Starting Again

Starting Again Chapter 36 by lennoxbear@gmail.com

January in the northeast is, well, gray. With hints of brown. Except if covered by snow and after a few days, slush. Gray slush. The weather limits outdoor activity except for the hale and hearty. Or those who are nuts in some people's minds. It didn't take much cold, snowy weather to have people daydreaming of the warmth and green of spring. Sam and Joe and their buds did their level best to dig in and enjoy the midst of winter.

Gus and Swede were big outdoor winter enthusiasts who did what they could to keep the fun flowing. Downhill. They organized a ski weekend to one of the nearby mountain resorts and were surprised by the fact that almost everyone in their Pittsburgh group was willing to try. Scott and Bill were convinced that African-American men had no right on the snowy slopes. Scott quickly changed his mind when he realized they would have evenings in a big restaurant, the condos in which they were staying had fireplaces and that meant hot naked sex in front of a roaring fire. Buzz had learned to ski at an early age from his Dad Gus. John wasn't quite ready to accept a 260-pound cop flying headlong down a sleep slope until after a couple of attempts. Then the same feeling he got from his motorcycle took over. He was pumped on adrenaline that translated to heavy duty pumping on Buzz's ass later.

Sam had learned to ski on the west coast and patiently worked to teach Joe. It took a while then he realized every time Joe went down became an excuse for his boy to grope him. Kev and Gus saw what was happening very quickly and delighted in how inept Joe could make himself look on skis. Sam finally got the hint and dragged him off to a gathering of trees for a quick blowjob. Joe's skiing improved quickly on the promise of hot tub sex in front of a snowy window ledge. Most of the men had only been on skis a couple of times in their lives. It took a few hours but soon the hills were covered with the not-so-graceful forms of beefy musclehunks speeding down the slopes. Small children fled in terror.

Consensus agreement was that Matt's butt looked super hot even in heavy workout gear. The extra layers only accentuated the beefy round contours. Steve coincidentally always went down the slopes after Matt. Smiling and leering at what he would be able to enjoy later.

Jack convinced James to join them for the weekend. He hung out with the college guys and was soon holding his sides in pain from the laughter of his young friends. Other skiers thought he was a father chaperoning a group of young men for the weekend. The younger guys had all chosen to pool their resources and all bunk in together in one unit. It was cozy to say the least and the whole concept of chaperone would have gone sliding down the hill had curious eyes been able to watch Jack with James and Gary in the evening. Thad had been one of Sam's ski-buddies in San Francisco and had accompanied him on numerous ski trips to Whistler over the years. It was his turn now to teach Brian the ropes. Thad arrived decked out in the best form-fitting ski gear and made sure Brian was also warmly attired. Surprisingly enough, snow pants do very little to hide stiff frozen hardons.

Spence had been hesitant about accepting the invitation for a ski weekend not wanting to leave Zeke out of any of the fun. Zeke assured him it would be just fine and not to worry. He floored Spence the afternoon they were to leave when he returned from his storage locker across town with a ski chair in the back of his van. Being a paraplegic had never stopped him from enjoying the accomplishment of skiing. Their friends cheered as they watched him expertly maneuver the down hill slope in his adaptive gear. Spence was beside himself with joy for his partner. Sam watched the two of them race down one of the mid-level courses as Bruce slid up beside him.

Bruce pushed his glasses up over the top of his cap. "That's just going to make Spence hornier isn't it?"

Sam snorted. "Since when has a sporting event ever impacted the ability of anyone in this group to have all out sex?"

Bruce thought about it for a few seconds as his Steve flew by. "Hmm, there is something inspiring about a big beefy guy, legs flexing, quads pumped, ass pushed out that says good times ahead, huh?" Sam glanced down at Bruce's pronounced bulge.

"Three ski poles."

"Fuck you Chambers. Gotta go chase my man." Bruce sped off down the hill as Sam gave him the queenly wave. Tony and Bear came to a not so pretty stop next to him.

Bear was beaming ear to ear at his first time on skis. "Man, this is such a rush. Who knew being out in the cold and snow could be so exhilarating? I'm stoked."

Tony flat lined a reply. "I'm freezing my skinny ass off furball. He's had too much caffeine."

"Then I get to warm up all your parts later. Especially one particular part."

"You better hope it doesn't fall off." He pulled off his cap to shake the snow free. Sam studied his head. "Tony, you have hair?" Tony rubbed his gloved hand over his two-days worth of stubble.

"Yeah. I shave my head cause I like the look."

Bear giggled. "But the rest of him is smooth as a baby's butt. All over now."

Tony blushed. "We uh, played around with my shaving everything and well, I sorta like it."

"Make's his dick look even bigger. And it feels really hot all lubed and slippery."

Sam rolled his eyes. "Okay, over share." Tony pulled his cap back on his head, punched Bear in the arm and took off down the hill. Bear wobbled after him. Sam shouted as they bounced down the hill. "Dinner in the lodge at 6."

A large beefy figure went flying by at breakneck speed. Sam stepped back a bit as Joe slid up next to him. Sam gestured toward the large speeding man. "Who or what was that?"

Joe smiled. "That was Lou. Who knew a competitive bodybuilder would also be an expert skier?"

"Where's Bill?"

"Oh he's coming slowly. First time on skis. Gary is helping him."

"Bill's doing okay?"

Joe took a deep breath. "Yeah, he's doing well. He needed to be here. All he's done since Ken shipped out is work and lift. Not that the lifting hasn't been good. He looks fucking awesome. But, he can't spend all his time trying not to think about Ken."

"So, everything works out being here with Lou, we're sure?"

"From what Bill said yes. Pat drives his folks down to Florida right after the holidays and stays for a vacation. He's perfectly fine with Lou hanging out with Bill." "Hanging and uh..."

"Fucking? Yeppers. Bill was a mess at first but Pat told him it's fine. He and Lou don't have a uh, well, exactly open relationship. They have to approve of someone playing around with someone else. But evidently, last fall, the three of them got to know each other really well."

"And how does Ken feel about this?"

"From what Bill told me he's okay with it. He would rather Bill be with one of us than out picking up a stranger. And from what he said, Lou is quite the hot bottom. And Pat, while skinny, has a humongous dick. So, two big dicks, a hungry bottom, you figure it out."

"Sweet mystery of life."

"Ain't no mystery about it buddy boy."

Sam slid his arm around Joe's waist. "So, you going to be up for a bit of playing later my hot bottom?"

Joe took another deep breath. "Hard to believe how a day of hard skiing could lead to some hard fucking but oh man, am I horny."

"You want to try to get a bit of fun in before dinner?" A wicked grin spread over Joe's face. He flipped his goggles back down and pushed off.

"Race you to the bottom of the hill."

