The Order - 3. Chapter 3

At Brad’s words, the doctor called for Lane straightaway. Not only was Lane an excellent musician, he was also an exceptional sketch artist, often working with law enforcement agencies in Atlanta who didn’t have artists on staff. Lane popped out of his chair like he was on a spring when his name was called, and he rushed into the room looking both apprehensive and expectant.

The doctor quickly explained what was needed, and Lane ran to his locker to retrieve his sketchbook and pencils.

He came back and pulled a stool over to Brad’s bedside. The doctor left the room giving Lane strict instructions to call him if he was needed. He sat beside his buddy, looking him over carefully. It hurt him to see Brad in the condition he was in.

Lane managed his mischievous grin, wanting to act as if everything was alright.

“Hey Brad, how are you?”

Brad replied with a weak, “Never better.”

“Damn, bud, you about gave us all a heart attack. Now you pull this hero shit. You set the bar pretty high for us peons. We all know you just don’t want to miss out on that hot package of Ken’s. You aren’t fooling anyone.”

Brad smiled, grateful for Lane trying to lighten his spirits, but what gave Lane away were the tears in his eyes, which he sought to hide by lowering his head.

Lane’s voice caught in his throat, and his words were thick with emotion as he said, “Fuck, Brad, please don’t do that again. We couldn’t stand to lose you… or Ken.”

Lane pulled himself together, and once he expressed to Brad how much he meant to him, he swiped the tears from his eyes and got down to business.

“Okay, tell me what this fuckhead looks like.”

After the Program modifications, Brad, like Lane and the other ‘Minds,' had perfect recall, and he described the image he viewed through Ken’s eyes. Long thin face, salt and pepper hair, more salt than pepper, pulled back into a long ponytail. Goatee. Dark eyes. Wrinkles. Pointy chin, high forehead, thin lips. Thin build. In less than an hour, Lane had a portrait of the man that Brad saw, and it was spot on.

Looking intently at the picture Lane mumbled to himself, “Fuck me, this guy looks like Saruman.”

Lane stood and gripped Brad’s shoulder in comfort.

“Okay, buddy, your job’s done for now. Let us take over and bring Ken home. Once we get him back, you’ll both be as good as new in no time.”

Lane exited Brad’s room holding up his sketch.

“Alright, doc, I think we’re good to go.”

Bill was waiting, and as soon as Lane came in he started flipping switches saying, “Connections to all key Government Databases are active! No secrets today kiddos. We should have at least three to four hours before any intrusion is detected. I’ve got the kill switch ready in case we get any surprises. Lane, scan that sketch and send it over and we’ll start with facial recognition.

“Brad also mentioned the smell of pipe tobacco. I need someone to pull up a record of all the stores in the Metro Atlanta area that sell raw tobacco and run with that search. Find the stores, who they bank with, and start pulling purchasing and credit card billing info. I know it’s a big list, but it’s a start. We just might get lucky and get a hit.”

Darren hollered, “On it!”, and started furiously typing at the terminal he was using.

Partial hits on facial recognition started coming in after twenty minutes, but the initial pings were false positives. After an hour and a half Bill excitedly hollered out, “We got a hit! Throwing it on the Ops board!”

The large screen in the Operations room lit up, and a black and white photo from a newspaper popped up on the screen. The quality was horrible but before anyone could say anything, Bill shouted out, “Yeah, yeah, I know it sucks! Working on it!”

He ran the photo through a digital enhancement algorithm, and after a few seconds the picture sharpened. The caption text under the image appeared Slavic.

“This is from the Kyiv Post online archives through the Ukrainian Embassy. The photo is from 1974. According to the caption, it’s a congratulatory piece in the paper for a Bohuslav Oleksander who earned his third Ph.D. from the University of Moscow. His degrees are in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Now that we have a name let’s see what else we can find.”

Bill paused while he continued typing, and in less than a minute he continued his monologue.

“It looks like he dropped out of site for quite a few years.”

Bill kept typing and after another minute he continued.

“Ah, sneaky devil. He moved to the United States and changed his name. Next, we see him in 1994 going by the name Boris Cromwell. He seems to be camera shy in public, but we have positive ID from encrypted DOD records.

Darren piped in, “I have multiple hits on both Visa and MasterCard under the name of Boris Cromwell. He makes regular purchases of tobacco at a shop at Little Five Points.”

Bill continued, “Okay, fuc…., um Gentlemen….,” as soon as Bill remembered the doctor was in the room and listening, he corrected himself.

“We know the man’s name, his home address, and one distinct purchasing habit. His employment status in the Social Security database shows he’s a dog groomer at Pet World. Yeah, right.

“Usually, in a case like this, lack of evidence is evidence in and of itself. Thank goodness our remarkable Government likes to repeat their mistakes. Ahhh…. Here we go. Following the money, Dr. Cromwell receives deposits from the Department of Defense into an offshore account from which he very unwisely transfers money into his Wells Fargo Checking Account. Following the rabbit trail, the Department of Defense leases a few top-secret properties in the Atlanta area. Doc, by the way, this new search engine of yours rocks.”

A map of Atlanta appeared on the second wall screen with the properties highlighted.

“It looks like we’re in luck. We have current Satellite imagery in the DOD Database at all three addresses within the last fifteen minutes. I’m so glad they like to keep tabs on their top-secret facilities.”

High altitude images appeared and quickly zoomed-in to within a few hundred feet above the rooftops. There weren’t many cars in any of the parking lots, but one in particular had a black van.

“Okay, there’s a distinct probability we just found Ken.”

Each man became laser focused with a confirmed lead and direction. Adrenaline kicked in, and everyone quickly and efficiently gathered their gear and suited up. Chatter was kept to a minimum as each of them were wrapped in their thoughts, forcing themselves to believe they would arrive in time to save Ken.

Loy drove the van and Bill, Darren, and Lane stayed behind to run Operations remotely since Brad couldn’t be left alone. Typically, they would be on-site, running the Operation from the Van or as part of the mission team. To their surprise, Dr. Thomas insisted on accompanying them, something he had never done before.

“This is not the type of war you trained for in the Navy, and I feel my presence might be required. I will stay in the van and not venture out until you are satisfied it is safe for me to do so.”

The drive seemed to take forever, and the men sat still as stone, immersing themselves in the mindset of the mission. There could be no mistakes and failure was not an option.

Bill managed to pull the original blueprints of the facility before the Department of Defense repurposed it. He marked the known entrances and calculated the vantage points they needed to cover and sent the information to their HUDs. The tactical information appeared, barely discernable to normal eyesight but clearly visible to them.

“Okay, gentlemen, since it’s already dark we won’t have to wait. Based on the satellite imagery, there are eleven cars parked at the facility. I’m uploading the list of names with photos now from the Tag registrations. All of these people have a Top-Secret security clearance, so I doubt there is anyone in that building that is unaware of what’s going on.

“It appears they only use the front entrance, so the other exits might be sealed off. We’ll need to cover them just in case.

“Bryan, you’ll need to take care of the security codes and door locks. We need absolute silence even after we’re in the building. Chances are they have a kill switch hooked up to Ken in case of a rescue attempt. We need to be invisible and precise.

“Doc, is there anything you want to say? We have a few minutes before we’ll be on site.”

“Yes, William, thank you. As I stated before, this is not a conventional war of the type you are familiar with. I wish no bloodshed tonight. Injuries are permissible to ensure control, but unless it is unavoidable, I do not want any man or woman to lose their life this evening. The type of war waged here is an atrocity and is the first step towards something far more sinister.

