Starting Again

Starting Again Chapter 33 by lennoxbear@gmail.com

Sam stumbled into his office early Tuesday morning carrying a box. His briefcase slung over his shoulder. As always, he turned a few heads as he walked from his truck to his office. Since he didn't have any meetings or classes scheduled, he was dressed in a fairly snug pair of black jeans and a simple short sleeve underarmour T-shirt. The shirt hugged every muscle and cut even though he bought a XXL. The box wasn't heavy but the position of his arms brought out deep cuts in the tri's and forearms. More than one student wondered how a man pushing 50 could have the ass of a 25 year old. Sam didn't seem to pick up on their stares and just nodded a simple `good morning.'

He dropped the box on the side of Lorraine's desk causing her to disdainfully glare at the box. She looked up at him over the top of her glasses. "And this is?"

"Work I got done over the weekend?"

"I thought you went camping with your friends."

"I did but I managed my time really well. On the bottom are the intern applications and I marked the ones we need to schedule for an interview with a green sticky note. Then there are updates to grant proposals. I wrote updates and changes in the margins. The new grant apps are on top of those. Then the approved changes to course syllabi. It would be nice to interview the interns starting Thursday afternoon. The grant updates also need to go out by Friday and the new apps by next Wednesday. The syllabus stuff well, you can email the changes out."

"I can, can I?"

"Of course. Don't give me that overworked look; we have students who can help."

"Uh huh. Next time, don't manage you're time so well. BOBBI!!!"

"Ah, you sound just like Whitney."

"Don't go there."

"Any mes...

"On your desk."

"Any appoint..."

"In outlook."

"Any coff..."

"You have a nine o'clock with Kevin Daniels, I think at the coffee shop."

"Oh yeah." He walked into his office, dropped his briefcase on the corner of the desk and flipped through the messages. "Hmm, Thad." He frowned as he saw the one Lorraine had written in red ink. He waved it as he walked back out to the reception area. "Now why would someone schedule a research meeting at seven in the morning tomorrow?"

"Honey, he would have scheduled it for six if I hadn't reminded him that not everyone was an insomniac."

"Did you really say that?" She looked at him over the top of her glasses again. "Of course you did."

"You need to remind that man that we all work normal hours. Does he ever go home? He's here at six and sometimes doesn't go home till midnight. Can't Joey find him a friend?"

Sam snorted. "I really do think he's straight. Well, okay, I'm not sure he may just be a non-sexual."

"What ever, he needs someone to provide him with a life."

"I try not to think about it. Ewwww."

"Truly. Go meet Kevin." Sam dodged two students who tried not to stare at his chest as he bounced down the front steps and ran through traffic to get to the coffee shop two blocks away. Kevin was seated at a side table when Sam dropped into a chair with a large coffee and a reduced fat scone.

"Good morning. Hmm, why is it I am in a shirt and tie and you look like some jock skipping class?"

"You could dress in jeans and a T, what would anyone say?"

"They'd say I don't look as hot as that Dr. Chambers." Sam smiled and flexed his pecs. "Stop it show off. Hey did you get the message about the meeting tomorrow? Does that man ever consider working normal hours?"

"He's a workaholic. Lorraine thinks he needs a boyfriend."

Kevin tilted his head in thought. "I honestly don't think he has sex organs."

Sam took a bite of his scone and looked at Kevin's pile of papers. "I don't want to know. So are these the applications for next year's internships?" Kevin nodded. "Any good looking ones?" "This isn't a beauty pageant, they don't attach pictures."

"Not what I meant."

An hour later they were walking back across campus. Kevin may have been in a shirt and tie but the shirt hugged the muscular chest and back. Freshmen were in awe that these two muscular men were college administrators. Sam waved as he ducked back into his building and up the stairs to his office. Lorraine waved more messages at him and signaled he had someone waiting.

Thad was watching campus activity out the window when Sam opened the door. "Hey Thad." The two men hugged with Thad groping Sam's butt.

"Damn you're just getting better."

"To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"Well, I was in the area on business and thought I'd drop by. Brian and I got the final move done yesterday and are now furiously looking for a house. We were wondering if you could give us the name of your realtor." Sam flipped through his Rolodex and wrote down the number. "And do you have time for a workout tomorrow at lunch."

"Um, I could squeeze one in, where?"

"Gym over in Shadyside. That's where Brian thinks he want to live so I thought I'd make sure there was a decent gym nearby. Then we could stop at my hotel room and we could you know." Sam's eyes darted up at him. "Brian always wants to be the bottom. Pleeeeeeze Sam, I need a good dick up my ass."

"Gee, how could I refuse that?"

Officer John stretched his long thick legs as he slid out of the cruiser. He was elated to be back on the job full time but still readjusting to the long hours in the car or having to get in and out as often as he did. It still felt like there was a cast on his leg. He shook his leg and watched the big quad flex. It felt so good to do that. The older man behind the counter grinned and saluted.

"Officer Sullivan how are you today?"

"Not bad Tom. How about yourself?"

"Oh, not bad for a 78 year old ex-marine. What'll you have?"

"Ummm, let's see a large Sumatra and a cinnamon chip scone. And I should be in such good shape when I get to 78."

"Hmm, they aren't the freshest. Thanks, wishing I still looked like you. Alas, the muscle has sagged a bit." John smiled as the older gent flexed his arm.

"Maple."

"Good choice." John waited for his order as another police cruiser from the next municipality pulled into the parking lot. John scowled recognizing the car number and the blowhard lamebrain on patrol. Tom handed him his coffee and scone and took his payment card. He glanced out the window in the direction John was looking. "I wish he'd find somewhere else for coffee. Talk about a windbag. Pompous. Conceited. And more than a bit bigoted."

"Yeah, I know. I've overheard his comments directed at me."

"He doesn't like you and Buzz eh?"

John thought about it. "I'm not sure he likes anyone. Pity his poor wife. He better be making up for it to her somehow."

"Ewww. Hey, have a good one. And don't turn your back on him."

"I don't and besides, technically, he's on my turf. Maybe he'll just ignore me."

"Well, he is ignorant." John smiled and waved at the older man as he walked out the door."

John took a deep breath and walked toward the cruiser. "Well, well, well. Mssssssss. Sullivan. So you're back on patrol? Got the big bad cast off so you can get back into your tights."

"Oh you're just jealous of my quads Deacon. Yes, I'm back full time."

"Well, your girlfriend must be happy that you're cast free and better able to uh, fulfill your duties. Or didn't it make a difference cause you..."

"Yes, Deacon, my boyfriend is happy. I kept him pretty satisfied even with the casts. Probably more than you're doing for your wife, judging by." John glanced down at the cop's crotch. The other police officer with Deacon snorted stifling a laugh. Deacon glared at him.

"If you...gentlemen, will excuse me, I need to get back on my rounds." John slid back into the cruiser, keyed it to life and swung out of the parking lot past the two cops."

The second officer watched the big Ford. "Seems like a nice enough guy Deac, maybe you shou..." "Shut the fuck up Smith. What do you know? He's a big queer stinking up the profession." He swaggered toward the coffee shop.

"Yeah stink." Smith took a deep breath, shook his head and followed his partner.

Matt pulled his car into the drive behind Steve's truck. Ben was helping a customer load an armoire they had just finished into an SUV. Angie, Sam and Doober came running over to him each vying for his attention. He petted each dog and scratched their ears. "Hey guys. Hi Ben. Sam, where's Steve?" The big shepherd ran up to the deck and across to the back door barking at the glass. Steve stuck his head out and waved.

Angie and Doober scampered back to Ben as the customer drove away. Matt dropped the mail on the kitchen, wrapped his arms around Steve and kissed him deeply. Steve smiled and sighed. "Want some lunch?"

"You bet." Matt walked through the house, pulling at his tie unbuttoning his shirt and undoing his belt. There was a trail of clothes through the house that led to the two naked men writhing on the bed. "Damn, it's been a long time since we did a nooner."

"Ummm, yeah fucking too long. Do we have time for?"

"No, we'll have to settle for the first couple of menu items." Steve smirked, slid down a bit in bed and clamped his mouth on one of Matt's big nipples." Matt groaned and held his head tight against his pec. Steve sucked one and roughly played with the other between his thumb and forefinger. He worked his way down the furry abs to the beer can-sized cock flopping over Matt's trimmed crotch. Matt tried to swing his body around to 69 but Steve held him in place and worked his tongue and fingers over the ample cock and balls. "No fair, I don't have anything to play with."

"Oh, okay." Steve swung his legs around as Matt smiled and playfully teased his cock head. The lovers sucked each other for several minutes. Steve felt Matt tensing and tapped Matt's head. The beefy man picked up his speed and suction on the object of his attention until he felt Steve's balls pull up. Both men hung on for a few more seconds then unloaded thick copious loads down each other's throats. They lay panting in each other's arms and legs.