Sam tightened his gloves and adjusted his goggles. Bill wobbled by.

"This ain't natural for a black mannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn." Sam just smiled.

The ski weekend provided the buddies with a change in routine. About the only other big thing they did in winter was workout. Most of the men were now hitting the gym hard five days a week. And the efforts were paying off. Everyone was keeping control of their weight and adding lean muscle. Even Zeke who could only concentrate on upper body was complaining how none of his shirts quite fit him right anymore. Spence would just smile and cup one of Zeke's growing pecs. They worked out an elaborate plan to keep from monopolizing equipment at the gym. There were three sets of guys who did different body parts on different days rotating through the routine over six days with one day off. Butts, legs, biceps and pecs were growing quite well.

Lou joined them and shared his expertise as a competitive bodybuilder. Pat worked out as he could but his job kept him lean and athletic. No matter how much he ate, he never gained weight because he burned everything off. As a group they were always respectful of other gym members. They let people work ahead of them. On more than one occasion a relatively new member would ask to join them. They never turned anyone down. A few men found it difficult to believe all these musclehunks were gay. A few politely declined working in with them. A few not so politely. Most just smiled and enjoyed the camaraderie and sweat.

Several of the guys had optimistically planned to grab a quick workout after a couple of hours in the snow and before dinner. Sam, Thad, Kevin, Gus and his sons who were regular skiers knew they'd be too tuckered to pump weights. An energetic but not as much as usual crowd of men slowly began to gather in one of the side dining rooms the young guys had reserved. Other patrons of the resort would stop and watch as one after another muscleman made his way through the restaurant. Many of the women and a few of the men stared with lust. Quite a few of the women openly hit on the buds as they stopped at a bar to grab a drink.

One slightly tipsy woman leered at Officer John in his snug ski-pants and police jacket. His jacket zipper was down just enough to show his shirt stretching enticingly across his massive pecs. Her jacket likewise left nothing to the imagination as her girls were close to spilling out onto the bar. She gave him an intense appraisal from head to toe and leaned toward him.

"Are you a for real cop?"

John smiled his best aw-shucks grin. "Yes, mam I am."

"Wow, I wouldn't mind being searched and seizured by you. I've never done it with handcuffs."

John's big blues sparkled. "I have. It's a rush."

The woman took a long deep breath. "What do I have to do to get arrested by you?"

He chuckled lightly. "Sorry but I'm not on duty."

"Judging by that basket you'd almost always be on duty. You are one hot big man. Please." She held out her wrists.

"Sorry, I'm here with someone." She looked around as Buzz giggled. She glanced at Buzz and got a confused look.

She checked out the younger man and licked her lips. "Can I get arrested for a three-way?"

John took a deep breath. "This is my partner, my lover."

The woman sucked in a long deep breath as she thought about it. She quickly sat upright and almost fell off her stool. "Noooooooooooooooo. No way. You two can't be, no, yer joshin' me, queer, gay, noooooo. Reeellly? You're gay?"

Buzz bit his tongue to stop from laughing at the look on her face as she checked out every inch of the two big men. "Yes, we are."

"Noooooooooooooooooo. I can tell." She grabbed Buzz and planted a long, wet, tongue-choking kiss on the young man. Buzz could only splutter as she dropped back onto her stool. "I'll be damned. You are. Well, excuse me for making the mistake. Can't blame a girl for trying. Damn."

John threw his arm over a still surprised Buzz and walked away. "Can she really tell I'm gay by a kiss?"

John pulled him close and kissed him. "Sure, I can."

Buzz discretely adjusted his tackle. "Oh you can now for sure."

The woman back at the bar was later overheard telling a skinny man to go hit the gym and come back when he looked like the men in the private dining room.

Buzz seemed to be fidgety for the next hour. John finally pulled him aside and hugged him. "You worried that I would ever do it with a woman again?"

Buzz blushed. "No, never. I know what you and I have is honest commitment. It's just that kiss she laid on me."

"It get you hot?" Buzz looked at the floor. "Did it?" Buzz shook his head no. "Then what? Buzz, how old are you?"

"25."

"How many women you been with, I mean sink your dick in and have sex? Not dates, not hanging out."

"Two."

John studied the love and loyalty deep in Buzz's eyes. "How old were you when you knew you were gay?"

Buzz shrugged. "Twelve maybe."

"You struggled all those years until when?"

"Grad school."

"And then how many men?"

"Only a couple."

"So you were practically a virgin when we first got together?"

"Yes sir." Buzz leaned in against John's chest and sighed. "I knew the moment I met you the first time. I've thought about us every day since then. You and me are so right for each other. Boy, talk about romance novel bullshit. It's embarrassing."

John snickered. "Well, all except that time you broke my leg to have sex. You scared me. I ain't never had anyone go off on me like that, and then we're fucking on the side of the road like wild animals. Gees."

"Wait till later." "You bet." John reached down and got himself a handful of Buzz cock and balls. "You're getting very lucky tonight."

Buzz groaned. "My ass can't wait."

"Uh uh. You're fucking your old man tonight long and hard. Yeah, I can tell you need that." He laid a hot kiss on his lover. "That goofy woman at the bar wouldn't know what to do with us. But I do."

Dinner took nearly three hours and was almost as entertaining for the resort staff as it was for the group of friends. It didn't go unnoticed that everyone working the room was male. Very attentive men. A couple extra bottles of wine appeared at the long table but didn't appear on the check. Bruce and Sam made sure all of the staff working the room were well compensated for their service. He grinned as he walke dout of the room with his arm slung over Joe's shoulder. "I'd be willing to bet a couple of those men will end up in three-ways tonight."

"Only a couple?"

Sam stopped and looked back. "Not that guy. Straight. His pants don't quite fit right. Or him. Not quite groomed enough. But they know who the big tippers are and how to work a table. Smart. Okay we need to work on something." Before Joe could respond, Sam whisked him through an almost empty restaurant and down the hall to the elevator.

Sam pulled him into his arms as the doors slid shut. The glass sided car looked out onto the ski slopes and the night time activity. It was doubtful anyone paid any attention to two big men lustfully sucking face.

Joe sucked in a deep breath of Sam's unique smell as they walked down the hall, arms around each other's waists. "What do we need to work on?"

Sam unlocked the door and turned a side lamp on low. "Just a few changes and questions I have."

"Do I have time to prep first?" Sam closed their bedroom door behind them.

"Oh yeah. I'll get things ready out here." Sam lit the gas fireplace to warm the room as Joe hit the bathroom. He was naked and lounging comfortably in the big warm bed when Joe returned all primed and ready. "Just let me get rid of some wine and water from dinner. How much did we drink?"

