Part 3
Eight years later
Dave looked at a Aaron appreciatively and knew he was very lucky to have such a handsome man as his mate. Aaron was now 26 years old and had matured considerably, since the two of them had started making love when he was 18 and even more from the abused 14-year-old boy that he had rescued a dozen years previously. Aaron had changed so much in those dozen years and Dave was immensely proud of him. The two of them had been dating openly for the last couple years, since their ages were closer, since six years meant nothing and really they looked around the same age as Aaron had aged, to where you couldn't really tell that he wasn't 30, as he definitely didn't look 26. Oh, he still looked young, just like he did, but definitely a few years older than his actual age, as he just had that kind of face.
Dave had every intention of proposing tonight, just as he had promised Aaron he would when he had still been just an 18-year-old young man, one who had just reached his maturity.
"Ready to go?" Dave asked smiling, as he watched Aaron finish getting dressed.
"Yes," Aaron answered, as he looked at Dave who stood in the doorway of the bathroom.
"Well, let's go then or we'll be late for our reservation," Dave said smiling then added. "You look good enough to eat, bello."
"Thank you," Aaron smiled at the endearment.
He had gained a lot more self-confidence since he and Dave had, become lovers on his 18th birthday. Dave had been very attentive, but not in a way that he felt smothered, as he let him experience things for himself, but was always there to help out if needed. Because of the way Dave did things he had definitely grown in self-confidence, not that he hadn't had plenty of that when he was 18, but he'd gotten, even more so, as he had grown and experienced different parts of human culture. Also Dave had taught him so much about the human body and about sex in general, that he absolutely adored making love to Dave and vice versa. The two of them spent quite a bit of time in bed with each other, but also Dave had shown him things he doubted he ever would have experienced by himself. Dave had taught him to live his life with honor, honesty integrity, understanding, compassion and kindness and he would never want to disappoint his mentor, his friend, his lover, his mate in anyway, even if he knew Dave would still love him if he did so.
"We had better go before I strip that outfit off you and make love to your gorgeous body," Dave said, almost drooling barely managing to contain his reaction.
"We can do that after we get back," Aaron said smiling.
"Oh, I intend to," Dave grinned. "This is the 8th anniversary of when we first became lovers and also your birthday, so I intend to make love to you all night long, but first we'll go out for a nice dinner and a play."
Aaron had learned to love plays over the last 12 years thanks to Dave and so the two of them went rather frequently to different ones. They also went to the vids and did other things to keep themselves entertained. The two of them often took romantic walks around their property, as they owned quite a few acres.
"Well, I'm certainly looking forward to coming back home," Aaron said smiling, as he imagined the night of lovemaking to come.
"Believe me, so am I," Dave said, smiling.
The two men headed to the car and Aaron got behind the wheel, of the newest model of Lexus, a very expensive brand name, but then Dave would never buy anything except the best.
Dave had bought him a brand-new car, as soon as he got his driver's license and Aaron had treasured it, until he had turned it in about four years ago and bought a new one, as cars only lasted so long after all.
Aaron drove towards the restaurant that they had both chosen and thought about how his life had changed ever since Dave had rescued him at 14 from his parents, particularly his father. He had learned so many things thanks to the other man that he would always be grateful. He wasn't exactly sure what would've happened to him if Dave hadn't intervened and although he wished Dave had done so earlier he also understood that he had no way of knowing that he was being abused until that night.
Aaron loved Dave so much that he knew it was enough to last for an eternity and he assumed he would feel the same way once they found their other mates. He hoped that didn't happen for another few decades anyway, as really he and Dave hadn't been together all that long in that way. Still, it had been a rather interesting and happy eight years for both of them and really a dozen, although they hadn't become lovers until his 18th birthday as Dave's ethics were ironclad on that subject, something he could definitely respect.
"Well, here we are," Aaron said finally.
Dave opened his door while Aaron did the same and the two men entered the restaurant hand in hand.
They were seated right away, as they were well known there, as they probably ate at FjÀderholmarnas Krog at least once a week and the fact that they both were also good tippers had something to do with it as well.
"It's hard to believe we've been together for eight years," Dave said once that food had been served.
