Date: Tue, 27 Jan 2004 11:48:51 EST
From: Draginacht@aol.com
Subject: David's Initiation: The Recovery 29

Disclaimer: The following is a work of fiction and any resemblance to real
people or events is purely coincidental.  The story contains graphic
descriptions of sex between men. Anyone who is forbidden by law to read
such material must stop now.  This story is being posted to the Nifty
Archive solely for the enjoyment of its readers.

*******

David's Initiation: The Recovery 29

*******

Following Dexter's funeral, Dave and Tony took Georgia to her house and then
went home.

"I need to run," Dave announced dejectedly once they were inside the house.
He needed to do something to take his mind off of the day's events.

"Yeah, me too." Tony replied. "I guess that old saying is correct; great
minds do think alike."

They changed quickly, went through their warm-up stretching and hit the
street. The vigorous exercise was exactly what both men needed. It cleared their
minds and their sweat seemed to wash the stress from their bodies. Back at the
house, they stood at the sink gulping glasses of water. Dave turned his head to
his left and let his eyes drink in Tony's magnetic masculinity. Then he
brushed his left hand over Tony's broad shoulders, down his back and cupped Tony's
right buttock.

"Like what ya see grunt... and feel?" Tony asked in his low, sexy voice.

"Damn straight," Dave responded with a husky voice. They set their glasses
down and turned to face each other. Dave raised himself on his toes, placed his
right hand behind Tony's neck and drew their lips together. Tony's lips opened
allowing Dave to enter.


They lay quietly, Dave snuggly against Tony's right side, his right index
finger swirling the puddles of drying semen on Tony's abdomen. He placed his
dripping finger into his mouth.

"Yup, you still taste good," Dave said. He dipped his finger back into the
puddle of semen and moved it toward Tony's mouth. "Try some." Tony opened his
lips and closed them around Dave's index finger. He sucked and cleaned Dave's
finger with his tongue. "Ooo, damn, what a talented tongue you have," Dave
exclaimed.

Tony laughed as he released Dave's finger. "Just wait 'til next time," he
said as he nuzzled Dave's long, slender neck, stuck out his tongue and licked,
sending a shiver down Dave's spine. Tony's stomach chose that moment to growl.

"Sounds like somebody's hungry," Dave teased as he tickled Tony's lower
abdomen. "C'mon, let's get cleaned up and go out for Chinese."

"Right on," Tony agreed as he released Dave and rolled out of bed. Dave was
right behind him. They saved a lot of water by showering together.


Later that night the two men assumed their customary position of Dave spooned
back against his lover, Tony's left arm securely draped around Dave's chest,
his chest hair tickling Dave's back. Dave was still wide-awake as he listened
to Tony's breathing get deeper, slower, and more rhythmic, his arm relaxed and
he was asleep.

Dave's mind was too occupied to sleep. After a while, Tony pulled his arm
from around Dave's chest and rolled to his left. Normally Dave would have
followed him but this time Dave remained where he was. When he was sure Tony was
still asleep he carefully got out of bed, walked over to the window, curled up in
one of the easy chairs and stared out at the night sky.

'Well Paul, it's been a while since we've talked.' In fact, Paul hadn't
visited for a while. 'I guess it's time to get serious. I'm wondering if I've moved
too fast. Is Tony the man I want to spend the rest of my life with? Right
now, I sure hope so. You and he are nothing alike. When we first met I quickly
learned that you were well educated, articulate, good looking, sexy, rich,
interesting, and knew how to push all my buttons. And we also trusted and respected
each other. We were so compatible on so many levels.

'Tony's also very good looking, sexy, a real hunk. His smile warms my heart.
This isn't meant as an insult but I don't think I could describe you as a
hunk. You're taller, leaner and more slender, the most limber guy I've ever seen.
And Tony definitely knows how to push my buttons, too. I know that Tony's
physical attraction is what caught my eye... but isn't that what you said? You
thought I was cute and that's what you found so attractive? So we were first
physically attracted to each other and that grew into love. That's probably the way
it works for gay and straight alike.

'Tony's an interesting person too. I know he likes art, he can play the
piano, and he's traveled and spent time Europe. He doesn't have a college education
but then neither did I when we met. What was it you said about me? " You're
intelligent, you have manners, you're a caring person, you know who you are,
you have a strong understanding of right and wrong, and you have nothing to be
ashamed about. You have more class already than many of the people I grew up
with and they have more money than they'll ever need."

'Well, that applies to Tony as well. And I'm not the same person I was when I
met you. Sure, I'm older but you introduced me to a world I didn't know
existed. You forced me into a sophistication I probably wouldn't have achieved
without your help. Now I'm a lot more like you than I was and Tony's more like me.
He's smart, very sharp; he notices everything. He even called me handsome!
Ha-ha, that's worth a whole lot. And he can push all of my buttons just like
you. He makes me feel good. He's tough but sensitive. Mike, Todd and Dan all
think he's good for me and that really means a lot.

