That afternoon Simon and Adam had fun getting their new cycling shorts on. The very thought of going commando gave them a boner and it took time to trap it painlessly. They now appreciated why riders looked so good in them and once the excitement had subsided they were extremely comfortable, particularly with the padding. Tony was impressed when he greeted them, and couldn't resist touching. Not that they minded. Tony got his bike out and the three set out for Chris's house. It wasn't far and Mrs Rawlings let the boys in.

"Chris will show you where to put your cycles so that they'll be safe. Chris, your friends are here." Chris appeared from the back garden. He had very red ginger hair, redder than the Weasleys' in Harry Potter, and the compulsory freckles that go with it. The texture and cut made him very good-looking and our three already knew from skinny-dipping in the van den Bergs' pool that his pubic hair was equally as red. Tony wondered to himself why he hadn't got blond pubic hair and realised that blond pubes were extremely rare even among blonds, and then there was the suspicion they had been subjected to peroxide.

"Hey, come and look at this, guys," said Chris. He took them round to the back garden and there on an easel was a pencil drawing of a corner of the garden. The boys were impressed. "That won't end up in pencil. It's a sketch for a watercolour. Before I finish it I shall just want our cat to pose on the lawn, at least long enough for a photograph. Then I can paint it in from that."

"Right first time except that he's no longer a tom. Marmaduke." At that a very ginger cat walked out from a sheltered sunny spot of the garden to meet the new arrivals. He wasn't terribly impressed with Adam and Simon with their residual smell of dog, but he soon made friends with Tony. Mrs Rawlings poked her head out of the patio doors and said

"I'm just off to the supermarket for an hour. Don't get into any trouble while I'm gone. I'll get some cool drinks for you when I get back." On the table were four badminton racquets and a couple of shuttlecocks.

"Do you want a game?" asked Chris. The boys played for half an hour, then decided just to sun themselves sitting on the patio.

"One of the reasons we're here is that we want to do something for the gay community at school." Chris listened as he explained what they had been doing and that the afternoon they spent last Saturday was supposed to be a kind of bonding session. "And we invited the sort of people we thought might be interested."

"Yes, I'd worked out something along those lines, but why did you choose me? Don't get pissed, but everyone knows you three are gay and they suspect the other four are, but I'm not."

"But why were you checking us out in the changing room?" Chris burst out laughing.

"What do I spend a lot of my free time doing?" Three boys sat there with their mouths open not knowing how to reply. Chris pointed towards the easel as a hint.

"That's right. I always have done. You see, what happened at school in the changing room was a discovery for me. I've always accepted that boys have two testicles and a penis between their legs, but when I saw you three lined up I realised that yours were three different sizes and shapes and for me as an artist that was interesting, like the different sizes of faces and heads, or chests and waists. Art is the first love of my life and at the age of fourteen you don't get a lot of chances to study the human body naked, and I'll tell you str8 all three of you have extremely beautiful bodies which I know how to appreciate artistically, but sexually you do nothing for me. Sorry, lads." Three gay teenagers sat there utterly deflated. "I admire what you're trying to do and if you want any help such as poster design, just ask, and if you're willing to model for me, even if it's only for a snapshot I can paint from, great, but I'm not one of you." At that moment Mrs Rawlings appeared on the patio.

After sufficient time to be sociable the boys took their leave and made their way home. When they reached Tony's house he said

"Are you coming in? The house will be empty for another hour at least and after the way you two teases have been tarting around in those lycras I think deserve some fun."

"Sure. I haven't used the stuff you gave me yet. They must be near their use-by date."

"Ooh, I've told you a million times before not to exaggerate," said Simon. Adam rolled around holding his stomach and overdoing the laughter.

"I must admit I didn't think he'd do both of us," said Simon during the ride home.

"I'm sure glad we've got these new cycling shorts. I think without them we'd be buggered."

"Nice of him to give us the débris to get rid of," said Adam as he tossed a knotted Waitrose plastic carrier containing four used jonnies and a load of tissues into a litterbin.

"I think both our butts have got a lot easier to penetrate since we got together."

When they got home there was time for a rest before supper. Afterwards they would take Lucy for a decent walk. They went up and lay together on Simon's bed. No sex, no fun, just the great feeling of being together, quiet, no passion as the warm sun shone through the window onto the bed and onto them. They were woken by the house telephone warning them that dinner would be served in a quarter of an hour. They jumped off the bed and quickly stripped and showered for they knew that sweaty cycling togs for dinner would be a step too far for Brabazon's forbearance.

Mrs Green joined them in the kitchen for the meal. Tuesday was her main cleaning day and she preferred to get it done and over with all at once rather than spread it over the week. The boys readily admitted that mealtimes were livelier when she was there for there was no such thing as silence and the conversation flowed, even though most of it might have flowed from her lips. Also the boys loved the way she jollied Brabazon along and even he was more likely to break the butler mould when she was there. Because of her position in the hierarchy she would call him Mister Brabazon. What she called him when the family was not around they never knew, but the boys readily ascribed to the widely held belief that at birth he had never actually been given a Christian name.

Because they had been rather lazy over half term Simon and Adam decided they would take Lucy for a run rather than walkies. They had only had a light meal and Mrs Green's talking ensured that it had had plenty of time to go down before they were allowed to leave the table. The sun would not be setting until sometime after nine. By the time they had changed it was gone eight when they set out and there was still some warmth in the sun. Providing they did not tarry too long at the wishing well they would easily be back within the hour. As usual Lucy won the race to the well and sat there with that look on her face as if to say 'What took you so long?'. Even she had a sense of occasion at the wishing well and as if to confirm it she stuck her cold nose up Adam's shorts and onto his bare butt, giving him a shock. One difference this time was that instead of an ordinary pair of white PE shorts he was wearing attractive designer shorts co-ordinated with his top and more importantly with what Simon was wearing. The action sparked off a moment of nostalgia.

"Wemay be lucky to be gay, but a lot of kids aren't so lucky, but what makes you say that?"

"First of all we've got each other, then can you imagine a str8 couple having a full sex life at the age of fourteen? We don't have to worry about making babies."

"Not that too many couples do until it's happened. Okay, I'll agree with you as far as we are concerned because we have an understanding family, but I can't help worrying about the poor so-and-sos whose parents reject them or don't approve, or the ones that get beaten up either by their so called loving family or people in the street, or their parents use religion to brainwash their kids." At that Adam broke off. They could hear voices and out of the wood came three youths perhaps a year older, two of them smoking, the third taking a drag from the others' cigarettes.

"What are you two poofs doing up here alone in the woods?" spoke the middle one.

"You're right. It is two poofs. That's that Neave," the third said pointing at Adam. "He had to leave our school because he was gay."

"We don't like traitors, especially queer traitors. Let's get 'em." The situation was turning nastier by the second, as the biggest one started to advance on Adam and Simon, but they hadn't reckoned on Lucy. She started growling and as the yob came forward she barked at him. This was enough to distract all three and our two boys could take to their heels and Lucy followed still fighting a rearguard action. When they were far enough away they stopped.

"I think we're safe enough now. Those smoked out wrecks won't be able to catch us up." They both stooped down to make a fuss of Lucy and praise her for protecting her humans, but the run was over. They took the direct route home omitting the lake and reported what had occurred to Brabazon.

"I shall make a report to the local constabulary. Did you recognise any of them, Master Adam?"

"As you're both safe now, we shall leave it until the morning, but perhaps you would rise a little... ahem, earlier. I think it would be better to make the report in person at the station." Brabazon brought forward cocoa and biscuits and Lucy was given a doggy chew as an extra treat. Her barking and growling like that was a side of her that Simon had never come across before.

