Date: Sat, 21 Sep 2013 11:26:19 -0700
From: Hunter <wolfpup@fastmail.fm>
Subject: Kyle's Ten Golden Rules (GAY / Young friends) chapter 26

Warning: this story contains sexual content, and contact between young
boys.  If the subject matter offends you, is not to your tastes, or if you
are under legal age for your area, then find something else to read. In the
following story all names and events are completely fictional.  Although I
may mention specific locations, places, or persons any resemblance to said
people, locations, or places is completely unintentional.

If you like this story you might want to read my other stories on nifty.
I'm in the "Prolific Authors" section under "H" for Hunter Woods or here
are the direct links:

http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/young-friends/stormy-weather/
http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/young-friends/sweet-cheeks/
http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/young-friends/bonds-of-brotherhood/

This work is copyrighted © by Hunter Woods. No part of this story may be
transmitted or reproduced in whole or in part in any form including
mechanical, electronic, photocopying, and recording or by any information
storage and retrieval system without the express written consent of the
author.  For those of you who just blow this off and decide to steal anyway
keep these thoughts below in mind:

"Intentionally using the quotes of others without author attribution is
plagiarism and contributes to illiteracy."
- Rain Bojangles

"Most plagiarists, like the drone, have neither taste to select, industry
to acquire, nor skill to improve, but impudently pilfer the honey ready
prepared, from the hive."
- Walter Colton

"Borrowed thoughts, like borrowed money, only show the poverty of the
borrower."
- Lady Marguerite Blessington, Countess of Blessington


KYLE'S TEN GOLDEN RULES
CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

"Yeah, sounds like Riley." He continued to giggle while Grant just stared
at both of us and our hard tent poles created a nice little roof in our
underwear.  "Dude...don't sweat it I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it.
Besides believe me he is totally into girls...but for real...how do you
guys go without having ever seen one another naked after all these years?
Hell, even though I was really shy there for a while I know Mattie's seen
me a time or two."  Evan continued to laugh with Grant finally loosening up
and laughing again with us after having ogled our hard tent spikes
realizing the entire incident really had been too funny.

After Riley finished up we settled down cuddling back under the covers with
me promising to fill Evan in with the entire story.  He seemed happy with
that as we shifted around into a more comfortable position.  Evan grabbed
my arms wrapping them snugly around him and giggled again as he thought
about Riley and his little brother.  How he wished he had seen the smaller
boy's face, but he sure enough could imagine it.  After a few minutes I
felt him relax in my arms as he faded away.  One by one we all dozed off
slipping into a deep comfortable sleep totally happy and content for the
moment.

**********************************************************************

There was some movement waking me up as I heard the front door open and
close softly followed by Riley getting up.  I yawned and glanced at the
clock noting it was after three in the morning.

"Hey sweetie," I heard Ms. Dobson greet her son.  "How'd things go?" she
asked as he filled her in on what we had done as she grabbed a bite to eat.

The two of them settled down at the table as they talked quietly with one
another.  "Sounds like everyone had a good time then.  Poor Mattie still
sounds a bit out of it though.  I hope he comes around soon...maybe the sun
and the ocean will help him out." I heard her say.

"Yeah me too, but you should have seen Grant mom.  He was so sweet to
Mattie, almost as if he doted on the little guy.  It seemed to work too
because at times Mattie just seemed to be himself again." The older boy
gushed proudly at his little brother.

From where I was laying on the floor I could see both of them sitting there
as she reached over to pat his arm.  "That's so nice to hear." She nodded
her head.

"Yeah, I'm really glad he came to live with us mom.  I know we've had our
differences and...problems...but he's sort of grown on me, and I can't
imagine him not being in our lives...you know." The older boy seemed to
lean back and shake his head.  "I wish he wouldn't worry so much about the
money situation.  It won't be long now anyway.  I mean...I still don't see
why I can't go pro mom.  Are you sure...you know?" He asked her kind of
surprising me that he'd be able to go professional."

"Yes...we both agreed, not until you are sixteen, and even then I'm not so
sure it is a good idea." She told Riley who just shrugged his shoulders.

"Well, it's not like I will be going to college or anything, so I might as
well earn some money from my talent.  I mean it kind of sucks that all the
prize money in my age group is always in the form of scholarships." He
laughed at the irony of it since he had all the education he needed, and
all paid for already through intellectual forms of scholarships.  "Let's
face it I don't need that, but at least I was able to transfer those over
into Grant's name, so if nothing else when the time comes he can go to
whatever college he wants."

"Yes, most parents worry about college for their children, but at least
that is one worry I don't have to deal with.  I still don't understand why
you just don't tell him about the scholarships sweetie?" She asked her son
as he shook his head.

"I don't want him to think I'm trying to buy him off or something.  I
screwed up really bad with him already mom, and I feel awful about it." He
admitted to his mother who just smiled at him encouragingly.

"I know sweetie...just give him time." She stated taking Riley's hand in
her own and kissing it lovingly.  "He'll come around...I mean he seems to
be happier these days.  Besides, it is hard for him too...you know loosing
your father like that.  They only had each other, just like we only have
one another too...well, now Grant as well.  So give him time alright
sweetie?" She asked her son who just nodded his head.

"Yeah...I know mom, but I just don't want to screw it up with him.  He's my
little brother and it's time I treated him better."  He stated seriously
before laughing at the face his mom gave him.  "Yeah I know already, and I
guess I've always known he was my little brother." He just shook his head
at his mother's look.  "I am trying though...you know...being a better
brother, but he just seems to flinch every time I go near him or say
something." He smiled sadly.

"Well...I've noticed he doesn't seem to flinch around you so much anymore,
and believe me I see it in his eyes that he just adores and admires you."
She chuckled while Riley just rolled his eyes.

"Whoa...like why would he do that?" He drawled out in his surfer slang
getting a bit of a gentle slap on his arm from his mother as they both
chuckled.  He knew she preferred him to be a bit more civilized around the
house, and not act like such an airhead.

"Don't be that way, and he just does seem to look up to you even though he
doesn't show it.  Anyway, on another topic, big waves predicted for this
morning.  Are you heading out to Steamer Lane?" She asked noticing him
shaking his head.

"Normally I would, but not this time.  Going there would probably just
freak them out...you know.  The place may not have the biggest waves, but
it is pretty dangerous; especially, when it is so crowded during these big
waves.  I mean it even freaks out Grant, and he's used to seeing guys
wiping out or even mullering over there...you know a wipe out of epic
proportion." I heard him explain the terminology and also making me quiver
with how dangerous this place must be yet doesn't seem to bother him one
bit.

"So what's your plan then?" I heard his mom ask him.

