Care Givers

Written By: LJ


“I don’t like it here, D! I don’t like the sounds or the smell of the place!” Skyy complained as he cuddled in closer against his fellow-Brat’s left side. “People die here,” he whispered.

Skyy and Dusty had the waiting room to themselves and although the room’s furnishings consisted of several comfortable chairs and two large sofas, both young men were squeezed into the same over-stuffed armchair.

“I know, Buddy, I don’t like being here either. But most people leave here healthier than when they came in.”

“Nonno and Uncle Earl died here.” Skyy murmured more to himself than to his partner.

“Den’s going to be all right, little buddy. Stop fretting.” Dusty shifted slightly to free up both his hands. “Here, why don’t you help me fill out this form they gave us at the front desk?” He hoped the activity would take their minds off their gnawing concerns.

“Okay. What info do they want?”

“Patient’s name: Dennis….shit!”

“That’s not his name, D.” Skyy teased as he watched the other man furiously erasing what he had just written. “You’re going to tear the paper if you’re not careful.”

“What’s with this ‘last name first’ crap anyway?” Dusty gripped. “Taylor, Dennis Bryan. Address: Phone #:” Dusty read off the next items on the form and wrote down the answers. “S.I.N. Number: Hell, how am I supposed to know his social insurance number!” he exclaimed. His impatience with the amount of information being requested was beginning to show.

“It’s….” Skyy rhymed off the nine-digit number.

“How’d ya know that?”

“I remember from when Den taught me how to do our tax returns last year.”

“God, you’ve got a mind like a steel trap, kid!” Dusty shook his head in wonderment at the amount of fragmented knowledge collected in his fellow-Brat’s head. “Next! Date of birth: April 12, 19 something.”

“Man, Den’s getting old. He’s going to be thirty in two months!”

“And you’re going to be twenty less than a month after. Now pay attention! Age: 30.”

“Why did they ask that when you already wrote down his birth date?”

“Probably to lazy to do the math. Description:…”

“Gorgeous, hot, sexy……” Skyy peered over Dusty’s shoulder.

“They’re asking for his height and weight, Skyy.” Dusty laughed while actually agreeing with his partner’s depiction of their Top. “Hmmm, let’s see; 6 feet, 175 pounds.”

“I like my answer better!” Skyy muttered and turned sparkling eyes up to his partner.

“Riiight! Occupation:…..”

“Don’t answer that one. If they think he makes a lot of money, they’ll charge more.”

“Skyy, just about all of this will be covered by Medicare. We won’t have to pay anything.”

“Okay then, put Professor of Anthropology/Sociology. Should you mention he’s an author?”

“I suppose so. Medical Coverage by:….”

“I thought you said everything was paid for, D.”

“It is, but this insurance means Den can have a private room. Now stop interrupting or we’ll never get this finished. Blood Type:”

“Red!”

“Yeah, that’ll work,” Both boys smirked as Dusty wrote down their answer. “Allergies:….”

“Paint!” Skyy joked, referring to their past antics involving the improper use of the substance.

“None!” Dusty wrote and read further down the page. “Family Medical History: What the hell are all these questions for? You practically have to have a medical degree to answer some of them.”

“Whoa! Look at this one, D; Next of Kin.” Skyy stabbed his finger on the clipboard, looked up and breathlessly exclaimed. “They only need to know this if someone’s going to die!”

“Listen, Buddy. This is a standard form everyone has to fill in when they are admitted to the hospital. Dennis is going to be okay! Trust me!” Dusty struggled to keep his own misgivings hidden as he tried to assure the younger man. He really wished someone would come and tell them what was happening.

Earlier in the evening, Dusty and Skyy had picked up on their older partner’s restlessness. They heard him moan as he lowered himself onto their double recliner and saw him grimace as he moved about trying to find a comfortable position. Dennis was unwilling to truthfully respond to their concerns as to what the problem was. He kept trying, unsuccessfully, to convince them all was well.

Finally, Dusty put an end to the hedging and denials by going behind Dennis’ back and calling their family physician. At the doctor’s insistence, the three men headed for the hospital where they found Dominic waiting for them. That was forty-five minutes ago. Dusty and Skyy had been sent to a waiting area while Dominic steered Dennis into an examination room. The younger men were becoming increasingly more worried as time past without anyone coming to inform them of their partner’s condition.

“Have you boys finished filling in that form yet?” An impatient voice broke through Dusty and Skyy’s musings.

“Huh! Oh, not quite,” Dusty answered. “But we’ve done all we can.” He handed the clipboard and pencil to the receptionist glaring down at them.

“Humph!” she huffed and left the room.

“Geesh, what’s her problem?” Skyy asked.

“Who knows; but something’s got her panties in a bunch, that’s for sure.”

Several more minutes slowly dragged by before Dominic strolled into the room and sat down on the coffee table to face his two anxious friends.