The boys said good night and went up to bed. Now they were by themselves and had time to think and talk they were a little shocked at what had happened that evening and found it ironic that it had taken place just after they were discussing how lucky and happy they were. The honeymoon was over. This was the first unpleasant incident they had experienced since getting together and they might have to brace themselves for more. They felt they had done the right thing by legging it and wondered how it would have turned out if Lucy hadn't been there. On the other hand if Lucy hadn't been there, neither would they. They forgot all about checking to see whether Tony had sent any pics and took each other in a hug as a feeling of relief and mutual protection. One thing led to another.

Wednesday morning they walked with Brabazon into town to the police station. It was not an enlightening experience and they came to realise why Enid Blyton had named the policeman in her Noddybooks Mr Plod. They each gave a statement, but the constable seemed more concerned whether Lucy had done more than growl and bark than whether homophobic threatening behaviour and near assault had taken place. In their heart of hearts the boys felt they would have preferred to leave it at that rather than go through the process they had just undergone with the promise of the police will be in touch 'if there are any further developments'.

When they got back home they remembered Tony was going to send them some pics of their romp the previous afternoon. With the e-mail came the message that he had fixed up a visit that afternoon to Francis. Francis was perhaps the most individual member of the group that had gathered on Saturday, an odd mixture for he was gregarious and liked to have his mates around him, and yet he was quite capable of going his own way in certain things. He was the tallest in the year group, very thin and not in the least bit muscular or sinewy, no veins showing, and he had pale blue eyes and jet-black very str8 hair combed so that it mainly hung down the right side of his face. He gave the impression of being sensitive although at times his soccer play had been on the aggressive side. Not that he was numbered among the sports jocks at school. He was in Adam and Simon's dance class and an able member at that, but difficult to partner since he was so tall.

After lunch the boys donned their freshly laundered cycling outfits and rode over to pick up Tony, then off to Francis's house. The day was warm, the sun bright and the good weather promised to continue for the rest of half term. The door was opened by Francis himself and in the dim light of the hall he welcomed them dressed as he was in a loose black tee shirt and baggy equally black sweats. He invited them into the kitchen where his mother had left drinks and snacks. As the boys' eyes accustomed themselves to the dim light Adam could have sworn that Francis was wearing pale lipstick and black eyeliner.

"Yeah, sure. I don't get much of a chance and I thought you guys would be the only people who'd appreciate it. For the same reason I've got something to show you. We'd better go up to my room in case Mum or Dad come home from work early." This sounded conspiratorial. Our three followed. Francis half drew the curtains in case neighbours could see in. He pulled off the tee shirt. Even his nipples were pale and flat and almost blended in with the surrounding skin. He shucked off his trainers without undoing the laces. I don't know what our three were expecting to discover, but even with the previous hint this they did not expect to see for Francis was wearing sheer black stockings which reached three-quarters of the way up his thighs and were held in place by a black suspender belt over a black silken thong. There was a sharp intake of breath from all three. "I can show you the same in white if you wish." Simon, Tony and Adam couldn't take their eyes off Francis. It was the commencement of four battles, of four cocks battling, two against thick lycra, one against white cotton and one against black silk.

"So how do get this stuff? Do you walk into Ann Summers and say it's for your girlfriend's birthday?" said Tony.

"Not exactly. My sister's into this sort of thing. So I either wear what she no longer wants if it fits or she buys it for me and we keep it in a drawer in her room so that if Mum finds it she'll think it's hers."

"I don't know, but she's over eighteen and as long as she keeps the house rules she's allowed to do what she likes. She said I had to buy the thongs myself because ladies' ones are too small and anyway when she goes out in this gear she doesn't wear any knickers. As mine are men's thongs I just put them in the linen basket with the rest of my dirty clothes. They get washed the same as my jockstraps and dance belts." Now over the shock, our boys sat back on Francis's bed and admired him - the contrasting whiteness of his buns, the protruding package over the white skin between stockings and crotch.

"How did you get into this?" asked Adam who couldn't take his eyes off Francis and was obviously fascinated by the whole idea.

"When I was a little boy my sister and I used to play a game of dressing me up in her clothes. I liked it and we went on playing it until my Mum told her I was too old for it and she had to stop. But we didn't stop. We just did it secretly when my parents weren't around and as she updated her wardrobe it meant she automatically updated mine. One day I want to go out in public dressed as a girl, but I'll probably have to wait until I'm at university, or maybe get invited to a fancy dress party. That's why I like my name Francis, or Fran. It can be a boy's name or a girl's."

"No way, 'specially as I get a raging boner for the first ten minutes when I put the gear on. It makes me feel good the fact it's made all three of you get stiffies looking at me."

"If you want. There's box of tissues by my bed." Francis slipped his dick out of the thong. "This is for you, Tony, as you're still single," and Tony found he could take it into his mouth quite easily because of the difference in their height. Meanwhile Simon and Adam were fighting to free themselves from their cycling shorts. Francis came very quickly and then Tony had to sit on the bed while he was sorted out.

When the four boyshad shot their load and restored themselves Francis looked his alarm clock. We'd better go downstairs. Mum'll be back in a few minutes. He rubbed some cold cream over his face and went into the bathroom to rinse his face. A quick tidy of the room, Francis put his sweats, tee shirt and trainers back on and they went back to the kitchen.

"What we're trying to do at school," said Simon "is get a group of us gayboys together so that we can look after one another and exchange notes"

"Yeah, why not? I might even find someone else that likes girls' clothes." At that moment they heard a car draw up in front of the house.

"Hello, everyone," said Francis's mother. He introduced his friends. "Ooh, you're the ones with the butler," she said to Adam and Simon. "Francis told me all about you. Have you all had enough to eat and drink?"

Our three wheeled their cycles along the pavement on their way back to Tony's house because they wanted to talk.

"Hot," said Adam. "It just goes to show that although he had girls' undies on it didn't make him look girly at all, quite the opposite, just a very very sexy boy."

"Think about it, Simon. I'm the smallest in the year group and he's the tallest. Imagine what it's going to look like with Little and Large out on a date, me walking along holding his hand while he's dressed in high heels and mini skirt." All three burst out laughing. "Okay, guys, it's Robin tomorrow. I'll mail those pics and see you after lunch." They said goodbye to Tony and got on their bikes. Lucy's walkies that evening was rather curtailed after the events of the previous one.

The visit to Robin's place needed a longer bike ride for he lived outside the town on a farm. When Simon, Adam and Tony arrived there he had to be called in as he was working, preparing feed for the animals. He spent a lot of his free time working, not because he had to, but because he was a trueborn farmer's boy and enjoyed the work. If all went as expected he would one day inherit the farm and have to run it. He was an earnest child and because responsibility had been placed on his shoulders from an early age, he was serious in all he approached, whether that was in the classroom, on the sports field or on the farm. He was therefore not one you would automatically pick out from the crowd as gay. He kept his own counsel and was successful at what he did because he worked at it and was respected for that. The first thing he did was to take our boys on a tour and he spoke freely and with pride about his animals and poultry. He then took them back to the kitchen where his mother was making a pot of tea. Robin's younger brother was there, a spitting image except whereas Robin's face was serious, his was full of fun. Tea was accompanied by home made cakes and the boys tucked in. Afterwards he took them up to his room and our boys were inexplicably surprised to see it was like any teenager's room with a desk, computer, television, CD player, bookshelves and among all that somewhere a bed. They somehow expected that a farmer's boy would still be in the middle of the twentieth century. Tony worked the conversation round to the purpose of their visit and when it was implied that Robin was gay it made his face go a shade of deep red.

