J&J and the 5 Be's, Part Seven

By Bix Meister

"Notices"

This is a story featuring gay men, and gay sex, intended for Adults, not Minors.  It is fiction, and as such is not based on any actual people or events.  It is a fantasy intended purely as a catalyst for pleasure.  No attempts have been made to portray safe sex, but the author encourages you to practice it.

 

********************Notice********************

Notice, this chapter and series, features a relationship between adult father and son. If this is not your cup of tea, I suggest you check out my Snowplow series.  If you've already read my Snowplow series, you may find a character or two which are familiar.

 

If you enjoy it, consider donating to Nifty.  If you have suggestions or feedback, contact me at bixmeister57@gmail.com

 

"Notices"

 

Random images comprised how I remember my first day back at work after my birthday weekend. Van kissed me goodbye at the door. I turned back as I got into the Jeep. He stood there naked, with the front door wide open. I had spent a good part of an hour in his studio, watching him paint.  He painted like he fucked, no holds barred.

I also saw his PA for the first time. I had seen and played with PA's before, but this one was big. It could have been a link on a ship's anchor, or so it had felt when I kissed him goodbye. Did I mention I was fondling his dick as we kissed goodbye? Well that PA made a hefty dick, seem even heftier.

Dad and Kurt were lounging around in the kitchen when I made my pit-stop before heading off to my clinicals. I half expected them to pump me for details, and was slightly disappointed when they didn't. They weren't quick to share what happened between themselves, either.

I checked my GROWLr and saw no messages from anyone, but noticed that Van, Topher, and Brent had viewed me in the last twenty-four. Van in particular, had viewed me minutes before, apparently just after I left him. I scanned his profile and noticed there was a new profile pic, and under the `About:' section he had updated his profile to say Be Yourself.

My clinicals were boring. Take that back. For anyone else, my clinicals would have been boring, but I decided to look at them differently. I spent the day trying to see something new in each person I dealt with, and every situation I faced. It wasn't easy at first. In sports-medicine we often need repetition in our routines. This allows the patient to learn new habits which will help them in the future.

One of my patients tested me to my very core. He was a local hockey notable. He wasn't quite a legend, but he played with a true legend. The legend's coat tails were powerful enough to bring my client close to an NHL career. He had the skills, the skating ability, and most of all the confidence needed, but he came up short.

He came up short.  I know I said it again, but it wasn't a dig, so much as a statistic. His chart said he was nine inches shorter than my 6'2". Skates can be a great equalizer, and he played in an earlier era, but 5'5" hockey players must be dynamos to be stars. His medical charts may have pegged him as 5'5" but I can almost assure you, that number was optimistic.

Because of his privacy, I can't get into details about his health, or my prescribed treatment, but I could sense he would fight me every step of the way on his recovery. I think he saw me as an overqualified massage therapist. I was tempted to tell him to fuck off, but I remembered my personal challenge for the day, Be Your Best.

I tried to get him started on leg training, but I quickly saw it going south. I made the mistake of mentioning that all the NHL players were doing similar workouts for conditioning. "That ship has sailed, buddy," he snapped back.

It was in that moment that I saw a spark that reminded me of Topher. "When was the last time you laced up?" I asked him.

"It's all in my records. I skated the night before I got my injury. The doc blames the injury on my skating. She won't even let me get out on the ice with the pee wees."

"Stay right here, I'll be right back."  I gave my client some free weights for his upper body. I took his records and contacted his doctor's nurse, giving him a rundown of my idea. I then texted Topher on my GROWLr app.

"Wanna get on the ice with a local legend?"

"Chyeah! But who? Yer a legend only in your mind."

"No, Toph. This guy is someone you'd recognize. I've told you my idea about you helping at Mario and Micah's gym. This might get you in the door."

"As much as I'd like too, I am spreading myself thin."

"You don't want to see this too thin."

Attached was another selfie of his ass. Clothed this time.

"***WARNING*** I'm at work don't send anything NSFW 😊"

"Tell me when it is safe, STUD 😉"

At that moment, I got a call from the Doctor. I ran though my ideas. My theory was based on my observations about Topher's fluidity on ice, versus his clumsiness off. I sold her on the idea that my client's therapy needed to happen on the ice, and preferably without his realization that it was therapy. I quickly bullet pointed what I wanted to focus on during the skate. I also conceded that testing his skating ability was important. If my patient failed, it might be good motivation for him to work on his leg strength.

The Doctor was reluctant at first, but acquiesced after I noted that our patient's recovery had slowed recently. "Do what you need, I will check what's available within our system," she finally said.

"What I need now, is for you to sign off on him being able to skate half an hour, four times a week."

She agreed, and informed me she'd send orders. I returned to the weight room where I found my disinterested patient at the free weights. "How does half an hour of skating, four times a week, sound?"

He stood, stumbled for a second, then gave me an outsized bear hug. When he finally pulled away he asked. "When do we start?"

"Tomorrow, a buddy and I are gonna be with you. You'll have to put up with us, but at least you'll be able to lace up."

My turn-around time between clinicals, and my job at BixMart was short. I scarfed down a protein shake, kissed Dad and Kurt, then changed my clothes. I grabbed my name tag on the way out the door, getting to the time clock with two minutes to spare.

Brent ensured that he could take his break with me. I updated him on my two dates and other weekend details of importance. Any other day and we would have been playing along with the Game Show Network on the breakroom TV, but I had too much information to share with Brent.