Joe sighed as he sank into the thick comforter and mattress. "I'm thinking at least a bottle and a half per person. And I drank three glasses of water. I musta pee'd for three minutes when I went in there." Sam returned and snuggled in against Joe under the cozy bed. They watched skiers on the brightly lit slops. "Can they see in?"

"I doubt it and besides we're too far away for anyone to really watch unless they have binoculars." He rolled his lover onto his back and slid in on top of the young musclehead. Joe moaned with contentment and need. "And if they watch, maybe they'll learn something. The two big men kissed long and hard like it was a first hot date. "Damn, I really like this goatee thing you have going on, nice and thick and sexy, quite a nice bit of stubble you have going on too." Sam pulled Joe's arms up and ran his hands over the flexing bulging biceps. He licked the blond furry pits.

"Oh fuck yeah, lick me clean Dad." Joe's head rolled back as Sam pressed deeply into a muscular armpit. "Mmmmmmmmm. Why does that feel so good tonight?" Sam smiled to himself. Joe sucked in a quick breath as the big man slid down and took a swollen nipple deep into his mouth and nibbled on it. "Uh, harder, fuck, ow, more. Chew on them Sam." Sam worked the long excited points for 20 minutes as Joe held onto the headboard. His tongue worked its way all over the hard round pecs.

"This brings up my question."

"Do I need to answer it now? I can't concentrate if you bite harder."

Sam swirled his tongue around the left nip. "You'd make a poor prisoner. Torture me more, please, I won't tell you anything. More, harder, please." Joe giggled. "So my question is, why are you suddenly getting such a furry chest? Are you finally going through adolescence?"

"Hmmm, good question. It could be the intense workouts we do, or the supplement routine and diet? Or maybe it's all that sweet cream I get from sucking you off?"

Sam laughed. "Yeah right, like that puts hair on your chest. But then." Sam sat back, flipped Joe's legs up until his boy was almost double, spread the beefy but and drove his tongue deep into the moist hole. "Definitely hairier down here too." He nuzzled his cheek again one of Joe's thick calves. "Legs are getting furrier too. This requires more exploring." He drove his tongue back into Joe's ass.

"Ohfucking shitdamnhell fuckgaullllllllllllllllllllllllllllldammmmmm. Fuck don't, uh uh uh, stop." Joe played with his sore nips as Sam ate his hole. "Oh dad dad dad. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Please fuck me now." Sam dropped the thick legs to his shoulders, aim his fuckpole and sank it in one smooth move. Joe shuddered and let out a long sigh of contentment. "Never when I was 12, or 13, or 14 did I EVER think it would feel this good. This right. It's like you were built to perfectly fill my ass."

"Just me?"

Joe moaned a bit longer. "Oh yeah. Other men who have fucked me, and you know there haven't been that many, just don't' feel the same. It's like your cock vibrates inside of me."

Sam smiled evilly and stole a quick kiss. "It's a little electro-mechanical device I had implanted just for you."

"Solar?"

"Uh no, no source of solar energy in there. Wind powered maybe."

Joe closed his eyes and hummed as Sam's continued to pound away. "That's nice. Environmentally friendly, green." Sam rolled his eyes and slammed harder. He drove them both to the brink several times then backed off until Joe's moaning reached a higher pitch. It had become Sam's signal his boy couldn't hold out much longer. A few more faster jabs.

Joe tensed as his dick let go of a heavy stream of thick cum. He could feel Sam filling his ass to overflowing. "Ahhhhhhhsaaaammmmmmmmmmmmmmm." His arms fell off to his sides as the town men spasmed as one.

Sam slowly relaxed and massaged Joe's legs. He pressed himself against his boy. Cum glued them together. They lay quietly enjoying the lightly falling snow outside their window while their heart rates returned to normal. Soft voices could be heard in hot man to man sex. Sam softly laughed and pressed his face into Joe's shoulder. "Okay, that would be Bruce and Steve in the other bedroom, and Thad Brian on the sleeper sofa. You think they heard us."

Joe sighed. "Given the way I was carrying on, oh yeah." He wrapped his arms tightly around Sam's neck. "We should probably shower down before getting to sleep. Oh. I think I hear Bruce and Steve's shower now. Who's in the condo next to us? I think I hear water."

"Ummmm, that would be John and Buzz. No need to even doubt what they did. Hmmm, I wouldn't think we would hear their shower, still I'm sure John worked up quite a sweat working over Buzz."

Sam, however was wrong. John kept this word and got what he needed from Buzz pounding the hell out of his cop butt. Buzz lay across John's expansive chest gasping for air. John's legs were still wrapped tightly around his waist and a look of contentment mixed with amusement played on his masculine face. "You all right Buzz?"

Buzz whimpered. "I am more than all right. That was awesome. I haven't fucked you in ages, wow. You're hot. Fuck your Daddy. Fuck your Daddy. Give me your boy cum, dayummmm. Oh. I'm enjoying this a little much aren't I?"

John laughed and stretched out his legs. Buzz stayed glued to him by the copious amounts of jism John's cock had released. "Not at all. It's what I wanted. Sometimes being a good boy to me means fucking my fillings loose. Which, by the way, I think you did. That really lit a fire eh?"

Buzz sighed in contentment. "Oh yes sir. Gotta wonder if any of our buddies are feeling this good right now?"

James lay at the bottom of a flesh heap that got out of control. What started as some simple playing around among Jack, Gary and him grew to include Tom, Chris and Ron. Ron's James had to leave after the day's skiing to be at work the next day. James lost track of who did what to whom. He easily felt his cock being directed into at least three tight butts and there were four that had been up his. As much as he enjoyed the attention he was getting from Jack and the time he had spent with him, he was musing if it just might kill him. He was long from being a teenager himself. He curled his arm around Jack and kissed his forehead as the young man dozed peacefully. A year ago, he would have taken what he wanted from the boy and left. Now, he couldn't wait to be a part of whatever adventure Jack could show him.

Gus had scored his oldest son's condo. It was an efficient space with three bedrooms. He took the master suite with Kevin who now snuggled against him in front of a cozy fire. His son only smiled when he asked to use it for a ski weekend with Kevin, or Danny as his son knew him from when they had been schoolmates together. The sheets definitely needed to be changed. He lay there listening to the steady breathing of the man who had brought him full circle to a life in which he now felt safely ensconced. The years of wonder after his wife died had drifted away. Seven sons, two of them gay. Whoda thought Dad would be a closet ass-fucker? He loved his wife and relished her memory but he wouldn't trade anything for the man next to him. His five straight sons couldn't be happier for him.

Matt returned from the bathroom and slid in comfortably next to Steve. "I know you couldn't have been saving that up since you fuck me senseless every night but well, maybe it's all this clean ski resort air."

Steve smiled. "You think it makes my nuts work more?"

"Judging by what I couldn't retain, you betcha." The two men held each other and kissed deeply. "Mmmmm, okay, I'm ready for round two. Oh and what is this? Are you saying you're ready too?"

