“What you writing?” Ben asked, dropping
onto the sofa by Michael.
“The next issue of Rage”
“And what’s in store for us this month?”
“Mmmm…..Zepher has met this hot professor!”
“Really! Tell me more”
“Well…he’s about 6ft 2’, blondish hair and wears these glasses that make him
look sexy as hell”
“And…..?”
“He’s decided they are meant to be more than friends”
“How does he plan to make that happen?”
“I though we could go somewhere quiet….like our bedroom…and I could show you”
“Dressed as Zepher?”
Michael giggled at the thought.
“Whatever you want…but I would much prefer us naked”
***************************************************
***************************************************
************************************************
*******************************************
Ben walked into the living room, gazing in amazement at the table, which was set to perfection, candles sending flickers of light around the room, dishes of food elegantly displayed.
“Michael?”
“Yeah”
“Who did all of this?”
“Me of course!”
Ben looked at him skeptically
“Mmmm…..”
“What!”
“Nothing baby…it’s just that…..”
“What?”
“Nothing”
“Come and eat then!”
The ringing of the phone interrupted them, Ben answered, listening intently to the voice at the other end.
“Who was that?” Michael asked, when he replaced the receiver.
“The restaurant, they said they forgot to give you one of the dishes you ordered”
************************************************************************
A blaze of lights and music blaring so loud the house was actually vibrating greeted them as they opened the door, glad to be out of the cold.
“Fuck…doesn’t that kid know how to turn off a light switch” Michael growled, pulling his coat off as he trudged from room to room flicking the switches off.
“And does he have to play that music so fucking loud!”
“He’s young!”
“And I’m tired!”
“How tired?” Ben asked, pushing him against the wall, rubbing himself against his husband, feeling his cock harden instantly against the roughness of his jeans.
“Not that tired!”
***********************************************************************
Hunter pulled the Christmas lights from the huge box of decorations he had found in the storage cupboard.
He sat on the floor, untangling them, wondering how the hell he had gotten talked into helping Ben and Michael decorate the house.
Christmas to him had always meant less tricks, less money, harder to find a warm bed for the night.
He was unsure what this first Christmas in his new home would bring, but whatever it was, he knew it would be the first happy Christmas he had experienced for a long time.
Perhaps it was worth celebrating after all.
************************************************************************
Michael reached for Ben’s hand, his eyes filled with love as he looked up at him.
“Our first Christmas as a married
couple”
”I know!”
“How do you think we should celebrate?”
“I’m sure we’ll come up with something”
Ben pushed Michael onto his back, kissing down his body, the lights from the small Christmas tree he had bought for their bedroom casting shadows over his creamy white skin.
Michael relaxed as Ben explored his body, soft sighs passing his lips as every inch of skin was caressed and kissed, and knew that this would be the best Christmas ever.
********************************************************************
Hunter and JR sat on the floor, the Christmas lights shining brightly as Hunter tied a ribbon around Ben’s present.
JR, her tongue poking out between her lips, deep in concentration printed her name on a card for her father, holding it out to show Hunter when she had finished.
He smiled at her, ruffling her hair before taping it to another brightly wrapped present.
“Hunter?”
“Yes brat!”
She climbed onto his lap, pulling his head down, whispering in his ear.
“Santa’s coming tonight”
“Yeah he is”
“Are you excited?”
He thought about it and realized that actually he was.
********************************************************************
Michael’s arm was hooked through Ben’s as he maneuvered JR’s stroller through the throngs of Christmas shoppers on Liberty Avenue.
Hunter lagged behind, checking out the store windows, his fathers stopping every now and then, waiting for him catch up.
They reached the huge Christmas tree, lights every color of the rainbow flicking on and off, causing JR to clap her hands in excitement.
Michael lifted her out of her stroller and onto his shoulders and they stood watching the festivities unfold before them, each of them giving thanks for having had another year to celebrate together as a family.
************************************************************************
The house was festooned with balloons and lights.
Michael stood at the bottom of the stairs, fidgeting, pulling at his tie, feeling uncomfortable in his new suit.
Ben squeezed his hand and he gave him a
weak smile.
”Daddy”
Michael looked up, swallowing the lump in his throat, tears threatening, as he watched his daughter walk down the stairs.
“Honeybun, you look beautiful”
“You’re not going to cry are you Daddy?”
He ran his hand over his eyes, giving her a guilty smile.
“No sweetheart”
“Good” She took his hand. “So, are you ready to walk me down the aisle”
****************************************************************
JR sneaked down stairs as the first rays of light shone through the windows.
She padded quietly to the Christmas tree, her big brown eyes wide with wonder, at the sight before her.
She reached out tentatively at a brightly colored box, almost as big as herself, her head turning, making sure no one was watching as she tugged at the ribbon, a frown crossing her face when it wouldn’t untie.
She sat down, looking at the tree, waiting for the lights to flash on.
Hunter found her there, sound asleep, an hour later, and carried her back to bed.
********************************************************************
Ben wrapped his arms around Michael as they watched Hunter lift a five year old JR onto his shoulders so she could put the star on top of their Christmas tree.
He let out a loud ‘ouch’ as she grabbed his hair before stretching up, full of giggles as she positioned it in the exact right place, listening to her father’s directions.
Ben reached out, switching off the lights leaving them in darkness for a few moments until the Christmas lights flashed on, filling the room with a multitude of colors.
