Date: Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:50:21 -0400
From: Ed Burau <lennoxbear@gmail.com>
Subject: Starting Again Chapter 33

Starting Again Chapter 33			by lennoxbear@gmail.com

Sam stumbled into his office early Tuesday morning carrying a box.  His
briefcase slung over his shoulder.  As always, he turned a few heads as he
walked from his truck to his office.  Since he didn't have any meetings or
classes scheduled, he was dressed in a fairly snug pair of black jeans and
a simple short sleeve underarmour T-shirt.  The shirt hugged every muscle
and cut even though he bought a XXL.  The box wasn't heavy but the position
of his arms brought out deep cuts in the tri's and forearms.  More than one
student wondered how a man pushing 50 could have the ass of a 25 year old.
Sam didn't seem to pick up on their stares and just nodded a simple `good
morning.'

He dropped the box on the side of Lorraine's desk causing her to
disdainfully glare at the box.  She looked up at him over the top of her
glasses.  "And this is?"

"Work I got done over the weekend?"

"I thought you went camping with your friends."

"I did but I managed my time really well.  On the bottom are the intern
applications and I marked the ones we need to schedule for an interview
with a green sticky note.  Then there are updates to grant proposals. I
wrote updates and changes in the margins.  The new grant apps are on top of
those.  Then the approved changes to course syllabi.  It would be nice to
interview the interns starting Thursday afternoon.  The grant updates also
need to go out by Friday and the new apps by next Wednesday.  The syllabus
stuff well, you can email the changes out."

"I can, can I?"

"Of course.  Don't give me that overworked look; we have students who can
help."

"Uh huh.  Next time, don't manage you're time so well.  BOBBI!!!"

"Ah, you sound just like Whitney."

"Don't go there."

"Any mes...

"On your desk."

"Any appoint..."

"In outlook."

"Any coff..."

"You have a nine o'clock with Kevin Daniels, I think at the coffee shop."

"Oh yeah."  He walked into his office, dropped his briefcase on the corner
of the desk and flipped through the messages.  "Hmm, Thad."  He frowned as
he saw the one Lorraine had written in red ink.  He waved it as he walked
back out to the reception area.  "Now why would someone schedule a research
meeting at seven in the morning tomorrow?"

"Honey, he would have scheduled it for six if I hadn't reminded him that
not everyone was an insomniac."

"Did you really say that?"  She looked at him over the top of her glasses
again.  "Of course you did."

"You need to remind that man that we all work normal hours.  Does he ever
go home?  He's here at six and sometimes doesn't go home till midnight.
Can't Joey find him a friend?"

Sam snorted.  "I really do think he's straight.  Well, okay, I'm not sure
he may just be a non-sexual."

"What ever, he needs someone to provide him with a life."

"I try not to think about it. Ewwww."

"Truly.  Go meet Kevin."  Sam dodged two students who tried not to stare at
his chest as he bounced down the front steps and ran through traffic to get
to the coffee shop two blocks away.  Kevin was seated at a side table when
Sam dropped into a chair with a large coffee and a reduced fat scone.

"Good morning.  Hmm, why is it I am in a shirt and tie and you look like
some jock skipping class?"

"You could dress in jeans and a T, what would anyone say?"

"They'd say I don't look as hot as that Dr. Chambers."  Sam smiled and
flexed his pecs.  "Stop it show off.  Hey did you get the message about the
meeting tomorrow?  Does that man ever consider working normal hours?"

"He's a workaholic.  Lorraine thinks he needs a boyfriend."

Kevin tilted his head in thought.  "I honestly don't think he has sex
organs."

Sam took a bite of his scone and looked at Kevin's pile of papers.  "I
don't want to know.  So are these the applications for next year's
internships?"  Kevin nodded.  "Any good looking ones?"  "This isn't a
beauty pageant, they don't attach pictures."

"Not what I meant."

An hour later they were walking back across campus.  Kevin may have been in
a shirt and tie but the shirt hugged the muscular chest and back.  Freshmen
were in awe that these two muscular men were college administrators.  Sam
waved as he ducked back into his building and up the stairs to his office.
Lorraine waved more messages at him and signaled he had someone waiting.

Thad was watching campus activity out the window when Sam opened the door.
"Hey Thad."  The two men hugged with Thad groping Sam's butt.

"Damn you're just getting better."

"To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"Well, I was in the area on business and thought I'd drop by.  Brian and I
got the final move done yesterday and are now furiously looking for a
house.  We were wondering if you could give us the name of your realtor."
Sam flipped through his Rolodex and wrote down the number.  "And do you
have time for a workout tomorrow at lunch."

"Um, I could squeeze one in, where?"

"Gym over in Shadyside.  That's where Brian thinks he want to live so I
thought I'd make sure there was a decent gym nearby.  Then we could stop at
my hotel room and we could you know."  Sam's eyes darted up at him.  "Brian
always wants to be the bottom.  Pleeeeeeze Sam, I need a good dick up my
ass."

"Gee, how could I refuse that?"

Officer John stretched his long thick legs as he slid out of the cruiser.
He was elated to be back on the job full time but still readjusting to the
long hours in the car or having to get in and out as often as he did.  It
still felt like there was a cast on his leg.  He shook his leg and watched
the big quad flex.  It felt so good to do that.  The older man behind the
counter grinned and saluted.

"Officer Sullivan how are you today?"

"Not bad Tom. How about yourself?"

"Oh, not bad for a 78 year old ex-marine.  What'll you have?"

"Ummm, let's see a large Sumatra and a cinnamon chip scone. And I should be
in such good shape when I get to 78."

"Hmm, they aren't the freshest. Thanks, wishing I still looked like you.
Alas, the muscle has sagged a bit."  John smiled as the older gent flexed
his arm.

"Maple."

"Good choice."  John waited for his order as another police cruiser from
the next municipality pulled into the parking lot.  John scowled
recognizing the car number and the blowhard lamebrain on patrol.  Tom
handed him his coffee and scone and took his payment card.  He glanced out
the window in the direction John was looking.  "I wish he'd find somewhere
else for coffee.  Talk about a windbag.  Pompous.  Conceited.  And more
than a bit bigoted."

"Yeah, I know.  I've overheard his comments directed at me."

"He doesn't like you and Buzz eh?"

John thought about it.  "I'm not sure he likes anyone.  Pity his poor wife.
He better be making up for it to her somehow."

"Ewww.  Hey, have a good one.  And don't turn your back on him."

"I don't and besides, technically, he's on my turf.  Maybe he'll just
ignore me."

"Well, he is ignorant."  John smiled and waved at the older man as he
walked out the door."

John took a deep breath and walked toward the cruiser.  "Well, well, well.
Mssssssss. Sullivan.  So you're back on patrol?  Got the big bad cast off
so you can get back into your tights."

"Oh you're just jealous of my quads Deacon.  Yes, I'm back full time."

"Well, your girlfriend must be happy that you're cast free and better able
to uh, fulfill your duties.  Or didn't it make a difference cause you..."

"Yes, Deacon, my boyfriend is happy.  I kept him pretty satisfied even with
the casts.  Probably more than you're doing for your wife, judging by."
John glanced down at the cop's crotch.  The other police officer with
Deacon snorted stifling a laugh.  Deacon glared at him.

"If you...gentlemen, will excuse me, I need to get back on my rounds."
John slid back into the cruiser, keyed it to life and swung out of the
parking lot past the two cops."

The second officer watched the big Ford.  "Seems like a nice enough guy
Deac, maybe you shou..."  "Shut the fuck up Smith.  What do you know?  He's
a big queer stinking up the profession."  He swaggered toward the coffee
shop.

"Yeah stink."  Smith took a deep breath, shook his head and followed his
partner.

Matt pulled his car into the drive behind Steve's truck.  Ben was helping a
customer load an armoire they had just finished into an SUV.  Angie, Sam
and Doober came running over to him each vying for his attention.  He
petted each dog and scratched their ears.  "Hey guys.  Hi Ben.  Sam,
where's Steve?"  The big shepherd ran up to the deck and across to the back
door barking at the glass.  Steve stuck his head out and waved.

Angie and Doober scampered back to Ben as the customer drove away.  Matt
dropped the mail on the kitchen, wrapped his arms around Steve and kissed
him deeply.  Steve smiled and sighed.  "Want some lunch?"

"You bet."  Matt walked through the house, pulling at his tie unbuttoning
his shirt and undoing his belt.  There was a trail of clothes through the
house that led to the two naked men writhing on the bed.  "Damn, it's been
a long time since we did a nooner."

"Ummm, yeah fucking too long.  Do we have time for?"

"No, we'll have to settle for the first couple of menu items."  Steve
smirked, slid down a bit in bed and clamped his mouth on one of Matt's big
nipples."  Matt groaned and held his head tight against his pec.  Steve
sucked one and roughly played with the other between his thumb and
forefinger.  He worked his way down the furry abs to the beer can-sized
cock flopping over Matt's trimmed crotch.  Matt tried to swing his body
around to 69 but Steve held him in place and worked his tongue and fingers
over the ample cock and balls.  "No fair, I don't have anything to play
with."

"Oh, okay."  Steve swung his legs around as Matt smiled and playfully
teased his cock head.  The lovers sucked each other for several minutes.
Steve felt Matt tensing and tapped Matt's head.  The beefy man picked up
his speed and suction on the object of his attention until he felt Steve's
balls pull up.  Both men hung on for a few more seconds then unloaded thick
copious loads down each other's throats.  They lay panting in each other's
arms and legs.