'And then there's last Sunday. When Georgia was upset about Dexter, he took
over, made decisions without hesitation. Tony told her to go, that her place
was with her son and that he'd take care of things here. That's exactly what I
would have done in that circumstance. Now that took a lot of self-confidence.
He didn't feel a need to come running to me to get permission. Having the
courage to stand on his own two feet and make decisions with confidence is probably
something he learned in the Marines.

'All this analysis is okay but how do I really feel about him?' Dave sat
quietly; he could hear Tony snoring lightly from across the room.  He thought
about how relaxed he felt in Tony's arms. 'I love it when he touches me, it's the
same effect you have on me. I usually hold back a little when people touch me
but with Tony I feel like I want to be drawn right into him. And I love to
touch him. This may have started out with sex but now it's much more than that.

'Yes, I love him.' Dave's admission had a feeling of acceptance, submission
to the truth, finality. 'And I trust him and respect him. I love his sense of
humor and the sound of his laugh. And when he finally accepted the fact that he
was gay he handled that with a strength and maturity that was really
impressive. The look on his face when I unknowingly outed him to Sophia and Sean was
priceless.' Dave smiled.

'So where do we go from here? I really want to talk about commitment but
when's the right time? Oh god, what if he doesn't feel the same way I do? What if
he turns me down? Can I handle the rejection? No... all of the signs tell me he
loves me too, at least I pray I'm reading them correctly.

'Thanks for listening, Paul,' Dave thought as he got out of the chair and
walked back to the bed. 'We can talk again later.' He crawled onto the bed and
was about to spoon up against Tony's back when Tony began to roll to his right.
Dave rolled to his right and felt Tony spoon against him. Tony's arm slid
around Dave's chest and pulled them together so that Dave could feel Tony's chest
hair tickling his back.

'I think this weekend we ought to go to a nice restaurant for dinner. We'll
have a nice steak, some good wine, and I'll do the equivalent of a proposal.
He's too good to let get away. Remember when Mike was first getting to know
Todd? I told him not to wait to tell Todd how he felt. I think I'd better follow
my own advice.' With a smile, Dave rapidly slipped into a relaxed sleep.


Tony became aware of two sensations, the need to piss and the warmth of
Dave's slumbering body against his front side. It had been slightly more than
thirty minutes earlier that Dave had returned to bed and gone to sleep.

'Need to pee,' Tony decided. He slowly removed his arm from around Dave's
chest, rolled to his left and went into the bathroom. Moments later, spooned
tightly against Dave's backside, Tony began to think.

'Ya know, Dave, you sure are wonderful, beyond my wildest dreams. I never
imagined anyone like you existed.' A smile stretched across Tony's face. 'You
sure got my attention that day I saw you jump down from your truck. I had the
strangest feeling, like I wanted to hold you in my arms; I wanted to take care of
you. Where did that come from? What a roller coaster life's been since
leaving the Marines. And I hit the jackpot. God I love you, little guy! I'd stay
forever if you'd let me. But then... maybe I'm moving to fast. What right do I have
to think like this? What if I decide to stay with you and then sometime down
the road I find someone else? No... that's not like me. If I commit, it'll be
forever.' Tony inhaled Dave's scent. Sometimes it caused arousal but this time
it soothed his brain.

'This is almost too good to be true. I fell into a proverbial bucket of shit
and came out smelling like a rose. I love you, Little Guy! You not only turn
me on every time you smile at me but you're probably the nicest person I've eve
r met. And another thing, you let me have my space. You don't try to dominate
me, tell me what to do. I have no doubt that you respect me... and I sure
respect you. Just look at what you've done so far with your life. And the things you
have planned are almost unreal. That's something I'd sure like to be a part
of. I'd love to be your partner and help build this remarkable thing you have
in your imagination.

'Now... is it my place to ask you... or should I wait for you to ask me? How
long do I wait? I'll suggest we go to dinner at a nice restaurant this weekend
and if the mood seems right I'll see if I have the nerve to broach the subject.
Oh Tony, don't over noodle this,' he chastised himself, turned off his brain
and went to sleep.


Friday after work Dave's Platoon gathered at Mike and Todd's for dinner; Todd
was making his now famous baked salmon. Once they were seated at the table
and Mike said the blessing, Todd asked a question that had been bouncing around
in his brain for several days.

"Say, Tom, Dan says you've got a new job."

"Yeah, I got on with the local NFL team as a place kicker."

"Wow! Congratulations!" Todd exclaimed followed by similar comments from
Mike, Dave and Tony. "How'd that happen?"

