Date: Sat, 30 Jun 2001 08:35:15 -0400
From: Michael Raburn <mraburn@bellsouth.net>
Subject: Daniel's Love Chapter 5

THIS WORK IS FULLY PROTECTED BY U.S. COPYRIGHT LAWS.  NO PORTION OF THIS
WORK MAY BE COPIED OR REDISTRIBUTED BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT THE EXPRESS
CONSENT OF ITS AUTHOR.

THIS WORK DEALS WITH A FICTITIONAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TWO MEN.  IF
READING ABOUT HOMOSEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS OR SEXUAL CONTACT BETWEEN TWO MEN IS
EITHER ILLEGAL IN YOUR AREA OR OFFENDS YOU, PLEASE DO NOT READY ANY
FURTHER.

ANY SIMILARITIES TO ANY PERSON LIVING OR DEAD ARE PURELY COINCIDENTAL. THIS
WORK IS ENTIRELY FICTITIONAL.


Guys I really appreciate all the great responses you've sent me after that
the original posting of Daniel's Love.  Because of these letters and the
multitude of requests I am writing the sequel.  Since these characters have
taken on a life of their own, I'm not sure how long this series will
continue but there are several more chapters to follow.  Again, thanks for
the encouragement.



DANIEL'S LOVE

Michael A. Raburn

Chapter 5


Over the next week we spent our afternoons lazily strolling around the
neighborhood, checking the shops for gifts for our friends.  Nina was the
easy one to shop for; a quick trip to the local jeweler for gold anything
and she would be happy.  We also found a nice chunky chain for Robb at the
same store.  Mikey and Alan needed things for their new apartment so we
found them a bedding set where we bought ours.  Daniel insisted that we
stop by the adult novelty shop for assorted lubes and a few toys for them
as well.  I think we ended up buying more for ourselves than for the other
couple.  We got so worked up discussing the uses for the various items on
display that we ended up having to head home to experiment.  But, hey, I
was not complaining.

Mr. Garland's favorite vices were good cigars and fine bourbon so we packed
up two fifths of the best with a box of his favorite smokes.  Cornelia was
the big problem.  What do you buy for someone who has everything there is?
Finally we settled on a selection of fine coffees, ten different blends
from around the world.  She could at least get her caffeine rush in
assorted flavors.

I had wracked my brain to find just the perfect gift for Daniel.  We agreed
that we wanted to only exchange small gifts and not spend a lot of money on
something that we would not use or enjoy.  One afternoon when he went off
to the library I rushed back to the jewelry shop to see if they had
anything wonderful that he would appreciate.  When we were there together I
noticed him several times glancing at the displays.

"May I help you sir? The white-haired old jeweler asked.  "Oh Paul, I'm
sorry I didn't recognize you.  Where's Daniel?  I thought he was attached
at the hip." He joked.

"I sent him off to the library to do a little research.  Actually Dale, I
needed to get him out of the house so I could find the perfect Christmas
present." I laughed.

"Well, what did you have in mind?"

"I really like those." I pointed to the ring display.  One set of rings
drew my eye, double strands of gold and silver entwined in a slender braid.

"Paul, those are really pretty, but I sold that set earlier today, to a
nice young man.  Wouldn't you like something else?  A nice chain or
bracelet instead?" Dale was almost pleading, a strange look on his face.

"No, I really want those.  Can you get another set?" I asked.

"Yeah, I can if that's what you want." He trailed off.

"Yep, that's it.  I need a size ten and a size eleven.  When can you have
them ready?"

"It will take a couple of days.  Come back Friday."

I handed him my charge card and again turned to look at the rings.
Perfect, just perfect.  Daniel would love them.  Christmas was on Sunday so
picking them up on Friday was no problem.  I just had to remember to get
back before the party we were having that night with the gang.


"Wake up, Daddy Bear." I heard through the fog of my dreams.  Daniel was
whispering in my ear between kisses.  "It's time to get up."

"I'm already up.  Who wouldn't be with your beautiful body lying across
them?"  I moved my hands up to caress his strong back.

"Merry Christmas.  I brought us breakfast in bed."  He gathered me in his
arms and kissed me passionately, rubbing his hardon against mine.  "Hmm,
maybe breakfast can wait."