He lent down, kissing his husband.
“Merry Christmas baby”
*********************************************************************
My darling Michael
If you are reading this you will be facing your first Christmas alone. Our home will be barren of decorations and lights.
Your thoughts will be on Christmas’s past and you will be struggling to find anything to celebrate.
I want you to celebrate it my love, for me, for Hunter, for JR, knowing I am with you every step of the way, watching over you, loving you always.
Your love was the most precious gift I ever received and mine to you this year is to celebrate life.
I love you my beautiful brown eyes.
Ben.
**************************************************************************
They sat together, fingers entwined watching their grandchildren’s squeals of delight as they ripped open their presents.
Michael’s head rested on his husband’s shoulder as Ben’s gnarled fingers played with his now completely grey hair.
Michael looked up, his beaming smile as beautiful as the day he had fallen in love with him thirty years ago. Ben traced a finger down his age ravaged face, loving every line and wrinkle that creased his still creamy white skin.
Their bodies may be slightly stooped, their movements slowed with age, but the overpowering love they shared was evident for all to see.
*************************************************************************
“Michael what are you doing under the bed?”
Michael jumped, a guilty look crossing his face.
“Jesus Ben… I thought you were putting up the Christmas lights”
‘Stop avoiding the question”
“Ummm….”
“Your Christmas present is not under the bed”
“That’s not what I was doing….alright it was”
Ben grinned, loving Michael’s childlike excitement at times like these.
“You’ll have to wait a few more hours
yet baby…but I could give you a early present”
” What do you have in mind?”
“This!”
Ben pulled him onto the bed, undressing him quickly and made slow and exquisite love to him.
******************************************************************
Michael’s wrists were firmly tied to the headboard.
Ben kissed and licked his way down his body.
He was enjoying being at his husband’s mercy.
He lifted his hips, rubbing himself against Ben, hoping for some relief, feeling the pressure building, wanting his husband’s mouth around his cock.
When he felt Ben begin to probe his hole at the same time stroke his cock in a measured rhythm he let out a strangled cry, remembering his daughter was asleep in the next room.
Just as Ben took his cock into his mouth, the door flew open.
“Daddy….Daddy….is Santa here yet?”
*********************************************************
JR jumped onto the bed, laughing as she bounced on top of Michael
Ben moved quickly, trying to get the ties undone, not daring to look at Michael.
.“Daddy….what’s Uncle Ben doing?”
She pulled at the leather straps
”Ben….will you hurry up please!”
“They seem to be in a knot!”
“Daddy…..are you and Uncle Ben playing a game?”
“Yes sweetheart”
“Can I play?”
“You need to go to bed so Santa will come”
“I want to sleep with you Daddy”
“What’s all the noise?” Hunter asked sleepily from the door
“What the fuck is this, Grand Central Station!” Michael growled.
*************************************************************
“Daddy, you swore”
“Michael, you need to keep still”
“Not a cool look, dudes”
“Will you all shut the f… hell up!”
Ben looked at Michael, a smile twitching at his lips.
“It is not funny!” Michael glared.
“Sorry baby”
“Hunter, you need to take JR back to bed”
“Nooooooooooo……………I want to sleep with you!”
“Hunter…you need to find me some scissors”
“I’m going back to bed…you got yourselves into this mess, you get yourselves out of it”
“Hunter!”
He smirked “What’s it worth?”
“Now listen young man….”
“Daddy….why don’t you and Uncle Ben have any clothes on?”
Michael groaned.
************************************************************
JR snuggled deeper into Ben’s lap.
“Uncle Ben?”
”Yes JR”
“You know that Santa’s coming tonight?”
“I believe he is, yes”
“Well….Hunter told me we have to leave beer for him”
“Did he just!”
“Yes and I told him that Santa didn’t drink beer, he drank milk”
“Milk sounds right to me”
“But Uncle Ben…what do his reindeer eat, cause we have to leave them some food”
“I don’t know JR, why don’t you go and ask Hunter”
She ran off, coming back minutes later, tears streaming down her face.
“JR, what’s the matter?”
“He said….they ate little girls”
“HUNTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
***********************************************************
Michael climbed down the ladder as two strong hands grabbed him, lifting him to the floor, his mouth crushed in a deep kiss.
He wrapped his arms around Ben’s neck, his body relaxing, losing himself in the sweet, clean taste of his husband’s mouth.
He could still feel Ben’s breath on his lips when they parted for much needed air.
Ben looked up then back at Michael.
“Mistletoe?”
“Mmmmmm….”
“Is there any more?”
“Yeah, in every room of the house”
“You have been busy”
He grabbed his husband’s hand, leading him off to show him exactly how busy he’d been.
****************************************************************
“What time’s Ben getting home?” Hunter asked, between bites of his hamburger.
“In about an hour” Michael answered.
“ Thank Christ for that!”
“And dinner will be ready soon so why are you eating that?”
“Are you cooking it?”
“Of course”
“There’s your answer!”
“Smart ass! You’ve missed Ben as well huh?”
“Yeah, sure. But the walls arn’t that thick and listening to you on the phone every night when he rings does not make for good dreams”
“Hey!”
“Ohhhh…..Ben…..ohhhh….yes…..ohhhhhh……more”
“Shut up!”
