Date: Sat, 10 Aug 2002 11:51:18 -0400 From: Lee Mariner Subject: Mark - Series Part #57 MARK By Lee Mariner August 2002 DISCLAIMER: This is a fictional gay fantasy and depicts homosexual acts involving young men. All characters are fictional and in no way related to any person or persons living or dead. Any such similarity is purely coincidental. IF YOU ARE NOT OF LEGAL AGE TO BE READING THIS STORY OR YOU DO NOT APPROVE OF SUCH MATERIAL, "PLEASE LEAVE". PLEASE DO NOT ENGAGE IN UNPROTECTED SEX, IT CAN LEAD TO A LIFE THREATENING CONSEQUENCE. This story is copyrighted by the author and may not be reproduced in any form without the specific written consent of the author. It is assigned to The Nifty Archives under the terms of their submission guidelines but it may not be copied or archived on any other site without the author's permission. Copyright: 2002 - Author: Lee Mariner - All Rights are Reserved. Mariner23502@hotmail.com * * * * * * * * * Chapter #57 It was amazing how a teenager would re-act behind the wheel of any car and more so behind the wheel of a new one. Mark was no exception and I could tell from the golden flecks flashing in his hazel eyes as he glanced at me turning the key in the ignition, he was excited. He had a grin from ear too ear and I was just about as excited as he was, watching him. He pulled off of the dealership's lot very carefully and looked for the entrance ramp onto the Ronald Reagan Cross-County Highway. Schott's was a large enough dealership that the city had built exit and entrance ramps almost in front. He was driving carefully and following all of the proper procedures using his turn signals, looking to the front and rear before turning. It was a little surprising since most teenagers aren't that cautious. Maybe since it was a new vehicle that was the reason. I know it might sound redundant but I couldn't help but feel an intense pride and love in and for him and knowing how lucky I was. It's funny when you think about your life how some things seem to have been pre-ordained, a destiny and events steer you in that direction without you realizing it. Strangely enough, Mark knew what he wanted and didn't try to avoid it like I had been trying to do almost since he was born. He had a charismatic effect on people and he knew it but he used it without being arrogant. I knew he would be attracted to other men and I accepted that as he accepted that I would as well. In so many ways he was much like I had been at his age and maybe it was selfish of me but I was proud of the fact that he was. The one thing we both knew was that regardless of what ever happened nothing would ever break the bond that existed, that bound us together. It was early September and the nights were cool but comfortable. I was enjoying being driven and just looking at him, thinking. "You're thinking again Uncle Lee." "Yep Sport, I am. This time you don't wheedle it out of me. Aren't you going the long way home? You should have taken the Reading Road exit that just passed. Your mom won't like us being late for dinner." "We can turn off on Montgomery Uncle Lee, this truck drives like a dream, it's even better then that Explorer you rented. Can I ask you something?" "Sure, go ahead." It kind of surprised me when you told that guy to put my name on the title. Why did you do that?" "Your on the registration to just in case anything should happen when you drive it. He's working up to something I thought. His initial excitement at driving the new truck had worn off a little and he was studying what he was going to say next. All I could do was wait until he made up his mind. "Can I ask you something else Uncle Lee?" "You know you can." "When are you leaving? I know it's pretty soon." "When we get back from Louisville next Sunday, I'm leaving on Monday after I drop you off at school. You still want to go with me too see Uncle Bill and Calvin don't you?" "You know I do and not just because Calvin will be there but I'd like seeing him. He was pretty shook up when we were on the farm and Uncle Bill told him about his mother." Neither one of said anything until just before the Montgomery Rd. exit. I could see Mark was fighting to control his emotions. "Pull a little ways down Hunt Mark and park." I said taking my cell phone out of my pocket. He looked at me a little surprised but did as I told him while I dialed John and Sharon. He sat there looking at me questioningly for a moment before switching the lights to park. A pinkish hue was spreading across the sky from the west as the sun was setting but there was still and hour or so before it would be dark. The phone rang 3 times and then John answered, "Michaels residence." "John, Lee. How soon before Sharon has supper ready?" "Not very long but let me ask her. Is something wrong?" "No, nothing wrong bro. We just don't want to be late and tick her off. I thought I'd let Mark drive up through Sharon Woods before they close the park. Do we have time?" I could hear John talking with Sharon before he came back on the phone. "She says about an hour Lee, but don't forget that Mark has school tomorrow. I thought you guys were going to work out after supper? I was thinking I might work out with you if you wouldn't mind." "You still want to show me up John? We'll be there in time for supper. A good workout will help settle it." John was chuckling