Trial Of Strength (Book 9)

"FOUR MEN IN UNIFORM? - YOU DO THE MATH"

The handsome fireman Jason returns home shell-shocked from fighting brutal forest fires. He is alienated from his boy Ben, who seeks solace in his best friend Will and the boys make love. Four men in uniform – fireman, cop, forest ranger, and airline crewman - meet to de-stress with a game of strip poker which ends badly when Jason loses his cool and is forced to watch his boy get fucked by one of the other three.

Uniform Night

The tribe’s major celebration at the Grady House was finally over and the newest member of the tribe, Seth, had emerged as a star in his own right. He had firmly established himself as one of the toughest men in the tribe. He was quite the hero, having rescued the young Grady House chef Danny from the clutches of three thugs in a savage fight. Danny was now his adoring boy.

And so they could all settle down, get back to work and resume the normal routine of the tribe of hot-blooded men and their boys. A group as active as this saw plenty of smaller gatherings, one of which was something called ‘Uniform Night’.

One of the participants, the brawny Forest Ranger Pete, had described it to the tribe’s leaders Bob and Randy. “It’s an odd name, I know. It’s when three of us uniformed guys who work in emergency response jobs get together to talk about our work and exchange ideas – Mark the police officer, Jason the firefighter, and me the Forest Ranger.

“And this time we’ll be joined by Adam, the Aussie. As an airline executive and chief purser on flights to Sydney he gives airline crews training on emergency response so he wants to pick our brains. All our jobs can be really stressful so we’ll focus on the impact it has on our home life. It’s an opportunity for us to get together, swap stories and kind of decompress. .

“We rotate the hosting of the event,” Pete explained. “This time it’s Jason’s turn so we’ll be going to his house down by the Arroyo. Poor guy, he’s just spent three straight weeks fighting those crazy brush fires up the coast so he’s the most stressed of us all. He always comes back a bit shell-shocked and I worry about him.

“Fortunately it won’t be all shop talk. Later we get more social and relaxed so we’ve asked the twins’ boy Will to come and cook dinner for us. And of course Jason’s boy Ben will be there too.”

“Yeah, Will told me about that,” said Bob. “You know, since he started that service where he caters lunches and dinners for guys in the tribe he’s been real busy and he loves the work. He’s a great young chef, never happier than when he’s in a kitchen. And he’ll love cooking for you four hot guys, especially since he’ll be working with his best pal Ben. They’ve really taken to each other – very close, tell each other everything.”

Randy was as usual more raunchy and grinned salaciously. “Huh, somehow I don’t think shop talk’s the only thing you guys get up to. Damn, four hot guys in uniform? You do the math.”

********************************

Ben Opens Up To Will

When Will got the request for the catering gig he dutifully wrote it up on the whiteboard the twins had put up in the kitchen to keep track of his many jobs. Then right away he called Ben.

“Hey dude this’ll be fun, us working together. You must be excited having four macho guys in uniform at your house.”

“Yeah, sure,” Ben said blandly.

“What’s up, dude? You sound a bit down in the dumps.”

“Ah, nothing.”

“Hey you wanna come shopping with me to get the food and supplies we’ll need? You know what those guys like to eat and drink. Give us a chance to catch up too. We haven’t seen much of each other lately, except in the crowd at the Grady House.”

They met with a warm hug at the grocery store Will used to work in, and chatted animatedly as they wheeled the cart around. At least, Will was animated. Ben was noticeably subdued, and continued to answer Will’s concerns with a shrug and “It’s nothing.”

This odd one-sided conversation continued as they walked round the store, then checked out and loaded up Will’s car with grocery bags. By that time Will had had enough of the silent treatment. “Dude, you and me are gonna talk.” He led Ben to a Starbucks next to the store where, sitting at an outdoor table over Frappuccinos, Will talked his buddy into opening up.

“Dude, I’m your best friend. We tell each other everything. And you know anything you say stays just between us.”

“Yeah, but you know the rule,” Will blurted out. “A boy don’t badmouth his master.”

“Ah, I thought so. Trouble with Jason. I heard Bob and Randy talking the other day about what heroes Jason and his crew were out there fighting those brush fires. They’re real terrible this time, worse than ever, and Jason stayed out on a tour of duty that lasted over two straight weeks. He got home a few days ago, didn’t he?”

“Yeah he did, just before the Grady House party.” Now that the word was out Ben talked nonstop. “I was real scared for him all the time ‘cos it was so dangerous out there. Usually he calls me regular when he’s away like that but this time days went by without a call.

“I think it must be my fault. Even before he went out there things were weird between us. He was kinda of – like he had cooled on me or something. Used to be that when he got home from the station house he’d make love to me. But a couple of times lately he went to the bathroom and I looked through a crack in the door and saw him at the sink jacking off looking at himself in the mirror. And when we went to bed he didn’t hug me as he always used to. He just fell asleep with his back to me.”

Ben sniffed and teared up. “Will, I don’t think Jason loves me anymore.”