He commiserated as I shared being dumped by Skyler. Coincidentally Brent had fucked Skyler, many years ago. We had similar stories, but only Kyle and I had ever gotten close to Skyler. Brent, as always, came up with a great solution to ensure that Skyler was no longer being part of my life. "Text that selfie to me, then delete it from your phone."

I didn't anticipate Brent's reaction when I told him I dated Van. "We'll talk" is all he'd say. I wanted to pump him for more information, but Brent's body language told me I should move on.

When we closed the store, I realized I had been working for twelve of the last thirteen hours. I walked to my car, checking my phone. I glanced at messages from Van, Topher and my patient. I was about to answer Van's message, when I got a new one from Brent.

"I don't want to give you the wrong impression. Van and I had a business venture that served us well for many years. We agreed to end it."

The message left me even more baffled. I remembered what Van had said about his business, after the financial crisis of 2008. Hell, I was twelve at the time, and I remember how my Dad's business had changed due to the housing market. It would make sense that Van would have to economize if he wasn't getting any commissions.

I thought of Van and Topher's texts as I drove home. When I got there, Kurt was in my office, on his laptop, chatting with my friends in Loinstare69's room.  He looked over his shoulder. "Oh hi, J. I hope you don't mind. This guy's a hoot."

I pulled up a chair, and opened my own laptop. Within minutes I was in Loin's room, chatting with my friends. Though I never would call him a hoot, it wasn't a term I'd use, I could see why Kurt thought so. Loin was an enigma. Outwardly he was quiet. His face was almost blank, but when his fingers hit the keyboard, his wit was vicious.

There was a disconnect between the innocent face, and the cutting remarks. People who tried his patience, were slashed to the core, without their knowledge. Few of us could break his stone face. DDP, Texxxantenor, and I often could. I sat there in amazement at KDawg joined the ranks.

KDawg cracked Loin's stone façade. First his eyes smiled. Then I heard a hiccup of a laugh. I forget what KDawg said next but I remember Loin's response.

Loinstare69: I literally LOL'd there, Literally...

Loinstare69: I mean LITERALLY.

Js_son: KDawg thinks you're a hoot. He likes you.

Loinstare69: The feeling is mutual. Welcome to the Cuddle Bear Army, KDawg. Js_son will initiate you with the official hug. Preferably naked. Take pics or it didn't happen.

I didn't oblige Loin with an official pic of our hug, because just as I was ready to take a selfie, I got a GROWLr message from Topher

"`Sup, bouncing off the walls here. Roomie is a bitch."

"Watching cams with the KDawg. Check out his profile on here."

"I've never checked out the cams. Mind if I cum over?"

"We could also do some gaming if that is awkward."

"By the way, I guess this means you are at a place where you can see a NSFW photo."

The photo popped up immediately.

"Damn, DAT ASS, WOOF"

"Wait, I get a Damn DAT ASS and a WOOF from you? Another achievement unlocked. I'm racking up points😊."

Before I could respond, I texted Topher my address.

"FUCK, On my way, my first Booty call."

"Just camming or games for now, not a full-fledged booty call."

I turned to Kurt. "Damn, I guess I should have asked you first. But a friend is stopping by. I don't mind him seeing you like this, but it is up to you."

"Your dad and I have some meetings tomorrow, so I should get to bed. I might nudge him awake, if you get my drift." Kurt exited the chat room, then shut down his laptop. He stood, his precum coated dick was inches from my face. I resisted temptation, then I stood to give him a hug, and slapped his ass. "Be gentle with the nudge. That's my Dad, you are talking about."

"And like Father, like Son, he can handle whatever I give him."

I kissed Kurt. Damn he could kiss. I then stripped down to my boxer-briefs and set my ass in front of my laptop. Loin was saying goodbye, closing his room. I got my virtual hug in, before he signed off. I checked out my followed cams list. None of the Cuddle Bear Army cammers were on, but a few of the cams I visit mainly for eye candy, were.

I settled on Leggomyeggos. Leggo was known for two disparate traits. First, his grade-AAA large eggs were known by anyone who perved to him on cam. The second trait, Leggo would sometimes build LEGO on cam. It was as if he had three audiences for his cam. One, the people who liked his balls, two, the people who liked LEGO, and three, guys like me, who tripped on both.

Tonight, eggo was in full force. I yanked my balls out of my underwear while I watched Leggo play with his. I glanced at my phone while watching, keeping up to date on Topher. "Don't text and drive," I cautioned, sounding very much like my old man.

"Nice house, Richie Rich," was his latest text. It accompanied a selfie of himself, at my front door.

I got it the moment he knocked. I slipped my balls back into my shorts, and adjusted my hard-on.

Topher bounded in, gave me a hug. "Happy to see me, I guess. WOOF."

"One of the guys on cam got me going, buddy. This isn't for you." I gave him a quick tour of the place, taking him to the office last.

"This house puts my place to shame. Gotta move out at the end of April. Still haven't figured things out."

I pointed to a chair. "Sit, get comfortable. The dress code is casual."

"I noticed. Damn buddy, your date yesterday musta been lucky. What are you packing there? Nine, ten inches?"

"Not that much. These tight shorts just emphasize things."                     

Topher sat, and joined me as I pulled up the chat room again. "We can check out some of my fave cams, or play games," I said. "Sup to you, I know you probably have to work early tomorrow."

