Date: Wed, 2 Apr 2008 17:54:43 -0400
From: Ed Burau <lennoxbear@gmail.com>
Subject: Starting Again Chapter 34

Starting Again Chapter 34 by lennoxbear@gmail.com

Communications in the best of times with anyone in a war zone are sometimes
spotty.  This was not the best of times.  Bill's stress levels were out the
roof.  Steve, Matt and Ben became his first line of observers when he was
home.  Ben used the excuse of tweaking the cabinet installation for the
kitchen work and the cabinets being installed in the bathrooms to be with
him Monday evening when he went to work on the new place.  They didn't let
him eat alone, sleep alone and stopped short of going into the bathroom
with him.  Scott worked a project with him Monday during the day.  It took
a great deal of effort on his part to keep Bill concentrating and not
accidentally cut off his hand while working on a furnace install.

Bill tried sending email to both Buck and Ken but never got replies.  He
tried the Army but pretty much received a cold shoulder. They said they
couldn't tell him anything since he wasn't immediate family. Tank tried
through vet connections he had but likewise was having little luck in
determining exactly what had happened.  Nothing on the news told them much.
There had been the usual skirmishes and a couple of bombings but no names
were released.  For that matter, no one was being reported as killed in
action on the day they thought it might have occurred.  Then again, they
weren't sure what had occurred. Snake and Beau tried to track things down
through their police connections but had no luck.  The best they got was
what they knew and that was a favour John called in from a buddy in NYC.  A
body was being shipped back, destination Pittsburgh.

The friends were as tight knit, as they could ever be pulling together for
one of their own.  Sam reached his limit Monday afternoon.  He was
reviewing reports against funding requirements when Lorraine walked into
his office looking like Madonna about to launch into a routine.  "Uh, Sam,
you aren't going to believe this but Jack's father is here to see you."

Sam looked up and just stared.  "I have absolutely no idea what he could
think he would have to accomplish by coming to see me."  He sighed and held
his forehead for a second.  "Send him in but you know what.  You remember
that James guy, the sorta creepy lawyer who turned out to be helpful?  Try
to track down his number for me."

Lorraine took off her glasses.  That was a sure sign she was a bit angry.
"After what you guys went through for Jack, and what the courts did to
insure him a somewhat normal couple of years until he could get to college,
well, I could show him the stairwell balcony."

"Why would he use the stairs at the end of the building when we have
elev...oh no.  He's a creep but I don't need to complicate matters any more
than they are.  Show him in and try not to accidentally trip him."
Lorraine mumbled damn under her breath.

Jack's father walked in and without a bit of remorse or apology for
bothering Sam launched into a tirade about how he had been treated.  Sam
let him go on even as Lorraine stuck her head in to see if she should call
for security.  Sam leaned back in his chair.  He had chosen another day to
wear jeans and a pullover.  He brought his arm up to run his hand over his
flattop and let his right biceps flex into its full round, hard, impressive
shape.  Jack's father faltered for a second.

Sam calmly took a breath and slowly got up from his chair.  "You can sit
down.  Or stay standing, your choice, shorter distance to fall from the
chair."  Sam steadied his gaze.  He turned his back and looked out the
large window at the back of his office that overlooked a courtyard among
several buildings.  People were always busy scurrying back and forth
between classes.  He enjoyed the activity.  "As I recall, there was a
fairly lengthy hearing and decision making process about what to do for
Jack in his last year of high school.  You are aware of that decision?"

"I don't agre..."

"I...don't...care if you don't agree with it.

It...was...a...legal...process.  The judge followed up by issuing a
restraining order that you were not to come in any close proximity to your
son.  If you have anything to say to him, it was to be through the boy's
mother.  And we both know, don't we that she does not, I repeat, not agree
with you."

"My wife does what I tell her."

"And Jack doesn't, not anymore.  Nor do I believe does your other son."

"Leave him out of this."

"Fine.  First, you snoop around my house.  Witnesses identified you and
gave a sworn statement.  Second, you bring two not so ex-queers from some
loathsome organization to my home, when you knew I wasn't there.  Previous
snooping remember, you get caught with your hand in the well, you get
caught.  You have some fucking gall."

"He's my son I have a right to protect him from the likes of your kind."

"My kind?  Do you have any clue in hell what my kind is?  Well, let me tell
you you little piece of shit."  Sam walked the man backwards toward the
doorway.  He laid out in no uncertain terms what he and his friends did in
support of each other, how they were family and caregivers.  Each one a
respectable member of their community who works and pays taxes just like
the sniveling shitheads like him.  Maybe more.  What each one had to
overcome to be a strong proud gay man.  Then came the emotional overload of
Ken and Bill.  Jack's father was in fear for his life.  Sam had stood over
him, all six foot four and 250 pounds of flexing muscle.  Lorraine let the
office door slowly creep back open giving everyone in the office suite full
witness to Sam reaming the cowardly ass a new one.

"Don't you even begin to think these aren't good people who have taken your
son under their wing.  They've done more with their gay lives than you will
ever do with your self-righteous narrow-minded hate filled life.  Now get
out of my office and don't ever let me see you around here again.  And I
better never see you around Jack until the time he decides and that courts
decide you can, correction, he wants you in his life.  Get out of here."

The man ran from the office and out into the corridor.  Lorraine, other
staff and students in the area applauded Sam.  Sam took a deep breath and
let it out slowly.  Lorraine smiled proudly.  "Do you need a blood pressure
cuff?"  Sam snorted, grinned and shook his head.  He glanced down at his
watch.  He shook his head slowly and walked back in to his office.

Kevin answered the phone a few seconds later.  Sam sighed.  "You busy for
lunch?  I need a hug."  Twenty minutes later he met Kevin in the street and
they took a long walk to the heart of the business area to a bustling, loud
restaurant for lunch.  All the better to have the discussion Sam needed to
have and no one pay any attention.  ***** John sat at a desk completing
another report on the shooting.  He had been on limited patrol more from
the overabundance of paperwork than as a response to the robbery and
shooting.  The bank robbers were claiming he acted in a hostile manner and
were pushing to file a civil suit.  He read the report back from the
township manager and just closed his eyes and shook his head.  "You fucking
rob a bank, shoot at cops, hitting one, draw their fire, and we're at
fault.  And it's caught on camera.  Fucking lunatics."

Cunning walked by on his way back out to his car.  "You're talking to
yourself Sullivan."

"And still making more sense than those robbers."  His hand shook as he
reached for the phone and punched in a number.  "Hi.  This is Police
Officer John Sullivan.  I was the, right.  That's me.  I was well calling
to find out how Deacon was doing.  Good.  Really, he's asking about me?
Oh.  Yeah I've been bogged down doing paperwork.  Uh, sure.  I can stop in
after work.  Oh really, sure I'll bring Buzz."  He hung up the phone and
stared at the paper in his hand.  "Well, gooooolllleeeee.  I'll be damned."
***** Kevin more or less had Sam calmed down by the time they finished
lunch.  Sam had been absolutely right.  He and his friends were more of a
family than Jack's father would ever be to his son.  Unless there was some
eye-opening experience that came along to change his narrow-minded way of
thinking.  Kevin was even better at cataloging things the group of friends
had done for each other, or the support they had provided for each other,
or the simple statement and belief among them that they each had each
other's back.  People like Jack's father, or others of his ilk, were too
self-focused to see the example by which they lived.

Sam smiled and relaxed.  Kevin too a long sip of his iced tea and smiled.
"Besides, what the hell difference is it to any of them if we suck dick and
I for one like being fucked senseless by Gus's big dick?  Not like they
aren't screwing each other and getting caught? Sanctity of marriage my
ass."  Sam felt Kevin's foot tap his under the table.  Sam almost choked on
the subtle meaning.

Sam quietly leaned against the wall in the secluded booth.  "I know.  It's
just that with everything that has happened, I just snapped."

"No one is going to think any less of you judging by the reaction of people
who overheard."

"I hate losing my cool."

"We all do but sometimes, well the damn just bursts.  In the bigger scheme
of things, people like Jack's father aren't worth it.  Do what you can to
provide Jack with positive role models.  He'll make the right choices.  I
wish I would have had some guidance when I was his age and trying to figure
out everything that was bombarding me.  I was a mess thinking I needed to
be out there boinking every girl I could, when in reality I wanted some big
guy to boink me.  Like Gus or one of his sons."

"Boinking?  How uh quaint.  To boink."

"You know what I mean.  I think given everything Jack has been through,
he's got his head screwed on pretty well.  He's a lucky kid being with you
and Joe."

"We love having him with us.  I hope we aren't being too open for him."

Kevin laughed.  "He's 18 and done more with men then you and I did until we
were in college.  At least I know I didn't have my first experience until I
was past 20."

"Thanks for listening Kev.  How are things with you and Gus?"  Kevin just
smiled.

"Boink."

Buzz found John still in uniform leaning against his car in the parking lot
of the hospital.  It was a sight he always enjoyed.  The snug uniform fit
him perfectly.  It showed off the big thick quads and muscle butt.  And the
sleeves would never ever fit over the biceps.  Throw in the dark glasses
and his lover was every uniform queen's wet dream.  Without ever trying to
be.  John was just himself, no pretense, no posturing, just relaxed 100%
all man-beef.  He did a quick adjustment to his cock as he slid out of his
car.

"So, this cop, Deacon?  Wants to see us?"  John nodded.  "Why?"

"I can only hope for an epiphany."

John stuck his head around the corner of the doorway and peaked into
Deacon's room.  The older cop was sitting up in bed and quietly watching
some sports program.  He waved John in and pushed the button to get the bed
into a more upright position.  "Thanks for stopping by Sullivan.  And you
are?"

"Buzz."  Buzz stuck out his hand and was surprised how firm a grip was
returned from the man who didn't have the best colour in the world.

"You're, uh, Sullivan here's uh..."

"Partner.  Well, not partner like you guys have partners in police patrols,
but uh, you know, uh, partner in life."

Deacon gave him a faint smile.  "Sullivan.  I can't thank you enough for
what you did for me.  The paramedics said if it wasn't for the first aid
and CPR and all that stuff, I might not have made it."

"I did what any good police officer would do Deacon."  The man looked
quietly at his hands.  "Yes you did.  Even for a stubborn old asshole like
me who only ever tried to get your goat."  John went to say something but
Deacon waved him off.  "There are lots of people out there who probably
wouldn't have gone into action as quickly as you did.  Nah, I know it.  I
ain't the easiest person to get along with.  Fact is, a lot of people would
just as soon seen me dead."  Buzz looked from one to the other.  "It's true
young man.  I can be pretty ignorant if this man here hasn't told you
that."

"I try not to let things get the better of me Deacon and I try to not bring
things home. Besides which, if I bring things home and let them bother me,
well, Buzz here just might break my other leg."  Buzz smacked John in the
back of the arm.

