Sex in the Sky

It was Christmas Eve, nearly midnight when the couple settled into their bed for the night. They had tucked in the grandchildren with kisses and promises of presents tomorrow. Their excited bodies refused sleep, until grandma sang softly to them and watched them drift to sleep. There was a game of pool set up for the brothers and brothers-in-law, the four of them joking good naturedly and ribbing each other, tossing back a drink or two. The couple was smiling contentedly, happy that the family was together for the holiday, all healthy and whole. As the couple settled down into bed, holding each other after they made love, content in their own happiness, the niggling worries of a mother moved to the forefront. Neither person could easily shut their minds off. This wasn’t a family that could. For this wasn’t just some simple suburban house, nestled in the glow of a small town Christmas. This was the White House and the couple was President John McNeely and his wife Madeline.

As the afterglow smile slowly faded off of Madeline’s face, John looked down into his wife’s eyes and asked what was wrong. Her reply was simple. “I’m worried about James.”

John sat up straighter and looked into his beloved wife’s eyes and could only nod, for he had seen James that day too. “He’s not very happy, is he?”

She gave her husband a sad smile. “He’s thrilled to be here, with the whole family. He loves each and every one of his brothers and sisters and their families. But he couldn’t hide the look.” She chuckled. “At least not from me. He never could.”

John remembered that day so clearly, almost ten years ago, when his son had come into his study at the governor’s mansion. He didn’t flinch, he didn’t fidget, but he could tell that James was nervous as hell. At seventeen, James had the courage of many men twice or three times his own age. “I’m gay dad. I know you are planning a run for the White House, I just didn’t want anything else to come up and surprise you.” That something else was his older brother Sam and his excessive sleeping around. The press built it up into a media frenzy of course, but the damage was still extensive. Sam had been caught at a sex party where there were lots of drugs and willing bodies. Sam hadn’t taken any drugs, the toxicology report proved it. But he had been with at least four of the women. But it was a scandal that had been weathered well. John remembered the shock and fear that entered his heart. This was his boy, his baby that he’d cradled in his arms. The words didn’t scare him, but what the world could do to him did. He didn’t want any of his children to suffer, and this road was going to be filled with even more struggles than any of his other children would face. He stood and wrapped his boy in his arms, sad beyond words as James relaxed against him, obviously relieved. “I don’t care James. It doesn’t matter. You’re my son and I love you. No matter what.”

John was brought back to the present by his wife’s voice. “He’s lonely John.” Her own voice was haunted, remembering the smiles at his nieces and nephews and the longing looks that one of his siblings got when they were holding their spouse. She frowned, realizing that she didn’t even know if her son dated. “He doesn’t have anyone in his life. You should know, the secret service watches over him once he leaves base. All he does is captain the sub and take an occasional leave.”

John looked out across the bedroom, seeing the Washington Monument through the bedroom window, lost in thought. James had gone far in a very short time. He had enrolled and excelled in the Naval Academy. He was now Captain James McNeely, skipper of the USS Baton Rouge, a nuclear attack sub, stationed in the Pacific Ocean at Pearl Harbor. He had a great tan, but little else. Madeline was right; James was alone. “I’m ashamed to admit it, but I never thought about it. With the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy still in place, I doubt if he has much of a chance to build a relationship.”

Madeline sighed and followed her husband’s eyes out onto the night sky of Washington. She felt guilty for being so wrapped up in her projects to not know that her son was hurting. Madeline knew he’d never admit it, but James was not happy. “Perhaps we should get him to have more of a social life. We could ask him to the state dinner next week.”

John laughed. “I doubt seriously if he’d really want to dress up and toast to the new President of Burundi.”

She smacked his still firm chest, stopping for a moment to tweak some salt and pepper chest hair. “Okay, so the situation isn’t the best, but it is a social situation.” She stroked John’s chest and looked at him imploringly. “We need to help him and this is a start at least.”

John captured his wife’s hand, stilling it from tantalizing him anymore. “He ships out on a three month mission on the twenty-seventh. He won’t be available.”

Madeline rolled her eyes and plucked at another tuft of his chest hair. “You are the Commander in Chief. I’m sure you can see to it that that trip is delayed. Say for three weeks?”

John chuckled and pulled his wife in for a kiss. “Yes, I guess I can do that.”

She kissed him back deeply, savoring the rise in passion between them. “I love a really powerful man.” His chuckle was drowned out by her kiss as she straddled his still lean hips and moved against him before slowly taking him inside. “Very powerful, Mr. President.”

* * *

The pool game had been over for an hour, basically breaking up when Sam’s wife Martine stood in the doorway and tapped her foot. Sam grinned like the devil and made his excuses before picking her up and carrying her off to one of the many bedrooms. The others followed suit quickly; this left James alone with way too much time to think. He hadn’t meant to feel jealous. But that’s what he did feel. It really only hit him at times like this, when everyone was together. He loved playing with his nieces and nephews and had long ago accepted that he really wouldn’t be having children of his own. But it was watching his brothers and sister. They had found love. They had someone to share their lives with.

As he wandered the halls of the White House, looking at paintings and the clutter of over two hundred years in each of the rooms he passed, he wondered if it wasn’t just the holiday blues. James stood in the Yellow Ball Room and stared at the portrait of George Washington, wondering how old George would have handled the concept of gays in the military. Don’t ask, don’t tell was a bitch, but he knew of many people who somehow made it work. In the Academy, he hadn’t wanted to push it. His dad was up for his first term and all of the kids were being watched. If Sam could screw up, the media vultures hoped one of the others would too. But James kept his nose in his books and graduated with honors. Then he started his very rapid rise in the ranks, and now he captained his own sub. He was proud of his crew, of the job he’d done. It wasn’t the biggest or brightest boat in the fleet, nor was it the pack leader, but it was his. He took pride in it. While on board, he funneled everything that he was into that ship. It was only when he had shore leave that he began to doubt. Those doubts were getting louder with each passing day. But it had been so long since he’d even tried to date that he knew he was fiercely out of practice. Hell, the embarrassing part was that he had never even kissed someone, let alone had sex.

