Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2003 22:54:41 EDT
From: Draginacht@aol.com
Subject: David's Initiation: The Recovery 23

Disclaimer: The following is a work of fiction and any resemblance to real 
people or events is purely coincidental.  The story contains graphic 
descriptions of sex between men. Anyone who is forbidden by law to read such material 
must stop now.  This story is being posted to the Nifty Archive solely for the 
enjoyment of its readers.

*******

David's Initiation: The Recovery 23

*******

It's Friday, the 4th of July, 6:17 AM. This would be a day of surprises.

As the clouds of sleep fade, Dave gradually becomes aware of the feel of the 
soft sheets and then the warm body to his right. Dave lies face down and 
listens for signs of Tony sleeping; he doesn't here them. 

"Dave... you awake?" Tony asked quietly, he's lying on his back, his hands 
folded behind his head as he stars at the ceiling. He had been listening to 
Dave's breathing and when he heard the pattern change he felt confident Dave was 
awake. 

"Yeah," Dave answered just as quietly. He lifted his head, turned it to his 
right and opened his eyes to look at his new companion, friend, maybe more. 

"Is Dan going to die?"

The question surprised Dave; he wasn't ready for it, definitely not this 
early in the morning. "I certainly hope not," he replied as he turned on his left 
side, snuggled against Tony and let his fingers play in the hair on Tony's 
chest. "At least not any time soon. Why do you ask?"

"Well... last night you said he was HIV Positive. Doesn't that eventually 
become AIDS?"

"Yeah... that's the normal progression if it goes untreated. But Dan's been 
fighting."

"Does he look sick, I mean, like, is he pale, does he look emaciated, is it 
okay to touch him?"

At first Dave wanted to laugh but then he understood where Tony was coming 
from. Number one, if he wasn't scared, he was at least concerned for his own 
safety. Number two, Tony was obviously uninformed on the subject. Dave had some 
work to do. He raised himself up and sat cross-legged looking down at Tony.

"When you meet Dan this afternoon you won't be able to tell that he's sick. 
He looks like any normal 26-year-old man. He lucked out by seeking help before 
the infection got too bad and he's doing quite well now. His T-cell count is 
above 800 but that doesn't mean he's cured, I don't think anybody is willing 
to say that there is a cure yet. And yes," Dave chuckled, "it's okay to touch 
him. You don't get HIV/AIDS from just touching. You're going to see that we 
all enjoy touching each other; it's our way of expressing our affection and 
friendship. There isn't anything sexual about it. If that bothers you I can tell 
the guys and they'll respect that." Dave stopped talking at that point to give 
Tony the opportunity to speak. 

"I'm glad he's not going to die," Tony said as he rolled onto his right side 
facing Dave. "I've never known anyone with AIDS or who was HIV Positive. 
It's okay to swim with him?"

"Yes..." Dave replied seriously; he could almost hear Tony's mind grinding 
away on the things he'd said. Dave was really touched by Tony's genuine concern 
for one of his friends, a person he had not yet met. 

"Do you know how he got it?"

"He doesn't know who gave it to him but he does now how he got it. He told me 
stories about things he did when he lived in San Francisco. Let me tell you, 
it curled my hair!" Dave instinctively glanced at the top of Tony's head when 
he said that. "Speaking of which, I like the way you're hair's growing out, 
it's getting curly." Dave reached out and ran his fingers through the soft, 
dark, very short curls on Tony's head. "But, back to Dan, he's a totally 
different person now. I think you're going to like him." 

"I think I will too." Tony smiled and lifted his head toward  Dave for a 
kiss. From his cross-legged position, Dave shifted his weight forward and 
stretched out on top of Tony. Their eyes closed as their minds tried to understand the 
feelings they were experiencing. 

"Wanna fool around?" Tony asked. He hadn't touched Dave's genitals, a sign 
that he was willing to avoid pressuring Dave into something he might not want. 

"That sure is tempting but I need to make a trip to the bathroom and then we 
need to get a move on. We have guests coming over this afternoon and there's 
lots to do. After breakfast we need to run to the store and buy steaks. 
Besides, I think it's exciting to spend all day thinking about tonight." Dave 
playfully pinched Tony's left nipple.

Dave was completely unaware of the unintentionally Freudian slip he just made 
but it didn't get past Tony. `WE!' Tony thought as he lay quietly, enjoying 
the weight of Dave's body on top of his. `He said WE have guests coming over! 
Like we're together, a team. Is that what he means? Is it like I'm a part of 
him, that we do things together? I need to think about this! Dave's always 
treated me like an equal, never a possession. How do I feel about this? I think 
I like the way it sounds... actually.' Tony squeezed Dave to him and engaged in 
one more kiss. He was beginning to feel good about the two of them. "Okay, 
let's get started," he said as he released Dave and coaxed him toward the edge 
of the bed. 

While Dave peed in the urinal Tony used the toilet. Then they washed their 
hands and brushed their teeth. Dave ran his electric razor over his face while 
Tony lathered up and began dragging a safety razor over his face. They could 
skip the shower because they had one the night before. 

"What kind of after shave you use?" Tony asked.

"None," Dave answered. "I smell good without it. How about you?"

"Ah, Old Spice, like my dad. How come you don't use any?"

"Don't need any. I have a naturally appealing scent," Dave smiled at Tony 
through the mirror. "You still using that old fashioned safety razor, how 
barbaric!" Dave was trying to start something.

Tony looked at Dave in the mirror while holding the razor about an inch from 
his face. Dave swung his hip to the right and banged against Tony's left hip. 
"Just kidding," he added with a smile. 

"Barbaric, huh, only real men shave with a blade!" Tony said as he swung his 
hips to his left banging into Dave. He was fighting back. "Wimps use electric 
shavers."

"So, I guess that was a wimp that caused you to moan and groan last night."

Tony stopped shaving and grinned at Dave in the mirror, "I stand corrected, 
sir. Studs use electric razors." Tony flashed a wide grin at his new best 
friend.

Tony helped Dave strip the sheets from the bed and then carried them to the 
laundry room. In the kitchen, Dave started the coffee and poured the orange 
juice then went to the laundry room and started the washing. Tony set the kitchen 
table as Dave opened the cabinet door and asked, "Pick a cereal, or there's 
bagels, or both."

