Tommy and Tanner, Chapter 71
Warning:
This story contains scenes of love and sexual interaction between males of similar age. If the reading or possessing this material is illegal in your country, state, province, county, municipality, etc., please leave this site immediately and do not proceed further. If you are under the legal age to read this, please do not do so. It is not my intention to offend anyone or to get you in trouble.
The author retains the copyright, and any other rights, to this original story. You may not publish it or any part of it without explicit authorization from me.
This is not my first attempt at writing fiction. My longer stories on Nifty include: "Always and Forever" (March 25, 2004), "Jacob and Jacques" (May 30, 2004), "Zeke" (August 29, 2005), "Tales from Bentonville" (November 16, 2008), and "Second Chance" (September 24, 2010) under "High School" and "Someone to Watch over Me" under "Beginnings" in the gay male section. There are a few short stories also: "Brad and Alan's Canoe Trip" (April 22, 2004 under "Camping", "Of Angels and Dragons" (November 8, 2008) under "Camping", "A Christmas Tale" (December 22, 2009) under "High School", "Brazil Affair" (October 1, 2010) under "Beginnings," "Seth's Gift" (October 10, 2010) under the Science Fiction/Fantasy category, and "A Technological Christmas" (December 23, 2011) under "Beginnings."
I am listed on Nifty under the category of "Prolific Net Authors" which will make it easier for you to access earlier stories. Some of these stories are also posted at: www.storylover.us along with those of other writers that may interest you.
My only reward for contributing to Nifty is your emails. Please write if you like the story. Please include the name of the story in the title of your email because my email service sometimes puts them in the "spam" file.
Thanks and hugs to Tom and David (boxerdude) who edit for me so that there are fewer mistakes! They not only proof-read, but make other valuable suggestions.
Finally, David has a new site that is hosting a number of authors. It's at: www.saberpeak.com. My first story, "Always and Forever," is posted there.
David (dlee169@hotmail.com)
Tommy and Tanner, Chapter 71
The four campers awakened early and made breakfast from the pancake mix that required only the addition of water. There was syrup and butter left from yesterday and, by chance, four eggs. Tommy carefully fried them sunny-side up to lay on top of their stacks of pancakes. When they'd eaten, everyone felt adequately nourished for the morning ahead.
After cleaning up their utensils, they bathed in the pond and put on shorts and T's. They had brought along ankle-high waterproof hiking boots to wear while moving rocks and they thought these would be perfect for the job ahead.
Once dressed, they packed up their camping gear and carried it to the car. It was going to be really full on the way home. The guys in the back seat would likely be holding sleeping bags on their laps. But that was doable for the short trip.
They had scarcely completed their tasks when Hank's pickup came into view followed closely by a cement truck. While the driver set up a series of chutes to funnel the cement mixture as closely as possible to where they would begin, Toby brought out rubber boots for the boys to put over their shoes.
"These will protect those nice hikers," he said. "If you find that some cement has splashed inside, turn on the pump or go back to the pond and wash it off quickly. I know those Merrell's aren't cheap!"
The boys gratefully accepted the gear and got ready to work. With various tools that Hank had brought, the guys spread the mixture as rapidly and smoothly as they could. The operations began toward the dirt embankment beneath what would be the front of the cabin and continued toward the back where the walk-out basement would be level with the ground.
After all of the cement had been spread around in place, the guys used a long, straight board to squeegee it until it was level with the forms. About the time they were done, a second truck came with a load for the patio/parking slab.
Hank had brought along a gasoline powered generator to hook up to pump Lee had purchased for getting water from the old well. It provided enough pressure to clean up tools and mist the concrete so it wouldn't set too quickly. By noon, this part of the operation was finished. The concrete would have to set for at least a day before the forms could be set up to pour the walls of the basement.
It was slightly after noon when the work was finished for the day. Hank insisted that the guys follow Toby and him to a small café in a little town on the way back to Middleton. It was the kind of place where almost everything was made on site so the meals had a homemade taste.
The food turned out to be delicious, and Hank picked up the check. He invited the foursome to continue working at the cabin when they were available. All they needed to do was let him know before they came out so they wouldn't be wasting their time. They all said that they'd do their best to schedule it in.