"Nah, I can't stand cold eggs."  I said as I rolled us over, pinning him
under me.  "I think I'll just eat you.  Merry Christmas, my Baby Bear."

We shared some more hugs and kisses then separated.  He reached to bring
the tray from the floor up to the bed.  It was laden with crispy bacon,
fluffy omelets and mixed fruit in champagne.  We ate slowly, stopping
frequently to exchange kisses and snuggles.  When we finished he moved the
tray back to the floor on his side of the bed.  I reached over to the
bedside drawer to retrieve his gift and placed it in front of him as he
turned back with mine.  I pulled him into my lap, wrapping my arms around
his back.

"Daniel, I love you so much.  You stole my heart that first night we met.
We've been through lots of ups and downs, good times and bad these last six
months.  I don't know what I would do without you in my life."

"Paul, you know I feel the same way.  You saved me in so many ways.  I
can't imagine a life without you.  I love you."

I picked up my gift for him, urging him to unwrap it.  As he began tearing
off the paper, I took a deep breath.

"Baby, will you marry me?"  I whispered.

His eyes shot up from the blue velvet box to meet mine.  He leaned in to
kiss me.

"Oh, Paul, of course I'll marry you."  He lifted the lid that held the
matched set of bands and began to laugh.  I took the smaller of the two
rings and placed it on the third finger of his left hand.

"What's so funny?" I asked after I kissed him.

"Here, open yours.  Looks like we had the same idea."

Under the wrapping I found an identical box from the same jeweler.  Opening
them I realized why he was laughing.  He had been the nice young man who
purchased the rings I had chosen.

"Umm, Daniel.  What, why?"

"Paul, if you hadn't beaten me to the punch I was going to ask you."  He
giggled.

"Well, go ahead."

"Paul, will you marry me?"

I nodded as he slipped the ring on my finger.

"I love you, baby.  Now, how about dessert?" I eased him out of my lap,
pulling him around to lie on top of me.  My hands caressed down his back
and into the waistband of his boxers, pulling him to me.  We made love
gently, slowly then slipped into a nap, wrapped in each other's arms.


"Daniel, I'll take the other set of rings back tomorrow."

"No, Paul.  Look."  He took the other ring that was my size and slid it on
my finger.  The two meshed perfectly together lying side by side.  The pair
seemed to be one wide band and not two separate units.  I reached around to
find the other box then slipped the mate on Daniel's finger.  They reminded
me of our relationship; we were so good together, incomplete apart.  It
really had turned out to be the most wonderful Christmas of our lives.


"Paul, baby, wake up.  The phone is for you."  I unwrapped my arms from
around Daniel's strong body and sat up.

"Huh?  Who is it?" I asked, groggily trying to wipe the sleep from my eyes.

"It's Margaret Johnson.  She sounds upset."

"Hello, Margaret what's wrong?  It's...three o'clock for God's sake." I
asked.

"Paul, I'm so sorry to wake you and Daniel, but I've got a problem.  Can I
come over?"  It was obvious she was upset and sounded like she had been
crying.

"Sure, come on.  We're up now."

"Okay, thank you so much.  We'll be there in about twenty minutes."

"Be careful." I said as I replaced the receiver and turned to Daniel.

"Baby Bear, we need to get dressed.  Margaret sounds upset."

As we were pulling on some clothes I explained what little I knew about the
phone call.  Daniel went off the kitchen to make coffee and I went through,
turning on the lights and unlocking the front door.  I had just flipped the
switch for the lights out front when Margaret's car pulled into driveway.
I ran out to greet her and was shocked at the sight as she pulled herself
from the car.

"Daniel!  I need the first aid kit!  Hurry!  Margaret, are you okay, what
happened?"  She staggered from the car and into my arms.  She had red
splotches forming on her face where someone had hit her; her dress was
soaked down the front with blood.

"I'm all right.  Get the kids." She gestured to the back seat of the car.

Daniel came running out of the house, first aid kit under his arm. "Oh god,
Margaret, what happened?"

"Daniel, help Paul.  I'm okay." She took the kit and urged him towards the
car.

As Daniel ran up behind me, I opened the back door to a sight that made our
hearts stop, two boys, about fourteen years old huddled together.  Their
faces were bruised and covered in tears, their hair matted with blood.

