Ambush

The following fictional story deals with sex among males. If you are offended by such material, are too young, or reside in an area where it is not allowed, depart. Though not observed in this story, care enough about yourself and humankind to practice safe sex.

The author retains all rights. No reproductions or links to other sites are allowed without the author's consent.

EvanBradley33@Yahoo.com

Chapter 31 Circles and Ripples

After the hearing, Joe and Rachel Walters, Kenny's parents, were designated to escort Jeremy and me by a long route from the courthouse so that our friends could rush to our home to prepare a reception. In my mind, I could see cars pulling up to the curb, guests piling out, and Susan and LaRonda marshalling the troops. I wondered if Donna Merton had a role or was just a guest. I wondered what Ron was doing, how much of a role he had played in this celebration. I wished he were riding with us. While I was engaged in these ruminations, Jeremy was thanking Joe and Rachel for attending the hearing.

Eventually we pulled into the drive just behind my car, which Kenny had driven from the courthouse. As we alighted from the Walters' Buick, Troy stepped out on the front porch, playing doorman. He shook our hands, but hugged Rachel, a touching gesture that clearly sat well with her. As we entered, the guests, who had gathered around the walls of the living room and the sunroom, started applauding, even Judge Feldman. Smiles abounded. Jeremy, his face suffused with joy, put his right arm over my shoulders and walked us to the center of the room.

Surprisingly, Kenny stepped forward as the spokesperson. It was wonderful to see him move to the front of a group for the first time in his life. I glanced at Joe and Rachel. Their faces registered surprise but delight as well. Kenny was a natural as he greeted us, no stage fright in evidence. In his formal manner, he was a twin of Jeremy except perhaps just a little less open. The slight difference was insignificant because he was naturally charming.

Kenny explained that they all had been happy for Jeremy when they learned on Christmas that I was to adopt him. They plotted and pitched in when they learned about the court date. Kate Williams had tricked Jeremy into naming his lawyer, whom she contacted. They plotted, both of them contacting their mutual friend, Judge Feldman, when they knew the hearing had been entered on her docket. There the conspiracy grew. Kate then phoned Donna about catering this event. Kate had huddled with Susan, LaRonda, and Angela, who had taken up donations for this reception, which was a gift from everyone present, including many parents, who, upon hearing of the event, wanted to contribute as well because it was "a chance to do something nice for Mr. Halsey," Kenny related. He held a card in his hand, which he offered to Jeremy. It identified everyone who'd played a part in the reception, present or not. They wanted us to know how much our friends loved us and shared our joy. The parents wanted me to know how much they appreciated my being their children's teacher. "And a hard one at that! We know this isn't going to get anyone easy grades," Kenny tacked on, earning a group laugh.

I had to keep turning my head to the side to maintain control. I hoped no one noticed my struggle. I looked at Jeremy, who was openly swiping tears away from his eyes. Then he looped a long arm over my shoulders again. I glanced at Ron, whose eyes reminded us that we were his. Susan, whose eyes reflected our special ability to almost live inside each other at times. Troy, whose worshipful glance wrapped around me. Cody, whose lips moved in the subtlest gesture of a kiss, making me choke back a laugh at his audacity - that rat! I didn't know if it was aimed at Jeremy or me or both, but I hoped no one else caught on to it.

When Kenny finished his remarks, the group applauded again. Tony Francini - of course it would be Tony - yelled, "Speech, speech." Jeremy looked down at me. I nodded up at him, indicating he should speak for us.

Jeremy cleared his throat. "What an occasion! What friends! What a family!" A murmur of laughter moved around the rooms. He wiped the side of his free hand across his eyes. Jeremy pulled me into him. "I used to be so down on myself. This guy, my teacher, my friend, now my dad, used to tackle me over and over about that, telling me that I had more friends than I imagined, challenging me to believe in myself and in you, chiding me when my perceptions were faulty. Those of you who are in class with us found those occasions humorous. But I never imagined it would go this far!" He had choked the words out, putting the back of his hand over his mouth to control his emotions. He looked down at me, his eyes swimming in tears. I put my arm around him, pulling him into me.

He took several deep breaths, still looking into my eyes. I shook my head ever so slightly that he was okay. With a slight shaking in his voice, he finished: "We are so privileged that each and everyone of you are here with us. We'll remember it forever," he smiled. "I'm hungry. Let's eat." Laughter followed as he pulled me toward the dining room, where a table centered with a huge colorful bouquet and all manner of Donna's culinary magic awaited us. I leaned over looking at a card on the centerpiece. It was signed simply "Your friend, Donna Merton." I nudged Jeremy with my elbow, pointing to the card. Donna, who was standing to the side of the dining room, gave Jeremy and me a wink and a smile while the young folks were crowding in behind us. Jeremy blew Donna a kiss. That charmer! She loved it.

With a plate of food, I moved away from the table to make room for guests. I saw Paul Hartford and Beth Walker standing back by themselves. Realizing that I hadn't spoken to them socially for some time, I walked in that direction. "Hey folks. I'm glad you could join us."

"No less than we are, Mr. Halsey," Paul answered. "It just keeps getting better and better for Jeremy as the year moves along. That makes his friends happy."

"I hope that applies to you two as well," I answered - "the better and better part, I mean."

"Paul's a tough case," Beth smiled, "but I'm shaping him up."

Greg Dunwoodie had joined us during Beth's comment. "So the sexercises are really working then?" Greg asked. Paul colored, choked, and Beth laughed along with Greg, whom I was studying with new interest. I'd never seen a Puckish side to Greg before, but I welcomed it. It kicked up his personality quotient.

Looking at me, Paul sputtered, "I don't know what he's talking about, Mr. Halsey. That had to come out of some kink in his libido." Beth immediately turned around, clapped her arms around him, and kissed him passionately. Paul couldn't help it: he kissed back just as passionately. He was so caught up he didn't realize that he'd planted one of his big hands right in the middle of her shapely rear, where it began to move slowly in a circular motion.

When she broke the kiss and Paul pulled his head back, Greg looked at me, speaking conspiratorially, "See the sweat on his upper lip?"

I caught onto the game. "And the quick panting, signaling a tightening of his solar plexus?"

"Promising some heightened response even lower on his body," Greg uttered. Beth caught on right away, her eyes alight because of the fun.

"And the dazed look, which tells us he's crawled into his memory banks to examine some hot images of their nude bodies wrapped around each other in ecstasy?" I commented.

Beth couldn't hold it in any longer. She laughed right out loud. Paul looked disoriented, confused. I looked at Greg. Speaking slowly, inviting him to join in, I started, "He's . . . got . . . it . . ." and we both chimed in on "bad."

