TBD

by Zarek Dragon

It was a hot day in July, and Daniel R. Hampton was at the beach with his husband, Derek and their son, Chase. While sitting and watching Chase build a sand castle, Daniel and Derek chatted. Years ago, Daniel had completed the family tree of a very wealthy man, and while the man paid him well, he was also elderly, had no heirs and made Daniel the beneficiary of his entire estate. The man died on the 30^th of June and Daniel was told about his newly found wealth on his birthday, the 3^rd of July. Derek looked at Daniel, "I am flattered that you are asking me, but it was left to you. What you do with it is totally your call."

"No, Derek," Daniel countered, "you are my husband and as such, I believe you have a right to say what we do with it. Besides, I will not move into that mansion unless I have you with me."

"Well, I didn't say I wouldn't move with you, but I don't want you thinking that I expect half. It was given to you."

"And what's mine is yours, for better or worse. Where's Chase?" Daniel noticed that the ten-year-old boy was no longer working on his sand castle.

"There he is, sitting at the edge of the ocean," Derek pointed him out.

The day was a beautiful day, but that all changed suddenly. Men wearing black outfits stormed the 1000 Steps Beach, firing AK47's. Derek made a dash for Chase, but was gunned down before he took two steps. Daniel was frantic seeing this. "Chase, get in the water!" he yelled just before he was cut in half by the automatic gunfire.

Chase did as he was told, but he only went far enough so that he was barely visible, but could see everything. Everyone on the beach was slaughtered; men, women and children.

After the gunmen left, Chase swam back to shore. He went to where Daniel and Derek were laying and cried. The police finally came and took him away from the scene. Children's Services contacted Daniel's lawyer to see who he and Derek named as guardian for Chase in the event of their deaths. Next, they called Leonard Williams, Daniel's closest friend; they were closer than brothers.

Leonard flew from Seattle to Los Angeles, where he was reunited with Chase. The lawyer told him, "With you taking custody of the boy, you will have the right to live in either Daniel and Derek's house, or the mansion he had just inherited. You will also be given a thousand dollars a week to use however you see fit, provided the young man is well taken care of. I must advise you, those funds will cease on Chase's eighteenth birthday as he will receive everything at that time."

Lenny acknowledged that he understood, then asked Chase if he wanted to live in the mansion, the house or go to Seattle. "The mansion, Uncle Lenny," Chase was quick to state.

"I believe that I will move into the mansion with the boy," Lenny proclaimed.

"Very well. I will be sure that you receive a key."

Over the next seven years, Lenny watched Chase grow up to be a good-looking young man. The boy walked up to him, "Uncle Lenny, would you be upset if I said that I would like to spend a year in Japan? You'd be welcome to join me, or stay here and watch the house while I am away."

"Chase, may I ask why you want to go to Japan?"

"In the movie, Bruce Wayne went to Japan to learn how to fight so he could avenge his parents. I'd like to do the same."

"You do realize that was, as you said, a movie, and chances of you ever seeing those men are slim to none. And, did you ever see their faces?"

"One guy did remove his hood once he thought everyone was dead. I described him as best as I could to the police, but my description could have been for almost anyone. I remember that he had light brown hair and his nose was distinctive. It was long and pointy and made me think of a woodpecker. If I ever see his face, I will remember it. I have it etched into my brain."

"Anything else?"

"He was white, but other than that, they were all wearing black outfits that covered every inch of them, except their eyes and the surrounding skin."

Lenny shook his head, "Not much to go on. I don't mean to discourage you, but it has been seven years. Chances of them ever getting caught are slim to none. Still, if you want to go to Japan, I won't stop you. I will stay here, preparing for when you turn eighteen and I have to move."

Chase shook his head, "You never have to move, Uncle Lenny. Even when I turn eighteen, you will be welcome to live here, and while the funds you get may get reduced since you will no longer have to pay for my needs, I want you to receive enough on a weekly basis that you won't have to work."

"You are a good young man, Chase."

