Date: Mon, 21 Jan 2002 15:25:08 -0800 (PST)
From: eagle 42 <eagle42scecp@yahoo.com>
Subject: Chapter 8, Tanner & Robert

Disclaimer:
This story is a fantasy of my own creation. The
characters are not real; they were born of my
imagination. If a consensual relationship between
two of-age males bothers you, then do not read
further. If you are under the legal age in your
area, stop reading now.

Any similarities between a character and a real
person, living or dead, are purely coincidental.
Any actions the reader takes as a result of reading
this story are not the responsibility of the author.
You may not reproduce, post, or distribute this
story in any way without the author's expressed
written permission.  You may print out one copy or
save one copy of this story for your own viewing and
entertainment.  By reading further, you implicitly
are agreeing to the above guidelines.

Many thanks go to Hal, Jason & Cody for volunteering
their time and expertise to edit this story.

E-mails from readers are truly encouraged. I
appreciate your constructive criticism and comments.
Enjoy --

Tanner and Robert

Deja vu

Dr. Worthington
As we were unloading the van at Jason's townhouse, I
turned to Tanner and said, "Tanner, there's
something I'd like to talk with you about today. Why
don't we get our things put away, and freshen up;
then, let's you and I make some time for a serious
family discussion about your future and your
relationship with us, your prodigal family."

He responded, "Okay, dad. I would like that -- just
the two of us, father and son."

Chapter Eight

Dr. Worthington
"Jason, if you've got a few minute I would like to
discuss something with you," I commented.

"How's right now, Bob? Let's put our stuff in the
rooms, meet in the kitchen, and make us a drink. We
can sit out on the balcony and have our
conversation," Jason responded.

Soon we were comfortably ensconced in our lounge
chairs on the balcony. I began, "Jason, I know that
Tanner's efforts to establish a relationship with
me, at whatever level, was and remains his primary
goal. Dorothy and I are also convinced that there is
no hidden agenda behind his motives, and that he
wasn't there to become a member of the family or
move in with us, or whatever. However, we feel that
that's just what we want to offer him -- a home,
another brother, a mom, a dad -- to become a true
family member -- - that is, if he's interested and
agreeable. I know he's nineteen -- and what
nineteen-year-old doesn't feel like he or she's an
adult -- He must make this decision on his own. But
we want your blessing also. This move also includes
Kyle. We would legally adopt him.

"Another factor, Jason, Dorothy and I both make more
money than we could ever need or use. Our house is
big enough for two more teenagers; the two guest
rooms are really quite large and can easily be
converted into their space. In fact, each has it's
own private bath.

"Moreover, we've been discussing building a guest
cottage out by the pool so this will just put that
project on the fast track. And more importantly,
we're willing to provide a college education for
both of them -- and graduate degrees if the needs
should arise.
At least, consider our proposal."

Jason responded graciously, "Bob, without a second
thought, you and Dorothy have my blessing. I know I
can't provide a home environment like you two can.
I'm on the road so much of the time because of the
firm. I love both the boys like they were my own.
But, I think your proposal, if the boys are
agreeable, is the way to go."

"However, Bob, the money thing -- college, living
expenses, clothes, etc -- that's another matter. I'm
sure Tanner hasn't said anything to you about what
I'm going to tell you, but I feel you and Dorothy
need to know.

"Tanner's parents were killed by an 18-wheeler
driven by a drunk driver. As a result of the police
investigation, it was found out that the driver had
two DUIs on his record and yet the trucking company
continued to employ him even though they were aware
of the fact. Come to find out that the driver was
the brother-in-law of the company's owner.

Jason continued, "I decided to sue on grounds of
negligence on behalf of the boys. The suit never
went to court because the insurance company saw they
could never win it. They settled early on. The boys
received close to six million dollars in the
settlement. There were no legal fees since I handled
the case.  That money, plus what they received from
their parent's estate and their parent's insurance,
totaled out at ten million. In other words, Tanner
and Kyle each have a trust fund set up that I
administer totaling about five million.

"Each takes control of his fund upon reaching the
age of 25," Jason continued. "However, they are
presently provided a monthly sum for living
expenses. Naturally, their education is covered -- -
for as long as they want to continue in school. If
the boys move in with you and Dorothy -- after a
year's time -- I'll make you two the trust fund
administrators, that is, if you're willing to take
on that responsibility."

