Driving along in Catherine’s car, a little over a week later, Father could not deny that the place Devin had chosen for Vincent’s weekend away, was very impressive. During the long drive down through the shrubbery that bordered the driveway, he had grown more and more at ease with the thought of Vincent going there. For one, there was a high security wall, with which, he was pleased to note, had spikes pointing outwards at the top thus making it virtually impossible for anyone to climb over without being impaled.
The gates themselves, through which Catherine had manoeuvred the car deftly to miss the giant pillars on either side, were made of strengthened steel, richly ornamented, with filigree patterns of vines overlaid with grapes in gold plate.
“Who lives here?” Father remarked, as Catherine got out to unlock and open the gates, before getting back into the car and driving through the gateway into the extensive gardens beyond.
“I don’t exactly know. Devin found the place as I told you, he should be here somewhere, perhaps he can tell us both.”
Stopping again to close the gates behind her, Catherine jumped as the car door opened from the outside, and Devin’s cheery face appeared, “Hi”, he greeted them both, “I’ve closed the gates Cath, no need to get out again. Glad you could come dad, is Peter minding the old place?” he asked panting for breath.
His father nodded, his eyes lighting up, “Where did you spring from?” He asked, leaning back as best he could from the front seat to look upon his eldest son, who was climbing into the rear.
“I came earlier. I’ve been walking around. When I saw Cathy’s car approaching, I ran from where I was to get to the gates to meet you. Who’d believe it, huh? I climb up and down mountains every day, and yet I get out of breath just doing a quick sprint!” He laughed, catching his breath at last, before adding, “Well, I’m sure you have questions dad, so fire away.” As Catherine saw him wink at her through the rear-view mirror and smiled.
“It looks a wonderful place.” Father began, “I am particularly impressed with the high security walls, but until I have seen every thing, I can’t really pass an opinion. This place needs to be like Fort Knocks before I will ever consider allowing Vincent to come here.”
“Then its a foregone conclusion, dad. Believe me, there is absolutely no way in to this place once those gates are locked.” Devin told him, with fingers crossed.
“Is there no other way in?” Father asked, “No back gate, nothing?”
“Not unless there’s a foolish pilot with a helicopter dad, no, there is no other way in.” Devin replied.
Father grew thoughtful, and Devin knew that look. Seeing the way his father frowned, with aid of the rear-view mirror, Devin added, “Dad, don’t worry, who would want to land a chopper here. Besides, it would take some navigation, I believe the owners have already considered the possibility of this, come look, I’ll show you.”
As the car rounded the final bend before the house came into view, Father looked up, as Devin pointed above to the only part of the extensive gardens which were void of trees and shrubbery, and Father asked, “What are they, power lines?”
“No, I guess, the best way to describe them would be trip wires. See how they have been positioned? Look across there, alongside those tall trees, there are some metal poles. I’ve been across to them and they seem to be embedded deep in the ground, and the criss-cross wires run from the tops of them, right across the grounds, extremely taut, and are held in place with pins to the roof of the house. Any foolish pilot navigating his propellers through those wires, would stand the risk of crashing his machine and killing himself.”
“Certainly not a place for flying kites then?” Catherine mused, much to Father and Devin’s delight as they both laughed loudly at the thought.
Rounding the final corner between immense shrubs, the house came into view and on sight of it both Catherine and Father gasped.
Painted walls in a soft lemon, with black guttering, the house was truly impressive, and a delight to look upon, and so high that the three travellers had no option but to alight from the car, before they could successfully see the rooftop.
With the crunch of the gravel drive beneath their feet, they walked towards the house, “There’s one thing I have to tell you.” Devin began, and Father groaned, “I should have known, what is it Devin, don’t tell me. There is a risk after all, eh?”
Devin shook his head, “No, its not that, the place is secure as you can see, its just that being so popular, the place is fully booked throughout the year, and there is someone here this week. We have to seek their permission before we can look around the house that’s all.”
Father nodded, “Then I apologise. I’m sorry Devin, it seems that I misjudged you yet again.”
“That’s all right dad, old habits die hard, eh?” Devin grinned, and taking hold of his father’s arm, he helped to lead him up towards the great oak doors, where he lifted the brass knocker and let it fall home with a loud bang.
After a few moments, the door was opened, and a cheery face appeared framed by a mop of red hair, a face that Devin recognised, and a huge grin spread over his face, “Tom, Hi. This is my father, Jacob Wells, and the woman I told you about, Catherine Chandler. Is it convenient to come inside?”
The fellow on the other side of the door returned Devin’s smile, “Devin, of course. Its great to see you, we were expecting you. You’ll all stay for dinner I take it?” He stood aside, bidding them entry with the sweep of his arm.
