A TRIAL OF STRENGTH – PART 512 By Rob Williams
Chapter 512 – "BROTHERS UNDER THE SKIN"
IN THIS CHAPTER:
The brawny construction worker Seth, and handsome, buff fireman Jason could not be more different from each other, but they strike up a friendship and bond like brothers. Just two good, close buddies, they casually experiment with mutual body-worship that leads to more. In the end they discover that, despite their differences and whatever the desires of the flesh, they will always be brothers under the skin.
<><> IN THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER <><>
Grady, the heartthrob star of the blockbuster Tarzan movies, was having the time of his life. He and his Italian lover Mario were throwing a major party for the tribe at their opulent home, the Grady House, and Grady and his boy (and co-conspirator) Brian, sat on the terrace watching the action. Mario had earlier described then as "a Greek Chorus" at the side of the stage commentating on what's going on in the play."
"OK, kiddo," Grady said, "so what's the scoop? Where's the action gonna be d'you think?"
"Well, sir, as I see it there's a lot of possibilities. See, Mario told me that these Grady House parties for the whole tribe bring the devil out in them. It's a place for them to let off steam after the pressure of the work-week. Mario says they do stuff here they'd never do anyplace else."
Grady beamed. "But that's what I love, Brian – I love the house being used like that – a refuge from the world, like it is for me. It's an oasis of love and lust, a world all its own. And Mario is right, all these guys have the devil in them somewhere and I love watching it come out. The crazier they act the more I like it. And I can act as silly as I like and be treated as just one of the guys instead of all that rich-and-famous celebrity nonsense.
"So, kiddo, rushing around the way you do, you hear and see it all. I know how you boys all talk, and you keep your ear to the ground ... so what's the buzz?"
"Well, sir, the latest buzz is about ... wait for it ..."
"Drum roll," Grady grinned, drumming his fists on his knees.
"It's about Seth and Jason of all people."
Grady's jaw dropped. "Those two? But I've never seen them together – they're such opposites. I mean, they're both smoking hot but in different ways.
"Jason is this drop-dead gorgeous fireman featured in a calendar, the August page as I recall," Grady grinned slyly. "I once told Jason I jerked off over that picture and he told me he jacked off looking at those underwear billboards I used to be on. Kiddo, mutual admiration don't get any better than that. `Course, Jason's also famous for jacking off looking at himself in the mirror, at that flawless physique. I think narcissism like that is kinda hot but I can't see Seth going for it.
"Now there you have a guy who don't give a shit what he looks like, which is what makes him so butch and so sexy. Don't get me wrong, Seth is hotter `n a pistol too with that muscular construction-worker build, square, stubbled jaw and shaggy hair. He's a total wildman and when he fucked me ... wow, I was seeing stars ... and it wasn't even dark. Anyway, kid, what's the dirt on those two?"
"Well that's just it, sir, we don't know. Nobody knows, not even their boys Ben and Will. But the talk started when they arrived at this party together. We just thought they met by chance at the gate, but when Will asked his dad Seth why he had arrived with Jason, you know what he said?" Brian paused for effect and Grady waited with bated breath. "He said, casual as you like, `Oh, I was down at Jason's place and we decided to share a truck."
"I see what you mean ... more questions than answers, eh? Like, what was he doing at Jason's place down there by the arroyo? When the cat's away ... with Will and Ben up here for the night, did Seth and Jason spend the night together down there? And what did they do...?"
"Well, sir, if they spent the night together, what do you think they did?"
"Yeah, dumb question," Grady smiled. "You'll keep on top of this, won't you? Could be a major story." In the meantime they focused on the rugged Marine Hassan in intimate conversation at the outdoor bar with Tommy, the young blond gymnast who was tending bar. "Looks like Hassan and Tommy are making out – they're gonna get it on."
Sure enough the two men went off together to a clump of trees where, hidden from view, Hassan pushed Tommy against a tree and reamed his gorgeous gymnast butt. Hassan's boy Eddie, concealed in the bushes, surreptitiously filmed the pornographic spectacle of the swarthy Arab soldier pounding the ass of the all-American blond athlete.
Afterwards Grady said to Eddie, "You filmed it ... all of it? You little beauty. Hey, later on can we show the video in the screening room downstairs? And Brian, you will keep tabs on the Seth/Jason thing, won't you, and see what they're up to? I have a feeling there's a big story in there somewhere. I love you, kiddo, we make a great team, so be sure to keep me posted."
"Don't I always, sir?" Brandon grinned happily.
========= CHAPTER 512 =========
<><> EDDIE SWEET-TALKS HASSAN <><>
As the tribe gathered for the opulent buffet lunch set out by the chefs, Grady and Brian repeatedly exchanged conspiratorial glances when they saw various interactions between the men and boys of the large group.
By now everyone had gathered and there were many reunion hugs, especially with Uncle Mike and Larry who made only occasional visits to the city from their home in Palm Springs.
However, the tribe's grapevine extended as far as Palm Springs, thanks largely to young Eddie, known locally as the town-crier. So they greeted Grady warmly and made sly references to his recent "therapy" with Doctor Chad. And Larry pumped Brian for information on the mystery surrounding Seth and Jason the fireman.
Mike and Larry were pleased and amused to learn that they had not entirely missed out on the earlier homoerotic sexual encounter between the Marine Hassan and golden-boy Tommy. Eddie had filmed it and the video's premiere showing was in the works for later that afternoon in the Grady House viewing room.
