Maiocxx

Cody and Lucas

A Personal Slaveboy Story

Chapters 5-6

The week after graduation, however, John arrived home from seeing a client, with startling news. "I may just have found a solution to our 'help' problem. It's not exactly what we had in mind, but I think it just might work."

"You may remember a client of mine, David Claasen. He's a CPA and has a number of accountants working for him. One of them is a single mother, Maria Lopez, who has twins, aged eight. I was tempted to dismiss them out-of-hand as much too young for our purpose. Then he told me their story."

"She has been raising them alone since her husband was killed in the Mid East Conflict when the boys were two. About a year ago, Maria was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She still manages to do a few jobs for David from home, so he keeps her on the payroll. But, for the last six months, the twins have been her sole caregivers, doing all the housework, cooking, and laundry and so on in addition to being A+ students. I was skeptical, but David insisted we go to see her."

"The house was spotless! The Twins were busy getting supper. Lucas, I swear they must have taken lessons from you. They served us coffee, made sure their mother was comfortable, and left us to talk."

"It was clear very soon that she is desperate to find a good home for her sons before she passes on. Since there is no one left of her family, she is terrified they will be made Class Three slaves once she is gone. I was moved by her courage and sincerity and very, very impressed by the boys. They were bright, polite and thoroughly charming. I thought to myself, 'If these two little guys could care for a seriously ill invalid, surely they could be your houseboys at college."

Ruth and the boys thought quietly for a few minutes. Finally, Lucas spoke up, "I think we should see if this might work out. Could we invite the Twins over?"

"I think we could," replied John. "I'll see what I can arrange."

The following Saturday afternoon, John picked up the Twins and drove them home while Ruth stayed with Maria. Arriving, he introduced them to Cody and Lucas and left them alone.

They were dressed in well mended, but clean shirts and shorts and, after a little awkwardness, the four were soon chatting like old friends. The Twins – their names were Donnie and Ronnie – told Cody and Lucas about their school and the things they liked to do. They were a bit subdued when they talked about their mom; they knew she would not be with them much longer. But, overall, they were lively and articulate; it was hard to believe they were only eight years old. They had obviously had to grow up very quickly when their mother became ill.

After about an hour, they asked to use the bathroom, and took with them the small carry bag they had brought.

As soon as they had left the room, Lucas turned to his brother, "Oh Cody, they are just adorable!"

The Twins returned carrying an ancient cassette player and each one held a long silk scarf. Beyond that, they wore not a stitch of clothing.

Both stood at attention in front of the Boys, and Donnie said, "We would like to dance for you."

Bug-eyed, Lucas croaked, "OK."

"This is something we do for family," explained Ronnie, "but Mama said we should dance for you since we hope you will be our new family."

The boys were thunderstruck!

Ronnie started the cassette, a solo flute playing a haunting Native American melody. And the Twins danced!

Pirouetting, coiling sensually around each other, their slim bodies in frenzy of movement, advancing and retreating, lifting and lowering each other. Lucas watched with open mouth, completely entranced. Cody could feel the electric tension in the room. They finally finished, kneeling before Cody and Lucas with their foreheads pressed to the floor. And the room was silent once more.

"Oh Cody!" breathed Lucas, 'I wish you could have seen them. It was beautiful, beyond description! Where did you learn to dance like that?"

Donnie smiled, "In the village we came from, all young boys are taught to dance for our families on special days. Our Maman (Grandmother) has taught us since we were three years old."

"Did we dance well?" asked Ronnie. "Did you like it?"

"I simply can't believe what I saw. Like it? It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Oh, Cody, if you could only have see them!"

The Twins stood in front of them, proudly displaying their lithe dancers' bodies, in all their naked glory, without a hint of embarrassment. Drawing close to Cody, Donnie ventured, "Cody, I know you can't see me with your eyes, so would you like to 'see' me with your hands?"

Cody nearly choked. Donnie took that to mean yes and settled himself into Cody's lap, while Lucas watched wide-eyed. Completely captivated by the little boy, Cody began to explore, much as he had with Lucas, on that first night. It was easy to see Donnie enjoyed having his body stroked; his little prick was hard and standing straight up. He giggled when Cody accidentally brushed it and Cody snatched back his hand embarrassed.

"No, no!" admonished Donnie, "I like to be touched there! Ronnie and I always play with each other in bed at night." Clearly, these kids were not innocent lambs.

After a few minutes, Ronnie took the still slack-jawed Lucas by the hand and settled into his lap as well. Placing Lucas's hand on his boy parts, he smiled up at him and requested, "Please?" Lucas barely regained enough of his wits to be able to comply. It didn't take long until both little boys trembled and gasped in their dry orgasms. Before they dressed, they gave each of the boys a long hug.

It was time for them to leave and John came to collect them.

"Thank you for an awesome afternoon," said Ronnie. "We hope you will be our family," added Donnie. And they were gone, leaving the two boys in a complete stupor.

When Ruth and John returned, they had supper and then the four of them gathered in the living room. "I've never met a woman that I admire so much as I do Maria," Ruth offered. "She is just extraordinary! What do you think of the Twins?"

"They are the most beautiful, talented, exciting little guys I can imagine," answered Lucas. He described the dance for his parents. "I still can't quite believe what I was seeing. It was truly awesome!"

"Do you think they could be our long sought solution?" asked John.

"Dad," replied Lucas, taking a deep breath, "I know you might think this is too soon, but I not only think they would be perfect for our college help, but these kids are our future sons!"

Both Ruth and John were startled. "Do you really think so?" asked Ruth.

"There's something about them that just reaches out and grabs me. It's just like I feel about Cody and you two. Did you feel it, Cody?"

"Absolutely! It's weird, but when I held Donnie on my lap, all I could think about was what a wonderful son he would be."

"And I felt the same way about Ronnie. Oh Mom and Dad, this is so right!"

"Well, I think it is much too soon to even think of adoption. You just met them!" declared Ruth. "You can't possibly be sure about such a thing."

"Mom and Dad, I have never been so sure of anything in my life. It's just like…"

"I agree with your mother!" interrupted John. "Let's solve one problem before we take on another. No more talk about adoption, you hear? Now, could they fill the spot we are looking for?

"Yes!" replied both boys in unison.

"But why can't we at least think about…," added Lucas.

"Stop it this minute! Or I'm going to be very angry!" shouted Ruth.

"All right, I'm sorry!"

"Now are we very sure this is the right move for your college home?"

"Yes, Mom," they both answered.

"I think we need to sleep on this," declared John. "Let's talk about it in the morning. Good night, boys." It had been quite a while since they had been summarily sent to bed.

Lucas was stung by his parents' outright rejection of his feelings, something that had never happened before. Lying next to Cody in the darkness of their room, he was almost in tears. "Why won't they understand?" he asked his brother plaintively.

"I think this might be one of the rare times, you are the one who doesn't quite understand," replied his brother.

"What do you mean?" Now he was in real distress; Cody had abandoned him, too. "Don't you believe me? Don't you trust me any more?" he sobbed.

"Of course I believe you! And you know I trust you absolutely."

"But, then why…"

"You big loveable dope! Do you have any idea, how Mom and Dad felt when you dropped that little bomb on them?"

"What do you mean?"

"Lucas, my love, we are about to move out of the only home we have ever known and strike out on our own. Sure, we'll still have a home here, but it will never be the same. We're no longer their little boys to love and cuddle and comfort every day. Every parent must go through this, but it's particularly hard for Mom to accept it. She loves both of us so deeply, it's just hard for her to let go!"

"They are both struggling with our going off to college, and you want to talk about adopting two kids they hardly have even seen. You scared them out of their wits! We both know that it will be six years or more before we could legally adopt them, and I, for one, am glad. I'm not ready to take on the burden of children quite yet. And neither are you."

"I guess you're right."

"You and I can talk about it, but not with Mom and Dad, until they are ready to hear it. They know our wishes, so let them make the first move when they're ready, promise?"

"Cody, you know I would never knowingly do something you thought was not wise, particularly if it hurt Mom and Dad. I guess I have some apologies to make in the morning."

"No, just let it be, unless one of them brings it up."

Reassured that his world was not coming apart, Lucas kissed his brother and they both fell asleep in each other arms.

The next morning, John was waiting when they came up for breakfast.

"Guys, I want to apologize for being so sharp with you last evening. It was just more than your Mom and I could handle all at once."

"And I'm sorry I upset you and Mom. I didn't understand how you might feel." Replied Lucas.

Ruth joined them at that moment, her eyes red and puffy from weeping. "Boys, I…"

"Don't say it, Mom. I'm sorry I acted rashly and upset you."

She held out her arms and Lucas flew into them. John reached across the table and took Cody's hand.

"Boys," said Ruth, "if what you believe comes to pass, so be it. If it doesn't, some other doorway will open for you. I believe this with all my heart."

The room was quiet for a few minutes.

Finally John spoke, "I take it you have not changed your minds about the Twins becoming your college house-mates."

"No sir," answered Cody for the two of them.

"OK, here is what your mother and I propose," John continued. "We would like Marie and the Twins to move into this house. That way, she can be cared for and the Twins will be near her and still begin their time with you. We think it would be best to postpone your start at college until January. Much as I am sad to say it, it's pretty certain she will not live to see the New Year. The Twins can be close to her until she passes on and we will all be there to help them through their sorrow. It will also give them adequate time to settle in with you two, before going off to a strange city and a new home."

"That sounds great Dad,"

"Once Marie passes on, your mother and I will become their legal guardians. If you do decide to adopt them when you are of age, we will terminate the guardianship or it will end when they are both 18."

"Oh, Mom and Dad, how can I ever thank you?" cried Lucas.

"Don't even try," interjected Ruth. "You have both brought such love and happiness to our family, and that is payment many times over. Excuse me, I'm getting all teary again."

The two of them went to Ruth and hugged her long and hard.

"I think we should all go to see Marie and the Twins this afternoon. I'll call her and see if it's OK."

When they arrived at the little house, the Twins met them at the door and immediately took them to their mother. After greetings all around, Cody and Lucas went with the Twins to their room, leaving the adults to their discussion.

John told Marie about their decision and presented their proposal.

Marie was speechless for a few minutes. "Oh Mr. And Mrs. Davidson how can I…"

"Please Marie," interrupted Ruth, "please call us John and Ruth."

"Oh Ruth and John, how can I ever repay you?"

"Marie," answered John, "it is we who will owe you a huge debt. You have offered us the most precious gift you could ever give… your beloved sons. And we pledge to you they will never, never become slaves!"

Meanwhile, in the Twins' room, a slightly different conversation was taking place. Lucas thought they both looked excited… and fearful.

No sooner had the door shut, than the two little boys threw themselves at their feet and sobbed, "Please don't reject us! Please don't send us away to become slaves. We promise to be good! We'll work hard! We'll do anything you want! Just don't make us slaves!"

"Guys!" said Cody, full of compassion for these two very frightened kids, "we came here to tell you that we think you are the most wonderful little boys we have ever met and that we love you with all our hearts and want you to be part of our family. We want you and your mother to come live with us. And we want you to go with us to college as our house-mates."

"Oh!" And the Twins flew into their arms, as tears of fight turned to tears of joy.

Teary faces finally dried, the four of them trooped back to Marie's bedroom just as the three adults completed their discussion.

"Mom!" cried Donnie, "we're all going to be part of their family!"

"Our family!" corrected Ronnie. "Isn't it wonderful?"

"Yes, it is," replied Marie. "Our prayers have been answered!"

With the help of the local hospice, a place for Marie was made in one of the upstairs guestrooms at the house. They were determined to make her last days as comfortable as possible. Hospice nurses would be available as needed to minister to her.

There was a final room off the downstairs area, next to Cody's and Lucas's rooms, which would become the Twin's room. They would have to share the boys' bathroom, but that would be no problem. John and the boys cleaned and painted, but furnishings would wait until they actually arrived; the Twins would spend their first night on cots, much as Lucas had, years before.

The agreement John had prepared and registered with the court laid out the guardianship but specified that Cody and Lucas would be responsible for Twins' day-to-day care and guidance. The little house would be sold and the proceeds placed in trust for the Twins.

The day of the move arrived and three excited new family members took up residence. Except for some well-worn clothing and a few pictures, they really didn't have much to bring with them. Marie insisted on walking to the car and from the car to her new home. She was simply overwhelmed by her new room. They all ate dinner in Marie's room, a practice they would continue until her passing.

Rather than leaving the two of them alone in a strange room in a strange house, Cody and Lucas took the Twins to bed with them. It felt strange having two naked little bodies nestled between them, but good, too. When John peeked in on them… the door having been left ajar… he saw four heads together on the pillows. "Well, it didn't take them long to settle in, did it," he thought and hurried off to tell Ruth.

The next morning, Cody and Lucas went off with the Twins shopping while Ruth and John finished getting their room ready. It was an emotional trip for both of them, as they remembered a similar shopping spree when Lucas had first come to the family. History was surely repeating itself. It seemed so long ago, but in reality it had been less than six short, tumultuous years ago.

