Starting Again

Starting Again Chapter 37 by lennoxbear@gmail.com

Even after a relatively mild winter, everyone's thoughts begin to wander toward spring as March draws to a close. Days grow a bit longer as the sun encourages the green of a new season. People can more or less deal with snow in March figuring it won't last long. Throngs of people emerge from hiding in their homes on any day that gets even a tad warmer. Not that winter wasn't without it's cold reminders!

Bill and Ken arranged to use Sam and Joe's cabin the first couple of weekends after Ken's surprise return. Tank made sure everything was in good order. It didn't matter much to the two men as they never emerged once the first weekend. Steve and Ben smiled to each other when Ken returned to work after that first weekend. They couldn't have removed the smile from his face with their heaviest sandpaper. The second weekend at the cabin, not so much. Tank had to plow out the lane back to the cabin Monday morning after a late night dumping of snow. Bill and Ken did not make it back to work until Tuesday that week. Steve and Ben had a different Ken with which to deal that Tuesday. Ken still smiled but getting around the woodshop was obviously painful. Ken would hobble around in a waddling step that left no doubt as to their romantic endeavors that past weekend.

Ben finally had to speak up. "Ken. What're ya doin'? I may be straight but it don't take a gay man to know you're in pain. What happened?"

Ken blushed. "Well, Bill had for some reason even more inspiration this past weekend. Uh, well, and then there was the extra night."

Ben bit his lip. "So, what you're telling me is he fucked you senseless for three straight nights. And your pussy's sore?"

Ken frowned. "To be blunt. Yes." Ken grimaced as he attempted to sit down. "I didn't think it was possible to get fucked too much. I can't believe I just said that to a straight man."

Ben tilted has head and shook it from side to side. "You're talking to a man who has on more than one occasion been told by a woman that he wasn't going to be allowed near here again. So what'r ya doin' for it?"

"It? Like I can do much?"

"Sure. Don't go anywhere." Ben headed out the door across the yard to his house next door.

Ken rolled his eyes. "He expects me to run the 100 yard dash?"

Steve pursed his lips and crossed his arms. "Ken, you're home for good. It's not like you're going to get called back to active duty. You have the rest of your lives to fuck each other senseless. Even Matt and I practice some restraint and take turns. You do take turns?"

"What d'ya mean, turns?"

"Don't you ever fuck Bill?" Ken shook his head no. "What? Even I manage to get Matt's beer can cock up my ass every now and then. Sam has Joe fuck him when he gets the itch. You're strictly the bottom? By who's choice?"

Ken looked down. "Mine. I really need it. You weren't in some sand pit for months with no release. Guess I went overboard."

Steve hugged his buddy. "None of us are happier than Bill to have you home but maybe you need to think about versatility. Before you need to have a butthole retread. They're not cheap from what I hear." Ben came walking in carrying a small square can.

"What's that?"

"Something to give you some relief. Helps with saddle sores, so to speak. Drop em." Ken's eyes opened wide. "Oh come on. It ain't like I ain't played naked mud volleyball with you and hugged you bare-ass nekkid. I seen you stripped in the gym. Drop `em and bend over." Ken undid his jeans and dropped them to the floor. He bent forward and held on to the side of a worktable. "HOLY. Dude. Your butt looks like a herd of bikers let loose. Hold still. Ain't like I'm going to fist ya." Ben finished and was wiping his hands on some paper towels. Ken pulled his jeans back up and grinned.

"Wow, all tingly. That may actually help." Ben smiled and nodded like some ad-age spokesman.

Steve laughed. "Just another normal day in the woodshop." Ken was feeling better by lunch and offered to go out to pick up a pizza. Bill called while he was out and Steve filled him in on the morning's details.

A sigh of relief came from the other end of the phone. "Oh thank god. He damned near wore out my dick this weekend. I tried to get him to fuck me but he's a stubborn piggy."

"Well, you'll just have to put your foot down."

Ben cleared his throat. "Actually, it's more like he needs to put his feet up. You know?" Steve sighed.

Bill thanked them and hung up. That night he was waiting naked and ready in bed when Ken got home from work. It was a little role reversal that had Ken back to beaming happily at work the next day.

Buck had made it through and kept in touch via email. He was happily back in Ohio at his old job and working to put his tours of duty behind him. They made agreements that Buck and Brent would join them for at least one weekend a month. The two men had settled back into their routine in Ohio but Buck was getting restless. He needed a new challenge in his job. Working for someone else day after day in construction wasn't as satisfying anymore. He walked around Steve's wood shop one Friday afternoon admiring the handiwork.

"Ya know. I bet we could double your business by spreading just over the state line into Ohio. This is beautiful work."

Steve nodded and tipped his hat to Ken and Ben. "These two men are extremely talented woodworkers. But I don't know if we can handle much more business."

A slow grin spread over Buck's face and his thick pecs bounced under his shirt. "Oh, I know how we could handle the workload in Ohio."

Brent leaned against a desk. "Uh oh. This can't be good."

About the end of March, Jack and Gary were having coffee at one of the local outlets of a ubiquitous chain when some of their fellow footballers strode into the shop. The eight of them crowded into a corner to discuss their college choices and plans.

"We heard you guys are choosing Pittsburgh over state. Thought you'd want to play on the same team as your buddies Dave, Ron and Tim?"

Jack shrugged happily. "We could but thought it might be more interesting to set up a rivalry among our friends and family."

One of the bigger guys just laughed. "I've seen some of your friends at the gym. You guys hang with some big dudes. I wouldn't want them angry at me."

Gary laughed. "Aw, they never get too wound over games. At least I've never seen any broken furniture or heard of any of them getting into a fight. They might get a little crazy in mud volleyball but a friendly rivalry might be fun."

"What the hell is mud volleyball?"

"Oh you don't want to know this version."

"You going to stay on campus or live at home?"

Gary leaned back in his chair. "I don't know. It makes more sense for me to be on campus with the rest of the team but I haven't heard anything about room and board yet. If we stay on campus we don't know if we can room together or not."

One of the other linemen tilted his chair back. "You worried about other guys knowing your story?"

"Doesn't seem to bother you guys any."

"Oh, but we all grew up together. I ain't got any problem with any gay guy seeing my stuff. Besides, yous cute."

Three of the other guys stopped to stare. "You're switching teams are you? I mean you have been slamming what's her face."

The first guy smacked his buddy in the arm. "Nope. Hopelessly straight. I just don't get the whole thing about gay, and the fear over gay marriage, sharing showers, stupid shit. So what? I know who I am and they know who they are, so why can't we all just get along?"

"Well, Rodney, it ain't that easy." Jack fended off napkins wads being thrown at him for that remark. "There are still a lot of narrow-minded people out there."

"You bet. And yes I am still slamming that girl from across town. I gotta get outta that. She doesn't want me to use a condom and I don't trust her to be on control."

"You afraid she might get pregnant?" The kid shook his head. "Just be careful, don't screw up your life."

One of the other players slid his cup around the table. "So, Jack, you living at home? What about this guy you been seeing?"

Jack looked up quickly. "You know about James? He's a great guy but we know we ain't relationship material. Just sex. We'll probably still be friends when I go to college but hopefully, he will meet someone else to share his life."

"What about you? Don't you deserve that?" Gary and Jack both looked at each other.

Jack shrugged. "We are both making the commitment to go to college and play ball. If it means putting other things on the back burner then we do without."

The other football players all giggled. "Do without? Guys, we can't go a day without whacking off. You really expect to be able to go without sex of any kind?"

Gary let out a long breath. "We'll wait to see what happens. Doesn't mean I won't be jacking off somewhere but finding a hook up may be out of the question."

Jack squirmed. "I probably should live on campus it's just that Sam and Joe have been so supportive. I wouldn't have three colleges making me offers if it wasn't for them. They're closer to me than my real father. They help me with so much stuff. Way more than just football."

One of the biggest guys looked jealous. "That's all my dad and me got in common, football. We never talk other than that. In some ways you're really lucky." Jack slowly nodded.

"Gary and I are both lucky to have supportive families. And friends." The eight friends `clinked' their coffee cups.

Jack walked into the house a few minutes later. Sam and Joe were busy in the kitchen looking over garden catalogues. He gave them both big hugs and wet kisses, groped their ample baskets and took off up the stairs to his room. Joe looked at the stairs.

"What was that about?"

"Kids. Probably needs to whack off."

"Speaking of which."

Sam dropped a magazine on the counter. "We just finished like 20 minutes ago. You can't possibly want to be fucked again?"

"I can't?"

The warmth of April and May slowly enveloped their attitudes. Pat found himself suddenly bombarded with a flurry of new customers once the friends put out the word. Jack and Gary were both going back to work for Swede. That meant getting their straight football buddies into jobs with Pat, or Vince in his tree business, or with another blacktop sealing business that Spence had found. Sam came home one afternoon to find Gary and Jack leading a crew of their buddies to get the pool cleaned and prepped for the season. All naked footballers. Joe stood in the kitchen making lemonade and staring out the window.

"Uh, Sam. Do you think they know this is a gay household and the problem they're causing by running around here all musclebound and naked? After all, most of them are straight."

Sam rubbed Joe's beefy butt. "Somehow, I don't think this group much cares. And besides, if it means the difference between a bunch of guys hanging out here in the pool or being off somewhere sneaking booze and doing something stupid, then this is the better choice."

"I'm horny."

"Tell me something I don't know." One of the guys came back out to the pool with a second pitcher of lemonade Joe had left in the fridge.

"Uh, I just heard some rather odd, I think moaning sounds when I was inside."

Jack hung onto the side of the pool. "Oh that's just Sam and Joe having sex."