"Yeah, I know, the time has passed so quickly," Aaron agreed.
"It does that when you're really happy, Bello," Dave told Aaron. "You've certainly matured in the dozen years I've known you."
"People do that," Aaron said smiling at the man he loved so deeply.
"So no regrets?" Dave asked.
"Absolutely none," Aaron promised him. "I sincerely believe that I never would've been so happy with anyone but you even if my father hadn't..."
"Yes, I know there's no need to bring up painful memories," Dave admonished him gently.
"I suspect that once I had graduated college my parents likely would have tried to arrange a marriage for me, as that still happens even today in some of the wealthiest families. My parents marriage was arranged and I can see them trying to arrange one for their only son. Thanks to your intervention though that didn't happen," Aaron said smiling at the handsome man across the table.
"Glad to be of service," Dave said, smiling.
"I use the word try, because I doubt I would have agreed to be married to some stranger, or even to someone I met a handful of times at high class social functions," Aaron asked.
"Arranged marriages are just antiquated," Dave decided. "I could understand that back when there were far fewer people in the world, but not today, where the population has grown so much."
"Some of the wealthier families in Virginia and elsewhere still do it though," Aaron said
"Well, let's not worry about that," Dave said smiling. "Your father is long dead, and your mother will soon follow him."
The two men chatted about happier subjects like what they wanted to do for the summer as they usually traveled, although not necessarily in the warmer months. Really, they only stayed in Sweden about half a year and traveled for the rest of it.
The two of them finished dinner and then decided to take a walk, before they headed home to make love for what remained of the night.
Dave paid the check and then the two of them strolled out of the restaurant hand-in-hand.
The two said nothing for sometime as they simply enjoyed the beautiful night.
Dave reached into his pocket while Aaron was distracted looking out over the scenery. When Aaron turned back to him Dave was ready.
"Will you marry me?" Dave asked holding out a ring box.
Aaron stood there stunned for a few seconds and then wrapped himself around Dave kissing him for all he was worth.
"Is that yes," Dave teased him.
"You already know the answer to that," Aaron told him smiling. "I mean we are mates and you turned me immortal quite some time ago, so it's not like I'm going to say no."
"Still, I did tell you I would propose once you were a little older so that we looked similar in age," Dave said. "I figured doing it on our anniversary and also your birthday was appropriate."
"Ever the romantic," Aaron teased him, though inwardly he was touched, even as Dave slipped the engagement ring onto his finger.
"So I'm assuming you don't want anything complicated like most women do," Dave said.
"No, I say we just get married in a fast civil ceremony," Aaron said.
"Alright, whatever you want is fine," Dave said by way of agreement. "We might not get off so easy if one of our mates happens to be female."
"Well, that's for the future," Aaron said. "I think it's time to go home so we can make love."
"What a great idea," Dave said grinning from ear to ear he was so happy. "It is our anniversary and your birthday after all."
"And what better way to celebrate?" Aaron grinned.
"Exactly," Dave agreed wholeheartedly.
~~~Dave, Aaron, JJ, Spencer~~~
40 years later
"Dave! Guess what?" Aaron exclaimed, as he walked briskly into the house.
"What has you so excited?" Dave asked smiling.
Aaron was now 58 years old although he didn't look it, as he now looked the same age as he was and that was 30, Dave thought. Still, Dave had been happy at the transformation in Aaron, as he had gotten over the rape he had endured as a child.
It had taken both a psychologist and his own affects to help Aaron get past it. Also Aaron's own strong mindedness had helped, but he had mostly done so because of his love and support Dave knew. Still, his lover had transformed beyond all recognition from the 14 year old he had rescued from an abusive home and he was very proud if him.
"I think I met another of our mates," Aaron told him.
"Oh?" Dave asked suddenly giving Aaron his full attention, for this was important news indeed.
"Yes," Aaron answered smiling. "I recognized the pull immediately."
Dave nodded at this for the pull of soul to soul was indeed a powerful force and you never forgot what it felt like no matter how long since you had last felt it.
"So what is this person's name?" Dave asked.
"Jennifer Jareau, although she appears to go by JJ," Aaron answered.