"I dunno, I got some nervous energy to burn off. I don't need that much sleep."

I clicked through my followed cam list, showing Topher some of the guys who were online. "You do like them well aged, dontcha?" He finally asked. "Do you follow anyone close to your age?"

I then introduced Topher to the concept of the Brotherhood Wheelhouse. "I have more than a few friends my age, and up to their early 30's. But to get me going, I've found they have to be over 40. I do like my younger friends, as friends."

"Friend zoned again. Even in person," he winked. I clicked around, and pulled up Leggomyeggo's cam again. "WHOA, look at those balls. They remind me of mine."

I remembered his balls from the locker room the previous day. "Yeah, even Dad noticed what you were packing."

"J, I don't have many great memories from when I was young, but I remember one time Dad took me camping. Just the boys he emphasized. I was eleven, just starting with puberty and we went down to this small fishing lake. No one was camping there, so we had the place to ourselves. He found a spot that was secluded. We forgot our swim trunks, but he said it was okay, we'd swim in our underwear. When I stripped to those, he forced me to lose them too."

"Did he follow suit?"

"He yanked down his tighty-whities. My nuts were large for my age, but nothing compared to his. He'd give eggo a run for his money. After we swam a bit, we came back on shore. The cold water shriveled up my chestnut sized balls, but my dad's balls were still huge. His dick, on the other hand, always seemed to have the shrinkage problem."

"You saw your dad naked often enough to know this?"

"Only a few times, but often enough. The sun was beating down as we dried ourselves off, so we found a spot of grass and laid back. Dad caught me looking once, and he only winked at me. "You'll get your own pair, one day, buddy." Dad almost seemed normal that afternoon. He laid back and snoozed, and I spent my time looking at his balls. He even got hard once, as his thick dick came out to play in the sunlight. Much like that one."

Topher pointed at the computer screen. Five inches of Leggomyeggo's thick dick, bobbed above his cum laden eggs. "Fuck, that's hot," I said, remembering my own infatuation with my Dad's bulge.

"It was, I got a hard-on looking at my dad. It was lucky he was sleeping, so he didn't notice me. When I saw him stir, I turned over and laid on my stomach. J, I was tall for my age. I got my growth spurt early and I was stocky, not fat. Dad noticed this and said "Christopher, you're gonna have the ladies after you. I bet you outgrow your old man by about half a foot." He slapped my bare ass. It was one of the few times he ever touched it when he wasn't punishing me."

"You got spanked?"

"All the fucking time. I was always sure I deserved it. He made me certain of that. If I cried he told me to be a man, be a man."

I flinched. I immediately thought of Pete's story about his uncle raping him. "Topher, in my opinion, a man doesn't hit a child. I think you are more of a man than he will never be."

"J, you don't know me or my dad enough to say that. That camping trip was so great. He didn't even berate me when he saw my hard-on. "That dick is gonna make the ladies want you even more," he said. It was the closest we ever were."

"A year later we went camping again. Dad was having trouble at work. Again, he forgot the swimsuits, but he didn't forget his beer. He had beer with breakfast, and at least three more before we went swimming. I was a year older, maturing, and my balls were almost as big as his. He yanked down my underwear forcefully. When he saw my big balls, he slapped them hard."

"Just cuz you got balls and dick fuzz, don't make ya a man," he sneered. "Faggots have balls and pubes of a man, but they're still faggots."

"Be a man, I thought, and I took my punishment. He grabbed a beer that was chilling in the lake, slammed it, and ran into the water. Though I was still doubled over by his ball-slap, his words stung the most. But I took a deep breath and waded out into the lake, then plunged down to hide my tears."

"He rough-housed me, dunking me, and throwing me into the water as if he hadn't just called me a faggot."

I put my arm around Topher, and kissed his cheek.

"J, I thought for a moment that my fun-loving dad from the previous year was back. He even grabbed me a beer from the lake, and threw it my way.

"If you're old enough for dick fuzz, you're old enough for beer."

"I opened it and tilted it back. I wasn't used to the taste, so I spit a bit back up."

"Faggot," I heard, under his breath.

"He passed out this time. His dick never poked its way past his big balls. I had heard mom call it whiskey dick when she thought I couldn't hear. I finally knew what she meant."

"Did he abuse her too?"

"Who didn't he abuse? I soon learned that I took the weight off her, when he was focused on me. Fuck, look at me. I came here to have sexy time with a guy who told me I had a hot ass," Topher chuckled.

"I only promised that we'd watch cams, and possibly do some gaming. You know I go for the older guys." I hugged Topher, kissing his cheek again.

"Awkward," Topher said.

"What do you mean? I asked.

"You, me, us. You are standing there in your underwear, with no boner as you kiss me. Meanwhile I am fully clothed, and fully boned, because you kissed me. I guess what you say is true. You just aren't into me."

"Topher, a friend just told me about his abusive father. Total boner killer."

Topher smiled. "Yeah, I suppose, but explain my boner."

"I'd like to think it is me, being almost naked. We should level the playing field. C'mon, let's get naked and scope out some cams. I'll let you pick."

We scrolled through my followed cams list and when he didn't see anyone that caught his attention, we went to the male cams list.  About a third of the way down, there was a cammer who was about our age, and my dick size. I guess I should have been flattered that he clicked on that one. His user name was Thickly_n_dowd and from what we saw on screen, it was an apt name.