a little when he said, "Showing you up is no problem, Mark is the one I'd like to beat in a dead weight lift." "I want to see that, we'll be home in time for supper." "What did he say Uncle Lee? You want to drive up through Sharon Woods now?" "No, not Sharon Woods. You know where Little Kentucky is don't you? Drive up there, its closer. Your dad said he wasn't worried about beating me; he wanted to beat you in a dead weight lift. Can he do it?" "Only when I let him and I bet you let him too." Mark grinned starting the truck, driving down Hunt Rd. Little Kentucky was a small group of homes that sat on the top of a hill that overlooked Reading Rd. and Benson Ave at the bottom of Columbia Rd. When I was a kid we used to go up on top for the sled ride down and then struggle back up to do it all over again. It seems kind of dumb now but it was a lot of fun back then. The road was once all mud, gravel and some pretty deep holes, especially in the winter. It was private property so the city wasn't responsible for maintaining the road. The people that lived on the hill finally dug in their pockets and had the roadway asphalted. Why it was called Little Kentucky I never knew except maybe since it was so wooded and on a hill it must have reminded the people about the hills in Kentucky. Mark pulled off Columbia onto the road and dropped the truck into 3rd gear it was pretty steep. Half way up there was an old driveway entrance for where a trailer had been at one time but it wasn't used any longer. I pointed it out to Mark and he backed in, surprising me a little. "You've been here before?" "Yeah, me and a couple of guys from school brought some girls up here for some necking. I couldn't get a hard-on but I put up a pretty good act. Sue wouldn't have let me do anything even if I wanted. We would kiss and all that but she wasn't into it anymore then me. I think she is a lesbian but we had to put on an act so people wouldn't think anything funny about us." That sounded familiar and it was the first time he had mentioned anything about girls and him. He parked and turned off the lights turning to face me. "Is she still in school with you now?" "Nah, she and her mom moved to Virginia, some place called Va. Beach. Her dad is stationed on an airbase of something like that." He said while he reached down unlatching the console and sliding it backwards lifting the table that was hinged to it. Latching the small table in place where the console had been, he slid over closer to me. He had an odor of locker room shower soap that drifted up into my nostrils. Leaning over me, he pulled up on the lever that dropped the back of the seat down almost level but not quite. His eyes had those little golden flecks as he looked into mine and I felt his heart and mine beating through our clothing. There was the faint taste of onion as we kissed our tongues twisting together. A strong current was flowing through me and I'm sure he was feeling it as well. My cock was getting hard as I held him close and rubbed the back of his head and neck. Twisting around he extended his legs across the drivers seat and stretched out laying his head on my chest with an arm under my neck. General Motors must had been told that a seat arrangement like this was needed for lovers in dark places and it was darker here in the woods where we were parked. As much as I would have liked to initiate the Jimmy making love with Mark that was not the reason I asked him to drive up on the hill in the woods. He was breathing steady and slowly with my arms around him. "Sport, do you know why I asked you to drive here?" "Ugh huh, you want to talk not make love even though I would like to. I can feel how hard you are, so am I." "Now why does that not surprise me? Not right now though, as much as I would like it too. I've talked a little about this with you before. I could see you didn't like it when I told you I am leaving next Monday. "I don't like it Uncle Lee, is there something wrong with that? I hate being away from you but I know you have to leave. It just hurts when your gone, more then it ever did before." "And that is something you are going to have to learn to control. Your mother and dad get upset seeing you depressed and that's not fair to them. Is it?" "I guess not but they don't love you like I do." "Maybe not but they love you and when you're upset they are unhappy. They know the reasons for it now and they did before. Don't you know how I feel when I have to leave you behind? But Mark, I have business to take care of and it's not here. All I'm asking is that you be a little more feeling for them. Loretta is gone and all they have is you and that for only for a little longer. When you graduate things you will be gone unless you pick a college close to home and they can see you once in awhile." Mark was like a small puppy lying in my arms, breathing softly. He was quiet and my hand run up and down his back and over his hard muscled thigh. Inhaling deeply he moved his head upwards and looked deep into my eyes. "If you move to Delaware, would you get angry if I went to school at Delaware State University?" "Of course I wouldn't but I said you should discuss that with your parents. Didn't I?" "Yes and I have. Dad said it was my choice and he would support it. He would like for me to attend Miami at Ohio University but the choice