Date: Sun, 4 Oct 2020 12:30:42 -0400 From: Ulf Raynor Subject: Devil Dawg Donnelly's Part 20 Devil Dawg Donnelly's Standard disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to people or actual events is purely coincidental. You may contact the author at ulfr57@gmail.com All comments, suggestions and/or observations are welcome if presented respectfully. Please support and donate to the Nifty Archive! Part Twenty: As Thursday morning slipped into late afternoon, JD found himself laying on his bed, his mind still preoccupied with the events of the last twenty four hours. Though he now felt better about the state of his relationship with his father and realizing that much of his fears and feelings toward him since the revelation of his regrettable encounter with Andrea, was mostly due to a self inflicted sense of worth and deprecation and not the rejection he falsely perceived from his dad. His father had more than allayed his fears of self recrimination and in fact made it perfectly clear that he was there for him and would help him in any way possible, just as he always had before; at least as far as his future offspring was concerned. His dad helped him face that impending truth and at least he now felt like he had the rudiments of a plan going into the future. He still worried about what his dad had said concerning there still being a price to pay for his  breaking of the code, but at least now he knew he wouldn't be facing it alone and his dad had assured him there was a path forward, he just had to accept and embrace it when it happened; in this he was now determined to follow his father's lead and do what he should have done before, trust his dad, to put his faith in the man who has always had his best interest at heart and had last night reiterated and demonstrated the depths of his compassion and empathy. He was also thankful for his brother Billy, who had tried to reassure him months ago that his dad still cared about him and that they both still loved him. JD appreciated how they both tried to lighten his mood after his dad had made him face his inner demons and had gotten him to unload the mental and emotional baggage he had been suppressing for months. Billy had even gotten him to laugh by making suggestions on what to name his unborn son, even his father had joined in whipping out treasures like: Bubba Fet and Justin Case to Billy's Eric Shun and Ben Dover. It was all in good fun, the kind of banter they had always shared before and now served to lighten the months worth of tension he had allowed himself to succumb too. He was also thankful for the fact his father had dropped his line of questioning about Jason once Billy got home, JD still didn't know what to make of what had transpired and he certainly didn't want his brother grilling him about it as he knew he would, at least, not until he had a clearer understanding of it all himself. He couldn't help but notice his brother was more fidgety last night, despite the humorous mood he portrayed, JD knew that something was also preoccupying his thoughts as well, but decided not to pursue it at the time, at least not in front of their dad, even though he couldn't help but wonder why Billy right out of the blue asked their dad when Carl would be back. By the questioning look their dad gave him, JD sensed that their dad also noticed the subsurface anxiety that emanated from Billy and he was surprised their dad didn't grill him further about it, instead he just simply stated he'd be home Friday afternoon and let it drop. Maybe it was the way Billy had smiled after hearing that, that their dad had thought better of probing deeper, but JD knew there was more to it than just wondering where Carl was, and if he knew that, he was certain their dad did as well.  JD decided to take his father's lead and let it drop for the moment, determining that further questioning might be better pursued later, when they could talk more privately. It was shortly there after that their dad called it an evening, standing and stating he had something to attend too and giving them a mischievous smirk, headed to his room shutting the door behind him. Billy followed suit shortly thereafter stating he was feeling tired; JD was certain he did so hoping to avoid addressing the inquizitive looks he had been givingnhim. JD chose a different approach: "Hey, can I go with you to the gym tomorrow morning?" He queried as his brother got up to leave: "Sure" he responded simply, then more thoughtfully inquired: "What about Timmy, don't you two usually go together?" "I'm not sure if he'll be available tomorrow" he had answered nodding his head in the general direction of their dad's room. Billy's eyes had widened and just stared at him, like he couldn't quite assimilate the information just imparted to him: "Seriously!?" he stammered, pausing briefly after seeing the resigned shrug and half hearted grin he gave him: "Dad and Timmy... are you sure?" JD just shrugged again, responding: "He told me himself"  he purposely left out what all his dad and he had discussed about Timmy and especially the part about Timmy's needs. Billy just stared at him for a moment, trying to take it in: "What about Carl, I thought they were together now?" JD just returned his stare not really knowing how to respond watching as his older brother just reached up and started scratching his head, a look of consternation crossing his facial features: "Do you think that's as fucked up as I do?" He whispered sounding almost conspiratorial: "I