"Mmmmmmmmmmmmaybe. You think we should check on Ben and the dogs? I feel sorta bad that he has Sam, Doober and Angie. Those three are a handful."

"In a couple. They're no more of a handful than Buddy who is probably telling his grandparents all kinds of stories about living with two dads."

"You think? He doesn't ever seem to pay it much attention."

"Yeah right. You don't get the lecture about could you keep it down please. Some of us need our sleep for school."

"No. He doesn't?"

"Oh yes he does."

Ken read through the document in his hand one more time. He double-clicked on the project list for the clinic and waited as the laptop struggled to open the file. He shook his head, closed his eyes and sighed. Please, let me just get this little bit of work done before the electric cuts out again. The document opened and he quickly began his update. Captain Malloy had generally done this part. Ken had done his share of working on the project paperwork but having the whole thing to himself now only reminded him of how much he missed the Captain. Missed him even more since finding out they were distant relatives. He had begun a steady relationship building process with the Cap's son via email since returning to Iraq. He made a mental note to tell him the latest news. He'd appreciated the irony. The door to the room opened and Buck stuck his head in to see Ken bent over the computer.

"Hey buddy, you going to be ready to hit the weights soon? I needs my pump man." He walked over and stood behind Ken. His eyes scanned the screen as Ken finished the report. A large thickly calloused hand slid down over Ken's shoulder and cupped the hard firm pec. Many of the guys in the unit knew Ken and Buck would sometimes need alone time. Ken had a new standing among the men when they found out he was related to the late Captain Malloy. So if Ken and Buck wanted to be left alone to have a quick sexual encounter, they made sure they got it. Ken relished his time with Buck and grew to love him as a close friend. Truth be told, the closeness with Buck only made his need for Bill grow stronger. He found it difficult to put into words just how much Bill meant to him. His emails sometimes seemed disjointed but if Bill was confused by reading them, he never let on. Ken moaned as Buck's fingers tweaked a sore nipple. Buck saw the letter off to the side and picked it up to read.

"More military news." Ken offered sarcastically.

Buck put the letter back on the pile next to Ken. "You going to take them up on their offer?"

Ken stopped typing. "Would you?"

"No, oh hell no. No fucking way. No."

"Guess we're not as patriotic as some of the other guys." Ken clicked save and exited his work. "I think I've more than done my part. I appreciate the commendations and the great reports but to reenlist?" He got up and stretched. His semi-hard cock pushing out the front of his workout pants. "Sorry. I'm needed at home."

Buck hugged him and ran his hands over the round hard bubble butt. "Don't blame you in the least. I'll be packed and walking to the plane as soon as I get my orders. Let's go workout." Ken nodded in agreement, grabbed his backpack with workout gear and turned to face Buck.

"I could use a damned hard workout. Really hard."

Buck slapped his hands together. "All right. Let's hit the weights. Uh, we are still talking about weights, aren't we?"

"That kinda workout too." He headed for the door as Buck smiled behind him.

"Ohhhhh, okay."

Tank and Harley's crew couldn't do the skiing thing. They were too busy snowmobiling in their own snowy little world. Every now and then the urge to have some snowy fun would hit the group. Tank would make arrangements to rent some snowmobiles and off they would go to one of the local state parks to play on the trails. Harley was glad they didn't actually own any of the machines. It would just be one more thing they would have to maintain. The fleet of business trucks, their personal trucks and bikes was more than enough.

Snake and Beau were lost. Being good ol' Southern boys, snowmobiling was foreign to them. ATV's on back roads yes. Bundled up and clinging for dear life as you froze your balls off in winter weather, uh not so much. Still, they rose to the occasion as proof of the stiff cocks outlined in their jeans.

Tank grabbed himself a handful of Snakes massive tool. The big man groaned and leaned against his boss. "I take it clutching onto your mate and flying through the cold agrees with you?"

Snake returned the favour and groped Tank's ample basket. "It's giving me the same sexual rush as when I ride my Harley. But ya kno', it's been a long time since you've laid claim to my ass. Beau wouldn't mine you maybe giving me some, uh, pointers."

"Pointers? I'd say you got a pretty good pointer going on right now. Riding your Harley eh? I like riding my Harley too, are we talking the same Harley?" Snake grinned. "Either."

"Well, maybe you, me, Beau and Harley should have some fun when we get back to the house. Light a big fire, coupla good drinks and make a big pile of man flesh in the warm glow. What about Cesar and LJ?"

Snake scratched his head. "We're not as much of a foursome as we used to be. I mean we all love each other and we have great sex together but I think it's just a natural progression to be two separate couples."

"So they wouldn't be jealous if the four of us played around?"

"No, you're pretty good at sharing among your friends. You think Harley's okay with it?"

Tank slid his arm around Snake's waist. Harley was standing on the other side of the clearing having a very animated discussion with Header, Pete and Andy. "He's cool. We been just the two of us for a few months now. A little play is fine." His eyes drifted to some faraway place. "Although, I'm okay with it if it is just the two of us for the rest of my life."

"That much eh?"

Tank hugged Snake close. "I been lucky in my life to have called three outstanding men my partners. I outlived two of them. I can only hope when I'm gone, Harley will find someone again who will love him for all he's worth."

"Well, that's a long ways off." Tank turned to look deeply into Snake's eyes.

He took a deep breath. "Yeah. You love Beau?"

A big smile spread across Snake's handsome masculine face. "More n' more ever day buckaroo."

Tank chuckled. "Good, well then let's have some fun tonight."

"Three men to fuck my ass, what could be more fun?"

"Now, don't be hogging all the fun to yourself. You know Harley's gonna expect you and Beau to pay homage. You two got the kinds of dicks he likes. Big and bigger."

"I better go discuss it with Beau. I'll give you a time before we leave." Tank leaned against the snowmobile rental shack and watched Snake's large round muscle butt in snug jeans amble toward Beau, LJ and Cesar. He contrasted it with the smaller muscle butt and waist of his partner now standing with his back to him. Header, Andy and Pete were entertaining Harley with whatever silliness they had done on the outing. One would never know Andy was minus a leg with the way he bounced around. Tank shuffled from leg to leg. The cold winter air really irritated his worsening arthritis. He made a mental note to call the doc for a check-up. It had been just long enough another set of X-rays were probably due. ***********************************************************************************************************

Ken sat on a beat up metal bench to one side of the make-shift workout room. The equipment they had managed to scrounge up was pretty decent and met most of their basic needs. The rest of the amenities that made a gym feel like someplace you wanted to be left a lot to be desired. Still, the men who shared the space respected the muscle shrine and did what they could to make it feel like the best spa in the world. Drab but serviceable. Buck was doing a few more squats with a couple of the other guys. Ken couldn't keep up with them and licked his lips at the thick beefy butts and quads of the six men drowning in sweat. He sensed a quiet presence and turned.