"Well, I expected to hear a male name, but apparently our next mate is female," Dave said. "Is that going to be difficult for you, as you never been with a female before."
"You know, I don't know," Aaron admitted thoughtfully. "I've gotten over what happened to me as a child thanks mainly to you, but considering this JJ is our mate to both of us I'm assuming I won't have any trouble with making love to her, but we'll just have to see."
"Yes, we'll just have to see," Dave agreed. "Hopefully, you won't have any problems."
"Well, first we have to win her," Aaron said. "Threesomes and even foursomes are common nowadays and perfectly legal, but that doesn't mean that we can convince this Jennifer to at least try it, as she might be extremely traditional."
"Which means one husband," Dave said.
"Unless they get divorced," Aaron said.
"So where did you run into this Jennifer?" Dave asked.
"In Computer Wiz's," Aaron said. "You know I went there to buy a new computer for the house, as they do have to be replaced every few years or they get slow or develop other problems. I was so shocked that I just left again, so I'll have to go back."
Computer Wiz's was a chain of computer stores that had been opened by a young genius and sold some of the best computer products, although they did tend to be expensive, because everything they sold was high quality.
"So was she shopping there or was she an employee?" Dave asked.
"I believe she was shopping," Aaron said, as he remembered the brief encounter. "She wasn't wearing an employees shirt or anything, although I suppose it could've been her day off."
"Well then, she was likely shopping for a new computer or something that goes with one," Dave said. "We are going to have to do a background check on her and luckily, I know someone that can do that."
"Of course you do," Aaron teased him. "You know just about anybody that can be useful on occasion."
"It doesn't hurt to have people owe you favors," Dave shrugged casually.
"No, it certainly doesn't," Aaron agreed smiling, as he to knew a few useful people that he could call upon if needed.
"So you met this Jennifer and talked to her for a minute at least getting her name," Dave said. "You said you felt an immediate attraction, well, she would have to."
"Yeah, she appears to be cautious, as I couldn't get much personal information out of her," Aaron said. "But since I am a stranger, that's probably wise."
"Yeah, it is, as anybody could turn out to be a serial killer or some other type of criminal or even just a bastard who wants to get into her pants," Dave agreed. "Still, it'll likely make her harder to find because how many Jennifer's are there in Chicago?"
"Yes, but we have a last name and that's bound to help," Aaron said.
"Definitely and the surname Jareau isn't that common, so it should be relatively easy, to find one Jennifer Jareau, even in somewhere as large as Chicago." Dave agreed. "I'll just go contact my friend on the police force and have him look up this Jennifer Jareau. For all we know she's married and has three or four children."
"She probably isn't married, because I didn't see a wedding ring on her finger and believe me, I looked, but she could still have a kid or two."
"Yeah, women have children out of wedlock all the time," Dave agreed. "Sometimes it's a genuine desire for a child before you get too old or it could be an accident."
"Or you could have a child and then get divorced," Aaron said.
"That's a possibility too," Dave said. "If she does happen to have a child we'll adopt him or her, perhaps turn them immortal when they a few years older, though only with JJ's consent."
"And the child, as that's only right," Aaron said.
"If we do that we'll have to wait until they're at least a teenager," Dave said.
"But it's the right thing to do," Aaron said.
"Yeah, it is," Dave agreed, thinking that Aaron's morals and values were rock solid, which was absolutely amazing considering his upbringing until he was 14. "However, there is no point in speculating as she might not have any children."
"And if she doesn't we can correct that," Aaron smirked.
"Yeah, we can," Dave grinned at the thought. "As happy as I've been with you, I've always wanted children, you know? Of course, don't believe for a minute I was sad that neither one of us could procreate, because I'm not, as you are essential on my happiness, but children are not, as much as I'd like to have a few."
"Yeah, I wouldn't mind having a few either, even if I've been really happy with you for the last 40 years," Aaron said calmly.
"Still, this will be another level of happiness," Dave said, not showing how relieved he felt that Aaron had taken his comment so well. They did know each other extremely well, as they had been together for over 40 years after all, but this type of conversation had never come up before so both of them were on unfamiliar ground.
"You know we might need hire a private investigator just to find out where she goes fairly frequently," Aaron said.