Tony looked at the selection, "Cheerios." Dave pulled the box of Cheerios 
from the cabinet along with some Frosted Flakes. "You eat that sugary stuff?"

"Sometimes," Dave replied defensively. "It's really for the boys but I eat it 
occasionally just for a change. It's not a regular thing." 

After a leisurely breakfast and leafing through the newspaper and feigning a 
fight of the sports section, Dave placed the sheets in the dryer then he and 
Tony left for the store. As Tony slid into the passenger seat he noticed that 
the Beemer smelled like new and the leather seats were so soft and supple. Tony 
was very quickly reminded of the financial disparity between them. He 
wondered if he should just forget about this relationship; there was no way he could 
compete at Dave's level. Everything else about them seemed to fit so well, 
couldn't he find some kind of accommodation? He decided this was not the time to 
try to figure it all out; give it some time. 

Walking into the grocery store, Dave spotted the vegetable section to his 
left and an idea popped into his head. "Say, Tony, how would you feel about 
making that great Greek salad for us? I'm sure the guys would love it." 

"Well, yeah! I could do that!" Tony replied. He suddenly felt proud that Dave 
had enough confidence in him to invite him to contribute to the group meal. 

Tony pushed the cart as they worked their way through the aisles, discussing 
one purchase after another. An elderly lady following along behind them was 
getting a kick watching two obvious bachelors shop and she laughed to herself. 
Both men were enjoying themselves greatly. Dave bought six one-pound, highest 
quality, aged, expensive New York strip steaks in the meat section. Tony 
figured that he could probably eat for a month on what Dave paid for that meat. They 
completed their shopping trip so casually that by the time they got back home 
it was time for lunch. 

They put the groceries away, fixed a couple of turkey sandwiches with iced 
tea. Dave removed the clean sheets from the dryer and together they made the bed 
and returned to the kitchen to begin preparing for Mike and Todd to arrive. 
Tony created his salad in a large bowl, covered it and placed it in the 
refrigerator to keep for dinnertime; he would add the dressing just before serving. 
Dave set the dining room table and did as much early preparation as he could so 
that when dinnertime came it would seem almost effortless. He placed the 
steaks in two large baking dishes and smothered them in an inexpensive Rhine wine 
that he liked and placed them in the refrigerator. Then he prepared the 
potatoes for baking later. 

Dave and Tony had just sat down at the kitchen table with a beer in hand when 
there was knock at the back door and then it opened; the time was about ten 
minutes past one o'clock. Dave had long ago given the code for the locks to 
Mike, Todd and Dan so that they could let themselves in when they arrived. 

"Hey Grrringo, anybody home?" Mike called out. Suddenly Tony felt nervous. 
Would they like him? That had never bothered him before! 

"C'mon in Wetback, we're just havin' a beer," Dave shouted as he rose from 
his chair. 

Mike walked into the kitchen with a casserole dish in his hands. "Hey, Roomy, 
I brought a green bean casserole... Oh! HEll-oO!" he exclaimed when he noticed 
Tony standing beside Dave.

"Here, let me take that and place it in the refrigerator," Dave said as he 
took the dish from Mike's hands. He also smiled at Mike's reaction to Tony's 
presence; he was hoping for some kind of reaction and he got it. Dave closed the 
refrigerator door and then turned around, leaned forward and kissed Mike on 
the lips. It was a quick kiss, just a peck. But it represented a level of 
friendship and trust that could only exist between very close friends. 

Tony wasn't sure what to think. He'd never seen men behave like this! 

"Hi ya, Dave," Todd said as he too greeted Dave warmly with a brief kiss. 

Tony felt a little off balance; was he expected to kiss Mike and Todd too? He 
decided not to because it was so totally out of character for him.

"Say, you been holdin' out on us, man! Who's your friend?" Mike exclaimed as 
he looked at Tony who was still standing by the kitchen table. 

The greetings over, Dave turned around and motioned for Tony to come toward 
them. "Guy's, I'd like you to meet Tony Mancuso." Tony walked over and 
extended his hand. "Tony, this is Mike Sanchez," they shook hands, "and this is Todd 
Pepper," and they shook hands. "And I'll tell you right now, you're gonna 
like him. Is that understood?"

"Yes sir!" Mike popped to attention and gave Dave a salute then they all 
began laughing. "Where's he been hidin' ya, Tony?" Mike asked as he reached into 
the refrigerator and got a beer for himself and Todd. 

"Oh, we've known each other for what, two -- three weeks?" Tony turned to 
Dave for clarification. 

"Oh, Man, you must have made a great impression on him if he doesn't even 
remember the exact moment you met!" Mike exclaimed at Dave with laughter. 

In a matter of moments all four men were engaged in lively conversation with 
lots of laughter. Mike wanted to get things moving. "Hey, time's a wastin' 
let's hit the pool."

"You guys go ahead, Tony and I'll leave our clothes in the bedroom." When 
Dave saw the surprised looks on Mike and Todd's faces he wondered if he might 
have said the wrong thing. 

"Okay, we'll go through the pool shower room and leave our clothes there. See 
ya in the pool," Mike announced. 

 Alone in the shower room, "Is he a stud, or is he a stud!" Mike exclaimed as 
he and Todd removed their clothing.

"I think the answer to both questions is `yes', but we should know for sure 
in a couple of minutes, tee-hee-hee." Todd's inference had to do with the 
standard attire for swimming in Dave's pool: `nothing'. "Now move your scrawny li
ttle ass before I start getting other ideas," he pinched Mike's left buttock, 
making Mike squeal, "and don't let me catch you staring at his equipment... too 
long."

"Hey, it's okay to look but you got all the equipment I need," Mike replied 
as he playfully grabbed at Todd's penis. Together they ran out of the room and 
jumped into the pool. 

In Dave's bedroom, "Dave, are we swimming in the raw?" Tony asked. 

"We normally do but if that's a problem, go ahead and wear a suite." For the 
first time, Dave detected a streak of modesty in Tony, a trait he found 
appealing. 

"Nah, not a problem..." There was no way Tony was going to be the only one 
wearing a suit, no matter how embarrassed he might be. "But what if... I spring a 
boner?" Dave could tell that Tony was serious. 

