by H. M. Wolfe
''Bad enough.'' the older man shook his head, saddened. ''And I'm not talking about the severe anemia, that is the smallest problem the poor boy has.''
''How bad is it? What can we do to treat him? Or better said, is there any available treatment? And if not, how long will it take us to create one?'' Alasdair's voice was worried and anxious, in spite of his efforts to hide it.
''No, and no,'' Rayne answered, his heart aching for his nephew, who cared so deeply about his husband's children. ''There is no available cure, and we cannot create one. Even if we could, what Cian has is irreversible, and the stage is too advanced. I'm sorry, Alasdair. I can't even imagine how devastated Ardan is going to be when...''
”Name the enemy, Uncle Rayne.'' the redhead cut his father's brother short. ''I want to know the name of the goddamn illness that trying to take Cian away from us. And no, I'm not going to say a single word to Ardan. Not until every possibility is examined. There has to be a way.''
''Alasdair, listen to me.'' Rayne gently spoke. ''Cian's heart is aging at a higher rate of speed than his body. It's probably because of the stress he was exposed to as a child. The process can't be stopped or slowed down. It can only follow its course. You can only surround the boy with love, affection, comfort, and warmth. But I think you already do that. Also, try not to argue with him.''
''Yes, I see where you are going with that.'' Alasdair nodded in understanding. ''Removing the stress factors from his life. Creating a peaceful, homey atmosphere could slow the aging process down a little bit. I can do that.'' he ran a hand over his face, suddenly very tired. ''How do we monitor the progression of the illness? Have you thought about that?''
''I did, and it's straightforward. You'll bring Cian here again, under the pretext of the second set of tests, to see how the anemia is doing. Until then, all we can do is pray and hope for a miracle. You can take as many days off as you need. In fact, I'm sending you home right now; you are needed there; more than you are here.''
Alasdair hugged his uncle, thanking him. Then the two men parted their ways. As he was driving back home, the redhead started to think about what needed to be done. In all the blur, one thing was clear. No way in hell was he going to tell Ardan or Cian! Although the redhead could swear the kid already knew. There was no point in ruining the good times they had coming as father and son.
Of course, Ardan would let out all his bitterness. He'd accuse him of indifference; the redhead thought to blame everything on his incapacity to find a cure. But that would be at the end when nothing would matter anymore. Alasdair's phone started to beep, but he ignored the goddamn, pesky thing. It wasn't something important, the young man thought, irritated. It was probably just a busybody who didn't have anything better to do.
Parking the car at the end of the driveway, the redhead stepped out and locked it up. Just then, the sounds of voices and laughter coming from the house grabbed his attention. Cautiously, he stepped inside, heading to the living-room. That was where the carefree giggles and laughs were coming from. There, Cian was lying on the floor, on his back, and a white, spotted, fluffy, whiskery creature was walking all over him.
Alasdair looked at the scene, petrified, not knowing what to do. He was afraid to intervene because the beast looked like it could reduce the kid to shreds. He shifted from fear to anger at the sight of the slightly older boy sitting in an armchair, who, judging by the big smile on his face, was enjoying the show a lot.
''Come on, Namir. Get your big whiskers off of my face.'' Cian giggled, kissing the creature. ''Save them for the lady snow leopard whom you are going to mate with,'' he said, touching the creature's soft ears. "Hello, Spitfire. How come you are home so early?''
''Hello to you, too.'' Alasdair was making considerable efforts to sound cheerful. ''I was about to ask you the same thing. And what's with this giant cat?''
''Oh, didn't you get the principal's message? He said it was sent to all the parents.'' Cian asked, a little surprised.
''The principal's...yes. I completely forgot about that.'' the redhead blushed violently, embarrassed, as he remembered the insistent beep of his phone in the car.
''Lorcan told me you are brain-scattered sometimes, because of the job. You also have a lot of responsibilities at the base, taking care of all the kids who get sick and everything.'' Cian absently petted the fur of the leopard that was lying next to him, panting.