During lunch Eddie ran breathlessly up to Grady. "Sir, the video's ready in the screening room and it looks great."
"Well done, Eddie," Grady smiled. "We'll announce a showing after lunch, eh Mario?"
"Certamente," provided you have obtained releases from the two men in it."
"Obtained what, sir?"
Grady explained. "Kiddo, when the studio publicity guys take a picture of me with fans that they want to use for promotion, they get releases from the fans before they can use the picture."
"But this is just for us guys, sir."
"Same principle," said Mario. "And it's only fair, Eddie. Maybe the men don't want their private scene to be made public."
"Tommy does, sir," Eddie protested, "and he's the one who took it up the butt and begged for more. He told me he's all for it, he wants everyone to see."
"Well amico, Tommy is something of an exhibitionist and loves to display that perfect ass. But Hassan is a soldier, keeps stuff like this to himself. He may not want his sexual exploits to be put on display, however great they make him look."
Eddie looked crestfallen and Mario said. Non disperare, Eddie. Come, we will go talk to him."
Hassan was helping himself to food at the buffet table when they approached. "Sir," Eddie said, clearing his throat and looking at the Marine with what he hoped was a winsome expression. Hassan turned and smiled, recognizing the look that meant Eddie wanted something special. "Er ... er Mario wants to ask you something, sir."
"Chicken," Mario teased him, then gave Hassan one of his gleaming smiles. "Capitano, Eddie has something of a confession and a related question, as a courtesy to you."
"Oh he does," Hassan said sternly. Then, with a gleam in his eye, "If the confession is about filming Tommy and me in the bushes, no need, I already know. He always thinks he's expert at keeping hidden but I can always sense when he's there, I know him too well. So how about the question? Can't you speak for yourself, punk – cat got your tongue? Nah, that would be a first. Usually I can't stop you talking, and now I have to wind you up?"
"Sorry, sir, it's just I'm a bit scared. Sometimes you ... well, you know, you can be a bit fierce, like, you remember that time when you ...?" Hassan glared at Eddie, then grinned at Mario. "OK, OK, sir, sorry, too much information. Er, thing is, sir, I have it all set up in the big screening room downstairs, but Grady says before we all watch I have to get a ... a relief ...?"
"Release, Eddie," Mario prompted.
"Yeah, that's the one, a release ... sort of permission to show the video in public."
Hassan frowned. "Show me, banging Tommy? Hell no. That was a private fuck job, it's why we did it in the bushes, for privacy. Anyway who in the hell would wanna sit through a video of a Marine butt-fucking a young gymnast like Tommy?"
"Duh! Just about everyone – every last one of them, man and boy. That video would be a major hit, right up in the top ten, sir. You gotta let me screen it sir. See, I'm the director, cameraman and editor, it's some of my finest work – and some of your finest work to, sir, if I may say so. We owe it to the tribe ..."
"Enough!" Hassan was one of the few men who could stop Eddie talking with one word. But this is what he loved about his boy – his youthful enthusiasm, outsized energy and his natural talent to seduce by exaggeration. Hassan arched an eyebrow at Mario. "What do you think about this, buddy?"
Mario trod carefully. "Well, amico, Eddie may be overplaying the promotion of his movie – like those old-fashioned movie trailers that screamed `Colossal ... Stupendous'. But he's right about one thing. I'm sure that, in the spirit of the party, the guys would all love to see it. And it would help make our party a success."
Hassan laughed. "You're as bad as Eddie, Mario, though a lot more subtle. OK, if you put it like that, as you and Grady have been so generous. So Eddie, you can have your relief or release or whatever you call it. I don't have to be there, though, do I?"
Once again Eddie looked at Mario for support, and Mario answered for him. "Of course, capitano, you are under no obligation to attend. But you are the star of the movie and I think the audience would appreciate the opportunity to congratulate you and Tommy."
Eddie beamed. "Couldn't have said it better myself, sir."
"Though you would have taken ten times as long, kid," Hassan laughed. "OK, you two win – I'll sit in the back row in the dark."
Their conversation was interrupted by Randy banging a knife against a glass for attention. Eddie ran up to him and whispered, "It's a go, sir."
<><> PRODUCED & DIRECTED BY EDDIE <><>
At large gatherings of the clan such as this it was customary for big boss Randy to make the speech of thanks. He was an imposing figure as he stood up, wearing jeans as usual but Bob had made him wear a clean white T-shirt that clung to his muscular torso and contrasted with the dark stubble of his jaw and long shaggy black hair. The whole crowd, sitting at tables on the lawn, looked up at him.
"Gentlemen, on behalf of the whole tribe I want to thank Mario and Grady for their generosity in throwing open their home to us this weekend and arranging this party." He was interrupted by cheers and the two men waved their thanks. "Grady shows us what a trouper he is, hobbling around on an injured foot but proving, with Doc Chad's help, that a gimpy foot don't get in the way of great sex." More cheers.
"Thanks too to the boys who've worked so hard to put the party together, led by the Grady House's Danny and Brian and under the direction of our tame gymnast Tommy. A special vote of thanks to the chefs, Danny, Will and the twins Kyle and Kevin who have toiled unseen in the kitchen providing this great food to the hungry horde at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guys, come out here and take your bow."
The boys lined up in a row, the four chefs in the middle in their aprons and chef's hats, then Tommy and the other boys, with Brian and Brandon at either end in their wheelchairs. The chefs took off their hats raised them high in the air and swooped them down in a low theatrical bow. The other boys bowed too while Brian and Brandon did dizzying wheelies in their chairs.