"Hey, that happens sometimes. Nobody's going to be embarrassed. You're 
probably going to see some wood today, mine included." Dave placed his right hand 
on Tony's left shoulder. "Look, this is a private place, our sanctuary where we 
are allowed to be us. We're all friends here and nobody will think anything 
about it if someone gets a hardon. We're allowed to touch... and to feel... and 
let others know how we feel about each other. I sure don't mind letting the 
other guys see how I feel about you."

"You make it sound so simple," Tony responded. "It's just that I've never 
been in a situation like this and... I'm not sure how to handle it."

"Handle it?" Dave chuckled. 

"Okay, okay, I get it," Tony laughed. "Why don't you lead the way and when we 
go through the door you run and jump into the pool and I'll be close behind 
you."

"How close?" Dave laughed. 

"If you have to ask where I am, I'm not close enough," Tony laughed. "I'm 
ready," Tony said bravely. 

Dave led the way down the hall and out the door near the bedroom end of the 
pool. He immediately broke and ran toward the water, leapt into the air and 
yelled, "Eeee-haaa!" He was immediately but momentarily reminded of that time 
with Paul at Cocksucker Lake. Dave didn't have to question where Tony was because 
while he was under the water he felt the concussion of Tony's body entering 
the water right next to him. When Tony surfaced, Dave was waiting and engaged 
him in a playful kiss then swam toward the shallow end of the pool, laughing as 
he went. 

Mike and Todd felt dutifully entertained by their friends' arrival on the 
scene and moved from the far side of the pool to join them in the center in water 
that was about mid-chest deep. 

First, Dave directed that they race to see who was the fastest swimmer. That 
meant that all four would have to get out of the water and expose themselves. 
It proved not to be a problem but it did serve the purpose of allowing 
everyone to check each other out and Tony was surprised at how obvious they all were 
about it. They lined up at the end of the pool and on Dave's signal they dived 
in and raced to the end of the pool and back. To no one's surprise Mike won 
and Dave immediately got on his case claiming he had all that experience 
swimming the Rio Grand. Tony wasn't quite sure what to think about the very 
politically incorrect banter between Dave and Mike but it was fun to watch. 

Next, Todd suggested they mount up. Tony was almost afraid to ask what that 
meant but Dave explained that Mike would sit on Todd's shoulders and one of 
them would sit on the other's shoulders then they would see who could knock the 
other off or over. Tony insisted that Dave climb up on his shoulders. That 
turned out to be a lot of fun, not to mention somewhat erotic. 

Tony could feel Dave's genitals pressing against the back of his neck and 
when Dave's cock got hard Tony's followed suit. He also noticed that Mike and 
Todd were just as aroused as he and Dave were. Tony was having more fun than he 
could ever have imagined. And he felt relaxed and uninhibited about 
everything; he wasn't the least bit embarrassed about his situation. Mike and Todd were 
the first to score a victory but once Tony got the hang of it, he and Dave won 
the next two. The fourth round found both teams losing their balance and they 
called it a draw. As they were regaining their balance, Mike noticed Tony's 
left shoulder and made a discovery.

"Hey, Dave, is this dude a US Marine?"

"Yeah, I am! You wanna make something of it, Grunt?" Tony challenged with a 
smile and a chuckle. 

"Okay, Jarhead, you asked for it," Mike responded and they began a water 
fight. All four men were quickly engaged and having a great time.

They were interrupted by a ringing telephone at about 2:15 and Dave jumped 
out of the pool to answer it. Tony' eyes never left Dave as he walked across the 
deck to answer the phone; he had a smile on his face. Two friendly pairs of 
eyes observed Tony's actions and wondered. 

"Okay, gang, get your suits on, the boys are on the way over," Dave 
announced. Mike and Todd immediately pulled themselves up onto the deck and headed to 
the shower room where they had left their bathing suits. 

Alone in the shower room, "You see that!" Mike exclaimed. 

"I'd say there's love in the air around here. How about you?"

"It's definitely something and it's more than just sex," Mike surmised. "I 
can't even remember the last time I've seen Dave's eyes smile like that. I 
just hope this is a good thing... at last!"

"Let's get a read on Dan's impressions after he gets here," Todd suggested. 
"I have some ideas." 

Mike and Todd finished putting on their suits and returned to the pool area 
where they sat down in chairs around the poolside table to wait. 

In Dave's bedroom, "So, whatta ya think?"

"They're really nice guys," Tony offered. "Maybe I shouldn't say this but 
they're nothing like what I expected."

"How so?" Dave asked. 

"Well, I mean... they're just guys... they're not... this is gonna sound stupid, 
but they're not at all what I thought gay men would be."

"Oh, you mean clinging to each other, limp wristed, feeling each other up all 
the time, kissing all the time, having sex all the time?" Dave was goading 
Tony in a humorous way. 

"Well, maybe not exactly like that but... well, I really like them. I feel 
comfortable being around them." 

"I'm glad," Dave said as he leaned to the side and kissed Tony's cheek. "Now 
let's go wait for the boys."

"Mind if I wait by the pool?" Tony wanted to see how he felt being alone with 
Mike and Todd.

"Go right ahead, I'll bring the boys out." 

Tony went back to the pool and joined Mike and Todd at the table. Dave sat 
down on the front steps and didn't have to wait long. Kate's van drove into the 
driveway and around the circle. The door slid open and out popped three young 
boys eager to swim. There was the usual "No skinny-dipping" lecture from Kate 
before she drove away. 

As the boys marched single file through the house Dave spoke up. "Men," they 
stopped and turned around to look at him. "Let's keep the suits on today, 
okay?" 

"Yes, Sir," Mark answered. Matt and JD nodded in agreement. Mark had spoken 
for all three of them. Dave just felt more comfortable having the boys in 
trunks with four adult men around. Not that he was concerned about any unacceptable 
behavior because the boys had been swimming naked before when Mike and Todd 
were there and he trusted them unconditionally. He just felt more comfortable 
this way. 

"Hi Uncle Tony, Uncle Mike, Uncle Todd," the three boys said almost in 
unison. Mike and Todd were quick to pick up on the "Uncle Tony" greeting; that meant 
that this wasn't Tony's first visit.