"Shh, keep your voices down. You can hear everything in these old cottages." He put a CD on to help drown out anything that might be overheard. "What makes you think I'd be interested?" he asked feigning a tone of innocence. The boys explained the subterfuges they had been engaged in over the past couple of weeks. "Ididn't think anyone knew about me," said Robin. "Does anyone else know?"

"I think the group that came and played football at our place may have put two and two together," said Adam "but one of the group did say emphatically he was not gay."

"Chris Rawlings." said Simon. "But you're in good company. What are you worried about?"

"My family. If you're the oldest boy on a farm you're expected to get married and have children to carry on with the farm and keep it in the family. If my parents knew I was like that, they'd be very disappointed. I haven't even told my brother and he might well find out when he comes to our school in September."

"That's exactly why we need a support group," said Tony. "Everyone needs someone to talk to. We aim to do different things. For instance I'm looking for a boyfriend. Adam and Simon - hey, lads, I hope you don't mind me saying this - have got a lot of experience and can give advice, and we're all there if someone needs the help or support. We can watch each other's backs if some jerk comes on all antigay. We're not there to out anyone or convert them." Robin still looked dubious, but they knew he would give the matter some thought. It was soon time to go. Our boys went to say goodbye to Robin's mother. She gave them some eggs to take home.

"They're fresh. They were laid just today and if you see a speck in the yolk it's nothing to worry about. It's just that we let the cockerel keep our hens happy layers. And if you find one with a double yolk, that's lucky." Our boys said thank you and goodbye to Mrs Banks and got onto their bikes for the ride back into town.

"You see," said Tony passionately "there's somebody we can give a great deal of help to."

After dinner Simon and Adam took Lucy for her walkies, but not the full one. However, they did venture to the park and the lake keeping to places where there were a lot of people around in case the gang from the other night were out to take revenge. Brabazon hadn't heard any more from the police.

"Mmm, I was wondering," said Adam. "Is he looking for a boyfriend or is he looking for a sex life? You know what a randy little sod he is. We've had great fun with him. I think he likes sex, but doesn't want the 'slut' label."

"That he just wants to do stuff, would you have anything against it if we were, say, to help him out a bit?"

"Well, we already have, haven't we? And we didn't have a problem with it, did we?"

"Then if we gave him the occasional treat - together - it wouldn't affect our relationship, would it?"

"No, and it would keep him out of the clutches of Roly Bedbug. The more I think about that bloke, the more I dislike him. His whole philosophy is the opposite of ours. He's exploiting gay kids; we want to help them."

"Let's sleep on it, Si." They wanted to hold hands and kiss, but they thought it wise after what had happened on Tuesday to avoid any PDAs. PDAs? you say. Public displays of affection.

On Friday afternoon Tony collected Adam and Simon as he had to pass their house. They cycled off to Steve's home. Simon and Adam had forsaken the cycle shorts for cargos, tee shirts and sandals. Arriving they were greeted by his mother and shown in. After the introductions Steve said

"What? On a beautiful afternoon like this? One hour maximum and then you can come and play in the garden, okay?" There was only one answer to his mother's okay. "I'll arrange some cold drinks for you then and call you. If you need anything, I'll be doing some weeding in the vegetable patch."

"You know last week when we were all at Simon and Adam's place, did you notice anything about those that were there?" Steve blushed. "Oh, you did."

"You can say it," said Adam "because you'll probably be right." Steve hesitated.

"You've got it in one," said Simon. "In fact, it's more that a reputation. Except for you and Chris we all actually are. Chris isn't, definitely, and you?"

"Me? I'm not sure yet. You see, when I have a wank I think of other boys and what I'd like to do with them, but I don't dare to in case I get into trouble and so I've never done anything with another boy."

"Would you like to?" asked Tony looking Steve earnestly in the eyes. Steve paused.

"Mmm... yes... I think so." Tony stood up and leant against the wall with his legs apart.

"Come and put your hand gently up between my legs and have a feel." Again hesitation, but he plucked up courage and did as he was told.

"Now do the same to me," said Simon. Steve felt Simon's balls squidge in his hand and Simon gave a short intake of breath.

"My turn now," said Adam, but before Steve could, Adam had pulled the zip down on his fly. Steve's hand disappeared inside the aperture and Adam writhed a little. "That's good, Steve. Now put your hand inside my undies... " He did. "OMG, that's so wicked. Now flip my balls out." Concentrating hard Steve did, making Adam's dick flop out as well when it immediately grew stiff. Adam left it at that, fearing a step to far.

"Did you enjoy that?" demanded Tony. Again Steve nodded, apparently speechless. "Now let me do it to you." As gently as he could Tony fondled between Steve's leg and through the thin cotton shorts he was wearing he could feel how tight his balls were and the heat from his cock that was straining to stiffen up within the confines of his pants. "You have just taken the first step in a thousand mile journey."

Meanwhile Adam had tucked his tackle away - with great difficulty, let it be said - and started to explain what they were trying to do at school. Steve listened attentively.

"Yes, I know that, but are you now telling us that after all the things we've had to do to find out who's gay, you could have told us str8away?"

"Well, not quiet," backtracked Tony. "I haven't exactly perfected it yet, but I'm trying." Simon described the process they had used. When he had finished Adam said

"Hey, guys, are you two doing anything special this weekend?" Tony and Steve shook their heads. "Then, Si, why don't we ask Brabazon if they can come over for a sleep over on Saturday night?"

"Sounds good to me. I don't think Dad gets back until Sunday afternoon or evening."

"I'm sure it'll be okay with my parents," said Tony "and you can ask your mum, when we go downstairs, Steve, and bring a sleeping bag - although you won't need it," he added winking and tapping the side of his nose with his forefinger.

"What game are we going to play?" said Steve as Adam handed him Invasion of the Grocklesand Simon passed over Snotplasma Kills.

Eventually back at home our boys received two yeses for the sleep over. Now they just needed the third and most important one. They were surprised how easily they got it too. Tony must have made a good impression at the last one. Brabazon added

"I think Saturday evening we shall have a barbecue and with your permission I shall invite Mrs Green and her family of helpers. A morale booster for the staff, don't you think?" Adam and Simon felt it ironic that Brabazon was asking their permission, but were happy to give it. They were soon on the phone to Tony and Steve and arranged that they should come over mid-Saturday morning and return home late Sunday afternoon to get ready for school.

On Saturday morning Simon and Adam took their time getting up as this was probably going to be their last opportunity to make love at a leisurely pace before returning to school. Adam had been training himself to stay inside Simon for as long as possible after orgasm before nature took its course and he slipped out. When they felt ready to get up they stood naked in front of the full-length mirror on the sliding doors of Adam's wardrobe, combing and preening their pubes and admiring their own and each other's equipment. Whoever said it was all right for boys to change together because they were all the same obviously hadn't done his homework.

"I love the way your dick's so different from mine," said Adam. "I can see Chris's point about how artistic the body is. Yours has got such lovely flowing lines. Mine is more... what shall I say? ... more businesslike. Not that I'd swap. I'd much rather admire yours and suck it or feel it in my butt than own it"

"But you know, my love, in a way you do own it." They decided that the shaving experiment had not been a failure despite a couple of days' itching, but experience, and that it was now up them to keep their pubic hair trimmed rather than shaved. Simon discovered that he was beginning to sprout hair in his armpits.

"Nice," said Adam. "Some guys get really turned on by armpits. We've never gone down that road."

"We've always had plenty of other things to keep us occupied," and Simon buried his nose in Adam's armpit. "Mmm, you always smell so good, even when you don't smell so good," he said.