After picking out the furniture for their room… bunk beds, desks, bookshelves, chairs and dressers… the Twins and their new foster parents hurried on to other stores.

Shopping for clothing was a hoot! Forced by their circumstances to 'make do' for so long, the Twins really need a completely new wardrobe. They had decided not to dress alike, a decision which Cody and Lucas agreed with. They wanted them to each have the opportunity to develop unique personalities. Ronnie, the more uninhibited one, chose some really wild shirts while Donnie's choices were more conservative. They took great pains to describe each selection to Cody since he couldn't see them and were careful to get his approval. While they would like to have one of everything in the store, the boys limited them to a few sets of shirts and shorts and jeans, realizing they would soon probably grow out of everything. Lucas chose two 'dress-up' outfits for them as well as some warmer sweaters and winter gear. The Twins also picked out two very sexy red and blue Speedos.

They returned home in the early afternoon laden with all the things the Twins could possibly need to settle in as full members of the family: bed linens and blankets, books, posters, a few computer games… they would inherit Cody's and Lucas's outgrown laptops… and the new clothes. They would, of course, keep the familiar well-worn and well-loved clothes as well as the few other things they had brought with them. They spent the rest of the afternoon showing off their new things to Marie and modeling the new clothes for her. In their new 'dress-up' clothes, they made a very handsome pair.

Marie took one look at them in their Speedos and nearly choked. "Oh well," she told them, it's your bodies you're exhibiting." Lucas whispered to Cody, "I don't think we ever wore anything quite that skimpy to go swimming, they don't hide a thing!"

"My dear brother," he replied, " if I remember correctly, most of the time we didn't wear anything to go swimming."

While the Twins and the boys were getting ready for dinner, Marie chided Ruth, "You give them so much; things I could never afford. You will spoil them!"

Ruth, sensing her discomfort, replied, "For all the days and months they cared for you, they have more than earned every bit of it. Cody and Lucas explained this to them and they are happy with it. They deserve everything they have received from all of us; we are now one family and we share with love." The two women held each other close.

There simply had not been enough time to get all the furniture placed, their computers installed, all their clothes put away and their pictures and posters hung, so the Twins again slept with Cody and Lucas. By mid-afternoon the following day, all was ready and they were settled in.

That night, they again wanted to sleep with the boys, and Cody and Lucas realized they needed to set some limits. "Guys," said Cody, "you have your own rooms now and most nights that is where you are to sleep. We'll all sleep together every now and then, but that's to be a special treat."

The Twins looked crestfallen. "We understand," said Ronnie. "You and Lucas need to have your private time together without us. It's OK."

"Yeah", grinned Donnie, "so you can have sex."

Both boys nearly choked. Innocent? No way! How would they ever keep up with these little stud-muffins?

"May we both sleep in one bed?" inquired Donnie. "Is it OK if we still play with each other?"

"You may sleep however you wish and have all the fun you want, as long as you are reasonably quiet and get a good night's rest."

"Awesome!" Kissing each of the boys goodnight, they withdrew to their 'den'.

"Lord!" breathed Lucas. "Were we that horny when I was their age?"

"No, you weren't even here yet when you were that age. But once you were, we didn't loose any time. I still remember that first night when we brought each other off."

"Yeah! It was awesome. I had never felt so good in my whole life. How much do you think they know about sex?"

"Not a whole lot, I expect. Guess we'll just have to teach them."

And teach they did. Over the next few weeks, they introduced the Twins to new ways to enjoy their own bodies and how to please Cody and Lucas as well.

Oral sex was completely new to them, but they took to it immediately, enjoying it as much as Cody and Lucas did. Their favorite position was a modified form of 'sixty-nine' Cody and Lucas lay on their backs, opposite head to toe. One of the Twins would take Cody's prick into his mouth and put his prick into Lucas's mouth while the other Twin would do likewise on the other side of the rectangle. That way, everyone got sucked at the same time. With a little bit of practice, they even managed to all cum about the same time. The Twin's orgasms were still dry, of course, but they had no problem with the mouthfuls of boy cream they received from Cody and Lucas.

The twins, they found out, really enjoyed tie-up games, too. Being totally helpless really turned them on. Their favorite was spread-eagle on their beds, blindfolded and gagged where Cody and Lucas could tickle and tease them 'til they were completely out of their minds. Then just leaving them squirming until they cummed spontaneously.

But they were careful to teach the Twins good safety habits. The games were always to be fun for all involved and never played unless one of the boys was present. Always eager to try a new position, the Twins refused to tie either Cody or Lucas, however. Said it wasn't proper!

Sometimes one of the boys took one of the Twins into the shower for a good soaping… and other activities. Sometimes all four of them crowded in together. Four sexy, slippery bodies pressed together made a good time for all.

Life, however, was not just one continuous orgy. The Twins had chores to do: their and the boys' laundry, cleaning the whole downstairs… they kept it spotless. Fascinated by such devices as washers and dryers and vacuum cleaners, they soon were more than earning their keep. When they weren't otherwise busy, they helped Ruth with the cooking and gardening and taking care of their mother. They had only been in the house two weeks, when Donnie proudly prepared and served them a delicious evening meal. Not to be outdone, Ronnie repeated the show a few nights later. "By the time you all go off to college, we'll all be spoiled rotten," observed Ruth.

The boys resumed taking some of their college courses on line… thanks to Cody's special software… and that occupied a good part of their day. Some afternoons they took the Twins swimming or just to the nearby park to run off youthful steam. They even took them to 'Our Place'… not on the scooter, of course; that had been replaced with the 4-passenger, bright red, minivan that would soon take them to college.

Part of each day, the Twins spent with their mother, reading to her or just talking quietly. They realized she would not be very much longer with them and they wanted to make every moment count. A few nights, they cried themselves to sleep.

But, most evenings, after dinner, that was their time alone with Cody and Lucas, downstairs in what came to be known as 'the bachelor pad'.

The family did go out occasionally that summer, leaving Marie content in the care of one of the hospice nurses. Everyone, young and old dressed up for these occasions; it was the only time the Twins dressed alike, as did Cody and Lucas. Ruth went to great effort to assure everyone they met that the Twins were NOT slaves but foster children who were new members of the family. That seemed to reassure the Twins who were very uneasy whenever the subject of slavery came up

The Brooks had them all over one evening and the Twins got to meet Alexander and Dakota. Dakota fascinated them and Cody spent most of the following morning explaining Dakota's unique status and about Class Two slaves in general. They were astounded to learn that Lucas had once been a slave. But something about slaves clearly frightened them and it would be some months before the boys and their parents understood why.

One morning in early September, Lucas took his bike and went off to the library, while Cody stayed home with the Twins. Ruth had a class to teach that morning, so they were alone in the house, except for Marie and the hospice nurse.

Lucas was almost at the library when his communicator lit up. "Help! Oh help! He's hurt! He's dead!" came the voices of the Twins.

Racing home, he found the nurse and the Twins crouched over a prone Cody lying on the floor of his room.

"Lucas!" the Twins screamed in unison. "We hurt him! He's dead! We didn't mean to!" They both burst into tears and ran from the room, upstairs to their mother.

Far from dead, Cody was beginning to stir and Lucas and the nurse helped him to sit up. "What happened?" cried Lucas.

After a few moments, the fog cleared, and Cody was able to answer, "Oh we were wrestling and I tripped over one of them and fell and hit my head."

"The first thing I knew about it was their scream," put in the nurse. "How do you feel?"

"OK." He gasped! "In fact, better than OK!… Lucas!… I can see!"

Lucas pumped his fist in the air. "Yesssss!" And he threw himself into his brother's arms.

"Just like you said I would! Oh, Lucas." And they both sobbed tears of joy.

Finally, Lucas stood up and helped his brother stand. The nurse, Anna, watched with wonder. "I must go call Mom and Dad and Dr. Malone. Where are the Twins?"

"I think they went up to their mother. Go ahead and make your calls. I'll watch your brother."

Lucas made the three calls; Ruth and John immediately left for home and Dr. Malone dispatched his medical team. Then he ran upstairs to Marie's room.

"What's going on?" asked Marie from her bed. "The Twins came screaming in here; something about Cody being hurt or killed. They're hiding under the bed."

"C'mon guys. Cody's OK!" Seizing the nearest leg he could reach, he hauled Ronnie out from under the bed. His brother crawled out on his own power and the two of them buried their faces in Lucas's shirt, crying hysterically, "Cody was dead; it was their fault, they should be punished; they and their mother would be thrown out on the street; no one would ever forgive them!"

"Calm down, guys. Cody is not dead! He's OK. Come on!" And he grabbed each boy firmly by the arm and dragged him downstairs where Cody was resting quietly on the sofa. As they entered the room, they both tried to hide behind Lucas; their crying having been reduced to frightened sniffles.

"Come here," commanded Cody as Lucas propelled them across the room and into Cody's arms. "Stop your crying and listen to me. I am not hurt. And a wonderful miracle has happened. That knock on my head loosened the bone shard that was making me blind. I can see. I can see you for the very first time! And, truly, you are adorable!"

It took the Twins several more seconds to grasp what Cody was saying. "Oh Cody," said a much relieved Ronnie. "That's wonderful!" "It is a miracle," echoed his brother and the two of them nearly hugged Cody to death.

Suddenly, Donnie screwed up his face and began to cry. "Now you can see again, you won't need us any more." And his brother began to echo his distress.

Lucas took Ronnie and Cody took Donnie and sat them in their laps. "Donnie and Ronnie, you are part of this family forever. We love you with all our hearts and will never, never abandon you. Not need you? Nonsense! You will go with us to college and be our house help the same as we planned. Now that I can see, it will be a little easier, but even more exciting. You and your mom will always have a home here as long as we live."

Reassured, the Twins began to smile through their tears. "We must run and tell Mama," said Ronnie. And the two of them disappeared up the stairs.

A moment later, Ruth dashed into the room and nearly smothered Cody with hugs and kisses. She looked at Lucas, "You were right all along! How did you know?" Lucas simply shook his head; he had no more idea than she did. He had just known it would happen.

At that moment John arrived. Anna excused herself' leaving the family to rejoice at the miracle.

The medical team arrived a short time later, set up their gear and did a quick scan. Dr. Malone was on the line with them and immediately reported that the shard had, indeed, shifted. "It's in a place in your sinus where it won't cause any harm and we can remove it with a simple outpatient procedure."

Even with Marie's gradually worsening condition, dinner that evening was more festive than it had been for some time. Half way through the meal, the Twins excused themselves and went down to their room. They reappeared after supper when the rest of the family was gathered in the living room. They were dressed (or undressed, if you prefer) ready to dance.

"Cody has never seen us dance and this is a special day. Mama says it's OK; we are all family. May we dance for him?" asked Ronnie. They completely forgot John and Ruth had never seen them dance, either.

"Of course, dear," replied Ruth.

The plaintive flute music started and the Twins began their pageant. Round, and under and over twisting their bodies in unison. Ruth, John and Cody sat mesmerized by the beauty of the boys' movements. Even though he had seen them before, Lucas was equally captivated. When the dance ended with both Twins kneeling with their foreheads on the floor in front of Cody, none of the four could speak.

Finally, Cody recovered enough to say, "Thank you Ronnie and Donnie! I have never seen anything so beautiful in all my life. Lucas, there was no way you could have described it for me. It is simply indescribable! You have to see it and feel it. Thank you guys, for honoring me so." Holding out his arms, he pressed their little naked bodies against his.

Ruth turned to Lucas. "I think your father and I owe you a very big apology. These boys are our future, just as you said."

"I understand, Mom. I just moved too fast for you. So, our misunderstanding was partly my fault."

'What he's trying say," said John to the Twins, "is that he and Cody plan to adopt you as their sons when they are of age. That is, if you want them to."

The Twin's eyes shining with love and excitement, gave their answer without any words being spoken.

Freed from the crushing task of caring for their desperately ill mother, the Twins began to blossom. They could be little boys again. "Having two little ones in the house again certainly makes a difference," Ruth observed to John one evening. "I think we were getting a bit stuffy."

Being children they were not perfectly behaved. After so many months of being perfect caregivers, being naughty once in a while was not only to be expected, but was good for their emotional development. A sharp word from one of the adults or a serious conversation with either Cody or Lucas was almost always guaranteed to convince them of the error of their ways. But, there was one escapade that did merit a spanking.

One afternoon Lucas had gone to the University Library and Cody was at the hospital having the bone shard taken care of. Except for Marie and Nurse Anna, Ruth was alone in the house with the Twins.

Hearing a sharp crash from the basement, Ruth hurried down to see what had happened. She found both Twins on the floor, trying to put an obviously smashed laptop computer back together. A soccer ball lay in the corner near their bunk beds.

"You were playing soccer in the house again, weren't you? How many times have you been told NOT to do that?"