On the second bow Tommy turned his back to the crowd and bowed the other way, showing off his glorious gymnast ass in his tight pants, causing whoops and wolf-whistles from the men.
Randy slapped the ass and said, "Speaking of which, guys, you've all heard of Hassan's expert work on this epic butt in the trees. And I can now confirm that the steamy scene was filmed, as I am reliably informed by the cameraman and director himself, a boy who should know as he surrenders his ass to the Marine daily. Please give it up for our very own Eddie."
Eddie jumped to his feet, waived gaily and shouted. "And guys, after lunch you're all invited to the grand premiere of my newest movie in the screening room. And don't worry. Tommy and Hassan gave me their permission to show it. In the business it's called a relief ... I mean a release ... I think ... whatever, I got it, and let me tell you, it was touch and go but..."
Hassan reached up, pulled Eddie down beside him and clamped his hand over his mouth to the laughter and cheers of the bawdy crowd. The festivities were obviously hitting their stride and when lunch was over, men and boys began drifting into the house and down to the large screening room where Eddie had already set up the video. Tommy sat front and center as one of its stars, and the other star, Hassan, slid quietly into the back row as promised.
It was a rowdy bunch of men and when Eddie faced them and first called for silence he was ignored. "Wow, tough room," he muttered, then bellowed ... "Shut Up!"
Finally he had their attention and raised his hands dramatically. "Guys, the movie you are about to see is what we in the business call a two-hander' meaning there are only two actors – though it's prob'ly not the hands you'll be looking at. But that don't mean less drama cos as the saying goes, `it only takes two to tango." Let me take you back to the beginning. Picture if you will ..."
The rest of his words were drowned out in raucous laughter and shouted obscenities, mostly on the lines of "Shut the fuck up, dude ... play the video." Even garrulous Eddie couldn't ride the crest of that insistent wave so he went to the back of the room and started the film. But the opening credits that Eddie had inserted only increased the noise, now including loud cheers.
"Lust in the Leaves", a Film by Eddie. Cameraman: Eddie. Editor: Eddie. Director: Eddie.
However, as the action faded in – a long shot of Hassan talking intensely with Tommy at the bar – the crowd grew silent, except for murmurs of excitement as the two men headed for the trees. From then on it was rapt attention and gasps as the action got steamier. For most of them it was like watching a porn movie (but with guys they actually knew!) and as with all good porn, several of the boys pulled out their dicks and stroked as they watched.
At last the video, and the stars, reached their climax, as did the masturbators in the audience. After the shot of Tommy licking the soldier's boots, and Hassan lifting him up in a tight hug, there was a slow fade-out and a momentary silence. Then the room erupted in lusty cheers and stomping of feet.
The audience was spared any closing credits, which would only have been a repeat of Eddie's skills in every department, and the house lights went up on Eddie facing the crowd and raising the arm of a smiling Tommy. Eddie shouted, "And let's hear it for our other star without whom this film would not have been possible."
In the back row an embarrassed Hassan rose briefly to acknowledge the enthusiastic cheers, an expression of their heightened respect for the Marine's machismo and sexual dominance. As the cheers finally subsided Tommy announced that the bar would reopen in five minutes and the guys straggled outside.
Among them Brian wheeled himself beside Grady. "Pretty hot stuff, don't you think, kiddo?"
"Definitely, sir. I saw a lot of the boys jerking off as they watched."
"So what else did you see, dude? I noticed that Seth and Jason were sitting next to each other again. They've been chummy all day. Something definitely going on there, don't you think?"
"I do, sir. I think they definitely spent last night together at Jason's house, and they definitely fucked, no doubt about it."
But despite Brian's usually accurate assessment of what was going on among the men, this time he was wrong – really wide of the mark.
<><> JASON & SETH <><>
What really happened between Seth and Jason had begun casually enough with a remark Jason made to Seth at dinner in the tribe's compound on the night before the Grady House party. Seth happened to be sitting next to him and noticed a small cut on Jason's hand.
"Ah, I did something stupid. One of the windows in my house wouldn't close properly and like an idiot I pushed against the glass and broke it – hence the cut. I tried to fix it myself but I think there's something wrong with the frame so I'll have to get someone in to repair or replace it."
"I can take a look if you like," Seth offered. "Hell, dude, we have a big construction company supporting this tribe, we can't have someone paying an outsider to fix a stupid window." And so after dinner Seth went with Jason down to his house by the arroyo.
Seth took a look at the broken window, pushed and pulled it and said, "Yeah, the wood's warped, sometimes happens in old properties like this. You need a new frame. I'll take a look in our warehouse, I'm sure I can find one the right size. He borrowed Jason's measuring tape and noted the dimensions. "Thanks for doing this Seth," Jason said.
"Ah, no problem. Replacing a window is a piece of cake. I'm not good at many things in life, Jason, but I do know about construction. Guess that's why Randy made me a site manager.
"Hey, Seth, you wanna stick around for a nightcap – a brandy – or do you have to get home?"
"Sure, why not. It's only me in my house tonight. My kid Will sometimes spends the night but he's already up at the Grady House helping with party preparations."
"Yeah, same here. My boy Ben is up there too so I'm solo tonight." They sat in the living room and Jason poured drinks. "This is good, dude. We don't often socialize, you and me, probably because we're so different from each other."
