Tau Kappa Delta

In a large room on the top floor of the Tau Kappa Delta fraternity house, Tyler Davidson relaxed in bed and stared happily up at the ceiling. He was in a very good mood. Ben McDaniel was in that same room but he was far from happy. He was in fact, quite miserable. He’d agreed to a stupid challenge and when he’d blown it he’d been made to suffer the most disgusting and humiliating punishment imaginable. He’d had to lick Tyler’s feet. And not just once either; he’d had to lick them until they were clean. He was still in shock. How had he gotten himself into this situation? It started out with one quick kiss on Tyler’s foot to work off some demerits and it had just spiraled down into hell from there. He’d lost challenge after challenge and he’d gone back for more. Why had he been so stubborn and stupid? Tyler had given him every chance to just quit but he was so sure he was on the verge of winning every time he’d just had to keep pushing the envelope. He was like a gambler on a losing streak who just couldn’t quit because he was sure the big win was just around the corner. Tyler had even raised the stakes after each loss so that Ben would wise up and just quit but he hadn’t. He wished now he had. He wished he’d just walked away when Tyler gave him the chance to quit earlier but he’d agreed to just one more and had been so stupid as to agree to let Tyler mete out whatever punishment he wanted. Ben knew he should have paid more attention and asked more questions before agreeing so quickly. But part of him knew that even if he’d realized that he’d have to clean Tyler’s dirty, sweaty feet with his tongue if he lost he’d still have been dumb enough to risk it. And that was why, he realized, he’d been on his knees licking Tyler’s feet for the last hour and a half.

Finally he heard Tyler say, “I think you’ve had enough. You can stop licking my feet Ben.” Ben gave a weary sigh, “Thank you Master Tyler.”

Tyler chuckled. “You can go back to calling me ‘sir’. I was just making fun after the ridiculous punishment you got yourself into.”

“Thank you sir,” Ben said with relief.

Tyler stood up and approached Ben. “I guess you can stop kneeling now,” Tyler shrugged.

“Thank… thank you,” Ben groaned as he painfully got to his feet. He could barely stand and Tyler had to give him a hand until he became steady.

“I gotta tell ya Ben,” Tyler said, “that was fucking crazy. I mean no pledge has ever, ever gotten that far in the hole. But man you really stuck with it. None of the guys are going to doubt your commitment to joining the frat when I tell them what you went through.”

Ben winced. He’d endured the humiliation but only because Tyler had been the only one to know. He’d never have been able to kneel down and kiss Tyler’s feet in front of the other brothers as they looked on is disgust. Even worse, his father might find out and Ben knew his father who was so, so successful at everything would never be able to understand why Ben would disgrace himself like that.

“I mean we’ve put some pledges through some rough stuff before,” Tyler went on, “but I’m pretty sure you’re the only one in the history of the fraternity to lick another dude’s feet. The guys aren’t going to believe it.”

Tyler made it sound like Ben should be proud of this accomplishment but Ben just wanted to forget it ever happened.

“Is it really necessary to tell everybody?” Ben asked.

“Why would… Oh I see,” Tyler said with concern. “I didn’t think about it from your point of view. Yeah, I guess if I told the guys that would be really embarrassing for you wouldn’t it?”

Ben nodded.

“In fact,” Tyler mused. “Now that I think about it, some of them might be a little freaked out. I mean kissing and licking some guy’s dirty feet? That’s some fetish shit right there.”

Ben could feel his face redden at the thought of how he’d debased himself just for a chance to get into the frat.

“Relax dude,” Tyler said with a smile. “I won’t tell them what you did.”

“Thank you sir,” Ben said with obvious relief.

“It’s cool,” Tyler said. “Of course, we have to explain about your face.”

Ben had forgotten about his black eye and split lip.

“Oh, ummmm I guess I can say I fell,” Ben suggested.

Tyler laughed, “Dude that’s same lame no one’s going to believe that. We’ll just tell them I kicked you in the face.”

“What?” Ben asked in a panic, “But I thought you weren’t going to say anything!”

“We’re not going to tell them I did it in my sleep while you were kissing my feet dumbass,” Tyler said dismissively. “We’ll just say we were sparring around in the back yard.”

