasure of meeting will follow. Meantime we get in boat for island please."
Before he knew it, they were all three in the boat with the case and Paul was sitting next to Cuthbert whilst Aidan did the rowing. Paul was treated to the rippling of his muscles as he rowed and his crotch moving back and forth as he did so. Aidan's eyes were fixed upon him as the land drew away although occasionally they darted away to check his bearings, obviously well-practiced in the journey.
"We glad you come Paul" said Cuthbert in his slightly quaint English, "you brother we like."
As he said this he laid a hand on Paul's leg, using the same brushing movements that Aidan had used in the car earlier.
Paul found himself responding by doing the same, feeling the smooth skin of Cuthbert's leg.
"I glad I come too", Paul grinned and was rewarded with an appreciative giggle. At least the language of touch was universal and he knew that he would be doing an awful lot of touching from now on. Aidan also smiled at the joke.
For a moment he wondered how Cuthbert could make such a statement on such short acquaintance, then he remembered that Cuthbert would have already seen him, his naked photos that he had sent through the Net to the Abbot. He had only in return seen the Abbots photos besides photos of the Abbey, but he realised that this was not to protect the identity of the brothers but to ensure that his desire to join was genuine and to enhance the joy of learning and discovery once he had made that commitment. Certainly he liked everything he had seen so far. He knew that the brothers would come in all shapes and sizes, that not all would be what the world thought beautiful but he knew that all would have their own beauty, their own delights to discover, their own contribution to make to mutual worship and service, that all were invited to the Lord's banquet.
There could be no respect of persons, there could only be mutual love and sacrifice. It had been a difficult concept to face up to but as he had pondered upon all that they would have in common it had become easier and even an inspiration - the varieties of creation beckoned, demanding to be discovered and enjoyed and he knew he would find the grace to love all as much as he knew he would automatically love Aidan and Cuthbert.
The island was looming close now. But there were no figures to be seen on the shore or the jetty. Why was everybody hiding? Then he remembered the Abbot had told him it would be so - it made the reception and the welcome more special, to encounter individuals rather than a crowd and he had his reception interview with the Abbot as a first priority. Silly of him to think that the Abbot could have met him at the station himself, a busy man with many responsibilities who knew how to delegate.
The bell ceased to ring as the boat reached the island jetty. Paul had not really been aware of it for some time but was still aware of its absence. In its place he suddenly heard the sound of singing, of male voices singing a chant or a hymn, that meant they must be in the chapel, welcoming him with their prayers. It was a glorious heavenly sound and he felt at one with those who were in there singing.
Aidan leapt out and tied up the boat. Cuthbert was soon after with Paul's case and they both helped him out of the boat.
"Welcome to your home, to the island of the Abbey of St Priapus" they said in unison.
Already in some strange way Paul felt that it was home, a feeling more intense than when he had moved into his first new house. This time there was no furniture to be moved, no decorating, no deciding where to hang the pictures or to site the TV and the Stereo. There was only his case with a few clothes and personal effects and toiletries and yet somehow at that moment even that seemed more than enough.
Paul looked up at the walls of the Abbey, hard to believe it had only been built ten years before, it looked as if it had always been there. He knew it had been built upon an ancient monastic site, that the island had been purchased and been gifted by an American millionaire who had also paid for its construction. It had been carefully planned and designed, even though the original brothers had only been five, one of them the Abbot who had been elected from among them and who was reconfirmed by the brothers every year. He suddenly saw a figure in a corner window watching them approach, could that be he?
"That the Abbot", Cuthbert confirmed, seeing Paul's interest.
"You will meet him shortly but first you need refreshment Paul," said Aidan. The food and drink are prepared in the refectory and then the washrooms will be ready for you to clean up. If you need a piss we can take you straight there."
"Yes, I could do with a piss", Paul agreed.
They came to the great entrance door which was wide open. Around the doorframe there were many carvings, the central one being two crossed phalluses, one cut and one uncut, surmounted by a cross and the motto "Semper Erectus". Paul noticed that the phalluses were spouting semen and that there were representations of open mouths to receive it. A glorious representation Paul thought to himself as they passed beneath into a plain white space that had rooms and corridors leading off it and a stairway which seemed to zigzag upwards to further mysterious places. The singing was louder now and Paul could tell that the chapel was somewhere to the right.
"See you later Paul," said Cuthbert who gave him a quick peck on the cheek and vanished up the stairway with the case.
"Where do I pee?" Paul asked Aidan who was still there with him.
"See the door marked NM? That is the Necessarium Minor, the Little Boy's room," grinned Aidan. "I'll wait here."
"Don't want to hold my hand?" joked Paul.
"Everything will be held in due course brother", Aidan replied with a wicked twink in his eye.
The NM was small and functional with a toilet, a washstand and a mirror. As he peed, Paul noticed that the toilet roll was impaled by a dildo which somehow looked appropriate rather than looking out of place. He shook the drops from his uncut cock and wiped it with some of the tissue from the roll. He flushed the toilet and washed his hands, wiping them with the towel, which hung nearby.
Opening the door to return to the entrance hall he saw that Aidan was no longer there. In his place there was a tall, balding, large framed, middle age man with a goatee beard. He was wearing only a chest harness and a leather jock, his large nipples were pierced with gold rings running through them and he was very hairy.
"Welcome brother Paul, I am Brother Columba, Master of Novices." The face was smiling, almost cherubic with greeny-blue eyes. The accent was unmistakably Australian.