“That’s crazy talk, Ben. Of course he loves you. Listen, I’m gonna take all the food straight to your place and do some prep for tomorrow’s dinner and you can help. Get in your truck and I’ll follow you.”

As he drove down to the arroyo Ben was already feeling a bit better. It was a relief to share his problems with Will. Even though Will was much newer in the tribe than Ben, Ben was a shy young gypsy who lived in the shadow of his big brother Randy.

Will was more assertive than he was. He was the twins’ boy and if he ever had a problem with them he would confront them, something Ben was much too shy to do with Jason. So he had nursed his problems all alone. But he loved and trusted his best friend Will, and talking to him lifted a weight from his shoulders.

When they got to Jason and Ben’s house they stowed the groceries in the kitchen, then relaxed at the kitchen table over a glass of wine. “Where’s Jason now?” Will asked.

“He’s at the station house. They do what they call a de-briefing after a deployment to the fires. He’ll be home later.”

“And have you told anyone else about all this – Pablo maybe, he’s your boss after all?”

“Oh no, definitely not Pablo ‘cos he’d go straight to Randy. And my big brother would get all protective of me and storm down here and beat Jason up or something. No, like I said, I kept it to myself, but it did get real lonely. I wanted Jason so bad. A couple of times while I was waiting for him to call I got out that fireman’s calendar Jason’s in and jerked off looking at his picture. I wanted to hear his voice too but he didn’t call.”

Will put his hands over Ben’s and squeezed them. “Dude, you should’ve called me. You could’ve come and slept with me. But you know, I bet a lot of this stuff is because of the strain Jason’s been under. Bob was saying that when the fires are this bad they don’t get a chance to call home ‘cos there’s no cell reception out in the wilds. And when they do get a few hours rest they fall asleep totally exhausted.

“See Ben, at times like this he don’t have the energy to take care of you like he used to. Bob described firemen as caregivers, taking care of people caught up in the mess. And what we have to do is take care of the caregivers. That’s where the boys come in. The masters take care of their boys and the boys take care of their masters.

“Take me and the twins. Sometimes when the pressure’s on even they get scratchy with each other and quarrel. That’s where I step in and take over the kitchen for a while so they can relax together – usually making love. Same goes for you, dude. Just by being here and keeping the house running for when Jason gets home you’re doing your part – taking care of your man.”

Ben thought about this. “Er, you mean I’m a kind of caregiver too?”

“Sure you are, dude. But then it gets complicated ‘cos someone has to take care of the caregiver when it all gets too much. Someone has to take care of you, buddy.” Ben smiled at him and Will asked, “When did you last make love, dude?”

Ben winced. “Er, not since before Jason went out on his deployment. A few weeks I guess, maybe longer. Can’t really remember.”

“Well, that’s something we can take care of right now, kiddo, you and me. Come with me.” Will took Ben’s arm and led him to the bedroom.

***************************

Caring For The Caregiver

When they went into the bedroom Ben shared with Jason all his unhappiness came flooding back – the empty bed, the nights when Jason slept with his back to Ben – and the way it used to be when they made love. Tears rushed to his eyes and he threw his arms round Will. “Do you think he’s gonna dump me, dude?” he sobbed.

Will held him at arm’s length and smiled at his watery eyes. “He is not gonna dump you, Ben. Read my lips – Jason loves you and he’s not gonna leave you. This is just a rough patch is all. Most couples go through them. What you need right now to get rid of the tension is sexual release – a good fuck. And I’m the guy to do it.”

Ben winced through his tears. “You mean, like, a mercy fuck?”

“Ben that’s kind of insulting. Of course I don’t mean that. We’re best buddies. You’re the first guy I ever had sex with, remember?”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean that dude. I like making love to you. OK you’re the boss. How do we do it?”

“Well …” Will smiled, “usually one guy puts his dick in the other guy’s ass and pushes in and out until …”

Ben laughed. “I didn’t mean that, dude. I do know what fucking looks like. I meant, like, which way we gonna do it?”

“We just do what comes naturally, bro. The first step usually is to get naked.”

They giggled and quickly pulled off T-shirts, shorts and sneakers. Ben grinned at Will, “Now we get on the bed?”

“Hey, you catch on fast, kiddo. You done this before haven’t you?” Will teased.

“Dipshit,” Ben smiled. “I remember the first thing we ever did, the very first time you had sex with a guy …”

Ben pulled Will on the bed then twisted round so they were lying head to toe. Will reached down and felt Ben’s rigid cock. Hey, your good buddy down here hasn’t forgotten either – stiff as a poker. Let’s see if you can still count up to sixty-nine, dude. Let’s suck.”

They happily went to town feasting on each other’s cock – sucking, slurping, drooling and moaning with pleasure. It was the first time for weeks that Ben had felt really happy. Soon they were rolling over the bed together, slurping away, until eventually the cocks slid out of their mouths and Will said, “Wrestle for top.”

They were laughing so hard it wasn’t so much a wrestle as a puppy romp. Their young limbs intertwined as they rolled over on the bed reaching for each other’s balls, slapping, licking and kissing. Ben was so weak with laughter that he finally gave up, with Will kneeling astride him pinning his arms to the bed.