"My God," I responded, "I had no idea. What a rotten
way to get that money; but, at least they're
provided for if the funds are invested and spent
wisely. I'm not a financial expert, but my wife's
brother is one of the best financial planners in the
business --- honest as the day is long. If need be,
we'll ask for his assistance and guidance."

"Then it's settled," Jason said. "If the boys want
to join your family then we'll make the necessary
legal arrangements, have Kyle enrolled in high
school, get Tanner transferred to college there --
You know, he's on full scholarship out here and
presently maintains a 4.0 GPA. He's also was a
National Merit Finalist scholar. Any chance that
scholarship can be transferred with him back in
Virginia?"

I answered, "Well, since I'm on the medical faculty
and have good connections, I think something similar
can be arranged. We'll look into that immediately.
In fact, when I update Dorothy on this situation,
and if Tanner and Kyle are interested, she can begin
inquires immediately."

"Bob, another factor that might work in Tanner's
favor regarding transferring his merit scholarship,
his mother's father was at one time dean of the
graduate school there at the university. You know,
family connections never hurt."

"How true," I responded. "I'm sure that'll help
also. Now, Jason, I have to have this little
discussion with Robert. He's clueless regarding what
we've talked about."

"OK, Bob, I'll leave that to you. I'm going to catch
a shower myself and maybe check with the hospital
afterwards. Want another drink?"

Tanner
Uncle Jason uses this townhouse sometimes for
business purposes. Since his "original" home is
located about an hour's drive from his office, he
often sleeps in town rather than bothering with the
commute. Sometimes important out-of-town clients are
offered the hospitality of the townhouse rather than
having to stay in a local hotel or motel.

There was plenty of room for Robert, Uncle Jason,
Dr. Worthington and me -- It still seems strange
calling him "Dad" -- since the condo has three
spacious bedrooms. It was decided that Robert and I
would share one of the bedrooms while dad and Uncle
Jason each had their own room.

"Little bro, here's our room. Each bedroom has it's
own bath, and there's plenty of hot water. Even with
my long showers, I've never run out."

Pointing at the kingsize bed I continued, "Sorry
about the single bed -- guess you and I will have to
share one again. Just promise to be on your best
behavior. Wouldn't want that little thing to get out
of control," I quipped as I pointed at Robert's
crotch.

"Little thing? Little thing! You better look again,
big brother," Robert retorted as we both laughed.

"Not a problem, little bro, I think Uncle Jason has
a microscope around somewhere," I replied.

Robert grabbed a pillow from the bed and hit me over
the head with it. With my not being one to back down
in the face of such physical dangers, there
immediately ensued an energetic pillow fight.

However, our antics were soon interrupted by the
intercom.

We heard Dad's voice say, "Robert, before you start
your shower, would you please come down to my room.
There's something we need to discuss."

"Ok, Dad. Be right there," Robert responded.

I commented that I thought I would mosey down to the
kitchen to find something to munch on and drink, and
put my stuff away while Robert was talking with dad.

"Must be important for dad to want you to come right
now. Hope nothin's wrong," I commented and
continued. "Come to think of it, he and I are up for
a session after I finish in here. Something's in the
air, bro. Got my curiosity up now. You'd better head
on for the father-son thing. Later."

Dr. Worthington
"Have a seat, son -- I just got off the phone with
your mom -- the third conversation today. She and I
have come to a decision but want your input and
reaction before we act upon that decision."

"Something's not wrong, is it, Dad? You're so
serious right now -- kinda scary, if you want to
know the truth," Robert interjected.

"No, son. In fact, things are just great, or will be
when Kyle rejoins us in the world of the
"conscious".

We're a "touchy/feely" family so I moved over the
sofa and sat down next to Robert. I took one of his
hands in mine and continued, "Robert, we know that
Tanner came to us with the intent of establishing a
relationship with me and our family, not necessarily
to become a member of it. However, under the
circumstances, and with your blessing, your mom and
I intend to ask him to join the family -- Kyle also
-- to move in with us and go to college back home,
probably the university."

I continued, "I've just finished discussing this
with Jason, and he's totally supportive of our
intentions. What do you think?"

Robert's face lit up like a 3-year-old kid spotting
the presents under the tree on Christmas morning and
blurted out, "Dad, there's no thinking about it. You
have no idea how happy that would make me. Wow, a
real big brother plus another one my own age right
there at home. Go for it!"

Robert gave me a big hug and then asked, "Is this
what you're going to talk to Tanner about?

