Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2013 00:30:42 -0500
From: crazy4u <rnielsen47@gmail.com>
Subject: The Man From Swift Current Chapter 77, GM College, High School

Comments on the story are appreciated and may be addressed to the author,
Russ Nielsen (rnielsen47@gmail.com).  To read more of my stories, you can
find them at my story site - http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com

All the usual disclaimers apply.  This is a work of pure fiction. Any
similarities to persons living or dead are coincidental.  If it is illegal
to read this where you live, don't read it. If you are under legal age
where you live, don't read it.

This story contains descriptions of consensual sexual contact between adult
males.  Passing through Nifty's main page to get here is your way of saying
it is legal for you to be reading it.

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*** ***

Chapter Seventy Seven – Greg and Cory

After Rick left them, Greg and Cory sat staring into the fire.  A stony
silence existed between them.  Greg's face was full of anger and he kept
opening and closing his fists.  Cory watched his friend and felt a deep
sense of remorse for breaking the promise he had made to him.  He didn't
know what to say that would lessen the anger that was being directed at
him.  So he sat in silence, staring into the fire.  The rest of the boys
and their leaders were oblivious to the intense drama being played out
across the fire from them, as they continued to tell stories and laugh at
each other's jokes.

Suddenly Greg stood and stalked toward the tent he and Cory had set up.
Cory waited to see what Greg was going to do.  When he did not return, Cory
gathered up his courage and followed him.  As he entered the tent, Cory
could vaguely see Greg lying on top of his sleeping bag, fully clothed.  He
removed his shoes and did the same.

Cory whispered, "Greg, I am sorry for breaking my promise.  Can you forgive
me?"

There wasn't an immediate response.  In fact, Cory began to think Greg had
fallen asleep.  Then he felt Greg's hand reach for his and heard a hoarse
whisper, "Cory, I'm scared."

"So am I," Cory replied, softly.

"What do you think Rick will do," Greg asked.

"Nothing.  Didn't you hear him tell us to be very careful," Cory said.

Greg squeezed Cory's hand, and, then, said, "No.  I was so upset with you
that I wasn't listening to what Rick was saying."

Cory said, "I think we can trust him, so stop worrying about it.  I have a
feeling that Rick is going to be a very good friend."

Greg let go of Cory's hand and climbed inside his sleeping bag.  Cory did
the same.  Cory listened to Greg's breathing as it slowed and he began to
snore.  Cory couldn't sleep, as he couldn't stop thinking about what had
just happened.  He had watched Rick all day and felt he could trust Rick.
That is why he had started to tell him their secret when Greg had
interrupted.

What bothered Cory so much was the fact that Rick had guessed that they
were having sex.  Cory wasn't ready to admit that he was gay, nor was Greg.
They had started fooling around a few weeks ago, and had ended up naked on
Cory's bed; and one thing had led to another.

Cory's memory of what happened next still made him horny.  They both had
been pretty clumsy at first; but quickly figured things out, much to their
mutual enjoyment.  Greg had sworn Cory to secrecy, since he didn't want
anyone to find out that he liked guys.  Cory knew Greg was right to be
concerned about what would happen should their classmates discover that
they liked having sex with each other.

Despite Greg's misgivings, he had made his way over to Cory's house every
day after school for the last few weeks.  Since Cory's parents both worked
and came home late, they had the house to themselves.  They usually spent
the first hour or so after school having sex, and cleaned each other up in
the shower, before settling down to study at the kitchen table.

Greg had slept overnight at Cory's house last night, so they could leave
early for the campout.  Greg had locked Cory's bedroom door.  They had
stripped off their clothes and climbed into bed together.

After making out, Greg had pulled Cory close to him and looked him in the
eyes.  "Cory, I think I am falling in love with you; but I'm confused by
the fact that I want to go out with girls, too."

"Greg, I know that I love you, and I have loved you for a long time.  I
have wanted you to have sex with me since we were in the 7th grade.  I
didn't dare hope that you would ever feel the same way about me; so I tried
to hide my feelings for you the best I could," Cory said.

Greg smiled, and said, "That first night we made out I was so horny, and
you seemed to really want to have sex with me, so I thought it would be
okay to do it just once.  What I didn't expect was to feel so close to you.
I have had sex with girls before, but it was just that – sex.  I never
felt like I wanted to stay with them for the rest of my life.  I didn't
think I would feel that way toward you.  I expected it to be just good sex,
and that's all."

Cory smiled and said, "I was willing to accept a friends-with-benefits
situation, just to have you be with me.  But now, I am very happy that
things have turned out the way they have."  He paused, since he wasn't sure
how Greg would react to his next words.  He decided to chance it and said,
softly, "I love you."

Greg kissed Cory and responded, "I love you, too.  Now what do we do?"

"We wait until we graduate, then we can move in together wherever you
decide you are going to attend college," Cory answered.

"Do you really mean that you will go with me anywhere?" Greg asked, in
wonder.

"Yes, I mean that I will go with you, if you want me to be with you," Cory
replied, hesitantly, since he wasn't sure how Greg really felt about them
as a couple.