was mine." His eyes bored deep into mine looking for an indication of what I was thinking. "Of course he would Mark. Your dad usually thinks things through pretty well." Lowering his eyes a little he almost whispered, "I talked with my counselor at school today and she told me she would help with the applications and transcripts when I was ready and had made the final decision. Uncle Lee, I want to go too school where you are going to be." He laid his head back on my chest and I could feel his heart racing slightly. He hadn't surprised me by what he had said but more from the way he was looking ahead almost an entire year. I suspected he might want to go too Delaware State or the University of Delaware ever since I had told him I was probably going into business in Delaware with Phil Couhigg. Truth being told, I was hoping he would. "Don't move to fast Mark, I haven't concluded what I'm trying to do there. There are negotiations yet and there's all kinds of things that need to be done before it's a done deal." "Whatever you do Uncle Lee, I want to be with you. I promise I'll not act silly after you leave this time." "Do that for me Sport, that's all I ask. The rest we will work out. Okay?" He rose up and rubbed my nose with his. "When was the last time I told you how much I love you?" He said his lips brushing mine, his tongue flicking out. His kiss was all I needed for me to know his feelings without saying it. The darkness had gotten a little deeper but I could still see little golden flecks in his eyes. He was breathing a little heavy and his breath smelled slightly of the onions he had eaten with his hamburgers but the taste of his mouth and tongue was like an aphrodisiac. He ran his fingers through my hair pressing his chest against mine and the heat of passion was generating between us. That need for each other surged upwards washing over us in intense heated waves. Dropping my hand in his crotch I could feel the heat of his erection and its pulsating power. I was trembling with excitement, fumbling one handed with the buckle of his belt kissing him when he drew his head back inhaling deeply, whispering huskily "Wait, let me." Mark rose up twisting around and leaning his back against the seat he sucked his flat stomach in unbuckling his belt. I heard the zzzzzzzzzzz of the zipper sliding down. He lifted his hips and pushed his slacks and briefs down around his ankles spreading his legs. In the dim light I could see his cock jump up waving before coming to rest on its soft silken bed of thick hair. Tucking his shirt up around his chest, he moved his hands down over the hardness of his abdominal muscles hooking his thumb's at the base of his thick cock and pushing downward, his fingers pulling his balls up around the base, it rose like a beacon of soft white light. His eyes flashed and he had that impish look on his face as he said, "Remember the Explorer?" I was trembling, a light sweat starting to cover me from the heat that was surging through me. Since the first time he had exposed himself to me it was always like being in a trance whenever I saw his beauty. He stroked his cock slowly as I struggled nervously to get my slacks unzipped and pushed down. He leaned over to me whispering, "Let me." I reached for his cock and it jumped slightly when I wrapped my fingers around its steel hard length. Lifting my hips as he had done, we both pushed my clothes down and when my cock burst free he dropped his head down his teeth gripping it at the base squeezing gently. A bolt of lightening shot through me as he squeezed and I gasped, my muscles tightening. "My God Mark" was all I could gasp. The pressure of his teeth at the base of my cock was so intense I felt my balls retract slightly, an intense desire to ejaculate driving upwards stopping where his teeth held me. I could only moan and stroke his hair, waves of ecstasy rushing over me. He held me tight but gently with his teeth and his tongue felt like a hot poker as he moved it across the base. Releasing the pressure of his teeth he slid his lips up the length and then over the pre-cum slick head sending another shiver of pleasure surging through me and I sucked air into my lungs when he circled my cockhead with his tongue. It was almost like he was enjoying torturing me with his teeth, lips and tongue. Slowly and deliberately he started moving his mouth downwards and I felt my cock slide deep into his throat, the muscles of his throat squeezing, gripping me and I groaned twisting my fingers through his thick hair. A thick euphoric fog flooded my brain as he sucked me gently working his tongue and lips over its steel hard length. I hadn't forgotten his needs but Mark controlled me completely and all he was allowing me to do was enjoy the pleasure of his sucking mouth about to drain the life from me. When I felt the fire boiling up from my balls I pressed his head down against my lifting hips, hot molten streams of my balls life giving cream filled his throat and he moaned sending electric shocks through my tight muscles, fireworks exploding behind my eyes. Marks head lay on my stomach, his lips holding my softening cock washing it with his tongue as I regained my senses and breathing more normally. Lifting his head he sucked and drained the last drops that remained in the urethral canal as it slipped from his mouth and