Chapter 89.                                                     “30”

As Tommy wept over his dead brother in the dimly lit room, a voice startled him from the corner of the room.

“If you want I can help you Sir,” came a small voice.

“Who is there, who said that?” Tommy exclaimed.

The once naked boy, now wearing just Tommy’s bloody t-shirt stood up from the floor where he had been quietly sitting since entering the room with Tommy. Tommy totally forgot about him in all the confusion.

“I did Sir, would you like my help?”

Tommy sniffed back tears and looked at him.

“What can you do? My brother is dead!” cried Tommy.

“Actually Sir, his body isn’t quite dead yet. Just his heart & other autonomic systems have shutdown. His brain is still alive, at least for a little bit more but I can help if you want me to,” said the little boy.

“I don’t know what you think you can do but right now I’ll try anything. Please do whatever you can,” Tommy said to the boy. In the state Tommy was in it wouldn’t have mattered what crazy thing anyone said if it could possibly help bring back Kyle then Tommy would have done it.

The muscular, cute boy walked from the darkness of the corner he was in over to the edge of the bed and then around to Tommy.

“I will fix him Sir, since you were kind to me earlier and you seem to need him a great deal. I must warn you this will cause me a great deal of pain, so please be ready for what happens to me and remember I will be okay in a little while but I will need time to recover after I do this,” the little half naked boy said sadly.

“Okay,” was all Tommy said as total confusion set in after the boy told him all that.

The boy reached out and touched a tear that ran down Tommy’s face.

“You cry for him, you must love him, maybe you can teach me about crying and love sometime Sir. I’ve heard of love but I think this is the first time that I have actually seen love,” said the strange little boy.

With that, the boy reached out past Tommy and with a trembling hand touched Kyle on the cheek, moments later the boy let out a loud scream and then fainted. Tommy caught him as he went down and moved him carefully to the foot of the bed. The boy appeared to still be alive and breathing but for some reason just passed out. Tommy looked back at Kyle and within seconds Kyle began to stir and Tommy ran to sit next to him. Shortly thereafter Kyle opened his eyes.

“Tommy!” he smiled. “I heard you TJ. I heard everything you said to me. You told me to say hi to mom, dad, and sis, you told me it was okay to go if I wanted to so I did. I saw the light Tommy, I saw mom and dad’s face and then suddenly they waved, blew me a kiss and were gone. Next thing I saw was you,” said Kyle excitedly.

Kyle sat up and wrapped his arms around his brother and they hugged tightly. A thought quickly passed through Tommy’s mind… was this true; did he see mom and dad? He didn’t see sis, can she somehow be alive some place? He quickly focused back on his brother forgetting about his sister for now.

“I have to be dreaming… this can’t be true, Kyle you were dead!” sobbed Tommy.

“I know, I thought I was too, but something happened and now I am awake and back, actually I feel pretty good. I guess I was never dead just close TJ,” Kyle smiled.

Neither brother wanted to break their hug as more tears ran down Tommy’s face. Suddenly and slowly after at least five minutes, maybe more passed, the boy began to stir and he slowly sat up startling both Tommy and poor Kyle who didn’t have a clue he was there.

“Tom…Tommy who is that?” Kyle said with a scared look on his face.

“I really don’t know yet Kyle but he is why you are back. He touched you and somehow brought you back to me. I don’t understand, I don’t know why, and I really don’t care but that is why you are talking to me, he is why you are talking to me.”

The boy slowly moved towards Tommy and Kyle from the end of the bed. There was definitely something wrong with him now after he helped Kyle but neither boy knew or really understood this yet.

“See Sir, I told you I would fix him,” said the boy in an exhausted pain filled voice.

“Yes I see,” Tommy smiled widely, “but who are you, what are you?”

“I don’t really have a name Sir, but my designation is 30,” said 30 with a grimace.

Tommy looked at Kyle then back at 30.

“30?” Tommy said hesitantly.

“Yes Sir, I am called 30.”

“Well 30, thank you for saving my brother and bringing him back to me,” Tommy said with tears of happiness in his eyes.

Tommy reached over, grabbed 30, and gave him a big hug and kiss on the forehead.

“Thank you so much, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to tell you how much what you did means to me,” sobbed Tommy as he was still hugging 30.

 Tommy looked at Kyle.

“You know I don’t understand any of this. We can’t just tell the others that this boy touched you and basically brought you back to life. I don’t understand it and I saw it happen, and I still don’t get it. I can’t imagine any of them understanding it at all. I don’t want to scare them Kyle so for now we need to just tell them it was a miracle and… well it was one really!”

Tommy was rambling on and on as his mind tried to accept everything that happened and at the same time try to rationalize it with his brother. He looked at 30 and then at Kyle again.

“Are you okay with us not telling them that you are the reason Kyle is alive?” Tommy asked 30.

“Yes Sir, whatever you decide is fine. I am here with you now Sir, for you now,” replied 30 with a strange look on his face.

Tommy seeing this look was curious as to why the boy was making this face.

“30, why are you looking at me strangely, is something wrong?”

“No Sir, I am just not used to being thanked by anyone,” 30 said.

Tommy looked at Kyle and then back at 30.

“So 30 you haven’t had much attention paid to you in your life,” Tommy said.

“No Sir, I have received a great deal of attention in my life. It’s just that it was mainly all bad,” 30 said sadly.

Tommy looked at him and then at Kyle once again.

“I think I need to know more about what you are telling me but this isn’t the right time to get into it,” Tommy said to 30. He wiped his face dry and got off the bed.

Right now Tommy was so pleased to have Kyle back that trying to understand what happened to 30 was important, but could wait for a more appropriate time.

“Excuse me Sir, but if you don’t want all of them to know that I healed the young sir then why don’t you just tell them that you finally just put the medicine in his mouth. He swallowed it and recovered, should they ask,” said 30.

“TJ that’s more then enough for all of them to know right now,” Kyle said before Tommy could comment.

“Yeah, I’m not sure I believe what really happened and I saw it, but I agree with you right now Kyle. The less they know the easier things will be for now, so that’s the story we will use, except for Jon and Shawn. I don’t want to lie to them,” Tommy said.

“Don’t forget Luke,” said Kyle, “I wouldn’t feel right lying to him.”

“Okay, I guess we can add Luke too,” replied Tommy.

“Good then its time for them to know I am alive,” Kyle said.

“Okay but before you go out there Kyle, you know they are going to bombard you with questions. I mean can you even walk?” asked Tommy with some concern.

Kyle swung his legs over the edge of the bed and his feet touched the floor.

“I feel fine so far TJ,” he said as he stood up. “I can stand fine,” he then took a few steps, “and I can walk fine too, everything seems to be normal.”

“He is right Sir, soon there will be absolutely nothing wrong with him, and there is no reason he shouldn’t be fine now.  He will just be tired in an hour or so and should sleep deeply tonight then he will be as good as new.”

“Why would I be tired in an hour?” asked Kyle.

“It’s like you ate or drank a bunch of energy bars or drinks sir, you have a lot of energy now but in a little while that energy level will crash which will make you very tired,” replied 30.

“Oh I get it, thank you 30 for saving my life,” Kyle said as he reached out and hugged the boy.

“You are welcome sir,” mumbled a suddenly red-faced embarrassed little boy.

 “Sir if I could offer another suggestion?” asked 30 timidly.

“Of course 30, what is it,” said Tommy.

“If you are concerned on how the others will react to the young sir being in such good health so suddenly then why not just let them see he is okay, then have him feign tiredness right away so as not to shock them too much, Sir,” said 30.

“Feign tiredness?” asked Kyle.

“He means to fake it, act like you are tired even though you aren’t, geeze Ky, did you lose your smarts while you were at deaths door?” said Tommy.

“Ohhhhh, I see what you mean, excuse me for being a little slow bro, I guess dying took more out of me then I thought!”

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry that was out of line, you are right,” said Tommy.

“You better be sorry, it wasn’t too long ago you were crying over me, want me to go back to how I was?” Kyle said sternly to him.

“Boy Ky, I am glad you are back but you don’t have to bite my head off!” Tommy said.

“Then give me a little space and don’t tease so fast please?”  Kyle snapped back at him.

“You are right little brother. I shouldn’t have been so disrespectful, I am sorry,” Tommy added.

As they walked from his bedroom to the front room, Tommy reached out and hugged his brother.

“I really am happy you are back, so much that my words could never tell you exactly how I feel Ky, now let’s go see the others and do what we planned,” TJ said.

“Okay I can do that,” Kyle said.

Tommy turned and saw his reflection in the mirror and realized that everyone would be seeing him and he was still a mess from crying, not to mention he had dried blood all over his face and neck.

“Kyle we have to get you out to the other guys but I am a mess, I still have blood on me from the accident and, I just realized you don’t know about any of that as you were passed out at that time.”

“No TJ, I don’t know anything about what happened. You were hurt in an accident?” said Kyle clearly concerned for his brother.

“Yes, I saw 30 naked on the side of the road and I was so busy looking at him that I lost control of the truck and it crashed, I got knocked out and hurt pretty bad or so I thought. I am going to wash up Kyle. We can talk about this all you want later but right now we need to get you back with the others so they don’t worry anymore than they already have.”

“That sounds like you TJ, an accident over a naked boy…. Sheesh…”

Tommy stood up and gave Kyle a look but let him have his moment as payback before he headed to the bathroom to clean up his face. He paused briefly…

“Kyle, 30 is wearing my shirt and nothing under it can you find him a pair of shorts or sweats please and can you toss me one of your night shirts since 30 is using mine?”

“Sure TJ.”

 “Come ‘ere 30,” Kyle called.

“Yes sir,” replied 30 dutifully going over by Kyle.

“Here try these on,” said Kyle after looking through his drawer and finding a small pair of sweat pants that just might be small enough for 30.

“Yes sir,” said 30 sadly.

“What’s wrong 30,” asked Kyle.

“Wearing clothes brings up bad memories sir,” said 30.

“I’m sorry but we can’t have you running around naked. Tommy probably wouldn’t mind if you did that but some of the others probably would. Which is why Tommy wants you to put some pants on,” Kyle told 30.

“If the Sir wants me to wear clothes then that’s what I’ll do sir,” said 30.

After 30 had them on it was obvious they were too big as the only way those pants were going to stay on were if 30 held them up. So Kyle had him take them off and put some safety pins in them so that they would stay on without having to be held up. Kyle and 30 then waited while Tommy went to wash up. Tommy looked in the mirror in Kyle’s bathroom expecting to see the bruise from his accident and there was nothing there. All he saw was just a bunch of dried blood on his face and neck. He touched the area and it didn’t even hurt anymore. This totally blew his mind. He washed and went back out as 30 was pulling up the fixed sweat pants that Kyle gave him, catching the shirt Kyle threw him.

“30 did you touch me like you did to Kyle at the accident?” asked Tommy as he put the shirt on.

“Yes Sir, you were hurt very bad and I couldn’t just let you be like that so I did the same thing to you in your truck as I did to the young sir on the bed before.”

“I certainly hope that I didn’t do anything wrong Sir, I’m very sorry if I did,” said a suddenly frightened little boy.

“It’s okay 30, you did a great thing and definitely the right thing,” assured Tommy giving his brother a concerned look over the fear the boy was suddenly showing.

Tommy looked at Kyle. Both boys were concerned.

