A Bedtime Story:
for my son.

once upon a time, in a land far, far away:

Part I

Sean wasn't sure why he was in this place. He only knew that he had heard friendly laughter coming through the open door and felt compelled to enter the establishment. He had just ordered a drink when he was approached by a tall lad of about 17 or 18.

"Hello" Sean heard, in a thick Scottish brogue. "I'm James Gordon. And you are?" A fine boned hand was extended to him, the fingers long and slender.

"O'Leary" he replied. "Sean O'Leary" and grasped the hand in a firm shake. The touch sent a spark running through him.

"An Irishman, then. What brings you to Edinburgh? University?"

"No" Sean replied as he slowly withdrew his hand. "I'm at University in Dublin. I'm on holiday at the moment." He found himself looking into the most beautiful deep blue eyes he had ever seen. They tried talking for a while, but the pub was very loud.

"Would you like to go someplace a little more quiet for a cup of tea?"

"Yes, James, I believe I would."

"My friends call me Jamie."

They were a handsome pair as they slowly made their way down the narrow streets. Sean: tall, large boned, muscular-with deep auburn hair and emerald green eyes. Jamie: also tall, but with a more slender build-raven haired with eyes that sparkled like sapphires, set into a slightly pale complexion. They easily drew the attention of the young ladies in the area who, upon seeing them, would whisper, giggle, and blush. Then fan themselves, even thought the afternoon was cool. But Sean and Jamie were oblivious to the havoc they created in the female population.

The afternoon passed quickly. They slowly roamed the streets of Edinburgh, Jamie pointing out places of interest on occasion. And they talked about everything they could think of.

Sean learned that Jamie had been pretty much on his own since he was 13. His mother, visiting friends in London, had died there-one of the victims of the Blitz. His dad, in the RAF, had been shot down-missing, presumed dead. Jamie, along with his brothers and sisters, had been parceled out among family. But certain aspects of Jamie's personality had met with disapproval, so he had struck out on his own at age 15. His parents had left a sizable estate. And Jamie's share was enough to allow him a modest life while he studied to become an artist.

Sean had been born and raised in Dublin, the only child of hard working parents. They had been mildly disappointed when, at age 14, he had announced that he preferred boys to girls. Once they realized that Sean was serious, they supported his decision and went on about the business of their lives. He was working toward becoming a novelist. Thus he could live quietly and work at home-away from prying eyes and unwanted questions.

Both could play the piano. Jamie claimed some experience with the bagpipes, while Sean admitted to being a 'passing fair' tenor. Each was aware of the sexual attraction between them. Each was afraid to take that first, small step. They recognized the potential for a close friendship. Without their ever realizing it, evening was upon them. Jamie walked Sean to the small inn where he was staying.

Standing outside the closed door to his room, Sean looked into Jamie's eyes. He reached out and took one of Jamie's slender hands into his own, gently rubbing his thumb across the delicate bones. Then he turned it over and slowly lifted it to his lips and kissed the palm. Jamie moved closer to Sean and their lips met. Softly, gently their lips touched. Sean had to remind himself to breathe as the sweet warmth of Jamie's lips caressed his own. He had been kissed before, many times. But never had he felt such a deep need.

It was Jamie who broke the kiss. His breathing ragged, face flushed, body trembling-he pressed a cheek to Sean's face and whispered "Can we meet again tomorrow?" Sean put one arm around Jamie's waist, pulling him closer. His other hand went to Jamie's neck as they kissed again. Feeling Jamie's arms embrace him, Sean ran his tongue across Jamie's full, moist lips and let it slide slowly into the warmth of his mouth. Thrusting, probing, searching, tasting, until neither could breathe, he pulled away. "Does that answer your question?"