Deacon stifled a laugh.  "Damn it hurts to laugh.  I sorta heard a story
about your broken leg.  Funny."  He thought a moment.  "If anyone ever had
a reason to turn the other way, it coulda been you.  I admit I don't get
the whole gay thing and it ain't because I'm some high and mighty religious
nut.  I was just raised to think queers were lesser people and not worth
the effort."  Buzz shuffled from foot to foot.  "A long stupid story.  I
was wrong Sullivan, you're way more man than I will ever be."

John blushed slightly. "Thanks.  We all can learn things in life."

"Yes we can.  I can't begin to say thanks enough for saving my tired old
ass.  I felt I needed to apologize to you in person and to this man here.
Your partner.  Your lover." Buzz nodded at him.  "I still don't get the
physical nature of it but it ain't mine to ponder.  Buzz I owe you an
apology too for everything relay nasty ass thing I ever said to John.  Just
for being who you guys are.  I hope you can forgive me.  I still have a lot
to learn even at my age."

"Sure Deacon.  But I'll still see you out there some point when you're
better."

The man shook his head no.  "This is a big message to me.  I have more than
enough years in to retire, so that's what I am doing."

"You were still a pretty good cop."

"I'm a damn good cop.  But each of us has to learn his limitations.  Uh,
this bullet thing sorta convinced me.  Now my poor wife will have to put up
with me full time.  Pray for her living with me."

John shook his hand again.  "Well, good luck.  I know there are a lot of
men out there who think they want to be cops.  But not many put in the
years you did.  I hope I can."

"So do I.  We need good cops out there.  And you Buzz, you need to take
care of him.  It isn't easy being a cop.  People don't respect the
profession anymore.  When he has a bad day, remember it ain't you he's
angry with."

"I know sir."

"Good."  They said goodbye and walked quietly back out to their cars.

John ran his hand over his short hair.  "Well, that was much more pleasant
than I would have imagined."

"He seemed sincere."

"Yeah he did.  You, uh, want to go to the gym now?"  Buzz shook his head
no.  "You want to go home and fuck?"  Buzz smiled.  "Let's go partner."

Twenty minutes later Buzz was bent over double, his legs on either side of
his head as John drove his big cop cock deep into the hungry boy hole.
John had his arms wrapped tightly around him to hold the legs in place,
pound ass and kiss as deeply as possible.  Buzz couldn't have reached his
cock to stroke it if he tried.  John finally slows at one point, let go of
the cramped boy's legs and flipped him onto his side.  He held Buzz's beefy
right leg up and continued the onslaught of his ass.  Buzz could feel
John's five o'clock shadow burning into this neck as the big man worked
away.  His prostrate had been getting smacked around before but now it was
as if John's cock was a violin bow working back and forth directly over it.
He grabbed his cock and stroked.

"Don't you even think about coming until I say."  Buzz closed his eyes and
did everything he could to control his need to shoot.  Finally, John
flipped him back onto his back and spread the legs far apart to the side.
He bent forward swallowed Buzz's almost purple cock and mumbled.  "Now."
Buzz felt the hot stream let loose in his ass as his own juice flooded into
John's throat.  His cock was always sensitive when he came but now he
thought he would lose consciousness as John continued to suck him dry and
he continued to spurt.

The flow began to lessen and John dropped the big dick from his tight
mouth.  Buzz gasped as he felt John push in one more time and another
volley of cum shoot deep.

"Careful how you pull out, it could come gushing out with you."

"Don't care it's your turn to do the sheets."  John smiled and slowly
lowered Buzz's leg until they were wrapped snuggly around his waist.  His
cock remained stiff and buried.  "I may need to do that again."  Buzz
whimpered in terror, raised his legs and let John slowly fall out.  The big
cop flopped onto his back and smiled at a worn and frazzled Buzz.

"Holy shit.  You were like majorly pile driving there dude."

"You okay with that?"

"Yeah.  I just wasn't expecting that much gusto."

John folded his arm behind his head and relaxed. The warmth of his lover
pressed against him.  "Neither was I."  The two men snuggled against each
other until the phone's ring disturbed them.  Buzz looked at the screen and
picked it up.

"Hey Dad.  Yeah, we had something else to do tonight so we missed the gym.
What makes you think it was sex?  No, you cannot smell it over the phone.
Stop it.  No, neither of us can get off tomorrow.  Yeah, dinner tomorrow
night when Ken gets in would be super.  But we need to give them time to be
alone.  Sure takeout Italian is good with us.  Just make sure there is lots
of salad to balance the pasta.  Okay.  We'll see you at Steve and Matt's
then.  Bye."  He hung up the phone and rolled onto his stomach.  "Less
likely to ooze this way.  John choked laughing at him.  "They are checking
to see who can go to the airport to meet Ken.  Not many can get off
tomorrow, so they are planning dinner at Steve and Matt's at seven."

"That'll be nice.  Hope Ken is okay.  The whole communication thing with
Bill has been sporadic and poor at best."

"But Ken is all right?"

Buzz tightened his grip around John.  "He's hurt.  Bill has no idea of the
extent of the injuries.  But he's alive."

Tuesday afternoon a small group headed for the air force base near the
airport to meet Ken upon his arrival home.  Bill had supplied their names
so they could check in at the gate.  Tank and Harley were running late but
planned to meet them there.  Bill was preparing himself for the worst;
otherwise Ken would have just arrived home through a domestic flight,
right?  Sam did his best to reassure him but couldn't answer any of his
questions for sure.  They were directed to a large room at the end of a
hanger.  The planes were at the other end of a long tunnel.  The windows in
the door were mirrored allowing whoever was in the tunnel to see them but
not allowing them to see what was going on down the hallway.

Sam, Joe, Gus, and Steve waited with a very nervous Bill.  They had never
seen him this way.  They finally heard some noise in the hallway and one of
the two doors opened.  Ken, in full uniform stepped out and was immediately
rushed by his friends.  Bill fought back tears that he was more or less
intact.  He could deal with the cast on the lower leg, and the crutches but
the eye patch and bandage over his right ear had him visibly trembling.
Ken fell into their arms.  He kissed and hugged them then felt two more
sets of arms as Tank and Harley joined in.  Other than a few welcome homes,
little was said.  Ken watched Bill's eyes examining him and felt the strong
hands carefully taking inventory.

"Don't worry, I'm intact."  Bill fought back tears.  A few managed to
escape.

"The calls and emails made no sense.  We weren't sure what they meant, if
you were alive, then we figured you were, but we never were told the extent
of injuries."

"I know.  I know.  It's all been hectic.  Things happen so quickly but
really do seem to move in slow motion.  To be honest, I've had very little
sleep.  I don't feel badly.  I don't know what I feel."

Sam rubbed his shoulder.  "Well, you're home and we love you."

"Thanks.  I love you guys too."  He squeezed Bill's hand as the big man's
arm balanced him from his lost crutches.  "I'm still a little unstable on
these things, and well.  I can't hear much in this ear and they aren't sure
about my vision."

Tank remained the strongest.  "Total."

"They don't think so but it's too soon to tell.  They hope my hearing will
return.  Traumatic ear or some such thing."

Bill took a long breath.  "What happened?"

Ken shook.  "As best as I can recall, we were heading to a patrol after a
day of working on this school we're rebuilding.  The place is sometimes a
quiet chaos.  You know, when things are too quiet so you know something is
up?  Well, we were moving along in a humvee and hit a bomb, or had one
thrown at us.  To be honest I haven't been able to read the report.  It
hurts my head to read."

Tank nodded.  "It'll take time for that headache to go away."

"So everyone is scrambling.  There are two breaks in my lower leg but it
should heal as good as new."

"In Army lingo?"

"I had blood on the side of my head here but this whole side of me was
bloody.  I kept looking for a cut, or hole, or wound.  Anything.  I was
trying to get to my feet to defend myself.  I have never been so fucking
scared in my life."  Ken gestured.  "Then the dust settled there were only
people trying to help us and as much as people were moving around, it was
weirdly quiet.  I think they said maybe 5 civilians were killed."

Steve stared solemnly at his friend.  "And?"  Ken couldn't talk anymore.
He could only move his mouth.  Nothing came out.  He stood there a few
minutes between Bill and Joe when the doors at the back of the room opened
again.  The ones through which they had entered.  Two men in simple black
pants and white shirts arrived.  The doors through which Ken had entered
opened and an Air Force Lieutenant walked into the room.

"Ken. Gentlemen."  He held up a clipboard.  Ken took his crutches back and
walked over.  He quietly signed his name as his body heaved wracked by
silent tears.  Three men pushed a single casket draped in the US flag out
from the holding area. Tank let out a slow sigh and dropped his head.  Sam,
Steve and Joe looked back and forth at each other.  Ken placed his hands on
the casket and sobbed.  Bill walked to his side.

"Captain Malloy."  The words stuck in Ken's mouth. He started to fall but
Bill caught him and Sam stepped forward to help.  The two other men walked
over introduced themselves as owners of the funeral home in Ohio handling
the Captain's arrangements.  Ken shook his head and signed their paperwork.

"We're so sorry son.  We can't begin to explain or tell you about his
wife's grief."

"I'm sure.  I loved him and I didn't know him that long.  She must be
totally distraught."

"I went to school with him.  Fine man."  Ken looked up at the sad
tear-stained face of the funeral director.  The man slowly turned to wheel
the casket to the waiting hearse.  He turned back around and hugged Ken.
"Thank you son."  Tears streamed down his face as he watched the casket
slide slowly into the silver car.

The Air Force Lieutenant handed Ken a folder.  "A car will pick you up
tomorrow morning at ten.  It should only take two hours to get there.  All
arrangements have been made.  I'm sorry.  I hate this part of my
job. I...don't understand what we are doing there.  God bless."  Ken nodded
and saluted him.

Ken looked at the unopened folder. "I'm was to accompany the body and
attend the funeral."  Bill couldn't speak.  "I don't expect you to go
along.  It's too much to ask but I will be home Thursday evening.  I do
have to go back."  All head's looked up.  "To Iraq."

Tank shook his head.  "But your injuries?"

Ken squared his shoulders.  "We have about a month's work of work to
complete two projects.  I return on 02 January and when the work is done I
come home.  Forever."  His face flexed as he gritted and ground his teeth.
"I owe that much to Captain Malloy.  To Mike."  Bill bit his lip.  "I can
only promise I will do everything I can to stay safe.  I can..."  They
heard another car pull up outside.  The outside doors to the building again
swung open. In walked another man in full uniform, tall, thick and African
American.  "Buck?"

The two men embraced and held onto each other tightly.  "They gave 10 of us
leave to come back.  We're all going to be at the funeral.  I can't
believe..."

"I know."  Ken put both crutches under one arm and slipped the other around
Buck's waist.  "Buck.  This is Bill, my partner, my lover.  Sam and his
partner Joe, Tank and his partner Harley. Can't believe they drove up here
for this.  Gus here. And this is Steve, my boss."  The man extended his
hand but it was passed over for hugs from each of them.

I'm glad to meet all of you.  Just wish it were better circumstances."
Tank slipped his arm around the broad shoulders.  "We do too son.  Ken sent
a lot of email, and pictures of Captain Malloy.  He seemed like a good
man."