"Yeah," Seth grinned. "Me this rough and ragged construction worker and you a young professional firefighter saving lives and property and stuff. But at least we have our boys in common. Ben and Will have become real close buddies. I never did thank you, Jason for the way Ben befriended Will when he first came here, shy and unsure of himself. It was Ben who showed Will how boys have sex with each other.
"Yeah, and look at Will now, the king of the kitchen and popular with everyone. You must be real proud of him, dude."
A cloud passed across Seth's face and he took a large swig of brandy. "Sure I am, and that makes it even more painful for me to remember how I treated that sweet kid in the past. Man, I was a brute to him ... I abused him and even forced myself on him. I would a' butt-fucked him if he hadn't fought me off."
His voice choked and his eyes became moist. Jason said, "You don't have to talk about it, man, if you don't want to."
"No, Jason, I do want to. I've buried so much crap in the past it's good to get it out. I have so much guilt. Maybe it started with my old man who was abusive to me as a kid. So when I grew up I had this chip on my shoulder. Talk about low self-esteem. I saw myself as a total loser – and I was – couldn't hold a job, a day laborer wandering from one job to another. I spent my time in bars with a bunch of louts, all of us boasting about women and how often we got laid.
"The tribe saved me, especially Randy. When Will ran away I tried to get him back but Randy was real protective of the kid and beat me up. But you know what? He saw something in me that I didn't and he offered me a job and ... well here I am now, one of the managers."
Jason smiled. "Maybe we're not so different after all. My dad was abusive too and when I was old enough I ran away from home, like you. My self-confidence was low too so I went for one of the most macho jobs I could think of and signed up to train as a firefighter. That helped the image, but my buddies were real tough guys who spent time in the station house boasting about how often they got laid too.
"I was real confused about my sexuality but they were a great bunch of guys and I tried to be like them same as you did, though you were in a beer bar and I was in a firehouse. We spent a lot of time between calls working out at the station house gym – one reason firemen often have such great bodies. I got to like the way I looked and even became kinda narcissistic. It's why I signed up for that calendar shoot that all the guys still talk about."
"How did you, er, learn to fuck around with men? Was that the tribe too?"
"Kind of, yeah. We got called to a yard fire, something we have to knock down fast before it spreads to the hillside brush and becomes a major alarm. It was started by twin boys barbecuing outside that set the bushes on fire. I was the guy the team left behind to tamp down hotspots so they didn't flare up again. I saw the twins staring at me – they recognized me from the calendar – and man, they were fucking gorgeous. How could I say no to that?"
"Don't tell me," Seth grinned. "After you fucked with them Randy showed up."
"Yeah," Jason chuckled. "Seeing a hot young fireman fucking Bob's boys – talk about a red rag to a bull, he went ballistic. So I guess we have that in common too, buddy, getting beat up by the big gypsy as our initiation to the tribe."
"But how did you shake off the memory of the abuse you got from your dad?"
"Wasn't easy, Seth. I met young Ben and fell in love with the wild young gypsy boy, and he with me. He became my boy – the first time I was responsible for anyone but myself. But you know, all relationships hit rough batches and occasionally I was this close to lifting my hand and doing what my dad did to me.
"But you know what saved me? Randy again. Ben is Randy's little brother and you know how protective he is of his boys. He was glad Ben had found a man of his own but at first he watched us like a hawk. And if I had hurt one hair of the boy's head he would have gone apeshit and I didn't wanna face that again.
"So I learned anger control, and Ben and me we're better than ever. I'm crazy about the kid and he's wild about me – even loves watching me when I go on a vanity bender and jerk off looking at myself in the mirror. So see, we have more in common than we thought. And you, bro, you're all fine now aren't you, and Will has long since forgiven and forgotten what you did in the past?"
"Sure, he's such a great kid, I really think he has. But I haven't, dude, the shame still haunts me. And even though I've got a great job, now, I still see myself as a humble construction worker." He chuckled. "Will even tried to teach me some of the social graces. We went out to a fancy dinner and I was nervous about which fork to use until he told me nobody cares about that stuff today.
"But that's where you and me are different, Jason. All I do is build stuff. You're a first responder, you save lives and buildings and forests. The whole world respects you. You have no self-esteem problems ..." he grinned ... "which is probably why you like looking at yourself in the mirror so much."
Jason laughed. "Maybe so, Seth. But listen, man, you gotta get over this inferiority bullshit. The tribe don't see you like that. My kid Ben said the boys talk about you a lot and they envy Will that you're his dad. They think you're hot stuff, dude. And hey," he grinned, "now you even know which fork to use."
For two men who had thought they had little in common they were discovering many ways they were alike. Conversation flowed easily, lubricated by the brandy, and they enjoyed each other's company so much they talked and laughed until the small hours. It was late when Seth glanced at the clock and said, "Damn, is that the time? I should think about hitting the road."
"After all you've had to drink? I don't think so, buddy. I don't want the next emergency call I get to be hauling some drunk driver's truck out of a ditch. Spend what's left of the night here. We can sleep in late and go up to the Grady party together. There's just the one bed, but ..."
"Hell, I'm so tired I could sleep on a bed of nails. OK, Jason, thanks."
They went to the bedroom, stripped down to their undershorts and went to the bathroom to brush their teeth. Seth came out, walking unsteadily, and fell into bed. As he dozed he heard sounds from the bathroom and vaguely wondered what Jason was doing. Eventually he heard the tap running, then Jason emerged, breathing heavily with a smile on his face.