James continued to stand in front of Washington’s portrait for a few more minutes, lost in thought when he noticed something outside. He walked up to the window and spotted the first flakes of falling snow. His smile was near bursting and he wanted so badly to go upstairs and wake all the kids up so they could see it. But he stopped the impulse. They’d get to see it in the morning. James turned and wished his secret service guard a good night as he walked up to the second floor and into the Lincoln Bedroom. He pulled off his clothes and crawled between the sheets, chuckling at the large size of the bed. He fell asleep while watching the snow fall outside, his problems forgotten for a few hours at least.

* * *

Christmas day was a fun one for the family, only interrupted by the President’s speech to the nation. For once, the family got to spend it together. The next day, James flew out to Hawaii, ready for his next mission, the holiday blues forgotten. When he got on base, he headed straight for his ship, hoping to catch his Lieutenant before they were underway. Alec Masterson and James had been sailing together ever since James got his commission. They got on well together; disagreements were few and far between. They even hung out together for a beer or two during shore leave. James had been over to Alec and his wife Corrine’s house several times for dinner. He liked the man and was glad that he had found such a capable and compatible coworker. He was a few years older, and he never seemed to mind that he served someone younger. When he arrived on dock, Alec was already in place, seeing to the stores when James walked up to him. They shook hands and greeted each other warmly. They were discussing the mission when a jeep pulled up and a messenger handed James a message, calling him into headquarters.

“Uh oh James, who’d you piss off this time?”

There was confusion in his eyes as he looked up at Alec. “No one recently.”

“I’ll see you when you get back.” He got a quick salute before James walked off. “Oh, and by the way. Merry Christmas.”

James turned around and smiled. “Thanks Alec. I hope you and your family’s was good too.”

As James walked off towards headquarters, Alec couldn’t help but stare at his ass. The man wore military khakis like no one he’d ever seen. He didn’t even try to hide the lust that he felt for his captain anymore. There just seemed to be no need. The man was oblivious. Of course he’d never admit it out loud. So he hardly ever slept with his wife anymore. Okay, so he’d keep his cabin’s door open, hoping to catch the captain in the morning during his jog, when he’d run around in only his shorts. The man had an amazing chest, darkly forested with deep chestnut hair. The flopping of the obvious girth inside his shorts was a nice feast too. He’d lie back in his bunk many a night and think about that vision as he stroked himself. Alec had only gotten worried that one time, when he’d moaned James’s name when he came. But no one heard it. No one knew his secret. A secret he would take to his grave.

* * *

James stood at attention, waiting for Admiral Benson to acknowledge him. He had had a few run-ins with Peter Benson. The admiral didn’t like having to kowtow to the son of the President. It didn’t matter that James McNeely worked his ass off nor got as far as he did by his own merit. There was just something about him that pissed the admiral off. James accepted it for what it was; a personality conflict.

“At ease, Captain.”

After James had relaxed his stance, the admiral handed James an envelope. “Your mission has been delayed for three weeks. You are to report to Washington immediately.”

James groaned internally. He was just there. What the hell was going on? “My orders, sir?”

The admiral laughed. “You are to be the escort of the First Lady to a state dinner for the President of Burundi.”

James didn’t keep this groan internal. “I see. I’m sorry sir. I wouldn’t have come back if I’d known they were planning this.”

The admiral actually softened a bit at the captain. Perhaps he was what he seemed: a good sailor. “Don’t worry. At least I’m not the one who has to dress up and play nice at a state function.”

James was shocked by the reaction. He was expecting to get his ass chewed. Instead, he got what could only be called sympathy. “I’ll make sure nothing like this ever happens again, sir.”

“I don’t doubt that in the slightest. Dismissed.”

* * *

James fumed the entire ten hours of his flight to Washington. And it didn’t help that he had the secret service with him. Because of the last minute nature of the flight, he had to fly commercial. By the time the plane touched down at National Airport, he was steamed. He grabbed his bags and crawled into the limo. He didn’t even speak as they drove through the gates at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. He was pissed. He walked into the White House, bypassing security and headed straight for the oval office. He was still dressed in his whites. He had no idea at how many heads turned as he stormed through the halls on his way to the west wing. He stood for a moment outside of the oval office and calmed himself, waiting for his father to be free. Once the door opened he marched in and gave his father a perfect salute.

“James. What the hell are you doing?”

James stood at attention, enjoying seeing his father’s perplexed look.

John stared at his son and recognized the square set of his jaw. He was pissed. He was afraid this might happen. “Now James, your mother is worried about you. She only asked so you could spend some time with us.”

When James didn’t even blink let alone move; John got fed up. “Oh for Christ’s sake, at ease!”

James relaxed his pose but still stared straight ahead. About thirty seconds into this he realized he was being immature, but he didn’t stop. In his best subordinate voice he barked out, “Reporting for duty, SIR!”

Now John was truly pissed. “You will not take that tone with me young man. I diapered your butt and wiped your nose. Do not for a minute think that I won’t take you over my knee and teach you a lesson.”

James lasted perhaps three seconds before he burst out laughing. John quickly followed suit. John walked up and hugged his son, wondering when the last time it was that he had. When he pulled away, James was smiling.

“I’m sorry dad. It just steamed me to fly all the way to Hawaii only to be called back.”

John smirked. “If you hadn’t taken off so early, I would have stopped you.”

James looked down at his feet. “Yeah. I’m sorry about that.”

John reached his hand out and cupped his boy’s face. He needed to shave, but it was damn good to see him. Just then Madeline walked into the office and he decided now was as good a time as any for them to talk. “We got you here because we’re worried about you.”