"Boys, I'm Paul and this is Daniel.  We need to get you in the house and
get you cleaned up." I tried to speak as softly as possible to not alarm
them.

"No!  Don't take him away from me!" one boy yelled as I tried to pull them
from the car.

"We're not going to hurt you and we're not going to take anybody away from
anybody.  Okay?" Daniel asked, reaching out his arms.

They looked at each other then nodded.  Climbing up into my arms one of the
boys wrapped his arms around my neck and his legs around my waist.  I
stepped back and the other boy practically jumped into Daniel's arms,
reaching out his hand for the boy in my arms.  We moved towards the house
side-by-side, linked by the clutching fingers of the youngsters.

Margaret led the way to the kitchen, introducing us to Kyle and Jason.  We
sat the boys on the bar and began to examine them for wounds.  Other than
the bruises and a few small lacerations to their heads, nothing seemed to
be too extensive.  Kyle's neck showed evidence that someone had attempted
to strangle him, bruises ringing his shoulders and neck.  At least there
were no broken bones.

"Margaret, shouldn't we call the police?  We need to get a report on file."
I asked.

"No, please don't call them, they'll make us go back." Kyle began to cry.
Jason moved to pull the smaller boy into his arms, whispering into his ear.

"Kyle, Jason, come on let's get you both in the shower and get all that
blood off you.  We'll talk about it in the morning." Daniel said.

"Baby, get the camera first, we need to get some photographs just in
case..." I urged.

After we took a few shots of their faces, we helped them remove their
shirts, revealing more bruising.  Daniel took several shots of their chests
and backs then turned his camera to Margaret.  While he was finishing up
with her I ushered the boys to the master bathroom and started the water to
warming.

"Okay, boys, get in the shower and try to get all the gunk off you.  I'll
go get some clothes for you to wear.  Be right back."

"Thank you Mr. Paul." Jason hugged me.

"Yes, th, thank you for helping us." Kyle moved to join our embrace.

I held them for a few seconds before ushering them into the shower.  "In
you go.  Be careful and help each other get clean.  Use plenty of soap and
shampoo; just don't be too rough on your scalps.  You don't want the cuts
to start bleeding again."  I closed the sliding door after them, gathered
up their bloody, torn clothing and headed for the laundry room.  Standing
in front of the filling washer I emptied their pockets onto the dryer then
dumped their clothes in with plenty of detergent.

"Paul, are you okay?" I turned to see Margaret holding an ice bag to her
swollen face.

"Who...who could do this to them.  To those sweet boys?" My voice caught in
my throat.  My vision blurred as the tears threatened to stream down my
face.  "No, they need us now." I swiped my hand at my face, brushing away
the tears.

Daniel appeared in the doorway carrying two sets of his sweat pants and
shirts.  From the look on his face I could tell he was as disturbed as I
was.  Hearing the water stop in the shower, we turned back to the bathroom
to check on our charges.  They were slowly drying off with the fluffy
towels I had laid out for them.

"Here you go guys.  These are probably too big, but they'll do for now." I
said.  I moved to help Kyle dress in the oversized clothes; Daniel helped
Jason.  When they were clothed I returned with them to the kitchen to
bandage their wounds while Daniel and Margaret turned down the blankets in
the guest bedroom.

"Okay, guys.  Ready for bed?" I asked.

"Yes, sir." Jason replied, reaching out to catch Kyle's hand.  "We're
ready."

Daniel and I tucked them in, ruffling their hair as we pulled the blankets
up under their chins.  Jason swatted at Daniel's hand, then pulled him down
for a hug.  Kyle faintly smiled up at me as I leaned over to kiss his
forehead.  As we turned to leave I glanced back at the boys to see them
moving towards each other in the middle of the bed.  Pulling the door
closed behind us I noticed that Kyle had turned to spoon his back to
Jason's chest, pulling the stronger boy's arms around him.

"Good night, guys." I said, the tears I had fought back earlier streamed
down my face.  Daniel moved to embrace me, leaning his head on my shoulder
as sobs wracked his frame.  We held onto each other, trying to regain our
composure, yet hurting for the brave boys.


"I don't know about the rest of you, but I need a drink." I said, walking
towards the kitchen.  Daniel and Margaret agreed as I moved to take glasses
from the cupboard.  After pouring three strong brandies, I moved towards
the den.