Paul blushed. "Aw, you guys, cut it out. You're making Beth feel embarrassed." Now Greg and I giggled with Beth.

"They're making me feel hot," she shot back.

Paul's look said, "Beth . . . I'm trying to stop this. We can't carry on like this in public."

She grabbed his hand. As though he'd spoken, she retorted, "There's only one way to do that. So long you two. We have to go." And she pulled Paul across the living room and out the door.

"Well!" I exclaimed as though affronted. I looked at Greg. "They left excited anyway."

"Probably happy," he grinned, still playing the game we'd started a bit ago. We laughed again. "So Greg, how's Ross?" Ross Brownlee had been Greg's date at Jeremy's party some months ago.

Greg's expression suddenly froze as he gulped. "What's wrong, Greg," I asked.

"Uh, Ross . . . we're . . . we're not together anymore," he said with less and less volume.

"Oh no," I exclaimed. "What happened? You two seemed such a natural couple."

Greg looked off into the dining room, collecting himself.

"Ross's dad died of a heart attack. Ross had to return home to help his mom in the family store. He dropped out of college."

"When did this happen?" I asked.

"Just after Thanksgiving."

"I had no idea." I marshaled my scattered impressions. "This doesn't mean it's over for you two does it?"

Oh no. Tears were forming. When Greg spoke again, there was a quiver in his voice. "Ross's old high school boyfriend never went to college. He stayed in Ross's hometown. So when Ross returned home, they just started up again."

"Does that necessarily rule you out?" I asked gently.

"Yeah."

"How do you know?"

"Ross told me. He didn't want me passing up opportunities because of some dream that we'd get back together. He said I'd always be special to him, but we had to face reality. In case I was worried about him, I should know that he was happy with his former boy friend. He was very final about it." He quickly sucked in a breath in an attempt to keep from losing control of his emotions.

I gently squeezed his left biceps. "I'm sorry, Greg. I had no idea. I wish you'd said something. I couldn't have ended the hurt, but I might have been able to help diminish it."

He gulped before replying. "What good would it have done to say anything?"

"You won't know this very moment, but later this evening when you think back upon this day and especially this interlude between you and me, you'll discover that some of the stress was lowered just by telling me about it."

"What do I do?" Greg asked, almost whispering now.

"Allow your friends to support you. That's what they're there for. And they will want to do that Greg - if you allow it. I suspect that Beth and Paul know about what happened with you and Ross, but you've kept them at arm's length, suffering in silence. If you'd let them in, they could help you. They can't get Ross back for you, but they will help in ways that you will realize only after you are on down the road from Ross's departure. You can't see how now because it's their magic to work, not yours. But you will perceive how they have helped in only a few weeks. . . . You're a nice guy, Greg. Damned good-looking. You'll be discovered again, but not as long as you put out signals that you're hurting. Guys who don't know you will back off when they see that look on your face - the nice ones will anyway. The users will recognize your vulnerability and move in for the kill." He just shook his head mutely as though he understood. He wiped his hand across his eyes. "Excuse me," he said, walking toward the hall to a bathroom.

I resolved to acquaint the guys and Susan and LeKeisha about Greg. Definitely Beth too. There was another in our midst who needed some care.

I decided I didn't want to carry my empty plate anymore, so I was heading for the kitchen to leave it there when I walked by Byron Okata, Wendy Fielding, and Rosalie Rodriguez. After I greeted everyone, Byron responded, "I believe you know my women." Wendy and Rosalie laughed while Rosalie swatted him lightly on the butt.

"Indeed I do, Sir," I responded. "You're to be complimented on the company you keep. You have an eye for the fairer sex. And my, how they do traipse after you! It's like spring, and you are the only male in the woods." We couldn't help ourselves, giggling at the contrast between the former closed-in Byron and this new rake who had emerged from that shell. I was delighted that Byron was laughing hardest. I knew we'd have to connect him with some women soon to maintain that delightful demeanor.

As I emerged from the dining room on my return from the kitchen, Rachel Walters walked over to me, complimenting me on our home. "I can see why Jeremy was happy to make this his home."

"Yes, he revels in the space. When he first saw the size of his bedroom and realized he had his own bathroom, his eyes were the size of saucers. Now he ranges all over the place. In good weather he's on the deck or in the back yard a lot. For TV or movies, he loves kicking back in the family room. He likes working out down in the basement, where we have exercise equipment. When he has company, he always takes them to the sunroom. Sometimes we have to negotiate use of the computer in the study, and we've had to resort to using disks to keep our work separate. I think he most loves sitting at the desk working on his homework. I swear that he's imagining himself as a CEO."

"I know Kenny loves visiting here," Rachel stated. "I thought it was just being with Jeremy, but I can see now that the comfort of this home is attractive to him too."

I wondered if she were seeking a reason to explain Kenny and Jeremy's spending less time at the Walters' home. I'd never been in their home, so I didn't know if it felt comfortable or not. Since they both had careers, I knew it had to be as well appointed as our home. Of course, it took more than nice furniture to make a home comfortable. "When they are here," she continued, "are you all together, or are the boys off in one part of the house and you are somewhere else?"

I was correct. Rachel was inquiring why the boys didn't spend more time at her home. "The guys are always together in some room or other, but they may be studying quietly for different classes or watching a movie in the family room. I have my own work to do, so I'm usually somewhere else. At some point, we may end up for a short visit over a Coke or juice while we catch up on each other's day. Is there a particular reason you ask?"

She blushed. "I guess I'm wondering if we have done something to make the boys feel less welcome at our home when they're together. Do you think it's because we put them in separate bedrooms at Thanksgiving?" She rushed on as though she already knew the answer, feeling the need to justify the situation: "We did that because we were sort of fumbling our way into new territory. The news that Kenny had a boy friend was unexpected. Lest you think we don't approve of Jeremy, let me assure you that we do. He makes Kenny so happy, and Kenny adores him. So Jeremy is very important to us. But we've been wondering if we have put the boys off somehow. They just aren't at our house that much."

"I've heard neither of the boys say anything about not wanting to be at your home. But they aren't here together as much as you might think. Jeremy works after school and evenings several nights a week. Friday and Saturday nights, they're out with their friends, so they aren't here either. They may stop by at the end of the evening to wind down and have a Coke and snack. Sometimes they bring friends with them. As I explained, they enjoy congregating in the sunroom. Half the time, I've already retired for the night."

Rachel was listening closely, processing every detail. She was slowly shaking her head, indicating that she could understand that these details were representative of the boys' time here. I continued, "If there's anything that tips them toward this address rather than yours it's that this is the first time in Jeremy's life that he's had a home where his friends are welcome. You can see this afternoon how much he loves playing host. His former home was exceptionally small. There was no space for bringing any friends home. But they wouldn't have been welcome anyway." Joe had joined us in the midst of my answer. "As you can discern, our home affords Jeremy opportunities he's never had and never hoped to have."