The guy was a token whore, plain and simple, or so I thought. Some cammers go on cam only to collect tokens which they can then convert to cash. Many are straight, but gay for pay. Among the Cuddle Bear Army, it was a consensus that token whores, for the most part, were to be avoided. However, most of us had their guilty pleasures.

This guy could be a guilty pleasure. I soon saw that the tokens weren't his motivation. He was on cam, looking for guys that reminded him of his own dad. Guys with thick endowments moved up in the line. Silver hair or fur, or both, and they were at the head of the line. This guy was speaking my language.

On the other hand, he connected with Topher, because he was exactly the image of the guys Topher liked. Did I mention that the cammer could be my virtual twin?

Well, to be honest, he was my twin, if my twin was 8 years older, and 5 inches shorter.  But laid out on the bed, his thick eight inches in his hand, and his big nuts bound by a ball-ring, he was close enough for Topher. Topher suddenly saw the need to adopt our casual dress code, and slowly started to get naked.

"Fuck he's hot," he said, as he rested his naked ass back on the desk chair. I glanced over as Topher fisted five thick inches of dick, tugging at his balls when the cammer did the same. Neither man was in my wheelhouse, the cammer, nor Topher, but the situation got to me, and I was soon stroking my own eight inches.

The cammer had a bot which played a rotating list of notices in his chatroom.

Notice: Any thickly endowed Dads on cam?

Notice: Dads, ever get fondled by your boy?

Notice: Ever see your dad naked?

Notice: Share your stories.

Notice: I loved camping with my dad.

Between looking at the cammer, and my dick, I don't think Topher noticed the notices on the screen. I'll admit that I glanced at him as he was stroking his dick. Topher was thick and sexy for someone younger than me. I had seen his thick thighs in pants, and his shorts, but never saw them up close like this. A few times our thighs brushed while we were edging our dicks. I especially liked how his dark leg fur was in contrast with his lighter olive skin. I remembered from last year, how his skin turned a deeper, olive tone. Suddenly I couldn't wait for summer weather.

I noticed his gut. When I played hockey, Dad and others were quick to point out that modern hockey players are much leaner, and more physically agile than the hockey players of his time. Topher's torso was thick, but tightly muscled. He didn't have a six or eight pack, but he didn't have a keg. His fur accentuated his gut, traveling up to his muscular chest, and down to his thick endowment and huge balls. Unlike some guys our age, his junk was not manscaped.

I slowly raked my eyes up Topher's torso, past his chest, strong neck, and prominent chin. His beard was that of a young man, not full, sparse in some areas. He was clenching his teeth as he stroked. His Adam apple bobbed as he played with himself. He looked away from the screen for a second, caught my eye, and winked at me.

"'Sup." He said.

Damn he caught me.

"Fuck I wish my dick did that," he said. I felt him flick my dick-head with his thumb. He then licked the pre-cum he had gathered and savored it. "Don't know when I'll get the real deal," he winked.

Oh fuck! How did I find myself in this position? I was stroking my cock, touching the thighs of a younger man sitting next to me, watching a 30-year-old man while he stroked on cam. Combined the two men were younger than the guy who took me on a date the night before.

Something about the situation turned me on something fierce. One of his notices scrolled on the chatroom.

Notice: Did you look at your dad's thickly endowed bulge growing up?

Js_son: Fuck yeah, I did. Still do in fact.

The cammer looked at my message. I could see him stop `bating as he re-read my message in his head. "Still do, huh? Tell me about it." His on-cam voice was unexpectedly deep.

That lead to an extended discussion between the cammer and me, while some of the 50 plus chatters joined in.

Js_son: You should see my dad's bulge when he's playing hockey.

Thickly_n_dowd: You can see his bulge even with his hockey gear on? HOT!

Js_son: Even more so in the shower

"Fuck, your dad is hot, J. Is that wrong of me to notice?" Topher said as he continued to edge his cock.

"Not at all buddy. I think it is part of being a healthy young gay man."

I looked back at some of the comments on the screen. One stood out.

Tab00_92: Ever suck your Daddies dick, Js or Thick?

Thickly_n_dowd: Once when he was sleeping his thick dick crept out of the fly of his sleep pants. I sucked it until he stirred in his sleep.

Tab00_92: How about you J?

That hit close to home. Another night I might have played to the taboo nature of the room by admitting to what happened with me and Dad, but Topher was sitting next to me. I felt his thick thighs against mine as he stroked his dick. I saw him look over at me and give me the "Sup?" smile. He was two decades under my target age, and yet I felt this intense need to share an intimate moment with him. It was too intense, so I went back to the screen.

Tab00_92: I said how about you J?

Js_son: Mostly hockey, and post hockey showers. I will say like father, like son.

Tab00_92: or like Daddy, like son, right Thick?

Thick was lost in his `bating. I got the feeling from him that his usual night was spent edging for hours, until a cam, or a story, caught his eye. Something in my story caused him to go into overdrive. That thick cock, thicker than mine, thicker than Van's, thicker than Topher's and hell, even thicker than Dad's, started to leak pre-cum in massive quantities.

Mine followed suit, and Topher was quick to notice. He glazed his thumb over my pre-cum covered dick-head, then slurped it into his mouth. When he was certain no pre-cum was left, Topher threw his arm around my shoulder, and started to jack his dick wildly.

I joined right in. I had no other option. Topher was an athletic and powerful `bater and skater. His hug became more urgent as his strokes grew stronger. His thick five inches, fleshed out. I noticed that when I looked at his dick, and then into his eyes. "Sup?" he said, then yanked me into a kiss.