''Speaking of, this is Thorvald. He's my brother's boyfriend of sorts, and this here is Namir, his highly trained leopard pet.''
''I don't know if I'm happy to meet you, young man.'' Alasdair reluctantly extended his hand in the long-haired teen's direction. ''If I ever hear my husband's son telling me that you hurt him in any way...I'll bring all hell down upon you, understood?''
''Yes, sir.'' Thorvald nodded, shaking the extended hand. ''I would never do something to hurt Lorcan. Not even unintentionally. I promise you...''
''Good!'' Alasdair cut him short, waving a hand. ''I'm not interested in what you have to say anymore. Oh, there would be one thing. Did you touch him in any way?''
''I..no! I swear! How could I do something like that!? He's just a kid, still so young!'' Thorvald exclaimed in a passionate, somehow pained voice. ''I'm wouldn't do something to him, anything, until he was of age.''
The sincerity in the blond boy's voice made a strong, positive impression on Alasdair and making him regret his harsh tone of earlier. However, there was still one aspect to clarify. ''The feline...what's its story?''
''Although he has the appearance of a mere cub, Namir is my age. He's almost seventeen. We were actually born on the same day.'' Thorvald smiled. ''He is trained as a service pet of sorts. I don't know how to explain; terms are very different from where I come from. Cats, the big ones included, are known for relieving stress and anxiety levels. They can improve blood flow and regulate the heartbeat, plus a lot of other health benefits. For some reason, these two like each other very much, so...''
At that point, a noise coming from the entry hall announced the arrival of another person. Alasdair left the room to greet the newcomer, who was none other than Lorcan. After getting a big, warm hug from his father's husband, the kid went upstairs, to the room he and Cian shared. Seeing that his twin wasn't there, he frowned and decided to go back downstairs and look for him.
Entering the living room, he was moved by the sight that his brother, and the leopard was offering. They were lying on the floor with the boy's arms wrapped around the leopard's neck, while the feline was delicately patting his shoulder with one of his giant paws.
Then, Lorcan spotted Thorvald. He was sitting in the armchair with his head propped in his hands. And for the first time, he felt a pang of guilt and regret at the thought that the older kid wasn't going to get anything in return for the huge favor he was doing him.
''Don”t worry, I'm fine.'' Ardan's son heard the boy's voice in his head. ''I just took some of the negative energy from Namir, to help him recover a bit. He's exhausted and needs a bit of rest. Then we'll be out of your hair.''
''You can stay for however long you want.'' Lorcan hesitantly spoke, avoiding Thorvald's eyes. ''the leopard's well-being is vital for my brother's health.''
''We are immortals, remember? We cope better with all kinds of things and situations. I, too, want your brother to heal faster. Although for us, it will be the end of it all.''
''I don't understand what you are insinuating.'' Lorcan feigned ignorance. He wasn't sure when the telepathic connection had been established. So there was a chance the other kid wasn't aware of his plan.
''You will reject us,'' Thorvald answered, making him flinch. He closed the mind link a second too late, and that allowed Ardan's son to take a look into the abyss of despair and loneliness in the blond's soul.
Ardan stepped into the house, but there was no one to greet him, much to his surprise and uneasiness. Then, the man mentally facepalmed himself, remembering the conversation from earlier; that discussion at breakfast, when his charmi
ng husband mentioned something about working until late. The boys must be in their room, busy with homework and studying, as always. He smiled, his heart swollen with fatherly pride.
So, it was his turn to cook dinner, Ardan thought, heading to the kitchen. All of a sudden, a small noise coming from there caught his attention. Stepping inside, the man froze on the spot. His jaw hit the floor when he saw Alasdair in front of the stove, wearing an apron and nothing else. His cute little ass was exposed for his viewing pleasure.