“Kyle, I just looked in the mirror, I had a bunch of blood on me from the accident but the bruise is gone and I can’t even find a scratch on me. I feel better than I can ever remember, this is amazing. We need to keep it quiet for now or we will have a bunch of scared, or even worse panicked, boys in this house.”

“I agree TJ, but I think maybe its time to shock them now and let them see I am back from the dead. You might want to go out first and prepare them,” Kyle told Tommy.

“Yeah, I agree,” he looked at 30, “for now will you please just wait here?”

“Certainly Sir, I’ll do whatever you say,” 30 said to Tommy.

Tommy went over and opened Kyle’s door. He was immediately confronted by Ben, Jon, Luke, and every other boy in the house. They stood behind them waiting to hear the horrible news of Kyle’s death. Tommy looked at them and just said nothing for a second.

“Tommy we heard a scream awhile ago and thought… is Kyle…?” Ben fumbled.

“Dead Ben…? Well let’s just say that I can’t explain it anymore then this. The medicine worked.”

Tommy turned and pushed the door open wide and Kyle walked out with a smile on his face that wouldn’t quit. Luke fainted, Ben’s mouth opened wide and Jon stood there pale as could be, since they were thinking the worst when they left Kyle’s side before. The other boys expecting bad news, cheered like nothing ever heard before. Kyle immediately ran to his boy who was now on the floor and gently slapped his face trying to wake him up.

“I got it Kyle,” Ben said, “he’ll be okay he just saw a ghost or you I guess.”

Jon looked at Kyle and gave him a hug and then at Tommy.

“What the fuck happened TJ?” Jon said suddenly in front of everyone.

“It’s a long story Jon and it’s not for telling now okay?” Tommy said as he hugged Jon.

“Yeah, I guess it is,” Jon said back.

Shawn came over and hugged his best friend with all his strength as the tears ran down his face.

“Kyle, I am so glad you are okay, I thought you were dead,” cried Shawn.

“I am all right Shawn. We can talk about what happened later okay?” said Kyle trying to console his best friend.

Shawn nodded his head yes and everyone cheered as Luke got up off the floor and then the room grew dead silent as he looked at Kyle.

“Kyle… you… you are alive!” gasped Luke.

They hugged tightly as Luke cried. Tommy stood there with a few tears running down his face once more, as did almost every one of the boys in the house.

“Hey everyone…” Kyle yelled out trying to get their attention. “Hey!”

They quieted down at Kyle’s request.

“I don’t know what really happened and I really can’t explain it right now. I am okay, just very tired so thank you everyone. I am going to lie down in my room and I will talk to all of you later.”

They applauded, hooted, and cheered as Kyle waved and turned to go back into his room. He brought Luke in with him and Tommy, Jon, and Shawn followed. The other boys were happy but very confused why the five of them just went into Kyle’s room. There weren’t answers for the others just yet as to what really happened and why Shawn and Jon would go back into Kyle’s room when he needed rest. They were puzzled right now, but they were sure answers would eventually surface as to why. Tommy shut and locked the door and looked at the other boys. He then ushered the boys through Kyle’s main room into his bedroom then closed the inner door also.

“Okay guys for now what you are about to find out has to stay in this room, and I mean that! Absolutely no one is allowed to say a word about what we are going to discuss. Do you all understand?” asked Tommy.

After getting yeses from all the boys, he continued.

“Eventually we will have some explanation but for now Jon, Luke, Shawn I would like you to meet 30.”

With that, 30 immediately stood up and walked from the darkened corner to over where Tommy was and stopped, standing at attention, totally shocking the other three.

“30 I would like you to meet Jon, Luke, and Shawn,” Tommy said pointing to each boy in turn.

“It is an honor to meet you sirs,” replied 30.

 Tommy put on an overhead light to help brighten the room and help them see him a little easier, and then he continued to speak.

“There is a lot to tell you, when I have more answers I will tell you guys everything I promise, but HE,” pointing at 30, “is why Kyle is alive.”

They all looked at 30 and then after Tommy said what he did they looked at Tommy.

“What do you mean ‘HE IS WHY Kyle is alive,’” demanded Jon.

“Like I said, for now please just hang in there and when I can, I will explain more. I saw him on the side of the road while I was out getting something to try to help Kyle. There is more but for now 30 is going to be staying here with us.”

Jon, Luke, and Shawn each gave 30 a little wave of hello and questionably thanked him for what he did.

“Tommy we can’t just call him 30, I mean that’s just a number not a name. He needs to have a real name we can call him because I feel kinda silly calling him 30,” said Shawn.

“Yeah, so do I,” said Luke.

“Okay,” Tommy said, “well 30, what would you like your name to be?”

“I don’t know how to answer that Sir,” replied 30 suddenly scared.

“What do you mean you ‘don’t know how to answer that,’ all you have to do is pick a name you like and that will be your name,” Jon snapped.

“But sir, no one has ever asked me what I like, so I don’t know how to respond,” said 30 with tears forming in his eyes.

“Its okay 30,” said Tommy sitting on the bed and pulling 30 onto his lap, rubbing his back in an attempt to calm the little boy. As the others sat on the bed or pulled chairs over.

“Surely you must have known other people 30, would you like one of their names?” asked Tommy kindly.

“I’d rather not have any of their names, Sir,” whimpered 30 with a shudder causing the other boys to share a concerned look.

So the boys started throwing out names hoping that one of them 30 would like. After about 20 minutes of this and still no response from 30 Jon said exasperatedly “Look Tommy, you found him so you name him. He doesn’t seem capable of picking any of the names we have come up with so you just pick one for him.”

Tommy gave Jon a bit of a dirty look then said, “Okay Jon, I’ll pick it for him. Is that okay with you 30?”

“Yes Sir, whatever name you think is best will do Sir,” 30 said softly.

This, of course, caused the other boys to try to get Tommy to pick the name they liked best. Shawn was pushing Sebastian, as it was the name of one of the characters in one of his favorite books. Luke wanted Tommy to pick Obadiah as he kinda liked the name but mainly because he had never met anyone with that name. Kyle was shooting for Opie as he thought it was a real funny name. Jon seemed like he couldn’t care, as he was in a bit of a snit for some reason but his choice was Spock. Out of the names given, only Shawn’s choice was even reasonable, as Tommy would feel bad if he had the names Kyle and Luke wanted so they were out. Spock was just a ridiculous choice, as Tommy wasn’t about to name the kid after a half-alien on TV. The problem was that Tommy didn’t like Sebastian, as he used to know a boy named that and he really didn’t like him.

“Okay 30, I need to ask you a few questions so that I can pick you a good name,” Tommy said.

“Yes Sir,” replied 30.

“What are you good at?” said Tommy.

“Well Sir, I’m very good at healing others,” 30 answered.

“Yes 30, I know that but what else can you do,” Tommy said.

“I’m a decent shot. I am proficient in practically every firearm ever designed. I have mastered over 20 forms of hand-to-hand combat and proficient in about 2 dozen more. I know how to use most hand held weapons. I am a fair shot with bows. I have been trained in making, disarming, and planting explosives. I have been trained in the use of small unit tactics and large-scale strategy. I am quite proficient in infiltration. I can speak over 30 languages. I can run reasonably fast and have good stamina for long distance running or swimming. I am an excellent swimmer and proficient in the use of most underwater gear. I am proficient in high altitude airdrops. I am very good at tracking, hunting, and other woodland skills. I have been trained in survival techniques for most environs. I am…,” replied 30 stoically.

“That’s enough 30,” Tommy interrupted, “out of those which did you like the most?”

“I’m sorry Sir but I don’t know,” said 30 sadly.

“Alright then let’s try this, 30 if you had to do all of those things which one would you do first and why?” tried Tommy.

Jon interrupted with an angry tone… “Tommy this is just stupid and we aren’t getting anywhere.”

Tommy looked at Jon and without a word Jon got his point and backed down quickly. Then he looked at Kyle who appeared to be sleepy or on the border of falling asleep as he continued his recovery.

30 screwed up his face thinking hard then said, “I guess Sir that I would do the tracking or hunting first as that would get me outside and the trees in the forest or jungle were relaxing,” replied 30 in a tone obviously hoping it was the right answer.

“Did you hunt deer,” asked Luke suddenly, “my Uncle took me hunting deer once. We didn’t see any but it was fun to go tramping in the woods with him.”

“Luke, you aren’t helping with stuff like that right now!” said Tommy sternly.

“Oh right, sorry,’ Luke mumbled.

Tommy then looked back at 30.

“Please continue,” he said.

“No sir, we hunted people most of the time,” 30 replied matter-of-factly to Luke. “Sir, I think I enjoyed the hunt a little, at least until we found who we were tracking then I didn’t really like all the blood,” he added softly.

Then it hit him and Tommy said, “Okay 30 here’s your new name, Hunter. I picked that name because it’s something you enjoyed and because Kyle’s and my favorite cousin was named Hunter. He died in the war about a year before the comet. Since he saved Kyle and me from trouble a bunch of times as we were growing up and you just saved us, so I would be honored if you would take his name as your own.”

30 looked at Tommy, smiled a little and replied, “Hunter, it sounds like a good name. I think I like it Sir. Thank you very much for giving me a real name Sir, I really appreciate it.”

“Okay, now we just need to introduce Hunter to the rest of the house,” said Tommy.

“Excuse me Sir but do I have to meet them? I’m a little scared of people Sir,” Hunter whispered into Tommy’s ear.

“Yes Hunter, you do. Don’t worry I’ll be with you to take care of you,” whispered Tommy back.

“Okay Sir, if that’s what you say I need to do then that’s what I will do,” replied Hunter stoically.

“Hey, what’s with all the whispering,” demanded Jon.

“Hunter is just a little afraid of meeting new people so just relax,” said Tommy giving Hunter a little hug, as he started shaking after Jon’s comment.

“Relax Hunter, everything will be alright. No one here will hurt you,” Tommy reassured the little boy.

When Tommy said the last part Hunter’s head whipped around to look at him and said, “you mean that Sir, no one’s going to hurt me here?” with hope clearly shining in his beautiful emerald green eyes.

“Well, as long as you are good,” added Tommy.

“Then I’ll be very good Sir, I’ll do everything you tell me to,” Hunter gushed smiling.

“Even if you are bad Tommy will only give you a little spanking,” said Shawn giggling clearly remembering his last punishment getting a little laugh from Jon and Tommy.

“Okay, Kyle you stay here and rest since you are tired,” said Tommy stressing the last word. “Luke why don’t you stay here with my brother to look after him, remember he is still recovering, so both of you behave,” giving them both a look that caused them to blush.

The last bit caused Kyle to look at Tommy and stick his tongue out at him then he patted the side of his bed and said, “come on Luke, you can lie next to me while I recover.”

Tommy laughed at Kyle’s antics but he was just elated that Kyle was alive. However, Luke was in seventh heaven especially since he would now be alone with Kyle.

“Jon, Shawn, lets go introduce Hunter to the rest of the house,” said Tommy as he picked Hunter off his lap and put him on the ground.

“Actually I have a better idea, Shawn why don’t you go tell everyone that I would like to talk to them in the game room in about thirty minutes. Hunter you stay here for a little bit while Jon and I have a little talk in the other room.”

“Okay TJ, I’ll go tell them and wait in the game room for you,” Shawn said.

“Yes Sir, I’ll wait right here until you call me,” Hunter replied.