"Ever since Dad adopted me, he taught me to treat others like I want to be treated. Then when you took over, I saw you handing money to some disabled vets. You know, Dad served in the Navy during the Vietnam War; he would have been happy seeing you help that vet with the "The Mighty B" jacket and Vietnam Vet hat on."

Lenny helped Chase pack, then they hugged and Chase went to the airport. When Chase landed in Japan, Lenny lost all track of him, but had faith that the boy knew what he was doing.

Lenny hadn't heard anything from Chase in six months and he was starting to worry. He started to wish that he would have gone with him. When someone opened the front door, Lenny went toward it. He wasn't expecting anyone, so he thought someone was breaking in. He was relieved to see Chase standing there. He ran up to him and hugged him, "When I didn't hear anything in all this time, I was worried. I am glad to see you."

"I missed you, too, Uncle Lenny. You should check out the car I plan to buy."

"A car? We have the Chevy Camaro, and you know you can use it whenever you want."

"And that's a good car for everyday use, but I want something for when I do my patrols."

"Patrols? Chase, please tell me that you are not planning to play Batman."

"No, I will not be pretending that I am Batman, but I do want to do something like he did. What good will having all this money be if I can't do something to help those around me?"

"Have you been reading a site called Story Lover?"

"Ummm, yeah. And yes, I am gay. What are you getting at?"

"There is a story called Priorities where the main protagonist makes the comment, 'what good is money if I can't help people,' or something along those lines."

"Someone says it in Another Chance, too."

"As long as you do not break any laws, and you keep yourself safe, I won't stop you, but have you thought about taking on a partner? I really don't like the idea of you single-handedly trying to help the city."

"I was thinking, if I could adopt a sixteen- or seventeen-year-old boy, but I can't adopt until I am eighteen in April."

"You have three months and thirteen days until then."

"Yeah, the twenty-first."

"Perhaps you and I could go. I would do the actual adopting, but I want someone that you feel you can train. Don't get me wrong, I am still not happy with the idea, but if you are dead set to do it, I guess I can be your Alfred."

"I love you, Uncle Lenny."

In the morning, Lenny took Chase to the group home. Headmaster Darryl D Douglas met them in the lobby. "How may I be of assistance, gentlemen?"

"My nephew would like to take in a boy, around sixteen years of age, give or take, who seems unlikely to be adopted, so that he can give the boy a better chance of survival."

"And how old are you, young man?"

"I am only seventeen, but my uncle will do the actual adopting."

"You want someone close to your age? No offense, but are you gay?"

"I see what you are thinking, and while I am gay, I don't have that in mind. But to be honest, if we do feel a chemistry, I won't discourage it, either. I merely want a young man who I can help. He can be gay or straight."

"Thank you for your honesty. If you simply said that you weren't looking for a lover, I might not have believed you. I sense that you are sincere."

After about ten minutes, Lenny and Chase were led outside to the yard. Two teenage boys were sitting at a table. Douglas introduced them, "Gentlemen, this is Robbie Gordan and Kash Gamin. Robbie is fifteen and Kash just turned sixteen on Christmas Eve. Boys, these gentlemen are looking to provide a home for a boy. I will give you some time to chat together, and then you may conduct individual interviews if you would like." Chase looked at Kash and felt an immediate attraction; he felt a stirring below.

"Are you gay?" Robbie asked.

"What? Ummm, does it matter?" Chase asked. He wondered, 'Did the boy sense my desire to get to know Kash?'

"Yes, I don't want some pansy ass faggot queer adopting me."

Lenny didn't hesitate to correct the boy, "Perhaps that attitude is why you aren't adopted yet. We hadn't even spoken yet, and you were quite rude."

"Whatever, I'm out of here," Robbie declared as he went inside.

"I know why I've not been adopted," Kash spoke quietly. "I am not ashamed to admit that I am gay, but usually, everyone leaves at that point."

"We are still here, Kash," Lenny averred. "It doesn't matter to us if you are gay or straight. Chase and I are gay, but we are not looking for a boy to play with." Then he took time to introduce himself and Chase.

