Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2014 11:10:10 -0600
From: Fred Johnson <fjjatatcdc@gmail.com>
Subject: Troy and Zack Chapter 7

Troy and Zack

Chapter 7

This is a fictional story that contains sexual content between men.  If
this is illegal where you are, please don't read this.  Please donate to
Nifty to keep this site free.  Send emails to fjjatatcdc@gmail.com

Sorry it has taken me so long to get this chapter out.  The Holidays made
things a little crazy.  I will try and get back to writing more often and I
want to thank everyone who has sent me emails.  It means so much and helps
to motivate me to keep writing!

I would also like to thank CO for editing this chapter!

I am adding a character to the story based on the very first guy to email
me about this story.  He is a Marine and we have chatted a bunch.  He has
given me permission to add him to my story and I am doing it to honor him
and all the men and women who risk their lives for our freedom.  His story
line is made up, but may contain some elements for factual information that
he has shared.  I will also be adding a couple other characters that are
real people in his life.  THANK YOU BRAD!!!!

I looked at Troy and he smiled at me, which made me feel comfortable and
safe.  I realized that we are hanging with our big brothers.  I looked at
the guys and said "Why not!  I am not shy!"  Everyone laughed and moved the
candy off the table while Travis grabbed a bottle of peppermint schnapps.

After about 45 minutes, there were a lot of clothes on the ground and we
were getting a little tipsy.  We were having a great time and let's just
say it might look like Troy and I hustled the other two.  Jake was in his
underwear and Travis had his right sock and his underwear on.  Both Troy
and I had our socks, pants, and underwear on.

Just before we started the next hand, Troy upped the stakes and suggested
that when you get to the point that you have to take your underwear off,
you have to do it as a strip tease for your partner.  I was surprised to
hear him put that on the table.  I think that we were all getting more
comfortable with the game.  Both Travis and Jake smiled and agreed, then
looked at me.  I said "I am in!"

Travis dealt the cards and I was hoping so much that Jake would lose with
this round.  I wanted to see him strip for Travis.  I was starting to get a
little hard thinking about it.  Ok, I was already a little hard getting to
see Jake and Travis in their underwear.  I think that Troy was a little
hard as well.  We played out the hand and Jake was a good sport about it.
Jake continued to get up out of his chair and slowly walk around the table
the long way when he pulled Travis's chair out away from the table, leaned
in, and gave Travis a little kiss.  Then he stands back up and starts to
swing his hips a little and then starts to rub his chest.  The dance gets
bigger and Jake looks so fucking sexy.  He works his fingers into the side
of his underwear.  He pulls the sides down a little and then pulls them
back up.  He turns around and wiggles his ass in Travis face.  As he does
this he lowers the back of his underwear.  Travis bites at Jakes ass.  Jake
turns around and is now pulling his underwear down.

"WOW, his cock is huge!" I thought to myself.  I could tell that it was
big, but to see it was so amazing.  It looked like it was 9 inches.  I am
sure my mouth was open.  It seemed semi hard.  He looked so sexy pulling
his underwear off and then tossed it to Travis as he climbed up on his lap
and straddled him and made out with him.  I was totally hard and I looked
over at Troy and he was totally hard as well.  After what seemed like 10
minutes, Jake stood up and slowly straddled his chair and said I guess that
I am out!  He sat in his chair as we kept on playing.  I couldn't help
think about Jake's big cock and how I wanted to see it again.  I wanted to
play with it, and suck it.

Troy dealt the cards and the game went on.  Travis finally lost and had to
strip for Jake, but he put up a good fight.  Troy lost his pants and both
socks and I lost my pants and my left sock.

Jake pulled his chair back and we could see his nice dick again. It was
perfect.  It was semi hard, but was still hanging down over his nice sized
balls.  Travis got up and danced a little.  He went over to Jake and put
his ass in his face and lowered his underwear just a little to show some
crack.  Then he worked his ass down and was sitting on Jake's lap.  I
adjusted my cock, which was tenting my underwear and leaking a little pre
cum.  I looked over at Troy and he was enjoying the show as much as I was.