As Shawn left and Hunter stayed, Tommy grabbed Jon by the arm, dragged him into the next room, and pointed to the couch before he sat down with him.

“Okay you, what’s wrong?” asked Tommy.

“Nothing,” Jon said sullenly.

“Don’t give me that, I know something is bothering you by the way you have been treating Hunter, so lets have it!”

“Nothing,” Jon said again.

“Come on Jon, don’t be like that. Let’s talk this out”

“I guess I’m just jealous.”

“Jealous… of what?” said Tommy.

“Oh come on TJ, that kid is drop dead gorgeous. If he isn’t a 10 then no one is. He is at least as cute as Shawn is, and you know Shawn almost puts the rest of us to shame. When he smiled at the end, I thought…it doesn’t matter. I saw the way you looked at him and how you held him in your lap. Shawn might not have said anything but he is definitely your type and you know it,” snapped Jon.

“And you know my type?” said Tommy.

“TJ, I know you. I already have to share you with Shawn I don’t want to lose you altogether,” Jon said sadly looking down.

Tommy took a hold of Jon’s face and tilted it up tenderly, “Jon you are never going to lose me,” he said lovingly.

“Besides, it’s not like I’m going to jump in the sack with him tonight,” teased Tommy.

“I know TJ, but if that kid isn’t your type then I’m a girl.”

“Well from my experiences with you, you are definitely not a girl,” Tommy teased with a smirk, trying to make them both laugh a little.

“I know what I do hurts you but that’s who I am and you know it. You don’t want me to change who I am, do you?”

“No TJ, I don’t. I would never expect you to be anything but who you are now because that’s the person I fell in love with.”

“I know that I wander a bit but you are my one true love. Jon you always have been and I will always love you,” Tommy said giving Jon a very tender kiss. As the kiss continued hands started roaming and Jon pulled away.

“What is it?” asked Tommy

“We can’t do this now you have to go introduce Hunter to the rest of the family.”

“Oh yeah, well afterwards we can continue,” smiled Tommy.

“Jon, remember that I love you. You have always been my first love ever since I saw you that first time back when we were young and innocent. When I saw you and looked into those deep brown puppy dog eyes, you melted my heart instantly. Nothing has ever changed how I feel about you. I love you with all my heart and soul. I love you so much I honestly don’t know if I could survive without you now. You are without a doubt what makes me want to keep going every day,” Tommy said as he tenderly caressed Jon’s face looking deep into his eyes.

“Thank you TJ for saying that,” as a tear rolled down his cheek, “It makes me feel so good to hear you say it because in this house things get so crazy I sometimes forget what you mean to me too. I’m sorry I was jealous I’ll try to be better.”

“You can be jealous whenever you feel like it Jon. I’ll love you the same anyway but I think you might want to apologize to Hunter after scaring the shit out of him before, because I think he is extremely afraid of you right now.”

“You really think so?”

“Yeah, you might not have noticed as I did but he shook in fear a little when you talked to him. I think something really bad happened to him.”

“Well then I guess I’ll have to do that then but you have to admit he is a little weird,” Jon said.

“Jon we are all a little weird but you are right there is something about that boy and I’m not just talking about his looks,” teased Tommy.

“Oh come on Tommy, if it weren’t for you being so worried and focused on Kyle before, I would swear you could have floated out of the car, all the way up to the front door, and flooded out the place with all the drool,” Jon teased back.

“You are probably right,” laughed Tommy, “but we don’t really know anything about him so I think it’s best to not assume a lot until we learn more. Though I think, it would be best if I kept an eye on him for now, at least until we are sure. So let’s learn a little bit about him before we jump to any conclusions.”

“Hunter, can you please come out here,” called Tommy.

Hunter immediately got up, left Kyle and Luke, and went into the adjacent room. Then he walked over to Tommy and Jon, stopped in front of them, and stood at attention.

“Yes Sir, what can I do for you,” Hunter said.

“Hunter you don’t have to call me sir, my name is Tommy.”

“But Sir, I’m not allowed to call people by their given names or surnames,” said a suddenly trembling and alarmed boy.

Tommy immediately grabbed Hunter and reassured him that nothing was wrong.  Then pulled him into a quick hug saying, “It’s okay, nothing is wrong, I’m here, you’re alright, no one is going to hurt you anymore,” as he shared a very concerned look with Jon.

“You can call me sir or anyone else sir if it makes you feel better,” Tommy said which seemed to calm Hunter a little more.

“How do you feel now, better?” asked Tommy as he let go of him.

“Just the pain from before Sir,” grunted Hunter.

“What pain are you talking about Hunter,” asked a confused Tommy.

“I can show you if you want me too Sir, but I don’t think you really would.”

“No Hunter, if you can show me then I want you to show me,” said a bold and unassuming Tommy.

“Are you sure Sir?” said Hunter with more than a little uncertainty.

“Yes, now show me,” Tommy told him.

Hunter reached out and barely tapped Tommy on the hand. Tommy suddenly slid off the couch as every nerve ending in his body tingled and then screamed out as if they were on fire. Also appearing almost instantaneously was a huge flash of light in front of Tommy even though it was just his imagination. He felt pain as he had never felt before. It was 100 times worse than when he was 12 and got kicked in the nads. Then as suddenly as it occurred, it was over and Tommy felt no more pain.

A shocked and worried Jon watched as this happened.

“What the hell did you do? Don’t you ever do that again do you understand me!” Jon was harshly chastising Hunter as he shook him. Hunter was trembling all over now trying to look straight ahead and ignore Jon, who was now bitching him out just inches away from his face.

“Jon back the fuck off!” said Tommy angrily pulling Hunter away. “I told him to do it and he did warn me against it so it’s my fault not his so leave him alone,” snapped Tommy. Jon was immediately taken aback.

“Are you okay Tommy, I was so scared when you fell off the couch. You looked like you were in so much pain I just lost it, I’m sorry TJ.”

“It’s alright Jon, I’m fine now after that lesson in pain, that I did ask for,” Tommy said as he steadied himself and sat back down gingerly.

“Hunter, come here please,” Tommy said softly.

Hunter rushed over to Tommy and suddenly started sobbing uncontrollably.

“I’m so sorry Sir I knew I shouldn’t have done it but you ordered me to do it and I have to obey my orders. Please forgive me, don’t beat me… I promise I’ll be good from now on.”

Tommy and Jon stared hard at each other both had shocked looks on their faces after hearing those words come from the boy.

Then Tommy said, “Its okay Hunter, you’re not in trouble, I told you no one is going to hurt you anymore.”

“But you said only if I’m good! I shouldn’t have done that to you, I’m so sorry Sir. I’ll never be bad again, I promise! Please don’t send me away,” the little boy sobbed.

Tommy gathered the frightened little boy into his arms once again.

“It’s gonna be okay Hunter,” Tommy said soothingly. “You weren’t bad, you just did as I told you to and you did warn me but I didn’t listen. You are a good boy, just try to calm down now I need you to relax.”

Tommy looked at Jon quickly and then back at Hunter.

“Hunter I want you to listen carefully to what I am about to tell you.”

“Yes Sir, I’m listening,” he said as his voice quivered in fear.

“I don’t want you to ever share that pain again! Not with anyone, no matter what! Unless I specifically tell you, it’s okay to do so. Do you understand me?”

“Yes Sir, I understand…I’m never to share that pain again without your permission,” said Hunter.

“TJ, what did it feel like?” asked Jon with concern in his voice.

“Jon it was the worst pain I have ever felt, a whole lot worse than the other night when you accidentally did ‘that’ to me. I pray that I will never be in that much pain again. It felt like it went on forever.”

“But TJ, it didn’t even last for more than a few seconds.”

“It certainly didn’t feel like that to me Jon.”

Tommy then turned to Hunter, who he had sat on the couch between Jon and himself, so that he could see his face.

“What caused you to be in that much pain?”

“Fixing your brother Sir, it always hurts like that when I heal someone. The worse they are hurt or the more often I do it, the more pain there is and the longer it lasts,” replied Hunter.

Tommy was just flabbergasted, he couldn’t conceive of inflicting that kind of pain to himself for a stranger but this little boy did it for him and then Kyle knowing fully well what would happen to him.

“So helping Kyle hurt you that much?”

“Actually Sir, the pain has subsided some since I fixed your brother.”

“You mean to tell me that it was worse than what I felt?”

“Yes Sir, the more life threatening the injury the worse the pain is but the pain goes away as time goes by.”

“If it hurts that much, why did you do it Hunter, you didn’t know us at all. So why go through that kind of agony for a perfect stranger?” asked Tommy.

“I didn’t do it for him Sir. I did it because you were nice to me and the old man said I should be nice to people who are nice to me,” replied Hunter.

“Wait a minute, what old man?” said Jon.

“He was just an old man that I met shortly after the comet passed by. He is dead now sir. He died only a few days after I met him,” Hunter said sadly.

“How could he die, you can fix people, you fixed Kyle, why couldn’t you fix him?” exclaimed Jon.

“I tried sir but it seems I can’t fix old,” Hunter said dejectedly, “I did it once for him but he ordered me not to do it again since he had lived a good long life and was ready to die. I followed his orders and he died the next day, I have been all alone since then.”

It was obvious that Hunter didn’t want to talk about the old man right now so Tommy changed the subject.

“What did I do that was so nice, if I remember correctly I wasn’t actually nice to you,” Tommy said.

“Well Sir, you gave me your shirt to wear. No one has ever given me something to wear just because I might be more comfortable in it.”

Jon and Tommy were a bit stunned by this, Tommy far more than Jon as he had some inkling what the boy went through all for the sake of a bloody shirt.

“Okay we need to ask you some more questions, to learn enough about you so that we can introduce you to the rest of the family,” Tommy said.

“Yes Sir, I’ll try to answer any question you give me,” replied Hunter.

“Wait Tommy,” Jon said, “I’m sorry Hunter for before when I wasn’t as nice to you as I should have been. I was just being foolish and hope you can accept my apology.”

Hunter looked from Jon to Tommy back to Jon then said, “Yes sir.”

“Okay Hunter, Jon was being nice when he said sorry so you should say ‘thank you’ when someone apologizes to you,” Tommy said.

“Yes Sir,” Hunter said to Tommy then, “thank you sir” he stuttered to Jon obviously uncomfortable saying that.

“Let me guess, no one has apologized to you before either?” Jon said.

“Yes sir,” Hunter replied quietly.

“Well then let’s just see this as a day of firsts for you Hunter,” Tommy said smiling getting the little boy to smile a bit, which seemed to brightening up the whole room while it lasted.

“Okay, Hunter how old are you?” asked Tommy.

“I’m approximately 11 and 2/3, I will be 12 on May 3 Sir,” Hunter said crisply.

“Really,” Jon said, “you are barely as tall as Shawn and he just turned 10 two months ago.”

“Do you have any family? You know mom, dad, brother, sister,” Tommy asked.

“Sir I have never known a ‘mom’ or ‘dad’ and all the people I thought of as my brothers and sisters are dead now,” Hunter said sorrowfully.

“I’m sorry to hear that Hunter,” said Tommy giving him a little hug.

“Did they die when the comet came?” asked Jon.

“Most of them did sir,” Hunter said as a tear ran down his cheek.

Tommy realized that Hunter was having a difficult time with that subject so he let it go for now.

“It’s okay Hunter, you are safe here,” Tommy said as he wiped the tear from the cute boy’s face.