know they've been flirting and all..." he posited: "But to jump Timmy's bones the moment Carl's away?..." "Hey bro..." JD exclaimed: "Don't ask me, I'm the last person in the world who should be passing judgements or talking about other people's relationships." JD's thoughts had immediately returned to Jason and how confused he was about what had just transpired between them earlier and made the conscious decision to try and shove it all to the side for now and just follow his dad's example and retire to the relative safety of his room and the familiar comfort of his bed, leaving his brother standing there with his own thoughts mulling it over, knowing intuitively, that when it came to their dad, it was always a sure bet he knew what he was doing and that there was almost always more there than meets the eye!" JD's thoughts moved forward to the next morning, having had one of the most restful nights he had experienced in months, not since before that night his dad confronted him about Andrea. The morning started out awkwardly with his dad sitting at the kitchen table, doing his morning ritual of checking the news on his phone while drinking his coffee, but it was odd watching Timmy hurriedly fixing them breakfast. It was rather surreally myopic watching him interact with his dad, like it was happening to someone else and became even more so when his brother joined them. Billy was rather coldly distant with both Timmy and his dad, not even acknowledging Timmy when he offered him some of the pancakes he made, instead he just brushed past him, got a bowl and some cereal before sitting down and hurriedly downing his breakfast, and did his best to ignore both of them. His somber mood did not go unnoticed by their dad, who had put his phone down and sat there eyeing his brother like he was assessing him like one would read a map: "Something on your mind son?" he had asked, the resonance in his voice making it sound less like a question and more of an accusation. His brother had just shrugged, coldly looking up at their dad and responding with feigned indifference: "Just wondering if Carl will be coming by here tomorrow when he gets back or if I'll need to got to his house to talk to him?" It was obvious, even to JD the implied accusational undertone of Billy's query, but their dad maintained his composure despite it and calmly answered: "He'll be back here by early afternoon and will more than likely be staying most of the weekend." he had paused briefly, still looking like he was gauging  and evaluating Billy: "Is there a particular reason why you need to speak to him and not me?" he'd asked, folding his hands together on top of the table, looking questioningly at his brother. He could see the wheels turning behind his siblings eyes as he gave his measured response: "My buddy Gavin and I are working on a project together that involves computers and I thought he might be able to offer some advice about a few things." Even JD could tell there was a lot more behind that statement than he was letting on and he was sure their father realized that too, but oddly dismissed it by telling him that if it had to do with computers then Carl was the best choice in addressing any issues they might be having. Thankfully, shortly after that brief conversation, their dad got up from the table stating it was time he hit the road for work; neither Billy or JD were that surprised when Timmy left with him, but noting they both left in their own vehicles. It was shortly after JD had loaded the dishwasher that Billy asked him if he still wanted to go to the gym with him that morning, knowing that it was something he and Timmy had been doing together for the last few weeks: "Yeah" he had answered: "Looks like I'm gonna need a new workout partner." His brother had given him his sympathetic supportive look and mussed his hair, stating brothers should always have each other's backs. JD knew it was just his way of trying to show support over what he perceived as a quasi romantic loss, but truthfully, as far as JD was concerned, he was actually kind of fine with it. He'd always known on some level that he and Timmy were more fuck buddies than anything else, he knew Timmy's long term plans didn't involve him, there was never any mention or discussion about his future that included JD in it, but still,  he had thought they would always be friends and couldn't help but wonder if that was even possible now.  He didn't hate Timmy for messing around with his dad, no more than he had when Timmy and Billy got it on, that in of itself told him that what they had experienced wasn't a romantic kind of love but just a mutual sexual gratification thing between two friends, but like his brother he wondered more about what this all meant to their dad especially since he had just recently let it be known that he and Carl were way more than just best buds and had even gone as far as to say that he and Billy both had to get Carl's approval first when it came to anything involving their home life. That part wasn't at all surprising to either him or his brother since Carl had always been like a second father to them their entire lives.  