The Twins glared at her, but did not answer.

Ruth pulled out two desk chairs. "Get up. Sit on those two chairs and don't get off them until Cody or Lucas says you may."

The Twins didn't move.

"Did you hear me?"

Donnie stood, his fists clenched belligerently. "You're not our mother and we don't have to listen to you," he announced to the horror of his brother.

Ruth was stung, but managed to keep her cool. She knew all about childish rebellion. "I said," she repeated slowly and forcefully, "sit on those chairs and don't get off them."

The Twins still did not comply, Donnie out of rebellion and Ronnie out of fright.

"SIT ON THOSE CHAIRS NOW!' thundered Ruth.

Two small bottoms, hit the chair seats in unison.

Ruth gathered up the computer parts and the soccer ball and stomped out of the room.

It took about fifteen minutes for remorse to replace childish anger. Both of them were truly horrified by Donnie's outburst. "She'll never love me again," he wailed.

Lucas was the first to arrive home. "You've two hellions waiting for you in their room," said his mother. He decided he'd better check on them right away. He found them sitting, weeping with their eyes focused on the floor.

"Want to tell me what this all about?" he asked.

"We were very bad," offered Ronnie. "We were playing soccer and broke one of the computers."

Lucas was more annoyed than angry. They had been warned a number of times. Clearly, more forceful measures were needed.

"But, that wasn't the worst thing," wailed Donnie. "I was mean and nasty to Grammie Ruth. I told her she wasn't our mother and we didn't have to listen to her. I am so ashamed!"

"Have you apologized to her?"

"No, she told us to sit here until you came home."

"Better go and do it. Both of you."

The two little boys slunk up the stairs and found Ruth in the kitchen preparing dinner.

"Oh Grammie Ruth, I didn't mean it. It was mean and nasty and disrespectful," sobbed Donnie.

"We both love you and are very ashamed at the way we acted," added his brother. "Can you ever forgive us?"

"And we're sorry about the computer, too. We'll just have to share."

Ruth looked down at two very sad and remorseful little boys, dropped to her knees and beckoned them into her arms. "I know you didn't mean it. Everything is hard for you just now because your mama is so sick. You made a mistake and you will always be forgiven when you make a mistake. That's the way it is in this family."

"Well, we deserve to be punished for being so bad. You should spank both of us!"

"No," answered Ruth. "I will not punish you. That is Cody and Lucas's job."

Feeling at least a little better, they returned to their room and the punishment they knew was coming.

"Off with your clothes," ordered Lucas, sitting down on one of the chairs. "Donnie, over my knee!" Positioning the little bare rump to best advantage and rubbing it to enhance the feeling, he gave it ten smart smacks with the flat of his hand.

Neither Twin had ever been spanked before and had no idea how much it hurt. The first blow, elicited a screech. Tears started to flow at the second one. By the time the tenth one landed, Donnie was howling, snot and tears running down his face. Meanwhile, his brother stood quaking in his boots (even though he wasn't wearing any).

Ronnie received his ten smacks with much the same result.

Two bawling little boys stood before Lucas. "Don't you dare touch your asses. I want you to think about what you did and the pain will help you remember." Both their asses were bright cherry red. But he dried their tears and snot and kissed each of them. "Now, go and tell your mother."

Marie was a bit startled when two naked sons appeared at her door. They tearfully explained what had happened and ruefully showed her their red behinds. "Well, I think you both got what you deserved," she observed.

They ate naked and standing up that evening. Both sitting and clothes were too painful to bear. At bedtime, they lay on their tummies in their separate beds. Lucas decided they needed some comfort, so he and Cody applied some of their famous RAPAS cream to their sore little butts. It did its usual job and the Twins were asleep almost instantly.

In bed that night, Lucas asked his brother, "Do you think I did the right thing?"

"I think you did exactly the right thing," answered Cody.

"This being a parent is harder than I thought. But I must admit," he said somewhat sheepishly, "I did enjoy feeling their asses before I smacked them. I guess I'm just a pervert at heart."

"Well, would my pervy brother like to sixty-nine with me before we sleep?" Lucas needed no second invitation. Afterward they rolled into each other's arms and were asleep at once.

The next morning two naked little boys worming in between them awakened them. "Thank you for being a real parent to us yesterday", said Ronnie. "We deserved to be spanked," added Donnie, "but we knew you loved us, so we could take it. But, I don't want to ever make you do it again," he added hastily.

Without waiting for permission, they slid down and took boys pricks in their mouths and drank of their seed. In the warmth of the boys embrace, the Twins felt loved and safe. Their mother's imminent death was hanging over them, but each Twin knew with the help and support of this family, they could bear their loss.

With their future assured, Marie could at last 'let go'. Her condition deteriorated rapidly and one morning in early November, she made her journey to the spirit world.

Although they knew it was coming and had spent the previous afternoon and evening saying their 'good-byes', the Twins were devastated… as was the rest of the family, too. Little boys do not easily loose their mothers. They had all grown to love and admire this courageous woman who put the well being of her sons before all other things.

Cody and Lucas each took one of the Twins into their beds for the next several nights, soothing and caressing them as they cried themselves to sleep. Truth be told, the Boys needed the comfort of the Twins almost as much as the Twins needed theirs. The warm little bodies wrapped in their arms were greatly comforting.

As she had requested, Marie was cremated, her ashes collected in a special goatskin bag to be transported back to the village of her birth, the Acoma Pueblo in the high desert a short distance from the town of Taos. She had been very explicit; the entire family must go to Acoma with her remains.

The first part of their journey crossed the Imperial Valley, past many of the large farms located there. The fields were filled with slaves of all ages harvesting the late crops. Whenever they passed one of these farms, the Twins hid their heads and refused to look out at them. The family was puzzled; they would shortly find out why.

After an overnight stop in Kayenta, they arrived about noon at the Acoma Pueblo where the Headwoman, Clarita Lupe, greeted them. She was also the Twin's maman (grandmother).

"Welcome John and Ruth Davidson! You are well known among our people as ones who have compassion for those less fortunate and those who have been persecuted. And, welcome to your sons, Cody and Lucas, who mirror their parents. Even though you bring us word of a great sorrow, we thank you for bringing our daughter Maria home to be with her ancestors."

"We are humble and honored to be able to fill the final request of this brave and compassionate woman who has entrusted us with the safety and well-being of her sons," replied John.

"We will hold a remembrance for Maria tonight. Will you honor us with your presence?" asked their hostess.

"It is we who will be honored to be present." replied Ruth and she presented the goatskin bag to Clarita.

At dusk, they came together in the Longhouse where a ceremonial fire had been kindled. Maria's ashes were consigned to the fire, two of the old men of the village sang and the drum beat. From a side entrance came Donnie and Ronnie to dance for their mother. Their entire bodies were painted white.

Accompanied by a flute player and a drummer, with tears running down their cheeks, they danced their little hearts out. At last, exhausted, they fell to their knees, heads touching the gravel floor. The room was eerily silent. Then they rose and as they did, the pall of sorrow was lifted; everyone present could now go forth with joy.

Accepting their hostess's gracious offer, the family spent the night in the Guest House.

The next morning, Clarita greeted the four of them at breakfast. The twins were off somewhere with one of the men of the village.

"You have probably noticed there are no other children or young people in the village," she told them. "We have the misfortune to have our village located where there is mineral wealth in the ground. The Anglos want to dig for this wealth, but we will not permit our sacred ground to be disturbed in such a way. The Anglos are angry, but cannot take our lands under the treaty rights so long as the village stands. Instead, they have taken our young people and children from us."

"The Anglo schools would have taught our children they are inferior. That our culture is simply superstition. We could not permit this. When we refused to allow our children to be educated in their schools instead of our traditional schools, they used the law to enslave the children and their parents. On the way here, you probably passed the farms where they are now forced to live and work."

"That is just monstrous!" cried Ruth. The others were shocked into silence. "John, what can we do?"

"Not very much, I'm afraid," he replied. "I heard about this scheme some time ago and it is all apparently quite legal. Our scum of a Prime Minister has much political support from this area and refuses to move against the mining companies. " Now they understood why Maria had fought so hard to find a home for her sons and why the twins were so fearful about slaves.

"Please, John and Ruth Davidson, do not try to help us. It will only make it much worse. Our culture is dying. The time of this village has passed. Maria and Tomas were our last hope, so we sent them out into the world. By giving their sons a place in your family, you will keep our spirit alive long after those of us here have gone."

"We have received a great gift from all of you… these little boys whom we have all come to love so much. We can never repay you for this." declared Cody.

"Cody Davidson, you and your family have already repaid us. We know the Twins will be safe and loved. They will grow up to be just as brave and strong as you and your brother. There is no debt to be paid. There is, however, another thing we ask of you."

"Anything within our power is yours to command." Said John.

"When a child is born into our culture, the Council chooses a woman of the village as the child's cunka, which in your language means 'Shining Star'. It is most often the child's mother, but can be any woman of the village. Their Shining Star is their protector until they come of age. The Twins call you their Grammie, Ruth Davidson. We understand what the word means in your language, so we want you to be their Shining Star."

"But I'm not of your village," protested Ruth.

"You all have been of our village since the first day Maria and the Twins came to live with you. She personally chanted the words that made it so. The Council ratified her choice after the ceremony last evening."

"Then, yes! I will be their Shining Star. You have greatly honored me," replied a humble Ruth.

"Yet, there is more," continued Clarita. "When a boy child has passed seven summers, he chooses a man of the village to be his nésemóon or Spirit Guide, who will teach him how to be a man. It is often his father, but may be an older brother or an uncle or cousin. The Twins are past the time for their choosing, so it is important for them to choose at once. Cody Davidson and Lucas Davidson, they have chosen you to be their Spirit Guides."

"We would be greatly honored to be their Spirit Guides." answered Lucas.

"Good!" She chuckled. "There was some argument over who would be each ones Spirit Guide. They each wanted you both. But we settled it. Cody Davidson, you will be Donald's Spirit Guide and Lucas Davidson you will be Ronald's Spirit Guide. I must warn you that you will be marked as will the twins and that part of the ceremony is quite painful."

"No amount of pain could ever separate us from these boys," answered Cody. "We would give our lives for them!"

Clarita fixed the boys with her stare. "It is good. You will be fine Spirit Guides. We will hold the ceremony tonight at dusk."

That evening they again assembled in the longhouse. Ruth was dressed in a long white robe of kidskin and both the Boys and the Twins appeared barefoot and clad only in breechcloths.

Clarita opened the ceremonies by explaining to the family what an important event this was in the lives of the Twins. Calling Ruth to come forward, she asked, "Ruth Davidson, lately of this village, will you be the 'Shining Star' for these two children, protecting them from all harm and nurturing them until they are of age?"

"I am deeply honored," Ruth replied with quavering voice, "to be their 'Shining Star' to guide them to the best of my ability so long as they need my care. Beyond that, I will love them both forever."

"You have spoken well and truly, Ruth Davidson! Boys?"

Ronnie came to Ruth and placed a necklace of small shells about her neck. "Thank you for being my 'Shining Star', Grammie. I will always love you."

Then Donnie came and placed a necklace of beads about her neck. "Thank you for being my 'Shining Star', Grammie. I, too, will always love you."

Clarita resumed, "Ronald and Donald have chosen two young men of the village to be their 'Spirit Guides'. They and their young charges will now be marked to show their bond."

Cody and Lucas stood up and stepped forward, joining the twins. An elderly man came into the circle carrying a small brazier in which there were two small irons.

Ronnie, stepped forward, took Lucas's hand and asked, "Lucas, will you be my 'Spirit Guide' and teach me how to be a man?"

"Yes, Ronnie, I will be your 'Spirit Guide' for as long as we both shall live. Thank you for choosing me."

Donnie, stepped forward, took Cody's hand and asked, "Cody, will you be my 'Spirit Guide' and teach me how to be a man?"

"Yes, Donnie, I will be your "Spirit Guide' forever. Thank you for choosing me."

"Ronald and Lucas, your mark will be that of the hawk, signifying far-seeing and courage. Donald and Cody, your mark will be that of the owl, signifying wisdom and strength. When the mark is made upon your flesh, there will be great pain, but you must bear it. You may hold hands, but do not try to comfort each other until the ceremony is over." She nodded to the elderly man.

Lucas went first. "Can't hurt much worse that having my nips pierced," he thought.

Wrong! When the red-hot iron touched his right breast just above his nipple, the pain nearly drove him to his knees. The smell of his burning flesh nauseated him. He tried manfully to blink back the tears.

Ruth, sitting in the circle, plunged her face into her hands. She couldn't bear to watch.

Ronnie took his marking with only a whimper.

The elder, rubbed something on both marks and the pain disappeared.

Cody and Donnie were likewise marked and bore the pain equally well.

"It is done. It is well," declared Clarita, ending the ceremony.