Will grinned, “As Grady might say, ‘Me Tarzan, You Ben’. You’re gonna get fucked boy-o.”

Ben giggled, “Yeah, easy for Grady to say ‘cos he really is Tarzan. But you … oh never mind. Just shut up and fuck, dude.”

“OK, but even though I won fair and square I’ll have mercy on you. Lube.” Will reached out to the bedside table, dipped his fingers in a jar of lube and spread it over his cock. “Nothing but the best for my best bud.”

Ben pulled his legs back and Will’s eyes sparkled as he grinned down at Ben and gently eased his cock into the hot young gypsy’s ass. “Now in case it’s been so long that you forgot, this is how your ass feels when another boy shoves his dick in it.”

Ben laughed. “Will, this ain’t my first time at the rodeo. I take it up the butt plenty.”

“And you still have this nice tight ass that makes a guy’s cock feel sooo good.” That made Ben clench his ass muscles and Will pumped harder and faster, staring down at the pale blue eyes set in the swarthy face, eyes so much like his big brother Randy’s. “You are so sexy, Ben, with that dark gypsy look you got going. I love fucking you, dude.”

As good as it was to hear that, Ben’s thoughts strayed to the lonely nights he had spent recently in this same bed. His insecurity came back and he felt a stab of panic. “Will, no matter what happens, you’ll always be my friend won’t you? I mean, best buddies just like this?”

In reply Will bent down and kissed Ben on the lips, pushing his tongue in his mouth while his cock pumped in his ass. When at last he pulled away Will grinned, “Hey, you’re never gonna get rid of me – or my dick – or my ass if it comes to that. You wanna take it for a test drive?”

Ben laughed, his insecurity banished, and he pushed Will off him. There was another tussle, a clumsy fumble and Ben ended up on top. And from there it was a free for all as they fucked each other in turn, rolling off the bed and over the bedroom floor, the lithe young redhead and muscular gypsy boy, his shaggy black hair falling over his face.

Time and again they were so close to orgasm that they separated briefly, only to come together again in a mass of flailing limbs, and laughter that was snuffed out by mouths closing together in frenzied kisses. When at last they were nearing exhaustion Will was in his original position kneeling astride Ben, panting hard and smiling down at him. “Best friends forever, dude?”

“Forever! I love you Will. Please, I wanna feel your cum in my ass.”

“No problem there, bro. Let’s do it together.” Will pushed Ben’s legs farther back and drove his cock in his ass while Ben grabbed his own cock and jerked it vigorously. Their eyes danced as they laughed at each other and Ben yelled, “I’m gonna cum … I’m gonna cum …”

“Me too, dude. Let’s do it … yeaahh!” Their laughter filled the room as Will’s juice blasted into the young gypsy’s ass and Ben’s jizz splashed over his own writhing body.

Ben stared up at his friend’s freckled face, his tangled red hair falling over his brow. When he was able to draw breath Ben grinned, “Is that what they call taking care of the caregiver, dude?”

“You got it, bro. And any time you want more, just whistle. You know how to do that, don’t you?”

Ben giggled. “Just put your lips together and blow?”

“Like I said, kiddo, you learn fast.”

********************************

Planning The Big Event

The boys took a quick shower and went down to the kitchen where Will got to work on the prep for tomorrow’s dinner. Ben helped, following Will’s instructions, or simply sat back and watched the expert young chef in awe.

Will said, “There’s a ton of stuff you can do the day before – stuff that needs to marinate overnight, cleaning the vegetables. I thought chicken casserole would be best ‘cos I know some of the guys don’t eat red meat. Not like Randy, he’s easy – steak and roast potatoes always keep him happy. What will you and Jason do for dinner when he comes home this evening?”

“Oh I usually rustle up something or order in.”

“Nah.” Will shook his head. “You know the old saying, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. But you won’t get far with Chinese takeout so here’s what we’ll do. I got some fish too so I’ll make a salmon casserole for you both. Jason’s health conscious so fish and mixed veg casserole should get his taste buds going – maybe other things too,” Will grinned sexily.

“Won’t take long to cook and we’ll leave it in the oven. When he’s ready, just warm it up –twenty minutes on number four should do it. He’ll love it.”

“I just want him to love me, Will,” Ben said morosely.

“Now don’t start that again, bro. Like I told you, he does love you. He’s just going through a tough time is all with all those fires.”

When everything was done Will looked around the kitchen. “Good, that gives us a head start for tomorrow when the guys show up. I gotta go now and help the twins with dinner up at the house. I’ll come early tomorrow, around four, and we’ll get to work.”

Ben hugged him. “Dude, you’re the best pal a guy could have. Thanks for cheering me up and … you know …”

“And fucking you?” Will laughed. “All part of the service kiddo. See you tomorrow.”

When Will got home Bob was in the kitchen talking to the twins. “How’d it go, Will?” Kyle asked. “You all set for tomorrow?”

“Pretty much,” Will said. “And I was able to spend some time with Ben. We haven’t done that in a while.”