Travis bent over and had his hands on the ground and was grinding his ass
into Jakes cock.  Then he got up, turned around, and pulled his underwear
down in the front revealing his amazing cock.  It wasn't as big as Jake's
and when he got past the head his cock jumped up and slapped against his
abs.  He was fully erect and must have been 7.5 or 8 inches.  He had a
trimmed patch of pubes and a nice vain that ran under his cock and around
the side.  I was so fucking horny.

Then he just dropped his boxer briefs and stepped out of them, startling
Jake.  What a sight!  Travis's cock was pressed up against Jake's abs and
Jake's cock was getting harder and sticking out from under Travis's ass.

They kissed and Travis got up and went back to his chair.

"I am so fucking horny!" Travis said just as normal as if he was thirsty.

We played out to see who would be the winner and I can't believe it, but I
won.  Both Troy and I were down to our underwear and the final hand would
decide it and I won.  Troy got up with the sexiest look on his face whilst
he looked into my eyes and started to put on a great show.  I was so
fucking hard and didn't care if the guys saw or not as they were both
pretty hard and would grab their cocks every once in a while to adjust.
Troy walked around me and was rubbing his hands on my bare chest.  Then he
came in front of me and was grinding his covered cock in front of my face.
The other guys were encouraging him and then he slowly peeled the sides of
his underwear down and his beautiful cock flew out.  His 7.5 inch cock was
right in front of my face and I wanted to open my mouth and take it in.
Troy turned around and sat on my lap and ground his ass into my crotch.  I
was afraid I would cum right there.  After a minute he sat back down and
they all congratulated me as the winner.

"I am so horny I wanna jack off!  Would you guys be comfortable jackin off
to gather?" Travis said.

"Fuck yeah!" Troy said, looking at me with a smile.

"I'm in!" I said as I pulled off my underwear.

I noticed Jake checking out my cock as he ran and grabbed some lube and
passed it around.  Troy took some and passed it to me. I proceeded to pass
it to Travis, who then passed it back to Jake.  We all started off in our
chairs and were stroking our cocks.  I knew that I was not going to last
long.  I was watching Travis and he went from looking at my cock to looking
in my eyes.  I then looked at Jake and his big cock was totally hard and
standing out and up as he stroked it.  Troy was watching Travis and then
looked at me.  He winked and it made my heart beat even faster.  I could
feel my balls building with pressure and I was getting closer.  Just then,
Travis stood up and suggested over the sound of our beating cocks that we
cum on the table, with his cock taking first aim.  He pushed the cards on
the floor.

I stood up too and that was all it took for me to start shooting a huge
load onto the table.  Travis was next and shot a nice size load too.  I
must have shot 6 or 7 ropes and Travis was about 5 or 6.  Then Jake stood
up and so did Troy.  I wanted to take both of their cocks in my hands and
take turns sucking them, but I didn't.  Jake shot his load on the table and
just at the last second I am not sure what came over me, but I got down on
my knees and said "I want that load!"  Troy turned and shot his load into
my mouth and a little on my face.  I stuck my tongue out and then after 5
of 6 shots, I took his cock in my mouth quickly and sucked the last couple
of drops out.  I looked up at Troy and he smiled.  I looked over at Travis
and Jake and they were standing there with their mouths open.

Then I heard Travis say "FUCK that was hot!"

"No SHIT!" Jake said.

We all sat back in our chairs and I couldn't believe I did that.  I felt
like I pushed the envelope a little.  I said "Damn ... I have never jacked
off with a group like that before."

Chuckling, Troy said "That was a first for me."

The other two guys just smiled and I got the impression that maybe they
have done this before.  After we recovered and chatted a little, Troy and I
decided we should go.  We all got dressed and Jake grabbed a towel and
cleaned the table.  We all agreed that it was a great night and that we
would have to do that again.

Troy and I got back to our room and discussed the evening's events as we
were getting ready for bed.  Troy felt the need to seek permission from me,
asking if it was okay that we did that.  He continued that he felt bad,
like he was pushing it too far.  I reassured him that he didn't with a kiss
and then we headed to bed.

"I had fun!" I said.  "I think that Jake and Travis are like older brothers
to me and I trust them.  It is fun to have them to hang out with." I added.

"I agree.  Holy shit does Jake have a huge cock!" Troy said, as we laughed
and fell asleep.