“Promise me next time he goes away you’ll buy me ear plugs. Or better yet, go with him”
**********************************************************************
Why had he told Ben he would cook dinner Michael wondered, taking the dish from the oven.
He’d followed the recipe faithfully but somehow the burnt offering staring at him looked nothing like the appetizing delight in the book.
He looked up as Hunter walked in.
“What’s that?”
“Dinner”
“Are you sure it’s dead?” Hunter grinned, poking it with a spoon.
“Shut up! It’s not that
bad! I can fix it!”
”Yeah, the rubbish bin is over there and the Chinese restaurant is on speed
dial”
Hunter just managed to avoid the spoon that flew through the air towards him.
*******************************************************************
Michael opened the door at the first knock.
“Daddy…Daddy….we’re here!” JR squealed, as he scooped her into his arms.
“Hey Honeybun”
He looked over her head at Mel and Lindz.
“Thanks for letting her spend Christmas with us”
“It’s all she’s been talking about for weeks” Mel replied.
“Daddy…Santa’s coming
tonight. Do you think he’ll bring me presents?”
”Have you been a good girl?”
”Of course!”
“I’m sure he will then”
“Where’s Uncle Ben and Hunter?”
“Making hot chocolates”
”Yummyyyyyy”
He carried her to the kitchen into the waiting arms of his husband and son.
The perfect Christmas had just begun.
***************************************************************
Michael looked up as Ben walked into their bedroom.
“Michael…it’s the 1st of December and you’ve already bought and wrapped all the kids presents!”
Michael squirmed, a sheepish look crossing his face.
“Ummm….not quite…. I saw this doll I know JR would just love!”
“Michael…..”
“What!”
“You spoil them!”
“I know.”
“So….. where’s my present?”
“I have something special for you.”
“Tell me more!”
“ A present every day until Christmas!”
“Really! And what are those presents going to be?”
“Well, tonight I get to make love to you…..and tomorrow I get to make…..”
Ben silenced him with a kiss.
*************************************************************
Hunter held JR’s hand tightly as she skipped through the store.
“We’re going to see Santa, Santa, Santa!” she sang loudly, drawing smiles from everyone who passed them by.
“Sssshhhhhh…..JR….”
She looked up at him, frowning.
“Why Hunter?”
“Ummm…..Santa isn’t ready yet, he’s having a nap”
“Ohhhh……then I will wake him up!” she laughed, carrying on singing.
She squealed when she saw Santa walk into his cave, running up to him.
“Santa…Santa.….this is my big brother Hunter…and I love him….can you give him a car for Christmas pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee”
He grinned, deciding his little sister wasn’t such a pest after all
*********************************************************
Ben walked into the bedroom, taking in the sight before him.
JR was snuggled in bed next to her father, both of them so engrossed in the comic Michael was reading they didn’t even register his presence.
JR’s gaze moved adoringly from her father to the comic, her big brown eyes wide with wonder as he pointed to another exciting happening on the page.
He had passed on his love of comics to his daughter, and at five, she could recite all the super heroes her father loved.
He didn’t need comics.
He had Michael.
His very own super hero.
****************************************************************
JR toddled into Hunter’s room, carrying a pile of books.
She jumped on the bed, laughing loudly.
“Hunterrrrrrrrrrr….wake up!”
“Fuck!”
“Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh……………….you said a bad word. I’m going to tell Daddy”
He sat up, rubbing his eyes, looking at his baby sister.
He had promised his father’s to watch his language around her but, for fuck sake, it was 6am!
He pulled her into the bed.
“Listen JR, let’s make a deal. You don’t tell Dad what I said and I’ll read you all those stories. How does that sound?”
JR smiled, knowing once again she had got her own way.
********************************************************************
When his father’s had asked him to look after JR for the day he wasn’t that pleased.
He loved his little sister but sometimes she just wore him out, always following him everywhere,
The house was quiet which wasn’t a good sign
.He found her in the living room, surrounded by photos, looking at each one intently.
“Hey, what are you doing?”
“Look! That’s me when I was little!”
“You’re still little” he said, settling onto the floor next to her.
“No! I’m a big girl, Daddy said so!”
“Whatever!”
”And you’re my big brother!”
“Yeah”
“I love you Hunter”
*******************************************************************************
Ben walked into the bedroom, taking in the sight before him.
JR was snuggled in bed next to her father, both of them so engrossed in the comic Michael was reading they didn’t even register his presence.
JR’s gaze moved adoringly from her father to the comic, her big brown eyes wide with wonder as he pointed to another exciting happening on the page.
He had passed on his love of comics to his daughter, and at five, she could recite all the super heroes her father loved.
He didn’t need comics.
He had Michael.
His very own super hero.
**********************************************************************************
Hunter scrubbed the bonnet of the car muttering under his breath.
He looked up, scowling at Michael.
He threw the cloth into the bucket with so much force that water splashed up soaking his jeans
“Fuck!”
“Watch your mouth young man!”
Another scowl.
“See doesn’t that look better!”
“I fucking told you I don’t want a fucking nice clean white car!”
“I’m not taking it to the store looking like it was”
“Hang on! You’ve made me spend the last two hours cleaning MY car so you can use it?”
“Yep” Michael grinned “And you did a great job too”
*************************************************************************************
“Mikey, why are we in a car yard?”
“I’ve decided it’s time we had a car”
“And what does the professor think about this?”
“He’ll agree”
“And how do you know that?”