"Wow, really? I've never heard sounds like that coming from my `rents room." All the guys got quiet. "Oh come on. I have three other brothers, they had to have had sex. Just not very loudly."

June was a busy month. Sam decided to celebrate Gary and Jack's high school graduation, Dave, Ron and Tim's finishing their first year of college and his and Tank's birthdays with a weekend at the cabin. Once again a caravan of cars and trucks wound its way out of Pittsburgh, east across the state two and a half hours to the cabin. Tank and Harley were there to meet them with their entourage. It had been several weeks since they had all seen each other. To no one's surprise much hugging and spit-swapping occurred. Header, Andy and Pete were once again setting up to cook out. Cesar and LJ organized the outside tables adding a couple more picnic set-ups that Tank had made over winter. Snake and Beau had taken care of beverage delivery for the first night and handed down numerous coolers of beer, soft drinks and other select libation to the crowd of men. Many of whom were quickly becoming less-clothed.

Tank was busy catching up with the high school grads and college boys while Harley helped Sam and Joe open the windows on the cabin to let in the fresh air. Harley had spent numerous hours in the gym himself over the winter when not organizing his and Tank's business affairs. He seemed a little quieter than usual until Sam grabbed him from behind and threatened to have his way with him in the upstairs dorm. Sam hugged the shorter man to him and rubbed his back. "So what's up?"

Harley glanced outside. The place was a bustling camp of activity of shirtless beefy men. He took a deep breath. "Tank's last set of heart tests came back with some abnormalities. He's okay but we gotta keep watch on meds and activity. And." He dropped onto a nearby bed. "I came home one day a week or so ago and he was sprawled at the bottom of the steps a bit dizzy."

Joe sat down beside him. "Because of his heart."

"No, his legs. He's having the first hip replacement done in a week or so."

Sam sat on his other side. "He didn't mention it. They have this down pretty well now. It should be okay."

"It ain't the surgery has me worried. This is prime business time and he doesn't want to accept that he has to slow down. All of us are taking on duties to be sure he behaves himself. The business practically runs itself. Snake helps me a lot. Has some good business background. Header and Andy know the operation inside out."

"So what else is there?"

"I think he's afraid that he's getting older and I won't stay. He thinks I'll take off with another younger guy." Harley lifted his hands to gesture. "I've never given him any reason to think that but because of this age thing in his mind, he thinks the worst." Sam threw his arm over Harley.

"You want us to talk to him?"

"Please. I ain't going anywhere. Ever. He's my life. I love the damned fool. We all do. Not one of these guys, or any of the guys who works for us, wouldn't walk a mile through glass in their bare feet to do anything for him."

"This heart thing has him feeling that insecure?"

"That and a couple of tumors that came back showing nothing. The test results are all good. He's getting older and thinks the worst. Even Skull's tried to talk to him." Harley leaned tighter against Sam. "I don't want anything to happen to him but he's got to believe I am not going to leave."

Joe rubbed his thigh. "We'll talk to him." They stood up to go downstairs. "And how's the uh, you know, sex thing?"

Harley shot them a wicked grin. ""NOW that part still works. He keeps me finely tuned." Joe smirked.

"I know the feeling."

Sam grinned. "I keep you finely tuned?"

"Oh you betcha."

Gus was beaming proudly. Tim had really matured in just one year of college. He managed to end the year with a 3.8 average, added muscle and strength to his still growing body and gained two inches in height making him just slightly taller than his hunk of a father. Kevin couldn't help but smile at the pride in Gus' face. It was even better that Chris would be living with them in a few weeks when he started med school. Tim teased the two older men about keeping their hands off his boyfriend but Chris got the better of him.

"I'm planning to be very busy. It takes a lot to keep up with med school so I wouldn't mind an occasional hand with other affairs. Besides, I don't know how often I'll get to see you on weekends during football season. And face it, your Dad is realllllllly attractive." Tim just sat there not sure what to believe. Chris finally dopeslapped him and grabbed him in a tight headlock. "Get real already. It's not like I'm going to be boinking them all the time."

Kevin titled back in his chair. "Boinking? I'll have you know I am not an easy boink."

Gus walked up behind him. "Yes you are." Kevin swung at him and missed.

Chris gave Tim a stern serious look. "Okay, maybe we'll boink once in awhile." Tim only hung his head and sighed.

Ron sat in a lounge chair to the side and giggled. He had also survived his first year with excellent grades and some serious muscle growth. Jack and Gary joined the group to talk about college expectations setting up the foundation of a weekend rivalry because of their choosing Pitt and the other guys at PSU. Ron had hardly said a word about James. Swede got him to explain that the two men had split amicably. Ron loved the older man but they both knew they wanted different things out of the relationship that just weren't to be. The friends were supportive of Ron. He was young and had plenty of time to find someone to fulfill his dreams. About an hour later, an older silver Integra made it's way up the drive to the campsite. A shorter but not any less beefy young black man got out of the car and carried a duffle over to the crowd. Ron shyly grinned as the two of them kissed.

A silence fell over the crowd. Ron laughed. "This is Jet. He's a grad student and we met in the weight room. Hey, I didn't say I was going to be heartbroken forever."

Tim leaned back into Chris's arms. "Well, that explains the last few weeks at school." It took all of five minutes before Jet was shirtless and feeling like one of the crowd.

Scott poured himself and Jack another glass of lemonade. "So Jack have you decided yet, home or dorm? James or not James. Uh, the other James, your guy."

"I haven't decided yet on where to live. I have a room reserved with Gary just in case. As for James well, we're slowly going our own separate ways. Just because we're growing apart, not because we don't love each other. I think I'll always love him in my own way, just not as the primary person in my life."

"Probably better to focus on school and football and not get tangled up in matters of the heart. But what about, you know, needs?"

Jack blushed. "Well, Gary and I sorta have a fuckbuddy agreement. And I keep hoping my two Dads will do their part."

Scott watched Sam scurry by in a pair of snug workout shorts. "Um. Just not before a big game. That dick could ruin ya. And you know, Swede is going to really miss you when you start school?"

Jack sighed. "Yeah. He's been really good to me, like another big brother. I'm still hoping I can work for him from time to time when he needs help."

"He'd like that. He loves you a lot even if he doesn't say it." Jack looked at the big man quietly. He got up, quietly kissed Scott then walked over and slipped his arm around Swede's waist as the big man chatted with Snake, LJ, Beau and Cesar. Swede slid his arm over Jack's shoulder and hugged him close. Scott smiled to himself and sipped his drink. Andy wandered over and nudged him then looked in Swede and Jack's direction.

"We do get a little sappy at times, don't we?"

Scott threw his big arm over the leaner muscular man. "Wouldn't have it any other way buddy."

Spence and Zeke entertained Bill and Ken with their silliness when Ken wasn't being over run by Doober, Sam and Angie the dogs. Ben had gladly let Angie tag along with Steve and Matt when she seemed to sense Doober and Sam were going away for a fun weekend. The three dogs ran to Ken whenever he was around seeming to sense he was the ultimate dog sucker among all the men. Ken was throwing multiple tennis balls for them when his cell phone rang out loudly.

Bill frowned. "Hey, I thought we said we were turning those things off?"

Ken smirked. "I'll turn it off when everyone gets here. Lou and Pat aren't here yet. Huh, hey, hi Buck, wish you guys were here, sorry you couldn't get away."

Zeke scratched idly at his large pec. "Do Buck and Ken talk every day?"

Bill thought about it. "Maybe every two or three days. Not sure what they're paying in cell phone charges." Spence was sitting on a blanket next to Zeke and peeked up his shorts.

"Don't be peeking if you don't intend to do the deed."

Spence grinned like a naughty kid. "I thought maybe we could go down to the creek and play."

"The water's too cold. It's only June."

"This has nothing to do with water."

Bill rolled his eyes. "Guys, consider where you are. You could fuck senseless in the middle of this crowd and it would just be an every day occurrence. No secrets in this group."

Zeke drolly responded. "Spence can make some rather unusual sounds while in the throes of passion. Might scare the wildlife.'

Spence thought about it. "They might think it's a mating call."

Zeke shook his head in mock disdain. "You'd like being mauled by a big black bear, wouldn't you?"

Spence shrugged. "Or maybe a couple of big black men."

Bill snorted. "Okay, that we can handle." Ken came running back over to the group.

"He made it. He made it in."

Bill tilted his head. "Who made what in?"

"Abu. That was Buck. He got an email from Abu. He's accepted to Pitt, his paperwork is all in order, his grandmother is going to live with the mother in Jordan and he'll be coming here in a few weeks to start school. He'll be safely out of the country and starting a new life."

"He's not out of Iraq yet buddy."

"Not but, he's been taken in and living on the military base until he can get safely away."

Zeke smacked Spence's hand again as it slid up the leg of his shorts. "This the young Iraqi guy you found out was gay shortly before you left?" Ken nodded. "Is he going to be able to control himself until he is safely away?"

Ken took a deep breath. "I think so. He's lived with knowing he was gay for years now and kept it a secret until only recently."

"What does his family say?"

"They don't adhere to the strict beliefs and need to be away from the religious crazies if just for that reason alone. They just want him to live his life and be happy. They are probably thrilled he's going to be going back to college. Oh this is great."

Sam and Joe sidled over with cans of bug repellent. "What's great?"

Ken was practically like a small happy child. "Abu got into Pitt and is going to be coming here for school."

Sam grinned impishly. "Yeah right, so."

Ken stepped back. "You knew?"

Sam smiled as Joe smacked his ass. "We couldn't get him into CMU, sorry. So we pulled strings and got him in the other place."

"You and Kevin?"