"Margaret, why can't I call the police?  What happened tonight?" I asked,
settling beside my lover on the sofa.

"Jason's father is a police officer and he and Kyle's dad are big buddies.
That's why they are so afraid of the police.  They're sure that they will
have to go back to their homes if we file a report.  Kyle's dad found a
letter that Jason had written expressing his love for Kyle.  From what they
told me, his dad went ballistic and started beating up on him when Kyle got
home.  He tried to strangle Kyle until he passed out.  Kyle woke up a
little while later on the lawn, his father had thrown him out not knowing
whether he was alive or dead.  By the time Kyle got to Jason's house his
father had already called Jason's dad.  Jason managed to call me before his
father busted through the bedroom door and started hitting him with his
nightstick.  When Kyle rang the doorbell, Jason's dad stopped hitting his
son and ran to attack the other boy.  Jason somehow got between them before
Kyle could be hurt anymore.  They ran away and hid in some bushes nearby.
When I got there Jason's dad punched me a few times before the neighbors
came out to see what was happening.  I stumbled back to my car to find the
boys hiding in the backseat.  I wasn't sure what to do or where to go, so I
came here."

"What do we do now?" Daniel asked.

I picked up the phone and began dialing numbers, glancing at the clock.  I
hated to wake Bruce, but what were attorneys for if you could not call them
when you needed them.  After several rings his wife answered the phone.  I
apologized for calling so late then began to explain the situation to her.
I could hear her waking Bruce in the background, telling him to get on the
phone and start making phone calls.  We talked for a few more minutes
exchanging ideas before hanging up.

"Margaret, can you call your friend the judge and a couple of your social
worker buddies?  Bruce wants to meet with them here as soon as possible.
Daniel, do we have the stuff to make breakfast for everybody?  I need to
call Alan and Mikey and get them here too."

Margaret and I finished our calls at about the same time and joined Daniel
in the kitchen.  He already had a good start on breakfast, but Margaret
jumped in to slice some fruit as I placed dishes on the counter.  Less than
thirty minutes later the doorbell rang.

Opening the door to Bruce and his wife I was amazed to see Police
Commissioner Evans and his wife with them.  We had barely finished
introductions when Judge Nelson arrived with a court reporter.  Alan and
Mikey pulled in the driveway, followed by a car with two middle-aged
ladies, presumable the social workers.  I ushered everyone in to the
kitchen, introducing them to Daniel and Margaret.

The thirteen of us filled our plates and moved to the dining room.  Daniel
passed out coffee to everybody and started the third pot of the morning.
We settled down and Margaret retold the story of what had happened before
they arrived at our house.  Daniel and I filled out the exposition by
explaining the extent of the boy's injuries and showing everyone the
photographs we had taken.  Thank goodness for digital cameras.

The commissioner took out his cell phone and started making calls, as did
the judge.  While the big boys planned the strategy for helping our
children, funny how I had begun to think about them as "our" children,
Daniel and I talked with the social workers.  We were working on a strategy
to have the kids placed somewhere safe, where their fathers could not get
to them.

Commissioner Evans finished first, telling us that warrants had been issued
for the arrest of the fathers.  Because of their involvement with the
police force the GBI had been called in to help with the investigation.
Judge Nelson hung up to hear the last of Evans' statement.  He needed to
get back to the courthouse to sign the papers that were being drawn up.
Restraining orders had been issued preventing the fathers from coming near
the boys, Margaret or us.  Temporary custody had been granted to Daniel and
me.  When we told him that we had not started the paperwork on the foster
parents certification he explained that had been handled as well.

Everyone tried to reassure us that we could handle all the upheaval that
had come into our lives and that they would do their part in helping keep
the boys safe.  The Evans and the Nelsons were the first to leave, followed
closely by the social workers.  Mikey offered to drive Margaret home since
I wanted to talk to Alan about some security measures for the house, but
she declined.  After she left Alan set the alarms then he and Mikey urged
us to go back to bed and get some more sleep.  They would stay around and
clean up some while we rested.  Daniel and I hugged them both then set off
for our bedroom.