James knitted his brows in confusion. What did they have to worry about? “Dad, we’re at peace, nothing is going to happen on my ship.”

John shook his head, wondering why he could talk to the nation and dance circles around the press, but he had a hell of a time talking to his own son. “This has nothing to do with the Navy. We’re worried that that is all you have in your life.”

Madeline looked at James and wondered how far to press it. Deciding that at this point it didn’t matter, she forged ahead. “I saw how you were on Christmas Eve James. You’re lonely.”

James rolled his eyes. “Mom, everyone gets a little blue at Christmas time.”

John looked at his boy, seeing that he was growing uncomfortable. “Blue is one thing. But this is different. Do you date at all son?”

James blushed a bit and shifted his feet, not wanting at all to discuss his sex life, or lack thereof, with his parents. “That has nothing to do with this.”

Madeline came up and touched her son’s face, pulling him to look into her eyes. “You’re alone James. I can see it in your eyes.”

James’s blush grew deeper and his discomfort ratcheted up a notch. “This really isn’t any of your business.”

The answer wasn’t good enough for his mother. “All we’ve ever wanted was for you to be happy. Can you honestly say that you are?”

James looked into his mother’s eyes and wanted so badly to lie. But he couldn’t. He lowered his head and mumbled out one word. “No.”

John was curious, afraid he already knew the answer, but had to ask anyway. “Why have you kept yourself alone James?”

James looked out the window, anywhere but at his parents and he grew angry, not wanting to deal with any of this. “How can you ask me that? After what happened with Sam? You were running for President.” He looked right into his father’s eyes and told him everything. “I came out to you because I knew that you didn’t need a single secret hiding to bite you in the ass. I locked myself away in the Academy because the press followed me everywhere I went while you were campaigning. Then you won and I graduated. Don’t ask, don’t tell.” His voice scoffed. “It should be don’t ask, don’t tell, provided that your old man isn’t the President of the United States.”

The raw bitterness in his voice made tears prickle Madeline’s eyes. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying James?”

James looked away, feeling absolutely humiliated. John had to clear the lump in his throat. “I never asked you for any of this. You didn’t have to do this…” His voice trailed off as he watched his son’s shoulders droop.

His emotions raw, James felt absolutely naked and vulnerable. “You never asked, but I gladly gave. I believe in you dad. I always have.” Madeline walked up to him and placed her hand on his shoulder, but he only shrugged it off. “To answer your question mom, I’ve never gone out on a date. I’ve kept myself completely alone, so there would never be any question.” His voice was thick with tears that he didn’t hear. “My God, I’ve never even kissed anyone.”

With those final words, James left his parents and walked into his father’s private office and suite, heading for the bathroom to splash water on his face. His parents stood in the oval office, staring at each other in horror. The tears ran unchecked down Madeline’s face as she looked at her husband. His eyes were filled with tears too, guilt hitting him hard in the gut. “I had no idea. No idea at all.”

Madeline walked up to her husband and pulled him into her arms. “I didn’t either. Oh John, what have we done?” Then she burst into tears, feeling horrid at the pain and loneliness that her son was living with. She felt her husband’s sobs as he cried out his pain too. She knew that he was blaming himself for this. But it really wasn’t entirely his burden to bear. She shared in it equally.

James stood in the bathroom, looking at his reflection in the mirror, ashamed that he had shared that with his parents. He never wanted them to know. His sacrifice didn’t seem that great. His reasoning, that you cannot miss what you’ve never known, seemed so shallow now. Fear is a great motivator, especially when you can hide behind such solid reasons. But the time for hiding was over. He dried his face and walked back out into the oval office, staring at his parents holding each other, rocking back and forth gently. That same spear of jealousy hit him again. In his mind, James knew that this was something he should have. He had a great pair of role models in his parents. His siblings had found this happiness too. It can’t be that hard. But that first step scared him to death.

“Mom? Dad? I’m sorry. I’m sorry for hurting you.”

Madeline stood away from her husband and walked over to her son, embracing him hard, kissing his cheek, his forehead over and over. “No. We should be the ones to apologize. You’ve done nothing wrong.”

John came up behind them, holding both of his loved ones in his arms. “Your mother is right James. This isn’t your fault.”

James swallowed deeply, figuring that if today was the day for clearing the air, the least he could do was be completely honest. “I was afraid. I’m still scared.” He swallowed audibly in the hush of the room. “I don’t know what the first step is, so I never tried to take it. I used this as an excuse. Because I’m really a coward.”

John chuckled, but there was no mirth to it. “You are the bravest person I’ve ever met.”

Madeline agreed completely. “If you don’t know what the first step is, we’ll help you. Your brothers and sister found someone. You can too. You are too good a person with too much love in your heart not to.”

“Bueno, bambino,” she whispered. “Muy bueno, pequino.”

She left the lamp burning and returned downstairs to the anxious men.

“Juanita,” Nando immediately spoke. “Is he well?”

“Si, Nando,” she replied smiling to add reassurance to her words. “He sleeps now. There will be much bruising, but he will be much well by morning, if very sore.” She turned her gaze to Bart for a minute before looking back at the hovering South American. “He will need you, Nando. Go to him”.

“There is only the one bed …” Nando began hesitantly.

“Nando, arriba ahora,” Juanita commanded shooing him towards the stairs. “You,” she indicated Bart.” Duermes acqui”. She thrust gathered covers into Bart’s hand and waved at the space in front of the small fireplace.

“Yes, Ma’m,” Bart replied. “I sleep here.”

“Gracias, Juanita,” Nando smiled as he made his way up the stairs.

Returning his smile, Juanita then left the cottage to sleep with her brother and his family.