"And Bruce. He did most of the immigration stuff."

Ken threw his arms around Sam's neck and planted a long wet kiss. "And you didn't say anything."

Sam hugged the excited Ken. "He wanted to tell you. You probably have an email from him. My laptop is on the table in the kitchen, go check your email."

Ken ran off to the cabin as the men watched with joy. "Uh, Bill, you better be ready. You now how Ken gets when he's really happy?"

Bill sighed and groaned as he got up out of his chair and cupped his basket. "Heaven help my poor dick."

Joe unsuccessfully tried to stifle a laugh. "Yeah, we all feel sorry for you but if you would rather have some one take your place, show of hands guys?" Everyone eagerly held up their hands for a chance to fuck Ken's tight round butt."

Bill started off toward the cabin. "Y'all can have sloppy seconds."

Sam watched Tank empty a cooler, dump the remaining ice into another cooler and turn to walk toward his truck. He nodded in that direction to get Joe's attention. Joe turned back around and tweaked Sam's right nipple. "You want me to come along, both of us talk with Tank?"

Sam thought about it for a second. "No. I think I want to do this just one-to-one. Tank's not the kind to think anyone's ganging up on him but obviously something is bothering him. He's been way quieter than normal. Be back in a few." Sam took a deep breath and flexed his massive chest. Joe went to tweak both nipples and Sam laughingly smacked his hands. "I need to focus. Don't be adjusting the horizontal and vertical." Sam walked around the corner of the cabin near the trees where Tank had parked his truck. "Hey buddy. What's up?"

Tank shot him a big mischievous grin and flipped up the tailgate. "Not much. This crowd keeps getting bigger. You may need to buy a bigger camp."

Sam snorted in agreement. "Yeah, who'd a thunk it. I might need to have you build a second dorm. But we always have your place as backup."

"That's true. Any of yous guys is always welcome."

Sam leaned against the truck and crossed him arms. The biceps flared in a display of size and the pecs thickened with the move. "Hear you took a little dive down the stairs."

Tank joined him, leaned against the truck and crossed his arms in a similar manner. "Yeah. Harley told you, eh? Didn't get hurt none. Landed on my head."

"You threw Harley for a loop. He's a bit concerned."

Tank thought about it for a second. "Harley's a damned good man. I don't want to lose him."

"Why would you think you might lose him?"

Tank turned toward Sam with one arm up on the truck and his right hand on Sam's right forearm. "He told you about the heart thing?" Sam nodded. "And the tumor stuff that came back okay, knock wood?" Tank glanced at Sam's crotch.

"It ain't hard and wooden right now."

"He tell you about the hip replacement?" Sam nodded again. "Hell, Sam I got nearly, well over 35 years on this kid. He deserves a partner who can keep up with him. Someone who can spend the next 20 years playing nekkid mud volleyball, or playing grab ass on the beach in P'town, or being able to ride bikes without legs cramping?"

"Who says you can't do or won't be able to do that?"

"Aw fuck Sam, I can hardly get through a day without my legs screaming in pain. I can't trust my self to work some of these work sites. Too much for me."

"Andy does it." Sam turned to face Tank. "Zeke does some pretty amazing stuff in his chair. Not slowing them. Well, that is when Spence isn't doing his balancing act on Zeke's dick."

Tank sighed. "I know. But what if, say if my heart gives out and I'm just some vegetable in a bed somewhere. Harley deserves to have a man who can give him a full life."

"You asked Harley that question?"

Tank looked down. "HE says he's got my back and will be at my side no matter how many times he needs to wipe my ass. His words not mine."

"You have him thinking you're pulling back. Pulling away from him."

"Truth is I haven't been this scared since `Nam."

"We all have to face these things sooner or later. None of us can escape getting older."

"I know. Hard to accept though. I just want to do what's right for Harley."

"Then you need to let him decide what that is. And from what he's said to me, and Joe, that's being by your side no matter how much of a pain in the ass, drooling vegetable you become. My words, not his. We all know you can be a pain in the ass." Tank let out a short laugh. "Tank we're all here for you. You need a hip replacement. We'll all be here to help till your up and around. Something else happens, we do what needs to be done."

Tank shrugged. "What if I can't keep my end of the deal anymore? What if I can't get it up to fuck him?"

Sam smirked. "He could fuck you."

"How much fun would that be fucking a motionless bag of bones just laying there in the bed?"

Sam snorted. "Happens around the world every night with straight couples."

Tank laughed. "Yeah, ya got me there. Though I ain't had that experience."

"You really do have Harley thinking you might push him away."

Tank's face softened. "I don't want that to happen. I love the man to the depth of my soul. I want to give him everything I can."

"Then you do that until...(Sam wiggled his head from side to side), until you can't. Let him decide. I don't think anything that could happen will scare him away. Not even the thought of you in diapers."

"That's not a pretty visual."

Sam shook his head. "No. It ain't."

"I need him Sam. And I need you."

"I'm here to help whatever."

"No, I mean, I need you to fuck me once in a while. I did sorta talk to Harley about it. I don't know why, it's like something from some other force."

"You scare me sometimes with this other world stuff but if it's okay with you and Harley. I'll do whatever, like I said. And if you keep playing with my nipple the way you are, you may get it before you want it. Stop that. It's directly linked to my dick ya know."

Tank grinned slyly. "Yeah, I know. Thought maybe I could get me some of that fine Sam Chambers cream."

Sam let out a soft laugh and shook his head. "You want some, you have to promise me you'll talk with Harley and reassure him that his place with you is safe."

"I can do that."

"Cause if you don't, you not only have me to answer to but that whole slightly whacko group of men back there playing grab ass." Tank smiled in agreement. He tilted his head to indicate he wanted Sam to follow him. Tank lead him a few yards downstream and onto a rocky ledge overlooking the water.

"Harley and I sometimes drive over here to, uh, commune with nature." Sam pretended to look at him in disbelief. Tank slid to his knees and undid Sam's belt on his cutoffs. "Ooo, baby, come to papa." Sam stepped out of his shorts and Tank hefted the large cock and swollen balls in his hand. He moaned as he slowly began to pay homage to Sam's magnificent dick. Sam had to steady himself a few times on the rocky surround as Tank expertly played his cock for all it was worth. He got Sam to the brink then carefully backed off until Sam couldn't take anymore and shot buckets of hot sticky cum deep down his friends throat. He hadn't noticed Tank had unzipped his own shorts and let his stiff prick bounce as he sucked away. Tank managed to shoot a load with Sam. Sam pulled him to his feet into his thick arms and pressed their lips together. He could taste his cum in Tank's mouth. "I love you Sam. Like a brother."

Sam moaned and held tighter. "I love you too. You need to make sure Harley knows how much you love him."

"I will."

"Uh, you shoot without touching yourself."

Tank got a slightly silly grin. "Happens all the time when I really get into something. Pisses Harley off cause he thinks I don't have any left for him."

"But you do?"

"Plenty."

"Good. You keep your ass right here. I'm going back and sending Harley over. You better damn well fuck that boy until his teeth rattle."

Tank slowly smiled as his eyes twinkled.

"Sure thing."

Sam walked back to the cabin and found Harley sitting in a group chatting with several of the buds. He whispered in his ear where to find Tank. Harley blushed for a quick instant then hurried away. Joe walked up behind Sam, wrapped his arms around him, grabbed a couple of big handfuls of manpec and squeezed.

"Tank do what I think he did?" Sam nodded. "Leave some for me?"

"You do that a few more minutes and I'll be rip-raring to go."

An hour later Tank and Harley reappeared from downstream. Tank wore a big shit-eating grin on his masculine bearded face. Sam and Joe smiled. Harley walked over and planted a deep wet kiss on Sam. The big man could taste what he assumed was Tank's spunk on Harley's lips. Harley's blues sparkled as he walked away. "Gotta make me a dentist's appointment on Monday." Joe looked puzzled for a minute until the light bulb went on.

Tank beat a metal spoon against a pot to get everyone's attention. "Dinner's about ready gentlemen, oh who the hell am I kidding? All you ass-fuckers and cocksuckers, dinner's ready. These men, ahem, Header, Petey, Andy, LJ and Cesar have been planning this little cookout for weeks. Drove me about crazy with details. Supposed to be a nice warm night for all of us to sit around these campfires, preferably nekkid and have some good uh, old-fashioned camp sex with buddies. Tomorrow, hey, everyone listen up. Tomorrow is the first day of nekkid mud volleyball season for every blessed one of you." He turned to look straight at Zeke. "You too wheel boy and where's Andy? Stumpy, hey, you ain't getting out of it either. You try to get out of it you have to suck everyone of these horny bastards off. Oh wait, that's incentive. Okay, I have to think on that. In the meantime, let's chow down."

Joe laughed as he leaned back against Sam. Sam's cock was stiffening and pushing against Joe's muscleboy butt. "Seems whatever you said to Tank worked. And then some."

"That's what happens when two men find each other and realize just how right it is." Sam turned Joe around, took him in his arms and pressed their lips together. The kiss began to get embarrassingly long.

Jack tapped his Dads on their shoulders. "Oh for heaven's sake. You have a whole cabin full of beds here, the whole outdoors, either get a room or eat."

Sam stood with his arm around Joe's shoulder. He grabbed Jack by the waistband. Two seconds and Jack was bare-ass naked. He pulled Jack close and whispered hot breath into his ear. "You're eighteen. Legally you can do whatever you damn well please. So can I." A long loud ooooooo went out from the crowd as Sam hoisted a naked and surprised Jack over his shoulder and carried him and Joe into the cabin.

