Ron and Bryan

The following story is gay fiction. If the subject matter is offensive to you or you are too young, please exit now. This work is the property of the author, and may not be reproduced without permission of the author. See Chapter 1 for copyright information. HUGs. JETjt@aol.com

EMPIRE

Chapter Thirty-two

Thursday, 4 PM, Ron and Matt's home

After meeting Ron in the kitchen, Carl took David across the living room and out to one of the balconies.

"Wow, I can't believe this place," David ben Sharif said as they stepped out onto the balcony overlooking the city.

"I know what you mean," Carl agreed. "The first time I saw it, I was knocked on my ass."

"I mean its decadent," David declared.

Carl turned toward his guest. He wasn't sure if the remark was a compliment or a slam. He decided that he'd treat it as a compliment.

"Yes, I can see how you'd think that," Carl replied attaching his reply to David's declaration. "I can promise you though, that every square foot of this house gets used. Not only are there lots of recreational things to do, a lot of work gets done here too."

"Yeah, by the servants," David said.

"There aren't any servants here," Carl responded.

"Then who are those people working on the plants?"

"They're the yard people. There are people inside too that take care of the house. They aren't servants in the standard sense. They work here, but they're our friends."

"Yeah, and they probably make minimum wage," David said accusingly."

"There isn't one of them that doesn't make a whole lot more than you do," Carl declared. "You're making a judgment without knowing the facts. Look, if you don't want to be here, I'll take you home."

David paused before he replied.

"No, I'm sorry I guess."

"Don't guess," Carl replied. "When I came here I thought Tyler, Dan, Ron and Matt wanted something from me. And I mean something bad! It turned out just the opposite. They've cared for me and my friend Nathan, and given us the opportunity to make something of ourselves."

"Yeah, they gave you a nice new car, then make you sweat and work at low wages to make you earn it."

"Listen asshole," Carl said getting steamed, "I have a job and so do you. We make the same money, and we sweat the same. I'm glad to have the chance to get some good experience in construction. Everybody here works. The younger guys don't have jobs, but they work hard on their education and even work out to get in shape. I admit that when Nathan and I first got here, we took it easy for a couple of weeks. Then we saw that everyone was working to make something of themselves, and we felt guilty. We asked to go to work. It makes us feel proud that something good is happening in our lives. Sure it's nice here and everyone is great, but there's not a lazy guy on this property. We work hard and we play hard."

"I just wonder how many people your Mr. Turner stepped on to get all of this?" David asked.

"The answer is none," Carl responded getting fed-up with David's accusations. "You should see what these guys do to help others. You wouldn't believe it."

"You'd have to show me," David rejoined.

"You might get the chance if you spend some time here. Right now I'm not sure you belong here with decent people. I'm gonna be embarrassed to introduce you to the other guys, especially since I've said so many good things about you."

"You said good things about me?" David asked. "What kind of things?"

"I told everyone here that you are a good, hardworking guy, one that I'm proud to work with. Now I'm having second thoughts."

David looked at Carl and saw that his friend was sincere. With downcast eyes, David said apologetically, "I'm sorry Carl. I guess you're right. I'm no good. I've been told that all my life."

"I didn't say that David," Carl responded. "In this house you can be all you want to be. You just have to work at it a bit. The guys here are good examples though. Everyone is happy. I didn't believe it myself at first. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. I thought that it was all too good to be true. My life before I got here was not horrible, until I was forced to leave home. I'll tell you about it sometime, if we stay friends. Now, I know I'm accepted, warts and all, and best of all, I'm loved."

"What can I do to make up for all I've said," David asked.

"You don't have to do anything," Carl replied. "Just come inside and be the person you are at work, a nice guy. Then you can make your own judgments. I'll take you home anytime you want. If you don't want to stay the night, just say so. It's my opinion, that once you meet the guys, you'll never want to leave. I know that I don't."

"Alright," David agreed. "I'm sorry I was such an ass."

"You have a right to your opinion," Carl concluded. "Just make it based on what you see, not on an uninformed idea. I accept your apology though. Now, let's forget it and have a good time."

"Thanks Carl."

"No problem," Carl said smiling. "Let's go and see what Mary has fixed for snacks."

David followed Carl toward the door to the house, crossing the living room again, back toward the kitchen.

"I still wish you'd have let me go home and shower first," David offered. "I feel kinda grubby after our day at work."

"You'll find a great shower in your room. We'll grab a quick snack and get something to drink, then I'll show you your room before I go to mine to get cleaned up. Afterward I'll show you around the place. I hope you brought your bathing suit."