Stepping into the dim interior after the bright sunlight outside, the three took a few moments to accustom their eyes to see the long corridor before them fully, as Tom closed off the daylight from behind, with the closure of the great door, telling them. “You’ve got to be fit to come here, this door alone takes all my strength just to open and close it.”
Father laughed, “I would be no good here then.”
Tom inclined his head, “You won’t be staying here then?” He queried, “I thought you were planning a family holiday here?”
Looking from Devin to Catherine and then back at Tom, Father wasn’t sure how to answer, as Devin came to his rescue, “We’re planning it for a surprise for another member of our family. Dad just wanted to see the place.”
Tom grinned, “Oh I see, well as long as your relative has the strength of an ox, there should be no problem. The security here is that tight, not even the occupants can move about successfully, without being fit.” he laughed, “No seriously, its as safe as houses here, no one can get in, take it from me. Its even difficult to get out of.” he laughed, before continuing, “I’ve been coming here for years, and what few fans have discovered my location, none have been able to find a way in yet.”
“Tom’s a Country and Western singer,” Devin felt compelled to tell Catherine and his father, “We met at a gig he did near my home town.” He fell silent though his lips twitched with mirth at some amusing thought.
Tom noticed, “Did you know your son could sing?” He asked Father, who gasped with pleasure at the revelation, answering, “Well no, it is something Devin always shied away from whenever we had singing lessons Below.”
“Below?” Tom queried.
“I mean at home.” Father’s cheeks reddened, and he chided himself on being so careless.
Tom laughed loudly, “Of course Below, that’s a new one, I must remember it.” He laughed loudly and Father shot Devin a ‘you haven’t told him have you?’ look.
Shaking his head, Devin tried to follow his friend’s reasoning, unsuccessfully, until Tom seeing their perplexed faces, explained, “You know, Down Under, Below, Australia.”
Devin sighed, “Australia, of course,” and nudged his father with an elbow to his side, telling him, “I’d forgotten that you used to refer to our home in Australia, as Below, dad, you had me wondering then as well.”
Quickly Father picked up on the way out of a tricky situation, and went along with his son’s deceit, allowing Tom to believe that he too had lived in Australia for a time, as had Devin. But decided to get away from the subject as quickly as possible, and asked Tom, “So tell me about my son’s singing career?”
Devin groaned, “Not such a career dad.” Hearing Tom’s outburst of laughter, before saying, “Come, let’s go to the dining room, and eat, I will tell you everything there. About how Devin and I met, and about myself, if you are interested.”
All the while Tom had been speaking, Catherine had been trying to establish where she had seen him before. As he opened the dining room door, and a burst of sunlight from the long low windows lit up his features, Catherine knew at once. “Why!” she exclaimed, “I know you. You’ve held a concert in Central Park, not long ago either.”
Tom smiled, “You see before you a chap who came up from the ashes, out of nowhere if you like, and hit stardom overnight. I don’t know how long it will last, but while it does I am enjoying every moment of it, believe me. I’ve just released my third album, and its selling like hot cakes.”
Gesturing for them each to sit around the long polished table, he unfolded a huge white linen tablecloth, and tossed it unceremoniously over the table, smoothing out the creases when it lay flat. “My wife will be down soon, with our twin boys, they’ve been out riding this morning, and smell of horses, but they will join us, when they have showered and changed.”
“Are you here alone, just the four of you, no staff?” Devin asked.
“Yes. We wanted to be totally isolated for a change. I must admit though to finding the isolation a trifle wearisome. Your appearance is a wonderful distraction. I’ve been working on some new songs, but I seem to have lost my inspiration. Maybe while you are here Devin, you could give me a few ideas, as you did before. How long can you stay?”
“Well, dad and Cathy have to return by tonight, but I could stay a couple of days if you like.”
Tom’s face lit up, “That would be great Devin. I could use your help with some lyrics.” He laughed, sending Devin a knowing look, and leaving Catherine and Father with an expression of utter disbelief, “Devin help you?” Father asked, thinking out loud, “With lyrics?” As turning to his son he told him, “My boy, what secrets have you been hiding from us?”
Devin smiled, “Oh you know me dad, I’m a man of many talents.” He mumbled, and heard Tom laugh out loud, obviously remembering some delightful incident that the two of them shared.
“Can I offer you a drink, anyone?” Tom asked, changing the subject, “Tea, coffee, something stronger?”
“Tea would be lovely.” Father replied, whose stomach had begun to think his throat had been cut. It had been several hours since he had partaken of any refreshment.
“I’ll just go and put the kettle on. Please feel free to look around while I am gone. After dinner, I’ll give you a guided tour of the entire house.”
No sooner had the door closed behind him, did Catherine laugh and ask, “So Devin, do tell us about your singing career.”