"Yes, son, as soon as he's finished his shower.
Please don't say anything to him until I've talked
with him. Now changing the subject, we want to be
ready in case the hospital calls so let's get
cleaned up and our stuff put away ASAP. OK?"

Tanner
My little bro came back to our room with shit-eatin'
grin on his face. When I asked him what was up, he
just clamed up and would tell me nothing.

 "Robert, you go ahead and take your shower while I
put my clothes away, I don't think I can live out of
a suitcase since we're probably going to be here
several days at least."

"Okay, then I'll do the same while you're in the
shower. The suitcase bit doesn't excite me, either,"
responded Robert.

Since we both were already comfortable being naked
around each other, Robert stripped down immediately,
stepped into the bathroom and began his shower.
Thanks goodness he didn't look back at me because
the sight of that beautiful teen body was starting
to give me that uplifted feeling, if you get my
drift. How I wanted to join him under that hot water
and get my hands on that hot bod!

Robert
I was still giddy from the discussion that dad and I
just had. To say I was happy would be an
understatement. Then it struck me.

My thoughts ran amuck. "How will Tanner react to his
finding out that I'm gay? Maybe he won't want to
become a part of my family then. Yet, it wouldn't be
fair if I do not to come out to Tanner before he
makes his decision. Damn, I could lose him as a
brother and as a friend. And what about Kyle? SHIT,
SHIT, SHIT!! What the hell do I do?"

At Tanner's suggestion I began my shower first. I
only wish he were in here with me. That thought
brought about a distinct physical change in me as
the blood from my brain migrated to my mid-section.
The blue-veined flute began to rise to the occasion,
and I slowly began to jack off right there in the
shower with Tanner right in the next room. Was I
crazy or just teenage-horny?

It didn't take long for that familiar feeling to
rise from my balls as they migrated upward in my nut
sack signaling my impending orgasm. As the first
volley of my hot cum squirted onto the shower walls,
I involuntarily groaned and gasped loudly as my
knees somewhat buckled. Leaning against the opposite
shower wall to prevent my falling on my ass, I
continued jacking off, thus producing several more
strong ejaculations of my teen seed.

After regaining my composure and finishing my bodily
oblations, I stepped out of the shower and dried
myself off -- hoping that Tanner would not come in
and see the evidence of my recent sexual release --
my somewhat red-flushed dick in a still half-hard
state. But then again, maybe I wished he would ...

Tanner
When I finished putting my clothes away and
organizing my "stuff", I opened the door to the
bathroom with the intent of going to take a pee.
However, as the door opened I heard some noise
emanating from the shower -- a loud gasp and perhaps
a groan or two of what I interpreted as sexual
passion. I immediately realized that Robert was
jacking off.

Even though the glass door to the shower was semi-
transparent and wet with steam, I could still see
the outline of his body and the motions of his hand
as he brought himself to that organismic moment.
Being torn between continuing to intrude upon his
private moments or respecting his privacy, I quickly
decided that my respect for him required that I
slowly remove myself from this potentially
embarrassing situation. However, I fleetingly hoped
that eventually we could share such moments. But, if
he's straight, I don't want to lose him by making
what he might consider improper advances. Settling
for being a brother and close friend may be only
what our relationship will be in the future; but
then again, that's enough for me if that's my only
choice.

I completed my bathroom chores without resorting to
finding release myself, but I was sorely tempted.
However, at that moment the phone rang and I
answered it out of habit.

"Hello... No, this is not Mr. Kingston; this is his
nephew, Tanner... What? Please repeat that... He's
awake? ... And asking for me? ... Hell yeah! I'll
tell my uncle; I'm sure we'll be there soon. Thanks
again for calling. Goodbye."

"Robert," I yelled. "That was the hospital. Kyle has
come out of the coma and is asking for me and Uncle
Jason. He's gonna make it, bro. He's gonna make it!
Damn, that great news!"

As my eyes teared up, I ran over and hugged Robert.
He returned the hug with enthusiasm and said, "Go
tell Dad and your Uncle Jason. I'll be ready to go
shortly."

Kyle
I still had a slight headache and felt somewhat out
of touch with reality, but I knew where I was and
that I wanted to see Tanner and Uncle Jason. My
thoughts were soon interrupted by a knock at the
door. Tanner entered wearing a smile as wide as the
door.

