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 first few weeks were difficult for both of them. They had to get used to a new regime of learning apart from looking after themselves in their new apartment. They both loved it and the fact that it was all theirs and they could do what they liked and invite who they liked without reference to parents. Not that Julian's parents minded much what he did or where he went but as a dutiful son he always felt he needed their approval. The apartment wasn't as large as the big house of course but it was theirs and that made all the difference. Robin thought it was all wonderful. He'd never lived somewhere quite so sumptuous and had to pinch himself regularly to prove that it was real.
After a few weeks they had settled into a routine and were both enjoying their respective courses. What they liked most was that there was lots of practical work so were able to show off their ability. Robin's teachers were particularly impressed with him and kept saying he was a natural, not that it made the learning process any easier for him. If anything it put more pressure on him since he felt he had to maintain the standard he'd set for himself but Julian was a great help and bolstered his confidence.
Robin spent Christmas at Julian's home once again. He'd hoped that his mother would come back for a week or so to spend Christmas together but once again she said she couldn't. Julian could see he was disappointed but his mum and dad made up for it.
By Easter Julian had been invited to assist a guy who produced fringe theatre productions which were held in a tiny theatre above a pub. They were mostly gay topics which he enjoyed doing. It was very much the kind of thing he had in mind to do once he had set up his own production company so the experience was very useful. Robin meanwhile had been selected for two short plays, both of which he enjoyed and received excellent reviews from the critics. Several people said he should train at RADA but he couldn't see himself in such exalted circles. He was happy with the level he was at and in any event he and Julian had already discussed working together once they'd finished their immediate training.
"You look happy, what's up" Julian said when Robin had come off the phone one evening.
"Mum's coming over for Easter; I said she could stay here with us, is that okay?"
"Of course it is silly, it's your home just as much as mine" Julian replied pulling the love of his life into a passionate embrace. They were so much in love with each other that the slightest excuse was used to kiss and cuddle, and often more!
"She's coming for a week over the Easter weekend."
"Brilliant, we'd better get the place looking spick and span!"
When the day came to go and meet her at the airport, Robin was feeling excited. It had been over six months since they'd visited Sri Lanka and although they communicated by email now that his mother had got to grips with how to use it, he missed actually seeing her.
Once inside the apartment she was very impressed. Not only by the size and quality but also by the way the two lads kept it. She was half expecting a grubby place with clothes and rubbish strewn around even though she knew her son had always been reasonably tidy at home.
Julian had also arranged for his parents to visit London whilst she was there and they put on a special dinner for them all at their apartment in Mayfair. This had a permanent butler who looked after the place for the Earl whether or not he was in residence. Poor James was getting past it really but he'd served the family for many a year and nobody had the heart to tell him he should retire.
The week soon ended and Julian and Robin were escorting his mum to Heathrow to see her off. As they kissed and said their farewell to each other she promised to come over again in the summer for longer. Little did they know then that it would never come to fruition.
Finally they completed their courses and both passed with flying colours. Julian had helped produce two plays, both of which were very successful. Robin had appeared in the second one and as usual everyone thought he was brilliant. He'd played the part of a delinquent boy and did so to perfection. The review in Time Out was so good for both the production and Robin's performance that they cut it out and started a scrap book of their successes!
Their studies and their work had taken up so much of their time that they seldom went out into Soho to go to bars and clubs but when they did do so it was all the more enjoyable. They were beginning to form a circle of good friends, most of whom were gay of course, so neither missed spending lots of time on the gay scene. What's more, they had each other so were not interested in meeting up with other sexual partners. They enjoyed their sex with each other and that kept them more than satisfied. Not a day went by without them having it, either first thing in the morning or at night, and on some days when they were home together, during the day as well!
Julian was just on the point of setting up his own theatre production company when he had a call from the guy he'd been assisting. It seemed he'd been diagnosed with a serious illness and wanted to sell his company.
"Knowing you were interested in setting up your own business I thought I'd see if you were interested before I ask around" he said once Julian had got over the shock.
"Well, yes I am but are you sure?"
"Yep, been thinking of doing so for some while now; getting too old for this business and the latest news on my health has made me sure I want to get out and enjoy the remainder of my short life."