Like his brother, his biggest concern was how Timmy's presence might change things between their dad and Carl, that is, if it meant anything at all. Billy had obviously chosen which way he fell on the topic, but JD saw it as rather hypocritical of his brother since he himself had enjoyed Timmy's sexual talents, but also realized that Billy wasn't in a relationship with anyone else either and JD recognized that that was the crux of the issue at hand, was their dad and Carl in a relationship and if they were, how would he feel about Timmy and their dad boinking or did he know already and was cool with it? Unlike his brother, JD had decided to reserve judgement and wanted to wait and see how it all played out first; if his little brouhaha with Andrea had taught him anything, on the surface, things weren't always what they appeared to be. The rest of the morning followed the same disjointed pattern as Billy's friend Gavin joined them before they went to the gym, giving them a lift.   All during their workout JD felt like the third man out as the two, on several occasions had their heads together almost conspiratorially, judging by the way they talked in whispers all hush hush when JD drew anywhere near them. Though he didn't know Gavin that well, he did know his brother and it wasn't a hard read to figure out that something was up between the pair and he couldn't help but wonder if that had anything to do with what Billy was wanting Carl for. As the day progressed and after Gavin and JD dropped him off at home before taking off for Gavin's house, JD found himself in his room laying on his bed contemplating the events of the last couple of days, he hadn't even realized how much time had passed by when here heard his dad's truck pull in, taking note he was home a little earlier than usual. It was while he was in the kitchen, casually talking to his dad that he received a text message from Jason, he must have had a concerned look on his face that caused his dad to inquire if something was wrong: "Um...no." He stated distantly still staring at the screen of his phone debating how to respond to Jason's text which stated he was on his way over to see him. His dad just looked at him with a rather cocky half grin before asking: "Is that the boy from last night?" JD just blushed awkwardly, knowing they had never finished that conversation last night before Billy came home and interrupted them. JD's embarrassment must have read all over his face as he stammered to formulate a response to both his dad and to Jason, wishing at that moment he had decided to stay in his room: "Yeah, he's on his way over.." he managed to squeak out, still not knowing how to respond to Jason's text or whether he should at all. His dad, now a little more jovial than before and still smiling said: "Good, invite him over for dinner, Timmy's on his way as soon as he finishes picking up some steaks for us to grill." JD just looked sheepishly at his dad before he added: "I'll just text Timmy and have him pick up an extra one..." his dad winked at him as the smile broadened on his face: "I can't wait to meet the boy that has my youngest so frazzled." JD tried to ignore his dad, choosing to stare at his phone and type a response to Jason's text instead of meeting his father's gaze: "He's just a friend and teammate from school dad!" He offered up in self defense, before his dad patted him on the back while walking passed him heading toward his room: "Just a teammate huh?..." his dad posited, giving a light chuckle and asked before entering his bedroom: "Do you always suck face with your teammates or is it just him? JD was glad his dad left that hanging before heading to his bathroom to shower and change; also thankful his dad didn't get to see the array of crimson shades that washed over his face, while he nervously pondered: "How do I get myself into these things?!"                                                                               ***** Billy sat anxiously on Gavin's bed, his chocolate brown eyebrows furrowing as he tried taking in the intel Gavin had gathered since last night after dropping him off at home. "As I was saying earlier...' Gavin began, pulling up the data on his computer that he had gathered the night before: "Qiagen is a genetics research facility, a very big one at that" he looked over at Billy trying to gauge how he was taking all this: "What's odd about it all...: He said cautiously before continuing: "On the surface I could find no section of this company that says they have authorization to do any work with humans," Billy's head perked up, his eyes coming into contact directly with Gavin's: Then why's my brother and Kent there, it doesn't make sense?" Billy's voice was low and thoughtful. Gavin turned to face him: "That's not all..." hesitating momentarily, contemplating: "I couldn't find anyone on their staff security or otherwise nor their guest or visiting rosters that would indicate either of them have ever been there or are in any way associated with Qiagen." Gavin paused again, giving Billy time to absorb the information he was giving him: "Even more oddly, I couldn't find any connection between the US military and Qiagen, making me think..." he hesitated for a second as Billy finished his line of thought for him: "That the military didn't authorize them being sent there or someone is running some sort of covert operation." "I thought of that" Gavin said turning back to his computer and pulling up the data on the search algorithms of Major Anthony Drummond's collective emails: "I did an exhaustive search of dumbasses emails and nowhere could I find him receiving any kind of orders from HQ or any hire ups that authorized or instructed him to send anyone to Hilden, except..." Billy heard the hesitancy in his voice and stood up, walked over behind him and looking over his shoulder as Gavin proceeded: "I did find a confirmation from someone named Gunther Kline who works for Das Unternehmen Kampfhund stating they had received some sort of delivery from the Major the next day." Without even looking at Billy, Gavin could sense his frustration and confusion: "I decided to look into Unternehmen Kampfhund and this guy Gunther, turns out he is the personal assistant to a Ryker Von Krause..." Gavin paused again, turning his head to look at Billy: "Guess who the chairman and principal stockholder of Qiagen is?" "No fucking way is that a coincidence." Billy spat, his eyes narrowing as he stared into Gavin's. "Let me make this perfectly clear Billy..." Gavin cautioned: "I could find zero evidence of any kind of connection on any level between the US military or the US government with this company at all." Billy looked down at him, his body stiffening before commenting further: "Then maybe someone should have a little chat with Major dumbass!" "Actually..." Gavin smiled wickedly: " kinda did something not so legal." Billy frowned now concerned his friend had really gone out on a limb for him and done something stupid, but before he could say anything Gavin waved him off with a flip of his hand: "I know, I know" he mused almost mockingly: "I sort of accidentally found a few correspondences with his bank and back traced his account and I kinda, sorta had just a little tiny peeksie..." Billy just shook his head, his concern showing all over his face; this was the last thing he wanted was to possibly get Gavin into trouble.  Gavin could read exactly where his head was at: "Don't worry dude, I was extremely careful, as far as the bank could tell it was Major dumbass checking his online account." Billy moved back over to the bed and sat down, torn between his concern for Gavin and his mounting fear that his brother and Kent could be in serious trouble. It didn't take a genius to read Billy's mood and to someone as observant as Gavin Hollis, Billy's thoughts and mood right now were an open book to him as he moved across the room to go and sit next to his friend: "Do you wanna know what I found?" Gavin prompted cautiously, knowing full well that Billy really wasn't going to like the news. "I'm afraid to ask" Billy sighed, his head bowing briefly before looking up to meet Gavin's soft sympathetic hazel colored eyes: "The day Major dumbass got the confirmation from that Gunther guy..." he paused again, raising his hand and gently putting it on Billy's shoulder comfortingly: "There was a sizeable deposit from Das Unternehmen Kampfhund to the tune of roughly about a hundred thousand dollars." Billy just sat there for a moment trying to take it all in, his mind racing a hundred miles an hour and envisioning all sorts of horrible dark scenarios and now, more than ever he wished Baxter was here with him, not that he didn't appreciate everything Gavin has done for him, but because Baxter was his best friend, the one person he had always been able to turn too and count on. It was at that moment, with his thoughts scrambled and different emotions raged within him that he realised Baxter was more than just a friend, maybe even more than a brother; Baxter was his safe place, the one person that knew him possibly better than he knew himself, the one person that could assuage the raging storm gathering within him. Billy looked at Gavin, their eyes meeting, the fire blazing within his glaring gaze reflected back at him through Gavin's: " Can you gather all this info and print it out so I have something to show Carl first thing tomorrow when he gets back?" Billy queried, his voice now thick with determination and resolved conviction. Gavin looked apprehensively at Billy and with all the resoluteness he could muster responded: "You mean we, there's no way I'm letting you do this alone." Billy forced a smile for the sake of his friend, knowing that Gavin was just as determined as he was and realizing that everything he had found out was all due to him and though he knew he owed it to him to honor his request, he also felt more than a little trepidation about involving him further. "Listen Gavin..." Billy started to say before Gavin interrupted him, guessing exactly what he was going to come out of Billy's mouth next: "It was my choice to get involved and I'm damn well going to see this through to the end, the consequences be damned!" For the briefest of moments, Billy thought about kissing Gavin, in actuality he felt like kissing him, but held back, not wanting Gavin to misinterpret it as some sort of romantic gesture and not the genuine heartfelt gratitude he was now experiencing, instead he just grinned from ear to ear: "Like you said, consequences be damned."he stated, slapping Gavin's back before adding: "Not to push my luck or anything but do you think I could spend the night here?" he queried before explaining further to the sudden quizzical look that crossed Gavin's face: "If I go home tonight I'm afraid my dad will be able to tell that somethings up and I really want to talk to Carl first." Gavin just smiled impishly back at him: "I'll have to ask my mom if it's okay, but I'm sure she won't mind so long as you promise not to violate her only childs virtue." Billy chuckled, musing: "Really nerd, I rather got the impression she was hoping I'd rescue you from your near terminal case of virginity."                                                                                      ***** JD couldn't believe how apprehensive he felt at the moment, he had hoped by warning Jason via text that his dad was expecting him to stay for dinner that it somehow would be enough to scare Jason off from the idea of coming over. He didn't know what he feared the most, having an awkward discussion with Jason about what had transpired between them last night or him meeting his dad, which he was sure could be one of the most embarassing moments of his life; all of which was compounded by the fact that his ex-fuck buddy Timmy Anderson was now in the kitchen wrapping some potatoes and corncobs in aluminum foil to bake on the grill with the steaks he had brought all while shamelessly flirting back and forth with his dad. As far as JD was concerned, the only bright point in his current predicament was the fact his brother wasn't there also, not that it would actually matter if he died from the embarrassment he was certain his dad was going to inflict on both him and Jason. As bad as all that seemed to him, what still gnawed at him the most was Jason himself. JD still hadn't had time to sort out what transpired between them last night, at the time he just chalked it up to the both of them just being overly heated up watching the coach and their two teammates Matt and Davy get it on in the coaches office, but afterward, when Jason followed him up on the porch last night and basically told him he didn't want JD to think he was serious about the coach and then kissing him, implying, at least as far as JD was concerned, that he was serious about him or at least was acknowledging that he had some sort of feelings for him.   To make matters even more egregious than that, though JD was surprised by the move, he hadn't exactly tried to stop it either, just like outside the coaches office when he had Jason pressed up against his back and Jason fondled and caressed his body and kissed and licked the nape of his neck, he couldn't help but also remember how his body responded to Jason's touch. Even now, just recalling the previous nights events had started to chub him up visibly in his sweatpants and he did his best to conceal it and trying to thinking of anything else other than Jason and that stupid fucking kiss. JD had been so deep in his thoughts he didn't even notice his dad standing in the kitchen doorway looking at him, his hands on his hips with a huge smirk on his face: "What's the matter sport, thinking about that beau of yours? he said with a slight chuckle looking downward at the obvious bulge in JD's crotch and rolling his eyes suggestively. JD could feel the blood surge throughout his entire body knowing for a certainty he was now blushing head to toe. "Dad you can tease me all you want..."He said barely making eye contact with his dad before continuing: "But please don't embarrass Jason tonight." JD watched as his dad crossed the room over to him and put his arm around his shoulder drawing him close: "I'll promise to be on my best behavior sport, boy scouts honor!" JD just shook his head and casually pushed his dad away playfully: "Like that means anything, you were never in the boy scouts." "Oops...busted!" His dad chortled, smacking JD on the ass before turning away and heading back toward the kitchen muttering as he walked away: "If ya hurry, ya might have time to rub one out before he gets here, might help make it less obvious, ya don't want just any beau to think you're easy pickings sport." JD couldn't help but smile at his dad's tauntings, as he shook his head knowing that this was going to be a long evening all while wondering what horrible thing he must have done in a previous life to merit all this bad karma.                                                                                    ***** Carl McGregor sat in front of the fire pit absentmindedly poking the hot coals of the small flame that still burned with in it as his old friend and trusted mentor Danal Cornelius sat beside him enjoying his after dinner cigar and blowing smoke rings over the open flame and watching them dissipate in its upward draft. "That's a nasty habit old man" Carl suggested while looking past him watching the men that came with him continue to gather limbs and fallen branches from around their bivouac in the woods before the early evening light faded into darkness. "Still in a bad mood I see" Danal responded, blowing another string of smoky circles over the open flames. "Not really" Carl offered, not really sure how he felt at the moment, especially after the events of the previous day while simultaneously thinking about going home tomorrow and rejoining Max and the boy's. "It's hard being away from him isn't it?" Danal said softly, barely glancing at him, twirling his cigar between his fingers playfully. "He's got a lot on his plate right now, not least of which is Billy's upcoming birthday." Carl bowed his head, staring at the ground below him. Danal looked at him sideways with his usual lilting half grin: "Did you stop to consider, maybe that's why he sent you here for awhile?" Carl turned to face Danal: "What is that supposed to mean..." Carl queried, a hint of agitation in his voice: "Are you suggesting I'm somehow adding to his burdens?" If Carl's agitation affected Danal in any way it didn't show but his response did nothing to alleviate it either: "Don't you?" At first Carl felt like giving Danal a sharp retort but ended up biting it down and just staring at him incredulously instead. "You're either improving with age or you're just too tired to argue," Danal quipped, the grin broadening on his face: "A younger Carl would