“The most powerful ally we have is secrecy, and that must remain so. If our Enemy finds this facility filled with bodies, it will only draw further attention to us. I wish to send them a message that is subtler and will, at the very least, make them think twice before attempting something like this again. To use a phrase that you all so often employ, I wish them to know who they are fucking with. I want them to feel the consequences of their actions and know fear. Once you have everyone secured, I will need a few minutes alone with them.”

After an awkward silence, Bill continued, “Ohhkayyy... You’re now one click away from the facility. Loy, there should be a building just to your left you can park behind.”

Loy pulled off and parked behind the building Bill indicated. The area was pitch black. The back door of the van opened, and Kevin, Bryan, Rick, and Pat slipped into the night, silent and invisible. It felt strange not having Ken as their leader. They wore full assault gear; black Kevlar body suits, covered from head to toe. Their heads and faces were shielded with headsets for communications, HUDs, and night vision. Small pockets covered their suits, filled with various gadgets; ammunition, C4 with detonators, emergency medical kits, and many other useful items. The suits were wired to monitor their vital signs and included filters to protect against gas and chemicals, and the lining masked their thermal signatures against infrared detection.

Aside from their anxiety over Ken and what they would find once inside, everyone felt the exhilaration of being on a mission again. Even after eighteen years none of them had lost their edge. Almost at the same time, each of the men had the same thought:

These people have no idea what is about to come down on their heads.

Eerily silent, each of them took their positions to wait for Bryan’s signal that it was safe to continue.

It took Bryan a few minutes to avoid security cameras and get into position. Not wanting to take the time to pick the locks on the junction box he used his strength to slowly bend the steel plate with his fingers until it opened. He spliced into the fiber optic lines from the junction box, and as soon as he did the monitors in the van lit up.

Loy’s voice came over the intercom.

“Good job, Bry. We’re in. Stay back and cover the rear entrance in case anyone tries to sneak out on us.”

Bryan blended in the shadows and knelt down to wait.

The security cameras and door locks were now under their control. Back in the van, the doctor started working on hacking in and taking over their computer system.

Kevin, Rick, and Patrick appeared like ghosts at the front entrance to the building. There was a bio-metric panel requiring a thumbprint in addition to a card, but the panel remained dark as Kevin swiped his smart card. A barely audible click indicated the release of the magnetic locks on the door.

Kevin swung the door open and moved forward cautiously. Bright fluorescent lights lit up the short hallway in front of them. Their night vision headsets instantly turned off, and their HUDs switched display format to compensate for the sudden change in brightness. Based on the blueprints, Kevin knew there was a small cubby immediately to the left around the corner housing a desk with at least one security guard. Pat shut the door silently behind them making sure the magnetic locks re-engaged.

Bill’s voice came over the Commlink.

“The building is now sealed and under our control. Unless there’s a manual override or panic device, no one can get in or out.”

Kevin pulled out a small fiber optic camera that looked like a short length of wire from one of his many pockets. He straightened it and held it out so the tip was just past the corner of the hallway. A small picture-in-picture window on their HUDs showed an image of a single security guard sitting at a desk with a row of monitors in front of him, oblivious to what was happening. The guard was working on a Sudoku puzzle and only occasionally glancing at the monitors.

The guard never saw or heard anything. Kevin moved blindingly fast, knocking the man out and catching him even before he started to drop. He sprayed a small aerosol can into the guard’s face to make sure he stayed asleep until the doctor wanted him awake.

With the security guard out of the way they quickly moved down the hallway. There were two women and a man in the first room who stopped cold when Rick and Pat, dressed in all black, appeared pointing rifles at them.

Kevin stayed on lookout, just inside the door. The man fainted when Rick moved towards him, and the two women huddled together terrified. Rick and Pat sprayed them for good measure and pulled their unconscious bodies behind the island in the middle of the room to keep them out of sight.

There was one more Lab, smaller than the first, which held two more technicians. In no time they were unconscious and out of sight.

Kevin saw movement ahead and heard general activity. The hallway opened to a large room which took up most of the floor plan of the building. A large glass chamber occupied the middle of the brightly lit room and Kevin’s gut wrenched at the sight before him.

Ken laid spread eagle on the table, held down by multiple large metal bands. He was naked, covered in blood and sweat, and his body twitched intermittently. Wounds covered nearly every inch of his body; blackened areas that were obviously burns, pieces of skin removed, and his limbs bent at odd angles. A tall, thin man in a white Lab coat stood inside the chamber with his back to Kevin. The ponytail told Kevin it was probably Dr. Cromwell, and it took every ounce of Kevin’s self-control not to lift his rifle and end Cromwell’s miserable existence.

Everyone in the van and back in the Lab saw the scene through Kevin’s headset.

<><><>

 

Dr. Cromwell was in the process of taking skin grafts from Ken’s legs to freeze for future study. He intentionally kept Ken awake with stimulants partially out of scientific curiosity, but mostly out of sheer cruelty. Ken continually insulted his intelligence at every opportunity.

One of the technicians screamed when Kevin stepped out of the hallway, and fear hit Dr. Cromwell fast and hard. He knew right away what was happening and bolted towards the back of the building, pausing at the entrance to the rear hallway just long enough to lift a small acrylic casing and press the kill switch that was now deactivated.

Two armed guards started to react but quickly lifted their rifles when they saw Kevin already training his weapon on them.

Kevin said in a tight voice, “Bry, he’s headed towards you.”

While Dr. Cromwell fled, Rick and Pat incapacitated the five assistants and two guards in a matter of seconds.

Dr. Cromwell was furious.

How dare they!

He ran down the hallway and threw his body against the panic bar stretched across the back door. The door flew open and he slammed right into Bryan’s 6’, 425 lb. frame, which felt much harder than the door. Bryan grabbed the doctor by the front of his Lab coat and lifted him off his feet like a rag doll.

Bryan was the gentlest of all the big men, but the one thing he would not tolerate was a friend or loved one being threatened or hurt.

Bryan pulled off his headset and drew the doctor close, so their faces were only inches apart. The only part of Bryan’s face visible were his piercing green eyes. Bryan had seen the image of Ken on the table through his HUD, and his rage towards the man in front of him was almost incapacitating. Despite his training, Bryan wanted to crush this man’s skull with his bare hands. Dr. Cromwell looked into Bryan’s green eyes and saw his death. He was so terrified he lost control of his bladder and pissed all over himself before passing out.

Cromwell went limp and when Bryan smelled urine, he realized what happened. Letting out a low, frustrated grunt he head-butted Cromwell, careful not to break his nose.

As soon as Kevin heard Bryan’s deep gravelly voice say, “I got him, Kev,” Kevin practically shouted, “Doc, we need you! NOW!”

Loy was already pulling the van up to the front door. As soon as the image of Ken came across the video feed, the doctor told Loy to move out.

Kevin looked down at his friend, his Captain. Ken’s face was almost unrecognizable from the swelling and blood, and he had no idea how Ken could still be conscious, but he was. Patrick found the release mechanism for the shackles and as soon as they retracted, Ken’s body started pulling into a fetal position from the pain. Kevin began removing the electrodes and catheters as quickly as he could while trying to be gentle.

Tears shone in all their eyes, and they kept repeating, “Fuck,” or “Fuck me,” under their breath.

Ken’s body spasmed and twitched uncontrollably, and he kept trying to say something, but even with his heightened hearing Kevin couldn’t make out his words. Kevin bent over, desperately wanting to comfort his friend but afraid to touch him; bruises, lacerations, burns, lack of skin, or broken bones covered every square inch of Ken’s body.

Leaning over Kevin said, “Ken, buddy, we’re here. You’re safe now. The doc will be here any second and we’re taking you home. You have to hang on man, you have to!”