Devin smiled broadly, “I was drunk.” He told her, as if that answered everything.
“Drunk?” Father prompted.
Devin smiled impishly, “Yes dad, drunk, as in intoxicated, over the top, sloshed, call it what you like, and...” His voice trailed away as he remembered, and he spluttered on his own laughter, leaving Catherine and Father to look from one to the other, knowing it would be impossible to get anything out of him in that state. Finally he went on between fits of giggles, “You’ll...have...to...ask...Tom.” As he wiped away tears of mirth.
“Yes.” Said Father dryly, “I think perhaps we should.”
At that moment, the door creaked, and looking up, the three witnessed two young children peeping around the door and a woman’s voice behind telling them to go on in, as no one would bite them.
Catherine smiled, as two young boys, with the blondest of hair and bluest of eyes, and aged about nine or ten, shuffled into the room nervously, looking at the three strange grown ups, eventually followed by their mother with the same beautiful hair and eyes.
“Hello,” she greeted them warmly, then glancing across at Devin reached out her hands to shake his while telling him, “You must be Devin. Tom described you so well, even if those scars did give you away.” She laughed merrily, and Devin warmed to her instantly, rising from his seat to return her handshake, and to reply, “And you must be Laura. It’s wonderful to meet you at last. Tom has told me all about you, except he failed to say how beautiful you were.” Laura laughed, “Flattery will get you everywhere.” She told him, then turning to Father asked, “And this is?”
“My father.” Devin responded, “and a friend of the family, Catherine Chandler.”
“Pleased to meet you Mr. Wells, and Catherine.” Laura told them both offering her hand.
“Jacob, please.” Father told her, looking at the two boys, who had now taken up their usual places at the dining table, “and these two are...?” He asked her indicating the twins.
Laura laughed, her eyes bright with joy, and Catherine felt her heart somersault in her breast, ‘what would it be like to have two such adorable children, with intense blue eyes’ she wondered dreamily?
“Bill and Ben.” Laura laughed, adding quickly, “Actually its William and Benjamin, but these two adore gardening and the nick-names stuck.”
With impish grins the two boys delighted the three guests, and Laura asked, “Where’s Tom?”
“Gone to fetch some tea.” Devin told her.
“Then if you don’t mind baby sitting a while, I will follow with some lunch. I take it you are all hungry after your drive up here?”
Devin nodded vigorously, making Father laugh, “I’m afraid my son is always hungry. And yes, lunch would be very much appreciated, thank you.”
When Laura had left the room, the twins eyed the three strangers openly, and it didn’t take them many minutes to start a barrage of questions.
“What are you here for?” Asked one, for it was difficult to tell them apart.
Father smiled, “We have come to look at the place.”
“Why?” Asked the other.
Devin told him, “We are thinking of coming here for a weekend, and wanted to check it out first.”
“What do you do?” Asked the first boy. His hair was slightly longer and thicker than that of his brother, and as the three guests looked on at the boys, they did begin to notice subtle differences to tell who was who.
“What do you mean?” Devin asked in response.
“I mean are you a singer too?” The boy replied with interest.
Just at that moment the door opened, and Tom pushed his way in, with an elbow to the door, and his foot to hold it open as he manoeuvred himself with the tea tray in his hands.
“Here let me help you.” Devin left his chair to hold the door open for his friend, as Tom replied, “Thanks Devin.” Then directing his attention to his sons, told them, “Devin is a friend of mine boys. And to answer your question, yes, Devin does sing...badly.”
Devin burst into laughter at the fond memory of their first meeting, as Tom continued, “But his lyrics are pretty good.”
Putting the tray down upon the table, Tom took up seven white cups patterned in blue willow, and carefully poured hot tea into each of them from a very large matching tea-pot. “Do you all take milk and sugar.” He asked, “Tell you what, don’t answer that, I’ll leave the milk jug and sugar bowl here, and you can help yourselves. There’s more tea in the pot if you’d like another too.”
“So tell us about my son’s singing career.” Father asked, not about to let this go, while leaning forwards to put a dash of sugar into his tea, but refraining from adding milk, he preferred herb tea really, but the delicate flavour of earl grey soon had him reaching for a refill.
Tom smiled warmly, as he remembered with fondness the night he and Devin had met.
“I’m afraid your son can’t sing for toffees, and believe me being drunk didn’t help any, but being drunk must have given him the Dutch courage he needed to help me out during a tricky spot.
I hadn’t been singing long in clubs, and so I was still relatively nervous. I’d been signed up for a larger gig, and I started off badly, it was awful, people booed and chucked things at me, and then I seemed to come into my own, and started one of my best performances ever. The crowds loved me, I was thoroughly enjoying myself, and then out of the blue, I saw a fellow that I knew to be an agent. He was there searching for new talent, and at the sight of him I grew nervous again and suddenly I forgot my lines.