"I was thinking the Mavericks.  I mean as it is even over there by half
moon bay might be a bit much for them if they see me out there; especially,
if we get triple overheads, but it'll be totally gnarly and I'm stoked for
it since they are predicting massive waves.  Biggest waves in the world
over there; especially after a big winter storm, which keeps most people
away and makes it safer for those of us that can actually handle them.
Don't know the last time there's been a huge storm up in the Northern
Pacific during this time of year, but glad to get a shot at it.  It'll be
nice not to have those damn Jet Ski's towing people in keeping most of the
idiots away since they don't know how to paddle in to those kinds of
conditions.  Anyway, I'll wait for you to get cleaned up and then I'll get
ready to head out...dawn patrol you know." He stated chuckling and getting
up heading back to crawl in for a few more minutes of shut-eye.

Evidently he was getting up early and heading out for the waves making me
wonder what he meant by triple overhead.  The only thing that came to mind
were waves three times as high as a typical guy standing up which sort of
made sense the more I thought about it.  This was going to take a little
getting used to with some of the surfing lingo.

At some point I had drifted off again and when I opened up my eyes it was
just getting light outside so I knew it was still pretty early.  Yawning I
looked around with everyone still asleep, but Riley's spot was vacated.  I
suppose he had left to go catch some waves, which made sense because it is
what he lived for.  Unwrapping myself from the warmth of my sweet angel's
soft body, I carefully turned over to my other side.  My eyes drifted
towards the two smaller boys sleeping next to me all curled up snuggly
together.  I smiled at the two sleeping forms that had cuddled up together
sometime during the night.

Careful so as to not wake them up I began to crawl out from between Evan
and the other two sleeping boys easing back the covers.  I paused for a
moment as I gazed at the two soft warm bodies of Grant and Mattie huddled
up together in their slumbering sleep.  The dark blonde haired boy's body
was several tones darker than Mattie's, the Californian sun baking it to a
deep smooth roasted golden color.  In contrast the curly haired boy's silky
skin, although nicely tanned as well, seemed almost pale in comparison with
its light buttery golden tones blending in softly with his smooth features.
My eyes soaked in the two delicious peaceful forms snuggled up together
tenderly, and I could almost taste the sweetness of it as I gazed at their
serene faces pressed up lightly together.  Grant's left cheek was pushed up
against Mattie's right cheek as they continued to sleep blissfully unaware
of their surroundings.  Grant seemed to even blush while he slept both
sides of his round face seemingly crimson in color, while Mattie's
porcelain smooth light tanned toned skin stood in stark contrast.

Their breathing was steady as they slowly inhaled before exhaling softly.
My eyes continued to wander over their near naked bodies sucking in the
beauty of youth.  I had to smile noting how Grant's arms were wrapped
around the front of Mattie's body holding him gently, almost protectively.
Mattie of course was sporting his usual erection, and I giggled because
Grant's petite fingers were loosely wrapped around the smaller boy's short
but thick bulging outline that pressed up against the soft fabric of his
pajama bottoms leaving little to the imagination of what he was packing
between his legs.  Even his soft little boy pouch seemed to press up
against the cottony material the oval shaped olive sized testicles creating
two distinct outlines just below the thick contoured profile of his hard
shaft.

The entire scene was almost sexy in a way even though I knew it was totally
innocent.  It was just a natural comfortable position for two sleeping
boys, and as embarrassed as Grant seemed to be about such things I'm sure
he would be blushing once he woke up and realized what he is holding in his
hand.  I continued to look at the boys and smiled fondly down at their
innocence while they slept peacefully wrapped up together safe and sound.
Grant really was a sweet kid and had such nice soft smooth skin.  Here and
there along his body I could see the tell tale signs of slight bruising and
scrapes from his falls while skateboarding, but they in no way distracted
against his cuteness.  Instead it sort of was appealing on him as I
continued to gaze down at him.

Mattie's body was slightly angled as he laid half on his side and half on
his back in Grant's arms.  The dark blond boy's right leg was bent and
slightly lying on top of Mattie's right thigh.  Grant had thin wiry tanned
legs all the way up towards his crotch with a pale area beginning several
inches below the leg band of his underwear from where the sunlight never
hit because of his shorts.  His sinewy legs looked muscular in places due
to all the time spent skateboarding, and I could just make out the spidery
like blue webbing along his pale skin on the front portion of his upper
thigh.  The blue thin wispy like netting continued upwards disappeared
under the white boy's briefs Grant wore, and just below the lumpy bulge of
his boyhood.  It didn't look like he had an erection or anything, but there
did seem to be a bit of puffiness in the outline of his thin fleshy tube,
almost as if he was sort of chubbed up, but not with a full blown erection.

The sweet visage of these two adorably cute boys wrapped up together
snuggly made me quiver as my own hard penis began to respond and twitch
between my legs.  I could feel the rush of blood begin to pulse in my veins
and pound its way between my groin.  The sexiness of the two boys was a
stark reminder that I hadn't been properly taking care of my own needs
lately.  Sure I had pulled on my wire to some relief last night, but still
it wasn't the same and it had only been once.  For the last couple of years
I've been exercising my equipment at least three or four times a day, and I
could already feel the affects of neglect in that department as my body
twitched unexpectedly and excitedly when Mattie shifted a little in his
sleep.  As soon as the curly haired boy's body moved slightly Grant's
petite fingers had instinctively contracted a gently around the hardened
tube forcing it to flare out while his own soft tube seemed to jerk beneath
the bright white briefs he wore snuggly around his hips.  In that brief
moment I could distinctly make out the outline of Grant's glans before it
seemed to settle back down.

Closing my eyes I tried to calm down noticing that my own erection seemed
to pulse between my legs.  When I looked down I could see a little wet spot
where the tip of my hard penis was pressing up against the red colored
boxer briefs I was currently wearing.  I sighed gradually calming down, and
I couldn't help myself as I slowly reached out and with the tip of my
fingers traced the outline of Grant's semi-hard tube.  It immediately
responded and began to elongate and thicken up forming a distinct thick
outline in briefs.  I shivered excitedly, but pulled my hand back a little
ashamed of what I had just done.  I hadn't intended to do it, but the boy
looked so charming lying there sleeping peacefully.

The pressure between my legs was beginning to build now, not in a sexual
way, but rather in a stark reminder that I needed to empty out my bladder.
Scooting out from under the blankets, and making sure to cover the boys
back up, I made my way up to the bathroom and relieved myself without
flushing for now so I wouldn't make too much noise waking someone up.  My
tube slowly deflated giving me that sense of relief as I gave it a good
shake giggling at how it flopped around in my fingers now that it was soft
again.  I shook my three inch softness even more vigorously allowing it to
slap noisily back and forth bouncing off my sagging boy pouch before
snapping upwards to smack a couple of inches below my belly button.  After
goofing around like that for a moment or two I stepped back from the toilet
and stripped out of my underwear to take a much needed shower.  I was
starting to smell pretty rank, and with so many of us having to share this
single shower I figured I'd get it done early.  Setting my underwear on the
hamper basket I looked up just in time to see Grant stumbling into the
bathroom rubbing away the sleep from his eyes a nice little semi-hard bulge
pressing up complainingly against his tight white Hanes boy's briefs.