"The best.  He treated us like his own sons."  Buck looked stoically at
each man's face.  "He said it was an honour to serve with us.  He didn't
care that we were gay.  I don't know what it will be like without him there
when we return.  Quiet for sure."

Ken nodded.  "How are you getting to the funeral?  A car is picking me up
tomorrow morning if you want to go along.  I'm sure it would be okay."

Buck glanced at his watch.  "My lover is picking me up.  We were going to
find someplace to stay then head back to Ohio in the morning."

Steve shook his head no.  "You can stay with us.  Ken and Bill just live
across the yard.  You should be among friends.  Family."

"Thanks."

Ken smiled and thanked Steve.  "I gotta pee like a racehorse.  I don't know
how long it's been.  I was waiting back at the dock until the casket
arrived.  Seemed like the thing to do.  Have a friend greet him."

Bill rubbed his shoulder.  "I need to make a trip too.  There's a men's
room down the hall here.  Be right back guys."

Tank watched Bill head down the hall with Ken.  "Were you there too Buck?"

"Yes sir.  I was in the next car back. Saw it all.  I don't think Ken
remembers the whole sequence yet.  Maybe trying to block it out."

"I served in Nam. I can understand that."

Buck looked idly around the room.  "He tried.  Ken.  To save the Captain.
He was like a robot.  He couldn't stand up but he crawled over to Mike and
tried."  Buck sucked in a harsh breath.  "Cept it was too late.  But he
tried."  Buck wiped tears from his face with the back of his hand.  "I only
have six more months, just want to be safe for six more months."  Gus
pulled the big soldier to his chest as he broke down.

"I don't for a day not thank the men and women who are fighting for this
country.  Bu t everyday, I am so grateful that none of my sons enlisted.
I'd be a mess facing something like this."

The outside door opened again and another big man walked in and looked
around.  A flurry of emotions flashed over his face as he saw Buck.  This
man was every bit as big and muscled as Buck, his skin was just a tad
darker.  Tank stared at the big man and tilted his head.  "Brett?"

The man gave Tank a confused look.  "I'm sorry have we met?  Buck?"  The
two men hugged, kissed and held each other tightly.  "I am so sorry about
Captain Malloy. So sorry."  The hallway doors opened.  Ken and Bill glanced
around at the group of men.  "You must be Ken.  I'm Brett."  The big man
gathered Ken into his thick arms and hugged tightly.

"This is Bill, my lover.  Sam and Joe, Gus, Steve, he's my boss, and this
is Tank and Harley."

"Tank?  Nice to meet you all.  I still don't think we've met."

Tank slowly shook his hand.  "We haven't, well, not exactly.  Bet your
Daddy's name is Brett and you look just like him."  The big black man shot
him another look of confusion.  "I'm betting your father served in Nam with
me."  A slow look of realization spread over Brett's face.

"Yes he did.  You're Joe Tankersley.  Tank.  It's an honour to meet you
sir."  Tank pulled Brett and Buck into his arms and hugged them
tightly. Tears quietly rolled down his face.

Harley leaned against Sam and Gus.  "I think the last puzzle pieces of the
dream just fell into place."

Steve looked around the sterile room.  "Gentlemen, why don't we head back
to my place?  Matt, Buddy, Swede and I don't know who all are putting
dinner together for us."

Harley unclipped the truck keys from Tank's belt.  "Tank, why don't you
ride with Brett and Buck to help with directions."

Gus slid his arm over Harley.  "I'll ride back with you to keep you
company."

Tank filled Brett and Buck in about his history of strange dreams on the
drive back to Steve's.  Buck kept looking back at him in awe.  "Ken
mentioned your dreams a couple of times but wow."

That evening many of the friends crowded into Steve and Matt's for a quick
dinner.  Mostly take out since no one was quite sure what time Ken would
finally get into the airport.  Bruce and Steve were in Chicago but called,
as did Dave Jr., Tim and Ron.  Thad and Brian were on their way to DC for a
conference and stopped on their way out of town.  Ken quietly greeted all
of them, fighting back tears the whole evening.  Brett and Buck were swept
up into the familiarity of the group like they were long lost friends.  The
dogs were even on their best behavior.  Doober never left Ken's side no
matter where he went or what he did.  It was nine o'clock when Ken excused
himself in need of rest.  Brett and Buck agreed.  Steve showed them where
everything was in their guest room.  As he turned to leave, Buck reached
out to stop him.  "Thanks.  You didn't have to do this but it will make
things easier tomorrow.  Captain Malloy's loss is a lot harder on Ken than
he makes out.  He'll throw himself back into the projects when we get back
to Iraq.  But when he gets home permanently, he's going to have it rough.
We lost someone very dear to us."

Steve studied the sad face.  "We'll all be here for him.  And for you if
you ever need us.  Get some rest guys."

Ken walked into their apartment and took a deep breath.  "Oh damn, I missed
the smell of home.  Or is that just dog?"

Bill laughed.  "Probably Doober.  I cleaned but it rained this morning and
well, you know how long it takes to get rid of wet dog smell."  He pulled
Ken to him and gently rocked him back and forth.  "God I missed you.  I
don't want you to go back but I understand.  Wish I could go to the funeral
with you, but I am trying to save my time off for the days you are here."

"That's okay.  I understand.  It would just be depressing for you.  A bunch
of sad soldiers and an even sadder family.  Now, if you will excuse me I
need to do something.  Get naked."  Bill raised his eyebrows.  "Buddy, I
ain't..."  Bill tilted his head.  "AT ALL.  I need you."

Bill lay naked and erect when Ken returned a few minutes later.  "Uh, I
hope you weren't expecting this time to last long?"  Ken's body was lean,
every muscle sharply defined as if he'd been training for a bodybuilding
competition for weeks.  His body fat was down but his muscle mass had
improved.  Captain Malloy knew how to build men.  Bill's heart raced at the
beautiful man before him.

"Who said anything at all about just one time tonight?"

"Oh."  He pulled Ken to him and carefully slid off the eye patch.  A look
of relief washed over his face when he saw the familiar blueness of Ken's
eyes.  He let out a small sigh of relief.

"My vision's all blurry and speckled sort of.  They aren't sure if it will
go away as my head injury heals.  However, I need to keep the ear bandaged
until morning.  Change the dressing then.  And the cast, well, it has to
stay on sorry.  But other things still work."  He pressed his lips to
Bill's and moaned.  Their kissing had never felt so warm and full.  Ken's
hands were not idle.  They found and worked Bill's large warm brown nipples
until Bill was short of breath and pushing up his chest.  Ken stopped.
"You're smooth.  All shaved.  Mmmmm, I like."  Bill smiled.  Ken's finger's
found a pool of pre-cum leaking from the large ebony cock.  "Aha.  I
skipped dessert but this makes up for it."  He slid down and kissed the
large cockhead.  Slowly, deliberately he reacquainted himself with the dick
he missed.  He licked up and down the heavily veined shaft, licked around
the hairless dick, and sucked the big balls into his mouth until Bill
squirmed in slight pain.  Bill curled his fingers in the sheets to keep his
concentration on not letting go.  Bill pushed him over onto his back.

Ken moaned loudly.  "What I want more than anything is your cock inside of
me, please.  Skip everything else till later."  Bill nodded and let Ken
roll onto his stomach.  "This way first.  It may need a bit of
strecthi...ooooo, yeah like that.  Oh fuck. Is your tongue longer?  Uh,
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.  Ohdamndamndamndamndamn.  Holyfuckinshit.  Yes, please
Bill."  Bill placed the head of cock against Ken's now wet and slightly
stretched pucker and pushed slowly, slowly, slowly inward.  Ken shuddered
as the big cock made its way home and finally came to rest with Bill's big
low hangers nestled against his ass.  Ken floated as if in heaven as Bill
rocked back and forth, in and out.  Each time Bill moved a bit more until
his cock found its mark and Ken groaned and whimpered.  "Please."

He flipped Ken onto his back by carefully lifting the muscular legs and
keeping his cock buried.  He looked deep into Ken's eyes and pushed in
until Ken's legs were spread far part and bent back.  He could just manage
sucking on the perfectly shaped cock as Ken writhed in need.  His stiff
tool worked over the man's prostate.  Ken spasmed in need.  "Oh fuck, yeah
right there, more, harder."  They rocked away for another eight minutes
before Bill arched his back and filled Ken with much needed manjuice.  Ken
whined and let his own flow rush over his tight abs flooding the tanned
skin.

Ken sighed in relief.  "Oh God I love you.  I missed you."  Bill buried his
face in Ken's shoulder and mumbled his agreement.  *****

Matt watched Bill and Ken from the kitchen window the next morning.  The
two men were walking somewhat awkwardly as they set out to walk Doober.
Steve sipped his coffee and watched over Matt's shoulder.  "Road hard and
put away wet?"

Matt half shrugged.  "Sorta looks that way."  At that point Buck and Brett
appeared in the kitchen with Sam spinning at their feet.  Both men walked
in a similar way to Bill and Ken.  Matt winked at Steve.  "We must be doing
something wrong."

Steve poured coffee for their guests.  "We didn't have to wait months."
Buck looked at Brett and smiled.  Steve raised his eyebrows.

"It was soooo worth the wait."

Brett looked confused.  "What was?  Oh."

The drab green military SUV showed up at 10 for Ken.  Brett and Buck
decided to follow since they would be going to their home in Ohio after the
service on Thursday.  The driver looked somewhat confused as the six men
hugged and said goodbyes.  Steve, Matt, and Bill watched the two vehicles
rumble down the street.  Steve bumped against Bill.  "So, did you tell Ken
all about the new place?"

"Never came up in the conversation."

Matt smirked.  "You made conversation?"

Bill tugged at his sore dick.  "No.  That's why it never came up."

Ken settled into the big bench seat, pulled out a book and immediately fell
asleep.  Two hours later they were parking at the funeral home.  The driver
gently shook Ken.  "Sir, we're here.  What can I do to help?"

Ken sighed and looked at the crowd of people milling outside of the funeral
home.  "Pray I know what to say and don't break down crying."

"You're only human sir."  Ken looked at the young man, even younger than
he.  He nodded slowly as Buck and Brett walked up.  "I'll wait here sir, if
you don't mind."  Ken smiled in acknowledgement.  The weather had returned
to seasonal drab, gray winter in Pittsburgh.  Jack and Gary lifted in the
weight room at school and noted each set in a notebook as a record of their
improvement.  The coach watched them from the doorway.  They had both had
outstanding football seasons, had made enormous gains in strength and skill
and placed near the top of their class.  It was always nice to see rewards.
He had a spate of calls from colleges about them and now with letters
arriving asking for additional details he thought it time to have the talk.

"Hey guys, come here a minute please."  Both boys sprinted over and
followed coach into his office.  "Why are you sitting way over there?"

"We stink from our workouts sir."