leaned back in the seat his hand still holding my soft cock. I heard the air hissing between his lips as he sighed and inhaled again, his breathing release the pressure he had built up within himself. I turned my head and saw he was gripping his hard cock in his left hand moaning softly. "Take it Uncle Lee, I can't hold it back." Quickly leaning over and down into his lap I covered his hot throbbing cock driving its pulsing length deep in my throat and I gripped his balls stretching them attempting to hold his climax a little longer. He must have built up a tremendous pressure, his hips lifted my head upwards and thick hot streams from the depths of his nuts exploded filling my throat flowing like molten lava in intense spasms. I sucked and swallowed each spasm moaning in the excitement of taking his offering again as he groaned from deep inside his chest, "Yeahhhhhh, oh yeahhhhhh. Suck it; drain the life from me Uncle Lee. Ahhhhhhhh Christ I couldn't hold it." Sweat was pouring from both of us but I held him tight feeling his cock softening in my mouth. His body relaxed, his heavy breathing subsiding slowly and he fingers ran slowly up and down my exposed ribs, tickling a little. When he had relaxed almost completely, I withdrew from his soft cock my lips draining the last drops of the ambrosia generated from within him. I let my head fall in his lap his soft cock at my lips. The odor of sweat mixed with the odor of his body was stimulating; he was a boy no longer. After a few minutes I sat up holding his hand looking into his eyes. Only love radiated from their depths and I drank it with mine. Brushing his lips with mine, I whispered softly, "When was the last time I told you how much I love and need you?" "Every time we make love and when you look at me. That's why I want to be with you Uncle Lee, here or wherever you are. Whatever happens, I am always yours." "Right now I think we better get on home or we both are in big trouble." We both pulled our clothes up and Mark opened the door jumping out and straightening his clothes, a slight bulge showing where his still half hard cock lay. It always took teenagers longer before they lost a full hard. I must admit though I was pretty much in the same way, that was the effect he had on me and he was grinning watching me straighten my clothing as he had done. Mark dropped the gears down into 3rd again as we descended the steep hill. The drive was just a few minutes and we were pulling behind the house. * * * * * * * * * John and Sharon must have heard us driving in, they were waiting under the security light and after parking, and Mark was out of the truck. "Mom, look at it, isn't it a beauty? Uncle Lee let me drive it first and we drove up through Sharon Woods, boy she drives like a dream. Let me show you some of the things in it." He said pulling on Sharon's arm. "Smell that new smell." "Later Mark, it is pretty but I've still not finished dinner. I'll look at it after supper while you guys are working out." She said looking at John, "Dinner in 20 minutes if you want a beer." "Can I have one Mom?" "Most certainly not. I don't care what you Father and Uncle let you do." Sharon said a mock glare in her eyes as she smiled turning to go up to her kitchen hearing Mark's muffled "Awwwwwwww shoot." When Sharon was out of earshot, John leaned over and said softly, "Get three out of the downstairs fridge and bring the out to the swing." Mark walked a little quicker than usual when he heard his father. "Now who's spoiling the boy? "He's not a boy Lee, he's a young man and you should know he is. I don't mind him having a beer or two at home but I hope he doesn't get the habit. The problem is, he can wrap you around his little finger and you know that." My brother said softly as we walked to the swing. There was a blanket hanging over the backrest and John spread it across the backrest for both of us. "The blanket might get a little damp if you leave it out here John." "I put it out here for you and Mark, he said putting his arm around my shoulder as we sat down, it's getting a little cooler now when the sun sets. You and he usually sit out here for awhile before you go too bed don't you?" "We have been. Mark likes to talk about different things he has on his mind." "I know, things he couldn't talk with me about. I should have tried helping him like I did you years ago but I guess like most fathers we have a hard time admitting certain things to ourselves where our sons are concerned." "John, you know how much I love you and how much I didn't want this to happen. We talked about this earlier but is something bothering you? Tell me." "You and Mark being gay Lee? No, that does not really bother Sharon or me. She still does not fully understand it but she will in time. No, I worry about what might happen to him, he's my life. He is the only son I'll ever have and God knows I would die for him." John said with a deep sigh, squeezing my shoulder. "I know that Johnny, but would you believe me if I said he means that much to me and maybe a little more if that's possible. You know I have been with other men John. I won't lie about that. There was always an empty feeling afterwards. With Mark, he makes me feel alive and needed much like you did years ago when you rescued me from Doug. I felt like you really loved me. I don't guess you can