Both Cody and Lucas fell on their knees, enfolding their young charges in their arms, kissing away their tears. Then, Lucas walked over to Ruth, still weeping into her hands. "It's done Mom! It's over!" She looked up at him, her eyes full of wonder.

The next morning, as they were preparing to leave, a jeep roared up. Out jumped the local sheriff and another man, whom, they learned, was the County Attorney, Dirk Shannon. Swaggering over to Clarita, The sheriff announced, "We've come for the two boys you have been hiding. I have a warrant for them and their parents."

John pushed his way up to him. "Your warrant is worthless! These boys are not residents of this Pueblo and we are their lawful guardians. You have no authority to take them any place." He stood glaring at the two men.

"I assume you have some papers?" sneered the sheriff.

John passed him the Twins identity documents.

"These are obviously forgeries," spat the lawman. "The brats are coming with me!" And he threw the documents into the dust where the Attorney retrieved them.

"NO, THEY ARE NOT!"

"Who the fucking hell do you think you are? This is my county and I'll do what I fucking well please!" Producing a set of handcuffs, he pushed John rudely aside and approached the two terrified young boys clinging to Ruth.

John grabbed him by his shirt and threw him to the ground. Scrambling back to his feet, the sheriff started to draw his weapon. The other man stepped between them as Cody and Lucas sprang forward.

"Sam, don't be stupid! His papers are genuine!" shouted the Attorney. "You have no authority over them! Come on! Maybe you can explain to the judge why you assaulted an innocent citizen." Turning to John, "I know who you are, Mr. Davidson, and I apologize for my partner's behavior." He dragged the still fuming sheriff back to their jeep and they roared away.

"I think," said Clarita, "it would be best if you left this area as quickly as possible. The sheriff is an evil man and will try to do you harm if he can."

She pressed into Ruth's hands a large, richly bound book. "We have written down the history of our people and all of the traditions and customs of our village. Please keep it safe and give it to the Twins when they come of age."

"I will guard this with my very life," Ruth replied. "And I will keep it safe so your grandsons may know of the proud heritage from which they come." The two women embraced and the family began the long journey home.

They drove all that day and well into the night, finally stopping at a little town on the eastern border of the Imperial Valley.

Before they continued the next morning, Cody took the Twins aside. "I know you feel very sad when we pass a farm where there are slaves in the fields. But you must be brave. Some of them may be your cousins and others from your village, and you must show them that they have not been forgotten. That you honor the sacrifice they have made so you might be free. Will you do that for them?"

The Twins nodded, and, true to their word, saluted and waved to the slaves in the fields they passed. Many of them waved back, amazed that free persons would even notice them, let alone greet them.

There was one other task the boys set for themselves before they would go off to college. They had decided to allow Dr. Lombardy to examine them. They knew his role in discovering Lucas's real identity and saw this as a way of thanking him.

When they called the good doctor and made their offer, he was beside himself with gratitude. "Oh boys! You don't know how much I have wished for this opportunity, but I promised your Mom I would never ask."

Arrangements were made for both of them to spend three days the next week at University Hospital and undergo a whole series of tests and screenings. Alan had many questions about their unique heritage and he hoped to get some answers to at least a few of them:

• First, and most important, how had the illegal group managed to form a viable fetus from a small sample of natal material?

• Lucas had originally been three years younger and much smaller than Cody. By now he had physically caught up to Cody and the two of them appeared to be on a plateau. They were the most perfect examples of teen boyhood he had ever seen.

• Intellectually, Cody was, by no means a slouch. But he had to work very hard to keep up in his studies. Lucas, on the other hand, simply absorbed everything like a giant sponge. On standardized tests, while Cody consistently ranked above the eightieth percentile, Lucas was so far off the top of the scale it was ridiculous. Had his 'creators' augmented him in some way?

• Emotionally, the two were quite different. Cody was strong, easy-going and usually unflappable. Lucas's ego was easily bruised, quick to anger but quick to forgive. Both were compassionate with highly developed moral sense and loved each other with a passion that was truly awesome. While strong and independent in most situations, it was quite clear they could not truly live without each other.

• Lucas possessed an active prescient sense, far beyond the usual bond that twins share. Without any doubt, he possessed the sometimes ability to see into the future.

• They were highly developed sexually, but no one had ever tested to see if they were fertile. More interestingly, would Lucas's extraordinary characteristics breed true?

They had always enjoyed 'snuggling'; each boy feeling the other's bare skin as intensely pleasurable and erotic. The feeling was enhanced by their almost complete lack of body hair save for their sparse downy pubes. Indeed, they were often mistaken for young teens well unto middle age, a situation that Cody just laughed off, but annoyed Lucas to no end.

As they sat there, Lucas absently stroked Cody' very aroused prick.

"Uh, Lucas! I think you'd better stop. I suspect Dr Lombardy probably wants a sperm sample, but I don't think he would like it sprayed all over the room."

"Oh! Sorry!" And he moved his hands to Cody's nipples instead.

Just then, Alan returned. "I think we've tortured you enough. Just one thing left. Could I have a sperm sample?" Glancing at Cody's aroused state, "It doesn't appear that should be much of problem for you, Cody." Cody actually blushed.

After they completed that chore, they dressed and met Alan in his office. "I want to again give you my sincere thanks for allowing my staff these three days. I'm hopeful we may learn interesting and useful things from it. Is there anything I can do for you in return?"

"Yes," replied Cody, "can we see what you find out?"

"Of course! You're more than entitled to any information we may turn up."

Lucas chimed in, "Could you make both of us older, so we don't have to wait so long to adopt the two charming little boys you'll meet at dinner tonight?"

Alan laughed. "Fraid I can't do that, but I'll keep it in mind. Again, thanks and I'll see you this evening."

After one of Ronnie's impressive dinners, Alan, Ruth and John sat in the living room enjoying coffee. Having been away from the twins for three whole days, the Boys were much in demand downstairs.

"You know Ruth, Lucas asked me to help them become older so they could adopt those two adorable boys right away. After meeting them, I can understand why they are anxious to do so. I got to thinking."

"I can't do anything about Cody's age; he is what he is. But by all measures that count… physically, emotionally, intellectually, sexually… Lucas is at least Cody's equal. You know better than I about his intellect. The only thing that marks him as younger is the calendar. We don't know Lucas's precise birth date. What's on his record is an educated guess. Maybe we could have his record 'corrected' to show that he and Cody are the same age, or close to it."

The boys had come in midway through the discussion,

"Could you really do that?" asked Cody. "That would mean we could adopt in three years instead of six."

"Is that something you would really like?" asked their father.

"If you can do it without getting into trouble, that would be great."

"I'll call one of my friends in the Health Ministry. He owes me a favor or two."

"Does that mean I'll get three birthday presents next May?" quipped Lucas.

With more speed any of them could have dreamed, the Holidays came and the week after them, the Boys' departure. The twins were ready and excited, the SUV was packed and the morning came.

With long hugs and kisses all around, they pulled out and headed east, the start of a new adventure.

Chapter Six

"They're not our little boys any longer," cried Ruth.

"Were they really ever?" asked her husband. "No, I think God just let us borrow them for a few years. He entrusted them to us, and now he wants to see what kind of job we did."

The house in Colorado Springs, which John had located for them, was on a quiet street within walking distance of the college campus. Designed as a residence for students, there were four bedrooms, each equipped with bed, desk and closets, a common area with comfortable furniture and a well equipped kitchen and dining area. Everyone shared a common bathroom. With a little rearranging it would be ideal. They really didn't have to bring much with them except for clothes, books and their computers.

The Twins wanted to bunk together, so they moved their two beds into the same room and their study desks into the other room, making them a nice two-room suite. Cody and Lucas kept separate rooms, although the bed in the one would get little use. Posters and pictures were hung, books and games arranged on shelves, computers connected to the already existing wiring and they quickly settled in.

It was strange (and to confess, a little scary) not to be able to run upstairs to Ruth and John, but they all soon overcame just a little homesickness.

The Twins were quickly enrolled in fourth grade in the school the college ran for student and faculty children, where they were welcomed and soon began to make new friends. Classes for Cody and Lucas, began almost immediately, too. The schoolwork for the Twins was quite challenging, and the boys soon found themselves in that role played by most parents: homework coaching. That, in addition to their own work, kept them very busy for the first several months. The Twins also had their laundry and housekeeping chores and all of them shared food preparation. In that respect, Lucas and Ronnie had quite a competition going… both were excellent cooks.

There was still time for after-supper games… sexual and otherwise. Weekends were special and they spent the time exploring the many attractions in the area. Even climbing McKenzie Peak, the high mountain just west of the city, which turned out to be more of an adventure than they had planned.

Having little experience in either high altitude mountain climbing or the weather along the Front Range, they had planned a quick one-day up and back. The sun had been shining… a beautiful early March day… when they left the base of the mountain. By the time they broke the tree line, however, clouds had rolled in and a cold rain was starting to fall.

Cody briefly considered turning back, but decided the Summit House was closer. The Twins were really suffering in the early stages of hypothermia and it took all the stamina the Boys could muster just to keep them moving. The ended up partly carrying Ronnie and Donnie. Although afterward they would regard it as a grand adventure… Cody and Lucas would never do anything that might hurt them… at the time it was not much fun and very scary. Realizing they all were in danger, Cody and Lucas plodded on. They managed to stumble the last hundred yards to the Summit House in a stinging sleet storm.

Chilled and soaked to their skins, they fell through the door into the warmth, much to the surprise of the two resident meteorologists, Bill and Charlie. "Hello, we haven't had any visitors since last fall and we certainly didn't expect any today. You guys are very, very lucky to be alive."

Their surprised hosts – the Twins promptly dubbed them 'The Weather Guys' – quickly made them comfortable. There's nothing like hot chocolate to revive the spirit and that and some dry clothes soon had the four of them in good shape once more. "Lord!" said Lucas, "I haven't been that cold since our first camping trip on the Crest Trail years ago." Cody chuckled; that had been an important milestone on their journey together.

"Well, now that you're back to the fully living, welcome to our humble home," said Bill. "We don't get many visitors at all after the summer season, let alone overnight guests. Forget about a descent any more today; the weather will be awful."

"Yes," chimed in Charlie, "you should listen to our forecasts. It's what we get paid for. These mountains can kill you, if you're not careful. Even experienced climbers would not have tackled this mountain on a day like today. I'd say you guys were pretty lucky."

"Thanks for rescuing us!" replied Cody somewhat sheepishly. He had been far more frightened by their escapade than he wanted to admit. "I guess we've got some learning to do. We really didn't plan on overnight, so we didn't bring along much gear."

"Not to worry. We've plenty. Best BnB you ever stayed at and our rates are fabulous."

"Hooray!" shouted the revived Twins. "It's going to be a real adventure."

"Charlie," said Bill, "I think this calls for one of your prize-winning stew creations. Hope you guys like venison. Why don't you get stared while I show our guests around."

After a quick tour, Cody and Lucas withdrew to help Charlie peeling, dicing and chopping, leaving the Twins to Bill. There was nothing particularly special about the meat and veggies; it was Charlie's secret spices that made it a creation.

Bill patiently showed Donnie and Ronnie how all the instruments worked and how he and Charlie made their forecasts. The Twins were entranced and it was easy to tell that Bill was captivated by them and really enjoyed his role as teacher.

Together, they planned a little surprise for their evening radio report. Bill would introduce them and they would give the forecast. After a couple of run-throughs, they were ready to 'go live.'

"This is Bill Chambers, from Her Majesty's Weather Station on Mount McKenzie with your evening report. Tonight we have two apprentice meteorologists, Donnie and Ronnie Lopez, who are assisting."

"Hi. I'm Ronnie! Tonight will be overcast with lots of freezing rain here on the mountain and rain and sleet for you in the city. The low will be minus twenty [-4°F] here… brrrr… and about one degree [34°F] in the valley."

"And I'm Donnie, with better news about tomorrow. It will be sunny, with a high of twenty-four [75°F] in the valley and just about twelve [54°F] here. This is Donnie Lopez."

"And Ronnie Lopez, signing off for Her Majesty's Weather Service on McKenzie Peak."

The Twins bowed to the applause of the others and the phone rang. Bill went to answer it.

"Just thought I'd liven up things a bit.….. No, I don't think so.….. Glad you liked it. I'll tell them."

"That was our boss, down below. He wanted to know if he could hire you. They all thought it was a hoot. In fact, they put it out on the wire. You guys will be famous." At that idea, the Twins broke down in an attack of the giggles.

Charlie's stew was an inspired creation, as were his special high-altitude biscuits. But it wasn't long after supper before the altitude, the strenuous day and full tummies began to take their toll on two very sleepy boys. It was all Cody and Lucas could do to get them undressed and they were both sound asleep when they slipped them into the jumbo sleeping bag the Weather Guys had provided.

The four grown-ups sat around talking for a while. It came out that Bill and Charlie were Lifemates. They had grown up as neighbors and had known by the time they were ten years old that they wanted to share their lives forever. Unfortunately, neither set of parents were supportive, but their love eventually won out and they had been together for fifteen years. The secluded nature of their lives on the mountain suited them just fine.