Ken was still trying to say something, and Kevin put his ear up to Ken’s mouth and finally grasped his words.

“K... k... kill me p… puh… please… m… mm… make… it… stop.”

Hot tears fell down Kevin’s cheeks at Ken’s plea.

Where the fuck was the doc?!

It seemed like forever, but suddenly the doctor rushed into the room, followed by Loy, who carried a collapsible stretcher and the doctor’s medical case.

The doctor had seen Ken over the monitor but seeing him in person was almost too much to bear.

“Oh, my poor boy, what have they done?”

The doctor’s voice choked with grief. He only paused long enough to whisper those words and then rushed to the table.

Opening the medical case Loy set down on the table, the doctor took out a syringe and plunged it into Ken’s neck. While he reached for another Ken’s trembling stopped, and he went still.

“Kevin!”

Kevin heard the desperation in the doctor’s voice, shouting his name like a command and a cry for help. Kevin moved to the doctor’s side, forcing himself to stay focused for Ken’s sake.

The doctor pulled out a long black case and unzipped it. Kevin saw the label; it was a mix of Atropine and Epinephrine used for Cardiac Arrest. Kevin realized Ken’s heart stopped and his friend was no longer breathing.

“Kevin, I am not strong enough to get this through his chest plate. I will hold it in position, but you need to push it through. On three… one… two… three!”

Using the palm of his hand, Kevin pushed down hard. He felt resistance as the needle punctured Ken’s solid chest plate. The doctor quickly pressed the plunger forcing the mixture straight into Ken’s heart.

Ken’s body reacted immediately. His back arched as air sucked into his lungs and then he collapsed, unconscious but thankfully breathing. The doctor finished administering the other syringes, forcing his hands to remain steady.

Relief flooded through them as they realized Ken was breathing again.

None of them could imagine what Brad was going through back at the Lab seeing everything.

“Kenneth is not out of the woods yet. The serums I have given him should keep him alive until we get him back to the Lab.”

The doctor pulled out three small vials from his bag, the kind with eyedroppers as part of the lid. He gave one each to Kevin, Rick, and Patrick.

“Take these and place an eye dropper full of the liquid under the tongue of everyone here. Leave them in the rooms where you found them.”

Activating his Commlink, the doctor said, “Bryan, my boy, please bring Dr. Cromwell to me.”

Bryan came down the hallway with Cromwell over his shoulder and flopped him hard onto the floor. It was clear to everyone that Cromwell pissed his pants and had a bloody nose. They all looked at Bryan who shrugged and had an innocent look on his face.

“What?! HE ran into ME!”

The doctor asked Loy, “Is the code uploaded into their system?”

“Yes, Sir.”

The doctor sat at one of the terminals in the room and started quickly typing. A moment later the lights flickered, and the entire facility rebooted.

“Bryan please put that monster in the first room with the others.”

Bryan grabbed Cromwell by one foot, dragging him into the other room, not caring if his head happened to knock into a few chairs or the doorframe on the way.

The doctor went quickly to each room where unconscious scientists or technicians were piled up on the floor. He was alone, and no one knew what he did to them. He returned after a few minutes.

“That should do the trick. Now, let us take Kenneth home.”

Loy extended the stretcher and Kevin and Rick carefully transferred Ken onto it. They were as gentle as possible, knowing every movement could cause more damage to Ken and even though he was unconscious, more pain.

After Ken was loaded securely into the van, they quickly cleaned up any evidence of their presence, as well as all data and tissue samples related to Ken, and left.

 

<><><>

 

Terror unlike Brad had ever known ran through him when he saw Ken’s body on the monitor. His own heart stopped beating when Ken’s did, and with Ken’s death their connection severed.

Bill, Darren, and Lane were with him, holding him and doing their best to support him, but Ken’s temporary demise was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Even after Ken started breathing again Brad’s face was slack and emotionless. When their connection broke it set Brad adrift again, and his vision spiraled as he passed out. Darren gently picked him up and moved him into one of the beds.

It took nearly half an hour in traffic for the van to get back to the Lab. The ride back was silent as everyone sat staring at Ken, their thoughts spinning at the sight of his maimed and tortured body while tears fell down their faces.

At one point, the doctor asked Bill over the Commlink, “William, how is Bradford?”

“Doc, he’s unconscious. Right after you gave Ken the adrenaline shot, he passed out.”

The doctor squeezed his eyes closed and let out a heavy sigh.

“William, get him to a bed and watch him carefully. Do NOT let him hurt himself, do you understand?”

Bill sounded panicked when he realized what the doctor meant.

“Yes, sir!”

Bill looked at Darren and Lane, and they rushed into Brad’s room. He was awake, staring at the ceiling, and completely despondent, not seeming to hear or register they were there. They were scared for Brad and Ken both. How could this be happening?

 

<><><>

 

Brad was still despondent when they arrived with Ken, moving him into the critical unit, their version of an ICU. The doctor quickly attached Ken to his computers and equipment with various tubes, hoses, and wires. He worked swiftly and efficiently, asking whoever was closest for assistance when he needed certain things from other areas of the Lab. All of the men were trained as EMTs and aided him as needed.

After an hour of attaching equipment, taking measurements, and multiple injections, the doctor slowed down. When he came out of Ken’s room everyone stood, anxiously waiting his prognosis.

“What Kenneth experienced is horrific beyond words. That any human could treat another in such a way… it reminds me of darker times. I wished to spare you all exposure to such atrocities for a much longer time. Kenneth is not out of the woods yet. His injuries are severe… If he survives the next twenty-four hours his chances will improve dramatically. Once we get past his physical injuries, I am concerned about his Mental state. I have no idea what condition his Mind will be in after his torture. I have temporarily induced a coma to let his body recover as it was designed to do. We will have to wait and see how he progresses, and cross whatever bridges we find as they arise.”

Kevin felt he had to tell the doc about what Ken said, but the opportunity hadn’t presented itself yet.

“Doc?”

“Yes, Kevin?”

“Doc, with what you just said about Ken’s Mental state… When we got to him… He…”

Kevin started to lose it. He still heard the pain in Ken’s plea echoing in his Mind.

“He begged me to kill him.”

Bill moved to Kevin, hugging his chest from behind in support. Kevin drew strength from his partner and took a deep breath to pull himself together.

“I pray we were not too late, and Bradford’s sacrifice was not in vain. You all know Kenneth and witnessed the depth of his torture. But he is resilient, as is Bradford, and they both have all of us to help them. We are family, and we will have to be as supportive and understanding as we can be in their recovery.

“I am as fearful for Bradford as I am Kenneth. Bradford proved far more resourceful than I imagined and put himself in extreme danger by helping Kenneth. I am not even sure he is aware of what he did, or how, but he is severely wounded and drained and might be beyond our help.”

Everyone stood in stunned silence as the doctor’s words sank in. They all felt like they just got kicked in the nuts – twice!

“Bryan, would you assist Lane is cleaning Kenneth up? Be as gentle as you can and let me know if you need any assistance. I must see Bradford now.”

As Bryan and Lane moved by the doctor, he reached out and grabbed their arms giving them both a reassuring squeeze. Each of them covered his hand in a show of gratitude and moved into Ken’s room to carry out their task. The doctor seemed older, and his shoulders were slumped. His face exhibited a sadness they had never seen before, and on top of Ken and Brad, they worried about him as well.