“How is Ben holding up?” Bob asked. “Must be tough for him worrying about Jason away so much in those fires. And I can’t imagine Jason is exactly in a romantic mood when he gets home. Mark always tells me that when he gets home after a tough shift he’s not good company for Jamie. But Jamie’s wonderful. He understands, and knows when to keep his distance and when to take care of Mark.

“I imagine that’s what those four will be talking about when they get together tomorrow – the stress of their jobs and how it impacts people around them. But I’m glad you’ll be there for Ben, Will. You’ll take care of him.”

“Oh, I already did that, sir,” Will said with an impish grin, the meaning of which was not lost on Bob or the twins, who exchanged knowing smiles.

*********************************

Four Men In Uniforms

As promised Will arrived at Ben and Jason’s house promptly at four, toting more food and kitchen equipment that their kitchen didn’t have. He hugged Ben, and as he pulled on his dark green apron he asked, “So how did it go last evening when Jason got home?”

“Oh,” Ben shrugged, “a bit better. The salmon casserole was a big hit – Jason wolfed it down and then had seconds. That put him in a slightly better mood, though he still had that faraway look in his eyes, you know, like he’s miles away, prob’ly still in the middle of the fires. Some of the time I think he even forgot I was in the room. But when we went to bed and fell asleep he did put his arm over me while he slept. I guess that’s a good sign.”

“Sure it is, Ben. When he’s asleep and not thinking of the fires he turns to the person he loves most.” But inwardly Will felt sorry for Ben, clutching at straws – even the fact that his man unconsciously put his arm over him in his sleep.

But as the tempo in the kitchen heated up work occupied their thoughts and they even joked around a bit. Jason liked to eat outside in the balmy Southern California evenings so Ben set up the table on the lawn and carefully laid out silverware, napkins and wine and water glasses.

When Ben went back to the kitchen Will said, “Why don’t you load up the drinks trolley and wheel it out? It’ll be ready for you to pour cocktails for the guys as soon as they get here. I’ve noticed in my catering jobs that guys usually discuss business over cocktails and then they relax while they’re eating dinner. By the time they get to the brandy it’s all bets are off.”

The four men were all coming straight from work, aiming to get there at around six for an early meeting and dinner. Pete was the first to arrive and he poked his head in the kitchen. He was wearing his Forest Ranger uniform of dark green pants, black boots and short-sleeve gray shirt. He had opened a couple of buttons revealing the top of his white tank underneath.

He took off his brimmed tan hat and his handsome face broke into a smile, “Hey kids. Hmm something smells good in here. Anything I can do to help?”

“No thank you, sir,” Will said, faintly shocked at the idea. “You’re a guest here. Ben will serve drinks at the table outside.” Pete chuckled at young Will’s formality and went out. Will tossed Ben an apron. “Here, Ben, I brought a spare apron for you. Gotta look the part.” Ben put it on and went outside just as Mark pulled up on his motorcycle.

The kitchen window gave a clear view of the garden and Will looked up to see the muscular Greek-God cop stride in in his black cop uniform, short-sleeve shirt with a white triangle of T-shirt at the neck, tapering down to his slim waist cinched by a heavy black belt, his black serge pants tucked into high shiny motorcycle boots. He flashed a gleaming smile “Good to see you, Pete.” He shook hands with the Ranger, they sat at the table and Ben took their drinks orders.

When Jason arrived the mood darkened a little. He wasn’t smiling and had that vacant look in his eyes that Ben had mentioned. But Will felt his cock stiffen as he checked the fireman out through the kitchen window.

With his chiseled features and blond hair Jason was as gorgeous as his well-thumbed picture in the fireman’s calendar that Will had. But unlike his picture he was not shirtless now, of course, in his navy blue uniform, his shirt open at the neck to show his matching blue T-shirt underneath. The shirt couldn’t mask his obviously ripped torso underneath.

He managed a grin as he greeted the men, then sat down and Ben brought him the drink he always had. The other men noticed that Jason didn’t greet his boy, merely grunted a “thanks kid,” as he took the drink. Mark and Pete exchanged anxious glances.

Adam didn’t arrive until twenty minutes later full of apologies in his Aussie accent. “Sorry to keep you blokes waiting, I just got off a flight. Same bloody thing always happens at LAX. After a 13-hour nonstop flight from Sydney they keep us on the tarmac waiting half an hour for a gate.

Will sized Adam up too, the tall Aussie with the macho square-cut features and short dark hair, his ripped body filling out the smart black airline uniform. He took off his white and black cap, loosened his tie and opened three shirt buttons giving a glimpse of the white V-neck T-shirt underneath. Not for the first time Will admired the sexy masculinity of the handsome Aussie who grinned at Ben. “Hey Ben, good to see you. I could murder a very, very dry martini, kiddo.”

Will paused in his cooking as he stared at the table of four gorgeous uniformed men. He felt it was a privilege to cook for them and serve them. And that thought immediately wrenched his attention back to the stove.