I remember trying to grapple with the words in my head, humming through a tune, hoping he wouldn’t notice, until I could remember again, when suddenly this son of yours got up, and started singing words of his own to the tune. They were a bit crude but tastefully so, and everyone started to laugh. Funny thing was the agent thought it was all a part of the act and he loved it, and signed us both up after the show. Would you believe it?
Then I found out that prior to this that the agent had been about to leave when he thought I had forgotten the words, so you could say Devin saved the day, and my career.
However, there was more. Thanks to Devin altering the words to the song, I found the audience really enjoyed the alternative, and often after that I was asked if there were a new version to various songs that I sang. I knew that Devin wasn’t interested in a singing career, but he has the most wonderful sense of humour, and I contacted him, and between us we altered the lyrics to several songs. So much so that the audience are in stitches when I sing them and I have become quite a legend due to it. So I owe such a lot to Devin and I hope that he will continue to come up with some good lines.”
“And Tom in turn pays me a percentage, so it works out well for the both of us.” Devin added, “Especially when I’m out of work.”
“Can you give us an example?” Catherine asked, her eyes lighting up with delight.
“Do you remember the song by Johnny Mathis called a ‘Child Is Born’?” Tom asked her and saw her nod, her eyes bright in expectation. “Then you should hear Devin’s version.”
On cue, Devin started to sing with laughter bubbling in his voice, “ A bar of soap, whizzes round the bath, it goes so fast, it makes my children laugh. All around the bath flies the soap today, this comes to pass when the dirt’s away.”
A roar of laughter followed, even Father couldn’t contain himself, laughter which was quickly joined by Laura who had just stepped backwards through the doorway, dragging behind her a trolley filled with steaming food.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in pleasant exchange of conversation and looking around the large house, until Father looking at his watch, deemed it time to leave.
“It’s been great meeting you.” Tom told him, shaking Father’s hand warmly. “I can see where your son gets his wonderful wicked sense of humour from. Please come again when next we are here. I’d love to spend more time with you.”
Father agreed, as he took one long, wistful look at the beautiful house and grounds and settled himself into the front seat of the car alongside Catherine sat behind the wheel.
Devin was the last to get in, having promised to see them as far as the gates and then to walk back to the house to spend a few days with Tom and his family, but the twins were holding on to him, reluctant to let him go.
“I won’t be gone long, I promise.” Devin told them.
“You’ll be back?”
“Yes. I just want to speak to my father in private, and then yes, I promise, I’ll be right back.”
“Will you come riding with us tomorrow?”
“I’d like that, yes, I could do with the practice.” He winked at Catherine, and extracting himself from the boys hands, he managed to slide onto the rear seat and close the door.
“They really love you Devin.” Catherine told him as she pulled away from the house, and the sound of the car tyres crunching on the drive sounded below them.
“They probably feel an affinity towards my son, Catherine, he’s just a big kid himself.” Father laughed, and then harder as he felt Devin nudge him in the back with his foot pressed hard against the seat back.

The drive up to the gates was a pleasant one, each being in a happy frame of mind. And when at last they arrived, Devin got out to unlock the gates, waiting while Catherine drove through, before walking round to stand at his father’s side to ask, “Well, come on, don’t keep me waiting any longer. What do you think?”
For a few minutes Father stroked his beard thoughtfully, before asking, “You will be here?”
“Certainly.”
“Patrolling the fences?”
“And the grounds, you can count on it. I would let nothing happen to Vincent. No one will know he is here dad. I promise you.”
Father remained thoughtful. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Devin or that he didn’t accept that the place appeared sound enough to offer Vincent’s protection. It was finding the courage to agree that was the hardest of all.
Devin smiled knowingly, “Vincent’s not a child anymore dad. I know what you are thinking. It’s hard to let go. Hard to agree to something that has always been denied before. But Vincent is a big boy now, he can look after himself you know.” Devin smiled warmly, “Oh come on dad, what could possibly go wrong?”
“Anything could go wrong Devin and you know it. If he were discovered...”
“And how could that be? We told you. Cathy will hire a van with tinted windows. She and Vincent will travel at night. You’ve seen it, it’s a straightforward journey. Much of it country, and then once here, well you’ve seen the security dad, who would attempt to break in here, eh? Be realistic dad.”
“Have you nothing to say in this?” Father turned to Catherine who had remained silent throughout.
“Plenty.” Catherine replied. “But it is not my position to say so. You have to make up your own mind Father. If I wanted to do, I could pursued you to let Vincent come here, but that would make you uneasy when you had time to dwell on it. I feel as does Devin, the place is sound, the journey an easy one, and above all Vincent would love it here. That’s all I have to say on the matter.”