The doctor entered Brad’s room and saw him on the bed, his eyes open and staring at the ceiling, but seeing nothing. The sheets were pulled up to his waist showing the wrap around his ribcage covering most of his bare, muscled torso. Both Brad’s hands were in braces from mid-palm to mid-forearm, and his face looked haggard with dark circles under his eyes. His usually tanned complexion was almost gray. He hadn’t shaved in days and the unkempt beard forming on his face made him look years older.

The doctor placed his hands-on Brad’s shoulders, looking intently into his vacant eyes.

“Bradford, I know you can hear me even if it is only your unconscious Mind. My boy, what you managed to do was incredibly heroic. The others do not understand yet just what it is you did. I am still not sure how you managed it on your own. You have progressed years beyond what I expected at this time. We cannot afford to lose you, son; I cannot afford to lose you. Kenneth, especially, needs you more than ever even after all you have done for him. I will do what I can to help you.”

“I am giving you a beacon to follow, but you will have to make the journey back on your own. I wish I were permitted to help you more, but for the sake of the others, I cannot. Not yet.”

The doctor’s eyes flashed White for a brief second as he looked at Brad, and then he squeezed his eyes shut with a heavy sigh. When he opened them again they were back their normal color, but they reflected the sadness and pain he felt for his young charge as well as his frustration. The only indication that Brad heard any of what the doctor said was a single tear leaking from the corner of his eye.

 

<><>

 

Lane gathered clean towels, cotton balls, Q-tips, rubbing alcohol, and hot water.

Bryan was still in his Kevlar, and Lane quietly told him, “Bry, go ditch the suit. I’ll get this started.”

Bryan was grateful and changed quickly, returning in a few moments, and they began the arduous task of cleaning up their Brother. Even though Ken was in a coma, his body still felt pain and they did their best to keep their touches light.

Dr. Cromwell’s cruelty became more apparent as they worked. The cuts were deeper than necessary for grafts and jagged edges intentionally exposed raw nerves. Dozens of round cigar shaped burns covered Ken’s body, but his shoulder was burned down to the bone as if exposed to an intense flame.

It took Lane and Bryan nearly three hours to clean Ken up as best they could. They couldn’t believe how many towels they used and the amount of blood. Both men cried on and off while they worked and periodically had to stop and steel themselves to continue.

 

<><>

 

Ken made it through the first twenty-four hours, which sent a sigh of relief through everyone, but he remained in an induced coma. His body started showing small outward signs of improvement. Ken’s unconscious Mind guided and prioritized his recovery as it was designed to do. As long as the doctor kept his body supplied with the right nutrients, proteins, vitamins, and hydration, it would eventually return to full health. Scars would be the last thing to heal so he would still look rough for a while. The swelling in his face was gone although there was still some bruising. Just like Brad, Ken hadn’t shaved since his abduction, and he had more than a weeks’ worth of beard growth. Outwardly at least, he was starting to look more like his ruggedly handsome self.

Brad, on the other hand, looked worse than ever. He hadn’t had anything solid to eat in days. The doctor was pumping fluids into him to prevent dehydration and a mild sedative to keep his body relaxed, but he was visibly losing weight. The doctor decided to induce a coma in Brad as well to see if it would lessen his brain activity. Something was going on in his Mind, but so far the doctor had made no headway in reaching him through conventional means. There were a few times he came close to breaking his Oath and using unconventional methods, but for the sake of the other men in his care he always backed down from that decision.

With both men in a coma, the doctor sent everyone home for the first night since Ken’s rescue.

“You have all been through your own ordeal this week. You need to spend time with one another and take care of yourselves. I will stay with Kenneth and Bradford, and rest assured I will contact you all immediately if there is any change.”

All of the couples reluctantly agreed and left the doctor alone. They went home, ate a substantial meal, and took comfort in each other’s arms. That night when their bodies were intertwined and they made love, they felt a renewed appreciation for each other. Their love grew deeper and stronger, replenishing their hearts and minds. The next day all of them felt better, physically and emotionally.

 

<><>

 

Shortly after midnight in the dark of the Lab, Brad sat up. His eyes glanced around, and his face still looked pale and gaunt. Slowly, he removed the wires and electrodes attached to his body.

He walked into Ken’s room and moved to his bedside, standing still for a short time before laying a hand on Ken’s bare chest. The heat and solidity of Ken’s body were a comfort, and Brad left his hand there for a few minutes before crawling into the bed beside him.

The bed wasn’t designed for two big men and it was difficult. Brad rested his head on Ken’s chest, and with his other hand he gently stroked Ken’s body wherever he could reach. He could only use his fingertips because of the braces on his wrists, but it was enough to make a connection. Ken’s body was warmer than usual because of the healing process, and Brad started to sweat where their skin touched. He quietly cried as he rested on his lover, his tears pooling on Ken’s chest and running across his ribcage. If the doctor could see him, it wouldn’t be clear if Brad was comforting Ken or trying to be comforted by him.

 

<><><>

 

Lane and Bryan were the first to arrive in the Lab the following morning. Patrick, Darren, Rick, Loy, Kevin, and Bill all had to head to the office for at least part of the day. Sally was frantic, and they were at risk of losing clients if they didn’t cover a few jobs. They didn’t want to do it, but with Ken on the mend and Brad at least stable some of the urgency let up.

Lane and Bryan stopped for breakfast and picked up an assortment of biscuits for themselves and the doc. Being optimistic, they picked up a few extra for Ken and Brad just in case. When they walked in the lights were off, which meant the doc was still asleep; he wasn’t known to be an early riser.

Lane went in to check on Brad and Bryan went to wake up the doc.

Seconds later Lane let out an excited shout, “Doc! Doc! Come quick! Check this out!”

The doctor shot out of bed in surprise. Lane’s voice sounded more surprised than panicked, but he still sounded urgent. He rushed to Ken’s room where Lane stood at the door with a surprised, almost happy look on his face. The sight both amazed and baffled him. Brad was in bed and on top of Ken, asleep.

“How!?”

He moved over to examine them both. How Brad could have gotten there on his own was a mystery. He was in an induced coma and should not have been able to move, let alone walk. Bryan moved to the bedside looking for any obvious signs of sexual activity but didn’t say so out loud.

It would be just like these studs to figure out how to have sex even in a coma.

Bryan couldn’t help the smile that crossed his face when that thought popped into his head. It was then he noticed the marks on Ken.

“Oh shit, doc, look!”

Bryan gently lifted Brad’s arm off Ken’s chest, and where their skin had been touching, Ken’s body looked completely healed.

“Quickly, Bryan, take Bradford back to his bed.”

Bryan picked up Brad like a baby, cradled in his arms, and took him back to the other room. As Lane and the doctor looked, it was like a stamp of Brad’s body on Ken. His skin was completely healthy and without scars wherever they had touched. On closer observation, they could even distinguish the tear trails across Ken’s chest and ribs where Brad and been crying.

“This is entirely unexpected… and fascinating!”

Whatever happened, Ken’s healing accelerated significantly. The doctor stopped the induced coma letting Ken enter a normal, healthy sleep.

Brad, however, continued to decline both physically and Mentally. Whatever he managed to do, consciously or not, took its toll on him. He was awake but extremely weak and groggy.

Brad’s voice was barely discernible, but he managed a, “Hi, doc,” when the doctor came in.

“Bradford, thank goodness you are awake.”

There were tears in the doctor’s eyes, something Brad had never seen before.

Lane and Bryan both came into the room, one on either side of his bed. They both reached out and grabbed a shoulder and pulled him into a tight embrace. Lane was the first one to speak.

“Hey, bud, you finally decided to join us?”

The doctor left to get some vials to draw blood, leaving them alone for a few minutes.