Matt sighed. "I better pull myself together. I have an appointment at 1:30. Where's my other sock? I'll grab a sandwich on the way back to the office."

Steve hummed against Matt's big balls. "Yeah sandwich." Steve pulled his jeans, shoes and socks back on and walked back toward the car with Matt. They met Ben walking back in from the mailbox.

Matt adjusted his tie and checked his zipper. "Hey how's it going Ben with just the two of you?" Ben tilted his head. "It's okay. We both miss Ken and hope he gets home sooner rather than later, but you know how it goes. Um, guys. Uh, well, you better check your sex breath Matt."

Matt's face went crimson as he ran back inside for mouthwash. Steve gave him a wicked grin as he came back out of the house. "You're not going to take the hint?"

Steve waved his hand at Ben. "Hell no, the man eats onions on everything."

"Onions can disguise a multitude of sins and keep people from asking more questions."

Tuesday evening at the gym was packed. It was crowded enough when just Sam and all his buddies showed up, but for some reason everyone seemed to feel the need for a post-Labour Day guilt workout. The buds moved through the gym with little difficulty. Few of the other regulars came close in size or intensity and gladly moved out of their way. Spence helped Zack through his routine then sat on the end of bench prepping for his next set.

"If I didn't know better, I'd say we intimidate people. Don't know why. We'd gladly let people work in if they wanted." He lay back and shook his arms. He carefully placed his hands took several deep breaths and hoisted the 350 pound bar out of its cradle. It was a smooth set of 10. The bar slid back into the rest with hardly a thump. Zack stared at his big lover as he sat up. "What?"

"You just did 350 as a warm-up. Look around. These guys are lucky to push their weight. You all lift like you're pushing around feathers. The teenagers are the smallest ones here, for now."

"But it's not like we're growling at them or anything." Spence shook his arms again. The big pecs popped out thick and round. "I mean, you bench 250 easily."

"Exactly, I'm a gimp in a wheel chair. Even I intimidate them. We need to find a way to soften our image."

"We could all do an aerobics class?"

Zeke bust out laughing. "I don't think the floor could stand up to all that beef working out to the oldies. Think about it."

Spence shrugged, lay back, flexed his arms and bust out laughing. "Okay, I just got that visual."

Joe walked by as Spence lay on the bench giggling. "I think he lost his concentration." Zeke smiled evilly.

"I have to work so hard to get to this point everyday. It's so easy to play with his mind." "Hey." Spence swung his hand at Zeke. "You're screwing up my concentration. Spot me."

"I repeat. Gimp. Wheel chair."

John walked over and stood above Spence. "I'll spot him." He leaned over Spence and growled. "You screw this lift up sissy boy and you'll eat my shorts."

Zeke dropped his head. "No John, eating your shorts would be incentive for him."

Joe laughed and walked back over to Sam. "You ever notice none of us has a normal workout?"

"Define normal?"

Joe thought about it. "Where's Bill? It's not like him to not show up for a workout."

Sam looked around. "I don't know. I need to fill my water bottle. I'll give him a quick call from the locker room. Be right back."

Joe watched Sam's beefy butt saunter away. His cock stirred in his shorts. Buzz `accidentally' bumped into him and brushed his arm against the bulging crotch. "Focus Joe, focus."

Joe blushed. "I am focused. On what comes later."

Sam filled his water bottle then grabbed his cell from his locker. "Hey Bill. We're missing you at the gym. You okay? What? When? He all right? That sounds fishy. Okay, hang in there buddy. We'll stop by on our way home from the gym." He flipped his phone shut and walked back out to Joe. "Bill's not going to make it. He got an email. Ken's been hurt." Joe, Tony and Bear were all standing nearby and snapped their heads around. "No, no, not injured like in shot. He got jumped by three or four guys and beat up. And raped."

Bear looked at Sam and frowned. "He didn't do anything to provoke it did he?"

"Bill doesn't think so. He doesn't have much detail. Just a short email from Buck. I said we'd stop by on our way home."

A small crowd pushed into Bill's apartment minutes after ending their workouts. Bill sat in front of the TV, laptop at his side. "Not much else to tell you. I had another email from Captain Malloy who said he was sticking his head out in some ways acknowledging that I was Ken's lover. I guess Ken's is nursing a lot of bruises, black eyes and an uh, torn rectum." Bill inhaled a long shaky breath. He's confined to a cot near the captain so they can keep an eye on him. He thinks he'll be back on duty soon. Didn't think Ken would let this stop him. But Malloy said he was investigating some other angles but had to move quickly."

Matt arrived with his son in tow. "He thinks the other guys will cover their tracks." Buddy looked confused. "Some goons beat up on Kenny." Buddy hugged him close.

Bill shook his head as if he wasn't sure. "He wouldn't say, or couldn't say to be more like it. Buck sent me another email saying he thought one or two of the guys were close to reaching their discharge date."

Matt rubbed his son's shoulders. "So, in other words, if Malloy doesn't move quickly, the guys could be sent home, disappear and no one would be the wiser." Bill nodded.

"Seems that way."

Steve snorted in disgust. "We're all here if you need anything. Did you eat?"

"Yeah. Pat and Lou brought me leftovers from their family cookout yesterday. Really came in handy."

Buzz tilted his head. "Who are Pat and Lou?"

Sam scratched Doober's ears. "Two more of us that Bill stumbled onto."

John rubbed his left pec. "Good lord, what's in the water out here?"

The rest of the week dragged by for Bill as he had few updates from Iraq. Ken finally emailed him to let him know he was healing but under close watch with Captain Malloy. The cap was worried about his anger and Ken admitted he wanted revenge. Buck quietly emailed Bill everyday without Ken knowing. He had gotten over his fear of anyone finding out he was gay because of this incident. The fact that he was another black man having to deal with discrimination both for race and sexual orientation created an instant bond with Bill.

The friends all kept quiet tabs on Bill. No one wanted to push him in any way that would make him feel any more lonely than he did or cause his anger to boil over. He had no way to deal with the anger other than to work all day, workout, take care of Doober and work on his house. They gave him his space going so far as to not even bother him at the new place. It wasn't until Buddy bugged Matt to take him along with Sam and Angie over to the new place that any of them had even thought about it. Matt convinced Buddy to let Bill have his space and time. Instead, he called Bill and told him they would take care of Doober just so Buddy could play with all three dogs and his other friends.

Bill tried hard not to show his anguish at the regular Friday night group dinner. They all got together in the back room at one of their favourite brew pubs. He loved his friends even more for their concerns but assured them he was not going to go over the deep end. Captain Malloy had even reassured him as best he could that Ken was recovering well and to be sure he was working to bring the attackers to justice. Bill went home and collapsed into bed. Doober snuggled up next to him.

He petted the big yellow dog and slipped his arm around him. "You know, we won't be able to do this when Ken gets home. Guess we'll just have to buy that king-sized bed."

Ken resigned himself to doing paperwork for a few days while he recovered. Malloy watched him like a hawk. He was anxious to get back to his regular detail and duty and leave as much of this behind as he could. Malloy needed him to heal physically and mentally.

"You know Cap, I'm not going to go all ballistic or nuts or anything."

"I know son but I just want to put some time and distance between you and some things."

"But these guys could get away with this. Not that I think any justice will be served but oh fuck, I don't know what to think."

"We're working on it son. You need to get better. I know you don't think you did anything to provoke the attack, and I know you're tired of my asking. But, if there is a hearing, you know the judges, especially military, will be brutal. Not condoning attacking you but they're going to say you asked for it, wanted it."

"Yes sir I know that and I can handle that. It's just, well, I."

"What?"

Ken carefully sat up on his inflatable donut to protect his still sore butt. "Believe me, I know it will be their word against mine but to be truly honest sir, they ain't my type."

"And understand son they're going to ask questions to provoke you, to get you to say you're gay and that you came on to them. Type don't mean shit here."

"It does to me sir. I don't give a fuck anymore if the military knows I'm gay. They can take don't ask don't tell and shove it up their fucking asses. I know who I am and I know what I am. And I am not someone who would do what they did. And I am not someone who would have wanted to have sex with them no matter what. They're all hot air and posturing, false bravado and bullshit macho. Just not going to do it for me. Not my type."

"Be careful with that type thing. They could trick you into saying what you're type is and it could be all over. They'll try to say that any queer would give in to strong military types out of need..."

"No sir. Not me. I know you emailed Bill. Bill's my type. He's, he's well." "What?"

"He's a combination of Buck...and you." Malloy blushed. "No disrespect sir."

"I. I. I don't think I take any. To be honest, I ain't ever had a gay man tell me I was his type. I don't know what to say." Malloy got up and walked across the room to get a bottle of water from the fridge. He looked down at his body in snug fitting T-shirt and camo pants and blushed again. "I guess I should be flattered. Damn Ken we're in deep shit here." He ran his hand over his short dark hair and sighed. "Four men fucked you brutally. And four men are going to deny they did it forcefully, even did it at all, unless..."