His cum rocketed to my cheek as mine shot erratically all over his tight gut and chest. His second, third and fourth shots landed progressively short of each other and the first rocket blast. I wondered for a second how far the first shot would have gone, if my cheek hadn't been in the way.

"Sorry about that," he said as he leaned in to lick his cum off my beard. I hesitated at first when he attempted to kiss me again, but I finally gave in. We were just fuck buddies. Just two friends who played while watching another guy on cam.

I leaned back in my chair while Topher licked my torso clean. I looked at the screen. Thick's cam had gone black, so I assumed that I had coaxed a load from him on cam. From the comments in the room, I figured that at least 30 more guys shot because of my story. I left the room and checked my own camming profile. Sure enough, I had gained 15 followers since I had last checked.

By this time, Topher had vacuumed the cum off me, and was resting back in the other desk chair. He pointed to my load, which glistened on his tight stomach. "You still have work to do, buddy."

I swiveled his chair, got between his legs, and licked his furry gut clean. I even did the good buddy thing, and licked his knob, cleaning it as it slowly shriveled and sat on his fat balls. When done, I looked up at his wide set eyes. "Sup?" he said.

The next morning, I only remembered the awkwardness of what followed next. I could sense he wanted more, but backed away knowing that what happened between us was just two guys playing. He wasn't quick to head back to his place either. We talked until three in the morning before he finally left. I knew he'd have to be at BixMart at six, so I was sure he'd be dragging his ass. But what a fine ass to drag.

I could sleep in, so I did. I was sitting around with a morning protein shake when I got a GROWLr message from Van.

Thinking of you all night, young man. Hoping you were thinking about me.

24 Hours ago, we were saying goodbye. You are one fine kisser, J.

"Likewise," was all I could say.

"Having a protein shake, thinking of you." I added

"You need a Van protein shake, straight from the tap."

"Sorry, that was crude of me."

Take it back, that is exactly what you need.

When can I see you again?

I thought about my day and my agenda. I had clinicals, the ice time with my patient and Topher, and then Daddy J, Kurt and I were going to Happy Hour with Pete and Kyle and The Pack. Between BixMart and my clinicals, I only had Thursday night off.

"How about a home cooked meal at my place this Thursday?" I asked. We finalized that, then chatted about nonsense as I got ready to leave. My clinicals were better than the day before, especially when I could break away and skate with Topher and my patient.

Topher was star-struck when he saw my patient drive up. "Is that really Stumpy?" he blurted out before I stopped him.

"This is confidential," I said. "He is my patient when we are out there on the ice. I'm responsible for his recovery. I can't afford to pay you, but I think we can work something out."

"You don't understand, J. I always looked up to him. Us short guys gotta stick together. I've watched old YouTube videos of his state tournament appearances. Fuck, I even stole my introduction skate from him."

"You mean how you shower the camera man with ice shavings in that video?"

"Yeah, my dad thought he was the best Lumberjack hockey player ever. The fact that I never measured up to him is just another reason why I gotta make it on my own. Dad just doesn't realize that hockey has changed. It is tougher and tougher to get noticed."

Stumpy, my patient, noticed however, when we started changing in the locker room. "Damn, Toph, you're a powerhouse. You too, J. Is this what you were talking about, J?"

"From what I've been told, if you want a NHL career now, physical toning is right up there with skating ability. It's a lot different than when my Dad played, or even later when you and your friend played."

"Did your Dad make it into the NHL?"

"No, He got my mom pregnant, and went into the home building business with his dad."

"You mean your dad is J Wilson? He was every bit good as my lineman the Stanley Cup winner. It's a shame he ended his career early."

"Maybe it's lucky for you, because of that, I'm here. Marriage ended his hockey career, and created me down the line. And because of me, you are heading back onto the ice. Earlier than your Dr. wanted to, I might add."

"I hear what you're saying, J," Stumpy said as he wobbled on his skates. Topher helped him to rink-side and then assisted him as he got out onto the ice.

The rink was less crowded than Sunday morning and the three of us could skate freely. My patient was tentative at first.  We skated around the ice slowly. I could tell that Topher was reluctantly holding back. I wondered if I had made a mistake. Then I remembered what Topher had said about studying his YouTube videos.

I made an excuse to head to the locker room and grab my phone. I searched YouTube for videos, using his real name as a search tool. Quickly I found a compilation put together by BullDogToph. Damn, my friend idolized him enough to edit and post video of him. I noticed the short, choppy initial thrusts that gave my patient's skating its power back in the day. Once his power kicked in, the fluidity took over.

Skating ability and hockey sense are the two most important traits in a great hockey player. One could be taught, one couldn't. I saw them in the vintage YouTube compilation. I put down my phone and went back on the ice, catching up to them quickly.

I had used up most of my half hour that I had allotted for his therapy, so I steered them to the side of the ice, where I had left my phone. When my patient caught his breath, I asked him how his first skate felt."

"I'm not the man I used to be, J," He said.

"Neither is J's Dad. But he gave his all on the ice Sunday morning," Topher responded.

"But he didn't have my injury," Stumpy argued."

I looked at Stumpy. "I'm putting you on notice that our friend here, Topher, thinks you are one of the best Minnesota hockey players ever. He has high expectations from you and only you can live up to these expectations. Topher, what made our friend here a legend, in your mind?"