Bryan couldn’t hold back and said, “Fuck me, Brad, so help me God if you ever do anything like this again, I will kill you myself you crazy bastard!”

Brad saw the smile on Bryan’s face and the wetness in his eyes and tried to smile back.

“I’m hungry. Do you ladies have anything in the kitchen?”

Bryan and Lane were shocked at how weak Brad’s voice sounded.

They had picked up biscuits, but Lane said he would go out and get something less greasy.

Bryan told Brad, “Ken’s doing much better. I bet the doc will let us move you two into the same room if we ask. Whatever mojo you seem to have picked up worked wonders on him.”

Brad gave him a curious look but didn’t respond directly.

“Do you think I can see him? Can you help me in there?”

“Sure, buddy.”

Bryan was surprised at how weak Brad was and ended up mostly carrying him into Ken’s room.

“I need to sit down, Bry. Sorry… guess I’m more tired than I thought.”

Bryan pulled a chair over to the bedside for Brad so sit in and got him situated.

“Brad, you’ve got nothing to be sorry about. You’re a fuckin hero in all our eyes.”

Bryan pulled Brad back against him, crossing his arms over Brad’s torso in a hug from behind. He held his friend for a minute and then ruffled his hair as he let go.

Brad squeezed Bryan’s thick forearms, returning his hug, but didn’t say anything, and then leaned forward taking one of Ken’s hands between both of his. The braces made it awkward but as soon as Brad took Ken’s hand into his own Ken inhaled deeply and his eyes slowly opened. For a split-second Bryan saw terror in his eyes, and Ken tried to sit up, thinking he was still a prisoner.

Bryan quickly grabbed Ken by his shoulders, holding him down firmly so he wouldn’t jerk any wires loose.

“Whoa, Ken, buddy… You’re safe! You’re back at the Lab. We got you!”

Ken’s eyes came into focus and he started shaking, whispering, “Oh fuck…” as tears of relief fell down his handsome face. Bryan started crying too and helped him to sit up, pulling Ken into a tight hug. Bryan chuckled to himself and thought:

Damn, I should buy stock in Kleenex with all the crying going on around here.

Brad struggled to stand and as soon as Ken realized he was there, grabbed him and pulled him into a fierce hug. Brad sucked his breath in pain as Ken squeezed his broken ribs. Ken quickly realized Brad was hurt and loosened his grip. When he looked, Ken noted the gauze covering most of Brad’s bare torso like his ribs were injured, and he wore a wrist brace on each hand.

Ken was shocked at how horrible Brad looked. Just last week he was already tanning up nice, but now he was pale and pasty looking, he had huge dark circles under his bloodshot eyes, and he looked like he had lost weight.

“God, B what happened to you!? Who did this to you?”

Even though Ken was weak from his own recovery, Brad felt light as a feather in his arms. Ken pulled Brad into his lap facing away and hugged him from behind, careful of his ribs. Ken rested his chin on Brad’s shoulder nuzzling him affectionately and pulled him back against him, wanting to feel as much skin contact as he could manage. Both men had nearly a week’s worth of beard growth, and rubbing their cheeks together sounded like sandpaper, but to them it was pure bliss. Brad covered Ken’s hands with his own and reclined against him, feeling the heat of his body. They both cried, and Ken started rocking them back and forth, holding his lover and soaking in his presence.

At that point Bryan felt like he was intruding and as he turned to go, he noticed that even though Brad was crying, his eyes had a flat, faraway look entirely out of character for him.

Well, the doc said it was going to take a while. They’ve been through hell and back for each other.

Bryan prayed that both his Brothers would get back to their old selves as soon as possible, and went to report to the doc what just happened. The doctor was anxious but gave Ken and Brad some privacy, and by the time he went in they were both asleep with Brad spooning Ken. Brad had one arm over Ken’s chest, with their hands intertwined as much as the braces would allow, and Ken clutched their hands to his chest.

Just being near Ken accelerated Brad’s healing. The doctor kept them both in the Lab a few more days for observation, and the rest of the team returned to their regular schedules at the security firm. They took turns swinging by the Lab a few times a day to drop off food and check on Ken and Brad. The doc decided to start going home in the evenings beginning that night, pleased with the physical progress in both his charges.

That evening when the doctor left, Ken sealed the Lab. The same as when he was at home, any remaining tension from the day flowed out of Ken when the seals engaged and the air pressure changed.

He went back to Brad’s desk where Brad sat on a stool working on his tablet. Ken put one hand on Brad’s back and leaned over to kiss his cheek.

“You know B… I love the doc and all the guys, but I’m glad we’re finally alone. I want you all to myself.”

The funk Brad was in when he first woke up had lifted some, but he still wasn’t back to his old self by a long shot.

“Yeah, I know what you mean. When I was little, my mom always said the best part about company is when they leave. It’s one of the few things I remember her saying.”

Ken stood behind Brad, rubbing his neck and shoulders and enjoying the feel of his body. Brad stopped typing and lowered his head, losing himself in the touch of Ken’s strong hands. Such big strong hands. Ken kept it up, knowing Brad needed his love more than ever. Something was still wrong. Ken instinctively knew it, and he was sure Brad knew it too.

That evening was the first time since Ken’s rescue the two men had any committed alone time, and Ken didn’t want to ruin the mood with a serious conversation. Not yet, anyway. They both needed each other badly. It had been nearly two weeks since they had sex.

Brad was the caretaker in the relationship and always had been, but Ken was more than happy to fill that role for his partner. The scary part was that Brad had never needed to be taken care of, not like now. Brad was always the rock of their relationship from an emotional standpoint. He was more mature and wise for his years and always seemed to know the right thing to say. That’s why Ken was so scared for him. Brad seemed lost, and Ken knew he needed to help him find his way back. He didn’t know how, but he would figure it out. He had too.

For nearly ten minutes Ken rubbed Brad’s back and shoulders, kneading the stiffness out of his muscles. Brad let out a heavy sigh and leaned forward so Ken could move further down his back. Ken reached down and grabbed the hem of Brad’s t-shirt and pulled it up. Brad raised his arms, and Ken lifted it off him.

Ken looked down at the man he loved more than anything. He loved Brad’s back. Hell, I love everything about this stud. He could tell Brad had lost weight, and he’d have to help him get back to his old self, but his body was still solid muscle.

Once Brad’s shirt was off, Ken got turned on. The feel of Brad’s body, his smooth skin and hard muscles, started Ken’s libido. Before he lost himself in the feeling of comforting his lover, Ken reminded himself what he was doing was for Brad, so he kept at it, gentle but firm, wanting Brad to feel how much he loved him through his touch.

He leaned over and every so often kissed Brad on the top of his head or the back of his neck and shoulders, moving from side to side, and then starting over again while he continued his massage. Ken ran his hands down Brad’s arms, squeezing his biceps, the big balls of his shoulders, and his thick traps. Brad’s head hung forward, and he let out almost constant moans of pleasure, letting Ken know how much he enjoyed the sensations.

Ken was so hard he was about to explode. Touching Brad after everything they experienced tested his control, and he had a growing wet spot on his shorts from his excitement. Keeping one hand on Brad’s back, with his other hand Ken pulled down his shorts. He wanted Brad to know how much merely touching his lover turned him on.

Brad was overwhelmed with the sensations and feeling of Ken’s presence. For a time, he had been afraid he would never feel Ken’s touch again. The anguish of feeling so isolated and alone, freezing him down to his Soul, was still in him. Ken’s touch helped to fight it off, right then at that moment. Ken’s touch, the touch that could light Brad up like nothing else in the world. Ken’s warm hands on his bare skin, rubbing away the loneliness and filling him back up, were a balm to his injured Soul.