"Unless what sir?"

"You can convince the board. Two of the men are due for discharge and time is against us." He sat back down on his chair across from Ken and leaned forward. Ken tried not to stare at the big pecs and biceps flexing under the T. "I had the med staff take samples, um, from your ass. There was semen mixed in with the blood. They sent it off to a military lab to pull out DNA. When they took these guys in for questioning, they took samples of blood. Hopefully, we'll get results back before the hearing and that much will prove they had sex with you. The issue remains of whether or not it was by force, rape, or if you came on to them and let them fuck you."

"It isn't pretty is it?"

Malloy ground his teeth. "It's never pretty for the victim. They're being held separately so hopefully they won't be able to make up a story. And all four lie. The military can still charge them even past their discharge date. I just wish there was some bit of evidence, proof, you had other than, they're not your type."

"Maybe if I actually tried to write down all the details? I know I been asked these questions before, but maybe if I really try to reconstruct things, I may find something.'

"It may be the best chance you have. But get some rest. I know you're pushing yourself even if it is just desk duty. We need you back in top shape. I hate this part of my job. Hate having to tell family that their son or daughter is hurt or dead."

Ken sat quietly looking at the floor. He spoke in a whisper. "War insures that's going to happen no matter how careful we are."

Malloy sucked in a long slow breath. Tears filled his eyes. "I know son. I hate this place. I want my boys to be safe, go home in one piece. I just have to hang in there a couple more years." He swallowed hard and squeezed Ken's knee. "You get some rest. I'm going to get some air."

Ken said goodnight and watched Malloy's butt in his snug fatigues as he walked away. "You're watching my ass aren't you?" He turned around and grinned. Ken blushed. *****

Saturday Sam slid his hands up over the thick warm flesh of Joe's arms. He traced the veins up to the cold metal of the cuffs restraining Joe to the headboard.

"I knew you got up to do a little prepping but I want something more than just a weekend morning fuck."

"Obviously. You got those cuffs in place pretty damn yowch." Sam bit into the tender flesh of an upturned nipple. "Oh fucccckkkkk. Daddy."

Sam smiled mischievously as he slid back up and sucked on the tender flesh of Joe's neck. Joe pushed back. Sam bit harder. It would leave a small mark. Their friends would smile knowingly. Sam clasped the boy's wrists and pressed their lips together. Joe's fire ignited. He thrust his chest up. His nipples begged for attention. Sam held the kiss then slid slowly down to the big fat left pierced nipple. "Come to papa." Sam worked the fleshy nubs until they were swollen and Joe was moaning for more. Pre-cum flowed from the big throbbing cock, oozing around the silver PA. Sam knew from the start, from his first night with Joe that the man's cock was wired to his sensitive nipples. The playing only made it more so.

Sam straddled Joe's narrow hips letting his cock play against his lover's. He kneaded the thick arms and chest. The hours spent pumping in the gym and in the basement had returned a dividend of hard sweaty muscle. Muscle that was getting thicker and furrier. Joe stared at Sam's dark eyes then down at the monster cock bouncing off of his.

"You want a little taste?"

"Yes sir, please." Sam pulled Joe's body downward on the bed, stretching the upturned arms even more. The big pecs thickened making the nips more inviting. He slid forward and balanced above Joe's eager mouth. Joe tongued at Sam's dripping cock head and moaned. The big man slowly fed his boy the hard veined shaft until his nuts nestled against a wet chin. He honestly didn't know how Joe could take the whole thing. He remembered being a young pup and trying to learn to deep throat big cocks. Joe had talent. His throat and mouth sucked and massaged the big spike until Sam pulled out.

"We don't have time for two loads. I really want that hot hole. Let me just see how it's doing. He slid downward, pushed Joe's legs up and apart and licked his lips. "Truly a butt of beauty." He drove his tongue deep into the pulsing quivering hole. Joe whimpered. He pushed his ass up to meet Sam's tongue.

"Oh holy fuck, please sir, fuck me."

"What do you want?"

"Your cock sir, fuck me sir, shit shit shit." Sam giggled. No one would ever suspect the hyper masculine man writhing underneath him was a cock whore. He placed the head of his prick against the hungry pucker and pushed slightly. Joe groaned. "Please, sir. Please, please, please."

Sam rubbed his cock along the pucker. "Oh I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know? Dammit, fuck me, now." Joe pushed up trying to force his ass around the drooling dick. "Puuuhhhhlllleeazzzzzzzzzzzzzzz."

The big cock slid in slowly to the base. Joe's body shuddered with need. Sam steadied the thick legs to keep Joe from crushing his waist. The slow fucking motion increased with speed until both men were panting with anticipation.

"You ready son?"

"Yessiryessiryesir. Uh." Joe's cock sent a volley of hot cum straight at his face, catching on his morning stubble. He could feel Sam's load flooding his ass. The heat filling his need. Joe relaxed his legs but wouldn't put them down until Sam's cock was ready to leave its happy space. Joe's cum glued them together as Sam reached for the key to unlock the cuffs. They rolled around on the bed for a few minutes enjoying a few more Saturday morning kisses.

"We better get moving if we are to meet Dave and Gus for the trip to state for the football game today."

Joe sighed and stood up on wobbly legs. "You've already scored a big one today. I'll hurry up and shower and shave."

"Bad pun. But it was good wasn't it? Don't bother shaving. I like you this way, sorta scruffy."

"Well that works for me to. We have to pick up steaks too don't we?"

"Oh yeah, we better get moving. I ordered steaks from Tony so they will be ready."

A few minutes later they wandered into the kitchen. It was going to be a very warm Saturday so they opted for jeans and T-shirts. Jack was sitting at the counter eating cereal and looking miserable.

Sam ruffled his bed hair and squeezed his shoulder. "Hey kiddo. Good game last night, why so gloomy?"

Jack sighed and pushed the flakes around in his bowl. "Oh just wish I were going along. That and having two gay fathers rutting in the bedroom only makes me horny. Thanks guys."

Joe poured coffee into a couple of travel mugs. "We were that loud?"

Jack rolled his eyes. "I didn't think a cock fucking an ass could make that much noise."

"I was lubed for silence."

"That doesn't help me. Your bed squeaks."

Sam smirked. "Oops, we didn't know."

"Of course not, you're moaning drowns it out if you're in there. And the effect is this." He stood up and pointed at the stiff cock tenting out the front of his shorts. "And this is after jacking off in the first 20 minutes of your fun."

Sam sighed. "Jack, I'm sorry if we upset you."

"I'm not upset, just very horny. And Gary and I promised to help Swede do a couple of jobs this morning. And Scott's helping. Too much beef. I'll be stiff all day."

Joe bit his lip trying not to laugh at the teenager's drama. "We won't be back until about 10 so you and Gary could you know."

"Oh believe me, I intend on having that dick up my ass as soon as we get back here. Look guys, I'm just teasing you. I count my blessings to be in this house everyday. I don't have to hide who I am and neither do you." He got up put his dishes into the dishwasher and headed for the stairs. "But the least you could do is invite me."

Sam looked at Joe and then at Jack. "Not sure you could handle this."

Jack stood at the bottom of the stairs and smiled at the two big men. "A boy's gotta learn somewhere."

Joe laughed. "We'll talk about this later. We're heading out. Have a good day working. Give Swede, Scott and Gary our best. And give Bill a call later. Maybe you could you know."

Jack grinned. "Oooooo, that's a thought. Hey have you been past his new place, looking great." He ran up the stairs and into his room.

Sam looked at Joe. "No I haven't been past it. I didn't think he was much past the demolition stage?"

Joe shrugged. "He hasn't said much. Let's drive by on the way to the store." A few minutes later they stopped in front of Bill and Ken's new place.

Sam whistled. "Holy crap. No wonder he's been begging off of the cabin trips and other things. It looks like all new windows, a new driveway, maybe new roof, the yards have been graded and upstairs you can see new insulation. Wonder what else?'

Joe studied the building. "The brick work looks like it's been cleaned and pointed. There's scaffolding around back. And judging by the dumpster, more work going on inside."

Sam steered the big Ford down the road. "We gotta corner that man when we get back."

Bill had been up early to walk Doober. He lounged around in his underwear sipping coffee when he got back. He needed to summon up the motivation to go over and work on the new place. Despite the attention from his friends, and Doober's faithful companionship, he was lonely. And he was horny. Hanging out in bed feeling sorry for himself, worrying about Ken wasn't going to do him any good. Steve and Matt were taking Buddy to the football game to watch Ron, Dave and Tim. He had agreed to watch Sam.

