Date: Mon, 09 Jun 2003 10:23:09 -0400
From: Readersstop@netscape.net
Subject: Joseph Andrew Collins - 9 (LJB)(MM 1st anal coll slow)(9!18)

The following is a pure work of fiction and is the property of the author.
It's a story with some sex, not sex with some story.

Please remember this is fiction.  Representation of characters and
institutions may not be relevant to today's society.

I do not ***usually*** acknowledge e-mails, instead using my time to write.
I do appreciate hearing from you to let me know if this story is meeting
your expectations.
Hope that you continue enjoying the story.       LJB

Joseph Andrew Collins
Chapter 9

The call to rise Wednesday morning met some pretty tired ears.  A loud
announcement to be sure to bring our Lifesavers, especially the last three
people in line, provided the stimulus required for a wild scramble.  The
last three each lost a marker.  When sent to dress for our run, only a few
had thought ahead and brought shorts with them.  RAT and I put on our
shorts, but we both tucked our T-shirts into the waistbands.

The run today resulted in most of us staying with our slower members, so
they were not singled out.  Their twins were right beside them all the way,
you can be certain.  On arrival back at the Frat House, most of us went
back upstairs and had a shower, then changed into our clothes for the day.
All of us then went and had breakfast together at the cafeteria.

It was Rush Week for all the other Frats and the cafeteria and Student
Union Building were buzzing about activities and who was looking to join
which Fraternity.  Several times we were stopped by members of other Frats
and asked if anyone had been eliminated as yet by our Trials.  They
actually seemed disappointed when told all 20 were still in the Pledge
Class.  There were some comments that by the end of the weekend they
expected the Class to be slimmed down.

Kirk and RAT were having a hard time with being mute.  Several times they
were tempted to respond to someone, but Gary and I interceded and made sure
it didn't happen.  After breakfast, the four of us went to Roberts Hall to
drop off some of our dirty clothes and pick up some fresh supplies, as well
as exchange some textbooks we would need for the balance of the week.

As we exited the dorm, two Brothers walked up to us and we stopped and came
to attention.

"Pledge Gary, what is my name ?"  one questioned.

"Brother Cliff, Sir."  Gary responded.

"Is he correct ?"  the Brother asked Kirk.

"Yes, Sir."  Kirk responded.

"Very good, guys."  Brother Cliff congratulated them.  "Joey, do you know
Brother Sam's last name ?

"Yes, Sir."  I replied with a smile.  There was a pause.

"All right, wise ass."  he commented.  "Tell me what it is."

"It's Brother Sam Polanaski, Sir."  I responded.  "He's a second year
Brother, his sport is wrestling and I believe he is pre-med in his course
selection."

"Steve told us to look out for you, or we'd end up having to give
Lifesavers to you, instead of taking them."  he teased me.  "Good job,
little brother."  They both took off and we all eased up a bit.

"I just know they're going to ask me one and I'm going to go blank."  Gary
moaned.

"Don't worry.  You can't lose more than three lifesavers in one day."  I
tried to console him.  "At least that gives you 24 more hours to study
them.  Come on, Marcel."  I said to RAT and he looked at me blankly with no
idea what I was talking about.

Classes on Wednesday went fine.  I had to drop RAT at two and pick him up
afterward.  The Profs seemed to know about twinning and muteness.  I saw a
couple of them smirk as I reminded RAT not to speak after class if he got
out of his seat.  He gave me a dirty look as if I were treating him like a
child.  I'm glad he got the message so easily.

Football practice was the hardest.  RAT started to talk in the locker room
several times and I needed to actually tell him to "shut up" one time.  As
it happened, one of the Brothers came along and played 'Guess who I am ?'
with him immediately after that, so he thanked me afterward and I had to
tell him to "shut up" again.  By the time we settled into the lounge again
that night, he was about to go mad from having to be silent.  He later told
me having to be quiet all day was as hard as playing football.

"Do you have any questions before we start ?"  the Pledge Master asked.
Pledge Verne raised his hand and was acknowledged.

"Sir, are we going to have to change partners tonight ?"  he asked.

"Yes."  was the reply.  There was a general groan from the Pledges.  "The
idea is that you have an opportunity to experience as many of your Pledge
brothers as possible.  Do you not know the person you've been twinned with
for the past 2 days much better than you did ?"  There was a general
consensus this was true.  Personally, I felt an affinity with RAT, which I
had not anticipated.  I appreciated better how complex a man he truly could
be and a certain vulnerability, which was not apparent on the surface.  I
liked him much better now than I thought I would.