We had only been asleep a little while when I felt someone tugging at my
shirt.  I opened my eyes to see Jason and Kyle standing hand in hand beside
the bed.  I reached over to move Daniel over some, opening a space between
us for the boys.  He barely opened his eyes before reaching down to lift
the covers, inviting the boys in with us.  They settled down between us and
were asleep embracing each other before I had tucked the covers back around
them.  Daniel and I turned on our sides entwining our fingers, our arms
around the boys.

"I love you Daniel." I whispered.

"Hmm, you too, Daddy Bear."


"Cornelia, what are you doing here?  Why didn't you call, we could have
picked you up at the airport." I laughed as she breezed in through the
doorway.

"That's what chauffeurs are for, dear." She said as she dropped her handbag
and coat on the chair in the entry.  "I hear I'm a grandmother." She
laughed as the driver brought in her luggage.

"Well, not officially, yet." I said, hugging her.  "Daniel, mom's here." I
yelled towards the kitchen.

"Cornelia, what a surprise." He rushed to hug her.

"Came to see my grandkids, cutie.  Where are they?"

"Out back, come on.  I just brewed fresh coffee."

"Bless you, my child." She giggled.


Since it was one of those unseasonably warm January days we had been having
breakfast on the patio when Cornelia rang the bell.  Jason and Kyle were
just finishing up when we returned.

"Jason, Kyle this is Cornelia Garland.  She is sort of an adopted mother to
both of us." I explained to the boys.

"You two are so cute.  Come here and give granny a hug."

"Granny?" Kyle asked.  Through the weeks they had been with us their wounds
had pretty much healed, only faint bruising was left around Kyle's neck.  I
realized that the psychological wounds their fathers had inflicted would
take years to heal, if they ever did.  Jason was the more outgoing of the
two, ever protective of his Kyle.  Kyle, while shy around strangers had
begun to open up to Daniel and me and proved himself to be the joker in the
family.  We had had several discussions about what they wanted and needed
in life.  We had talked to both the boys together and separately.  Jason
and Daniel had been to the park to roller blade a few times, giving them
time to forge their bond.  Somehow they had been drawn together just as
Kyle and I had formed a special bond.  They both were assured that they
could come to either or both of us with problems or questions but I guess
they felt more comfortable with the one-on-one that had developed.

We had been shopping several times, augmenting the clothing the social
workers had retrieved from their homes.  They were both settling into our
little household quickly.  The guestroom had become their space, somewhere
they felt safe and that belonged to them.  We had only stipulated that they
keep it clean and relatively neat.  Daniel and I had wondered just last
night what it was that we did before they came into our lives.

"Boys, after you done giving granny her hugs, please clean up out here and
put the dishes in the dishwasher.  I'll finish up and start it later."
Daniel said, returning from the kitchen with the coffee pot and a mug for
Cornelia.

"Yes, sir." Jason responded.

"So polite too." Cornelia added.

When the boys left with the dirty dishes she turned to me.

"When are you due in court?"

"How did you know about that?" I asked.

"I have my ways.  I want to be there to support you both, well, all four of
you now.  I'm not sure what it will matter to the judge, but I can sling
around my weight if it is needed."  She joked.

"We have to be at Family Court at two o'clock this afternoon.  The families
have pretty much washed their hands of the kids.  They don't want anything
to do with two little "perverts" as they so kindly put it." Daniel
responded, bitterly.

"Fools." She muttered as she reached for the phone.  "Cornelia here, two
o'clock, Family Court.  You bring the big guns?  Yes, see you there."

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Hmm, wait and see, darling.  Paul, can you get the kids ready?  Daniel and
I need to run a little errand before court." She asked.

"Yes, but I don't understand."

"All will be revealed, in time." She giggled.


The driver returned Cornelia and Daniel after their little errand and we
all set off to the courthouse to meet Bruce and the social workers.  The
boys were dressed in their new blazers and slacks but kept pulling at the
ties I made them wear.  Bruce met us outside the assigned courtroom and
asked if we were ready.  He had explained that the judge wanted to
formalize the custody decree for the next six months until the issue of
adoption could be discussed and decided.

"In the matter of Jason Hughes and Kyle Tollson, are all the parties
represented?"

"Actually, your honor, no.  The boy's families have chosen to not attend
these proceedings nor have they sent their attorneys." Replied one of the
caseworkers.