Rachel studied me for a few seconds. "I don't know how to ask this without sounding like a prude, but when they are here, do they have sex?"

Oh - so the boys HAD picked up on Rachel's struggle with this aspect of their relationship. She had already figured it out; she was just seeking confirmation. "Rachel, they sometimes go in Jeremy's room and close the door. What they do then is their business, not mine," I responded as I looked into Joe's eyes, seeing concern there, but I realized it was concern over Rachel's struggle. It wasn't a struggle for him. "That's why Jeremy has a bedroom - for privacy. That's a gift I can give him. Besides, Jeremy and Kenny are in love, and as young men, they want to express their love sexually - a lot." Joe laughed quietly, shaking his head in agreement, causing me to smile at our mutual understanding of this male dynamic. "It doesn't bother me that they may choose to have sex here. After all, do they have a lot of choices among locations? I can think of some places where they could be together that I wouldn't want them to be. Do you have a problem with that?"

"No, Joe and I don't, I guess," she said looking at Joe, revealing that she was speaking more out of concern as a mother than for Joe. If there were any difficulty over Jeremy and Kenny's relationship, it clearly was not coming from Joe. She continued, "I can see that separating them at Thanksgiving probably left them with that notion. Have you any suggestions for letting them know they can come to our home too, even to make love?" Her wording indicated that she still hadn't quite accommodated to the nature of the fellas' relationship. However, she was trying.

"Yes, have a sit-down family dinner, talk about last Thanksgiving, admit to not knowing how to proceed. Comment on how far you two have seen their relationship develop and how comfortable you are with it - all very positive." I looked at Rachel warmly. "And you will have to convince them that you really are comfortable with it. So you need to give yourselves some time to reach that point before the dinner because they'll be studying you to determine how sincere you are. If they feel you still have problems with their relationship, what you say will go in one ear and right out the other. Nothing will change. Or it could worsen." Joe shook his head in agreement.

"Then tell them that they are free anytime to hang out in your home. That when they are there, you don't expect them always to be in your company. Tell them that Jeremy can stay overnight with Kenny in his bedroom. Stress that Kenny's bedroom is his space and that what happens behind the closed door is their business, not yours. By the way, it's important that they hear both your voices equally in that conversation. If one person does all the talking, it will leave them in doubt. Then plan a party for Kenny and his friends so that they can be introduced to your home and begin to feel comfortable in it and with you. Move around today getting to know these young people, for they are the guys' friends. Since you both have careers, you may want to talk to Donna Merton over there, who is a great caterer and who is already popular with these kids. Then I think you'll see a change. But for a real gift to Kenny and Jeremy, let them stay at your home some weekend when you are traveling. Make certain they know it's a gift to them from you two. You'll have their undying gratitude."

She was clearly pondering what I was saying. "Good advice." She looked at her husband, requesting support. "Joe and I'll set a date for that family dinner. Any other advice?"

"Yes, keep a plentiful supply of soda and snacks for post-movie or post-game gatherings. These kids are ravenous when they're together." Joe laughed again, remembering. I smiled, continuing: "I can see Kenny turning on to being host too, Rachel and Joe." She smiled proudly. "Let the guys know that you'll join them and their friends when you're invited. I know that sounds formal, and it will seldom workout that any invitation is necessary at all. If they are comfortable with you, these kids will take to you and draw you in. But they need to know that it's their show when they bring their friends to your home. They also need to know that, as far as you are concerned, you have two sons now."

Her smile was dazzling. I wondered if she always smiled this way when some breakthrough in her life occurred. "You know, Evan," Joe commented, "I wouldn't be surprised if you aren't prophetic about Kenny's liking the role of host. I've noticed that since Kenny and Jeremy became close, Kenny is much more outgoing. I always used to worry about how he'd seem to hang back all the time. Rachel and I would encourage him to be more assertive, but we didn't seem to be getting anywhere."

"It may have less to do with Jeremy," I replied, "and more to do with Kenny's reaching a developmental stage. You know, he's popular with his classmates and with other students. I think he just discovered that they accepted him for who he is and it gave him more confidence. Look at the way he moved to center stage today and acquitted himself admirably. I hope we can all find more opportunities for Kenny to take such a role. He has remarkable abilities that he's only just discovering. I share your pride in and love for him."

"I can tell today that you do, Evan," Joe agreed. He glanced at his wife. "It makes us proud that you love our son so much. Of course, we've always known that you've been a good teacher for Kenny. I told Rachel early this school year that the more Kenny complained about your making him work hard, the more we could count on the fact that he was learning, developing important skills. And if he weren't engaged in the material of the course, he couldn't complain so specifically. Especially about your writing assignments."

"You may be right about Kenny," Rachel added, "but I still think Jeremy has been good for Kenny. He talks a lot about Troy and Cody, and Susan too."

"They're actually quite a close circle," I explained, "wholly accepting of each other. There isn't a one of them that wouldn't come to the aid of another. I actually expect them to export that circle to State U when they matriculate. And they'll be a good support group for each other as they move into that new setting with its own challenges. They won't want to give the circle up."

"So you think Kenny and Jeremy should attend State U together?" Joe asked.

I grinned. "Oh no, I'm not going to tell you two what decision to make. Actually, I think the boys have already made that decision - we may be the ones lagging in the realization of it." Joe smiled. I knew he was the holdout on the college issue. "But I will add this footnote: I am so relieved that Jeremy will be there with this circle of friends. I'll be much less worried about him, for they do look out after each other. Besides, with all those cars there, someone will be coming home often, so Jeremy may visit here more frequently. I'll turn the question back to you, Joe. How about it? Will you allow Kenny to attend State U with the rest of the crew?" Even Rachel turned to look at him, confirming that Joe was going to give the final word on the matter.

"Yes, I want Kenny to be happy and do well. But don't say anything. We'll save that for the family dinner."

"Gotcha'," I replied. Joe said he wanted to try some of Donna's mini cream puffs, so he and Rachel walked into the dining room.

I wandered over to Tony and Angela and Jarod and Valerie, who were chatting away. We greeted each other warmly. "Hey guys, I have a little assignment for you."

With mischief lighting his eyes, Tony exclaimed in counterfeit injury, "Would you catch this? We throw a party for this man, so he starts giving us homework." He grabbed Angela's hand. "Come on, Love. We're leaving." Jarod snickered. Angela looked at me, rolling her eyes, communicating, "The things I put up with for this man!"

I ignored Tony, turning to Jarod and Valerie. "The assignment is one I've also given myself."

Tony pulled Angela back towards us. "Oh well, maybe this is a different story," he said, mugging a friendly face.