"Dammit, man," Seth grinned, "did you just rub one out looking at yourself in the mirror?"
"Sure did. Not for the first time, nor the last," Jason chuckled.
Seth scooted over to make room for Jason who climbed in beside him. "Dude," Seth smiled, "maybe you love yourself a little too much."
"Perhaps so, buddy," Jason laughed. "And maybe you don't love yourself enough! We gotta work on that."
Jason switched off the light and they were both asleep in seconds.
They didn't know it, but they had just broken a mold. In this tribe of oversexed men the usual scenario would be two hot men getting together for a late-night drink, talking, getting intimate and suggestive, and inevitably one would fuck the other. After a hot session they would fall asleep in each other's arms knowing they would have more sex in the morning – if not before.
But with these men it was different. They had simply talked and talked late into the night, sharing their joys and demons, baring their souls and discovering they had more in common than they had imagined. They had bonded like brothers and, oddly enough, the thought of sex together had not entered their minds. They were so far from that that Jason had casually jerked off into the mirror and Seth had laughed about it. It never occurred to him that he had been cheated of anything.
Then, like two good buddies who'd had too much to drink, they fell into bed, turned off the light, and went straight to sleep.
It remained to be seen whether their brotherly affection would remain just that in the raucous celebration of the next day's Grady House party.
<><> TO FUCK OR NOT TO FUCK <><>
So now, the following day, here they were at the party, keeping close and continuing their in-depth discussions of the night before, discovering even more engrossing topics of mutual interest. They were unaware that they were the subject of guesswork, especially by Grady and Brian who were engaged in a running commentary on the party's goings on.
There was still a buzz in the air after the screening of the Hassan/Tommy video. Several of the men and boys were in the pool, the rest lounging around in groups, while Eddie was doing victory laps accepting praise and congratulations all round.
Chief among these was Darius who was known as the historian of the clan, writing a journal and shooting his own videos of events. He intended someday to post the whole story online – after changing the names, of course. "Well done, dude," he said, "you're getting real good at this. Loved those zoom shots where you went in for closes-ups at just the right moment."
Praise from Darius was highly valued by Eddie who beamed with pride. And as he scurried around self-importantly from group to group he picked up snippets of information that he tucked away for future use (after the obligatory exaggerated edits).
It was when he ran into Ben and Will that he learned a fact that piqued his interest. Will had taken a break from the kitchen and was catching up on the news with his best pal Ben. Naturally they talked about their men, Seth and Jason, and happened to share with Eddie a casual scrap of information that seemed unremarkable to them – but not to Eddie.
He thanked them breathlessly and ran off to Grady and Brian who had been joined by Mario. Eddie had that wide-eyed look that always meant that a major announcement was imminent. Mario smiled at him and asked (unnecessarily), "You bring news, Eddie?"
Eddie spread his palms wide. "Dudes, you ... will ..."
"... we ... will ... not ... believe, eh?" Mario laughed. Bambino, if we will not believe your news is there much point in sharing it with us?"
Momentarily flustered Eddie frowned. "But ... but you have to believe it sir, `cos it's true. I got it on good authority from Ben and Will and they got it straight from the horses' mouths – Seth and Jason, I mean. It seems ... that they did spend the night together ..."
He let that hang there until Brian burst his bubble by saying, "Duh! We already knew that, dude. We can put two and two together you know."
"Maybe so. But did you know this ...?" Another dramatic pause. "They talked late into the night ... shared a bed ... and then put out the light and went to sleep." He ended on a triumphant note, but again his bubble burst.
Mario said, "Er Grady, remind me when we last shared a bed and talked a lot and then put out the light and went to sleep?" Mario frowned in thought. "Oh yes, I remember, that would have been last night." The comment fell with a thud. "And I may be wrong, but I somehow don't think that was the subject of gossip gripping the party today."
"Sir, I think you're laughing at me."
Mario hugged Eddie. "Only because you are so adorable, bambino."
"But don't you get it, sir? They didn't have sex! A musclehunk like Seth and a calendar-star fireman like Jason, in bed together, prob'ly naked ... and they didn't fuck."
Grady flashed a gentle smile. "Eddie, this may come as news to you but two men can occasionally share a bed without fucking. Talking can be rewarding in itself, you should try it." He got a warning glance from Mario. "On second thoughts strike that – don't talk, or it might be an all-night monologue. Better just fuck."
Eddie good-naturedly joined in the laughter and Grady said. "Seriously though, Eddie, one of the joys of life is deep conversation with a buddy that lasts till the wee small hours. You can dig up some real heavy stuff like that and get to know a lot about a guy."
Brian said, "The question is, what did they get to know about each other?"
"Aaah," Grady declaimed dramatically. "To fuck or not to fuck, that is the question."
Amid their laughter Mario said, "Now I think we are all getting very silly. Leave Seth and Jason alone to do whatever they choose. It's a free country – especially in this house. What I came to tell you, Grady, is that Doctor Chad is waiting for you. You have not had your therapy yet today."
"Ah, trust you to drag a guy away just when he's having fun. OK, lead on Macduff."
<><> "LOVE YOU, GUYS" <><>
The afternoon progressed in the way of all Grady House parties – lots of eating, drinking and making merry, the men lounging around in groups talking sports, business and general gossip. Brian and Brandon circulated among them with their wheelchair tray tables loaded with snacks and appetizers.