Matt sighed.  "I better pull myself together.  I have an appointment at
1:30.  Where's my other sock?  I'll grab a sandwich on the way back to the
office."

Steve hummed against Matt's big balls.  "Yeah sandwich."  Steve pulled his
jeans, shoes and socks back on and walked back toward the car with Matt.
They met Ben walking back in from the mailbox.

Matt adjusted his tie and checked his zipper.  "Hey how's it going Ben with
just the two of you?"  Ben tilted his head.  "It's okay.  We both miss Ken
and hope he gets home sooner rather than later, but you know how it goes.
Um, guys.  Uh, well, you better check your sex breath Matt."

Matt's face went crimson as he ran back inside for mouthwash.  Steve gave
him a wicked grin as he came back out of the house.  "You're not going to
take the hint?"

Steve waved his hand at Ben.  "Hell no, the man eats onions on everything."

"Onions can disguise a multitude of sins and keep people from asking more
questions."

Tuesday evening at the gym was packed.  It was crowded enough when just Sam
and all his buddies showed up, but for some reason everyone seemed to feel
the need for a post-Labour Day guilt workout.  The buds moved through the
gym with little difficulty.  Few of the other regulars came close in size
or intensity and gladly moved out of their way.  Spence helped Zack through
his routine then sat on the end of bench prepping for his next set.

"If I didn't know better, I'd say we intimidate people.  Don't know why.
We'd gladly let people work in if they wanted."  He lay back and shook his
arms.  He carefully placed his hands took several deep breaths and hoisted
the 350 pound bar out of its cradle.  It was a smooth set of 10.  The bar
slid back into the rest with hardly a thump. Zack stared at his big lover
as he sat up.  "What?"

"You just did 350 as a warm-up.  Look around.  These guys are lucky to push
their weight.  You all lift like you're pushing around feathers.  The
teenagers are the smallest ones here, for now."

"But it's not like we're growling at them or anything."  Spence shook his
arms again.  The big pecs popped out thick and round.  "I mean, you bench
250 easily."

"Exactly, I'm a gimp in a wheel chair.  Even I intimidate them.  We need to
find a way to soften our image."

"We could all do an aerobics class?"

Zeke bust out laughing.  "I don't think the floor could stand up to all
that beef working out to the oldies.  Think about it."

Spence shrugged, lay back, flexed his arms and bust out laughing.  "Okay, I
just got that visual."

Joe walked by as Spence lay on the bench giggling.  "I think he lost his
concentration."  Zeke smiled evilly.

"I have to work so hard to get to this point everyday.  It's so easy to
play with his mind."  "Hey."  Spence swung his hand at Zeke.  "You're
screwing up my concentration.  Spot me."

"I repeat. Gimp.  Wheel chair."

John walked over and stood above Spence.  "I'll spot him."  He leaned over
Spence and growled.  "You screw this lift up sissy boy and you'll eat my
shorts."

Zeke dropped his head.  "No John, eating your shorts would be incentive for
him."

Joe laughed and walked back over to Sam.  "You ever notice none of us has a
normal workout?"

"Define normal?"

Joe thought about it.  "Where's Bill?  It's not like him to not show up for
a workout."

Sam looked around.  "I don't know.  I need to fill my water bottle.  I'll
give him a quick call from the locker room.  Be right back."

Joe watched Sam's beefy butt saunter away.  His cock stirred in his shorts.
Buzz `accidentally' bumped into him and brushed his arm against the bulging
crotch.  "Focus Joe, focus."

Joe blushed.  "I am focused.  On what comes later."

Sam filled his water bottle then grabbed his cell from his locker.  "Hey
Bill.  We're missing you at the gym.  You okay?  What?  When?  He all
right?  That sounds fishy.  Okay, hang in there buddy.  We'll stop by on
our way home from the gym."  He flipped his phone shut and walked back out
to Joe.  "Bill's not going to make it.  He got an email.  Ken's been hurt."
Joe, Tony and Bear were all standing nearby and snapped their heads around.
"No, no, not injured like in shot.  He got jumped by three or four guys and
beat up.  And raped."

Bear looked at Sam and frowned.  "He didn't do anything to provoke it did
he?"

"Bill doesn't think so.  He doesn't have much detail.  Just a short email
from Buck.  I said we'd stop by on our way home."

A small crowd pushed into Bill's apartment minutes after ending their
workouts.  Bill sat in front of the TV, laptop at his side.  "Not much else
to tell you.  I had another email from Captain Malloy who said he was
sticking his head out in some ways acknowledging that I was Ken's lover.  I
guess Ken's is nursing a lot of bruises, black eyes and an uh, torn
rectum." Bill inhaled a long shaky breath.  He's confined to a cot near the
captain so they can keep an eye on him.  He thinks he'll be back on duty
soon.  Didn't think Ken would let this stop him.  But Malloy said he was
investigating some other angles but had to move quickly."

Matt arrived with his son in tow.  "He thinks the other guys will cover
their tracks."  Buddy looked confused.  "Some goons beat up on Kenny."
Buddy hugged him close.

Bill shook his head as if he wasn't sure.  "He wouldn't say, or couldn't
say to be more like it.  Buck sent me another email saying he thought one
or two of the guys were close to reaching their discharge date."

Matt rubbed his son's shoulders.  "So, in other words, if Malloy doesn't
move quickly, the guys could be sent home, disappear and no one would be
the wiser."  Bill nodded.

"Seems that way."

Steve snorted in disgust.  "We're all here if you need anything.  Did you
eat?"

"Yeah.  Pat and Lou brought me leftovers from their family cookout
yesterday.  Really came in handy."

Buzz tilted his head.  "Who are Pat and Lou?"

Sam scratched Doober's ears.  "Two more of us that Bill stumbled onto."

John rubbed his left pec.  "Good lord, what's in the water out here?"

The rest of the week dragged by for Bill as he had few updates from Iraq.
Ken finally emailed him to let him know he was healing but under close
watch with Captain Malloy.  The cap was worried about his anger and Ken
admitted he wanted revenge.  Buck quietly emailed Bill everyday without Ken
knowing.  He had gotten over his fear of anyone finding out he was gay
because of this incident.  The fact that he was another black man having to
deal with discrimination both for race and sexual orientation created an
instant bond with Bill.

The friends all kept quiet tabs on Bill.  No one wanted to push him in any
way that would make him feel any more lonely than he did or cause his anger
to boil over.  He had no way to deal with the anger other than to work all
day, workout, take care of Doober and work on his house.  They gave him his
space going so far as to not even bother him at the new place.  It wasn't
until Buddy bugged Matt to take him along with Sam and Angie over to the
new place that any of them had even thought about it.  Matt convinced Buddy
to let Bill have his space and time.  Instead, he called Bill and told him
they would take care of Doober just so Buddy could play with all three dogs
and his other friends.

Bill tried hard not to show his anguish at the regular Friday night group
dinner.  They all got together in the back room at one of their favourite
brew pubs.  He loved his friends even more for their concerns but assured
them he was not going to go over the deep end.  Captain Malloy had even
reassured him as best he could that Ken was recovering well and to be sure
he was working to bring the attackers to justice.  Bill went home and
collapsed into bed.  Doober snuggled up next to him.

He petted the big yellow dog and slipped his arm around him.  "You know, we
won't be able to do this when Ken gets home.  Guess we'll just have to buy
that king-sized bed."

Ken resigned himself to doing paperwork for a few days while he recovered.
Malloy watched him like a hawk.  He was anxious to get back to his regular
detail and duty and leave as much of this behind as he could.  Malloy
needed him to heal physically and mentally.

"You know Cap, I'm not going to go all ballistic or nuts or anything."

"I know son but I just want to put some time and distance between you and
some things."

"But these guys could get away with this.  Not that I think any justice
will be served but oh fuck, I don't know what to think."

"We're working on it son.  You need to get better.  I know you don't think
you did anything to provoke the attack, and I know you're tired of my
asking.  But, if there is a hearing, you know the judges, especially
military, will be brutal.  Not condoning attacking you but they're going to
say you asked for it, wanted it."

"Yes sir I know that and I can handle that.  It's just, well, I."

"What?"

Ken carefully sat up on his inflatable donut to protect his still sore
butt.  "Believe me, I know it will be their word against mine but to be
truly honest sir, they ain't my type."

"And understand son they're going to ask questions to provoke you, to get
you to say you're gay and that you came on to them.  Type don't mean shit
here."

"It does to me sir.  I don't give a fuck anymore if the military knows I'm
gay.  They can take don't ask don't tell and shove it up their fucking
asses.  I know who I am and I know what I am.  And I am not someone who
would do what they did.  And I am not someone who would have wanted to have
sex with them no matter what.  They're all hot air and posturing, false
bravado and bullshit macho.  Just not going to do it for me.  Not my type."

"Be careful with that type thing.  They could trick you into saying what
you're type is and it could be all over.  They'll try to say that any queer
would give in to strong military types out of need..."

"No sir.  Not me.  I know you emailed Bill.  Bill's my type.  He's, he's
well."  "What?"

"He's a combination of Buck...and you."  Malloy blushed.  "No disrespect
sir."

"I. I.  I don't think I take any.  To be honest, I ain't ever had a gay man
tell me I was his type.  I don't know what to say."  Malloy got up and
walked across the room to get a bottle of water from the fridge.  He looked
down at his body in snug fitting T-shirt and camo pants and blushed again.
"I guess I should be flattered.  Damn Ken we're in deep shit here."  He ran
his hand over his short dark hair and sighed.  "Four men fucked you
brutally.  And four men are going to deny they did it forcefully, even did
it at all, unless..."