“Oh,” Ben said. “I guess that’s believable.”

Tyler laughed really loudly, “You’re kidding right? You know I’m the captain of the Tae Kwon Do team right?”

“Umm no,” Ben said honestly. “I thought you were a football player or something.”

Tyler shrugged, “Well I’m big enough and strong enough to play football and I did when I was younger but I’m not on the team here. I was busy competing in martial arts in high school and didn’t have time for football.”

“Oh,” Ben said simply. “Okay then I guess that excuse will work.”

Tyler nodded. “Yeah, I’ve sparred with most of the guys in the frat. Trust me, if we tell them you were dumb enough to spar with me none of them are going to be surprised that I slammed my foot in your face.”

The way he said it so casually made Ben pause. He’d give anything to have the confidence and power Tyler exuded. Ben had dealt with plenty of bullies over the years in boarding school. He was sure no one had ever messed with Tyler.

Tyler grabbed his flip flops from the closet and slipped them on. “Come on Ben,” he said. “Let’s go grab some lunch.” With that he marched out of the room and Ben followed his new friend Tyler.

Tyler led Ben downstairs. There were a couple of guys in the living room and they looked up as Tyler and Ben entered.

“Hey Ty,” Paul said.

“Sup dude?” Tyler responded. “We’re gonna grab some chow. You hungry?” “Nah,” Paul said, “I just ate.”

“Anyone else?” Tyler offered. The rest shook their heads because they’d already had lunch too. Suddenly Paul seemed to notice Ben.

“What’s with the pledge scum?” Paul joked to Tyler.

Tyler shrugged. “He’s been working off some demerits.” Ben flinched at the thought of Tyler explaining exactly how he’d worked off those demerits.

“Oh that’s right,” Paul said. “You had him wash your car last night. Did he do a good job?”

“It was ok but not great. I had him come back early today and polish my trophies to work off the rest.” Tyler lied.

Paul and guys laughed at that.

“So Ben is at +10 now,” Tyler announced. Ben noticed the guys seemed kind of surprised by that but didn’t object. But now that they were staring at Ben it took only a few seconds before one of them noticed his eye and lip.

“Dude what happened to your face?” Dave asked.

“Ummm, I was uh… sparring with Tyler,” Ben replied.

“Hey Dave,” Ian said, “This pledge scum seems to have forgotten how to address his TKD superiors.” “That’s right,” Dave nodded.

“Sorry Brother Dave sir,” Ben replied. “I mean I was sparring with Awesome Brother Tyler sir.”

“That’s better,” Dave replied. “Looks like you forgot to duck when Tyler punched.”

The guys laughed at that. Tyler did as well but then said, “Well not quite, tell’em what happened pledge.” He arched his eyebrow as he looked at Ben.

Ben sighed. “Not a punch Brother Dave sir,” Ben explained. “Awesome Brother Tyler kicked me.” There was a little shock at this. “In the face?” Paul asked.

This time Tyler answered. “What can I say? It was his choice to spar. He can’t block worth shit. We were just messing around.”

“Don’t spar with Ty,” Paul warned. “You’re lucky he didn’t break your jaw.”

Ben nodded, “Thank you Brother Paul sir. I think I learned my lesson.”

With Tyler said, “Let’s go eat. I’m starved.” He started to head towards the door.

“Hold up Ty,” Paul said. “Can we talk to you for a second?” Tyler stopped. “Alone.” Paul added staring at Ben.

Tyler nodded and said to Ben, “Go wait by my car,” and Ben left.

Once he was out of earshot, Paul said, “Dude what gives? I thought you were going to keep him out? No he’s got points back?”

“Relax,” Tyler said. “I’ve got it under control. He already thinks everyone else is a legacy and he has to compete. I’m just leading him on. I’ll get him to drop out.”

“You sure?” Paul pressed.

“Believe me,” Tyler said confidently. “I’ve got him right where I want him.”

The others grudgingly accepted Tyler’s assurances.