Topher looked right at my patient. "You attacked the ice. You weren't the best technical skater, but you could beat anyone who was better than you. And you had a sixth sense about hockey. It was in your blood."

"You say was, like it's in my past. Hockey is still in my blood."

I pulled up the YouTube video and showed it to my patient. "Topher knows this about you, because he made this video about you. Look at how powerfully you skate here."

"I'll never skate like that again," my patient protested.

"No, you won't. I'll admit that. However, you can skate up to, and beyond your potential, and what you lack in speed, you can make up in your hockey sense."

"You just have to get stronger. Work on those legs. It's not as easy for us short guys," Topher laughed. "You might also have to do some crunches and build up your butt muscles." I smiled, realizing that Topher was getting through to my patient in ways I couldn't". My plan was coming together, like I never anticipated. My Dad always told me to Be Ready. I had created this opportunity, I had to take advantage of it.

"I get ya," Stumpy laughed. I always had to work double time to be a hockey player. The Stanley Cup prima donna that I call my friend, was built for hockey. He sometimes forgets how many assists I threw his way."

"C'mon, our time's up here. But I know that we can stop by Mario and Micah's gym. I mean if you really want to get back on the ice in any shape or form, you just need more endurance and strength. `Sides, I want to introduce Topher to the owners."

My patient became silent. "Aren't those guys, umm, gay? Not that it matters, I guess."

I breathed in. "Does it matter that I'm gay?" I asked.

"Prolly not. Hell, I'm too old for you anyway," Stumpy joked.

"Stumpy, I am a professional. So as a professional I will just assume that you are just slightly uncomfortable with my service and I will suggest to your Dr. that you should see someone else."

"Listen, shit-head. I will do no such thing. You were the only one with enough balls to take me skating, and enough brains to make me see that I need to work at this. Nothing ever came easy for me, especially hockey. I guess I just put my size eight skates in my mouth a bit too often. You can fuck whoever you want, as long as you treat me with respect, and challenge the fuck out of me."

Topher was all smiles. He gave me his "Sup?" wink then laughed. "You know Stumpy, they warn you that you should never meet your idols because you'll be disappointed. Not you, my friend. You surpass every single one of my expectations."

Stumpy smiled at Topher. "So, are the two of you?" he asked, darting his eyes between us. He then poked his finger into his other fist, making the universal "fucking" sign. "You could do worse, Toph. He's a task master, but a good one."

"I can only hope. But I'm afraid you fill the profile better than I do, even if you are straight. However, I suspect J is such a professional he won't mess around with even his hottest patients."

"Hot, huh? And I am not even in good condition, plus it sounds like you think I need to work on my ass. What do you say, J?"

"I'm a professional and won't comment as such. Any exercises I give you will be to help rehab you, and nothing more. Hell, I usually don't even make my sexuality known, but you forced the issue by your comment. Knowing we can work together is important to me."

"So where is this gym?" Stumpy asked.

"Just a few blocks away, we can go over there and I can start you on some leg and exercises. We can shower there, if that works for you."

"I know where it is, Stumpy.  I can ride with you," Topher volunteered.

"It'll be a quick workout. I'm joining Dad and Kurt along with Pete, Kyle and The Pack for happy hour tonight."

"Pete? You mean the former pro-wrestler who got married?"

"Yep, my first happy hour with the gang as a legal adult. I can actually have a drink if I want to."

"Well happy birthday my friend," Stumpy said.

We decided to head to the gym without showering and soon were working out. Mario took personal interest in my patient, while Micah talked to Topher about possibly doing some personal training there. If Stumpy was homophobic, I saw no sign of it.

Luckily, I saw no sign of desire for my patient. Sure, he ticked a lot of my boxes. His hair was dark, almost pitch black with gray at the temples. His scruff was pure salt and pepper and would make a sexy beard if he let it grow. His fur, god his fur was abundant, spilling out of the top of his tank top as Mario worked his legs.

I'm not sure how I was able to look at him, and not feel something for him. Then I remembered he was not the first hot patient I had to deal with. I guess professionalism was ingrained in me.

I think Topher misread me, however. He saw me observing Stumpy as he completed his leg workout. He raised his eyebrows then gave me the "Sup?" wink. I saw him talking to Micah, and thought nothing of it.

Soon we were done with Stumpy's workout. I assured M&M that I would see them at happy hour. "Are you coming too, Topher?" Micah asked.

"I don't think so, I'm not old enough to drink, plus it doesn't fit in my budget."

"It's on me, if I can join. We'll call it even for your training today, Toph," Stumpy offered.

"Just so you know, most of the guys who will be there, will be gay," I pointed out. "And due to HIPPA we can't discuss your therapy."

We made plans as we undressed and showered. Though the gym had individual showers, we used the communal shower that was modeled after the one in Pete and Kyle's home. Stumpy had all the hallmarks of being someone within my wheelhouse, but once again, I felt no desire. I wasn't so sure, when I saw how Topher reacted while showering with his idol.

I'm certain I noticed Topher's dick flesh out while showering, and I became more certain as he turned towards the wall. I wanted to help him avoid the embarrassment of getting hard in the shower, so I quickly finished my shower, and started drying off, throwing him a towel to hide his erection.

Stumpy on the other hand, showed no change in dick size, even as he fluffed his thick short member with his own towel while drying off. Stumpy dressed, adjusting his package into his compression boxer briefs before pulling on his pants. "I'm gonna be sore tomorrow, J. But you know, no pain, no gain. Thanks for helping me discover that Toph, buddy."