They would be leaving soon to make the two and a half hour drive to campus. He better get moving. There was plenty to keep him busy. The hot spray of the shower washed over him. His cock felt good in his slippery soapy hand. His body needed attention. He reached out of the shower and grabbed the razor form the medicine cabinet. A few minutes later he stood posing in front of the bedroom mirror. He flexed and posed admiring the lean, length of his muscular body, the tiny waist, the ample hard bubble butt and enormous upper body. His body gleamed with a light coating of lotion. Lotion applied over his now hairless body. He made a face at himself in the mirror. Why had he shaved his body? It was going to itch like hell growing back. But damn, the chest, the thighs, and the smooth crotch. It all looked good. His cock looked even bigger. He arranged the camera on a shelf, lined up a few shots and posed. Ken would enjoy it even as he if went nuts when the hair grew back.

He sent off a quick email of pics to Ken. Oh well damage done. His work shorts felt odd against his smooth skin. Underwear would probably have helped curb that feeling. Who cares? His T-shirt slid over the smooth chest and hung sensuously over the big pecs. Mmmmm. A knock at the door brought him back to reality.

Steve was standing at the apartment door with Sam. The big shepherd scurried past Bill to get to his buddy Doober.

"Hey thanks for dog sitting Sam. Wish you were going with us?"

Bill tried not to stare at Steve's wide chest in the stretched T. "Oh I have plenty to keep me busy. Maybe next game."

"Okay bud. Well don't work too hard. Take some time for yourself. You seem to be really pushing it. You look different, new haircut?"

Bill ran his hand over his short hair. "Uh, uh, no, same head of hair." His cock twitched at the silly remark.

"Hmmm. Something different. Okay. We'll be back around 10, hopefully earlier, and if I see lights on, I'll come get Sam. You be a good boy Sammy. Thanks again."

"No problem and don't worry about leaving Sam. He can keep me and Doob company."

Bill watched the long muscular legs flex in the tight jeans as Steve bounced down the steps and to the waiting truck where Matt and Buddy waved back. Matt's big arm looked really good hanging out of the truck window. Damn, he had to quit leering at his friends. He needed sex. And not just with his hand. "Well guys, you ready to go over to my new place. We fenced in the back yard so you guys can be safe out there now." Sam and Doober seemed to understand as they danced around at the door. Bill grabbed his thermos and truck keys.

Steve and Matt rumbled down the road passing Bill's new place. Matt sat back in the truck seat. "Holy shit. Would you look at that?" ***** Bill swung his truck into the garage. It would be out of the way of the space reserved for the rolls of insulation to be delivered later. Doober and Sam ran into the yard to leave their scents, and then flew into the garage when Bill whistled. He closed the inside door and let the dogs out into the newly fenced back yard. They chased each other around then settled for a cool shady spot to keep an eye on the door in case Bill came back out to play.

He strolled into what would be the new kitchen and opened his logbook of projects. The day was heating up quickly and the only a/c working in the place was in the upstairs since he had finished insulating. The drywall for the second floor would be delivered this morning and the insulation to do the first floor. In the meantime, all he could do was open windows and hope for strong breezes to cool the place. That and take off his shirt. He hung his T over a nail in a wall stud and ran a hand over the smooth hairless chest. Damn.

The deliverymen weren't due for another 30 minutes, just enough time to finish up the wiring in the soon-to-be TV room/den. His shorts hung low on his waist just above what would have been his pubic hair is it all hadn't gone swirling down the drain this morning. His cell rang a few minutes later.

"Hey Pat, how are you? Good, a little warm here. Super, yeah, I'd like to see them. You're where? What's there? Really? I didn't know they had conferences for landscaping, huh. Okay, sure have Lou bring them over. I'll be here. I may go grab some lunch at noon but I'll call him if I need to leave. I appreciate you finding the stone. It would be cool to have it at least delivered before the winter weather. You enjoy your conference."

He walked to the back door to check on the dog's water bowls just as a voice yelled out from the garage. The drywall deliverymen were there to haul the stuff into the upstairs through the one remaining window opening. A new window would be installed after this. He helped them jockey into place and then stood to one side and marveled how quickly they unloaded, steadied the load through the relatively small window and moved it into the various upstairs rooms. The men were all younger and muscular. The sights didn't help his horniness. He had to keep from watching the flexing muscle or he'd pop a boner for sure. It took them a little over an hour to unload and get things set-up for the installers who would begin their part on Monday.

They gladly accepted sodas from his stash in the garage fridge and complimented him on the way the place was shaping up. They were even more amazed just how much he had accomplished in such a short amount of time. He knew in the back of his mind he would be paying off those favours to several of his construction buddies for a long time. The big rig was bearly down the street when the delivery truck with the insulation arrived. These guys weren't nearly as muscularly distracting but they were efficient.

It would be nice to get some insulation installed in the TV room and living/dining room so the drywall for that could start in the next couple of weeks. Luck permitting. He carried rolls out of the garage and into the other rooms almost as quickly as they unloaded the truck. The dogs hardly barked. Deliverymen weren't there thing. Unless it was pizza. He wiped sweat from his face as the second truck rumbled away. He wandered in to what remained of the old bathroom, dropped his shorts and rinsed off in the shower. The warm air felt good against his bare skin as he stood in the kitchen area in only his workboots and socks.

Lou called 20 minutes later. He had just finished the last wiring run in the TV room. Pat had samples of patio and wall stone and pavers he wanted him to see for the back yard. The big man was driving Pat's dump truck and smiled broadly when he stepped out of the rig.

"Good morning Bill. Hey looking good, shirtless and just a bit sweaty there." Lou ran the back of his hand over a big ebony nipple. Bill smiled and groaned inwardly. He hoped. "Got the samples Pat wanted you to see. It's nice stuff and he can get it at a really good price right now. If you like it, he can order it and have it here by the end of the week. Did you shave your chest?"

Bill bit his lip. "Yeah in a moment of wild abandon this morning in the shower. Probably going to itch like help when it grows back."

Lou laughed. "Oh yeah. I do it when I compete but have taken to keeping shaved most of the time, except dead of winter. That's when Pat likes the furry me the best."

"Yeah well, I got carried away."

"Oh?" Lou pulled Bill's shorts open at the front waist and peered in. "My, my and oh my, that's nice. Sorry didn't mean to be so forward. But I see naked shaved men all the time when I compete. I have some creams you can use to help prevent ingrown hair as it comes back. Unless you keep it shaved. Need help with that?" The big man rubbed his hand against the outline of Bill's dick and smiled.

"Damn Lou, you don't know the half of it. I am so fucking horny with Ken away. I thought of going to the book store last night but talked myself out of it."

Lou pulled him into the bed of the dump to show him the stone. "Well, you can't spend all your time working on this place. You need some fun too. You know, get your rocks off, and not with just your own hand. What does Ken say about your maybe getting some help from someone?"

Bill shrugged. "He's okay with it. We're both in the same boat. Except I'm not in Iraq and can find someone to take care of my needs better and easier than he can."

"Then there's your answer. So what do you think of this stone and these pavers together in the back yard?"

Bill looked down at the arrangement of material. "Wow, this tuff is beautiful. Did he give you a price?"

Lou fished a sheet of paper out of his pocket and stood next to Lou. The shorter man could feel the heat emanating from Lou's massive body. "He figured it all out and has a drawing of what goes where; see pavers here, the low back walls, the one higher retaining walls. It creates a really good place for the dogs. The wall guy, I think you know Spence's brother, can't do anything until October, but the materials can be set aside." He watched Bill's hand shake as he looked at the drawing and price out. "Bill, are you sure you're all right?"

Bill swallowed hard and shrugged. "This looks super and he has it figured out perfectly for my budget. I appreciate him cutting me a break. Let's go inside where it's a bit cooler. Hard to believe this is September." Bill offered the big man a drink and walked back toward the kitchen staging area. "Truth is Lou, I am a mess worrying about Ken." He told him what he knew of Ken's ordeal. Lou could see he was visibly angry. "I know he's serving the country and I shouldn't feel this way, but look at me. I was there. My legs aren't what they should be and I'm one of the really, really lucky ones. I don't know what to think or feel. I feel like I'm letting down my country."

Lou squeezed Bill's shoulder. "No one would blame you for being angry. You have a great group of friends who care about you, at least from what I have seen and from what you have told us. They're probably as frustrated not knowing what to do for you and feeling just as fucking angry about this whole recall bullshit. We can only hope he comes home intact. This this, altercation with his so-called fellow soldiers shouldn't leave him in harm. At least there appears to be no permanent damage physically. With your support and love, he can overcome it emotionally. It sounds like this Captain Malloy and Buck, is that it, are good people." Bill walked over to the laptop he had brought over and opened a file of pictures from Ken. Up popped several pics of Malloy and Buck working along side Ken in T's and camo shorts. "Hmm, I could bet Ken's as sexually frustrated as you are. Look, I'm not an overly religious person but Pat and I will keep him in our thoughts and prayers. If that means anything?"