"Yes, I did. You told me to."

Carl opened the door and in a moment they were in the kitchen where Mary and Parker were beginning preparation of the evening meal.

"Mary, Parker," Carl began as the two young men approached the older couple. "I'd like you to meet my friend David ben Sharif."

"Hello Sir," Parker responded.

"Uh hello," David said in reply, surprised at the `sir'.

"Hello David," Mary said smiling. "Don't mind Parker, he's always too formal. I hope you enjoy your stay."

"Thanks Mary. I was just a little surprised that's all. Nobody has ever called me `sir' before."

"There's a first time for everything Sir. And a second time too," Parker said with a wink. "The third one you have to earn."

"I'll remember that," David said with a grin.

"What's for snacks?" Carl asked.

"There are some cookies on the counter and milk or soft drinks in the refrigerator. Help yourself," Mary replied. "We'll have some other nibbles before dinner, when the others get home."

"Thanks Mary," Carl said leading the way to the snacks. "Which room is for David?"

"The one next to yours and Nathan's. Would you like me to take Mr. ben Sharif's bag to his room?" Parker asked

"Nah, we can take care of it ourselves. Thanks for the offer though," responded Carl.

"Uh," David stammered. "It was nice to meet you both, but I'd be pleased if you'd just call me David."

"As you wish, Sir," Parker said. "It was nice to meet you too."

Carl picked up one of the two small plates of cookies that he'd prepared, and both of the cokes he'd taken from the refrigerator."

"Grab your plate David," he directed, "and I'll show you to your room."

David used one hand to pick up the plate that held five cookies, then with the other grabbed his bag from near the garage door and followed his friend from the kitchen into the living room.

"Man!" David exclaimed as he looked across the beautiful room and out the glass windows overlooking the city. "I still can't believe this. This place is a palace."

"Yeah, it's nice ain't it," Carl said with a wink. "Come on. Let's take the stairs. Our rooms are only up one level."

"After you," David stammered as he twisted his head around trying to take in all the sights of the house, as if he would miss something if he dropped his attention.

Carl bounded up the stairs two at a time so David had to hurry to catch up to his friend. Turning right, Carl walked down the wide hall of the bedroom wing until he came to David's room.

"This one's yours," Carl informed his guest as he opened the door. "Mine is the next one down. Come on in and I'll show you where everything is."

Stepping through the doorway, Carl held the door open for his friend.

"Man! I didn't expect to get the Master Suite!" David exclaimed.

"Nah, this is just like all the others, except Ron and Matt's of course. That one is bigger than three of these put together."

"You could live in here, if this place had a kitchen," David said in wonder.

"Oh it has one of those too," Carl laughed as he opened the door concealing the "wet bar" that contained a sink, small refrigerator, and a small microwave.

"Amazing!" David said as he looked around at the luxurious room with not only the sleeping area, but an entertainment lounge equipped with all the latest in audio and video gadgets.

"Put your bag over there," Carl instructed as he pointed. "The bath is beyond the bedroom and all these doors are your closets. "This one here has the dresser," he said as he slid open a door. "The others are to hang stuff in. In the bathroom there are plenty of towels, soap and everything you need, in case you forgot anything. Just look in the cabinets. Parker keeps this place fully stocked. I'll be back in a few minutes after I shower and change. Make yourself at home."

"Thanks Carl," David said, still overcome with awe. The door to the room closed as Carl disappeared into the hall. David sat down on the bed and began sampling the cookies and coke, then just looked around for a moment before retrieving his bag and starting to extract the contents. He separated the items into two groups; one he placed into drawers, and the rest he left on the bed for his immediate use.

Grabbing a pair of boxers from the clothes on the bed, he crossed the sleeping area into the bathroom. It was fully equipped with a marble lavatory counter, marble shower, a large matching tub equipped with jets, as well as a separate small room for the toilet. Next to the shower large bath towels, hand towels and washcloths hung within easy reach of the glass enclosure. Placing his boxers on the counter he began to strip down, removing his clothes grimy from the day's toil. Stepping into the shower he turned on the water, glad when hot water sprayed quickly from the oversized brass head. Taking the bar of soap from the holder on the wall, he soon was covered with foamy lather enhanced by the home's soft water system. As his hands ran across his body, he thought of his friend Carl. Knowing that Carl was close-by and in the shower naked, his generous organ began to swell at the thought. He slid his hands over his now erect penis and immediately began to pump the shaft, still thinking of his friend. Too soon the rock-hard organ sent jolts of ecstasy coursing through his body as he spewed hot cum against the marble walls. Gasping for breath, he grabbed a brass bar within the enclosure for support of his quivering frame. At last he released his grasping hold from his tool, and let the water wash away the product of his release. Regaining his composure, he quickly took shampoo from its holder and attacked his dirt-covered hair. The soft water relaxed his muscles and he again washed his body, then rinsed by turning round and round, letting the soothing spray take away his tiredness.