************************************

Cock Tales

As Will had predicted, the main topics of their meeting were discussed over cocktails and Will caught snippets of them as he and Ben went back and forth from kitchen to table. Mark, the most senior of the men, was most vocal about the effect of their jobs on the people they loved.

“Damn, sometimes I get home from a tough shift in such a foul mood there’s no living with me. I take it out on poor Jamie but the guy’s a real trooper – lets me get it out of my system and then seduces me with that sweet ass of his. I’ve even picked fights with Bob but that guy understands all the stress I’m under and soon cools me down.”

“I hear you, buddy,” Pete said. “I’m the same with my boy Brandon, a kid who’s as sweet and patient as they come. But he just nods understandingly and lets me rant, then I look at him blinking earnestly behind those glasses of his. He moves me so much all my stress vanishes.”

“Nate’s good about that stuff too,” Adam said of his Aussie boy. “Damn, couple of weeks ago I had the flight from hell – packed flight, slow cabin crew, and then a passenger got so drunk and belligerent we almost had to divert. When I got home I let Nate have it with both barrels. But he just let me vent and then grinned, “No worries, mate,” and it was over.

“What about you Jason?” Mark asked. “God knows you’ve had far more stress than any of us with those fires. Must be tough for young Ben when you finally get home.”

Jason shrugged. “No, not really. The kid just knows to stay out of my way, that’s about it.” The other three exchanged uneasy glances but that’s all they got out of the fireman.

When dinner was served the shop talk diminished as they looked hungrily and admiringly at the food. Will and Ben were both wearing dark green aprons and white chef’s hats and when Mark rose to compliment them on all their hard work they reacted in the traditional way, raising their hats and swooping them down in a deep bow.

After they went back to the kitchen Pete said, “Those kids are terrific. I know Bob’s twins are real proud of Will, and you must be proud of Ben too, Jason.”

“I’ll say,” Adam grinned. “Ben’s grown into a sexy young buck, with that dark gypsy look and blue eyes – just like his big brother Randy, only a younger and shyer version. I envy you, Jason, coming home to him after work.”

“Yeah, sure,” Jason grunted. There was another tense silence that Pete ended by saying, “Hey, dunno about you guys but I’m starved and this food looks great. Let’s eat.”

Will and Ben stood at the kitchen window watching them, making sure they had everything they need. “Looks like we’re a hit, kiddo,” Will grinned. “Look at them digging into the casserole.”

“Yeah, even Jason seems to be enjoying it. Like you said, Will, the way to a guy’s heart is through his stomach. Maybe he won’t be so down on me. You heard the way he reacted when they were talking about their boys and they asked Jason about me. Not exactly loving was it?”

“Ah, he’ll come round with a few drinks inside him.”

“Yeah, right,” Ben grinned ruefully. “Maybe I should make him jealous in front of the other guys – put on a show, have you fuck me like you did yesterday, let him see what he’s missing.”

“Or maybe not,” Will said, not liking the joke as it was so close to the uncomfortable truth. But he was right about one thing. As the meal progressed and the wine flowed the party got looser and more raucous. The boys ferried out desert, coffee and brandy and heard Mark say, “Guys, it’s time to put all the job stress behind us and get out of these damn uniforms.”

There was general agreement and Adam laughed. “There’s only one way to do that, mates. Hey, Ben, you got a pack of cards in the house? Last one still wearing a shirt is the winner.”

*****************************

Strip Poker 

The boys cleared the table, leaving just the drinks, and Ben brought out the cards. “Hey guys, Mark said, “with these uniforms the game could take all night.”

“No worried there mate,” Adam grinned as he shuffled the cards. “We’ll play the quick poker version and shirts only. We’re all wearing T-shirts under out shirts so we start equal, and the last one left in a shirt gets the prize. You wanna cut the cards and deal, Pete?”

The boys sat on stools at the kitchen window with a bottle of wine and watched fascinated. “Wow, this is a first,” Ben said. “I’ve heard stories of guys playing strip poker but never actually seen it – and these guys are so hot.”

Their excitement increased as the game progressed. As Adam had said, it was the quick version so it wasn’t long before the first shirt came off. Mark stood up with a grin and slowly unbuttoned his black shirt, pulled it out of his pants and shrugged it off. It was one of Will’s favorite looks – the blond cop in his tight white T-shirt stretched over his muscled torso, his biceps bulging under the short sleeves.

A short time later there was a groan from Adam who threw down his card in disgust, stood up and took of his smart uniform shirt. He was wearing a white V-neck T-shirt underneath and Ben said, “He looks so gorgeous like that. I think next to Jason the Aussie is my favorite. Such a hunk. He could take my ass any day of the week.”

And so the game progressed as they opened another bottle of brandy and got more boisterous. Soon Pete was stripped down to his white tank-top and Will said, “No wonder Brandon is crazy about Pete. He’s the quiet type, kinda laid back, don’t flaunt it, but man he’s a stud.” Pete lost two games in succession so he was the first one to sit there shirtless.

“Well, guys,” Pete smiled, “the prize obviously ain’t mine, but you know what they say – unlucky at cards lucky in love. I got Brandon waiting for me back home.”