"Unless what sir?"

"You can convince the board.  Two of the men are due for discharge and time
is against us."  He sat back down on his chair across from Ken and leaned
forward.  Ken tried not to stare at the big pecs and biceps flexing under
the T.  "I had the med staff take samples, um, from your ass.  There was
semen mixed in with the blood.  They sent it off to a military lab to pull
out DNA.  When they took these guys in for questioning, they took samples
of blood.  Hopefully, we'll get results back before the hearing and that
much will prove they had sex with you.  The issue remains of whether or not
it was by force, rape, or if you came on to them and let them fuck you."

"It isn't pretty is it?"

Malloy ground his teeth.  "It's never pretty for the victim.  They're being
held separately so hopefully they won't be able to make up a story.  And
all four lie.  The military can still charge them even past their discharge
date.  I just wish there was some bit of evidence, proof, you had other
than, they're not your type."

"Maybe if I actually tried to write down all the details?  I know I been
asked these questions before, but maybe if I really try to reconstruct
things, I may find something.'

"It may be the best chance you have.  But get some rest.  I know you're
pushing yourself even if it is just desk duty.  We need you back in top
shape.  I hate this part of my job.  Hate having to tell family that their
son or daughter is hurt or dead."

Ken sat quietly looking at the floor.  He spoke in a whisper.  "War insures
that's going to happen no matter how careful we are."

Malloy sucked in a long slow breath.  Tears filled his eyes.  "I know son.
I hate this place.  I want my boys to be safe, go home in one piece.  I
just have to hang in there a couple more years."  He swallowed hard and
squeezed Ken's knee. "You get some rest. I'm going to get some air."

Ken said goodnight and watched Malloy's butt in his snug fatigues as he
walked away.  "You're watching my ass aren't you?"  He turned around and
grinned.  Ken blushed.  *****

Saturday Sam slid his hands up over the thick warm flesh of Joe's arms.  He
traced the veins up to the cold metal of the cuffs restraining Joe to the
headboard.

"I knew you got up to do a little prepping but I want something more than
just a weekend morning fuck."

"Obviously.  You got those cuffs in place pretty damn yowch."  Sam bit into
the tender flesh of an upturned nipple.  "Oh fucccckkkkk.  Daddy."

Sam smiled mischievously as he slid back up and sucked on the tender flesh
of Joe's neck.  Joe pushed back. Sam bit harder.  It would leave a small
mark.  Their friends would smile knowingly.  Sam clasped the boy's wrists
and pressed their lips together.  Joe's fire ignited.  He thrust his chest
up.  His nipples begged for attention.  Sam held the kiss then slid slowly
down to the big fat left pierced nipple.  "Come to papa."  Sam worked the
fleshy nubs until they were swollen and Joe was moaning for more.  Pre-cum
flowed from the big throbbing cock, oozing around the silver PA.  Sam knew
from the start, from his first night with Joe that the man's cock was wired
to his sensitive nipples.  The playing only made it more so.

Sam straddled Joe's narrow hips letting his cock play against his lover's.
He kneaded the thick arms and chest.  The hours spent pumping in the gym
and in the basement had returned a dividend of hard sweaty muscle.  Muscle
that was getting thicker and furrier.  Joe stared at Sam's dark eyes then
down at the monster cock bouncing off of his.

"You want a little taste?"

"Yes sir, please."  Sam pulled Joe's body downward on the bed, stretching
the upturned arms even more.  The big pecs thickened making the nips more
inviting.  He slid forward and balanced above Joe's eager mouth.  Joe
tongued at Sam's dripping cock head and moaned.  The big man slowly fed his
boy the hard veined shaft until his nuts nestled against a wet chin.  He
honestly didn't know how Joe could take the whole thing.  He remembered
being a young pup and trying to learn to deep throat big cocks.  Joe had
talent.  His throat and mouth sucked and massaged the big spike until Sam
pulled out.

"We don't have time for two loads.  I really want that hot hole.  Let me
just see how it's doing.  He slid downward, pushed Joe's legs up and apart
and licked his lips.  "Truly a butt of beauty."  He drove his tongue deep
into the pulsing quivering hole.  Joe whimpered.  He pushed his ass up to
meet Sam's tongue.

"Oh holy fuck, please sir, fuck me."

"What do you want?"

"Your cock sir, fuck me sir, shit shit shit."  Sam giggled.  No one would
ever suspect the hyper masculine man writhing underneath him was a cock
whore.  He placed the head of his prick against the hungry pucker and
pushed slightly.  Joe groaned.  "Please, sir. Please, please, please."

Sam rubbed his cock along the pucker.  "Oh I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know? Dammit, fuck me, now."  Joe pushed up
trying to force his ass around the drooling dick.
"Puuuhhhhlllleeazzzzzzzzzzzzzzz."

The big cock slid in slowly to the base.  Joe's body shuddered with need.
Sam steadied the thick legs to keep Joe from crushing his waist.  The slow
fucking motion increased with speed until both men were panting with
anticipation.

"You ready son?"

"Yessiryessiryesir.  Uh."  Joe's cock sent a volley of hot cum straight at
his face, catching on his morning stubble.  He could feel Sam's load
flooding his ass.  The heat filling his need.  Joe relaxed his legs but
wouldn't put them down until Sam's cock was ready to leave its happy space.
Joe's cum glued them together as Sam reached for the key to unlock the
cuffs.  They rolled around on the bed for a few minutes enjoying a few more
Saturday morning kisses.

"We better get moving if we are to meet Dave and Gus for the trip to state
for the football game today."

Joe sighed and stood up on wobbly legs.  "You've already scored a big one
today.  I'll hurry up and shower and shave."

"Bad pun.  But it was good wasn't it?  Don't bother shaving.  I like you
this way, sorta scruffy."

"Well that works for me to.  We have to pick up steaks too don't we?"

"Oh yeah, we better get moving.  I ordered steaks from Tony so they will be
ready."

A few minutes later they wandered into the kitchen.  It was going to be a
very warm Saturday so they opted for jeans and T-shirts.  Jack was sitting
at the counter eating cereal and looking miserable.

Sam ruffled his bed hair and squeezed his shoulder.  "Hey kiddo.  Good game
last night, why so gloomy?"

Jack sighed and pushed the flakes around in his bowl.  "Oh just wish I were
going along.  That and having two gay fathers rutting in the bedroom only
makes me horny.  Thanks guys."

Joe poured coffee into a couple of travel mugs.  "We were that loud?"

Jack rolled his eyes.  "I didn't think a cock fucking an ass could make
that much noise."

"I was lubed for silence."

"That doesn't help me.  Your bed squeaks."

Sam smirked.  "Oops, we didn't know."

"Of course not, you're moaning drowns it out if you're in there.  And the
effect is this." He stood up and pointed at the stiff cock tenting out the
front of his shorts.  "And this is after jacking off in the first 20
minutes of your fun."

Sam sighed.  "Jack, I'm sorry if we upset you."

"I'm not upset, just very horny.  And Gary and I promised to help Swede do
a couple of jobs this morning.  And Scott's helping.  Too much beef.  I'll
be stiff all day."

Joe bit his lip trying not to laugh at the teenager's drama.  "We won't be
back until about 10 so you and Gary could you know."

"Oh believe me, I intend on having that dick up my ass as soon as we get
back here.  Look guys, I'm just teasing you.  I count my blessings to be in
this house everyday.  I don't have to hide who I am and neither do you."
He got up put his dishes into the dishwasher and headed for the stairs.
"But the least you could do is invite me."

Sam looked at Joe and then at Jack.  "Not sure you could handle this."

Jack stood at the bottom of the stairs and smiled at the two big men.  "A
boy's gotta learn somewhere."

Joe laughed.  "We'll talk about this later.  We're heading out.  Have a
good day working.  Give Swede, Scott and Gary our best.  And give Bill a
call later.  Maybe you could you know."

Jack grinned.  "Oooooo, that's a thought.  Hey have you been past his new
place, looking great."  He ran up the stairs and into his room.

Sam looked at Joe.  "No I haven't been past it.  I didn't think he was much
past the demolition stage?"

Joe shrugged.  "He hasn't said much.  Let's drive by on the way to the
store."  A few minutes later they stopped in front of Bill and Ken's new
place.

Sam whistled.  "Holy crap.  No wonder he's been begging off of the cabin
trips and other things.  It looks like all new windows, a new driveway,
maybe new roof, the yards have been graded and upstairs you can see new
insulation.  Wonder what else?'

Joe studied the building.  "The brick work looks like it's been cleaned and
pointed.  There's scaffolding around back.  And judging by the dumpster,
more work going on inside."

Sam steered the big Ford down the road.  "We gotta corner that man when we
get back."

Bill had been up early to walk Doober.  He lounged around in his underwear
sipping coffee when he got back.  He needed to summon up the motivation to
go over and work on the new place.  Despite the attention from his friends,
and Doober's faithful companionship, he was lonely.  And he was horny.
Hanging out in bed feeling sorry for himself, worrying about Ken wasn't
going to do him any good.  Steve and Matt were taking Buddy to the football
game to watch Ron, Dave and Tim.  He had agreed to watch Sam.