Gavin gave the first introduction.  It was about William and was very
statistical.  Age, height, weight, number of parents, siblings,
grandparents, years in his clubs and hobbies.  I found I knew little about
William as a person after he had finished.  I wondered if Gavin had
actually experienced anything about his partner in the time they'd been
together.  The closest thing that came to personal experience was that
William snores.  The next two introductions followed the same general
pattern.  Then RAT was called on.

"My friend Joe Collins is an enigma, a contradiction between a steel edge
and a comforting pillow.  He has the temperament to be accepted by
distrusting, hardened souls like myself and our friend Kirk and the
compassion to understand the hidden fear of a vulnerable soul like our
friend Gary.  His small, compact frame belays the trace of danger, which
glints in his eyes occasionally.  Those eyes reflect passion and
understanding more often though and he has no fear or hesitation in
exposing himself to scrutiny or question, knowing he is secure in his
beliefs and identity.  If this Fraternity is offering the opportunity of
developing myself into a man exampled by Joe Collins, then I have a
desperate need to complete these Trials successfully, for I have far more
need of being here than the Fraternity has of me."  RAT sat down to
absolute silence throughout the lounge.

"That wasn't 5 minutes, Robert," the Pledge Master stated, "but it was the
most effective and insightful introduction I've ever heard."  He started to
applaud and the Brothers, then the Pledges joined in.  I could see RAT get
embarrassed and then turn red as he blushed.  "Anyone think they can top
that ?"  Vince asked when the applause tapered off.  Everyone sat silent
again.  "Let's see.  Joe tell us about Robert."  I stood.

"My friend Robert Allan Trunt is an enigma, a contradiction between a steel
edge,,,,,,,,,oh, sorry that was the other speech."  Everyone laughed
including RAT.  "Robert is a totally one-dimensional character, a 'get what
you see' individual, or so he would prefer everyone to believe.  RAT, as he
prefers to be called, is a man of many dimensions.  His exterior is that of
the hard-boiled, macho man without fear or care as learned in the locker
room and at home from his father and older brother.  Hard to get to know,
the effort it takes is worthwhile.  His handsome, ultra masculine body
harbours the soul of a lover of life and people.  The intense interest he
takes in individuals is not intended as intrusive or overbearing, it is in
fact curiosity about how others live, think and express their feelings and
relationships.  He feels he is the peeper, on the outside looking in and by
so doing, sharing the feelings and reactions of others.  He will very
rarely extend his trust to another and I feel fortunate to count myself as
one of the few.  A man of potentials, which he is just beginning to realize
through the College and Fraternity experiences, he is going to become a
massive dynamic force in whatever field he chooses to pursue.  I count
myself as honoured that he chooses to call me 'friend'.". Another pause of
absolute silence followed as I was seated again, then applause shook the
walls.  I shared RAT's previous embarrassment.

He stood again and walked over to where I was sitting.  As I stood to face
him, he wrapped his arms around me and lifted me off the floor in a hug.  I
placed my arms around his shoulders and hugged him back.  After a few
moments he set me down and we shook hands.

"Well, you may not have topped RAT's presentation," the Pledge Master
commented, "but I think you very adequately matched it.  Congratulations to
both of you.  You have carried out the assignment to its zenith, with two
very perceptive views.  Is there anyone here who doesn't feel they have a
better understanding of who Joe and RAT are ?"  There was silence in the
room.  "Ty, what did you think about what they said?"  Ty was hesitant to
answer, but Vince prodded him.

"I think they might be in love."  he answered quietly.

"Does that mean anytime someone says something positive and insightful
about someone, they are in love with them ?"  the Pledge Master asked.

"Well, you don't usually hear guys talk about other guys like that."  Ty
observed.

"Is there anything either of them said that you think is not true about the
person they were describing ?"

"I don't know, I don't know either of them very well."  Ty admitted.

"Do you think, if we put you together with either Joe or RAT for a couple
days, you would give the same type of introduction ?"  Vince continued to
question.

"I don't think so."  he stated.

"Why not ?"  Vince persisted.

"It's just not the type of things I think about other people."  Ty
responded.

"RAT, when you were paired with Joe two days ago, did you expect your
introduction would include the elements you just reported ?"