"As you may know," I started as though Tony had never interrupted, "Byron Okata has had kind of a bad time in the dating scene recently. He thought he and Melanie Simpson had connected, but now Melanie and Jim Marbury are an item. If you folks have any women friends who might be interested in Byron, would you play cupid on his behalf?"

"Now he's making me a pimp!" exclaimed Tony in mock offense. "Trying to get me to offer my sister to Byron. And after I've let him have romantic rendezvous in the alcove at Francini's Italian Restaurant!" I blushed furiously, for Valerie looked at me puzzled. "Come on, Baby, we're leaving," he stated, starting to pull Angela after him.

Angela batted his hand away. "What good does it do to have an alcove if your start blabbing about who's using it?"

Only then did Tony tip to the fact that he'd given something away about me. He ducked his head, muttering softly, "Sorry, Evan."

Still blushing, I ignored him. Jarod and Valerie were studying all of us, trying to detect specifically what we were talking about. I continued with my idea, looking at Jarod and Valerie, as though Tony hadn't given away personal information. "You may have noticed today that Byron is coming out of his shell. He's a late-bloomer, but he's a great guy. I think we could help him a little. You know, he's an only child, and he's lived a sheltered existence. He doesn't have big brothers or sisters to help him along. He just needs a little nudge from his friends." Here I glared at Tony. "Actually, I expect that you, Angela and Valerie, will be more helpful here than the guys."

"Hey," Jarod objected. "I know lots of hot babes who are eager to show their appreciation!"

Valerie stabbed him with a glance. He gulped. I choked back a laugh, for his macho shtick had gotten him in trouble again. Maybe it was time to leave this group before a disaster occurred. "If nothing else," I suggested, "maybe Byron can double with you sometime."

"We'll see what we can do," Angela reassured me, pulling Tony away toward LeKeisha and Roland Jackson. Valerie was standing rather stiffly, for Jarod had slid his arm around her when he stuck his foot in his mouth, reminding Valerie of his past and implying that he was still active among women. "Later, guys," I said to them, earning a visual plea from Jarod to stick around, but I was smarter than that. I walked away in the direction of the family room.

"What's wrong, Baby?" Jarod asked.

She took a step away from him so that his arm disengaged from her waist. "You've hurt my feelings, Jarod. Before we started going together, I knew you had a past with women. But now that we are a couple, I'm not going to have that past thrown in my face, either alone or in the company of others. Don't you know how cheap you make me feel when you say things like that? Don't you know that it tells others that you have no respect for me? Do you realize that you implied you're catting around behind my back?"

Jarod felt like a deer caught in headlights. He didn't think that what he'd said was bad. It was the way guys talked all the time. He thought Valerie would be proud that her man had been around, proud that he'd chosen her when so many women wanted him. He felt bad that Valerie's feelings were hurt, but he didn't know why they were. And he couldn't figure out that remark about respect. "I don't want to hurt your feelings, and I respect you," Jarod stated, aware that it was a lame response to her stronger words.

"When you speak about amorous connections with other women, it diminishes me, making me look like the flavor of the moment. You show disrespect for me when you don't treat me like a person. Your universe is made up of men and women, where women exist mostly for sex and making men look good in public - a world of cocks and cunts, I guess you'd say." Jarod's jaw dropped; he was shocked to hear Valerie talk that way. He didn't like it. "My universe," she continued with some heat, "is made up of people first, not genders. We're a society of people."

"It's the same thing, isn't it?"

"Not if it all comes down to gender differences, not if you hurt someone you are supposed to love - at least that you said you loved. If you see me as a person, no matter what my gender, you show me respect. But if you see me as a woman, who is finally just a sexual being, then you can make remarks that present you as Super Stud and me as the little admiring cunt."

"Hey," he protested. "I've never called you that. I never would."

"You don't have to say the very words, Jarod. You say it with your behavior. It's implicit in your remarks. I'll tell you now, Jarod, what I'm feeling toward you is not admiration. In fact, I'm questioning that I want to invest any more time in this relationship. I won't say this again: I will not live in your world. You will have to come over to join the rest of us, or I'll find some other man who knows the score." She turned and started to walk away.

"Stay and let's talk," Jarod begged.

"No, it's time for you to do some thinking. I know this seldom works, but I'll tell you that if you don't drop the Swaggering Stud act - in short, change - I won't have any more time for you." She walked away.

Wendy Fielding had been sitting over on a sofa in the living room finishing a plate of food, overhearing it all. She arose. "Hey, Jarod, I could use some fresh air. I think there's a patio in the back yard. Let's find it."

Stunned by Valerie's ultimatum, Jarod made no reply but followed Wendy as they threaded their way through circles of people, walking by Evan in the family room, who was chatting with Kathleen Burge and LaRonda and Clifton. He looked over at them as they passed by, raising his eyebrows at Wendy. 'Well, at least Wendy doesn't believe I did anything wrong,' Jarod thought, 'or she wouldn't want to talk to me.'

They stepped through the sliding doors onto the patio off the family room and made their way to some chairs located around a table. Jarod was smarting and feeling ill at ease over his exchange with Valerie. "Did you hear that back there? I don't know exactly what happened."

"It's what I want to talk to you about."

"Oh?" he said doubtfully.

Wendy was wondering the best way to begin with the issue of Jarod's needing to grow up. "Jarod, if you could do anything for Valerie, what would that be?"

He remained silent, on guard. He couldn't understand why she was asking such a question.

"I don't know. What do you want me to say?"

"You've already said it."

"Huh?"

"You know what you just revealed to me?"

Warily, he shook his head in the negative.

"You told me that you never fantasize about making Valerie as happy as possible. That you've never asked yourself what you could do that would make her feel on top of the world. You probably think the only thing she really wants is sex with you."

He grinned lasciviously. "Oh, she gets that very regularly - any time she wants it. Women have never complained."

Wendy sighed. "Jarod . . . you're such a jerk sometimes." That observation wiped the smile off his face. "I'm not talking about your penis, you dope! Valerie can walk in that room in there and find dicks that are as long and as efficient as yours. That isn't what a woman wants. Does that mean all you want is a vagina?"

That was odd. Somehow Wendy's use of the anatomical term sounded dirty, not like the words for women's equipment that Jarod heard others use or that he used. It threw him off. He didn't know how to answer her question. It felt like a trap.

"Well?" she asked impatiently.

"Of course not."

"Then tell me what you want from her."

He hated conversations like this when he was asked a lot of questions for which he had no answers. . . Why didn't he have answers? Wendy just sat there studying him. She wasn't going to give him a hint. He swallowed. "I want her to like me, to love me, to let me be her man."