“Hunter where have you been living and have you been living with anyone?” asked Tommy.

“Just around Sir,” Hunter answered evasively, “but I haven’t lived with another person since the old man died.”

Tommy realized that he didn’t really answer the first part but he would accept that for now. Just then, there was a knock on the door startling Jon and Tommy so Jon got up and opened it.

“Jon…” said Shawn, “Hurry up you guys the others are going nuts in there waiting for you.”

Tommy put Hunter down, got up and said, “Okay Shawn, we are coming now.”

He could see that Shawn was bursting at the seams from trying not to tell the others that Tommy had found another boytoi. Tommy walked to the door when he realized Hunter didn’t follow so he turned and put his hand out. Hunter then hesitantly walked over to Tommy taking his right hand as Tommy gave him a little pat on the head. Shawn immediately went and took Tommy’s other hand. Tommy sighed and looked at Jon who was trying unsuccessfully to stifle a giggle over Shawn’s behavior. Together the three of them walked with hands held together as Jon lead the way to the game room.

Shawn suddenly shouted “they’re coming!” startling Hunter and causing him to tighten his grip on Tommy’s hand as the sound of the video game that was going on suddenly went quiet.

While all this was going on outside in the game room, back in Kyle’s room a very happy and excited Luke was sitting inches from Kyle and looking at him, thinking how he almost lost him just a little bit ago.

“Kyle are you tired, I mean really tired?”

“Not yet, why?”

“Because after almost losing you like that I really haven’t had a chance to tell you this,”

“Tell me what Luker?” Kyle asked.

“That I know we have done some things together but I guess…” Luke paused. Kyle looked at him and could see the boy was frustrated or maybe even embarrassed as he began to turn a little red in the face. “I’m sorry Kyle this isn’t easy for me to say but I am going to tell you now I swear I am!” Luke said angrily.

“Its okay Luke, take your time and just say it. I am not going to laugh and no one else is here, it’s just us two.”

“I know Kyle, its just that I am not used to being and feeling like this.”

“Like what Luke?” Kyle said curiously.

“In love I think…”

There was a long silent pause as Luke was shocked he said it and Kyle was stunned at what he heard. Finally, Kyle smiled and that seemed to break the tension on Luke’s face some.

“Its just that when I thought I lost you Kyle I swore that if I got a second chance I would tell you how I felt about you and even though I made that promise it still wasn’t easy to say,” the red-faced boy said rambling on.

Kyle patted the bed next to him and Luke scooted up inches from Kyle.

“Luke that’s really strong, I mean I am floored by it and I don’t even know what to say. I went from almost being dead to having a real boyfriend in thirty minutes. That sure beats anything Domino’s Pizza could ever do!”

Both boys started to laugh aloud at the stupid comment Kyle just made. The also drew closer together and were now inches apart. They stared into each other’s eyes and even though they had kissed before, this time as their lips met there was a new feeling, a sudden charge flew through both boys from their lips down to their toes as the pressed their lips together. Now only inches apart both boys wrapped each other up in one another’s arms and held their kiss for quite a while. Finally, both in need of air, they broke apart and gazed at each other and you could swear there were heartstrings being strummed in the background by the closeness of the moment.

“Wow!” Luke said. “That was awesome!”

“Yeah,” Kyle added, “I felt it too!”

Again the boys kissed and this time arms began to wander and roam each others body. Suddenly shirts began to come off and then Luke stood and without thinking dropped his pants. Kyle stood and followed and now both boys were down to their underwear as they flopped back into bed and continued kissing.

“You want to or do you want me to go first?” Kyle asked, knowing this time, he didn’t have to explain what he meant.

“I don’t care,” Luke said.

For the next few moments’ heavy petting ensued and the temperature in the room was definitely rising fast.

“Damn Luke I feel so horny all of a sudden,” Kyle said.

Luke smiled.

“Yeah I know, I do too,” Luke said.

Kyle stood up and went to lower his boxers. Luke not to be outdone followed. Both boys stood hands on boxers and then with a nod from Kyle down they fell to the floor.

“Wow,” said Luke. “This is hot!”

They came together in a hug, penises pushing on one another and a little grinding began to happen. Both boys were now kissing again and the moment was getting closer then ever for something sexual to happen. Beads of sweat now started to appear on both of the boy’s foreheads as Kyle pulled away and grabbed Luke’s hand.

“Come on lover boy lets see what we can do!” he said with great excitement in his voice.

Kyle’s hand found Luke’s now stiff cock and he was about to go further when he heard a bang on his bedroom door.

“Kyle! Let me in, it’s Shawn!” he continued to bang on the locked door.

“Awww fuck!” Kyle said in a low tone causing Luke to laugh.

“He isn’t going away Kyle you might as well let him in,” Luke said with some level of frustration in his voice.

“Yeah, I know! Shit!” Kyle exclaimed. “This was just getting good too!”

Kyle stood up, pulled his boxers back on, and went to the door. As he did, Luke did the same but stayed in bed. Kyle opened the door and looked at Shawn. Shawn immediately knew what was going on from all his experience with Tommy.

“Um, err…. sorry Kyle… I thought you were resting not…”

He couldn’t finish his words as he began to blush.

“Do you need something Shawn?” Kyle said totally flustered.

“No, I’m sorry I just wanted to check on you. I’ll go now,” Shawn said with total embarrassment in his voice.

He turned to leave, leaving Kyle standing in his doorway with just his boxers on and a look of total dismay on his face. Kyle shut and locked the door and headed back to Luke rather quickly. When he got back to Luke, he was dressed and Kyle was now shocked along with angered.

“Why did you get dressed?” Kyle barked.

“I’m sorry Kyle I thought he was going to come in and I didn’t want him seeing me that way, besides I hate to say it but he did ruin the moment. I got soft right away,” Luke said very dejectedly.

“Yeah I did too, damn it! Now I know what TJ means when he mutters “Shawnus Interuptus’ Shit now I do feel tired Luke, maybe I should rest for a while.”

“That’s fine Kyle we can always do this later, why don’t you rest, please?”

“Okay I guess I will for now.” Kyle said to him.

Luke got up, gave Kyle a kiss, and then the hugged him quickly before Kyle got back into bed, this time alone. Luke tucked him in and smiled.

“I will be back in a bit to check on you, I love you Kyle. Wow I said it!” Luke smiled widely. So did Kyle.

“I love you too sweet boy. I’ll be here when you get back.”

Luke turned to go but stopped once and looked back at Kyle. His head swimming in emotions now he almost stumbled to the exit. He headed out of Kyle’s room looking for the others and found them quickly in the kitchen.  

Chapter 90.                             The introduction to fear and disbelief.

While Kyle and Luke were together this was going on out in the game room…

As they entered the game room, Tommy was bombarded with questions about Kyle until they noticed Hunter. Then all that could be heard was “who’s that”, “where did you find him”, “wow Tommy you found another cutie”, “where have you been hiding him”, “he’s not sleeping in my room” as Hunter was trying more and more to hide behind Tommy while Tommy was trying to pull him out from behind him. Finally getting tired of the little tug of war between him and Hunter, he just turned around and picked the little boy up holding him on his hip. Hunter wrapped his arms legs around Tommy apparently holding on for dear life.

“QUIET DOWN!” shouted Tommy.

Suddenly feeling Hunter start shaking Tommy whispered to him, “Its okay, you are safe, I’m right here.”

After the boys had finally settled down some, Tommy said, “As you can see we have a new member of our family. This is Hunter. He will be living with us from now on. I found him on the way back from the pharmacy when I was getting the medicine for Kyle. He’s 11 years old and doesn’t have any family anymore so we’re adopting him. He has been living on his own basically since the comet but now that he found us he won’t be alone anymore.”

Tommy then went to put Hunter down when he realized that he couldn’t break the kids grip on him, so he just started walking around to introduce everyone to him.

He walked up to DJ and said, “Hunter this big guy here is Devin but we all call him DJ.”

DJ said, “Hello Hunter,” as he put out his hand to shake Hunter’s hand.

“Hello sir, I’m honored to meet you,” said Hunter as he gripped Tommy a little tighter clearly not willing to shake hands with DJ. DJ let his hand drop as Tommy gave him a look rolling his eyes as if to say ‘sorry, but what can you do’.

“Hunter this is Ben. He has been nice enough to do most of the cooking in this nuthouse and he fixes minor scraps and bruises the others get,” Tommy said.

“Hi Hunter,” said Ben giving him a little wave after seeing DJ’s abortive attempt at shaking the kid’s hand.

“Hello, it is an honor to meet you sir,” Hunter said softly.

Tommy then walked to the couch with Hunter holding onto him like a big leech.

“These next two boys are Billy and Joey, they seem to live in the game room more than anyone,” introduced Tommy.

“Hi,” both boys said giving Hunter a big smile and wave.

“Hello sirs,” Hunter replied timidly bowing his head a little to the two of them.

As Tommy turned to Danny, he heard Billy say, “Stop looking at him like he’s a hunk of meat Joey.”

“Just as soon as you stop drooling Billy,” Joey shot back as the room broke up into laughter.

After the laughter died down Tommy said, “And this is Danny, the little guy on his lap is his little brother Chris.”

“Hi,” said Danny, “come on Chris say ‘Hi’ to him.”

“Hello,” piped Chris giggling a little as Danny tickled him a bit.

“Hello sir and to you too my fine young sir,” Hunter said.

That caught Tommy’s ear… more then the other introductions so far for some reason. Hunter appeared to have a bit more curiosity about the smaller Chris then any of the other boys.

“Over here on the floor are the twins Jordy and Zack,” Tommy said.

“Hello Hunter,” said Zack. He looked at his brother when he didn’t respond then elbowed him and said, “Shut your mouth you fool and say hello.”

“Umm, Hi,” Jordy said finally with a big smile on his face.

Tommy looked at Zach, smiling and then at looked Jordy with a big smirk after Zach’s comment.

“Hello sirs” said Hunter bowing his head to each of them.

“Hey what’s with all this ‘sir’ stuff?” Zack blurted out suspiciously.

“Relax Zack. He’s just trying to be polite. You might give it a try sometime,” said DJ from over Tommy’s shoulder, quickly shutting Zack down before he had a chance to get himself into trouble.

Tommy then walked a few steps as DJ continued along and said, “This young man is Jeremy.”

“Hi there Hunter,” said Jeremy giving him a little wave with a big smile on his face.

“Hello sir, I’m honored to make your acquaintance,” said Hunter formally.

“Damn Tommy but you sure know how to pick them, talk about your eye candy,” laughed Jeremy.

“Ain’t that the truth,” teased Tommy getting a laugh from the others.

So far up to this point the room as remained eerily quiet as Tommy continued his introductions, a rare but interesting thing.

“This is Caleb who was the last person to join our little family until you showed up,” Tommy said to Hunter.

“Hey Hunter,” Caleb said.

“Hello it’s nice to meet you sir,” said Hunter softly.

“And you already know Jon and the resident Lord and Master of the Game Room, my cutie, Shawn,” Tommy said getting a giggle from Shawn and a little laugh from the others.

“Tommy where is he going to sleep?” said Billy clearly concerned that Tommy might give the little boy the couch in the game room putting a damper on his late night/early morning game time.

“Maybe he can stay over at Bryan’s, I think they have an open room still,” said Shawn in an obvious attempt to get rid of potential competition to Tommy’s affections.