They discussed figures and Julian took copies of the latest accounts to have them checked over. Two weeks later they signed the necessary papers and Julian was the proud owner of his own production company which he renamed 'Drayton Productions Limited' and also persuaded Robin to join him as a director.
"I know nothing about business" Robin said when Julian first asked him.
"You soon will" Julian laughed, "besides I need your expertise when it comes to casting and a host of other things.
"Expertise!" Robin exclaimed, "I've only just finished my training".
"Ah, but you are a natural my love; besides don't you want to work alongside me? Or are you fed up with me already!" Julian laughed.
"Fuck off, you know very well I'm madly in love with you."
"Mm, I love it when you tell me that" Julian replied grabbing hold of Robin's crotch, "Come on let's go to bed".
Robin giggled. He couldn't resist his lover so hastily stripped off and offered himself there and then!
The first production they worked on was about guys who used a gay chat line to meet up with each other. It starts with two guys splitting up and going on-line to find 'fresh meat' as they put it. Robin plays the role of one of the couple who split and throughout the play meets up with four other guys who also have liaisons with his ex without each other knowing. Eventually the couple meet up on-line and fall in love all over again.
"And I have to prance around naked in some scenes" Robin grinned as he read the script.
"Do you mind?"
"No, as long as you don't mind guys gazing at my manhood and getting excited."
Julian laughed and grabbed hold of the organ in question, "Nah, I don't mind sharing your gorgeous body with other guys as long as they're only looking and if it makes them excited all the better; means they'll come to see you again!"
"So most of your productions will have nude scenes will they?" Robin laughed.
"Well, got to give the punters value for money!"
Having auditioned for the other five parts they started rehearsing. The guy they chose to play opposite Robin was drop dead gorgeous so Robin enjoyed working with him. Having learnt their parts they practiced the nude scenes to get used to being on stage stark naked. Most only involved getting out of bed naked and dressing after having simulated a sex scene, but several of Robin's scenes also involved him moving naked round the stage with several full frontals. He was surprised how easily it came to him and had no problem with being naked in front of the others, but of course in due course he'd have an audience of gay guys ogling him!
They were three weeks away from opening night when the young guy, who Julian had employed as his administrative assistant, interrupted what they were doing and whispered into Julian's ear. Julian stopped proceedings and went straight into the office. A minute or so later he came out and told everyone to pack up for the day. He then asked Robin to join him in the office.
"What's wrong?" Robin asked seeing that Julian was physically shaken.
"Sit down my love" Julian replied.
"What's happened?" Robin asked almost shouting. He could tell from Julian's face that something was very wrong.
Julian sat down beside him and held his hand for a moment. Robin could see tears forming in his eyes and thought something terrible must have happened.
"It's your mum" Julian almost whispered not really wanting to say what had happened.
"What about her? Tell me Julian please."
"That was someone from the Sri Lankan embassy here in London" he started saying, "they've had reports that your mum has been shot".
"Is she okay? Is she badly hurt?" Robin yelled.
"It's all somewhat confusing at present but we've to go the embassy immediately" Julian replied taking his love into his arms and gently kissing his cheek. Robin was numb. He couldn't take it all in. Julian helped him change out of the clothes he wore for rehearsals and they made their way to the embassy in silence. The guy who'd called had said that the news was that she'd died on the spot but it had yet to be confirmed so Julian held that bit back. He just hoped she was okay because he knew how much Robin loved his mother.
When they reached the embassy they were taken straight into The High Commissioner's office. He warmly greeted them and invited them to sit down. Robin could tell from his face that the news was not good.
When he heard what he dreaded most he wailed out loud and tears poured down his face. Julian hugged and rocked him to try and console him but he knew all he could do was let Robin cry out his grief. All the while the Commissioner sat quietly looking on. He was just as devastated since he'd known Mrs Taylor personally. When Robin finally calmed down he said how sorry he was and what a wonderful woman she'd been and how much she'd achieved in the short time she'd been in Sri Lanka.
Robin heard the words but couldn't really take it all in. All he really gleaned was that his mum and the President had been to some function where someone had tried to shoot the President, missed and instead had shot her. She died immediately so at least she hadn't suffered.
The next thing Robin was aware of was being driven home by Julian to fetch their passports and pack a few clothes. An embassy car followed them and then took them to Heathrow to catch a flight to Sri Lanka. The funeral was to take place within the next few days.