Nando wasted no time in stripping fully and slipping between the sheets next to his sleeping lover. He was both pleased and gratified that as he enveloped his arms around Will, the younger man settled close, nuzzling into Nando’s juncture of neck and shoulder. Although Nando had concerns about Will’s pallor, he knew Juanita was skilled in healing and was often sought out for those skills. With a gentle touch, Nando positioned Will’s head on his shoulder and nuzzled into the fine blond hair allowing Will’s rhythmic breathing and unique scent to relax him into sleep.

Will woke slowly and found that the least movement caused aches throughout his body to make themselves very apparent. For a moment he couldn’t understand the sensations, then memories of the previous night resurfaced and the young man couldn’t suppress a groan that was part pain and part embarrassment.

“Will?” Nando’s voice was full of concern as his eyes flew open to observe his young lover.

“Sorry, Nando” Will whispered. “I made a real fool of myself didn’t I?”

“No, mi amore” Nando reassured his mate, cuddling the slighter body a little tighter. “You were upset and afraid and in shock at the manner in which your uncle discovered us. Our only worry was how hurt you were when we found you. Neither of us thinks you foolish. How do you feel?” he asked solicitously.

“Sore,” Will confessed. “Is Uncle Bart still here?” he asked. At Nando’s nod, Will sighed and his head dropped. “Then I guess our time here is over,” he said dejectedly.

Nando caught the dropped head and lifted Will’s chin until the slender man could gaze into his eyes. Will gasped at the intensity in the brown depths.

“I will give you a full body massage later,” he purred seductively as though he hadn’t heard Will’s words. “Then, if you are not too sore, I fully intend to love you thoroughly as we enjoy our time here. Bart will have to find other means than our company to keep himself entertained. There is a passable cantina in the village. He can go there for the day.”

“I love you so much, Nando” Will whispered as he stroked the older man’s stubbled cheek.

“I love you too, mi Angel and I have no intention of sharing you in the precious time we have here” Nando growled. He swept the blanket from Will’s supine form and smiled possessively at the expanse of pale skin before him. “So beautiful, Will” he murmured as he captured a nipple and began to torture it erotically with teeth and tongue. “So beautiful and all mine.”

He moved and parted Will’s thighs to lie between them. He was careful not to jostle Will’s injured knee as he moved into position. A feral smile on his lips heralded his recognition of Will’s burgeoning arousal. As the organ began to fill and harden, Nando encourage its growth by tracing the member from root to tip, swirling his thumb around the slit to gather and spread the already leaking fluid. As Nando tasted his lover’s offering, Will moaned at the sight and began to shift restlessly, needing more direct stimulation. Nando growled in gratification at his mate’s arousal and capitulation to his ministrations. He hadn’t been certain Will was ready to be aroused so soon following his fright, but it pleased him to see how readily Will accepted and responded to the intimate touches.

“Nando, please” the younger man begged softly, then moaned as Nando again lightly traced the erect shaft from root to tip, this time flicking his tongue over the weeping head.

“Yes, my love” Nando growled darkly. “Yes, mi pequino”

Nando straddled Will and splaying a large hand in the middle of Will’s chest and using the other to secure across Will’s slender hips, the older man effectively pinned down his Mate for his ministrations. With a flash of strong white teeth in a feral smile, Nando engulfed Will’s erect flesh. Nando had no desire or intention to tease his younger lover. They both needed this reaffirmation and with Bart in the house, long and slow lovemaking was not an option in any case. Nando smiled around his prize as Will pulled a pillow over his face to muffle his scream as a blistering orgasm swept through him to leave him panting weakly, his bones turned to jelly. “Give me your hands,” Nando commanded softly. He wrapped Will’s hands around his aching shaft and held them in place as he thrust hard into the tunnel they provided.

As his awareness returned, Will began to squeeze the hard flesh sliding between his hands. Nando’s organ was hot to his touch, but could not compare to the heat Will could see in the South American’s eyes. The two men locked gazes as they worked to bring the older man to completion. “Coming, Will” Nando moaned. “Coming for you”. Nando buried his face in Will’s shoulder as his seed poured into his young lover’s hands. He finally slumped forward, allowing Will to take his full weight for a few moments. He kissed his Mate deeply, showing his love, and then moved to stand. Fetching a washcloth, he cleansed them both. Finally the men dressed and went downstairs.

Bart Brooks still slept wrapped in the covers provided by Juanita in front of the now dead fire. He jumped, glaring balefully at the Rojan who had toed him awake.

“Morning, Bart,” Nando smiled.

“Nando” he growled in return.

“Will, can you make some coffee whilst your uncle wakes himself up. I will be back in a few moments.”

Alone for the first time since Bart’s unfortunately timed arrival, nephew and uncle looked uncertainly at each other. Unable to bear the unusual and strained silence, Bart wordlessly opened his arms, believing the action would be eloquent than any words he could find to speak. With a muted sob, Will limped into the embrace and held tightly to his uncle as Bart hugged him with ferocious strength.

“Sorry, Will,” he said roughly as tears welled in his eyes. “I never meant to hurt you. Are you ok? How’s your knee?”

“It’s a little sore” Will admitted. “I don’t think I’ll be walking much today. Thank you for being concerned. I love you”

“I love you, too” Bart’s voice was hoarse. Slowly he released the younger man and took over the task of brewing coffee and preparing slices of bread with honey to accompany them.

“I don’t know what problems you and Nando will face with Uncle Jack” Bart said warningly. “But I hadn’t met my special person before you were born and I decided I didn’t want to risk losing you from my life. So I just took my opportunities where I could and I don’t regret a minute I’ve spent watching you grow into a fine young man. But you’ve met your special person, Will and I don’t want you to lose him out of any misguided feelings of duty. You deserve love and happiness, Will and I’ll do all in my power to help you have that”

“Thanks, Uncle Bart,” Will whispered, his own tears threatening to fall. “I respect Uncle Jack. As my uncle and my guardian, I do love him. But Nando’s my life, my soul. I’d die without him now. I have to find a way to let him know that Nando comes first in my life and where he goes I will follow”.