Mario and Grady (post therapy) mingled with the guests, more like guests themselves rather than hosts, so Grady could enjoy the feeling of being `just one of the guys', an image that was not always easy to maintain, given his international celebrity. In fact the concept was challenged in a small way after Mario stood up to make an announcement.
"Attenzione signori. I interrupt the festivities merely to let you know that dinner will be served in about an hour. And tonight, of course, you are all invited to sleep here so you'll be ready for a continuation of the revelry tomorrow, Sunday. The house has many guestrooms but it will require some doubling up, which I'm sure will not be a hardship for this group of close friends.
"I have asked Brian to assign the rooms, at least approximately, though of course there will be some room-to-room activity as your personal desires and lusts lead you. Feel free, gentlemen. Eddie will be assisting him and ... oh, it seems Eddie has something to add."
Eddie stood up. "OK, guys, I know you're all bracing for a long Eddie lecture so I'll keep it brief." (He ignored cynical shouts of fat chance', that's a first' and `good luck with that one, dude.') "I just got one thing to say. With so many guys there won't be much room service, you know, like turndown service, a chocolate on the pillow or cleanup, so you gotta tidy up after yourselves."
"You hear that Grady?" Mario smiled. "You have to make your own bed."
"Oh, not you, sir," Edie hastened to add. "I didn't mean you."
"Why not?"
"Well you're special, sir."
"No I'm not!" Eddie had touched a nerve. "I am not special. I'm just like you guys. I don't want special treatment. I can make a bed." He got a skeptical sideways glance from Mario. "Well ... I can learn."
That was greeted with cheers and laughter, and Grady defiantly raised both middle fingers with a loud "fuck you all!" Then his face broke into his well-known playful grin. "Love you, guys."
With a cacophony of more cheers the moment passed. Grady had made his point with no harm done. Just one of the guys – although actually he hadn't made his own bed in years. He gave Eddie a warm hug. "When you've done assigning rooms maybe you and Brian can give me bed-making lessons, dude."
And so the party resumed and the incident had served to heighten the group's high spirits. Dinner was especially raucous, something of a free-for-all, and once again the chefs and the boys took their ritual bow at Randy's insistence.
After dinner there was more drinking and skinny dipping in the pool (with Jamie keeping a watchful eye, like a lifeguard.) It was late when men started to straggle toward the house, and Mario, sitting with Bob, noticed Grady huddling with Brian and Eddie. "See that, Bob? We can only guess at what conspiracy they're cooking up."
Room assignments were a predictably chaotic affair with much joking and ribald suggestions, but in the melee Mario and Bob saw Eddie quietly shepherding Seth and Jason into a room of their own. "Ah, mystery solved," Mario smiled.
Bob chuckled. "You know what they say about Eddie. He sees a potential drama round every corner – or hopes for one anyway – or creates one if necessary."
"With Grady and Brian as willing accomplices, amico. Grady is still a kid at heart – he just loves mischief."
<><> JASON SHOWS SETH HOW IT'S DONE <><>
After Eddie showed the men into their room and left them alone Seth chuckled, "Do you have a feeling we just got railroaded into this, bro?"
"I do," Jason smiled. "I also got the feeling we were the subject of friendly gossip out there today, as we spent so much time with each other. But what the hell, I don't care. Let them have their fun. Hey look, a mini-fridge." Jason opened it and grinned, "Damn, these guy sure know how to take care of their guests. You want a last beer before we hit the sack?"
"Sure why not?" Jason handed Seth a bottle and they sprawled in armchairs facing each other, both of them shirtless in jeans. They kicked off their shoes and took long swigs of beer.
Jason wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and sighed. "Matter of fact, dude, whatever stunt those guys were playing on us, I kinda like the idea of sharing a room with you again."
"Me too, bro. You know it's kind of a relief that I can be myself and not be afraid of saying the wrong thing or ..."
"... using the wrong fork?" Jason laughed. "But I know what you mean, dude. We really clicked didn't we? Who'd have guessed it, us being so different from each other? Seems the only real difference between us now is that I respect myself – even jack off admiring myself in a mirror – whereas you still look down on yourself, with all that guilt about your past. But at least we can talk about stuff like that, and it's a relief that our friendship is not based on sex."
"I know, right? I love all these guys but it's always seemed like when you meet a new guy it don't take long before you're fucking. It's almost a rule of the tribe. Oh, sure, eventually you end up being good buddies but you have to go through that fuck-and-suck thing first."
Even as they spoke each man was aware somewhere deep down this was the very scenario that usually led to men of the tribe getting it on – a rugged, bare-chested construction worker and a shirtless muscle-jock fireman sharing a room by chance in a crowded party house. But that was a tired cliché of porn videos and erotic fiction and it did not percolate to the surface with these guys to get in the way of their new brotherly friendship.
The more they chatted the more comfortable they felt with each other, a sense that they could really open up and tell each other anything. But it was late and when Seth finally drained his bottle he said, "Dunno about you, buddy, but I'm gonna hit the sack." He grinned. "I s'pose you're gonna hit the bathroom and do that mirror thing again."
Jason laughed. "Well, you gotta admit that being surrounded all day by the crowd of gorgeous guys, skinny dipping or whatever, does get the old sexual juices going. And narcissism is kinda bred in the bone with me by now. My boy Ben loves it. He gets turned on watching me and I love an audience."
Jason stood up and glanced at his reflection in the room's big full-length wall mirror. "Randy knows a thing or two – he installs these things in the bedrooms of all the houses. Hell, if you loosened up a bit and learned to admire yourself like this it might help to get rid of that stupid inferiority thing you got going. You're a great lookin stud, bro, real sexy. You should let yourself go, and get to know yourself better."