The boys swam for a while as the adults watched and then Dave went into the 
house to get some snacks. When he came back he discovered that the boys had 
managed to get the men into the water and each boy had his own private launching 
machine. Mark had Todd, Matt had Tony, and JD had Mike. After several launches 
to see who could go the highest or the farthest, Tony whispered something in 
Matt's ear. At the next launch Matt went high into the air, pulled his knees 
to his chest, grasped them with his hands and threw his head back causing him 
to make a complete flip before reaching the water's surface. When he came down 
he created a very large splash for such a small boy. Well, now Mark and JD 
just had to try it. They could never do it quite as well as Matt and there were ev
en a few belly flops that turned their skin red. Matt was so proud; he could 
do something his brothers couldn't. And for that he would always have a 
special bond with Tony. 

The boys devoured their snacks while their three launching machines stretched 
out on the deck for some rest. 

Shortly after 5:00 PM, Kate called and said she'd be by to pick the boys up. 
That was perfect timing because it was time for Dave to begin thinking about 
dinner. 

Once the boys were gone, the four men rinsed the chlorine off in the shower 
and dressed casually in shorts, polo shirts and deck shoes or trainers. Dave 
placed the potatoes in the oven; Mike's green bean casserole would go in about 
forty-five minutes before they planned to eat. Shortly before 6:00 PM, they 
were all standing in the kitchen admiring the steaks when they heard the back 
door open. 

"Hey Dave, we're here!" Dan called out as he and his friend entered the house 
from the garage. Dan walked in carrying something in a plastic bag. "I baked 
us a cheesecake; better put it in the refrigerator."

"David!"
"Tomas!"

Both men were obviously surprised but Dan, Mike and Todd were even more so. 
Dan's friend had called Dave by the name only his family used. And had Dave 
addressed Tom by his given name and with the correct pronunciation, To-Mas, with 
the emphasis on the last syllable. It was clear to Dan, Mike and Todd that 
Dave and Tom had a connection that they didn't know about. 

Tom walked around Dan and very delicately so as not to break him, encircled 
Dave in a hug and kissed his cheek. To say that the other four men in the room 
were stunned would be putting it mildly. Dave hugged Tom back and after a few 
moments they separated. 

"So, how you doing?" Dave asked.

"Great! Just great, thanks to you... and Dan," Tom turned and smiled at Dan. 

"Okay, I guess it would be kinda stupid to ask if you two know each other, so 
why don't you fill us in?" Dan asked. That comment drew a round of laughter 
from everyone.

"Well, let's get the introductions out of the way first, I don't think we're 
going to have trouble finding topics to talk about this evening," Dave 
chuckled. Dave gave Dan his second surprise in less than two minutes by introducing 
him to Tony and then Tony to Tom. Then Dan introduced Tom to the other four. 

Tony was totally confused and was silently praying that all would be made 
clear before the night was through. He had a nagging feeling that he knew Tom 
from somewhere but couldn't quite remember where. 

Dan took a long, slow look at Tony and then at Dave. There was no doubt in 
his mind that Dave was different, but how? He wanted to get Todd aside and pick 
his brain. 

Dave set things in motion so that they would be eating soon. He went out to 
the pool deck and started the gas grill then while it was heating he returned 
to the kitchen, placed the steaks on a flat pan and went back outside to place 
them on the grill. He came back into the kitchen to check on how everything els
e was going.


"So you see it too," Todd said quietly to Dan as they stood alone in the 
great room.

"Yeah, I just hope it's the real thing. I haven't seen Dave this happy since 
I can't remember when!" 

"Well, he was like this when I saw him with Paul," Todd added, "but that was 
the last time. I think this is serious." 

"What about Tony? He's a hot lookin' stud," Dan said. "You think he's the 
one?"

"Look," Todd stated, "I got an idea. I'll find out where he's staying and 
then Monday I'll call him and invite him to our place for dinner, kinda like a 
`welcome -- get to know you' dinner. We won't tell Dave, whatta ya think?"

"I like it. Tuesdays and Thursdays are best for me if you can pull it off. My 
only concern is that I don't want to see Dave get hurt." Dan was damned 
serious about it. "Wait a minute, I'm getting an uneasy feeling about this."

"What's wrong?" Todd asked. 

"I don't like going behind Dave's back; I'd rather tell him what we're 
going to do." 

"I don't plan on keeping it a secret, we'll tell him afterward. He'll be 
okay with it. You know he's secure enough he won't feel threatened. He might 
even like the idea."

"Well... okay, I just hope you're right. Oh, here he comes."

As Dave walked out of the kitchen to go check the steaks, he could hear Tony 
and Tom laughing at Mike's effervescent humor. He walked through the great 
room where he found Dan and Todd talking quietly, like a couple of conspirators. 
He could tell that they were plotting something.

"What're you two up to now?" Dave asked suspiciously. 

Todd and Dan looked at each other and then at Dave. "We were just wondering," 
Todd replied quietly. Having to deal with hotel guests all day taught him to 
be quick on his feet. "You think tonight would be an appropriate time to 
`induct' our two new friends into the platoon?" Todd surmised that if Dave said 
`no', it would mean that Tony probably wasn't much more than a plaything. But 
if he said `yes', it would be a clear indication that a more serious 
relationship existed between them. As for Tom, Dan seemed willing which meant they had 
something good going on. 

"You don't mean...?" Dave asked. 

Todd and Dan looked at each other and grinned then turned their grins toward 
Dave. "The hot tub," they said in unison.

Dave pondered the idea for a moment. "I don't know," he said with some 
skepticism. "That might be a little too intense." Dave paused and Dan and Todd could 
see that he was still thinking. "Let's see how the evening develops and I'll 
let you know later. Tony and I may have something going here and I sure don't 
want to spook him.  Besides, Mike thinks it might be two warm for the hot tub.
"

"You leave Mike to me, he'll jump at this opportunity," Todd smiled. 

"Okay, I'm on the way out to check on the steaks so we should be sitting down 
to dinner soon. Do me a favor and get everyone ready." Dave requested.

Dave carried the steaks into the dining room and placed them on the 
appropriate plates, rare for Mike and Todd, well done for Dan and Tom, and medium for 
Dave and Tony. Dave sat at the head of the table with Tony to his right 
followed by Mike and Todd. Tom and Dan were on Dave's left. Dave asked Dan to give 
the blessing and they all joined hands, bowed their heads and closed their eyes. 

"Lord, we thank you for allowing us to gather in friendship and brotherhood 
and for restoring our health. We ask your blessing on this food and our 
fellowship. Also bless our new friends. Amen." It was a very simple blessing and it 
demonstrated the faith and trust they had for a higher power and for each 
other. 