"Now tell me what you want for her . . . and I don't want to hear about your cock again. You are the only one impressed with it."

He jerked his head back in protest. He started to tell her how a lot of women liked his cock, but it was the same thing he'd been saying - and thinking - in the past 20 minutes. Everyone else thought it was a wrong answer. Why was he the only one who thought it was a good answer?

"Jarod," she said softly, "my boyfriend, Shane McComber, can find five guys tomorrow in his college classes or his fraternity with dicks as big or bigger than yours who know how to use them as well if not better than you. If that were all it took, I could line Valerie up with them and you would be history in a matter of days. And every one of them would be a gentleman, who wouldn't be so stupid as to make remarks that diminish Valerie. Shall we try that experiment?" She saw something slide in from the left side of his eyes. Fear. Yes, he was listening.

"You want to break us up?" he asked.

"I want you to start valuing Valerie and others as humans, people. Shane has a really big dick. I'm fairly certain it's bigger than yours. And does he ever know how to use it! But he NEVER brags about it. You know why? He doesn't have to. His dick is not the center of his world."

"I don't want to listen to talk about Shane's dick," Jarod protested, rising.

"Why not? It's what you sound like to other people. I bet you can't get through the day without alluding to or referring to your dick." Jarod blushed. "Hit!" Wendy shot at him. "Have you heard the old saying that if you have to ask how much it is, you can't afford it? Here's a variation on that: If you have to brag about it, it probably isn't true because your bragging is designed to change what you are afraid other people see and think. Which do you love more - Valerie or your dick?"

"That's a dumb question," Jarod replied.

"No, it's not. In effect, that's the question Valerie is posing to you; she just didn't use those words."

He sank into the deck chair, his head hanging. "Jarod, you really need to answer my question. What do YOU want for Valerie?"

He looked at her. 'Well, what did he want for Valerie? Of course he wanted her to be happy. But what did he do to make her happy? Immediately a remark about his cock started to surface. It was true - whenever he thought of Valerie, there was his cock.' He shook his head like he was trying to clear his thoughts. Wendy studied him, giving him time to answer.

"You've got me," he said in defeat. "I really haven't thought about making Valerie happy outside of being with me and having sex. I feel like an idiot."

"It doesn't have to be that way, you know."

He looked at her. "I realize I need to apologize, but I may say something and mess it up for good. How do I avoid that until I get my head on straight?"

"Before you say something, ask yourself what her face will register when you say it. You'll find yourself being much more careful about popping off. Then take a couple of days to figure out what will make her happy. Initiate a conversation with her about happiness. The future. Her dreams. Study Troy and the way he treats Susan and talks about her. Do you hear him bragging about his sexual prowess the way you do?"

'No, now that he thought of it, he never heard Troy talk that way about Susan. He never heard Troy bragging at all - well, sometimes if he got a good grade on an essay or test. How had he missed that? Was Wendy right - he was afraid of the way other people saw him?'

"You sound like Evan," Jarod observed.

"Then you know I'm right," she replied.

He stood. "I have to find her. Do you mind?"

"Go get'm, Tiger," Wendy growled.

Jarod moved rapidly into the house and through the family room and kitchen, looking for Valerie. He finally spotted her with Tony and Angela saying good-bye to Evan at the front door. Damn! She must be angry. She was going to leave without him. He walked up to the group but refrained from putting an arm around Valerie. She and Tony and Angela turned to look at him when they saw Evan's eyebrows go up. Before anyone could say anything, he blurted out, "Valerie, I owe you an apology. Wendy's right. I've been a jerk. I want to change, but I need you to help me. I can't lose you. You are too important to me. You make me so happy. My life won't have much meaning if you're not in it. And I want a chance to learn to make you as happy as you've made me. I realize now that I haven't really emphasized that goal in my behavior toward you." He saw slight movement at the edges of her mouth as though she suppressed a smile.

Evan's eyebrows rose higher, but he smiled at Jarod and nodded just the least little bit to let Jarod know he approved of what he'd just heard. Suddenly, Valerie slid an arm around his waist. "We need to talk, so we'd better take our leave. Maybe Tony will show us that romantic alcove at Francini's. How about it?" she asked Jarod. Evan was blushing again, looking aside as though it made him invisible to the group. Tony frowned, worrying about what Evan was feeling toward him. He knew that he had amends to make but that this wasn't the place or occasion.

Jarod smiled. "Okay."

As the two couples expressed their final farewells and walked out the door, Evan wondered what drama he had missed. He had a feeling that Jarod was probably started down the correct road - at last!

Just then Wendy walked up to say good-bye. "Ms. Fielding. I believe you've been a busy little girl with Jarod. I'd like to have heard what you said."

"Just nudging him into his post-pubescent, post-dick stage," she smiled.

"Well if anyone could accomplish that, it would be you," Evan observed archly. They both laughed.

"Sometimes, Evan, when you reply to people, it's like you're playing Pin the Tail on the Donkey, and the person you are speaking to is the Donkey.

Evan took her hand and raised it to his lips, planting a soft, warm kiss on the back that left a tingle running down her spine. "Why, fair lady, I have nothing but compliments for you today. You've made a major contribution to the Social Contract, at least the corner inhabited by Valerie and Jarod. The world thanks you. Give my best wishes to Shane."

As Wendy walked to her car, she was basking in Evan's sauve farewell, which left her feeling touched. Not even Shane had made her feel that special, and Shane was no slouch in gentlemanly behavior. When Shane collected enough life experience, he could be just like Evan, she knew. What a shame Evan was gay and not bisexual. Women were missing out!

After Wendy walked out the door, Dr. Sorenson strolled over, his hand extended. "Evan, I'm so happy to be included in this event. Jeremy is a delightful young man. How lucky you are."

"Thank you. I agree with everything you've said. And it's pleasant to see you outside your precincts. I'm glad that we have a positive occasion to see each other."

"Yes, I had hoped from time to time to see all these wonderful young people again. But I didn't want a calamity to befall you for that to happen."

"So who tipped you off?" I asked.

"Kate Williams. We had talked several times when you were convalescing. She was worried that you would come back to school too early, so we were conniving about how we could buy you time to really get back on your feet. We two had decided before your next-to-the- last check-up that you needed at least another week." Evan's eyebrows rose as though expressing "Oh yeah," while he cocked his head to the side. "During your last check-up, when you handed me your crutches and announced yourself cured, I called her. Don't think we didn't split our sides over your behavior. She had predicted it to the last "i" and "t".

"Don't buy into everything Kate predicts. You'll find yourself in Alaska working for an oil company, thinking about getting to be way too friendly with the wildlife."

He couldn't stop it: Dr. Sorenson's laugh barked right out of him, making Kate look over at us. Then she strolled over, slipping her arm through his. "Pete, I don't know what this man has been telling you, but it's libel, pure and simple. I'm innocent."