They were thrilled to hear of Cody's and Lucas's plans and envied them the close love their family had given them. "I just wish our families could realize how happy we really are," lamented Charlie.

"Your little boys are the cutest, most loveable kids we have ever seen," gushed Bill, clearly smitten. "I can surely understand why you want to adopt them. I don't suppose you'd allow us to keep them until spring?" he asked wistfully. "No, I guess not."

Lucas made the call to the coast that evening. He told John and Ruth about their climb, but simply said they had been invited to stay overnight, wisely omitting any mention of their weather difficulties. Both of them realized they had narrowly escaped disaster and did not want to alarm their parents.

When Cody and Lucas slid into the sleeping bag next to the Twins, they woke up long enough to give each of them a sloppy kiss and fell right back to sleep again. The Boys soon followed their example.

True to Donnie's forecast, they day dawned on a sun-drenched wonderland of ice crystals. By mid-morning, the ice was gone, and the four of them reluctantly bade their hosts goodbye and began their descent. Cody had wanted to pay Bill and Charlie, but they waved them off. "It's great having you as company. It gets a bit boring up here sometimes and we look forward to visitors. Just promise you'll visit us again and bring those two wonderful boys along. If you're not sure about the weather, give us a call. And do plan to stay overnight."

Cody promised they would and the March trip up the mountain became an annual event. After they checked the weather forecast.

For all of them, it was a happy and exciting time.

Ruth and John were a bit 'lost' at first without their tribe in residence, but compensated with more reading and time for the arts. The almost daily calls from Colorado Springs were still the high points of their days, however.

Their 'empty nest' did give them more time to pursue the causes that had been the guiding light of their lives – child welfare in general and the welfare of slave children in particular. Currently out of politics, their efforts concentrated on establishing self-help networks of free adults who shared their beliefs. Wherever they could, they supported the efforts of young families to adopt and free young slaves with advice and both moral and financial support. Also high on their list was help for young families who were in danger of loosing a child thru neglect or poverty. It may have been quixotic, but they were determined to better the lives of young children, slave or free, one child at a time if necessary.

In his professional life, John often performed pro-bono work for groups and individuals whose work matched their efforts. His reputation as a system designer and engineer was solid and he often was able to turn indifferent or even hostile clients toward his point of view.

Their efforts came to the attention of the Crown and they were both asked to serve on a Crown Commission looking into child welfare. It was chaired by Prince Harry, and they found the 'heir presumptive' not at all presumptive. They found in him a soul mate and soon all three of them were on a first name basis.

That the Prince supported their causes was quite evident. But he was also pragmatic. There wasn't much the Commission could influence given the governments in power in both England and North America. There were several commissioners who favored even more stringent measures against young slaves and Harry dealt with them fairly but made sure their views did not grow to fruition. The outcome was a better understanding of the steps they – the three of them – would some day hope to bring into law. It was frustrating and rewarding both at the same time.

Spring break was a joyous reunion on the coast. But John and Ruth understood completely why they were anxious to return to college and studies. Being on their own in their own household was a highly intoxicating experience for them. All of them looked forward to summer when there would be some very special events taking place.

The weather was definitely nicer when they got back and they began to spend more time out-of-doors, especially on weekends. By common consent one of the large college playing fields was ceded to families on Sunday afternoons and became the scene of a huge all-ages soccer game whenever the weather was nice. It was the first real opportunity for the Twins to be out-of-doors among lots of young kids their age and they thrived on the contact.

While they knew many of the kids from their school, they were amazed to find many they did not know: young slaves whose masters were either students or faculty. Slave etiquette was ignored, as it had been when Cody and Lucas had been part of similar groups growing up. The Twins always participated with enthusiasm, but Cody and Lucas could tell they were not entirely comfortable around the slave boys. Their best friend was Tommy Barton, who was in their class. But Tommy had a slave his own age, David. While the four of them got along quite well and genuinely enjoyed each other's company, there was still something bubbling beneath those two dark heads, something they were not quite ready to share with Cody or Lucas.

Concerned, the boys decided to prime the pump a bit by inviting Tommy and David for supper one Saturday evening. At the last minute, Lucas's psychology professor had scheduled a late-night lab session, so Cody was left to host. Not a problem, as the Twins were excited and helpful.

It was a bit awkward at first as David exhibited faultless slave etiquette, calling Cody and the Twins 'sir' and always deferring to Tommy. Tommy gave David permission to call the Twins by their names, but David asked the Twins permission before doing so. He insisted in helping to serve and waited until he was specifically invited before he took his place at table. The Twins quickly noticed David's actions weren't quite the same as they were on the soccer field. Nevertheless, they all had a good time.

Cody's ploy was successful, because after their guests had left, the Twins cornered him. "Cody, we need to talk."

"Sure! What's on you mind?"

"Why are there so many slave boys when we play soccer. Did all of them do something bad that they are being punished by being made slaves?" Donnie asked plaintively. "They seem just like regular kids, like us."

"I know Tommy and David are from the same family," put in Ronnie. "But why is David his slave? Can't they just be brothers like you and Lucas?"

At last the feelings were out on the table.

"Guys, you know very well that Lucas was my slave before he was my brother. No, that's not quite right; I thought of him as my brother from the very first, but he was not legally my brother until about two years ago when Mom and Dad freed and adopted him. You know his story. How he came to us from a family that had abused and harmed him. I remember the very first time I saw him at my birthday party when Mom and Dad gave him to me. He was my slave, yes. But I felt such love and compassion for him, I cried."

"He came to us as a slave, because his birth parents had abused and abandoned him. We had to actually teach him how to love. How to be a member of a family that loved him. How to be a real person and not just a slave. Once he learned those things, he could be a free person."

"But how did Lucas get to join our family?" asked a puzzled Donnie.

"Mom had to go to a special Slave dealer and purchase him," answered Cody.

"You mean Grammie bought him?" screeched Ronnie.

"Yes, she saw him displayed there and chose and paid for him."

"Is that how all these families got their slaves? Is that how Tommy's parents got David? That's terrible! It's almost like they were picking out a puppy at the pet store." With wisdom beyond their years, the Twins saw the fundamental unfairness of the whole system and it upset them deeply. In truth, the slave system existed by preying on the Empire's most vulnerable subjects, young orphaned children.

Drawing the two shaking boys to him, Cody sat them beside him on the sofa. "Slavery is our society's way of caring for children who have lost their parents or who have been abandoned and no longer have a family who will care for them. Some have come from abusive families, like Lucas did; others have suddenly lost their families to accidents or illness and simply have no one to care for them. Most times the family that buys them, offers them the chance to grow into healthy, productive citizens and they are freed. It doesn't always work out that way. There are some people who buy a slave as a source of cheap labor, who don't treat their slaves very well and that is very sad."

"You mean Lucas could have been bought by someone who would not have loved him and might have kept him a slave all his life?" asked Ronnie.

"Yes, that could have happened. But Mom believes very strongly that she would have found Lucas and Lucas would have found her some way. She went to the slave dealer and he was there and she is sure it was not just luck. Someone or some force brought them together. She and Dad have dedicated their lives to trying to make things better for slaves and Lucas and I are proud to join them in that effort. We haven't made a lot of progress, so we still have to live within the law.

"But it's so unfair! Kids who have lost their parents or been treated badly. Why do they have to be slaves? It's like they're being punished. Why can't they be free? Why doesn't a good family adopt them right away?" Ronnie was really upset and close to tears.

"Some of them are adopted right away. Anyway, almost all the slaves you see on the soccer field will one day be free. They have families who love them and will raise them to be free persons. A few may never be free, just like Dakota. You only have to watch Tommy and David to know they adore each other. Just like Lucas and I do. I would not be at all surprised that David will be free by this time next year."

"It's still terrible and cruel and unfair," sobbed Ronnie.

"You're absolutely right, but it's the law. All we can do is try to make things better for them. Don't feel badly about them, don't feel sorry for them. They are having an experience you and I will never share, an experience that will make freedom – when it comes – even more precious. Ask Lucas about it. He knows. He's been there."

"Treat them with respect, like you would any other boy your age. Be a friend to them. If one of them calls you 'sir' or bows to you, accept it. Being a slave is hard and takes a lot of courage. Admire them for their courage. And be ready to welcome them when they are freed."

The Twins thought for a while. "But what about kids who have been made slaves for life?" asked Donnie.

"None of the kids you have met are slaves for life. Unfortunately, a few children have done really bad things and have been convicted of crimes. And they have been enslaved for life. They are almost always sent to a farm or ranch away from the rest of our society. That is a very sad thing and I wish it were not so… but it is."

The Twins were silent for a long time. They had not yet asked the one question Cody expected. But, finally it came out.

"Well, the kids from our Pueblo didn't do bad things!" argued Ronnie. "They had families who cared for them. Why were they made slaves for life. What did they do to deserve that?"

"Ronnie and Donnie, I wish I could tell you that all members of our society are honest and fair and compassionate. But I would be lying. There are greedy men who want the land where Acoma Pueblo stands. And they have twisted the law to take away the children and the young people who are the future of the Pueblo. Soon there will be no one left and they will get what they want. It is a huge injustice. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do about it. Mom and Dad and Lucas and I would give anything to be able to undo what these monsters have done."

"Your Mama was terrified you would be enslaved, too. So she and your father left the Pueblo to protect you. When she became ill, she set out to find a family that would care for you once she was gone. We are very much honored that she – and you – chose us. We love you very much and you have already brought so much to our family and, especially, to Lucas and me. Just as soon as we are old enough, Lucas and I will adopt you. You will be our sons. Until then, the papers your Mama signed when you came to live with us protect you from those greedy men. And I pledge to you with my very life, you will never, never be enslaved. That is what your Mama wanted and we agree with her completely."

Both of them were in tears. "Cody, we're sorry we did not understand."

"Don't be sorry. Be brave and loving. Just like you always are."

When Lucas arrived home that night, long after the Twins were asleep, Cody told him what had happened. "Those poor little kids!", Lucas sighed. "They've been through so much. I'm glad you were able to ease their minds a bit. They'll be OK, I think. You done great, bro."

There was no question that life at college suited all of them. There was certainly no lack of interesting things to keep them busy. The Twins loved their school and their new friends, and Cody and Lucas enjoyed the challenge of their advanced studies.

A perfect day for the Twins was homework and chores finished, one of Lucas's or Donnie's 'gourmet' dinners, an erotic romp by themselves in the shower, some sex play with their mentors and being held close by them until they fell asleep. For Cody and Lucas, a perfect day was any day they arrived home from classes to be greeted by two exciting and passionate little boys.

Life was not without it's challenges, however.

Within the college community, the Twins were welcomed enthusiastically and treated like any other young boys. In the city at large, however, such was not always the case. Colorado Springs was, and still is, a very conservative town and old habits (and bigotries) die hard.

One Saturday afternoon, returning from a shopping trip, the four of them stopped in their favorite ice cream store a short distance from home. They entered and the Twins made a beeline for the counter to see what new goodies had been added to the already extensive store of flavors.

An older couple, sitting at one of the tables, immediately stiffened. "Do you allow slaves in your establishment," asked the man incredulously.

Cody approached them politely. "I beg your pardon, mam and sir, but the boys are not slaves. They are free boys and will soon be our sons."

"You mean you plan to adopt these ruffians? Next thing you know you'll be adopting niggers!"

Barely controlling himself, Lucas started to answer, but George, the shop owner intervened. "Sir and Madam, I alone will decide who may enter my shop. You will apologize at once to these young men and their wards."

"We most certainly will not. The vary idea! Niggers and Redskins!"

"Then, please leave my shop and do not ever return!" The couple rose and stomped out of the door.

"I'm sorry we seem to have cost you some customers," ventured Cody.

"Don't even give it a second thought," replied George. "They come in here and do nothing but complain. I don't need customers like them. I need customers like you and your charming boys instead. Much better for my blood pressure. I'm sorry you had to put up with their bad manners, so help yourselves to anything on the house."

Lucas quickly explained to the Twins that did NOT mean one of each flavor. They all settled for double banana splits and George joined them.

"Wow!" said Ronnie around a mouth full of ice cream. " It would be neat to hold our next birthday party right here."

"Yeah," continued Donnie, "we could invite the whole school."

Cody blanched at the though of that expense, much to George's amusement. "We'll have to see what we can work out," he advised the Boys.

That night as they were getting ready for bed, the Twins appeared with their 'we-have-an-important-question-to-ask-you' faces.

"What's up guys?"

"Cody, why do some people think we are slaves?" asked Donnie

"And when they find out we aren't, they get mad," added his twin.

Cody would have liked to protect them from what he knew was the case, but they were always truthful with the Twins. "They think you are slaves because you are Native American and they get angry because they believe all Native Americans should be slaves and you are not."

"Why!" the Twins screeched in unison.