It took a conscious effort for Jamie to remain steady on his feet. "Alright, then. I'll see you around 10?" Reluctantly, he turned and walked away, finding it difficult to not walk as if he were drunk. But then, perhaps he was. Jamie, too, had had his share of lovers. But this...this Sean...there was something different this time. This time he felt a kindred spirit. With tears in his eyes, he slowly headed towards the small, lonely room he had called home for far too long.

Sean watched him as he walked away, the memory of those kisses burning across his lips. And he knew only one thing: he intended to get into Jamie Gordon's pants tomorrow if it was the last thing he did in his life.

Part 2:

The morning air was crisp as they made their way out of town on bicycles. They stopped and ate the lunch supplied by Jamie's landlady. "She lost her husband in the war. To support herself and her daughter, she rents out rooms in her house. I've been staying there for three years" Jamie was telling Sean. "She's a good sort. Accepts me for what I am, doesn't ask questions."

"And she's a good cook" Sean replied, finishing off the last of the cold roast beef."

Their lunch finished, they gathered up the remains, folded the blanket they had been sitting on, and packed it all back into the wicker basket on Jamie's bicycle.

"How much further are we going?" Sean asked.

"Not too far. The old castle that I want to show you is about two kilometers from here."

The sky had been clouding up over the course of the morning. Before they got much further, it started to rain. The slow, gentle rain quickly turned into a downpour.

"There." Jamie said, pointing to his right. "There's the castle. It has an old tunnel where we can get in out of the rain."

They fell laughing to the dirt floor of the old stone tunnel. Sean looked around in the dim light and noticed ancient runes carved into the walls.

"Look at this, Jamie," he said.

"Yes, Sean, I know. I come here often. It's one of my favorite places." Jamie sat on a large rock and leaned back against a wall. "It so quiet here. Sometimes I like to close my eyes and just imagine all of the people who ever lived in the old castle..their lives, their loves. Just think of all of the births and deaths that took place here, Sean, long before we were ever born. Sometimes I think that I can even hear their voices."

Sean looked down at Jamie. His eyes were closed, a wistful expression on his face. 'He has the soul of a poet' Sean thought. Then he noticed that Jamie was trembling slightly. Their clothing was drenched from the rain.

"Jamie, you're freezing. Here, get out of that wet clothing. You can wrap the blanket around yourself until you're warm."

Jamie removed his soaked shirt, slacks, and underwear and quickly wrapped himself in the warm blanket, but not soon enough. Sean had caught a glimpse of pale skin, covered in gooseflesh. And found himself gazing into blue eyes peering at him shyly through long black lashes.

"Is there room in the blanket for both of us do you think?" he asked.

Jamie blushed slightly but nodded his head. Sean removed his own wet clothes and was soon cocooned in the blanket as well. Sean slipped his hand to the back of Jamie's neck and drew him in for a soft, tender kiss. Jamie responded as Sean had expected him to. Sean began kissing harder, probing the interior of Jamie's mouth with his tongue.

Placing his mouth to Jamie's ear, he whispered "Do you want this as much as I do?"

His answer was a husky "yes" as Jamie returned the kiss, his body brushing against Sean. Feeling the layer of gooseflesh that still covered Jamie, Sean began running his hands across the slender frame..as much for warmth as for passion. Their kisses became deeper, more demanding. Their hands were caressing each other, fingers tracing circles across nipples. Their bodies were pressed against each other and Sean moved Jamie onto his back. Lying on Jamie, Sean began to move their cocks together. Jamie responded and arched himself against Sean. Sean felt Jamie's muscles tighten and tried to slow things down,but it was too late. Jamie released himself between their bodies and Sean followed only seconds later.

"No!" he cried. "Not long enough, it wasn't long enough!"

As Jamie's body relaxed beneath him, Sean realized that Jamie was trembling . They had thrown the blanket off in their passion and Jamie was cold again. Lying down beside him, Sean covered them both once more and pulled Jamie against him. Jamie smiled at him, contentment in the sated eyes. Sean kissed him tenderly on the lips. His head resting on Sean's shoulder, Jamie was quickly asleep. Sean watched the rise and fall of his chest for a while, then settled comfortably and drifted off to sleep himself.