They would be leaving soon to make the two and a half hour drive to campus.
He better get moving.  There was plenty to keep him busy.  The hot spray of
the shower washed over him.  His cock felt good in his slippery soapy hand.
His body needed attention.  He reached out of the shower and grabbed the
razor form the medicine cabinet.  A few minutes later he stood posing in
front of the bedroom mirror.  He flexed and posed admiring the lean, length
of his muscular body, the tiny waist, the ample hard bubble butt and
enormous upper body.  His body gleamed with a light coating of lotion.
Lotion applied over his now hairless body.  He made a face at himself in
the mirror.  Why had he shaved his body?  It was going to itch like hell
growing back.  But damn, the chest, the thighs, and the smooth crotch.  It
all looked good.  His cock looked even bigger.  He arranged the camera on a
shelf, lined up a few shots and posed.  Ken would enjoy it even as he if
went nuts when the hair grew back.

He sent off a quick email of pics to Ken.  Oh well damage done.  His work
shorts felt odd against his smooth skin.  Underwear would probably have
helped curb that feeling.  Who cares?  His T-shirt slid over the smooth
chest and hung sensuously over the big pecs.  Mmmmm.  A knock at the door
brought him back to reality.

Steve was standing at the apartment door with Sam.  The big shepherd
scurried past Bill to get to his buddy Doober.

"Hey thanks for dog sitting Sam.  Wish you were going with us?"

Bill tried not to stare at Steve's wide chest in the stretched T.  "Oh I
have plenty to keep me busy.  Maybe next game."

"Okay bud.  Well don't work too hard.  Take some time for yourself.  You
seem to be really pushing it.  You look different, new haircut?"

Bill ran his hand over his short hair.  "Uh, uh, no, same head of hair."
His cock twitched at the silly remark.

"Hmmm.  Something different.  Okay.  We'll be back around 10, hopefully
earlier, and if I see lights on, I'll come get Sam.  You be a good boy
Sammy.  Thanks again."

"No problem and don't worry about leaving Sam.  He can keep me and Doob
company."

Bill watched the long muscular legs flex in the tight jeans as Steve
bounced down the steps and to the waiting truck where Matt and Buddy waved
back.  Matt's big arm looked really good hanging out of the truck window.
Damn, he had to quit leering at his friends.  He needed sex.  And not just
with his hand.  "Well guys, you ready to go over to my new place.  We
fenced in the back yard so you guys can be safe out there now."  Sam and
Doober seemed to understand as they danced around at the door.  Bill
grabbed his thermos and truck keys.

Steve and Matt rumbled down the road passing Bill's new place.  Matt sat
back in the truck seat.  "Holy shit.  Would you look at that?"  ***** Bill
swung his truck into the garage. It would be out of the way of the space
reserved for the rolls of insulation to be delivered later.  Doober and Sam
ran into the yard to leave their scents, and then flew into the garage when
Bill whistled.  He closed the inside door and let the dogs out into the
newly fenced back yard.  They chased each other around then settled for a
cool shady spot to keep an eye on the door in case Bill came back out to
play.

He strolled into what would be the new kitchen and opened his logbook of
projects.  The day was heating up quickly and the only a/c working in the
place was in the upstairs since he had finished insulating.  The drywall
for the second floor would be delivered this morning and the insulation to
do the first floor.  In the meantime, all he could do was open windows and
hope for strong breezes to cool the place.  That and take off his shirt.
He hung his T over a nail in a wall stud and ran a hand over the smooth
hairless chest.  Damn.

The deliverymen weren't due for another 30 minutes, just enough time to
finish up the wiring in the soon-to-be TV room/den.  His shorts hung low on
his waist just above what would have been his pubic hair is it all hadn't
gone swirling down the drain this morning.  His cell rang a few minutes
later.

"Hey Pat, how are you?  Good, a little warm here.  Super, yeah, I'd like to
see them.  You're where?  What's there?  Really?  I didn't know they had
conferences for landscaping, huh.  Okay, sure have Lou bring them over.
I'll be here.  I may go grab some lunch at noon but I'll call him if I need
to leave.  I appreciate you finding the stone.  It would be cool to have it
at least delivered before the winter weather.  You enjoy your conference."

He walked to the back door to check on the dog's water bowls just as a
voice yelled out from the garage.  The drywall deliverymen were there to
haul the stuff into the upstairs through the one remaining window opening.
A new window would be installed after this.  He helped them jockey into
place and then stood to one side and marveled how quickly they unloaded,
steadied the load through the relatively small window and moved it into the
various upstairs rooms.  The men were all younger and muscular.  The sights
didn't help his horniness.  He had to keep from watching the flexing muscle
or he'd pop a boner for sure.  It took them a little over an hour to unload
and get things set-up for the installers who would begin their part on
Monday.

They gladly accepted sodas from his stash in the garage fridge and
complimented him on the way the place was shaping up.  They were even more
amazed just how much he had accomplished in such a short amount of time.
He knew in the back of his mind he would be paying off those favours to
several of his construction buddies for a long time.  The big rig was
bearly down the street when the delivery truck with the insulation arrived.
These guys weren't nearly as muscularly distracting but they were
efficient.

It would be nice to get some insulation installed in the TV room and
living/dining room so the drywall for that could start in the next couple
of weeks.  Luck permitting.  He carried rolls out of the garage and into
the other rooms almost as quickly as they unloaded the truck.  The dogs
hardly barked.  Deliverymen weren't there thing.  Unless it was pizza.  He
wiped sweat from his face as the second truck rumbled away.  He wandered in
to what remained of the old bathroom, dropped his shorts and rinsed off in
the shower.  The warm air felt good against his bare skin as he stood in
the kitchen area in only his workboots and socks.

Lou called 20 minutes later. He had just finished the last wiring run in
the TV room.  Pat had samples of patio and wall stone and pavers he wanted
him to see for the back yard.  The big man was driving Pat's dump truck and
smiled broadly when he stepped out of the rig.

"Good morning Bill.  Hey looking good, shirtless and just a bit sweaty
there."  Lou ran the back of his hand over a big ebony nipple.  Bill smiled
and groaned inwardly.  He hoped.  "Got the samples Pat wanted you to see.
It's nice stuff and he can get it at a really good price right now.  If you
like it, he can order it and have it here by the end of the week.  Did you
shave your chest?"

Bill bit his lip.  "Yeah in a moment of wild abandon this morning in the
shower.  Probably going to itch like help when it grows back."

Lou laughed.  "Oh yeah.  I do it when I compete but have taken to keeping
shaved most of the time, except dead of winter.  That's when Pat likes the
furry me the best."

"Yeah well, I got carried away."

"Oh?"  Lou pulled Bill's shorts open at the front waist and peered in.
"My, my and oh my, that's nice.  Sorry didn't mean to be so forward.  But I
see naked shaved men all the time when I compete.  I have some creams you
can use to help prevent ingrown hair as it comes back.  Unless you keep it
shaved.  Need help with that?"  The big man rubbed his hand against the
outline of Bill's dick and smiled.

"Damn Lou, you don't know the half of it.  I am so fucking horny with Ken
away.  I thought of going to the book store last night but talked myself
out of it."

Lou pulled him into the bed of the dump to show him the stone.  "Well, you
can't spend all your time working on this place.  You need some fun too.
You know, get your rocks off, and not with just your own hand.  What does
Ken say about your maybe getting some help from someone?"

Bill shrugged.  "He's okay with it. We're both in the same boat.  Except
I'm not in Iraq and can find someone to take care of my needs better and
easier than he can."

"Then there's your answer.  So what do you think of this stone and these
pavers together in the back yard?"

Bill looked down at the arrangement of material.  "Wow, this tuff is
beautiful.  Did he give you a price?"

Lou fished a sheet of paper out of his pocket and stood next to Lou.  The
shorter man could feel the heat emanating from Lou's massive body.  "He
figured it all out and has a drawing of what goes where; see pavers here,
the low back walls, the one higher retaining walls.  It creates a really
good place for the dogs.  The wall guy, I think you know Spence's brother,
can't do anything until October, but the materials can be set aside."  He
watched Bill's hand shake as he looked at the drawing and price out.
"Bill, are you sure you're all right?"

Bill swallowed hard and shrugged.  "This looks super and he has it figured
out perfectly for my budget.  I appreciate him cutting me a break.  Let's
go inside where it's a bit cooler.  Hard to believe this is September."
Bill offered the big man a drink and walked back toward the kitchen staging
area.  "Truth is Lou, I am a mess worrying about Ken."  He told him what he
knew of Ken's ordeal.  Lou could see he was visibly angry.  "I know he's
serving the country and I shouldn't feel this way, but look at me.  I was
there.  My legs aren't what they should be and I'm one of the really,
really lucky ones.  I don't know what to think or feel.  I feel like I'm
letting down my country."

Lou squeezed Bill's shoulder.  "No one would blame you for being angry.
You have a great group of friends who care about you, at least from what I
have seen and from what you have told us.  They're probably as frustrated
not knowing what to do for you and feeling just as fucking angry about this
whole recall bullshit.  We can only hope he comes home intact.  This this,
altercation with his so-called fellow soldiers shouldn't leave him in harm.
At least there appears to be no permanent damage physically.  With your
support and love, he can overcome it emotionally.  It sounds like this
Captain Malloy and Buck, is that it, are good people." Bill walked over to
the laptop he had brought over and opened a file of pictures from Ken.  Up
popped several pics of Malloy and Buck working along side Ken in T's and
camo shorts.  "Hmm, I could bet Ken's as sexually frustrated as you are.
Look, I'm not an overly religious person but Pat and I will keep him in our
thoughts and prayers.  If that means anything?"