“Can we get Den and go home now?” Skyy asked without giving the doctor a chance to open his mouth.

“I’m afraid not, kiddo. Dennis requires a bit of surgery. His white count is extremely high, his temperature is on the rise and he is in a lot of pain. We believe it’s his appendix flaring up. He has been moved up to the OR for an immediate appendectomy.” Dominic watched as the blood drained from the young faces in front of him.

“You’re going to cut him open?” Skyy barely managed to get out the question.

“Hey, Dennis is going to come through this with flying colours, guys. He’ll be able to go home tomorrow, the next day at the latest.” Dominic kept his voice low, hoping to overcome their apprehension.

“But you’re still going to cut him open!” Skyy accused.

“I’m afraid so. Tell you what, I’m going upstairs to be with him and I’ll report back to you after it’s all over. That should be in about an hour or so. How’s that sound?”

“I guess it will have to do,” Dusty responded for both of them.

Dominic smiled kindly, reached a hand behind each of their necks to pull them closer and planted a kiss on their foreheads. “Okay then, it’s now eight-thirty,” he said, looking at his watch. “I should be seeing you again sometime between nine-thirty and ten. Try to relax and behave yourselves,” he said this last bit teasingly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was after midnight when Dominic returned. He glanced around the waiting room and shook his head at the amount of debris littering the coffee table and surrounding area. The empty chip bags, candy wrappers and bent pop cans were proof the boys hadn’t gone hungry. He smiled indulgently at the two Brats sleeping in the same chair they had been sitting in several hours earlier. He drew in a deep breath and braced himself for a battle, before walking over and gently shaking Dusty’s shoulder.

“Huh!” Dusty jerked up, the motion causing Skyy to do likewise. Two sets of sleepy eyes filled with anxiety, looked up at the man who had disturbed them. “Where’s Den? How is he? What took so long?” The questions came tumbling out faster than the answers could be given.

“Hold on, boys! One at a time, please,” Dominic patiently requested, pulling a chair over and taking a seat. “Dennis is fine. He’s about to be moved from recovery to a private room in the surgical wing. It wasn’t his appendix. Dr. Ramsay, the surgeon, had to perform a more extensive procedure, which is why the operation took longer than anticipated. He did an exploratory and discovered that a fat globule on Dennis’ intestine had twisted and cut off its’ own blood supply. We were fortunate to discover it when we did, as it had turned gangrenous.”

“When can we take him home?” Dusty quietly asked.

“If all continues to go well, Dennis should be released sometime this evening. Right now though, I’m taking both of you home with me and I’m not going to argue about it. So get your jackets on and let’s go.” Dominic felt his taking charge was to best way to handle the situation.

“We want to see Den! And we can go to our own home, thank you very much!” Dusty belligerently responded while Skyy nodded his head in agreement.

“It’s not up for discussion, boys. However, I’ll make you a deal. I’ll take you to see Dennis, providing you give me your word to leave peacefully immediately after you’ve seen him.” Dominic stood firm. He watched as the young men exchanged silent messages before begrudgingly nodding their heads. He understood their need for the security he offered but also for their reluctance in admitting to that need.

“It doesn’t even look like Den,” Skyy murmured, tears filling his eyes. He and Dusty stood side by side, tightly holding onto each other’s hands as they stared at the man on the bed in front of them. “Wh-what are all the tubes for?”

“This one is supplying oxygen and this IV is feeding antibiotics into Dennis’ system,” Dominic gently explained. He was having second thoughts about having brought the Brats to see their Top in this condition.

“What are these ones for, Dominic?” Dusty wanted to know, indicting the two tubes protruding from under the blanket.

“They’re for drainage but will be removed in a few hours. In fact, by morning only the IV will be necessary for a while longer.”

“I’m going to stay here with him!” Skyy softly stated.

“Me, too!” Dusty also voiced his intentions.

“That’s not possible, guys. Remember your promise!” Dominic reminded them. “Here,” he said as he picked up a large, brown paper bag from the chair in the corner and handed it to Skyy. “Dennis’ shoes and clothing are in this. You can bring clean ones when you visit later today.”

“Okay,” Skyy muttered dejectedly, taking the bag and clutching it to his chest.

“All right, boys; let’s get this show on the road!” Dominic gave the young men time to kiss their partner before leading the way out to the parking lot. ‘That went easier than I’d dare hope,’ he thought. He had visualized having to throw Skyy over his shoulder and carrying him out kicking and screaming while dragging Dusty along every step of the way.’

~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Here’s the plan, boys. We’re going to have a bite to eat, and then you’re going to shower and hit the hay. It’s been a long day and I know you’re both exhausted,” Dominic announced as they walked in the front door of his home. “Let’s see what Slade and Jayden have prepared for us.”

