John woke after a several hours' sleep; the hospital smells and
unfamiliar room enhancing his momentary confusion over his
whereabouts. He'd dreamed about dreaming about making love to Luka
just as he'd done all those lonely nights before. Stretching, he
realized he wasn't alone. It hadn't been a dream. Luka was lying on
his side, looking at him.
"You slept well?"
"Oh yeah." John moved into the warmth of Luka's body. "You smell good
enough to eat." John grinned. "Do you think the cafeteria has any
Croatian sausage?"
"No. I got the last serving. Would you like to share it?"
"You're on!" John dove under the covers. "Oooh, it's a king-size
portion! It's a good thing I'm hungry..." One of his slender hands
emerged from beneath the sheet. Luka slapped a condom packet into
John's palm. The hand disappeared again.
Luka shifted his hips, feeling John's weight settling between his
legs. Gasping, he tossed his head back as a warm tongue began to
caress his engorged penis. Closing his eyes, he leaned against the
pillows as John's mouth continued to elicit bursts of sensation. Then
the mouth was gone. Luka felt the long tapering fingers brushing his
thighs, then the feel of latex being smoothed into place. The mouth
returned. John hadn't been kidding. He sucked hungrily while stroking
Luka's hips and stomach.
Turning his head, Luka bit the pillow to keep from shouting aloud. He
had no wish to alarm the entire hospital. John's erotic feast was
driving him to the edge; slowly, inexorably his orgasm drew near. In
response to Luka's writhing, John began to hum. Luka, despite this
most wonderful of all distractions, recognized the tune. It was the
American national anthem. Laughter sent him into a blinding climax
just as John hummed "the land of the free". From beneath the covers,
he heard John murmur "Play ball", then his flushed face appeared
framed in the folds of the sheets.
"I don't think there's much left. I was too hungry."
"Get up here!" Luka held out his arms as John wriggled upwards.
"Did you know I love you very much?" It was hard for Luka to believe
he had John back.
"Yep. Now what's all this I heard about you telling me so on
television?"
"I'm sorry, Janaskja. I wouldn't have been interviewed, except I was
desperate. Now, we won't have any privacy. Luka worriedly searched
John's face for a clue revealing his lover's mood. John took pity on
him.
"Shhh. It's Ok, Sascha. I was only teasing. Besides, I already told
you, once you became a citizen I'd planned on shouting my love from
the tops of tall buildings. You've saved me from laryngitis. I
suppose I could hire a sky-writer, though." John smiled. He'd never
liked deception, probably because he was lousy at it.
"You really don't mind?"
"No beloved. You were trying to bring me back to you. If the
situation had been reversed, I would have done the same thing." John
raised himself to look down at the man he loved. "Speaking of
reversing positions, aren't you hungry?"
"Starving." Luka slid down the bed, condom in hand. Using his arms to
help shift John's weight, he began to return the oral favors done to
him with interest and no small amount of skill. Half-kneeling, John
arched his back as he pumped himself into Luka's rapacious mouth. The
feel of lips, tongue, and teeth were making him quiver all over. When
he felt a finger pressing on his anus, he yelped aloud, then
smothered the sound against his shoulder. The moistened finger inched
its way towards John's prostate and John bit down on his lower lip to
keep silent. When his orgasm came, John felt as if his soul had left
his body. He literally floated back down to a supine position as Luka
moved upwards and captured him in a soul-restoring embrace. They lay
in each others arms, trading soft kisses as sleep overtook them once
more. Inspite of everything, neither man dreamed. Looking back, John
admitted exhaustion had its benefits.
In the morning, Luka awoke to find John curled up next to him. Again,
he gazed down at his lover quietly rejoicing in their reunion. Easing
himself out of bed so as not to wake John, he froze when the pattern
of the sounds changed. After months of trying to sleep alone, in a
silent apartment, Luka wondered if anyone had thought to write a
concerto for snores and orchestra. The thunderous noises emanating
from the small frame were music to his ears. Heading to the bathroom,
he stopped once more. On the nightstand was a silver tray covered
with a matching dome. They'd finished the sandwiches at three in the
morning. Luka lifted the heavy cover to find fresh fruit, coffee, and
croissants. A note was propped against the carafe.