Ken moved forward and pressed his hardness against Brad’s back.

“This is what you do to me B. This is for you. I love you.”

Brad felt the heat and velvety rigidness of Ken’s erection press against his back. Ken knelt behind him, pulling Brad back by his shoulders, so Brad’s back molded against Ken’s hard chest. Ken wrapped his thick arms around Brad and squeezed their bodies together firmly. The culmination of being so lovingly cared for and feeling Ken’s love for him through his touch sent Brad over the edge, and his body trembled in a powerful orgasm.

Ken felt the sudden tension in Brad when his head slumped forward, and his shoulders shook as if he was crying.

Afraid something was wrong, Ken softly asked, “B? What’s wrong? Talk ‘ta me.”

It took another couple of seconds for Brad to catch his breath. He was crying, but also laughing.

“Nothing’s wrong you douche, I’m laughing. You just made me shoot a two weeks load in my shorts without even touching my dick!”

Brad slowly spun around on the stool, facing Ken. The wetness on his cheeks coupled with the smile on his face confused Ken. They both stood and Brad threw his arms around Ken, squeezing with every ounce of strength he could muster. He rested his chin in the crook of Ken’s neck and shoulder and stood still, holding their bodies together. The heat of Ken’s dick throbbing against his stomach could not be denied any longer. Brad knew Ken was on the verge of shooting and didn’t want to leave him hanging, so he pulled back after a few seconds. They could cuddle after.

Brad turned them both around and put his hands on Ken’s shoulders, pushing him down onto the stool. Ken’s shorts were still around his ankles, but other than that he was naked. Brad ran his eyes quickly from head to toe, his gaze filled with lust for the Greek god sitting in front of him, his erection diamond hard, slightly curved, and pointing right at him.

Brad put his hands on Ken’s thighs and lowered himself to his knees, so Ken’s crotch was at eye level. The vision of Ken from that angle, his thick chest, deep cut abs and powerful arms, was intoxicating. Brad inhaled deeply, smelling his lover, and that sensation was just as compelling to him as the visual. With one hand Brad cupped Ken’s balls and held them firmly. They were tight and full and ready to unload. With his other hand, he reached up, gripping Ken’s thick shaft and lowered his head.

Ken watched Brad’s eyes rake over his body and saw the lust in them. That alone was enough to send him over the edge, but when Brad cupped his balls and wrapped his hand around his shaft every muscle in Ken’s body contracted. Brad knew Ken was past the point of no return and just as the first contraction hit, Brad took Ken’s entire length down his throat. Brad used every trick he knew to prolong and maximize Ken’s pleasure.

Ken couldn’t say anything. Other than his heavy breathing, his chest heaving from the power of his orgasm, he didn’t make any noise. Ken’s mouth was open, his eyes tightly shut, his handsome face contorted into a mask of intense pleasure. His orgasm lasted nearly a minute, and Brad continued to use his throat and gently fondle his balls.

Strength and fortitude rushed into Brad’s body when he took Ken’s load down his throat. As Ken’s DNA touched his own, it refreshed and revitalized Brad more powerfully than ever before.

When Ken got his breathing under control, he said, “Fuck, I love you, B. Come here.”

Ken lifted Brad up, pulling him into another hug, keeping back just enough to look into Brad’s blue eyes. Ken had tears in his eyes too. They both reached up to brush the tears out of each other’s eyes, and Ken laughed, saying, “Man, here we go again with the waterworks.”

Brad laughed too. It was a good moment.

Brad broke their kiss long enough to say, “Now that we have your hair-trigger out of the way it’s time for some serious fucking. Let’s go to bed.”

They smiled at one another, their foreheads pressed together and started bantering like their old selves.

Ken chuckled and retorted, “My hair trigger? What the hell do you call shooting in your shorts without me even touching your dick?”

“That was all part of my plan. I have mad seduction skills, and you completely fell for them. You, big guy, are a pussy.”

“So, you think in that pea brain of yours you just seduced me?”

Brad laughed and said, “Shut the fuck up and let’s get into bed!”

Once they were in bed, Ken held himself up with his arms on either side of Brad’s head. Lowering his head, they kissed. Brad stroked Ken’s chest and arms, feeling the strength in him, and they were both rock hard again. Ken broke the kiss and stared into his lover’s eyes.

“Hey B… do you wanna…”

Before Ken got any further Brad said, “Yes.”

Their eyes, Ken’s emerald green and Brad’s crystal blue, turned almost white for a brief second and they sensed the change immediately. With huge grins on their faces, they spent the entire night making love in every conceivable position and place in the Lab.

When Bryan and Lane stopped by the next morning with breakfast, the Lab was an absolute wreck and smelled of sex. They immediately knew what happened and Lane let out a loud, “Holy Fuck! Hahahahahaha!”

Bryan went to take the food to the kitchen and saw two empty gallons of milk, a big jar of protein powder, and multiple empty containers of Gator-Ade on the counter. He laughed to himself, happy for his two buddies and knowing what he saw meant they were on the road to recovery.

Looks like someone needed a recharge last night!

Ken and Brad woke up when they heard the security system disengage. Both still naked, they quickly threw on shorts and breathed a sigh of relief when they heard Lane’s laughter and realized it wasn’t the doc.

Ken and Brad stepped out of their room shirtless and barefoot and were stunned at the condition the Lab was in. It looked like a tornado had gone through the place. Papers were everywhere, tables cleared off, and chairs knocked over.

Ken raised his eyebrows, and Brad muttered, “Holy shit, did we do that?”

Bryan held his nose as he came back from the kitchen. He had grabbed a can of air freshener and started squirting it everywhere.

“Okay, I’m officially impressed by you two fuckers. Now I know what that earthquake I felt last night was! You managed to both trash and stink up an entire building!”

Lane noticed the massive stain on Brad’s shorts and laughed again exclaiming, “Damn, Ken, I’m disappointed in you! To let a load like that go to waste is criminal.”

He pointed to Brad’s shorts, illustrating his point.

Brad blushed a deep red, and then he and Ken burst out laughing.

Lane looked at his watch and said, “Alright, ladies, I figure you have about fifteen minutes before the doc shows up, so you’d better hurry and clean this place up. Bry, we need to hit the road if we’re going make it to the office on time.”

Bryan gave Brad’s crotch a big shot of air freshener as he walked by. Lane and Bryan were still laughing as they shut the door on their way out.

Ken and Brad started running around like madmen to get the Lab straightened up before the doctor arrived.

 

<>

 

As Bryan and Lane got in their Explorer, their eyes were a little glassy. Bryan reached over and pulled Lane into a hug saying, “I feel the same way, Little Buddy. It’s good to see them both that way. For a while…”

Lane covered Bryan’s mouth with a quick kiss and said, “Don’t say it, Bry. They’re still with us, and that’s all that matters.”

Both men were grateful that Brad and Ken were recovering and still in their lives. The relief in both of them was palpable as Lane pulled out of the parking lot to head to the office.

Lane whispered, almost to himself, “The band is still together.”

Bryan’s usually stoic handsome face broke into a grin at his reference.

“Fuck, yeah.”

 

<><><>

 

By the end of the week and the miracle of his enhanced physiology, along with the doctor’s treatments, Ken was physically as good as new. The strange incident on the night Brad slept in his room took at least a week off of his recovery time. The doctor knew what happened, but not how. It had to be an unconscious reaction on Brad’s part, but what he accomplished bordered on the metaphysical. Science alone couldn’t explain what happened. The closest scientific explanation the doctor had was that Brad exchanged something with Ken along the lines of his life energy, his Soul. The doctor would continue to look into it, with great urgency. None of the men should be able to do that yet. Eventually yes, but not yet.