The boys had felt they would be busy enough with their lawn business, but were not about to turn down the opportunity to learn some beneficial building skills and to be able to put Hank down as a work reference in the future. Besides, he was paying them a decent hourly wage for the time they put in, and the mowing business was always iffy because it depended on having adequate rain.
In the not too distant future, Tucker would be old enough to drive and Tommy and Tanner would turn the mowing business over to him for the most part. They hoped by then to have some kind of steady summer employment or perhaps an internship. In the mean time, they could get someone to transport the riding mowers for the younger boys. If their parents were unavailable, they might enlist Michael or Lance. Even Herbert would probably come to their rescue in a pinch.
It turned out that Michael and Lance were available to sub for them on the day when they went to Arlington Heights to have lunch with Mason's mother. It had been very difficult to schedule a time when all of them could get together. Since both Michael and Lance had an afternoon free in the middle of the week, they were happy to help them out.
Brenda had extended the invitation to include Devin since he was an integral part of the relay team, not knowing he was Andy's boyfriend. Had she been aware of their relationship, she wouldn't have hesitated in inviting him. Either way, it all worked out.
When the four of them were ushered to her table by the hostess, they felt like it was déjà vu. Although Brenda had mentioned that Greg resembled his younger brother, the boys weren't entirely prepared. The young man with her, who rose to his feet for the introductions, looked like an older version of Mason.
"This is my son, Greg," she said as she welcomed each of her guests by name.
"Wow, this is amazing; you look so much like... Oops, I'm sorry." Tommy said, apologizing for blurting out without thinking.
"Yes, the resemblance to Mason is striking," Brenda. "You need not feel you're offending Greg or me. I didn't tell you that he would be here because I wanted to see your reactions. You have just validated what I already thought. Greg knows I'm not trying to bring back his brother through him, but it is comforting to realize that he has filled a void in my heart."
"Mom has been wonderful to me," Greg enthused. "I love my adoptive family to the max, but it's like having closure to know my biological parents too and to love them for the sacrifice they made in giving me up so I could have a good life. We've been getting together almost every month. It's amazing how many things we have in common. My parents who raised me often come along too!"
Their conversation was interrupted by the waiter who came to ask their choice of drinks. The topic that came up after they'd put in their orders involved mainly high school and college sports. Greg had competed in track all four years of his university experience.
At the end of their extended mealtime, Brenda thanked each boy for coming. When she shook hands with Devin, she expressed how much she had enjoyed meeting him.
"I'll think of you like another son, as I do Andy, Tommy, and Tanner. I'm so glad you were willing to join us."
"Thanks for including me. I didn't realize you'd know that I'm Andy's boyfriend."
"That's wonderful!" Brenda exclaimed. "Actually I didn't know, but thought it would be nice to have the whole relay team together. I'd read your name in the paper often enough to feel like I should know you."
"I wish you the best in your relationship," Greg told Devin. "I've met several very happy same-sex couples in college and since. I'm glad you can get married or at least be domestic partners in our fair state now."
"Thanks," Devin grinned, as he squeezed his boyfriend's hand.
When the sidewalls of the basement had cured sufficiently, the men and boys set up forms to hold the concrete that would be poured to create the floor of the cabin and the ceiling of the basement. Of course reinforcing rods were set in place first. With the completion of this phase, the bunker-like shelter was nearly ready to occupy. All that remained to be done there was the installation of a steel door and exterior shutters.
After that concrete had cured, the foam block molds to form a grid-work of concrete and re-rod went up rapidly. A few days later, the main floor and ceiling had been poured too. The gabled roof came next. Hank and Toby used engineered beams that would give optimum headroom to the attic story without compromising strength. When the shingles were added, windows and doors installed, the cabin could be used for sleeping while the interior and exterior faces were being completed. The cabin would be finished well ahead of schedule.
Of course all of the boys connected to Peter and Lee were doing at least some things to help with the project. Hank and Toby were patient teachers, so the boys were learning as well as helping. In the case of the older guys, their contributions were rather valuable.
June was quite a busy time for everyone, balancing jobs and other responsibilities along with working on the cabin and having time for goofing off. Almost before they knew it, July was upon them and it was time for the Torrance brothers to head north to the Boundary Waters. Tark sent them in the minivan so there'd be plenty of room for their gear. They would be taking camping equipment despite the fact they'd be renting similar things from the outfitter in Ely. That was so they'd have accommodations on the trip to and from northern Minnesota. It would cut down on expenses and break up the long drive. Tark was almost certain his sons would take a side-trip to visit the nude beach in Wisconsin on their way home and would probably want to camp near Mazo Beach where they'd been before.