A sense of love swept over me as he approached the
bed. We're about as close as two brothers can be --
even though we're only half-brothers. He's gay and
I'm straight as an arrow, but we've always been very
demonstrative about our love for each other --
hugging, arms around the shoulders, a kiss on the
cheek occasionally, and a ruffling of each other's
hair. Sometimes he resorts to "goosing" me just to
get me riled, but I usually get him back by thumping
him in the nuts when he's least expecting it -- all
in all, good-natured fun.

"Welcome back to the land of the living, little bro.
You really gave us a scare," Tanner said as he
leaned over and gave me a gentle hug, being careful
not to undo any of the medical stuff attached to me.
"How they hanging?" He grinned mischievously as he
lifted the covers.

I laughed gingerly so as not to disturb my slightly
aching head and quickly retorted, "Get away from me,
you pervert! Just like you to check out my family
jewels right after my having head surgery."

Tanner responded, "Oh, it was that head! Well, I
thought that while the surgeon had you under, they
just might add some length to that scrawny little
dick of yours. I can see the operation was
definitely not a success. Maybe additional surgery
is called for."

"I would say 'up yours' but you'd probably enjoy it
too much, big brother," I shot right back at Tanner.

He grinned and quipped, "Hell, little brother, if
that was you poking that micro-dick in me, I'd have
to ask if it was in yet. Like I said, the surgery
was obviously not successful."

We continued the banter just a bit longer. Then
Tanner's face turned serious, his mood changed
significantly, and he said softly, "Little brother,
I'm so glad you're OK. Damn, I don't know what I
would have done if something really bad had happened
to you."

With tears in his eyes, Tanner continued, "I love
you, little brother. Now don't go doing something
stupid like that again, you hear?  I just couldn't
handle it."

Tanner pulled himself together, wiped his eyes with
his shirt sleeve and continued, "there's someone
outside I want you to meet. Let me get him."

My big hunk of a brother walked to the door and
motioned for whoever was out in the hall to come in.
I knew from reading the detective reports several
months ago that Robert and Tanner strongly resembled
each other but I was not prepared at the extent of
that resemblance.

I blurted out, "My god, Tanner. Those reports were
right; he's your clone!"

Robert walked over to me, grasped my right hand
firmly and said, "Hey there, Kyle. Boy, am I glad to
finally meet you in spite of the circumstances." He
looked back at Tanner, grinned and returning his
gaze to me, continued, "But I can see that your
vision has not fully recovered. I'm obviously a lot
better looking than this mug-face of a brother."

"Oh, shit! He's got your sense of humor too," I
quipped. With that we all laughed and the tension in
the room disappeared. About that time Uncle Jason
walked in accompanied by a distinguished looking
gentleman.

I spoke first, "Hey, Uncle Jason. And don't tell me,
this has got to be Dr. Worthington. Hello, sir.
Thanks for being here and bringing Tanner and
Robert. Wow, what a way to be welcomed back to the
land of the living, as my brother so eloquently put
it."

Dr. Worthington
I walked over to the bed, shook his hand gingerly
and said, "Kyle, it's nice to finally get to meet
you; however, you won't remember this, but I was in
the operating room during your procedure. Dr. Gamac
invited me to observe. He obviously did a good job
on you."

"Yes, sir. I've got a bit of a headache but other
than that I feel okay. Any idea how long I'll be
here?" Kyle asked.

"No, that's left to Dr. Gamac, but you're young,
strong, and healthy so the chances are you'll be
fully minded very soon. They'll be running some
neuro-tests just to make sure that your nervous
system is functioning properly and that will most
likely take a couple of days."

Jason
"Well, Kyle, if I can get a word in here -- remember
me, Uncle Jason?" We all laughed and Kyle blushed
slightly.

"I'm sorry, Uncle Jason. I was just so excited to
see Tanner and to finally meet Robert and Dr.
Worthington. You know I wasn't slighting you. Come
here."

I walked over to Kyle's bed, gave him a gentle hug
and said, "I know. I know. Just having a little fun
at your expense. Damn, I'm glad you're awake and
feeling ok. (pause) You hungry? Your lunch is
waiting just outside --- jell-o and some other
hospital mystery foods."

"You know, I could use a hamburger, but I supposed
that's too much to wish for right now, isn't it?"
Kyle responded.

"Let's hold off on the heavy foods for a while,
young man," I answered. "Your stomach's got to get
used to having food in it after a couple of days
intravenous feeding. I don't think Dr. Gamac will
torture you much longer with this hospital food, but
we've got to be cautious."