An hour later Jack emerged, walked over to pick up his shorts. He slowly pulled them up and sighed. "Better be some food left. My dads helped me work up one helluva appetite."

Gary hand his best friend a plate. "You okay?"

"I'm going to be soooo fucking sore but damn right, I'm very okay."

The gang was a little slow to get moving the next day. Still, the food and fresh air invigorated everyone. The moans and groans and creaking bed noises coming from the second floor the night before had surely been enough to ward off any wild animals that may have been in the area. Sam and Joe had slept soundly after working out their needs right before dinner. They had been early to rise and with the help of Bruce, Steve and Bear put out one huge breakfast spread.

Chris had not experienced a weekend at the cabin and was like a wide-eyed kid in a candy store. Tim just sat back and took it all in with a smile. The younger guys were all sitting at a picnic table eating breakfast when Chris came out with his food. He didn't feel quite comfortable enough like some to wander around naked and opted instead for a clinging pair of knit boxer briefs. His cock was in a constant state of semi-arousal and in the soft fabric was even more enticing. He slid in beside Tim and took a long sip of steaming hot coffee.

"Man, this is like gay hog heaven. All these beefy men, wandering around, openly showing affection. Wow."

Ron nudged his new boyfriend, Jet, who seemed to also be in a state of culture shock. "Not to mention openly having sex and no one cares if you do."

Chris took a big bite of scrambled eggs. "Oh wow, these are like gourmet. Men, sex and food. I think I've died and gone to heaven."

Tim smirked. "Well, you certainly rose from the dead last night. Got me two loads in two locations to prove it."

Chris blushed and started to respond. "Uh, no comment."

Gary shrugged. "No comment necessary."

Jet stifled a laugh to avoid spitting pancakes at everyone. "The moaning was enough." Tim stopped in mid chew and thought about it."

"We are a little loud aren't we?"

Gary shook his head. "Like father like son."

Ron raised his coffee cup. "And don't forget the brother."

Jet sucked in a quick breath. "Oh yeah, fuck that's right. We got a gay father here with two gay sons. One dating this huge-ass beefy fuck-my-ass-silly cop. The other dating this big could-be-pro football player who, excuse me, decides to go to med school."

"Fuck you very much." Chris grinned.

"And!!!" Jet was obviously excited. "You have black men here! Openly gay black men dating some hot looking white dudes. And a guy in a wheel chair. And another guy with one leg. All ages. All like fucking bodybuilders. What isn't here?"

Gary thought about it. "Republican." The group got quiet then bust out laughing.

Jet took another deep breath and sighed. "This diversity is too much. Oh, and here comes Jack. Dudes, he's like the luckiest man alive to have two gay Dads."

Jack looked around in surprise and crowded in at the table. "Yeah I am lucky why?"

Gary bit his lip. "Well, that depends. How's your ass?"

Jack winced. "Okay, it is freaking sore. Sam kept his promise and did fuck me."

Ron smirked. "We didn't hear screams."

Jack looked at them in disbelief. "Hell no. I had Joe's cock down my fucking throat. I could hardly breathe let alone scream."

Chris turned in stunned disbelief. "You got double-dicked?" Jack nodded. The crowd let out a big whoa that made everyone eating at the other tables to stop and look.

Thad looked at the men sitting at his table. "Kids. Probably talking football." The group of eight got quiet then bust out laughing.

The young guys all tried to compose themselves. Jet was about to head back to the kitchen for more food when Ron stopped him. "Oh no bro. Pace yourself. You see, every meal at one of these weekends is like this. Gay men know how to cook. So you better be learning."

Jet scoffed. "Me? Don't bet your black ass on that. I suck in the kitchen."

Ron giggled. "Not yet you haven't."

Jet just dropped his head and sighed. "So what is this mud volleyball?"

Tim, Ron, Gary and Jack looked back and forth at one another. "Total mayhem. You'll love it."

Tank's crew had not returned to Sam's cabin for breakfast. They were too busy prepping what would be a big lunch. Steve and Steve had made arrangements to have dinner catered by the crew they knew would send the gay men. Bruce would just roll his eyes and sigh. "Stop referring to them as dessert."

The men were also busy checking on the mud for the volleyball game. The `court' was set. Harley had cleaned out and turned on the water in the garage shower for a mass cleanup after the games. Hoses were run for quick rinsing at the far end of the house compound to avoid back washing mud into the pool. Snake and Beau stood in two of the skimpiest swimsuits and surveyed the grounds. Tank walked out with his over-sized coffee mug and slipped his arm around Beau. The big cop looked down at the already naked man.

"Aren't you rushing things?"

"Not at my age. I'm surprised you two are even up this early."

Snake smiled as he sipped his own coffee. "Yeah, so are we. We had a good time last night. LJ and Cesar stayed over."

"Hmmm, so translated that means Snake got fucked three or six times."

Snake tilted his head. "Maybe. I didn't have a calculator."

Tank went to check on the pool and hot tub temperatures."

"Yeah, right. Maybe my ass."

Beau waved his hand. "Speaking of ass. Is that a bruise shaped like a bite mark on your butt?"

Tank rubbed his butt. "Harley had a real good time last night."

Snake choked laughing. "Old man my ass."

Tank looked at the thermometer. "If you play your cards right, yeah, this old man will do your ass."

Harley walked into the conversation just as Tank bust out laughing. "Oh this is going to be a crazy day.

The groups had spent the morning lounging at Tank's, running or working out. The pool was a sea of beef. And then there was the lunchtime grazing as they all lined up, mooing like cows to slaughter. Lou and Pat were in the middle of the line wondering what they had gotten themselves into.

Ken quietly reassured them. "No one has died yet in naked mud volleyball."

Andy and Header announced the rules of the game as people ate. There were four colours of plastic plates. The colour of a person's plate determined which team they would be on. By coincidence, Zeke and Spence were on the same team.

Zeke sat in his chair a safe distance from the mud and shook his head. "Ain't no way I can do this guy."

Spence brushed him off. "Sure there is. You sit on my shoulders. Like this. Spence hoisted a naked Zeke out of his wheel chair so his mouth slid over his cock.

"I don't think this will, stop it, work, oh shit."

Matt stood knee deep at the edge of the mud court. "You know. You are probably right. Sitting up there, you're too safe."

Spence giggled. "Oh no he's not." He went charging into the mud and dropped them both into the warm oozing slop.

Zeke surfaced and swung at him. "Oh you are so going to pay." Spence threw his arms around his partner and wrestled with him in the muck. He stood up, pulled Zeke up to his shoulders once again and grinned. A demented scene out of the gum commercial. Both men had full erections.

Zeke suddenly got a look of horror on his face. "Stop moving." Zeke's hard excited cock slid over the back of Spence's shaved, mud-covered head. Spence knew exactly what the effect would be as Zeke suddenly bent forward trying to find support. His stiff rod shooting gobs of white manjuice through the mud. The crowd cheered. Zeke gasped for breath. "Oh shit. I'm either going to drown in the mud, or drain my balls on the back of this man's head."

"Don't worry. I'll stop so we have some for later."

Zeke gasped. "STOP MOVING YOUR FUCKING HEAD!!!!"

Spence's antics basically set the mood for every weekend the gang gathered at the cabin. Abu arrived in mid-August to start university. He wanted to have to the whole experience. Sam gave in when Abu said he wanted to be in a dorm. Ken and Bill told him he could easily live with them but he didn't want the added expense of a car or to bother anyone to drive him. Jack and Gary would be on campus and everyone was a phone call away. The culture shock of his first man weekend at the cabin over Labour Day lasted about 20 minutes. It did take them a while to make him understand that naked mud volleyball was not a typical American weekend festivity.

Also by Labour Day, the young men had all gone off to school for football camps. It was going to be a struggle with Dave Jr., Ron and Tim at one university and Gary and Jack playing football for another. Working out weekends and road trips became a second career for Sam, Gus and Matt. Matt had his own challenge of fitting in soccer games for his son. Still, the group was determined to not let any of the young men feel like their time in school or on the football field would ever go unnoticed. Buck and Brent came in from Ohio to visit with Ken, Bill and Abu and take in whatever game was on the agenda for the weekend. A lot of mileage was clocked by groups from Sam's gang in Pittsburgh and Tank's gang two hours away. Gary's father was always amazed when he ran into a group of them at the stadium for a football game. He had joined them a few times for dinner when his wife opted out of the game. She was beginning to look at him a bit suspiciously except he was always horny as hell when he got home. A side-effect of his going to the games she decided she could live with.

Chris always had a hotel room just outside of town when they went to see Tim play. He hoped to keep unwanted rumours from getting in the way of his game. During the week he spent a good deal of time hanging with Gus and Kevin, listening to the two older men rut at night and hug and kiss on the sofa watching TV at night. It was everything he could do to maintain his composure until the weekend when he could spend time with Tim. The coach always thought Tim was just sore on Mondays from the game. He never realized his walking funny was the result of hours of mansex after the game.

Jack had a few muscle sprains and problems by the middle of September as a result of trying too hard as a freshman player. Gary seemed to have a better common sense approach. Their coach sent Jack to see a specialist at the sports medicine facility to help improve his conditioning and teach him what to do to reduce the likelihood of injury. Jack was dressed in his basic workout gear after football practice when he went for his first appointment. His schedule said he would get a review and critique of his workout routine and a massage and analysis of his injuries after that. He waited on the side of the workout room, watching various physical therapists and fitness experts help all the people who were there. A familiar voice greeted him from behind.

"Nice to see you Jack." Jack spun around to face the young man who had spent two years as an assistant football coach at his high school.

"Coach Johns, what're you doing here?"