We woke up at 9:30 on Saturday morning.  We were starving, so Troy and I
headed to the cafeteria to get some breakfast.  We grabbed some food and
ensued to find a table.  Troy stopped to grab some napkins for us along the
way while I headed back to the corner that we usually sit in.  As I was
getting closer, I noticed a guy from my Physiology class.  I have noticed
him, as he tends to always sit by himself and seems kind of sad.  I can't
put my finger on it, but I get the sense that something is up.  He seems
like he is a little older then a freshman.

I know that people might think that I have noticed him because he is hot,
but that is not it.  Well, maybe at first I noticed him because of that,
but I truly feel like something is going on.

I didn't really wait for Troy to catch up to ask him if we could see about
sitting with this guy; I just went up and asked.

"Hi!  I think we have Physiology 101 together.  I am Zack and this is my
roommate Troy.  Could we sit with you?"  I reached out my hand to shake his
as Troy caught up behind me.

"Uhh ... uuumm ... yeah, sure.  I am Brad."  Brad shook my hand and then
Troy reached out and they shook hands as well.

We sat down and Tory gave me a peculiar, "What's up?" look.  But he just
went with it as was his usual, charming self.

"So Brad, are you a freshman?" Troy asked right away, getting the
conversation moving.

"Yes." Brad responded.

"I would have guessed that you were a senior." I said trying to keep the
conversation going.

"I was in the Marines!  I am 24!"

"Wow!  That is amazing!  You are a hero!  I could never have done that!" I
said.

It was a little tough to get Brad to talk, as he was very quiet.  I
couldn't seem to shake the feeling that something was wrong.

"How come you are sitting alone?" Troy asked, before he realized what had
just come out of his mouth.

"I don't know....  I guess I am not really getting along with my roommate
and his friends and haven't really met anyone yet."

I felt my heart break a little bit.  I wasn't sure what to say in response,
but luckily, Troy jumped in and saved the day.

"Well you have just met us and we would love to have you hang with us."

"Yah and we have met some really cool people and they are a lot of fun to
hang out with." I added.

"That's ok.  You don't need to take me on as a charity case." Brad replied.

"Are you kidding?  Yes we do!  Do you know how much money they take off
your tuition if you take on a charity case?"  Troy laughed cueing me to
say, "Yah I think they even put your picture on the school's website and in
the newsletter."

Even though Brad was looking down at the table he was smiling and realized
that we were funny.

"Really, though, it is not a charity case.  We have not really met that
many people and besides you are in one of my classes.  So it would be cool
to get to know you anyway."

A tear ran down Brads face.  Here is this built, stud Marine and something
was eating him up.  I just had this feeling.  I didn't want to push him,
but I knew that I still wanted to help him.  Something was on his mind and
I wanted him to know that we were good guys and that he could trust us.

"Brad, are you ok?  I mean are you home sick or is hard to be in school and
doing something new after being in the Marines?" I asked with as much
passion and empathy in my voice as I could muster.

"Yah!  It has been hard.  I feel like I don't belong." He said softly.

There were more tears running down his face.  I felt bad.  I felt like I
pushed him and made him sad, but Troy realized that he needed us and that
he was opening up to us.

"Hey, let's go play some pool." Troy said.

Brad wiped the tears from his eyes and said "That's ok, I think I just need
to be alone and maybe go do some studying."

"Ok you don't like us?"  I said and Troy followed with "Was it something I
said.  Do I smell?  I didn't shower, but come on."

Again, Brad smiled.  We finally convinced him to come with us and play some
pool.  We cleared our trays and headed toward the Rec. Center.  Things were
feeling so normal until a girl stopped Troy and asked if she could have his
autograph.  I didn't even see it coming.  I am usually so good at spotting
this before it happens, but I must have been distracted by our conversation
with Brad and wanting to help take his mind off whatever was weighing him
down.

Troy with all his charm and charisma explained to the girl that he would
love to but he couldn't and without being rude, we were back on our way to
the Rec Center.

"I thought you were Troy Anthony, but I didn't want to say anything." Brad
beckoned.

"Sure you did!" Troy teased as we walked across the street and into the Rec
Center.  We checked out the stuff to play pool and the guys that helped us
that first day were there again.  They were super cool and we got our stuff
and they asked if we were going to play loser pays again?