Jason was next to throw down his losing hand and when he stood up to take off his shirt he swayed a little. The other three were merry as they drank, but Jason’s laughter was somehow unnatural – forced, too loud. But the watching boys had to admit that when he took off his shirt the navy blue T-shirt clung to his beautiful body like a second skin and both boys got boners. “He’s so gorgeous,” Ben said wistfully.

“So, almost there,” Will said brightly. “Pete’s already lost and the other three are in T-shirts. Two more T-shirts to go and we have a winner.” The cards fell quickly and Mark was the next loser, looking gorgeous as ever stripped to the waist in his black pants and high, shiny motorcycle boots.

And so the final game came down to a contest between Jason and Adam. The two jocks were often gym workout buddies and there was always a competitive edge between them, especially on Jason’s part. Jason was narcissistic and envied Adam’s easy-going Aussie masculinity and perfect body, with his broad shoulders, sculpted pecs, long slim waist and eight-pack abs.

Now, as the game’s climax approached Adam had an easy smile on his handsome face but Jason’s mirth was tinged with darkness – his laugh was strained, tense. And when the final hand was dealt and he threw his losing cards down he jumped to his feet and yanked off his T-shirt. He flexed his arms and yelled, “Look at that, guys. See it and weep.”

Mark pulled him back down in his chair and Adam covered the uneasiness round the table by raising clasped hands and laughing, “The winner. Wasn’t there some mention of a prize? What you got for me, Jason, another bottle of brandy to take home and share with my boy?”

“Nah, something much finer than that … something you praised earlier … something you envied me for.” It was obvious that Jason was grandstanding, trying to impress. He looked toward the faces at the kitchen window and yelled, “Hey, kid. Get your ass out here.”

Will grabbed Ben’s arm but he pulled it away. “No, Will, this is my chance. I know exactly what I’m gonna do … I’m finally gonna make Jason pay attention to me. I’m gonna make him envious – and I’m gonna enjoy doing it.”

Ben ran out of the kitchen, followed by Will, and stood facing the table. “Here’s your prize, buddy,” Jason said to Adam, “fit even for a stud Aussie. Turn round kid and drop you pants.”

Ben did as ordered, displaying his bare ass. Jason pointed and said, “That’s the prize, Adam. You get to fuck a gorgeous young gypsy ass.”

Adam forced a smile. “Nah, Jason, seriously. It was a game, I was kidding. I don’t want a prize. The sight of all you guys shirtless round the table is prize enough for me.”

But suddenly Ben turned around and pulled up his pants. His usual shyness was gone as he said loud and clear, “No, sir, I would like that. My master is offering my ass to you and I think that’s great. I’ve always thought you were real hot, sir, and I want you to fuck me.”

Ben caught the look of surprise and uncertainty on Jason’s face, but Jason couldn’t back down now. “See,” he said, forcing a smile. “The kid does what I tell him. I tell him he’s gonna get fucked and he actually wants it. So go ahead, buddy. Grab the brass ring … take his ass.”

Still Adam objected but Ben walked up to him. “Sir, I really do want it. I know what I’m doing and it’s my choice. Please, sir.”

Will stepped forward. “Sir, Ben really means it. He’s my best friend so I know. Please do what Jason wants, ‘cos Ben wants it too.” Will always carried a tube of lube with him (at the twins’ suggestion) and he now slipped it into Ben’s pocket. Mark beckoned Will to come sit beside him.

“Will,” Mark whispered, “what’s going on here? Do you know?”

“Yes I do, sir. Things have been real rough for Ben lately with Jason, and he’s doing something now to help put it right.” Will grinned, “Plus he’s really hot for Adam, sir.”

Mark smiled. “You guys are something else. I just hope you’re right, kid.”

When Adam shot a questioning look at Mark he nodded, so Adam said, “Jason, I accept the prize.” Then he grinned at Ben. “OK, mate, looks like we’re on.”

******************************

The Aussie & The Gypsy

The Aussie’s friendly smile and easy-going style was not only encouraging for Ben, it was sexy too. And when Adam kicked off his smart shoes, pulled off his socks and unbelted his black uniform pants Ben felt his cock getting hard in his shorts. Adam dropped his pants and shorts and stood naked before Ben looking drop-dead gorgeous. “Ta-da,” he grinned and stretched his arms out. “Your turn now, mate. But only if you want to.”

“Oh I want to, sir. I’ve always wanted to do this.” He took off is apron, then his T-shirt and shorts and smiled shyly at Adam, his cock standing out like a pole. Adam walked up to him held his face in his hands and kissed him lightly on the lips. Ben responded more forcefully, throwing his arms round him and pressing his open mouth over Adam’s.

Ben was playing to the gallery, actually a gallery of one – Jason. Mark was starting to realize this and said quietly to Will. “Is this part of the plan, Will?” Will nodded without taking his eyes off Ben and Adam. “If anything starts to go wrong, kiddo, you just say the word and I’ll stop it stone cold.”

“Good to know, sir, thank you. But I think it’s on track.”