"Oh, is that how it's done, eh?" Seth laughed. "OK, you like an audience. So show me."
"Now that's a question you don't need to ask me twice. OK, dude, get a load of this."
While Seth sprawled in his armchair grinning up at his buddy, Jason stood about six feet from mirror and began his familiar routine. Barefoot and shirtless in beltless blue jeans he smiled at his reflection and ran his hands lovingly over his solid pecs, down over his abs, then pressed his fists into the sides of his waist and flared his lats in a classic bodybuilder pose.
"See, that's how you usually start, then do a few more poses. Those physique contest guys know what they're doing – got it down to a fine art. And muscle worship is art, dude, just look at that." He raised his arms and flexed his biceps. "You gotta admit, Seth, that is kinda beautiful."
"Hey, you got a terrific build, man, no one's disputing that. It's why all the boys jerk off over that calendar picture Will showed me. OK, cut to the chase, dude, what comes next?"
"Well, if you do the first part right you should have quite a boner right now. So you open the top button of the jeans and slide your hand down inside to check it out, like this. He smiled as he did so. "Yup, stiff as a flag pole. Hey, come on man – you learn by doing. Give it a try."
"Nah," Seth chuckled. "I'm not cut out for stuff like that. I'm not into myself ... I'm not ..."
"I'm not, I'm not, I'm not' – there's all your negativity coming out. Accentuate the positive, dude. Forget the I'm nots'. Concentrate on what you are – a hot fucking stud, drop-dead gorgeous and sexy as hell. Come on, bro, show me ... and show yourself."
<><> BROTHERS UNDER THE SKIN <><>
Jason's enthusiasm was infectious and Seth pulled himself grudgingly out of the chair and stood beside him. Jason said, "Now that is fucking hot, bro – two guys getting off on themselves, a gorgeous fireman and a wild-looking musclehunk construction boss. OK, dude, follow my lead."
Jason went through his posing routine again and Seth copied him, hesitantly at first but building in confidence as he began to get off on his mirror image. He flexed his biceps and his pecs, then flared his lats as Jason had done. At first he admired the man in the mirror almost as if it were someone else, a good-looking stranger. But it gradually dawned on him that the sexy hunk he was looking at was himself. And he felt his cock get hard!
Without more prompting he unbuttoned his jeans and slid his hands inside. "See?" Jason grinned. "Told you so. OK, now we really do cut to the chase. Stay with me here, bro."
Seth was starting to enjoy himself and he copied Jason as he ripped open his jeans, pulled out his rigid cock and stroked it. Standing side by side they grinned at each other in the mirror, then focused on themselves, two beautiful men stroking their cocks, getting off on themselves.
"Damn that's hot," Jason groaned. "Don't cum yet, though. You gotta relax and enjoy." With his free hand Jason squeezed his own nipple and Seth did the same. The jolt of pain made his cock shudder in his hand and he almost came.
"Damn, I almost lost it, man. Hey, let me try something – not a glass reflection – the real man."
He went to the mirror and turned around. He was now staring at Jason, getting off on him, while Jason was looking at the double image – his own reflection and the real Seth beside it. He went back and forth – staring first at himself, then at Seth. "Damn, you look so hot, dude, it's enough to cure my vanity."
"Try this, then," Seth said. He stepped sideways, blocking the mirror and Jason's view of himself. It was almost a relief to Jason, having just one image to focus on. And he did, staring at the muscular savage-looking construction worker beating his own meat, while Jason himself was the object of Seth's gaze. They pounded their cocks in a frenzy of mutual body-worship and for the first time sex intruded in their brotherly affection.
Seth walked closer to Jason and said, "This ain't right, bro, this ain't enough."
Jason frowned. "I dunno man. I love you like a brother. I don't wanna screw that up."
"Brothers under the skin, Jason, that won't change. But the flesh wants more."
"But brothers don't ..."
"Tell that to the twins, bro. Those two gorgeous kids make love all the time, always have. And I fuck my son Will and he loves it. I s'pose you think that's weird too."
"No, you're consenting adults. And the tribe has taught me that anything goes – as long as everyone consents and no one gets hurt."
"So perhaps it's me," Seth said. "I was assuming too much. `Course if you don't want to ..."
"I do, Seth. Dammit it, man, beating my meat looking at you ... I want it like crazy."
A broad grin crossed Seth's swarthy, stubbled face. "So what the fuck are we waiting for?" Seth grabbed Jason's head and pulled his face toward him in a grinding kiss. When they pulled apart they frantically jerked down each other's jeans and shorts, and buck naked they kissed again. Jason could see, over Seth's shoulder, the two men in a tight embrace and it looked even hotter than his own solo image.
While they kissed Seth pressed against Jason and pushed him back until he fell backward on the bed with Seth on top of him. And Seth stayed on top, there was no argument about that. He saw the jar of lube that Brian made sure was in every guestroom. He dipped his fingers in it and pushed them in Jason's ass, making him groan and instinctively pull his legs back, offering his ass to the man he loved like a brother.
Jason gazed up at the swarthy square-cut face with its heavily stubbled jaw, high cheekbones, shaggy black hair and seductive blue eyes. "Fuck me, bro. Shove that huge dick in my ass ... aaagh ..." Seth didn't wait for instructions. It was his show now. Jason had so far been the teacher but this was what Seth did best – taking control of another man and his ass.