At that moment, Nando returned with a self-satisfied smile that spoke volumes.

“I’m almost afraid to ask what that smile heralds,” Bart said guardedly as the men ate and drank.

“Jose is going to the local village and can take you, Bart. On the way, he will call on a friend of ours, Alessandro. He would enjoy company at the cantina. He speaks a little English. I’m sure the two of you will get on very well. Jose will let us know if you plan on returning here tonight.”

“If I don’t return here,” Bart said carefully. “Where am I likely to find myself staying?”

“I am sure Alessandro would appreciate company overnight. If you’re nice to him,” the South American added with a wink and leer carefully shielded from Will’s wide, innocent eyes.

“Sounds like a plan to me, Nando” Bart smiled. It was obvious to the older man that Nando had arranged this to ensure Bart didn’t return that night. Bart could understand and appreciate Nando’s thinking. His mind swiftly moved on to imagining spending the night with a willing partner himself. “I’d best get myself cleaned up a bit,” he said standing. “I wouldn’t want to make a bad first impression.”

Nando couldn’t stop his laughter as Bart hurried outside and his laughter increased at Will’s look of confusion swinging from his disappearing uncle to his clearly amused Mate.

Within a couple of hours, Nando had both himself and Will naked and stretched out on the bed, his hands enjoying stroking bare, soft flesh.

“You promised me a massage,” Will purred as his lover’s talented hands petted him, relaxing him. He gazed shyly at Nando. “Do I still get one?” he asked.

“But of course, mi Angel” Nando replied. He straddled Will’s legs and began a sensual massage of Will’s head. As he trailed his fingers down Will’s face and body, he began to follow the path of his hands with his lips and teeth. He paid special attention to Will’s nipples, finally leaving them stiff peaks of sensitized flesh. Slowly he covered the entire front of Will’s body except for the column of rosy, erect flesh that jutted from between the smaller man’s legs.

“Nando,” Will moaned softly as his lithe body writhed under the sensual assault.

Nando gave a feral smile at Will’s arousal and the needy sounds emanating from his lover. He relished reducing Will’s vocabulary to mewls of want, need and pleasure.

“Need you, Nando. Please, Love” Will begged.

“And you shall have me, Pequino,” Nando promised as he guided Will to lie on his stomach. His hands wove the same sensual pattern on Will’s back as they had on his front. Again, Nando followed his hands with teeth and lips. Finally, strong, calloused hands firmly gripped the smaller man’s cheeks and spread them proprietarily apart. Deep brown eyes gazed with a mix of love and desire at the tiny aperture that granted access to Will’s body.

“So beautiful, mi Angel,” the bigger man’s voice had deepened with his growing need. His flesh was hard, suffused with need. It stood proudly from its thick nest of dark curls, pointing where it wished to be buried. Temporarily pushing down his desire, Nando thrust his tongue deeply into the exposed pucker and worked the moist muscle deep inside the willing body spread for his pleasure beneath him. Will’s moans and cries fuelled the South American on and he determined that Will’s first climax would be from this act alone. Pulling Will’s cheeks as widely apart as he was able, Nando pressed his mouth as close to Will’s centre as possible. He alternated folding his tongue and giving short jabs with simply thrusting his tongue as deep as possible. As Will relaxed fully into the erotic sensations of this most intimate act, Nando finally flicked the tip of his tongue over Will’s sweet spot and with a scream; the younger man came to a shattering climax. His vision greyed out as his body spasmed helplessly, his seed jettisoning from his body and then went limp.

Will awoke to find himself cradled in Nando’s arms as the older man smiled triumphantly at his sated Mate.

“Love you so much,” Will whispered as he stroked Nando’s cheek. “That was amazing.”

“It is not finished yet, my love” Nando growled. Hold yourself open for me. I want to make you ready to accept me inside you. The Rojan locked eyes with his slender lover as Will hooked his arms behind his knees, opening his body to Nando’s predatory gaze. Quickly the older man inserted one, then two salve slicked fingers, licking his lips in unconscious anticipation as Will gasped and writhed on the welcome invaders. As Nando worked three fingers into the slender channel, he ensured that he continually rubbed Will’s pleasure spot and was rewarded by the younger man’s resurgent erection.

“Nando…ah…please…please,” Will begged.

In response, Nando positioned the purpled head of his arousal at Will’s loosened and glistening port.

“Te quiero, mi Angel,” he said huskily as he pressed inside the velvet sheath.

“Love you inside me, Nando,” Will panted. “Love you. Fill me, love. Come inside me, please.”

Nando’s reply was to begin a rhythmic thrusting into hot, slick tightness. He relished his young lover’s responsiveness as Will arched into the measured strokes. A cry of pleasure from the smaller man made Nando grin savagely as he knew he was hitting the spot he sought with his manhood. Stroking Will’s needy flesh, the older man led them inexorably towards their mutual completion.

Will stiffened beneath his lover and he screamed out Nando’s name as a second climax was wrenched from him. The sight, sound and scent of his Mate’s release combined with the clenching around his own throbbing flesh sent Nando to his own climax. His roar of completion drowned out Will’s scream.

Slowly Nando came to his senses. He was still buried in Will’s body, but he could feel his cock had begun to soften. Will was still out cold from the second shattering climax and Nando grinned with a primal satisfaction at having succeeded in causing Will to climax so strongly twice in succession. His smile softened as sleepy blue eyes gazed up at him with lazy satiation and love.

“Te quiero, Nando” Will said. The younger man was unable to suppress a groan of loss as Nando’s flesh finally slipped from his body.