"Don't worry. There was also some heated action at a poker game last
night to determine who would have the privilege of delivering Mr.
Carter's gift. He felt our hospital food wouldn't be appreciated. I
wonder why. Anyway, I won. Let me know if you want ear plugs. Yoshi."
Smiling, Luka went to the bathroom. When he emerged, John was sitting
up, his hair in his eyes. He hopped out of bed and kissed Luka on his
way to the toilet. When he returned, Luka was holding something red
in his hands. His caftan, Luka's robe, and changes of clothing had
also been delivered. John slithered into the silky garment and handed
Luka his dark green bathrobe. As far as he was concerned, Christmas
had come early.
"Morning Sascha." They kissed again. "Do I smell coffee?"
"It seems elves have been busy during the night." Luka grinned
pouring the familiar Jamaican blend into the waiting cups. He handed
John the note and watched as his blush proceeded from his collar bone
up to the roots of his hair. He'd noted most of the bed linens were
on the floor.
"I thought you'd arranged for this stuff to be brought here." John
said after he took his first sip.
"Nope. I wished I'd thought of it, however..."
"Well, at least it was Yoshi..." John said as he attacked the fruit.
There was a rap on the door.
*Now* they decided to knock. Come in!" John called out. "You guys
obviously have the key."
Roland Carter and a young man entered. The stranger wore steel-rimmed
glasses and looked as if he'd stepped from a news photo from the
twenties. Recognizing him from Cyril's many enraptured descriptions,
John rose from his chair and hugged the man. "You must be Charles."
Charles nodded. "Come with me." They left the room.
Luka and Roland stared at each other for a few seconds, then started
laughing. They figured by the time John realized he was walking the
halls of County General barefoot, in what amounted to a dress, he'd
need smelling salts to recover from the embarrasment. Roland was
first to sober himself. "How do you feel?", he asked quietly.
"Wonderful. Thank you for coming to see me yesterday, or is it
today?" Luka yawned.
"Yesterday." Roland replied. "Are you and John up to a family
conference?"
"That depends on the participants." Luka said stiffly.
"Don't worry, the old man won't be participating." Roland explained.
"I'm not so sure I should be either." Luka frowned. He resented the
pain this family had caused John.
"I'm not going to lie to you, Dr. Kovac. I was very surprised to
learn about you and John, and had the circumstances been different,
I'm not sure what my reaction would have been." Roland saw Luka about
to protest. "Hear me out, please. My oldest son died when he was only
thirteen years old. His death devastated my wife. To preserve what
remained of her mental health, I began taking her with me when I had
to travel for my work. I've had time to think about this. John's
depression was probably inherited from his mother. I'm more afraid of
losing him than I am afraid of what people will say about his
feelings for you. In fact, I now see the feelings you have for each
other are no different from those I have for my wife.
"What my father did to the two of you was my wake-up call. John's
happiness means more to me at this point than anything else. I'll be
the first to admit that wasn't always the case. You are the most
important part of his happiness. So, you should be there when we
discuss what will happen to the old man. I realize my family's past
treatment of John was shabby in the extreme and I am making no
excuses." He handed Luka his business card. "You two talk it over.
Call me when you've made your decision. Whatever it is, I'll
understand." Roland said softly.
"We'll be there." Luka replied, his objections silenced. He'd seen
the tears in Roland's eyes.
John was fully aware, he was wearing unorthodox attire. He didn't
care. As they waited for the elevator, he explained to Charles what
was going on.
"Cyril and I became good friends. He helped me keep it together."
John began. "We admitted him to our Psych Ward only because these
docs are the most familiar with psychotropic drugs, their side
effects, and so on. He's been treated with something to reverse the
effects of the Thorazine. Between that and seeing you, Cyril's going
to be Ok."
"How could his family do this to him?" Charles spoke at last. John
winced. He'd been asking that question in regard to himself for
months now. Somehow, he'd known his grandfather was behind his being
locked away. However, this did not bother him nearly as much as being
separated from Luka. He figured he was finally growing up. What his
family, or anyone else for that matter, thought about him, was of no
consequence.