Turning off the water, he stepped out of the shower, grabbed a towel and began to dry himself. He was nearly dry when he heard a knock on the door and then the door open and again closed.

"You ready yet?" he heard Carl ask.

"In a minute," David replied as Carl appeared at the bathroom door.

"Hope I didn't catch you doing something `personal'," Carl said with a grin.

David blushed, as he quickly pulled up his boxers.

"Nice equipment," Carl continued.

"Just standard issue," David said, a bit nervous at such brash remarks.

"Don't mind me," Carl apologized. "I guess since everyone around here is so open, I've gotten a bit loose with my tongue. I forget that in some cultures talk of body parts and bodily functions is considered taboo."

"It's okay," David said. "I've always been a bit shy, thinking that I was not as well equipped as some."

"All guys think that," Carl said. "I thought I was dinky until I learned for real that I was bigger than average. What's more important than size though is whether the thing gets and stays hard at the right time. I'd rather have a good stiff 5 incher, than a limp 8 inch one. I admit that I sneaked a peek at your package though, and believe me it's far more than adequate."

"Thanks," David said again blushing.

Carl stepped backward into the bedroom, as David approached, picking up his dirty clothing from the floor.

"Where can I put these?" David asked.

"There's a hamper in the nearest closet," Carl informed his friend. "Just put them and your towel in there, and in the morning you'll find them returned and clean."

"Hey, nobody has to do that," the young guest protested.

"Just part of the service," Carl explained. "It takes a bit of getting used to, but now I like it. I mean, you can't even run out of toothpaste without a spare tube appearing mysteriously."

"I'm afraid I'd have trouble accepting that all the time," David remarked.

"I did too, in the beginning. I talked to Parker about it, because he makes sure we have everything we need. He explained that taking care of us gives him great pleasure and is no burden. I believed what he told me after he took Nathan and I shopping for clothes. Boy, does that guy know how to shop! He knows everybody in all the stores too! They treat him like visiting royalty. Of course I didn't see the bill, but I bet it was a bundle. You should have seen the pile of clothes he helped us pick out. I mean there was everything you could think of, and then some. He was in his element. I swear I tried more things on that one day than in all the other days in my life, put together. I'm glad I only had to do it once. Yikes! I'll never be that devoted a shopper!"

David, by this time had dressed in shorts and a golf shirt. Taking a pair of cross-trainers from his bag he slipped them on, tying the white strings before standing up for inspection by his friend who was dressed similarly.

"Lookin' good," Carl declared. "Let's go do our tour thingy, then we should have time to hit the game room before it's time for dinner."

"Sounds like a plan," David agreed. "Lead on, my friend."

Carl and David stepped through the doorway from the pool deck where they'd completed their tour, into the family room.

"Man, this place is something unbelievable," David remarked once again.

"I know what you mean," Carl agreed. "Would you like a Coke or something before we hit the game room?"

"Sure, a Coke would be fine."

"I'll get a couple from the bar refrigerator," Carl said as he circled around the end of the freestanding bar. Reaching down, he extracted the soft drink from the under-counter refrigerator, handing it to David before dipping down again and removing a 7-up for himself.

You keep talking about all the guys here. So far I haven't seen anyone but Ron," David said as he took a sip of his drink. "How many guys live here anyway?"

"Hmm. Let's see, there's Ron who you met a while ago, and his partner Matt. That's two. Then there is Ronnie, Douglas, Nathan and me. That's six."

"That's not so many," David commented.

"Wait, there's more. In the guesthouse are Ron's brother Tyler and his partner Dan. Also out there is their son Jerry, who is Ronnie's boyfriend, and also our newest addition, Zack. That makes 10."

"Wow! That's quite a crowd."

"It's a bit cozy now," Carl admitted, "but Tyler and Dan just finished their new house nearby, so they'll be moving this weekend."

"I can't wait to meet them all," David offered.

"You'll get your chance soon. Let's hit the game room," Carl suggested as he came back around to the family room side of the bar. Turning to the game room he led David through the doorway separating the two rooms, only to find Zack and Douglas shooting a game of pool.