Tyler went out back where Ben was dutifully waiting by his car like he’d ordered. He really was like a little puppy. Tyler smiled and then he and Ben drove to a nearby pub where Tyler had a burger and Ben got a couple of tacos. He knew the other guys didn’t understand why he was suddenly hanging out with a pledge but Tyler wanted to keep Ben under control and to do that he was going to be Ben’s new ‘best friend’. Ben didn’t know shit about sports so they talked a bit about school. Tyler had Ben tell him about himself while he munched on his food. Ben only took bites in between telling Tyler how he’d grown up in boarding schools, how he’d ended up coming to this college and how much he wanted to be a part of TKD to meet his father’s expectations. It was exactly what Tyler needed to know.

Tyler had finished his burger and fries but he was still hungry. Ben still had three tacos on his plate and Tyler was eyeing them hungrily.

“Those tacos look good,” Tyler said interrupting Ben’s narrative.

“Umm yeah,” Ben said looking down at his plate. “They’re okay I guess.”

“Lemme see,” Tyler said reaching over and grabbing one. He took a big bite, chewed it thoughtfully and said, “Not bad,” before setting this partially eaten taco back on Ben’s plate.

Ben blinked in surprise and Tyler pretended to notice his shock.

“What’s the matter?” he asked casually.

Ben hesitated and said, “Nothing. I mean ummm you just took a bite and…”

“What? That’s too gross for you?” Tyler said in mock indignation. “You think you’re gonna catch something?”

“No it’s just…” Ben protested.

“Take a bite,” Tyler ordered.

“That’s okay,” Ben said pushing the plate away. “I’m not really that hungry more.”

“You’re forgetting pledge,” Tyler said sternly, “When a brother gives you an order, you obey it. Now eat the fucking taco.”

Ben grimaced. He supposed taking a bite after Tyler wasn’t that big of a deal. Grudgingly he picked up the taco. He hesitated.

“Jesus Ben you just licked dirt off my feet earlier,” Tyler reminded. “How bad can a taco be?”

While what Tyler said was true, when Ben thought about what he’d done his stomach heaved. Reluctantly he took a bite of the taco.

“No dumbass,” Tyler said. “Not that end. Take a fucking bite where I did you pussy.”

Ben bristled but took the bite.

“Now chew it up and swallow,” Tyler ordered. Ben obeyed. “Now finish it.”

Ben ate the rest of the taco while Tyler watched with a smirk. Once he finished, Tyler said, “See. That wasn’t so bad was it?”

“No sir,” Ben lied.

“Well since you don’t look so hungry any more I’ll just finish these,” Tyler said scooping up the remaining tacos from Ben’s plate. He chowed down while Ben watched in silence.

The waitress came by to check on them and noticed that Tyler was now eating the tacos.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “Did you not like them?

Tyler answered before Ben could. “Oh don’t worry about him. He eats anything. Trust me,” he laughed and smiled at Ben. Ben‘s cheeks reddened in embarrassment.

“So can I get you guys anything else?” the waitress asked.

“Just a refill and the check,” Tyler said.

“One check or two?” she asked.

“One please,” Tyler answered. Ben was surprised. He hadn’t expected Tyler to buy him lunch. It wasn’t like Ben was some poor college student. His dad might have trouble giving Ben love but not money. He wouldn’t get his trust fund until he was 21 but Ben never worried about money. All his bill’s, including his credit cards were paid by his father who had never questioned anything Ben bought. Hell, he probably could have charged himself a Ferrari and his dad wouldn’t mind. Still, it was thoughtful of Tyler to pick up the tab. Or so Ben thought until the waitress brought the check.

“You got this right?” Tyler asked as he slid it over to Ben. He didn’t even wait for a response. He just got up and sauntered toward the door.

“Oh,” Ben said in surprised. “Um sure, I guess.” He realized that it was probably pretty natural for the frat members to take a little advantage of their assigned pledges while they could. Just one of the perks once you were in. He paid the check and went outside where they’d parked but saw Tyler driving off. He didn’t know why he’d assumed he’d go back to the frat house with Tyler since he wasn’t yet a member but it would have made for a much shorter walk since it was a lot closer to his dorm room.

