This is a love story following the life of two young men who fall in love and have to overcome tragedies in their lives. All the characters are fictional.
Warning - it contains some m/m sex.
The Earl's Son
The charity concert went well and Julian felt so proud watching his partner perform. Leading up to it Robin had his usual moments of doubt that he was able to perform to the standard he expected of himself but he did of course and the audience loved him. When he'd finished his solo everyone stood up and gave him a resounding applause. He'd also accompanied some singers and a small orchestra but it was his solo which everyone was talking about afterwards.
The charity was delighted with the way it went and as a result made far more money than they'd estimated. Julian had paid for a Steinway piano to be hired for the three nights since the one in the concert hall was crap according to Robin. He loved playing a Steinway and was in his element.
Julian was so impressed with the hall, which he'd never been in before, that he decided to go back on the final night. It had character and was intimate. The problem was that it was badly in need of repair and decoration. During the interval he went backstage to find Robin but really to see what facilities it had. There were several dressing rooms and a reasonable sized area for props. The size of the stage area itself was not bad and he imagined various changes that could be made to improve it. Even better there was another area upstairs which could be used as a rehearsal room.
"What do you think of this place?" Julian asked casually.
"It could be really nice if some money was spent on it" Robin replied wondering why Julian had asked him.
"Any good as a small theatre do you think?"
"What, for us?"
"Yeah; we know the other place is going to be pulled down in due course when they redevelop that area so if we could buy this place, do it up and move in here it would solve our problem."
"Wow, that's quite a commitment" Robin exclaimed, "The seating capacity would certainly be more attractive and the area upstairs could be used as a rehearsal room" he added gradually getting excited at the thought.
"Is it for sale then?" he then queried.
"Don't know, but everything has its price!"
Having eventually tracked down the owner of the Old Cinema as it was called, Julian was surprised to find it was a lady in her late sixties. It seemed her husband had bought the building when it closed as a cinema many years ago having not wanted to see it pulled down or have the wonderful architecture ripped out by some supermarket or other. He'd died several years ago but his wife didn't have the heart to sell it knowing how attached he had been to the building.
"He used to take me there when we were courting" she said thinking back to those days, when Julian visited her beautiful old house in Hampstead to discuss what he had in mind.
Once Julian had explained that he wanted to redecorate the inside but maintain the wonderful architectural aspects and then use it to put on plays to help new directors and newly trained actors to gain experience, she said she'd be delighted to sell the premises. He and Robin had decided they no longer had the time to write and direct plays so Julian said he'd encourage new directors and new actors by offering the space at a reasonable price as long as it covered the overheads and provide guidance and assistance as necessary. Robin was happy doing his occasional radio plays and concert work when invited to do so and decided he wouldn't miss acting live on the stage too much.
They knew they'd have to spend quite a bit of money on the redecoration and other minor changes that were needed such as improving the bar and café area in the foyer, installing modern production systems and having the electrics redone to accommodate a new lighting system. He'd already spoken to George who'd said that the firm would be delighted to pay for part of the work to be done as a charitable contribution.
Julian had researched the possible value of the property and had found out that the roof had been refurbished fairly recently and the outside repainted. He was therefore expecting to go through a hard bargaining process so when she accepted his first offer, which he'd deliberately made low to allow for negotiation, he was somewhat surprised.
"To see it brought back to its former glory and being used regularly will be a delight and I'm sure my husband would have approved" she said having shaken hands on the matter.
Julian left with a spring in his step having said he'd arrange for a surveyor to check the place out and get the legal process underway. As he made his way back home he'd already decided on a name for their new theatre and was sure Robin would agree.
"How about renaming it the Drayton Theatre?" he said having given Robin the good news.
Robin liked the idea so that was agreed. He then set too and made a list of everything that had to be done and the staff they'd need to run it. Craig of course would be the manager since he'd done a good job at the other place and since the last problem he'd been the model employee. What he got up to in his own flat was up to him but Kevin seemed happy enough and to be fair Craig did still seem very much in love with him. It was his sexual needs that caused him to find others to satisfy those in addition to Kevin but they were mainly one night stands or very short flirtations.