"Come on, let's get into the shower. I want to make sure anything left of my DNA sample gets properly washed out of your hole."

"Cut your fingernails before you do. I noticed they're getting a bit long again."

It was just after ten when the boys got down to brunch. They said good morning to Brabazon.

"We shall dine in the evening tomorrow, young gentleman, as I expect Mr Philip to have arrived by then. Ibelieve your weekend guests will have departed by then." There was a ring at the door and Brabazon announced Master Anthony Legge. Tony burst in rucksack on back and sleeping bag in hand which he dropped on the floor in his haste to give Adam and Simon a hug.

"Sorry, I'm late. Discussion with the 'rents over personal hygiene which meant I had to go out and buy some deo. It all went downhill from there. The girl behind the counter at the shop asked me if I wanted the ball type. I said no, just the ordinary armpit sort and I gather that was the wrong answer."

"I have to use a special one with no alcohol or I get a rash. This one's got aloe vera in it. The only thing that worries me is that the instructions say 'Remove cap and push up bottom.'" Simon laughed involuntarily. "You see, I never wear a cap." All three boys burst out laughing. Po-faced as ever Brabazon pretended not to hear.

"No, take it to mine, please, Brabazon," said Simon. "Remember this is a sleep over. It's the way young people do things these days." That did nothing to loosen up the po-face.

"It's good you're here before Steve," said Simon. "We'd better work out some plan of campaign."

"It might be a good thing 'cos we don't want to frighten him by going too far too fast," said Tony. "On the other hand I'm up for a good rogering."

"We'll try not let you go home disappointed," said Simon and Adam readily agreed. The two boys loved each other dearly, but they both admitted to lusting greatly over Tony, and he knew it.

"Bring your stuff upstairs," said Simon "and we'll show you where to stow it." It meant they could disappear without Brabazon hovering.

"Put your things in my room," said Adam "and you, Steve. You can sleep in my bed and I'm afraid that I shall have to be a martyr to Simon's snoring."

"I do not snore!" protested Simon and playfully punched his beloved on the arm. "I can always tell when your bottom's asleep because that certainly snores."

"Okay, lads," said Tony. "I don't think we really want to know all the secrets of the marriage bed."

"Brabazon is organising a barbecue for us tonight, and for the domestic staff. My father's been in South Africa for the week and we expect him home sometime tomorrow. Now, Steve, we've organised the weekend to introduce you to some of the stuff that we gay boys do. Are you happy with that?" Steve nodded. "And if there's anything we do that you don't like, tell us. Okay?" Steve nodded again. "And have you brought a change of clothes?"

"You might well have an accident," said Adam "but I don't think it will be the sort your mother was thinking about."

"What we did in my bedroom yesterday. You know, when we felt each other's balls. That felt so good."

"Right, we'll start with the queers' handshake," said Simon. "Do you know what that is?" Steve shook his head. He demonstrated it on Steve and got him to do the right response. "Now you might find that there's a second part, the grope, and when the first one puts his left hand between your legs and has a feel, and you just do it back, but remember a stranger might not be as gentle as us. It should only happen if you give a positive response, otherwise it's like rape - unwanted sex." The boys used this as an excuse to practise the move amongst themselves and all four ended up with stiffies. "Time for a swim, I think," said Simon. "We'll have to do it now if we want to skinny dip because the ladies will be here later."

They went down to the swimming pool, letting Brabazon know on the way what they were going to do. After they had had their swim they showered off and under the shower Tony started to soap Steve up. Steve obviously was loving every moment as he had never experienced anything like it before. It was not long before all four boyswere sporting wood for Adam and Simon were savouring this spectator sport. Soon Tony was jerking Steve off. He just closed his eyes and enjoyed until with a little whimper he shot his load and the other three watched it mixing with the water and soap as it disappeared down the plughole.

"All right, Steve?" said Tony. He whispered a yes as he exhaled in pleasure while climbing down from his climax. "Now do the same to me. It doesn't matter about the soap. Ooh! Careful. A little gentler than that, yeah, that's just right," and eventually 'aah' as his load splatted against the tiled wall of the shower. Simon and Adam clapped to give them encouragement. The boys rinsed off and turned off the water. They dried themselves and wrapped in bath towels and carrying their clothes, left the pool area, told Brabazon they had finished and went back upstairs.

The boys just sat around in Simon's room and chatted. The sun was beginning to warm it. They put their damp towels into the linen basket and carried on quite unabashed naked. It was no big deal as they were often naked together in the school changing rooms and, after all, what had they just been doing? Skinny dipping, but after five minutes or so Simon gave a little squeal, one of those involuntary ones that the adolescent voice has no control over.

"I didn't touch him," replied Adam with indignant self-righteousness and his hands in the air.

"No, it's okay," said Simon. "I've just noticed something. Steve, you've been circumcised." Steve blushed as three pairs of eyes zeroed in on his groin.

"Have you never seen that before?" said Tony half in defence of Steve who had suddenly become the centre of attention.

"I can't think of anyone else," answered Simon, "but I'm annoyed with myself for not noticing it before. Sorry, Steve." Steve took it well. In fact he did all he could do under the circumstances, he cupped his equipment in his hand and thrust it forward for a general inspection.

"You can look, but you can't touch," he announced trying to keep up the atmosphere of good humour. Adam was the least fazed for after his experiences at his previous school and in the orphanage it was nothing new for him.

"No, it's okay. I got over that years ago playing 'If you show me yours I'll show you mine'. In fact, I think it helped me discover I was gay because I'd much rather play it with boys than with girls. No, my parents told me I had a phimosis."

"Years ago. I can remember going in to hospital for it, but that's about all. My brother hasn't been done." The house phone buzzed. It was Brabazon to say that he would be clearing brunch away at two o'clock so that he could get on with the barbecue.

"Oh, we've plenty of time yet," announced Simon after putting the receiver down.

Emboldened by what had just happened Steve turned the spotlight onto Adam and Simon.

"Mmm, most of the time," said Adam. "We wouldn't if one of us had a cold or wasn't feeling well."

"Or if one of us wanted an early night... " Tony and Steve giggled. "Because we're tired," said Simon. "Be logical and get your mind out of the gutter. Although we might well end up in the same bed by morning."

"Not every night, particularly during term time, and quite often in the middle of the night and in the morning," said Adam.

"Again depends what we feel like. Sometimes we don't even discuss it. The only thing is that whoever tops usually gets into bed on the left hand side," said Adam.

"It doesn't happen very often," said Simon, "but when we do, that's the best fun because our foreplay develops into a wrestling match and we try to stick it in each other and the first one to manage it wins. The trouble is it can hurt a bit because we haven't lubed."

"Not usually when it's just us two." Tony blushed when he heard Simon say that. "Sometimes we do 'cos it adds to the fun."

"If you read this story as a blog, you would think so, but no, we have got different interests. For instance I read more books than Simon or we want to watch different television programmes or Simon's got to give Lucy a brush and comb. Simon does more swimming than me."

"No, there's no point if there's no one else there and when you're swimming seriously to train or keep fit you need to wear a speedo or jammers... to prevent drag." he added with a giggle.

"I'm hungry. Who wants brunch?" They all shouted 'yeah' and were about to disappear quickly down to the kitchen when Tony said

After the boys had finished brunch the buffet looked as is a swarm of locusts had hit it. As they put their plates into the dishwasher Simon said

"Two things, Master Simon. First help me to carry the tables, chairs and barbecue onto the patio and secondly take the hound for a walk so that it isn't distracted by the food smells." Referring to Lucy as the 'hound' and 'it' hurt Simon and thinly disguised a certain attitude. In butlers' circles animals belonged outside and had a job to do. They were not part of a well-run household.