This then caused the other boys to all start talking at once saying things like “I don’t want a roommate”, “there are already two of us in our room so one of you guys need to take him”, or “yeah they have room over there.”

“Don’t worry little man, I’ll never send you away, so just relax,” Tommy whispered  to Hunter as he rubbed his back tenderly, Since Hunter had gripped him tighter and started trembling a bit after Shawn’s comment.

Tommy cleared his throat loudly to get everyone’s attention then said, “Relax everyone, I’ll put him in my room until I can figure this out.”

This of course garnered him some bad looks from Jon and Shawn but Jon was right with his comments from before Tommy thought. There was something strange about this beautiful little boy and he just didn’t feel comfortable putting him in someone else’s room right now. He wanted to keep an eye on him until he learned more about him. He also got some other looks from some of the other boys but he decided that he would deal with those only if they became a problem and until then just leave it alone.

Tommy’s stomach suddenly growled loudly telling him and everyone else that it was feeling a little neglected making some of the boys laugh.

“Okay I’m gonna go get something to eat, anyone else hungry?” said Tommy knowing he was just asking for it.

“Don’t worry about that Tommy. I already fed them when you and the others were in Kyle’s room. There is some leftover tuna casserole in the fridge if you want it Tommy,” said Ben

“Thanks Ben,” said Tommy leading Jon and Shawn while still carrying Hunter.

Tommy tried once again to pry Hunter off of him but he couldn’t even budge the little boy.

“Come on Hunter, you can let go now, you’re safe, time to get off me now,” Tommy said tenderly as they entered the kitchen.

Hunter immediately let go and said, “Yes Sir.”

Tommy busied himself around the kitchen getting the food ready as Jon and Shawn sat down at the table. Tommy turned and looked seeing Hunter just standing next to the table and said “Sit down at the table and relax Hunter.”

“Yes Sir,” said Hunter as he pulled out a chair and sat down looking very uncomfortable.

“Jon why don’t you and Shawn make us some hot chocolate,” Tommy told them.

“Awww do I have to, why doesn’t Hunter have to help too,” complained Shawn.

“Shawn it’s his first day here, give him a break,” Tommy said tiredly.

“Would you like some hot chocolate Hunter,” asked Jon.

“What’s chocolate sir,” replied Hunter.

“You have never had any chocolate!” exclaimed Jon, “that’s just wrong!”

“I’m sorry sir. I didn’t know I was supposed to have it. If I had known, I would have gotten some. I didn’t mean it sir, I’m sorry,” said Hunter quickly his beautiful green eyes widening in fear.

“It’s alright Hunter… you didn’t do anything wrong, take a deep breath and calm down,” said Tommy with a hint of annoyance in his voice.

“Wow, I have never met anyone who didn’t know what chocolate was,” said Shawn.

“I think you will really enjoy it Hunter,” Tommy said.

Jon and Shawn were making a pot of hot chocolate as Tommy reheated the casserole.

 Just then, Luke came in looking a little red and flustered. (This is about twenty minutes after Kyle and Luke were together and alone before Shawn interrupted them)  

“Been having a good time in there with Kyle have you Luke,” teased Jon.

Luke gave a look as if to say ‘none of your business.’ Tommy took the first two cups of hot chocolate and two bowls of the tuna casserole and gave them to Luke.

“I don’t want to know Luke, just take the food and go be with Ky. Hunter will you help Luke carry this stuff please?” asked Tommy.

“Of course Sir,” as he immediately got up, picked up the two bowls and went to stand by Luke.

“Thanks Tommy,” Luke said sheepishly as he took the food and left with Hunter.

Luke wasn’t sure if Kyle was hungry now but he had the food, he might as well go back to Kyle since nothing was going on out in the house. This also gave them some time to talk without Hunter being in the room.

“Why is he so afraid TJ,” whispered Shawn.

“I don’t really know Shawnee kid, but if I had to guess, I would say he was abused pretty bad,” Tommy whispered.

“Yeah TJ, but a lot of us here have had problems and we aren’t anything like that,” Jon said quietly.

“I get the feeling that he has been abused A LOT more than anyone here Jon. We will just have to wait until I can get him alone and talk to him about it,” replied Tommy sadly.

Hunter came back alone, and stood by the table.

“Did you give the food to Kyle, Hunter?” Tommy asked.

“Yes Sir,” Hunter said.

Tommy then turned to the microwave get more food for the table and then he turned back to the table to serve it.

“Sit down Hunter,” Tommy said tiredly.

“Yes Sir,” Hunter said sitting down again at the table.

“Okay everyone let’s sit down and eat,” said Tommy putting four bowls with spoons in them on the table, as Jon and Shawn put down the hot chocolate. The boys started to devour the food when Tommy noticed Hunter just sitting not doing anything.

“It’s alright Hunter go ahead and eat. The foods good,” said Tommy.

“Yes Sir,” Hunter replied as he just grabbed the food with his hands and stuffed it into his mouth getting it all over himself. Needless to say, this caused the other three boys to stare at him as he crammed the food in his mouth until he noticed that everyone was staring at him.

“Hunter everything is alright, we were just not used to seeing someone eat like that. Usually we use forks and spoons to eat,” Tommy said holding up his spoon just as the poor kid looked like he was going to cry.

“Why don’t you try the hot chocolate but be careful…it’s hot,” said Jon kindly. A little too late as Hunter picked up the cup and drank it down in one swallow.

“Mmm, that was good sir, thank you for letting me have some,” Hunter said.

“Hunter wasn’t that hot?” asked Shawn.

“Yes sir, it was a little warm,” Hunter replied.

“Would you like some more Hunter,” Tommy asked carefully.

“Yes Sir if it’s allowed and not too much trouble,” answered Hunter.

“It’s no trouble at all and I wouldn’t have asked if it wasn’t allowed,” Tommy said as he got up to grab another bowlful of casserole and mug of hot chocolate for Hunter.

Tommy then went back to finishing his food when he noticed that Hunter wasn’t eating.

“You can eat now Hunter, watch out for the hot chocolate as it was…simmering,” Tommy said also too late, as the little boy immediately reached for the cup as he greedily drank it down spilling some down his face onto his shirt. Then he grabbed the spoon and just heaped the food on it and crammed it into his mouth. Finally, he used his finger and tongue to lick the bowl and cup clean getting more of the casserole smeared onto his face and some into his hair. The other boys just sat there stunned at the display before them. Then as they all finished eating, they got up to clean up their dishes.

“Hunter you just stay there, you are just covered in food so I think it would be easier to just put you in the shower to clean you up. Shawn will you take Hunter to my room and show him the shower so he can get cleaned up please. I want to talk to Jon a little more,” said Tommy.

“Okay TJ. Follow me Hunter, and don’t touch anything since your fingers are all greasy,” Shawn said as he headed out of the kitchen off to Tommy’s room.

Hunter turned to look at Tommy as Tommy said, “go on Hunter, and go with Shawn. You will be okay.”

“Yes Sir,” Hunter said as he got up to follow Shawn.

Shawn took Hunter up to Tommy’s room and showed him the bathroom.

“Here’s the bathroom, there is the shower,” Shawn said pointing.

“Excuse me sir but how do I turn the water on?” asked Hunter gently.

“You don’t even know how to turn the water on? You turn the handle on the wall now get in there and get clean,” said an exasperated Shawn.

Shawn heard the water turn on as he left the room wondering if he should have told Hunter about how to change the temperature of the water and where the soap was. ‘Oh well,’ he thought, ‘he’ll figure it out.’

Down the hall, a bored Jeremy knocked and poked his head into Jordan’s room.

“Is it okay to come in?” he said.

“Yeah, I am alone, Zack stayed downstairs to try and learn more about that Hunter kid so I came up here to be alone for a bit.”

Jordan was sitting up on his bed, he appeared ready to do something but he didn’t get up as Jeremy walked in pushing the door closed some of the way, but it still remained open several inches.

“Oh well, if you want to be alone I can go Jordy,” Jeremy said.

“Nah, please stay. We haven’t had a lot of time to talk, I mean its not like we have a lot to talk about but we do have one thing in common,” Jordan said.

“What’s that?” a puzzled Jeremy said.

“That bastard Robert,” Jordan said with a look on his face.

“Why the look Jord?” said Jeremy.

“I thought you forgot already, I mean I know we weren’t friends and we didn’t even know we were in the same house but I still remember clearly when we first met.”

“Yeah you weren’t dressed,” Jeremy said with a smirk on his face.

Jordan suddenly turned a little red.

“I didn’t mean that part,” he said with a small chuckle, playing along without a problem. “You didn’t have much on either!” he barked back at him.

“Yeah well, I remember it clearly,” Jeremy said. “You had a killer body from what I saw,” Jeremy said to him.

“Thanks, I think Jeremy.”

“What?” Jeremy said. “Did I say something wrong?”

“Nah, not at all, just that it wasn’t a good time and even though I was happy it was over, I still don’t think about it a lot unless something like this brings it up.”

“Sorry,” Jeremy said. “I didn’t mean to do that. If it hurts to talk about we can talk about anything else, that’s cool with me.”

“Well…” Jordan said. “I did like what you said about my body,” He added smiling.

The starry-eyed, cute 12 year old’s smile made Jeremy’s cock stir in his pants just enough for him to reach down and adjust himself. Jordan noticed that immediately. Jeremy never really thought much about approaching Jordan even though he hadn’t missed any opportunity to stare at the boy when he was in view. A thought ran through his head quickly, ‘maybe this might work in my favor,’ he thought.

“So is there anything you want to talk about?” Jeremy asked Jordan, as he got closer to the appealing, athletic looking boy.

“Not sure there is much we can talk about but I do like you being here,” Jordan said, never being one to hold back any thoughts.

“Really,” Jeremy said. “Did you have something in mind?” he quickly added.

“Well… I do like being with Tommy but lately he has been so busy that I might not mind spending some time with you.”

This intrigued Jeremy. He didn’t know Jordy was like this but he certainly didn’t mind his openness either.

“Did you have anything in mind Jordan?” Jeremy asked bluntly.

“Yeah, since you are being so forward, I saw you make an adjustment before would you like me to make one for you?”

Gem’s eyes lit up with Jordan’s words. He stepped two steps closer to the boy.

“That sounds like an invite to me,” Jeremy said smiling.

Jeremy walked over and stood directly in front of Jordy who was still sitting up on his bed and stopped with his bulging jeans only inches from Jordan’s face.

“That sure does this look like an invite,” Jordan said.

Not being shy at all, Jordan reached out and ran his hand over the bulge in front of him. Jeremy’s eyes immediately closed as his cock jumped in his pants and sent a shiver up his spine that quickly registered like a lightning strike in his head.

“Oh yeah…” he said softly. “It’s been a while since anyone did that,” Jeremy said almost drooling, his cock now begging for some type of release. Jordan teased the outside of his jeans even more causing Jeremy to let out a soft moan. “Damn it’s been way too long!” he added.

Jordan reached out to undo his pants but struggled causing Jeremy to reach down and start the process himself. Seconds later, his pants were undone and zipper pulled down. He was no longer struggling to free himself from his jeans as his boxers tented out several inches. Jordan’s eyes fixated on them.

“Nice,” he said. “You seem almost as big as Tommy,” he added.

“I know, I think I am close to his size,” Jeremy added proudly.

That ended the talk for now as both boys got quiet and Jordan began to run his fingers over the outline of Jeremy’s cock through his boxers.