It was certainly having the desired effect on Jason. His mind was already cloudy and muddled after the trauma of the fires and now he had managed to put himself in the position of having to watch his gym buddy make love to his boy. He wasn’t sure how things had got to this point – he wasn’t sure of anything right now. But he had to go through with it to save face.

Adam was smiling into the young gypsy’s dark face and pale blue eyes. “You’re so sexy Ben but I don’t wanna force anything. What would you like to do?”

Ben showed him. He sank to his knees and licked Adam’s long hard cock from the head all the way up to his black pubic hair. The he opened his mouth, swallowed it whole and proceeded to suck it using every trick he knew.”

“Wow, good on ya mate. Where did you learn to give blow jobs like that?”

Ben pulled off just long enough to say “Eddie, sir,” then went right back to sucking. Adam put his hand behind Ben’s head and pulled his face forward and back on his cock.

At the table Mark and Pete kept a wary eye on Jason. They were uneasy that, in his present unpredictable state, he might do something irrational. But Jason was simply staring at Ben’s eager young face, his full lips wrapped round Adam’s cock.

Pretty soon Adam pulled out and grinned down at Ben. “You keep this up, kid, and I’ll shoot in your mouth.”

Ben looked up at the tall, naked muscle-jock and said. “Better not, sir. I would like you to cum in my ass.”

“No worries there, mate. I think we can manage that.” Adam knelt in front of Ben, kissed him again and grinned, “Hey, I can taste my cock in your mouth – tastes great.” Then he wrapped his arms round Ben and laid him gently on the grass, which was still warm from the day’s hot sun. Adam knelt over him, licked his own thumbs and rubbed them gently over Ben’s nipples.

Ben’s lithe young body writhed beneath him and he reached up and ran his hands over the hard slabs of Adam’s pecs. “You are so beautiful, sir,’ he said, loud enough for Jason to hear. He meant it sincerely but he also felt a spark of satisfaction knowing Jason was watching.

Ben reached over to his discarded shorts on the ground and pulled out Will’s tube of lube. “Aha!” Adam grinned, “you come prepared I see. You wanna do the honors, mate?”

“Yes please, sir.” Ben squeezed some lube in his palm then stroked Adams cock, lubing it from top to bottom. Adam scraped what was left from Ben’s hand and pushed two greasy fingers gently in his ass. “Ooh, mate, that is one sweet ass. My cock’s gonna feel right at home there. How do you want it, kid – doggy style, spoons or on your back?”

“Oh, sir, I want to look at you when you fuck me. So if it’s OK with you I’ll stay right here.”

“Sounds like a plan, kiddo. As we say down under, ‘brace yourself, mate’.” He pushed Ben’s legs back, looked down at the boy’s dancing eyes and gently eased his cock in his ass, pushing deeper and deeper and coming to rest with his pubes pressing against the cheeks of Ben’s ass,.

“Feel OK, Ben?”

“Never better, sir. Never better.”

That was enough for Jason. He was confused about his own feelings, they had been blunted by stress. But he couldn’t bear watching his own beautiful young gypsy boy getting fucked by a man he looked on as a sort of rival, especially now. He started to get to his feet but was pulled back down by Pete. “This was your idea, Jason. You set this up. You don‘t want guys to see you chicken out do you?”

No. Jason’s narcissistic streak always guarded his strong, handsome image and he was not about to spoil that. So he reconciled himself to watching it through to the end.

Adam treated Ben tenderly, like something precious, as he made love to his ass and to his eyes. Ben sighed deeply as he felt the Aussie’s long cock inside him, pushing him to the brink of orgasm, when Adam paused and smiled down at him with a roguish look. “No worries, kid, I won’t let you cum until I say you can. See, when I fuck I’m always the boss.”

“Yes, sir, I know, and I love that. You’re such a beautiful man you would always be the master.”

With that settled they made love and had fun at the same time. Adam pulled almost all the way out, massaged Ben’s sphincter with the head of his cock, then pushed back in deep and massaged his inner sphincter, driving Ben wild, his head thrashing from side to side as he moaned in ecstasy.

The other men watched in awe as the muscle-jock continued to make love to the naked young gypsy who gazed up at Adam’s chiseled face, his powerful body rising and falling above him. Pete kept his hands resting lightly on Jason’s forearm in case he lost his cool again. But Jason’s gaze was fixed on Ben and he thought of the countless times he had been the one looking down at that sexy young face and making love to him.

Mark was resting his arm over Will’s shoulder and Will grinned at Ben as he caught his eye.

In the end both man and boy were reaching their climax and Adam said. “You know what I really want, kiddo. I wanna see you cum without touching yourself. Can you do that?”

Ben grinned, “No worries there mate,” and giggled at throwing the Aussie phrase back at Adam.

“You young rascal,” Adam laughed. “Right, I’m gonna take you prisoner.” He leaned forward and pinned the boy’s arms to the ground. Instinctively Ben tried to struggle and felt the thrill of being trapped by the powerful Aussie.