"Thanks, it helps."

"In the meantime, you've been pouring almost all of your extra time into
this place.  You need to relax.  It's okay to take a day just for yourself.
Man, you are really tense."  Lou rubbed Bill's shoulders and massaged his
neck and back.  "Damn, you're like one big knotted muscle.  Relax."  Bill
moaned under the strength of Lou's strong hands working out the kinks in
his shoulders.  "I learned this because of bodybuilding.  Guys who compete
often get cramps.  And then there's Pat, who just plain overworks his body.
This helping?"  Bill moaned and nodded.  "I think I know what else you
need."  He slowly turned Bill around, undid the button and zipper on his
shorts and let them fall to the floor."

Bill sucked in a deep breath.  "Lou...no."

"Hush."  The big man fell to his knees and kissed the head of Bill's
quickly stiffening ebony cock.  "Let me do this for you."  Bill clutched
the edge of the counter behind him as Lou began his oral assault on the big
cock and ripe balls.  Lou had no problem sucking down the big dick with the
wide shaft just below the head.  Bill finally gave in and placed his right
hand behind Lou's head.  Lou moaned his appreciation.  It took thirty
minutes of Lou teasing him to near climax before Bill's load flooded Lou's
mouth.  A few drops dribbled from the sides.  Bill quickly kissed them away
when Lou stood up to smile an evil grin at him.  "That can't begin to
relieve the stress you feel being separated from Ken, but it might give you
a little relief from some tension."  Bill slowly nodded and smiled.

"You didn't have to do that."

"No I didn't but it seemed like the least I could do to help you.  Now,
let's get the dogs and go get some lunch.  The rest of the day you are
under my direction to relax and not work yourself into a stupor."

"But I wanted to get some insula..."

"Don't care.  The work will be here later.  You owe it to yourself and to
Ken to take some time for you.  Besides, I'm a damned good listener.  Maybe
talking to me about what you are feeling will help."

Football

It was half time of the first college game for Dave, Tim and Ron when Sam's
cell phone rang.  The group all turned to stare at him as he struggled to
get it out of the holder on his belt.  "Sorry, I didn't think anyone would
call during the game.  Forgot to turn it off."  Joe shook his head.  "Aw
shaddup, not like I get calls all day and night.  Hey Tank, what's up?
Yeah.  Bill's had email why?  Oh."  Sam sat and babbled among the half time
revelers while Joe, Gus and Kevin eavesdropped as best they could.  Matt
and Steve were one row back with the rest of the guys and out of earshot.
Sam finally hung up. He bit his lower lip."

Joe sat down and leaned closer to avoid the strangers around them hearing.
"What was that about?"

Sam looked blankly at Joe for a minute before taking a deep breath.  "Seems
Tank had one of his dreams and this time it involved Ken.  You remember how
he was like deep into this dream stuff when we were sorting out your
kinship to him and mine to his late lover, oh and Ken's tie in and all
that.  It was a bit spooky but Tank is convinced this is a sign.  Problem
is since he's on these new arthritis and blood pressure meds his sleep is
not what it used to be.  Well, that and Harley often takes advantage of the
uh, stiff of the moment if you get my drift.  So he isn't sure of the
details.  But he knew something happened to Ken that didn't involve a war
injury, so to speak.  And he knows things will be okay for now."

"For now?"  Joe looked down at the field where the teams were coming back
out for the second half.

"The dream and this part is really fuzzy for him.  He sometimes has these
dreams several times or nights so he's hoping it will happen again.  The
dream that is.  But someone dies."

"Ken?"

"He doesn't remember but it obviously bothered him enough to call." Joe
took a deep breath.  Gus and Kevin who came in at the end of that
conversation just looked at each other.  "Let's hope his dream goes into
reruns."

Joe slipped his hand into Sam's at their knees and squeezed.  "Let's hope
details were scrambled and it's not Ken."

After the game the friends wound their way around to the team entrance as
the crowd celebrated the victory in the warm September afternoon sun.  Dave
Jr. and Tim got big hugs from their Dads as the boys came out of the locker
area dressed in their street clothes and still damp from the showers.  Ron
came out a minute later.  Since his mother couldn't make the trip up he was
greeted by a swirl of massive arms hugging him.  As freshmen, they didn't
get much playing time but what little they got showed promise.  Ron grinned
ear to ear as his friends crowded him.

Sam hugged his nephew and beamed like the proud uncle he was.  "Okay, we
have a room reserved at a restaurant for some dinner.  Hope you boys
planned to join us?"  Dave Jr. and Tim agreed right away.  Ron hesitated as
he looked around at the sea of faces outside the stadium.

"I uh, sorta said I might have dinner with a friend."

Gus threw his arm over the young man's shoulders.  "You can invite him to
join us unless you are concerned about you know."

Ron looked at the ground.  "Well, not exactly.  I just don't know if..."

"Ron."  The young man spun around to look for the deep bass voice that had
said his name.  A tall thick black man walked over and shook his hand.

"James."

"Good game son.  All you boys.  You did well for freshmen.  It'll get
better just wait and see."

Ron smiled at the big man.  "Sam, Joe, guys, this is James..."

Gus shook the big man's hand.  "Yes, we know.  You played ball about what
15 years ago?  And now you're a lawyer somewhere."

"Youngstown.  How?"

"Oh your name comes up often in discussions about why isn't he playing pro
ball."

The big man smiled and shook a thick denim covered leg. "Knees.  Really
truly fucked up knees.  I lasted one year in pro ball.  But I'm happy.  I
get to watch young talent like these guys.  And I lift and stay in shape.
Who knows maybe there'll be a geriatric team in heaven?"

Sam introduced himself.  "We have a banquet room at the Inn reserved for
dinner if you would like to join us.  Bring your family?" The man smiled.
Sam swore he felt Joe and Tim swoon at the big man.

"No family.  Just me.  I was going to take Ron and his buds to dinner if
you guys didn't make the trip.  But I would be honoured to join you all."
Sam looked at a slightly apprehensive Ron.  James threw his big arm around
Sam.  And the other around Ron.  "I guess Ron hasn't mentioned me.  Don't
worry Sam.  I fit right in with this group.  IN fact, you and I met about
five years ago at IML."

Joe rolled his eyes.  "It's like six degrees of separation with Sam.  Tim,
did you know about James?"

Tim walked between Gus and Kevin.  "Not really.  We knew Ron had to be
seeing someone but it was like this big secret.  There were weekends in the
summer when he was `busy.'  Now we know."

"But from Youngstown?"

Dave bounced off his Dad.  "The Internet.  Small world and all.  I just
didn't think it would be someone who had played ball here."

Matt walked along with Steve and Buddy.  "Well college football, and for
that matter pro ball, can't handle out players."

Joe gestured at the crowd of big beefy denim-clad, hyper-masculine men
making their way across the parking lot.  "Yeah, not likely to be outed as
a queen with this group.  A better chance of being investigated for steroid
use.  Just look at this beef."

Steve whispered into Matt's ear as they followed James and Ron.  "Just look
at those beefy butts."

Matt glanced down at Steve's crotch.  "Careful, you're about to give away
secrets."

Swede had two jobs lined up that morning and was grateful for Gary, Jack
and Scott's help.  His partners were busy taking care of three other
projects.  The four of them made quick time of the work and after a lunch,
courtesy of Swede, Jack and Gary were headed back to use Sam and Joe's
basement gym.  Swede and Scott decided to join them for a workout as well.

The four men put in a fairly intensive workout all the time keeping their
eyes on the TV in the corner watching for a glimpse of Dave Jr., Tim or Ron
playing football.  At half time, a sweaty Swede and Scott dripping sweat in
just their shorts and shoes hugged an equally sweaty Jack and Gary and took
off to go back to Scott's to shower and watch the rest of the game.

Swede paused in the front doorway.  "Now don't you boys be doing anything
too kinky in the play room."

Jack played his innocent look.  "What do you mean?  We're going to work out
some more, watch the game, shower, maybe order a pizza.  What playroom
stuff?"

Swede rolled his eyes as Scott stifled a laugh.  "Yeah right.  Don't be
losing any toys anywhere we will have to come back over here to retrieve."

"I would never."

"I repeat.  Yeah right."  Swede pointed at him and laughed as he closed the
door and headed for his truck followed by Scott.

"Why can't we stay and workout in the playroom?"

"Cause I intend to do all my playing from your bed with one eye on the
game."

"What makes you think we can do both?"

Swede glanced down at the big prick outlined in the sweaty shorts.  "I have
faith you can rise to the occasion."  Scott groaned at the pun and climbed
into the truck.

Jack locked the door and bounded back down the stairs.  Gary was doing arm
curls watching the half time football report.  Jack grabbed another set of
barbells and joined him.  He did a quick set and when Gary bent over to put
his dumbbells on the floor, Jack pulled down his shorts.

"Hey.  We can't workout if you play around." Jack ran his hands over the
sweaty body.  Jack's hands kneaded the thick hard flesh of his chest.  He
moaned as Jack's hot hands worked his muscles.  Jack bit his delt.

"Let me take care of something and I can do some leg lifts for you."  Gary
groaned as Jack's hand squeezed his hard cock.