"Nope this is my treat today!" Troy said without missing a beat.

We set up and played pool for an hour and a half.  It was so much fun and
Brad seemed like a totally different person as the game went on.  He was
having fun.  He totally fit in.  He was still a little quiet and seemed
guarded, but I could tell he was having a good time.

After we finished playing, we asked Brad what his plans for the day where.
He told us that he was just going to study and try to stay away from his
room as much as he could.  We asked if he would be up for going to lunch
and a movie.  The smile on his face was all the answer we needed.  At that
moment I realized the difference a smile on a person's face can change
their look.

We headed back to our room and on the way we ran into Jake and Travis.  We
introduced them to Brad and asked them to join us.  I was a little nervous
that there might be a hint of weirdness left over from last night, but
there was none of that.  Jake and Travis said that they would love to join
us, but they had just worked out and needed to shower, so we told them to
come to our room when they were done.

As we left the guys and headed to our room, I started to think about our
beds pushed together. My mind was frantic, wondering if we had closed the
door to the bedroom or if it was wide open, and whether or not Brad would
see it or say anything.  As Troy opened the door, I breathed a sigh of
relief as the door was closed.  Brad was impressed with our room and wanted
to know how Troy lucked out to get this big of a room.  Troy started to
tell him about the situation when I interjected saying that I wanted to
change before we went to lunch. I snuck into our room and pulled the beds
apart.  I was thinking that I didn't care if Brad saw our beds on my
behalf, but I didn't want Troy to be in a position that he wasn't ready
for.  I quickly changed my clothes and when I opened the door, Brad wanted
to see in our room and I noticed the smile on Troy's face as I let Brad
check it out.

Travis and Jake knocked on our door and I thought to myself, "I wonder if
they showered together to save time?"  I can't help it, I have a dirty
mind.  We headed to lunch and then the movie and everyone was having a
great time.  It was great to get to know Brad better and he was fitting in
great!  He explained that he had gotten in a fight with his roommate, but
didn't really go into it.  By the end of the day he seemed to be in better
spirits.

On the way home, I noticed that Brad seemed to be getting quieter and it
seemed like he didn't want our day to end.  Travis suggested that we order
some pizza and hang out. Brad seemed to like that idea.  We decided to go
to our place and order pizzas and watch another movie.  Jake said that he
had a great movie that he was going to run and get and would meet us back
in our room.  As we were walking into the building, Troy asked if I thought
we should ask if Brad wanted to crash at our place tonight!  I wanted to
kiss him.  He is the greatest!  "YES!" I blurted out with excitement.  The
other guys turned and wanted to know what we were talking about.

"What we were just talking about was asking Brad if he wanted to crash at
our room tonight!"

"Really?  You guys would let me crash here tonight?"

"Of course man!" I said as we got to our room.

The next week was homecoming week and it seemed to fly by.  There were tons
of things going on around the campus.  A bunch of us went to a comedy show
they had on campus which was, of course, very funny.  They had 3 comedians
and each had us dying with laughter.  We also played in a Volleyball
tournament.  Our team was Jake, Brad, Brian, Troy and I.  We lost our third
game, but it was super fun and we are thinking about getting a team
together for the intramural league that is starting in a couple of weeks.
We had all decided to go to the football game as a group, and were trying
to figure out a plan to have a party somehow.

Jake and Travis told us that they would show us how to tailgate "the right
way" for homecoming.  Jake asked if we could use my pickup truck and, of
course, I said yes.  I gave Jake my keys so that I wouldn't have to get up
as early to help pick out a spot.  Besides, they really wanted to surprise
us.  I trusted them and knew that they would take good care of the truck.

I got up, showered, and let Troy sleep in a little.  I wanted to mess
around, but knew that there would be time for that later in the day.  I
washed up my body and realized that I was getting a little more definition
in my body.  The working out was paying off.

I got out of the shower and Troy was up.  He gave me a kiss as he headed to
take his shower and said "It's too bad that you didn't wait for me!" as he
pulled off his underwear, showing off his amazing ass.  I almost hopped
back in, but I told him I had some plans for later.