Tony was especially moved. He felt Mike release his right hand but he held 
onto Dave's for a few extra seconds. A month ago he was alone and angry with not 
a friend in the world. Yet here he sat at a table with five young men who 
loved and trusted each other more than he had imagined possible. Tony prayed that 
these men accept him as a member of their group. Opening his eyes as he 
lifted his head Tony turned and smiled at Dave, his new friend and of late his 
lover. How strange that sounded in his mind!

Dave started things by passing the large bowl of Tony's Greek salad and the 
conversation began. 

*******
[Jeff's note: Because the conversation around the table will be fast and 
furious, I have chosen a format that identifies the speaker first, followed by his 
comments. I hope it doesn't cause you, the reader, any problems.] 
*******

Mike: "So tell us Tony, how did you and Dave meet?" Tony looked at Dave. "And 
don't look to him for help, we want to here your side of the story."

Tony: "Well... okay, it's still a little blurry, it happened so fast." Tony 
took a bite of the green bean casserole that Mike brought. "About three and a 
half weeks ago I was working construction... say Mike, this casserole is great..."

Mike: "Thanks, now on with your story, please."

Tony: Well, it was my third day on the job, it was round noon, and this dark 
green F-250 comes rolling up the driveway and stops. The truck was hot."

Dan: "Dave this steak is delicious."

Tom: "And the salad is terrific, who made it?"

Dave: "Tony, he made one last weekend so I asked if he'd make another one for 
you guys."

Dan and Todd made eye contact, `Last weekend?' they silently mouthed at each 
other. During the interruption Tony managed to take a bite of steak, chew and 
swallow. 

Mike impatiently: "Go on, Tony."

Tony: "Well, I thought the truck was hot until this drop-dead handsome guy 
opened the door and jumped to the ground."

Dan: "Congratulations, Dave, you're now handsome!" Everyone chuckled.

Tony, not waiting to be invited to continue: "Anyway, he really caught my 
eye. He talked to the construction boss..."

Dave: "He's working for Sam, guys. Tony, everyone but Tom knows Sam."

Tony: "Okay, so I can't take my eyes off the guy as he walks around talking 
to all the other men. Then there he is introducing himself to me as Dave Baker. 
I didn't know what to think. There was the big boss caring enough to talk to 
me, a lowly gofer. I was so dumbfounded I can't remember if I said anything 
intelligent but I remember he said he hoped I'd be able to join the crew Friday 
after work for a beer at the local tavern."

Todd: "That's Dave, always impressive." Everyone laughed.

Tony: "So Friday rolled around and after work I followed the rest of the crew 
to a local pub, the Bull and Boar I think it was..."

Todd: "Yeah, I know the place."

Tony: "I guess the alcohol helped me relax and let go of some tension and I 
was beginning to feel more at home with the rest of the men. I drank too much. 
I don't remember much but the next morning I woke up in Dave's bed."

"WHOO! WHOO! WHOO!" "HEY-HEY-HEY!" "YAHOO!" All kinds of hoots and hollers 
fill the room as the four men reacted to Tony's revelation. 

Tony: "Now don't get the wrong idea here, guys. Apparently I was too drunk to 
drive and nobody knew where I was staying and Dave was the only one willing 
to take care of me."

Mike: "Yeah, I'll bet he was willing to take care of you!"

Tony: "No, really! When I woke up Saturday morning I had no idea where I was. 
I got dressed and followed the smell of coffee to the kitchen where I 
discovered Dave at the sink drinking his juice." A tingle surged through Tony's body 
at that memory. "I asked him how I got there and he told me what I just told 
you. And then I thanked him for not taking advantage of me. And you know what 
he said?" Tony was beginning to enjoy this. 

All: "What!"

Tony: "He said, `For that you have to be wide-awake and stone cold sober."

All: "Ooooo!" 

Tony: "And that's how we met." Tony hoped they would accept that explanation 
because he didn't want to get into what happened the following weekend.

Mike: "Well, then what happened?" Mike wasn't about to give up. "Let's hear 
the good stuff." And then they all laughed.

Tony, pausing for a moment to smile at Dave: "Dave dressed while I tried to 
cure my hangover with coffee then he drove me to my truck and I went home." 
Tony hesitated for just a moment. He wasn't sure just how much he should tell but 
he remembered earlier Dave had said that this was their safe place where they 
could be themselves. He continued. "I had a lot to think about all week. But 
I was kinda surprised, I guess I half expected him to track me down and make a 
move but he didn't, he just left me alone. He must have been leaving it up to 
me to decide what I wanted to do. By Friday, he was all I could think of and 
when we got to the tavern after work I practically threw myself at him like a 
slut."

Everyone laughed, including Dave.

Tony: "To make a short story of this, Dave invited me to follow him home, 
which I did." There was long pause. "And we got to know each other."

Everyone was silent at first, waiting for Tony to continue, then began to 
chuckle. Dave sat with his head down, a blushing smile on his face, using his 
fork to play with the remnants of his salad. He wasn't used to being the object 
of such attention but he knew it was all meant in good humor.

Mike: "So he had his way with you."

Tony, not wanting to appear too wanton: "Well, we did achieve reciprocity 
before the weekend was over."

Mike to Todd: "What's that mean?"

Todd: "It means that Dave got poked too."

Mike: "No wonder he can't get that silly smile off his face!"

Again everyone laughed.

Dan: "Is that the way you saw it, Dave?"

Dave: "That's pretty much it. Except..." Dave wondered if he should tell. 
"Tony doesn't remember but when we got here he needed to pee. But he was so drunk 
that I had to unzip his pants and help him find little `Willie'." Everyone 
but Tony roared with laughter.

Mike: "Don't take it personal, Tony. Ya gotta remember, Dave has a larger 
frame of reference than the rest of us." Again everyone roared.

Dave: "And then he puked in my toilet." Dave looked at Mike "I was reminded 
of you, Mike."

Mike: "Oh please. You're never gonna let me live that down, are you?"

Dave placing his right hand on top of Tony's left hand: "I'll explain that 
later," and he smiled at his man. Then he looked around the table. "Now!" Dave 
wanted to get off this subject and on to another. "Tom, we're all on the edges 
of our seats waiting for you to tell us how you and Dan met."