"Thanks, it helps."

"In the meantime, you've been pouring almost all of your extra time into this place. You need to relax. It's okay to take a day just for yourself. Man, you are really tense." Lou rubbed Bill's shoulders and massaged his neck and back. "Damn, you're like one big knotted muscle. Relax." Bill moaned under the strength of Lou's strong hands working out the kinks in his shoulders. "I learned this because of bodybuilding. Guys who compete often get cramps. And then there's Pat, who just plain overworks his body. This helping?" Bill moaned and nodded. "I think I know what else you need." He slowly turned Bill around, undid the button and zipper on his shorts and let them fall to the floor."

Bill sucked in a deep breath. "Lou...no."

"Hush." The big man fell to his knees and kissed the head of Bill's quickly stiffening ebony cock. "Let me do this for you." Bill clutched the edge of the counter behind him as Lou began his oral assault on the big cock and ripe balls. Lou had no problem sucking down the big dick with the wide shaft just below the head. Bill finally gave in and placed his right hand behind Lou's head. Lou moaned his appreciation. It took thirty minutes of Lou teasing him to near climax before Bill's load flooded Lou's mouth. A few drops dribbled from the sides. Bill quickly kissed them away when Lou stood up to smile an evil grin at him. "That can't begin to relieve the stress you feel being separated from Ken, but it might give you a little relief from some tension." Bill slowly nodded and smiled.

"You didn't have to do that."

"No I didn't but it seemed like the least I could do to help you. Now, let's get the dogs and go get some lunch. The rest of the day you are under my direction to relax and not work yourself into a stupor."

"But I wanted to get some insula..."

"Don't care. The work will be here later. You owe it to yourself and to Ken to take some time for you. Besides, I'm a damned good listener. Maybe talking to me about what you are feeling will help."

Football

It was half time of the first college game for Dave, Tim and Ron when Sam's cell phone rang. The group all turned to stare at him as he struggled to get it out of the holder on his belt. "Sorry, I didn't think anyone would call during the game. Forgot to turn it off." Joe shook his head. "Aw shaddup, not like I get calls all day and night. Hey Tank, what's up? Yeah. Bill's had email why? Oh." Sam sat and babbled among the half time revelers while Joe, Gus and Kevin eavesdropped as best they could. Matt and Steve were one row back with the rest of the guys and out of earshot. Sam finally hung up. He bit his lower lip."

Joe sat down and leaned closer to avoid the strangers around them hearing. "What was that about?"

Sam looked blankly at Joe for a minute before taking a deep breath. "Seems Tank had one of his dreams and this time it involved Ken. You remember how he was like deep into this dream stuff when we were sorting out your kinship to him and mine to his late lover, oh and Ken's tie in and all that. It was a bit spooky but Tank is convinced this is a sign. Problem is since he's on these new arthritis and blood pressure meds his sleep is not what it used to be. Well, that and Harley often takes advantage of the uh, stiff of the moment if you get my drift. So he isn't sure of the details. But he knew something happened to Ken that didn't involve a war injury, so to speak. And he knows things will be okay for now."

"For now?" Joe looked down at the field where the teams were coming back out for the second half.

"The dream and this part is really fuzzy for him. He sometimes has these dreams several times or nights so he's hoping it will happen again. The dream that is. But someone dies."

"Ken?"

"He doesn't remember but it obviously bothered him enough to call." Joe took a deep breath. Gus and Kevin who came in at the end of that conversation just looked at each other. "Let's hope his dream goes into reruns."

Joe slipped his hand into Sam's at their knees and squeezed. "Let's hope details were scrambled and it's not Ken."

After the game the friends wound their way around to the team entrance as the crowd celebrated the victory in the warm September afternoon sun. Dave Jr. and Tim got big hugs from their Dads as the boys came out of the locker area dressed in their street clothes and still damp from the showers. Ron came out a minute later. Since his mother couldn't make the trip up he was greeted by a swirl of massive arms hugging him. As freshmen, they didn't get much playing time but what little they got showed promise. Ron grinned ear to ear as his friends crowded him.

Sam hugged his nephew and beamed like the proud uncle he was. "Okay, we have a room reserved at a restaurant for some dinner. Hope you boys planned to join us?" Dave Jr. and Tim agreed right away. Ron hesitated as he looked around at the sea of faces outside the stadium.

"I uh, sorta said I might have dinner with a friend."

Gus threw his arm over the young man's shoulders. "You can invite him to join us unless you are concerned about you know."

Ron looked at the ground. "Well, not exactly. I just don't know if..."

"Ron." The young man spun around to look for the deep bass voice that had said his name. A tall thick black man walked over and shook his hand.

"James."

"Good game son. All you boys. You did well for freshmen. It'll get better just wait and see."

Ron smiled at the big man. "Sam, Joe, guys, this is James..."

Gus shook the big man's hand. "Yes, we know. You played ball about what 15 years ago? And now you're a lawyer somewhere."

"Youngstown. How?"

"Oh your name comes up often in discussions about why isn't he playing pro ball."

The big man smiled and shook a thick denim covered leg. "Knees. Really truly fucked up knees. I lasted one year in pro ball. But I'm happy. I get to watch young talent like these guys. And I lift and stay in shape. Who knows maybe there'll be a geriatric team in heaven?"

Sam introduced himself. "We have a banquet room at the Inn reserved for dinner if you would like to join us. Bring your family?" The man smiled. Sam swore he felt Joe and Tim swoon at the big man.

"No family. Just me. I was going to take Ron and his buds to dinner if you guys didn't make the trip. But I would be honoured to join you all." Sam looked at a slightly apprehensive Ron. James threw his big arm around Sam. And the other around Ron. "I guess Ron hasn't mentioned me. Don't worry Sam. I fit right in with this group. IN fact, you and I met about five years ago at IML."

Joe rolled his eyes. "It's like six degrees of separation with Sam. Tim, did you know about James?"

Tim walked between Gus and Kevin. "Not really. We knew Ron had to be seeing someone but it was like this big secret. There were weekends in the summer when he was `busy.' Now we know."

"But from Youngstown?"

Dave bounced off his Dad. "The Internet. Small world and all. I just didn't think it would be someone who had played ball here."

Matt walked along with Steve and Buddy. "Well college football, and for that matter pro ball, can't handle out players."

Joe gestured at the crowd of big beefy denim-clad, hyper-masculine men making their way across the parking lot. "Yeah, not likely to be outed as a queen with this group. A better chance of being investigated for steroid use. Just look at this beef."

Steve whispered into Matt's ear as they followed James and Ron. "Just look at those beefy butts."

Matt glanced down at Steve's crotch. "Careful, you're about to give away secrets."

Swede had two jobs lined up that morning and was grateful for Gary, Jack and Scott's help. His partners were busy taking care of three other projects. The four of them made quick time of the work and after a lunch, courtesy of Swede, Jack and Gary were headed back to use Sam and Joe's basement gym. Swede and Scott decided to join them for a workout as well.

The four men put in a fairly intensive workout all the time keeping their eyes on the TV in the corner watching for a glimpse of Dave Jr., Tim or Ron playing football. At half time, a sweaty Swede and Scott dripping sweat in just their shorts and shoes hugged an equally sweaty Jack and Gary and took off to go back to Scott's to shower and watch the rest of the game.

Swede paused in the front doorway. "Now don't you boys be doing anything too kinky in the play room."

Jack played his innocent look. "What do you mean? We're going to work out some more, watch the game, shower, maybe order a pizza. What playroom stuff?"

Swede rolled his eyes as Scott stifled a laugh. "Yeah right. Don't be losing any toys anywhere we will have to come back over here to retrieve."

"I would never."

"I repeat. Yeah right." Swede pointed at him and laughed as he closed the door and headed for his truck followed by Scott.

"Why can't we stay and workout in the playroom?"

"Cause I intend to do all my playing from your bed with one eye on the game."

"What makes you think we can do both?"

Swede glanced down at the big prick outlined in the sweaty shorts. "I have faith you can rise to the occasion." Scott groaned at the pun and climbed into the truck.

Jack locked the door and bounded back down the stairs. Gary was doing arm curls watching the half time football report. Jack grabbed another set of barbells and joined him. He did a quick set and when Gary bent over to put his dumbbells on the floor, Jack pulled down his shorts.

"Hey. We can't workout if you play around." Jack ran his hands over the sweaty body. Jack's hands kneaded the thick hard flesh of his chest. He moaned as Jack's hot hands worked his muscles. Jack bit his delt.

"Let me take care of something and I can do some leg lifts for you." Gary groaned as Jack's hand squeezed his hard cock.