I called Jake and he told me where we could find them, sounding excited.
 He must have thanked me a hundred times for letting them use my truck.  I
said "Well, if that is how I get invited to party with the cool kids, I am
in!"  This made him laugh.

I text Brad and he said that he would meet us at our dorm.  Sounds like his
roommate is being a real dick for some reason and it would be easier for
him to meet us and then head to the football stadium.  Then I text Brain so
that he could tell the rest of the gang where to meet us.

As Troy finished up his shower and got dressed, Brad was on his way up to
our room.  We all headed out and it was nice to have Brad along, as Troy
would get stopped by people who recognized him.  That way I didn't feel
like such a looser when people talked to Troy and didn't even notice me.
As we came up over the hill and approached the parking lot of the football
stadium, the smell of food sizzling on the grills wafted towards us. The
lot was packed with people, cars, trucks, and grills.  I pulled out my
phone and took a picture.   It was a great sight to see!  As we walked down
the hill into the festivities, I spotted my truck all decked out with a
banner with the school logo on it and the back was filled with coolers,
snacks and supplies.  Jake was grilling and Travis was talking with a group
of students from our dorm, some of whom I have never met before.  I love
having these two as our older bros.

As we arrived Jake asked, "Well, what do you think?"

We all reacted with excitement and I am guessing that Jake could not really
make out what anyone was saying other than it was awesome and we all liked
it.  Travis introduced everyone and I was having a hard time remembering
their names, but everyone seemed really cool.  They were all upperclassmen
and Travis keep telling everyone that this was my truck and what a great
guy I was.  People seemed excited to meet Troy, but were cool about it, and
didn't ignore Brad or myself.  They treated us all the same.

Brian and some of the gang arrived about a half hour later and the group
was getting pretty big.  People would mingle around to other spots and
other people would stop by our spot too.  It was the coolest tailgating I
have ever been too.  Oh, wait--it is pretty much the only tailgating I have
ever been to.  I think it was the only tailgating that Troy has ever been
to as well, because every time I looked over he looked like he was in
heaven.

Then out of the blue, Brad came up to me and had this look of panic on his
face.  I asked him what was wrong and he told me that Troy was talking with
his roommate, Allan and his friends and wondered if we knew them.  I looked
and told him that I didn't recognize them, but wasn't sure about Troy.  I
said lets go see what they are talking about.

As I started to head that way, Brad was frozen in his spot.  "Come on dude,
it's cool!"  Brad followed behind me.  As we headed in that direction, I
wondered what was going on. This guy was younger and smaller than Brad and
I am sure that he could kill him if he wanted to.  Brad is a muscular guy
that I would never want to mess with.  As we approached, I could hear Allan
and his friends talking with Troy.  Right away, I could tell that he was
one of the star struck fans and that Troy did not really know him or any of
the guys that were with him.  I walked up with Brad behind me.  Alan didn't
even stop talking and I could tell by the way he was talking he was trying
to impress Troy.  Troy had seen us coming, finding the split second to
break in and introduce Alan and the other three guys to Brad and myself.
Alan's whole attitude changed when he saw Brad.  Alan had this venomous
tone in his voice and cut Troy off when he started to introduce Brad.

"Yah I know Brad.  He is my roommate, but we are trying to get that
switched cuz I don't really want to have a big homo as my roommate."

Brad jumped like he was going to tear the shit out of Alan!  Alan slid back
with his friends following his cue.  Troy and I grabbed Brad, but he really
stopped on his own.  There was no way that we would have been able to hold
him back if he really wanted to fight.

"Excuse me?  Did you really just say what I think you said?" Troy
exclaimed.  "I have known Brad for a few days now, and whether he is gay or
not, I can tell you that he is a really cool guy who has made the selfless
choice to volunteer to join the Marines to protect his country." Troy
asserted. A small group began to appear.

"I have known you for about a minute and can tell that your shallow, narrow
mindedness is incredibly ignorant and embarrassing for you.  To judge a
person like that, you are going to miss out on many cool people in your
life.  I think most people would rather hang out with a person like Brad
than an asshole like you.  Thanks for stopping by, Alan, and I am glad you
liked my movies, but I don't think you are really welcome around here
anymore!" Troy justified.