Thoughtfully, Father continued to stroke his beard. Both of them were right. And would it really be so difficult to say yes? Hadn’t Vincent been denied so much already? For once, he saw that every avenue had been explored, and as much for his own satisfaction as for Vincent’s safety.
These two people had examined every eventuality, and purely from their love to let another enjoy the life that he so deserved.
Slowly, Father found himself nodding, and words soon followed, “All right...” He was not allowed to say more. Catherine twisted in her seat and hugged him tightly, her eyes bright with tears of joy. Devin reached through the car window to take up his father’s hands within his own, and thanked him sincerely, “That’s great dad. You won’t regret this, I promise you.”
And Father, unable to stop his own tears from falling at their expression of love and delight, could only mutter a trifle anxiously, “Well, I had better not.”

A warmth rippled through Vincent as he idly sorted books inside his chamber. Books he had sorted several times that day, aimlessly trying to re-direct his thoughts on to more mundane things.
He knew that Father had gone with Catherine to meet Devin at some secret location, a place, to which he was not to be party to, unless Father agreed to let it be so. And the mixed emotions he had felt coming from Catherine all day had concerned him greatly. At times anxious, or mildly excited, and at others an overwhelming curiosity emitted through the Bond from her to him and Vincent could only surmise at all that was taking place.
When at last he felt the ripple of warm delight and excitement flow through the Bond, he at once composed himself to listen, and found that Catherine’s emotions were quickly chased away by his own doubts and fears.
Whatever had been planned for him would be enjoyable, but deep down inside he knew there were underlying reasons for this trip away. Reasons, which he did not want to think about, let alone embark upon just yet, if ever.
He’d been left in no doubt after the talk he’d had with Devin. And if that wasn’t enough, then the Bond transmitted all of Catherine’s desires to him in no uncertain terms, leaving him knowing what would be expected of him during this weekend away.
Shuffling the books into some sort of correct order without actually watching what he was doing, Vincent next picked up his cloak and headed for the mirror pool, a place of tranquillity where he went to unravel his turbulent thoughts. A much frequented place of late, since Catherine’s desire to deepen their relationship had become so apparent.
Reaching his favourite spot, he bent down to sit with legs wound beneath him, and stared at the shimmering pool before him. If only life was as perfect as the crystal water, he thought to himself, as the water reflected the sun’s brilliance from some hidden source, and at night reflected the twinkling stars so clearly that to be there, beside the pool, was better than seeing the real thing at first hand, since there were no lights to obscure the beauty of the heavens, there Below.
Yet life was not perfect, and as if to prove that even mirrors had defects, some stones caught beneath his boot, and fell into the water causing ripples to spread outwards, and obscure his vision of the sky above.
Why was life never simple?
Once he had roamed this underground world alone and had surmised that this would be his lot in life.
When other tunnel dwellers grew up and met someone to spend their lives with, Vincent had known with a conviction as solid as the rock around him, that such a love would never come his way. No-one would look at him with desire. If nothing else, his experience with Lisa had taught him that.
And then suddenly, Catherine had entered his life and turned everything upside down.
Vincent smiled, exhaling a short burst of laughter as thoughts of Catherine filled his mind.
Since knowing her, the aloneness he had once come to accept as his future had become a thing of the past. Oh, he’d had people around him all his life, but only with Catherine did he have a connection. And never had he experienced anything like it before with anyone else. It was hard to know why he had this connection with Catherine, and though he cherished the Bond that they shared, sometimes it would seem to him that everything would have been simpler if he had continued to live his life the way he had, in the days before he had met her.
Once, he had only his outward differences to cope with. Now, with each passing day, it became more and more painful in denying his inner differences, an inner need to love Catherine, a need which frightened him by its intensity.
As his hands lay in his lap, Vincent looked at them. Raising them until they were level with his eyes, and he wondered for the umpteenth time, how Catherine could bear to let him touch her with such hands, why she did not cringe when he did so, and then instantly remembering her own words to him, “these hands are beautiful, these hands are my hands,” he’d been awed by her declaration, silenced by her total acceptance of him.
The mirror pool was still once more, as clear as crystal, and leaning forwards, Vincent stared at his own image reflected in the depths. How often had he looked there, and before closing his eyes had wished to be a man, only to open them again, and see not the face of the man he had wished for, but the beast looking back at him as before?
Inside, Vincent felt like a man. His outward appearance lied to him as to who he really was. Was it possible then that through their connection, that Catherine too, could see the man inside?
A shiver passed through Vincent at this thought.
If that were possible, then could he continue to deny her?
As a man he could love her, the way she craved to be loved. The way he needed to love her.