The slightly taller ruggedly handsome and hugely built man smiled from ear to ear as he shook Jack's hand. "I came back to school to further my education in sports medicine."

"You going to be a doctor?"

"Of sorts."

"You going to be my strength and fitness coach?" The big man shook his head. "Oh wow, cool Coach Johns."

"Uh, you don't need to call me Coach Johns. Derek is good. I know. I was your coach and teacher but I'm not now. Derek. I've watched you play, the little bit you did these last couple of weeks." Jack winced and Derek smiled. "Just teasing. But you have potential. You need to control your actions. What you did in high school was good but this ain't high school anymore. We don't want you get a major injury, so let's get started." Jack worked with Derek two or three days a week for the next three weeks. Derek would painfully critique any playing time he got and work him hard to improve his game and skill. Jack would go back to the dorm room and pray Gary would be there for some quick fuck buddy sex. Fortunately, Derek worked him so hard his cock stayed under control.

It was the beginning of October on a cool Saturday when Jack ran into Derek after the game. Sam, Joe, Steve, Matt, Lou and Pat were tagging along. Jack enthusiastically introduced everyone to Derek whose smile lit up the gray afternoon. "Okay, now that I've met your support group, other than Gary, I can see why you're an overachiever. I know I've seen Lou here compete in bodybuilding competitions, do the rest of you compete?"

Sam and Joe giggled. "Well, I'm training my boy here in the hopes that he'll compete next spring. But no, we're all just a bunch of muscleheadz."

Lou looked closer at Derek. "But I know you. You competed a few weeks ago in Altoona. Did pretty well from what I recall."

Derek blushed. "Oh you saw that. Yeah, I got bit by the bug, oh damn I know you do well. Awesome. Can I workout with you sometime?"

Pat sucked in his breath. "Oh good grief. Another one. I feel like a puny 12 year old around you guys."

Matt smirked. "Bullshit. You may not have the size but we've all seen the cuts. Not to mention the di...oh." Derek just looked confused.

Lou shook Derek's hand again. "Sure, here's my card. Give me a call. We all workout together a couple of times of week if you can handle it."

Derek beamed. "Super. I'd love it. I do some strength counseling in the evenings but I'll work around my schedule. Or well, maybe bring Jack?"

Sam smiled. "Oh Jack works out with us all the time. One big happy family." Derek studied the men's faces.

Derek threw his arm over Jack. "He's my star. Listens intently, learns and applies. I think he's going to be a big football star." Jack squirmed. His dick started to stiffen from Derek's proximity."

Sam watched Derek's eyes. "You want to join us for dinner? We're meeting some other guys in an hour. Out our way. You're welcome."

Derek dropped his arm from Jack. "Thanks. I'd like that." Sam gave him the address and they watched him work his way through the crowd toward his car.

Sam nudged Jack. "Derek's not gay is he?"

"I don't think so."

Sam smiled. "You okay?" Jack whimpered. "Makes your dick hard eh?" Jack shook his head yes. "Balls hurt?" Jack sighed. "And you're sure?"

"I've seem him leave the sports medicine place with this really pretty woman with enormous tits."

Joe smirked. "SO he likes a big chest. You have that."

"I don't have the other thing he likes and no, before you say it, I can't be the same."

Lou and Pat bust out laughing. Jack blushed. Matt shrugged. "Well, if he's comfortable enough to be around us, then he's a good man and worth keeping as a friend."

Jack sighed again. "He has to know my story from high school but he's always been cool. If he just wasn't so damned good looking."

Derek met them at the restaurant along with Zeke and Spence, Thad and Brian, and Bruce and Steve. If he had a problem with gay men, it didn't show. They were all heading to their cars when he reminded Jack their session for Monday had been moved up to avoid competing with a political rally in town. Jack flew from class to practice to his conditioning appointment on Monday. Derek was particularly grueling on him that day trying out some new stretches and moves. Jack slumped to the floor against the wall when they were finished.

"You are harder than coach is on us."

"That's what they pay me for." Jack rolled his eyes. "You're going to be sore. You better not leave here tonight without a good thorough whirlpool. Come on." Jack was wandering through he whirlpool rooms when he found Derek. The big man was naked and getting a tub ready for Jack. "Okay, in with your bad self." Jack gulped dropped his towel and tried to act nonchalant about his semi-erect dick as he slid into the splashing water. "Thirty minutes. I'll be right here keeping an eye." Derek slid into another pool and relaxed. Jack willed his dick to behave and damned the luck that the two of them were the only ones in that room. A couple of minutes before his timer went off, Jack watched Derek haul his perfect body out of the other tub and approach him. His big cock was full and not quite stiff. Jack's began to spring back to life. "Come on. Let's do a little massage."

"Oh no, I'm okay."

"Fuck, it'll help you relax." Jack stepped out of the whirlpool, his cock still semi-stiff. "Over here on your stomach. "I need to practice what I'm learning. Hey, you don't need no stinking towel." Jack melted under the firm hands working his legs and back. "Okay, flip over." Jack hesitated. "Come on Jack. I promise I won't be as rough." Jack flipped over on the table. His fully erect cock throbbing over his lower abs. "Whoa, glad I wasn't closer. I coulda lost an eye."

Jack grabbed a towel 15 minutes later and dived into a misty shower in an attempt to refocus his needs. Derek walked in a few minutes later.

"I'll see you Thursday. Coach says this will be your last session. He thinks you've done well refocusing your energy on the field and applying your weight and strength to your advantage."

"My last session?"

"Yeah. And the game's away this weekend. So I'll be watching, you be safe and play smartly out there. You have a lot of potential Jack. I'll talk to you I'm sure. Take care."

Jack's dick wilted at the thought of no further training with Derek. Gary took one look at him when he walked into the room as he looked up from his studies. "Oh, you have it bad."

Jack nodded weakly as he finished eating an apple and drinking a protein shake. "Yeah but I better focus on the English comp test for tomorrow." Jack had to work extra hard to not think about Derek. He not only missed the training and conditioning but missed the camaraderie with his former high school coach. Abu was in one class with Gary and Jack and would occasionally drop in to study. He arrived a few minutes later to go over a project with Gary. He took one look at Jack and then turned to Gary.

"Is it common in America for a man to have a crush on another man this strong?" Gary shrugged. "I hope he snaps out of this. He needs to have his head off tightly for studying and football."

Gary smiled. "On tightly. His head on tightly."

"Oh. I still have a problem with English after several years. But I don't need English to know he's fucked."

Gary sighed. "No actually he isn't. I think he'd really like to be on the receiving end with Derek."

"Well, I don't know this Derek but I know many of your friends through Ken and Bill. It takes every ounce of control I have to concentrate on university. If I didn't concentrate, well, I'd be sucking dicks nonsense."

"Non stop. You'd be sucking dicks non stop."

Abu smiled. "Oh yeah that does make more sense."

It was nearly the end of the season when Jack took a chance and headed over to the sports med complex. He watched from the lobby as Derek finished up with a client referred by one of the hospitals. He was beginning to think being there was a mistake when Derek spotted him and waved. He should have snuck out when he had his chance. Derek bounced over a couple of minutes later and threw his meaty arm over the young man's shoulders. "How're you doing Jacko? You've had a pretty good season for a freshman. So did Gary."

"Thanks."

Derek stopped and looked Jack directly in the eyes. "You aren't injured are you? You okay? How're your dads?"

Jack paused. "No, I'm not injured just wanted to stop by and say hello and thank you for everything you taught me. And, uh, Sam and Joe are good. You, um, really know about my Dads?"

Derek nodded. "Yeah, I knew when you were in high school. Hey, I have an office now back this way. Come on back."

"And you know about me?" "Derek opened the office and held the door for him.

"Um, yeah. I knew back then. You okay? I mean, you aren't having problems with other players because you're gay are you?"

Jack shook his head. "Oh no. No. I don't think anyone really knows. Or cares for that matters. I don't know. I mean I'm not like dating a guy or anything and well, football and studying take up all my time. So, no, nothing happening in my life?" Derek sprawled in a chair. Jack tried not to look at the ample basket in the snug knit shorts. "How about you? You seeing that woman I used to see here?"

Derek looked confused. "Uh. You mean the blond, attractive and with the big uh." Derek gestured at his chest. Jack nodded. "Oh no. Ewwwww no. She's my sister." Jack's eyes widened.

"Oh. I'm so embarrassed." Jack blushed. Derek snorted and laughed.

"Don't be. Easy mistake."

"So you're just doing this and classes?"

"Pretty much. I took the job teaching and coaching to get my head straight about what I want to do. I start my real well, doctor stuff next term. Sports med. Surgery. All that stuff."

"Surgery? Like a real doctor? How much longer will that take."

"Oh, at least three more years. I hope to do residency here for a couple of years after that. There's a terrific program here."

"I guess that would take up a lot of your time. Not much for dating. Any woman would have to be very understanding."

Derek got a bottle of water from a small fridge and offered one to Jack. "It is a pretty fucked up schedule. The other person has to be very patient and have things to do to keep their own focus. And not be bored always waiting for me."

Jack bit his lip and looked around the office. "I've heard relationships with a doctor can be tough so I can see where they would need something to keep them busy. A career, or maybe cooking, or renovating a house."

"Or football." Jack looked at him suspiciously. Derek moved his chair closer. "I ended your sessions. Not the coach. And not because you weren't ready. You're a fucking overachiever. I didn't want to do something stupid."

"Why?"

"Jack, there's what, eight years difference in our ages, or more?"

"More than that between Sam and Joe and they really, really love each other. Loudly love each other." Derek laughed.

"I thought you were so brave when you were in high school and coming out. You knew what you wanted."

"I was scared shitless."