"Mr. Ken may I talk with you?" Ken looked up into the dark bearded face of the young man who had been working with them for several months. A large smile beamed at him making his dark features even more handsome.

"Sure Abu, have a seat." The young man squeezed next to Ken on the small bench and tried to avoid having their legs touch. Ken smiled to himself. "It's okay, your leg can touch mine."

"Thank you. Is Buck still working out?"

"Yeah, he's over there doing squats."

Abu studied the gaggle of beef and saw Buck step from the squat rack. "Ah, wow, that's a lot of weight. What a big butt. Oh sorry." Abu looked down at the ground.

Ken laughed. "yeah it is. The man does like to squat. How did your workout go today?"

Abu's eye lit up. "Yes, wonderful, I did fine, thank you. I appreciate you men letting me work with you on the weights. I feel much stronger now."

"Well, I think you've made some good muscle gains." Abu blushed. He brushed a long strand of hair from his eyes. "I know many of the people here don't appreciate working out this way but we're glad you join us."

"I like very much building my body. It's very invigorating and making me hard." Ken bit his lips at the double meaning and just nodded.

"What did you want to talk about?"

Abu looked up at Ken then across at all the men working in the room. "You have all taught me so very much. I am very appreciative and thanks you. I know you will be maybe leaving soon and I may never see you again. I have completes all my paperwork but am not sure if I will ever be able to go to the United States."

"Why not?"

Abu took a deep breath. His eyes moved quickly around the room watching everyone's moves. "It's a long list of people trying to leave, but I have applied for a student wisa." Ken went to correct him but decided not to. My family put money aside so I have some to pay and I did many papers on getting into a special program. I had one year at university before all this started."

"Well, maybe it won't be as difficult as you think."

Abu's shoulders slumped. "I am afraid of what will happen if I don't get in. I am not sure if I will be kept in this job after you and Buck leave and I am not sure if some things I have done will keep me from getting to US." A worried look spread across the young man's face. Abu couldn't have been any older than Ken. His life had been disrupted like everyone else's still he seemed determined to succeed. It was a trait both Buck and Ken liked about him.

"What did you do? You can tell me? You weren't involved in any bombings were you?" Abu's eyes opened wide. "Oh no, that would be seen as more of an honour here by some if I had. Very sad." Ken sat back a bit and waited. Abu's leg warmly pressed against his. "I am very much like you and Buck." Ken allowed several moments of silence to pass before asking him in what way. "I hear that you and Buck are you know, with men." Ken had returned to Iraq with an attitude of ignoring don't ask, don't tell. He was here to do a job and the rest of them be damned. So far, no one had said a word to him.

"Abu, you know people talk and you can't always believe what people tell you."

"Yes I understand but I am worried about getting approval to leave because of it.'

"Because of working with Buck and me? You have been a great student and worked hard what could anyone possibly see in that that would keep you from being approved for a student visa, oh?" Abu shyly looked up. "This has nothing to do with work?" Ken looked at the handsome man and at the body he had begun building these last few months by hanging with the American soldiers. Buck had given him a pair of his workout shorts that he proudly wore in their makeshift gym. He promptly pulled on his oversized baggie pants before he left. It was frowned upon to show too much skin in this city. "Have you been with..."

"Yes. He was killed in a bomb attack a couple of years ago."

Ken saw the wetness in Abu's dark eyes. "I'm sorry. Nothing since?" Abu shook his head no. "I understand. These are dangerous times. So you are worried that when we leave you won't be safe?" Abu shook his head in agreement. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Would you and Buck write for me letters of recomfrence?" Ken titled his head.

"Letters of recommendation? Reference?" Abu grinned. "You know we will. We'll work on them tonight. I'll make sure you have one from me before I leave. Anything else?"

Abu sucked in a long deep breath. His chest heaved a couple of times. "Could I, is there any way, I could shower with you and Buck? Just shower, nothing nothing else." Ken smiled and slowly nodded. He wanted to hug this sweet young man but knew he couldn't not because of his fellow soldiers but because of any other locals who may just happen to wander by and look in at the men. Ken sat on the bench and waited patiently with Abu as the gaggle of muscleheads finished their leg routine. The men were dispersing for their various locations. He explained to Buck as quietly as he could what Abu had said and requested. They chatted about working out for a few minutes until Buck felt it was safe for them to head to their shower area. Abu quietly followed carrying his work clothes. Ken stopped at his locker and picked up a few things to take to the shower. Their group had a communal set-up. It was not unusual for Ken and Buck to be the last of their workout buddies to shower. And it was that way today. They made idle chatter and slowly stripped. Abu shyly stayed in a corner and undressed. Buck was already splashing water at Ken when Abu entered the shower area. Both men stopped dead and stared. A naked Abu dropped his hands over his naked body.

Buck sprayed water from the nozzle at Abu. "Holy fucking mother of, Abu I I, oh my god."

Ken handed the man a bar of soap and smiled. "Okay that answers why you wear such baggie pants."

Abu stood still under the water afraid to move. "Did I do something?"

Buck rolled his eyes. "Abu you're giving me a complex. Good grief. That must be an eighth of your body weight."

"Am I too big?"

Buck lathered his thick chest and let his own dick slowly harden. "Sorry can't fight it. Big? Do you understand us talking about being hung like a horse?" Abu shook his head no. "You understand horse? Horse...uh, flesh?"

"Oh. But still too big?"

Buck smiled at Ken who was trying not to stare. "I'll pass this to you Kenny."

Ken willed his dick to not stiffen. He lost. "How tall are you?"

"Six foot."

Ken tilted his head. "So, one sixth of your height is your, to be polite, penis. Wow." Abu lathered his thin muscular body and smiled.

"So it's a good thing? You know we do not believe in being naked in my country in public if we can avoid it. When it comes to uh, the sex thing, we don't talk about much. I was originally born in Jordan. I think things are maybe a bit different there." Buck stood under the cool water to rinse. He hoped his dick would show less interest. "Well, for sure it's not San Francisco."

Abu continued to soap his lean body. "I'm afraid I am not understanding much of this."

Ken let his hand brush Abu's fat cock. "That's okay Abu. We just need to find out if anyone handling visa applications is, uh, playing for the same team." Abu looked more confused. "Let's get dressed and have some dinner." The three men toweled dry. Abu luxuriated in the towel Ken let him use. Ken handed him a clean white T-shirt. "You can have dinner with us tonight so we can talk. Wear this." The shirt fit Abu well enough to show of the muscular gains he had made. He would have to slip his regular over-sized shirt back on over it before leaving for his home later. Buck and Ken took Abu to one of the small local restaurants they had found that stopped serving when it began to get dark. They had only an hour to devise a plan to help Abu gain his visa approval.