He’d lost count of the many nights he had lain awake, fighting the urge to go to her. His body aroused and feverish as her passion transmitted itself along their connection enfolding him in her desire. Remembering these things, Vincent closed his eyes. For how much longer could he fight against the pull of her desire for him?
Remembering his conversation with Devin, Vincent could not stop the chuckle that rose and escaped from him, as his brother’s words came clearly to mind.
They had been swimming in the lower levels, a pass-time which brought back memories of their boyhood, days pretending to be Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer off on another adventure, when as if by some internal clock, both had left the pool at the same moment to sit at the water’s edge.
“Wow Vincent!” Devin had exclaimed, casting his eyes downwards into the region of Vincent’s groin, “Isn’t that painful?” he pointed.
Vincent stood up, turning to face his brother, “Is what painful?” he asked innocently though a blush stained his neck and worked its way upwards to infuse his cheeks, becoming deeper when Devin remarked casually, “Sit down Vincent” and then quite wickedly, added, “Stop pointing that thing at me, it might go off.”
Vincent sat back down at once, placing both hands over his groin, while his eyes took on a distant look.
“What is it Vincent?” Devin queried, after a long silence between them had lapsed, and Devin noticing that his brother’s erection had not diminished any, had mumbled, “I’m sure it must be painful.”
Directing his attention back to his brother, Vincent could only nod. “Nothing I seem to do lessens the pain.” he spoke frankly, “And when Catherine is near...” his words trailed away, and Devin understood at once, ... “it makes matters worse huh?” he asked gently.
“Yes.” was all Vincent could say, looking down at his hands, as if their covering of him would make the problem go away.
“How long has it been like that?” Devin asked, his concern evident.
Vincent sighed, hanging his head so that his great mane of hair fell forward concealing the misery in his eyes, “It never seems to go down.” he muttered, embarrassed.
“Does Father know?”
Vincent looked up startled, “No. Why should he?”
“I mean, have you told him about it, I mean the, er, problem?”
“No...How could I?”
“He might have something, know a way... Hell Vincent, he’s a doctor, he might be able to suggest something...” Devin’s concern gave way to humour, “mind you, I too could suggest something, but I doubt you’d want to hear it.” He added mischievously.
Smiling, Vincent looked at his brother, caught his humour, and told him, “I’m not sure that I want to hear it...but tell me anyway.”
Devin chuckled, “Well you can’t deny that the answer is obvious.”
“Obvious?” Vincent was playing for time, he knew it and Devin knew it. Vincent did not want to hear the answer that was staring him in the face. For now he could hide from the answer, and words would only bring everything out into the open, but Devin was not to be put off.
“You have to make love to her Vincent.” Devin told him quietly, his words tinged with concern. “You can no longer deny your own need... Not if that is anything to go by” he added, nodding in the direction of his brother’s groin.
Vincent sighed deeply, and admitted, “It is what I want more than anything...” his voice trailing away, as he realised he had spoken his thoughts out loud, and blushed, before accepting the inevitable, already he had said enough, and besides since his own body had betrayed him, there was nothing left to hide anymore.
“It doesn’t have to be so difficult Vincent. Look, lets face it, you know it is time. The relationship you two have shared has deepened beyond mere friendship Vincent, you know that deep down don’t you?”
“Yes...” Vincent admitted reluctantly, adding, “and if I was not...”
Devin cut him short, “Now quit saying that! If I was not as I am, really Vincent, just look at yourself! You are reacting the same way as any red blooded male would around the woman he loves, this is no animal instinct Vincent, this is human. Just look at the evidence for goodness sake!”
Reluctantly Vincent looked. Devin was right, the evidence did speak for itself.
Exasperated, Devin sighed, “you just don’t believe how easy it is do you?”
“No.” Vincent whispered, unable to meet his brother’s eyes, “I have no experience in that area.”
“You don’t need it Vincent. Okay, so, the first time is a little...er...how can I put it...trial-some perhaps, embarrassing maybe, but hell, once you get into the passion bit everything just sort of flows naturally, it takes no conscious thought, it just happens, and you’d be amazed at how quickly too.” He laughed remembering his own first time, “ and then, wow, there’s no stopping you. Believe me.” He laughed heartily now.
Vincent was not convinced, and kept his gaze fixed firmly on his hands.
Devin sighed, “Look, take it from me Vincent, you are no different from the next man, not when it comes to love. Okay, so outwardly you look different, but how do you feel inside?”
“How do you mean?”
“You want me to be blunt? What am I talking to here, a lion or a human being?”
Vincent looked up sharply, a growl issuing from his throat, and Devin shuffled away a little, remembering all too clearly that other time when he had ruffled Vincent’s temper. Raising his hands to ward off any attempt to strike him again, Devin apologised, “I’m sorry Vincent that was out of line.”
“No.” Vincent looked away again, “You weren’t, its just...”