When Grant looked up he stopped and just gawked at me for a couple of
seconds as we both stood there in stunned silence before he turned his head
away instinctively placing his hands in front of himself.  "I...um...shit
Kyle...I...I'm sorry but I...um...thought you had gone with Riley.  I was
just going to get an early start on the shower, but I...um...will let
you...um...you know." He stuttered while I just started busting up as the
memory of Evan barging in on me only a few months back flooded my mind.

From my angle I saw Grant's cheeks turn even more crimson as he wondered
what was so funny, and also completely mortified that he had just barged in
on me this way.  "Um...don't worry about it Grant.  I'm used to people
barging in on me, just ask Evan." I told him by way of explanation as I
could see it begin to register with him that Evan must have barged in on me
before as well.  "Anyway, he was embarrassed too, but these days he isn't
so shy anymore and we tend to hop in the shower together, even Mattie joins
us sometimes.  So just get undressed and you can hop into the shower with
me then we can wake up Mattie and Evan so they can get cleaned up too." I
told him as Grant just turned his head towards me in shock before he
realized he was looking at me again and turned away.

"Y...you want to what? I mean...shower...together." He stuttered again as
his cheeks just seemed to always be in the red shaded mode these days
making me chuckle.

"Yeah...why not?" I responded.  "It's all good unless you think you are
still too young to take showers with another guy.  At some point you will
be doing that in school, so it might be a good time to start getting used
to it.  Besides, as crowded as it is with all of us in the house it just
might make things easier." I told him as I turned around to adjust the
water temperature in the bathtub without watching to see what Grant was
going to do.

Flipping up the lever to start the shower spray, I stepped inside the tub
and closed the curtain to begin getting cleaned up.  I put my hand up
against the wall and let the water cascade over my body.  I heard a
rustling noise sensing another presence behind me and looked over my
shoulder noticing Grant checking me out from behind.  I turned around so he
could get a better look at me and noticed he was holding his hands over his
privates, but that didn't detract from his beautiful tanned features.  Now
under the lighting in the bathroom I could really make out his dark roasted
golden tan color from head to toe except for that white pale area along his
mid-riff.  Grant's eyes locked on to my flaccid tube as he stood there
frozen.

I stepped off to the side, reached out and shifted him so that the water
was spraying on his back.  I tilted his head back and got his hair wet
before I reached over grabbing some shampoo.  I quickly lathered up his
long thick dark blond hair enjoying the silky feel of it between my
fingers, and rinsed it out while he just looked into my face not saying a
word.  Gathering up some liquid soap I began to wash down his smooth firm
chest before stepping closer to him wrapping my arms around his back and
running my hands down along the length of his spine.  He shivered at my
light touch and I could tell he was completely hard now despite his hands
covering most of his boy bits.  He blushed at having an erection, but I
didn't say anything so he seemed to be fine with it.  I continued to soap
up his body running my hands along his thin long strong legs and once more
leaned in to reach around behind him feeling the back of his hands bump up
against my chest.  I ran my fingers along his two dimpled melons before
diving between his crease making him giggle because it tickled a little.  I
allowed the water to run down his back and between his crevice letting it
wash away the soapy suds.

The time had finally arrived as I reached out and pulled away his hands
from his boy parts.  He didn't resist and I just sat there mesmerized by
what swayed a few inches in front of my face.  His thick luscious juicy
bobber stood angling out and a bit upwards from his porcelain white blank
slate of a pubic mound which gleamed and glittered with wetness.  The boy's
dark colored wrinkled avocado sized pouch hung closely to his body beneath
his shaft with the distinct outline of two heavy cherry sized testicles
trying to weigh down his tight fleshy bag.  I guess at times his boy bag
hung down a little while at other times it hugged firmly against his body.
My eyes focused on the stiff short stick shift taking in his size and
girth.  It most definitely was very thick, maybe not as thick as Chase's
was, but pretty close.  It was also slightly longer than Riley's short one,
but Grant was only ten years old so most definitely a nice size length wise
for his age.  His erection looked to be about three and a quarter inches
long with the familiar pale blue maze like veins crossing all along the
light pastel length of his bulky shaft.  His knob took up about half the
size of his hard tool, and from this angle it sort of reminded me like one
of those speed bicyclists helmet.  In a word...it was stunning.  To be
honest just seeing him completely naked in front of me was a dazzling sight
indeed.

"Wow, that's like totally awesome." I told Grant as I looked up at him
while he blushed in that cute way of his.

"R...really?" He asked as I nodded my head.

"Oh yeah." I replied chuckling.  "That's one adorably cute fat sausage
banger for a ten year old.  Damn, that's sweet." I told Grant honestly as
he just gushed and blushed at the awkwardness of the moment.

Soaping up my hands I reached out and ran them across his fleshy sack and
stiff penis noticing now how his boy pouch began to sag a little and loosen
up because of the warmth from the hot shower water.  He tensed up for a
moment when he felt my fingers brushing lightly across his sexy parts, but
my intent was to only wash him clean not do anything sexual with him.
Despite the intent, my own erection still managed to twitch around
excitedly as I ran my fingers around his short but thick hardness.  Moving
him further under the water I rinsed him off before standing up while he
just looked down at my own body parts seemingly mesmerized by what I had
between my legs.

It didn't surprise me how he was just staring at me since other than Mattie
I'm really the only other boy he's seen naked like this.  He finally saw
his older brother for the first time yesterday, but being so close to
another naked boy made him quiver excitedly.  Picking up the shampoo bottle
I switched places with him and began to lather up my hair while he just
continued to look at me no longer bothering to cover himself up since I had
an erection too.

"Wow," I heard the boy breathe out softly as I stopped what I was doing and
looked at him.

"What?" I asked him curiously wondering what he was thinking.

"Oh...um...just you've got hair too...you know...down there like Riley." He
pointed out as I nodded my head.

"Yeah I don't have as much pubes as your brother.  I guess I'm a bit of a
late bloomer in that way." I told him honestly as he looked at me a bit
confused.

"Pubes?" He asked making me realize again that he was still a bit young
regarding some of this stuff.

"Yeah, the hair on my pubic mound...," I began as I rubbed my mound for
emphasis, "...is called pubes or pubic hair." I answered simply as he
nodded understanding.  "But seriously dude I think it is time you and your
brother had a bit of a talk about things." I told him as he looked at me
questioningly making me shake my head.  "Listen, I'm just saying you are
getting to that age where you are getting curious about sexual kinds of
things.  I talked to Mattie and Evan about this stuff, so maybe it is time
you and Riley talked about it too.  I'll have a chat with him for you
first, alright?" I asked him as he sort of blushed not so sure.  "Grant, he
really does care about you and he can answer a lot of your
questions...trust me alright?" I asked him again this time he nodded
indicating it was alright.  "Good then it's settled." I told him as I began
rinsing out my hair.