No matter. Ben just hiked back to his room and then logged on to download the assignments he’d missed from skipping class that day. He noticed he had a couple of e-mails. One was from Jake, the TKD president with a schedule of pledge activities over the next two weeks. He saw that he was expected to be back at TKD at 8:00PM that evening. The instructions said to bring a towel. He wondered what that was about. The other was a message from Tyler.

It read:

Hey Ben, thanks for lunch. Sorry again about kicking you in the face.I told you the guys would believe it if you said you’d sparred with me. It’s probably better I did just kick you in my sleep. Paul was right, if I’d really sparred with you I probably would have broken your jaw. Haha. 

Anyway, I’ll see you tonight. Remember you’ve still got a shot at this. You may have had to kiss and lick my feet to get there but you’re at 10 points now. Don’t blow it.

Ty

Ben was happy that Tyler seemed to believe in him. He suddenly realized how tired he was. He hadn’t gotten any sleep last night as he’d been on his knees kissing Tyler’s feet. He crawled into bed and fell fast asleep.

It was past 9PM when he woke up. He rubbed his eyes and then realized he was supposed to be at the frat house an hour ago.

“Shit!” he exclaimed as he jumped out of bed, put his shoes on and raced out the door. He ran all the way to the frat house in about 10 minutes and was on the verge of collapse when he got there. The front door was propped open when he came up on the front porch and he could see everyone gathered inside. There wasn’t a party going on like last night but there he heard some shouting and laughter. Something was going on. He’d hoped he could slip in unnoticed but no such luck.

“Well, look who finally showed up!” someone shouted. Ben thought his name was Derek or Darren. Everyone turned to look at Ben and he sheepishly waved.

“Hey, sorry I’m late,” he apologized.

“Maybe you’re not taking this seriously pledge,” Jake said as he stepped forward. Ben remembered he was the president.

“No I do,” Ben said hastily adding “President Brother Jake sir,” when Jake stared at him. “It’s just that I fell asleep and…”

Jake held up his hand, “Not really interested in excuses. You were late and it’s going to cost you 25 points.”

Ben wanted to kick himself. He’d finally gotten out of the hole and he’d just blown it again. He looked around and saw Tyler furiously scowling at him. Ben knew Tyler was pissed that he’d screwed up.

“Which brother is in charge of the pledge scum?” Jake asked. “I am,” Tyler said gruffly.

“How many points does he have currently?” Jake asked. “Well he had 10,” Tyler said with a glare at Jake.

“Okay then that puts him at -15.” Jake said. “Dan put it on the board.”

He saw one of the guys get up and walk over to a whiteboard that had recently been hung on one wall. Ben saw that all 12 pledges names were on it along with their current points. Ben sighed as he saw Dan write -15 under his name. But he was really shocked when he looked at the other pledge scores. Last night when they’d left the party most of the guys had like 5 points. That was why Ben had worked so hard to get out of the hole. So he would be 20 points behind. When Tyler awarded him points earlier he thought he’d be starting out ahead of the other guys but now their scores range from 50 to 100. In fact it looked like three of them were tied at 140. Ben was now hopelessly behind again.

Turning back to Ben, Jake said, “You’ve got a lot of catching up to do. Grab a red wristband and a number from that table over there.”

Ben went and did as he was told. There was a peel and stick name tag that had #13 on it. It appeared Ben really was the unlucky one. He put the name tag on as the guys continued whatever they were doing. Ben really wasn’t sure. It seemed to be some sort of cross between beer pong and foosball. There were shouts and hollers as goals were made or shots were missed. Ben really couldn’t follow any of it. While he was watching though, Tyler walked up behind him.

“Why were you late?!” he hissed in Ben’s ear.

Ben turned around to see a disappointed and angry expression on Tyler’s face. “Sorry,” he said. “I fell asleep.”

“Good going dumbass,” Tyler muttered. “You can’t afford to lose any more points.”

“I’m sorry Tyler,” Ben said sincerely. He felt bad since he knew Tyler was trying to help him.

“I’m not sure how you’re going to catch up,” Tyler said.

“How did everyone else get so far ahead?” Ben asked wondering what he missed.

Tyler shrugged, “We played some touch football and basketball this afternoon and the guys gave out points for that.”

