Father Patrick and Father Aries have grown close. Father Patrick, being older with more experience in the priesthood has naturally fallen into the role of a surrogate older brother to Father Aries, who looks up to him with the admiration and affection he might have felt for the older brother he never had. At St. Jerome’s, the priest’s use of the boys is hardly even hidden enough to be an “open secret,” but it is approached with a certain level of discretion and tact. In spite of their friendship, Father Patrick and Father Aries have never shared that part of their lives, until the morning of investiture for Father Aries’ first Sunday Mass. Of course Father Patrick wanted to be there to share that moment, but as the building intimacy between them is reaching an intolerable level, “Have you ever…” becomes a metaphor for, “would you like to…” The answer is a kiss. The priestly vestments are quickly cast aside as these two men bare their bodies, and the desire they no longer need to hide.