As they had in the past, the guys packed carefully so they'd be prepared for all kinds of situations, but with the minimum weight for the portages. Their scout training and previous experiences helped a lot. They pared down so there wouldn't be unnecessary duplicates. One tube of toothpaste and one tiny bottle of environmentally safe body wash could be shared by all of them. They were brothers after all. Tim said he'd skip shaving for the time they were gone because he didn't necessarily want to share a razor with his middle brothers, knowing what they'd be using it for! Tommy and Tanner decided to bring one to keep their balls baby-smooth.
They camped in northern Wisconsin at a free park on the way up. It was pretty primitive, but not nearly like what they would be doing the next week.
The guys ate on the road instead of cooking, but did have a small campfire to roast marshmallows over before turning in for the night. As usual, Tim and Tuck shared one tent and Tommy and Tanner the other.
Since they'd retired early, they also arose early and drove for about an hour before stopping for a big "country" breakfast. Their noon meal in Ely was a lighter one.
In the early afternoon, they met up with Eric, Josh, Dane, and Colt at the outfitters facility. Having kept in contact by cell phone, both parties arrived within a few minutes of each other.
From one of the workers, they got the rundown on which meals were to be consumed on which days to make sure the more perishable food was used early in the trip.
Next, they got an orientation with maps and a GPS so they could plan where they wanted to go. It was decided that Josh and Eric should be their leaders for navigating the lakes since they were the most familiar with the area.
They were all shown how to shoulder the Kevlar canoes despite the fact that most of them had experience in portaging. Tuck proved that he could handle a canoe despite being the youngest member of the crew. He was almost as big as anyone else and certainly didn't lack strength.
Following the orientation, the guys were shown to their sleeping quarters. They were housed in an eight-bunk cabin that would allow them all to be together. It was only a short walk to the shower and toilet facilities.
Since they had part of the afternoon still ahead of them, they decided to tour the wolf center. Josh and Eric had seen it on their first trip, but were happy to go again. The rest were eager too.
They learned a lot about wolves and the how many people misjudged them and their place in the order of things. The guys found themselves donating a few spare bucks to help in their preservation.
It still wasn't time to eat their evening meal, so they checked out a number of the shops in Ely. At the leather goods store, several of them purchased belts that would go with their jeans and looked like they'd probably last a lifetime. Other than that, they didn't find any souvenirs worth spending their money on.
There was a restaurant housed in a cool old building that looked like it had been a livery stable. Josh took several photos of it while the rest held his place in line for a table. He managed to get some good ones in the 15 minutes or so that elapsed before they were seated.
The menu was varied and not terribly expensive, so the guys were pleased with their choice of eateries. Everyone had a salad, knowing there wouldn't be much in the way of greens for the better part of a week.
Back at their cabin, the guys did one last check of their gear to make sure what would be going with them and what would remain in their vehicles. Since Dane had driven a car with a trunk in it, he invited the guys from Illinois to stash bulky valuables there so they wouldn't be visible in the van. The outfitter would keep their billfolds and small items in his safe.
Everyone got up early the next morning in order to take a quick shower in time to eat the breakfast that was provided. They wanted to enjoy their food without being rushed, but not be so leisurely that they'd delay the driver who would take them to their departure point.
Once they were transported across the first lake, they were on their own. Civilization, for the most part, would be a distant memory for the next week. The guys piloting the motorized craft reminded them of the time they'd pick them up when their trip was over.
The first portage was a short one, so the guys who were not carrying a canoe loaded up with an extra pack of gear in addition to their personal packs. It was only a matter of minutes before they were paddling into an area that was both peaceful and beautiful.
Although they took it easy the first day, they did cover quite a bit of distance. Josh and Eric were eager to get to their favorite camping places before those were claimed by someone else.
It was unseasonably warm and everyone had stripped down to thin shorts with nothing under them. With a strong enough backlight, most of the guys' personal equipment showed up like silhouettes on a window shade.
Dane and Colt held back about going bare-ass since there was at least one member of the group under 16 and they weren't sure how he would react. The issue resolved itself when Tuck exclaimed that he for one was getting an allover tan if possible. He took off his shorts and proceeded to lie face-up on his towel with no hesitation. Everyone else followed suit.