"Um...Kyle...do you think...I...you know...can I touch it...I mean...your
pubes?" He asked using the proper term he just learned and looking down
curiously at my pubic hair.

"Um...yeah sure...I guess that would be alright.  Just be careful though
because I'm pretty hyped up and I don't want to have an accident all over
you." I told him as he again looked at me a bit funny not really
understanding.  "For real Grant, don't you ever talk with other kids your
own age about sex?" I asked him as he shrugged his shoulders.

"Yeah some of the other boys talk and all, but I don't understand most...I
mean some of the stuff they are talking about and I don't want to
look...you know." He told me as I smiled and ruffled his wet hair.

"Yeah, I know." I responded.  "Don't worry...before we leave at the end of
the week I'll be sure to have Riley talk to you.  Things will be a lot
clearer for you after that." I told him as I grabbed his hand and put it on
my pubic mound so he could feel my pubes.

Grant ran his fingers through my short curls and smiled at me a bit giddily
that he was feeling someone's pubes for the first time as he looked down at
his blank slate.  I removed his hands and put some liquid soap in them
before wrapping his fingers around my four inch erection noticing his eyes
bulge out at feeling someone else's penis for the first time.  His slicked
up fingers felt wonderful around my shaft as he soaped it up quickly like I
had done with him before he did the same to my sagging bag and heavy walnut
sized testicles.  Thankfully he didn't linger long, and released me before
I lost control.  This was a lot of stuff for him to digest anyway, without
me adding to his confusion by shooting my load all over him.

"That was...like wow Kyle...thanks." He gushed at me as I just reached out
and gave him a quick hug our two hard erections bumping against one another
making him giggle as we separated.

Stepping out of the shower to get dried up I noticed my camera still
sitting on the counter from last night and picked it up in my hands turning
around looking at Grant.  "Um...is it alright...you know?" I asked him as
his eyes flew open wide at what I was asking.

"What...now...naked?" He squeaked as I nodded my head with him getting a
worried look on his face.

"I've got some of your brother too from when we were at camp, and also when
he came over to my house for the barbeque." I offered up to him as he just
gawked at me.

"You...I mean...um...he let you take naked pictures of him...for real?" He
asked me as I nodded my head.  "But why?" He asked seriously.  "I mean why
would he let you take naked pictures of him?"

"I don't know...I guess it was sort of naughty and also maybe a bit of fun.
It's kind of a strange feeling to have your picture taken while you are
naked.  I showed it to him afterwards and he really liked it.  I guess it
is different when you see yourself like that." I told him honestly.

"You promise not to show them to anyone?" He asked me as I shook my head.

"I promise I'll keep them to myself, and I'll give you copies if you want."
I replied as he hesitated then smiled shyly nodding his head.

Picking up the camera I snapped a picture of him standing there still
dripping wet in the shower stall.  His hands were still covering himself up
while I snapped several more pictures.  I stepped forward, reached out, and
removed his hand smiling at the boy reassuringly and took a few more.  He
was now soft being nervous about it all as I got him to pose in different
ways.  After a couple of minutes went by with me clicking off pictures he
became a bit more comfortable with it, and I saw him begin to slowly chub
up as I continued to photograph him.  He felt it too and immediately
covered himself up, but I encouraged him to just relax and not to worry
about it.  Slowly he uncovered himself and I began to take pictures again.
Once more he began to inflate and I captured each stage of his erection
until he was completely hard.  That was going to make for a unique series
of pictures with him in his flaccid very thin sleek state all the way up to
his very thick grand finale.

"Wow that was so hot." I exclaimed as he just gushed at me grabbing a towel
to dry off as he just continued to blush.  "That wasn't so bad now...was
it?" I asked him as he just giggled and shrugged his shoulders.  "Thanks
for trusting me like that and I promise I won't show anyone the pictures I
took of you unless you say it is alright," I promised as he just nodded his
head wondering why on earth he would ever allow anyone to see the pictures.

While we fixed breakfast Mattie and Evan hopped into the shower to get
cleaned up real quick.  Mattie seemed much better today and more himself as
he spoke and carried on in his more sprightly kind of way.  He still seemed
a little reserved, but more outgoing as he hung around Grant asking the
other boy questions about skateboarding and things to do around in the
area.  After finishing breakfast Grant grabbed some gear handing us each an
oversized bag that was stuffed full of things including what looked like
some boogie boards.  We headed out and he led us over to the first bus
stop, one of three that it would take to get over to half moon bay.  About
an hour and a half later we were standing atop a cliff overlooking the most
awe inspiring sights in my life.  Looking out my jaw just dropped as I
gaped at the huge waves that seemed to form out of nowhere off in the
distance.  They were enormous and frightening even from the safety of the
cliff as I watched a surfer riding along the curved portion of the wave.
All of a sudden it seemed to collapse upon itself as thousands of gallons
of water seemed to pound down on the surfer burying him from sight.  I
heard Evan and Mattie gasp at what they had just seen, and I had to swallow
a huge lump in my throat.

Then I heard Grant yell out excitedly and point off in the distance.
"There goes Riley." He exclaimed as the figure on the surfboard, so small
in comparison to the enormous wave that just seemed to swell and rise up
threatening to swallow him, confidently dove his board into the thick of
it.

We watched in awe before I snapped out of it and began to zoom in and take
pictures.  Riley seemed to swoop down into the swell trying to outrun the
rolling roiling wave threatening to collapse in on him riding along his
heels.  From this distance all I could see was a dark colored outline with
a splash of red, but as I zoomed in with my lens it became a bit more
defined.  It looked like he was wearing one of those black wetsuits with
maybe some red design on it.  Riley seemed to be doing really well, but at
one point it just caught up to him and he seemed to bail out letting the
wave wash over him as he popped out on the back end.  We saw him retrieve
his board and then look towards our direction.  He seemed to wave so we
waved back to him before he turned his board and paddled back out to the
line waiting for the next wave.

Grant pulled out a couple pairs of binoculars so we could get a closer
look.  "Holy crap Grant...," I gasped in complete awe at the enormous sized
waves.  "...Is that happening for real?  I mean how the hell does something
like this happen?" I asked not really expecting an answer.

"Maverick's is known to normally break huge during the winter months,
usually after a nice winter storm off the northern Pacific.  We lucked out
with a freak storm a while back up the Northern Pacific creating these
conditions today.  It takes a while, days, for a storm that happens
thousands of miles away to finally affect the waves we see way over here."
He explained to us.