understand that but he has vigor, vitality an explosive exuberance to live life." I said looking towards the house. Mark should have been back with the beers by now I was thinking when I heard John say softly. "I know what you mean about feeling empty Lee, I felt it once." My head snapped around looking at John, shocked at what he had said. "Only once Lee when I was in high school. He is gay but I'm not sure he even knew it then. He lives over in Hamilton now. I let him do it to me in the showers more for wanting to know what it was like than anything else he had to help me get an erection, I couldn't get it up alone. It was like you said, nothing. Even the pleasure of the feelings that we all luxuriate in was not there, just a sort of emptiness. He did it I ejaculated and that was it, nothing." "You never told me that Johnny." "Why should I have? Even though I suspected you were gay, its something you have to find out yourself, all boys have to at some time when they are growing up. What I had did and found out about myself would not help you Lee. It's not something that someone can tell you; you must find it out for yourself. Christ, you know how Dad was. He never talked about sex. I learned more about sex from our cousins Kurt and Billy when I was on Uncle Kurt's farm in the summers. They taught me about masturbation and what girls and boys do. I talked with Mark about those things that boys should know but not being gay. If he had asked me, I would have done what I could from what I know but he never asked. I wasn't going to ask him if he had those tendencies even though I saw them in him like I saw in you, he had to ask me and not have me confront him with it. You don't know how glad his mother and I were when we realized he was attracted too you. I knew you would teach him help him. You had William and he has you. " I was in a sort of mild state of shock, John had never talked with me like he was now but he made sense as he usually did. "You're right about that Johnny." We had been talking quietly but so engrossed, neither John or I noticed Mark walk up on us. "Right about what Uncle Lee? "That it was taking you a long time too get the beers. Where have you been? Your dad and I could have died of thirst." "I had to use the "necessary" and Mom asked me to get her some potatoes from the cellar pantry. She told me to tell you it would be another 20 minutes before supper unless you don't want mashed potatoes. I sort of quashed that though, you know how I love mashed potatoes." "I don't know how you manage to keep the fat off eating all that starch and ice-cream, son. I guess being 17 helps, I'd blow up like a balloon." "You don't work out as often as I do Dad. I've added another 8lbs but it's not fat." "That's true but I work more then you so you can eat like you do, remember that." It was enjoyable too listen to the repartee between John and Mark. I could see the feelings they had for each other and the way Mark pushed the envelope just a little. He knew how far he could go and not go over that point, the same way he did with me. Mark sat on the chair he had carried out and John and I swung gently in the swing. The evening twilight was fading slowly, stars starting to emerge, twinkling, in an ink black sky. Mark sat looking at us; taking small swallows from his elicit beer. His eyes would shift back and forth between John and I. Wheels were turning as he was thinking. I was pretty sure my answer to his question when he walked up had not satisfied his curiosity but he would wait until we were alone before asking again. I was thinking about what John and said and it was still a little surprising but not something I could ever say anything about. His concern about Mark was uppermost in my mind and I hoped he understood what I had tried to tell him. He and John were talking about physical fitness and their forgotten workout schedule. I sat listening and not listening, my thoughts were about what John and I had been talking about before Mark joined us. * * * * * * * * * Mark is like a sponge; he soaks up information and analyzes it. He has the ability to observe and watch people and exudes vitality and energy. I could only hope that I was helping him to direct that vitality & energy in the right channels. He is extremely intelligent and is still learning about himself. I don't mean sexually, I meant he is learning about the abilities he has where people are concerned. It still amazes me how people will gravitate to him and he makes them feel at ease by the magnetism of his personality and mature manner. He was one of the rare people that know who they are and can learn more as time goes on. There was not an arrogant bone in his body but he was already displaying an ability to be selective without hurting people's feelings. I hoped John had understood what I was trying to say as much as I understood what he had told me. We both had the same goals. * * * * * * * * * Sharon called us for supper interrupting the one sided conversation between Mark and John. Mark folded his chair and leaned it against the tree falling in beside me until I pushed him up alongside if his Father. His eyes questioned me why at first and then he understood. He slipped his arm around his father's waist and lifted his arm over his shoulder and I could see John pull him a little closer, squeezing his