Greg said, "Knowing that you love me so much that you would move with me to
anywhere in the country blows me away, Cory.  I know that we have been best
friends since forever; but I never expected that you would love me this
way.  I am still trying to figure out all this stuff in my head."  Greg
suddenly went silent.  Cory looked at Greg's face closely, wondering why he
had stopped talking.

Greg continued, "You have to promise me you will never, ever tell anyone
about us, until after graduation.  I can just imagine how my teammates will
react to finding out that I like being with you."

Cory agreed, "Things could get pretty ugly.  I have read about gays being
beat up pretty badly, and even murdered.  Do you remember reading about
Matthew Shepard?"

Greg shook his head, "No, I don't remember anything about him.  Who is he?"

"He was the gay college student that was murdered by so called `Christians'
because he somehow threatened them due to his sexual orientation," Cory
said.  "I have done a lot of research about gays.  My parents have started
to wonder about me since I have taken such an interest in gay issues.  In
fact, I want to establish a gay-straight alliance at our school," Cory
said.

"You know that the principal won't approve that," Greg said.  "Not only
that, you still haven't told me you will keep this between us."

Cory replied, "I promise not to tell anyone at school.  I think we should
tell our parents at some point, though."

Greg sat bolt upright in bed as if someone had shot him, "Don't you dare
even breathe a word of this to my parents!  You know that my dad would
disown me, if he ever found out.  He has been very vocal about his hatred
of gays."

Cory replied, "I know.  I have heard him.  My mother is the same way.  I
think that my dad would understand, though, and my mom would come around,
eventually."

"Let's just keep this between ourselves for now, okay?" Greg pleaded,
hoping Cory would understand why he felt so strongly about it.

Cory said, "I won't tell anyone, okay?"

Greg finally laid down next to Cory and sighed, "Okay.  Let's go sleep."

 Cory snuggled up next to Greg, and soon, they both had fallen asleep.

Cory's thoughts returned to the present.  Now he had to figure out if he
had really messed up by giving their secret away.  Soon he fell asleep.

*** ***

The next morning, Rick was up early and had the campfire going when
Sgt. Mason exited his tent.

"Good morning, Sgt.," Rick greeted him.

"Good morning, Rick.  Thank you for getting the fire going for breakfast,"
Sgt. Mason said.

"You are welcome.  The fire helps take some of the morning chill away,"
Rick said.

Sgt. Mason moved closer to the fire and stood over it, warming his hands.
"Greg and Cory seem to have taken a liking to you, Rick.  I'm glad they
have opened up to you.  I have been worried about them.  Something has
happened in the last few weeks to cause them to shut me out.  I have never
had anything like it happen before in all the years I have worked with the
Boy Scouts.  I am usually pretty good at working with teenage boys; but
those two have withdrawn from me, and haven't responded to any of my
attempts to get them to talk to me about what is going on."

Rick looked surprised at Sgt. Mason's comments.  Sgt. Mason was the last
person Rick expected to confide in him.  He seemed so disciplined and well
organized.  Rick waited for Sgt. Mason to continue.

Sgt. Mason turned and looked at Rick, "I would very much appreciate your
assistance in working with those two.  I don't want to lose them,
especially since they are both so close to earning their Eagles.  I'm sure
I don't have to tell you how much it will mean to them later in their lives
to be able to say that they earned the rank of Eagle Scout."

Rick returned Sgt. Mason's look and answered, "I can't promise that they
will respond to me, but I will do my best to help them."

Sgt. Mason smiled, "Thank you.  I will make sure Lt. Col. Bachman arranges
your schedule so you can continue to work with the boys.  You know that he
has talked with me about what happened to your friend?"

"Yes.  I suspected as much when he insisted that I work with the scout
troop," Rick responded in a neutral tone.  Rick wondered where this
conversation was going.

"Please don't get offended by what I am about to ask.  You remind me, in
some ways, of the two boys we were just talking about.  I have noticed that
you are very closed, and don't talk much; unless spoken to, just like those
two.  You don't have to worry about me, Rick.  I am not trying to get
inside your head to figure out what is going on with you, but I do hope
that working with the boys can help you work through whatever demons are
tormenting you."  Sgt. Mason noted the look on Rick's face.  He knew he had
stepped over a line with Rick.  He liked this young man.  Rick reminded him
of himself at about the same age.  He said, "I am sorry if I have offended
you, because that was not my intent.  You are about the same age as my son,
if he had survived."

Rick looked at Sgt. Mason in surprise, and asked, "What happened to him?"

"Brett died of leukemia when he was 10 years old.  He was our only child.
My wife left me the year after his death to teach school overseas.  She
said she couldn't continue living with all the memories.  After she left, I
threw myself into my work.  Then, someone suggested that I get involved
with the Boy Scouts.  Working with these young men has helped me get my
life back together.  I have been able to see them progress from being
awkward young boys and growing up to be fine young men.  Somehow, it gives
me the strength to go on.  I am still single, but I have started dating,
again.  I am a little rusty after being out of circulation for so long."
Sgt. Mason paused.  "I'm sorry.  I shouldn't be telling you all of my
personal troubles.  I just want you to understand that I don't have a
hidden agenda when I say I really want to help you, if I can."