Tom: "Oh, well..."

Dan: "He's going to need some help..."

Dave: "You just stay out of this, lover boy, Tom speaks English quite well. 
Go ahead, Tom." Everyone laughed.

Tom: "Yes, okay, I guess it started when Dave took me to Philos to get 
tested."

Mike: "Dave took you to be tested?"

Tom: "Yeah, well, that's another story. But the test results showed I was HIV 
positive and needed some help. Dave pulled some strings and got me into 
Philos. One of the first things that happened to me was that they assigned me to a 
work group or ah..."

Dan: "Therapy group."

Tom: "Yeah, group therapy. That's where a group of guys sit around and talk 
about how they feel about being infected."

Dan: "It's a lot more than that." 

Mike: "Let's let Tom do the talking, Dan." It was a friendly comment, not 
criticism of Dan; Mike just wanted to support Tom. 

Tom: "Well, the group leader, or counselor is a better word, turned out to be 
Dan here. I liked him the minute he walked into the room, everybody did. He 
obviously cared about the members in the group and he had a lot of credibility 
because he was one of us. I guess I'm kinda slow but after our third session I 
found my courage to go up to him after we finished. It seemed to me like we 
kinda clicked. We started seeing each other after the meetings and talked a 
lot. Well... one thing followed another and..." Tom paused. "I found an apartment of 
my own and that allowed us to get better acquainted. We've been seeing each 
other ever since. Now that's my story and I'm sticking to it." Everybody 
laughed.

Tony: You look familiar. You ever play football?"

Tom became tense; this was the first time anyone might have recognized him, 
except Dave, of course: "Yeah..."

Tony: "You play in the NFL?"

Tom: "Yeah..." He lowered his head. "I was a place kicker." He sounded 
dejected. 

Tony: "Hey, Tom, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..."

Tom: "No, it's okay, Dave knows; we've known each other for a almost five 
years and he helped me then I needed it the most. And Dan knows so there's no 
reason the rest of you," he looked at Todd, Mike and Tony, "great guys shouldn't 
know too." 

Dan, placing his hand in the middle of Tom's back and rubbing between his 
shoulder blades: "It's okay, Tom, you're among friends."

Tom: "Yeah, it's a real comfort to be able to share with you guys. Dan's 
already told me a lot and I can see that he's right. Thanks."

Dave, thinking the mood had turned a little to serious, clanked his knife 
against his water glass: "Okay, let's clear off the table and get ready to have 
some desert." 

Mike: "Great idea! C'mon, I'll help put the plates in the dishwasher."

Everyone picked up his own plate and eating utensils and the table was 
cleared very quickly. Mike and Tony teamed up to clean off the plates and place them 
in the dishwasher. 

In the mean time, Dan caught Dave' eye and signaled for Dave to follow him. 
They met in the foyer.

Dave: "'Sup?"

Dan quietly: "Is it okay if we stay here tonight?"

Dave quietly: "Of course. You know you're always welcome."

Dan quietly: "Thanks, I think Tom would like some time away from his 
apartment. Oh, one more thing... you got any condoms? We didn't bring any."

Dave: "Are you serious?"

Dan quietly: "Please, keep your voice down. Yeah, we're intimate."

Dave quietly: "But isn't that dangerous, you both being positive?"

Dan: "We're careful, we use double protection. Just because we have HIV 
doesn't mean we don't have urges. You can't imagine how much `alive' I feel." Dan 
looked at Dave and then smiled "On the other hand, maybe I can."

Dave quietly: "In my bedroom, the top drawer of the night stand you'll find 
two sizes. Take what you need but you damned well better leave me some." 

Dan quietly and smiling: "I'll take four of the large ones for Tom. If we 
only use two I'll return the others in the morning."

Dave quietly: "You've never really changed since high school," Dave placed 
his right hand on Dan's shoulder. "That's one of the things I like about you. 
Now we'd better get back into the dining room before we're missed." Dave took 
the route through the dining room and Dan went toward the great room and down 
the hall.

Back at the table with coffee and a slice of Dan's cheesecake, Tony asked 
Todd what he did for a living. Todd gave a brief overview of his job at the 
Westin Hotel. Next, Tony asked Mike what line of work he was in.

Mike: "Officially I'm a supervisor at a Subway Shop near the university 
campus but it looks like I'm about to become an assistant manager for this area. 
I'll be starting classes at the local community college this fall so that I can 
get an associate degree in management. Dave always says you meet a better 
class of bigots on campus." Everyone chuckled. 

Dave: "It's really a better `educated' class of bigots. But I do think a 
good education has a tendency to open people's minds and make them more accepting 
of men like us."

Todd: "I agree. I encourage everyone to get a higher education."

Tony: "I'll have to consider that advice... if I ever decide what I want to be 
when I grow up." He was smiling when he said that and everyone chuckled. 

Mike: "This coming Thursday will be a big day!"

Tom: "How come?"

Mike: "For the first time I get to meet the Big Man, the guy who owns a large 
chunk of the shops in this region. He's kinda been a secret but because I'm 
going to be an assistant manager my boss says it's time I met him." Dave sat 
quietly with a faint smile on his face. 

When it was apparent that Mike was finished, Tony looked at Dan. "How about 
you, Dan, what do you do?"

Dan explained his job at the software development company where he worked and 
added that he was going to start taking a few classes at the university this 
fall, a part-time student. Someday he might even get a degree because he could 
see how it had helped Dave and Todd. Dan also explained his work at the 
Philos Foundation. After that the conversation hit a lull and since Dan had the 
floor he raised an issue that he wanted to discuss with his friends. 

Dan: "Listen, as long as I have the floor, have you guys been following 
what's been happening in the Episcopal Church?" 

Mike: "Didn't they just install a gay Bishop or something?"

Dave: "Yes, they did and it sure caused a big stink."

Dan: "Has anybody here ever been inside an Episcopal Church?"

Everyone looked around and Dave raised his hand.

Dan: "What's it like? Why are they so different?"

Dave: "Gee, I don't know WHY they're different, or if they even ARE 
different. I just remember how impressed I was, not only with the facility but also 
with the friendliness of the people who attended. The service was really formal 
but it didn't make me feel uncomfortable. 