Coach bellowed out a big laugh and waved them close.  "So do I, so who
cares?  It's sweat well-earned and the reward is this."  They looked at the
envelopes in his hand.  "I know you are both planning on college, seen your
test scores, verrrryyyyy impressive if I do say.  These are schools
interested in you. I think all of them are on your lists from what you have
said to me."  He handed them the letters and watched the smiles and their
eyes light up.  "You have some work to do, maybe visit them, talk to
coaches, try to figure out what your best options are.  It's a lot.  I'm
here to help in any way I can.  The way you two have hit the weights and
the improvements, super.  Judging by the size of the men who came to cheer
you on at the games, I know where you get your inspiration.  And that sorta
leads to my other question."

Jack sat back and flexed his pecs.  "What's that?"

Coach laughed at the casual manner in which they handled things.  "Guys,
it's the elephant in the middle of the room.  Everyone knows you two are
gay.  You've never done anything to flaunt it, never denied it, and never
been anything other than two excellent students and team players.  I know
you have your uh, haters.  Personally, they all suck.  But college, it can
be even more of, well, is more of a challenge."

"We know sir.  We would sorta like to go to the same school.  Not because
we're a couple or anything.  Jack's not my type."

"Bite me."

"Boys."  "We just thought we could be our own support group.  Shoulder to
lean on and all that stuff."

Coach snickered.  "I understand.  Any college would jump at the chance to
get both of you.  Why don't we set aside some time and start going over all
these schools, options, offers, the whole thing.  See what we can do?"

"You'd really do that?"

Coach sat back somewhat amazed.  "Sure.  Why do you not think I would?"

Jack blushed.  "Well, cause everyone would say you're helping two fag
football players."

"I do the same for all my players facing college.  It's too big and too
expensive a step to make snap decisions.  You're two damned fucki, oops,
darned good players." Coach blushed.  "Sorry, I swore I wouldn't swear as
much."

Gary giggled.  "Why the fuck not?  We don't care."

"Well, you have a couple of teammates who are looking at Christian schools,
hardcore religious, and they always complain when I slip."

"Well, you're secret is safe with us."  Coach rolled his eyes as the two
boys laughed.

"Get outta here.  Take time to read those letters and we'll talk again on
Friday. And Jack, have Sam call me will ya?"

"Sure."  The two teens jumped up and headed for the showers.  "Why do you
think he wants to talk to Sam?"

"Maybe to ask him for a date?"

"Oooo, a threesome with Joe.  Could you imagine Sam fucking that beefy
butt?  Oh, judging by your basket, guess you can."  *****

Zeke had been unusually quiet since the dinner for Ken the night before.
Quiet but horny.  Spence wasn't complaining about the sex.  Zeke had been
unbelievably passionate and hot when they got home from Steve and Matt's.
Spence hardly had a moment to kick off his shoes when Zeke had pulled
himself into bed and pulled Spence onto his back in and all out
mouth-to-mouth onslaught.  Spence did a quick flush in the bathroom and
returned to find Zeke naked and flying his flag at full mast.  Spence
impaled his muscular butt and slowly began the sex moves that he had
practiced.  Zeke worked the big meaty nips on the thick chest.  The more he
twisted and pulled the harder Spence bounced.  Spence decided to return the
favour.  Zeke was soon growling for more.  He felt his balls churn and
Spence whimper.

"Holy shit.  It's swelling more."

Zeke wheezed.  "Oh damn."  His cock exploded deep into Spence just as
Spence's cock let loose with volley after volley.  Zeke lay gasping for
breath as his cock slowly shrank and plopped from its safe haven.  The two
men wrapped their bodies together and kissed.  After a while, Spence
retrieved a washrag and cleaned the goo from Zeke's cut chest.

"That was one of the wildest, well, the for sure wildest I have ever seen
you.  What brought that on?"

Zeke stared blankly at the ceiling.  He folded one arm behind his head and
wrapped the other around Spence.  "You aren't going to believe this but I'm
worried about Ken.  As much as he's let out, as emotional as he seems, I
bet he's holding a lot in.  That boy is going to crash.  I feel so much
concern for him.  It just sort of built up and I had to let it out."

"You certainly let it out.  About a gallon up my ass I'd say.  He'll be
back Thursday evening and home until the New Year.  Maybe you can get him
aside and talk."

"I'll try.  I'm afraid he's going to keep it all bottled up inside until he
just explodes, so to speak.  Not like I just did."

"In a bad or inappropriate way?"

Zeke took a deep breath.  "No, in a breakdown kind of way.  Really screw up
his mental health."

Spence pulled the covers up over their bodies.  "The one good thing is that
he has one helluva support group in all of us."

"That can be overwhelming too if he feels everyone is pressuring him in
some way.  We need to think out how to approach this."

"Can we do that in the morning?"

Zeke grinned and kissed Spence's forehead.  "Sure."  Spence was already
out.  ***** Sam and Joe were elated to hear about the colleges interested
in Jack for football.  They talked about his expectations, distances,
costs, and the inevitable being gay problem.

Jack stretched his legs out in front of him as he relaxed in the corner of
the big leather sofa in the TV room.  He was in the ubiquitous sweats.
Only on him no matter how loose, they still showed the full muscle glory of
youth.  Joe sat in a chair across from him and Sam at the desk so he could
search for the various colleges and begin compiling a comparative folder
for Jack.

"I don't know how I will approach being gay and playing college football.
I mean I don't deny or lie to anyone now if they ask me.  And with the
exception of the closet klanners, borderline rednecks and the Bible
thumpers, no one seems to bother me much about it.  The religious freaks
get all preachy but when you look at the bigger picture, man they are going
to be so screwed up later in life.  Like the former senator from
Pennsylvania with his kids.  Those kids are doomed to be video at eleven."
Sam just looked over the monitor at Joe.  "I know Tim and Ron have kept a
somewhat low profile but there has to be rumours about Tim and Chris."

Sam search on Chris name and turned up lots of football stats and prospects
of being drafted to play pro-ball.  "Well, from what DJ tells his Dad, both
of them still occasionally date a girl.  I guess as a cover.  Gus truly
doesn't think Tim has had sex with a girl since he was 16 and accidentally
caught them fucking in the basement.  Jack, you can't tell Tim I told you.
Gus would kill me."

Jack threw a big leg over the arm of the sofa.  "Yeah, he's told me.  Chris
has been backed into a corner or two by girls who want sex.  They seem to
cool off when he insists on condoms and the whole total safe sex stuff.  I
think some of them are trying to trap a guy by getting pregnant."

Joe twisted his head to one side.  "Women actually do that?"  Sam just
shrugged.

Jack idly fondled his cock and balls.  Joe crossed his legs.  "Gary and his
Dad are thinking we need to do a couple of road trips to see some places.
Would that be okay?"  Sam glanced up from the screen.  "I think that is a
great idea.  Joe and I would gladly go along if you want."

"Oooo, yeah, studly road trip.  Can we get a hotel room with one bed?"

Sam sighed.  "Young man, you need to think about your college career and
not being sandwiched between us.  Have you talked to your mother?"

"A little.  My fart face father keeps a pretty tight rein on her so she
talks to my brother and he talks to me."

"Is he coming to visit for the holiday?"

Jack shifted nervously.  "He wants to.  Can he stay here?  I know that
makes for another awkward situation with my dad but he really doesn't want
to be in the same house with him."  Jack shifted around on the sofa and
stared at the ceiling.  Joe and Sam kept looking back at each other.

"Sure, that's fine.  He's more than welcome.  We just deal with you father
however we have to just to keep the peace."  Jack smiled.  "You work out
the arrangements.  Look, I've created a folder and a spreadsheet on the
five colleges that have contacted the coach about you.  We can track all
the important stuff and whatever they feel they can offer you.  Of course,
it can't measure the intangibles."

Joe walked over and read over Sam's shoulder.  Jack walked to the other
side and frowned.  "Wow, that's a lot of money.  My mother is working on
getting my college fund away from my father so I don't know what I can
count on there."

Sam slipped his arm around the boy's waist.  "Let's not worry about that
right now.  Things will work out."

"Oh, coach wants you to call him."  Jack fished a wadded piece of paper
from his sweatpants pocket.  "Here's the number.  I better go do my
homework, big test on Friday too.  Yech."  He was out the door before Sam
could ask what coach wanted.  He stared at the crinkled paper and wrote the
number down on a clean sheet of paper.

Joe draped himself over his shoulders and chuckled.  "At least the number
wasn't written on a used condom wrapper.  You think the coach wants to talk
about scholarships and money?"  Sam ran his hands up and down Joe's thick
arms.  "Probably.  He's been really good about supporting Jack, and all of
his guys actually.  I'm sure looking at these schools that he sees the
cost.  Good lord, a letter from Stanford.  They're more expensive than my
university."

"You think Jack would consider going there?"

Sam shrugged.  "Don't know.  He has the grades, really, really bright kid,
don't let the laid back attitude fool you.  Really smart.  So is Gary.  I
think they'd like to go some place together but that doesn't always work
out."

Joe sighed.  "Oh.  Our little boy is growing up."

Sam dropped his head and laughed.  "Oh get a grip Margaret."


Wednesday afternoon prior

Ken quietly walked into the funeral home followed by Buck and Brett.  Five
of the other men from their unit in Iraq were already there in a room to
the side.  The place was overflowing with people.  Ken took a deep breath.
He wasn't ready for the crowd and wobbled unsteadily on his crutches.  His
eye patch itched.  He wanted to hide in a corner.

Buck reached out and took his elbow.  "You want to say hello to the guys
first, get your bearings?"  Ken nodded.  He turned to work his way through
the crowd but was stopped by a tall distinguished looking man in his
mid-40's.

"You must be Ken.  I'm Mr. Bard, the funeral home owner.  How are you?  Do
you need a chair?"  Ken shook his head no.  Mr. Bard took his elbow and led
him to the side away from the crowd.  "Captain Malloy, Mike, had everything
planned.  That may surprise you but those of us who knew him expected it.
Being in the service, and being in Iraq, he wanted things to be handled to
make it as easy as possible on his wife and family.  They're, they're well.
You can't see them from here.  Quite a turnout.  It's been like this since
yesterday afternoon."

"He was a good man.  I'm not surprised all these people would turn out to
pay their respects."

"We're a pretty close knit community despite being this close to Cleveland.
We're also pretty divided over our thoughts on this war.  But not on what
we thought of Mike Malloy.  These people loved him."  Ken smiled.  He
blinked to control his watery eyes.  "He thought a great deal of you Ken.
You made quite an impression in a very short amount of time."

"Me?  I didn't do anything.  We just talked.  If I needed someone he was
there and if he needed someone, I would do whatever I could to be free for
him. We worked out together, ran, built some pretty awesome stuff for those
poor, uh, poor people.  So many of them have lost so much.  He was an easy
man to love and to be well, with for whom to be a good friend."  Ken's
voice caught.