Pete looked down at her, smiling deeply. Hm-m-m-m-m. I'd missed something. They obviously knew each other better than I would ever have thought. A sudden intimation seized me. I located LaRonda in the room. Yep. She was looking inquiringly at the couple. I turned back to Kate. "I was warning him about what a seductress you are. How guys who listen to you wake up in the French Foreign Legion or hugging the pipeline in Alaska."

Laughter bubbled up from her as she looked at Pete and he caught her in his gaze. Oh yeah. These two had spent some quality time together. Judge Feldman had been wandering our way. She took one look at my face. "So, Mr. Halsey, you didn't know about these two either, did you?"

"Please, call me 'Evan.' No, Judge, I didn't. Had I known it, I would have engaged in a little blackmail - I wouldn't still have a classroom that's right next to the attic. Instead, I'd be enjoying palatial appointments - you know, 'a name on the door and a Bigelow on the floor.'"

They laughed. "Please call me 'Miriam,'" she replied. "Kate is correct about one thing. Your son is a delight! A natural charmer. But it's all real, one soon discovers. You are blessed among men, Evan, to have such a fellow for a son." Miles and Jim strolled over, so we opened the circle to include them. Then Joe and Rachel joined us. Miriam continued,"Visiting with Jeremy just a bit ago revealed that it's mutual. You are so important to Jeremy. He will grace your days." She turned to Joe and Rachel. "Kenny is a natural for Jeremy. They care very much for each other. I'm looking at three very fortunate parents here." Joe thanked Miriam for her comment, with Rachel smiling her endorsement of his words. Then our circle broke into introductions and chatting.

I had noticed Ron and Kenny sitting off in a corner of the sunroom rather hidden by some Norfolk pines, talking intently. I wondered what topic had them so engaged in conversation. As they talked, I was fairly certain Kenny was "adopting" Ron as his father-in-law. The manner in which Jeremy, Kenny, Ron, and I were unwittingly constructing a public persona parallel to the private Pride suddenly struck me, as though we wanted to bridge the best of both worlds. Each of us wanted a structure that identified, insulated, protected, and validated us. Ron and I wanted the closest possible relationship with Jeremy and Kenny, and they wanted the same, so the father-son bond was natural. The problem was that our system's integrity rested on the sincerity of the feelings of each couple. I had no doubts about Jeremy and Kenny. Their need for each other was so great that I couldn't see it decreasing for a good long time, if ever. Ron and I were entirely another matter.

When I really stopped to think about it, I was afraid of the intensity of my feelings for Ron. I'd been carried away by my feelings for Tim when I thought we were in love with each other. My blurting out a profession of love to Tim sounded the death knell for our relationship - I just couldn't hear the bell tolling its demise. For that reason, I had to guard against showing the depth of my feelings for Ron. I'd scared off Tim; I didn't want to scare off Ron.

Oh, our sexual experiences were intense, and we seemed quite open there, but I wasn't fooled - much of the intensity of our couplings owed to lust. It was too easy for the male rut to pass for love. I certainly hoped that wasn't true for Ron and me, but that had happened with Tim. On that count, I trusted in nothing. The realization dampened my spirits.

Gradually, the guests began departing, for most had Friday night activities planned. As she had done after Jeremy's party, Donna had packaged the remainder of the food and stored it appropriately in the kitchen. After I'd seen the last of the guests out the door, Ron walked up to me, throwing a beefy arm around my shoulders and pulling me into him. "Guess what."

"What?"

"Our sons want to claim their dads this evening."

"Ah," I expressed, tossing my head back a bit. "The intense discussion with Kenny over in the Norfolk pines."

"I wondered if you saw. . . . Were you jealous?"

"Of course not," I said with a little attitude. He grinned archly. I couldn't help but remember my musing about hiding my true feelings so that I wouldn't chase Ron off as I had Tim. "He's our son, remember?"

Jeremy and Kenny sauntered out of the kitchen, their arms around each other. "What's for dinner?" Jeremy asked.

"You're not full?" I said with some surprise.

"I could eat some more. But I'd like for all of us to be together. How about going to Francini's?"

I immediately frowned. "Since we all may not be equally hungry, let's go to the cafeteria where Ron and I eat before a ballgame. Each of us can choose as much or as little as he wishes without having to order a full meal."

"Okay. I told Tony we might drop by, but I wasn't definite. Let's go to the cafeteria," Jeremy responded.

We did. Before we arrived at the cash registers, Ron suggested that he pay for "son Jeremy," and I pay for "son Kenny." We had a leisurely meal, visiting about the day, swapping experiences and conversations we'd had at the reception. I told them about Byron's opening up and the need for something to happen to encourage him to sustain that behavior. I also told them about Greg Dunwoodie's plight. Jeremy told us about a visit with a tearful Kathleen Burge, who was so happy for him she couldn't stop crying. He'd had a long visit with LeKeisha and Roland, who wanted to go out with him and Kenny some weekend. Kenny told us about visiting with Susan and Troy as though they were brothers and sister. In fact, Susan had called him "Little Brother." I realized with a gulp that I hadn't visited with Troy, Susan, or Cody at all during the reception - nor they with me. Odd. Ron told us that Miles, Jim, and he had settled on a date for a dinner for the four of us - if I was free. Kenny and Jeremy were mugging it up over that news. Like anything would ever happen there among the four of us!

The longer we talked over our completed meals, the antsier the boys became. Ron had tipped to their impatience too, for he winked at me and looked pointedly at them. Smiling, I arose. Nothing was said as they shot up and moved in haste to leave the cafeteria. They were in the car before us. Ron was in a teasing mood, for he hooked his thumb in my back pocket and slowed my walk down as he caressed my ass with his four other fingers. Felt good! "Tempter!" I shot at him. "Slut," he responded. "Look at that little ass wagging back against my fingers."

Jeremy stuck his head out the window, exclaiming, "Dad, would you quit feeling Dad up and get in the car!" Ron and I snickered, having gained the response we'd desired.

When Evan and Ron were visiting with others at the reception, Jeremy and I huddled to figure out how we would get our dads to agree to be claimed by us. Once we had a rough plan, I pulled Ron aside and had a talk with him, enlisting his support. Evan looked over at us talking behind some Norfolk pines, but he just smiled. I knew he was glad to see Ron and me together. Evan threw our plans off a little because we'd talked to Tony about eating at his restaurant. Evan nixed that. He was strange when we mentioned Francini's. I wondered what was going on. Still, it was no big deal as far as our larger plans were concerned.