"It's kinda complicated, actually." Tom took his first bite of salmon. "Say,
this stuff is great!" He exclaimed at Todd. "Through a friend," Tom continued,
"I learned that their kicker was having some health problems so I got hold of
my agent and had him make an inquiry. The team was interested and invited me
for an interview and a tryout."

"What about your old team?" Tony asked.

"Well... uh..." Tom seemed a little embarrassed at first. "I had a pretty
disastrous season last year. It was so bad that I was at the bottom of the league in
every category." Tom looked at Dan and smiled.

"He may have been at the bottom of the league stats but he's the "TOP" where
I'm concerned," Dan interjected with a chuckle. Everybody laughed because they
all knew exactly what Dan meant.

"Yeah, that's before I met Dan," everyone laughed. "Seriously, I was all
screwed up about who I was. If I said I had a lot of distractions last season it
would be the truth." Everyone understood without asking that Tom was referring
to his struggle with his sexual identity.

"But do they know about..." Mike asked as he looked at Dan, "you two?"

"They know about the HIV. I told them about that... I had to pass a physical,
ya know. And I'm in excellent health in spite of that. But I haven't said
anything about Dan."

"We talked about that," Dan interjected again, thinking he needed to get Tom
off the hook. "Tom wants to play again and I want him to do what makes him
happy." Dan smiled when he realized the double meaning of his statement; the
others chuckled. "And I'm realistic enough to know that he'd probably not survive
the first game if anybody knew he's gay. So we decided to keep this quiet. And
I believe we can do it."

"But what about when you're on the road?" Dave asked. "Teams got big
reputations for nailin' groupies, even the married guys."

"Yeah, well, that's where the HIV comes into play. It makes it easier for me
to play it straight arrow type... I wouldn't want to risk infecting anyone else
now would I."

"And that means he's all mine," Dan said with a huge grin.

"Great!" Dave exclaimed. "Here's to Tom and Dan!" Dave raised his glass of
white wine that Todd had poured and everyone joined in the toast.

The conversation seemed to wane for while as everyone concentrated on eating.

"Say," Tony exclaimed to get everybody's attention. "Ya know that the
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that denying gays the right to marry was
against the state constitution."

"Yeah, and that bothers me," Dave sounded serious.

"How come?" Mike asked.

"Well..." Dave considered his answer for a moment. "I think we have a good
argument going. I mean, more and more people are beginning to open their minds and
see just how beneficial same sex marriages are for society. Look! Almost half
of all hetero marriages wind up in divorce. And those who remarry have an
even higher divorce rate. There are more kids living with only one parent, some
with no parents, than ever before. It really blows a big hole in the argument
that marriage should only be between male and female for the protection of the
family. Shit! I think that anyone who wants to commit to each other would be a
good thing for society.

"But when the courts get involved and make a ruling, it stops all debate.
That polarizes the opposing sides and makes progress even that much more
difficult. We go from being on offense to being on defense. Consider Roe V Wade.
Before that happened more states were moving toward more liberal positions on the
abortion. Then the Supreme Court makes a ruling and BAM! You're either pro or
con, for or against, pro abortion or pro life. I don't know; I just hope it all
works out for the best.

"But the court's right!" Dan exclaimed excitedly like he needed to defend his
position. "Look, there's supposed to be separation between church and state.
Isn't marriage a religious matter? So let the church take care of marriage and
let the state sanction civil unions between consenting adults. And if they
happen to be of the same sex, so what? I think the court is right on."

"Dave may have a point here, Dan," Todd jumped into the discussion. "Now that
the issue is out on the table, we're seeing a number of states rushing to
amend their constitutions to ban gay or same sex marriages. The idea of being
married is an appealing one but what we really want is to have the same rights
that marriage bestows. And if having some civil union process that achieves the
same thing, then I'm for it."

"Like what?" Tom asked.

"Like the right to inherit property, the right to have your partner be
covered under your employer's health care plan. Even though Mike has coverage where
he works, my employer's medical plan would cover him if he needed it. Larger,
international corporations are moving more and more in that direction. And
then there's that sticky situation when one partner gets sick or injured; you
want your partner to be there with you to help make decisions and to consult with
your doctor. That's a real crapshoot right now.

"I agree with all those arguments," Dave offered as clarification. "I may be
a little too cautious for my own good. But consider another point, the latest
polls show that a majority of young people are more open to same sex unions
and as the ages of the respondents increases so does their opposition. That
means that eventually, as the old farts die off, support for our position will
grow. However, you won't see me complaining if the big Supreme Court agrees with
same-sex unions."

"Does that mean you'd consider gettin' married?" Tony asked, and then
wondered if his question might have been a little too pointed.