shoulder. I was about a step and half behind them and when Mark looked at his Dad, I heard one word, "love" and I was pretty sure he had just told him he loved him. It made me feel kind of proud and warm knowing the two of them felt that way about each other. I couldn't remember any time when my Dad had put his arm around any of us or his ever telling us he loved us. It is unfortunate that some men have sons and daughters but they fail them by not establishing a loving relationship. So many men thinking telling some one you loved them as not what masculine men did. It made me feel really good that John was a compassionate person and not afraid to tell either Mark or Loretta he loved them. * * * * * * * * * Sharon ran a pretty tight kitchen and when we walked in barked out "wash your hands before you sit down." There were not if, buts or ands about that order. Mark and I headed for our bathroom and when John thought he would wash his hands in Sharon's sink, she shooed him away. "You know where the bathroom is Mr. and it's not my sink." Properly chastised, John grinned at us with a shrug as he walked towards his bedroom, mouthing "win some lose some" as he passed. For a moment I was ready to clasp my hand over Mark's mouth, he sniggered so loud. "Young man, your going to get in a lot of trouble someday. You shouldn't make fun of your Dad like that." I said when we got inside the bedroom. "We always kid each other like that Uncle Lee. Moms always getting on Dad about using her sink and not the bathroom but she doesn't really mean it. I get a kick out of the way they fuss at each other but Dad knows just how far he can go with her before she really gets mad. Boy can she get pissed. When that happens Loretta and I head for our rooms and stay out of her way. After they argue, Dad gets the cold shoulder for a few days before they make up. We both knew when they would be making up. Dad would give us a few bucks and send us to the movies. Loretta and I always hoped they would have another baby but they never have." Now that surprised me, another side of Mark I didn't know. Usually brothers and sisters don't talk about sexual things. "You and Loretta talk about those things?" "Oh sure, we talk about a lots of different things. I think she knows I'm gay but we never talked about that. Loretta sort of keeps to herself, she's not a blabbermouth but when something was bothering either one of us we could talk about it." Finished washing my hands I tossed him the towel, "your turn. I didn't realize you and Retta were that close to each other." "I guess we are, who else can we talk with about personal stuff except Mom and Dad. Some things we don't even want to talk with them about but we can each other. You won't tell her if I tell you something will you?" "You know I won't Sport. Remember what I told you about privacy?" "Yeah but this is not really telling something private. She likes you a whole lot. Between you and Uncle Doug, she told me you were the best. Uncle Doug's too bossy and she's right. I don't know what he would do if he ever learned I'm gay. Him and Dad have had some real fights when your name comes up Uncle Lee. I know all about what he did to you." I was just about to ask him what he knew when John knocked on the door. "Come on guys. Lets eat so we can get that workout in, it's getting late and Mark has school tomorrow. * * * * * * * * * Mark threw the towel on his bed and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before opening the door. My head was whirling for a bit thinking about what he had said about Loretta and then the bombshell of knowing about Doug and what he had done was like a bolt out of the blue. The delicious odors coming from Sharon's kitchen hit me in the stomach and I realized I was hungry, it had been a long time since Erik and I had lunch. John and Sharon were sitting down when Mark and I walked in and sat down with them. Sharon had outdone herself as usual. One of my favorites, meatloaf and gravy with mashed potatoes, peas and tossed salad. Mark dove in like any teenager, receiving a rebuke from his mother. John looked at me grinning, "looks like we will really need that work out now doesn't it?" "Sharon, you went overboard. You'll spoil me, this is one of my favorite meals." "I know Lee so eat like it is. I don't want you going away hungry and telling people we don't feed you when you are home." "I'd never say that but I'm glad John and Mark have the weights downstairs. They still might not be enough. How was your first day in school Mark?" "Just like always. They move us from one teacher to another explaining the courses we are taking and the rooms we will be in for the year. I've got Mr. Rector for physical education again and he wants me too sign up for the football & wrestling teams again this year. I've decided to give up the football and just wrestle." "Oh Mark, I'm so glad to hear that. I don't mind the wrestling but football scared me every time you played." "It wasn't that bad Mom, not really. I just don't want to bulk up as much as Coach wants. The wrestling program has a weight training program closer to the one Dad and I work with." "That makes sense to me John, no use his working as hard as he has to try and carry more weight and muscle then he is built for." "I guess so Lee. He knows what he wants and we can root for him wrestling