Rick said, "Thank you, Sgt. Mason.  I appreciate your honesty with me.  I
think I can put your mind at ease with regards to my mental and emotional
health.  I know that Lt. Col. Bachman and Sgt. Riehle think that I am
suffering from post traumatic syndrome or something like that, and, well, I
might be.  However, that is not why I choose to shut out my fellow
Marines."

Sgt. Mason looked at Rick curiously, "Then why are you shutting us out?"

Rick said, "Let me put it this way.  How would you react if you found out
that someone you had been trained to trust with your life is the one who
killed your best friend, and did it in such a horrible and undignified
way?"

Sgt. Mason didn't respond at first; but, then, said, "I think I would be
very hesitant to trust anyone around me."

"Exactly!  I am not sure who I can trust anymore.  That, more than
anything, has driven me to close off any close contact with my fellow
marines.  Sam was a very good friend and didn't deserve to be murdered by
those he trusted with his life on the battlefield," Rick said.  "I have
intentionally cut off all the friendships I have with fellow servicemen.
You could say that I have lost faith in the entire military establishment,
and its ability to keep its own, safe; let alone defend our country from
foreign threats."

"I understand that those responsible for his murder are being held here,
while their courts martial are being prepared," Sgt. Mason said.

"Yes and that is why Lt. Col. Bachman and I are still here, rather than
being deployed elsewhere," Rick responded.

Sgt. Mason said, "I want you to know that you can talk to me anytime, Rick.
I may not understand what you have been through, but I can promise you I
will listen and try to be a sounding board for you, if you need one."

"Thank you, Sgt.," Rick replied, feeling a little uncertain about
Sgt. Mason's motivation for trying to befriend him.

"You can call me Jim.  I know that I can appear to be pretty aloof and
distant, but that is just my way of maintaining discipline.  Don't let it
prevent you from approaching me when you need to talk," Sgt. Mason said.

Sgt. Slade joined them around the fire. "Good morning, gentlemen!  I hope
you are ready for a great day of fun and lots of activities."

 Sgt. Mason laughed, "Yes, I believe we are, but are the BOYS ready, is the
real question?"

Sgt. Slade grinned, "I am sure they will be, once we get some breakfast in
them."

The three men soon had breakfast cooked.  They made their way from tent to
tent waking up the sleeping teenagers with the promise of a tasty
breakfast.

Soon they were all gathered around the fire, trying to stay warm.
Breakfast soon disappeared.  As they ate, Sgt. Slade outlined the day's
activities and turned to the patrol leader to make assignments.  The boys
quickly cleaned up the camp, and had everything stowed away in its proper
place.  Rick was paired off with Cory, Greg, Chip and Steve for most of the
day's activities.  Rick was aware that Greg and Cory were watching him
closely, to see if he would give away their secret.  For his part, Rick was
watching them just as closely as they were watching him.  As evening
approached, they loaded all of their gear into the vehicles and took it
back to the scout building and unloaded it.

Ray asked, "Rick, how would you like to join us for dinner?"

Rick looked suspiciously at Sgt. Mason, thinking he had probably suggested
it to Ray.  Sgt. Mason smiled and nodded his head in approval, confirming
Rick's suspicions.  Rick turned back to Ray, "Sure.  I would love that.  I
have to be back here by 10 o'clock.  Is that okay?"

Ray said, "That would be great.  We will make sure you're back on base on
time."

Cory smiled and said, "I'm glad you're coming to dinner.  Dad, can Greg
come over as well?"

Ray said, "Of course.  Let me call your mother to make sure it's okay with
her."

Ray made the phone call, and turned to his son, "Greg's family is joining
us as well."

Rick climbed aboard Ray's mini-van.  They stopped at the barracks, so Rick
could get some clean clothes, and they headed to Ray's house.  Rick made
polite conversation with Ray, while at the same time trying to hear what
the boys were talking about in the back.  When they arrived at Ray's home,
the boys unloaded the mini-van, while Ray showed Rick where the shower was
and left him to get cleaned up for dinner.  Rick came out of the bathroom
and saw the boys coming upstairs.

Cory said, "Are you finished with the shower?"

"Yes.  It's all yours," Rick responded, as he went downstairs.  He heard
the boys laughing and goofing around in the bathroom.  He entered the
kitchen where Ray introduced him to his wife.  "Honey, this is Rick.  Rick
this is my wife, Darla."

"Nice to meet you, Rick," Mrs. Stetson said, as Rick shook her hand.

"Same here, Mrs. Stetson," Rick replied.

She quickly said, "Please call me Darla.  Mrs. Stetson is my
mother-in-law."

Rick smiled, "Okay, Darla.  It smells good in here.  Can I help with
anything?"

"No.  I have everything under control here," she said, smiling.

The doorbell rang.  Ray said, "There is the rest of the company."  Soon
they were joined by Greg's family.  Cory and Greg joined them just as the
table was set and dinner set out.