have already let his mouth overload his ass without even thinking about what I just said." Carl partially huffed and chuckled at the same time: "Maybe it's a little of both." He concluded, easing back into the adirondack chair he was sitting in contemplating what Danal had just said to him, knowing he would never purposefully say something to upset him, but always trying to get him to see more than what appeared on the surface, something they both knew was difficult for him to do especially where Max was concerned. "You know, you're getting to be a bit long in the tooth for me to keep placating and mollycoddling your insecurities where Max is concerned don't you? Danal chided, his tone now more fatherly than friend or mentor. Danal emphasized his point by reaching over and smacking Carl upside the head, Carl winced at the sudden blow turning once again to face him: "I get your point old man" He said rubbing the back of his head where it now smarted, feeling very much like a scolded child. Danal went back to smoking his cigar, taking a few puffs and blowing the smoke at Carl's head: "Good!" he exclaimed: "Now tell me what you "think" you've come to understand all of a sudden, I want to hear you say it!" Carl leaned back in his chair and sighed deeply, feeling at the moment like he was some patient visiting a psychiatrist and knowing instinctively that analogy wasn't far off. "I know first and foremost that Max loves me" he began, closing his eyes momentarily as he brought up his mind's eye view of Max, big and strong, the thick matt of black hair that covered his muscular body and of course the big fat cock between his legs that was always ready to satisfy Carl's deepest cravings, the fleshy sword that was often sheathed within him joining the two of them together, not only in body but in mind and soul as well. He also knew the way Max worked, it was in his nature to help those around him in need, especially if he saw a potential within them that they might not otherwise see or reach themselves without his intercessions, men like Brock, who he knew Max was attempting to help even now, working him slowly toward the destiny and potential Max saw in him. It was at that moment it dawned on him, isn't that exactly what he was now doing with Timmy? Even Carl could see the vast potential in that beautiful young man, most of which thus far has been wasted by the crushing weight of self deprecation and fear instilled in him by misguided and deluded parents selfishly holding him back and squashing any individuality form their son in an attempt to control him and keep him forever under their thumb. Carl mentally peeled back the years that Max has done this very same thing for others and how he had often chafed against it wanting selfishly to possess Max's attention all to himself instead of being what Max really needed him to be and why he now sat here, with Danal and these young men who didn't really require him being here, Atticus was more than capable of handling this. Carl realized something else, that Danal wasn't here by chance, Max had expected something like yesterday might crop up and that the only other person who could have faced what transpired yesterday besides Max was Danal. What Carl came to realize only now, was that Max sent him away so he could accomplish something he thought might otherwise upset him if he was present, that realization hit him in the gut like a physical blow, instead of being the helpful partner Max needed, especially now with so much at stake, Max had to also contend with a possessive, potentially jealous partner, who instead of being there for him, had to be emotionally protected like some petulant, pining schoolgirl. Carl sat up with a start in his chair turning to face Danal with an incredulous look across his now stern face: "You crafty old bastard" He admonished staring intently into the mischievous eyes of his mentor, finally realising how both Max and Danal have been manipulating him for years until he matured enough to have this epiphony on his own. Danal's grin consumed his facial features, his eyes twinkling like two bright stars knowing Carl now fully understood what was needed from him: "Don't be too upset with us pup, this wasn't something either Max or myself could have ever explained to you, you had to arrive at this destination on your own." Danal winked at him concluding playfully: "That willful spirit of yours is both simultaneously your greatest strength and your greatest weakness." Carl rose up and embraced his old friend, holding him close, wishing now more than ever to be back in Max's arms and to finally embrace his place by his side, not just as his lover, but as a true partner, one that he could finally lean and depend on fully, to be his haven and not his burden. It was at that moment that a horde of hooting young naked Marines flew past them dashing toward the cool refreshing waters of the lake and as Danal and Carl parted they watched as Cpl. Atticus Walker sauntered up to them, just as naked as his men, his massive grin paled only in comparison to his huge hairy muscle swollen body and the enormous and pendulous piece of meat that dangled between his legs limply swinging back and forth slapping against his mid thighs as he walked: "Ya'll gonna join us for a swim?" he asked in that deep, gravely southern drawl of his winking at both of them as he walked passed them on his sojourn to the lake. Danal and Carl stared after him, enjoying the backside of him almost as much as the front before Danal finally commented: "I don't know whether to envy or pity whoever that boy ends up taking a shine too!"                                                                                 ***** JD had just finished helping Timmy set the table when he heard a vehicle pull up in the driveway and made it to the front door just in time to greet a very sharply dressed to impress Jason Dunne climbing the steps to the front porch. "Well, do I pass muster Mr. Donnelly" Jason said, flashing his pearly whites at JD in a smile that stretched from ear to ear. JD cut himself short of gawking at Jason who filled out his shirt and jeans like a second skin that snuggly hugged his muscular physique in all the right places, sending an unexpected wave of palpitating heat through JD's body. Returning his smile and stepping aside allowing Jason to entire his home, JD couldn't help but check Jason's ass out too, noting how it protruded like two large firm melons supported by tree trunk sized thighs and calves that stretched the fabric of his straight legged denim jeans. "I gotta admit..." Jason said softly in an almost whisper:  "I'm kind of nervous about meeting your family." "Well," JD said, leading Jason to the couch and indicating he should sit: "It will just be my dad tonight, my brothers staying over at a friends tonight and my uncle Carl is away on some assignment." "I've kind of already met your brother before at school" Jason revealed, expounding how he had seen him wrestle a few times, him and his buddy Baxter and actually congratulating him with a group of the guys from the football team after one of his many victories after a home match. "He seemed like a really nice guy" he added: "really firm handshake too as I recall" smiling again at JD, who couldn't help but notice how his cheeks dimpled every time he did so. "Yeah, my brother and Baxter are pretty driven when it comes to their sport" JD kind of beamed, realizing how much he actually appreciated his brother and Baxter's athletic prowess. "Would ya like a Coke or sumthin' to drink?" JD offered, starting to feel a little more relaxed now that Jason was actually here and the roof hadn't caved in or anything equally as disastrous happening. "Coke would be fine" Jason chimed back rizing up and following right behind JD into the kitchen: "So where is your dad?" Jason queried, looking around the kitchen noting the table was already set and silently wondering who the fourth place setting was for. JD opened the frig and hauled out a couple of cans of Coke and handed one to Jason: "Oh, he's out back with Timmy grilling dinner." he stated flipping the tab on his soda and taking a sip, his nose crinkling slightly as the carbonated beverage tickled his nostrils, awkwardly noting the smile that crossed Jason's face as he watched him. "Timmy Anderson?" Jason asked, the smile slowly fading from his face: "I thought I recognised that Jeep out front." He paused for a second and then stated kind of distantly: "I kinda forgot you two were best buds and all." JD could sense the abrupt shift in Jason's mood at the mention of Timmy's name and how he now looked downward at his fingers as they toyed with the tab on his Coke. "He's not my best friend" JD quickly asserted observing how Jason's eyes shot up quizzically to meet with his own as he continued: "He's more a friend of the family kinda, he's really a nice guy once you get to know him." Jason looked at him apprehensively before commenting: "But you invited him here to have dinner too?" JD chuckled lightly: "No, actually my dad did and when you messaged me earlier my dad suggested I invite you over too." He didn't know why, but seeing the smile return to Jason's face after he told him that, gave him a sense of relief. For the umpteenth time JD found himself wondering what it was about Jason that made him feel the way he has been every time he's around him. It was like his head goes all fuzzy and foggy and his libido shifts into overdrive and JD couldn't help but wonder if Jason experienced the same thing since he seemed to sometimes be just as discombobulated as he was when they were together. "So why did your dad want me to have dinner with you all if you already had company?" Jason queried. JD of course knew the answer to that question but suddenly felt embarrassed to relinquish that info to Jason, being absolutely certain he would be mortified if he found out his dad knew he had kissed him last night on the front porch and now wanted to meet the boy who did so. But the one thing past experience had taught him, secrets have a way of coming back to bite you in the ass... hard.  It was with that thought in mind JD concluded that forewarned is forearmed and Jason should be allowed to make his own choice in the matter and not be dragged into anything he wasn't comfortable with or prepared for. "Jason listen..." JD stammered trying to find the right way to word what he had to say to him and just decided to rip that bandage off and just blurt it out and let the chips fall where they may. "My dad knows what happened on the front porch last night, I don't know how he knows, but he does." JD didn't know what to think as Jason just stared blankly back at him like the words he just spoke hadn't registered in some way or were somehow unintelligible, but once again, Jason's response caught him off guard: "I'm not ashamed of it JD and a I hope you aren't either." he stated matter of factly and quickly adding: "Just so you know and I'm completely clear about this..." He