Topher gave Stumpy his phone number as we left the gym. It was a quick turnaround at my place. I just had to change clothes, and loaned Topher a shirt so he'd be comfortable at happy hour. Dad drove and Topher spent most of the drive to West Duluth relating his excitement of meeting his idol.

Dad was still anticipating seeing someone from his past. Connie, the hostess he met years ago at the Black Bear Lounge was supposed to be there. He had also read the first few chapters of Kyle's Snowplow series, so he was looking forward to meeting Charlie and Angelo.

After a weekend of celebrating me being twenty-one, I was happy to be out of the spotlight when we got to the bar. Sure, there was a moment when I was carded, and served a Bent Hop for the first time. The guys slapped me on my back, and then quickly moved on.

I had remembered reading stories about "The Pack" from Kyle's blog, so I was humored that the men had progressed from playing softball, to organizing a bocce ball league. The men ranged in age from Justin in his early 40's to Pete at 75.

For as boisterous as the group was, it ratcheted up a few notches when Connie entered the Bar. "Ciao Bello," she roared, then hugged me. "Buon Compleanno!" I had only met Connie a few times before, and those times I had faded into the background. I had no such luck this time. She scrunched her nose. Her jeweled bracelets rattled as she poked my chest. "Where's your papa? I've heard I might have history with him."

"That'd be me," my Dad said, rising from his stool to stand by me. "I'd recognize you anywhere, Connie. You haven't aged a day since you refused to serve me years ago. You gave me a mocktini instead."

"Look at this one, so full of merda. I was born at night, but not last night," she laughed. "Stan, meet J. J, meet Stan. He's the one guy who finally tamed me. Stan, J was the young boy I told you about. He tried ordering a Martini. Eighteen was the legal age back then, but I knew he was no more than sixteen. He was a charmer, so was his dad. His son J is a chip off the old block it seems."

"In more ways than one," I mumbled to myself. Connie didn't hear me, she was the center of her own universe. She scrunched her nose and continued. "So, last time I saw you, your dad was negotiating a hooker to take your virginity. How'd that go?"

"She ended up paying me," my dad joked.

"That good huh? Maybe I should have seduced you myself. I might have avoided marrying my first and only husband, that leach." She gave Stan a side glance. "Actually, I'm happy how things turned out. He showed me I'm not the marrying kind. And what Stan and I have, can't be defined by a license."

"I guess I feel differently, having campaigned for marriage equality," Kyle said. "Our commitment ceremony, civil union, and our marriage meant a lot to Pete and me. You were there for two of the three, Connie."

"J, have you met the boys? I love them so much. Kyle, I hope you didn't take what I said, personally. I know what the legality and legitimacy of marriage means to you two. But those vows you said to each other years ago, still hold true today, with or without the license."

"Connie, I can see that in Pete and Kyle," my Dad responded. "These guys, The Pack as J calls them, were there for him in ways that I wasn't, to Be Honest. They helped my boy, become a man."

"Your son is someone you can Be Proud of," Pete said. "Now correct me if I am wrong, but I know that isn't one of your 5 Be's."

"It's in Be Yourself. If you are yourself, with no concerns how others see you, you are proud without boasting."

"I never thought of it that way. Damn J, your son has it figured out at twenty-one, something that took me six decades to figure out." Pete shook his head and smiled, then rubbed his knuckles on my beard. "Whoever ends up with you, is one lucky man." I could have sworn his wink was for me, but I realized it was focused on someone else.

I glanced over and saw Topher's `Sup' wink.

"Young man, I didn't catch your name," Pete said, offering his hand across the table.

"Topher, I'm a friend of J's. I know who you are. My dad used to idolize you. He never read your stories, however," Topher winked.

"What stories?" Stumpy asked.

"Well, damn. Look who joined the Pack," Kyle said. "You're Stumpy, aren't you? Your Bulldog team always gave my Gophers a run for their money. And never mind the stories. They are of an adult nature, and all of the adult nature, happens between men."

"He won't even let me read them, and I am the star of a few of the stories," Connie laughed.

"Oh, I get it," Stumpy smiled. "I'll leave that to you guys. It's funny, I'd never pick any of you to be gay. But as I grow older, I find myself not caring about what a person is, and more concerned about who he is, if you get my drift."

"Loud and clear," Kyle said. "Welcome to the Pack, you too Topher."

"Can I be a member of The Pack? Even if I don't – you know..." Stumpy repeatedly poked his index finger, into his other fist, making the universal hand signal for fucking.

"Ha, what a scream, what a hoot," Connie laughed. "I like you. You remind me of a man I was dating when I worked at the Black Bear Lounge. He was there the night Juan Silvero formed a conga line that took us out of the lounge, across the street, and onto the set of the Nightly News. Each one of us kissed the news anchorman on his forehead as we crossed the set. Juan Silvero planted a big kiss on his cheek. What a hoot."

"You must have a lot of stories from back in the day. Maybe Kyle can write them for you," Kurt said.

"No one would believe me if I told them. Once, I think I saved Juan's life. A man came into the Lounge looking for his wife. He started getting belligerent at the door. "Where are they? Where are they?" I did my best to calm him down even though I noticed a holster. I got him a table, then slid into the back room. I told Juan that his girlfriend's husband was in the audience and he had a gun. His response was priceless. "Which girlfriend?" he asked me. Can you believe that? What a hoot."