"No, Sir."  RAT replied.  "I found when I started thinking about how I was
going to introduce Joe, I wanted the others here to know he was more than a
good looking, short guy.  There was so much more to him than just being
some jock.  Hell, I still don't even have any idea what his sport is.  I
just found I liked him and I wanted others to know he had accepted me as a
friend.  I'm also not in love with him."

"And there is the crux of the matter."  Brother Andrew said.  "What is the
difference between loving someone and being in love with them ?  Do we love
our Fraternity brothers without being in love with them ?  If so, what is
it we really feel and how does that happen ?  How many kinds of love are
there ?  Is there a relationship between love and respect ?  What is the
difference between love and caring ?"

"That brings us to your next assignment, which is due Friday evening."  the
Pledge Master announced.  "You are to write a two page essay discussing the
questions Brother Andrew just asked.  Single-spaced and typed.  Brother
Andrew will read them and any grade less than a B will cost you Lifesavers
subtracted from what you have left Friday night. C-1, D-2, F-3.  You are to
use at least one personal experience from your Pledge time to example one
of your points."

"It would be to your advantage to bear in mind the Fraternity Motto, as you
think out your presentation."  the Pledge Master suggested.  He paused as
he waited.  "No one going to ask ?  Pete, do you know the Fraternity Motto
?"

"No, Sir."  Pete admitted.  There was another silent pause.

"And you're not going to ask ?"  he inquired.

"I though I'd ask Joe after the meeting, Sir and not appear so dumb."  Pete
explained.

"How many of you were planning on that, or a similar move ?"  Vince asked.
Most of the Pledges except me raised their hand.  "I've gotta find more for
you to do."  he said, gazing at me.  "All right, the Fraternity Motto is,
'Becoming a Brother, by being a brother'."

"What exactly does that mean, Sir ?"  Don asked, apparently no longer
concerned with being the only one who might not know.

"That's for you to figure out and Joe is herewith under specific
instructions not to tell anyone."  the Pledge Master stated.  "Do you
understand ?"  he looked directly at me and I nodded my head in compliance.

"Sir, may I ask a question ?"  Kirk requested, after raising his hand and
being acknowledged.  He received a nod.  "Sir, why are we having these
meetings ?  I've never heard of another Fraternity that sits and talks to
the Pledges.  Are we being evaluated ?"

"Gentlemen, from the time you walked in here on Monday evening, every
question you've asked, every comment you've made, every comment you've not
made, your actions, attitudes, participation, humour, ability to think and
everything about you has been evaluated and will continue to be until
Friday.  At that time, we could possibly, not likely, but possibly still
have 20 of you who have not resigned, or eliminated yourselves by losing
your Lifesavers.  Those evaluations will then be used by the Brothers to
choose who stays and who goes."

"Will it matter how many Lifesavers we may have left, Sir ?"  James
questioned.

"Yes."  was the reply.

The meeting lasted about another hour with some more introductions being
done, which reflected some thought from the presenters about personality
and traits of their subject.  The degree of attention and participation
picked up after everyone learned that evaluation was ongoing.  We were
dismissed about 8:30 after several, 'Who am I' quizzes were conducted by
the Brothers.  I was asked about two more full names and answered both
correctly.  As we were dismissed, the mute restriction was lifted for the
rest of the day, but twinning remained in force.

I told RAT that I needed to use some of our time to go to the College
Library.  He made some smart remark, asking what a Library was and I
couldn't keep the dumb football jock image from racing through my mind.  I
quickly erased it when I remembered the eloquence with which he spoke my
introduction.

"I really appreciated the way you spoke about me during the introductions."
I told him as we walked along the pathway.  "You have a very perceptive
mind about people."

"You did all right, yourself."  he commended me.  "I don't think half of
what you said is true, but it made me look like a pretty good fella."

"I just described the guy I've come to know and like."  I said.  "Now don't
do something foolish and prove me wrong."  We both laughed.

"Joe, about last night."  he started.  "I'm not..."

"It was a private moment between friends, no more, no less."  I stated.
"We were both caught up by the emotion and excitement of the moment and the
memory will have special meaning to me for as long as I know you."  We said
nothing further about it.

The Library took about half an hour and then we returned to the House and
again used the weight room, so I could run my training exercise routine.
Kirk was getting fairly good at following my routine, which had a lot of
stretching and gymnastic moves in it he had never done.  He said, he noted
he was more flexible since he started doing them.