The carrying was soon done and Simon and Adam decided since there were four of them and it was afternoon it would be safe to take the full walk to the park, round the lake and up to the wishing well. Because they were all gay teenage boys with hormones pumping round their bodies at a fast rate it was not long until the conversation got round to sex again.

"So what are all your sexiest experiences?" said Steve. Adam was the first to answer.

"A little time, not a long time. You won't have experienced this yet, Steve, but butt-fucking is quite a skill if you don't want to hurt one another." Adam gave his loved one a look as he didn't like the F-word being used, especially in connection with their own lovemaking. "Sorry, Adam." Simon blushed. "But there is a bit more to it than shoving your dick up someone's hole, pumping and pulling it out again."

"Everybody thinks that's all gayboys do together. In fact in numerical terms we're more likely to give each other a BJ, or even a quick jerk-off, especially if we've got school the next day. But we can enjoy ourselves just cuddling, snogging and fondling."

"That's easy. When we did that threesome and I was in the middle. And you, Steve?'

"Yeah, gallons of it, but it took a hell of a time to come. Do you think we could have proper sex tonight?" The other three looked at one another, not wanting to commit themselves.

"Let's see first how quickly you learn tonight," said Tony. "As Adam said, it's not the be all and end all."

They had reached the lake and after another failed attempt by Lucy to make friends with the local wildfowl she had to content herself with retrieving the tennis ball which her humans obligingly kept throwing in for her. Eventually our boys reached the summit where the wishing well stood.

"I was on a run and so was Simon and it was love at first sight," and they batted their eyelids at each other. The park and the wood were crowded and so the boys mingled quite naturally among the people out for a Saturday afternoon stroll. A number of children wanted to pat and stroke Lucy which she patiently tolerated. Adam looked at his watch and thought they ought to start making their way back if they were to have a little rest and recuperation before showering and changing for the barbecue. Adam told their guests that they could make full use of his room, but not to make too much noise as contrary to received opinion he and Simon would attempt to have a little nap beforehand.

Back at home the boys paired off and Steve and Tony shut themselves in Adam's room with the Do Not Disturbnotice hanging from the door handle. They peeled off their trainers and lay on Adam's bed.

"I haven't really thought about it... you guys, the guys at school... that we're doing it all together or to one another. I don't know. As I said, I haven't thought about it."

"Let me tell you about one of my fantasies," said Tony. "Just lie on your back there, hands behind your head, close your eyes and think about what I'm saying. Ready?

"I'm sitting in Burger Star and I've got my super king-size whopper in front of me." Steve giggled.

"I'm facing the door and you come in. Our eyes meet and then mine slide down over your tight tee shirt with your nipples poking through to your tight 501s, well washed so that they fit every nook and cranny of your body and show off your package. As you go up to the counter you give a shy smile. I smile back. When you've got your burger you look around for a seat. The burger bar's crowded and you come up and ask whether you may sit next to me on the bench seats. We chat and eat our burgers. We're flirting really and then you say you want to go for a pee and as you do you subconsciously rub your groin in suggestive way and give me the come on look. When we get into the gents' we find it's only small. The cubicle is locked and there's the sound of heavy breathing coming from inside. So we stand at the urinals. You unbutton your fly and I check you out while you get your dick out. Because you're cut and your dick naturally stands out, even when soft, you stand at the urinal, put your hands on your head and start peeing. I'm impressed, but can't do it because my dick is very soft, hangs str8 down and I have to pull my foreskin back unless I've got a stiffie. You turn and grin at me. When I've unzipped, I don't just get my dick out, but flip my balls out as well. You check me out and like what you see. When you've finished you shake off a couple of times and tuck it away. I shake mine and slowly pull my briefs back over my balls, then over my dick. We've been so busy that we haven't noticed the noise coming from the cubicle, but a bloke comes out just as we're washing our hands. After we've dried them we notice that there's still someone left in the cubicle.

"When we get back into the restaurant our seats have been taken. So we leave. Outside the door I ask you whether you've ever kissed a boy.

"Would you like to?" I say. Steve hesitatingly nods. "I know a place. Just round the corner there's a little alley with recesses where a lot of people go to have a snog." As reality and fantasy meet Tony takes Steve's hand, helps him off the bed and guides him until his back is leaning against the bedroom wall. Tony leans in and gently kisses him on the lips. Although he's never French kissed before Steve reacts by instinct and their tongues meet. Tony presses his groin against Steve's and they grind their half hard packages together, becoming more intense until Steve breaks the kiss and goes.

Tony and Steve could hear Adam and Simon showering and the sound of chattering from the garden. Steve tentatively opened the door to the bathroom.

"Can I go through and gets some clean undies from my bag? I've had an accident."

"Use a pair of mine," said Adam. "They're in the top drawer. Just drop them in the linen basket before you go home."

"Come and join us in the shower," said Simon. "If you've been doing what we think you've been doing, Tony will need finishing off and then we really must get down to the barbecue."

"It's okay, guys. I'm not like you two randy bastards. I can save it until tonight."

The four lads made their way downstairs and out onto the patio. Mrs Green and her family of helpers had arrived and were happily eating, drinking and chatting among themselves. However, what caused the greatest amazement was to see that Brabazon had divested himself of his butler's uniform in exchange for a chef's and unfrozen from his usual rôle was the life and soul of the party. He welcomed the boys when he saw them and introduced Stephen to Mrs Green. Tony she had already met. The younger members of her family clustered round the four teenagers. It was a very sociable affair, but if the young ladies didn't know beforehand they soon realised that they were chatting up four losses to womanhood.

It had to be said that whatever Brabazon did, he did well. So often it turns out that good quality food on meeting the barbecue is either burnt or severely underdone and should it survive to be cooked to perfection is then cold when it comes to being served, but it was a pleasure to consume Brabazon's culinary works and nothing pleased him more than when the guests came back for more. Mrs Green could be guaranteed to keep the conversation going. Since the death of Simon's mother she had always tried to take him under her maternal wing and knowing Adam's background she had endeavoured to do the same for him. She was probably aware of the boys' sexual propensities, although they were never mentioned, and she was sufficiently aware to guess that their guests might well be of a similar nature. And so with the sun setting a little after nine the evening passed pleasantly. The 'staff' retired to the butler's pantry and the 'family' and their guests retired to their rooms to play computer games and look at forbidden flesh on some strictly 18+ websites. Finally they were falling asleep in front of the screen. Fortunately Adam and Simon had had the foresight to change the bed linen for in the throes of passion both of them tended towards insouciance concerning the disposal of the product of their loins.

Simon and Adam went to bed in Simon's bed and fell asleep. Tony and Steve went to bed in Adam's bed... and they both fell asleep... until the middle of the night when they awoke entwined with one another, too hot under the duvet and sporting very hard wood. Something had to happen and it did.

Sunday morning all the boys got up and showered in time to go down to brunch at about ten. Adam and Simon were surprised to see Philip already there and they gave him a hug to welcome him home. He already knew Tony and so they introduced Steve to him. Poor old Steve! He had one of those bad moments adolescents can have when their voices are changing and he sounded like a gibbering idiot as his changed tone, squeaked or wouldn't make a sound at all. Philip was sympathetic and was sufficiently versed in such things as to be able to put it down to the effects of hormones and puberty. After the polite enquiries Philip said

"I'm off to bed in a minute. I had a lousy flight and couldn't get any sleep." Then to Simon and Adam "We need to have a chat. We'll leave it until after dinner this evening. I'm sure Brabazon will provide us with one of his splendid roasts."