"They acted out of ignorance. Mind you, I'm not excusing them, only
trying to explain." John said as they rode up. "Don't be alarmed when
you see him. The drug they gave him at that place is one of the most
powerful in the psychiatric arsenal. But its effects are fully
reversible with time." John smiled at the Charge Nurse who wide-eyed,
buzzed them in. When they reached Cyril's room, both men stopped and
stared. The "elves" had been at work here, too.
Cyril's bed was bedecked with a purple comforter. The walls were
covered with framed posters from musicals and films. Sandalwood
incense burned in a brass holder on the window sill. A note was
propped up next to the hot-house lilies on the nightstand. John
handed it to Charles who read it aloud.
"Dear Charles and Cyril, I talked with Dr. McIntyre and he felt it
was best to have Cyril surrounded by things that wouldn't remind him
he was in a hospital. At the time, I didn't know where you were
living so a friend of mine loaned these items to you. If you want to
add things of your own, give a list to the Nurse, she'll make the
arrangements. Good Luck, Roland Carter."
John smiled at the thought of his father playing the role of interior
decorator. "Friend" indeed... two of the posters still had price
stickers on them. He went over to the bed and gently shook Cyril's
shoulder. After a few minutes, the expressive green eyes opened and
slowly focused on John.
"Where am I?" Cyril began to sit up then he saw Charles. In one swift
move he was out of bed and in the arms of his lover. John stepped
outside to give them some privacy. Ten minutes later, Charles
beckoned for him to return. Cyril was back in bed, smiling. It was a
lovely sight to see.
"Is that your caftan? You look great in it. Luka has excellent taste.
Wish I could say the same for whoever decorated this room." His
speech was somewhat slurred, but otherwise, his brain was working
just fine.
"That was my father." John said laughing at Cyril's realization that
he'd just put his foot in his mouth.
"Oops. Well, I suppose I could get used to it...", he said looking
around dubiously.
"I don't think you'll be in here much longer." John offered. "You're
making an excellent recovery. Here are my phone numbers. Call anytime
if either of you have questions. By the way, if you need
any 'toiletries'..." John gave this word special emphasis. "Ask the
nurse to locate Yoshi. He'll be more than willing to get you whatever
you need. Have fun." John waved and shut the door and headed back to
his room. If this kept up, County could balance its budget by
becoming a house of assignation.
"I see Father left." John observed when he'd returned.
"Yes. There's a family conference at three. I said we'd be there."
Luka smiled. John really looked handsome in that color. "How's Cyril
doing?"
"Great. He's recovering much faster than we expected. Right now, I
think Charles is helping him with his physical therapy." John
grinned. "What is it?" Luka looked like the proverbial cat who had
canary feathers on his whiskers.
"I love you."
"I love you too." John still looked puzzled.
"Come here, there's something I want to ask you." Luka also had a
promise to keep.
John sat in Luka's lap and kissed him. "What do you want to know?"
"Will you marry me?" Luka asked softly.
"You're serious." John said. He and Luka often called each
other "husband" but he hadn't given any real thought to their
actually being permitted to marry.
"Uh-huh."
"Of course I will. But what minister or priest in their right mind
would perform the ceremony?"
"That part's taken care of. What I meant was, would you be willing to
marry me in a church with attendants, a big reception, and all that
goes with it."
"Yes. Yes, I would. I would've asked *you*, but I figured you didn't
want to be reminded of your first wedding." John said slowly.
"This *would* be my first wedding." Luka replied nuzzling John's
slender neck. My wife and I had a civil ceremony. It was a mixed
marriage; she was Orthodox.
"Oh. Well this one wouldn't be." John said shyly.
"What do you mean? Your family isn't Catholic."
"No, they're not; but *I* am."
"Since when?"
"Since my senior year in prep school." John answered smiling at
Luka's surprise.
"You converted. Why?"
"It's kind of a long story..."
"We've got time. I really want to know."
"Well it started after my brother died. I told you his death hit my
family pretty hard. My mother couldn't deal with it. So, Father took
her with him when he traveled. My sister was busy with school and her
friends and I sort of mooned around the house feeling sorry for
myself. Our housekeeper at that time was Irish and Catholic. She
became my surrogate Mom. Are you sure you want to hear this?"