The small group that had gathered cheered.  Alan looked like he wanted to
be invisible and his friends looked like they had all just stepped in
shit.  They turned, and headed off as other people commented.

"Later homophobe."  "What a dick!"  "Fuckin Looser." The crowd shouted.

Troy turned to Brad and pulled him into a hug.  Troy said "You are always
welcome here and with this group, unless you turn into a dick like Alan."

I could see that there were tears running down Brad's eyes and I heard him
whisper "Thank You!"

Travis was standing, watching the whole thing, and came over and said that
we were going to help find him a new roommate and move out of his current
room.

Once more, I could see this overwhelming weight lifted off Brad's shoulders.

"Come on, let's get some food!" Travis said.

We all headed over to the magnificent spread of food, where we loaded up
our plates.  Everyone was having a good time and I could see that Brad had
finally relaxed a little, too.  He was being himself and meeting new people.

People would stop by, when Jake and Travis would then introduce Troy and I
as their little brothers.  I am sure that I won't remember anyone's name
tomorrow, but it was cool to feel like I was meeting so many new people.
For the most part, people were being really cool around Troy and there were
only a few people who were asking him questions.   He was taking pictures
with people and acting like a normal college kid.  There were a lot of
people drinking, and I noticed that Troy was not.  I wasn't either.  Never
been a drinker, plus I kind of felt like it was my responsibility to keep
an eye out for Troy.

As people started to head into the game, I asked Jake if he wanted me to
help clean up before we went in.  He said that he would love some help.  We
told Troy, Travis, and Brad to go ahead and that we would join them in a
bit.  We did tell them to make sure to save us some seats.

We gathered up the trash and then picked up the folding chairs and stuff.
It wasn't too much, but it would have taken Jake twice as long to do it by
himself and if Travis had stayed to help, that would have meant that they
both set up and cleaned up.  I felt like it was the least I could do to
help.  Plus, it gave me a chance to make sure that nothing was going to
change or be awkward between us guys.

"So ... do you guys invite lots of guys over to play strip poker?"  I
questioned.  Though it was not my intention to make things awkward, I am
pretty sure I just did.

"Only the hot ones with nice big cocks!" Jake replied, which made me laugh
and put me at ease.

"I hope it didn't make you guys uncomfortable?" Jake said.

I didn't want to sound too excited, but I answered back "Are you kidding?
That was hot!  I have never done anything like that before."

"Well, I am not going to lie!  I have only played Strip Poker once before
and it was in high school with guys and girls, and it didn't end in a
circle jerk--that's for sure."

I was a little surprised.  We laughed and talked about the experience and
Jake said that after everyone got naked, they ended up going swimming in
the pool at this chicks house they were at.

"Travis and I are so glad that we met you and Troy!"

Jake's comment took me off guard.  I have never had anyone say something
like this.  I felt the emotion well up inside me and before the tears could
come out of my eyes, I said "Are you kidding? Troy and I feel like the
lucky ones.  To have upperclassmen take us under their wing is incredible!"

Jake smiled and went back to cleaning off the grill and making sure that
the coals were cool enough to clean up.  I finished putting everything else
in the truck and helped load the grill.

"Where did you get this anyway?" I ask as we lift the grill into the truck.

"Remember Thomas?  He has a house off-campus and we picked it up from his
place."  Jake answered. I had nodded, but truly could not remember meeting
him.  There were so many people that I wasn't sure which one.

We finally got everything cleaned up and headed into the game.  It was
great to hang with Jake and get to talk with him.  I am glad that
everything seemed cool and that there was not going to be anything awkward
about our jack session.  All I could think was I hoped we get to do it
again!

We found the other guys and by the looks of the score, it was a good game.
The score was 14 to 14 and our team had the ball at the 30 yard line.  They
looked like they were close to scoring again.  As we got to our seats, we
scored and everyone went wild.  I was sitting next to Troy and said. "I
guess I am good luck!"  He laughed and said "I think so!"  I wanted him to
kiss me right there, but I knew that wouldn't happen.  Our team made the
field goal and we were up 21 to 14.  I was sitting between Travis and
Troy.  Brad was on the other side of Troy and Jake was on the other side of
Travis.  A bunch of the gang was sitting around us as well.