"Thanks for breaking the ice, dude," Colt said to him. "We always go naked as much as possible on camping trips unless it's way too cold."
"So do we," Tuck grinned. "I think all the guys in our family are natural born nudists."
"Cool!" Colt responded as he and Dane walked nude down to check the temperature of the water.
The lake was rather chilly, but the young men found a warm spot in a shallow area where the sun was working its magic. Before long, they were all splashing in the water like a bunch of little kids.
Josh got out first to begin laying kindling and logs for a fire. He had a pretty good blaze going by the time the rest joined him. They stood around warming themselves and joking about shrinkage. No one had any reason to feel shy about their attributes.
Everyone retired at dusk after the dishes from dinner were all cleaned and put away and their food packs were securely hanging between trees to prevent animals from getting into them.
The mummy-style sleeping bags weren't conducive to sharing, but most couples lay in them with the open zippered side facing each other. That allowed easy access to each other's body. Tim and Tuck were the only ones who didn't at least cuddle. Sometime in the night it cooled off enough that the guys zipped up their bags for warmth.
Early to bed and early to rise was the order of the day. All the guys were eager to be on the lake again before there were many others around. Their destination was a spot where Eric and Josh had spent several night when camping with their dads. It could serve as an ideal base camp for several interesting day trips, including one to Eddy Falls where Josh had photographed Eric nearly naked in the water several years before. Many of these spots had special meaning for the two of them because it reminded them of their first feelings of love for each other.
By mutual agreement, tent mates would canoe together on the long stretches of the trip, but would change with others for the shorter jaunts. It seemed like the best way for everyone to get acquainted better. Josh and Eric knew Dane and Colt the best, but had also become close to Tommy and Tanner. Paddling with others they didn't know as well would promote more bonding among all of them.
They were thankful for their good fortune in being able to get their favorite place right away. The guys who had been camping in that spot were loading up to leave at the very moment our boys arrived.
"You're just in time," one of them joked. "We had to stay at another site for a night waiting for this one to open up. It really has everything – privacy, a good supply of firewood, a great place to dive into the water, and even a decent crapper that isn't a very long walk. But be sure to take spray when you use it or the skeeters will bite your ass!"
"Did you go skinny dipping?" Tuck asked.
"Well, duh!" another young stud answered. "Getting naked is half the fun of camping out here in the wilderness. We shouldn't even pretend to be civilized when we're far from civilization!"
"That's a fact," Tuck agreed. "I just wondered if everyone felt the same."
"Everyone does. It doesn't matter if girls or families get close enough to see you bare-ass. No one takes issue with it."
Before long, they had their campsite squared away and had prepared a lunch to take with them to a small island not far away. It was formed of rocks that projected rather high into the air and so had challenging trails to climb. The day's activity would be exploring it.
The guys found a level place not far from where they tied up the canoes and ate together. After lunch, they broke up into couples to explore and were going to meet back at the canoes by 2:30 in order to have time to fish before supper.
Some of the trails were more challenging than others. Naturally, Tuck chose one of those to prove that he was as much a man as anyone in the company. Tim went with him as his protector, but Tuck didn't view him as such. For him, it was brotherly companionship and nothing more.
Tommy and Tanner took a different route that was a more leisurely climb but offered great views of the surrounding water and trees. It also provided a few rather private spots which they appreciated for their breaks.
On the way back to their base camp, the guys spread out to fish. Dane was with Tuck, Tim with Josh, Colt with Tommy, and Tanner with Eric. Their conversing was done in quiet tones so as not to frighten the fish away, but they all did enjoy getting to know each other better.
Tuck was the first to get a nibble on his line. Dane watched the boy playing out the fish and decided that he didn't need to make any suggestions. Tuck seemed to know what he was doing. A couple of minutes later, Dane got a bite too.
Some of the others were also having great luck. When they all got back to camp, there was enough fish for a great dinner. Since the steaks were still partially frozen, the guys decided to save them for the next night and feast on trout.
The first order of business was to shed the thin shorts they'd worn all day. They had all agreed to be nude as much as possible.