On the drive back to Jeremy's, I began thinking about my father-in- law. There was always a level of formality with Evan. Sometimes it was a little annoying. I knew it was the "teacher role" with him. Like being a teacher defined him so much that he had to be that 24 hours a day. But sometimes we needed Evan as a friend before we needed him as a teacher. It was what made the first ambushes so exciting - capturing Evan in a situation where he couldn't be a teacher. Giving us a chance to mold and shape him in a new identity. Sometimes the teacher role collided with what we needed or wanted from him.

Yeah, that's what Robert and I did. We took Evan's teacher role from him so that we all could have something better, something we all needed - Evan especially. Robert and I talked about how we could see an immediate change in Evan after the first ambush, which was really the first sketch of Robert naked that we sent Evan. We even held off sending a letter explaining the first sketch just to see if we were right. When Evan started acting down, we felt really guilty so we hurried to get the letter to him.

I don't know exactly when I had realized that it wasn't unusual in the universe for different human roles and ideas to collide and for people to suffer or lose out when that happened. I guess that was the beginning of my being able to see inside people when I sketched them. I saw that Evan was hurting because he didn't hear from us after that first sketch. With others, like my Lover Jeremy, what I saw hurting them was a result of that collision between needs and roles. It probably bothered a lot of kids to realize that nothing was ever going to be perfect. Kind of like finding out about Santa Claus. I had gotten over it when Robert dumped me. But after that, when I thought about the spirit of brotherhood in the first Pride, I felt safer, better. Sometimes the universe sent some special energy that connected us, united us.

Suddenly I remembered seeing Evan visit for quite a while with Mom and Dad this afternoon. I knew the topic of conversation. They wanted Jeremy and me to be at their house more, but it wasn't the same as being at Jeremy's - another collision, I guess. Here at Jeremy's, we decided what we were going to do, and Evan had no hang- ups about just the two of us being together or going into Jeremy's room and making love. Although we never talked about it, Jeremy and I knew better than to have sex at my home because Mom wasn't comfortable with it. Mom fussed over us when we were there. It was like she was worried that we weren't enjoying ourselves, so she kept trying to manage us, making us uncomfortable - another collision. I think she was trying to make up for her not being comfortable with our being lovers. A time or two I thought she was trying to keep us from having sex - as though we were dumb enough to try it!

Suddenly, we were pulling into Jeremy's driveway, so I started focusing on what Jeremy and I had planned. Once out of the car, my lover put his arm across Ron's back, escorting him to the front door, and I threw my arm around Evan's shoulders. "I told Mom and Dad I'm staying here tonight, Dad," I announced.

"Okay," Evan replied - "you're always welcome. You know that. I don't want to compete with your home, for, after visiting with your parents today, I know that it is full of love for you. However, it would delight me if you would think of this as your second home."

As soon as we stepped into the living room and closed and locked the door, Jeremy led Ron and I led Evan to the sunroom where Jeremy and I shucked our clothes in seconds. Ron and Evan shot each other looks of amusement, finally removing their clothes - but not fast enough for Jeremy and me. Jeremy left for a minute, returning with blankets, towels, and lube, which we placed on the floor as we had done on the night Ron had claimed all of us.

Since I had enjoyed being a spokesperson at the reception this afternoon, I decided to play the role again. I knew Jeremy would be pleased because he was always gently pushing me to be a little more "out there" when we were with our friends. "Dads, you have honored us by claiming us. Tonight we are claiming you. This has been one of the greatest days in our lives. We feel safe and loved by both of you. We want you to know that you can feel that way with us."

It felt so good finally to tell Ron and Evan that - we had something of value to give them. I walked over to Evan, my fat cock wagging back and forth. I knew Evan liked seeing it waving at him. I threw my arms around him, making my cock slide up his lower stomach, leaving a trail of precum, the hair on his lower belly tickling the head of my dick. I threw all my love, admiration, and respect into a kiss. He moved his hands slowly over my "poochy ass" as he calls it. As carefully as I could, I slid an arm down around Evan's waist and another under his hairy ass as I placed my right leg behind him, gently tripping him yet hanging on, slowly lowering him to the floor. With my body on top of his warm body and the hair on his chest tickling my nipples, I kissed him fiercely. He just had to know how much I loved him. I'd never figured out all the ways I loved him, but I knew they existed. Even when I used to complain to Robert about my English teacher, I knew I loved Evan. I hoped Evan didn't think I was just horny.

I couldn't see what Ron and Jeremy were doing, but I could hear noises that told me Jeremy was pretty much attacking Ron. I knew my lover was hot for Ron. I'd noticed it in the way Jeremy would stare at him. Ron was just as fascinated with Jeremy. I was happy that he was, but I wondered why. It didn't bother me that Jeremy wanted Ron as another dad and sex partner. I wondered if he was trying to make up for a hard past life. That was a conversation we could have when the time was right. Of course, I recognized that it would raise a question about whether my loving Jeremy was an attempt to make up for Robert. Anyway, I knew that I was now the object of Jeremy's romantic love. That's all I needed.

I was so hot that I got right down to business, licking down Evan's hairy chest. His chest hair tickled my nose. I chewed roughly on his nipples while caressing his cock and balls. I thought it might tell him about how strong my feelings were for him. He ran his fingers through my hair, gently around and inside my ears and down into my hairy armpits, giving me goose bumps. I'd thought about trimming the hair in my armpits since there was so much of it, but Jeremy had had a fit when I told him my plan. I thought Evan would have a fit too because he never failed to check out the hair peeking out of my pits when he saw me without a shirt. When his fingers were wet with my sweat, Evan smeared some under his nose. I knew it had to do with pheromones.

I reared back, pushing Evan's legs toward his chest, opening his ass to me. I studied his hairy hole, feeling my dick harden. Then I dived down, literally chewing around his hole. I loved the smell of his sweaty, spicy pucker - always had since the first ambush. I ran my fingers around his hole and then rubbed them under my nose so that I'd smell him throughout the claiming. He couldn't help it - he was moaning at the pleasure I was giving him. Man! Did it ever turn me on to know that I was making Evan Halsey, my father-in-law, moan. He knew I understood how to claim him!

I put some lube on my fingers and ran it from his bush up to his belly button. Then I repeated the same on my body. I was making a glide path for his cock, which would be trapped between our bodies. With more lube on my two fingers, I began to push them into his chute. It felt so hot, tight, smooth. As my fingers penetrated, I leaned down, kissing him hard. As I ran my fingers in and out and around in a circle to loosen his sphincter, I whispered in his ear, "Daddy," "Oh Daddy," "I love you, Daddy," while I tweaked his nipples.