“Te quiero, mi amore,” Nando affirmed. With a move born of practice, Nando rolled them so that Will now lay draped across the bigger man’s chest. He kissed Will deeply and then tucked the younger man’s head under his chin, stroking the golden hair until he felt Will go limp. Kissing the top of Will’s head, Nando stayed awake, fretting over and planning ways to best approach Jackson Brooks.

“How is he, Doctor?” Nando’s voice broke the physician from his reverie.

“Pretty sick I’m afraid,” he replied. “I’ve had a lot of townsfolk come down with this fever. It’s bad for about three days before I’ve seen any improvement in my patients. Most have made a good recovery with care and attention.”

“Most?” the word was almost a hiss from the white haired Rojan.

“I’ve lost a couple of infants and older folk. Those around Will’s age or so have just been left debilitated for a few days once the fever breaks. I’ve left some medication with instructions on what to do with it. Try to keep his fever down and give him plenty of fluids. I’ll return in a couple of days, but if he deteriorates I’ll come straight back.”

“Gracias, Doctor,” Nando murmured abstractly, his attention already re-focused on his ill young Intended. As the doctor exited the room, Nando wasted no time in stripping without shame before his father and the trusted manservant and cradled the unconscious blond to his chest. “If I support him this way, we can try and get some liquids into him, Roberto,” he said looking desperately at the bigger man.

Roberto was already examining the medication left.

“Vacho’s herbs will supplement this,” he said. “I will arrange for boiled water to be brought regularly.”

As he left the room, Don Carlos stroked the sweat-damp hair from Will’s brow.

“He is young and was fit before this illness struck. We will help him get through this.” The older man clasped his son’s hand in a reassuring gesture.

“Gracias, Papa”

A tap at the door revealed Marguerita with Jack behind her. It was on Nando’s lips to refuse the older man entry until he saw the look in the blue-grey eyes.

Jack, Marguerita and Bart had listened carefully to the doctor as he had given them the same information before being paid by Jack. Jack had then asked Marguerita to accompany him so he could see Will. He now stood in the doorway, looking at his unconscious nephew. The nephew he did…love. It had always been hard for the stoic man to display emotion. He couldn’t remember if he had ever told his nephew that he was loved as a son would have been. Jack had always been too busy ensuring Will knew what was expected of him and being the figure of discipline and authority. He wished now he had spent some time just enjoying the company of the younger man. This situation was entirely his fault. He had been found guilty of hubris and he could only pray that Will’s life was not the price that had to be paid. Will looked so tiny and frail lying on the broad chest of the darker man. It no longer seemed important, when faced with Will’s possible death, who the blond chose to love. He saw how Nando’s frame supported Will helping Don Carlos get precious liquid into him. He also saw the depth of love and devotion the Rojan clearly exuded.

“Nando, I know words are of little comfort right now,” Jack said huskily. “I know how wrong I was and I just want you to know that if there is anything…anything at all you think would help Will, then just tell me.”

“I appreciate the offer, Jackson,” Nando said formally, his arms tightening around the slender form. “Roberto is the man to tell you if there is anything. I defer to his greater knowledge in healing.”

Jack nodded. “May I…?” His hand reached towards Will even though he found he couldn’t say the words. He needed to touch Will, however briefly. He was relieved at the slow nod from the Rojan. He moved to stand at the side of the bed. His hand shook as it reached towards Will. A single tear slid down his lined cheek as Nando lifted Will’s hand to allow Jack to clasp it tightly. Words weren’t needed, he knew Will wouldn’t hear them and he knew at that moment he could not have uttered a single one. He simply stood, holding tightly to the unresponsive young man before nodding at Nando and Don Carlos and exiting the room.

“I do believe there is hope for Jackson Brooks yet,” Don Carlos mused thoughtfully.

**************

During the next two days, Nando never left Will’s side and there was always at least one other of the Rojans helping attend to Will. It was at this point that Bart elected to have his talk with his older brother. He spoke bluntly, not looking to unduly shock his brother but needing to get his feelings across.

“Just because I would choose another man as a life partner, Jack it don’t make me no monster. I don’t have horns or a tail like a devil either. I don’t regret that I chose to make looking after Will my life. I love that boy as though he was my own son. If I didn’t think Nando was the right person for him, I’d say so and not because Nando’s a man. Will deserves to love and be loved. I’ve seen how much Nando loves him and how much he loves Nando. It ain’t gonna be hearts and roses all the time, but that’s for them to work out for themselves and I’ll always be there for Will to turn to. But I tell you this, Jack. If once Will’s on the road to recovery you suddenly decide you ain’t happy with Will loving a man, Don Carlos has already promised Nando that they will have a home with him. And if Will goes, so do I.”

Jack blinked. He’d lived with Bart all these years and never known, never even suspected that his younger brother was anything but a confirmed bachelor. He’d seen Bart carouse at salons and disappear with women.

“Saloons,” he said unable to say more.

“I may have been seen leaving with a saloon gal, Jack,” Bart said wryly. “But that don’t mean that’s who I ended up tussling with under the covers.”

“I never …”

“You weren’t meant to and you still wouldn’t. But now I gotta think of Will’s future and happiness. Think on what I’ve said, Jack. I’m gonna go check on Will and then head over to the bunkhouse. The boys want me keeping them updated on Will’s progress.”

Jack nodded. He had a lot to think over.

***************

Will felt his eyelids had lead weights holding them down and just about everywhere ached, but there was a familiar voice that was asking him to wake up. He knew that voice and wanted to obey, if only the weights would become lighter. With a soft moan, he finally succeeded in opening one eye, the other remaining firmly closed. As the single orb tried to focus he heard other voices.

“Let me wash his lids. One seems glued shut.”

“Here, Roberto.”

Will murmured soundlessly as a warm, wet cloth bathed his eyes. Then he was focusing on the familiar voice.

“Will, Pequino, open your eyes for me, mi curazon. Por favor, mi angel.”