"I'll do some more arms.  Hurry up."  Jack returned a few minutes later
ready for his aerobics.  Gary had spread a couple of towels on the floor
and was waiting, stiff cock in hand.  The two teenagers rolled around on
the floor each sucking the other to the point of climax then backing off.
Finally, Gary pushed Jack to his knees and pressed against him.  "Looks
like state's about to go in for the score."

"Yeah, yeah, no puns, just fuck me."

"No really look."  Jack looked up at the TV just as state crossed the line
and Gary's cock hit home.  Jack stifled a scream and giggled.

"Sorry, the absurdity of what we just did hit home oh, yeah, hit me again."
Gary fucked away at Jack's tight ass until Jack begged him to bring them
off.  He braced himself as Gary reach around to pound his dripping teen
cock.  A few minutes later they collapsed in a sea of cum and sweat onto
the towels.  "Damn that was hot.  What's the score in the game?"

Gary lay on top of Jack panting for his breath, his cock slowing shrinking
and plopping out of its warm space.  "It's over.  We missed it.  Have to
watch the highlights."

Jack sighed with contentment.  "I wouldn't mind a repeat of the
highlights."  They lay together on the floor wrapped around each other
waiting for the game replay.  The announcers were just coming on when the
doorbell rang.  Jack snorted.  "Who could that be on a Saturday afternoon?
Don't they know we're watching a football game?"  He rolled out from under
Gary, tugged his shorts back on trying to adjust his dick to be less
conspicuous.  He grabbed a hand towel to dab at the smears of cum on his
stomach.

There was still some late afternoon sun coming in the front windows as Jack
came around from the basement stairs and padded to the door in his bare
feet.  He opened the front door prepared to face a sales man or neighbour.
"What the hell?  Dad?  What are you doing here?"

Jack's father stood sternly on the front porch. A few steps behind him
stood two men in blue work shirts and jeans.  Their arms were folded across
their chests giving them an air of authority.

"Jack, I'm here to provide you a way out of your debased lifestyle. These
men are from Ex..."

"Oh no.  You aren't supposed to be here.  I ain't going with them.  I know
what that group is about, no way.  Get the hell out of here."

"Look at you son.  Hardly dressed in a suitable manner?"

"What?  I was working out downstairs you dumb fuck?"

One of the men stepped forward.  "That's no way to talk to your father."

"Don't touch me.  I have a court order to keep him away.  I was granted the
freedom to live with my friends here."

Jack's father's face seethed red.  "Your friends are probably forcing you
into all kinds of sinful sex and dragging you down."

"NO.  It's nothing like that.  Get out of here."  Jack's father stepped
toward him and grabbed an arm. Gary knew something was wrong as soon as he
heard Jack's loud voice.  He pulled his shorts on and grabbed his cell
phone.  He heard footsteps scuffling in the entry way upstairs as he took
the stairs two at a time.  "Stop it.  You have no legal right to be here."

Jack's father glared as Gary with his shorts hanging low on his hips.  His
cock still semi hard flopped against the soft material.  The two men
standing behind Jack's father stopped for an instant.  "Who are you?"

Gary stood defiantly. His hands were hidden behind his back.  His fingers
tracing over the phone keys.  "I'm a friend of his.  And now I'm a witness
that you're trying to kidnap him.  Take him away against his will."  One of
the men stepped forward and slapped a firm grip on Jack's arm.  "Guess
you'll have to kidnap me too?"

"This isn't kidnapping son."

"Don't call me son you son of a bitch.  Jack earned the right in court to
be out of your house.  The judge placed him here with two men who care."

"Yeah, and where are they now?"

"They're...they're out but they'll be back any minute."

"I don't think so.  I saw them load stuff into the big guy's truck.  I'm
betting they're two hours away at a football game."

"No, they're..."  Jack stomped on his father's instep hard enough that the
man loosened his grip.  Jack fell forward and rolled toward Gary.  The two
men now stepped inside and slammed the door.

Jack's father screamed at the two young men.  No son of his was going to be
queer. These men could help him lead a straight and dignified life."

Gary tried to help Jack.  "You call this dignified?  Having two men come
and kidnap your son?  You have no legal right fucker.  The court's will
have your hide."

"I don't think so.  He's still my son."

"I'm 18 now.  I don't really need you and legally I can do what I want."

One of the men stepped back and scowled at Jack's father.  "He's 18?"
Jack's father could only open his mouth but no words came out.  "And he has
legal documentation?"  Again Jack's father stumbled for words.  "I think we
better go."

Jack's father had gotten another grip on Jack's wrist.  "No, I don't want
my son living this life."

"It's my life dammit."  Gary took a step to help Jack just as his father
yanked him away toward the door.  The two men opened the door.  Jack's
father pulled him toward it.  They stopped in their tracks.

An off-duty Officer John Sullivan and his life partner Buzz stood on the
porch.  Their arms folded across their chest.  Behind them two police
cruisers blocked the street.  The lights flashed but no sirens were used.
John held out his badge.  "You gentlemen want to explain what you are doing
here?  And you sir, I recommend you take your hand off that young man
before I ask these officers to remove it."

The two men with Jack's father stood quietly to one side as one of the
other police officers stepped up to face Jack's father.  The anger the man
felt toward John washed over his face and body.  Buzz turned to Jack and
Gary.  "Are you guys okay?"  They nodded they were.

John's eyes never wavered from Jack's old man.  "I think you all need to go
in for questioning.  I'll get a statement from Jack and Gary.  No sense
dragging them to the office."  The other police officers thanked John and
walked off with Jack's father and the other two men.

Bill and Lou arrived in Bill's truck.  "What's going on?  We came as soon
as I figured out Gary's message."

John, Buzz, Gary and Jack looked at the two men who ran from Bill's truck
wearing only shorts.  Lou blushed.  "I'm Lou.  I haven't had the pleasure
to meet all of you and wellllllll, this isn't exactly the best time is it?"

John laughed.  "Not exactly.  I've seen you compete.  Come in while we sort
this out."

Bill stood on the porch staring at the ceiling.  Buzz stepped back outside
and bumped him in jest.  "Guess I got caught with my hand in the cookie
jar."

Buzz smirked.  "That's one damn fucking big cookie jar."  He threw his arm
around Bill and pulled him inside.  "Billy ain't none of us going to worry
about you having a good time, not knowing what you and Ken are going
through.  No way do we judge."

Bill could only manage a weak reply.  "Thanks."

Inside, Jack and Gary gave the men their story.  John took notes for a
report.  He called the station for an update.  "No hurry to file this.  It
won't make much difference.  Your father's made a mess of things.  The
other two guys were pretty well misled.  They were wrong and despicable but
misled."

Buzz rubbed his thighs as he sat in a comfortable leather chair.  "All
righty then.  How about dinner?  You guys all want to join us?"

"I was going to do dinner for me and Bill but I have plenty if you would
all like to join us."  Lou offered with a slightly embarrassed look on his
face.  "I'm a pretty good cook."

John nodded his approval.  "That would be nice.  Although, if you don't
mind my suggesting, four of you really, really need to shower.  Really."

Buzz snickered from across the room.  "I hadn't noticed."

John shook his head.  "Oy.  Gary, you call your parents and let them know
you're having dinner with us.  Then you boys grab a shower and head to
Bill's.  Gentlemen, Buzz and I are going to drop these notes off at the
station, then stop at our house for some wine and beer.  We can be at your
place in 40 minutes."

Lou beamed.  "That'll work."

John turned to lead Buzz toward the door.  "Oh and Bill."

"What?"

"Your zipper's down."  Bill dropped his head and saw the gap of his shorts
revealing the top of his cock.  He fell against John in embarrassment.
"Bet those two ex-gay nut bags are rethinking their stance now."

Lou kept his word.  He was an excellent cook and produced one healthy tasty
meal.  John and Buzz immediately fell in love with him and accepted him as
one of the family.  Gary and Jack were in awe of another man on the same
size scale as Sam and John.  They had begun teasing each other it was in
the water and drank every drop they could.

Lou was busily cleaning up in Bill's kitchen.  Bill had been downstairs to
say goodnight to his friends.  John and Buzz were going to make sure Jack
was safely home at Sam's and Gary got home without a problem.  Bill sat at
the bar between the efficient kitchen and the dining area and watched Lou.
"Thanks for doing dinner.  Ken is a way better cook than I am.  It made
quite an impression on John and Buzz."

"Well, they look like they eat pretty healthy food.  Let me guess.  A lot
of protein.  Big men.  And Gary and Jack are going to be big by time they
get to college.  Gary should think about being a competitive bodybuilder. A
really wonderful natural build.  It is natural?"

Bill smiled.  "As far as I know.  You can't hang out with Sam and his
friends and not catch gym fever."

"Well, I'm all done.  Dishwasher is loaded.  I'll just start this puppy and
be on my way."

Bill sighed.  "I know Pat is away and I sorta wish you didn't have to go.
We don't have to do anything.  I am, I just hate being alone."

Lou dried his hands and leaned across the counter to kiss Bill.  "I can
stay.  Pat knows I'm here.  We have a pretty open relationship.  Neither of
us abuses it, well, to be honest, we hardly ever play around separately, or
even that much together.  Been a couple too long, we just feel right
together.  And he likes to fuck my ass real good.  Real good."

Bill gave him a weak smile.  "Actually.  I don't often do this but I really
need someone to fuck me tonight.  Don't know why. Just need it."