As he pounded the fireman's ass he leaned forward, closed his sinewy hands over Jason's forearms and pinned them to the bed beside his face. He stared down at the naked fireman with his classic physique and stunning face. Seth grinned, "Man you look ten- times hotter now than you did jerking off to the mirror."
"You too, stud. In the end, nothing beats sex, eh? Fuck my ass, bro."
As they fucked it could be said that, despite their long, platonic preamble to this, they had, after all, succumbed to the cliché they had so far avoided – two handsome men meet, talk, get horny and wind up naked in bed fucking. But it didn't seem like that to them.
Over the last two days they had built such an intimacy of trust and affection, had got inside each other's heads and hearts, that this was no simple carnal release. They were not just one-off fuck buddies, nor lovers either, but something in between. They were friends, budding soul mates who loved to spend time together talking and laughing in a warm friendship that was deep but not dramatic.
"Brothers under the skin, eh Seth?" Jason smiled up at him, giving voice to Seth's thoughts – already they were starting to read each other's minds. Sex was not the culmination of their friendship, just one ingredient, its importance equal to talking, laughing, sharing a bed and simply being together. No, this was no cliché climax to an erotic story.
They made love for a long time and Seth learned to please his buddy by fucking hard, then slowing down and easing his cock slowly in and out, teasing him, massaging his ass. It was a mind fuck too, as the intimacy they had nurtured since they met, the brotherly affection of one virile man for another, now found a new, homoerotic form of expression.
"Funny thing," Jason said. "I can see my reflection in your eyes while you fuck me."
"Good," Seth grinned, "you enjoy looking in a mirror. You wanna get off looking at yourself looking at me making love to your ass? You've got your mirror, your audience and your gorgeous self. What more could a narcissist want?"
"Plus I've got a man fucking me who looks proud and confident – self-loving instead of self-loathing. It suits you, man. Guilt never was really your thing. You wanna complete the picture bro? I'm hot to trot – right on the cusp."
"Me too, buddy. OK bro, here it is. Seth pounded ass and Jason jerked himself off and they climaxed together, smiling into the mirror of each other's eyes.
Seth pulled out gently and lay beside Jason who grinned, "Now we've got something else to give those guys to gossip about tomorrow."
"Yeah," Seth grinned. "We'll look wide-eyed at young Eddie and you know what we'll say?" The two men chanted in chorus, "Dude ... you...will...not...believe." They laughed together, joked some more and felt just as comfortable with each other as they had before sex intervened.
Which just went to show that, despite their differences, and whatever the desires of the flesh, they were still brothers under the skin.
<><> NEVER A DULL MOMENT <><>
That night they did not sleep folded in each other's arms – another cliché that bit the dust. Instead they chatted a bit longer and then fell asleep side by side. And they didn't wake up until morning.
They were a bit late joining the rest of the guys at the Sunday buffet brunch, having decided to clear the air of gossip. The best way to do that, they agreed, was to make a clean breast of it all to Eddie who, they knew, would spread the story within minutes.
Truth be told, Eddie was somewhat deflated to find that the story lacked drama. He had convinced himself that the men would be wildly in love with each other by now, which would push away their boys Will and Ben, and the ensuing friction would involve an enraged Randy who would charge in and ... and on, and on, and on ... But sadly for Eddie it was not to be.
Seth and Jason joined Mario, Grady and Bob who were breakfasting together. Mario smiled, "Amici, I believe you have ... how you say ... taken the wind out of Eddie's sails? But I am sure he will quickly find new, more turbulent waters to sail into and tell us all about it until he runs out of breath."
Bob laughed. "Eddie? Run out of breath? Never. But I'm happy to hear your story, guys. It's good to be reminded that the deepest relationships thrive on much more than just great sex."
"Oh, I dunno," Grady said with a roguish sparkle in his eye. "Given a choice of great sex or a friendly chat about the weather I know which one I'd go for."
As for me," Bob said, "I'm looking forward to some quiet time with the twins. Randy, Zack and Miguel are gonna hit the road on their Harleys on a bike run out to Uncle Mike and Larry in the desert. They're taking advantage of a lull on construction work next week until it cranks up to full pressure after that. They like to get away and do their leather thing once in a while.
"I've been neglecting the twins lately – time to get reacquainted. The compound will be fairly empty, though Mark's taking a few days off work to spend more time with Jamie, so the twins and I will be spending what's known as `quality time' with them."
"Talking of Jamie," Grady said, "I've gotta get together with him soon too, once my foot has healed. See, in a month or so, after this current movie has wrapped, I gotta get ready for the new one that's already in pre-production, the first of a series set mostly on the beach. I'm exchanging my Tarzan loincloth for faded red board shorts as a lifeguard named Hunter, and the studio wants me to perfect my surfing skills."
"Well, you can't find a better trainer than Jamie," Bob said. "Should be a whole lot of fun."
"Never a dull moment," Mario smiled. "Though maybe that means that there will be less drama in the tribe for a while." There was a momentary silence as they all looked at each other, then said in unison, "Nah..."
Grady laughed. "No drama in this crowd? Are you fucking kidding?"
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
"TO BE CONTINUED in "A Trial Of Strength" – Chapter 513
Hey guys, this is Rob Williams. I hope that chapter got you off, and I welcome your comments and suggestions, which can be very helpful in planning future chapters. E-mail me in confidence at rw6789@aol.com.
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