“Nando,” the name was a puff of air from Will’s lips and he tried harder to open his eyes. This time they opened easily and he gazed into the beloved face to wonder at the fear in the expressive brown eyes and the tears that spilt down the stubbled cheeks. “No cry,” Will whispered. His throat was sore and his voice was huskier than he’d ever heard it and Will looked at Nando for answers to questions he couldn’t ask. Instead he was enveloped tightly and he nuzzled into the warm, broad chest as he felt Nando’s tears on his own face. Then another voice spoke.

“You’ve been very ill, Pequino. You has us very worried, little one, but now you are starting to get better. It’s been nearly four days since you were fully conscious.”

Will recognised Roberto’s deep warm voice. Then memories started to surface and Will grasped tightly at the solid body pressed against him.

“‘cle Jack,”

“Do not worry, love,” Nando whispered into his ear. “I will not let anything happen to you. You are my Intended and as soon as you are better, Papa is going to announce our wedding. I am not going to spend a single moment more than necessary before calling you my Spouse and beginning our life together.”

“Love…” Will’s voice drifted off and he was unaware of the tender kiss to his temple.

“I love you, mi Pequino. You are mine and I will take great care of you.”

***********

Will awoke slowly, Nando no longer in the bed with him. The rugged face of Roberto gazed affectionately at him and Will gratefully accepted the cup of water. He found he needed Roberto’s hand to guide it to his lips as his own hand shook.

“You will be very weak for a few days yet, Pequino,” Roberto said solicitously. “Although we have managed to get water and thin broth inside you, you need much more nourishment to build your lost strength.”

“Nando?” Will asked, pleased his voice seemed a little stronger.

“He is having a quick wash. He lay beside you whilst you battled the fever. Once the fever broke his Papa and I insisted he started to care for himself so you would not be concerned at his appearance and waste your precious strength worrying about him.”

Will managed a small smile. There were half remembered dreams of being held in strong arms and a soft voice speaking of love. The young man realised they were probably not dreams at all.

“Will, love,” Nando’s joyful exclamation was rapidly followed by the Rojan sitting at Will’s side. Slowly the older man dipped his head and tenderly kissed the still dry lips. “I love you,” he whispered against Will’s cheek.

“Love you, Nando,” Will replied.

“Hey, sleepyhead,” Will recognised Bart’s voice. The younger of his uncles came to the other side of the bed. The jocular words were at odds with the look in the older man’s eyes and the shadows beneath them.

Wordlessly Will simply opened his arms. Bart gave a muted sob as he pulled Will into a hug. “We were so worried, boy,” Bart’s voice husked. “You were so ill.” He rocked the too thin form for a few minutes whilst he composed himself and then slowly released the blond. Tears were in both sets of blue eyes.

“Will?” Over in the doorway, Jack Brooks stood waiting as if for permission to enter. He had heard first Nando’s voice and then Bart’s and had gone to see if Will had remained awake this time. Although Will had awoken a few times over the last half a day, it had been for scant minutes and he had yet to see his nephew fully conscious. The worry that now clouded the expressive cerulean depths was like a knife in Jack’s heart and yet he knew he could expect nothing less. When he and Will had last spoke he had purposely tried to force Will to denounce his love for the Rojan, who still regarded him coolly, as well as send him away from those who loved him. He had a lot to do to regain the trust of the young man. “May I?” he added indicating his desire to come closer. At the small nod he came to replace Bart at Will’s side. “I owe you an apology, Will. I was arrogant and I was intolerant and it was my fault you were so ill. I’ve had a long talk with Bart,” he glanced at his younger brother and then at the Rojan who sat listening and watching silently. “And I’m overdue a long talk with Nando. I know the words ‘I’m sorry’ aren’t sufficient, Will, but I am sorry. Very sorry and I hope that at some point you’ll be able to forgive me. This is your home, boy and it always will be. I’d be happy, more than happy, if you and Nando would consider living here, at least part of the time.”

Will blinked trying to take everything in. He looked at Nando for help, overwhelmed at Jack’s words. At the tiny nod, Will did the only thing he could think of. As he had done for Bart, he simply held open his arms. The hug he received was accompanied by wetness against his cheek. Will was shocked to realise his uncle was crying. Will’s generous heart was deeply touched by the naked emotion. Will was slowly released and lay back exhausted.

“I am pleased to hear your words, Jackson,” Nando said neutrally. “Our talk is indeed overdue. However, I would like to have a few moments with my Intended to ensure he eats a little before resting again. Then I would like for us to speak.”

“Whatever you deem best for Will, Nando,” Jack deferred. He noted the raised eyebrow from the young Rojan. Marguerita had already warned Jack that if the older man stood any hope of being forgiven by Nando, he had to accept that if the two men married Nando would assume responsibility for Will. It was clear to them both that from the moment Nando had returned to des Torres, Nando had already shouldered that responsibility in an obvious message to Jack.

Nando waited for everyone to leave before possessing soft warm lips in a gentle kiss. It was still far too soon for anything more intense. Nando intended to ensure his mate was fully recovered before they did anything strenuous. He smiled at the gentle nuzzling from the small, frail blond. A tap to the door heralded Vacho’s appearance. He handed a bowl to Nando and smiled at Will.

“I am much pleased to see you looking much better Senor Will,” he said. “Eat, get strong.”

“Thanks, Vacho,” Will said, tiredness was already fighting to reclaim him back to sleep.

“Let me help you, angel,” Nando said attentively.

Nando was please to find that Will was able to drink most of the bowl of soup Vacho had prepared. Its thickness told Nando that the older Rojan had ensured it was more nourishing than the thin broth that they had previously fed the younger man. He was touched that so many had done so much to help Will. He smiled at the already sleeping blond. He kissed Will’s temple and went to the door. He grinned at the tall, muscular sentinel standing impassively just outside.