"You know, I've had you attached to me for the past two days and I still
don't even know what kind of sport you play."  RAT commented as we
finished.  "I know it's not a team sport, or we would have gone to
practice.  Don't tell me it's one of those sissy things like Fencing."

"Hey!"  Gary growled.  "Fencing is not a sissy sport.  It's very old and
honoured."

"Now we all know what Gary's into."  Kirk chuckled.

"I'm not just into it, I was State and Regional Champion for the past two
years."  Gary stated proudly.

"And you have every right to take pride in it."  I supported him.  "Fencing
takes a great amount of intelligence, concentration and agility.  You might
get some benefit from my exercise routine as well, Gary."

"Yeah, I've been thinking about that."  he agreed.  "Would you show me ?"

"Sure, next time we exercise."  I assured him.  Our time was growing short,
so RAT's inquiry didn't get pursued.  This was the first time I'd had a
chance to speak to Gary and I knew he had seen Dr. Bayer this afternoon for
a therapy session.  When I asked about it, he said it had gone really well.
He liked Dr. John and felt much better after they had talked.  We talked
until it was close to time to report back to the lounge.  We went upstairs,
showered and reported to the lounge in time for the night's summary.

After we had all been seated in the lounge, four additional Brothers
entered the room and stood near the entryway.  My Pledge brothers were
asked to identify the first three and succeeded.

"Joe, I mean Pledge Joe, what is the full name of this Brother ?"  the
Pledge Master asked.  I stared at the man and knew he looked familiar.
Glancing to Vince I saw he was watching me hard and grinning, then I noted
Brad was looking down at his own feet, not willing to look at me.  I
thought really hard and tried to picture the man in other locations.
Finally it came to me.

"His name is Devon Seamore."  I responded.  "He is the President of Alpha
Gamma Gamma Fraternity.  I met him last year at a joint project I was
invited to attend.  I looked at Brad again and his face was one huge grin.

"Shit."  Vince said.  "I was sure we had you on this one.  Guess you're not
going to give up your Lifesavers."

"Sir, would you have actually taken one of Joe's Lifesavers if he hadn't
identified Mr.  Seamore ?"  Gary asked.

"No Pledge Gary," the Pledge Master responded, but I might have taken one
if he didn't identify that Devon was a non-member of our Fraternity."
There was a low hum as Pledges spoke quietly to each other.  "What's going
on ?  Does someone have a question ?"

"Sir, it appears you are setting a personal goal of getting a Lifesaver
specifically from Joe."  RAT said.  "If that's so, then what if every
Brother decided he wanted to get just one Lifesaver from Joe.  Pretty soon
we'd lose Joe."  Vince got a very serious look on his face.

"Sir, does that mean if 9 Brothers decided they didn't like me and each
took a Lifesaver, I'd be gone ?"  Gary reflected.  Vince seemed at a loss
about what to say.

"No it doesn't Gary, nor would it happen to Joe."  Brother Chris stated.
"Every time one of you loses a marker, it's reviewed by the Executive.  The
Brother who claimed it is questioned and it's determined if it was a fair
claim.  The loss by everyone the first morning was a fair claim.  Each
missed identification so far has been a fair claim.  I can say for certain
that if Joe had lost a marker just now, it would not have been approved as
a fair claim.  This was a joke, which I believe you all have taken too
seriously."

"I apologize to each of you."  the Pledge Master said.  "I should have
realized this wouldn't appear fair and you might not understand."

"I would ask my Pledge brothers to realize," I spoke out, "the Brothers
would not do the things that have been suggested.  If you are worried they
would, then you don't understand what this Fraternity is about and need to
find out.  I appreciate those who would come to my defence, but please
believe it isn't necessary, I am safe in my Brothers' hands and so are
you."  I looked over at Brother Chris and he nodded thoughtfully.

"Sir, would Mr. Seamore take a question ?"  Pledge James asked.  There was
a brief consultation among Brother Vince, Brother Chris and Mr. Seamore.
While they were talking, Brother Andrew walked into the lounge and was
called over to their discussion.  I noted that Andrew shook Devon Seamore's
hand when he joined their group.

"Yes, James."  Devon Seamore responded, turning from the group conference.
"I'd be happy to take your question."

"Sir, I would like to know if the discussion group we have here parallels
what happens with Pledges in your Fraternity."  James questioned.