Ray said, "Perfect timing, boys!"

Rick relaxed and enjoyed himself.  The food was very good.  Joey, Greg's
brother-in-law, played on the same high school football team with Rick.  He
and Joey reminisced about their high school days.  Cory and Greg listened
to them talking and asked an occasional question or two.  Greg paid special
attention to the stories of their exploits on the football field.  He asked
questions about their strategies and how they had managed to communicate
the next play without the other team figuring out what was happening.

After a while, Cory asked, "Rick, would you like to see my soccer
trophies?"

Greg looked at Cory in surprise, but didn't say anything as he waited to
hear Rick's response.  Rick saw the look, and wondered what it was about.
He said, "Sure."

Joey laughed, "You are in trouble now, Rick!  Cory can be quite the talker
when you get him going."

Cory laughed and said, "Joey has already seen my trophies."

Joey smiled, "Yes, I have.  You go on up with Cory.  I'll wait for you down
here."

Cory led the way back upstairs with Greg and Rick following him.  He opened
the door and went over to the shelf above his desk, where all of his
trophies were displayed.  "I have played soccer since I was five years
old."

He pointed to each trophy and explained what he had done to earn it.  When
he finished, he sat down on the bed and Greg sat next to him.  Rick sat
down on the desk chair and looked at the two boys and waited, knowing that
they wanted to ask him some questions, by the look on their faces.

Cory looked at Rick and asked, "How do you know what our secret is?'

Rick smiled, "I know because I have watched how you two interact with each
other.  I can tell you love each other very much, and that you are more
than just good friends."

Greg looked scared.  "Is it that obvious?  I don't want anyone else to find
out."

Rick tried to reassure Greg.  "No, it is not obvious to the casual
observer.  In fact, most of your classmates probably won't notice anything
out of the ordinary.  You two have been good friends for a long time
haven't you?"

"Yes, we have," Cory said.

Rick said, "Then, it should be pretty easy for you two to keep your secret
from your classmates."

Greg looked relieved.  "I can't afford to have anyone find out that Cory
and I are lovers because they would kick me off of the football team."

Rick nodded his head.  "Yes.  You're right.  Not only would they kick you
off the football team, but you could be banned from participating in any
sports activities.  Have you thought about what your church would do, or
how your families would react?"

Both boys started to answer at the same time.  They paused and Greg
answered for them.  "Yes, we have.  My family would disown me, and my
church would condemn me as a sinner and throw me out."

Cory said, "My Dad would be okay with us but my mother would probably throw
me out of her house.  I go to the same church as Greg, so I expect I
wouldn't be welcome there anymore."

Greg said, "Honestly, Rick, we're very scared.  I love Cory, but I'm afraid
to let anyone know that we are in love with each other."

Cory said, "I have loved Greg for most of my life, so I am not as scared to
admit it to other people; but, that being said, I am still very
apprehensive about how people will treat us, once they find out.  There is
so much hatred toward gays, and most of it originating in the name of
religion.  It makes me angry that so many religious people claim to follow
Christian principles, but then don't do it.  They preach hatred from the
pulpit.  I have heard it many times at our church.  There is so much
violence preached there, that I have told Mom and Dad I don't want to
attend church with them, anymore."

"My best advice to you both is that you keep your relationship a secret
from everyone, until you are out of high school.  That way, you will avoid
being bullied at school, or persecuted by those who should be a support to
you.  You both know that the Boy Scouts, as well as your church, will kick
you out of their organizations if you come out as being gay.  And, if your
parents should disown you, you can move out on your own without having to
worry about trying to graduate from high school, at the same time," Rick
said.

Greg eyes widened as he sat listening to Rick.  "I didn't realize the Boy
Scouts would kick us out, too!  My parents are really set on me earning my
Eagle Scout!  It has been a tradition in our family for all the boys to
earn their Eagle.  My Grandpa, all my uncles and my cousins are all Eagle
Scouts."

"All the more reason to keep things under wraps until you are out of high
school and can function on your own," Rick said.

Cory said, dejectedly, "I didn't realize that having my dreams come true
would bring with it so many challenges.  It seems there are more problems
now, than if we hadn't explored our feelings for each other."

Greg agreed, "Life was so simple; or, at least it had seemed so to me.  I
used to get laid every weekend, with any girl who would do it with me.  In
fact, there is quite a competition among my teammates to see how many girls
we can have sex with before we graduate!"

Rick laughed, "Yes, I remember we had something similar going on at my
school.  I wasn't part of it, though; because I had a girlfriend already
who didn't like me fooling around on her."

Cory looked at Rick and asked, "What happened?  I don't see a ring on your
finger so you must not have married her."

"She got pregnant, and she and her family turned against me, claiming that
is was my fault that she was having a baby.  She sent her two brothers to
beat me up, and refused to speak to me again," Rick said, the pain of his
memories reflected in his face.

"I'm sorry," Greg said.  "I have always practiced safe sex, so to my
knowledge, I haven't fathered any children."

Cory grinned, "You don't have to worry about getting me pregnant and having
my father come after you with a gun!"