Dusty and Skyy exchanged glances and shuddered. Dominic’s Brats were definitely not renowned for their culinary abilities. Quite the opposite, as boiling water came as a challenge to them, which was why Dominic did about ninety percent of the cooking in their household. When they weren’t eating out, that is. The older man claimed his partners were improving, but Skyy’s theory was that Dominic was just getting used to eating the bland, repugnant meals Slade and Jayden served up.

“Aah, this looks interesting,” Skyy quietly commented as he poked at the mixture of over-cooked, mushy pasta, lumps of artificial cheese powder, canned peas and chunks of ham on his plate. ‘Who’d have known you could so totally ruin Kraft Diner?’ he thought in astonishment. He somehow managed to choke down a few mouthfuls before pushing his chair back from the table, picking up the brown paper bag from the floor beside him and announcing, “I’m full!”

Dusty, who had been equally appalled at the meal put in front of him, looked up in surprise. ‘How the hell did the kid eat any of this? I bet the box it came in would’ve tasted better.’ He put down his fork, stretched out his arms and yawned. “Man, I’m tired. I can’t eat another bite. Guess I’ll just head upstairs.”

Dominic was about to admonish his two houseguests, but changed his mind. He remembered the pile of junk food wrappings and decided the young men probably weren’t hungry. Beside, he was too tired to bicker with them and after all, he had gotten off easy when it came to getting them to leave the hospital. Why push his luck? He was also well aware of the Brats’ emotional turmoil simmering behind the calm façade they worked hard at maintaining. “Okay, boys, you’re excused. Off you go. I’ll be up shortly to say goodnight.”

Dusty and Skyy thankfully hurried out of the kitchen and headed up to their room with plans to share a hot shower.

Twenty minutes later, Dominic quietly entered the guest bedroom. He found two Brats intertwined on the bed, sound asleep. Dennis’ shirt was clinging to Skyy’s still-damp body. He gently wiped away the telltale signs of crying from the young men’s faces, kissed them goodnight and tiptoed out of the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Mornin’ folks,” Dusty responded to his hosts’ greetings when he walked into the kitchen. “Ah, what’s for breakfast?” he dared to ask.

“Oatmeal!” Jayden grumbled. “Dominic made it,” he added, much to Dusty’s relief.

Dusty spooned himself up a bowl, sat down at the table, and added milk and brown sugar. Surveying the room, he swallowed a mouthful of hot cereal and asked, “Where’s Skyy?”

“What do you mean ‘where’s Skyy’?” Dominic asked, lowering the sports section he was reading. “We took it for granted he was with you, sleeping in late.”

“Uh-uh! Skyy always gets up at six o’clock no matter what time he goes to bed. Are you sure none of you have seen him?”

“None of us has seen him, Dusty,” Dominic assured him. “But I bet I can guess exactly where the scamp is.” He stood up, folded his newspaper and began issuing instructions. “I’m going in to do my rounds. Slade, you and Jayden have a job to do today, don’t you?” Receiving a nod, Dominic continued. “Dusty, you won’t be going into work so you have plenty of time to go home, change and get clean clothes for Dennis before visiting hours this afternoon. Take care, boys.” He kissed his partners, picked up his bag and headed out the door.

Half an hour later, Dominic stood looking down with mild exasperation at his best friend’s Brat. Skyy was curled up on the foot of Dennis’ hospital bed in peaceful slumber. He was still wearing Dennis’ shirt. Dominic glanced up when he felt someone’s eyes on him.

“Good morning, Dom,” Dennis croaked. He had a crooked smile on his face. “Figured you’d find him here, didn’t you?”

“The entire drive over, I vowed when I found that Brat of yours, I’d bend him over and land half a dozen good hard ones on the seat of his jeans. Then I reminded myself I don’t have the authority ….” Dominic didn’t finish. He merely shook his head in frustration. “Here, let me get you a drink of water,” he offered, noticing Dennis’ difficulty when his patient’s chuckle became a cough due to a dry throat.

“Thanks! That’s much better,” Dennis expressed his appreciation once Dominic had removed the glass from his lips. “He was here when I woke up just before seven o’clock,” Dennis informed his friend, gesturing towards his sleeping Brat.

“Once we realized he was missing, it wasn’t hard to guess where he was.” Dominic still sounded a little put out. “Didn’t anyone have something to say about him being here?”

“Only one nurse has been in and she pretended not to notice.” Dennis smiled at the memory of the woman’s facial expressions. First there had been surprise, followed by bewilderment, resignation and feigned denial. “Tell me, how were they, Dom, both before and after the surgery?”

“Good; very good actually. At one o’clock this morning I was prepared for a fight but after an initial show of resistance, they resigned themselves to the inevitable and begrudgingly came home with me. I keep forgetting how much more cooperative your Brats are in comparison to my own.”

“My guys must have been upset,” Dennis murmured.