”Because I have great powers of persuasion and a large supply of condoms, lube
and body oil”
”Fuck Mikey! I do not need to hear about your sex life!”
“Hey look! This one’s perfect!”
“It’s white!”
“So! It’s clean inside and out and has no rust!”
“Actually…it is perfect…… boring in the extreme”
“Shut the fuck up Brian or I will tell you more about our sex life!”
*********************************************************************************
Ben watched Michael giving JR her driving lesson.
The car was clean, white paint work shining and rust free.
Father and daughter had argued about getting a car, but Michael had finally given in, as Ben knew he would. He couldn’t resist his daughter’s pleas especially when she looked at him with her big brown eyes.
The way he could never resist Michael. One look from those eyes, and Ben knew he was lost, seemingly powerless to say no.
He rubbed the marks on his wrists that the silk scarves had left, thinking that wasn’t always such a bad thing.
********************************************************************************
Hunter eyed the car as it
slowed in front of him. He hated white cars for some reason, even if they were
clean and free of rust as this one was.
He dug his hand into his pocket and pulled out his nights takings, tossing up
between a few more dollars or a warm bed which he knew was waiting for him if he
wanted it.
He looked at his watch. 11.30.
The window rolled down.
“Hey kid, you want the business or what?”
He did but he wanted a warm bed and the feeling of security it bought more
********************************************************************************
“Can I use the car
tonight?”
Michael looked up.
“Where are you going?”
“Out”
“Out where?”
“Just out”
“More information please”
“Why do I always get the third degree. I have a date, no money, so I need the
car”
“If you have no money why do you need the car?”
“Geeeezzz! Think about it dude!”
“Don’t be a smart ass!”
“Ok, I will spell it out for you. Car…..backseat……girl”
“Oh!” Michael looked at Hunter.
He wasn’t ready for this!
“Is it clean?”
“Yeah, all white, shinning and no rust showing anywhere. Not like she’ll be
looking at that”
******************************************************************************************
Michael finished polishing the car. It was clean, white and now free from rust after a visit to the mechanics.
He opened the back door, grabbing the rubbish off the seat, as Hunter came bounding down the steps, stopped and slowly began to retreat back to the house.
“Hunter!”
“I’ll be back”
“No young man, come here right now!”
He walked tentatively towards Michael, stopping a few feet from him.
“What’s up?”
“Did you use the car last night?”
“Ummm…..yes”
“So could you explain where the stains on the backseat are from?”
“Believe me dude, you don’t want to know”
*************************************************************************************************
They had arrived home from the mechanics after getting the rust taken out of their car, to find an empty house.
By the time they had reached the shower, Ben had Michael undressed, kissing him intensely, quickly removing his own clothes.
His hands moved sensually over his husband’s clean body, exploring every part of it, as Michael purred his contentment.
The water ran cold as he picked him up, and carried him to their bed, lying him down gently, his eyes taking in his creamy white skin, plump red lips, eyes almost black with lust.
God, he loved this man.
**************************************************************************************
“Michael, you are not going to lay awake
all night worrying”
”Who said I was worrying”
Ben sat up, looking down at his husband.
“Baby, listen to me. Hunter is a responsible kid. The car is safe, we got it cleaned and checked out, all the rust has gone. He will be fine”
“But it’s his first time driving at
night!”
Ben sighed, loving how much Michael cared about everyone.
A white light shone through the curtains, a car door slammed shut and a key turn in the lock.
“He’s home!”
Michael relaxed as Ben took him into his arms.
*************************************************************************************
Michael sat on the floor next to JR as she played with her new toy cars.
She had stamped her foot when he suggested the doll that laughed and cried instead, and he could see a tantrum in the making, so gave in.
He was such a sucker when it came to his daughter.
Ben’s words “Michael, you don’t have to buy her everything you see!” coming back to haunt him after spending more than he had intended. But he couldn’t help it.
.”Daddy, this car looks like ours”
“It is white and clean, but unlike ours, free of rust”
************************************************************************************
They sat on the beach watching as Hunter and JR played at the water’s edge.
The wind carried her delighted giggles to them as Hunter poured more water around the princess castle she had demanded he make for her.
“Daddy! Come and see what Hunter made for me”
“I’m coming Honeybun”
Ben pulled Michael closer to him, knowing how much he treasured each of her visits.
“She’s growing so fast!”
“I know”
He looked up at Ben, a wistful look in his eyes
“I wish we could have more”
Ben gave Michael a puzzled look.
“More what baby?”
“More kids”
**************************************
Michael snuggled closer to Ben, his
fingers tracing lazy circles over his husband’s chest.
“What are you thinking about?”
“The day I fell in love with you”
He pulled Michael closer, watching as a dazzling smile crossed his face.
“And when was that?”
“Baby, I’ve told you a million times”
“Tell me again”
“When I walked into your store and you looked up at me with your beautiful brown
eyes”
“You didn’t think I was a geeky comic book store owner?” Michael grinned at him.
“No, I knew you were the man I had been looking for all my life”
*********************************************************************************
Michael lit the last candle as Ben’s key turned in the lock.
He hurried over and was enveloped in his husband’s strong arms, mouth kissed deeply and long, making him go weak at the knees. Ben still had that effect on him, even after all these years.
Ben peeped over Michael’s head, eyes scanning the room. It was bathed in candlelight, table set to perfection, flowers everywhere.