Dave looked directly into Tony's eyes for several seconds before answering.
"Anything's possible," Dave replied with a straight face. Much as Tony tried,
he was not able to read Dave's intent.

"Well I'd do it!" Dan exclaimed, but he avoided looking at Tom for fear that
Tom might misinterpret his comment. They had a great relationship but the
subject of any kind of commitment had never come up and Dan wasn't about to add
any pressure on the issue.

Mike cleared his throat in an obvious attempt to get everyone's attention.
"Funny we got into a discussion about marriage..." He looked around the table and
then at Todd. A huge grin spread across his face. "Todd and I have an
announcement." Now he had everyone's attention. "We're... we're goin' to Vermont to get
married."

"No shit!" Great!" "Wonderful!" Terrific!" "Now there's something to drink a
toast to!" Dave finally added to the other's exclamations. They all raised
their glasses in celebration.

"So when's the big day?" Tony asked.

"Probably about the middle of August," Todd replied. "We still have to work
out the details. I have some vacation and Mike thinks he'll be able to get off
work and it's before he starts school."

"Guys, I'm so happy for you!" Dave exclaimed excitedly. "I can't think of two
people I'd rather see get married than you two. And I hope that some day
every state will recognize same sex marriages." Dave was really hoping Mike and
Todd would invite them all to join them but he wasn't going to make any
statement that would sound like he was inviting himself.

"Well I hope you're not bettin' any money on that happening in this state
anytime soon," Dan commented.


Saturday morning Dave and Tony were up early. They drank a glass of juice
followed by a glass of water and started out on their run. Both men were thinking
about the discussion of the previous evening. About twenty minutes into their
run Dave decided to ask a question, they'd been rather quite until then.

"Tony..."

"Yeah..."

"Where do you... see yourself... five years... from now? ...I mean... what do you
see... yourself doing?" Dave asked haltingly between breaths. It was the kind of
question that is often asked during job interviews and Dave was searching for
something.

"Five years from now..." Tony said that like it was the first time the question
has crossed his mind. He was also curious about the possible meaning of the
question. "I think... I want to be... selling houses... instead of... building them...
I'm gonna sign up... for the community college... with Mike and Dan... I can get
a... realtor's license and... start makin' a... real living."

They ran a few more strides and Tony added, "And I wanna be... in a permanent...
long term... relationship." It took Tony about two strides to realize that Dave
was no longer at his side. He glanced back over his right shoulder to see
Dave walking to a stop by the side of the road, his hands on his hips and
breathing hard. Tony put on his brakes, stopped and turned around. They stared at
each other for a few moments before Tony started walking back to where Dave was
standing.

"That long-term relationship," Dave began; the anxiety, uncertainty in his
voice was obvious. "Is that something... is that something you plan to wait... five
years for... are you looking for someone, or do you have anyone in mind?" The
tension was almost causing Dave's voice to quiver.

As Tony closed the distance between him and Dave, he decided not to wait any
longer, this was the moment, he'd declare and see where it got him - them. By
now Tony had approached to within six inches of Dave's face and stared
directly into his eyes.

Dave could see the look of frustration on Tony's face and began to wish he
hadn't asked the question. What was that old saying Captain Lewis once told him?
'Before you ask the question you'd better be prepared to live with the
answer.'

"Damnit!" Tony's strong, low, baritone voice was dripping with frustration.
"David..." Tony's use of Dave's proper name had a subtle message, like when your
mother calls you by your proper name you know she means business. Dave didn't
know what Tony was about to say but he was sure it would be the simple truth.
He held his breath. "I love you! Can't you see that?" The statement sounded
like an accusation.

Dave looked into Tony's eyes, he felt lightheaded and to steady himself he
reached out and placed his right hand in the middle of Tony's sweaty T-shirt. He
was immediately aware of the heat radiating from Tony's body. The gravity of
Tony's statement hit him hard and his eyes began to get watery. Too much time
had passed since the last time a man said those words to him and he wasn't
about to loose this moment.

"Yes..." Dave managed to say softly past the lump in his throat. "And I love
you too."

"And if you'll have me I'd like to spend the rest of my life with you."

Dave practically lunged at Tony, wrapping him in his arms. "Yes!" He
exclaimed softly into the crook of Tony's sweat-drenched neck. Tony's arms closed
around Dave's shoulders and they stood on the side of the road in an embrace.
Dave's lips tasted the saltiness of Tony's sweat and his nostrils inhaled the
musky odor of 'man'. At that moment the blaring horn of a passing car startled
them back to reality.

"C'mon!" Dave commanded as he grabbed Tony's hand and began running down the
street. About a block and a half later they came upon a wooded area where Dave
slowed and turned into a path through the woods. Tony couldn't imagine what
Dave was thinking until they came out the other side of the woods and Tony
realized they were at the back of the house. Dave continued around the end of the
garage and stopped at the back door. He spun around, threw his arms around
Tony and held onto him.