He did not hold out is hand in greeting. "Follow me to the kitchen" he boomed and turned away, Paul could only follow behind. Through a maze of corridors they went until they came to the kitchen, a large affair containing every conceivable cooking appliance, every surface clean and sparkling, even the two large refrigerators and freezers. There were various magnets upon them, everything from houses to sheep and there was one of Michaelangelo's David but with an erect penis jutting out into space. Beside it was a humorous Post it note saying When we find one of Jonathan it will go here. Paul could not resist a laugh at this.
In the middle of the kitchen was small table, covered in a simple cloth and with four wooden chairs. Upon the table lay a cafetiere of coffee and a mug, plain white. There was no cream or sugar, they must have known his preference. There was a plate with some sandwiches - wholemeal with chicken and salad on them, and a couple of chocolate biscuits on a smaller plate.
"We thank thee o God for thy bounty, refresh our brother with thy gifts in Jesus' name", Brother Columba quickly intoned. "Now sit and eat". Typical no-nonsense Aussie Paul thought to himself.
Paul down as Columba poured some of the coffee into the mug. Paul sipped the strong black liquid with gratitude, realising how thirsty he was. He bit into one of the sandwiches, it was delicious with creamy mayonnaise cementing the chicken and the salad into one organic whole.
"That's a Brother Simon speciality", Columba volunteered - "special ingredient".
"What the special ingredient?"
"He won't say, but he says it's abundant on the island".
"A mystery then..."
"I have my ideas but I won't voice them now. Maybe you are wondering why I am dressed as I am?"
"I was wondering but maybe is you are Master of Novices it's appropriate to wear a Master's attire?"
"Partly, but mainly because I happen to like it - besides the official habit of the order which is worn on certain occasions, we can make our own choices within the Abbey, it emphasises that we are individuals as well as part of the community, part of the whole. Much of the time we wear no clothes at all - the harness does not count as clothes really, more of a nakedness adornment, quite a few brothers have them - we can get one for you if you want. "
"Tried one a couple of times, quite liked them," Paul volunteered between mouthfuls and sips of coffee.
"No sweat then, we will measure you up and order it for you. Many things are commonly worn - underwear, jocks, socks, shorts, T's but some things like that have to be individually tailored. As your training progresses I will suggest different things for you to use and try - if you don't like them nothing is lost but you might find some of them helpful. There is an element of holy obedience, but the final decision is always yours. They are designed to help you grow spiritually and sexually and by trying you will find those things that are most helpful for you. This is an informal chat only, we shall get to know each other over the next few weeks. There are three other novices here at present, none of them has been here for more than six weeks, so you should soon catch up with them in your training. We all start at the bottom here - and I don't just mean the ass, you will need to learn service - to clean the toilets, to clean and polish, to fetch and carry, to serve at table, to do the laundry and to iron the clothes and of course wash the dishes!"
"Nothing I have not done at home."
"Maybe, but there were not fifty in your house".
"That's true", Paul ruefully acknowledged.
"And whilst doing all this you will have your spiritual and sexual lessons, we will look for a cheerful and willing spirit in everything you do."
"Well I hope I can manage that."
"Christ is the servant of all, so must we be."
When he had finished eating and drinking Columba proffered a lighted cigarette in the same manner as Aidan had done, taking an ashtray from a side drawer.
They smoked in silence, Paul tried to stifle a belch but failed.
Columba laughed - "don't apologise mate - in some countries that's a compliment for a good meal."
There was the sound of a bell that reverberated through the Abbey and echoed round the kitchen. Paul wondered want it signified.
"That is the sign for the brothers to go to their cells for interpersonal massage and meditation."
"I remember the Abbot posting me about that it sounds exciting."
"It is - brother with brother in rotation that all may be lovers of each other together with the Lord. You will not be assigned to this for a couple of weeks, your basic training must come first."
"With you?"
"With me, with the Abbot and with others who are most skilled and able."
"Is Aidan one?"
"Perhaps...." But Columba would say no more.
"Anyway let's get ya washed and polished up ready to see the Abbot."
Columba led Paul out of the kitchen and through the maze of corridors until they came to a stairway. Two flights brought them to a landing with large windows at the end of which was clearly a shower room.
But what a shower room! As they entered Paul could see the large communal showers, the large communal bath, the bidets, the Jacuzzi, the sauna and the Turkish bath and there was also a sunbed in one corner. It certainly looked both functional and luxurious.
"We believe in cleanliness here brother - no smelly cheesy cocks or shitty asses!" joked Columba. He nodded to a rack of soaps, shower gels, shampoos, flannels and towels. "We shower every morning, before our rituals and before the activities now taking place and we wash each other, not ourselves."
"I can see the wisdom of that, another way of serving and sharing. Are you going to wash me?"
"No on this occasion that will be done by the duty brother of the bathroom, I have a novice awaiting me. Come forth brother!"
Out of a side door a figure appeared wearing only a towel, a very short towel around his waist. When he saw who it was, Paul's heart leapt for joy and his cock responded with joy also. For the figure was none other than Brother Aidan.
This is going to be the best shower of my life so far thought Paul to himself as Aidan came before him and proceeded to unbutton his shirt....
To be continued....
This story is authored by cleftref, Moderator of http://groups.yahoo.com/group/christian_cock . It may be copied shared and disseminated freely but the acknowledgement of source should remain with the document at all times.