“They handled it,” Dominic assured him, remembering the tears. “Anyway, let’s see how you’re doing. How did you sleep last night?”

“You’re kidding, right?” Dennis smirked. “I only managed to doze periodically after the anesthetic wore off. Of course, the medical staff coming in to remove tubes and administer pain-killers or to check vital signs and generally to wake me up to see if I was asleep didn’t help. I only fell into a sound sleep when I felt my little guy there climb onto the bed.”

“So aside from needing more dream-time, how are you feeling?” Dominic lifted the sheet to check out the operation site.

“Bloody sore! What the hell did you people do to me?” Dennis demanded in a joking manner.

“You’re damn lucky Dusty called me when he did or you’d be on a lot worse condition, my friend! I trust you’re not still a little peeved at him for having done so without telling you first.”

“No, I’m not but I wasn’t too happy about it last night. It’s not like he disobeyed a direct order or anything. It’s only that it had never crossed my mind he would just up and phone for reinforcements.”

“Clever Brat you got there. You should have sent for me yourself!” Dominic admonished.

“Augh! Don’t do that, Dom!” he moaned as fingers gently moved around the incision.

Dennis’ sound of pain immediately woke Skyy. “What are you doing to him?” the young man asked a little too loudly as he jumped off the bed.

“Shhh, Skyy! I’m examining my patient,” Dominic answered, straightening the hospital gown and pulling up the blanket. He patiently explained the surgical procedure performed the night before as he washed his hands in the sink next to the bed.

“So when can I get out of here, Dom?”

“Well now, there’s the crunch. According to your chart, your temp spiked this morning and has resulted in delaying your departure by another twenty-four hours.”

“But you promised he could come home today!” Dusty stated contentiously, having heard the tale end of the conversation as he walked into the room. He tossed the backpack he was carrying unto a chair and went to stand beside his fellow-Brat.

“I made no such guarantee, young man! What I said was; if everything went well, Dennis would probably be released by this evening. Unfortunately, complications have arisen. And just what are you doing here anyway, Dusty? It is only eleven-thirty and visiting hours don’t start until two.”

“I didn’t want to wait any longer. I want to be with Dennis and Skyy!” Dusty wrapped his arm around his younger partner’s shoulders and whispered. “Knew I’d find you here, little buddy.”

“Have you had anything to eat this morning, Skyy?” Dennis felt a diversion was needed. Although he was extremely uncomfortable, tired and desperately hoping his meds were due soon, Dennis put the well-being of his Brats first. Receiving a quiet ‘No’ in response to his query, he instructed. “Then I want you and Dusty to go down to the cafeteria and have a hot meal. Ah, ah, ah, no back talk!” He held up his hand to avert the impending argument his Brat’s body language indicated was looming on the horizon. “If you want to stay here with me, then you have to do as you’re told.”

“Do you think that’s wise, Dennis?” Dominic asked when the door closed behind the departing men.

“I’m in a private room, Dom. It’s not as if we’d be disturbing other patients.”

“As your friend and a fellow Top, I understand and even agree with what you’re saying, Dennis. However, at the first sign of trouble I’m going to pull rank as your doctor and haul those two Brats out of here. Got it?”

“Got it!” Dennis grinned good-naturedly as Dominic rolled his eyes.

The rest of the day passed without incident. Dusty and Skyy quietly entertained themselves whenever Dennis slept. Dusty had taken advantage of one of his partner’s naps to go home and pickup a couple of games, a deck of cards, some books and magazines, along with Skyy’s school bag and Dennis’ briefcase.

At Dennis’ insistence, the two younger men unenthusiastically left for the night with adamant vows to return before the sun was up.

Like Friday, Saturday and Sunday began with the disappointing news of Dennis’ still elevated temperature. Dusty and Skyy were becoming concerned to the point of being frightened. Dennis was wondering how long his Brats would honour the agreement to obey his wishes before they started acting up.

“Why isn’t he getting better?” Skyy demanded of Dominic as soon as the doctor came in on his morning rounds.

“We’re not completely sure, kiddo. Dennis’ vital signs are an obvious indication of infection but I haven’t been able to pin-point the exact cause.” Dominic offered the explanation as he tugged down his patient’s blanket and raised the hospital gown. “I’m going to have to remove the dressing, Dennis. Normally it would remain in place until the staples are removed in ten days time, but with your temp spiking as high as 38.8, we have to find out what we’re dealing with here.”

“I understand, Dom. Do whatever you have to.” Dennis looked up into the young faces of his partners and suggested they might want to leave the room. Both steadfastly refused to budge. But as he saw Dominic’s hands moving towards the operation site, Dusty had a change of heart and sat down on the recliner in the far corner of the room.