"James, let me tell you first that I Pledged DPD.  I didn't make it and was
dropped the first weekend.  If I knew then what I know now, I'd have worked
harder to make it."  he told us.  "My Frat, which I remain fully dedicated
to was as different to this Frat as night to day.  Our guys didn't discuss;
they burped.  When I joined, Pledges were stripped, paddled, demeaned,
shaved, assigned to perform sexual acts, taken naked to a cemetery and left
to find their own way back to the Frat House and even used as personal
servants.  That's just the first night.  Hazing went on for three weeks.
The goal was to select the horniest, bunch of beer guzzlers who could keep
a 2.7 GPA.  For the privilege of partying 30 weekends a year with each
other, we paid $6,000 in house fees and membership dues.

I've spent the past three years trying to move our Frat away from these
antics and toward the type of fraternity I know exists here.  We've done
this to a large extent by promoting the Rushing of those Pledged to DPD who
don't make the cut.  I promise you, if you come to see me if you are
separated from DPD, your Pledge time with us will almost parallel your time
here.  It will be sane, humane and reasonable.  That's the guarantee I've
given the Brothers to be allowed to speak to you about our Frat.  Alpha
Gamma Gamma would welcome any of you.  You do remember where our House is,
don't you Joe ?"  He laughed.

"HEY!!"  several of the Brothers yelled.

"Rushing individuals was not in our agreement."  Brother Andrew said.  They
were all smiling and laughing, so you knew they were all just kidding
around."

"Thank you, Sir.  I remember."  I called out to him.  Kirk and RAT were on
me in a flash with Pete, Chuck and Gary joining them almost immediately.

"You aren't going nowhere, Pal."  Kirk was saying.  "Not without me
anyway."

"Okay guys."  the Pledge Master signalled.  "Just keep an eye on him and
make sure he doesn't slip away on us."  They were all laughing.  "All right
Pledges.  Up to the showers and then to bed.  The toothbrushes have been
connected for you to find your new twin.  You sleep in the bed of the
person whose last name comes first alphabetically.  One of you will be mute
tomorrow morning, your choice.  We have a special outing, something you
won't have an opportunity to see very often in your lifetime.  Be on time
to leave at 3:30.  Off you go."  Everyone started to move to the stairway.
I held back to see if I could speak to my brother, Brad.

"Excuse me, Sir."  I addressed my brother.  "Can I speak to you for a
minute ?"

"Sure thing, Tick.  What can I do for you ?"  he asked.

"When Brother Andrew and Brother Chris say, we can resign without any hard
feelings, how would someone go about that ?"  I asked with as straight a
face as possible.

"Just a minute."  Brad said and he turned away from me and called to Chris
and Andrew.  "Brothers, could you help me for a couple minutes.  Tick needs
our counsel."  They both came over to where we were standing.  "My brother
just asked me, when you gentlemen say, Pledges can resign without any hard
feelings, how someone would go about that."

"Is this personal information he seeks, possibly in response to the hollow
promises made by a competing Fraternity within the past short while ?"
Chris questioned.

"It could very well be."  Brad replied.

"Well I think his question stems from a misunderstanding he has."  Andrew
commented.  "When we say the Pledges can resign without any hard feelings,
we mean them, not him."  All three of them leapt on me at the same time.
They held me down and tickled me unmercifully.  It had to be five minutes
and I came so close to wetting my pants.  When they let up, all three of
them stood up, but Brad stood over me with a look of irritation on his
face.

"Don't threaten us, Tick."  Brad told me.  "I love you more than anyone
else, but if you screw with me, I can be tougher than you ever imagined.

"I didn't mean to."  I whispered.  "I was fooling around.  I didn't mean to
threaten anyone.  I wouldn't do that to you guys."  Andrew interceded at
that point and urged Brad to sit down on the floor beside me.  He and Chris
sat with us.

"Brad, are you that much on edge ?"  Andrew asked.  "Are you
misinterpreting things as basic as Joe fooling with us, because that's what
I thought he was doing ?"  I started to get up.  "Stay there, Tick."  he
told me gently.

"I'm sorry, Tick."  my brother said.  "It's all these things going on
around you.  I'm worried about losing you and I'm taking it out on you.
This thing about the Brothers getting over anxious stumping you and all of
a sudden having you gone scared me, because I could see it possibly
happening.  Then when Devon joked about taking you, it was that much more."

"It's not going to happen, Brad."  I assured him.  "You're stuck with me.
This is my House and nothing's going to change that.  My brothers are here,
all of them."