"Jet lag?" asked Simon. The other three looked at him as if they'd just found the village idiot.

"You don't get jet lag on north-south flights, dummy," said Adam and the others burst out laughing.

"Oh, of course not," replied Simon and even he managed to raise a smile at his own mental lapse. "Same time zone. Duh!" Philip made his excuses and went upstairs while the boys attempted a complete demolition job on Brabazon's buffet. Steve had to go home at lunchtime - some family do in the afternoon - but Tony would be stopping on till his parents came for him between four and five. "We've still got to put Steve in our guest book," said Simon anxious to change the subject. Like a lamb to the slaughter Steve innocently followed the others upstairs.

"I've only just put 'em on," protested Steve. Meanwhile Simon had opened up the guest book and shown him the format with himself, Adam and Tony. Now Steve couldn't chicken out and after all they wouldn't see anything they hadn't seen before. He stripped and got ready to pose in front of Adam's camera - full length, head and tackle in left and right profile and front view, then a few moments passed before erect tackle in left and right profile and full frontal, then while Steve was putting his clothes on Adam downloaded the pics onto Simon's computer and Simon photoshopped them into the guest book. But then he couldn't resist being naughty. He copied the pic of Steve full frontal and started playing around with it. He gave him a tiny little wiener, then an enlarged one, he gave him bright blue pubic hair, he even took a picture of someone else and restored Steve's foreskin. The four of them rolled around laughing.

"Why should I worry?" said Steve. "I've got the real thing and I'm quite content with it."

"And so are we," added Tony mysteriously. At that moment the house phone rang. Brabazon announced that Master Stephen's father had arrived.

The boys helped Steve down with his kit. It was the first time they met his father who had been shown into the library where Brabazon asked him to wait. The boys said goodbye as they accompanied Steve and his father out to the car. After the car had disappeared from the drive they went back inside with Adam suggesting that since they had had rather a lazy week it would be a good idea to go for a run and be reasonably fit for the return to school. Simon went into the kitchen to ask Brabazon to leave the brunch out, but was told that as his father had asked for Sunday dinner later it would be wise if he just put out snacks so as not to ruin their appetite. They went upstairs and changed into running kit, as an afterthought took Lucy with them and embarked on their run. Adam and Simon let Tony take the lead for no other reason than the fact he was wearing loose jogging shorts with a slit up the side which revealed half of each of his buttocks with the strap of his jock going across them. Lucy must have approved too for he got the cold wet nose treatment more than once.

"The park, wood, wishing well, lake and park," Adam called back. "We should be safe enough on a Sunday afternoon with lots of people around."

"Not so far," replied Simon. "Dad's home for a week now. So I expect he'll give the police a chaser. He's not one to let anything like that drop."

As usual Lucy won the race to the wishing well. The three boys sat on the edge to recover.

"Look, it's getting a bit crowded and we're drawing attention to ourselves. Let's walk on and I'll tell you all about it." They started their descent and Lucy followed. They had forgotten all about her in the heat of the moment. "Right, guys, he wants to take things slowly. Although he's been having these feelings for boys and checking them out and doing the skinny dipping stuff and all that, he's new to it all and just wants to go along at his own pace. He's only out to us, officially, and certainly not at home, but now he's certain of his feelings he'll work out a way to tell his parents. It won't be today or next week because he doesn't want them to think we made him like that and they might ban him from seeing us outside school. You saw his mother. She's a bit bossy to say the least. He'll probably talk to his dad first. You know when we felt him up and he felt us? Well, that was a big step forward for him and then came the kissing. Then when we went to bed we went str8 to sleep."

"Hey, who's telling this story? Just because we're gay, it doesn't mean we're all randy tom cats like you." Simon gave an adolescent roar to show he'd taken the remark as a compliment. "Anyway, we were both totally knackered and went to sleep str8away. A couple of hours later we woke up because we were too hot and we both had stiffies. With a little bit of kissing and cuddling I got round to jerking him off. It felt a bit strange really. All this was in the dark and because he's circumcised I had to keep my hand on his shaft below his acorn or it hurt him. It felt funny without a foreskin. And he produced more precum that the three of us put together. Anyway I made him come off and he said it felt a lot more intense than when he did it to himself. Then he proved himself to be the complete and utter gentlemen and simply rolled over and went to sleep." Simon and Adam giggled, and not too sympathetically either. "We slept through to the morning and I was so in need of some relief, but I didn't want to do it myself. So after we had a pee we went back to bed and I started to snog him and with wandering hands encouraged his to wander as well and eventually got him to feel my balls, then wank me off, and that's as far as we got. And by the way, Adam, sorry, but there are two large spunk stains on your sheets."

"Only two?" interrupted Simon. "That's nothing compared with what we leave behind after a good night together." Adam blushed. "So all in all have you enjoyed the sleepover?"

"Yes and no," answered Tony. "It's got Steve on the way, given him some experience, made him think and he knows there are other people like him. I didn't get as far as I'd hoped."

"A full shag. It's all right for you two. You get as much as you want, but the opportunity's not there for me, at least not until I get a regular boyfriend." Adam and Simon looked at each other, looked at their watches and back at each other. Adam said

"I reckon if we run back on the direct route we might just about have time to sort you out. How about another threesome?"

"We'll get Brabazon to get them a cup of tea if they're early and I know if Dad's up he'll entertain them."

They put Lucy on the lead so that she didn't divert them towards the lake and ran back home. Philip was up and about.

"Dad, we've just got to finish something off with Tony and if his parents come early, can you offer them a cup of tea and talk to them until we're finished?" Philip assumed Simon was talking about some school project or the like and readily agreed. He enjoyed David and Amanda's company anyway. In the loosest terms he was not wrong. At least he had the common sense not to ask questions.

The boys left Lucy in her basket feeling miffed at not going to see her avian friends and went upstairs. Simon and Adam hung the Do no disturbnotices on their doors.

"You will not!" interjected Adam. "There's nothing more arousing than fresh boy sweat. Well, I expect there is, but I can't think of it at the moment."

"Okay," said Adam "this is not going to be one of our best efforts because we're rushing it a bit."

"Yeah, but leave your jock on until we've all finished lubing up." As they were in Adam's room he fetched the K-Y and two condoms from his bedside table and took the condoms out of their foil ready. Since it was Simon's turn to top Tony, he was on butt-lubing duty. When they were ready, they stripped off their jockstraps and Adam rolled the rubbers over Tony's and Simon's rampant cocks and assumed the position for a game of Piggy in the Middle.

After they had showered and dressed the house phone buzzed. It was Brabazon announcing that Mr and Mrs Legge had arrived.

"We'll be str8 down," replied Adam. He and Simon helped Tony to get all his kit together and all three went downstairs. Philip was already entertaining the Legges in the library.

"Come and join us," he said and asked Brabazon to provide three more cups and saucers. The boys sat down.

"Great, Mum. We had a barbecue last night and took Lucy for a walk. Can we have a dog?"

"Anyway, this is not a time to discuss that. I'm sure it doesn't interest Mr van den Berg."

"Philip, thank you for putting up with the boys," said Mrs Legge. "I wish we could invite them over, but we haven't the space in our house. You must come to dinner again sometime so that we can return the hospitality."

"It's a pleasure, Amanda. I might well do that some time. It's nice to see the house being used. It would be such a waste if it were just Brabazon and me and the boys had gone off to boarding school, say." When the assembled company had finished their tea, Mr Legge said

"Come on, Tony, gather your bits and pieces together. It's time we got you home before Angelica and William cause chaos." Tony said thank you before they moved out to car. He popped his head round the kitchen door to say goodbye to Brabazon who was preparing a neck of lamb before putting it into the oven.