“Happy Anniversary Ben!”
“You did all of this?”
Michael looked up at him shyly, nodding his head.
“It’s beautiful baby, but I have to ask, what’s that smell?”
Michael sniffed the air.
“Fuck!...dinner!”
*********************************************************************************************
The power had gone off an hour ago. Ben lit a candle in the corner of the bathroom.
Their mouths were locked in a wet kiss, cocks grinding rhythmically together, hands frantic in their exploration of each other’s bodies.
“Ben…….fuck me!” Michael pleaded.
Ben turned Michael against the tiles, his fingers probing his hole as he reached for the ever present condom. He rolled it onto his cock, and guided himself into Michael’s tight little ass.
Within minutes Michael was clawing at the tiles as Ben’s cock worked its magic.
The lights came on as he screamed out his orgasm.
*********************************************************************
Hunter opened the oven door, peering inside. Grandma Debbie had given him instructions on what to do, but he was worried if his fathers didn’t arrive home soon dinner would be ruined.
He walked into the living room, checking everything was ok. He had dimmed the lights and the fire gave the room a warm glow, the table was set, candles lit, the flowers Emmett had got for him making a perfect centre piece.
The door opened and they walked in, and stopped, looking at each other, wondering if they were in the wrong house.
“Hunter?….what’s going on?”
“Happy Anniversary dudes!”
*****************************************************************************
Michael slammed the door loudly.
“It started fucking raining one block from home” he said between sneezes.
Ben stood, supressing a smile at Michael standing there, hair plastered to his head, his tongue licking at droplets of water running down his face.
“You need to get out of those wet clothes baby!”
He steered Michael closer to the warmth of the fire, slowly removing his clothes.
“I know exactly how to warm you up”
He pulled Michael gently to the floor, wrapping his body around him, letting his warmth seep into his husbands shivering body.
“How’s that?”
”Perfect!”
Michael sneezed.
********************************************************************************************
The candlelight threw shadows around the room as they made love.
Ben’s eyes locked with Michael’s, as he moved slowly inside him, bringing him almost to the brink before pulling back, wanting to pleasure his husband as long as possible.
His mouth found Michael’s, feasting on it till they were breathless, sweat glistening on their bodies as they got closer and closer to that moment of unimaginable pleasure.
“Bennnnnnnnnnnnn……….” Michael cried out as Ben hit his prostate dead on, sending waves of pleasure through his body.
Moans of ecstasy and words of love echoed through the room as they came together.
*********************************************************************************
Hunter cycled along the pavement, wondering who the strange car parked outside their house belonged to.
Shrugging, climbed the steps, and opened the door to be greeted by his fathers standing there in silly hats, the room decorated with streamers and balloons, candles and a table covered with food.
“Happy Birthday Hunter!” they yelled in unison as he shook his head in amazement.
“I’m 18, not 15” he said, laughing, but was secretly delighted by what they had done.
“Who else is here?”
“No one. Why?”
“Whose car is that outside then?”
“Yours” Ben replied, throwing him a bunch of keys.
****************************************************************************
The first rays of sunlight peeked through the curtains.
Michael traced his fingers over Ben’s lips before bending down raining light butterfly kisses over his face.
Ben’s eyes opened slowly a smile crossing his face.
“Morning baby”
Michael dropped his eyes
“I’m sorry I fell asleep”
“I’m sorry I had a headache”
“You didn’t really did you?”
“No”
“I deserved that”
“How about a romantic morning instead? No candles needed.”
Ben’s mouth found Michael’s as his hands began to lovingly explore his body
The door flew open.
“What’s for breakfast, I’m fucking starving!”
They looked at each other and groaned.
******************************************************************************
Ben picked up the last of the wrapping paper along with the candles from JR’s birthday cake and threw them into the bin. The day had been a huge success, JR’s squeals of excitement as she ripped open each parcel a delight to watch. When the girls said she could spend the night, Michael’s joy had been unmistakable.
He walked into the living room and stopped. Michael was sound asleep on the sofa, JR sprawled on top of him, her small pudgy hand wrapped in his.
His eyes misted over. How blessed he was to be part of this family.
********************************************************************************************
“I can’t believe you put 45 candles on my birthday cake!” Michael said, peering into the mirror. “I’m getting old!”
“You didn’t have any problem blowing them out”
“I’d rather blow something else!”
“That can be arranged” Ben said, nuzzling Michael’s neck.
“Fuck......a grey hair!”
”Where?”
“Here!”
“You mean this one?” Ben pulled it out with a tug
“Ouch!”
” Here’s another and another”
“Stop!”
“Thought you didn’t want to be old and grey?”
“I’d rather be old and grey than old and bald thanks!”
Ben scooped Michael into his arms
“Old, grey or bald, you’ll always be my baby”
***********************************
Michael put the last candle on Ben’s cake.
Seventeen birthdays they had shared. One a disaster, but still an important part of their lives. Each year he’d told himself he wouldn’t look forward but he did. Being without Ben terrified him.
The door slammed and he put the cake in the fridge as Ben walked in.
God, he was as beautiful as the day he had fallen in love with him. There may be some grey in his hair, his blue eyes mightn’t be as bright as they once were, but he was still with him. Nothing else mattered.
*******************************************************************************************
JR pointed to the Christmas stockings hanging from the fire place.