"You can stop worrying, Brad."  Chris assured him.  "We all are keeping an
eye on Joe.  Nothing's going to happen to him, unless we decide it's going
to happen to him.  Remember, he's still got a paddling on his schedule," I
looked at him wide eyed, "so he's going to do whatever we want him to do."

"I think the tickling I just got should pretty well clear that schedule."
I suggested.

"Think again."  Chris said with an evil smile.  "The tickling was for our
little brother, Tick.  The paddling is for Pledge Joe.  Any other bright
ideas ?"  I jumped up and stood at attention.

"Just one question, Sir."  I stated.  "Where is everyone going tomorrow
while I'm with Coach Williams ?"

"We'll make sure you know," Brad promised, "by the time we get home."  I
could see I would get no further, so knowing Chris and Andrew were there
for Brad, I stooped over and hugged my brother.  I didn't care who was
watching.  He hugged me back.  I excused myself and went upstairs.

Showers were pretty much over, but I had just had one, so it wasn't a
problem.  I checked my toothbrush and found my new twin was James Spencer,
one of the non-athletic Pledges.  I noted clothes had not been collected
tonight, but had instead been left hanging in the Drying Room, so I
undressed and went to the bedroom I had been in for the past two nights.

James Spencer was about 5'11" with shaggy blond hair and a face and body,
which would make a Pope spring wood.  He had a natural sexuality about him.
Yet he did not have the confidence you would anticipate a man with his
looks and achievements would have gained.

His body was not the hard muscled frame, which RAT presented, but rather a
natural firmness and shape, which pleased the eye.  The muscles in his
limbs were firm from regular activity, not overtly defined, but sensually
graceful in their movement and appearance.  His head, pits and pubic bush
were strands of soft, silky, brown hair and not another trace of it was
discernable on his entire body.  His light colouring blended perfectly with
the nickel sized pink orb which graced each pec with a constantly hard,
pointed nipple protruding from each.  His dick hung only about three soft
inches over a hairless bag, which seemed ever raised tightly under it.  Two
jumbo marbles were clearly outlined as his sac clinging to them seemed
divided into two distinct pockets.

James was not an athletic person.  His forte was science and I understood
he had achieved National recognition in several of his senior high school
projects.  Maybe it was his analytical scientific mind, but I had noticed
James as being rather abrupt and not especially aware of people as
individuals.  He had seemed to take a certain personal satisfaction when
his twin, Tyler, lost 5 Lifesavers for leaving him behind on our first
morning run.

Entering our room, I found James sprawled on the bed I had been using
previously, with the blanket pulled over him from the waist down..  Gary
was in the next bed, which he had been sharing with Kirk and with him was
Gavin Robins, RAT's friend and roommate.  We had first met Gavin the
evening he and RAT had accepted their invitation to Pledge and since then
RAT and I had spent time with him thru various activities.  Gavin was very
much like RAT physically; in fact they could easily be taken for brothers.
His personality was not as outgoing.  He was the perfect sidekick to RAT's
lead character.

"Damn, I though I might have a bed all to myself."  James muttered as I
walked into the room.

"Don't worry, James," I pointed out, "I don't take up very much room."

"You know Collins," he continued, "other than being the House pet, I
haven't figured out why you're still here.  You're obviously not big enough
to be a team jock and I don't recognize you from any intellectual
achievement."

"Well, possibly James, it's because I don't go around antagonizing people
for no reason other than to make myself feel superior."  I suggested.

"Let him have the whole bed, Joe."  Gary suggested.  "There's room here
with us, isn't there Gavin ?"

"Sure."  Gavin replied.

"No, the Brothers twinned me with James for a reason and we won't discover
it unless we're together."  I decided.  "Thanks anyway.  If it turns our
James is a bed wetter, I'll take you up on it though."  That one got him
and he flipped around in bed with a "hhrumph" and pulled the cover over
himself.  I turned out the overhead light and slid into bed.

"Good night, John Boy."  I called out.

"Good night, Pa."  Gary echoed back to me.

I was alone in bed.  It was the middle of the night and I don't know what
had awakened me.  No, I didn't have to take a leak.  I rolled over and
checked to see if James had fallen out of bed, or was sleeping on the
floor.  I checked my wristwatch.  It was 3:30 in the morning.  Gavin and
Gary were sound asleep.  I noticed Gavin was spooning Gary in the same
protective way RAT had encased me.  I expected Kirk had told him to look
after our friend.