"Many 'whites' are brought up to believe they are superior to everyone else: Blacks, Native Americans, Chicanos, Orientals and, of course, slaves," explained Lucas. "And, even more disgusting, they think everyone who is not part of their race or group should exist only to serve them as slaves. It's called bigotry and there is a lot of it in this town."

"You mean they would think Dr. Lee should be a slave just because he's Chinese?"

"And our friend, Sammy, just because he's Black?"

"Unfortunately, Yes. Understand, most people don't feel this way, but those who do are usually pretty nasty about it. That is what is destroying Acoma Pueblo, too."

Wide eyed, Ronnie asked, "Did you ever feel this way? Do you think we should be slaves?"

"Never! Mom and Dad brought us up to believe everyone – slave or free, rich or poor, white, brown, red, green or purple – is a person of worth. You know what we think of you; you are the very best, number one, twins in the whole world. Both Alexander and Dakota are persons of worth; different, but still persons of worth. And Mom and Dad, and Dr. Lee and Sammy: everyone you meet every day is a person of worth."

"That's… sad! That some people are so afraid", lamented Ronnie, with insight well beyond his tender years.

"Yes, it is. And people like that couple today live in their own miserable little world and wonder why the rest of us don't like them."

"Thank you both for making us persons of worth," said Ronnie.

"We didn't make you persons of worth," replied Lucas. "You came that way, just by being born."

"What's a nigger?" asked Ronnie.

"That is a terrible name some ignorant people give to Blacks. It is the most insulting thing you can call a black person. If you were to call your friend, Sammy, that, he would probably burst into tears and never be your friend again, ever."

After the Twins had kissed them and withdrawn to their room, Cody and Lucas were quiet for a while. Sliding into their joint bed, Lucas sighed, "Such wonderful little guys! And so vulnerable, too!"

"And, yet, so understanding, mature beyond their years! How did we ever deserve them?"

"Yeah, it sometimes scares the shit out of me that they have been placed in our care. What a huge responsibility!"

And they lay in each other's arms and slept.

On another afternoon, they all met at school and stopped on the way home at a nearby deli. Taking a short cut on an unfamiliar street, the Twins skipped happily ahead and were suddenly confronted by a red-faced man with a large pit-bull dog.

"Get your fucking slaves under control!" he shouted to Cody and Lucas. "They have no business on this street. Get out of here, all of you, before I set the dog on them! God-damn red niggers!"

Lucas immediately ran to the man, getting himself right in his face, while the Twins clung to Cody. "If you make one move toward our little boys, I swear I will beat both you and the dog to a pulp!"

The man jumped back. "You threatening me? I'll have the constables on you!" Yanking the dog's leash, he disappeared back into his house.

With difficulty, Cody managed to gather in a seething Lucas – he had never seen him so angry – and steer him into the small park at the end of the block, just across from their street. He got him seated on a bench, and Lucas 'lost it'.

He cried and sobbed like a baby in Cody's arms while the Twins stood back wide-eyed and pale. "Why can't people be kind to them?" he wailed. "Why can't they be treated decently? It's so unfair! They're just kids?" Cody held him close and stroked him.

"Cody, why is Lucas crying?" asked a sniffling Ronnie.

"He gets upset when people treat you badly. And he was really upset when that man threatened you with a dog. He'll be all right. He just needs to get it all out. Just like you do sometimes."

"Do you think a hug would help?" asked Donnie.

"I'm sure it would." That was 'medicine' the Twins understood; good for almost anything that ails you.

From within the circle of arms, Lucas sighed, "I'm sorry! I shouldn't have acted that way."

"Nothing to be sorry about," replied his brother.

"And you're a hero!" piped up Donnie. "You chased that man away, and his mean dog."

"Thanks, guys! You're the best ever!"

When they arrived home, the phone was ringing. Cody went to answer it; it was Constable Darlington.

"I understand you had a run in with Old Man Daniels."

"Didn't know that was his name. But, yes."

"Don't worry about it. He's a mean one. We get two or three calls a week. He considers that street his private property and we keep telling him it isn't. We've warned him several times about the dog. Was anyone hurt?"

"No, my brother scared him off."

"Well, good. But you might want to keep your slaves off that street."

"THEY'S NOT SLAVES, DAMMIT!"

"I beg your pardon."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to shout. They are free boys and will soon be our sons. They just happen to be Native American."

"Well, that's not what he told us and that puts a whole new face on it. If he actually threatened you or your boys, you can press charges if you wish."

"No, we don't want to do that. Probably wouldn't do much good, but thanks for asking."

"Just the same, I think we'll have him in for a little remedial chat. Next time he threatens anyone with that dog, we'll destroy it. Let me know, if you have any more trouble."

"Thank you, Constable, I will"

While the Twins were getting ready for supper, Cody and Lucas sat and talked a bit.

"Why do I get so upset? It's not very helpful."

"One word, Lucas. Love! If it's any relief to you; if you hadn't stood up to him, I would have jumped him. You just got to him first. You're a real hero to the Twins. Not a bad place to be!"

"Some hero! Cried like a baby!"

"Yes, but after the danger had passed. Not a thing wrong with that."

After supper, Ronnie asked it he and Lucas could sleep together, just the two of them. Cody was a bit surprised, but readily agreed. He could sense what Ronnie was about and agreed completely. So, he and Donnie could have some fun together, while Ronnie practiced his healing arts.

After together showers, they lay in Lucas's seldom used bed, Lucas on his back and Ronnie on his tummy on top of him.

Ronnie looked long and hard at his mentor, "Thanks for saving our lives this afternoon."

In answer, Lucas just kissed him tenderly.

"Can we play 'the Tickle Game'?" asked the little boy. It was something only he and Lucas did, something they both enjoyed tremendously. Guaranteed to chase away Lucas's blues. Lucas knew what he was trying to do, and loved him more than ever for it."

"Of course!"

Ronnie turned over on his back and arranged himself so Lucas's now hard prick was nestled in his ass crack. He raised his arms and laced his fingers together behind Lucas's neck. Lucas wrapped his legs around Ronnie's legs and gently drew them apart, making him completely vulnerable. The object of the game was for Lucas to tickle or tease Ronnie in any way he chose, and Ronnie couldn't bring has arms back down to stop him. If he did, he lost the contest.

Lucas started by working on Ronnie's armpits and ribs, causing gales of laughter and a lot of squirming. But Ronnie held on.

Next, he pinched and tweaked Ronnie's very sensitive nipples before moving on to his groin. Ronnie still hung on.

Abandoning any pretense otherwise, Lucas began to stroke Ronnie's little hard-on and play with his balls, to the accompaniment of Ronnie's sighs and moans of pleasure. He brought him to almost a climax; then removed his hands and let Ronnie come down again, to vociferous complaints.

Three more times he brought him almost over and three more time he stopped. By this time his victim was pleading for relief. On the fourth time, he stopped again just short of orgasm and said, "Well, I guess that's enough for tonight!"

Ronnie grabbed his hand and placed it back on his love pole. "Nooooo! You can't stop now! That's cruel. Please don't stop. Please finish me! Please! Please!"

"You loose!" chimed Lucas.

"Oh, shit! You did that on purpose! Got me all excited and I forgot the game."

"Yep. Tell you what. Turn over and squat on my chest."

Ronnie did as he was told and ended up with his still hard prick waving a few inches from Lucas's mouth. "Well, what are you waiting for?" Ronnie jerked forward and plunged his prick into Lucas's waiting mouth. Tongue and lips expertly applied quickly moved the boy into his dry orgasm.

But wait! Was there some liquid expelled. Lucas wasn't quite sure, but he thought he tasted something a little different.

Afterward, they cuddled together. "You know, this is just how Cody cuddled me on the first night we were together. I can remember it like it was yesterday. It felt so good. I kept waiting for the dream to end, but it was real. The first time anyone really loved me. I didn't know what love was, but it sure felt good. Just like I'm feeling now with you here."

Now it was Ronnie's turn to cry. "Oh Lucas, my Spirit Guide, I love you more than any one in the whole world", he blubbered. "You will be the greatest dad I could ever have."

Lucas felt 'healed' and Ronnie just felt great, too. And they held each other until they were asleep.

Next morning: "It sounded like you were having a pretty good time last night," said Cody to his brother.

"You might say that!" chuckled Lucas. "By the way, I think Ronnie actually made a little cream last night."

"I thought I felt something from Donnie as well. I just wasn't sure. Lord! Boy cream at their age."

"Well, they're precocious about everything else. Why not this."

One morning Donnie asked, "Could we have Tommy and David come for a sleepover?"

"I don't see why not," answered Cody. "If it's OK with Tommy's parents."

The Twins needed no second invitation and the sleepover was arranged for the following Friday night. They lay in a sufficient store of food to feed the five thousand and enough bedtime snacks to supply a small army. The Twins chose a couple of DVD's for entertainment – not exactly the films Cody or Lucas would have chosen for them. At least they weren't too gory and probably wouldn't permanently warp their little psyches.

On Friday afternoon, the Twins raced home from school to get ready for the big event. Tommy hurried home, collected his slave and arrived on the Boys' doorstep completely out of breath. The Twins, in the meantime, were nearly bouncing off the walls with excitement.

When Lucas opened the door to admit their guests, Tommy shook hands, saying "Thank you for having us. We've never been to a sleepover before."

David had immediately gone to his position of respect and remained motionless until Lucas asked him to stand. After a nod of approval from Tommy, he rose and said, "Thank you, honored Sir. I am not worthy, but my Master and I are honored to be invited to your home."

Well-trained Slave!

The Twins welcomed them a little less formally.

"Guys, please show them your rooms and let them stow their gear. Then I'd like all four of you to join us in the common area."

The four kids, three of them on the sofa, and David sitting at Tommy's feet with Tommy's arm about his shoulder, were more than ready for a night of fun. Cody and Lucas sat across from them.

"Tommy, how did David come to be part of your family," asked Cody. He wanted to know more about their relationship before proceeding with his plan.

A look, a little sad smile, passed between the two guests.

Tommy explained that his father and David's father had been colleagues at Oxford. He and David had known each other and were best friends almost from the cradle. When David was six, his parents and two older sisters were swept away in an avalanche during a Swiss skiing vacation. David had been the sole survivor from the family. Since he had no other living relatives, he was 'put into care' as it is called in England.

There was never any doubt at all who would take David in, but the authorities in England had ruled that all 'in care' children must serve at least two years enslaved, before the could be formally adopted. After that time, they could be freed or not according to their owner's wishes.

He admitted it had been very strange to treat his best friend as a slave at first. But his parents told both of them it was very important that David learn to be a good slave. So they both tried very hard and David learned his lessons well. The worst time, was when he could go to school and David couldn't. David had to take his lessons at home and he was sad and missed his school friends. But they grew to love each other deeply and both hoped for a time when David might be free.

The Boys watched the expressions of their two guests and saw their wistful look. "His plan is going to work." mused Lucas.

"Would you like your family to adopt David?" Cody asked Tommy.

"Yes, very much!"

"Have you told them?"

"Yes."

"And what do they say?"

"That they'll have to think about it," answered the young slaveholder morosely.

It was quiet for minute. The Twins sat beside their guests completely puzzled. They had no idea where Cody was headed.

"Tommy and David, please come and stand in front of me," directed Cody.

Tommy did as he was bidden and, after a nod from his Master, David joined him.

"Tommy, do you love David?"

"I like him a lot!"

"Not like! Do you really love him?"

After a moment's hesitation to find his voice, "With all my heart." And a tear rolled down the child's cheek.

"How about you, David? Do you love Tommy? Would you like to be his real brother, a free boy?"

David looked imploringly at Tommy and Tommy nodded."

"Oh yes, Cody Sir. More than anything in my whole life! He has been like a brother to me ever since my… my…" He couldn't go on. The look of love that passed between them was priceless.

"Tommy and David," broke in Lucas. "I know you hope for that to happen some day. Well, continue to hope a bit longer, because David will soon be free and your real brother. Don't ask me how I know this, just trust me."

"Lucas is never, never wrong about such things," piped up Ronnie. "Never!" echoed his twin.

"In the meantime," continued Cody, "we have a surprise for you. It may be a little scary at first, but I think you'll like it. David, will you please undress Tommy."

"What?" the startled slave answered.

"Strip him, the whole way."

The two shocked boys looked at each other. Then, getting a nod from Tommy, David proceeded to tenderly remove his Master's clothes until he was naked.

"Now, Tommy, you do David."

Taking a deep breath, Tommy complied.

"His slave collar and cuffs, too."

"But Father says I should never remove them when we are not in our house."

"Guys, whatever takes place in this house will never leave this house."

After a moment's hesitation, Tommy fished the keys out of his jeans pocket and the collar and cuffs joined David's clothes in a pile on the floor.