“This afternoon?” Ben asked. “I didn’t see that on the schedule.”

“It wasn’t,” Tyler admitted. “They just invited the guys to play after lunch. That’s where I headed when I left you. They sent me a text.”

“Oh,” Ben said simply. “Then why didn’t you let me come along.”

Tyler rolled his eyes. “Seriously? What would be the point Ben? Do you honestly think you would have scored anything against these guys?”

Ben had to admit that Tyler had a point. “Well… no I guess not,” he concluded.

“If anything, I saved you the embarrassment of humiliating yourself in front of everyone again.” Tyler said pointedly.

“I’m sorry,” Ben nodded. “You’re right. Thanks.”

“But still,” Tyler continued. “You’re so far behind now. Not sure how I can help you.” Ben was silent for a moment. “I understand. Thanks Tyler.”

“Dammit Ben,” Tyler snapped at him, “Don’t give up so easily. I’ll fix this. Just try not to lose any more points.” With that, Tyler strode away. Ben went back to watching whatever game the guys were playing. Dan was kept busy changing scores up and down based on the results as different pledges squared off against one another. Ben was watching disinterestedly and he was suddenly startled when someone called out his number.

“Number 13?” one of the brothers shouted again. Someone else pointed at Ben and he was pushed forward. Jake spouted off a rapid fire set of rules that Ben could not follow at all and then the contest began. Ben had no clue what he was doing and in short order he’d lost. Not only that he hadn’t even scored 1 point so that earned him another 10 demerits. He watched as Dan changed his score to -25. A few more rounds were played and then the final scores were tallied. Most folks had gone up a bit but the same top 3 guys were tied at 150. Jake told everyone to take a break for 10 minutes while the brothers conferred about something.

The 12 pledges milled about. The other guys all seemed a lot chummier today. Ben supposed that since they’d been playing sports and games all day they’d gotten to know each other a bit better. There was some joking and good natured ribbing going on. However, none of that included Ben. He sat quietly and sipped a soda.

“Hey 13,” someone called, “How’s your face feel?” Everyone seemed to chuckle.

“Umm, it’s okay.” Ben answered.

“We got the story from Tyler today about how he put his foot in your face!” one guy said with a laugh. “Ya know it’s not real smart to mess with the captain of the Tae Kwon Do team.”

“Uh… yeah. I uhh found that out,” Ben said. Just about then the brothers filed back in and Ben was grateful not to answer any more questions.

“Okay guys,” Jake said as he came back in. “The brothers have discussed it and we have an announcement. The first three spots have been filled. Adam, Rick, Pete, come on up here!”

This was unexpected but there was polite applause from the group. What Ben and the others didn’t know was that Adam, Rick and Pete had been chosen right from the start as the best candidates. The brothers still had some conflict over how to fill the other slots but they’d made certain that these three had earned the top points and gotten in before the points got too out of hand.

“Unfortunately,” Jake explained, “That only leaves 3 slots for the nine of you guys so the odds are narrower. “ Ben’s heart sank.

“Okay, everyone head out back for the next event and bring your towel,” Dan called. The group marched out back. Ben realized he’d raced out the room so fast he’d forgotten the towel. He followed the others out back where the brothers had setup of large kiddie pool which looked to be filled with mud. He didn’t like where this was going.

“That’s right everyone,” Dan called, “You guys are going where scum belongs. Into the mud!!” There were shouts and laughter from the brothers. “Everyone strip.”

Ben hesitated but none of the others did. As athletes they’d all grown up used to changing in locker rooms and none of them had anything to be ashamed about. Ben, however, was slight and a poor specimen of masculinity. Still he followed suit and stood shivering in the nude. The pledges placed their clothes and towels on a nearby table.

“Okay, everyone come up here, pick your assigned number from this pad and place it in this hat,” Dan instructed. “But before we do that, as you can see there are only 9 of you which means someone doesn’t have an opponent. But don’t worry pledge scum,” Dan joked. “One of our illustrious brothers has agreed to step in. Brother Tyler come up here!”