There was more going on between the two men than the doctor fully realized. Ken exhibited remarkable resilience, far quicker than expected. Aside from healing faster, his mental state was much better than anticipated. After talking with Ken at length, he seemed to recall everything, but in a clinical, detached way.

For the time being Brad seemed to be recovering as well. The doctor knew full well what would happen when he started leaving them alone at night. If the smell of air freshener wasn’t enough to clue him in, they kept rearranging his papers when they cleaned up every morning.

The doctor determined he would just have to keep an eye on Brad. The long-term effects of what he did were an unknown, and the doctor was apprehensive. He would just have to wait and see.

At the end of that week, the doctor announced it would be fine for Ken and Brad to go home. The only rule was that if they left their house, they went together, even if it was a quick trip to the grocery store or to get gas. This rule was in effect with the rest of the team as well for their protection.

Ken exclaimed, “That’s great, doc!”

“Yes, Kenneth, not only do I think it is time, but I am not sure the Lab can take much more of your ‘recovery.’”

Ken and Brad looked at each other for a second before they both broke out laughing.

They went grocery shopping on the way home. It had been weeks since they were home last, and they would have to throw out most of the food and leftovers that were in the fridge. The doctor, even though he released them to go home, did not want them returning to work yet.

Both Brad and Ken were grateful when they arrived home and discovered someone had cleaned out their refrigerator and thrown out any spoiled food. The house was spotless, and Ken could smell how clean it was. It was an unexpected but pleasant surprise and showed how much their Brothers cared for them.

Ken and Brad settled back into their routines at the house. Since they couldn’t officially work, they had lots of time to work out together and work on their tans. Brad not only gained back the weight he lost but packed on more muscle.

Ken and Brad were more ‘touchy-feely’ for the first few weeks they were back, holding hands and making excuses to touch one another. The sex was better than ever, and Ken’s control over their new physical bond improved immensely, becoming instinctual in his efforts to start and stop it. The only precaution the doctor emphasized was not to leave it active unless they were together.

A month later they were cleared to go back to work, the final piece of the puzzle to get the entire team back and firing on all cylinders.

 

<><><>

 

A few weeks later, Ken and Brad were home in the evening watching a movie on pay-per-view. It was summer, so they wore only shorts in the house. They laid on the couch together with Ken’s arm draped over Brad and across his chest. Absent-mindedly, he ran his hand through Brad’s chest hair while watching the movie. Ken periodically moved his hand around, gripping a pec more firmly, rubbing Brad’s abs, or gently tweaking a nipple. Ken was almost unconscious of what he was doing; he just loved touching Brad’s body. About twenty minutes into the movie Ken mentioned he was hungry, so Brad got up to make them a snack. Ken paused the movie, and channel surfed while Brad was in the kitchen.

Earlier in the day Brad made a big fruit salad and brought the bowl over with a couple of forks so they could just eat out of it. Ken sat up and restarted the movie as soon as Brad was back on the couch. They sat, shoulders touching, and ate the entire bowl. Brad reached forward to put the empty bowl on the coffee table, and when he leaned back Ken felt him trembling.

“Are you cold, B?”

“Yeah, kind of. All the cold fruit I guess.”

“Well, come over here.”

Brad snuggled back, and Ken wrapped his arms around him. Ken brought his legs around, scissoring Brad between them, wrapping his whole body up.

“Damn, you are cold.”

Brad’s whole body was chilled and shivered hard. Ken ran his hands up and down Brad’s arms, chafing his skin to try and warm him up.

Ken’s body, always warm with his increased body temperature, seemed hot to Brad. Brad closed his eyes and snuggled back against Ken, soaking up his warmth.

Ken paused the movie, and with a grin on his face, Ken said, “I know how to warm you up.”

Brad senses heightened, and he knew Ken activated their bond. Brad turned over so their chests pressed together, and they started hugging and kissing, and both got hard almost immediately. Ken kept his arms wrapped around Brad’s back, moving his warm hands up and down until Brad stopped trembling. They continued to kiss, occasionally breaking away to nibble on each other’s necks or ears. Brad started moving his pelvis, slowly grinding their erections together. Ken managed to take his hands off Brad long enough to pull their shorts down to their knees, freeing their dicks. Muffled laughter ensued as they continued kissing while kicking their legs enough for their shorts to slide off their feet.

When they were finally naked, Ken pulled back a little breathless but managed to say, “Now I got you where I want you, naked, and at my mercy.”

Ken reached down and grabbed ahold of Brad’s dick, knowing exactly how to pleasure his lover. With their bond active, Ken experienced the same intense pleasure and started grinding his hips.

Brad noticed and laughed saying, “Ken, you fucking perv! You just wanted to jack yourself off, didn’t you? You are so busted!”

Ken blushed and started chuckling because he knew that’s what it looked like as soon as he started grinding his hips.

“Well that wasn’t my intention, but you gotta admit it’s kinda hot.”

Ken was grinning like a Cheshire cat at his comment.

“And it kills two birds with one stone… or fist in this case.”

Brad reached down, stroking Ken, and it felt like he was stroking himself, except someone else’s hand always feels better than your own and with the bond that was exactly how it felt.

“Oh, fuck yeah, that is hot.”

Ken smirked and asked, “So, who’s the perv now?”

They chuckled and started kissing again, continuing to pleasure each other. Even though Brad was beginning to sweat, he pulled his mouth off Ken’s and with a grin asked, “What happened to warming me up?”

Ken flipped Brad over so his back was against Ken’s chest again, positioned himself against Brad’s opening, and entered his lover in one long slow thrust.

Ken knew they were in one of Brad’s favorite positions. He loved Ken’s arms wrapped around from behind so his hands could run over his chest and play with his nipples or stroke him when he was close. Brad arched his back, pushing back against him, but Ken wanted their session to last, so he kept a steady rhythm and didn’t try to accelerate their orgasms.

Ken made sure he was hitting the right spots in his lover and edged them both for a long while. When Ken finally took them over the top Brad covered his abs and chest with cum along with Ken’s arms, which held him tight. Sharing the sensations of his lover through their bond, coupled with the contractions of Brad’s orgasm, pushed Ken over the edge and he filled Brad’s insides with the results of his orgasm.

They were both so turned on they stayed hard and continued without slowing down. After the first orgasm and absorbing Ken’s DNA, Brad felt the extra charge and clenched himself around Ken, rotating, grinding, and pulling mercilessly on the thick shaft that made him feel so complete. Drenched in sweat, Ken escalated their lovemaking to a new level, knowing Brad was pumped up and that he didn’t have to hold back as much. Brad felt it too, and it made him squeeze Ken that much harder.

“Oh, fuck yeah, B. That feels amazin’.”

Of course, Brad knew it because he felt it too as their pleasure resonated off one another through their new bond. Twenty minutes later in a breathless pile of cum, muscle, and sweat, they collapsed on the couch. Ken continued holding Brad, not wanting to let go.

The comfort of their warm sweaty skin and accelerated heartbeats was soothing. After a while, Ken started kissing the back of Brad’s neck and licking the sweat off. Brad lay in Ken’s arms enjoying the physical and emotional intimacy.

Each of them drifted in and out of sleep for about an hour before the practical side of Brad exerted itself. With an effort, he said, “Alright, we need to get up, clean the couch and the kitchen, and we both need a shower before bed.”

He peeled their bodies apart, and they laughed at the noise their skin made as they pulled themselves apart and off the leather couch.