Lou came around the bar and leaned up against Bill's back.  "In that case,
we better let the dogs out one more time.  I'll do that if you want to take
care of anything else."  Bill nodded and got up to head toward the
bathroom.  Doober and Sam knew the routine and swirled around the door.
Lou hardly got down the steps before they were done and ready to go back in
and settle together on Doober's big bed.  Lou smiled at them and headed
toward the back bedroom.  He was naked and relaxed when Bill joined him.
"We really don't have to do this."

Bill glanced at Ken's picture.  "Yeah we do."

Dinner chatter after the football game sounded like any other group of men
talking football and scarfing down big quantities of food.  James was
relaxed and fit right in with the rest of them.  The only difference was at
the end of the night Dave Jr., headed back to the dorm room with Tim, most
everyone else climbed into vehicles for the long drive back to Pittsburgh,
and James and Ron headed to a hotel several miles away out of the eyeshot
of the college town.

Tim confided in Dave that he was a little jealous.  He wasn't sure what he
was going to do with his best gay bud off for sex with some big ex-football
jock.  Dave commiserated that the sex life of a college freshman was pretty
bland, lots of studying, game practice and not much else.  The two friends
vowed they had to find ways to have more of a social life.  Tim stripped
and lay naked in his dorm bed.  He was horny as hell and the thought of Ron
doing anything with that big man only made it worse.  The room was stuffy.
He got up to get some water and stood in the window to study the quiet
campus below.  One of his teammates waved as he returned from an evening of
after game partying.  Their eyes held for a few moments and the young man
looked like he groped his basket.  Tim watched him walk across the
courtyard to an adjoining building, slowly look back and wave.

Sam would have to deal with the problems caused by Jack's father and his
ex-gay goons.  Joe programmed all their friends' phone numbers into Jack's
phone in the event of another attempt.  Jack's mother more than made his
father's life miserable.  Jack could only imagine.  The thought always put
a smile on his face.  Vince the treeman added fuel to the case by
identifying Jack's father as the guy he saw snooping around the house and
had confronted one morning.  The judge was not happy.

Fall became routine for the gang of friends.  It was more than two weeks
later when Bill finally consented to let them all see what was happening on
his building.  By then Pat had landscaped the front of the building and
laid out plans for the side and back.  Some sections of the yard and
projects would have to wait until spring, as the weather was getting too
cool and wet.  He and Lou easily merged into the rest of the crowd.

The men wandered through Bill's project from hell as he called it.  They
praised him for what he had accomplished in a few shorts months.  The
drywall was far from done but it was easy to see painting would probably be
able to start around the holidays.  The new kitchen and baths would
probably not get installed until closer to the New Year.  Steve and Ben
were working as fast as they could on way to many projects without Ken.

Tony and Bear eagerly held a fall housewarming and party and honoured Ken
in his absence.  It gave the friends one more option for hanging out.  Joe
began a chart and calendar shared online so everyone could plan their lives
around the gym, travel for work, dinners rotated among their homes, and
football games for Gary, Jack, Dave Jr., Tim and Ron.  James managed to get
in to visit a couple of times but remained on the edge of the group.
Geography keeping him over an hour away.

Bill kept everyone informed of Ken's recovery and pending hearing.  Malloy
was working to meticulously build a case against the four men who had raped
him.  Buck was relishing the chance to play intelligence agent.  Ken's
humour had returned but his fear of another attack was evident in his
emails to Bill.  The communiqués were coming more frequently as their
projects kept them more or less out of harm's way.  Bill would often wake
up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat worrying about his partner.

Tank would call Sam when he had one of his dreams.  They still weren't
quite able to put together the pieces or meaning of his overly active
imagination. Beau had landed the job with the local police department.
Harley organized a moving trip over a few days and trucks to send a crew
with Snake to move Beau back to Pennsylvania.  Tank remained behind
fighting the bothersome pain of his arthritis and under Harley's
controlling care.  He complained to Sam that Harley had become the Master
in the relationship as far as health was concerned.  Harley was only more
than happy to oblige as long as Tank fucked his brains out several times a
week

Thanksgiving was quickly approaching and still no word whether or not Ken
would get a leave for the holiday.  Fall had remained relatively warm and
snow free.  All the better to squeeze in a couple more weekend trips to the
cabin.  Naked mud volleyball however, didn't work so well in November.  Lou
and Pat made the trip and were blown away both by Sam and Joe's so-called
cabin and Tank's compound.  They marveled at Andy with his one leg never
losing a beat to the others and Zeke's wheelchair never once slowed down
the hell-on-wheels gimp.  James even managed to spend a night or two with
Ron in tow after a football game.  The campus was only about a half hour
from the cabin.

Tim showed up one Saturday evening after a game with a fellow teammate,
Chris.  Ron's jaw dropped when the big lineman walked in, dropped his bag
on the floor and survived introductions to everyone.  He pulled Tim aside
as Sam and Tank praised the young man for his game ability.  "Dude, can
Chris handle being here with a bunch of gay men, even though they're
football fans?"

Tim snooped through the pots of food cooking away in the large kitchen.
"What makes you think he's not gay?"

"Holy fuck.  He's a senior.  Do you think he will be picked up in the NFL
draft and what then?"

"He doesn't want to play pro-ball.  HE wants to be a doctor."  Ron's eyes
opened wide knowing this kid could easily make the cut professionally.

Tim giggled as he poured him self some iced tea.  "And I want to be a
doctor's wife."

The Monday of Thanksgiving week arrived with the news that Ken wasn't
likely to get leave.  The hearing for the four men who had assaulted him,
allegedly, was grinding on.  Bill went into a funk and the friends rallied
to not leave him alone if they could help it.  Doober, Sam and Angie even
seemed to be aware and on the few nights he was alone, he managed to have
three dogs staying with him as bedmates.

Ben would only laugh.  "I don't understand my dog.  She loves him.  You'd
think he was her master."

Matt and Buddy would watch the three dogs trail after Bill and laugh.
"Ben, animals have an uncanny knack to know when their special skills are
needed."  **** The radio call about the attempted bank robbery came right
after noon Tuesday of Thanksgiving week.  TV and radio carried the breaking
news reports.  The friends were all in a frenzy calling back and forth
knowing that John was on duty and that the news had reported an officer
shot.

John arrived on the scene to find two cruisers, one from his township and
one from the neighbouring borough, blocking the street outside the bank.
The robbers were taking cover behind their vehicle and effectively blocking
the door to the bank.  A quick guard had slammed the door as they exited
and snapped the lock keeping them from access back into the safety of the
bank.

John could see the legs of a police officer by the driver's side of the
Charger cruiser.  He looked at the vehicle number.  Deacon.  Shit.  The
robbers may have blown the bank heist but they managed to take out a fellow
cop, even one Sullivan didn't particularly like.  He crouched beside his
car as a bullet whizzed past.  Fucking shitheads.  Not on his watch.  His
cell went off.  The screen displayed Buzz's number.  No time now buddy.
The cop in the other cruiser drew a couple of rounds from the robbers and
John made his move.  He grabbed his kit from the trunk and with a grace he
hadn't used since his football days made a beeline for the Dodge and
Deacon's still body.

John rolled to a thud against Deacon.  He mumbled about blood under his
breath as he checked for a pulse.  Faint.  Damn.  He pulled open his kit
and found the large pad to help stop the bleeding.  Deacon moaned and
fought to stay conscious.

"Okay, you miserable old fart.  You ain't kicking off on my time."  The man
seemed to have enough awareness to wince in pain as John fought to stem the
blood flow.  "Stay with me fucker.  I can hear the EMT sirens.  They're on
the wa... shit, fucking bullet.  They're on their way.  You hear me Deacon?
Damn.  Swear at me. Grumble.  Call me a cocksucker. Oh shit."  Another
bullet ricocheted off the light rack of the cruiser.  John snuck a peek
through the car's interior.  What the hell were they packing?  Judging by
the number of rounds, these guys came meaning business.  Fuck, where's the
pulse?

"DEACON, YOU FUCKER YOU WITH ME?"  John felt his own heart beating a mile a
minute.  No way could the EMT van be able get to them when it arrived.
"Deacon, even you don't deserve this. Damn.  John switched to CPR mode in
any attempt to keep the man alive.  A bullet shattered the glass in the
back door.  John fell to cover the downed officer.  "Okay fuckers now you
really made me angry.  It's a holiday week.  I don't need this.  I got a
buddy in Iraq who ain't been shot at this much.  And I got a lover I don't
intend on saying goodbye to."

John slid his weapon from its holster, adjusted his grip, stood up in one
quick smooth motion and steadied his arm on the top of the cruiser.  He
squeezed the trigger and watched as blood splattered from the robber's
right shoulder.  The other robber spun to look at his partner.  John caught
his wrist in the split second he stood up.  He fell back to his knees and
continued to work on Deacon.

"We'll take over Officer."  John fell out of the way as two paramedics took
over trying to save Deacon's life.  Only then did he realize how quickly he
was breathing.  How much he was sweating.  He scrambled out of the way as
another police car arrived and four officers closed in on the downed
robbers.  Two more EMT units arrived to attend to the robbers and check on
the bank employees.

Sullivan slid to the ground against the front passenger wheel of his car
and held his head in his hand.  The first EMT's were already loading Deacon
into the ambulance van.  Even Deacon didn't deserve to die like that.  His
body trembled as he fought to regain control over the remaining adrenaline
in his system.  It took a good two minutes before he realized the bank
employees were standing outside applauding him.  And now the camera news
crew.  Damn.