"You're exactly right.  He was easy to love."  Mr. Bard took Ken's hand and
shook it firmly.  "Let me know if you need anything.  I need to go check on
Denise."  He patted Ken's uniformed shoulder and worked his way through the
crowd and into another room.  Ken studied the faces of the people in the
room.  Young.  Old.  Black. White. Hispanic. Asian.  He was amazed by the
huge cross section of people there.  All paying their respects to Captain
Malloy's family and to Mike.  He looked for his army buddies and saw them
chatting with others in the crowd.  He took a deep breath and gripped his
crutches.  The viewing room seemed like it was a mile away as he threaded
his was through the people.  People smiled and nodded.  Some said hello.
All got out of his way when they saw the crutches, eye patch and bandages.
He tried to smile back and hoped it looked like he was smiling warmly.  A
few people cleared out of the way as he finally got to the gunmetal gray
casket festooned with flowers as on outpouring of love.  Wife, sons,
mother, father.

His eyes rested on a simple arrangement of red roses.  Sam and Joe.  He
glanced at another, Steve and Matt. And more.  He choked up wondering if
they meant as much to Mike's family as they did as a showing of love and
respect for him and his Captain.  As he steadied himself next to the
casket, he felt a wave of dread rush over him.  This was so senseless and
so poorly planned.  This man should not be dead over something that so many
struggle to understand.  The Captain was still a handsome man even in his
uniform and so so still.

"You made quite an impression on him young man."  Ken turned to face a
lovely blond woman in black.  "I'm Denise Malloy.  Mike wrote me a lot
about you Ken."  She kindly shook his hand and then embraced him.  "He's
always been good with the men who served under him over the years, but
there are those who really found a place in his heart.  He spoke of you
like one of his own sons.  The military and war in particular sometimes
interfere with bonds.  Whatever it was, you really bonded."

"Thank you.  I can't tell you how much he meant to me.  From the first
moment on the plane, we were like old friends."

"He had a way about him."  They turned to gaze on the peaceful man before
them.  "He could also be stubborn.  Didn't want anything to do with
Arlington, and lots of military honour.  BS as he said.  He wanted to come
home."

"How are you holding up?"

She smiled.  "The wonders of modern pharmaceuticals.  This sucks.  He was
my foundation even when we were apart.  He made this whole military thing
work, he just did.  I'm taking it hour by hour.  Oh these are our sons."
Denise introduced the three young men.  The oldest was 20 and looked
amazingly like his father.  Each one did.  Each one shook his hand and
hugged him.  Each one obviously inherited their father's passion for
lifting.  Ken looked at each handsome face then at his own reflection in a
mirror.  It gave him moment to pause.  The three young men wandered off to
politely chat with visitors.  Ken looked back at the Captain. "Denise slid
her arm through his.  "You look like him.  He said you acted like him.
Stubborn?"  She smiled and held his arm.  "He thought there might be some
family connection and was checking into it when, well."

Ken reached out to hold onto the edge of the casket.  "I never noticed it
before.  I'm sure Buck did but he never said anything.  How much into
family histories did he check?"

"I'm not sure. I have it all at home on the computer.  Are you okay?  Ken?"
His hand was still wrapped tightly on the casket's edge.  His shoulders
jerked as he fought for breath.

"I...I...I tried.  I did...really."  She took a tighter grip on his arm and
looked around the room.

"Let's go into one of the private rooms. Over there."  They walked through
the crowd and into a side room near the end of a short hallway.  Buck
watched from across the room with the other men and began weaving his way
through the people.  She let Ken fall into a chair.  He held her hand and
looked confusedly around the room.

He was in near hysteria.  "I tried.  I really tried.  So much blood.  It
was all over.  I tried to save him. It was so so...too much."  Denise
watched the pain of that moment wash over his face and felt her own tears
rolling down her face.  Burning her eyes as they flowed.  Buck and another
soldier stuck their heads into the room.  She nodded for them to come in
and comfort Ken.  "He got blown out, right where the bomb hit.  I got
bounced from the back.  I tried.  He...he...held my hand."

Buck took Ken's left hand.  "It's okay Ken.  It's Buck.  It's okay."  "No."

"Yes."  Ken was struggling to get a breath.  "Lean forward buddy."  He
looked up at the worried face of the Captain's wife.  "It's the first he's
mentioned that day.  He tried.  He couldn't stand on his leg but he crawled
over to the Cap and just started to furiously try to stop.  Stop the
bleeding.  He did everything he could until some medics a few trucks back
got to us."

Denise squeezed Ken's hand.  "I read the report.  They didn't want me to
but I managed to get my hands on it.  So much for security.  Ken you
couldn't."  Her voice caught as she began to sob more.  "You couldn't save
him.  I knew you tried.  One of the medics wrote it in the report.  You
gave him a couple of minutes of time to tell them to tell us how much he
loved us.  I'm grateful for that."

Ken clung to Buck and his other buddy.  "We all loved him. He treated us
like equals, none of the usual military silliness."

Denise nodded her head.  "That's the way he was all the time.  I'm grateful
he got a message to us.  Still.  I'm bitter and hate filled over this whole
thing.  I want it to end.  I just don't think we can get out gracefully.
It's going to take time."  She searched Buck's eyes.

He knowingly sighed.  "I have until June."  She looked up at the other
young man.  The same.  The Captain's sons came into the room.

"How much longer for him?"  The oldest had brought in some water and a
paper bag in case Ken began to hyperventilate again.

Buck cradled his friend.  "They're willing to let him finish his time just
by staying home over the holidays.  But, he's going back in January to
finish a project we started, should only take a month."  Denise sat back in
her chair and sighed.

"Commendable but."  Buck nodded.  "What about the injuries?"

"I'm not exactly sure.  They don't know what will happen to the vision in
his eye, or if he will be deaf in his ear.  The bandage covers a pretty
mean set of stitches.  Right behind his ear.  The leg will probably be
okay.  They mentioned something about liver damage too."

A cold, stern look crept over Denise's face.  "What you're saying is he may
not get disability or other benefits from this.  That's not a question."

"I don't know."  Buck looked lost.  She shook her head in disgust.

"I'll do what ever I can to help?"

A very small voice came from the doubled over Ken.  "Thank you.  I am in
the room guys."  Everyone smiled at the small attempt at humour.  "I have
an appointment with the VA Hospital on Monday.  We'll see.  I know Bill
will be fighting for me."

Buck rubbed his back.  "Bill's his partner. Lover.  Also an Iraq vet who
returned wounded but did his time.  Good man."

Denise lovingly rubbed Ken's neck as he continued to hold onto Buck.
"We'll talk more later."

Her son cleared his throat.  "Mom, the minister wants to speak with you."

"I'll be right there.  You men take all the time you need here.  Please
don't leave without letting me know.  We're all part of a bigger family and
I intend to see he gets everything he needs."  She took a deep breath,
stood up, pressed her hands over her black dress and walked to the door.
Her hand rested on the doorknob.  She looked back at Buck and Ken.  "This
isn't in any manual."

Her son rubbed her shoulder.  "Guys, there's a dinner after the viewing at
the VFW Hall.  I'm sure they would love it if you were there.  I printed
out directions for you both from here and your hotel."  Ken stood up and
took the papers from his hand.  The young man slid his arm around Ken's
shoulders and hugged him.  "I know you tried to save my father.  Thank you.
He sent us a lot of email about you guys.  He really loved you."  He sucked
in a sharp breath to control his own emotions.  "I hope we can stay in
touch after all of this.  It's like you're a part of my father I need to
hold onto.  Think about it. Please."  Buck nodded his head.

Ken let out a low sigh and looked at the directions.  "Dinner later at the
VFW would be great but I think I need a nap before that."  Buck rubbed his
shoulder as they stepped out of the room.  Brett immediately came over and
took Buck's elbow.

"We're okay.  All of us."  ***** Sam and Steve stopped to check on Bill
Wednesday evening at the new place.  He was busily working away on the
master bathroom.  A plethora of questions spilled from Bill over Ken's
condition, especially mental at returning to finish a project in Iraq.  His
mood swung from rage at the military machine to fear for his lover.  The
two men let him get it all off his chest.

Sam sat on the floor and leaned against a tiled wall.  "We're all concerned
but not many of us have the experience of going up against the government
to get him the things he needs or should be getting no questions asked.
You know Tank and Harley will help.  And Header, Andy and Gus.  Bruce will
do whatever you need from a legal perspective.  Our resources are your
resources."

Bill closed his eyes and flexed his shoulders.  "Thanks.  That means a lot.
I'm so tense.  I should have gone with Ken."

Steve rubbed his shoulders.  "Maybe.  If he needs you, he'll call.  Buck
and Brett are there.  Man, you're one big knot.  You need to relax.  Do I
need to have Matt spend the night with you?"

"Or Joe?"

Steve grinned wickedly.  "Or both?"

Bill dropped his head and laughed. "I know I'm in bad shape if you both
want to send the double team in to relax me.  Thanks but I'll be all right.
Buck and I talked before he left.  We created a code word that he would
text me if he thought Ken needed me to call him."

Sam leaned against the counter and folded his big arms across his chest.
"That's nice.  A well-timed call could mean a lot.  Okay, we'll go.  I'll
just have to take care of Joe myself."  Bill hugged Steve's arms as they
wrapped around him.  "I think you can handle that pretty well.  Both of
you."

Steve nibbled the back of his neck.  "Okay we're going but don't hesitate
to call if you need anything.  And for heaven's sake don't spend the whole
night here working.  Ken will be home tomorrow evening and you'll have a
few days to ummm, make up for some things."

Bill nodded as the two big men slipped on their coats and sauntered out the
door. He flipped open his cell.  No messages, no codes.

Gus finished loading the dishes into the dishwasher and pushed the button.
The machine hummed to life vibrating the counter just slightly.  Kevin
walked into the kitchen with the newspaper.  He laid it on the counter,
walked over to Gus and slid his arms around him.  "You've been quiet
tonight.  Something on your mind?"

Gus relaxed in the strong warm arms of his lover.  A man who wouldn't be
there if not for a couple of chance encounters.  "Thinking about Ken and
hoping he will be okay."

Kevin rubbed the big man's back.  "I think he will be."

"And missing my boys.  This house seems too quiet with just the two of us.
Tim off to school and everyone else out on their own."

"That's what happens Dad.  Kids grow up and move out."

"Yeah, I know. But I still can't help thinking how lucky I am.  I mean it's
not that I'm not patriotic, but I am glad none of my boys have had to
experience what Ken has.  Or Bill, or Scott, or Tank or Harley.  I don't
know what I would do if one of my kids was to be injured or see his friend
killed in combat."  He let out a long sigh and relaxed in Kevin's warmth.
"Danny, I don't know what I would do if one of my kids were to be
killed...like that."

The two men stood quietly in the kitchen for a few moments.  "None of your
boys is going to have to face what our friends have.  Let's go flop on the
sofa and pretend to watch TV.  I think you need to call Tim."  Gus broke
the embrace, and nodded.