The redhead wasn't paying attention to his husband, focused as he was on the contents of the pan on the stove. From time to time, he stirred the food with a spatula, his narrow hips seductively undulating. Ardan swallowed hard at the sight, a particular part of his anatomy reacting visibly to the show the redhead generously offered.
''Hello, gorgeous.'' he finally managed to articulate, closing the space between him and Alasdair. ''You look great tonight! Smell great, too! You've made me so hungry I could eat you right on the spot.''
''Behave, husband,'' the redhead feigned sternness, ''and save your appetite for dinner. I cooked oysters and bought a bottle of red wine to go with them.''
''So, let me guess. The kids are at Dunstan's, Daniel's, or someplace else, and you are planning to feed me aphrodisiacs, get me drunk, and have your wicked way with me.'' Ardan ruggedly whispered, sending shivers of pleasure all over his Spitfire's body.
''Damn, you guessed my evil plan.'' the redhead smirked, rubbing his naked ass on the older man's crotch.
''Oh, what a perfect way to end the day.'' Alasdair's husband purred. ''Feed me, I'm starving.''
''I
t was excellent, and I'm not talking only about the food.'' Ardan smirked. ''The service was also top quality.'' he continued, as Alasdair was feeding him another oyster.
''A special man like you deserves no less, babe.'' the redhead gently caressed his cheek, enjoying the softness of the facial hair against his skin. ''Gods of heaven and hell! I love you so much, Ardan MacNamara!''
''I'm special because you see me like that, because you believe in me and give me wings. You keep me motivated to work harder and be the best possible version of me.'' the older man took his husband's hand to his lips, delicately kissing it. ''You didn't tell me what the special occasion is, in spite of me repeatedly asking.'' he continued.
''It's one of the most special occasions, at least for me.'' Alasdair radiantly smiled. ''Thirty-three years ago, one of the bravest, strongest, most intelligent and beautiful men who's ever walked on the face of the Earth was born. The Fates, in their immense generosity, gave him to me as a lover, mentor, protector, supporter. Happy birthday, husband of mine!''
''My birthday.'' Ardan smiled, his voice, melancholic. ''You know, since I was five, no one has celebrated it. My thirteenth birthday is just a horrible memory because that day was the day the beast ripped my heart and body apart. After that, I spent it praying, and the deities listened to my desperate pleas for help. I'll be forever grateful for that.''
''You never told me that.'' Alasdair took his husband's hand between his own, running a finger over the knuckles. ''What were you praying for?''
''At the beginning, for a way to get the kids out of that hell. Then I started to pray for good health and strength so that I could carry on the task. Once we were out, I asked the gods to keep me alive until the others were able to be on their own. After we established the base, I prayed to rescue more children and offer them a good life. I stopped right there and started to thank the gods for what I had.''
''Back in Seattle, after I came out. Allen's reaction hurt me, and I prayed for a brother who'd accept me. Then the deities gave me Leon. When I had no chance to go to college, I prayed for a way out, and my wish was granted. But the greatest gift of all was the one I didn't pray for. I received the love of a good, sensible, caring, sweet, and understanding man.''
''Isn't it funny?' Ardan gently smiled, his turquoise eyes shining. ''I was in the same situation. I never prayed for love, but whoever governs the Universe bestowed this wonderful present on me. They gave me someone who loves, encourages, cherishes me. They gave me someone who saw past all the damages inflicted on my body and soul. My very own little red-haired healer.''
''Happy birthday, my love.'' Alasdair raised his wine glass. ''I'll love you unto eternity, with everything I have and am.''
Ardan imitated him, incapable of adding something to his Spitfire's passionate declaration. The two men locked eyes, drinking each other dry, just like they did with the content of the glasses. The birthday boy left his seat, stepping next to the redhead, hand graciously extended. Alasdair smiled, accepting the invitation, and soon the two of them started to dance.