The game was pretty close, which made it exciting, even though I am not
really a football fan.  At half time, the score was 27 to 24; we were up by
3.  A bunch of us decided to walk around and check out the concession
stand.  Troy, Brad, Jake, Travis, Brian, Kent, Maggie, Meg, and I went as a
group.  We made it to the concession stand and there was a pretty big
line.  Jake, Travis, and Kent went to the bathroom and so did Maggie and
Meg.  The rest of us got in line and grabbed some stuff for everyone.  Troy
paid, but didn't make a big deal about it.  People offered to pay him back
but he was super cool about it and said that he would get it this time.
Somehow, though, it seemed to be every time with Troy.

After we got our food and the group finished with the bathroom, we walked
around for a little bit to stretch our legs.  Troy was approached a few
times, but in his charming way he chatted with the people and then they
went on their way.  Brian teased Troy and asked if he would pose for a
picture with him.  Troy's expression looked like he felt bad, and then
Brian said he was just kidding him.  Troy said that we all can take
pictures.  It is just that he wants college to be as normal as possible.

When we got back to our seats, we were all chatting and we started taking
pictures.  I could see that Troy was making a big effort to fit in with the
group and that Brain was telling him that he was kidding.  I also heard
Brain say that his little sister and brother are big fans and have been
asking about him.  Troy then took a picture with just Brian and himself to
send to his siblings.

Half time was almost over and the Cheerleaders and the school Mascot, a
Bulldog, were working the crown.  Everyone was cheering along and singing
the school song.  There was a ton of energy in the stadium.

The other team scored within the first two minutes of the 3rd quarter and
now we were behind 31 to 27.  That was all our team needed to get their
heads back in the game.  We scored 14 points in the 3rd quarter and held
them to just the 7.  In the 4th quarter, the other team put up 7 points and
we answered with 7 of our own.  The final score was 48 to 38, leaving our
team undefeated.  It was a really exciting game.  I think that I would be
up for going to another game if everyone else wanted to.

Everyone was pumped and excited as we headed out of the stadium.  A bunch
of people were going to go hang out in the Rec Center.  Jake said that he
would be happy to return my truck to the parking lot, so we went with the
group for a little bit.

People were trying to decide between bowling and playing pool.  More people
wanted to bowl and there was such a large group that Troy, Brad, and I
decided to watch for a little bit and then we went back to our place.

As we were walking back to our dorm, Bard started to talk and I could tell
that he was trying to explain what happened earlier with his roommate.  I
was very curious as to why they had gotten in a fight and was now even more
curious than ever as to how this all came about.

"I am not sure why you guys have been so nice to me and I am sorry for what
happened today.  I was just ... I mean...." Brad said until Troy cut him
off.

"First of all, when we saw you sitting alone I know that Zack must have
realized that something was wrong. From what I know of Zack, he is a great
guy and would do anything to try and help someone out."

Tears almost welled up in my eyes at that.

"Once we realized you needed cheering up, then it became our mission to
help." Troy finished.

Brad quietly said as we walked into our building so that no one else could
hear, "But after what happened today and what was said...."

This time I jumped in. "Brad, it doesn't matter what other people say.
Here's what I have learned from Troy: you have to let it roll off your back
and be who you are.  Troy and I were playing pool and a bunch of douche
bags came up and started talking smack about Troy, accusing him of being
gay, and a whole bunch of other shit. It fired me up and almost sent me
through the roof, but Troy didn't even flinch.  He pretended like he didn't
even hear it."

We got to our door and Troy had unlocked it and we went in.  Troy grabbed
some Dr. Peppers for everyone and Brad and I sat down at the table.

"So, umm ... there are only two people that know I am gay: my boyfriend,
Ricky, who I have known since I was in 6th grade, and my best friend and
Brother Drew, who I spent all but the last six months of my time in the
core with." Brad began.

"When Ricky and I were in middle school, we experimented and figured out
that we both had feeling for each other and we became boyfriends, but not
really out.  We both dated girls and pretended, but we messed around and
did everything together.  My Brother and I have been through hell and back
and love each other.  He is straight and when I told him, I was so afraid I
would ruin our friendship, but he accepted me for who I am and never
treated me any different." Brad continued.