Three months later they were the proud owners of the new Drayton Theatre and by pure chance, the landlord of the other theatre had given notice that they had to vacate the premises within six months so that the building could be redeveloped. It fitted perfectly and since they were being offered an incentive to vacate earlier rather than later, Julian accepted it and closed the bar and the theatre down within a week.
The bar manager, who'd not been the easiest of guys to manage, decided he would take the redundancy and move on since the bar and café area at the new theatre would only be open an hour before any production and during the interval, if there was one. The other bar staff were mainly casual workers so they moved on but there was one guy called Adrian who Robin had noticed was the best of the bunch. He'd been consistent and always reliable so he suggested to Julian that they talk to him about the role of manager for the new bar and café.
Julian said he was happy with that so left it to Robin to speak to him. Adrian was twenty and gay as well as being very attractive. When Robin explained the new role and asked if he'd be interested he nearly jumped up and kissed him.
"Yeah, I'd love to if you feel I'm suitable" he exclaimed.
"I'd be happy to give you any guidance" Robin grinned whilst feeling excitement run through his body. To be honest he'd always fancied Adrian but kept reminding himself that he was a `married' man!
It was arranged that he and Craig would meet him and Julian at the new theatre the following morning for them to go through what they had in mind.
"We'd like your input so don't be afraid of coming up with ideas" Robin told him when Adrian had finally got over the excitement of having a permanent job, more pay and more responsibility. He also looked forward to working with the other guys even though Craig was to be the overall manager.
The following morning the four of them met at the new theatre for Julian and Robin to show them round and explain what changes they planned.
"Brilliant" Craig exclaimed.
"Yeah, awesome" Adrian added still not really believing he was part of this new venture.
When they viewed the foyer area and Robin explained what they had in mind for improving the existing bar and café facilities Adrian made several useful suggestions which the others agreed were worth taking on board.
"Are you keeping the same name?" Adrian asked.
"Nope, we're renaming it the Drayton Theatre" Robin grinned.
"Brilliant, I like that" Adrian replied fluttering his eyelids at Robin.
"I think our Adrian has the hots for you" Julian commented later when Craig and Adrian had left them, "Not that I blame him" he added grinning.
"Strictly a business relationship" Robin replied, "But he is rather gorgeous isn't he!"
Apart from a few minor problems, the surveyor had said the building was in good shape so the work to be done was mainly redecoration, new electrics and installation of the new production systems, and the formation of a new office upstairs for Craig to work from. Robin had already obtained quotes and decided with Julian which company to use so they were ready to go.
The whole job was programmed to take place over an eight week period so Robin used Craig and Adrian to manage the day to day things that were going on with him popping in each day to monitor progress. Meanwhile he was at the radio station one day a week to record a new serial play and he was trying to practice a new piano piece for another concert in which he'd been asked to perform. It was a concert being put on by a gay orchestra group and would open at the new theatre in nine weeks' time. A small theatre group was also busy working on a new play under Julian's guidance.
Robin liked Adrian and always enjoyed sitting down with him to discuss how things were progressing with the various jobs under way. Craig also did his bit but now kept his dealings with Robin on very much a business level.
"So how are things going?" Robin asked.
"Brilliant" Adrian replied and then proceeded to give Robin a blow by blow account of what the contractors had done and were currently doing.
"Think you'll like working here then?" Robin asked as he casually admired Adrian's slim body and the naked flesh that was showing between the top of his tight jeans and a tight fitting T shirt that showed off his nipples to perfection.
"You bet, I love it, so much more interesting than standing behind a bar all day"
Robin reminded him that once the theatre was open he'd have to do his share of that too even though they'd have a couple of bar staff for the busy times.
'Yeah but I'll be in charge and responsible for ordering supplies and stuff won't I'
"True but Craig will place the actual orders since he's responsible for the budget; except when you're deputising for him" Robin added smiling.
"Wow, hadn't realised I'd be doing that" Adrian replied and gave one of his endearing grins which Robin found so attractive. He really did have to stop himself fantasising whenever he was in Adrian's presence!
"And talking of Craig, how are you getting on with him?"
"Yeah fine; it's difficult not to like him really isn't it" Adrian replied with another of his grins.