I looked at Grant who seemed very animated and he smiled back at me
toothily while he continued his explanation.  "A calm or still wind is
ideal for this big wave spot, although light onshore or even northern side
winds are doable. The problem with offshore winds is that with all the
power you already have from a massive wave, any wind pushing up the wave
tends to send the surfer airborne. There are two swell directions that will
make Maverick's break the best: northwest and west. A northwest swell will
generally produce a longer, easier wave, and a west swell produces shorter
faster waves. Tides also play a big part in the way this gigantic wave will
break. A lower tide tends to make the waves steeper and more dangerous,
while a higher tide will keep the danger down to a minimum." He explained
the basics to us making me shake my head in awe because truth be told I
didn't know what the fuck he was talking about.

Grant seemed to notice our confusion and just shrugged his shoulders.
"Um...this doesn't normally happen during this time of year, and usually
only during the winter months.  As it is these are small compared to the
ones we get in late December and January, but still pretty big." He smiled
at me toothily as I just gawked wondering how much fucking bigger it really
got and if Riley actually surfed it when they got really big like that.

We watched for the longest time on the cliff while I snapped more pictures
until Grant motioned for us to follow him down the side of the cliff.
There was a well worn path, but we still had to jump down in some spots
until we spilled out onto the small stretch of sandy beach.  He took us
over towards another spot, and we once more looked through the binoculars
watching the action.

After a while Grant pulled on Mattie's arm urging the boy to try out the
boogie board.  The blond haired boy slipped out of his khaki shorts
revealing his Junk Food Wolverine board shorts.  The bottom part of his
trunks all along his legs and up to the midsection of his crotch were sky
blue in color, and yellow from mid-crotch to his waist.  The yellow section
of his trunks had geometric designs and lettering depicting wolverine,
x-men, and champs among others.  Along the bottom of his right leg was a
screen-printed and embroidered patch of the wolverine and on his left leg
just below the yellow section was letterings on three lines stating
`Wolverine; Pack Leader; No.1.' It really looked sharp on him and suited
his personality.  We followed Grant's lead and slipped out of our regular
shorts wearing our bathing suits my mom got us at the beginning of summer.
As I looked at all three of the boys I had to admit they made for a cute
little group in nothing but their bathing suits.

Evan joined in grabbing a boogie board, and I even made some runs at it
enjoying the small waves along the shoreline making it a perfect kind of
fun for us to enjoy the water and small surfs.  It really wasn't all that
difficult with the small board, but I imagined it was a big difference from
real surfing as I watched some beginners in the smaller surfs sort of
goofing around.  At one point Evan had wandered over making some new
friends as they allowed him to give real surfing a whirl.  I was really
surprised because he seemed pretty good at it immediately able to get up on
the board, stand up, and ride some small waves.  He took to it immediately,
and I had to smile appreciatively at his athleticism.  It was still really
early in the morning; I'd say not even seven yet so the beach was mostly
void of people other than us early risers, the small group of beginning
surfers, and those diehard surfers catching the Mavericks.

A short while later I got thirsty so made my way back to our bags.  Evan
had seen me get up so came in and ran up to me as I knelt down by our
things.  Rummaging through one of the bags I pulled out some water handing
a bottle to Evan while Mattie and Grant continued to goof around.  I looked
over towards the huge waves watching some of the surfers out there picking
out Riley's smaller form.  It wouldn't surprise me if he were the only teen
out there because from what Grant indicated this area was pretty much
surfed only by some of the best in the world when the waves got this big,
and I believed him.

There was a scuffling kind of noise over by Mattie and Grant, and when I
looked over I saw that a group of boys around twelve or thirteen had
surrounded the two smaller boys as if they were hassling them.  I had seen
these boys walking along the beach earlier, but hadn't thought anything of
them.  Now one of them punched Grant in the gut when the boy stepped in
front of Mattie protectively.  The other boys immediately grabbed on to
Grant pulling him up.  I dropped the bottle of water and ran over towards
them just as one of them punched Grant again, but this time missed when the
dark blonde haired boy instinctively dropped down to his knees bringing
several boys down with him in the process.

Now there was a real all out brawl going on by the time I made it over
there and started tossing the boys aside.  "What the hell is going on
around here?" I snapped threateningly as I helped Grant up to his feet
making sure he was alright.

The boy nodded that he was fine and then pointed a finger at the other
older kids who now had sort of gathered around and began to confront us.
"They accused us of being a Barney and a Kook, no better than a Sponge with
our boogie boards out here.  They said that this is their beach and we have
to leave." He glared aggressively at the group of about fifteen boys all
around twelve or thirteen years old.  They had us by sheer numbers, but I
was trying to make sense of what all the hoopla was about.

"What? For Pete's sake speak English." I asked Grant a bit confused as
several of the other boys just laughed at my naivety.

"See I told you...these guys aren't even locals." One boy wearing red
shorts and shirt spat out in an accusatory tone.

Grant just glared at the other boy while trying to explain.  "Basically
they were making fun of us not being real surfers and indicating we were
idiots.  They think anyone who isn't a local doesn't deserve to be here;
especially, if we are going to be idiots on these boogie boards." Grant
translated as I nodded my head getting it now.

Just then I saw Riley stepping up to us with his surfboard in hand setting
it upright in the sand.  I couldn't help, but take in his wet sloppy image
as my eyes roamed over his Springsuit.  I had learned from Grant a lot of
guys wear these short types of wet suits that have the short sleeves and
the short style legs down to mid-thigh during the summer months.  Riley was
wearing an O'Neill two toned black and gray Springsuit with a splash of red
along the top of the shoulders and short sleeved suit.  On the chest was
the O'Neill logo and along the back next to the length of the zipper was
the written logo spelling out O'Neill.  Along the bottom part of the left
leg was also a splash of red and the written O'Neill logo.  On his feet I
noticed the same style of black and red O'Neill Reactor Beef Boot.  He
looked sharp in his outfit as it hugged his body snuggly yet seemed loose
enough for him to maneuver around in while catching those monster waves.

"What the hell is going on?" Riley asked no one in particular, but the
local boy piped in.

"Out of towners." The boy spat contemptuously.  "We were just telling them
to hit the road...that they are trespassing." He stated smoothly as Riley
looked over towards his brother.

"You alright?" He asked a bit concerned, which must have meant he had seen
the altercation, and explains why he had come in so quickly.

Grant nodded his head.  "Yeah, but they went after Mattie and I had to step
in." He replied glaring at the boy who seemed in charge of the group while
Mattie seemed to make his way over towards me and cling to my side his eyes
looking around him wildly and a bit frightened.

Kneeling down next to the small curly haired boy I just wrapped him in my
arm and whispered softly in his ear.  "Hey little man...it's alright...no
worries.  Just sort of a little fender bender or bump in the road.  You
alright?" I asked him as he nodded his head, but still hung on to me.

The kid in red just laughed and pointed.  "See...out of towners and
gawkers...just wish they'd all fucking stay away."

"What the fuck dude.  Geeze, it's not like these guys are hurting anyone."
My friend protested talking to the other boy as the larger group seemed to
step up in support of their comrade and began glaring at all of us,
including Riley now since he was siding with us.