The flight went by without Robin really noticing. He couldn't believe that he'd lost her having also lost his dad. He felt so alone despite knowing that Julian was there for him and loved him. Julian could sense that Robin wanted to be left with his own thoughts. He'd wait until Robin indicated that he needed him. Meanwhile he sat holding Robin's hand.
When they reached the official residence where his mum had lived, Kevin came running out to meet them. Robin could see he'd been crying since his face was tear stained. Kevin threw his arms round Robin and wept. Julian put his arms round the pair of them and gently led them into the house. Kevin had been very fond of Mrs Taylor since she'd always treated him so kindly and he'd loved serving her. What he was going to do now, he had no idea. The thought of serving Mrs Taylor's replacement, whoever that might be, was not something he could envisage.
They ate the meal Kevin had prepared for them before going to bed. They were both worn out after the flight since neither had slept, so it was agreed they'd have a few hours sleep before meeting the President and other officials who all wanted to offer their condolences. Robin had never felt so low but seeing how upset Kevin had been it brought him back to reality.
"Thank you for being there for me" Robin said once they'd undressed and climbed into bed.
Julian pulled Robin into his arms and kissed him, "I'll always be here for you my love; I'm so sorry".
He then suddenly remembered that he'd not contacted his own parents to tell them the news and say they were flying out to Sri Lanka. He shot up and rushed out to find Kevin pulling on a robe as he did so. Kevin led him into a study and told him how to call the UK. His mother answered and when she heard the news she gasped. It was mid afternoon and news was just coming through about the shooting. She told him to give Robin their love and say they were thinking of him.
"Look after him son; he really needs you now."
It seemed a superfluous remark to make but he knew what his mum meant. When he returned to bed he found his love fast asleep. He gently climbed in beside him, put his arms round him and lightly kissed his neck. He loved him so much and couldn't imagine life without him.
The funeral went as well as any funeral can go. Everyone was very nice and kept on saying how much they'd admired his mother and what a wonderful job she'd done. The President had clearly been shocked by the shooting but still found the time to sit down with Robin and talk about his mother.
"She was a wonderful lady Robin, you must be very proud of her as she was of you; in fact she mentioned you on our way to where we were going that morning and said how proud she was of your new career."
It was all too much for Robin. The tears started rolling down his face despite trying to control them. Julian came over and took Robin into his arms. They hugged for a moment before turning back to the President.
"What happened to the gunman?" Robin suddenly asked.
"The security guards shot him dead."
They all looked at each other for a moment before an aide led the President off to meet someone else.
That evening after the funeral procedures and rituals had completed, Robin, Julian and Kevin sat and talked.
"What are you going to do Kevin if you don't want to stay here?" Julian asked.
Kevin looked at the pair of them for a moment before answering, "Can I come back with you?"
He then explained that he had dual nationality so had a British passport as well as Sri Lankan. He'd been born in England whilst his dad was based in Plymouth for two years, hence his English sounding name although in fact he'd been named Mohamed Kevin but he preferred the English sounding name so had adopted that over the years. He was one year old when his parents returned to Sri Lanka but had yearned to return to his country of birth most of his life. He now seldom saw his parents who found it difficult to accept his sexuality so he felt now was an ideal opportunity to make a new life in England. Having asked the question, Kevin left them to consider his request.
Julian looked at Robin with raised eyebrows and an enquiring look.
"He could live with us until he decides what to do, couldn't he?" Robin said.
Julian grinned, "Yeah, why not".
"How soon could you be ready to leave?" Julian asked Kevin when he returned a while later.
Kevin looked at both of them open mouthed, "Is that a yes?" he exclaimed.
Robin and Julian nodded and grinned. Kevin jumped with joy and then ran into their arms. They hugged and kissed before he stood back and said "Thank you so much".
Two days later the three of them were making their way back to the UK to take up life where Julian and Robin had left off a few days before.
The next part of 'The Earl's Son' will be available shortly.
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Other stories by Adam Stewart: Moving Forward Love at Last Gary's Story Finding Ryan The Advert Number Twenty Five Life After Ryan The Tangled Web The Pink Retreat First Love The Twins Life of Adam