just as much playing football. If you guys are finished what say we work off some of this meatloaf." "Go ahead make fun of my meatloaf, I didn't see any of you jock's pushing back from the table. Don't forget Mark has to be in bed by 10 o'clock and its 8:30 now so shooo, go play with your weights, I've still got to clean up." "Awwww Mom, 10 o'clock?" Mark whined. "You heard me young man, 10 o'clock. You have to get your clothes out for tomorrow, showered and in bed by then." "I know what I'm going to wear Mom and I can shower in the morning." "You are not going to bed after working out without a shower and you know it, now go." John just shrugged his shoulders when Mark looked at him. When Sharon spoke like that, there was no need for argument. You would lose. * * * * * * * * * John and I worked out with light weights while Mark was using the Bowflex machine. It was amazing watching him almost effortlessly go through his routine, switching the tension every so many reps. His muscles rippled and started glistening as he worked up a sweat. You could see the blood rushing into each muscle swelling as the tension was increased. If he was anything like I was when I did a heavy workout, he had forgotten John and I were there. Working out does that, when the blood starts flowing and your breathing and heart rate increases. John and I stood off to the side watching and admiring the magnificence of his physique, when he leaned his head over next to mine. "He pestered me to get him that piece of equipment Lee and I'm glad I did, it's made a world of difference in his progress. To tell you the truth I'm glad he didn't sign up for football again. I'd hate to see him lose what he has worked so hard for. You should be proud you know, he did it mostly because of you." "Spot for me Johnny and I am proud of him and you." "How much do you want to start with? What do you mean me?" "You can answer that for yourself, I don't have to tell you. Rack up 130 and then take it up by 20 after 4 reps each." "When do you want to stop?" "I'll let you know bro." John stood at the head of the weight bench adding plates to each end of the bar as I positioned myself under the bar. Drying my hands with a little powder I reached up and John placed the weight in my hands standing ready while I set my grip. After each 4 reps he added weight until I reached 200lbs and then I rested a moment breathing a little heavy. "You haven't worked out much lately have you? You never breathed that heavy before at 200." "Hell no John, only a couple of times with Mark since I got back from overseas. How often do you get down here?" "Probably not as much as I should but Mark and Carl were working out most of the time. I can see you've packed on a few pounds of muscles since we worked out together." "A few, add another 20." "Just let me know when you want too stop." He said adding the weight." Mark had finished his routine and came over into the corner with John and I, standing behind him with a towel around his neck. Looking up at him almost made me lose my concentration. His muscles bulged smooth, glistening with sweat and he was still breathing from the exertion of pumping up and it took a lot of concentration to avoid popping a hardon. John snapped the two more plates on the bar after he took it from me at 260. "That's 280 Lee, sure you can handle it?" "Watch him Dad, he's great at a dead chest lift." It was not my best weight but it was enough. I pushed it up 5 instead of 4 and gave it up, sweat was pouring off me. "That's enough for now bro, your turn." "I'll wait until Mark is finished, go ahead son." "That's not fair Johnny, he just finished on the Bowflex and you've been resting." "Okay, okay. Spot for me Mark, set it at 180 and add 20 after 4 like I did for your uncle." I stood back wiping myself off while they set up that bar. Mark lifted the weight off the stand, his deltoid and bicep muscles popping. He looked great with his tight workout suit on his legs spread standing over his Dad. John worked up to 260 but he was puffing a little when Mark took the bar from him. Mark hesitated just a bit glancing at me before adding the next 20 lbs. John did another 4 reps and his face was just a little red when he finished them. "That's enough Johnny, you matched me." "Put another 20 on Mark." "Dad, are you sure? You don't try 300 that much." I could see the determination in John but that old competitive spirit was still there. "Put another 20 on Mark." "Okay but I don't think you should try it." "Just stand ready Mark, he can do it." Mark stood over his dad, his hands hardly far enough from the bar so he could do the reps. I didn't blame him but John did the reps, struggling a little with the last one and Mark almost snatched the bar from him. He sat up straddling the bench breathing hard from the effort of making the last rep. "Uncle Lee, Dad beat you out by 20 lbs." We didn't hear Sharon come down the steps and she was standing in the doorway when Mark saw her. "Mom, did you see that? Dad beat Uncle Lee by 20lbs." "I heard you the first time and I don't care who he beat. John Michaels you should know better, you aren't a 17 year old anymore. You come upstairs with me and I'll get the Sloan Liniment out while you shower. Every muscle in your body is going to ache tomorrow from your foolishness. It's after 9:30 Mark." Sharon