Holding each other in a moment of private solitude was more spiritual than
sexual. They held each other like that for several minutes until Tony released
Dave.

"C'mon," Tony said as he took Dave's left hand in his right. He entered the
code for the lock and opened the door. He led Dave by the hand through the
garage and into the house. He canceled the alarm and led Dave into the kitchen
where he stopped and again wrapped his arms around his companion. Tony leaned his
butt against the kitchen counter causing Dave to lean more of his weight
against him. Both men stood completely relaxed, their eyes closed as they began to
absorb the significance of their expressed commitments.

Dave felt Tony's lips on his neck. Then he detected something growing between
them. The physical contact they shared was producing the natural effect that
Dave couldn't ignore and he too began to grow something between them.

Not a word had been spoken since they entered the house; none were needed.
Tony lifted his head and looked into Dave's eyes. His lips were partly open as
were Dave's and they moved toward each other until their lips make contact,
their tongues joined in loving caresses. Their passion, fed by a deep desire to
please each other was intense, hot.

"Whadda ya think, should we consummate this partnership?" Tony whispered in
Dave's ear. He knew this was a big moment in his life and there was nothing he
wanted more than to have Dave inside him.

"Thought you'd never ask," Dave chuckled. "Let's leave these sweaty clothes
in the laundry room. Is it safe to walk naked from here to the bedroom?"

"Depends on your definition of 'safe'," Tony replied with a smile as he
helped Dave stand up straight.

"Well, I feel totally safe with present company," Dave continued as he began
walking toward the laundry room while pulling his T-shirt over his head.

Once again Tony took Dave's left hand in his right and led him to the
bedroom. The top sheet was still pulled down from when they got out of bed less than
an hour earlier so Tony crawled onto the bed, lay down on his back and pulled
Dave on top of him. They were in no hurry, they kissed and caressed and
enjoyed each other.

At some point, when Tony decided he didn't want to wait any longer, he
reached into the top drawer of the nightstand, picked up the lube and handed it to
Dave. Lovingly, carefully, Dave applied the lube until Tony announced that he
was ready. Dave returned the lube to the drawer and picked up a condom. But as
he prepared to open it Tony wrapped his hand around Dave's wrist preventing
him from going any further.

"We're partners now, right?" Tony asked. "This is a committed relationship?

"Absolutely... as far as I'm concerned," Dave replied.

"Then do we need that?" Tony asked as he looked into Dave's eyes. He watched
Dave hesitate as if considering whether they should. "I got tested a few weeks
ago and I'm clean," Tony added.

Dave didn't say a word; he just flicked the unopened condom from his grasp
and it fell to the floor. He lowered himself to Tony's waiting body and their
union began. By now Tony had become accustomed to Dave's size. At the beginning
of their relationship he had experienced discomfort at Dave's entry, now it
was pure pleasure. Their mating was the perfect intimacy, a combination of love,
pleasure, passion and lust. Each wanted to give the other as much pleasure as
he possible could.

Tony had had the typical questions: would he be able to feel the difference
without a condom, he was definitely excited that he could; would he be able to
tell when Dave ejaculated inside him. At the end, he wasn't sure that he could
actually feel it but he imagined that he did.

Their early start for the day had now become 11:00 AM when they awoke from a
much-needed nap.

"I'd like your opinion, think we need a shower?" Tony asked.

"Yeah, and these sheets need to go in the washer," Dave added with a chuckle.

The shower was not the least bit sexual. Each man took great care in washing
the other with as much tenderness and love that he could show. As Dave was
drying Tony the phone rang. Tony instinctively reached out and answered the
extension in the bathroom.

"Hello?" That was the only extension that didn't have a display for caller
ID.

"Nicky, I thought I'd catch you there, are you busy?" It was Sophia; she
recognized her brother's voice.

"No, not really," Tony replied. Dave was on his knees drying Tony's legs at
that point and a devilishly playful thought popped into his mind.

"I hate to ask this on such short notice but Sean and I have to take the
girls to ballet practice and I was wondering, could Shannon possible come spend a
few hours with you and Dave? He really hates it when we make him go with us."

"Uhh... Well... let me, uh..." Dave had just caught Tony completely by surprise by
slurping his semi-soft member into his mouth. Tony covered the receiver with
his hand as he tried to step back from Dave's assault. Dave moved with him.

"Jeez Dave, not now, I'm talking to my sister," he chided unconvincingly with
a grin. "Sophia wants to know if it's alright for Shannon to come over... oh
shit that's good... for a few hours while they take the girls to ballet practice."