"Yeah, we may," Dave agreed, "but on the other hand we don't want her to believe we're spying on her either."
"I don't know how we are going to run into her if we don't, except though sheer dumb luck," Aaron said.
"I truly believe that if we're meant to meet we will keep running into her on accident," said Dave.
"Well, we'll see," Aaron said skeptically
"Yes, we'll see," Dave said. "We might have to do something drastic like hire that private investigator, but I'd rather save that as a last option as we don't want to offend her."
"No, that's the last thing we need," Aaron definitely agreed with that.
~~~Dave, Aaron, JJ, Spencer~~~
"Hey! It's nice to see you again," JJ said
Aaron and Dave had gone to the Chicago History Museum as they wanted to be visible, so that they'd perhaps run into JJ on accident. Besides, they had been wanted to go for awhile and just had never done so.
Personally, Aaron believed that Dave's theory was way out there, but who knew it could work. It didn't do any harm to be seen at places near the Computer Wiz where he had met JJ since both he and Dave figured that she probably lived within a few minutes of it. After all, why would someone go out of their way to go to someplace like that when there were several in a city the size of Chicago.
"Hey yourself," Aaron smiled inwardly amazed that Dave had been right after all. The two of them had been going multiple places over the last few days and while he had enjoyed himself they hadn't run into JJ even once, so he had believed that Dave's theory was all wet and yet here she was.
"I didn't expect to run into you here," JJ said trying not to blush at the two handsome men.
"You never expect to run into somebody you know, even if you only met briefly," Dave said, as he studied JJ. "Oh, sorry, I didn't introduce myself, David Rossi at your service my lady."
"It's nice to meet you," JJ said noticing the wedding band and then she noticed that Aaron also wore one and was very disappointed that neither one of them was free.
Oh, well, that was the way her luck ran, JJ mentally sighed, not even thinking about the fact that it was quite legal to marry three, four or even five people so long as they could support themselves and their children.
"Why don't you join us," Aaron offered smiling at her charmingly, causing JJ to simply melt and give in without a fuss. For some reason she was more attracted to these two men then she had been to her former boyfriend and lover, who had left her with the little gift, who would be born in six months.
JJ had made the decision to keep the baby, as she had been wanting children for a couple years anyway, because even though women could have children into their fifties now and come out just fine she preferred to have them while she was still young. This was likely the only child she was going to have, unless she found herself a man that she could love that wouldn't mind that she made more money than they did. She made over two hundred thousand a year, so she certainly had enough to support three or four children even in this day and age, since she made such a good living. Of course, it was possible for whoever she married to make at least as much as she did or more, but not many jobs paid so well, though some paid better then hers did.
She had already decided to name him Henry since she knew it was going to be a boy, as she had learned that just a few days ago.
"Why not?" JJ told them. "Since we appear to be heading in the same direction anyway."
This time Dave smiled at her and again and JJ melted thinking that these two men had some of the sexiest smiles she had ever encountered. It was really too bad that they were apparently taken with each other.
"So come here often?" Aaron asked.
"Oh, occasionally," JJ answered, as she pretended to pay them no attention, as she had already acted like an idiot, blushing just because they smiled at her. "I like to come here whenever they have a new exhibit."
"So how about we take you out to dinner after we are finished here, so we can continue to have the pleasure of your company?" Dave suggested.
"Why? You barely know me," JJ said astonished.
"Well, this is a chance to get to know each other," Aaron pointed out, using the power of his smile, which he was aware drove women wild with desire, not that they ever got what they wanted from him. "After all, you can't have to many friends."
"While this is true how do you know I'm not married?" JJ asked.
"Well, for one thing you're not wearing a wedding ring and yes, I'm aware that doesn't necessarily mean anything in today's society, since a lot of people don't bother to wear them, even when they are married," Dave said.
"The two of you are married," JJ pointed out. "I'm assuming to each other."
"That doesn't really matter in today's society," Aaron told her. "Maybe we're looking for another partner."
JJ looked startled for she hadn't considered that. "That's true, although that's not something I had considered it until you mentioned it. That's mostly on the Moon and Mars though where the males are more prevalent than the females."
"Still, it happens here on earth to and it's perfectly legal," Dave told her.