After a brief exposition of the particulars of the case the judge asked the
caseworker to examine the inquiries that been made into our lives.  She
explained that background checks had come back clean, no incidents in our
pasts in any way detracted from us being certified as foster parents.  The
necessary checks of our home were clean and their office felt we were up to
the job required.  The only item that was up for question was the fact that
neither Daniel nor I had a job in the traditional sense and as such they
were unable to verify our income.

When Bruce called Mrs. Garland to the stand to question her about my
involvement with Garland International the judge made a point of thanking
her for her appearance, seems her husband and the judge were old friends.
She explained what I had been commissioned to do for the corporation and
the deadlines that were to be met.  When the judge asked about the payment
for the commission I was floored by her response.

"The total amount of the commission, less River Park Gallery's percentage
was deposited this morning into Mr. Jamison's and Mr. Scott's joint
account." She stated, producing the deposit slip to back up her testimony.
"And, Judge Nelson, if I may continue?"

He nodded his assent.

"I have known Paul and Daniel since June and want to personally vouch for
them as decent, hardworking young men.  In many ways they have become the
sons that I never had.  And those two wonderful young men, Jason and Kyle
are already my grandchildren in spirit if nothing else.  If they ever need
anything that Paul and Daniel cannot give them, well, that's what grannies
are for."

Bruce next called Marcie to the stand to testify about Daniel's novel and
the potential earnings when it was published.  She also offered a glowing
reference, vouching for our position in the community, and then was
excused.

There was a slight commotion at the back of the courtroom as the bailiffs
ushered in several people.

"Judge Nelson, your honor, I would like to apologize for being so late for
these proceedings.  Our plane was delayed in landing here in Atlanta."

"Mr. Avery, welcome to my courtroom.  Seems these gentlemen travel in some
pretty powerful company." The judge laughed.

"If I may, sir?" Mr. Avery asked.

"Certainly."

"When I heard about Paul and Daniel and their situation with Jason and
Kyle, I, well, we felt it necessary to come here to support two of the
finest members of the Avery family.  We could not allow them to not be
represented by the entire Board in this matter.  We all feel a debt of
gratitude for these special men and what they have done for The Avery
Foundation.  During a meeting on the flight down, we unanimously elected
them both to take their places as board members of The Foundation."

As surprised as I was by Cornelia's revelation about the money, Daniel and
I both were totally caught off guard by Mr. Avery's statement.  I could
only squeeze Daniel's hand as we both fought back the tears that were
welling up in our eyes.  I caught a quick glimpse of Cornelia and realized
that she too was just as surprised.

"Thank you for your testimony, Mr. Avery.  Now, in the matter of
certification of Mr. Jamison and Mr. Scott, I rule that they are so
certified.  Now to you Mr. Hughes and Mr. Tollson, is there anything you
wish to say before I formalize the custody decree?" Judge Nelson asked of
the boys.

Daniel turned to look at me as Kyle stood to address the court.  We were
both surprised that he and not Jason would speak for them.  We had not
talked to the boys much about the proceedings, as we knew very little about
them ourselves.  No one had suggested that they would have to speak to the
judge like this.

"Your Honor, Mr. Paul and Mr. Daniel have been wonderful to both of us
these past few weeks.  They took us in when our father's beat us up.  They
cleaned and bandaged our wounds, made sure we had enough to eat and a safe
place to sleep.  And they helped us realize that we are worthwhile people,
that just because we are gay and we love each other that there is nothing
wrong with us.  There were so many times that Jace and I felt we were not
worth anything because of what our families had done, but Paul and Daniel
were always there to talk to us, to make us feel better about ourselves.  I
don't think we know anyone who we would rather call 'parents' than Paul
Jamison and Daniel Scott.  Thank you."

When he turned to look at me I saw tears streaming down his cheeks.
Jason's face mirrored his love's as he too turned to look at Daniel and me.
Of course, both of us were also quietly crying and clutching each other's
hands.

"Then if there is no objection.  Especially since the parents of these boys
did not bother to make an appearance.  I award custody of Jason Hughes and
Kyle Tollson to Paul Jamison and Daniel Scott." The judge proclaimed, his
gavel striking the desk.

Kyle and Jason ran to our waiting embrace as the courtroom erupted in
cheers.  We hugged, laughed and cried all at the same time, as our little
family was certified legal by the courts.


TO BE CONTINUED...