Greg laughed, "No, but your mother still might when she finds out that I'm
having sex with her only son."

The look on Rick's face at the mention of family taking the law into their
own hands caused both of the boys to stop talking.  Greg asked, "What is
wrong, Rick?"

"There is nothing wrong, Greg.  Just some bad memories, that's all," Rick
said.  Then, he redirected the conversation to stave off any additional
questions.  "Guys, have you thought about getting married?"

Cory smiled, "Yes, I have, but I haven't dared talk about it with Greg.
Our relationship is still so new that we haven't had time to really talk
about our future together."

"I want us to graduate first, before we start talking about our future
together.  I need to concentrate on one thing at a time," Greg responded to
Cory.

"I agree with you, Greg.  Both of you need to put your efforts into getting
good grades and doing your best to get into a good college," Rick said.
"I'm attending Georgia Tech.  I had just finished my second year there,
when I was called up for a one year deployment."

Greg asked curiously, "What are you studying?"

"I am majoring in mechanical engineering," Rick replied.

"I don't know what I want to study.  I figured I would take general
education courses for a while before committing to a major," Greg said.
"My parents think I should attend a local community college, first."

Cory spoke up, "I want to study political science and criminology.  I have
already told Greg I would go to school wherever he is."

Rick smiled, "So, when are you two going to work on your Eagle projects?"

Greg shrugged his shoulders, "I don't know."

"What would you two say if I offered to help you on your projects, and you
promise to get them started this week?" Rick asked.

"I would be willing to do it," Cory said.

"Me, too," Greg replied.

"Okay, let's take some time to figure out what you want to do," Rick said.
"Do you have some paper we can use to write down a few things?"

Cory stood up and pulled some paper off the shelf next to his bed and
handed it to Rick.

The guys spent the next hour strategizing and came to an agreement on an
action plan.  They had just finished writing everything down when Joey
showed up in Cory's doorway.

"Hey, guys, it's time for us to go home, and Rick has to be back on base,"
Joey said.

Rick looked at the clock.  "Thanks for remembering for me, Joey.  We were
so engrossed in our planning for their Eagle projects that I forgot to
watch the time."

Joey looked at his brother-in-law.  "So...Greg, are you really going to
work on your Eagle project?"

Greg nodded his head.  "Will you help me, Joey?"

Joey smiled, "Of course I will help you.  Both Rick and I earned our Eagles
before we turned 17.  I will be happy to do what I can to help you out."

Cory said, "Rick has promised to help us, as well."

"Well, you appear to be gathering support already, boys.  You need to get
with Sgt. Mason and finish your planning, so you can get your projects
approved by the local Boy Scout council before you begin executing your
plans," Rick said.

"Yeah, you need to be preapproved before doing your project.  One of our
friends had to redo his project, because he did his first one without
getting the Boy Scout council to okay it, first.  His parents were so mad
that no one had told them they needed the preapproval.  So don't make the
same mistake.  Do you have the Eagle Scout Project guidebook?" Joey asked.

Greg and Cory looked at each other in puzzlement.  Greg asked, "What is
that?"

Joey answered, "It is a workbook that outlines everything you need to do
and when.  I will download it off the internet so you can use it to finish
your planning in the right way," Joey said.

Rick said, "Sounds like a plan, guys."

Cory said, "Thank you for your help, Rick."

"You are most welcome," Rick responded.

They made their way back downstairs where Rick thanked his hosts for their
hospitality and climbed into the mini-van with Ray.  On their way back to
the marine base, Ray said, "Thank you for working with the boys on their
scouting stuff."

"You're welcome, Ray.  I enjoyed spending time with them this weekend,"
Rick replied.

Ray and Rick chatted about their camping adventures with the guys until Ray
pulled up in front of Rick's barracks.

"Thank you, again, for helping with the scouts," Ray said.

"No problem, Ray.  See you later," Rick said.  He made his way inside and
made preparations for the next day.  He sent a quick text message to Glenn
to tell him he would call him the next day.

*** ***

The next evening, Rick placed the promised call, "Hello, lover boy."

"How was your camping trip?" I asked.

"It was great!  I'm helping a couple of the guys work on their Eagle
projects.  I'm pretty excited to be able to help them," Rick said,
enthusiastically.

"That's wonderful, Rick.  I am happy that this scouting thing is working
out for you.  I wasn't sure what they were thinking when they first
volunteered you to work with the scout troop," I replied.

"I wasn't either; but now I am glad to have something to keep my thoughts
occupied, instead of stewing all the time about the upcoming trials," Rick
said.

"Ben and I are planning to go home for Thanksgiving.  Do you know when you
will be able to go on leave, again?" I asked.

"Lt. Col. Bachman says we will get a few days off at Christmas the way
things are looking now," Rick replied.

"Okay.  I won't count on you for Thanksgiving, then," I said.

"When are you and Ben leaving?" Rick asked.

"We are leaving two weeks from last Friday," I responded.

Rick said, in surprise, "It's only October.  Why are you going home so
early?  Thanksgiving isn't until the end of November."