“That you hate references made towards your other self, as I said I’m sorry, I should never have put it like that Vincent.”
“It is I, who should apologise, you were only trying to help me see the distinction. And yes, you succeeded, I do indeed, feel as a man, inside, deep, deep down inside. It is only when I see a reflection of myself, or when I look at these hands that I know differently. How can one, such as I, dare to love any woman, but especially a woman as beautiful as Catherine.”
“If you believed it were possible, then it would be.” Devin ventured. “You only have to believe in it. Look repeat after me, ‘I Vincent Wells...’ he paused.
“Well go on.”
Vincent hesitated before speaking, “I Vincent Wells.” he repeated wondering what was coming next, as Devin went on, “will make love to Catherine Chandler.”
Vincent bulked, the words ‘will’ and ‘make’ came out, but then he stopped dead unable to go on.
“Come on Vincent, you can do it. Just four little words to finish. Just let your own ears hear your own mouth say it.”
“No...I cannot.”
“Yes you can.”
“No.”
“Then you are gonna be in for a lot more pain little brother, because unless you are going to tell Father about this embarrassing problem of yours, its not gonna go away, not unless you take endless cold showers to ease it yourself, though let’s face it, why do you need to take such drastic measures, when Catherine is more than willing to help you, is she not?”
Vincent’s face reddened, this conversation was becoming more and more uncomfortable by the minute, and he wished it were over so that he could crawl away and hide. Yet in some delicious way he craved it, for never had he been able to speak of this problem with anyone, and it did him good to be able to do so, even if he did not approve of his brother’s remedy for the relief of it.
“Perhaps things will develop easier for you when we take you away for the weekend.” Devin mused.
Vincent raised his head sharply, “You seem sure of yourself, Father might not approve it.”
“Oh he will, don’t worry about that Vincent, its a fantastic place, and what we have planned for you, well believe me, you are going to love it.” Devin smiled wondering what his brother would make of the activity planned for that weekend.
“Yet you will be there too?” Vincent was clearly puzzled.
Devin chuckled, “Oh yes, this wonderful surprise was actually my idea, but believe me, Vincent, I too am looking forward to it immensely.”
Vincent drew his brows together, “Can you not give me the slightest hint, just so I could be prepared?”
“Nope, I promised Catherine.” He drew his lips into a thin line with humour before adding, “Well maybe just an incy wincy one. Let’s just say that the experience will roll nightmares and dreams into one, and both will become reality, and both will be enjoyed immensely, though I rather think that making the dreams come true will depend largely on you.”
Vincent drew his brows together, totally confused, “What kind of clue is that?”
“The only one you are going to get little brother.” Devin’s smile lit his eyes, “Don’t worry Vincent, we have planned something wonderful for you, the estate is a wonderful place, there’s a huge house and the grounds for you and Catherine to have fun in, so just look forward to it Vincent. We wouldn’t let anything happen to you, you know that, and I’ve waited a long time to show you the sunshine”.
Vincent gasped, stunned with pleasure, he whispered, “I will see the sunshine?” he had never even considered the possibility of this.
“But of course. Vincent there is no-one there, we have the entire estate to ourselves, and the deer, and Catherine can’t wait to show you those. Why shouldn’t you be able to go outside in the daylight?”
As his blue eyes filled with excitement, Vincent could only reply, “I never dreamt, I had assumed everything would be done at night.”
“Well, I have to confess that the bulk of your surprise will be at night, but the daytime is yours too. However, perhaps the night time activities will leave you too tired to do anything but sleep during the day.” Devin laughed, and Vincent knew that they were back to that other problem, and he fell silent once again, making Devin wish he could retract those last words, and sought for something to say in the hope of smothering them, “Well, I’m hungry,” he said at last, making to stand, and gathered up his clothing to dress, “ Are you ready to go back now?”
Vincent nodded, his mind a whirl, there was so much to think about, and for the first time since he had heard of this proposed trip away, a tiny flutter of excitement swept through him about the possibility of seeing the sunshine! As to the other surprises, well, his heart hammered painfully in his chest when he thought of those...for among them was that other problem, the one he was not yet prepared to face, if ever, and Catherine’s burgeoning emotions as she tried to suppress her excitement for their time away could not be ignored.
No, whatever surprises were in store for that weekend, Vincent was left in little doubt that there was an over-riding reason for his being taken along there, and he could no longer deny how his own body betrayed him even now, as it shuddered at the prospect of what lay ahead, a long shudder that trembled through his body, but settled in that region, that these days, all too often, led him as a slave.

As Vincent’s thoughts came back to the present, he smiled ruefully, for since that day he and Devin had spoken, nothing had changed.