"It didn't show. I still feel that way now." Derek stood up and walked around the small office. "I'm not scared about being gay, I've finally got my head around that. I got to know you so much better when you were coming in here two, three, four times a week. I had to know if you maybe felt anything for me. I'm hoping you're being here isn't just a friendly visit."

"It isn't." Derek crossed to Jack, embraced the young man and pressed his lips to his. "It isn't just about sex either. I'm a mess. I mean, I do want to have sex with you but I think I have really deep feelings for you."

"So do I."

Jack fell against Derek's chest and the damp T-shirt. "Um, which? The sex thing or the feelings thing?" Derek held him tightly.

"Yes."

That weekend, after a basketball game, Jack only told Sam and Joe he was bringing someone over to spend the night. A slow smile crept over Sam's face when he opened the door and faced Derek. "Welcome." ***** Five years later...

Sam had taken a leap of faith when he sold his house in San Francisco to return home to help his family. He didn't know what lie ahead. His friends at the time were all back in California. The few he could really call friends. So many people assumed because of his looks, his dedication to the gym and occasional trips to events like IML, that he was just another circuit boy. It hadn't worked for him. But never in his wildest dreams would he ever had predicted the friends, events and love that came his way with his return to Pittsburgh. His eyes would often begin to water when he thought of Joe and his friends.

Several years had passed since his return. So many changes that should have pulled people apart but only made this group stronger. Their number always seemed to be growing. A new friend, a new acquaintance, a new business connection to share and nurture. There was always something or someone new around the corner. He felt blessed for a man who didn't hold to faith the way so many conservatives with whom he crossed paths did. It never failed to bring a smile to his face when people connected the dots. OMG, this man is gay! His career at the university blossomed with accomplishments. The research and development department had continued to grow bringing with it opportunity to meet people at conferences and events everywhere. People assumed because of his background with a university that he was a straight arrow. The fact that he was 245 pounds of muscle on a 6'5" frame and seldom gave into wearing a suit just didn't give them adequate clues. Okay, so maybe they weren't so bright.

He had authored two books. One, dealing with the normalization of the gay community in the United States and another on the on-going recognition and confusion over gay marriage, especially in Pennsylvania. He'd be smiling politely listening to some right-wing nutbag at a fund raising event somewhere when someone going by would congratulate him on his latest book. When the nutbag asked and realized who he was and that, god-forbid, this immense man was gay, they often fled in terror. Many of them would have to eat crow later when they realized it was Dr. Sam Chambers who had come to the rescue of their event or program. He silently enjoyed the power. He enjoyed it even more when he dragged Joe along and introduced him as his partner. The person would glance at their matching rings and, Joe would count in his head, eight, nine, ten..."you're gay??!!" Always fun.

It was a warm Tuesday afternoon in May. He sat on the back patio next to the pool in his jeans and snug T. A pitcher of margaritas sat chilling in the outdoor fridge. He sipped water with lemon. Joe arrived home about the same time Steve and Matt pulled in to the driveway. They found Sam sitting quietly. He kissed Steve and Matt two of his best friends. The yellow and black labs Joe and Sam had adopted ran happily around everyone's feet. They greeted Steve's faithful companion, Sam the Shepherd, their aging buddy, and settled down in a cool corner.

Joe poured drinks for the three of them and relaxed in a lounge chair. "So, we're doing happy hour instead of the gym tonight?"

Sam slowly nodded. "Just not in the mood to lift."

Chris and Tim walked in from their jobs at Shadyside Hospital and the medical center office. "What's this? No workout?" Matt glanced at Steve. Then Joe.

Sam took a deep breath. "The phone rang shortly after I got home. Harley. Tank passed away this afternoon. Massive heart attack at work." All five men sucked in a deep breath. "Harley's fine. He knew the growing number of physical ailments could end this way. Preferably way in the future. They were together and Tank died in his arms." Joe quietly sobbed. The man whose name he shared was gone. His heart was breaking. Sam held his hand. "I told Harley we would let everyone know on this end. Header is emailing a list of people he wants to be sure we remember to call."

Tim walked into the kitchen and returned with a pad. "We'll divvy up the list. When's the service?"

"Friday. Header, Andy and the guys are taking care of everything on that end."

Matt squeezed the back of his neck. "I hope people can get off from work. Getting time off for a friend's funeral doesn't work everywhere."

Steve rubbed his back. "I think they'll make it happen."

Sam got up and poured himself a margarita. "I lost way too many friends in San Francisco back then. But that leveled off. Coming back here, well, I forgot how empty it feels when someone you love dies." Joe got up to hug his lover. "Snake and Beau are making sure things at the cabin are ready. Sorta funny we added that second bunkhouse and the first event of the season is a funeral."

Chris pulled Tim to his chest. "Somehow, I think Tank would appreciate that."

Sam laughed at the same time he wiped a tear from his face. "For sure. The man loved to party." *****

A local minister and fellow biker bud of Tank's stepped forward to host the funeral at his simple white-frame country church. He knew exactly what to expect. Bikes were lined up around the block. Followed by a host of pick-ups, SUV's and a myriad of custom road machines. Tank had left requests for his funeral when the time came. Header and Andy made sure everyone received the email or a phone call. No, as Tank wound say, gaddamed throat-choking shirts and fuck-ass ties. If you're a biker, you damn well better show up with the bike, rain or shine in leather. The minister greeted everyone in his full dress black and made his way to the front of the over flowing church in his freshly cleaned and squeaking leather.

Tank left a huge mark on the community. Even the holy-rolling religious nutbags who grumbled about gay men and were always quick to explain they tolerated the gays, well, even they couldn't say enough about the big man with the bigger heart and larger than life attitude. Tank never turned anyone away in their time of need no matter how much they disagreed with him. Or disapproved, he was bigger than that. Donations rolled in in lieu of flowers for heart disease, cancer research, AIDS and Vets support.

Sam sat next to Joe, both in full leather at the front of the church. The few relatives Tank had, who only then found out they were related to Joe, sat on the opposite side. Sam couldn't help but chuckle and think the only thing missing was the church organist playing In-a-Gadda-Da-vidda a la the Simpsons. Joe took one look at the shit-eating grin on Sam's face and knew what he was thinking. They all did. The minister smiled wickedly as the organist ended the music with the last six notes of the rock anthem. The place actually erupted in applause.

"Thank you all for coming out this morning to remember Joseph Tankersley. Tank. We have people downstairs in the social hall and across the street in the fire hall. And no, we won't be doing a 50-50 raffle. So, what can I say about Tank? Several people have asked to say a few words. I don't think we'll need an intermission but who well, who knows?" Sam would be the next to last to speak before the minister closed the service. His mind wandered as others in the community took their turns. Sam looked around at his friends.

Zeke and Spence were at the far end of the row where there was just enough room to squeeze in Zeke's wheel chair. Zeke's career had taken off the last two years with a simple book he wrote about his wheel chair insanity. He wrote openly about being a gay man in a chair and what he had to overcome to have a career and a loving relationship. The number of injured vets returning from the Middle East who was gay, well, the number who came out swelled with the publication and success of his book. He went from being a simple support counselor to running his own organization to help gay vets. Spence had flown home from a business trip in Seattle for the service. He took what he had learned about creating a fully accessible home for Zeke and himself and partnered with an organization in Pittsburgh. That group recognized the emerging market for smart homes and accessible habitats for those with disabilities and the elderly. He quietly held Zeke's hand as tears flowed down his face.

Thad had eventually followed Sam to Pennsylvania and into the arms of Brian Toomey. They became neighbors of Sam and Joe when Brian's mother decided she needed to downsize and sold the house down the street to them. Thad organized a vacation for many of the men a year or two prior to his native Greece and the warm sun drenched beaches. They turned heads even in Europe as a group of beefy muscleheadz in tiny swimsuits frolicking in the blue clear water. His job kept him on the road at least two days a week. Brian had settled comfortably into a management job with one of the area's data management firms. Neither had much of a green thumb but it didn't matter among this group. They got plenty of help from Joe and Ken. Then turned over lawn maintenance to Lou and Pat.

Actually, more Pat. The small, lean muscular man never expected the increase in his business when he was adopted into the family. A man who was used to long hours and harder work found he had to hire men in the summers to keep up. So, what's a gay man to do but hire young muscular college boys just to do the grass and trimming. Straight women also notice young, muscular college men which meant more business and more need to hire. Lou found the whole process quite amusing. Lou gladly helped as he could on weekends. His own business expanded as contacts with Sam's growing family and acquaintance base grew. Lou spread his bodybuilding bug to Joe and Ken. Both men eventually competed in contests in numerous states, never quite taking it to the professional level but just far enough to drive Sam and Bill into a sexual bliss. Lou earned his pro card but chose only to compete in contests where he felt openly welcome.

Bill was nominated and won an award for the restoration and upgrades to the former garage/business in which he and Ken now made their home. He turned that and his knowledge of HVAC and contracting into an historic restoration and renovation business with Swede and Scott. At first it kept them busy in western Pennsylvania but then things took off with business coming in from Cleveland, Chicago and Philadelphia. They took turns with roadtrips so no one person had to bear the burden on workouts and partners. Select advertising in targeted gay publications on college campuses brought bright gay men and lesbian women to them for employment. Much of the business management passed on to Lou. Who used the same select advertising to employ gay men and women from the Pittsburgh universities and schools. Buck and Brent was their Ohio base of operations. The two men gladly used that business tie to make frequent trips to Pittsburgh, the campground and Tank's compound.