One of his fellow officers came over to congratulate him.  He didn't seem
to be able to concentrate. Another police cruiser arrived from the next
borough.  An officer got out to claim Deacon's car.  John looked at his
co-worker.  "Was Deacon still alive?"

The older man quietly took John's arm.  "As far as I know he was.  The
medics yelled at you.  You did a super job.  John, you okay?"  John watched
the world spin as he lurched to the back of the car, bent over and threw
up.  His fellow officer rubbed his back.  "I feel the same way about
paperwork."  John laughed as he tried to stand up.  He settled for leaning
against the car.  "You're okay Sullivan.  It's a bitch when you have to
shoot someone.  Hmmm, here comes the chief."

"Sullivan?  Good job son.  I know it isn't easy to fire your gun in the
line of duty but well, from what they tell me you were pretty remarkable.
The helicopter caught it all."

"Helicopter?"  John looked up and realized another camera crew was hovering
overhead.  "Did they get my good side?"  The chief smiled.

"John, the other officers will start the paperwork.  We'll need a statement
tomorrow.  It's a formality but anytime an officer shoots anyone, well, you
need to take off the rest of the day.  With pay.  Take your car back and
head home.  Get some rest.  And uh, well, I'll see if we have another
uniform in your size.  A bit of blood there."  John looked down at his
clothes and realized Deacon's blood was on his shirt and right thigh.  The
world started to spin again.  "Cunning?  Come over here.  Drive John back
to the station and make sure he gets home all right."  The chief turned to
talk to the township manager and a couple of commissioners.  Officer
Cunning walked John to the passenger side of the car.  A few minutes later,
he followed John home as an unsteady Charger lurched to a stop in the
driveway.

Cunning ran over to check on John one more time before he left.  "You're
one helluva shot Sullivan.  Glad you're on our side."  He shook John's
hand, climbed back into the Ford and drove off.

John was twenty-five minutes in the shower when Buzz came running in
through the side door.  He saw the bloody uniform in a heap on the laundry
room floor and bounced off the wall trying to get to the bathroom.

"John.  JOHN. Are you okay?"  John stumbled backwards when Buzz threw aside
the shower curtain and examined his lover's body.

John swallowed hard and in a very quiet voice.  "I'm okay Buzz, really.  I
wasn't the one who got shot."

"I saw your uniform."  Buzz threw his arms around the big cop soaking his
clothes in the process."

"Ain't never shot anyone like that before.  Not sure I want to ever have to
do it again. Jesus.  You're all wet now."  Buzz grabbed a towel and began
drying his lover as John peeled off Buzz's wet clothes.  Thirty minutes
later they lay exhausted across the bed.  Cum dripped from Buzz's fucked
hole.  John giggled.  "I've heard of make-up sex but never thank god you're
not shot sex."

Buzz whimpered.  "OMG!"

Buzz finally calmed down enough to call Sam and let him know John was all
right.  Sam promised to relay the message to their friends.  Bill watched
the news report of the foiled bank robbery, John's shooting skills and his
saving a fellow officer on a small TV he had dragged over to the new place.
He walked over to the laptop on the staging table, pulled up the TV website
and forwarded to story to Ken.  A few minutes later he had an email from
Ken.  They wouldn't be together for the holiday but Ken would do everything
he could to keep email flowing over the next few days.  Things were a
little tenser in Iraq and they had to work their projects with a weapon
belted around their waists.  Even Buck was nervous.  ***** The friends
scattered on Thanksgiving Day to various family gatherings.  Thanksgiving
Friday was a different story.  Sam and Joe joined forces with Bruce, Matt
and the Steve's to put one humongous dinner out for their buds.  Tank and
his crew came in and invaded with more food and drink.  As much as Bill
missed Ken, he couldn't help be overwhelmed by his caring friends.  John's
humility was tested by everyone's praise.  Ben got away long enough from
his girlfriend to join his gay buds for dinner and let Angie have playtime
with Sam and Doober.  Jack and Gary drove everyone nuts with a digital
camera then disappeared for forty minutes to upload pics for an email to
Ken.

They played a CD version for everyone on Sam's home office computer.
Despite the high levels of testosterone, there were many wet eyes.  Ken sat
and ate more of the pumpkin pie Malloy had spirited out of the dinner hall.
He shared the pics with Malloy and Buck.  Buck pulled up pics from his
partner back home in Ohio and floored Ken and the Captain when they finally
saw his partner.

Malloy stuffed his mouth with whipped cream.  "Good grief.  All anyone
would think looking at your partner Buck, and all of Ken's friends, is do
they do anything other than hit the weights?"

Buck shrugged and cut himself another piece of pie.  "Nope."

Tank stood quietly in the corner and watched the pictures play again on the
monitor.  Sam sauntered over and nudged against him.  "So, any thing new on
the dream front?"

Tank took a long slow breath.  "No, not really.  Still don't understand all
the pieces.  But."

"But what?"

"Soon Sam.  Whatever is going to happen is going to happen soon."  *****
Everyone kept busy over the next two weeks preparing for the Christmas
holiday.  Bill sent a couple of packages off to Ken but convinced his buds
to hold their gifts for Ken just in case he got home at the end of
December.  Since he hadn't been able to finagle Thanksgiving off, Malloy
was doing everything he could to get them Christmas and New Year's.

It would be a gift to themselves for the hard work they did in defending
Ken in the rape hearing.  There had been hard cold evidence that the four
men had indeed assaulted Ken.  The work Buck had done paid off in testimony
from fellow soldiers that the four alleged rapists had conspired and
planned their assault on Ken.  Once the final pieces began to play out, the
four had no case.  Malloy felt his men really had leave due to them.

Swede, Scott, Tony and Bear put together a holiday party at Bill's new
place to coincide with the installation of the new kitchen.  Steve and Ben
had outdone themselves on the cabinetry and were bursting with pride as
their friends oohed and aahed.  The bathrooms were still not done so Bill
hadn't exactly planned to move in yet.  He was hoping after the first of
the year.  Only one room had been painted, the master bedroom.  The
bathroom had new fixtures but had not had the final paint and polish happen
yet.  A new king bed suite was arranged in what surprised everyone as a
near perfect designer look room.

Bill beamed.  "I have been pumping Ken for months on what kinds of things
he liked.  This is pretty much everything he would pick if he were here.
So, hopefully, we'll be able to uh, christen it if he gets home on leave."

Joe turned toward Sam and whispered.  "Can you wear out a mattress that
quickly?"

Sam only rolled his eyes.  "Uh, we're not ones to judge."

The rest of the place still needed to be painted.  And the basement was a
mess but Bill's accomplishments in a few short months were
unbelievable. From the outside the place was warmly lit with lighting Pat
had found to enhance the 30's architecture of the building.  Anyone passing
by would see a building aglow with a holiday party.  Including a tree in
the living room.  The dogs were happily working the crowd and seemed as at
home as all the men.

The crowd of men, from teens to old farts, as Tank liked to refer to
himself, enjoyed the sumptuous food and ample drink.  Bill was elated to
have the opportunity to share the new space this way.  He tried not to show
his disappointment that Ken was still thousands of miles away.

Gary and Jack once again gathered digital pictures.  Ken would be lost and
confused without captions.  Tim was beaming beside a hulk of a boyfriend.
Ron was equally happy in a picture with an older man who looked vaguely
familiar.  So much had changed in those months.  Thad and Brian were a
tight part of the gang.  He wasn't yet sure exactly who Lou and Pat were.
The boys did a good job of not getting too much background in the shots to
give away any of Bill's surprises.

The party was slowly winding down and the gang thinning out.  People
planned to stop back in the next day or so to pick up chairs they had
carted over.  Bill listened to Sam, Joe, Tank and Harley tease each other
back and forth.  Header, Andy and Pete were heading to Spence and Zeke's
for the night.  Carlos, LJ, Snake and Beau were off to Steve and Matt's.
Matt's parents had happily taken Buddy for the weekend.

Sam leaned against the counter next to Bill.  The shorter man jerked.  "Oh
damn.  I missed a phone call.  Must have been all the noise.  Huh, a text
message.  I don't understand."  He punched in his code and listened to the
message.  "I can't tell if it was from Buck, Ken's code number though.
There's no name and it doesn't make sense.  He just said things were okay.
How did that get through?"

Sam glanced at Tank who shrugged.  "Billy, I marvel everyday at cell phones
and how people text those itty bitty buttons with their fat fingers.
Harley is the techie.  I'm just the big dick."

"Should I try to call back?"

Sam shook his head.  "No they're in a war zone, don't chance it.  I'm not
sure how he got a call out that way but we need to be patient for the next
message."

Bill almost dropped the phone when it rang in his hand.  "Hello?  Yes,
speaking.  What?  I don't, is he?  Okay, no sir.  I know sir...oh.  You're
sure...?  I.  Yes sir. Hello?"  Bill flipped the phone shut.  A look of
confusion spread over his face.

Sam reached out to hold his shoulder.  Tank closed his eyes and placed his
forehead against Harley's.  "Bill.  What was that?"

Bill took a jagged breath and visibly trembled.  "There was a bombing.  An
AED."

"IED?"

Bill shook his head.  "Yeah, IED.  They wouldn't say much.  I'm not really
sure if Ken is okay.  They said he had sustained injuries.  They just said
he would be at the Pittsburgh Airport on Tuesday.  They'll email me the
details.  They're trying to locate his family.  Something about Buck made
them call me."

Comments -- suggestions?				lennoxbear@gmail.com

		 Starting Again Chapter 33 Copyright 2008