These past few weeks, as the planned weekend came ever closer, Vincent found himself almost hoping that when Father viewed the place he would find some fault with the whole idea, and would refuse to let Vincent go. But, later that day, as Catherine’s excitement transmitted itself through their connection to him, Vincent had known for a certainty that Father’s fears had been smoothed away, and he would be coming home that night with the good news that Vincent could, in fact, go.

Shaking his head, so that his long mane framed his eyes, Vincent was suddenly filled with trepidation, and knew only one thought...escape...he had to get away, go deep into the subterranean world, and stay there for as long as it took to make Catherine realise that he simply was not ready for this forward move in their relationship, and he never would be!

The New York city lights, spread out across the park, a haze of neon, and flashing brilliance, from red to gold and ivory, as one by one the inhabitants of the city reached their apartments at the end of a long and busy day, and flicked on switches.
Catherine was no exception, unlocking her apartment door, she felt with one arm around the wall to reach the light switch, before the rest of her body followed, then pushing the door closed with one foot, Catherine flung her bag onto one of her dinky sofa’s and hugged herself tightly with happiness.
She couldn’t believe it! Father approved! What’s more, he would sway the council, of that she was certain, and then in just a few short weeks, she and Vincent, along with Devin would share the most wonderful weekend away. It was almost too good to be true.
Crossing the room, towards the balcony, Catherine wondered if Vincent might come to her. He would, of course, feel her excitement, and even as she thought it, Father would have no doubt arrived Below to announce the good news. And how would Vincent react to that?
Catherine knew he had his misgivings, in many respects he had been bulldozed into the situation without any real regard for his feelings on the matter, yet how could he deny her this, especially after the last time, when she had wanted to take him away for a few days to see the glade in the mountains, a place of her childhood? He had decided at that time against going, for the benefit of the tunnel dwellers, surely this time he would not disappoint her?
Catherine tried to shake off her misgivings, but as she made her way from the balcony towards the bathroom to shower and change out of the day’s grime from the long journey, she could not prevent a niggling feeling eat at her, telling her that something was not as it should be, and she returned to the balcony concentrating hard, searching deeply inside herself, trying to establish what the problem was.
Oftentimes, just lately, the Bond that she shared with Vincent had grown stronger, and she was able to feel him, as he could her, being able to tell when he was anxious or apprehensive about a situation, and this was just one of those times.
Catherine waited by the balcony for some time, looking out over the city, the various colours beckoning to her through other apartment windows. How Vincent loved their window to the world. So many diffused colours to look at, as lights from within shone through the curtains covering the very many windows.
She did not know how long she stood there, but Catherine soon knew that Vincent would not be coming, and with a sigh of regret Catherine made her way slowly to the bathroom, to take a much needed shower.
Allowing the hot water to cascade over her weary body some moments later, Catherine shut her eyes, drawn by the pleasure of her own hands soaping and caressing her body, she imagined that it were Vincent’s hands travelling across her luscious curves, his kisses that touched her skin, rather than the hot droplets of water, and Catherine moaned with pleasure, and for the umpteenth time she wondered, how would it feel to be loved by him? Would she ever know?
Devin had told her that Vincent did want to love her, and even if she had not heard those words spoken by his brother, Catherine would have known the truth of that. For so many times lately, Vincent had left her hurriedly after holding her closer than was usual, harder than was usual, his voice husky with an emotion that was new to him, as he bid her a regretful farewell, all those little signs showed her the truth that Vincent was finding it equally as hard to fight the growing temptation between them, the intense need to satisfy and be satisfied.
Since she began setting her sights firmly on that weekend in the country, now less than a month away, Catherine had thought of little else each time she saw Vincent, shamelessly imagining him without his layers of clothing, wondering what hidden treasures would eventually lay bare before her hungry eyes. As such imaginings, found their way to Vincent’s mind, he had grown uncomfortable, and had excused himself not long after arriving at the balcony, much to Catherine’s disappointment and at times amusement. That she was getting to him was perfectly obvious, and that too was worthy of hugging herself with glee.

Showered and changed, Catherine checked the clock with some dismay. He definitely wasn’t coming. Catherine felt so sad.
Perhaps her blatant need for his physical presence had frightened him away.
Catherine chuckled with some amusement as she thought about how, in the face of all the terrible dangers that Vincent had overcome throughout his life, all it took was a woman with a view to lustful passion to frighten him away!
Yet Catherine had really wanted to see him this night. There had been so much that she had wanted to tell him.
‘Oh well’, she sighed ruefully, as she slipped between the cool silk covers of her bed, ‘there is always tomorrow’, adding just to reassure herself, ‘and you can’t run for ever Vincent Wells...not if I have anything to do with it.’
Catherine smiled into the darkness, her heart complete, ‘soon all our dreams will come true. I promise my love, I promise.’