"Yeah, well just who the hell do you think you are, and if you feel that
way just take you're out of townies and leave."  He threatened as Riley
began to get riled up, which was a first time me seeing him like that since
he had always been so easy going.

"Fuck you assholes.  If I ever catch you fucking with my little brother
again I'll kick your ass." He threatened catching even me by surprise at
the total transformation from the most laid back guy I've ever known to
someone all fired up and itching for a fight.

"Whoa-whoa guys.  Let's just take it easy." I interjected trying to calm
things down.

The boy in red was about to respond when we saw several of the surfers
climbing out of the water with their surfboards in tow as one guy in his
early twenties shouted out.  "Hey Riley...is everything alright?" He
questioned with ten other guys following him.

"Yeah, just a bunch of punks trying to mess with my little brother and some
friends from out of town.  They are claiming this is their beach and we are
trespassing." Riley stated as the group of Maverick surfers gathered
around.

"Really?" Riley's surfer buddy asked looking around.  "So if this is your
beach and turf, what are you doing standing around.  Here, you can use my
board go catch some Mavericks." He offered up to the ring leader of the
group of boys who didn't look so imposing now that they were confronted by
the diehard group of surfers.  "Yeah, that's what I thought...totally
clucked." The fit surfer stated snickering at the wannabees, making me look
questioningly at Grant.

The smaller boy smiled at me knowingly and leaned in to explain.  "A guy
who is afraid of waves."  He chuckled as the shoe was now on the other foot
so to speak with this punk ass kid looking around completely humiliated as
Riley's friend continued.

"None of you have the balls to go out there.  Just so you know, if anyone
has claim as a local and a Maverick boarder you just pissed off the wrong
guy.  You guys claim you are locals and don't even recognize one of your
own heroes.  Do you even know who this is?" The guy asked the ringleader as
he jerked his thumb towards Riley while we took note that the boy in red
was now getting a bit nervous looking back to his buddies for support,
which wasn't coming his way at all leaving him standing there alone.

Seeing that the instigating kid was all alone now, the surfer just chuckled
and shook his head.  "Why don't you guys just get lost?  You don't deserve
to be talking to the guy who is currently ranked number one internationally
in his surfing age division.  Come-on Riley, we've got plenty more
Mavericks to catch." He offered up ignoring the other boys, effectively
just dismissing them.

The group of thugs immediately dispersed leaving the beach once they found
out they had no footing.  "Nah guys...its cool." Riley smiled at his
buddies as he bumped knuckles with them.  "Thanks for backing me up and
all, but I've got noodle arms right now anyway.  I've been out here for way
longer than you guys anyway, so I'm just gonna chil with my bro and
friends...cool?" He asked as the guys just glanced over at us nodding their
understanding before waving and heading back out for some more waves.

Riley turned to his little brother looking him over real quick to make sure
he wasn't seriously hurt.  "Dude...you alright for real?" He asked as I saw
Grant looking down a bit ashamed and nodding his head.

"Yeah...sorry for ruining your ride today, but thanks...for...you
know...sticking up for me like that." He replied softly.

"Whoa for real Riley." I chuckled as I just shook my head.  "I mean what
about your rule of being a lover and not a fighter?" I asked him coining
his term.

"Well that's different.  I mean they were fucking with my little
brother...you know...and I get it now...you know of how protective you were
of Evan at camp when that bully was beating on him.  That's the scariest
feeling of all not being there when someone picks on your little brother.
When I saw that asshole hitting Grant it scared the shit out of me and I
turned red.  Anyone who fucks with my little bro has to answer to me." He
stated honestly.

Grant stared at his older brother for a second not believing what he was
hearing.  Coming to his senses he suddenly grabbed on to his brother
wrapping his arms around him tightly not letting go.  Riley was stunned and
just froze for a second not knowing how to react until he just gave in
returning the affection, hanging on tightly to his little brother.  They
remained that way just sincerely embracing one another in a loving
brotherly hug for several minutes before Grant finally spoke up.

"Did you really mean it...you know about protecting me?" He asked
hesitantly as Riley nodded his head.

"Of course I meant it, and believe me I'm not a fighter...just ask Kyle."
He chuckled as he rocked his little brother in his arms seeming a bit
overwhelmed with emotion.

"So...you really do care about me?" Grant asked as Riley stopped rocking
him and they separated looking into one another eyes.

"Of course I care about you Grant." Riley breathed out slumping his
shoulders in resignation and shaking his head.  "Believe me I know I fucked
up big time with being a brother to you all these years Grant, and I'm
sorry about that, but you `ARE' my little brother no matter what else, and
I don't want us to be like strangers anymore." He stated as Grant seemed to
smile and nod his head.  "Come-on, let's go find a spot to sit down and
have a chat.  I think it is time we cleared the air." He suggested as he
wrapped his arm around Grant's shoulder and walked with him a ways down the
beach stopping when they got to his gear.

I watched them for a few minutes while Riley wrapped a towel around himself
and then peeled out of his Springsuit.  I couldn't imagine how tough it was
to get out of those tight fitting outfits, but somehow Riley managed to do
it and keep himself covered up with the towel.  Grant was watching his
brother very closely and seemed to pay particular attention to the older
boy's mid-section.  I'm sure he managed to catch glimpses of his older
brother's nakedness.  It seemed as if Grant's curiosity about such things
had sort of caught up to him.  This reminded me about my promise to the
younger boy of having a talk with his older brother concerning that all
important sex talk.  Riley reached down grabbing his shorts and then
dropped the towel without a care in the world slipping into a pair of
shorts.  No one else was close by so he didn't think anything of it, but I
noticed Grant taking a closer look at his older brother's goods.

We ended up spending some more time on the beach just goofing around and
having fun.  The incident had made Mattie a bit on the jumpy side again,
but Grant had a way about him of bringing the little guy out of his slump.
At one point I managed to get Riley alone while the boys played and had a
nice talk with him.  He seemed genuinely intrigued about what I had to say
regarding the whole shower scene with me and his little brother among other
things.  Of curse he thought it funny since I seemed to always be in the
middle of anything sexual, but wasn't in the least bit concerned about it.
In fact he actually seemed pleased that his younger brother was finally
starting to get curious about those types of things.  I also told him about
Mattie's ointment treatment, and how that had been his brother's first real
close encounter of that sort with another boy, which now made sense to him
regarding other things about his little brother's behavior over the last
two days.  In the end he agreed with me that it was time for him to have
"the" talk with his little brother, and he'd try to do it soon when they
were alone together.