"It might not be as common as it is on the Moon or Mars, but it still happens," Aaron added.
"This is very true," JJ admitted. "I never thought about being part of a group instead of a more traditional marriage."
"But you aren't against the idea?" Dave asked trying to hide his anxiety.
"I'm not really sure actually," JJ admitted. "I've never even considered being part of a group marriage."
"How do you feel about dating?" Dave asked.
"Both of you?" JJ asked in surprise. "I mean we just met after all. Aren't you kind of rushing it along?"
"I suppose we are," Aaron admitted looking at Dave.
"We just want to know if you'd be willing to give it a try right now," Dave said
"Why the interest?" JJ asked. "I mean I can tell you to are very happy together I wouldn't think you'd want to add anyone else, as that would ruin the unity you seem to have."
"Let's just say that I was attracted to you when I was in Computer Wiz's a few days ago," Aaron said. "Now, before Dave and I met I had never really been attracted to anybody else."
Of course I was only 14 at the time, but JJ didn't know that, Aaron added in his thoughts.
"It surprised me when I was attracted to you, when we met briefly in the computer store," Aaron added. "I told Dave about you as soon as I got home and he thought a threesome might be worth a try, if we happened to run into you again and you were interested."
"We think that this will add something to our relationship," Dave added. "Of course, it's your choice."
"Well, that's certainly an interesting offer considering we're really strangers," JJ said, though inwardly she was thrilled with the offer for some reason she couldn't explain.
"Well, we really didn't expect to run into you again, so we were kind of surprised when we did," Aaron admitted.
"Besides, think of all the blind dates, that people go on and they are strangers as well just meeting for the first time and some of those even work out," Dave said. "So we don't know anything about each other right now, but that could change if you're willing to give it a try."
It was a good point, JJ admitted to herself.
"Why don't you think about it for a few days and well give you our link numbers so you can call and tell the two of us when you reach a decision," Aaron suggested.
"I would like to give it a try as I really like both of you," JJ admitted candidly. "A date to test the waters so to speak."
"Good," Dave said extremely happy with JJ's decision and he knew that Aaron was as well without even having to ask.
"So we can do a date tonight if you like or we can wait a few days," Aaron said.
"Tonight will be fine, as I really don't have anyone other than my cat to go home to," JJ said, a little shyly pushing a long strand of blonde hair behind one ear. She couldn't really believe this incredible opportunity that was being placed before her, but she was certainly going to give it a try with these two handsome men who seemed so sincere. Of course, she was well aware that things might not work out, but how did she know if she didn't take a chance? Her last boyfriend hadn't been very considerate, considering he had gotten her pregnant, but these two men seemed like a totally different kettle of fish. She would certainly find that out if they dated for any length of time.
"We should finish our tour and then go out to dinner," Dave said.
"I've got to go home and choose an appropriate outfit," JJ protested. "Especially if you could take me somewhere really nice."
"I think we can stick to casual right now considering it's very last minute," Aaron said.
"Yes, I think casual will do for tonight," Dave agreed. "We can do something more formal later. There's really no need to rush it along."
Dave's libido protested that last statement, but he tamped it down firmly and knew that Aaron was doing the same beside him.
"How does Merino's sound?" Aaron suggested.
"Sounds like a very good suggestion," JJ said brightening. "I go there all the time."
"Well, good then you'll be comfortable there, since you're familiar with it," Dave said. "We go there sometimes to."
JJ thought that the three of them were off to a very good start, since they both liked some of the same places or at least one anyway, but she was sure that they find other things all three of them liked and disliked.
The three of them continued their tour of the exhibits admiring the history of Chicago, before it grew late enough for dinner.
"I made a reservation at Merino's, so we have about half an hour," Dave said.
"We had better go then," JJ said.
"We can take your car or we can our car and we can always come back for the other later," Dave suggested
"We'll take both cars," JJ said. "I'll meet you there."
Dave and Aaron were disappointed, but they also understood.
"Alright then, we'll meet you there in about 15 minutes," Aaron said.
The three of them exited the history museum heading for their separate cars, so they could go to dinner.
~~~Dave, Aaron, JJ, Spencer~~~