"I called a cop on the force. He was a friend of mine and he owed me a favor. Ten minutes later, he entered the Lounge. I nodded to the table where the husband sat, and my policeman friend walked over to him. "Mind if I pull up a chair?" he said, then quickly flashed his badge. "Listen buddy, we're gonna forget that this ever happened. No one gets murdered on my beat." Meanwhile Juan and this man's wife were being escorted out the back."

"It's funny though. Juan dropped her like a hot potato. And though his music was usually rhythm and blues, or jazz or Latin, he added the Jim Croce song "Bad Bad Leroy Brown" to his playlist the next night. I guess he "learned his lesson about messin' with a wife of a married man." Connie laughed. "What a hoot."

"What a hoot is right," Kurt laughed. "You really should have Kyle tell your stories."

"While I still remember them," Connie sighed. "I'm getting to the age where I forget more than I remember." She pointed her ring-filled fingers at Topher and I. "Go for the gold while you can, young men. You two make such a handsome couple."

"We are not a couple," Topher said. "Not that I'd mind. I guess I am not his type."

"Not his type? That's such a shame. You'll have to work on that." Connie said.

"Yeah, I can see that after seeing how they worked together today," Stumpy added. They kicked my butt, without me realizing it. You know you could do worse, J."

"I know, but, I'm sorta seeing someone," I said.

"And that someone is more his type. I'll probably end up just being his friend. I will say I don't mind that option. I feel closer to J, than any friend I've ever had."

"So, who is this someone, and why isn't he here?" Connie asked.

"You can blame me for that," Brent said. "You remember Van, the red-headed architect. We had a falling out after he had to terminate my services. I guess he didn't feel welcome in The Pack. And then his husband died, and he had other friends, and I thought it was too late."

"It's never too late to reach out to a friend. The Pack is like famiglia.  Blood is thicker than water."

Connie liked her clichés, but she was right. The Pack was my second family. I grabbed my mug of Bent Hop, and hoisted it towards Topher "To my new brother, Topher."

"God, now I'm a brother," Topher said, then stormed outside.

I was on his tail. I knew he couldn't go anywhere since he arrived with Dad, Kurt and me. He was outside leaning against the building, looking at his feet. I lifted his head. I could see he was crying. "Sorry for what I said. I just wanted you to know that I care for you like a brother."

"If you had a brother, would you be licking the cum off his gut? Also off his dick I might add."

"That was play. I told you beforehand. I am sorta seeing Van now. You know the type of men I like."

"I know I do, but – fuck, J, it's not easy being friend zoned. Calling me your brother isn't making it easier."

"I just want to give you the kind of family you deserve. My Dad already loves you like a son. Kurt feels the same way. Connie is right. The Pack is a family, and they'll take you in too. Stumpy can join if he feels comfortable with us. You don't need your abusive dad when you're a member of our family."

"He's not that bad. I deserved most of what he gave me."

"No, you don't. You are better than he'll ever be. No one deserves to be abused like that."

"I can't disown my family."

"I can't ask you to. I know that there must be goodness in your family. They produced you, after all."

"Blame Mom and her dad, Grandpa Leo. If you met them, you'd know."

"I'd like to sometime, soon. In the meantime, let's join the pack. Our food should be arriving soon. You'll love their burgers."

I'm not exactly sure how I coerced Topher to head back to the table, but I was glad I did. Dad spent the rest of the night showing Topher attention. It was obvious he knew about Topher's insecurities. We ate, then mingled. I finally had a heart to heart with Brent about Van. Brent revealed that he had put his career at BixMart on hold for almost a decade while he did contract work for Van. "For a while I thought life was just passing me by, J. I was getting creative satisfaction when I worked with Van, then that ended abruptly. I eventually decided to do my best at whatever I was doing, even if it was working a retail job."

"Be Your Best, Brent. You are my role model for that one, even more than Dad. Be Your Best and let Van, back into your life."

Brent threw his arms around me and hugged me tightly. I could see that he was the second person I made cry. "Love you buddy," he whispered in my ear. "You'll make some man a happy man. You'll be their version of my Gino."

"He's right, you know," Gino added. "Van or Topher, or whoever it is, will be one lucky guy. Just don't settle. Make sure he is right for you."

"Gino, you aren't available, so I will have to settle for second best."

"You don't want me, ask Brent he'll point out all my flaws," Gino put down his glass then said, "Listen buddy, I gotta get going."

Gino was known for his abrupt departures. I was frankly amazed he stayed as long as he had. His goodbye was infectious, as others chimed in. Dad, Kurt, Topher and I said our goodbyes finally to Mario and Micah at the door.

"Topher, ride shotgun, so you can direct me to your place. Central Hillside, right?"

Toph climbed into the front seat of the Jeep, Kurt and I sat in back. "Thanks J, I really need this tonight," Topher said.

I thought he was talking to me, but Dad rubbed his knuckles on Topher's beard. "No problem, son. It's what family does for each other."

As we drove to Topher's Central Hillside home, he filled me in on what he and Dad had discussed.

********************

As always, I am looking for feedback on my stories. Email me @ BixMeister57@gmail.com

Check out my seasonal stories  Santa and Tucker's Man-Card,  Independence Day , or my long running series Snowplow in the Adult Friends section of Nifty.

Sooner or later all four of these stories will be interconnected.