Chase went into a little detail of what he wanted to do. He left out the "crime-fighting" aspect as he didn't want to mention that in front of Douglas. Plus, he didn't want the boy to think that if he accepted, he would be obligated. When he finished, Chase smiled, "Until we know each other, I will not consider dating, but I will be your friend and help you as best as I can. Once we have gotten to know each other, we can discuss dating if we both are interested. For now, I merely want someone for whom I can provide a better life, and hopefully, they will be willing to learn martial arts and help me."

"Seriously?!?" Kash perked up. "Don't get me wrong, I think you are really cute, so I wouldn't mind getting to know you and maybe dating, but I've always wanted to learn martial arts."

"Sounds good to me. If you would like to live at the mansion for some time and see if we can improve your life, I would like to take you home with us. You will have your own bedroom."

"Can we do that tonight?"

"You are not going to address him saying that he would date you?" Douglas inquired.

"I thought I did," Chase explained. "Did I not state that we cannot even consider dating until we know each other?"

"That was before he made the comment."

"But I still understand what he is saying," Kash pleaded. "Can I go visit with him for a few days and see if it'll work out?"

"Today is Tuesday. I can allow you to stay for the rest of this week, but you will have school work to make up for when you return."

"Thank you, Mr. Douglas," Kash was excited.

Kash grabbed what he needed, then followed Lenny and Chase to their car.

Seeing the vehicle, Kash asked, "Is THIS your car? Nice..."

Once they were at the mansion, Chase grabbed Kash's bag. "Can I show you the bedrooms? Then you may choose which one you would like to use, other than mine or Uncle Lenny's."

"Can I have the one beside yours?"

"If you would like. Uncle Lenny's is across the hall from me, so, that one is available."

"Lunch will be ready in an hour, then you boys have schooling. Chase, your stay in Japan and studying there put you ahead of schedule, but don't think I am going to let you slack for one second. And Kash, I would like to assess where you are in your studies. If you become a resident of this household, you will be homeschooled; I want to know where you stand academically."

Chase let Kash check out all the bedrooms, then he told the boy that any of them would work, but Kash chose the one beside Chase's. Chase sat on the bed while Kash put what little clothes he had in the dresser. "If you would like, you can hang your shirts and pants," Chase suggested.

"In the home, everything went in the dresser. Space was much needed, so none of the rooms had closets."

"I'm hoping that you won't stay in that home for any longer than necessary to get papers filed."

"That would be nice. Mr. Douglas is a great guy, but some of the other boys taunt me for being gay. Not in front of Mr. Douglas, that man won't stand for any bullying."

"What does Mr. Douglas think about you being gay?"

"He said that if God made me gay, I shouldn't be ashamed of it, that God doesn't make mistakes."

"I can agree with that." Chase flashed a smile.

"So, are you seriously just looking to help a boy get a better chance at life, or do you have a secret agenda that you didn't share?"

Chase started telling Kash about what happened and what he planned to do. He told him that while he did want Kash to learn martial arts and help him hone his skills, it would be his choice whether he took the risk of going out with him. "Don't think that you are obligated, but I would like a partner out there. It would be safer if I had someone watching my back as I did theirs."

"Well, I seriously would like to learn martial arts, but I don't know about going out, fighting bad guys."

"That is understandable, and I will be happy to train you. As I said, you are in no way obligated to go. I'm just hoping to put away the guys who killed my fathers, though I may never know, even if I do put them away."

"And you're not disappointed in me for being a little afraid?"

"Pffft, I'd worry if you weren't. I'm a little afraid, but I think I can make a difference."

"So, will you be wearing tights and have cool gadgets like Batman, and a car?"

"I will wear a dark blue body suit resembling a ninja gi with a blue dragon on my left. As for gadgets, I don't have a guy doing research and development like Bruce Wayne had, so I will be sticking with martial art weapons. And for the car, I am buying a 2018 McLaren 720s. It will be dark blue, and have some polymer chemical shell that will make it bullet resistant. I'm having a blue dragon over a yin-yang symbol air-brushed onto the hood, and the headlights are made to look like blue dragon eyes staring at you. I'm naming the car Goo after a character in a story I read. I still need to order it, but am hoping it will be at the dealership on my birthday."