"Very." Luka said wondering why John had never mentioned this before.
"One Wednesday night, I pestered her, Mrs. Riordan, to take me with
her to church. My sister was at a friend's house and my grandparents
were also out of the country. I didn't want to be alone. So she took
me to her church for the Novena. After the prayers were said, she lit
candles for her late husband and her parents. She explained they
served the same purpose as the prayer wheels Bhuddists use: visual
reminders to others that they should pray for all those in need of
help.
"You see, no one at home mentioned my brother. It was if he'd never
lived. I liked the idea of a religious tradition that provided ways
for you to remain connected to those you'd lost. After accompanying
her to services for a while, I asked if I could join her church and
she kind of lost it. She was scared my family would be displeased so
she tried to talk me out of the idea. Well you know how stubborn I
can be." John grinned.
"I got my way at last when she realized I'd started taking catechism
classes at another church. I made my first Communion at her parish,
though. I was a regular communicant until Lucy and I were attacked. I
was mad at God for letting her die." John admitted
reluctantly. "While I was in Atlanta, listening to speakers at NA
meetings describing the virtues of the Higher Power, I found my faith
again.*
"Why haven't you told me this?" Luka had never heard John mention,
let alone seen him actually going to, church since he'd known him.
"I guess I was ashamed for doubting God's existence; especially after
he blessed me with you. Anyway, you never asked me about religion."
John explained. "And finally, husband-to-be, I wanted to surprise you
when you proposed."
"Are you keeping any more secrets?" Luka asked.
"Nope, that's it." John kissed the tip of Luka's nose. "Actually, I'd
planned to tell you long before this, but my grandfather kinda got in
the way."
* * * * *
Roland sent a car to pick up John and Luka. He was taking no chances.
Although he didn't think Robert would pull any more stunts,
nevertheless the recent publicity had him concerned. His family had
made a science out of maintaining a virtual absence from the media.
His children had grown up without having to worry about being
recognized as scions of an extremely wealthy family. All of that had
changed.
When the limousine pulled up to the house, Luka whistled. "My God. I
had no idea, John. You actually grew up here?"
"Yeah. It was like living in a museum. When my brother was alive, it
was pretty OK. After he died most of the life went out of the house.
Believe me, a mausoleum has more warmth than this place." They were
shown into a sitting room where Millicent, Roland, and the family
lawyer were waiting. Millicent rushed over to her grandson and hugged
him. From the look on his face, Luka could tell that this was an
unusual event.
"Father thought I was bluffing when I said I'd have him arrested for
kidnapping. Well, he's about to find out I was deadly serious."
Roland began when John and Luka had taken seats. "His own pride is
going to hang him. He still thinks I'm the fool for bringing my son
home."
The lawyer nodded in response. "The DA's office assured me, we have
more than enough evidence to indict. Between the private investigator
who bugged your apartment, illegally I might add, to the shady
characters who actually did the abducting; there will be little or no
difficulty in obtaining a guilty verdict.
John and Luka exchanged looks. John had wondered how his grandfather
had discovered their secret. Thinking how they had very nearly
returned to their home last night, caused both men to shudder. John
spoke up. "I appreciate our being included in your discussion, but I
have to wonder why you need us."
"You are the primary injured parties. The decision to prosecute
cannot be finalized without your cooperation." The lawyer explained.
John shook his head. "I'm sorry. I don't want any part of this."
"What?!" Roland was surprised.
"I'm really sorry, Father. As a result of this incident, Luka and I
will be living in a gold fish bowl. Our family's privacy has gone
into the toilet." He paused to take Luka's hand. "I don't blame Luka
for going to the media. If he hadn't, I would probably still be in
that ermine-covered hell hole. But I don't want a lengthy trial on
top of everything else. The best revenge is living well. I for one,
want to try and put my life back together and forget any of this ever
happened."
"That's very generous of you, dear." Millicent spoke for the first
time. I don't want to risk a trial either."
"Mother!"