“Look Daddy…that one has my name on it.... can I open it …..pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeee”
“How about you wake Hunter then we’ll open them together”
She ran off, yelling Hunter’s name at the top of her voice as Ben walked in wrapping his arms around Michael.
“Our first Christmas with her. Pretty special isn’t it”
“Christmas is about kids”
They watched as JR pulled a sleepy looking Hunter into the room.
“Hey pal, present time”
“It’s 5am! I’d rather sleep!”
They grinned at each other.
So much for the Christmas spirit.
***************************************
Michael woke to darkness. The candles Ben had so sweetly decorated the room with had burnt out.
He felt guilty for falling asleep but knew exactly how to make it up to him.
He placed soft kisses over Ben’s face, before running his tongue over his lips, forcing his mouth open, exploring with his tongue. His hand moved down his body, tracing circles through his pubic hair then slowly stroked his cock till it came to life. He kissed down his chest, taking his nipple into his mouth, nibbling it gently.
“Michael……”
“Mmmmm……”
”Sorry baby, I have a headache”
********************************************************************************************
Ben looked around the room. Small candles gave it a soft intimate glow.
Michael had been working long hours lately and he wanted to surprise him with a romantic evening.
The front door slammed. He ran downstairs
“Hi baby, how was your day?”
“Tiring”
“How about a nap before dinner then?”
“Sounds good to me”
Ben grabbed his hand, leading him up to their bedroom.
“Wow ..that looks beautiful!”
“Just like you” he kissed Michael, laying him gently on the bed, snuggling close to him.
“Ben”
“Yes baby?”
Soft snores were all he got in response
So much for romance.
********************************************************
Ben and Michael wandered slowly through the fun fair, Hunter bounding ahead of them. After watching him go on every ride imaginable, eat more food that they thought it was possible for one person to consume, they were ready to head home.
“You had enough yet Pal?” Ben yelled.
“Dudes, we’ve only been here five hours!”
They both sighed.
“Hey look…..candle making!”
“You make your candle, we’re going to grab a drink”
They returned to find Hunter standing there, a huge grin on his face.
“So…what did you make?”
“This!”
“That looks like a ……”
“A double- headed dildo…cool huh!”
*******************************************************************
“I can’t believe our picnic got rained out” Michael said
“Actually, I kinda like having it on the floor in front of the fire” Ben replied “Cause I can do this…”
He pushed Michael onto his back, unbuttoning his shirt, kissing each part of his skin as it became exposed
“And this….”
He slid his trousers and briefs off, running his tongue up the length of his cock.
Michael’s last thought before he lost himself in the ecstasy of Ben’s mouth around his cock was that he would make sure rain was forecast the next time he suggested a picnic.
*****************************************************************
Fire raged around him. Thick black smoke clogged the air. He screamed Michael’s name over and over.
He bought his hand up, touching his cheek, remembering the kiss Michael had given him before walking towards the bar and out of sight.
He clawed his way through the escaping crowds. Tears stung his eyes and he stumbled, cursing as he picked himself up.
He finally reached what was left of the bar, his eyes scanning every corner. Then he saw him, motionless, his face barely recogniseable.
He sunk to his knees pulling him into his arms.
“It’s okay baby, I’m here”
************************************************************************************************
JR held tightly to Ben and Michael’s hands as they walked down Liberty Avenue.
Lights twinkled around them. Christmas decorations adorned the store windows.
“Daddy…Daddy.....look!!”
Michael scooped her into his arms.
“What honeybun?”
“Santa!”
“Where?”
“There Daddy!….Can’t you see him”
She grabbed hold of Michael’s hair, yanking his head around in her excitement.
“No”
“Dadddddddddddy…look!”
“Oh. I wonder why he is here.”
“Daddy you are so silly. Can I go and see him….please?”
“Why?”
“So I can tell him allllllllllllll the things I want for Christmas”
Ben grinned at Michael.
“I think it’s going to be a expensive Christmas baby”
*********************************************************************************************
Hunter watched the car cruise past and then speed up, disappearing from sight.
He sat down on the cold pavement. Another quiet night.
He wasn’t sure why he had chosen Liberty Avenue tonight, but something had drawn him here.
He stood as a car slowed, then stopped. He casually walked towards it, not waiting to appear too eager, but hoping he would be offered a warm bed and enough cash for a meal tomorrow.
He hesitated before jumping into the car, his eyes looking upwards, locking with blue ones staring back at him from an open window.
Future business perhaps.
***************************************************************************************************
“Ah, Liberty Avenue”
“In all it’s glory”
“Miss it?”
My eyes scoured the streets, images of times passed flittered through my mind.
I looked at Ben. My present, my future.
Memories of the past would always stay with me, be important to who I had become but the memories of now, the ones we make together were what I held on to because I never knew how many I would have.
“Have I told you lately that I love you?”
“Yes, but it’s always worth repeating.”
I kissed him, adding another memory to the vault I kept in my head.
*****************************************************************************************************
Michael cradled the dove to his chest. He had found it lying on Liberty Avenue.
The dove made a painful coo. Michael dropped his head, peering at it with sad, brown eyes. “Hang in there little fella’.”
Ben came out of their apartment. “Michael…? What’s wrong?”
Michael looked up. “The dove, Ben, its hurt.”