Jamie woke slowly, a little confused by the warmth of the body next to his. And then he remembered. Sean. And was more than a little surprised at himself. He had never actually fallen asleep with anyone before. When he got together with one of his friends, it was usually for quick sex, just enough to ease the need. Then he would go back to his room alone. He lay there, quite still, admiring the beauty of the boy in his arms. He ran his fingers through Sean's auburn curls and tenderly brushed his hand against Sean's face.

Sean stirred slightly and opened his eyes. Jamie was looking at him. Without a word, Sean reached up and drew Jamie closer to him, raising his lips for a kiss. Jamie's lips were soft and gentle against his. But the surge of heat that ran through Sean's body demanded more. The kisses that he returned to Jamie were hard, insistent. He hands moved swiftly down Jamie's body. Feeling Jamie harden against his thigh, he knew what he wanted.

Leaving Jamie's lips, Sean ran his tongue down Jamie's neck, down to his nipples. A shudder ran through Jamie as Sean sucked one sensitive nipple into his mouth, twirling his tongue across it. His hand found Jamie's balls and carefully caressed them. Jamie was writhing beneath Sean, small moans of pleasure escaping him. Unable to wait any longer, Sean moved and took Jamie into his mouth, hands still caressing Jamie's balls. His tongue passed slowly across the flared tip, licking at the droplets of liquid.

He stopped just long enough to pump Jamie's cock with his hand, bringing more of the precious fluid, with which he wet his fingers. Taking Jamie into his mouth again, his fingers sought the opening to Jamie's body. Slowly he eased one finger in, and then two as Jamie's hips bucked and he thrust himself into Sean's hungry mouth. Jamie's hand was on Sean's cock, the slender fingers tracing up and down the length of it. Sean increased his suction and quickened the tempo of his fingers as Jamie reached his climax, releasing himself into Sean's mouth. Attempting to swallow it all, Sean felt his own body convulse as he shot into Jamie's hand.

Weak and trembling, he returned to reality. Clasping Jamie close, kissing him softly, brushing away Jamie's sudden and unexpected tears, Sean determined to spend as much time with Jamie as he could before he would have to go home.

"Jamie? It's getting late. We should start back if we want to be in Edinburgh before dark."

Part 3:

Sean slept late the next morning, a thing he seldom did. He stretched lazily. Laying his head back against the pillow, he let his mind stray back to the day before. He smiled at the memory of Jamie in his arms. He had been invited to have lunch with Jamie at his rooming house. Sean dressed and was out the door quickly. It was too early for lunch, but he wanted to be with Jamie as much as possible.

A rather tall, large boned woman with a dusting of grey in her auburn hair greeted him at the door.

"Excuse me, ma'am. Is Jamie here?"

"You must be Sean. Come in. Jamie's in his room. He seems to have caught a chill yesterday and isn't feeling well. But he's been expecting you and I'm to take you straight up."

The room was filled with the pungent aroma of herbs in a pan of warm water simmering on a hotplate. Jamie was lying in bed, his skin flushed with fever. Sean crossed the room and sat on the edge of the bed.

"Jamie" he said, running the back of his fingers across the fevered brow. "Is there anything I can do Mrs...Mrs?"

"Kellogg, but just plain Mary will do. I've been trying to keep him sponged down with cool water to ease the fever. But I've so many other things to do. If you don't mind, it would be a great help to me if you could do that."

Sean looked at her in mild surprise.

"It's alright" she said softly. "I know about Jamie. Now, mind you, I'm not saying that I understand. But the poor lad has known so little happiness in the last few years. And when he was telling me last night that he took you out to see the old ruins yesterday, he seemed happier than he has been in a long time." She patted Sean on the shoulder and left the room. "I'll just be back with some more cool water and perhaps a bit of broth."