The head nurse walked in about that time and shooed
us out, saying that Kyle needed his rest. We could
come back in a couple of hours she assured us.

All of Kyle's talk about food reminded us that we
had not eaten any real food since our arrival
earlier this morning. I suggested a place where we
might find an excellent lunch that wasn't too far
from the hospital. Everyone was hungry by this time
so to lunch we went.

Upon our arrival at the restaurant, Bob reminded me
that he wanted some private conversation time with
Tanner. He suggested that he and Tanner find a table
a bit isolated from us and the other guests so they
could talk uninterrupted. I agreed and asked the
manager if that could be arranged. He quickly
prepared a table away from other guests, especially
since I slipped him a "twenty".

Dr. Worthington
Tanner and I took out seats, perused the menu and
ordered. When the server left I began.

"Tanner, I realize that it's only been a short time
since you entered our lives back there in Virginia,
but Dorothy and I want you to know that we're so
gratified that you made the effort to find us. She
and I talked a bit while you all went to get Tanner
checked out of the hotel and again during the flight
out here. Those air-to-ground phones are something,
aren't they?  And, we've had several more
discussions that have burned up the phone lines
since our arriving here."

Tanner's hands were sitting on the table directly in
front of him so I reached across and placed mine
hands on his. Looking straight into that handsome,
youthful face I continued, "Anyway -- I know this is
kinda short notice, but we would like for you to
consider joining our family back home. And, that
includes Kyle also."

"I know you said your original intent was to just
establish a relationship with us, that you were not
looking for a new family to take the place of your
mom and dad. However, Dorothy and I really want to
offer you and Kyle all that we have, and ourselves,
to be your mom and dad."

"You don't have to give me answer right now," I
continued. "I want you and Kyle to have time to
consider our offer. Take all the time you need. But
please know, we love the both of you and want you to
be a part of our lives. By the way, Jason has given
me his blessing to our offer. Just wanted you to
know."

Tanner
My dad held my hands across the table as he spoke
softly, inviting Kyle and me to become a part of his
family. As tears ever so slowly swelled up in my
eyes, I felt waves of love flow from him to me.
Moments of silence passed.

Kyle and I had been on an emotional roller coaster
since our parent's death six months ago, and Kyle's
accident and resulting hospitalization and surgery
just added to my emotional bankruptcy. Thus, Dad's
invitation to become a part of a real family again
took me over the top. Without realizing it, my
emotional damn burst, and I became a sobbing mass of
uncontrollable crying. I'm just glad our table was
isolated from the rest of the patrons in the
establishment.

I couldn't speak; the only sounds emanating from my
mouth were intermediate gasps for breath and soft
wales of anguish. Dad sat silently, continuing to
hold my hands, letting me purge myself of months of
pent-up feelings.

Finally I pulled my self together enough to utter,
"Thank you for being here, for being my dad, and for
wanting us to be a part of your family. My heart
tells me to accept your offer right here, right now;
but, I know that Kyle has to make his decision also.
He and I are a package deal. When can you talk with
him?"

"Son, maybe as soon as tomorrow, depending on how
his physical condition and emotional state are
progressing. I want to wait until Dr. Gamac gives
his approval. After all, he is Kyle's doctor, not
me."

"Dad, I need to go the men's room to wash my face
and regroup a bit. If you don't mind, just order for
the both of us. I'll be right back; please, excuse
me." I said.

No one was in the men's room when I entered. Feeling
the need to sit down again, I opened one of the
stalls and plopped down on the toilet set without
dropping my pants. I just sat!

Then it hit me! "Oh, God!" I thought. "I can't
accept Dad's offer and not be honest about my being
gay. He has to know up front. Fuck! What if he's a
homophobe! What if he and Dorothy don't want me
then! ... And Robert, I have to come out to him too
... just can't mislead them, not the people I love."

"Love ...Did I mean that? After such a short time?"
I asked myself.

I thought about it. "Hell, yes, I meant it! I do
love all three of them. Shit, shit, damn it! Why the
hell could I not just be 'normal'? What a fucking
cross to bear!!!!"

About that time I heard voices approaching the door
to the men's room; several patrons entered and went
about their business. From their conversation I
gathered that they knew each other. By the time they
left I had regained my composure enough to leave the
stall and wash my face and hands. Now to face dad
and share my horrible secret with him!