Skyy remained standing by Dennis’ bedside and watched as Dominic slowly peeled away the gauze. He tried to avert his eyes when the staples came into view, but was too mesmerized to do so. He felt a light caress on his face and turned to see Dennis tenderly gazing at him. Dennis continued to rub the back of his fingers over Skyy’s cheek, enabling the younger man’s breathing to return to normal and his small fingers to unclenched themselves from the bedclothes. Skyy kept track of all Dominic’s movements and made a mental note of the way the area was cleaned and how the new bandage was applied.

“Ah-ha, there’s the infection, Dennis. I think it would have been prudent for Dr. Ramsay to have left the drainage tube in a little longer. It will be necessary to use a more aggressive approach to fighting this infection. Let’s hope we get it under control soon.” Dominic redressed the wound before scribbling additional instructions for the nursing staff on the clipboard he had brought into the room. Next, he washed his hands. “I’ll be in again this evening. Take care of him, boys!” he kindly ordered as he left the room.

“Well this certainly sucks!” Dusty grouched. “What do we do now?”

“Guess we’ll have to continue doing what we’ve been doing all along,” Skyy softly stated and shrugged his shoulders. “Just hang out here and keep Den company.”

“I’m thankful you boys were willing to give up your weekend to spend the time with me,” Dennis said sincerely. He thought over the last day or so. Every time he made a move, one or the other of them would appear at his side. Dusty had expertly shaved him the last three mornings and Skyy had patiently cajoled him into eating the meager amounts of food placed before him at regular intervals throughout the day. They spent hours keeping him entertained when he wasn’t sleeping. They provided encouragement and support as he painfully pulled himself out of bed to walk the long hallways in order to regain his strength. They lovingly assisted him in meeting all his personal needs. Yes, his Brats were behaving admirably and obeying him completely, albeit sometimes unwillingly. Dominic was impressed and Dennis couldn’t remember having ever been more proud.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Man, I can hardly believe it! We’re finally home!” Dusty exclaimed as he carried in the luggage they had accumulated over their hospital stay.

“Ah, yes; home sweet home!” Dennis sighed as he let go of Skyy’s supporting arm and slowly lowered himself onto the sofa.

“Boy, if I never see that place again it will still be too soon!” Skyy muttered. He lifted Dennis’ legs to slide the ottoman under his feet and taking an afghan from the back of the couch, draped it over his Top’s lap. “I’m gonna get us something to eat, Den. Be right back!” he assured the older man as he headed towards the kitchen.

“Do you remember all the instructions Dominic gave you, Den?” Dusty asked, carefully sitting down next to his partner.

“I’m sure if I’ve forgotten anything, Skyy will remember,” Dennis chuckled. “He has a phenomenal memory when it concerns people he loves.”

“Just in case Skyy forgets, the druggist gave us this information sheet explaining how to take the medication and listing possible side-effects.” Dusty quickly perused the article in his hand. “Shit, I hope you don’t get this one! Look!” Dusty shoved the paper in Dennis’ face. “It says chance of impotency.”

“It says a slight, temporary chance, Dusty!” Dennis clarified as he pushed the younger man’s hand away.

“There darn well wouldn’t be anything ‘slight’ about it!” Dusty grumbled, throwing down the paper as if it was somehow responsible for what only might happen.

Dennis laughed and drew Dusty closer to kiss him. The kiss went on for a moment or two before Dusty pulled away. He didn’t want things to escalate and risk injuring his recovering partner.

“I’ve got a great meal here, guys. I don’t know about you, but I’m sick of crummy hospital food.” Skyy walked into the room carrying a large tray, which held three bowls brimming with hot beef stew and plate of buttered rolls. He carefully set it on the coffee table.

“Where did this come from, Sport?” Dennis inquired, breathing in the delicious aroma.

“Dusty’s parents dropped it off early this morning,” Skyy explained as he handed him a bowl and spoon. “They figured you already had enough visitors at the hospital with your family and all, so they’re going to call in later this week when you’re feeling better.”

“This is really good!” Dennis complimented several minutes later.

“Sure beats cafeteria fare,” Dusty added around a mouthful of vegetables and gravy.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full!” Dennis and Skyy admonished simultaneously.

When the meal had been cleared away, Dennis glanced with hesitancy at the stairs and grimaced. He was still very sore and dreaded the unavoidable task of climbing them. Mustering as much fortitude as he could, he gingerly pushed himself to his feet. He smiled as both of his partners stepped up to assist him. The three men painstakingly made their way up to the master bedroom where Dennis insisted he wanted nothing more than to relax in their large whirlpool tub.

“Are you sure, Den?” Dusty asked dubiously, indicating the dressing on the older man’s abdomen.

“This is a flexible, breathable, waterproof, latex covering, Dusty. It’s perfectly safe for me to get it wet.”

“So like, what are we waiting for?” Skyy couldn’t peel his clothes off fast enough. He was naked and running the bath water by the time his partners got to the en suite. He quickly gathered up his scattered clothing before Dennis had a chance to scold him.