Kash fidgeted in his seat, "After I've learned some martial arts, I may change my mind and want to go out with you."

"Totally your decision, but part of me doesn't want you with me. I want you to be safe."

Kash looked confused, "I thought you wanted a partner out there?"

"I do, and part of me wants that to be you, but my heart wants you to stay safe."

Kash smiled, "But I want you safe, too. If you're going out, I might worry too much if I'm not out with you."

"I've already decided, if you want to live here, I want us to adopt you. I really like you Kash, and definitely want to be friends, if not more."

"In the few hours since we've met, I know that I will be happy here, very happy. And I want to at least be friends, and I think I would like more."

The boys went down to eat lunch. Chase told Uncle Lenny that Kash would like to live with them and he would like for Kash to, as well.

 "Then once I get you boys started on your scholastics, I will make the call," Lenny offered.

"You will love our instructor. His name is Aiden Lambert, and he tells some of the best stories. And he's kinds cute," Chase informed Kash.

Friday morning, there was someone ringing the doorbell frantically. Kash went downstairs to answer it, with Chase following and Lenny shortly behind. When the door opened, there was a deputy standing there. "It's eight in the morning, Deputy. How may I help you?" Lenny asked.

"Are you Leonard Williams, sir?"

"I am."

"Sir, I hate doing this so early, but it was urgent. You've been served."

Lenny accepted the subpoena from the deputy, not sure why he would have been subpoenaed. He read it and then shouted, "Boys, get dressed. We have a court date in less than an hour."

The boys rushed to look presentable and they arrived at the courthouse at ten minutes before nine. They walked into the courtroom and took a seat. After ten minutes, a bailiff called out, "All rise, this court is now in session. Those with business before His Honor, Judge Nick Zeigler, please remain. Everyone else, if you would vacate the room, this is a closed session.

Only Lenny, the two boys and Mr. Douglas remained. The Bailiff announced, "The State vs Leonard Williams in regards to the custody of Kash Gamin."

"Mr. Douglas, would you like to start?"

"Yes, Your Honor. I have conducted a thorough background check on Mr. Williams and his charge, Chase Hampton. Aside from a few minor incidents, the only issue I saw was the fact that Chase's family was murdered before his eyes when he was a young child. He went through counseling, and the counsellor believes that he is perfectly normal. I have spoken with Kash and he says that he likes this 'family,' therefore, it is my position that the adoption be granted."

"Kash, I was going to ask you if that is correct, but I can see from your big smile that it is."

"Yes, Your Honor. I feel wanted for once, and I know Chase truly wants to be my friend. I would do almost anything you asked if it meant being adopted by Uncle Lenny."

"Don't you mean Dad?" the judge questioned. "I am granting temporary custody of Kash Gamin to Leonard Williams. As of right now, he is your father. If after six months, both parties would like to make it permanent, I will do so. Court is adjourned."

After the judge went to his chambers, Mr. Douglas approached Kash, "I am happy for you. I called the court this morning to see when an available time slot would be available, and they gave me this time. I hope that I didn't alarm anyone with the rush job, but I did what I thought was right."

Kash wrapped his arms around his former Headmaster, "While we did have to rush, I am glad that you did. I will miss you, but I know I will be happy."

"You didn't leave much at the Home, but you can stop by anytime you like to pick it up."

"I may stop just to visit, but what I left, you can give to Robbie and thank him for making it easier for me to get adopted."

"Knowing him, he'll just throw it away."

"That's his choice. None of it really means anything to me."

I hope you enjoy this story and that it draws you in, wanting more. If you have any suggestions or concerns, don’t hesitate to email me.  Thoughts and suggestions are always welcomed and may or may not be implemented. Concerns will be considered and addressed as much as possible.

Please contact me at Zarek Dragon. Please let me know that you read it on The Story Lovers' Website or which ever Fort Family Site you did read it on.