“I will sit with your Intended,” Roberto said. “His heart is generous, Nando. Do not let your anger, however righteous, stand in the way of true bridges being built.”

“It will not be easy,” Nando sighed.

“Your Papa and Bart have expressed their desire to be present when you speak to Jack. You have many allies. Go make another of the boy’s older uncle.” Roberto pulled Nando into a strong hug and kissed Nando’s forehead.

Squaring his shoulders, Nando headed to the large open living room.

Three pairs of eyes looked up at his appearance. Don Carlos sat next to Bart on one of the large couches, Jack sat alone. Nando could now clearly see the lines and shadows of fatigue on Jack’s face. It struck the younger man that where he had spent almost every hour with Will tending to him during the worst of the fever, Jack looked as though he had spent every one of those hours awake and fretting.

“Jack,” he said using the shorter name for the first time since arriving to try and convey he was making effort to be reconcilary

“Nando,” Jack acknowledged.

“You are one of the two men who share the guardianship of the man I wish to marry. I had no desire to take Will away from a loving family, nor deprive my Papa of the joy of having two sons under his roof. It had been in my mind to travel between the ranches, both being our home. This ranch is a part of Will’s legacy and his inheritance and I know it and those in it hold a special place in his heart. However, your actions over Will have made me wonder whether Will and I could ever see this place as a home for us. It is plain to see that coming close to losing Will has affected you badly. It is clear that you do care for Will which, when I first saw him so ill, I was certain was not the case. You told him this was his home. Can you truly say that you would welcome Will and me here, living as Husband and Spouse with all that entails within our relationship? I would rather take Will to my Papa’s home to live there than risk his health and happiness if you found you could not tolerate the reality of our living here.”

Jack swallowed. He was being offered an opportunity to demonstrate that what he had said was not simply empty words. To show he had learnt a valuable lesson in tolerance. “I was wrong, Nando, very wrong. I have found that my brother hid from me an essential part of his nature for most of our lives. I do not want to lose Bart or Will to my prejudices. I saw how much you loved my nephew, with every look and with every gesture. I had Will’s future all mapped out without a thought for the boy’s own wants and needs. A wife, children, a continuation of the dynasty, they were what I wanted. But in truth, what I should have thought about was what Will wanted to be happy in his life. It’s clear to me now, that he needs you. I would be honoured if you and Will would spend time living here and I understand that you would want to spend time with your father as well. This ranch is part of Will’s inheritance and there will be times I would want him here to learn aspects of the ranching. I will ensure there are comfortable rooms for you to share. A small sitting room and larger bedroom will be added to the side of the ranch. That way you can enjoy your privacy when you want it or join the rest of us.”

“That would be very generous, Jack and much appreciated.” Nando turned to his father and Bart. “As long as Jack is true to his word about accepting my relationship with Will, I would not deny Will the opportunity to still consider des Torres as home. However, I would also have him able to consider des Caballos equally his home, if you are agreeable, Papa.”

“Mi casa es tu casa, mi hiejo, y la casa de tu Espouso, mi heijo secundo.” Don Carlos said with a wide smile. He was more than happy to have both boys under his roof as often as possible.

“In that case, Jackson Brooks, Bartolomey Brooks, I formally request your permission to take William Green to be my Spouse.”

“My permission is granted along with my blessing for your union,” Jack replied equally formally. He felt warmth spread in his heart that Nando would still make the request given what had happened. Marguerita had taught him the appropriate response, sure her brother would seek his joining with Will to follow all Rojan conventions.

“My permission is granted with my blessing,” echoed Bart.

“Papa, I have the permission of the guardians of William Green to take him as my Spouse. He is now formally my Intended and I would ask that a wedding be arranged as quickly as possible.”

“It shall be done, my son.” Don Carlos confirmed as Nando nodded with a smile lighting his face.

Three men, with a mixture of pride, relief and joy were left in Nando’s wake as he returned to Will.

“It takes a big man to admit when he’s wrong, Jack,” Bart said. “I know it will be hard for you to realise you no longer have the last say in everything that Will does in the future. But I have no doubt that Nando loves Will as much as Will loves him.”

****************

Nando’s smile, hidden from Will, was feral. It had been a week since Will’s illness, the blond recovering steadily with day that passed. Three days ago his father and Roberto had returned home to begin the preparations for the forthcoming marriage. Nando found it more and more difficult to rein in his passion and desire as Will’s health improved. Touches and kisses that began as loving reassurances became more passionate and Nando had seen the need in Will’s eyes. Bart, Jack and Marguerita had gone into town and the house was theirs. Nando was certain Will would have found it difficult to express his passion with his family in the house, but Nando hoped that once they had shared their bodies initially, Will would be more confident of doing it again.

“I have missed our intimacy, mi chico bonito,” Nando said huskily as he wrapped his arms around Will’s slender waist. He rested his head on Will’s shoulder and licked at the skin beneath Will’s ear eliciting a shudder from the younger man. One of his hands slid from Will’s waist to fondle at the growing bulge at Will’s groin. “Come to our room.”

Hand in hand they entered the room that was theirs until Jack made the new rooms as he had promised.

Nando’s hands slowly stripped his lover, his mouth pressing random kisses to the soft warm skin he revealed. Once Will was fully naked he guided the younger man to lie in the centre of their bed.

“I want to pleasure you, mi angel. I want to take you, share my body with you.” As Nando spoke he slowly removed his own clothes, using the visual display to ignite Will’s passion to a greater intensity. He smiled as he saw the way Will’s eyes devoured his nudity. He fondled the heavy sac between his thighs and pumped his dripping hardness. “I want you very much, mi amore. See how much I want you,” Nando stalked to the bed and crawled cat-like to straddle Will’s waist. He ran his fingers over the engorged head of his sex and held them to Will’s lips. “Taste how much I want you.”