"Hi guys," Carl said smiling. "I'd like you to meet my friend from work David. David these two clowns are Doug and Zack."

"Doug? Zack?" David said offering his hand. "Nice to meet you."

"Same here," they both replied as they accepted his handshake.

"Wanna stand us in a game of 8 ball?" Douglas asked.

Carl looked at David for his answer.

"Uh. Well, I'm not very good," David replied.

"That don't matter," Douglas replied, "We're only playing for $100."

The shock on David's face was evident, causing Douglas to break out laughing.

"I was only kidding, Dave. Heck, we're not very good either. Besides that I've never even held a hundred dollar bill."

"Well, in that case, it's alright with me," David said with relief.

"Besides," Carl interjected, "If you beat us too bad we'll swap partners at the end of the first game."

"Do you want to break?" Douglas asked.

"Nah, you rack `em up, then break while we're getting our cue sticks," Carl responded.

• • • 40 minutes later

The boys had just finished their third game with Carl and David winning two out of three, when Nathan appeared at the doorway.

"Hi," Nathan said smiling.

"Nate," Carl said pulling David along with him. "I'd like to introduce you to my friend from work David. David this is Nathan who's a lot more than my best buddy."

"Hi Dave," Nathan said extending his hand.

"A pleasure," David responded.

"We were just kickin' Zack and Doug's little butts on the pool table," Carl explained.

"Didn't you mean `cute little butts'?" Nathan asked.

"That too," Carl replied with a grin.

"I need to go back upstairs," Nathan said. "I'll be back in a couple of minutes."

"No hurry," Carl replied, giving his lover a quick peck on the lips.

"Okay, see you in a few. Nice to meet you Dave," Nathan said as he turned to the doorway.

Carl looked at David and saw that his mouth was hanging open at the public display of affection.

"Don't mind us," Carl said matter of factly, "I don't kiss everybody, just Nathan. He's my boyfriend."

"Won't the other guys mind?"

"Nah, just about everybody here is gay. I hope that doesn't bother you. It's not like we're gonna come on to you or anything. All of us have boyfriends, except Zack and he's too young for you."

"Don't be too sure," Zack answered with a giggle.

David shook his head in wonder.

"I guess it's alright," he said, "It's just that I've only know a couple of gay guys in my whole life, and they were so different from you guys, that I'd have never guessed that you were all gay. I mean, like I told you earlier, those other guys dressed strangely, and talked so silly."

"Different strokes..." Carl reminded his friend.

"But it's just that you and Nathan, and even Zack and Douglas are....how do I put it?"

"Hunks?" Zack suggested with another giggle.

"Yeah, that's not the exact word I'd have chosen, but I guess it describes it."

"You should see Ron's brother Tyler! Man! If you want to see macho, wait `til you see him! The other old guys are not bad either, but Tyler is something else."

"Did I hear something about `old guys'?" Ron asked as he appeared at the door.

"Prolly," Carl said with a grin. "The Daddy Warbucks of the clan has big ears too."

"In addition to what?" Ron asked with a wink. "As for you Squirt," he said menacingly to Carl, "Just wait `til Tyler comes in. I'm gonna have him teach you some respect. Just because I have a three now heading up my age, doesn't mean that I'm over the hill."

"Tyler can't hurt me," Carl taunted. "I'm a rough country boy from the hills of Utah."

"I wouldn't count on it, buddy-boy," Ron warned with a grin. "He's tough as shoe leather, and mean as a polecat if you get him riled up. Fortunately he's endowed with the civilized genes of the Turner Clan. Otherwise, you'd be in a world of hurt."

"Yeah, with a wuss for a brother, he'd need to be tough," Carl said not relenting from his verbal kidding. "Somebody's gotta protect the old guy."

"Woo, you're asking for it Carl."

"What's Carl done now?" Tyler asked as he, Dan and Matt arrived behind Ron.

"Hiya, Tyler. Hi Dan and Matt. Hey, I'd like you to meet my friend from work, David. David, the big handsome brute is Tyler. His cute partner is behind him, and that other goofy lookin' guy is Matt. He belongs to Daddy W.B."

"Nice to meet you guys," David said shaking their hands.

The three men exchanged similar greetings, smiling at the show that Carl and Ron were putting on.

"Now as for you," Ron said squinting his eyes at Carl. "I heard what you said about my lover! You can insult me if you wanna, but when you insult my lover you crossed the line. It's time for your comeuppance and I'm going to deliver it personally."