The next morning a beaming, happy Abu appeared at work, stripped off his outer shirt to show the new shirt Ken had given him. Buck handed him a pair of jeans and told him to go try them on. The Abu returned a few minutes later red-faced in the snug worn 501's. They did much to show the work Abu had put into his body and more. Buck admired Abu's form. "That was worth the investment."

Abu looked embarrassed. "You don't think they are too tight. I mean you can see my..."

"Exactly." Ken sat across the room and smiled at the confused young man. Buck licked his lips. "If only we had a full length mirror."

Ken put his head down on his desk. "Abu, go change before Buck pops a cork." The two men watched Abu slip into a side room to change back into his regular clothes. "You are so bad. Don't create a Frankenstein before he gets to the US."

"Huh, hmm. That explains where that body part came from."

January couldn't pass quickly enough for most people. The days were short and the sun usually set by six. Getting up to go to work in the dark and then coming home from work in the dark often takes its toll on people. The gang of friends worked to keep their spirits up via email and phone calls. Gym days got even longer with less that could be done outside. Steve and Ben worked long days in the woodshop to keep up with the work load. They anxiously waited for any word when Ken would be returning home and back to his place in their wood shop. They tried not to appear too anxious around Bill. He was having a difficult enough time on his own waiting for his partner to return. He would spend nights curled up with Doober. He read the paper or mindlessly watched TV while keeping one ear alert for the signal of an arriving email. Ken wasn't technically expected to be home before the end of the month but any word would give the friends reason to celebrate in the gray of winter.

Bill was beginning to worry that with no word coming back that Ken's stay would be extended into February or beyond. Sam and Bruce used whatever contact they could find to try to get some idea of Ken's discharge. Tank and Harley pulled strings from their end but all things being what they were in Iraq, no news meant don't piss them off. Joe had taken up the task to keep in touch with Captain Malloy's family who were also keeping tabs on the Captain's men. His wife was beside herself to see them all return home safely.

Mike Jr. had become an email buddy to most of the friends and despite being hopelessly straight shared their lopsided senses of humour. Gus fielded on-going calls and emails from Tim and his buddies at college. Ken had not been able to keep up email as he wanted. So every time a day went by without word, a worry circulated among the friends. The thought in the back of everyone's mind was the unthinkable. That something would happen to Ken, or Buck, before they could get home.

Gus was on the phone having an extended chat with Tim and Chris. He chided Chris about the upcoming NFL Draft. Chris was trying his best to avoid the topic but finally admitted to Gus that he was not putting himself out there to be drafted by a professional team. Gus sounded disappointed when he asked why. After a short silence Chris responded. "Well, sir, I've decided to pursue med-school. I thought I could do a lot more to help people by becoming a doctor than by playing football on Sundays."

Gus thought about his son, Tim, and his now partner Chris. "That's very commendable son. Maybe not as lucrative, but commendable and I respect you for that decision."

Tim was on the other line. "I was looking forward to game tickets."

Gus could hear a dopeslap. "You are such a schmoe." Giggling came from Tim and Chris' end of the conversation.

"Ahem, so where are you looking to go for med-school."

"I'm hoping either Pittsburgh or Johns Hopkins." "Fine schools, shouldn't you be hearing something soon then? Assuming that you have already applied."

"Yes sir. By the middle of February."

"I'll keep my fingers crossed. Tell me though. How come you didn't say anything over the holidays? You would have had to have completed applications."

"Thank you for keeping your fingers crossed. I, uh, well, didn't say anything because I didn't want to disappoint people by not playing pro-football."

"Where's your heart?

"In being a doctor and helping people."

"Then you won't be a disappointment to anyone. Least of all this group of men."

"Thanks Gus, that means a lot. I better go, have a lot of studying to do."

Tim chimed in. "Give our best to Bill and tell him we're keeping Ken in our thoughts."

"Will do son. I'll talk to you again in a day or so. Have a good weekend." Gus hung up the phone and relayed his conversation to Kevin snuggled against him and playing with his balls. "Why would anybody be disappointed in his choosing to be a doctor over playing pro-ball?"

Kevin looked up with raised eyebrows. "You know how football crazy people are in this town. I bet someone in his family is already giving him flack. The young man has a good head. He'll do the right thing even though someone may make his life miserable even if just for a little while."

"Do you think I should ask him to live here if he goes to school at Pitt?" Kevin thought about it for a minute.

"Yeah, as long as it's okay with Tim. What if something happens between them?" Gus pulled Kevin tighter. "I've seen his face when Chris is around, not likely to happen. He knows a good thing when he sees it. Smarter than his old man. Look how long it took me to wise up."

"Well, I'm glad you finally had the right thought."

"So am I."

Sam and Joe were busy helping Jack with college applications. There were several schools already expressing interest in both Jack and Gary, but the young man wanted to have all his bases covered just in case. He would frequently stop in the middle of paperwork or studying to stare at Sam. "You sure I can afford this?"

Sam could only roll his eyes and sigh. "Yes, if you choose a Division 1 school, chances are you're going to get a pretty good scholarship. Your mom is doing everything in her power to make sure you have whatever else you need. Jack buddy, how many times have I told you, all of these men will make sure all you boys get a good education. You do your part and keep your grades up and don't get injured, for heaven sakes."

"Some one is getting crabby."

Joe looked up from his online newspaper reading. "Hmm, guess I'll just have to do my part to un-crabby him."

Sam smirked at the two men and scoffed. "I am not crabby. Always horny. Never crabby."

Jack went back to studying. "Besides, if you two go have sex it's too distracting for my studying. Only makes me horny and Gary's studying for a physics test and James is out of town. I only have my hand for relief."

Joe gasped. "Over share. You kids are all alike. Only have sex on your minds."

Jack dropped his head onto his book. "Yeah right. As if that isn't the pot calling the kettle beige." At that point his cell phone rang. "Hello. Uh, yes, yes. Okay. Sure. Hold on." He shot them a demure smile. "I think I'll take this in my room."

Sam tilted his head back and watched him through small slits for eyes. "I think he's going to have phone sex with James." Joe jumped up. "Good. We don't need a phone. Let's go crabby." Sam jumped up and grabbed Joe around the waist with one hand while groping his dick with the other. Both men laughed loudly.

"OH FOR CRYIN' OUT LOUD. WOULD YOU TWO GET A ROOM ALREADY." Sam and Joe giggled as they headed down the hallway.

