A Forever Home, Chapter 4
Sunday turned out to be a very busy day. After brunch, where the two wrestlers went heavy on protein and light on starches, they came home to begin switching the beds. With Rod's help, the task was accomplished in plenty of time to get back to the church to work on the serving line.
At the end of their stint, they ate together in fellowship hall as they had in the past. It reminded Kain of his grandmother once again, and all his thoughts were positive.
When they returned home, the guys sat cross-legged on their new bed and checked their homework. It was cool to be close together even when doing ordinary things, and without having an overwhelming desire for sex. It was a rather domestic scene. Rod passed by their open door to see if they wanted a snack. They joined him in the kitchen for a protein bar. They would have preferred popcorn but were avoiding the carbs.
Christmas break was coming soon. Although they would be working on some of those days, there would be time to kick back, especially after December 25th. There would be another surge in grocery shopping just before New Year's Eve, but on the other days, their services wouldn't be needed.
Their holiday would be quieter than Thanksgiving had been. Anna was going to her in-laws, and Casey would come home for only a couple of days. His new girlfriend's family had invited him to see the new year in with them. Gabe speculated that his brother might be getting serious, or at least the girl was.
Casey arrived on Christmas Eve in time to attend the early service. In the past, they'd often attended the one which ended at midnight. However, no one felt like staying up that late.
Kristen had always served ham or prime rib for this holiday instead of turkey. Rod chose to do prime rib. He'd purchased it on sale at Fareway and kept it in the freezer until a few days before it needed to be cooked. He made the traditional Yorkshire pudding to go with it.
Kain hadn't eaten either of those foods, and he became an instant fan of both. Christmas in his new home made him aware of things he'd missed while growing up. Grandma couldn't afford an expensive cut of beef like this one. However, she'd always kept him fed. He felt indebted and he tried to pay her kindness ahead by helping to serve dinner at the church for the homeless.
There was one optional wrestling practice during vacation. Both guys participated along with a handful of others from the team. Coach Northrup didn't expect a huge turnout. Since few people had traveled the year before due to the uptick in Covid cases, many were at least visiting grandparents or other relatives out of town. He wasn't going to do anything to hamper their plans. People needed a break!
Kain's performance validated the coach's confidence in is abilities. While he might not be the star of the team, he would certainly be able to contribute to their allover standing. He'd come a long way in the past few weeks. Northrup wished all his guys could show that kind of growth.
New Year's Eve was a quiet time in the Bartlett household. The boys had invited Aiden and his best bud, Todd, to see the year in with them. Both sets of parents were pleased that their sons would be in a situation where there weren't likely to be any drugs and very little, if any, alcohol.
Rod had made it clear to the parents that he wouldn't even provide a glass of Champaign because he felt it would be unethical for him to do so as a teacher.
Since the two guests were also on the wrestling team, they were unlikely to imbibe in anything with empty calories anyway. So, there was a supply of club soda and a variety of flavored water to toast in the new year.
Aiden's parents were especially happy to have him celebrate with friends after the hardships of losing many of his possessions and having to live with his grandparents in a crowded situation. His mom went out and purchased him a new sleeping bag so he could camp out on the family room floor at Gabe's home. She made sure to get the exact model he specified.
The main entertainment was computer games. Kain hadn't had those luxuries when living with Grandma and was definitely rusty, but Gabe had played with him enough that he didn't feel completely at a loss when competing with their guests. In fact, he won nearly 40% of the time, which was remarkable, given his lack of experience on current games.
It was getting close to midnight, and Gabe was beginning to regret that Kain, and he wouldn't have the privacy to share a kiss. Oh well, they might be able to sneak one when the lights were out if they positioned their sleeping bags near each other.
Aiden seemed to be a bit restless too, as if he wanted to say something but was hesitant to. Finally, he got a look of determination on his face and went for it.
"I'm going to ask an impertinent question, and you can tell me to shut up if I'm way out of line, but I think the four of us may have more in common than we've admitted."
With that, he reached over and took Todd's hand in his. Todd didn't pull away or even flinch.
"Are you guys like us?" Aiden asked.
Gabe turned toward Kain who smiled at him as they also clasped hands.
"How did you know," Gabe asked. "We've tried to keep our relationship under wraps at school."
"And you've done a good job of it. Back when Kain first move in, you made it a point to mention that you had twin beds in you room. I'm guessing you were trying to head off any comments about sleeping together. Earlier tonight, when we were in there, I noticed that there's one big bed. Of course, one of you could be sleeping down here, but I didn't get that impression."
"This is great!" Gabe exclaimed. "I'm so happy! Oh, look at the TV, they're starting the countdown. Now we're free to kiss like I wanted!"
The guys took the opportunity to give their boyfriends something a lot more intimate than a dry peck on the cheek. No doubt, there was quite a bit of tongue involved.
Given their new knowledge about each other's orientation the couples quickly zipped their sleeping bags together so they could snuggle all night long.
"So, are you out to your parents?" Kain asked.