Dave's only response was a thumbs-up signal.

"Uhh... What time?" Tony asked.

"Are you okay?" Sophia asked.

"Yeah, fine, what time?" Tony's impatience was showing, driven by his growing
erection down Dave's throat.

"Will12:30 be okay?"

"Great, see ya then, bye." Tony hung up the receiver and turned his attention
to Dave. "Two can play this game!" He exclaimed as he placed his hands on
Dave's shoulders and pushed away. Another slurping sound filled the room as Tony
extracted his cock from Dave's wet mouth. Tony guided a laughing Dave onto his
back on the floor then turned and pounced on top of him in the sixty-nine
position.


Tony and Dave sat on the front steps waiting for Shannon to arrive. They both
wanted to see Sophia and Sean. The McGregor SUV circled the drive and stopped
in front of the steps. Shannon hopped out wearing a green Speedo swimsuit and
everyone exchanged greetings. Just before Sean drove away he reminded Dave
and Tony that they had a tee time of 1:12 PM tomorrow.

"Right, we'll be ready," Dave shouted. Tony and Dave acted like they were
well aware of their golf date when in fact it had completely slipped their minds.
As Dave, Tony and Shannon walked into the house the phone was ringing. Dave
ducked into the library to answer it.

"Hi Sis, 'sup?"

"David, are you busy, really, really busy?" Kate asked. Dave could tell by
the tone of her voice that she wanted a favor.

"I'd be happy to have the boys come over for the afternoon," he said, beating
his sister to the punch. Today was Saturday and he was used to the boys
spending time with him. "Tony's nephew Shannon McGregor is here, he's eight and I
think they'll have a lot of fun.

"Oh, you are a sweet boy, maybe a little wise-ass too, but a sweet wise-ass.
We'll be there in fifteen minutes."

"The door's unlocked, just have the boys come on in, we'll be at the pool."

Tony and Shannon were already in the water when Dave walked outside. Shannon
knew Dave from when Dave built his parent's house so an introduction wasn't
necessary.

"That was Kate, she's bringing the boys over, hope you don't mind."

"Me? Why should I mind, I like those boys. And this IS your house," Tony
smiled to let Dave know that his comment was meant with love. "Besides, I think
Shannon would enjoy meeting them."

"Meet who?" Shannon asked, having overheard the last sentence.

"Dave has three nephews who live close by and they're on their way over to go
swimming. I think you guys will have fun together."

"Kewl!" Shannon exclaimed, and that was the end of his commentary.
Eight-year-old boys often don't engage in long conversations with adults.

"Oh!" Dave exclaimed as if he just remembered something.

"What?" Tony asked.

"I'd better go in and intercept the boys before they reach the pool," Dave
said as he lifted himself out of the water.

"Oh! Good thinking!" Tony exclaimed. He knew exactly what Dave was talking
about.

Dave quickly dried himself and hurriedly walked into the house. He was half
way to the front door when it opened and in marched the boys wearing Speedo
suits. Mark wore bright red, Matt wore deep blue, the color of his eyes, and JD
wore white.

"Hi men,"

"Hi Uncle Dave," three young voices responded as one.

"Men, we have a guest today and I think you'd better keep your suits on."

"Guest? Who is it?" JD asked.

"Well, Uncle Tony's nephew's here. He lives up the street and his name is
Shannon. C'mon outside and I'll introduce you." Kate's sons followed Dave out to
the pool where Tony introduced Shannon.

The boys quickly struck up a friendship and began playing as though Dave and
Tony weren't there. That allowed the two men to collapse into near-by
lounge-chairs and watch their charges. Their energy levels seemed to be a little low -
and for good reason.

Tony immediately noticed that Shannon and JD were about the same size even
though JD was almost three years younger. He also observed that the Close boys
were definitely more physically developed, especially the way they filled out
their Speedos. The boys had been playing for about fifteen minutes when Dave
made a suggestion.

"You wanna help me in the kitchen? We'll get the boys some snacks."

"Think they'll be okay by themselves?"

"I'll put Mark in charge." Dave got everyone's attention and told them he and
Tony were going into the kitchen to fix them some snacks and that Mark was in
charge. He was met with blank stares for a second then the play resumed as
though nothing had happened.

In the kitchen Dave mixed some lemonade while Tony piled lots of
oatmeal-raisin cookies on a plastic plate then loaded the cookies and plastic glasses on a
large tray. Just as Tony was about to pick up the tray he felt Dave's arm
slide around his waist. He turned to his right and joined Dave in a tender,
loving kiss.

"Thanks, I needed that," Dave said as he and Tony released each other. "It's
probably been more than an hour since I told you I love you," Dave said
softly.

"Me too. I've been trying to be careful around the boys; don't want to
subject them to things they don't need to be concerned about at their age."