Gus smiled to himself when he heard Tim's happy voice on the other end of
the phone.  "Hey Tim, it's Dad.  Just wanted to call and see how you were
doing.  Finals eh?  Working hard on studying?  And Chris?  Really."  Kevin
watched Gus over the top of the paper.  He watched how the face changed
when he heard Tim, and how the tone filled with love.  ***** Tony and Bear
had spent many evenings working on their new house.  It had been in decent
shape around Thanksgiving but was really looking like they wanted it to
now.  Every room was painted, all the woodwork refinished and the floors
given a fresh coat of polyurethane.  The kitchen, while newer got new
counter tops and a new dishwasher that had already paid for itself.  They
both liked to cook which meant lots of dirty dishes.  Christmas and New
Year's was fast approaching.  The plans were to take full advantage of
Ken's being home for as much togetherness as possible.  Every weeknight was
planned to have a meal at one of the friend's houses.  Bigger evenings were
planned for weekends.  Tony walked into the dining room as Bear finished
hanging a new pleated window shade.  The window faced a large wooded area
too hilly for buildings.  It gave them a wonderfully private back yard.  He
sported his winter look of a full beard but kept his close-cropped hair.
He had just finished showering and walked through the house in a simple
pair of knit boxers.  He held a t-shirt in his hand as he looked up at
Bear's beefy butt.  Bear stuck out the tip of his shoe and flipped Tony's
shirt across the room.

"Hey. I need that.  It's 30 degrees outside."

"Don't care, I enjoy that lean, chiseled body too much to let you put on a
shirt."  He enjoyed looking down at the big, out-of-proportion chest and
arms overshadowing the tiny waist.  The waist flared slightly to deeply cut
hips and big vascular furry legs.  "Besides, isn't it my job to keep you
warm?"

Tony smiled and pretended not to know.  "Maybe.  But I need to start
dinner."  Bear stepped down from the ladder.  He brushed against Tony
taking his shorts down in one quick move.  He fell to his knees and
swallowed the big flaccid cock.  "So dinner will be a bit late."  *****
Spence pushed Zeke through the mall looking at the holiday displays.  They
wandered into one store to look for something for Spence's nephew.  Zeke
looked through the stacks of neatly folded shirts and sweaters.  "Do guys
really wear this?  I mean it's winter and this stuff isn't very heavy.
Can't keep you very warm."

"That's what I'm for."

Zeke snorted.  "Yes, but on those occasions when we are not uh, otherwise
engaged, I would freeze in this stuff."

"You're situation is a bit different.  One, you have like zero body-fat and
two, being in the chair doesn't allow you the same mobility to keep warm as
some other people."

"Granted.  But I see guys wearing shorts in 20-degree weather, with maybe a
T-shirt.  That's insane."

"You didn't wear trendy fashionable clothes when you were a teenager?"

"Dude, I lived in the fucking snow belt.  You had better be well dressed in
warm clothes in case you had to walk somewhere.  I'd rather be warm than
trendy."

"Well, I agree.  What do you think about his one?"

Zeke squinched his face.  "Nah, don't think your nephew would wear that."

"It's for me."

Zeke stifled a giggle. "Yeah what size is that?"

"XL."

Zeke rolled his eyes.  "Go try it on.  How about his for your nephew?  Or
we take the lazy cheap cowardly way out and get him a gift card."

"I like the gift card idea, be right back."  Spence headed for the fitting
room as Zeke maneuvered the tight aisles.  A store clerk had spotted the
two men and kept watch on them.  Zeke thought to himself, yeah like we
would shoplift any of this crap.  "Ta da."  Spence held out his arms to
show off the skintight sweater.  It came just to above his belt showing off
his furry treasure trail

"Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm no.  Uh oh, freaked out queen alert at three
o'clock."

The clerk came over and glared icily at Zeke.  "Sir, I...don't think that's
your... size."

"Do you have it in two or three X?"

A deep breath.  "No, sorry, we don't carry that size."

Spence gave the clerk his I'm-so-disappointed look as Zeke bit his lower
lip to keep from laughing.  "Oh tooooo bad.  Oh well, guess we settle for a
gift card.  I'll change.  Uh, Zeke could you help peel this off?"  Spence
bent over so Zeke could help pull off the sweater.  Spence smiled idly as
he sauntered back through the store in all of his 230-pound musclehunk
shirtless glory.  The clerk didn't seem to be sure what to think.  Spence
returned with the sweater neatly folded and returned it to the stack.
"Guess I'll just have to keep shopping where Dolly shops.  Gift cards?"

"At the register."

The clerk dangerously balanced between a disapproving look and lust.  His
face changed when Spence asked for the card to be set for $100.  The two
men shook their heads in disbelief when they got outside and a couple of
stores away.  Spence sighed.  "Poor anorexic bastard.  One paper cut and
she's history."

Zeke adjusted his stiff dick in his jeans as nonchalantly as he could.
"Not everyone is as into muscle as we are.  Or our friends.  Still he
didn't look very healthy."

Spence tucked the gift card safely into an inside pocket.  "Okay, what's on
the list of things we need to get, oh, what were we supposed to get for Ken
for his care package back to Iraq?"  Zeke pulled a piece of paper from his
jacket.

"Hmm, we need to go to the department store, where are we, down there.
Better prices, better selection and more of the kind of stuff Ken likes
than, you know, the big-M."

"So how do you think Ken's doing, funeral and all?"

Zeke shrugged as Spence pushed him along once again.  "Not sure.  We
haven't had any alerts from Bill so I take that as a good sign."

Jack sat at the desk in his room working by the light of the monitor.  He
bounced back and forth between homework and research on colleges.  Sam and
Joe had configured a spreadsheet to compare and contrast the schools in
which Jack was interested, and the schools that were interested in him.  It
was coming in handy.  He constantly updated it, as did Gary who was sharing
it in a web file.  The bottom line at all of them scared him.  He finished
his homework and set the books aside.  He looked at the page on the
spreadsheet for gay support, or groups, or affiliations and sighed.
Choosing a school based on whether or not he could be openly gay was never
something he dreamed he would consider in a million years.  Later.

He clicked on one of his favourite bodybuilding sites and clicked through
pictures of naked or nearly naked men.  It had been several days since he
had gotten off and the photos were having an immediate effect.  "Pictures
of the student body?"

Jack blushed.  "No.  I finished my homework.  Doodled on the spreadsheet a
while, with Gary and well, got distracted."

"By big dicks and muscle.  You young men are all alike."

Jack smiled.  "Says the musclehead with a big dick."  Sam rubbed his short
clipped head of hair.  "Gary and I were thinking of going shopping in a
bit.  We still need to get the thing we said we'd get for Ken.  And a
couple of other things.  Some people are a real bitch for which to shop."

"Joe is a challenge isn't he?"

"Oh yeah Joe."

"Let's see the spreadsheet.  Kewl.  You worried about the bottom line?"

Jack sighed.  "Yeah.  Good grief look at the cost of these places.  And
they're not even the expensive private schools, like where you work."

Sam closed his eyes slightly and tilted his head.  "Was that a slam?"

"No.  It's just that, well, I better get one helluva damn good football
scholarship to be able to do any of these.  Even then, fees, books, wow."

Sam knelt down beside Jack.  "Look, don't worry about it.  Your mother and
I opened an account for your college funds after the hearing.  She's been
secretly pulling money from the one your father had behind his back and
squirreling it away.  Joe and I have contributed.  So have Bruce and Steve.
We want you to succeed.  Gary's been helping keeping us informed on the
spreadsheet of all of these hidden costs.  You just need to worry about
keeping up your grades and staying healthy to play ball.  Okay?"

Jack sat quietly for a second then stood up and pulled Sam to him.
"Thanks.  I can't say that enough."

"You're welcome.  Uh, I think you better take care of that other little
problem before going shopping.  Or plan on carrying a shopping bag in a
strategic location."

Jack scratched his head.  "I'm a teenager with raging hormones.  What do
you expect?"

Sam snorted.  "Maybe wear a jock."  He shook his head and rolled his eyes.
"Oh to be young again."  As he walked out the door Jack responded.

"Oh sure, from the man who shows basket everywhere."

"Don't make fun of me just because I, oh never mind.  Don't be out late,
right after the mall closes.  You still have school tomorrow."  Jack gave
him a thumb's up in agreement.  ***** Buck and Brett had changed hotel
reservations to get one suite with Ken.  It had a king-sized bed and
sleeper sofa.  Ken assumed he would use the sleeper.  They politely
corrected him.  They watched as he carefully stripped out of his uniform
and lay down to nap.

Buck walked over and turned him around.  "Dude.  I didn't realize you were
this bruised.  Holy shit."

Ken rubbed a couple of purplish yellow bruises on his right thigh.  "Yeah.
Sort of surprised I didn't have more broken bones.  You guys going to nap?"

"Uh no, we're going to watch some TV in the other room. You rest. We'll
wake you in time to go to dinner at the VFW."  Ken smiled and was out
before Buck could close the door.  He looked up at the slightly taller
Brett.  "Did you see his back?"

"Yeah.  I could see how he might have some liver damage.  What about
kidneys?  Or other organs."

"They didn't say but I will damn sure keep in touch with Bill.  You uh,
want to maybe...you...know."  Brett looked down at him over the top of his
glasses.  "Oh we can't wake Ken.  He slept through bombings in Iraq."

Ken, Buck and the other men who came for the funeral were treated like
royalty at the VFW.  Everyone had a story to tell about Captain Malloy, and
more than a few tears were shed.  The men knew Malloy wasn't in the least
shy.  The best stories were of his running naked through a big corn roast
fundraiser, just because someone dared him.  And another time when he
dressed up in drag also in support of a fundraiser.

His wife just closed her eyes and shook her head.  "He made an ugly woman.
No matter what.  Of course, at the time he had a goatee and wouldn't
shave. Nor would he shave his chest.  Ugly woman."

Buck leaned into Ken.  "Oh if we had only known."  Ken snorted beer through
his nose thinking about it.

They had more than enough to eat and drink.  The time zone difference also
added to their general silliness.  By nine, they were heading toward the
door to go to the hotel.  Mrs. Malloy stopped Ken before they could leave.
"We'll see you all tomorrow morning.  Also, the Chamber of Commerce is
hosting a lunch for us at our house after the service, please try to stay.
Mike did a lot for them when he was home on leave.  This town and these
people really loved him.  And I need to talk to you about something Mike
left for you."

"Left for me?"  Ken staggered slightly to one side favouring his leg in the
cast.  She slid his arm through his to steady him.

"A couple of things he wanted you to have.  Can you hang around for a
little while after lunch?"

"Sure.  No problem.  I can call the base and have them send the driver
later."

"Good."  She hugged him good night and went back to rejoin her friends and
family.

Buck walked alongside Ken back to Brett's car.  "What do you think he left
you?"

Ken flopped into the back seat.  "I have no clue, but then I'm blond.
Brett why is your car spinning?"

Brett half turned to face Ken sprawled across the back seat.  "The car
isn't moving.  If you're going to be sick, you best let me know."

"Drive fast, take chances.  Back to the hotel."  Buck just smiled as Brett
giggled.

The three men went about getting ready for bed, more or less just getting
naked.  Ken was hobbling toward the sleeper sofa when Buck stopped him and
handed him his kit.  "There's a reason I changed the hotel reservations to
one room with a king bed. Remember?"

"Oh buddy, I don't think I can stay awake."  Buck pushed him toward the
bathroom.