“Ahhh, this is heaven,” Dennis sighed as he slowly sank into the warm water. Two Brats carefully slide in on either side of him.

“Oh, I forgot something!” Skyy exclaimed, jumping out and leaving a trail of water as he ran from the room. “I made these last night!” he announced a couple of minutes later when he reappeared carrying a small tray.

“What have you got there, Sport?”

“Jell-O shooters!” Skyy grinned mischievously as he climbed back into the tub. “I figure we all deserve a treat. They’re only small, Den, so one or two can’t hurt you.” he added when he saw the frown marring the older man’s handsome face.

“You’re probably right, sweetie,” Dennis relented and helped himself.

“Now that we’re home relaxing, Skyy and I have something to talk to you about.” Dusty tried to sound firm and in control of the upcoming conversation. “For the next little while, there’s going to be a bit of a shift in the balance of power around here. Skyy and I are in charge because we’re taking over your care and expect full cooperation from you.”

“That’s right! And if you give us any trouble, we’re calling Dominic!” Skyy piped up, showing his support of the plan.

“You boys know a health nurse will be coming in every day to hook up a bag of IV containing an antibiotic to this cannula in the back of my hand and Dom will be dropping by every evening to check on my incision, right?”

“Yeah, but there’s other things,” Dusty reminded him.

“Such as?” Dennis questioned. He was both amused and impressed with his Brats’ assertiveness, but was treating it as seriously as they were.

“Well, for one thing,” Skyy informed him. “Until you’re feeling better and totally out of pain, I’m gonna be sleeping in my old room.”

“And just why do you think that’s necessary, Sport?”

“Where do I sleep when we’re all together, Den?”

“Draped across my chest,” Dennis answered, starting to understand where his Brat was coming from. “We’ll just have to be careful, Skyy, because you will not be leaving our bed and that’s final!” Dennis was adamant about this. “Just where do you think you’re going, young man?” he questioned as Skyy once again jumped out of the tub.

“I’m gonna call Dom!” Skyy threatened.

“Get your little bare butt back here!” Dennis ordered.

So in the habit of obeying that particular tone, Skyy immediately responded and sat down to glared at his Top. Then taking a deep breath, he settled back and pleaded as calmly as possible. “I have to sleep in the other room, Den. I’m afraid of hurting you. Dusty stays on his side of the bed, but a lot of the time I’m not even aware of crawling on top of you once I’ve fallen asleep.” He waited while Dennis appeared to be thinking it over.

Dennis read the sincerity in the young man’s speech and body language. He knew Skyy’s preference would be to stay in their big bed but his Brat was willing to make the sacrifice out of love and concern for him.

“Okay, baby. How about us blowing up the air-mattress for you and setting it next to our king-size bed so we can all stay in the same room?” Dennis suggested with a smile. He was more than willing to compromise, as were his partners if their enthusiastic nods of agreement were anything to go by. “Anything else, boys?”

“Huh-huh; I wasn’t able to get time off work, so Skyy’s going to stay home with you during the day,” Dusty answered and both Brats held their breath in anticipation of their Top’s rejection of the idea.

“That is not going to happen!” was the expected response. “Skyy has already missed two days and will not be missing anymore. I’ll be perfectly fine on my own, thank you very much!” Dennis folded his arms across his chest before shouting. “Skyylar, get back in this tub because you are not going to call Dominic!”

“But Den……” Skyy clamped his lips shut in the face of Dennis’ held up hand.

“End of discussion, boys!” Dennis nodded at the silence that greeted his final decree. “Let’s get ready for bed, guys,” he proposed on a softer note as he cautiously lifted himself out of the water.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Ah, I’m not feeling good about today, Den,” Skyy tentatively ventured.

“What’s wrong, Sport? Stomach upset?” Dennis’ concern was obvious.

“Sort of,” Skyy answered, not quite able to look Dennis in the eye.

“Skyy, look at me, please. Are you or are you not feeling well?”

“He’s tired, Den, and wants to stay here with you,” Dusty dared to bring up the forbidden subject from last night. “I’d put in a better day knowing you weren’t home alone.”

“Why are you so tired, Sport?”

“You might as well tell him, Buddy. He’s probably gonna find out anyway.”

“I guess,” Skyy sighed and prepared himself for Dennis’ displeasure. “I was online after you fell asleep, Den.”

“With Darby, I assume?” Getting a nod, Dennis continued questioning. “And what is the consequence for breaking that rule, Skyy?”

“I lose my Internet privileges for seven days,” the younger man muttered.

“That’s correct! And as Darby is also well aware of the rules, maybe I should be speaking to Rowan about your on-line activity.”

“He already knows!” Skyy grimaced as he recalled the transcribed chewing out he got when Rowan discovered what the two Brats were up to. “And Darby’s not allowed to use his computer for the next week either.”

“Now about you’re going to class, Skyy…..”