paused for a second, a second that seemed to drag on for eternity as his bright blue eyes narrowed and bored directly into JD's: "I meant it JD and if it means manning up and owning it to your dad then I'll do just that!" JD barely had the chance to process the shock he felt from Jason's balls to the walls declaration when his dad's voice boomed clearly behind him: "That's good to know boy, I wouldn't take kindly to anyone wanting to take advantage of my youngest son." Pivoting instantly around and backing up a few steps closer to Jason, JD nearly bumped into him as they both now stared directly at his dad. He barely had the chance to gulp before Jason once again surprised him by maneuvering around him and stepping forward with his hand extended toward his dad who to JD's surprise and relief took Jason's hand and shook it vigorously: "Jason Dunne Sir, glad to finally meet you." Max Donnelly smiled and chuckled, slightly impressed at the firmness of Jason's grip: "Drop the sir shit" Max retorted: "That's for officers and politicians, unlike them I work for a living." JD watched as Jason and his dad exchanged pleasantries, taking special note how his dad actually had to look up at Jason who stood at least a good two inches taller though not nearly as muscular or filled out as his dad was. He noted that as they talked, his dad's expressions and attitude began to shift as he seemed to focus more keenly on his friend Jason, like he was studying him, assessing and appraising him, the once jovial aspect of their first encounter subtly changed as his dad's face started taking on a more serious, quizzical countenance, before abruptly concluding their conversation and indicating to Jason he should take a seat at the table while he went to check on the progress of their meal. At first JD started to walk over to the table with Jason when his dad called out to him from the door asking him for his assistance outside. JD couldn't imagine what more help he could possibly need since Timmy was still out there with him but as he joined his dad he watched as he instructed Timmy to head inside shoving the tray with the corn and baked potatoes on it in his hands and telling him to keep Jason company while he and JD finished up with the steaks. Timmy had no sooner disappeared through the door when JD's dad grabbed him by the shoulders and locked eyes with him: "Tell me everything you know about this boy" Max insisted, JD detecting a hint of urgent anxiety in his dad's voice. JD felt his body tense up as he wondered what could possibly make his dad react this way to someone he had never met before, fearing that somehow Jason had offended his dad and now worrying what that might mean to their friendship going forward. His doubts and concerns must have read on his face like an open book to his dad as he straightened up and relaxed his grip on his youngest son's shoulders: "He's not in trouble sport, it's just very important you tell me everything you know about him." JD just looked at him quizzically: "Like what exactly, where he lives, how much he can bench press or squat lift in the gym, what's his favorite type of donut?" Max smiled at him, realizing the broadness of his previous statement and course adjusting to garner the info he really needed to know: "Let's start with how long you have known him?" his dad responded more calmly. Thinking for a moment JD thought back to the day he first noticed him at school about a little over a year ago and it was in the gym after school when he was trying out for the football team. "I've only known him for little over a year but I know he and his mom moved here about two years ago when she took a teaching job over at the university." JD cited every detail he could remember and answered the additional ones his dad interjected with. He didn't know his mom's name or what she taught, he thought it had something to do with biology or something, he knew they moved here from somewhere in North Carolina where Jason was born and grew up. His dad seemed really interested in what he knew about his father, which was easy, because Jason had told him multiple times he didn't know who his dad was and it wasn't something his mom liked to talk about. He also wanted to know exactly how old Jason was, which he also knew, telling his dad he was the same age as Billy (seventeen) and his birthday was sometime next month, he couldn't remember exactly what day though. After hearing that his dad seemed to relax somewhat and asked JD to keep their conversation under wraps for the time being assuring him that neither he or Jason where in any kind of trouble, that as a matter of fact he wanted JD to encourage Jason to come over as often as he wanted, even suggesting he invite him and his mother over on Sunday for an early dinner. JD found the whole thing rather bizarre and couldn't help but wonder what had put his dad in this strange mood and pondering what his dad's possible interest in Jason could be, apprehensively speculating whether this would turn out to be another Timmy type of situation, but doubting his own train of thought since Jason was absolutely nothing like Timmy. As they gathered the steaks and headed toward the house, JD couldn't help but wish Carl was here right now, if anyone could explain his dad's behavior it would be him and he was very much looking forward to his return tomorrow, maybe then he could get some answers to his questions, but most of all, maybe Carl could help him sort out what he was feeling when he was around Jason.