said wheeling and going up the stairs. "Well, guess I'm in the dog house but it was fun, I enjoyed it. I'd like to see you finish son but your mother is not very patient when she's angry. Finish up and do as she said or we all will catch it. Good night bro, see you in the morning." "Your still the best Johnny, see you in the morning." I said seeing the smile on his face as he left but he was sweating a little more then he should have been. "You let him beat you Uncle Lee, I've seen you do better then 280 when you worked out with Carl and I." "Yes, I did and you have yourself. Once your dad gets the bit in-between his teeth he won't stop. We should have stuck with the light workout instead of trying the heavy stuff. He doesn't work out like he used to. You still want to do the bench presses?" "I better not tonight/, I got in a pretty good workout while you and Dad were over here. Dads right about Mom, she might get mad and not allow me to make the trip to see Calvin and Uncle Bill with you tomorrow." "Smart thinking, I'm thinking Sport, you're catching on. Lets get cleaned up, catch the lights and I'll check the doors. Okay?" * * * * * * * * * Watching John workout and struggling worried me a little. He was only 45 and should have been able to handle the weights better then he did. The big trouble was he thought of his construction work as a substitute for a controlled workout regimen but he was more supervisor then worker. I thought about asking Sharon when he had his last physical but that would be tricky, John was pretty sensitive about things like people checking on him. Still, it worried me. Mark was already in the shower when I got too the bedroom and it didn't take me a minute to strip my shorts off and join him. Showering together had become one of our favorite times together. We both liked playing under the water and the kid in him came out when we did. He was built like a man but he was still a kid at heart. This time was a little different though. John was on my mind when I stepped under the water with him. Mark welded his body too mine as he always did, nuzzling under my chin with his wet hair and running his hands over my back, his lips nibbling at my chest. Any other time just holding him would stimulate me but I was really concerned about his dad and I only stood holding him close my mind racing. Like always he knew when I was thinking about something else and leaned his head back looking at me. "What's wrong Uncle Lee? Was the workout too much?" "No Sport, your dad's got me worried. Do you know when he had a physical last?" "No. I guess he does though. Why?" "He didn't look good pressing those weights. Lets finish showering." We finished showering and I probably shouldn't have said anything too Mark about what I was thinking. Drying each other off was another time we played but he dried himself off and I could see he was worried. "Damn it." I thought, "Why didn't I keep my mouth shut?" Now he was upset. I knew how much Mark loved his father but I had to open my big mouth about what I was thinking. We slipped into his bed under the sheet and light blanket. He didn't say anything at first, just curled up next to me his head on my chest one arm over me. He breathed slow and easy while I stroked his shoulder. Like me, he didn't say anything when something was on his mind and I knew it would be better for me to wait until he sorted out what he was going through his mind. I started feeling myself drifting off when he lifted his head. "Uncle Lee, Dad always looks all right." "Your right Sport. I guess I was just being foolish. Don't start worrying, I'm sure he is fine." "You wouldn't have said anything if you weren't worried about something Uncle Lee. What was it?" "Mark, don't start worrying. I just thought he strained a little more then he should have pressing that last series at 300 lbs that's all. He's probably a little out of shape from not working out as often as he should, that's all." "I guess that's right, he hasn't been working out with me like he did before Carl and I started together. I asked him lots of times but he always told us too go ahead without him he had things to do." "Well who would want to workout with two studs like you guys and be shown up? You said you let him win sometimes." "I guess maybe I shouldn't do it but he really hates losing. You should see how mad he gets when he loses a contract for a job. He gets so man it takes Mom a long time to calm him down." "And you are just as bad Sport, you don't like losing either." "Maybe it's a family trait. I don't think you do either." "None of us do Sport. It's probably because of your grandfather; he really hated losing at anything. Lets get some sleep, 6 in the morning comes early." He was looking at me softly, golden flecks flashing in his eyes and lowered his lips to mine. We kissed softly and he laid his head next to mine whispering in my ear, "I love you." "And I love you." After a few minutes, the gentle rise and fall of his chest told me he had slipped off too sleep. My brother was still on my mind though and I was thinking maybe I could talk with Sharon about him and not alarm her. * * * * * * * * * IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE NOTIFIED OF FUTURE STORIES, EMAIL ME AND I WILL ADD YOU TO MY MAILING LIST. FOR THOSE THAT WERE ON THE LIST, PLEASE EMAIL AGAIN.