“Hey! What the hell is going on in here?” a voice screamed out as the door flew open wide. It was Zack.

 Jeremy quickly closed his jeans and stepped back from Jordan looking all flustered as he fumbled with his zipper and button.

“Geeze Zack, you don’t have to be a total douche bag over this!” Jordan screamed out as he stood up with a look total of disgust on his face.

“This is my room too Jordy and if you want to screw around I can’t stop you but damn, can’t you do it some place else?” he demanded.

Jeremy, who was now dressed and trying to get the color in his cheeks back to normal stood there watching them bicker. He had heard them argue before over stupid things and shrugged it off but this time was a bit different.

“I think I’ll see you later Jordy, you know how to find me,” Jeremy said scurrying out of the room quickly.

“Sorry!” Jordan yelled to his back as he hurried out the door pulling it closed behind him.

“You can be such a fuck sometimes Zack. Damn it I thought you got past this after Tommy grounded you and things got better between you and him, even better between us. Now you can go fuck yourself!” Jordy pushed by his brother, opened the door, and stormed out slamming it behind him. Tommy would normally respond to such noise, but he had entered his room minutes before this happened and he now had his hands full with Hunter at the moment.

Back in Tommy’s room….

As Tommy entered his room, he heard the water running in his shower.

“Hunter must still be in there,” Tommy said aloud, “Oh well it’s time for him to get out now anyway. Hunter you need to get out so I can take a shower,” said Tommy through the door.

“Yes Sir,” came a muffled sob.

Tommy opened the door and walked inside seeing Hunter sitting holding his legs on the floor of his shower, his clothes in a neat pile on the counter. Tommy reached in the shower then pulled himself back quickly saying, “Damn that’s cold.”

He then reached over and shut the water off.

“What’s wrong little man,” asked Tommy kneeling down and putting a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry Sir, but I don’t know how to get the soapy water to come out,” sobbed Hunter into his knees.

“What do you mean soapy water?” asked Tommy as he picked up the beautiful boy and put him on his lap while he sat on the toilet seat.

“Well Sir, all the showers I have had always had soapy water come out first. Then I would wash myself real quick. After that the rinse water would come out and I would be all done in 2 minutes,” said an upset Hunter.

“You aren’t going to beat me because I couldn’t figure it out, are you Sir?” he added.

“Hunter I told you no one is going to beat you so why do you keep asking that?” asked Tommy.

“I’m sorry Sir, but other people have told me that too but they always beat me shortly afterwards,” cried Hunter.

“Hunter I’m not other people. I mean it when I say ‘no one is going to beat you’ do you understand. You might get a little spanking if you are real bad but that’s it. No beatings,” said Tommy as Hunter nodded.

Tommy then picked the little naked boy up and carried him out of his bathroom and into his room. He then sat down on one of the comfy chairs he had as he held Hunter in his lap.

“Hunter did anyone ever beat you before the comet passed by?” Tommy said softly.

“Yes Sir, at least once almost everyday. Unless they broke a bone or something serious like that, as then I would have around 48 hours when they wouldn’t beat me so that I could heal. They would be told to be more careful in the future when that happened.”

“They only gave you two days to heal?” exclaimed Tommy.

“Well Sir, I didn’t really need that long as my body heals itself real fast but I didn’t tell them that,” he said conspiratorially.

“Hunter, what happened to you during these beatings?” asked Tommy not sure he really wanted to know.

“We all had to wear these collars that would shock us real bad if they wanted them to Sir. Then there were the shock sticks that they would use to get us to move faster. They used paddles to beat our butts black and blue, which for me took quite a bit of work. Clubs and whips they would use to flog us if they had time to chain us up for it, which it seemed like they always made time. If they were really angry with us then they would heat some irons and use some small knives to carve or burn words or little patterns in us. There was the…” Hunter said dejectedly, his little body trembling as he went through his list.

“Enough,” said Tommy feeling sick after hearing only some of what Hunter went through.

Tommy took a few moments to compose himself before he went on with his questions.

“Did they do anything else to you?”

“I’m not sure what you mean Sir.”

“Did they do anything BAD with you?” Tommy said.

“I don’t understand what you mean by bad Sir,” Hunter said.

“I mean… did they sexually abuse you at all?” said a cringing Tommy.

“Yes Sir,” mumbled Hunter so softly that Tommy wasn’t sure he said it.

“Can you tell me what they did?” Tommy questioned softly knowing he wasn’t going to like the answer, while trying to hold Hunter protectively.

“They made me suck, stoke, and lick them often. They put their penises and other things in my butt and it hurt real bad every time Sir. It felt like I was being ripped in two most of the time when they did that. Some of them seemed to enjoy it more the louder I screamed. Some liked to beat me as they shoved things deep into me. Some of them wanted me to say things, dirty things when they were ‘playing’ with me, others just wanted to see how much I could take,” said a very unsteady and hesitant Hunter in a tremulous voice.

“Did they do anything to your penis?”

The sudden rush of tears was enough for Tommy to know that they did, though Hunter didn’t answer.

“It’s okay baby, its okay. You are safe now, none of that matters anymore,” Tommy said soothingly holding back his own tears and anger, while holding the little boy close to him and rocking him gently.

After awhile the beautiful little boy calmed down so Tommy continued.

“Who did these things to you?” asked Tommy gently.

“It was mostly the night guards with the sex Sir, but some of the scientists and workers at the facility did too. Some of the workers would get one of us as a bonus to ‘play’ with for a day. Most of them went after the girls but there were a few of them that liked boys better. The ones that picked the girls had to be more careful as they didn’t heal as well as I did. So, if they wanted it rough then they would pick me anyway. They liked me the best because no matter how rough they were with me I would heal up by the time the next shift came around usually. They said they liked me because no matter how often they ripped me open and made me bleed that the next day I would be just as tight. There was one scientist who would take me away for a few days at a time to an underground tunnel complex. He would put me in this bad room. He and some of his friends would hurt me real bad. They seemed to really like it when I screamed in pain for them. There was a boy there in the beginning, I never knew his name and he was never bad to me. I think we might have actually been friends and he told me once while we were alone that he was 15 years old. He would hold me when they weren’t around and try to make me feel better. One time he just wasn’t there when I showed up, and they never spoke of him again,” Hunter sniffled as Tommy’s blood suddenly went cold. “The beatings came from everyone at the facility. Whenever one of us would screw up our entire group would get a beating. They would always beat me worse than the others since they knew that I healed a lot faster. I hated myself for being able to heal so well,” cried Hunter as new tears came to his eyes.

Tommy just held Hunter tightly trying hard not to cry himself. The combination of what Hunter just told him and everything else today was starting to get to him now.

“You’re okay Hunter,” Tommy said sniffing back tears, “nothing like that will ever happen here. No one will ever force themselves on you or beat you while you are here with me,” Tommy told the little crying boy as his own tears started to roll down his cheek and fall onto Hunters head.

Something seemed to come alive within the little boy after Tommy said that, as Hunter just kept crying into Tommy’s chest.

“How long has this been happening to you?” Tommy asked trying his best to calm the naked little boy in his damp lap.

“As long as I can remember Sir, at least since I was two,” replied Hunter.

To say that Tommy was stunned would have been a gross understatement, as he couldn’t even conceive of anyone treating little toddlers how Hunter was treated. Tommy almost started crying again after hearing how long Hunter’s abuse had been going on but he took a couple deep breathes and calmed himself thinking ‘this is just way too much for anyone to take in all at once.’

“Hunter can you tell me where this facility you were at is located?”

Hunter just shook his head no as he sobbed silently.

“Don’t you know where it is?”

Again, Hunter shook his head no. Tommy continued to gently rock the boy as he rubbed his back and gave him little kisses on the head.

“Hunter did everyone at this facility treat you like that?”

“There was one person Sir who never hurt us.”

“What was he like?”

“He gave us this hard stuff to eat sometimes, he called it candy. He usually gave me the biggest piece. He didn’t beat us or let the others with him beat us or hurt us in any way. He stopped some others from beating me once, after that they got rid of him though. I heard some say he was too soft on us. I wished he would have beaten us some so that they didn’t get rid of him Sir,” Hunter said sadly. “I was told that he is still alive in this area but I haven’t found him. I did find his look-a-like though.”

“His look-a-like?” asked Tommy.

“Yes Sir, there was another man who looked exactly like him but he was very mean. The last time I saw him I though at first it was the nice man but his scent was wrong so I knew it was the bad man. I had to heal him because he got hurt somehow, I didn’t want to but those were my orders. Then I was to tell him to never go to the facility again as I would have to kill him if he did. I wanted to kill him then but my orders were to heal him, give him the message, and leave, so I couldn’t.”

“Hunter who told you that the nice man is still alive?”

“Al Sir,” Hunter said suddenly getting very afraid.

“You are alright Hunter, calm down. I thought you said that you didn’t live with anyone since the old man died.”

“Actually Sir, I said that I hadn’t lived with another person since the old man died.”

“Then who is Al,” Tommy asked.

“I’m sorry Sir but I’m not supposed to talk about Al,” sobbed Hunter.

“Its okay Hunter, but it’s also a little late for that so tell me who is Al,” Tommy told him.

“Al isn’t a who, Al is a what Sir,” said Hunter.

“Alright then what is Al?”

“Al is a computer Sir. He runs the facility now that all the other people are gone.”

“How would Al know if he is alive?”

“Al has access to a lot of satellites so he can see what’s happening all over the world Sir. That’s how Al knew something was wrong here.”

“So my running into you wasn’t an accident?” Tommy asked.

“No Sir,” mumbled Hunter.

“I guess that means your healing my brother wasn’t because I was nice to you then.”

“Oh no Sir, I was only ordered to go out and see if I saw anyone and to let them see me. So, that’s exactly what I did. Then I saw you crash and I knew the old man would have been sad if I had just left you so I healed you. I was really scared that I would be in trouble as I was always told that I should only do things that someone tells me to do. So you see Sir, I really did heal your brother because you were nice to me,” said Hunter worriedly.

“Well when do you have to go back to Al?” Tommy asked.

“I don’t Sir, I was hoping that I could stay with you since you said you would take care of me,” Hunter said suddenly worried that he was going to be kicked out.

“Relax Hunter. Don’t you want to go back to Al?”

“Not really Sir, Al is okay but he can’t hold me like you do or treat me as nice as you have. He’s not mean to me but I think that I bother him sometimes and that he would be happy to finally get rid of me. He has been telling me for awhile now that I would be happier if I was with other people but I didn’t believe him. Until I met you, I never realized how lonely I was. Al told me that I should find someone nice to live with who would look after me. All the people I knew from before were mean to me so I was afraid to meet anyone new. Then I saw you hurt and something the old man said came back to me about how ‘kindness begets kindness’ I never really believed it though. So I healed you hoping he was right and you were nice to me and didn’t hurt me at all. Then you gave me your shirt and said you would take care of me. No one has ever really seemed to want me until I met you and now I ruined that,” sobbed Hunter into Tommy’s chest.

“No Hunter, you are going to be fine, you didn’t ruin anything,” Tommy said soothingly holding the crying little boy tightly.

“But you are going to beat me and send me away now because I didn’t tell you about Al earlier. I’ll be all alone again,” whimpered Hunter.