“Aaron is willing to keep me up-to-date on my assignments and he said he’d cover me at the library for as long as I need him to!” Skyy jumped in before Dennis had a chance to voice his thoughts.

Dennis made note of his partners’ need to ensure his well-being. As pieces of the puzzle fell into place and he began to understand why he had awoken this morning to find both Brats’ cuddled up together on Skyy’s makeshift bed. Dusty normally preferred to stay on his own side of their bed with little or no physical contact with his lovers, as he had a tendency to become overly warm and uncomfortable. Dennis surmised that Dusty must have learned of Skyy’s nocturnal visit to the study and enticed the young man back to bed with promises to sleep with him. His precious Brats had been doing their part and going out of their way to make his recovery as quick and smooth as possible, so he decided the least he could do was cooperate.

“All right, Sport, you can stay with me today. In fact you can stay with me the rest of the week on two conditions…..” Dennis smiled and let the rest of his words hang in the air.

“Okay, Den. What are they?” Skyy was willing to comply with any request if it meant one of them would be with Dennis at all times.

“When I nap, you nap! All schoolwork is done under my direct tutelage. Deal?”

“Deal!” Skyy got up from his chair and bounded around the table to throw his arms about the older man’s neck.

“Well, now that I have everything under control, guess I can leave for work,” Dusty teased as he stood up to get ready. He shouldered into his jacket, grabbed his lunch box, kissed his partners and headed for the door. “I’ll try to get off early. See ya later!”

A routine fell into place over the next few days with Skyy assuming the responsibility of seeing to all oral meds being taken on time and the daily preparation of several small well-balanced meals. Dusty managed to return early each day and even made it home for lunch a couple of times. The major part of their evenings were spend relaxing in front of the fireplace, listening to music and playing cards with Dennis and Dusty teaching Skyy to play poker.

The health nurse’s daily visits were functionary and mercifully short, whereas Dominic’s house-calls were always entertaining and never seemed long enough. The infection was clearing up and the incision healing nicely. Much to the nurse’s dismay, the doctor went along with the Brats’ version of ‘a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down’. Thirty minutes after Dennis had swallowed his pills either Skyy or Dusty would hand him a Jell-O shooter.

The first major incident came about on Saturday morning when the health nurse arrived.

“Thank you for coming, Ms. Oakwood, but we don’t need you today!” Skyy informed her after answering the doorbell. “Dominic removed the needle from Dennis’ hand last night ‘cause he doesn’t need the IV meds any longer so there’s no need of you coming here.”

“I am well aware of what my duties are, young man, and I don’t have to respond to the likes of you,” she snapped with a nasty sneer. Her manner over the past few days had caused the three men to wonder if it was her job she disliked or them. “I happen to be here to change the patient’s dressing. Would you mind moving out of my way!” she demanded when Skyy made no attempt to open the door any wider.

“No, ‘cause I don’t want you doing that again. You’re too rough and I’m not gonna let you hurt Dennis anymore.”

“I’ve had all I’m going to take from you people. I plan to express my feelings to my supervisor in regards to being placed in a position of having to deal with sexual deviants. I also have every intention of reporting this entire incident to Dr. Durante!”

“Well, that will certainly save me from having to do so. Goodbye!” Skyy quietly shut the door. He walked into the living room and sat on the floor between the armchair and the coffee table where he had laid out the supplies he needed to provide Dennis’ care. He kept his eyes down as he undid the older man’s shirt and gently peeled back the bandage. Small, deft fingers moved with loving care as they set about cleaning, disinfecting and re-bandaging the operation site. When Skyy finished the task, he shyly glanced up to look in his partner’s face. Instead of the disapproval he expected, Skyy saw signs of relief in Dennis’ loving brown eyes.

“I-I didn’t mean to be rude to her, Den. I just wanted her to go away.”

“I understand, baby. Thank you!” Dennis murmured, lightly trailing his fingers down the side of Skyy’s face. “You know, my little mite, I don’t think I tell you and Dusty often enough how much I love you.”

Skyy’s eyes widened in astonishment. “But you tell us all the time, Den!”

“When, sweetheart?”

“Every time you look at us and every time you touch us,” came the softly spoken reply.

Dennis’ eyes misted as he gazed into his Brat’s adorable face. Looking beyond the hero-worship Dennis saw the deep abiding love the young man had for him. His lover’s beautiful violet-blue eyes held the image of the man Dennis wanted so much to be; the man Skyy already believed him to be.

“Even when I’m spanking you, baby?” Dennis barely managed to speak past the lump in his throat.

“Sometimes that’s when you say it the loudest.” Skyy whispered reply caused Dennis’ chest to tighten. Getting up on his knees, Skyy reached to wrap his arms around Dennis and gently placed his lips against his partner’s. As the kiss deepened Dennis felt his shirt being slipped off his shoulders and soft butterfly movements caressing his skin as they slowly blazed a trail down the front of his body.