Since we had a lot of gear to drag around we were debating what to do when
one of Riley's surfing buddies came to the rescue and offered us a ride
home.  This worked out perfect and after dropping us off we got cleaned up
putting on some fresh clothes before grabbing a bite to eat.  Riley rinsed
out his Springsuit hanging it up inside out to dry, while we just rinsed
out our wet bathing suits and tossed them in the dryer. After that we were
off to Grant's favorite spot, Santa Cruz Skate Park literally only a few
blocks north of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on Pacific Avenue.

Riley mentioned that after Grant and the rest of us did some skateboarding
that we might just head out to the park since it was so close by.  No sense
in wasting a good trip, which Grant seemed to agree with.  I inquired about
all the skateboarding gear Grant seemed to have shoved in several of the
bags concerned with what we'd do about it when we went to the boardwalk,
but Grant shrugged his shoulders not too concerned.  He explained that we'd
be able to drop them off at the surf or skate shop since they knew the
owners, and they had been willing to do it for them before.  Sounded like a
plan to me so we made some sack lunches for everyone to keep some of the
costs down making sure to grab some Pepsi's so we could get our half priced
tickets.  Of course we would also be enjoying some greasy junk food, but
the food at the park was really expensive so we figured it was better to
only get stuff over there as snacks versus something more solid to eat.
After grabbing some money from the envelope to pay for everything we headed
out to catch one of the buses.

By the time we got to the skate park it was only late morning, but it sure
as hell seemed a lot later.  I had a feeling we were all going to be
sleeping hard tonight with having gotten up so early, and with it probably
ending up being a long night.  I smiled as Grant seemed to be in his
element pulling out helmets and gear for the hands, elbows, and knees to
protect Mattie and Evan.  After putting on his own gear he helped out
Mattie while Evan managed to figure out his own.  The younger boy seemed to
be on the quiet side again, but Grant was just brilliant with him.

"Alright Mattie," Grant began as he set out about six of his boards in
front of the smaller boy.  I was really impressed because what kid has six
boards unless they were really into it.  "Which one would you like?" He
asked Mattie while the smaller boy just frowned.  "Um...how about I make a
suggestion for you, but first let me show you something." He smiled warmly
at Mattie since the smaller boy wasn't able to focus on making a decision.

Picking up an old beat up looking board with plenty of scuff marks and the
graphics on it literally shred apart, he dropped in on the course from a
small ramp ledge and began to carve and shred the park.  It was amazing to
watch him do tricks along the way as he began with some of the basics like
doing an Ollie or Tailgrab, progressively going into harder tricks such as
Flips, Slide, Grind, Lip/Stall, Balance, Ramps, and Aerials.  He seemed to
transition throughout his run with ease.  He fell a time or two sliding on
his side, knees, or even on his ass, but immediately got up and continued
on his way as he made a loop around the various obstacles before returning
back to us a little out of breath.

Walking over to Mattie he kneeled down in front of him and smiled holding
out the beat up board.  "This is my favorite board Mattie.  It doesn't look
like much, and is all banged up, but it is the board I learned most of my
tricks on.  It is getting a bit small for me so I've been using other
boards, but I think it would be the perfect board for me to teach you some
tricks on.  That is if you don't mind it being all banged up, but like I
said it is my all time favorite board?" He asked the smaller boy who looked
back at him and smiled.

Reaching out Mattie took the proffered board from Grant and held it close
to his chest.  "Really...you don't mind?" Mattie asked once more seeming to
come out of his little funk as Grant laughed rolling his shoulders at the
boy and shaking his head.

"No I don't mind Mattie...I think it will be perfect for you.  Come-on guys
let's go bust out a session." Grant beamed referring to getting out there
and skating.

For the next several hours the boys skated their hearts out, and even Riley
got out there dragging me along getting us in on the action as Grant taught
all of us some basic tricks starting with the Ollie.  It was really
surprising at how with some basic instruction we were all doing basic
tricks our very first time out.  Of course our tricks were a bit sketchy,
meaning not so well done, but still we managed to make a decent showing our
first times out.  Mattie just seemed to excel at it picking up on the
nuances of the tricks relatively fast leaving us all behind in that regard
as he began carving and grinding on the course in no time as if he'd been
doing it for years.  It was like he just seemed to blossom in front of our
eyes leaving behind the trauma of what had happened to him.  Once more he
was the Mattie of old: outgoing, lovable, huggable, and rambunctious.

Of course Riley was much better at it than us since it had been a major
mode of transportation for him around the neighborhood when he was younger.
He pretty much could do most tricks Grant showed us, and they were for the
most part smooth, but not quite diamondz like Grants tricks were when he
performed them.  I had to chuckle because by the time Grant finished with
us we were all talking like skateboarders becoming familiar with the slang.

At one point I was getting a bit tired as I sat back and watched Mattie
actually perform a grind riding both of his trucks, the front and rear axle
assemblies that connect the wheels to the deck, over a rail successfully
before sliding off and landing on his butt.  It didn't faze him though as
he got up and tried the difficult trick again making me beam proudly at my
little man.  I didn't want to force the others to stop having fun so I
asked Riley if he could meet me at the surf shop down the road that we had
gone into yesterday.  I wanted to check out some of the necklaces they had
there because I thought they were pretty cool and was thinking about having
one custom made.  He nodded his head that it was no problem, and we set a
time to meet up in about thirty or forty minutes.  Hopefully by that time
Grant and the others would finally be all tuckered out.

After checking up on Mattie and Evan I headed down the street for several
blocks and stepped into the surf shop.  A younger guy greeted me when I
stepped up to the handmade necklaces asking how he could help me in a kind
of quirky accent.  He looked like one of those Islanders from the Pacific,
maybe like Hawaii, Samoa, or even the Philippines or somewhere.  Pulling
out my wallet I fished out the challenge coin my dad gave me and set it on
the counter.

"Yeah, I was wondering if you could make some sort of holder for this and
make it into a necklace.  I have to be able to detach it from around my
neck, but I also want to make sure I won't loose it because of the necklace
breaking or something.  It needs to be very strong for someone who is
active in tough sports.  Oh and you aren't allowed to drill holes into
it...that is also part of the rule." I told the guy who scratched his head
looking at the coin not sure about it.

"Well maybe Bra...," he replied in his Islander type of accent, "...but it
might take a day or two if you want to leave it behind." He pointed out
looking at the strange coin that he held in his hands.

"I...I'm not sure I want to leave it behind." I told him honestly as he
continued to scratch his head before he craned his neck looking through a
doorway that led off into the back of the store behind the counter.

"Hey Uncle, can you come out here for a moment Bra.  I've got a strange
request." He shouted out as he placed the coin back on to the counter while
some noises could be heard coming from somewhere in the back of the storage
room.

A few moments later a gentle elderly looking man made his way out into the
main store looking at his nephew quizzically.  "This is the owner of the
store." The younger clerk stated as the elderly man looked down at the coin
sitting on the table and his eyes furrowing up.  "Uncle this kid wants us
to make some sort of holder for this coin and have it put on one of our
woven necklaces.  He says it has to be able to come off and that he needs
to make sure the necklace doesn't break for guys who are very athletic and
into sports.  He also says there's some rule about not drilling holes into
it." The younger man told his uncle as the elderly man picked up the coin
from the table taking a closer look as he just hissed and looked over at
me.