"I'll do some more arms. Hurry up." Jack returned a few minutes later ready for his aerobics. Gary had spread a couple of towels on the floor and was waiting, stiff cock in hand. The two teenagers rolled around on the floor each sucking the other to the point of climax then backing off. Finally, Gary pushed Jack to his knees and pressed against him. "Looks like state's about to go in for the score."

"Yeah, yeah, no puns, just fuck me."

"No really look." Jack looked up at the TV just as state crossed the line and Gary's cock hit home. Jack stifled a scream and giggled.

"Sorry, the absurdity of what we just did hit home oh, yeah, hit me again." Gary fucked away at Jack's tight ass until Jack begged him to bring them off. He braced himself as Gary reach around to pound his dripping teen cock. A few minutes later they collapsed in a sea of cum and sweat onto the towels. "Damn that was hot. What's the score in the game?"

Gary lay on top of Jack panting for his breath, his cock slowing shrinking and plopping out of its warm space. "It's over. We missed it. Have to watch the highlights."

Jack sighed with contentment. "I wouldn't mind a repeat of the highlights." They lay together on the floor wrapped around each other waiting for the game replay. The announcers were just coming on when the doorbell rang. Jack snorted. "Who could that be on a Saturday afternoon? Don't they know we're watching a football game?" He rolled out from under Gary, tugged his shorts back on trying to adjust his dick to be less conspicuous. He grabbed a hand towel to dab at the smears of cum on his stomach.

There was still some late afternoon sun coming in the front windows as Jack came around from the basement stairs and padded to the door in his bare feet. He opened the front door prepared to face a sales man or neighbour. "What the hell? Dad? What are you doing here?"

Jack's father stood sternly on the front porch. A few steps behind him stood two men in blue work shirts and jeans. Their arms were folded across their chests giving them an air of authority.

"Jack, I'm here to provide you a way out of your debased lifestyle. These men are from Ex..."

"Oh no. You aren't supposed to be here. I ain't going with them. I know what that group is about, no way. Get the hell out of here."

"Look at you son. Hardly dressed in a suitable manner?"

"What? I was working out downstairs you dumb fuck?"

One of the men stepped forward. "That's no way to talk to your father."

"Don't touch me. I have a court order to keep him away. I was granted the freedom to live with my friends here."

Jack's father's face seethed red. "Your friends are probably forcing you into all kinds of sinful sex and dragging you down."

"NO. It's nothing like that. Get out of here." Jack's father stepped toward him and grabbed an arm. Gary knew something was wrong as soon as he heard Jack's loud voice. He pulled his shorts on and grabbed his cell phone. He heard footsteps scuffling in the entry way upstairs as he took the stairs two at a time. "Stop it. You have no legal right to be here."

Jack's father glared as Gary with his shorts hanging low on his hips. His cock still semi hard flopped against the soft material. The two men standing behind Jack's father stopped for an instant. "Who are you?"

Gary stood defiantly. His hands were hidden behind his back. His fingers tracing over the phone keys. "I'm a friend of his. And now I'm a witness that you're trying to kidnap him. Take him away against his will." One of the men stepped forward and slapped a firm grip on Jack's arm. "Guess you'll have to kidnap me too?"

"This isn't kidnapping son."

"Don't call me son you son of a bitch. Jack earned the right in court to be out of your house. The judge placed him here with two men who care."

"Yeah, and where are they now?"

"They're...they're out but they'll be back any minute."

"I don't think so. I saw them load stuff into the big guy's truck. I'm betting they're two hours away at a football game."

"No, they're..." Jack stomped on his father's instep hard enough that the man loosened his grip. Jack fell forward and rolled toward Gary. The two men now stepped inside and slammed the door.

Jack's father screamed at the two young men. No son of his was going to be queer. These men could help him lead a straight and dignified life."

Gary tried to help Jack. "You call this dignified? Having two men come and kidnap your son? You have no legal right fucker. The court's will have your hide."

"I don't think so. He's still my son."

"I'm 18 now. I don't really need you and legally I can do what I want."

One of the men stepped back and scowled at Jack's father. "He's 18?" Jack's father could only open his mouth but no words came out. "And he has legal documentation?" Again Jack's father stumbled for words. "I think we better go."

Jack's father had gotten another grip on Jack's wrist. "No, I don't want my son living this life."

"It's my life dammit." Gary took a step to help Jack just as his father yanked him away toward the door. The two men opened the door. Jack's father pulled him toward it. They stopped in their tracks.

An off-duty Officer John Sullivan and his life partner Buzz stood on the porch. Their arms folded across their chest. Behind them two police cruisers blocked the street. The lights flashed but no sirens were used. John held out his badge. "You gentlemen want to explain what you are doing here? And you sir, I recommend you take your hand off that young man before I ask these officers to remove it."

The two men with Jack's father stood quietly to one side as one of the other police officers stepped up to face Jack's father. The anger the man felt toward John washed over his face and body. Buzz turned to Jack and Gary. "Are you guys okay?" They nodded they were.

John's eyes never wavered from Jack's old man. "I think you all need to go in for questioning. I'll get a statement from Jack and Gary. No sense dragging them to the office." The other police officers thanked John and walked off with Jack's father and the other two men.

Bill and Lou arrived in Bill's truck. "What's going on? We came as soon as I figured out Gary's message."

John, Buzz, Gary and Jack looked at the two men who ran from Bill's truck wearing only shorts. Lou blushed. "I'm Lou. I haven't had the pleasure to meet all of you and wellllllll, this isn't exactly the best time is it?"

John laughed. "Not exactly. I've seen you compete. Come in while we sort this out."

Bill stood on the porch staring at the ceiling. Buzz stepped back outside and bumped him in jest. "Guess I got caught with my hand in the cookie jar."

Buzz smirked. "That's one damn fucking big cookie jar." He threw his arm around Bill and pulled him inside. "Billy ain't none of us going to worry about you having a good time, not knowing what you and Ken are going through. No way do we judge."

Bill could only manage a weak reply. "Thanks."

Inside, Jack and Gary gave the men their story. John took notes for a report. He called the station for an update. "No hurry to file this. It won't make much difference. Your father's made a mess of things. The other two guys were pretty well misled. They were wrong and despicable but misled."

Buzz rubbed his thighs as he sat in a comfortable leather chair. "All righty then. How about dinner? You guys all want to join us?"

"I was going to do dinner for me and Bill but I have plenty if you would all like to join us." Lou offered with a slightly embarrassed look on his face. "I'm a pretty good cook."

John nodded his approval. "That would be nice. Although, if you don't mind my suggesting, four of you really, really need to shower. Really."

Buzz snickered from across the room. "I hadn't noticed."

John shook his head. "Oy. Gary, you call your parents and let them know you're having dinner with us. Then you boys grab a shower and head to Bill's. Gentlemen, Buzz and I are going to drop these notes off at the station, then stop at our house for some wine and beer. We can be at your place in 40 minutes."

Lou beamed. "That'll work."

John turned to lead Buzz toward the door. "Oh and Bill."

"What?"

"Your zipper's down." Bill dropped his head and saw the gap of his shorts revealing the top of his cock. He fell against John in embarrassment. "Bet those two ex-gay nut bags are rethinking their stance now."

Lou kept his word. He was an excellent cook and produced one healthy tasty meal. John and Buzz immediately fell in love with him and accepted him as one of the family. Gary and Jack were in awe of another man on the same size scale as Sam and John. They had begun teasing each other it was in the water and drank every drop they could.

Lou was busily cleaning up in Bill's kitchen. Bill had been downstairs to say goodnight to his friends. John and Buzz were going to make sure Jack was safely home at Sam's and Gary got home without a problem. Bill sat at the bar between the efficient kitchen and the dining area and watched Lou. "Thanks for doing dinner. Ken is a way better cook than I am. It made quite an impression on John and Buzz."

"Well, they look like they eat pretty healthy food. Let me guess. A lot of protein. Big men. And Gary and Jack are going to be big by time they get to college. Gary should think about being a competitive bodybuilder. A really wonderful natural build. It is natural?"

Bill smiled. "As far as I know. You can't hang out with Sam and his friends and not catch gym fever."

"Well, I'm all done. Dishwasher is loaded. I'll just start this puppy and be on my way."

Bill sighed. "I know Pat is away and I sorta wish you didn't have to go. We don't have to do anything. I am, I just hate being alone."

Lou dried his hands and leaned across the counter to kiss Bill. "I can stay. Pat knows I'm here. We have a pretty open relationship. Neither of us abuses it, well, to be honest, we hardly ever play around separately, or even that much together. Been a couple too long, we just feel right together. And he likes to fuck my ass real good. Real good."

Bill gave him a weak smile. "Actually. I don't often do this but I really need someone to fuck me tonight. Don't know why. Just need it."