"We celebrate Thanksgiving in October in Canada, Rick.  The whole family is
going to Mom and Dad's this year, so Ben and I want to be there, too," I
said.

"Oh, I had forgotten.  I hope you two have a good time.  I wish I could go
with you," Rick said.

"So do I," I said, with feeling.  "I miss you, Rick."

"I miss you, too," Rick replied.

"Where do you want to go for Christmas?" I asked.

"Anywhere you are," Rick replied.  "I don't have a preference other than
that."

I smiled and laughed.  "Okay, Grandma and Grandpa Scarborough have asked us
to stay with them for the holidays.  Is that okay?"

"Sure.  It sure beats staying in Minnesota!  It is way too cold for me,"
Rick said, laughing.

I said, "After a while, you get used to it.  I will let them know to expect
us."

"Okay, I'll talk to you tomorrow, then," Rick said.

"I love you," I said.

Rick replied, "Ditto!"

I broke the connection and got up from my desk and walked across the hall
to Ben's room.  I tapped on the door.

Ben said, "Come in."

I opened the door to see Ben was studying at his desk, just like I had been
when Rick's call had come in.  "I talked with Rick and he won't be able to
join us for Thanksgiving."

Ben looked up from his homework and said, "That is what we expected.
Janice is going to go with us.  I want her to meet the rest of the family.
Have you talked to your professors about being out of class that week?"

"Yes, I've already made arrangements to complete my homework and turn it in
online," I said.

"I haven't spoken to all my professors, yet.  I'll catch the last one in
the morning," Ben said.  "Unfortunately, I can't turn in my assignments
online, so I have to complete them before we leave.  I am going to be
swamped for the next couple of days getting them all done, as well as
keeping up with the regular homework."

"We can't leave until after your hockey game, right?" I asked.

"Right," Ben confirmed.  "That's okay.  We will have plenty of time to get
there before the main event."

"Hopefully, the weather will cooperate with us," I said.

"I'm sure it will be fine," Ben said.  "We have both driven in bad weather
before, so I am not worried about it.  Janice is worried about the weather,
as well; but I don't think it will be a problem for us."

"I am looking forward to seeing our family.  I know it hasn't been that
long since we were there; but, for some reason, I really want to be home
for a while," I said.

"I am feeling the same way, but I know the reason why," Ben said.

I laughed, "Yeah, I know.  You want to show off your new girlfriend!"

Ben joined in my laughter, "Yes, that is exactly why I am so eager to go
home!"

"I guess we're all set.  I had better get back to my studies.  I have a
major test in the morning and I'm not quite ready for it," I said.

"I completely understand.  I have a test tomorrow, as well," Ben said.  "I
will catch you in the morning, cousin."

"Good night," I said, as I left Ben's room and closed the door.  I returned
to my room to finish studying.

*** ***

Time flew by for us.  The guys were kept busy with homework and working out
with the hockey team.  All of us were starting to look pretty good, given
our efforts to tone up our muscles.  Thanksgiving (both of them – Canada
and US) came and went.

Dr. Hansen told us this week that Brian seems to be the key to Justin's
recovery.  They have been together over two months now.  Justin and Brian
don't have any plans for the holidays.  Brian's family lives in India, so
they don't plan to go home to see his family.

Since they will be spending the holidays here, we went out and purchased
decorations for the house.  Justin and Brian helped me put up the tree and
the lights.  It certainly gives the house a festive air about it.  We
bought a gingerbread house kit and put it together.

Ben and Janice are going to her parents for the holidays.  Of course, Mark,
Brandon, Zach, Todd, Robbie and Adam are all going home to Duluth.  Brandon
has settled down a lot since he and Mark got together.  Brandon has stopped
hitting on all the guys!  It was pretty bad there at the beginning of their
relationship; because Brandon would flirt with me, or one of the other
guys.  That would get Mark upset.  Brandon would apologize and they would
make up.  It has been nearly a month now since Brandon confessed to me that
he has fallen madly in love with Mark!  I am very happy that things have
worked out for the two of them!

I reflected on the fact that each of the couples living with us had healthy
relationships and seemed very happy to be together.  Even Robbie and Adam
seemed to have matured a lot as a result of seeing how the other couples
related to each other.  Most of all, the thing that amazed me the most is
how accepting our straight friends have been of us.

Rick called last night to tell me he is has been approved for two weeks of
leave starting on December 21st.  That is only a couple of days from now,
so I am very hyped up at the prospect of seeing my lover boy.  We made
plans last night to meet at Keith and Kerry's place, since Rick's Jeep
Wrangler is parked there.  Keith and Kerry will be caravanning up with us
to my grandparents' home.

Rick also told me about Greg and Cory earning their Eagle Scout Awards.
They had finished their projects and managed to get all the paperwork
approved in time for Rick to be present at the awards ceremony, which was
last night.  Working with the scouts has been a good thing for Rick; and I
am glad it turned out to be a good thing for Greg and Cory.  Rick has told
me a great deal about them.  I hope things go well for them.