"Yup, and they're great about it," Aiden said. "Mom even made sure to get the sleeping bag that matched Todd's so they we could make one big bag out of them. Um, Dad cautioned us not to do it tonight because we might regret what it would imply."
"I made sure to give Kain one for Christmas which was compatible with mine," Gabe grinned. My dad said something similar to what your dad did. I'm so glad you got up the nerve to come out to us. This is awesome!"
The boys all stripped down to their tented underwear, but from the squirming around when they got covered up, it was obvious that everyone would be sleeping nude.
Gabe had forgotten to turn off the light before getting situated, so he tried to put his boxers back on before getting up.
"Just go bare-ass to hit the switch," Aiden laughed. "We've all seen everything in the locker room anyway."
So, that's what Gabe did. The others whistled when they caught site of his impressive erection. Two of them had only seen his dick flaccid or slightly plumped up, so they evidently hadn't seen EVERTHING before.
Having shed their underwear and knowing they were in friendly company; the couples saw the new year in by sharing their bodies as well as kisses.
Gabe was already awake when he heard the pattering of little feet coming down the stairs, so he wasn't surprised when Rusty entered the sleeping bag and tunnel down until only the tip of his tail was visible.
"C'mon you crazy dog," he said as he turned the terrier around, so his nose was showing. "You're likely to pass out down there if one of us farts."
The commotion brought Kain to full consciousness but didn't awaken either of their guests. Kain decided he needed to pee due to the combination of the sparkling water he'd consumed the night before plus their romantic encounter. Both of those had stimulated his bladder enough that he couldn't go back to sleep.
Hearing Kain's stream, Gabe figured he'd better join him. While they were in the bathroom, they thought they should probably share a shower so the facility would be free for the other two when they woke up.
Squeezing into the tiny downstairs shower together wasn't as efficient as it was stimulating. They got clean, but there wasn't any room to spare once they popped boners.
"Let's throw on our lounge pants and T's and go cuddle on one of the twin beds," Gabe suggested.
"That sounds like a good plan!" Kain agreed.
And snuggle they did. By the time they'd gotten dressed, their cocks had gone soft again. Gabe slipped his hand down the front of Kain's lounge pants and Kain reciprocated. They tenderly caressed the soft, warm pieces of flesh that they found there. Their dicks began to expand almost immediately. Soon, they were holding stiff, throbbing phalluses.
Ah, but before they could complete their mission, they heard their companions stirring in the family room. It was time to play host. Love would have to temporarily be put on hold.
When they all went upstairs to the kitchen in response to Rod's summons, the couples entered the room holding hands. Todd thought it would be the best way to announce their relationship.
"It looks like you had a good party without any alcohol." Rod joked.
"Um, we didn't, um do anything as a group!" Gabe blushed.
"But you evidently shared some secrets."
"Yup! Did you know about these two, Dad?"
"Nope. I wouldn't have guessed. None of you fits the stereotypes we often see in the media. So, that makes six guys I know about in the senior class along with two who're juniors. We can use some math formula to predict about the sophomores and freshmen, I guess."
"I'm not interested in statistics," Kain said. "I'm just thrilled that we have two good buds who understand. This is turning into an awesome year already!"
The new term started off with a bang. Seeing that there were only a few months of high school left, Kain was bound to make the most of them. He was enrolled in several AP classes, including one in psychology. It was on par with an introductory college class, and he thought it would be a good way for him to test the waters if he were to go into some kind of helping profession.
As the season ramped up, wrestling matches took up more time and he had to reduce his hours at the store so he could accomplish everything he wanted to do. Rod encouraged both boys to have fun in their last term and not to feel that they had to work so much.
Kain was excelling in academics as well as sports. He had never been happier. Gabe was very proud of how his boyfriend was evolving. Kain had always been a serious student but had never drawn much attention. Now, he was more outgoing, speaking up more in class, and as a result, was making even higher grades than before. His quarterly grade average was above a four-point because AP class grades were weighted, and he had an A+ in some of those.
At the state wrestling tournament in Des Moines, Kain won his first three matches. He was only brought down by a guy who had rarely lost a bout in his whole four years. Rather than being devastated, Kain was pleased that he'd made it that far.
Gabe didn't win a state title either, but he hadn't expected to, given the competition.
On a Thursday night in March, Gabe was awakened by Kain's crying out and thrashing around in bed. It wasn't loud enough to disturb Rod, but Gabe was shaken by it.
"It's okay, Kain, you're safe. I'll protect you," Gabe said softly.
Kain soon settled down in the arms of his boyfriend and went back to sleep. Gabe remained awake for a while, wondering what had caused the nightmare and what he could do to prevent future ones.
"Do you remember anything from your dream last night," Gabe asked as they got ready for school on Friday morning.
"Yeah, more than I want to. My father was beating the crap out of me and then he turned on you when you tried to stop him. He threw you out of the 4th floor window of Grandma's apartment."
"Wow, that's pretty scary."
"It was awful. Not only was I in pain but I'd lost the one person who loves me!"