Mary Kellogg was in and out throughout the day. Occasionally she replenished the herbs. She brought Sean lunch and broth for Jamie. As night neared, she came into the room, a bundle of clothing in her arms. "You might as well stay" she said. "I know that none of Jamie's things will fit you. But you are about the same size as my late husband. You can bathe and change while the rest of my guests eat supper. I'll bring you up a tray later."

Bathed, fed, and dressed in pajamas, Sean slid softly into the bed. It was barely large enough for both of them. He felt slightly uncomfortable. He always slept nude. But, out of a sense of respect for Mrs. Kellogg, he wore the pajamas. Jamie was still feverish, but not quite as bad. Sean curled himself around Jamie and drifted off to sleep.

The days passed by in a lazy happiness. Jamie recovered quickly from his cold. Mrs. Kellogg insisted that Sean move from the inn and stay with Jamie. Their days were filled with conversation and longing, their nights with passion.

"I have to go, Jamie. My classes start again in a few days. I'll write to you every week." He took Jamie into his arms. Jamie had been weeping silently for what seemed like hours. "Don't cry. I don't want this to be the memory that I carry away with me. I'll be back. I just don't know when."

Part 4:

It was late when Jamie returned to his room, his body tired and aching. Perhaps he should give up sex for a while. It didn't matter how, or with whom, he had sex anymore. 'Damn you, Sean O'Leary' he thought. 'How long has it been? Why don't you answer my letters?' Throwing himself across the bed where he and Sean had made such sweet love to each other, he let go of the tears he had been holding back. 'I swear, I'm never going to fall in love again, never.'

Meanwhile, in Dublin:

"Sean, Sean. What am I going to do with you? You know, and I know, that you are in love with your friend in Scotland. I just don't understand you. Why don't you write to him? He writes to you two and sometimes three times a week. What is wrong with you?"

Sean sat silently under his mother's angry tongue lashing. He had been trying to forget Jamie. He enjoyed being with his many sexual partners and didn't want to be tied down to just one man. Of course, he could never tell his mother that.

"The least you can do is write and tell him that it is over between you". And with that, she turned and left the room.

Sean spent the next several days going over their conversation in his mind. 'You love him...tell him that it's over'

"Mother" Sean said, walking into the kitchen, "may I ask you a question?"

Jamie tried to ignore the soft knocking on his door. The knocking only grew louder, more insistent. "I'm trying to work, Mrs. Kellogg. Please, go away." Jamie was in one of his sullen moods again. He returned to the picture he was sketching, himself and Sean. He had drawn hundreds of them in the last 6 months-lifelike, erotic drawings. And when this one was finished it would go the way of the others: torn into a thousand pieces and burned. Jamie desperately wished that he could do the same with the ache in his heart and the memories that invaded his every waking moment.

Hearing the door open, he looked up. There, in the doorway, stood Sean, one hand on the doorknob, the other on the doorframe. Jamie looked into eyes he thought he would never see again. 'I won't let him hurt me this time.'

Sean could see the pain on Jamie's face, and was well aware of who had caused that pain. Looking Jamie straight in the eye he said "Come with me."

"Why? What do you want of me, Sean?"

"I want you to come to Dublin with me. I've talked it over with my mother. She knows all about you, about us. And she said it would be fine if you came to live with us. You could continue to study there." Sean was moving into the room, closer. Jamie stood, but could move no further. He laid his sketchpad down on a small table. Sean reached forward and took Jamie's face into his hands. "I love you, James Gordon. I love you." And with that, Sean captured Jamie's mouth with his own.

Jamie leaned against Sean, his arms encircling Sean's back and waist as he returned the kiss. "Oh, Sean, and I love you."

Mrs. Kellogg spared one glance at the two young men hugging and kissing each other with such a deep hunger. Silently closing the door, giving them the privacy she knew they were going to need, she headed down the stairs. With tears in her eyes, she placed the 'room to let' in the front window of her boarding house.

the end