Then I reared back, adjusting my movements to assist my cock head in connecting with his pucker. When it did, I slowly pushed in. I couldn't help it - it felt so good that I punched my cock head into him, punching an "Oh!" out of him. I started with little jabs of my granite dick, but they quickly morphed into long-dicking, pushing Evan's eyes closed with pleasure, pushing a moan out of him. It made me crazy to be getting this kind of reaction from him - better even than the first ambushes. I felt like a Lion! Then I wasn't just pushing and pulling my dick in and out of him. I don't know where the movement came from. I certainly didn't think of it consciously, but I started lifting my ass as I slid in, robbing him of breath. Evan surprised me by using his ass muscles to clamp down on my cock when I plowed in and up his chute. The first time he clamped down on me, I snorted, surprised by how good it felt. I could tell he loved the reaction he was getting from me. The next time I moaned.

I lunged up and kissed Evan fiercely, trapping his cock snuggly in the glide path I'd created with the lube. My cock was so far in him that my ball sac was tickling his perineum and my heavy bush was tickling his balls. I was so far inside Evan I couldn't figure out how I was still able to plunge into him, but plunge I did. Evan slid his fingers between us to capture some lube. Then he reached back and started circling my ass hole. Oh man, talk about a fierce kiss. I cubed its intensity by wagging my hips from side to side when I reached the bottom of a thrust. Evan was getting off on handling my ass.

Man, were we noisy, moaning and groaning in the delight we gave each other. I'd been fighting against an orgasm, but I couldn't stop it. I began to whimper to let him know. He started whimpering too. It was like a giant fist had wrapped itself around his body, suddenly squeezing him. His ass shot up off the floor, lifting me as cum squirted out between us, making our movements sound slightly squishy. I moved into a powerhouse drive, pounding him hard. Even in the midst of Evan's orgasm, my cock was expanding. Suddenly my ass shot forward, jamming my cock into him, pushing deep into him where I hoped he didn't remember a cock ever being. So strong were our exertions that we scooted up on the blanket. My cock throbbed as it shot cum into him.

We didn't collapse immediately; instead, we kept pumping, breathing noisily out of our noses without breaking our kiss. We didn't want to lose that feeling, that intense connection. Gradually, Evan's ass lowered to the blanket, and my thrusts lessened, but we continued kissing. Finally, we broke the kiss, noisily pulling in breaths. We opened our eyes at the same time, looking deeply into each other's eyes.

"Thank you, Son. Thank you for claiming me. I know you love me. You showed me tonight. I feel so safe and secure in these arms." Evan ran his hands up and down my arms, squeezing my muscles. "You were a Lion tonight. How far you have taken me from that first tentative ambush. How lucky I am that you chose me to conquer. I honor you." With that, Evan kissed me sweetly, warmly, submissively. I felt like a Lion - but my heart was melting too. Did Lion's hearts melt?

My cock had conquered Evan! Here he was - caressing my body, giving me soft pecks, licking me like a submissive underling. Wow! Course, a parent licks its young too. Didn't make any difference. I was in a winning position.

As I watched my lover, Kenny, and my dad, Evan, come down from a colossal climax, I exclaimed, "Whew!" It was followed by a deeper, older voice, "Damn! That was hot!" Kenny and Dad looked over at us. Ron lay in front of me. I'd been using my right hand to caress Ron's pecs, stomach, inner thighs, cock and balls. I loved those hard muscles, the feel of that hair slipping by my fingertips. He'd started leaking precum, which I had smeared over him. At some point, Ron had captured my cock in his crack. So I moved it up and down and side to side. I scooted back a bit, pushing Ron flat on his back on the floor. "I'm not going to have any trouble showing my new dad how much I love him," I spoke softly.

I held his wrists down as I slowly lowered my head to kiss him. He was looking up hotly into my eyes, ready for me, wanting me. His big body was warm everywhere. I could feel his chest hair caress me as I lowered my upper body toward him. My cock was nestled beside his, allowing me to feel his heartbeat. What a turn-on! I pecked at his lower lip, then gently grabbed it with my teeth. I gave that lip gentle nips before I kissed him hotly. He kissed back, moving his head in a circle, letting me know he was into it with me. He slowly raised his legs, making the hair tickle the outsides of my legs, which lay inside his. Then he took his calves and ran the backs down the backs of my thighs and calves, making more "hair" tickles.

After my tongue had conquered his mouth, I moved back, licking his nipples. I always had a little stubble by evening on my chin, so I raked it over those hard points of flesh, making Ron moan. It worked so well that I "chinned" down Ron's abs to his belly button, which I washed with my tongue. My cock was beginning to throb, telling me that I was so hot I'd better not tarry if I wanted to claim this Lion.

I licked Ron's cock and balls in those long Lion licks that were his forte. As I licked, I moved his legs toward his chest, opening up that furred crack. I lowered my head to his pucker, where I could smell his musk and feel the heat radiating into my face. I ran my mouth around his hole, making him jerk with pleasure, but following Evan's lead by planting his smell above my upper lip. I leaned over and grabbed the lube, making a glide path up my lower belly and on his as Kenny had done with Dad.

I moved up on my knees, planting my cock head at Ron's hole, looking in his eyes, smiling at him. I hadn't realized how hot it made me to watch my Lover claim our dad. Because of that experience, Ron's hole and my dick head were on fire. I just allowed myself to sink forward, which slowly pushed my cock in Ron. "Do it, Lion, do it, Son," he whispered. "Give me that Lion cock. Show me how much you want me. Claim me," he urged me on. I almost climaxed near the end of my cock's journey deep inside him. I had to work hard to remain in control, but he knew it, running his hands gently up my sides and down over my ass, calming me.

Again we kissed hotly. I wanted this man, this Lion, this Dad. Deep down I knew he and Evan were filling a void in me. I hated it, but some tears squeezed out of my eyes. When I pulled back, he gently licked them off my cheeks. I started pushing into him. He moved his hips in small circles sometimes, or moved them from side to side other times as I plunged down. He began using his ass muscles to clamp down on me when I withdrew, milking my cock. "Dad . . . Dad . . I can't help it," I muttered as my hips - all on their own - slammed against him. My cum shot into him. I felt warmth on my stomach, realizing just a few seconds later that he was firing his cum between us. Ron's pumping hips lifted us off the floor as he raised his ass high for the most leverage. I had wanted my claiming of Ron to last longer, but as powerful and as connected as we were, it couldn't have been better if it had lasted 15 minutes.

"I love you, Son. I feel complete," he said looking at me, then over at Kenny and Dad, with his look lingering on Dad. I knew they were communicating their love without ever talking, communicating their pride in us. I pulled off him and rolled the short distance over to my Lover, who was lying in front of Dad. We kissed passionately because WE felt complete now. Evan arose and walked over to Ron, flopping down on him, kind of Dad's version of am ambush. They gripped each other while they kissed long and hard.

(To be continued.)