The end of the gray month of January finally arrived. It had fortunately had been less snowy then expected which only made everyone more anxious for the warmth of Spring. Bill still hadn't received final word from Ken on his return. Steve and Matt tried to keep an eye on him. Lou spent long hours at the gym pushing weights around to keep him distracted when he wasn't working long hours on the job. He would grab whatever overtime he could to help pay for the expense of some of the extras he put into the new place. Scott and Swede picked up slack when the others couldn't be around. He was grateful for their attention. Truth was he hated being alone. He only worried more about Ken when he was alone.

Steve, Matt, Lou, Scott and Swede stayed with him one night for an especially long grueling workout. The six sweaty, tired men slumped on the benches in the locker room and chatted while they stripped. Swede caught Scott's eye as Bill stripped off his drenched sweatshirt. He was once again shaved smooth. The workouts added more to his upper body and despite his injuries to his legs, they even seemed denser. Lou ran a large callused hand over the smooth chest. "Are you prepping for a contest and didn't tell me?"

Bill laughed. "NO. Oh god no. I can't see me on stage posing in one of those fucking small straps. I'd shoot a boner for sure."

Matt giggled. "Might earn you points with the judges."

Lou smirked. "Not the judges around here. Buncha closet cases."

Bill shrugged. "I don't know. I had this strange dream the other night and I felt like I was supposed to shave. So the next morning before work, I zipped it all off again. Smooth as a baby's butt. He dropped his pants to reveal his missing pubic hair.

Steve sucked in a deep breath. "Oh, now that's fuckin' hot." Matt turned and shot him a look.

"I am not shaving my body dude. It would take me days to shave smooth."

"Maybe just your butt."

Swede glanced at Matt's perfect butt. "Mmmmmm, I'd pay to see that."

"You're all a bunch of pervs. I'm hitting the showers."

Scott waited for Bill. "You shaved before work? What time was that?"

Bill sighed. "Really early. With this latest paycheck, I will have earned enough in overtime to pay off everything I had done on the outside of the house. It's killing me but but I gotta keep my mind off of Ken. I haven't heard from him in three days."

Scott squeezed his thick round shoulder. "You know he was pushing to finish this project for Captain Malloy. Maybe he's working as much as you are. It's almost the weekend. Let's hope for something from him on Saturday. You joining us for dinner tomorrow night?"

"Yeah. You guys are my lifeline. I can't miss a Friday night dinner with everyone. I'd go out of my freakin' mind."

"Hang in there then. We'll see you at the brew pub Friday evening."

Truth was for Bill that Friday night dinners and weekends with his buddies was keeping him sane. He thought he could handle the last month of Ken's being on duty in Iraq. His nerves were fraying and the weekends kept him focused. The next day passed quickly with the guys all rotating through the gym for another round of bored-with-winter-workouts. The term `off-season' didn't seem to apply to these muscleheadz. Their dedication showed in thicker arms, legs, broader shoulders and backs, leaner waistlines, the works. Sam was reaching new levels of horniness as Joe showed huge physical gains and a bit more body hair. He was becoming a nicely furred blond cub. Musclecub. Jack would study in his room with his headphones on tightly to block out any noise from his two Dads.

Bear continued to improve and likewise push Tony's sex drive. Zeke tried to convince Spence he couldn't handle any more muscle on his chest. Any more upper body muscle and he'd fall forward out of his wheelchair. It had the opposite effect on Spence who loved balancing on Zeke's massive pecs as he fucked himself on Zeke's cock.

The Friday evening weather forecast called for periods of snow with a possible accumulation of three inches. More was forecast for the mountains between them and Tank's compound of buds. Tank and Harley kept an eye on Sam's cabin during the winter. As much as Sam and Joe wanted to get away with the gang for a winter frolic, no one wanted to chance the nasty weather in the middle of the state. Tank assured him the cabin was secure and someone would be there next weekend to keep everything in running order.

The local brewpub was one of their favourite weekend haunts. It had a nice side room they could reserve to avoid disturbing the other patrons. A huge cozy fireplace added to the charm on a crappy Friday evening. Most of the guys were already there milling about enjoying a few of the hearty beers. An array of appetizers was laid out on a side table along with the restaurant's signature foccacia and oil for dipping. Spence finally arrived pushing Zeke in his heavier chair.

"Gotta get winter tires for this beast. Oooo, or maybe skis mounted on it instead."

Zeke handed Buzz his hat and coat. "NO. No skis. I have visions of us flying down a steep hill somewhere like that Calvin comic strip."

Buzz laughed. "Kewl."

Zeke smacked Buzz's beefy butt. "Don't encourage him." Spence could only giggle. "Where's John?"

"He's a bit late. An accident happened just as he was about to get off duty. No one hurt. It just blocked one side of the highway."

Sam looked out the window. "Amazing what a little bit of snow does to people's driving. There really isn't all that much out there."

Bruce and Steve were chatting with Bill about plans for the new place and when Ken returned home from Iraq. The discussion grew to include Scott, Swede and Gus. Gary, Joe, Thad and Brian were in another clump of guys yakking football. Kevin was working to distract Sam. "I'm sure Jack will be here soon. His car should be pretty good in the snow."

Sam took a big swig of his beer. "Oh I know. I'm not worried about Jack. He's a pretty good driver for a teenager. It's the other nuts on the road in the snow that worry me. He just left a message saying he had to run an errand and might be a few minutes late." John trudged into the room and shook snow from his coat.

Buzz walked over and took his partner's coat. "Is it snowing that much?"

John shook more of the white stuff from his hat. "No. The wind blew an accumulation off one of the awnings as I walked under it. I didn't have a chance to go home to change. You guys will just have to handle the uniform."

Sam handed the big cop a glass of beer. "It'll help us with fantasies later. Have a beer, relax. We should probably order soon so they can get th...e...food...started."

The room got quiet as everyone slowly turned to see Jack standing in the entrance to the side room with another man in full uniform. Ken. Bill was one of the last to turn around. It took several seconds to register.

"Hi. I'm home." Bill dropped an onion ring in mid-bite and rushed the 15 feet across the room. He swept a smiling Ken into his arms and lifted him from the floor as the friends slowly began to cheer. Customers in the main part of the restaurant turned to see what all the commotion was. It only took seconds for people to understand this young man was just now home from Iraq. The whole place erupted into applause. Bill was speechless as he took inventory. Ken was home and intact. A small scar on his ear. Some discoloration still around one eye. But intact. The friends all crowded around as the two men locked in a deep embrace and kissed. If anyone in the main restaurant noticed, they didn't seem to care.

Ken was bombarded with a million questions. "Guys. Guys. Hold on. I wanted it to be a surprise and couldn't think of a better time to arrive than for a Friday night dinner out. I called Jack a few days ago and confided in him."

Joe turned slowly toward Jack. "So that wasn't James?"

Another voice came from the doorway. "No. Not until later." James shook snow from his coat. "I was parking the car. You guys could at least car pool. The parking lot is packed."