"Know what you mean." Dave replied. "I've had the same feeling. Ready?" Dave
asked as he picked up the pitcher of lemonade. "Oh, one more thing. I'd like
you to think this house is as much yours as it is mine. If you're gonna live
here I want you to be comfortable."

"Oh, I'm comfortable, Dave, I love everything about the house and the guy who
lives in it. Now lead the way, Master," Tony chuckled as he picked up the
tray of cookies and glasses.

They sat everything down on a poolside table then Dave turned and shouted,
"Come and get it!" Dave and Tony were shocked when four naked boys clamored out
of the pool.

"Whoa, whoa!" Dave exclaimed. "What happened to your bathing suits?"

"They're over there." Mark responded as though it was the normal place for
bathing suits to be.

"Yeah," JD added, "we told Shannon that we don't normally wear swim suits
here and he thought that was a kewl idea."

"Yeah," Shannon added, "I never get to skinny-dip at home, this is fun!"

Tony looked at Dave and then smiled. "We've been had."

"Yeah, and you'd better get some sun block on Shannon's white butt before it
turns into a lobster," Dave chuckled.

"Right!" Tony replied. "Where's the stuff?"

"I think there's some in the shower room; I'll get it." Dave explained as he
turned and went to get the sun block.

The boys dove into the snacks and gobbled them down like they hadn't eaten
for three days. Dave handed the tube of sun block to Tony.

"Shannon, c'mere."

"Yes, sir?" Shannon asked as he walked, his mouth full of cookie with another
in his hand, to where Tony was sitting.

"Turn around, we're gonna have to cover your white skin before you get a
sunburn." Tony squeezed some lotion into his left hand and began spreading it over
Shannon's tight, white, rounded buttocks. He went as far as the sides of
Shannon's hips and then turned him around.

"Stick out your hand." Shannon stuffed the remaining cookie into his mouth,
wiped his hands together and then extended his right hand, palm up. Tony
squeezed a large amount of lotion into it. "Now spread this all over your belly and
be sure to put lots on your penis and testicles. Believe me, you don't want
them to get sunburned or your mama is gonna have both of our asses." Shannon
giggled at Tony's pronouncement. He wasn't accustomed to such adult male language
and liked it that his uncle would speak to him that way. And he wasn't the
least bit shy about his task. Shannon finished then turned and rejoined his new
friends.

"We only think we're in control here," Dave commented.

"Got that right," Tony chuckled as he slid back into the lounge chair. Dave?"
Tony asked after several minutes of silence.

"I'm still awake if that's what you're wondering."

Tony reached out and took Dave's hand in his. "I've been thinking."

"Oh, that'll get us both in trouble," Dave replied as he squeezed Tony's
hand. "Let's hear it."

"We're partners, right?"

"Yeah, I thought we already answered that question."

"Well yeah, we did, but when do we tell people? Like, I mean, how do we do
it?"

"Don't you think it'll be obvious? I mean, look at us now, we're holding
hands, we could just let 'em guess."

"I don't know, I'd kinda like to make it more formal. I'm proud of it and I
wanna tell Sophia formally. I'd also like your family to know and what about
the rest of the platoon?"

Dave sat up in his chair and looked into Tony's eyes. "This is really
important to you isn't it," Dave said in his most serious tone of voice. Tony nodded.
"Then we'll do it. We'll make a plan and do it formally. How about that?"

"Yeah, I could kiss you... but I'll wait until we're alone."

"Good idea, my Jarhead stud." Dave and Tony smiled knowingly at each other.


Just after 3:30 PM the phone rang. It was Kate saying she was on her way over
to get the boys. No sooner had Dave hung up than the phone rang again. This
time it was Sophia. She said she would be there in about fifteen minutes to get
Shannon.

"Attention, men!" Dave announced. "ATTENTION!" He shouted above the noise.
All action and noise stopped. "Your moms are on the way here so I think it's
time you got back into you bathing suits." Dave was surprised when four naked
boys without objection climbed out of the pool and quietly walked to where they
had tossed their swim suits and put them on. Normally he would have been
treated to a chorus of moans and groans. But there was a price to pay, Dave and Tony
had to join the boys in the pool for some launching practice. The men had
recovered somewhat so they were more willing to agree to the boys demands.


As Kate drove around the driveway and stopped in front of the steps, Sophia
was right behind her. Both women got out of their cars and met between them.

"You must be Tony's sister, I'm, David's sister Kate," Kate said as she
extended her hand.

"Oh I'm so glad to finally meet you. Dave's said so many nice things about
you I feel like we've already met."