It was slow and sweet, following the rhythm of their hearts and the cadence of the love they shared. Even if he was opened to experiencing new things that spiced up their sex life, Ardan was sweet and shy in bed. It was no matter if he topped or bottomed, the redhead realized. However, that didn't make him love the man less; on the contrary, he loved the vulnerable side of his husband, the one in need to be protected.
All his life, Alasdair was at the receiving end of the care. First, it was his parents; then, Leon and finally the guys at the base his rescuer put in charge of guarding him. Knowing that Ardan needed to be taken care of and protected, at least once in a while, was a nice change. It was one that made him feel useful in a different, unique way.
''Dancing with you feels so right, so otherworldly...there is so much peace here, in your arms. I could stay like this forever.'' Ardan sighed in contentment, making Alasdair's heart jump with joy.
''I feel the same,'' he seductively whispered, ''but now it's time to go to the bedroom for dessert. Let's not forget about your birthday present, too.''
''Wow,'' Ardan exclaimed, in a half-joking, half-impressed voice, ''that sounds very...exciting, to say the least.'' he suggestively glanced at his crotch.
''Mmmhhhhmm, that's what I was talking about.'' Alasdair hummed, guiding his husband. ''This way, my King.''
''Yes, my Prince.'' the older man replied in a sexy, raspy voice.
''These clothes are getting in our way. We can't shower dressed.'' the redhead pointed to Ardan's fully clad form. ''Let me help you out of them.''
They showered quickly, preparing their bodies to become offers on the altar of love. Then, at Alasdair's insistence, they thoroughly dried until no droplet of water was left. Back in the bedroom, the younger man gestured to his husband to sit in the middle of the bed, legs crossed, while he fed him strawberries dipped in whipped cream.
''Mmm, they are so refreshing and juicy, just like you. The texture and color remind me of your lips and how much I want to kiss them. Too little whipped cream, though, I want it on the whole thing, not just the tip.'' Ardan grinned.
Alasdair didn't reply. Instead, he continued to feed his husband for some time. Then, he put the bowl of strawberries on the nightstand and taking a generous amount of cream onto the spoon, smeared it on the older man's nipples. ''I think you're right. It will taste better this way.''
''Oh, yeah. What about that?'' Ardan's eyes narrowed as he dipped two fingers into the bowl and spreading the cream he'd collected all over the redhead's torso. ''That is definitely better. Don't you think so?''
''Listen, mister!''Alasdair feigned indignation. ''I just showered. So you have to clean up this mess. Every little spot or else, there will be repercussions. Do I make myself clear?''
''Very,'' the older man heatedly whispered, ''but you have to do the same thing. Here, here, and here,'' he randomly pointed to his body.
So the licking and nipping started. The men were swirling their skillful tongues over their partner's body, eliciting deep, long moans of pleasure. From time to time, one or the other stopped and initiated a heated kissing session. They were pouring their heart and soul into one another's mouth, breathing, drinking, and tasting the other frantically, passionately.
The fact that the two were rubbing agains
t each other didn't help with the cleaning, on the contrary. So, they went back over the same spots, over and over again, to no avail. With a mischievous smile on his face, Alasdair pushed his husband down on the bed and straddled him. The redhead gently rocked his hips, grinding his hard erection into Ardan's groin, the resulting friction driving Ardan crazy with lust and desire.
Sneaking a hand between them, he took hold of their cocks and expertly started stroking them. He was tortuously slow at first until the younger man's emerald-green eyes darkened, and he began to writhe, breathing erratically. As he felt the moment of climax nearing, Ardan sped up the rhythm. He made them both erupt at the same time, the hot cum mixing on their torsos.
Another quick shower later and a new set of sheets and pillowcases replacing the soiled ones, the two husbands lay in each other's arms with sated smiles on their serene faces. This was the only place he wanted to be, Alasdair thought, and seeing Ardan smiling was the only thing he wanted from life. The redhead was determined to do his damnedest to keep things the way they were, no matter what he would have to do to achieve that.