"I don't appreciate you young generation treating this sort of tradition in
this manner; especially, with a counterfeit challenge coin young man." The
guy looked at me accusingly.  "Normally I take these and destroy them since
they disrespect the men and women in uniform." He continued as I reached
over to snatch at my coin very frightened now at the prospect of it being
destroyed, but the other man was a lot faster than he looked and pulled his
hand back quickly.

"Please don't destroy it.  The coin isn't fake honest." I told him a bit in
a panic as he just looked at me.

"I know the two different coins that the Special Forces Units use son, and
this isn't one of them.  Sure it has aspects of both coins on it, but that
is what makes it fake." He held steadfast.

"Please, it isn't fake...it belongs to my dad." I pleaded as I looked
around trying to figure out how I was going to get my coin back.

"There's no Special Forces around here son." The man insisted.

"I'm from Kentucky.  My dad is stationed at Ft. Campbell...please sir don't
destroy it." I pleaded as he flipped the coin over looking at it closer as
he seemed to spot something unique.

"You're father gave you this?" He asked looking up at me as I nodded my
head biting my lip nervously before he looked back down at the coin, and
returned it to the counter top where he had picked it up from.

My hands were shaking as I snatched it and turned to leave.  I was halfway
to the door when I heard the man shout back to me.  "Hey." He stated as I
stopped and turned afraid that maybe he had changed his mind.

The man reached into his pocket and I heard a distinct audible noise as he
tossed something on the counter top.  Hesitating a moment I walked over and
took a look.  Sitting on the glass casing was an old worn U.S. Marine Corp
challenge coin.  Picking it up I looked closer at it getting a sense of age
to it before I set it back down on the counter where I had picked it up
while the old man looked at me quizzically.

"You're dad teach you that?" He asked indicating that I had replaced his
coin on the counter as I nodded my head.

"You're not doing a coin challenge against me...are you?  I mean the
Special Forces Coins can only be challenged by other Special Forces." I
pointed out a bit baffled as he just started laughing and shook his head.

"No, I guess your father did teach you all about the traditions.  I just
wanted to show you mine so you understand." He told me as I nodded my head.
"Do you trust me enough with your coin now?" He asked me seriously as I
just looked at him.

"You believe me that it is real?" I replied making him laugh and nod his
head. Making a decision I set the coin on the counter as he picked it up in
his hands while his nephew looked on wondering what was going on and what
all the big to do was with a stupid coin.  "What changed your mind?" I
asked him as he flipped it over and pointed out the "MOH" initials on the
back side of the coin.

"This son.  Only someone who has earned this has earned the right to design
their own challenge coin.  I respect that, and I'm honored you will trust
me with the coin.  I promise to do the right thing by it according to the
rules." He stated as he put the coin on the counter and motioned his nephew
to pick it up.

The younger man picked it up and looked it over still confused as he looked
at his uncle.  "Bra...you are holding something sacred, something you
probably won't ever hold in your hands again.  Only a handful of people
earn the Medal of Honor my boy, and you are holding something that is a
very personal item for that individual.  You will respect and honor this
coin while it is in our shop, and you will guard it defending it against
anyone wanting to handle it.  From here on out only you and I will work on
this order...do you understand?" He asked his nephew who just looked down
at the coin nodding his head before looking back up at me as a sense of
wonderment seemed to engulf him.

"Now, do you have anything specific in mind for the necklace?" He asked me
as I just shook my head.

"No not really, I just don't want it to break and loose the coin is all.  I
like the style you guys are making for like the surfers and skateboarders
with the horn beads and knotting of the hemp cord.  Do you think that would
be strong enough?" I asked him as he smiled.

"Yes, hemp rope is used in the navy to hold their anchors.  It is strong
stuff if woven properly, but are you sure you want something so...main
stream.  It's alright for you now, but what about when you get older?" He
asked as I smiled.

"Then I will have to return and have you make another one.  After all who
am I going to trust?" I told him as he just laughed nodding his head.

"Then I tell you what...if you will trust me, and give me a couple of days,
how about you let me surprise you with a design for the coin?" He asked me
as I nodded my head.

"Yeah, sounds cool." I responded as we shook hands and talked some more
with me asking about other designs as well.  After we finished talking for
a few more minutes he picked up both his and my coin heading off into the
back room with it.

While I waited for the other guys I browsed around a bit.  I didn't have to
wait long for them to show up, and after they looked around a bit we made
our way to the boardwalk.  It was late by the time we got back home with
Ms. Dobson greeting us.  She had been putting in a lot of overtime working
on the weekends so she had the next couple of days off, and would be able
to spend some time with us.  Mattie was asleep in my arms when we got back,
with me being thankful that the bus stop was only a block away.  The long
day had worn him out, not to mention the rest of us, so we all decided to
just go to bed.

Since my little man seemed to be doing much better we were all going to be
sleeping in the bedrooms with Mattie bunking together in Grant's room.  I
got Mattie into his pajama bottoms with Grant staring at the younger boy's
nakedness and openly gawking still enamored by the whole newness of the
nudity thing.  I just shook my head at the older boy's thick erection
pressing up against his underwear as I tucked Mattie in next to him.  I
smiled warmly at Grant as he wrapped his arms around the smaller boy
snuggling up behind him.  By the time I gave them each a goodnight kiss on
the forehead they were fast asleep all tuckered out by the long day's
events.

As soon as my head hit the pillow I was out for the evening with Evan
snuggled up in my arms also fast asleep.  I was so tired I hadn't even
heard Riley get up heading out early in the morning to catch some waves.
The boy truly did live and die for surfing so I guess it shouldn't have
surprised me that he was used to having such long days getting up early in
the morning and staying out late.

It was still really early in the morning, but I wanted to check up on
Mattie to make sure he was doing alright.  I should have known everything
was fine, but I had gotten used to checking up on him, even when we were at
home.  Gently unwrapping myself from the warmth of Evan's body I stretched
and got up padding softly towards Grant's room.  Light was spilling into
the living room through the huge bay windows making me pause for a moment
at the breathtaking view of the ocean off in the distance.

While I took in the view I heard some whispering noises and turned towards
the sound stopping at Grant's slightly open doorway.  "I...I'm not so sure
about this Mattie?" I heard Grant whisper softly as there was some rustling
noise going on.

**********************************************************************

End of Chapter Twenty Six

If you like this story you might want to read my other stories on
nifty. I'm in the "Prolific Authors" section under "H" for Hunter Woods or
here are the direct links:

http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/young-friends/stormy-weather/
http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/young-friends/sweet-cheeks/
http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/young-friends/bonds-of-brotherhood/

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