Robin decided he'd like to get to know Adrian some more so invited him for a drink after they'd finished for the day. Adrian jumped at the offer before realising that he'd probably been over zealous with his reply. Robin just grinned and felt a twitch down below. He decided to end the conversation before he became more excited and said he had better find Craig to get his update on things.
He found Craig upstairs agreeing some final points with the electrician as to where he wanted electrical outlets placed in his new office. When he'd finished he gave Robin his update which was more than satisfactory.
"So you reckon everything will be finished on time then" Robin said.
"Yeah should be, not a lot more to do, downstairs is almost finished and the guy is installing the computerised lighting system tomorrow" Craig replied feeling rather pleased with himself.
Having congratulated him on keeping everything on track, Robin invited him for a drink with him and Adrian. He'd decided he'd better make the offer in case Craig felt he was being left out for some reason.
"Sorry, can't tonight, meeting up with someone" Craig replied grinning.
Robin grinned back with a knowing look. Two guesses as to what Craig was going to be up to later! But in reality Robin was rather pleased that he'd have Adrian all to himself. He'd called Julian, who'd had to go to the firm for a meeting of some sort, to say what he was doing so he knew he had a good hour or more before he was going to be back home.
He went back downstairs and found Adrian bending over a large cardboard box trying to unfasten the bottom staples so he could open it. For a moment Robin gazed at the tightly clad arse that was on view without saying anything before Adrian realised he was there.
"It's the new coffee machine" he exclaimed, "but I can't get the bloody thing undone".
Robin moved over to the box to help and as Adrian once again bent right over showing off a very nice patch of exposed flesh at the top of his briefs, he once again felt a reaction inside his own trousers. Robin was so tempted to place his hand on the naked flesh to feel it but controlled himself.
"Got it" Adrian exclaimed as he stood up within kissing distance of Robin, "It should lift off now".
They smiled at each other and for a moment Robin had the feeling that Adrian was enjoying their closeness as much as he was. They lifted the cardboard box off and finally exposed its contents. Once the polystyrene packing had been removed they were able to see their prize. Between them they lifted it onto the counter where Adrian had decided he wanted it, stood back and admired the gleaming machine.
"Very sexy" Adrian giggled.
"Sure is" Robin replied but he was referring to the guy beside him rather than the new machine!
"Come, let's go for a drink, you can play with your new machine tomorrow" Robin grinned as he picked up his jacket.
"Is Craig joining us?" Adrian asked as he followed Robin out.
"Nope, think he's got a date tonight" Robin grinned.
Adrian raised his eyebrows as if to say, 'again', but secretly he was rather pleased that it was just him and Robin.
Once Robin had bought their drinks they moved over to a corner of the bar where they could chat in private. They started talking about Adrian's early life and he explained that he'd been brought up near Bristol. He was the youngest of three with an older brother and sister.
"Do your family know you're gay" Robin asked.
Adrian nodded and said his parents were okay with it but the topic was never discussed so he had no real idea of how they felt.
"My sister is cool over it but my brother is really nasty and calls me a poofter and a load of other abusive names so we don't talk to each other now; haven't done so since I left home at seventeen so it's now three years."
"What about your sister and your folks, are you still in contact with them?"
"My sister calls every so often and keeps me up to date with family news but I don't speak to my mum and dad much. If they can't talk to me about it why bother?"
Robin said he was sorry to hear that because being able to talk things through sometimes is often helpful.
"How about your parents, have you come out to them?" Adrian asked looking into Robin's eyes.
Robin explained that both his parents were dead and what had happened. Adrian suddenly felt awful that he'd asked. He remembered reading something about the shooting in Sri Lanka but had never made the connection.
"But mum knew and she was cool about it and said that she was fairly sure my dad knew as well. At least she met Julian before she died so that was something."
"I take it his mum knows and his dad before he died?"
Robin nodded, "Yeah, they were both brilliant and welcomed me into the family. It was such a tragedy that his dad died so young".
"You two have certainly had more than your fair share of tragedies" Adrian commented as he took another swig from his beer.
"Has a lighting guy been recruited for the new theatre?" Adrian asked suddenly changing the topic of conversation.
"Yep, Julian has offered the job of Lighting Technician to Kyle who did most of the lighting for the other theatre and he's also going to be responsible for other small maintenance jobs."