Ken let out a loud exaggerated grunt as he pushed himself up saying, “B, you are such a buzz kill sometimes.”

Totally relaxed, Ken did a massive full body stretch making every muscle and vein in his body pop out for a few seconds, turning his face beet red.

Even after all the hot sex they just had, the sight of Ken made Brad hard again. He reached over and grabbed Ken’s hand, pulling the big man to his feet.

“Alright stud, who wants couch cleanup and who wants dish duty?”

Ken said, “Go on back’n get in the shower. I’ll clean up out here and head back in a few minutes.”

Brad looked at Ken like something was wrong him, which got him a grin and Ken said, “Seriously, it’s the least I can do for the love of my life.”

With that, Ken gave him a quick peck on the cheek and leaned over, swiping a hand down and scooping up their shorts.

“Here, take these back ‘ta the hamper.”

Ken moved around the coffee table and into the kitchen, bare-assed naked, and started cleaning up. Brad stared at Ken’s butt as he walked to the sink.

Knowing Brad was staring at him he hollered over his shoulder, “Starin’ at my ass is not takin’ a shower!”

Brad smiled and went back to the bathroom to turn on the hot water. When it was ready, he stepped in and started soaping up, scrubbing the sweat and cum off his body and enjoying the hot water running over him.

An intense cold hit him suddenly and violently like a spear in his gut. It was so unexpected and severe it took his breath away, and he couldn’t make a sound. His body jerked so hard he slipped and fell on the tiles, incapacitated for nearly a minute. Every bit of extra energy from making love to Ken vanished and the memory of his isolation, of being without Ken, returned to his Mind.

Oh, Fuck… no …

The cold faded as the hot water slowly warmed him back up. He knew Ken was physically in the kitchen, but in Brad’s Mind he was gone forever. The separation and loneliness were real, and he was terrified. As the cold finally subsided the feeling of isolation faded with it. Whatever happened left him drained and scared witless.

Brad pulled himself up and shut off the water. Almost in a stupor he dried off and brushed his teeth. He wanted to tell Ken what happened but something in the back of his Mind told him not to, convinced if he did something horrible would happen.

Brad crawled into bed and turned out the light. He left the bathroom light on so Ken wouldn’t trip over anything. Turning on his side, Brad pretended to be asleep.

Ken wasn’t trying to be quiet when he came down the hallway, fully expecting Brad to still be in the bathroom. When he realized Brad was already in bed, he let out a quiet, “Oh shit…” and stopped making any noise. The light from the bathroom went dark as Ken quietly pulled the door shut and Brad heard him taking a shower. He laid in bed, his Mind racing, pondering his reaction and the overwhelming emotions and where they could be coming from.

Ken turned out the light in the bathroom and let his eyes adjust before moving into the bedroom. With his enhanced vision, Ken had no trouble navigating to the bed. He carefully crawled into bed so he wouldn’t wake Brad. He wanted to snuggle some more. Ken loved falling asleep holding Brad but didn’t want to wake him up, so he scooted over enough for their backs to touch. The contact was enough to send him off in a comfortable, contented sleep.

The feel of Ken’s warm back usually put Brad out like a light, but for some reason the heat of Ken’s body caused him more anxiety than comfort. Brad’s Mind twisted his emotions into feeling what he would lose forever rather than what he had.

Ken woke up at 0308. Brad practically had a death grip around his chest and ribs and seemed to be having a nightmare. He was trembling again, but instead of being cold he was sweating profusely. Ken was worried but knew Brad couldn’t be sick. None of them had gotten sick in the last nineteen years. He extricated himself from Brad’s arms and put a hand on Brad’s forehead. Brad didn’t seem hot or cold, but he was soaked in sweat. Ken turned on the light on his nightstand and then put a hand on Brad’s shoulder, gently shaking him.

He whispered, “Hey B, wake up. You’re dreamin’.”

Brad jerked awake with a start, his eyes wide with fright, shaking violently and breathing heavy.

Ken was startled when Brad scrambled back, pushing himself against the headboard and kicking the sheets back like he was terrified of something.

“B! Hey, it’s okay! It’s okay!”

Brad seemed utterly panic-stricken. He thought he heard Ken’s voice but couldn’t see him. He sounded far away.

“Brad! Snap out of it, man! Wake up!”

Gasping for breath, Brad slowly calmed down. Ken watched him intently, not sure what to.

Brad slowly came back to himself. It took another minute before he seemed to relax and breathe normally. His shook his head and rubbed his eyes with a confused look on his face.

“Ken? What’s going on?”

“You tell me. That must’ve been a mother of a nightmare. What was it about?”

“I… I don’t remember.”

“Hang on a sec.”

Ken got out of bed and went into the bathroom. Brad heard him take a piss, and then water running in the sink. When Ken came back, he had a warm washcloth and a towel. He gave the washcloth to Brad to wipe the sweat off his face while Ken wiped him down with the towel, drying him off as best he could. Ken’s strong hands rubbing his body relaxed him and got him back to normal.

“Thanks, man. Sorry about the scare, I don’t know where that came from.”

Ken, trying to lighten the mood, threw the towel at Brad said, “I didn’t do it for you. I don’t wanna have ‘ta sleep next to a stinky pig.”

Ken turned off the light and pulled Brad back against him wrapping his arm around Brad’s chest. He kissed Brad on the shoulder and said, “G’night B.”

Brad didn’t go back to sleep. He tried. Usually, he slept like a baby in Ken’s arms. Ken’s shallow breathing and warm breath on his shoulder always helped him relax. His love for Ken welled up inside of him, but instead of a comfort, all he could think about was losing that love forever. His Mind raced, and he couldn’t force himself to let go of the thoughts. When the alarm went off at 0600, Brad was still wide awake.

 

<><><>

 

Ken kept a close eye on Brad the next day. Other than being tired he seemed alright, so Ken didn’t say anything to the doctor about it.

Sometimes a bad dream is just a bad dream. I hope.

Ken asked Brad about the nightmare later in the day, and he said he didn’t remember it. Brad’s answer bothered him because he knew Brad had perfect recall, but maybe dreams were different. He would ask the doc the next time they were in the Lab.

Ken took care of dinner and cleaned the kitchen so Brad could relax. He was surprised Brad didn’t even stay in the kitchen with him while he cleaned up and it worried him even more. That night Brad went to bed early, saying he was still tired.

Ken woke up a little after 0200 and realized Brad wasn’t in bed with him. He got up and went down the hall and found Brad sitting on the couch in the dark.

“B? What’re you doin’?”

“Sorry Ken, I can’t seem to get to sleep, and I didn’t want to keep you awake by tossing and turning.”

“B, is there somethin’ goin on we need ‘ta talk about?”

“No, I’m good. It’s nothing. I’m just wired for some reason. I think Sally switched from decaf to regular at the office.”

Ken sat next to Brad and took his hand. It took every ounce of control Brad had to stop his trembling so Ken wouldn’t feel it.

“Will you come back ‘ta bed and try ‘ta get some sleep?”

“I will if you make me a promise.”

“What’s that?”

“Don’t go running to the doc about this. Seriously, I'm all right.”

Brad let Ken pull him up and lead him by the hand back to the bedroom.

When they were in bed, Ken pulled Brad up against him as usual, and whispered in Brad’s ear, “B?”

“Hmm?”

“I love you.”

“I love you too, even if you are a douche.”

Brad said it in a lighthearted tone to disarm Ken. It must have worked because he felt Ken squeeze his hand a little in response and then fall back asleep. Brad stayed awake the rest of the night, his eyes open but not seeing anything while silent tears rolled down his cheeks.

God, Ken, I’m going to miss you so much.