“Hunter with what you have done for me, saving me and then my brother, I could never send you away. That is over with! I promise you now, we don’t have to ever discuss it again. I’m not sending you away! If anyone tries to beat you they will have to get through me first, which means no one is going to beat you ever again. I want you to stay with me Hunter, I don’t want you to ever go away,” Tommy told the frightened little boy with conviction.

For the first time since entering the house, his beauty, cuteness, and looks didn’t matter. Right now, nothing mattered but making this fragile boy see that he had nothing to fear any longer. Tommy decided to stop questioning Hunter for awhile so that he didn’t push the little beauty too much. He decided he would continue later once both of them had a chance to calm down, plus Tommy didn’t think he could take any more answers right now.

 “Okay I think it’s time for the two of us to get cleaned up now,” as he put the boy on the ground.

He headed for the bathroom taking off his shirt that was soaked mainly due to Hunter’s crying. Then his pants, which were still slightly damp from picking up a wet little boy and putting him on his lap. Tommy and Hunter went into the bathroom and Tommy turned on his shower. As he adjusted the temperature to his liking, he smiled at Hunter trying to make him more comfortable.

They both got into the shower as Tommy said, “this is the soap, we don’t have soapy water shoot out at us here,” showing him the soap.

“And this is the shampoo, which we use to wash our hair,” Tommy told him.

It was now that Tommy was able to get a good look at the boy and Jon was right, Tommy thought, this boy is definitely a 10. With the well-toned body of an obvious athlete and the face of an angel, this boy was definitely hot. Hunter’s little 2.5” uncircumcised penis was just hanging limply on top of one of the cutest sack of balls Tommy had ever seen, as he started shampooing his silky soft black hair. His skin was absolutely marvelous, not a blemish, nor a mark anywhere to take away from its beauty. His skin felt marble smooth as not a hair could be seen or felt other than the hair on his head as Tommy gently used his hands to soap his little body. The symmetry of his body amazed Tommy as most people had slight differences in the right and left side of their bodies. The right side looked like a mirror image of the left. His arms and legs seemed to be molded by a master sculptor who knew how to add just the right amount of muscle to enhance the beauty of the body but not too much that it overpowers the rest. The boy’s hands and feet were simply works of art, the world’s top models would have killed to have just one tenth of this boy’s beauty. In a word, Hunter’s body was just perfect. As Tommy started washing Hunter’s butt, he noticed that Hunter was getting a little erection.

“Hunter are you okay with me washing you,” Tommy said taking a significant look at his approximate 3.5” erection.

“Yes Sir I’m fine. Actually, I think it’s kind of nice having you wash me and the water is much better than the frigid water I usually use. Don’t worry about that Sir,” he said glancing at his little rigid penis that was pointing straight up, “it does that all the time now and I really don’t know why.”

“You really don’t know why it does that?” asked Tommy getting a little nod of acknowledgement from Hunter. “I guess I’ll have to be the one to tell you then. It does that because it feels good. Doesn’t it feel good right now?” asked Tommy as he carefully stroked Hunter’s little erection.

“It feels a little strange Sir, but not a bad strange,” Hunter said as he started to breathe quicker.

“You are sure it doesn’t hurt?” Tommy asked running a finger along his butt-crack.

“Yes Sir, I’m positive,” gasped Hunter, “it feels really strange but it doesn’t hurt at all.”

“I can stop if this bothers you at all,” said Tommy as he gently pulled the skin back from Hunter’s penis, exposing the stunningly beautiful mushroom head of his erection. Tommy then used his other hand to rub the head as he stroked the shaft making the little boy whimper in delight.

“Please Sir, don’t stop,” panted Hunter in-between little yips of pleasure that escaped from him.

“Okay Hunter I’ll keep going but you need to know that you are allowed to say ‘no you don’t want this’ and I’ll stop right away,” Tommy said as he stroked even faster and slowly pushed his finger till it could go no more. This caused Hunter to jump slightly and then moan in pleasure as Tommy discovered his prostrate.

“Yes I understand…Sir” as Hunter’s little body started trembling with pleasure rather than fear for a change. He arched his back, curled his toes, uncontrollably pumping his little hips into Tommy’s hand, and gave little yips of pure pleasure. Tommy’s hand was moving faster and faster on the beautiful little erection in front of him making Hunter squirm even more as waves of pleasure hit him, making him feel like he had never felt before.

As Hunter whimpered “please…please…Sir…don’t…stop” suddenly going into spasms of unrestrained pleasure as Tommy felt Hunter’s little balls tighten up to his body as he brought him over the edge. Hunter’s eyes rolled back in his head and he gave a barely audible high-pitched cry as his first ever orgasm hit him. Tommy had never seen anyone have such an intense dry orgasm as Hunter just did. Tommy gently lowered the little Adonis down to the shower floor as Hunter’s legs gave out on him. As the little boy gasped for air trying to catch his breath and recover Tommy washed himself up and thought about what he just did.

‘Man, that was awesome,’ thought Tommy pleased with himself. Then suddenly ‘with Hunter being so submissive I wonder if he is even capable of saying ‘no’ to what I just did,’ Tommy thought as a wave of guilt hit him. ‘Well at least I didn’t make him do anything to me,’ thought Tommy trying to lessen his guilt. ‘But he would have if I wanted him too, I’m sure of that,’ feeling even more guilty as his own erection disappeared going away in record time. ‘Oh man, am I no better than those vicious bastards that used him for their own pleasure?’ Tommy thought feeling like a total loser and asshole. ‘No, I didn’t hurt him and I didn’t force him,’ Tommy told himself trying to fight off any guilt. ‘But if he can’t say ‘no’ on his own then didn’t I kinda force him? Oh shit what have I done?’ Tommy thought suddenly feeling even worse than before, if that were possible. ‘Here I am trying to look after him and I do this to him instead! I should have done the right thing for him. Yet what I did do was take advantage of him the first chance I got. I’m no better than them!’ thought Tommy feeling like he was about to puke from this sudden realization of guilt.

“Th…th…thank you…Sir. That was a VERY good feeling. I never knew I could feel like that,” said a suddenly very tired Hunter increasing Tommy’s guilt even more.

“You’re welcome Hunter,” Tommy said softly stepping out of the shower and grabbing a towel to dry himself off.

“Now I know why those men wanted me to do that stuff with them Sir, I knew they liked it but I never thought that it was that good,” Hunter said stepping out of the shower waiting for Tommy to dry him as Tommy wrapped a towel around himself. “Would you like me to do that to you now Sir?” asked Hunter innocently making Tommy feel even worse as he gently dried the boy off.

“No thanks. Hunter do you really understand that you can say ‘no’ if someone is doing something to you that you don’t like?” asked the guilt ridden Tommy as he wrapped the towel around the boy and picking him up and carrying him out to his bedroom.

“Yes Sir you asked me that before,” replied Hunter.

Tommy placed the little bundle of joy on his bed then sat down next to him.

“I’m not sure if I’m getting through to you. How about this, if I asked you to let me put my penis inside you and I was to hurt you, would you let me?” asked Tommy concerned about Hunter’s reply.

“Of course Sir,” replied Hunter without even thinking.

“That’s what I mean Hunter, you should have told me ‘no’. It isn’t right for someone to hurt you.”

“But if you wanted to do that I would want you to since it would make you feel good. It wouldn’t matter if it hurt me Sir,” obviously not really understanding what Tommy meant.

“When two people do that it is supposed to feel good to BOTH of them. Both of them are supposed to WANT to do it because it feels so good. Not because one wants to please the other or thinks he has to but because they enjoy it.”

“You mean both enjoy it Sir?” clearly not sure if he believed it.

“Yes Hunter, when it’s done right both people should enjoy it a great deal.”

“So Sir if you tell me to do something that is going to hurt me I’m supposed to tell you no?” said a very confused boy.

“That’s right Hunter,” Tommy said giving Hunter a sad smile.

“But I’m supposed follow my orders, to do whatever someone tells me to no matter what,” said Hunter starting to breath faster and tremble a little. “I don’t understand, I don’t know what I’m supposed to do,” whimpered a confused Hunter.

Tommy suddenly noticed he was no longer being called Sir, which startled and scared him even more now as he realized the level of confusion that now besieged the boys mind.

“Relax Hunter, its okay, you are safe with me,” Tommy reassured him giving him a little hug. “It’s important for you to understand that there is a difference between right and wrong. You can say no to anyone if they are telling you to do something that will hurt you or someone else if it’s something that you don’t WANT to do. It wasn’t right for those people to hurt you like they did. Hunter, we shouldn’t hurt other people. The few times I have had to discipline the boys here I have felt terrible afterwards because I kept telling myself that I should have found another way to deal with whatever they did. I should have been able to stop whatever happened before it did since I’m the one in charge and responsible for the others but I’m not perfect, I screw up sometimes like I did with you in the shower. I shouldn’t have done that to you, it wasn’t right, I’m sorry,” Tommy said.

 “But it didn’t hurt Sir it felt really good, how could that be wrong?” asked Hunter.

Hunter continued to ask the proper questions of Tommy and at the same time push all the right buttons trying to get the proper answers while almost bringing Tommy’s mind to the point of exhaustion as the boy kept plying him to learn more and more about this.

“It was wrong because you didn’t really understand that you could tell me ‘no’ and from the look on your face you still don’t fully understand,” Tommy replied to Hunter.

Hunter had a look of concentration on his face as he tried to understand what Tommy was trying to tell him but as it was an idea totally alien to him he was having a real hard time. The thought that his feelings or wants mattered to anyone was so strange that he just couldn’t comprehend it as he had never in his life thought that they were important.

“I’m trying to Sir,” replied Hunter as he gave a huge yawn showing Tommy his perfect teeth and cute pink tongue.

Tommy sighed, glanced at his clock seeing that it was well past ten then said, “Okay, I want you to think about what we talked about and I won’t touch you like I did unless you specifically ask me too. Now I think it’s time to get you ready for bed,” said Tommy getting up from the bed. “I really should have asked Shawn if you could borrow some clothes but since he is probably busy now we will just have to make do. Here, wear this tonight and tomorrow I’ll borrow some clothes for you that will fit,” said Tommy handing him one of his shirts from his drawer. Hunter put the shirt on, as it hung to about his knees, with a look of mild distaste. “I’ll get the bed ready,” Tommy then told Hunter behind him as he grabbed the sheets he had brought in earlier to make-up the couch in his room. After he finished making up the couch for Hunter to sleep on he turned around to tell him when he noticed he wasn’t there. He looked around his room only to find him rolled up in a tight little ball in the corner of his room on the floor.

“Hunter what are you doing?” asked Tommy.

“I’m going to sleep like you told me to Sir,” replied Hunter uncertainly.

“But why are you on the floor?”

“That’s where I have always slept Sir,” Hunter said.

“We don’t do that here; tonight you are going to sleep on my couch with sheets and blankets.”

“Yes Sir,” Hunter said tiredly as he got up and followed Tommy to the couch.

After Tommy had tucked the little boy into his temporary bed and given him a kiss on the forehead good night he said, “Good night Hunter.”

Hunter looked at him and said, “Yes Sir.”

“Hunter when someone says good night you are supposed to say good night back.”

“Oh, okay Sir, good night.”

As Tommy heads towards his door to leave the room he noticed that Hunter has almost immediately fallen asleep. Tommy then went off to find Jon and try to explain this mess to him without an argument, in hopes that he would understand this. He headed downstairs and found Jon in the game room with everyone else, as usual. Jon was observing as Shawn and Billy were playing one of the games. Jon looked over and saw Tommy. He immediately got up and walked over to him.