The chemistry of friendship between the two women couldn't have been better.
They stood talking for fifteen minutes, completely oblivious to the fact that
their sons were waiting to be picked up. In that short amount of time, Kate
and Sophia found out more about each other and their respective families than
most men would learn in a month of conversation.

"Oh, I think I'd better go in and get the boys," Kate finally acknowledged.
"David said to come on in, so let's go. They should be dressed by now."

"Dressed?" Sophia asked with surprise.

"Oh yes, the boys always skinny-dip when they come over and that's why I
always call before I come, to give them time to get dressed."

"But... how do you know? Are their suits dry?"

"Ha-ha, oh no, they're too smart for that, it's no tan lines, ha-ha. They
must think I'm blind but I do see them in the nude from time to time around the
house and they don't have any tan lines."

Sophia laughed heartily then stopped quickly. "Oh lordy," she exclaimed with
a sound of urgency in her voice, "Shannon will be burned to a crisp. Let's
go."

Once inside, the two mothers stopped at the end of the foyer to watch the
antics occurring in the pool. Their sons were being launched high in to the air
to come splashing back down into the water. Kate gasped when she saw Tony
launch Matt into a complete flip but then realized he was okay.

"I think those two men are the greatest," Sophia exclaimed. "Just look at how
much fun our boys are having!'

"This is the first time I've actually watched them," Kate added, "they are
definitely having a blast. No wonder they're tired when they get home."

"And I'm so glad that Dave and Tony found each other. I'm so happy for them."

"I think your brother is the best thing that's happened to David since he
lost his first love."

"Dave had another love? I didn't know." Sophia was definitely surprised.

"Oops, I guess I spoke out of turn." Kate confessed. "It was several years
ago and they only knew each other for about eight or nine months, maybe ten; he
died in a car accident. David has seemed lost ever since."

"Ya know? That explains a lot. I agree... Dave did seem a little lost. But then
I think has Tony changed all that. You are so lucky to have Dave for a
brother."

"Thank you, I could say the same for you about Tony. Our whole family thinks
he's the greatest. And you're right, he has certainly caused a change in
David." After a few moments of watching, Kate continued. "So how does your family
feel about them?"

"Now that's a real pregnant question!" Sophia exclaimed laughingly. "The rest
of the family doesn't know yet. Heaven only knows how that will play out. How
long has your family known about Dave?"

"I've known since I was sixteen, David was fourteen. But Mother and Dad
didn't find out until after Paul died. It caused an estrangement between David and
his dad but eventually he came around and we're back to being a loving family.
I think Dad loves Tony just as much at the rest of us."

"Do your boys know?"

"Oh no, we all agree that there's no need for them to have to deal with that
this early in their lives. Dave wants to protect them as long as possible but
we all know that some day they'll probably figure it out and we'll have to
have a family discussion."

"Now that's something we hadn't considered. Thanks for telling me."

The two mothers continued to watch quietly for a few moments, then Kate asked
a question.

"You know who your brother makes me think of?"

"Who?" Sophia asked.

"You know the guy who does those telephone commercials, I think his name is
John something."

"What telephone commercials?"

"Oh, the ones for 10-10-9-8-7."

"Oh, you don't mean John Stamos do you?"

"Yes! That's him. Just look at him, the hair, the eyebrows, the shape of his
chin, his smile. His nose is different, and the ears too. And Tony definitely
have more muscles, he's a real hunk. And he seems to have the same outgoing
personality that Stamos has in those commercials."

"I never thought about it but I can see what you mean." Sophia acknowledged.
"Just don't tell Tony, I don't think he'd like it."

"Okay, I'll keep that to myself. Let's go," Kate suggested as she walked down
the steps into the great room, "I think it's time to break this up."


Saturday evening, Dave and Tony went to dinner at a restaurant high atop a
tall office building. The view of the city was breathtaking, which matched the
feelings the two men shared with each other.

"Ya know, this is the sort of atmosphere I wanted when I told you I loved
you," Tony spoke softly. Dave smiled.

"I was thinking the same thing. I wanted to bring you up here and confess my
love. I would've gotten on my knees if I had the courage."

Tony chuckled. "You still can," he suggested. Dave acted like he was going to
get out of his seat when Tony stuck you his hand. "Don't you dare!" And then
they both chuckled.

"Tell me more about this real estate license you're interested in getting.
And about going to the community college," Dave asked. He was intrigued that
Tony was interested in pursuing an education and was determined to encourage and
support him as best as he could.

That night they were too exhausted to make love and went right to sleep.


Dave sat straight up in bed and looked around the room. "Paul?"

Over the many months since Paul's death, Dave had frequent visits from his
former lover and they talked about many things. Paul's image always seemed to
appear either at the foot of the bed or sitting on one corner of the mattress.
But ever since Tony came into Dave's life, not once had Paul visited him.

*******

(To be continued.)