"I think we can handle that."  A few minutes late Ken hobbled back to the
bed.  The two men pulled him between them.  "Trust us?"

"Of course."

The crowd the next morning for the funeral was more than anyone expected.
The church had members escort people to reserved pews and apologize to
people that they could not all fit inside on a cold, cloudy day.  The
threat of snow hung in the air but just as the service was scheduled to
start the sun broke through.  Captain Malloy sons were kept busy with
relatives and close friends.  The oldest excused himself when he saw Ken,
Buck and Brett arrive with the others.  They waved them over to a section
already filling with military personnel, local police and fire officials.
Ken balanced on his crutches as he worked his way through the crowd.  He
was moving with a bit more stiffness and hesitation this morning.  One of
the women was overheard commenting on his injuries and how sad war was.
Buck looked at the floor then up at Brett.  His eyes showing a bit of fear.

He leaned in close to his lover and whispered.  "She probably wouldn't feel
so sorry had she seen our antics last night."

Brett adjusted his tie and shot a smile at one of the Captain's concerned
sons.  "I never expected Ken to let loose like that.  Man.  It's like all
the emotional baggage he was suppressing these last couple of days broke
the dam.  You think he's okay?"

Buck tilted his head and watched Ken.  "I think so but then I've never been
double-dicked like that."  He slid into a pew to let Ken have the end
seat. Quietly he looked up at Brett.  "And don't be getting any ideas.  I
don't think I could do what he did."  Brett shot him a whimsical look of
I'll think about that later.  Ken slid his crutches under the pew in front
of him.

"Buck, look at this place.  The whole town must be here.  They're running
speakers outside so people can hear the service."

Buck sighed and patted Ken's thigh.  "The man was obviously loved.  You
okay?  I mean last night was a ..."

"A bit over the top.  Even for me.  Thanks.  My whole body is tingling.  My
nipples feel like you guys damn near bit them off."

"And?"

"Sitting is a bit of a challenge."  Ken shuffled in his seat.  "But I'm not
complaining."

The service began with the minister simply asking everyone to join in song.
He continued as he delivered a simple speech on how Michael Malloy lived
his life, served his country, but never wanted harm to befall anyone.  When
he was finished the men seated behind the family stopped short of
applauding.  Ken leaned into Buck and whispered.  "That was one of the most
subtle speeches yet I have heard against war.  Wow."

Family and friends made small speeches and comments about the man they knew
and loved and lost.  The heads of the men all turned and looked toward Ken.
The Captain's wife smiled at him.  Ken carefully stood and without his
crutches walked to the podium.  The silence weighed heavily on him.  The
only sounds were from those shedding tears.  The minister adjusted the mike
as Ken calmed his hands and slowly looked up at the church filled with
people.  All sizes, shapes, races and ages.  His eyes went directly to the
back to two men in suits. They knowingly smiled and nodded their
acknowledgment.  Sam and Joe.

"I'm not much of a speechmaker.  Sucked at it in school."  Ken took a deep
breath and wrapped his fingers around the edge of the podium.  "I had the
honour and privilege of serving under Captain Mike Malloy.  I really didn't
know him very long, only a matter of months.  I met him on my flight out
when I was recalled back to Iraq.  He befriended me in the Pittsburgh
Airport, shared a flight with me and in the hours it took to get to our
post in Iraq, became my friend.  I can't begin to say I knew him as well as
all of you did.  Do. But I can say I loved him as much as all of you.  This
turnout is a tribute to the kind of man he was and to the life he lived.
He never ever once gave second thought to helping anyone in need."  Ken
coyly smiled.  "Sometimes against military code or orders.  He knew the
right thing to do.  He stood by his convictions and lived his life as an
example of what we should all strive to be.

"He worked our butts off. Oh, sorry sir."  The minister laughed and waved
him on.  "Mike had a great way of leading and helping people accomplish
their goals without ever having to use heavy handed tactics.  His men loved
him.  He had a pretty off-center sense of humour and acted more like one of
us than any other ranking official.  The people we were sent to help loved
him.  Mike would be in the middle of the chaos as we worked to get schools,
and clinics, and other necessities of life in place for people.  Often with
a small child carried in his arms.  He cried more than once about the kids.
Always looking for a way to do more for them.  And generally he found a
way.  When we weren't working, we were working out.  There wasn't a whole
lot else to do.  I owe my biceps to Mike Malloy.  He kept us busy and
involved to keep our minds off of our loved ones at home and sometimes the
danger around us.  While still somehow managing to be on alert.

"He accepted me, and all of his men for whom they are and what they are and
helped them become better.  It didn't make not one da, uh, darn bit of
difference to Mike if you were black, white, Asian, Catholic, Protestant,
Jew, Muslim or gay.  We were all the same.  We were there to rebuild a life
of meaning for people whose lives we disrupted."  Ken stumbled as he worked
to control his breathing and emotions.  He looked idly around the room not
seeming to focus.  "I wake up at nights as the events of his last day play
over...and...over in my head.  If only.  If only."  He took a few seconds
to regain his composure.  "I've been told I don't have to go back.  I can
have a slightly earlier discharge just by waiting out and recovering from
my injuries.  Funny thing is, I thought that was what they said before and
got sent back.  I'm going back.  This time to complete work on a clinic
that is so, so badly needed.  It'll take us about a month and then, with
luck, I'll return home to my partner Bill and our friends.

"Mike Malloy's challenge to all of you.  Find some way of making a
difference in the lives of others and commit to doing it, living it.  The
men sitting here with me today, all believe we can do that.  Give this
clinic to the people we left in Iraq.  We do it for Captain Malloy.  Our
leader.  Our friend.  Pray for him, please pray for us and all of the
others serving over seas.  And don't ever forget Mike Malloy."  Ken
trembled again and quietly stepped forward.  "Thank you for listening."
The Captain's wife met him at the center aisle.  She hugged him and walked
him back to his seat.

The minister concluded the service.  People quietly filed out and waited in
the chill now sunny day for the casket carried by three soldiers, his
eldest son, his brother a police lieutenant and the mayor.  A long
procession of people walked the short distance to the adjoining country
cemetery for the final words.  Somehow in the confusion of people Ken found
Sam and Joe and fell into their arms.  The Captain's wife introduced
herself and asked them to come to the house for lunch.  Sam explained they
did not want to impose but finally gave into her.

The large rambling farmhouse was filled to the brim with people stopping by
to pay their condolences.  The members of the Chamber of Commerce somehow
managed to feed everyone and have tons of food leftover for the family.
Sam and Joe kept watch over Ken as person after person sought him out to
thank him.  Each one wished him a quick recovery and an even quicker safe
return from his quest to finish the clinic.  Buck and Brett found Ken in
the middle of a group of young people with whom he made a connection.

Buck wrapped his arms tightly around his friend.  "We're heading home.
It's not that long a drive and well, we need some rest.  Someone kept us up
all night."  Ken laughed and swore revenge under his breath.  "You're
driver is here to take you back to Pittsburgh.  Or are you going back with
Sam and Joe?"

"Uh, I'm leaning toward going back with Sam.  Justin needs a ride back to
Lawrence County so he can use the driver.  Or maybe he can go with Sam and
Joe.  We'll figure it out.  I hope we get to see each other before we head
back in January."

Brett smiled.  "Oh we will.  We're coming down right after Christmas.
Staying with Steve and Matt so we can all spend some time together.  You
take care buddy.  We'll be in touch.  The driver has your bag so you're all
set.  Love ya."

The Captain's wife cornered them just as they stepped outside.  A few
minutes later she came over to Ken and took his arm.  "We have some
unfinished business.  Come with me young man.  Sam, Joe, you too.  Did you
say Justin was going back with you?  Okay.  Get him.  We need to go out to
the barn and the woodshop."  Her sons met them in the wood shop attached to
the back of the barn.  Ken's eyes lit up when she turned on the light and
saw the beautifully equipped woodshop.

"Wow.  I knew Mike liked to do woodworking but I didn't know he had a shop
that was this well-equipped.  I hate to ask this but what are you going to
do with all of this?"

She smiled and put her arm through two of her sons' arms.  "Well, only one
of my boys has expressed interest in woodworking and is taking shop in high
school.  It remains to be seen if he will stick with it.  My oldest here
well, can't draw a straight line with a ruler and help."

"I didn't get that gene from Dad.  My brother did."

They walked across the shop to another door that led into the larger barn.
"We use the barn more or less as a garage.  This wasn't a working farm.  We
have a couple of people who run a stable of horses out of another building
on the property.  Be glad the wind is blowing the other way.  Ken."  She
reached out and took his hand.  "Mike changed his will.  He wanted you to
have something just in case he didn't get back. It's all in here."

"All?"  Ken and the rest followed her into the spotlessly clean barn.  In
the middle was a beautifully restored 1960 Ford pick-up.  Attached to it
were a trailer and two pieces of woodworking equipment.

"He wanted you to have this."

"The truck?"

"And the equipment.  Said he and you talked about equipment that would be
of use to you and your boss."

Ken's mouth fell open.  "Oh my god.  I I I can't.  This is too much."

"No son.  You can.  My sons don't want the equipment.  Heaven knows I have
no clue what it does.  And the truck, well, it's cool but I'm an Accord
kinda girl.  Please Ken."  She pulled keys and the title from the front
seat.

Sam held Ken up as his knees buckled even with his crutches.  "I'm
speechless."

Sam smiled at his friend.  "That doesn't happen often."

Ken wobbled over to the beaming woman and her sons.  "Thank you all so
much."

Joe stuck his head inside the truck.  "If you were thinking of driving it
back, uh, it's a stick.  Not sure you can handle it with the cast."

Justin looked inside.  "I can drive this.  I can get us back to my place
and can one of you drive it the rest of the way back to Pittsburgh?"

Sam nodded.  "I can.  Joe can follow us back from there."

The Captain's wife sighed happily.  "Thank you.  You've kept one of Mike's
wishes.  You probably should get going so you have some driving time before
it starts to get dark.  I don't know if they are calling for snow.  And I
have no idea how this drives in the snow.  We have tarps to cover the
equipment so if we all work together we can have this ready to go in no
time."

Thirty minutes later Ken and Justin appeared in street clothes.  The
military driver was busy examining the truck and gave his approval of a
great antique.  He wasn't the least upset to be driving back alone.  Sam
and Joe managed to get their truck through the traffic still crowding
around the Malloy household.  They had changed courtesy of the eldest son
offering his room.

Ken said good-bye to the two youngest sons and located the oldest son still
chatting football with Justin.  Justin excused himself to hit the bathroom
one more time.

Ken offered his hand.  "You really look like your Dad.  A couple more years
and it would have been hard to tell the two Mike's apart.  Thank you for
everything.  Take care of your mom.  She's a great lady."

"Yes she is.  You know Ken.  Dad told me everything about you.  But I gotta
ask.  Sam and Joe?  Gay?"  Ken smiled and nodded.  "Wow that certainly
blows the stereotype theory a lot of crazy church people have around here.
Oh blows.  No pun intended."