They stood there not at all embarrassed by their nakedness, breathlessly beautiful. Where the twins were tall and slim, they were shorter and, as the saying goes, built like twin brick shithouses. David's flaming red hair and pale skin contrasted nicely with Tommy' darker complexion and raven hair.

"When you are in this house," continued Cody, "you are no longer Master and Slave, but simply two brothers who enjoy and love each other very much. When you leave you will have to be Slave and Master again, but here, in this house, you will always be free."

"I was Cody's slave before I was his true brother," added Lucas, "and I know how that feels. I know how it feels to love someone so much, but still not be free. When we were just by ourselves, in our home, our Mom and Dad allowed us to be just brothers."

The two little boys were transfixed for a moment, then turned and fell into each other's arms, to be joined a few moments later by the wildly enthusiastic Twins. "Oh Cody," panted Ronnie. "I think your surprise has made them very, very happy. How did you know?" In answer, Cody just grinned.

After hot-dogs and hamburgers grilled over the fireplace in the common room, all hands helped with the dishes, four naked boys as the Twins had happily shed their clothes to be like their guests.

"You guys can watch the movies in the common room. Lucas and I have some school work that needs our attention." And they withdrew to their own rooms leaving the kids to shriek and giggle through the double feature.

Movies over, the four took over the Twin's quarters. After a time, the Boys heard a lot of whispering and giggling going on, but tried to concentrate on their work.

There was a knock on Cody's door!

When he opened it, there stood a still naked Donnie and David, grinning from ear to ear. "You gave us such a nice gift, we'd like to give you one in return," announced David.

Cody allowed himself to be wrestled to the floor and was soon as bare as his assailants. Then, taking him by both arms, they dragged him into the shower and proceeded to give him the most erotic bath he had ever had. When the two squirts were finally satisfied that Cody was truly clean, they emerged to find Lucas and his captors waiting for his cleansing.

Dragging the thoroughly amused teen back to his room, they toweled him off and had him lie face down on his bed. They then, proceeded to give him a massage like he had never had before. When he was reduced to a complete stupor, they flipped him over on his back and began to work on his front.

Pointing out the little brand just above Cody's right nipple, Donnie said, "There's the mark I told you about. Just like mine!"

Studying both brands carefully, David observed, "Wow! That must have hurt!"

"A little," admitted Donnie (vast understatement), "but now we have the same spirit. And nothing can ever come between us."

"Awesome!"

Also awesome was what the two of them began to do to Cody. With Donnie working on his prick and David licking and nibbling his very sensitive nipples, Cody was reduced to quivering jelly in a manner of moments. He came three times before his torturers were satisfied with their 'gift'.

Pulling the blankets up over him and turning out the lights, the two little boys wormed their way in beside him and snuggled up. Sleep came swiftly.

The next morning, the six of them gradually struggled out for breakfast. When they were all accounted for, Lucas observed, "Looks like a good time was had by all! But, I guess we better all get dressed or your folks will wonder what kind of a den of depravity we run here." That made everyone laugh, but they did reluctantly dress and the two guests resumed the Master/Slave persona.

As they said goodbye, Tommy hugged both Cody and Lucas. "It was awesome. Absolutely brilliant!" His Slave nodded vigorously.

After their guests had departed, Ronnie said, "Thank you, thank you both for such a wonderful time. Can we do it again? How soon will David be adopted?"

"I really don't know; just that he will be adopted. And yes, you can have them over again."

The following Monday morning, Lucas was crossing the campus when her heard someone calling his name. He turned around to see Dr. Barton, Tommy's dad, bearing down on him.

"I just wanted to thank you and Cody for giving our boys such a fun time. They talked about nothing else the rest of the weekend. And I sense a new closeness between them. They said you gave them a special gift, but wouldn't tell us what it was."

"Well, you know little boys. They have to have secrets," replied Lucas.

"Yes, just so," chuckled the Doctor. Then more seriously, "May I ask you a question?"

"Certainly"

"Do you think David is too young for us to adopt him? Is Thomas too young to have a brand new brother?

"Well", replied Lucas, " I was a bit older when Mom and Dad adopted me. They did so when they were convinced it was the right time, not how old I was. So, are they old enough? In my opinion, yes. Is this the right time? Only you can determine that. Believe me, you and Mrs. Barton will know without any doubt when that time comes. Until then, you might consider encouraging them to be less formal when only the two of them are together, Sort of letting David try out a little 'freedom' to see how it feels."

"Amazing! Thank you, Lucas. Clara and I will have to think about what you've said."

And the two of them shook hands and went their separate ways.

May was soon upon them and with it Cody's 18th birthday and Lucas's 'adjusted' 18th birthday. Alan Lombardy had been true to his promise. That milestone portended great things for the summer.

Arriving home in early June, the boys prepared for one of the most important days in their lives… their Lifemate ceremony.

On June 18th, the family and a few guests assembled in the very courtroom where Lucas had once been enslaved and where he had later been freed and adopted. Sue Beckham and her Mom, Ula and Klaus, and Alan Lombardy were there. Alexander and Dakota were in Europe with their parents where Ryan had taken a five-year assignment in Budapest. The family had asked Justice Hughes to preside and he graciously came out of retirement to do so.

Both the Boys and the Twins were resplendent in their dress-up duds. Everyone took their places, and the judge opened the proceedings. "This honorable court is now in session. God save the Queen."

"We are here today to act upon two petitions brought by Cody Albert Davidson and Lucas John Davidson. I would like to say at the outset that it has been my humble privilege to preside at two previous hearings concerning young Lucas. The first one, many years ago, when I had the onerous task of enslaving him – a complete travesty I thought then and still today. Just a few years ago, I presided at the hearing when Lucas was freed and adopted by John and Ruth – a somewhat happier occasion, although tinged with grief and concern for his desperately ill brother. I said at that time, I hoped to have a grandson like, you, Lucas. My daughter apparently didn't hear me as she continues to supply me with granddaughters… five at last count. Let it be noted I spoil them all terribly."

"Cody, I don't know if you knew that Carrie Spears, from your graduating class, is my oldest granddaughter. So, I was present to hear that magnificent speech you gave in which you shared with all of us Lucas's triumphant story. It was simply grand!"

"Please forgive an old man his reminiscences, To return to the matter at hand, finally, I get to preside on a completely joyous occasion! Will the petitioners please approach the bench" Cody and Lucas rose and stood before the judge with one of the Twins next to each one.

"Cody and Lucas, you have asked this court to grant you the status of 'Lifemate'. Like marriage, it signifies a life-long commitment to each other. And, like marriage, it should not be entered into lightly."

"Cody Albert Davidson will you pledge yourself to Lucas John Davidson, to protect him, care for him and succor him for as long as you both shall live?"

"Yes, your grace," replied Cody.

"Lucas John Davidson will you pledge yourself to Cody Albert Davidson: to protect him, care for him and succor him for as long as you both shall live?"

"Oh yes, your grace," replied Lucas.

"Do you have something you wish to say to each other?"

The two of them faced each other.

"Lucas, I have loved you since the very first day we met. This will be the happiest day of my life if you will have me as your Lifemate. I will always be true to you, love you, protect you and cherish you unto death."

"To you Cody, I pledge my love, my honor, my very life as I did that day we first held each other. There is no one else I could wish to spend the rest of my life with."

And they embraced.

"Is there someone present who would like to speak for these fine young men."

John rose, "Your grace, their mother and I could not be more proud of our sons and wish to bestow our blessing on this union. We have seen them grow from small children into young adults and our hearts are bursting with love and good wishes for them"

"Very well said, John. Do you young men have any symbol of your joining you wish to present?"

Each of the Twins took a small silver ring from his pocket and handed it to the Boys. Cody slipped his ring on Lucas's finger and Lucas slipped his on Cody's finger.

"The petition is granted on this 18th day of June in the Year of Our Lord 2011 and of the reign of our Sovereign Elizabeth, the 67th." A rap of his gavel and it was done!

The guests applauded, Ruth and John through their tears, and Cody and Lucas hugged each other."

"Ladies and gentlemen!" gaveled the Judge, "before you turn this courtroom into a complete carnival, we have a second petition to consider."

The tableau of four assembled again.

"Cody Albert Davidson and Lucas John Davidson, you have presented a petition for conditional adoption of Donald Lopez and Ronald Lopez, the natural sons of Maria and Tomas Lopez, now deceased, to be made permanent on this date in the Year 2014. Until that time, John and Ruth Davidson will continue to be guardian ad litem for these two minor children."

"You may be unaware that the court in such a hearing as this has some discretion as to when an adoption becomes final, especially when the minor child is an orphan. Therefore, I will not approve your petition as presented, but will allow an amended petition to become final one year from today. That is, if you wish to make such an amendment."

Everyone in the room was shocked and the boys gasped.

Finding his voice, Cody managed to stammer, "Oh yes, your grace, please let our petition be amended."

"Very well! Your amended petition is entered on the docket. Now then," he addressed the Twins, "you boys are at an age when your desires in this matter must be considered by the court. Whichever one of you is Donald, do you wish to be adopted by the petitioners… Cody and Lucas?"

It took Donnie as few seconds to find his voice. "Yes, your grace. Oh, yes, yes, yes, yes!"

"And how about you, Ronald?"

"Your grace, Cody and Lucas will be the best fathers we could ever hope for. We love them and they love us! And they are our Spirit Guides!"

"I'm not quite sure what a Spirit Guide is."

"He is a man who will teach us how to be men!"

"Very fine! Well, you can start calling them 'Dad' because I'm going to grant the amended petition. Cody Albert Davidson and Lucas John Davidson, your amended petition to adopt the natural sons of Maria and Tomas Lopez, now deceased, to be henceforth known as Donald Alexander Davidson and Ronald Dakota Davidson, is granted. The adoption will become final on the 18th day of June in the year of Our Lord 2012. Until that time, Ruth and John Davidson will remain Guardian ad Litem for these minor children. This hearing is closed. God save the Queen. Now celebrate!"

And celebrate they did with shouts and whoops and hugs and kisses. One of the happiest celebrants was the Duke of Wessley. The family was a bit giddy at the sudden turn of events which made the final adoption that much closer.

Late that night, the Twins crawled into bed, one twin with each boy, Lucas and Ronnie actually in Lucas's bed.

"Are you really and truly my Dad, now?" asked Donald of Cody.

"Yes I am and so is Lucas," he replied. "Are you happy?"

"Dad, I'll never be happier than right now," And he smothered Cody with kisses. "Oh, please rub me there! Ohhhhh! It feels sooooooo good when you do that!"

Cody lay there savoring the moment; the feel of Donnie's naked skin next to his. It reminded him so much of the first night he had spent with Lucas, more than six years before.

After a while, Donnie mused, "We never knew our first dad. When we were very little, he was away fighting. Then he was dead. He never got to hold us in his arms like you and Lucas do. We never heard his voice. He never wiped away our tears. I know what he looked like; Mama showed us pictures. She told us how brave he was; how he loved her and us."

"After he died, we went to live at the Pueblo and that's when we learned to dance. But that evil man came and started to take away the kids and their parents, so we had to leave again. Mr. Claasen was very good to us. He gave Mama a job and sent her to school to learn to be an accountant. We were very happy….. until Mama got sick."

"Oh Dad, every day I think of how lucky we were to find you and Lucas. That we have Grammie and Gramps. That we have best friends like Tommy and David. How can we ever repay your for your love?"

"Donnie, you never had a debt. But if you had it would be paid in full every afternoon when Lucas and I come home from classes to find two lovely, exciting young boys waiting for us. Every time you hug me. Every time we lie together like this with you in my arms!"

"Dad, I know you and Lucas get upset when some people don't treat us nicely. When they call us names. But they don't count. We know you love us and will protect us and keep us safe. That's what counts. And we love you and will always love you with all our hearts. That's all that is important." And they both lay quietly for a while.

"Dad, can I ask you a question about David?"

"Sure!"

"When will he be freed?"

"I don't know and neither does Lucas. Only that it will be soon."

"But how does he know? How does he do that?"

"I don't know and neither does he. He just does! And I accept that. When I was hurt in that accident, everyone – the doctors, even Mom and Dad – had given up hope that I would ever get well. Everyone except Lucas. He had a little voice in the back of his mind that told him I would get well. And he didn't give up…. And he was right. That same voice told him I would see again, so I never doubted I would. And that same little voice told him you were our future sons. And that same voice tells him David will be free. We just have to learn to be patient."

"Dad, Lucas is a miracle, isn't he?"

"Yes he is," replied Cody. "More than you could ever guess," he thought.

The next day, the Boys decided something special was in order, so packing a lunch, they set off for 'Our Place'. Ruth and John wisely judged the four of them needed some time alone.

The sheltered cove was never more appreciated than that day. They splashed in the surf, naked as the day they were born, until Cody and Lucas decided they needed a breather. Sitting against their favorite rocks, they watched the Twins frolicking in the gentle waves.

"I think we need to tell them," said Cody.

"Yeah, it's a lot of responsibility," agreed Lucas, "but I think they're ready."