The hockey team has invited all of us to a party tonight.  I guess I should
start getting ready, since we only have an hour before we have to be there.
The team has rented a dance hall and has hired a live band.  I looked
through my closet and decided to wear khaki pants, a dark blue oxford shirt
with a button down collar, light blue wool sweater, and cordovan penny
loafers completed my outfit.

I looked in the mirror and decided the diamonds studs were a good match but
my hair is a mess!  I ran a comb through my shoulder length blond hair
until I was satisfied it looked okay.  This is the first time I have ever
had long hair.  My Dad always insisted that we keep our hair short, and Mom
supported his decision.  I had argued with them about it many times during
high school, to no avail.  I smiled at my reflection.  I still have what my
Mom calls a "baby face," and it makes people think I am a lot younger than
I am.  I would grow a mustache and beard; but I have not had to shave much,
since the only facial hair I have are my eyebrows.  Satisfied that I looked
good, I turned out the lights and went downstairs to join the others.

I walked into the front room to find everyone there ready to go.  Ben
exclaimed with a big smile, "Finally!  We thought you would never be
ready!"

"I had to make sure I look good," I responded, defensively.

"You look great, Glenn," Janice said, patting me on the arm.

"Thank you, Janice.  You look great, yourself," I replied.  Janice looked
gorgeous in her tight-fitting red dress that would have had me drooling all
over her, if I were wired that way.  I enjoyed watching Ben try not to
stare at her; despite the fact that he only had eyes for her.  Ben wore
dark slacks and a red shirt that matched Janice's dress.  They looked good
together.

The guys had decided that each couple would dress alike; so, as I looked
around the room, it was easy to see who belonged with whom.  We had all
gone shopping together to get new clothes for this party.  Brandon had
suggested that we all wear khaki pants but vary the color of shirts and
sweaters.  The others agreed.  Mark and Brandon wore green.  Robbie and
Adam – burgundy, Justin and Brian – navy blue, Zach and Todd –
purple.

Zach said, "I think we are all here, so let's go."  Zach took Todd by the
hand and led him out of the door; and the rest of us followed.

We arrived at the dance club and joined the party, which had already gotten
off to a good start.  The rest of the team was already there, as were many
of our other friends from the dorms.  Donica, Patty and Irene waved us over
to their table and pointed to a couple of empty tables near them.  I took a
seat between Patty and Irene, while Ben and Janice sat next to Donica.  The
rest of the guys sat at the tables next to us.

Donica said, "Wow!  Brandon looks really great in that outfit you gave him.
I have to admit, I did a good job helping you pick it out."

I looked over at Brandon as he talked animatedly to Mark.  "Yes, he looks
great!  I'm glad he has decided that Mark is the only guy for him."

Donica said, "I agree.  I met Brandon last year.  He seemed very unhappy,
then.  Hey, there's Jimmy!"

Jimmy made his way over to us and took a seat next to Donica.  He leaned
over and gave her a quick kiss.  "I'm glad you guys could make it," he
said, looking around the table.

Ben asked, "Is everything ready?"

"Yes," Jimmy answered.

The rest of us looked between the two with more than a little curiosity.

Janice asked, "What is ready?"

"You will just have to wait to find out," Ben said, smiling, as he took
Janice's hand in his.

"But you won't have to wait very long," Jimmy said, laughing at our
reaction to Ben's statement.

The band started playing one of our favorite songs and Jimmy turned to
Donica.  "Want to dance?"

"Yes," she answered, and they got up and went out on the dance floor.

They were soon joined by Ben and Janice as well as the rest of the guys.
Patty and Irene excused themselves to go to the powder room.

Seeing me sitting by myself, Devon came over and sat next to me, "How are
things going, Glenn?"

"Good, thanks," I replied.  Devon still made me feel a little
uncomfortable; even though I knew he was a harmless flirt.  Devon placed
his hand on my leg and started rubbing up and down.

I put my hand on his, "Devon, you know that I am not like that."

Devon grinned.  "I know, but I still have to try."

I said, "Devon, you are a great looking guy, but I am taken already.  Not
only that, you are bisexual; so, even if we had a relationship, I would
never know when you would decide to dump me for some chick you met at the
bar!"

Devon grinned.  "So true!  Does Irene have a boyfriend?"

"I don't think so.  Why?" I asked, looking suspiciously at Devon.

Devon gave me his "I am so innocent" look.  "I was just wondering."

The girls returned to our table.  Patty said, "Hi, Devon.  How are you
doing?"

"I'm great.  Thanks for asking, Patty.  Irene, would you like to dance?"
Devon asked, pouring on the charm.

I looked over at Irene to see the color rise in her cheeks.  "Yes, I
would," she answered.

Patty looked at me, "I guess that leaves just you and me.  Let's go
dancing."  Patty pulled me onto the dance floor, where we held our own.
After a while, the crowd moved aside to let Zach and Todd dance, with
Brandon and Mark trying to outdo them.  Both couples were perfectly in
synch with each other.  When the song ended, the crowd's enthusiastic
applause rewarded them for their efforts.