Ken laughed.  "You got your Dad's sense of humour too."

Mrs. Malloy stepped around the truck.  "Yes he did.  Please don't lose
touch Ken.  My husband would be very upset with me if I didn't keep you as
part of my family."

Ken hugged her and shook his head.  "We all will.  We'll carry our memory
of the Captain in our hearts."  He waved as Justin pulled in behind Sam and
Joe.  The military driver pulled in behind them.  "Thanks for driving the
first part guy."

Justin grinned ear to ear.  "Oh no problem.  This thing is cool.  Uh, just
don't know what kind of gas mileage we'll get.  Keep your cell handy in
case we need to signal your friends."

It was about 6:30 when Sam finagled the pick-up in reverse into the
driveway toward the storage building on the far side.  Joe pulled Sam's
truck into a space in front of Steve and Matt's garage.  The rumble of the
two trucks brought Steve, Matt, Bill and Ben from next door along with Sam,
Doober and Angie out into the cold night air.

Bill grabbed Ken and laid on a big wet kiss.  The dogs barked happily at
the men's arrival.  Doober was frantically spinning to see Ken home again.
Steve walked along the old Ford and whistled softly.  "Nice truck."

Ken slowly nodded.  "Cap left it to me as part of his will.  And this
woodworking equipment."  Sam undid a corner of the tarp.

Steve's eye lit up.  "Wow, so now you have two antique pickups.  Oh wow,
look at the equipment."

Ken beamed.  "I thought we could finally rearrange the shops to make bring
both buildings up to productivity.  And maybe the truck would be cool with
a business sign on it."

Matt's eyes sparkled.  "Yeah, something like K&S Woodworking."  Ken looked
at Matt and Steve and over at Ben who was smiling broadly.  "We wanted to
surprise by renaming the business.  Be Steve's partner.  Business partner.
The other thing I take care of."

Ken looked at Bill.  "Did you know about this?  And didn't say anything?
I'm touched."

Steve giggled.  "Yes you are.  Guys, Bill called us when Ken told him you
were on the way home.  We have dinner almost ready.  Come on in and get
warm."

Sam flipped the tarp back over the equipment.  "You think we should push
the trailer into the other building to keep this stuff out of the cold and
maybe snow?"  Matt gave him a thumb's up.  The six men had it angled into
the safety of the garage in no time despite three out of control playful
dogs.

Ken followed Bill up stairs to their apartment.  Dinner at Steve and Matt's
wouldn't be for another 30 minutes.  The apartment looked somewhat bare
with boxes stacked to one side in the living room area.  "You moving stuff
into the new place already?" Bill smiled and mischievously giggled.  "I
thought maybe I could help with a few things while I was home on leave."

"Oh yeah, you and your crutches.  There might be a couple of things for you
to do.  But, you have to promise me you won't go over there until I get
home from work tomorrow."

Ken dropped his duffle in the bedroom.  "Okay, not sure I understand."

"Well, partly it's that we're being evicted by Steve.  He's decided to move
the office part of the business up here.  They were already working on
rearranging equipment when you showed up with two more vital pieces.  Nice
break.  It's almost like Captain Malloy knew."  Ken looked at a picture
Bill had framed of Ken, Buck, the Cap and the other men.  "Yeah funny how
that goes.  It's like they say, all things happen for a reason when it
shits."

Bill rubbed his shoulder.  "I don't think that's exactly what they say."

"Yeah, well, be glad you aren't still overseas."

"You know you really don't have to go back."

"From a military perspective probably not.  But from a personal angle, I
gotta do this for the Cap."

"I understand."

Ken was only semi-conscious when Bill left for work.  He lounged in bed
with Doober for a while then got up, threw on sweats and hobbled down the
steps to the workshop.  Sam and Angie came running to the door when he
walked in with Doober.  Steve and Ben looked up from several pieces of
furniture they were finishing for a customer.

Steve took inventory of Ken's unshaven, unkempt appearance.  "Taking this
leave thing to heart I see."

Ken poured himself a cup of coffee and admired the armoire on which they
were working.  "Oh man, the last few days really caught up with me.  My ass
is dragging."

Ben glanced up from the door handle he was attaching.  "Judging by the rip
in the back of your sweat pants, it done dragged a hole in your seat."

"Oh.  I wondered why it was drafty.  I forgot these were ripped."

A big smile spread across Ben's face.  "Well, I may be straight but I still
think you have a nice bum."

Ken pulled the rip of his pants together.  "Oh you over-sexed straight men
are all alike.  Ogling us gay men behind our backs."

Steve looked up with raised eyebrows and rolled his eyes.  "Well, there's a
rip in the front too porn boy."

Ken looked down at a hole just big enough to show one of his balls.  "Oh
man, I must have still been sleep when I pulled these out of the drawer."

"So why don't you go back upstairs and get some rest.  You deserve it."
Ken nodded half-heartedly in agreement.  "I'll come up around lunch time
and get you for something to eat.  Not you, I mean food."

"Good idea.  The sleep thing.  Hey, so what's Bill been up to down at the
new place?"  Steve glanced over at Ben who went right back to touching up
stain on a leg.

"Nothing much why?"

"Well, he made me promise I wouldn't go down there until he got home from
work.  Sort of hush hush."

Steve shrugged.  "Probably doesn't want you to trip over anything with your
crutches."

"Oh.  Okay.  I'm going back upstairs.  Later."  The two men watched Ken
saunter out the door and toward the steps.

"And change sweats.  We don't want to look at your hairy hole all day."
Ken stuck out his tongue.

Ben sipped his coffee.  "You think he'd try to go down there?"

Steve smiled and nodded.  He pulled three sets of keys from his pocket.
"Bill gave me these this morning, both trucks and the bike.  That dude
ain't going anywhere."

Ken spent most of the day sleeping and catching up on email with friends or
family.  It was mid-afternoon before he threw himself in the shower and
attempted to scrub clean.  He was just unwrapping his cast and redoing his
head bandage when Bill got home from work.  Bill pressed up against him and
reached around to tweak the erect nips.  The cool bathroom air had Ken's
nubs quite excited.  "Feeling better?  Get some rest?" Ken growled as Bill
ground his basket against the firm hard butt.  "Let me change and we can go
over to the new place."  "We aren't going to?"

"Not right now."  Bill quickly changed and was still ready before Ken.

"I only sacrificed one pair of jeans to get over this damn cast, probably
should wash them soon.  It just felt too cold to do shorts today."

"You could just lounge in sweats.  You should be able to pull the leg up
over the cast.  No one is going to care if you aren't a fashion trendsetter
right now."  Ken looked up from pulling on his shoes and laughed.  "Okay,
or ever.  I like your butt in worn out denim or sweats.  Either one comes
off easily enough.  All right let's go."  Bill held the truck door open as
Ken sidled up with his crutches.

"And don't think I didn't realize you gave Steve the keys.  Nice move.
What's this?"

"A blindfold so you can't see our new place until I say so."  Ken looked at
him with suspicion.  "Come on indulge me."  Ken let him tie the bandana
around his head carefully to avoid pulling the bandage or stitches.  A few
minutes later they pulled into the smooth driveway.

"The driveway has been paved?"

"Yep.  Wait.  Let me help you."  He helped Ken get out of the truck and
then positioned him so he could see the front and side of the building when
the blindfold was removed.

There was a moment of stunned silence as Ken took in the clean, freshly
pointed brick, the new windows, garage doors and landscaping.  "Holy shit."
Bill pressed the garage door button in the truck and one of the doors slid
open.  "Wow.  Nice."

"Yeah, I think the outside turned out really good, but let's go in the
front door."  Ken's mouth dropped open as he walked in and wandered through
the refurbished first floor.  He looked out onto the side and back patios
and could only blink at the sleek modern kitchen.  Even the garage and its
new storage systems kept him speechless.  "You like?"

"Bill this is everything we talked about.  Now I understand all the
questions and catalogue pictures you were sending me.  But how?"

"Let's go upstairs first.  There's still some finish work to be completed,
and painting and the basement isn't all that much better than before but a
lot is done."  He explained how he called in favours to get so much work
done so quickly, and showed Ken the binders of drawings, notes and pictures
capturing all the work so he would still feel a part of it.  Ken just kept
shaking his head in disbelief.  "But you haven't said if you actually like
it?"

Ken stood in the middle of the new master bedroom, dropped his crutches and
began to strip.  "It's phenomenal.  You're phenomenal.  I thought it would
be hot to have sex in the middle of a construction site but having it on
our new king-sized bed is good too.  It's gonna take a lot of your fucking
my ass to repay you for this."

Bill beamed that Ken was so happy.  "I think I'm up for that."

"Yeah but is my ass?  Climb on."  Ken lay on his stomach and waited until
Bill stripped.  He reached back and wrapped his hand around the stiff black
cock to guide it into his ass. Bill pushed forward until the big head
pressed against the pink pucker.  Slowly the thick shaft pushed forward.
Ken sighed as Bill sunk his dick home to his nuts.  "And the best part is,
the way this room sits in relation to the outdoors, we don't need
draperies.  We can just fuck any old time."

"Actually."  Bill reached for a remote on the nightstand and pressed a
button.  Window blinds slid down from a recess above each window.  "Is that
cool or what?"

"It's cool so fuck me."  Ken pushed his ass up to meet Bill's thrusts.  He
pounded away until Ken was moaning and begging for more.  Then he flipped
the lean blond onto his back, slipped his dick back in and resumed
ass-splitting fucking.  The men were too engrossed to notice the two teens
who had stopped to visit.  Gary and Jack had been on their way home from
the gym and saw the truck.  The garage door was wide open so they walked
right in.  They were practically in the bedroom when they realized the
sounds they were hearing were two grown men rutting like animals.  Ken
obviously enjoying himself and Bill going for the gold.  They stood
downstairs in the kitchen and pondered what to do.

"We can leave a note.  But we can't close the garage door otherwise they'd
hear and come running thinking someone might be breaking in."  Gary drummed
his fingers on the kitchen counter looking around and trying to decide what
to do.  Jack slimed, dropped to his knees and pulled down the first teens
sweat pants.

"I need a snack."  A few minutes later they were smiling sheepishly as Bill
and Ken wandered down from the bedroom.  Both were still shirtless and
giggling when they saw the boys.

Ken eyed them carefully.  "Hey guys.  You been here long."

Gary blushed.  "The garage door was open and yeah, we heard every scream,
groan, moan and some other noises I am not sure that I want explained."

Bill bit his lip and headed to the fridge to get a drink.  Ken pulled
himself up onto the counter to rest his leg.  "Bill was just showing me our
new bed.  And isn't this place fucking awesome?  Don't I just have the best
fucking boyfriend?"  Gary nodded in agreement as he crossed the room to get
the drink offered by Bill.  Ken stopped Jack as he passed by, leaned
forward and licked at the corner of his mouth.

"Can't let a drop go to waste?  Mmm, tasty."  He saluted Gary as both young
men blushed a bright read.  "It's so nice to be home.

Comments -- suggestions?

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		     Starting Again, Chapter 34 2008 Copyright