Dane and Colt were the fastest at cleaning fish, but everyone participated to some extent. It was Josh and Eric's turn to cook and they knew exactly how to fry the fish, having had the experienced last time they were there. The batter mixture was the same type as before because they'd used the same outfitter.
While they were getting ready to prepare the fish, Tommy and Tanner dug out the dried veggies and rice to cook, but used the last of the clean water in doing so. The other guys went out well away from shore in two canoes to get more to bring back to purify by boiling for cooking or decontaminate with the SteriPENs for their canteens.
Since they didn't have cooking duties, they used the time to wash everyone's shorts near the area where they'd tied up the canoes. After dinner, they'd do the cleanup as well.
When everyone had eaten his fill and the cooking and eating utensils were washed and put away, they sat around the campfire reviewing the day's events and planning for tomorrow. All of them were feeling sated and mellow and were ready to go anywhere their leaders desired to take them.
Josh wanted to go to Eddy Falls to make sure they got it in. He talked in dreamy tones about how he'd photographed Eric nearly naked in front of them, in a somewhat erotic, but not pornographic pose. He was trying to feel out the other guys about having their pictures taken in a similar manner.
Tuck spoke up first.
"I'd love to pose if that's okay with you. I'm old enough to decide."
"If you're naked, you'll have to be submerged to your waist or that thing is gonna look like a fishing pole sticking out," Tim teased.
"Damn straight!" Tuck giggled. "Maybe I should tie a line on it and see if I can reel in a big trout."
"Better pray it's a small one so he doesn't pull you wiener off!" Tommy giggled.
"My dick's probably stronger than yours is because I wrestle!" Tuck shot back.
Dane and Colt probably laughed the longest and loudest. They didn't know Tuck well at that point and had no idea that he could dish back as much teasing as came his way. They began to think of him as a peer and not someone's kid brother. In a way, he reminded them of how they were at 15 when they met. They wondered if anyone thought they were as cute and personable at that age.
Eddy Falls was all that Josh had bragged it was, and more. Everyone fell in love with the place. When they got there, two canoes were tied up near the natural stone landing. By the time they had their canoes beached nearby; four girls were coming down the steep trail evidently heading out.
They all waved and smiled. Had the group of guys all been straight, their tongues would probably have been hanging out. As it was, Tuck assessed them with a happy smile wishing he could get to know the youngest of the group. Tim was too much in love with Melody to give them more than a passing glance.
The petite brunette who had caught Tuck's eye addressed the rest of her group with a teasing line that let the guys know they were appreciated.
"I told you girls we were too early and that the scenery would improve later, but oh no, you wanted to be here near sunrise. Damn!"
The other girls giggled and the guys grinned in return. No need to tell them that they'd have had very little chance to meet the guy of their dreams on their canoe trip.
Josh had brought along a camera and tiny folding tripod which he set up as soon as the girls were out of sight. He also had a small sketch pad in a Ziploc bag along with a few pencils which he would use later if the opportunity presented itself. His immediate aim was to take photos of all of them together in whatever state of dress or undress they had in mind.
For the first several pictures of all as a group, they pulled their shorts down to their pubes and submerged their bodies in the water just enough to hid the fact that they were wearing anything. Josh set the self-timer and quickly got into position by Eric.
The next shots were of couples together. They chose to pose completely naked for those. Even Tim and Tuck stood with their arms around each other's shoulders in a show of brotherly love.
Tommy and Tanner wanted one of them kissing. Being pressed together, their dicks were hidden, but when they pulled apart, it looked like they had a couple of light-sabers projecting from their crotches.
"I'll get you some fishing line," Tuck joked. "You guys can catch our dinner!"
Everyone laughed. Neither of the boys being teased showed any embarrassment.
The guys explored the falls area for a couple of hours. They were pulling out to eat at another spot on the way back to camp when more people were coming to the falls. It had been great to see the area without anyone else around.
Author's notes:
Thanks to those who emailed since last posting: Lars H, Walt S, Wayne, Rutabaga, Ott H, Jim C, Bob, Trish R, Paul R, Tom A, Bill T, Jim W, and Steffan F. Your encouragement keeps me going!
Don't forget to donate to Nifty if you can afford to do so. That helps them keep going too!
Thoughts and prayers for my gym buddy who had a section of his right pectoral muscle removed because of a malignant cancer. Remember guys, we can get breast cancer too in some cases, so don't put off having a lump checked!
David