"I'm not the only one who loves you. My whole family does."
"I know, but it's not the same. I feel like you're part of me."
"Yeah, I feel the same. Do you have any idea what could have caused your nightmare?"
"Um, yesterday was the two-year anniversary of the beating I got from my sperm-doner. Plus, we had talked about dysfunctional families and abuse in my psychology class. I think the combination stirred up old memories."
"We should talk to Dad about it. He'll know how to get you help."
"Oh, man, I hate to lay any more on him. He's done so much already."
"Kain, I'll inquire about finding you help," Rod said at breakfast. "I'm sure the counselors will know of a person or program which could be of benefit. Mrs. Graber is the one who has those contacts."
"But that will cost money and you're already supporting me! I think you're stuck with a nut-case."
"You're an adult living below the poverty-line. There are funds to defray costs for mental health. Now, before you assume that you're crazy, let me say that we all have emotional needs which can best be met with the help of others. Gabe and I both saw a grief counselor after Kristen died. We might have toughed it out on our own but having a professional to guide us through the process shortened our journey. You've never had that luxury. I'm certain that you've repressed a lot of feelings over your father's abuse, and you've not had much time to get over the death of your grandmother."
"Yeah, I see your point. I'm willing to see a counselor. I just hate to have you spend more money on me."
"Kain, I've come to think of you as my own son. While I'm sure we can find aid-money for this, I'm willing to pay for it if that doesn't come through. I care about you!"
With that, Rod hugged the tearful boy whom he really did love like another son.
Mrs. Graber came through with a recommendation for free counseling through the local suicide-prevention service. Everyone had become more aware of teens' needs due to the pandemic, the derecho, and other misfortunes in the city in recent years. Thus, more funds were provided which would pay for counselors, some of whom were recent graduates of the University of Iowa.
When Kain went to his first session with Dr. Daniel Wentworth, he asked Gabe to accompany him. He could have taken a bus or walked downtown, but Gabe had insisted on driving him there anyway.
"Welcome, Mr. Kaiser," the doctor greeted him. "May I call you Kain? I'd like you to call me Dan."
"I'm good with that." Kain answered. "May I have my best bud sit in with me today? I'm kinda nervous about all this."
"Certainly. I want you to be comfortable. I may get into some rather personal questions down the road, but not today."
"Gabe knows everything about me, so you can ask anything you want when he's here and I won't hesitate to answer."
"Anything? That covers a lot of territory."
"Yes. He and I have no secrets from each other."
"Okay, let's begin with what made you feel the need of my services."
"I had a really bad nightmare."
"Do you know what set it off?"
"My father beat me severely enough to put me in the hospital. That was two years ago last week."
"Wow! I can see how that could mess you up."
Kain recalled many details of his dream and bits and pieces of his father's abuse. Once he got started, he spilled his guts, revealing stuff that he'd repressed for years. Some of it was new to Gabe, though he knew a lot already.
Toward the end of the hour, Kain felt like he'd been there only a few minutes. He also felt lighter by having shared so much.
Dr. Wentworth talked a little bit about a technique he called, "dream modification." It seemed to work for some people, but he couldn't guarantee that it would solve Kain's problem. He gave Kain a few pointers on how he might try to change his dreams so that he could be in control of them to an extent. Then he set an appointment for the following week and the boys went home.
That night, Kain had another dream which involved his parents. However, this one didn't turn violent. When his father threatened him, Kain told him to bug-off. Out of nowhere, Gabe appeared beside him to protect him, and his father backed down.
In the midst of Kain's dream, he moved around more than usual, and Gabe roused enough to instinctively wrap his arms around Kain who went back to sleep, peacefully.
"Um, thanks for your help last night," Kain said as he kissed Gabe's cheek."
"What did I do to deserve this?"
"You came into my dream and stood by me. My father didn't dare hit me."
"Cool! It looks like that modification Dr. Dan was taking about works."
Author's notes: Thanks to Tony C, Paul R, Nic, John L, Allen, Shawn W, Lance C, Jonathan K, Jayson, D5, Ken McC, Ott H, Charles G, Walter S, Andy R, Tim T, Mendy D, Gordon, Zero M, Randy M, Hotguy, Si R, Stan, Blake A, Robert M, Joe W (1), Joe W (2), and Paul F who emailed this week. I appreciate hearing from all of you.
Thanks to everyone for reading this story. If you enjoyed it, please feel free to contact me a dlee169@hotmail.com and let me know. Your emails are the only reward I receive for writing. If you put the title of this tale in the subject-line, I'll be able to find it if it ends up in the spam box.
Thanks to David S for editing. He finds the typos and missing words! He also makes valuable suggestions.
Thanks to Nifty for providing this free service. It costs the site to do it, so please consider donating to defray their expenses.
https://donate.nifty.org/
Prayers for the people of Kentucky who were hit by the tornados on Friday night. I lived in the western part of the state many years ago and drove through Mayfield on various occasions, so I especially feel for them.
Thanks,
David