"I was alone in my room checking my emails and I had to run to the
bathroom.  Alan and one of his asshole friends came into our room.  I
thought they were going to be gone all afternoon, but they came back for
some reason and I had left my computer on.  I must have left my email up
and he must have read a series of emails from Drew and Ricky and found out
in an email I am gay.  When I got back to the room, Alan pointed to my
computer and said that I should be more careful about leaving my email
open, especially the emails from my boyfriends." Brad confided.

Brad still seemed on edge and unsure what my reaction to his story would
be.  Brad explained that he froze, like he didn't know what to do.  I mean,
if Brad wanted to, I am sure that he could have snapped Alan in two
considering how strong he was.  Alas, his fear of someone finding out that
he was gay was like a kryptonite.  Brad illuminated that Alan and his buddy
left and they were laughing as they were talking about Alan not being sure
he wanted to stay in a room with a gay dude.  It was like Alan could see
the power that he had over Brad, and was going to use it to his benefit.

"Brad, you seem like a great guy and you don't need friends like that."
Troy said calmly.  Troy glanced at me and it was like I could read his
mind, so I smiled and nodded my head.

"Brad, I want you to know that you can trust us and I think we can trust
you as well.  Both Zack and I are gay as well."  Troy admitted confidently.

Brad was looking at the floor until Troy said that, when his eyes snapped
up to survey Troy and then myself.  We all smiled and laughed.

"Are you kidding me?!" Brad finally said, questionably.  He looked at us
and then Troy said, "We are not out either.  The only guys who know about
us are Jake and Travis.  They have been like older brothers to us and we
totally understand how you feel."

It was like Brad was filled with this air of confidence and I could see the
Marine in him seek the daylight.  How quickly his attitude changed to not
taking anyone's shit.  I am pretty sure that if Alan says anything else,
Brad will not be afraid to stand up to him.

"Thank you again for standing up for me today.  You guys are awesome and I
am so lucky that I have met you."

"So you said that you have a boyfriend?  Ricky?  Where is he?" I asked.

"During college, Ricky got a great internship and after college got hired
on with this great company.  He is in Hawaii.  I was going to move there,
but he knew that my family went to school here and I always talked about
going here.  He said that if we could make it through me being in the
Marines then we could make it through me going to school.  I am not sure.
I miss him so much and to go through this alone has been really hard.  When
you came and sat down at my table, I was thinking that maybe I should drop
out and just move to be with him."

"We are here for you." Troy said reassuringly.

"Thank you.  I feel a lot better, but it is hard to think of not being with
him."

"I am sure he wants you to pursue your dreams too." I said.

There was a silence for a little while and then Troy jumped in.  "I think
we all need something to eat!"  We all hugged and decided to go get
something to eat.  We called and asked if Travis and Jake would want to go
grab some pizza at SaVoy's.  They joined us and it was a great dinner and I
loved having Brad as a part of our group.

During dinner, Jake got a call from Matt, a friend of his in our dorm.
Matt had a double room to himself and Jake asked him if he might be willing
to meet Brad and see if he would be willing to let him move in with him.
Matt said that he would totally be up for it.  Jake made arrangements for
us to meet up with him after dinner and then after he hung up the phone
explained the plan.

Jake said that he told Matt about what happened and that everything would
be cool.  Jake also told Brad that he and Travis were gay and that Matt was
as well.  Brad just smiled.  Then Jake started to tell us about Matt and I
was thinking that maybe I wanted to move in with him.  Ha ha!  I am
kidding.  Matt sounds like a great guy.  I am looking forward to meeting
him.

We requested Bri to be our waitress again and really enjoyed dinner and
getting to know Brad.  We asked him a bunch of questions about being in the
Marines, and he asked us questions as well.  I could tell that he was
excited to meet Matt and I was excited for him too.


Again, thank you so much for reading my story and I love hearing your
thoughts.  I also love hearing your thoughts on where the story might go.
I have some big plans coming up and I think you will like it.  I am also
very interested in what you think the guys look like.  I have been
collecting some pics of what I think they look like and might try to see if
I can find a way to share them, but if you have any pics or want to send me
some of what you are thinking they look like, I would love to see them.
Thanks again.  Send your thoughts to fjjatatcdc@gmail.com