"See you tomorrow," he said to Simon and Adam. In the back of the car he was rather silent, pondering the weekend. He was enjoying that dull ache in his bottom which is halfway between pain and pleasure, thinking about how he enjoyed sleeping with Steve even though they hadn't really done much together, how incredibly good-looking Simon was, how inspiring Adam was to any gay person and finally how different they all looked in the guest book.

"You'd have to pay a lot more than a penny for these thoughts," he replied with a wistful smile.

Meanwhile Philip and the boys had returned to the library for a second cup of tea. He told them about his trip to South Africa, about how he was worried by the security situation in the cities and that he might have to renege on his promise to take the boys there in the holidays, and that in the long term he might even have to revise his business links, establish a separate business with minimal assets and get a resident South African to run it and report to him in London rather than having to travel to South Africa himself. Also he would have to build up the business in other countries to compensate. China and India were opening up and offering opportunities. On the other hand the family fortune was such that if he cashed it in he needn't do another day's work in his life, but he needed the challenge. Also there were the family links with South Africa.

"Anyway, boys, I shall be working from home this week, not even going to London, and perhaps we can find something special to do at the weekend. Think about it and let me know." Adam and Simon noticed how tired he looked.

"I'd better go and clean my shoes for school," said Adam and went upstairs to fetch them.

"Simon, before you do. You remember I said I wanted a word with you. Although I didn't say so, I meant on your own. Come through to my study. We won't get disturbed in there and Brabazon can clear away the tea things." Simon was always full of apprehension when he was summoned to the study, but he followed obediently. Philip closed the door behind them and they sat down in the armchairs.

"Simon, as you know, it is my intention - our intention - for me to adopt Adam formally as my son." Simon looked intensely interested. "I don't want you to say anything until I've finished what I have to say and then you can ask or say whatever you want. It will remain within these four walls.

"Since your mother died you have been and always will be my nearest and dearest. That will never alter. You are not only half of me genetically, but you are also all I have left in living terms of your mother. Together we formed the plan to bring Adam into this family and from what I've seen it's been successful. It's now time to put it on a legal basis and because I'm home this week it gives me an opportunity to set things in motion. If Adam becomes my adopted son, he will legally be on the same footing as you. He will be morally entitled to an inheritance when I pass on and once the adoption is signed, sealed and delivered there is no going back. Now I am not going to go through with this unless I have your full agreement and backing. If you have the slightest doubt, it won't happen. Of course, if it doesn't happen, I won't send him back to the orphanage. He can live here as long as he wishes with me as his guardian and I'll pay his school fees and upkeep. I'm going to talk to Adam after dinner. Is there anything you want to say at this point?"

"Dad, in my quieter moments I have given this a lot of thought. It was basically my idea that we should do something for Adam and you came up with the suggestion as to what. These past months have been the happiest I've spent since Mum died and it's because I have had someone else to think about beside myself. If I lost Adam, it would be like Mum dying all over again. It's also made being gay a lot easier. Yes, we have our differences, but I think that is good. I think what I feel for him is love. I know we are young, our being gay could be a phase and either of us might in the future find new partners, but if we were to, if we're brothers by adoption, nothing can change that. I don't know how rich we are as a family... "

"I, and your grandfather before me, have always tried to diversify our assets and a lot are spread round the world in various safe places."

"So I think the inheritance question doesn't worry me, even less so if we're still together, and don't forget that Adam will have full access to his trust fund when he's twenty-one. Dad, I really want this to happen and the only thing that worries me is that if we're brothers by adoption it could stop us entering a civil union when we're older."

"In theory the answer is yes, I suppose, but I think it's too late in his life for that and I don't think he would want to out of respect for his own late father. Okay, Simon?" He nodded. "Then I shall speak to Adam after dinner. When I do, go and find something to do. If he's happy, I'll get on to the solicitors tomorrow morning, and when the papers are finally signed, I want you both there, even if it means taking you out of school for a couple of hours."

"Over dinner you can tell me about what you two are doing for the gay community at school."

Dinner was again one of Brabazon's superb roasts. He really took pride in producing them. When he came in to clear the main course, Philip congratulated him on the fine meal.

"Brabazon, although we haven't made any arrangements yet we expect to be out and about next weekend. So I suggest that you have Saturday and Sunday free. Even if we are here, we'll look after ourselves and so there'll be no need for you to ask Mrs Green to come in. I'll expect you back in on duty Monday morning."

"Thank you, Mr Philip," Brabazon replied as po-faced as ever and carried a tray of crockery and cutlery back to the kitchen.

"So boys, how are you getting on with looking after the gay community at school?"

"Quite interesting though," said Adam. "We had a list of six others in our year. Tony you know about. There's someone called Roly we've excluded because he's making a business out of being gay, and that apart we don't really feel comfortable with him. One lad we thought was gay wasn't. He's deep into art and was interested in our bodies from the point of view of drawing them."

"Another one likes dressing in his sister's clothes," said Simon. "Another one was scared stiff of his parents finding out and another was very interested, but didn't really know anything about it."

"Yep, apart from Roly we've been able to start helping them already," said Adam.

By this time they had finished their puddings and Simon announced that he was going to give Lucy a brush and comb.

"Adam," said Philip "I said I wanted to have a few words with you." Adam remembered. "How do you feel you've settled in with us?"

"Great. I think I'm the luckiest person in the world... except... except for losing Mum and Dad."

"A lot. My counsellor said it would take about two years to get over it, but since I met Simon he's been a great help in me getting through it. It's great. He's always there for me - literally as well as metaphorically, especially when I wake up in the middle of the night after a bad dream. Whoops. Perhaps I shouldn't have said that."

"It's all right, Adam. I don't think I have any illusions about what teenage boys get up to together, whether gay or not. As long as you are kind to one another and look out for each other, I'm not going to make a fuss. Don't think that Simon's said anything, either. I think everything became obvious that weekend we spent in London." Adam blushed. "When you came here, we talked about adopting you. If we're going to do that, it's time we started off the process. Simon has said he is quite happy about it going forward and so I'd like to hear from you what you think. It's one of those things that once the papers are signed, there's no going back. It's final."

"If it goes ahead, does that make Simon and me brothers?" Philip nodded. "We think we'd like to spend the rest of our lives together. Would being brothers stop us from having a civil union?"

"There's no 'have to'. You can do what you want for the time being and then make a final decision when you are eighteen. All that apart, would you like me to go ahead with a formal adoption?"

"That's one of the things I want to deal with this week while I'm at home. Have you got any more questions?"

"I don't think so. I probably will have, though. Thank you, Philip. You have been so kind to me," and Adam gave him a hug.

Adam found Simon outside on the patio grooming Lucy and told him what Philip had said. They hugged one another.

"Mmm, no wonder I've got such a stubby dick. I'm always wearing it down like a pencil."

"And I'll always have enough lead in my pencil for you, Si." Both boys burst out laughing and Lucy wondered what all the fuss was about.

"Adam, I want this to be special tonight. I'm off for an enema in a minute. I'm going to lube myself up ready so that so that we can make the foreplay last and not have to stop before the real thing. I want you to stretch me tonight with that chunky weapon of yours. I want to feel your tongue licking me out afterwards."

Simon was already in his dressing gown when they went into the kitchen for cocoa and biscuits.

"Don't shower tonight," Simon whispered to Adam when he thought Brabazon was not paying any attention. Philip came into the kitchen.

"And you used to smarm oil all over it to keep it down, Dad. I've seen the photos. Brylcreem boys they used to call you."