Leaving the bed, I went out into the hallway and down to the toilets.  No
one was there, so I returned to the hall and went on to the dressing room.
I thought I heard something inside, so I swung open the door and went in.
The dressing room was vacant and I turned to leave.  I waited a minute then
on a hunch, I opened the door and allowed it to close while I remained
where I had been standing.  The silence continued momentarily, then it was
broken by an uncontrolled sob, coming from the shower area, followed by the
unmistakable throat drone of someone crying.

"James, come out.  I want to talk to you."  I said gently.

"Go away."  he sobbed again.  "I want to be alone."

"Well, that's not possible while you're twinned."  I reminded him.  "Come
out and talk with me.  Please."  I waited a minute and then the soft slow
padding of feet told me he was coming.  James was red-eyed and wiping a
runny nose with toilet paper.  He came out and I motioned over to one of
the sinks, where I moistened a couple paper towels and handed them to him.
He wiped his face with them and some of the redness left his complexion.

"Now, tell me what's wrong."  I suggested.  He looked at me for a moment.

"Why ?"  he blurted out and started to sob again.  "It doesn't matter to
you.  It doesn't matter to anyone."

"Com'ere."  I told him grasping his upper arm gently and leading him over
to a marble bench, which sat along one wall.  We sat down and I put my arm
across his back and laid my hand on his shoulder.

"I'm your Pledge brother and twin."  I said firmly.  "Anything that happens
to you is my concern.  This is a Fraternity.  It's a concern to all of us."
He was silent for a few moments.

"I don't belong here."  he finally said.  "I'm not a jock.  I've been
looked down on by jocks my whole life.  I just about died the first night
when we had to shower together and then sleep naked with someone I didn't
know.  I've never slept naked with anyone I did know.  I've
never...anything."

"James you have nothing to be shy about in the showers."  I assured him.
"Your body is prime, maybe not in the same way as the athletes, but you
look exactly like a desirable male should look."  He turned toward me and
my arm fell from his shoulder.

"Are you serious ?"  he asked, seemingly incredulous by what I had said.

"Absolutely."  I declared.

"But I don't fit in here."  he stressed.  "Richard is the one I have most
in common with, but he's a mathematician and his work is theoretical, while
mine is more concrete."

"You don't need people here who can speak science."  I suggested.  "You can
get that in the classroom, or the lab, or one of the science based clubs on
campus.  The strength of a Fraternity is its diversity.  The more
difference in its members, the better rounded they all become.  This could
be a football jock frat, but it isn't, because the sports here are as
diversified as its members.  You add, by your difference.  It's what makes
you unique and vital."

"People don't like me.  I'm not a very likable person."  he admitted.  Just
then the door swung open.  Brother Sandy came in.  We both stood to
attention.

"Sit down, Joe."  he told us.  "It's only me."  I held James' arm so he
didn't sit.

"You stop that Sandy."  I stated sternly.  He stopped short and looked at
me.  "You are a Brother of Delta Phi Delta.  That means you deserve the
respect shown to you, not only by Pledges, but also by everyone else.  That
respect is not just for you, but the Fraternity as well and you don't just
dismiss it."

"You're right, Joe."  he stated, straightening himself up and standing
taller.  "I can hardly wait for you to become my Brother.

"I'm already your brother, Sandy and have been for a long time."  I
replied.

"I know."  he answered.  "Pledge James, did you know if it wasn't for your
Pledge brother here, I never would have had a chance to join DPD.  He's the
reason I'm here.  If he's telling you something, listen.  It will be good
advice."

"Thank you, Sir."  James replied.  Sandy was on night check, making sure
everything was secure while others slept.  The Brothers each rotated
two-hour shifts so each one only had to do it every three or four days.
Satisfied we were all right, he left after wishing us 'good night'.  I
turned back to James.

"Are you feeling any better ?"  I asked.

"Yes, thanks."  he responded.  "I was going to resign tomorrow morning, but
that would leave you without a twin the next couple days.  Think I'll hang
around and see how things go."  I grinned at him.

"I think that's a really good idea."  I enthused.  His face darkened.

"Joe, I need to tell you something."  his voice quivered and I was
concerned he was about to start to cry again.  "I don't think you're going
to want to sleep in the same bed when I tell you."

"You can tell me anything, James."  I encouraged him.  "I'm not out to
judge you."

"I've never done anything like it before."  he whispered.  "I didn't want
to, but last night my twin made me suck on his penis until he got off."