Ben glanced at the bird in Michael’s arms then back at him. “Michael…”
“Ben! What’re we going to do?” Ben shook his head. Michael was too damn caring for his own good. He looked down again at the dove lying in his arms.
“I’m sorry baby.”
*************************************************************************************************
Hunter held JR’s hand as she skipped along the pavement, letting out delighted screams as kids ran through the windy night in spooky costumes.
He’d been pissed when Michael asked him to take her trick and treating but he was secretly enjoying it.
Midnight would come soon enough for him to party.
He felt her tug on his hand.
“Look pretty leaves. Can we take them home and show Daddy?”
“Why do you want those stupid things?”
Her bottom lip dropped, tears filling her eyes.
“Sure, why not”
He still had a lot to learn about being a big brother.
****************************************************************************
Michael watched JR tip-toe into the room, stopping by the bed.
“It’s midnight sweetheart, you should be asleep”
“It’s so windy Daddy and that tree is making spooky noises”
He had meant clean out the guttering of leaves and trim back the branches yesterday, but instead they had a picnic in the park.
“Can I sleep with you and Uncle Ben….please Daddy?”
He looked at her, his own brown eyes reflecting back at him and knew he couldn’t say no.
He pulled back the covers as she climbed in, snuggling into his arms, as the wind continued to scream outside.
*************************************************************************
The alley was cold and dark, spooky shadows followed him as he walked through the leaves and rubbish the windy night was blowing around. A scream shattered the silence.
He shivered pulling his lightweight jacket tighter around him, trying to ward off the icy feeling that had worked its way through to his bones.
He had $100.00 in his pocket, a good night for this time of the year.
His eyes watered as he stopped at the bottom of the stairs, hesitating before taking that final step.
He knocked softly on the door.
“11.59 and 50 seconds”
“You said midnight”
**********************************************************************************
Ben leaves their home for the long walk to the hospital. It’s Halloween and children abound in scary costumes, their spooky screams echoing through the windy night sending shivers down his spine. He walks through the darkness to Michael’s room, kissing him softly before settling in the chair. He closes his eyes, secure that the dreams that haunt him when he is alone will give him respite tonight.
Michael cries out in his sleep and he takes him into his arms, rocking him gently, wishing he could take away his nightmares.
It is midnight before he allows himself to sleep.
************************************************************
JR toddled into the bedroom, carrying a pile of books.
“Daddy will you read me a story?”
“Of course honeybun, which one do you want?”
He pulled back the covers as she snuggled between him and Ben.
“Not that spooky one where it’s midnight and everyone screams. I want the one with the pretty princess in the forest, where it’s windy and the leaves are blowing around”
Michael started reading, watching as JR’s eyes slowly closed and she drifted off to sleep. He looked at his daughter and husband and thought how lucky he was to have this perfect family.
*************************************************************************
They sat on the porch watching JR and Hunter. It had gotten windy around midnight and the yard was almost knee deep in leaves. JR let out a spooky scream as Hunter tipped a bucket of leaves over her, making her almost disappear but they could hear her delighted giggles as she emerged chasing after Hunter. He let her catch him and pull him to the ground, leaves flying everywhere.
Michael squeezed Ben’s hand. He turned and smiled at him and thought it was quite scary that he knew they were thinking exactly the same thing.
How blessed were they.
**************************************************************************
Ben held Michael tightly. Michael hated thunderstorms. He let out a scream as a bolt of lightening lit up the sky, sending leaves battering against the window from the windy night. It was midnight and he knew they wouldn’t be getting much sleep.
He ran his fingers down his face before leaning in and kissing him softly.
“It’s ok baby” he whispered
“I’m sorry I’m such a sook”
“I wouldn’t have you any other way”
He pushed Michael slowly onto his back, his hands gently exploring his body. He knew the best way to take Michael’s mind off the weather.
****************************************************************************
Michael glanced at his watch. Midnight!. He was later than he told Ben he would be. He sped up, wanting to be in the warmth of their home, snuggled up in his husband’s strong arms. The windy weather was sending leaves dropping from the trees and he brushed them off while watching the spooky shadows dance over the pavement.
He opened the door and let out a scream when he saw Ben standing in the darkness.
He woke up with a start, drenched in sweat. It was a dream. Ben was gone. He laid down and cried himself to sleep.
*************************************************************************
Hunter opened his English assignment and groaned. Write a short story including the words spooky, scream, midnight, windy, leaves. Yeah right! It would be easier to rewrite the Declaration of Independence. Glancing at the clock he knew his father’s would be home soon, asking if he had finished his homework.
As if on cue, they walked in, hand in hand, laughing and he felt a warm fuzzy feeling from the love that shone from them.
“Hey pal, how’s the homework going?”
“It’s not!”
They smiled at him and he felt immediately included in that love.
“Let’s see if we can help.”
*********************************************************************************************************************
Hunter glanced at the clock. Midnight! He thought his fathers would be home by now. He had the house to himself and was enjoying the peace and quiet. It was windy and cold outside, he could hear the leaves blowing around and was glad to be inside. The moonlight was throwing spooky shadows over the walls and he shivered burying himself deeper under the bed clothes.
He turned his eyes back to the TV as a loud scream reverberated around the room. He sat bolt upright, shaking, and told himself he just had to fucking stop watching old home movies.