"Great, I like Kyle, nice guy and rather sexy although not really my type" Adrian grinned.
"Just as well" Robin laughed, "he has a partner called Jason; they've been together ten years".
"Wow, they must have met young"
"They were both twenty and fell in love as soon as they met; they adore each other."
"Like two other guys I know" Adrian grinned, "Did you both know as soon as you met?"
"Almost, well Julian said he did but it took me a short while to cotton on"
"It's great seeing you two together; there is an aurora round you both which makes others feel happy."
"Or sick!" Robin laughed.
"No, I mean it; to be honest I'm envious."
"Is there no boyfriend in your life then Adrian?"
"Not really; I have several friends but none that special and certainly nobody I love like you and Julian do."
"I'm sure you'll find someone in due course, you're a nice guy and you've got a lot going for you" Robin replied as he gently patted Adrian's hand and kept it there for several moments.
Robin gave one of his winning smiles and said "thanks".
"The problem is I don't have confidence in myself that's why I couldn't believe it when you offered me this job."
"Why ever not? You're talented, reliable, hardworking" Robin replied before adding "not to mention good looking".
Adrian looked up and smiled again, "Really?"
"Yeah, really"
For a moment Adrian sat and thought about what Robin had said, perhaps he was too hard on himself which was a put off when he met guys he liked. It was a pity Robin was already spoken for because they were just right for each other in his mind.
"Just remember Adrian that if you have any questions, queries or just want to talk things through all you've got to do is speak to me or call me."
"Thanks, I will" Adrian replied feeling somewhat better since although he liked Craig he couldn't see himself talking things over with him in quite the same way.
"So how's the lovely Adrian then?" Julian teased Robin when he got home.
"I get the feeling he's lonely" Robin replied ignoring Julian's inference, "He doesn't have a regular boyfriend and he says he lacks confidence in himself".
"We'll, I'm sure you can help him by putting him under your wing my love" Julian grinned.
"Fuck off, I'm serious" Robin laughed.
"Mm, not sure you need go that far with him but you could always invite him over for a meal every so often and we'll see what we can do for him" Julian grinned.
Robin decided to drop the topic since he could see he wasn't going to get any sense out of Julian.
"So how did your meeting go?" He asked instead.
Julian gave an account of the meeting he'd had at the firm in which he'd had to sit in on a grievance hearing.
"It seems one of the new members of staff is a bit of a bully and possibly even homophobic from what the guy I met today told me. It also seems that we have several LGBT staff and they want to set up an LGBT group with me being the lynchpin."
"Wow, how do you feel about that?"
"Yeah I'm happy to do so and George says the board are for it; seems it was raised some while ago but dad wasn't that keen to follow it through but now I'm on the board George feels it's time to do so."
"Great" Robin grinned, "the only poof on the board".
"Fuck off" Julian giggled and grabbed hold of Robin. They sparred with each other for a few moments before ending up on the sofa undressing one another. When they were both naked and clearly ready for action Julian told Robin to bend over the end of the sofa so he could fuck him. Robin certainly didn't argue with this so offered himself. Once Julian had sufficiently lubricated his shaft he had his wicked way.
Whilst in the throws of their sexual encounter Kevin appeared at the door to say dinner was ready. Not wanting to disturb them he just stood and watched Julian's naked arse in action. Needless to say he soon had an erection and was aching to join in!
When Julian had reached his climax and pulled out, Kevin gave a cough to indicate his presence.
"Come on in Kevin" Julian laughed and turned round. Kevin's eyes immediately fixed on Julian's still hard organ that was flapping up and down.
"I think Robin could do with a blow-job" Julian grinned, "so why don't you deal with that whilst I go and get washed; I take it the meal can wait for a few more moments".
"Fuck yes" Kevin giggled; nothing came in the way of him having the chance to suck Robin off especially since he knew what else was likely to happen!
When Julian returned about ten minutes later, he found a naked Kevin in a ninety nine pose with Kevin. He watched whilst both sucked away until groans of satisfaction came from both ends.
When they were done, he threw a robe to each of them.
"Come on, I'm starving" he laughed smacking Kevin's naked butt.
The next part of 'The Earl's Son' will be available shortly.
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See Prolific Authors for a list of other stories by Adam Stewart