"Adam, this is so marvellous that you're going to be adopted by Dad. Then no one can separate us. Have you thought about your name yet?"

"Our? Not yet. My head hasn't got that far," answered Adam. The tone of his voice had changed from one of happiness to one of sadness.

"I'm sorry, Adam. I didn't mean to hurt you. Come here." Simon put his arms around him and gave him a gentle kiss on the lips. They looked into each other's eyes without being able to focus. "I would never hurt you. You know that. I want to make tonight special for you." They hugged and kissed again and found that they were beginning to get worked up long before they wanted to. With a final peck on the lips they parted.

"To answer your question, Si, I thought I would officially be called Adam Simon Neave van den Berg, no hyphen, that is on my passport and certificates such as our civil union certificate, but in everyday life, and especially at school, just Adam Neave or ASNeave."

"It isn't, but I thought if I'm going to change my name I might as well add another Christian name at the same time. Have you got another name?"

"I know, but I take it for granted. While I was combing Lucy, I thought how much we do take each other for granted, and yet I don't really notice things, such as the colour and shape of your nipples, whether you have long or short fingers even though I've held your hand many times or felt your fingers inside me. It occurred to me while thinking about Chris and how he wanted to look at our bodies so he could draw better." Adam started taking his clothes off. "Come and stand over here," and Simon started switching various lights on and off until Adam was the only illuminated thing in the room. He drew the curtains although the sun was not quite set. At first he looked at his face then giggled.

"Sorry." Simon ran the tips of his fingers over Adam's face. "You're going to have to start shaving soon. It's downy at the moment, but it'll soon become stubbly and I don't want to be kissing a hedgehog." Simon continued to run his fingertips down over his throat, across his smooth chest and then over his nipples. He stood back to look at them. They were perfect brown circles against white skin. The points were erect and Simon kissed both of them. An electric shock shot through Adam's body. The fingertips continued their downward journey, across the developing abs, clearly outlined, but not yet as hard as they would later become as he benefited from the effects of the activities régime at school, and down to his navel and invisible innie, which when Simon explored made Adam's body crumple as though he were being tickled. Simon gently skimmed the palm of his hand over his lower abdomen and felt the beginnings of a very slight treasure trail. He stood back to admire it. The fingers felt the prickles of his renascent pubes and after the treasure trail, the treasure itself - two substantial, plump plums nestling in a tight scrotum which thrust forward the chunky dick resting on top. Adam's dick was not short, but took on that appearance because of its proportionately large girth. It was this large girth which had given Simon so much pleasure and would continue to do so. The foreskin revealed the tip of his glans and while his cock had behaved itself up to now, it could do so no longer and started to expand outwards and upwards. Simon kissed Adam's scrotum and left it at that, getting him to turn round. Now he could admire those buttocks he would from time to time part, hard, slightly pear-shaped and free from hair. He put his hand between Adam's legs and ran his fingers up through the crevice, then caressed his butt with the palm of his hand. "Are you ready, Ad am?"

"Afterwards, my love. I want you raw tonight," at which Simon gently picked him up and placed him on his bed before extinguishing all the lights but one. He took off his dressing gown and towelling 'loin cloth'. A night of passion and celebration was about to begin.

Simon woke with the alarm at six-thirty with the feeling that he still had Adam throbbing inside him, but he could hear the shower running and his focussing eyes confirmed that the bed was otherwise empty. Although a long time light, the countryside was covered with a summer heat haze which the sun had not yet cleared.

"Morning, Si" chirruped Adam as he came out of the bathroom naked, but still rubbing his hair dry with a towel. Simon looked up at him and smiled. They exchanged a kiss. The remains of Adam's toothpaste tingled in Simon's lips. "Come on, lazy bones, or we'll be late. You were fantastic last night." Adam climbed into his school uniform, officially summer dress now for the second half of term, which meant a short sleeve shirt with neither tie nor jacket. He went down to breakfast while Simon got himself ready for school. They got through the morning's lessons unscathed, then at lunchtime there was a natural gathering in the dining hall of Simon, Adam, Tony, Paul, Francis, Robin and Steve. Chris said hi as he walked past with his tray and Roly tried to muscle in, but with a quick re-arrangement of chairs and trays he quickly realised there was no room for him and went off to pursue his business interests.

"Hey, peeps, look what I found over the holidays," said Paul. He produced a plastic carrier bag from under his chair and pulled out a copy of this month's GYmagazine.

"Let's have a look," said Tony. He went str8 to the centrefold. "Mmm, I fancy that. They don't even hide the naughty bits. Even makes me look a bit small."

"Careful, Tony," said Paul "or you'll get it confiscated." Adam took the magazine and looked inside the front cover.

"Hey, Si, I reckon we could order this. We can get a subscription on line and have it sent in the post."

"You're lucky," said Robin. "You don't have to hide anything." The bell rang for afternoon activities. They had cricket that day, except for Adam and Simon who had extra dance for the end of term show.

"I reckon this is going to be hard work this afternoon after nearly two weeks' rest," said Simon.

Simon and Adam fetched their kit from their lockers and went off to the dance studio in the sports hall. The only people in the changing room were the ones due to take part in the end of term show. On a Tuesday afternoon the room would have been crowded. The boys stripped off. Adam put on his dance belt and looked in his bag.

"Oh, bugger! I've forgotten to pack my cup. I haven't even got my cricket box here."

"You'll get comments," said Simon who was carefully aligning the strap of his dance belt, carefully after the previous night's activities. "I can still feel you in there," he whispered to Adam confidentially.

"You can borrow one of mine," called over Jonquil holding up two. "I always like to carry a spare. You never know when you can do a chum a favour."

"I'll take the medium one, if I may," said Adam. "The big one might look as if I'm boasting."

"I think not," said Jonquil. "We're all well aware of the bijou treasurette you keep between your legs, and we'd like to get out hands on it. Remember that if anyone ever wants to call in a favour, deary." Simon was giggling away as he heard Jonquil propositioning his boyfriend. Jonquil was in the year above and considered to be the school's leading danseuror ballerino. He was the sort of boy who could never have survived at the local comprehensive, but here he was viewed and tolerated as part of life's rich tapestry.

"You can have that as well and if you do, I shall never put it in the wash again." Adam started to pull his tights on, struggling to smooth out all the wrinkles.

"Of course," said Simon in hushed tones, "Jonquil, how could we forget him? We've got to get him on side." Adam was wondering who else was meant by Jonquil's 'we'. He then became enchanted with the way Simon's tights separated and emphasised his buttocks. 'God, how I'd like to sink in between them again. I can't wait until tonight,' he thought to himself. He returned to the real world and put his top on.

The afternoon's practice truly proved to be hard work. On the way to tea afterwards Adam said

"I think we were worked extra hard this afternoon because they knew we'd be unfit." They joined the queue for tea behind Jonquil. Our boys looked at each other. "Let's do it now." Adam nodded his agreement. "Jonquil, we're trying to do something for the gay community in the school, you know, a sorta support group, information, help, support in coming out or not, protection from bullying." Jonquil struck a ballet pose, put one hand on his hip and the forefinger of the other on his lip.

"And what makes you two little cuties think I'm interested in the gay community?"

"Well, you can count me in, dears. Just let me know what you want me to do and I'll bend over backwards to help you, or forwards, if that's better for you. And that includes you too, Simon van den Berg, Simon of the mount, the meaning of your name if I am not mistaken. We like to live up to our names. I like to think that Jonquil Everard is not a million miles from the truth." The queue moved on despite the little chortling audience Jonquil had acquired.

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After the Ghetto

Part 4

by N Fourbois