Tony, entering the conversation for the first time: "I don't understand. You 
mean to say that the Episcopal Church condones homosexuality? I know that the 
church I was raised in says love the sinner, hate the sin. That just don't 
float with me."

Dave: "I don't really know. But I'd like to learn more. 

Todd: "From what I've been reading, that church is very forgiving when it 
comes to sin. Some are asking how they can elevate a sinner to be Bishop.

Mike: "But wait! Another church, I won't mention any names here, has all 
these priests molesting kids. It went on for years and the church leaders just 
kept hiding it. Why is it okay for them to be religious leaders but not 
homosexuals?" 

Dave: "Good point, Mike. I read an article that was critical of the gay 
Bishop and accused him of having sex outside marriage. If he were a heterosexual, 
the church would probably expel him. In this case he is divorced from his wife 
and abandoned his kids but people want to rejoice. That's heresy."

Mike: "Are you crazy, Dave? Are you calling that Bishop is a heretic? We're 
gonna have your Gay Card revoked."

Tony: "Gay Card? You have a card that says you're gay?"

Dave laughing: "No Hon, Mike's pulling your leg." Looking at Mike: "I guess I 
screwed up on how I said that. What I meant was, I think the Bishop is doing 
the right thing. He's honest with everyone, his wife and family, and his 
church. At least he had the courage to release his wife from her commitment from 
her marriage vows. Honesty and trust mean a lot to me and he's demonstrated 
both."

Dan: "Well, I'm sticking with Father Tim." He looked at Dave: "You and Tony 
gonna join us this Sunday?"

Dave: "We haven't discussed it but there's a good chance."

Tony, still reeling from Dave calling him `Hon': "What's he mean?"

Dave: "For several years now we've all been going to a little church over by 
the campus. Reverend Tim Fields is the minister but we all call him Father 
Tim. We can talk it over later and decide what to do if you like."

Tony: "I think I'd like to go... that is if you're willing."

Dave: "Well..." he looked at the smiles around the table, "sure! Let's plan on 
it."

Mike: "Are we ready to dance now?"

Todd: "I'm ready, let's clear the table."

Everyone got up from the table and carried their dishes and coffee cups to 
the kitchen. Mike and Todd took charge of making sure the kitchen and dining 
room were completely cleaned up while Dave engaged Tom in a brief conversation. 
Tony needed to relieve himself of some beer and coffee so he walked down the 
hall toward the bedroom where he could use the urinal in the master bath. As he 
walked into the bedroom he saw Dan reaching into the drawer of the night stand 
and remove some condoms. Dan closed the drawer and turned around to find Tony 
watching him.

Dan: "Dave told me where to find these," he held up four foil packs. "There's 
still plenty in the drawer." Dan sounded somewhat defensive and apologetic 
and acted like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. 

Tony, trying to appear self deprecating and macho at the same time: "Four of 
them, huh? You're a better man than I am for one night." They both laughed but 
Dan didn't think that now was the time to explain. Tony continued into the 
bathroom and Dan took the condoms upstairs to the room he had used a time or two 
in the past and made use of the facility there. 

Before long, they were all gathered in the great room and Mike took over the 
supply of CDs and had the room hopping. Dave had turned the lights down to 
create a more romantic atmosphere. Dancing on carpet isn't that easy but no one 
minded. By the third song Mike had slowed the rhythm to some nice mood music, 
the kind you hold on and sway to. 

Dave's head rested on Tony's shoulder as they swayed from side to side. They 
were thoroughly engrossed in their thoughts and feelings. Tony's thoughts 
still lingered on being called `Hon'. Dave turned his head and kissed the side 
of Tony's neck then moved so he could look into Tony's eyes.

"How's it going?" Dave asked quietly. 

"Couldn't be better," Tony said as he joined his lips with Dave's. "Last 
week, when you told me you had some friends you thought I might like I had all 
kinds of crazy ideas about what they might be like."

"And the verdict is?"

"They're great. Mike is a scream and everyone else is so human, so normal. 
It's like pieces of a puzzle that all fit."

"So you think you're comfortable with them."

"Totally!" Tony kissed Dave again, this time with a little more passion.

Dave laid his head back on Tony's shoulder. He kept his eyes open and when 
they turned a little to the right he saw Todd. After a moment or two they made 
eye contact and behind Tony's back, Dave formed a fist and made a `thumbs up' 
signal. Todd winked at Dave and the communication was complete. 

By the fifth song there was a lot of petting and some tender kissing and 
cooing going on. There wasn't one limp prick on the dance floor. Suddenly the 
music stopped.

"Everyone out to the pool area, strip and climb into the hot tub!" Mike 
announced to a lot of moans and groans. They were all having such a good time. 
Slowly they all made their way outside, striped naked, draping their clothes over 
the pool chairs. Six semi-erections walked to the hot tub and slid beneath the 
surface of the bubbling water. No one seemed to care or feel embarrassed by 
the condition of his arousal; it seemed to be a group thing. 

Dave's hot tub was large enough to seat eight comfortably, two to a side, so 
the six men had plenty of room. Dan and Tom settled in with their backs to the 
house and Tom to the right with his arm around Dan's shoulder. Mike and Todd 
sat facing the pool with Mike on the right and his left arm around Todd's 
shoulder. Dave and Tony took a position facing the house with Dave on the left and 
Tony's left arm around his neck. 

Although the air temperature was about 75 degrees, the hot water still felt 
good. The only illumination came from the soft lights of the great room but 
they could still see each other's faces. 

Mike: "I've got a joke!"

Todd: "Ohhh nooo." There was a chuckle associated with his groan. 

Mike: "You're gonna love it. This guy goes to see his doctor...

Tony felt Dave's right hand rest on his left thigh. He looked at Dave and 
grinned but made no comment. 

Dan: "Not another doctor joke, please," he begged.

Now Tony felt Dave's fingers close around his rigid shaft. Dave had caught 
Tony totally off guard. Tony felt embarrassed; what if the others knew what they 
were doing? He turned his head and whispered in Dave's ear, "What are you 
doing?"

Mike: "The doctor asked the guy, `What seems to be the problem?' and the guy 
goes, `Well, I feel great but everyone says I look bad.' 

Dave: "This better be good or we're all gonna sit on you." Then he turned and 
whispered in Tony's ear: "What does it feel like I'm doing?" When Tony 
didn't reply Dave added, "Just watch Tom." 