Lou came around the bar and leaned up against Bill's back. "In that case, we better let the dogs out one more time. I'll do that if you want to take care of anything else." Bill nodded and got up to head toward the bathroom. Doober and Sam knew the routine and swirled around the door. Lou hardly got down the steps before they were done and ready to go back in and settle together on Doober's big bed. Lou smiled at them and headed toward the back bedroom. He was naked and relaxed when Bill joined him. "We really don't have to do this."

Bill glanced at Ken's picture. "Yeah we do."

Dinner chatter after the football game sounded like any other group of men talking football and scarfing down big quantities of food. James was relaxed and fit right in with the rest of them. The only difference was at the end of the night Dave Jr., headed back to the dorm room with Tim, most everyone else climbed into vehicles for the long drive back to Pittsburgh, and James and Ron headed to a hotel several miles away out of the eyeshot of the college town.

Tim confided in Dave that he was a little jealous. He wasn't sure what he was going to do with his best gay bud off for sex with some big ex-football jock. Dave commiserated that the sex life of a college freshman was pretty bland, lots of studying, game practice and not much else. The two friends vowed they had to find ways to have more of a social life. Tim stripped and lay naked in his dorm bed. He was horny as hell and the thought of Ron doing anything with that big man only made it worse. The room was stuffy. He got up to get some water and stood in the window to study the quiet campus below. One of his teammates waved as he returned from an evening of after game partying. Their eyes held for a few moments and the young man looked like he groped his basket. Tim watched him walk across the courtyard to an adjoining building, slowly look back and wave.

Sam would have to deal with the problems caused by Jack's father and his ex-gay goons. Joe programmed all their friends' phone numbers into Jack's phone in the event of another attempt. Jack's mother more than made his father's life miserable. Jack could only imagine. The thought always put a smile on his face. Vince the treeman added fuel to the case by identifying Jack's father as the guy he saw snooping around the house and had confronted one morning. The judge was not happy.

Fall became routine for the gang of friends. It was more than two weeks later when Bill finally consented to let them all see what was happening on his building. By then Pat had landscaped the front of the building and laid out plans for the side and back. Some sections of the yard and projects would have to wait until spring, as the weather was getting too cool and wet. He and Lou easily merged into the rest of the crowd.

The men wandered through Bill's project from hell as he called it. They praised him for what he had accomplished in a few shorts months. The drywall was far from done but it was easy to see painting would probably be able to start around the holidays. The new kitchen and baths would probably not get installed until closer to the New Year. Steve and Ben were working as fast as they could on way to many projects without Ken.

Tony and Bear eagerly held a fall housewarming and party and honoured Ken in his absence. It gave the friends one more option for hanging out. Joe began a chart and calendar shared online so everyone could plan their lives around the gym, travel for work, dinners rotated among their homes, and football games for Gary, Jack, Dave Jr., Tim and Ron. James managed to get in to visit a couple of times but remained on the edge of the group. Geography keeping him over an hour away.

Bill kept everyone informed of Ken's recovery and pending hearing. Malloy was working to meticulously build a case against the four men who had raped him. Buck was relishing the chance to play intelligence agent. Ken's humour had returned but his fear of another attack was evident in his emails to Bill. The communiqués were coming more frequently as their projects kept them more or less out of harm's way. Bill would often wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat worrying about his partner.

Tank would call Sam when he had one of his dreams. They still weren't quite able to put together the pieces or meaning of his overly active imagination. Beau had landed the job with the local police department. Harley organized a moving trip over a few days and trucks to send a crew with Snake to move Beau back to Pennsylvania. Tank remained behind fighting the bothersome pain of his arthritis and under Harley's controlling care. He complained to Sam that Harley had become the Master in the relationship as far as health was concerned. Harley was only more than happy to oblige as long as Tank fucked his brains out several times a week

Thanksgiving was quickly approaching and still no word whether or not Ken would get a leave for the holiday. Fall had remained relatively warm and snow free. All the better to squeeze in a couple more weekend trips to the cabin. Naked mud volleyball however, didn't work so well in November. Lou and Pat made the trip and were blown away both by Sam and Joe's so-called cabin and Tank's compound. They marveled at Andy with his one leg never losing a beat to the others and Zeke's wheelchair never once slowed down the hell-on-wheels gimp. James even managed to spend a night or two with Ron in tow after a football game. The campus was only about a half hour from the cabin.

Tim showed up one Saturday evening after a game with a fellow teammate, Chris. Ron's jaw dropped when the big lineman walked in, dropped his bag on the floor and survived introductions to everyone. He pulled Tim aside as Sam and Tank praised the young man for his game ability. "Dude, can Chris handle being here with a bunch of gay men, even though they're football fans?"

Tim snooped through the pots of food cooking away in the large kitchen. "What makes you think he's not gay?"

"Holy fuck. He's a senior. Do you think he will be picked up in the NFL draft and what then?"

"He doesn't want to play pro-ball. HE wants to be a doctor." Ron's eyes opened wide knowing this kid could easily make the cut professionally.

Tim giggled as he poured him self some iced tea. "And I want to be a doctor's wife."

The Monday of Thanksgiving week arrived with the news that Ken wasn't likely to get leave. The hearing for the four men who had assaulted him, allegedly, was grinding on. Bill went into a funk and the friends rallied to not leave him alone if they could help it. Doober, Sam and Angie even seemed to be aware and on the few nights he was alone, he managed to have three dogs staying with him as bedmates.

Ben would only laugh. "I don't understand my dog. She loves him. You'd think he was her master."

Matt and Buddy would watch the three dogs trail after Bill and laugh. "Ben, animals have an uncanny knack to know when their special skills are needed." **** The radio call about the attempted bank robbery came right after noon Tuesday of Thanksgiving week. TV and radio carried the breaking news reports. The friends were all in a frenzy calling back and forth knowing that John was on duty and that the news had reported an officer shot.

John arrived on the scene to find two cruisers, one from his township and one from the neighbouring borough, blocking the street outside the bank. The robbers were taking cover behind their vehicle and effectively blocking the door to the bank. A quick guard had slammed the door as they exited and snapped the lock keeping them from access back into the safety of the bank.

John could see the legs of a police officer by the driver's side of the Charger cruiser. He looked at the vehicle number. Deacon. Shit. The robbers may have blown the bank heist but they managed to take out a fellow cop, even one Sullivan didn't particularly like. He crouched beside his car as a bullet whizzed past. Fucking shitheads. Not on his watch. His cell went off. The screen displayed Buzz's number. No time now buddy. The cop in the other cruiser drew a couple of rounds from the robbers and John made his move. He grabbed his kit from the trunk and with a grace he hadn't used since his football days made a beeline for the Dodge and Deacon's still body.

John rolled to a thud against Deacon. He mumbled about blood under his breath as he checked for a pulse. Faint. Damn. He pulled open his kit and found the large pad to help stop the bleeding. Deacon moaned and fought to stay conscious.

"Okay, you miserable old fart. You ain't kicking off on my time." The man seemed to have enough awareness to wince in pain as John fought to stem the blood flow. "Stay with me fucker. I can hear the EMT sirens. They're on the wa... shit, fucking bullet. They're on their way. You hear me Deacon? Damn. Swear at me. Grumble. Call me a cocksucker. Oh shit." Another bullet ricocheted off the light rack of the cruiser. John snuck a peek through the car's interior. What the hell were they packing? Judging by the number of rounds, these guys came meaning business. Fuck, where's the pulse?

"DEACON, YOU FUCKER YOU WITH ME?" John felt his own heart beating a mile a minute. No way could the EMT van be able get to them when it arrived. "Deacon, even you don't deserve this. Damn. John switched to CPR mode in any attempt to keep the man alive. A bullet shattered the glass in the back door. John fell to cover the downed officer. "Okay fuckers now you really made me angry. It's a holiday week. I don't need this. I got a buddy in Iraq who ain't been shot at this much. And I got a lover I don't intend on saying goodbye to."

John slid his weapon from its holster, adjusted his grip, stood up in one quick smooth motion and steadied his arm on the top of the cruiser. He squeezed the trigger and watched as blood splattered from the robber's right shoulder. The other robber spun to look at his partner. John caught his wrist in the split second he stood up. He fell back to his knees and continued to work on Deacon.

"We'll take over Officer." John fell out of the way as two paramedics took over trying to save Deacon's life. Only then did he realize how quickly he was breathing. How much he was sweating. He scrambled out of the way as another police car arrived and four officers closed in on the downed robbers. Two more EMT units arrived to attend to the robbers and check on the bank employees.

Sullivan slid to the ground against the front passenger wheel of his car and held his head in his hand. The first EMT's were already loading Deacon into the ambulance van. Even Deacon didn't deserve to die like that. His body trembled as he fought to regain control over the remaining adrenaline in his system. It took a good two minutes before he realized the bank employees were standing outside applauding him. And now the camera news crew. Damn.