Bill and Ken settled in to a frenetic home life. Ken's addiction to bodybuilding led to Bill's on-going dedication and keeping his body shaved. Ken couldn't get enough of Bill's smooth, hot black skin on his body as Bill pounded his muscle butt. They adopted a Golden to keep Doober and Sam the shepherd company. The three dogs would clump in the corner along with Ben's dog, Angie. No one ever blinked at the gaggle of big friendly dogs in the office. Even as business grew. Ken dedicated part of his time to working with disabled vets to help them overcome their barriers, learn new job skills and feel more confident as they took their places back in the working world.

Steve and Matt watched Buddy become quite the competent soccer player. He was assured of a soccer scholarship when he hit college. Buddy was proud of his two dads. Sometimes too proud. He came home on more than one occasion with a black eye for defending their family life to a bully. Matt dealt with the issue immediately and became known as a gay parent who wasn't about to back down. The two men were often seen on the sidelines at soccer matches and became the center of a mixed group of soccer parents. Not quite as outgoing as hockey parents, particularly lipstick wearing hockey moms. They counted among their soccer friends several lesbian couples.

Steve, Ken and Ben grew Steve's simple woodworking business into a major furniture and custom design business. They eventually had to move the operation into a commercial building a few miles away. The old woodshop became the office where Matt settled in full-time to help further the business. The second workshop building on their home property was renovated into apartments where Tim and Chris settled along with Jack and Derek. Steve and Ken had work orders planned out for two years. They tried to slow the business by raising their prices. It didn't actually work. People were willing to pay a good price for quality work. They never priced things at an obscene level and were often seen as lower priced than some much better known shops across the nation. Like the others they found themselves reaching out to find talented men and women in the gay community who wanted to produce a high quality wood products.

Ben would often tease them he was the leader of the straight minority. The other straight men they hired would tease Ben that he was gayest straight they ever knew. Ben took it in stride. The wild woman of his dreams married him and quickly became pregnant with the first of five boys. Angie kept diligent watch over the flock. Even as she got older, the working dog instinct stayed true as she followed the toddlers around and herded them back to their mother.

Tim eventually joined Matt running the office. Tim's football career and weightlifting had given him a butt that rivaled Matt's. Steve would often stand across the office watching the two men in their snug jeans from behind. He would let out a low whimper and leave quickly to go back to the shop. Chris found he had a similar problem. Chris never missed the pro football career he could have had. He established himself as one of the best orthopedic specialists in the region and settled into a comfortable career. He and Tim could more than afford a big house but stayed comfortably in Steve and Matt's apartment until a home to their liking came open in the neighborhood.

Tim never missed a day of talking with his brother Buzz. Buzz followed Chris to an orthopedic center as a physical therapist. He and Chris worked out a flex schedule to allow them the time to workout. Their muscular frames tested the strength of the scrubs they often wore at work. The schedule fit well with his main cop, Officer John. John also worked to achieve a competitive bodybuilding level with Lou, Joe and Ken. He competed once or twice a year but keep his main focus law enforcement. He was rumoured to be in line at some point as a candidate for the elected office for sheriff. No one blinked when someone would inevitably throw out that he was a gay cop. Any person trying to introduce the idea of discrimination against him was usually shown the door. John and Buzz attended numerous law enforcement events on their Harley's in full leather as an openly gay couple. If it bothered anyone, they took one look at the size of the two men, the support they had from John's peers and kept their mouths shut. John Sullivan became synonymous with enforcement of hate crime laws making sure no one ever lost focus on gay hate related crime or that people with disabilities were often victims of crime. He never backed down, was almost always correct and had the full attention of the political bigwigs in the state capitol.

Sam focused again on the minister and Skull who was the current person sharing their thoughts and emotions about Tank. Tank never would have allowed people to go on about him that way in life but now, the words were warm and sincere. Joe squirmed in the pew next to him and a little squeak of leather on painted wood echoed through the old church. Sam stifled a laugh. Harley sat on the other side. His hand enfolded in Sam's. Gary sat on the end next to Harley.

Gary was beyond being an overachiever. He finished his college career in three years. He never intended to go for a pro football career but size wise could rival many men on the field. His love was law and he landed in law school in Philadelphia. Even while he was attending classes, he became an irreplaceable help to Tank and Joe in the business. Eventually, he finished law school, took up practice not far from Tank and Joe and became the company's legal counsel. It wouldn't be long after Tank's passing that Gary would wake up in the middle of the night from a dream about Tank. Telling Gary about his future. Tank and Sam's agreement was for Harley to become Sam's boy in the event of his death. Until the right person came along. There was never a moment Joe and Sam didn't welcome Harley into their home or bed. That is until Gary. Gary sat at his kitchen table sipping coffee the morning after the dream waiting for the call. Sam knew Harley and Gary had become more than business partners. When the phone rang, Gary simply answered, "Sam?" Three years after Tank's passing, Gary and Harley became committed partners in another huge biker ceremony. A ceremony not without setbacks as word got out about another gay `wedding.' Beau rallied the local police to intimidate the crazies.

Sam felt Harley tremble slightly. Tank would be a huge void to fill. People need to have someone in their life to share all the moments, good or bad. He glanced back at the crowd and caught the eye of his brother Dave and his wife. Dave Jr. had been quietly studying in their apartment with Tim and Ron when the phone rang two years earlier. He looked at the caller id and smiled. "Hi Dad."

"Hey DJ, how's it going?"

"Good. We're up to our balls studying for finals but I think we'll make it. What's up?"

"Uh. I wanted to get your blessing. I'm getting married."

"What? That's great. It's about time. You've been alone too long since mom's passing. You deserve to be happy and have someone in your life. Just be careful and don't be having any kids too quickly." Silence. "Oh no. You dog." DJ laughed with glee. "Hot damn. I'm gonna have me a baby brother and/or sister. Hey, wait. Weren't you the one who always lectured me on being safe?"

There was a deep breath on the other end of the phone but DJ could tell his Dad was smiling. "Well, yes, yes I was, but we wanted to have another kid before either of us got too damned old. Do things right this time."

Dave Jr. smirked. "Oh so you think you made some big mistakes with me?"

"Oh no, never. I'm very, very proud of you. I just want to be around more for this child than I was for you."

"Oh poor kid. We were inseparable. You were my best friend. You can't get any better than that. What does grandma think? And Sam?"

"I haven't told them yet. It was important to me that you be the first to know. But I think they'll be happy for me."

"I'm soooooooooooo happy for you. Dad."

"Thanks son that means more than you know. And what about you? Any plans?"

Dave Jr. looked at the picture on his desk of the pretty brunette. "No, we want to get our feet set first. Spend a little time on our jobs after school before taking the big leap. But, rest assured, I still use condoms. Unlike some people."

"You're not gonna stop riding my ass on this are you?"

"Nope, at least not for a few more months."

Dave Jr. heard a big sigh of relief. "Okay, well, we'll see you this weekend. I'll let you get back to your studying. Tell Ron and Tim I said hi."

"I will. And Dad. I love you."

"I love you too son."

Sam winked at his young nephew sitting on Dave's lap and leaning into his mother. Dave Jr. nodded to Sam and his girlfriend winked. Sam's mother sat next to them smiling with pride in her son, grandson and great-grandson.

Behind them sat Ron and Jet listening intently to the speakers and the words, often humorous about Tank. They had flown in from Chicago where they settled after graduation. Ron's mother sat next to her son, a peaceful look of determination on her face. She had become a strong voice for civil rights after Ron's outing and experience. She was a highly paid motivational speaker whether it is for African-American issues, for PFLAG, or gay rights. She had spent many hours on the phone with Tank discussing and learning about issues important to vets and gay vets. Her hand was partially wrapped around Ron's large bicep. She taught him to be strong and he was now working to help others in Chicago become strong and successful. Jet sat quietly on the other side of Ron, tears streaming down his face. Tank was the first of his gay friends to pass. He was having more difficulty with it than he wanted to let on. That only made his friends love him more.

Tony and Bear were next to them. They'd left the grocery store where Sam had met Matt, and later Joe. Despite the slow pace of the economy, they had opened their own butcher shop with gourmet foods. People were still willing to pay for good quality food and top quality service. They had been a little late getting to the church. Pete had called them about helping with food for after the service and for the weekend at the cabin. Bear had been on the phone and online working out details with the caterers. Tony rolled his eyes because he knew Bear was sitting in the church trying to calculate if they had planned enough food. Of course they had. When did gay men ever not have enough food?

Abu and a darkly handsome man sat behind them. Abu struggled a long time as his college career came to a close. Should he go home to Iraq, or bring his family to America. He did the next best thing. He brought them all to Toronto. Contacts he had made with a couple of Middle Eastern companies lead to a very lucrative career in Canada. A career wasn't enough though. He worked diligently to reconcile differences for gay Muslims. A task he found easier in Canada than the US. It was only a short six-hour drive to Pittsburgh so he managed to get back to visit frequently. The friends had gotten into the habit of traveling to Toronto a couple of times a year, once for the annual Pride week. It was an open friendly city they found much to their liking. Not to mention taking over a whole floor of their favourite restaurant after the Pride Parade. The young female staff loved them and could give back in spades whatever silliness the men dished out.

Joe got up to speak. Many people in the sanctuary smiled broadly when he introduced himself and they saw the resemblance. He shared a somewhat laundered version of how his connection to Tank came about. You could see many in the audience connecting the dots and filling in the gaps. The minister knew the story. His face reflected the amusement and challenge Joe had of cleaning up all the details. Joe shared many of the lessons learned by just being around Tank. One of the big man's greatest abilities was to impart wisdom in a manner that neither threatened nor demeaned the person to whom it was directed. Many of the faces in the crowd smiled having been the recipient of Tank's lessons in life.