The twins came running up to them. "Aren't you getting back in the water?" Ronnie wanted to know.

"In a while," replied Cody. "But come and sit with us a while. We have something important to tell you."

The Twins look doubtful. What was wrong?

Seeing their distress, Lucas assured them, "It's something good. It's about a miracle."

Intrigued and feeling more comfortable, the Twins snuggled into their laps.

"Donnie and Ronnie, what I'm about to tell you must always be our secret," said Cody. "You can't discuss it with another soul. Not even Mom and Dad."

"Wow! That sounds serious!" observed Donnie.

"It is," said Lucas. "But it's a good thing. The reason you must never discuss it with anyone but the two of us is that evil men might try to hurt us and you if they found out about it."

"Just like they did to your Pueblo," added Cody. "That's a lot of responsibility, I know. But you're soon going to be teens. Can you do that for us?"

"Dad," replied Donald, turning to look at him straight in the eyes, "we would do anything you asked. If you told me I had to cut off my arm, I would do it."

"If you told us to climb up the cliff and jump off, we would both do it," added Ronnie. "Because we know that you would never ask us to do anything that would hurt us. We will never tell because it is important to you."

The Boys looked at each other. Lucas nodded, and Cody began.

"You know that Lucas and I are legally brothers, since Mom and Dad adopted him."

"Yeah."

"You know that we share a bond of love just like the two of you do. Have you ever thought about how we look so much alike? Have you ever wondered if we were twins, too, just like you?"

"Yeah, but we know you're not. Lucas came to you as a slave."

"Yes he did. But you're wrong. We are twins, just like the two of you. Really and truly, we are twins."

"But how can that be?"

"Don't worry about the how. When you're a bit older and have studied about such things, I'll explain both the how and the when. For now, just accept it for the miracle it is."

The twins were speechless. They knew Cody and Lucas would never lie to them about such a thing, but still could scarcely believe it. Their Dads were twins? Their Dads were twins!

"I think I can see why it must be a secret," mused Donnie. "Does anyone else know?"

"Yes, Mom and Dad, but we still don't want you to discuss it with them, unless we say so. And Dr. Lombardy, who was the one who discovered it."

"Was that why you spent so much time with him?"

"Yes. He is our special friend and will never, never tell anyone."

"Wow!" breathed Ronnie. "That is a secret! "

"You are our sons, now. And you have a right to know."

"And we will never, ever, ever, ever, ever, tell anyone."

"We would die first!"

That night, they all slept together in Cody's big bed. Two young men rejoicing in the love of their sons, and two young boys rejoicing in the miracle which had been shared with them. Their bond of love was truly unbreakable.

The summer ended, and college called them back. When they arrived, they had some happy news waiting for them: true to Lucas's prediction, the Bartons had decided to free David and adopt him. The hearing was to be the next week and all four of them were invited.

When they arrived at the courthouse, David had already been taken in tow by the bailiff to be prepared for his appearance before the judge. Dr. and Mrs. Barton sat nervously waiting for the proceedings to begin; Tommy was so excited he simply could not sit still. Cody, Lucas and the Twins took their places among the other well-wishers.

The bailiff entered with David, naked and restrained. Instead of the traditional shackles, his hands were painfully secured behind his back with a plastic tie that was cutting his wrists. The bailiff announced that the judge had been delayed, but would be there shortly. All three Bartons reacted with shock; no one had told them David would have to appear as a naked slave. He stood there with blood dripping from his wrists, crying piteously, partly out of embarrassment at being naked in front of all these people and partly out of fear.

Tommy, despite the efforts of his parents to restrain him, immediately bolted, ran to his brother and threw his arms around him, crying hysterically. Cody knew he had to act to calm the two boys before the judge arrived. Ahead of several others, he rushed to them, dropped to his knees, and held them both.

"It's OK, Tommy. David will be OK. Nothing bad is going to happen to him. You have to go back to your seat, or the judge will be angry. David has to stand here by himself to show that he is brave enough to be a free person."

Reluctantly, Tommy returned to his mom while Cody tried to loosen the plastic tie a bit; where it was cutting David's wrists. Sadly, he was not able to.

"David, listen to me. I know it hurts and you are embarrassed to be naked in front of all these people. You have nothing to be to be ashamed of. You have a very beautiful little body and you should be proud of it. These people are all your friends and will not let anything bad happen to you. You must stand proudly before the judge and show him you are ready to be a free person. Can you do that for Tommy and your parents"

David nodded through his tears. Cody wiped his face and returned to his seat, leaving the young boy composed and standing alone, no longer struggling. Lucas was struggling to comfort the Twins who were on the verge of hysteria.

After about fifteen minutes, the judge finally arrived. It was a woman. The family's barrister and the Crown Barrister, exchanged agonized glances.

Without so much as an apology for being late or any greeting whatsoever, the judge simply said, "Let's get started, I've more important things to do today. Who is speaking for this slave brat?"

The audience let out a collective gasp!

The Barton's barrister began to outline David's history. The judge interrupted, "I can read, barrister! Now tell me why I should inflict one more freed slave on our society!"

Clearly rattled, he explained that the Barton family would be fully responsible for David, and there would be no danger he would become a problem.

"So they all say," snapped the judge. "Does the crown have anything useful to say?"

"Only that we concur with the petition and urge you to approve it," replied the Crown's Barrister.

"Well, I still haven't heard one reason why I should," shot back the judge. The courtroom erupted into shouts and hisses.

The Bartons were paralyzed with fear!

"She's going to disapprove the petition!" Cody whispered to Lucas

"Not if I can help it," replied Lucas grimly. Jumping to his feet, he shouted, "Your honor, may I speak for the petitioners?"

The judge hammered with her gavel until order was restored. Fixing her glare on Lucas, she demanded, "Who the hell are you? Why should I hear from you about this sordid mess?"

"My name is Lucas Davidson. I have been a friend of the Barton family for several years. I have watched David grow and develop and you could not find a more perfect slave, a more loving son, a more deserving boy. He will make an outstanding free citizen."

"Why am I qualified? I'll tell you why! Because I stood in this very same position only a few years ago. With all due respect, your honor, you could not begin to understand what it means to be a slave. You cannot imagine the anguish of this young boy. At one tragic moment he lost his entire family. Before he even had time to grieve, he found himself a slave, cut off from home and family and friends. It was almost as if he was being punished because he survived."

"The boy who had been his best friend was now his Master. Two people he had affectionately called 'aunt; and 'uncle' now owned him – like a pet or a piece of furniture. Despite being truly loved and well cared for by his Master and family, he had to learn to be an obedient slave and endure the cruelty of slave discipline. And so he did!"

"And, you can not begin to understand young David's yearning for freedom! Freedom so he can honor the memory of his first family. Freedom to be a full member of his second family and to love Tommy as his true brother. The joy that freedom will bring to himself and his family! I beg you," his voice cracking with emotion, "to approve the petitions, set David free and make him Tommy's true brother!"

"Well, well. Another sniveling freed-slave! Full of trite sayings and useless emotional gibberish! No, I don't think there is any need to inflict still another freed brat on our fair city."

The crown barrister jumped to his feet and roared, "Did you not hear what this young man just said? Is it impossible for you to render a decision that is just? You have absolutely no reason to disapprove the petitions. If you do so, plaintiffs will undoubtedly appeal and I promise you I will join their appeal, after I file a motion for your disbarment."

"Are you threatening me, barrister?"

"Yes!" he shouted.

The judge sighed. With a sour expression she signed and stamped the petitions and stomped from the chamber, slamming the door behind her.

For several minutes the room was silent, except for the quiet weeping of Tommy and his mother and the Twins and the snip of his shears, as the bailiff cut the plastic tie and withdrew. David turned and faced the audience, rubbing his bleeding wrists, eyes downcast, tears falling to the floor.

Then, slowly, he began to smile. He raised his head, blinked back his tears, and whispered, "I'm free! I'm free again!"

That was the signal. Three little bodies hurtled across the barrier and engulfed David while the rest of the courtroom exploded with shouts of joy. For some little time, there was pandemonium.

The Crown Barrister walked over to Dr. Barton and his barrister. "Dr. Barton, I must apologize for the terrible behavior of the judge. She is a blot on or entire judicial system. Our honorable Prime Minister appointed her to the bench just to get her out of his hair. She goes out of her way to make it as difficult and painful as she possibly can for both the family and the child. I've see families flee in terror."

"She regularly rules against any plaintiff and is just as regularly reversed on appeal. If I had known she was going to preside this morning, I would have asked for a postponement. I have read your son's history and couldn't help thinking; under our law, you could have adopted David immediately. You would not have had to go through all this unpleasantness."

"I thank you for your concern," replied the doctor, "but I think, on balance, his enslavement has been good for him and for us. It allowed him to set a goal for himself at a time in his life when he could have easily been consumed by despair. And, as Lucas so eloquently pointed out, he will have an understanding none of us will ever have. It was an illuminating experience for Clara, Tommy and me as well. I must admit, however, we were appalled at how he was made to appear before the bench. In England, no court would begin to entertain such actions, nor keep such a biased judge on the bench. Our Queen would come down on them like a ton of bricks."

The Crown Barrister agreed, "I think this so-called judge has tried her last case. I was serious about disbarment. Today, she went over the line and I just have to pound some sense into that thick head of Prime Minster Bush. If he fails to act, I am prepared to petition Her Majesty. I recall an instance several years ago when Elizabeth acted to straighten out another Prime Minister. I'm told having her eviscerating you over the trans-Atlantic phone line is not something to wish for."

Clara at last approached her new son with some clothing. "But, Mom, Cody says I should be proud of my body and not be ashamed to show it.

"Ooops!" thought Cody.

"He's right," admitted Clara, "but only on appropriate occasions. Please dress so we can go home?" David did as she asked.

On their way out, the Twins held a whispered conversation with Cody, so they stopped for a minute at their house, before proceeding on to the celebration at the Barton's.

Donnie and Ronnie volunteered to help Clara with dinner, but disappeared shortly afterward. Everyone else was comfortably sitting in the family room, when the Twins reappeared in their dance costumes (or lack thereof. Not knowing how their nakedness would be received by the Bartons, they wore their skimpy Speedos).

"This is such a special day, we would like to dance in honor of David," explained Donnie.

"We usually do this only for family," added his brother, " but you and Tommy are such special friends, we think you are part of our family and Dad says it's OK."

"Well, certainly," replied their surprised hostess.

The Twins shed their robes, started the music and proceeded to enthrall their audience. When they finished, everyone was in shock at the sensual beauty they had seen.

"This is a traditional dance of their people who come from a Pueblo, near Taos," explained Lucas. "You can well imagine how I reacted the first time they danced for us. I think you'll all agree, the beauty of it is just breathtaking."

"Words simply fail me!" exclaimed Dr. Barton. Tommy whispered something to his father. His father nodded and asked, "Would the boys like to stay over for the night?"

The Twins looked at Cody, who nodded his approval and the four of them retreated to Tommy's room to continue their own celebration.

As the other guests were leaving, Dr. Barton, spoke to Cody and Lucas. "I cannot thank you enough for what you did today. And, Lucas, you were right on about Clara and I knowing it was time to free David. I think you should be the professor and I should be the student."

"I hope you won't think badly of us for that fiasco of a hearing," replied Lucas. "That's not the way it is supposed to happen. The nakedness is a holdover from less refined times, but it does demonstrate the mettle of the slave. I'm sorry we didn't think to tell you about it so you could have prepared David. Symbolic shackles are usually used. Causing him pain and making him stand there waiting was the product of a twisted mind."

From the glowing reports of Twins the next day, all four little boys celebrated by enjoying each other's growing, excited bodies until well after midnight. In their absence, Cody and Lucas had their own two-person orgy.

The days and weeks hurried by. A short break for the holidays, then back to school and before any of them could realize, it was spring again.

The weather that spring was not conducive to much outdoor activity. Rain, cold and sleet completely washed out the Sunday soccer games for a number of weeks. Everyone was getting 'cabin fever'.

The sun finally burst through the clouds one Wednesday, a day the Twins were off from school. Cody had no classes until late afternoon, so he and the Twins set off for the nearby park that morning, where he promised they could try out the tennis court.

They invited Tommy and David along. Since David's adoption, the four of them were practically inseparable. Lucas joked they now had quadruplets instead of twins.

Davis Cup play it was not, but they all had a great time working off some of the pent up energy accumulated during the spate of bad weather. Clara picked up her boys at lunchtime, but Cody and the Twins stayed on to hit a few more balls.

As is often the case with beginning players, balls frequently went over the fence. Finally, having exhausted their supply, Cody sent the Twins to collect them from the small grove of trees that adjoined the court. Hearing a shout from Ronnie, he went to investigate.

Lucas had just settled into his afternoon class, when his communicator lit up in emergency mode. "Lucas! Come quickly! I'm at the park by the tennis court. I've been shot and the Twins have been kidnapped!"

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