One of his fellow officers came over to congratulate him. He didn't seem to be able to concentrate. Another police cruiser arrived from the next borough. An officer got out to claim Deacon's car. John looked at his co-worker. "Was Deacon still alive?"

The older man quietly took John's arm. "As far as I know he was. The medics yelled at you. You did a super job. John, you okay?" John watched the world spin as he lurched to the back of the car, bent over and threw up. His fellow officer rubbed his back. "I feel the same way about paperwork." John laughed as he tried to stand up. He settled for leaning against the car. "You're okay Sullivan. It's a bitch when you have to shoot someone. Hmmm, here comes the chief."

"Sullivan? Good job son. I know it isn't easy to fire your gun in the line of duty but well, from what they tell me you were pretty remarkable. The helicopter caught it all."

"Helicopter?" John looked up and realized another camera crew was hovering overhead. "Did they get my good side?" The chief smiled.

"John, the other officers will start the paperwork. We'll need a statement tomorrow. It's a formality but anytime an officer shoots anyone, well, you need to take off the rest of the day. With pay. Take your car back and head home. Get some rest. And uh, well, I'll see if we have another uniform in your size. A bit of blood there." John looked down at his clothes and realized Deacon's blood was on his shirt and right thigh. The world started to spin again. "Cunning? Come over here. Drive John back to the station and make sure he gets home all right." The chief turned to talk to the township manager and a couple of commissioners. Officer Cunning walked John to the passenger side of the car. A few minutes later, he followed John home as an unsteady Charger lurched to a stop in the driveway.

Cunning ran over to check on John one more time before he left. "You're one helluva shot Sullivan. Glad you're on our side." He shook John's hand, climbed back into the Ford and drove off.

John was twenty-five minutes in the shower when Buzz came running in through the side door. He saw the bloody uniform in a heap on the laundry room floor and bounced off the wall trying to get to the bathroom.

"John. JOHN. Are you okay?" John stumbled backwards when Buzz threw aside the shower curtain and examined his lover's body.

John swallowed hard and in a very quiet voice. "I'm okay Buzz, really. I wasn't the one who got shot."

"I saw your uniform." Buzz threw his arms around the big cop soaking his clothes in the process."

"Ain't never shot anyone like that before. Not sure I want to ever have to do it again. Jesus. You're all wet now." Buzz grabbed a towel and began drying his lover as John peeled off Buzz's wet clothes. Thirty minutes later they lay exhausted across the bed. Cum dripped from Buzz's fucked hole. John giggled. "I've heard of make-up sex but never thank god you're not shot sex."

Buzz whimpered. "OMG!"

Buzz finally calmed down enough to call Sam and let him know John was all right. Sam promised to relay the message to their friends. Bill watched the news report of the foiled bank robbery, John's shooting skills and his saving a fellow officer on a small TV he had dragged over to the new place. He walked over to the laptop on the staging table, pulled up the TV website and forwarded to story to Ken. A few minutes later he had an email from Ken. They wouldn't be together for the holiday but Ken would do everything he could to keep email flowing over the next few days. Things were a little tenser in Iraq and they had to work their projects with a weapon belted around their waists. Even Buck was nervous. ***** The friends scattered on Thanksgiving Day to various family gatherings. Thanksgiving Friday was a different story. Sam and Joe joined forces with Bruce, Matt and the Steve's to put one humongous dinner out for their buds. Tank and his crew came in and invaded with more food and drink. As much as Bill missed Ken, he couldn't help be overwhelmed by his caring friends. John's humility was tested by everyone's praise. Ben got away long enough from his girlfriend to join his gay buds for dinner and let Angie have playtime with Sam and Doober. Jack and Gary drove everyone nuts with a digital camera then disappeared for forty minutes to upload pics for an email to Ken.

They played a CD version for everyone on Sam's home office computer. Despite the high levels of testosterone, there were many wet eyes. Ken sat and ate more of the pumpkin pie Malloy had spirited out of the dinner hall. He shared the pics with Malloy and Buck. Buck pulled up pics from his partner back home in Ohio and floored Ken and the Captain when they finally saw his partner.

Malloy stuffed his mouth with whipped cream. "Good grief. All anyone would think looking at your partner Buck, and all of Ken's friends, is do they do anything other than hit the weights?"

Buck shrugged and cut himself another piece of pie. "Nope."

Tank stood quietly in the corner and watched the pictures play again on the monitor. Sam sauntered over and nudged against him. "So, any thing new on the dream front?"

Tank took a long slow breath. "No, not really. Still don't understand all the pieces. But."

"But what?"

"Soon Sam. Whatever is going to happen is going to happen soon." ***** Everyone kept busy over the next two weeks preparing for the Christmas holiday. Bill sent a couple of packages off to Ken but convinced his buds to hold their gifts for Ken just in case he got home at the end of December. Since he hadn't been able to finagle Thanksgiving off, Malloy was doing everything he could to get them Christmas and New Year's.

It would be a gift to themselves for the hard work they did in defending Ken in the rape hearing. There had been hard cold evidence that the four men had indeed assaulted Ken. The work Buck had done paid off in testimony from fellow soldiers that the four alleged rapists had conspired and planned their assault on Ken. Once the final pieces began to play out, the four had no case. Malloy felt his men really had leave due to them.

Swede, Scott, Tony and Bear put together a holiday party at Bill's new place to coincide with the installation of the new kitchen. Steve and Ben had outdone themselves on the cabinetry and were bursting with pride as their friends oohed and aahed. The bathrooms were still not done so Bill hadn't exactly planned to move in yet. He was hoping after the first of the year. Only one room had been painted, the master bedroom. The bathroom had new fixtures but had not had the final paint and polish happen yet. A new king bed suite was arranged in what surprised everyone as a near perfect designer look room.

Bill beamed. "I have been pumping Ken for months on what kinds of things he liked. This is pretty much everything he would pick if he were here. So, hopefully, we'll be able to uh, christen it if he gets home on leave."

Joe turned toward Sam and whispered. "Can you wear out a mattress that quickly?"

Sam only rolled his eyes. "Uh, we're not ones to judge."

The rest of the place still needed to be painted. And the basement was a mess but Bill's accomplishments in a few short months were unbelievable. From the outside the place was warmly lit with lighting Pat had found to enhance the 30's architecture of the building. Anyone passing by would see a building aglow with a holiday party. Including a tree in the living room. The dogs were happily working the crowd and seemed as at home as all the men.

The crowd of men, from teens to old farts, as Tank liked to refer to himself, enjoyed the sumptuous food and ample drink. Bill was elated to have the opportunity to share the new space this way. He tried not to show his disappointment that Ken was still thousands of miles away.

Gary and Jack once again gathered digital pictures. Ken would be lost and confused without captions. Tim was beaming beside a hulk of a boyfriend. Ron was equally happy in a picture with an older man who looked vaguely familiar. So much had changed in those months. Thad and Brian were a tight part of the gang. He wasn't yet sure exactly who Lou and Pat were. The boys did a good job of not getting too much background in the shots to give away any of Bill's surprises.

The party was slowly winding down and the gang thinning out. People planned to stop back in the next day or so to pick up chairs they had carted over. Bill listened to Sam, Joe, Tank and Harley tease each other back and forth. Header, Andy and Pete were heading to Spence and Zeke's for the night. Carlos, LJ, Snake and Beau were off to Steve and Matt's. Matt's parents had happily taken Buddy for the weekend.

Sam leaned against the counter next to Bill. The shorter man jerked. "Oh damn. I missed a phone call. Must have been all the noise. Huh, a text message. I don't understand." He punched in his code and listened to the message. "I can't tell if it was from Buck, Ken's code number though. There's no name and it doesn't make sense. He just said things were okay. How did that get through?"

Sam glanced at Tank who shrugged. "Billy, I marvel everyday at cell phones and how people text those itty bitty buttons with their fat fingers. Harley is the techie. I'm just the big dick."

"Should I try to call back?"

Sam shook his head. "No they're in a war zone, don't chance it. I'm not sure how he got a call out that way but we need to be patient for the next message."

Bill almost dropped the phone when it rang in his hand. "Hello? Yes, speaking. What? I don't, is he? Okay, no sir. I know sir...oh. You're sure...? I. Yes sir. Hello?" Bill flipped the phone shut. A look of confusion spread over his face.

Sam reached out to hold his shoulder. Tank closed his eyes and placed his forehead against Harley's. "Bill. What was that?"

Bill took a jagged breath and visibly trembled. "There was a bombing. An AED."

"IED?"

Bill shook his head. "Yeah, IED. They wouldn't say much. I'm not really sure if Ken is okay. They said he had sustained injuries. They just said he would be at the Pittsburgh Airport on Tuesday. They'll email me the details. They're trying to locate his family. Something about Buck made them call me."

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Starting Again Chapter 33 Copyright 2008