"You and what army?" Carl taunted. "You ain't got it in y.... oooof!"

Ron had sprung across the short distance between he and Carl, tackling the young man, and landing on top of him on the floor.

"Tickle time!" Ron announced loudly as he straddled Carl, forcing his hands over his head before pinning them to the floor with one hand. The other hand attacked Carl's exposed rib cage, resulting in the younger man screaming in laughter.

"Stop! Stop!" he giggled, "I'll be good!"

"Say you're sorry for calling me old," Ron demanded as he let up on the assault.

"Never!" Carl responded, trying to loosen Ron's hold.

"You asked for it," Ron reacted, again on the tickle attack.

"Haa! Haaa Haaaa! " came the peals of laughter from the restrained body, "Wait! Stop! I'm gonna be sick!"

"That won't work," Ron responded never pausing in his mission.

"I'm gonna pee!" Carl screamed in laughter. "Help!"

Before Ron could react he felt something warm and wet soaking the back of his trousers.

Leaping to his feet, Ron reached behind him and felt the warm and wet `gift' that he'd been given. Looking down at Carl he saw a wide dark spot that had appeared on the young man's crotch. Moving his gaze to Carl's face Ron saw tears of embarrassment running down the cheeks of the young man. With sudden remorse, Ron reached down, took Carl's hand, pulling him to his feet and wrapping his arms around him in a warm, if somewhat damp embrace.

"I'm sorry Carl," Ron apologized. "I guess I took it too far."

"It's okay, Ron," Carl sniffed, returning Ron's hug, "I deserved it."

"Let's go get on something dry," Ron said as he turned and with one arm still around Carl, moved toward the doorway.

"I'll get you yet," Carl laughed, sniffing as they left the room.

"In your dreams Buddy-boy," were the last words the occupants of the game room heard.

"Uh, would you excuse me?" David asked the room as he looked at his watch. "I have something I need to do in my room."

"Take your time," Matt said. "We'll all be changing now too."

Five minutes later found David in his room, on his knees, facing Mecca.

• • • Later that evening on the pool deck.

Nathan, Carl and David sat at a table overlooking the city, clad only in their swimming suits. Earlier they had shared the pool with all the guys for a good romp before the younger ones headed toward bed, with the older guys not far behind.

"I just can't believe the view," David said as he looked over the bright lights of the Las Vegas valley. You were right Carl, tonight has been the best night of my life. I could stay here forever. I love all the guys, both the younger ones and the older ones too."

"Heck, I was hoping you'd include Nathan and me too," Carl rejoined.

"I like you guys the best. Even though you're partners, you've made me feel welcome, and not an intrusion. I guess everyone here has done that as well. You're the luckiest guy I know and I'm jealous."

"You don't mind us being gay?" Carl inquired.

"No, I was taught it was a sin, but I just don't see how love, the way I've seen it tonight, could be wrong."

"Yeah, most straight guys think that all gay guys want is to have non-stop sex," Nathan joined in. "We love the sex part, but it's nothing compared to being with the one you love. It's not really that different than the way heterosexuals feel about their mates."

"A day ago, you couldn't have convinced me. Today is a different story," David concluded. "I believe what I see with my own eyes."

"Thanks Dave. I love Carl with all my heart," Nathan confessed. "The other guys here also love their partners. I'm not sure that all the younger ones will stay together, but I know I want to spend the rest of my life with Carl."

"I wish I had someone that cared for me that much," David admitted. "Even my parents didn't want me around any longer than I had to be. I left home as soon as I could. Fortunately, I found some guys that took me in."

"Both Nathan and I were taken in here by the guys you met tonight," Carl said. "We know how it is. People do care."

"Most people only care about themselves or their cause," David declared. "They really don't care about you."

"Well, I can't speak to that," Nathan responded. "I've been taken in by two people. The first helped me survive on the streets, and the second, Tyler, took me off the streets. It's nothing to be proud of, but it's certainly something to be grateful for."

"No one ever cared for me like that."

"Things change and good things happen, when you find good people to be with," Carl said with certainty.

"I have no friends," David revealed. "If I wasn't here tonight, I'd be in my little apartment, watching TV, waiting for it to get late enough to go to bed."

"But you are here," Carl declared. "Maybe it's the start of a new life. You can be our friend and we'll be yours."

"You guys want me for a friend?" David asked.

"Sure," Nathan said. "We always have room for a new friend, even if he's not gay."

"Uh, well if we're going to be friends," said David slowly, looking down at his feet, "maybe I should tell you something about me."