Harley's headed tilted forward slightly. Sam felt another tremble run through the young man. A large hand reached over and squeezed Harley's shoulder. Gus and Kevin sat behind them. Gus, the former steel worker now floor supervisor in a hospital. The out gay man and father of seven sons, two of whom were here with their male partners. He had made the transition from gritty steel worker to polished nurse and now to senior staff. The same inward strength helped him deal with two out sons of whom he was proud and quick to brag. He often reflected on his inner struggle to accept that he was gay. Not that it was a bad thing, it had been one more thing he had put aside to focus on the needs of his sons. Kevin was the real love of his life. His wife was a woman he loved, obviously enough to father seven sons. He couldn't fathom coming out as he had without the support of Sam, his family, Kevin and Tank. Life was easier for them once they both settled into similar routines at work. It gave them the freedom to love one another openly. Kevin and Sam worked closely together at the university. Kevin had collaborated with Sam on his second book and was now proofing the final draft of his own book.

Sam hugged Joe as the man stepped down to his seat. He took a deep breath and approached the lectern. He looked out at the crowd. Jack and Derek sat hand in hand in the center of the sanctuary. Sam couldn't help but think if he had a real birth son, he would be proud to have the man turn out like Jack. Tall, ruggedly handsome with deep dark questioning eyes that challenged you one minute, then twinkled with his inner playfulness the next. He was a true Tigger. Jack moved from one university just slightly down the avenue to Sam's place of business. He was working his way rapidly into being a well-respected professor. Joe often said he was perfect Ph. D. material but not the book kind. Just the bullshit kind. Jack knew he could never be any happier than to be like Sam. Derek had only a couple of years to get to know Tank. He was well on his way to a successful career as a surgeon. It was to Derek that Harley turned when he knew things weren't going well for Tank. It was Derek who provided their foundation to cope with what came ahead.

Sam's eyes locked onto Bruce. His oldest friend and his partner Steve were in Pittsburgh when he left for San Francisco. Their friendship had stood the test of time and distance. Bruce and Steve were hitting their mid-50's and planning to retire early and leave the business to Joe and James. All the late night-long distance phone calls came flooding back to his memory. Bruce was the key to his words about Tank.

"I stumbled on Tank's business when I bought this, uh, slightly run down camp site not far from here. He came highly recommended by the realtor who sold me this paradise. He's also sitting here today in honour of Tank. I see the many friends who have blessed my life over the years for whom I am eternally grateful. Tank entered my life this big, loud, rowdy man who could see the potential in even the most rundown real estate investment. He was brash, and more than a tad opinionated. And the gentlest man I ever knew. I never quite saw Tank as a religious man, many would say his lifestyle bore witness to the opposite. But he lived by the laws and commandments which should lead us all, love, honesty, respect, oddly enough humility and well, the occasional margarita." The minister snorted as he stifled a laugh. Tank always talked about the dreams he had, the people who visited him in those dreams and of the wonderful things yet to come. He said he talked to God. I believe he did. The man didn't lie. Imagine a larger than life Tank in heaven, whatever his vision of heaven was – Harleys, a hot tub and good friends. And God standing there thinking, good grief what do I do with him now. Indeed, what do we do without Tank now. He taught us everything we need to know to succeed and be better people. Bet you didn't realize that until you heard all these stories today. So much of him lives on in us. And in Harley. I never told you son but Tank would sometimes call me late at night and tell me how much he loved you. He wanted me to assure you that you are not alone. I think the number of people here today tell you that. We loved Tank, always will, and share that with you Harley." Sam hugged Harley close and kissed the side of his neck as the young man stepped to the lectern.

The minister stepped up to ask if he was all right. Harley quietly nodded, hugged the man and turned to face the crowd. "Holy fu...oops. Almost let that slip, sorry rev. Channeling my inner Cher. Sitting up here in the front, I had no idea." He turned toward the minister. "And there are people in the social hall?"

"And across the street at the fire hall. We ran speakers over there."

Joe turned back to face the room overflowing with people. "Thank you. Thank you all for your words of support, encouragement and love. It's all about love. You've all heard by now how Tank and I came to be. Everything has a reason in life and my reason for being wasn't fulfilled until Tank and I became one. And I have a confession."

The minister giggled. "Wrong religion. We ain't Catholic." The crowd responded with a huge rolling ball of laughter.

"For sure what we did together would shake up the Catholic church. Well, some of them. Anyway. Tank and I snuck away a year ago on a vacation, just the two of us, to Provincetown. And you know what you can do in Provincetown, Massachusetts? Okay, besides that. Sorry again rev, this crowd is really scraping bottom. Well, we had ourselves a little ceremony. Yeah, it isn't recognized here but give it time. And they generally don't like to do a wedding for out-of-staters, but, who cares? In our eyes, we were married. No big fancy church wedding. And heaven knows neither of us could wear white. But, when two people love each other, are committed to each other, need I say more. Sam and Joe have been together for several years now. Bruce and Steve have been together since 1982. How much more `proof' do we need to give people? Anyway, Tank knew things were happening for him and his health. He wanted this before his time came. We told our friends but were careful who we told in the greater community. It meant more to him than I can put into words. I promised I would continue to fight for our rights. Tank would say he couldn't be a blushing bride but he could make a few brides blush."

Harley took a deep breath. "If we are lucky, we will be remembered for our deeds, hopefully our good deeds. Not the ones that make people blush. Joseph Tankersley was one big good deed. We are doubly lucky if we find true love in life, and friends, and all the warmth and caring that goes with that. Tank was doubly lucky that way. I can only hope I can live up to his dreams for me. I love you Tank. And I will miss you forever."

There wasn't a dry eye in the house. It wasn't because people were sad. Rather, it was an outpouring of love. What greater gift is there?

A private ceremony was held at the cemetery. At least as private as 100 people can be. The social hour following the funeral rolled into the street between the church social hall and the fire hall. Numerous restaurants around town sent food, thanks to Bear's, Tony's and Pete's work. It was the kind of party Tank would have loved. It was loud and it was long. Not from the revving of Harleys.

Things had settled down by 1:30. Snake and Beau rounded up all the friends for a quick rundown for the afternoon's plans. They gathered in the social hall. Many weren't sure what was to happen next. . Snake wasn't the least bit shy at the funeral wearing a sleeveless T to show off his arms and tattoos. It is what Tank would have expected. He had taken on more of the office business with Harley but kept his hand in the carpentry as a way of finding peace. Beau, not to be outdone, wore a full leather cop uniform he had made to replicate his actual work uniform. They were a hot vision as they took the small stage in the social hall.

Snake got everyone's attention with his skill to blast a whistle by using two fingers. A disappearing skill. "Okay, listen up all you reprobates. You all got our email and phone calls to plan to be here for the whole weekend. This ain't the Big Chill. You might have a warm and fuzzy moment but it won't be quite on the same par. Tank left a detailed list of things we were to do at his passing. One of them is food. Bear, Tony, Pete, Cesar and LJ have a non-stop feast planned for the weekend. And don't whine about your waistlines. This group always works it off." The crowd let out a long whoooooo. "Not that way. Workouts, swimming, running and the centerpiece of Tank's request - naked mud volleyball. Oh, and margaritas."

The gang laughed and then began to chant, "Tank! Tank! Tank!"

Beau waved his hands but Snake had to let go another ear-piercing whistle. "I actually have the cruiser so some of you can follow me back to the compound. If you need to go to the campground first, that's fine. The mud awaits and is warmed. Header and Andy will be bringing up the rear so we don't lose anyone."

Snake ripped off his T-shirt to reveal his tight well-honed chest. "Let's roll in honour of Tank."

The minister could only stand, watch and roll his eyes. He couldn't begin to understand what these men did sexually. But he could understand the love.

It had been a weekend to remember and honour their friend. It was a weekend of men openly loving men and not just for the well muscled chest or hard, tight backside. Words fail when people try to describe love, but we all know or hopefully know how it feels.

Header, Andy and Pete were the most efficient team ever at running a weekend of crazed mostly naked muddy men. They were sworn to staying in the cottage across the compound from Tank's big sprawling house. Their dedication to Harley ran deeper than any ocean. The three of them along with LJ, Cesar, Snake and Beau made up the core of Harley's support group. They all sensed and knew Gary would play a larger roll to come.

Sam and Joe stayed over en extra night to enjoy the peace and quiet of the cabin. They sat in the large porch swing overlooking the creek below, arm in muscular arm. Everyone had departed back to Pittsburgh, Chicago, Toronto or wherever. The low throaty roar of a bigass hog rumbled from the driveway. Harley knew exactly where to find them.

"I just wanted to stop by and say one more time how much I love you and how much you mean to me and Tank. There aren't enough words. I know how hokey that sounds."

Sam grinned. "Not at all. You want to stay the night? Not be alone in that big ol' bed?"

Harley slowly shook his head. "I'm never alone. Tank may not be there physically but I can still feel him. It'll be rough for a while but I have the guys to distract me. And you all will be back over Memorial Day. If I need anything I know I can call."

Joe got up to hug him. "Damn straight." Harley stared deeply into Joe's eyes.

"Damn, your eyes are just like his." Joe looked down. "No, that's a good thing. He lives on in you, believe me I know that. And in my heart." The three men stood in a tight huddle on the porch. "You men have a safe trip home. Call me when you get back, try to do so before the rain. I love ya."

Sam held Joe tightly to his chest as they watched Harley walk away and listened to his bike fade in the distance. Joe closed his eyes and felt Sam's heartbeat against his back. "I hope we have a long time together."

"We will son."

The End

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Starting Again, Chapter 37

Copyright 2008