Mike, ignoring the heckling: "Then the doc goes, `Well, let me check my 
diagnosis book here,' and he turned around and pulled a book off the shelf. He 
opens it and starts reading. `Let's see, Feels Good -- Looks Good. Nope, that's 
not it. Feels Bad -- Looks Bad. Nope, Looks Good -- Feels Bad. Oh, here it is, 
Feels Good -- Looks Bad. That's it, you're an asshole!" Mike burst out in 
laughter.

Everyone else groaned with a little laughter on the side. In a way they 
thought Mike's joke was humorous but they always liked to rib him a little.

Todd, to change the subject after the groans subsided: "Say Tony, how'd you 
wind up in the Marines?" 

Tony: "When I was a kid I got hooked on old World War II movies, the ones 
where the Marines would storm the beaches and..." Tony was having difficulty 
concentrating on what he was saying, "...it just captured my imagination." He looked 
at Dave again and remembered to look at Tom who was seated facing him. Tom 
seemed to be quite calm and comfortable when the look on his face changed 
noticeably; his mouth gaped open in a quiet gasp and his eyes showed a little 
surprise. Then Tony noticed that Dan was grinning at him. He looked to his right; Mike 
and Todd were grinning at him too. `Oh,' he thought, `this is planned! A 
little surprise for the new guys! I've played games like this before.' He looked 
at Dave and grinned and Dave continued stroking Tony's member. 

Todd: "So is that all? You were captivated by those movies and they motivated 
you to join up?"

Tony: "Yeah, I loved all the blood and guts... stuff." Dave had pulled Tony's 
foreskin back and slid his thumb around the now super-sensitive glans causing 
Tony to hesitate. "How about you, ever in the service?" Tony was having 
difficulty focusing and wanted someone else to do the talking. Upon looking around 
it was easy to tell who was getting some action, the three men with their hands 
above the water. Tom looked nervous but Mike was obviously enjoying himself. 
The sheer boldness of this activity was electrifyingly exciting and arousing. 
And Dave's talented technique was rapidly driving Tony toward orgasm. 

Todd: "No, I'm just a dirty old civilian. How old were you when you enlisted?"

Tony: "Well, I was eighteen. I had just finished high school... haa!" Tony 
tried to talk right through his orgasm but no matter how hard he tried, he lost. 
He knew that everyone would know that he was cumming and it both embarrassed 
and excited him. His body contracted, his knees drew up toward his chest and the 
first volley of his sperm shot fourth into the bubbly water. Dave again slid 
his thumb across Tony's engorged and supersensitive glans causing another 
contraction. Tony needed to hold onto something so he squeezed Dave with his left 
arm and then turned and kissed his lover hard on the mouth. Dave returned the 
kiss with vigor. Tony was completely oblivious to anyone but Dave being 
present. Dave slowed, then stopped stroking and held on to Tony's cock. Tony's 
orgasm induced cloud soon cleared and their lips separated. 

Dave grinned and looked around and Tony did the same. They were just in time 
to watch Mike climax with a couple of his patented whimpers that Dave had 
heard before. Then Tom released with a loud, guttural, primal sounding groan. 

Everyone sat quietly for several minutes. Tony realized he was soaking in his 
own and someone else's cum. He was surprised that the thought of something 
like that didn't turn him off, but it didn't. He wondered why. Then Dan 
extended his hand across the tub and Tony grasped and shook it. Then Todd and Mike 
each shook his hand. Next, Dave reached across and shook Tom's hand as did Todd 
and Mike. 

Dan, with a huge grin: "You two are now official members of Dave's platoon, 
welcome." Dan, Mike, Todd and Dave then applauded.

Tony: "Thanks, guys..."

Todd: "No speeches, you're supposed to be speechless." They all laughed. 

The three couples sat quietly, enjoying the closeness with each other. Tony 
took hold of Dave's erection like he was going to return the favor but Dave 
stopped him. "Later," Dave whispered. After about ten minutes, Dave stood up, his 
shaft standing proudly and announced, "Time to retire guys." There were no 
arguments. The six men climbed out of the hot tub, dried off, picked up their 
clothes and headed to their rooms. 

In the master suite, Dave turned out all the lights that were linked to the 
main control and armed the security system. Tony was about to crawl into bed 
when Dave stopped him. 

"Let's rinse all those chemicals from the hot tub off us," Dave suggested. 
Tony didn't argue; he just followed Dave to the shower. They did a little bit 
more than rinse. Arm in arm they stood under the shower, plastered together 
running their hands over each other's bodies and pretending they were rinsing. 
After about five minutes Tony turned off the shower, they dried each other with 
tender care and Dave led Tony by the hand to their bed. 

Their lovemaking seemed to reach a new plateau. Dave took his time and made 
sure Tony was with him before they climbed the mountain together and flung 
their bodies over the top. Later, as they lay in the after glow of coitus, Tony 
wanted to talk.

"When I came in here earlier to take a piss, Dan was taking some of your 
condoms from the drawer."

"Yeah, I told him where to find them."

"He took four, what a man!"

Dave giggled. "No, he and Tom use double protection because they're both HIV 
positive. That means they'll probably go around no more than twice tonight."

"I guess those condoms were for Tom, then." Tony had noticed earlier that Tom 
was pretty well endowed and would probably need the larger variety. 

"Yeah." That was the extent of Dave's reply. The message was clear, Tom was 
the pitcher and Dan was the catcher in that relationship. 

"I guess Mike and Todd brought their own."

"They don't use any," Dave replied. 

"They don't?" Tony sounded surprised. "Why not?"

"They're in a monogamous relationship, they only have sex with each other. 
They get tested once a year just to make sure." Dave's answers were short, to 
the point, no reason to embellish the points. He was also getting sleepy.

"Oh." Tony thought about that for a few moments. "Ya know, this is really 
strange."

"What's that?" Dave's voice was getting weaker.

"You realize there are four other guys in this house doing the same thing we 
just did. That is weird!" Tony waited but got no response. Then he heard 
Dave's heavy breathing. They were in their favorite position, Tony on his back with 
Dave snuggled up against his right side, his head resting on Tony's shoulder. 
Tony leaned over, brushed the hair from Dave's forehead and kissed it. Then 
he too obeyed his body's call for sleep. 

*******

(To be continued.)