Skyy pulled away from Dennis’ mouth and lowered his head so he could use his tongue to follow the same path his fingers had taken. He licked at the hardened nipples as his hands undid the drawstring on Dennis’ pants and slipped inside to fondle his lover’s arousal before moving lower to nibble and lick there. He smiled at the other man’s moan of ecstasy. Skyy loved these moments of control over his Top. Finally, knowing Dennis would not hold out much longer, he took Dennis’ erection into his mouth and began guiding him to sexual fulfillment.

“Aaaaah,” Dennis called out as he climaxed. Several long moments passed before he regained his senses enough to realize Skyy had rearranged his clothing, placed his feet on the ottoman and covered him with a blanket. He gave a contented sigh and fell asleep.

“How long has he been sleeping like that, Skyy?” Dusty asked when he walked in some time later.

“About twenty minutes…why?”

“Because he’s going to have one god-awful cramp in his neck if we leave him in that position much longer. Come on; help me move him over to the sofa so he can lie down.”

“What! You’re not suggesting the two of us lift him? Are you crazy? We can’t do it, man!”

“We’ll wake him just enough to be of some help.”

“Ya think?” Skyy grinned.

“Okay, kid, what did you do to make him sleep so soundly?”

“I kinda gave him a sedative and guess what? It worked just as good on Den as when he gives us one.” The young men like the idea of turning the tables on their Top. Dennis always said nothing made his Brats sleep better than being well-sated.

“Well, looks like we’re not going to be able to move him after all. Wanna hand me the extra pillow over there and I’ll prop his head up some to give his neck better support?”

“Being as you got back from running the errands sooner than expected, are you gonna help me get lunch ready?”

“You bet, little buddy.” Dusty assured his younger partner and lead the way into the kitchen.

“By the way, D, I got rid of the nurse like you told me to. Man, she was in rare form today and she’s going to complain to Dominic about us.”

“Like we care, right?”

“Not really, but I’d love to be a fly on the wall when she does,” Skyy smirked.

“You may have a point there,” Dusty agreed as he took several chicken breasts out of the refrigerator. “If you make a pot of rice, Skyy, we’ll do up a stir-fry.”

“Sure thing! Hey, I almost forgot; Nonna sent us a fresh baked apple pie for our dessert. Pepe bought it over with some homemade cookies from Meme.”

“Guess there’s been a few positive things to come out of all this, eh Buddy?” The young men shared the events of their morning as they worked together preparing their noon meal.

************

The following Monday evening, Dominic showed up shortly after Dusty had arrived home from work.

“I had a visit this morning from a very perturbed nurse,” Dominic stated, trying to sound annoyed. “Of course, none of you guys would know anything about her complaints, would you?” He chuckled at the three wide-eyed expressions of innocence staring up at him. “Ha-huh, just what I thought!”

“Exactly what was her problem, Dom?” Dennis inquired as he watched the other man pull various items out of his black bag.

“Apparently threesomes don’t do a thing for her.” Dominic’s droll comment resulted in hoots of laughter. “Hey, it wasn’t that funny! She really gave me an ear-full,” he griped, frowning and making a face.

“Now there’s proof you’re a Top, Dominic,” Dusty snickered. “You can’t even pout properly!”

“I bet you gave as good as you got, my friend,” Dennis teased.

“Yeah, I did!” The doctor seemed rather pleased with himself. “Anyway, down to the business at hand. Due to the excellent care you’ve received over the past week from these two Brats of yours, Dennis, I going to remove your staples. The incision has completely healed and although you still have some recovery time left, I giving you a clean bill of health. Of course, I won’t be putting it in writing yet. In two weeks time, if all continues to go as it has been, you can return to light duties at the university. Part-time only to begin with and we’ll go from there. How does that sound?”

“Great!” Dennis exclaimed. “And thanks for all you’ve done, Dom,” he sincerely added amidst hoorays and high-fives from his jubilant partners.

Once Dominic took his leave, Dusty offered to order in Chinese food to celebrate the occasion. A light-hearted mood prevailed throughout the remainder of the evening and especially during the playing of strip poker. Dennis strongly suspected his youngest Brat of deliberately folding prematurely on the first few hands so he’d lose his clothes before anyone else. Not that either man minded having a naked Skyy in their midst. The last hand was played and Dennis was declared the winner due to him still being in possession of his boxers and one sock.

“I think as a consolation prize to the losers, Dennis should give up his boxers. What do you say, Buddy?” Dusty grinned and winked at his fellow-Brat. Neither young man was wearing a stitch of clothing; and they certainly didn’t miss the appreciative gleam in their Top’s eyes.

“Great idea!” Skyy’s eyes were sparkling with mirth and mischief. “But we’ll let him keep the sock, okay?”

The End.