The lead singer of the band announced, "We have a very special request to
make at this time.  Would Zach join us on the stage?"

We all looked at Zach, who grinned and took Todd by the hand and moved
toward the stage.  Zach took the microphone, got down on one knee in front
of Todd, and pulled out a ring.  "Todd Ingram will you marry me?"

The look on Todd's face was priceless.  He smiled and said, "Yes, I will
marry you Zach Anderson."

The entire room shouted, "Hoorah!" and "Congratulations!"

Zach slipped the ring onto Todd's finger and stood up pulling Todd close
for a passionate kiss that drew many cat calls and more cheering from the
crowd.

The band started playing Zach and Todd's favorite song as they moved out
onto the dance floor, where the crowd cleared a space to watch them dance.
After the song ended, Zach and Todd came over to me and sat down.

Todd was still flushed with the excitement of the moment.  Zach held Todd's
hand and had a smile a mile wide.  I said, "Congratulations!  I am very
happy for you both."

Todd smiled.  "Thank you, Glenn."

"When do you plan to get married?" I asked.

Todd looked at Zach, who said, "We want to be married as soon as possible."

Todd nodded his head in agreement.  "We were thinking about January 2nd or
3rd.  We were planning to go home to Duluth for the holidays anyway, so it
would be really easy for us to cross the border into Canada and get
married."

"It's about a four hour drive to Thunder Bay, Ontario, from Duluth.  I
talked to my Mom and Dad about making the arrangements for the wedding last
weekend," Zach said.

"I wondered why you spent so much time in your Dad's study.  Your Mom and I
had quite a nice visit, while I waited for you," Todd said.

Zach laughed, "I had a hard time keeping them from telling you I was going
to propose to you tonight.  My Mom is so excited."

Todd grinned, "I suppose my parents know already, right?"

"Yes, I asked your Dad's permission to marry you when we were there for
dinner.  Do you remember when I excused myself from the dinner table and
followed your dad into the front room?" Zach asked.

"Yes," Todd replied.

"That's when I asked your Dad if it was okay to marry his son," Zach said
smiling at his fiancι.

Todd said, "I can't believe Dad managed to keep the secret this long.  He
has a hard time keeping secrets."

"I know!  Your mother managed to convince him that this time he needed to
honor my request and not mention anything to you," Zach said.

The rest of our friends surrounded our table to congratulate the happy
couple.  Zach's coach came over and shook their hands.  "I am very happy
that Zach has found Mr. Right.  I expect to get an invitation to the
wedding."

Zach replied, "We will let you know all the details tomorrow after we talk
to our parents.  We plan to get married in January just before school
starts again."

"Good!  The sooner the better is what I think.  I find that my married
players tend to have better concentration on the ice, and they play harder
for me when their spouses are in the audience," Coach Dodd said.  "So, I
expect to see Todd at our games as often as possible."

Zach said, "Is there a possibility that Todd could play hockey for us?"

"I am sure we can arrange for a transfer down from Duluth, but I won't be
able to offer Todd a scholarship," Coach Dodd replied.

Todd said, "That's okay.  I won't need a scholarship, since I will be
married to Zach.  His parents have already told me that if we were to get
married that they would help us with college."

"Good.  I look forward to seeing you boys at the wedding next month," Coach
Dodd said.

Todd looked over at me, "I am assuming it will be okay for me to move in
with Zach.  Is that okay, Glenn?"

"I wouldn't have it any other way, Todd.  You know that you are always
welcome," I replied, smiling at the happy couple.

Patty asked Zach, "Where do you plan to go for your honeymoon?"

"I haven't planned that far ahead.  Since school starts so soon after the
wedding, I think we will have to wait until spring break to go on our
honeymoon," Zach said.  "Todd wants to go to New Zealand so maybe we can go
there."

"Why do you want to go to New Zealand?" Patty asked.

Todd smiled.  "No particular reason other than I want to see that part of
the world.  I have always wanted to travel.  I would like to go to
Australia, as well."

"Why not go to one of those island paradises like Fiji or Tahiti?" I asked.

"We might do just that.  I asked Dad where he thought we should go for our
honeymoon.  He suggested Mexico, or the Bahamas," Zach said.

"The only problem is that, if we go during spring break, we won't have much
time.  Maybe we should wait until next summer," Todd said.

Patty, grinning, said, "You know, Todd, you should hold out for two
honeymoons – one now and a second one later."

Todd replied, "I like your idea.  What do you think about that, Zach?"

"I like it a lot.  That way, we can take a quick trip during spring break,
and then take an extended vacation, later," Zach said, leaning over to give
his partner a quick kiss.

The rest of the evening went by quickly with everyone talking excitedly
about the guys' wedding plans and where they should go on their honeymoon.
Of course, everyone wanted to be in attendance.  Todd started a list of
names with addresses and phone numbers, so they could make sure everyone
was notified of the final details.  Watching Zach and Todd planning their
life together made me think of Rick and his promise to marry me some day.
I knew we had to wait until he was out of the military, but I couldn't stop
myself from wishing we could be married at the same time as Zach and Todd.