******************************************************************************************
Hunter sneaked out of his room at midnight. He couldn’t believe how windy and stormy it was and he knew the yard would be full of leaves tomorrow. He grabbed the box of fake spiders from their hiding place and opened it, amazed at how real and spooky they looked. He tiptoed upstairs and crept quietly into his father’s bedroom and strategically placed them around their bed, a small smile on his lips as he left their room.
Two loud screams woke him followed by an even louder “Hunter!!!!!!” and he knew his punishment would be more than raking leaves.
****************************************************************************************
“Hey, have you seen that pumpkin I put on the dining room table?” Hunter asked, walking into the kitchen in a clown costume, with a red wig that would put Debbie to shame.
“What?” Michael replied, moving away from the stove.
“Duh…the pumpkin I’m taking to the party tonight”
“No idea pal” Ben replied
“What does it look like?” Michael asked
Raised eyebrows and a look that said it all from Hunter was all he got in response.
“Hey, what are you cooking, it smells good” he asked, walking towards Michael
“Ummm…..pumpkin soup, want some?”
“You cooked my fucking pumpkin!”
*************************************************************************************************
“Hunter,
Michael and I are going to the movies tonight. Do you want to come/”
”What are you going to see?”
”Spiderman 2”
“Didn’t you see that last week?”
“Yeah”
“And the
week before?”
”Uh-huh”
“And don’t we have it on DVD?”
“I believe we do, yes”
“So why the fuck are you going to see it again?”
“Because I love my husband”
“You know that movie always scares the shit outta me”
“You watch
movies that would give zombies nightmares, why the hell would Spiderman scare
you?”
”Cause there is this dude in it that looks just like Michael”
************************************************************************************************
“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh”
Ben’s eyes shot open and he sat bolt upright in the bed, flicking on the bedside light.
“Michael, what’s wrong?”
His husband was covered in a light sheen of sweat, his compact frame shaking and a look of terror in his eyes.
“I had a dream….”
“Oh baby, what was it about?” He wrapped his arms around Michael, rocking him gently as his body continued to tremble.
“Superman couldn’t fly”
“What!”
“He had no powers….he was just…normal”
Ben stared at his husband, a look of disbelief on his face.
“Michael, it’s only a movie”
“Yeah, a fucking scary movie”
**************************************************************************************************
“Whats that? Hunter asked, walking into the kitchen.
“Whipped Cream”
“Yum, what’s it for?”
My eyes met Ben’s and a smile crossed my face.
Hunter turned his head to Ben and then back to me.
“Ewwwww” he replied, rolling his eyes “You two are freaks, I’m outa here!”
I looked at Ben grinning and dipped my fingers into the bowl, tracing a thin line of it over his lips, kissing it off
“Guess we’ve got the house to ourselves tonight”
“Let’s make the most of it then” he picked me up, grabbed the bowl and carried me to our bedroom.
***************************************************************************
“Morning baby, what you got there?”
“Breakfast”
A smile crossed his face as he dipped his fingers into the bowl and ran them over Ben’s lips.
“Mmmmm….that tastes like whipped cream”
Michael leaned down, kissing it clean before forcing Ben’s mouth open, exploring it with his tongue.
“Can I have some more?” Ben asked, when they finally came up for air.
Michael traced a line of it down Ben’s body, licking it off, until he reached his cock.
When Michael covered it with cream and began to feast on it, Ben knew there was nothing better than breakfast in bed.
***************************************************************
“How about we all go out for dinner, I feel like Chinese?” Michael suggested, walking into the living room, where Ben, Hunter and JR were watching TV.
“Burger King!”
“Greek!”
“McDonalds!”
A chorus of voices replied, each trying to out do the other.
“How about we stay home then, and I will cook”
Sideway glances and audible groans answered that remark.
“Hey, I can cook!”
“Of course you can baby, but we think Chinese will be just fine” Ben replied, standing and kissing his husband, receiving thankful glances from Hunter and JR.
Michael let a small smile cross his face.
***********************************************************************
Michael hated blackouts. They made him think of a time without Ben. Of dark days and lonely nights. He always tried to hide these thoughts from Ben but knew he could see them in his eyes whenever he coughed or sneezed, when he looked at the array of pill bottles in their bathroom cabinet. He needed the light which was Ben in his life, craved it, devoured every moment of it, squirreling away every hour spent together.
The lights flicked on and he quickly wiped away his tears before Ben could see them.
“You ok baby?”
“I love you Ben"
*****************************************************************************************
Michael sat at Ben’s bedside, his eyes focused on the rise and fall of his chest, ears tuned to every rasping breath that passed his lips.
Three days had passed since that phone call which shattered his world, bringing all the fears he had kept hidden flooding into his mind.
Ben was strong. But was that enough to fight this fucking disease.
He was angry, scared and helpless. He could do nothing except sit and wait, holding onto the words that Ben whispered every night. I love you Michael.
“I love you Ben. Stay with me please”
His tears fell.
****************************************************************************************
Michael’s voice floated in my head, his words muffled by his tears which I knew would be falling. I tried to pull myself out of the darkness, to come back to him, to tell him how much I loved him, to say sorry for putting him through this but it was just too much effort. I could feel his hand squeezing mine, giving me his strength to stay with him.
Didn’t he know that I would fight with everything I possessed to never to leave him. His love enveloped me and if that was the cure I would be well.
**********************************************************
“Ben?”
“What is it baby?”
“I don’t want y