“Damn, I thought I was going to be alone all night. You even missed the fireworks before. You were so busy with Hunter,” Jon said.

“I’m sorry Jon, I want to tell you everything but not out here. What fireworks!”

“Since you want to tell me stuff in private we might as well go to my room and we can both talk there.”

“Good idea, since Hunter is finally asleep in mine.”

Jon just rolled his eyes as he headed towards the steps to go up to his room as Tommy followed.

“Have you checked your brother lately TJ?”

“No… damn it! I have been so busy…”

“With Hunter, I know!” Jon said abruptly cutting him off as both boys entered his room. Jon shut the door and walked over to his bed. “TJ I’m worried. This isn’t like you. You have been missing almost 90 minutes and you even forgot about Kyle what does this Hunter boy have going on that is more important then your brother or me?” Jon said scolding Tommy.

For the first time in a long time, Tommy took what Jon was saying and didn’t fight back. Jon, however, was expecting some argument for his tone and harsh words towards his lover.

“I’m sorry Jon. but before we go on how is Kyle?”

“HE is fine, resting comfortably last time I checked. He and Luke were in bed together both asleep when I went in there about 15 minutes ago.”

“Oh great, that’s a relief. So… they are sleeping together?” Tommy asked Jon.

“Actually, I was going to ask you about that. I guess Kyle has a boyfriend now, I mean… I guess he has had one in Luke for a while now, ya know I really don’t know what I am saying anymore today TJ. Today has been so fucked up. I’m sorry too.” Jon said sadly.

Jon walked over into Tommy’s awaiting arms and they held each other and kissed each other softly on the lips.

“I know it’s been a total bitch of a day Jon, I’m sorry too.”

With Kyle securely in bed, Tommy was finally able to put one of today’s catastrophes behind him and now focus on Hunter with Jon.

“It’s cool now what did you want to tell me about Hunter?”

“I’ll tell you everything but first what happened and who were the fireworks over? Tommy asked with a great deal of concern in his voice.

“That was just something that happened between Jordan and Jeremy that Zack apparently walked in on.” Jon said.

“Ohhhhh?” questioned Tommy with an evil smile on his face. “What happened there?” Tommy asked raising his eyebrows.

“Jordan came to me looking for you but I told him you were busy and asked if I could help. He told me a little but he said he was sorry the rest was private. I figured that meant it was private for me but not for you,” Jon said with some envy in his voice.

“Nevermind that Jonathan, you know that the boys talk to me most of the time.”

“Yeah, I know TJ, boy do I know.”

“Jonathan… I do hear a bit of jealousy in your tone,” Tommy said jokingly.

“Bite me, you ass!” he replied.

Tommy quickly took a bite at the air in front of Jon. Both boys then laughed.

“I’ll talk to him later and see what happened but I have to talk to you about Hunter before I burst at the seams over the stress from all this Jon.”

Both boys sat together on Jon’s bed and for the next 45 minutes, Tommy told Jon almost everything that went on today, minus the sex in the shower of course, involving Hunter’s past. To say Jon was shocked would be a total understatement.

“TJ if you were anyone else I would have trouble believing you. So you are telling me there is a computer called Al too and… this is just way too much for me to take in… shit man, this is amazing and what about this guy that befriended Hunter who supposedly has a twin or something… does that mean there are other adults around here maybe spying on us?”

Jon’s words hit Tommy strongly. He didn’t give that much thought before being in such shock over all that Hunter told him.

“I really don’t know Jon but at this point after what I learned today about Hunter, I am not really worried either. From what he said about all the things he has been trained to do, he seems like he could be a one man wrecking crew if I ordered him to be Jon. I swear I have no idea what he is capable of at this point, but the way he described his healing powers and all the other stuff to me, I am just glad he is on our side.”

“Yeah TJ, I hear you.”

“Plus, I am not even sure if I know all of it yet Jon. There is way too much going on with that boy to possibly even understand. I still don’t know what really happened to him, who did it, or even if they will come looking for him sometime, that is if they are still alive.”

“TJ you are scaring me.”

“Sorry Jon, but you are the only one I care and respect enough to tell all of this to. I need more than anything for you to try and be strong for ME now, at least till all this sinks in and we can understand what’s going on with Hunter and all of this shit.”

“I’ll try but I’m worried about that kid, and now whoever else might be out there.”

“I know Jon, I know, but I do feel we as are safe as could be with him here. He is the most fragile thing I have ever seen and at the same time I just have a feeling he could probably kill anyone with one hand and eat dinner with the other if that’s what I wanted him to.”

“Yeah TJ I know. After what you told me I am glad he is on our side and I won’t be crossing him anytime soon,” Jon said with a hint of fear in his voice realizing what he did to Hunter earlier tonight could have caused him serious injury.

“Jon, I honestly wouldn’t worry about that, as far as I can see he is trained to do as told, not just to react as he wants. I don’t think he would hurt anyone unless ordered to.”

“That makes me feel a little better but… who is this kids master? If that’s even the proper way to ask that,” Jon said.

“You might not like that answer Jon.”

“I think I already know TJ, after the time you spent with him today and all that he told you, I think I already know,” Jon said with a very odd tone, almost like he felt threatened.

“Please Jon, don’t be worried, scared, or anything like that, we will work this out and you will be sleeping with me tonight too I hope.”

“Where will Hunter be?”

“On my couch, it’s the best I can do Jon.”

“Yeah, I know TJ, I know…” Jon said with obvious dissatisfaction in his voice.

Jon though to himself… ‘For all I know, now I don’t have to fight for TJ anymore, I have to worry about him ordering that thing to wipe us all out…’ his imagination obviously running on but with good reason.

“Jon… JON!” Tommy had to yell to get his attention. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, sorry I was just thinking.”

“I understand Jon, really I do but I am sorry, this happened for a reason and he saved Kyle’s life and probably mine too. I don’t know how seriously I was hurt in the truck Jon, I couldn’t move before he healed me, for all I know my neck might have been broken but thanks to him I will probably never know that truth about how bad I was hurt. Hunter just said it was very bad but he didn’t say how bad.”

Jon had a look of fear in his eyes now after Tommy said that to him. He reached out and hugged Tommy and both boys grew very quiet for the next few minutes. They just held on to one another and took in the moment for what it was worth.

“Come on Jon, it’s been a tough day, let’s get the guys to bed downstairs and turn in ourselves. I am totally fucking whooped, mentally and physically.”

“I can imagine TJ, I can only imagine.”

 They went back downstairs and requested that everyone turn in a bit early tonight and without much bitching they agreed.

“Look guys its been a tough enough day, tomorrow you can all play again but for now I need the boy’s from up the hill to head home now and the rest of you please go to bed or at least to your rooms, I am way too tired to argue.”

Noting the boys from up the hill arrived later then usual today because of the extreme cold weather and they only found out a little bit about Hunter without meeting him. He turned to Ryan and said, “Tell Bryan I will be over to introduce Hunter tomorrow as soon as he is settled in.”

“Okay Tommy, no problem. We are gonna go now,” Ryan said. Ryan and the other boys then gathered up their stuff, based on Tommy’s request, and they headed for the front door.

Seeing Tommy as he was, they agreed and everyone packed it up for the night. Shortly after that, Tommy turned out the lights, alarmed the house, and headed up for bed with Jon at his side, hopefully putting an end to this day from hell in so many ways. He and Jon went up to his bed, he quickly checked Hunter. Hunter was wrapped up into the fetal position and was whimpering and twitching a little in his sleep. For some reason this brought to Tommy’s mind the image of a dog trying to catch a rabbit in its sleep. As Tommy gently touched Hunter, the little boy immediately quieted down and was still. They then both got into bed and settled down. Tommy was fast asleep holding Jon to his side as they hoped to sleep through the night.

Tommy and Jon awoke shortly after settling in for the night to the sound of crying. Tommy immediately got up and went over to Hunter who appeared to be upset and crying in his sleep.

“No... Please... Don’t hurt me anymore…I’ll be good...I’ll be a good boy, I promise…” whimpered Hunter in his sleep as his face contorted oddly appearing to be in pain. As Tommy reached out and touched the boy, he immediately quieted down. Tommy removed his hand and the boy started up again just as Tommy took his hand away.

Tommy gave a little sigh and shook the boy a little as he said, “Hunter, wake up you are having a nightmare.”

Hunter immediately shot out of his bed, stood at attention, and said, “Awaiting orders sir,” obviously not fully awake yet but reacting to how he has been trained shocking both Jon and Tommy with his reaction.

“Relax Hunter,” Tommy said tiredly, “let’s try to get you back to sleep now.”

Tommy then stroked the boy’s head briefly as the tired angel quickly dosed back off. He turned and looked at Jon who had since turned a light back on to see what the fuss was and Tommy shrugged his shoulders.

“TJ, I hope this isn’t going to happen all night long,” Jon said.

“Yeah Jon, I hear you,” he replied.

With that, Tommy got back into bed with Jon.

“What are you going to do if this happens again TJ?”

“Very simple Jon, I have sleeping pills in the bathroom and if this happens again I will give him two.”

“Okay, I guess we can try that if we have to,” Jon added.

“TJ, I hope this isn’t going to happen all night long,”

“Yeah Jon, I hear you,” he replied. With that, Tommy got back into bed with Jon.

As Jon turned off the light and Tommy’s head hit the pillow once more he thought between Shawn and Hunter’s nightmares it would be awhile before he got a good night sleep as he too finally fell asleep, or so he thought for now.

After Hunter’s nightmares woke up the boys a couple more times, Hunter decided to just stay awake for the rest of the night. So he feigned sleep as he waited for the sound of Jon’s & Tommy’s heartbeats and breathing to finally calm to a steady rate indicative of deep sleep. Hunter then got up off the couch, unlocked the bedroom door, and went out into the rest of the house. He went silently downstairs, looked at the alarm system and giggled to himself at how simple it was. He easily bypassed the system and headed outside. Hunter went outside about 30 feet and just stood there all alone apparently unaffected by the cold nights air. He found the night outside comforting in its quiet. He sat down in the snow and tuned out the sounds of the boys sleeping in the house, even at that distance away, so that he could just admire his surroundings that were all but covered in a beautiful white snow. As he lay down to gaze at the sky for a while, he did something rather strange, he waved to the sky. It was then that Hunter realized just how tired he was. After healing one boy who would have died without serious medical attention, and then the other who was literally on death’s door within such a short span of time really took a lot out of the little boy. He knew he had many painful and exhausting days ahead of himself as he recovered from healing the boys, but with how Tommy had treated him so far he would happily endure it and much more if Tommy needed him too. After staring at the sky for about 30 minutes, he finally got up, waved once more to the sky, and went back inside. He knew that as tired as he was his nightmares were going to be bad. He couldn’t stay awake much longer without seriously decreasing his ability to be ready at a moments notice for whatever emergency might happen, even more than it already was from healing the boys. Once inside he reset the alarm then headed back to Tommy’s room. He took off his wet clothes with a sigh of relief, folded then nicely putting them on the couch. Then he silently went inside Tommy’s closet. He curled up into a little ball, put the pillow over his head to muffle any noise he might make, and went to sleep. He hoped that he wouldn’t make so much noise in the closet that it disturbed his master.

To be continued…