"Let me finish, Roland. John's right. I also value our privacy and
thanks to the man I thought I knew as my husband, it's been severely
compromised. However, my reasons for by-passing the legal system to
obtain justice are not based on any desire to make it easier for
Robert. Our wealth is a fact. People have been known to purchase 'Not
Guilty' verdicts before. Another fact: John's relationship with Dr.
Kovac..." She smiled at Luka. "...though accepted by us and approved
of, is still considered morally repugnant by many others. Voir dire
notwithstanding, I don't trust a majority of any jury to see beyond
that issue and make an objective decision. How many other families
have been tempted to do what Robert did? Our money made it easier for
him. There's too great a chance he'll walk away with just a slap on
the wrist."
"Mother, I can't believe you don't think we have enough evidence."
Roland was not giving up that easily.
"Son, the evidence is more than sufficient. I simply don't trust the
legal system to use it properly. I did not mean to imply that he
would get away with this. I propose he be committed. It's obvious
he's not in his right mind. It would be fitting justice for him to
spend the remainder of his life in a place similar to the one he
tried to keep John in. There would be no jury, no trial, no way for
him to escape responsibility for trying to destroy the happiness,
maybe even the life, of another human being." The room fell totally
silent, then slowly Luka began to clap his hands. He stood up and
John joined him. A slow smile spreading over his features, Roland,
too saluted his mother.
The lawyer merely nodded. "You'll need power of attorney."
"I'll have no difficulty obtaining it." Millicent
replied. "Those 'shady characters' you mentioned must have enough
information regarding illegal transactions that Robert instigated for
me to blackmail him into signing it over. The press will be shocked
to learn that due to the recent stress regarding John's
disappearance, Robert George Buchanan Carter suffered a massive
stroke from which it is unlikely he'll ever recover. Honoria Barbara
and her father will take over the company as CEO's here and in Europe
and I will assume my husband's seat as Chairman of the Board." She
turned to her grandson. "John, do you think this is a good idea?"
"Yes, Gamma. The company couldn't be in better hands." John said
gravely. He could see how much this was costing his grandmother.
"What about you, Dr. Kovac?"
"Please, call me Luka. And yes, I think this way justice will be
served with a minimum of additional suffering to the victims in this
matter."
"Well then, that's settled. Richard, if you could have the papers
drawn up for me regarding power of attorney, I'll have them signed
within 48 hours. Binnie Braithwaite once mentioned a place in Arizona
that would be perfect for our needs." Millicent smiled thinly. Are we
ready for tea?"
"Ahm, before you start pouring, Gamma, Luka would like to ask
something." John's face and his caftan, had he been wearing it, would
have been a perfect match.
"Mr. Carter. Earlier today, I asked John to marry me. He agreed.
Nevertheless, we'd both feel better if we had your blessing." Luka
stated simply as another silence fell.
Roland's hesitation lasted all of four seconds. Shaking Luka's hand
he nodded. "You have my blessing and more. As father of the
groom...", he winked at his son's open-mouthed stare. I will be
delighted to assume all financial responsibility for the
arrangements. You guys make 'em and send me the bills.
"You're joking." John couldn't believe his ears. He'd been expecting
reluctant tolerance from his family, at best---at the worst; not-so-
subtle hints that he was still disappointing them.
"No." Roland replied. Listen, son. I saw how you looked when Luka
stepped out of that helicopter. If he is the person who can make you
that happy, I have no right to deny you or him the opportunity to
make it last. Besides, I don't think your sister is ever going to
settle down. Maybe your wedding will give her the nudge to start
making plans to supply great grand-kids for this family."
"I agree. She and that friend of hers have been carrying on without
benefit of clergy for long enough." Millicent smiled. She should have
known her grandson would take the high road in this as he did in
everything else. "Gracia, tell Margarethe to skip the tea and send in
some champagne instead. This is an engagement party now."
"Make mine ginger ale, Gamma." John grinned. So much has happened
recently, I'm already giddy."
Author's Note:
* Once again, thank you Ms. Roberts for "Desperate Vigil".
Copyright Footer', 'This site is not affiliated in any way with "ER", its writers or production company, or NBC, and makes no profit from the show. The ERROS skin is by Brihana. The script is eFiction version 3.4.2© Tammy Keefer, http://efiction.org\r\n