Jack shrugged. "I wasn't exactly sure where I had to go to meet Ken so I asked James to drive."

Ken slipped his arm around the two men. "And they kept it a secret. Not easy to do with this group."

Matt was the first to hug Ken after Bill. "Thank god you're home. They were going to make me shave my butt." Ken shook his head to clear his thoughts. "What?"

"Long story. I'll explain later."

Ken turned back to Bill. "Did you...?" Bill shook his head yes. "YES. Totally smooth?" Ken pumped the air with his fist.

It took several more minutes of everyone hugging their returning hero before Sam could get them all organized, seated and ready to order. "If I might? Ken, I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have you safely home among us. You've been in our hearts and on our minds since you returned to Iraq. I'm sure we're all beyond happy."

Buzz looked across the table at Bill. "One of us is so happy to see you he can't quite sit up straight. Or is that the problem?"

Bill threw an onion ring at him. "What can I say? I'm like a dog with a wagging tail."

Sam closed his eyes and shook his head slowly. "Whatever. Ken, welcome home. I'm sure you will adjust quickly. And now we can focus our thoughts and prayers on Buck to return home safely."

Ken tipped his glass to Sam and the others. "Thanks guys. It's wonderful to be home even with the snow. And uh, Buck comes home next week. Early discharge. Not sure how that happened." He looked toward Bruce.

Bruce saluted him with his beer. "I'm sworn to secrecy. Let's just say persistence pays off."

Sam nodded in agreement. "Let's eat."

The wait staff had a particularly difficult challenge getting the guys to focus and place their orders. It wasn't the beer. It was simply the reverie of having everyone back together safe and sound. Ken had to excuse himself a couple of times to go to the men's room. Each time other customers stopped him to ask if he was just home. People would hug him and shake his hand when he explained this was his first stop and it had been a surprise. He had to hope no one noticed he was having a particularly challenging time that evening controlling his own dick. It couldn't wait to get home with Bill. One man did seem to notice but only grinned with understanding. Ken saw him talking with his very attractive girlfriend. Okay, so maybe he didn't completely understand.

Sam watched Ken and Bill then turned to Jack. "Nice job keeping the secret." He tried to put as much disapproval into his voice as possible."

"Am I in trouble?"

Sam softened and pulled Jack to him in a quick hug. He kissed the back of his neck. "No son. Just makes me love you all the more." The manager came over a few minutes later and handed a note to Sam.

"I can't get approval to take care of the whole tab but this is it for tonight. You guys are good customers. I'm glad your buddy is home safely. Let's hope they all get home soon." Inside were a tab for one round of beers and a note asking that they only handle the tip. Sam thanked him. "My brother is over there, Afghanistan, gotta hope we have this same reason to celebrate soon. Sam stood up and hugged him. The manager hurried away trying not to cry. Sam handed the note to Bruce. They left a $500 tip.

Ken could not keep up with the questions from the gang. They wanted to know about the project, if Buck was safe, if he had heard from Malloy's family and on and on. Ken could only laugh at their enthusiasm. "I will get you all caught up on the project soon. Buck and I did a little PowerPoint of it for everyone so we'll share it with you and with Captain Malloy's family. Buck is in a safe place for the next week and hopefully, by next week at this time he will be on his way home. I got emails from Malloy's wife and sons almost daily. They are wonderful people. But more importantly, I have one project left there that does need attention."

Spence was the quickest to ask. "But we thought you were home for good?"

"I am. But there is still the problem of Abu."

Buzz shot him a confused look. "The convenience store character?" John's shoulders drooped and Gus bellowed with laughter.

"That's my son. One cartoon panel behind."

Ken laughed. "No. Abu is a young man who worked for us and learned a lot of good skills so he will continue to have a job. But he has applied for a student visa. He had one year of college completed but the war interrupted his life. His mother is living safely in Jordan. He takes care of his grandmother so he has to get her back to Jordan before he can do anything." There was the obvious silence. "His father and brothers were killed early on. It's important to get him out of there even if things do make a big turn around in the next year or so. He's gay. That almost definitely seals his fate."

Sam glanced at Kevin. "What was he studying?"

"Computer science."

Sam nodded again at Kevin. "We'll work on it from our end at the university. Brian still has lots of friends in government departments in DC so he can check around. Bruce knows people in the best firms in town that handle immigration stuff. We just need as much of his background info as we can get. Tank may even know a person or two."

Ken smiled and fought back tears. "I knew if anyone could help it would be you guys. Knowing you guys were back here and the strength you have, muscle aside, well, that's what got me through. I'll email Buck this weekend. We got Abu a laptop so he will be able to keep in touch. Some of the other guys still there have taken him under their wing. He still has to fly under the radar. Thanks guys."

Sam was sitting to his right and squeezed his thigh. "No problem. How are you doing sleep wise?"

"I'm a little bit of a mess, this time zone stuff has me confused."

Bill pushed back on his chair. "That's my cue gentleman to take this man home. Ummmm, don't expect us to be in touch much this weekend."

Joe giggled. "Wouldn't expect you to be."

Ken got up and hugged Joe. "My stuff is in James' car." Jack grabbed his jacket and the keys from James. "I gotta thank Jack and James again for coming out to the airport to get me. Jack did a good job of snowing you all. Oh, no pun intended."

John rubbed the young man's butt. "Payback, just remember."

Jack beamed. "That kinda payback I like." Everyone took another turn hugging Ken as he and Bill slowly worked their way out of the restaurant. Staff and the management also stopped him on the way out. Poor Jack had returned with his gear and Ken lugged his bag heavily around the place.

The two men said very little in the truck during the short ride home. Doober went into an all out happy dance when he saw Ken. He wouldn't leave his side. Bill only smiled.

"He hasn't left my side since you left. I would talk to him all the time about you. I think he understands quite a lot."

Ken scratched under Doober's chin and the dog nuzzled and licked his hand. "He's a good dog."

Bill held Ken tightly in his arms, the young soldier's head on his shoulder. "So you're home for good?"

"Home for good."

"No going away for tours of duty?"

"No more tours of duty."

"No military commitment at all?"

"None. No reserves. Nothing."

"You're not going to stay awake for sex are you?"

"You can do whatever you want while I sleep."

Bill turned him toward the bedroom. "As much as a fantasy as that might be to some, I think we can wait. Let's get you to bed."

"Yessirrrrrrrrr." Bill picked Ken up in his arms, carried him into the bedroom, undressed him and put him to bed. The man was totally out by time he returned from letting Doober out one more time. He had brushed his teeth and had anything they might need for sex in his hand. He put the pile on the nightstand. Ken moved only slightly as Bill kissed him on his cheek.

"I love you Ken. Welcome home." He slid his arm around the slender waist. "For now and always."

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