Ben watched Tyler step up. “Okay the rest of you are going to pull numbers out of the hat and that will be your opponent. However, Brother Tyler has the honor of choosing his victim.” The crowd chuckled. “Tyler!” Dan shouted, “Who’s it gonna be?”

Tyler smiled. “I choose Ben.”

The guys hooted and laughed. Tyler towered over Ben and they looked forward to the mismatched match.

“Bad news Ben,” Dan taunted. “Hope you’ve got health insurance.” There was more laughter.

“Well save your match for last Tyler so you can relax for a bit while the rest of these scum fight for points.” Dan announced. With that the guys too it in turns to pull out numbers for who they were going to wrestle. Everyone gathered around, though not too close for fear of splashing mud, and the contests began. Ben found he couldn’t focus on the matches. Why had Tyler picked him? Ben knew he couldn’t beat him. Come to that, Ben knew he couldn’t beat any of these guys. They’d all pound him. Of course, Ben realized, that was why Tyler had picked Ben. He knew Ben was going to lose so he’d picked Ben rather than let someone else hurt him. Tyler was probably going to take it easy on him. He’d still lose but at least he wouldn’t get hurt.

The first four matches went quickly. Then those four squared off against each other and finally the last to. The guy who won wasn’t the tallest but he looked like solid muscle. Turns out he was on the college wrestling team. Ben was glad he’d not had to go up against him. With all the other matches out of the way it was Ben’s turn. He stepped forward when Dan called and Tyler stood up from where he’d been sitting watching the matches. Tyler stood across from Ben and smiled. Then he peeled off his t-shirt and slipped out of his shorts and boxers. No doubt about it, Tyler was one chiseled specimen. His muscles rippled but unlike the stocky caveman who was on the wrestling team, Tyler was perfectly proportioned. Ben could help but glance down since Tyler was naked and realized that he was indeed big all over.

“Let’s do this,” Tyler said. Both he and Ben stepped into the pool. The mud was cold and Ben shivered. Tyler stepped forward with an outstretched hand and Ben awkwardly returned the handshake. Tyler leaned in close and whispered, “I gotta make it look good so really try and fight. Don’t worry, you can’t hurt me.” So much for a quick, painless takedown Ben thought. But Tyler was right. Even though everyone knew he would win he’d couldn’t make it look like he was playing favorites with Ben.

“Go!” Dan shouted and Ben flung himself at Tyler. He couldn’t even knock him off balance. Tyler just grabbed him in a bear hug and squeezed as he lifted Ben off his feet.

“Uggh uggh” Ben groaned. Tyler could have ended the match right there of course but after a few seconds he dropped Ben he staggered and fell on his knees into the mud. The crowd was shouting but

Ben couldn’t really hear anything. The blood was rushing in his ears. While he knelt there Tyler came up behind him and wrapped his arm around Ben’s neck putting him in a half nelson. Tyler stood up and lifted Ben like a rag doll. Ben kicked in the air but there was no way he was getting away from Tyler. But once again Tyler dropped him. This time he fell to all fours.

“I give,” Ben gasped but he could not be heard over the crowd. Tyler reached down to give him a hand up. At least that’s what Ben thought but as he got to his feet, Tyler tightened his grip on Ben’s wrist, ducked down and slipped a shoulder under Ben’s torso and heaved him onto his shoulders. Ben felt one of Tyler’s massive hands clamp down on his thigh and then Tyler lifted him straight into the air. He flailed wildly as Tyler held him aloft and slowly turned completely around in front of the circle of guys. Their shouts grew louder as they sensed the match was about to come to a dramatic finish. Tyler didn’t disappoint as he suddenly dropped Ben into the mud. Ben landed on his back with a wet smacking sound. His entire back stung as he lay there stunned. The crowd cheered and he looked up to see Tyler smiling down at him. Then Tyler lifted one mud covered foot and placed it squarely on his chest whilst flexing his biceps and striking a victory pose for the crowd. The howled with delight. The match was certainly over as far as Ben was concerned but Tyler had one more thing in store. He took his foot off Ben’s chest and then reached down and flipped him over so that he was face down in the muck. And then Ben felt Tyler’s foot on the back of his head as he posed again for the roaring crowd.

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