Adam fucked harder and faster and Ben moaned, “Sir, that feels so good I don’t think I can hold back much longer. I’m real close.”

“OK, mate, let’s do it together. Man, your ass feels good, you are so damn sexy, kid. You wanna feel Aussie juice in your ass? Here it comes, mate. Yeaahh!” His body flexed, his eyes gleamed, he plunged in one last time … and came deep inside his ass. Ben howled with joy and spurted jizz straight up onto Adam’s chest.”

Mark, Pete and Will applauded as Adam sprang up and grinned at them, cum running down over his abs. He reached down, pulled Ben to his feet and hugged him, then pulled apart and laughed, “Best prize a guy ever won. Damn, I should play poker with you blokes more often.”

*********************************

The Shit Hits The Fan

All eyes now turned to Jason who had sat stoned faced-watching his boy get his ass fucked by his own gym partner.

The fireman’s already scrambled emotions were reeling. It was he himself who had offered his own boy to Adam as the prize! And rather than lose face he had been forced to sit and watch it. But, dammit, the kid didn’t have to enjoy it so much, did he? And Adam too … Fuck, the two were like they were made for each other. Well, if Ben wanted to switch sides he could damn-well go and live with Adam and Nate. Fuck him.”

The trauma of the last few weeks that had messed with his brain so bad now came to a head and the faster his thoughts raced the more irrational they became. Impulsively he got to feet and glared at Ben. “You got off on that, didn’t you, boy? You loved another guy’s dick in your ass – you’ve been wanting it a long time.”

“Sir, I only did what you …”

“So this is the thanks I get after risking my life out there for three weeks. A boy is supposed to be there for his master, but you’ve been missing in action, boy. The only action you’re interested in is getting your ass ploughed by another man’s cock.”

Ben’s eyes brimmed with tears. “Sir, I have been there for you only you haven’t noticed me ever since …”

“Be quiet. You speak when I give you permission. Get your ass in the fucking house, I’ll deal with you later.”

“No!” Will leaped to his feet, ran round the table and confronted Jason. “That’s not fair, sir. You shouldn’t treat my friend like that. He’s been a good boy for you and he loves you, he keeps telling me that. You’re not thinking straight now, sir, but you’re wrong if you ...”

“I’m wrong!? Who the fuck do you think you are to tell me I’m wrong?”

“I’m … I’m the twins’ boy, sir. I know a boy is not supposed to talk to a master like that ….”

“Damn right you’re not.” Jason prodded him in the chest and kept pushing him as he snarled at him. “You’re just a kid. Ben is my boy and I’ll do whatever I fucking want with him without the interference of his so-called best friend. You get it, kid? You get it?”

Will was stumbling backward as Jason pushed him. His feet got tangled in Ben’s discarded shorts on the ground and he fell down, sprawling on his back.”

“That’s enough!” Mark sprang into action and came up face to face with Jason. Pete and Ben knelt beside Will to help him while Mark reasoned with Jason. “Listen, man, I know you’ve got this post-traumatic thing after what you’ve been through and that’s one reason we’re here – to support you. But you do not blame your own boy like that and you sure as hell don’t attack young Will. The kid was supporting his buddy, something you should try.”

Jason was losing it completely. “Fuck you, man. Fuck you all. I don’t need any of you.” He spun round and stormed off into the house, into the first room he came to – the kitchen.”

Mark started to follow him but Will spoke up. “Sir, please, don’t fight with him. I’m fine, Jason didn’t hurt me. I shouldn’t have spoke up like I did.” Mark looked down at him and, with Pete’s help, eased him up on his feet. “You sure you’re OK, Will?”

“Absolutely, sir. But please don’t make it all worse. Jason didn’t mean what he said … he’s just not thinking straight. Please, sir, let me and Ben go to him. Look, he’s in the kitchen. If we go in you can watch from the window and make sure everything’s OK.”

Mark hesitated but was moved by the freckle-faced redhead staring earnestly up at him. “OK, Will, but at the first sign of trouble I’m in there and you step away, is that clear?”

“Yes, sir … thank you, sir.”

While Mark, Pete and Adam watched discreetly a little way back from the window, Will took Ben’s hand and they went into the kitchen together. They were stunned by what they found.

*********************************

The Dam Breaks

Jason was sitting at the kitchen table, bent forward, his head buried in his arms on the table. And he was racked with heaving sobs. Ben gasped but Will gripped his arm and said, “Go to him, dude. He needs you. I won’t leave – I’ll stay back here in the shadows.”

Ben gave Will a worried glance, then stared at Jason and went over to sit on the bench beside him. He hesitated, then put his arm over Jason’s shoulder and rested his face on his back.

Gradually Jason’s sobs subsided. He reached back over his shoulder and placed his hand over Ben’s. Then he raised a tear-stained face and turned it sideways to face Ben. Ben licked the tears from his face and then kissed him, gently at first until Jason sat up, took Ben’s face in his hands and kissed him passionately, frantically. He pulled back and stared into Ben’s eyes. “Don’t leave me, Ben. Please don’t leave me.”

Ben’s eyes opened wide. “I’m not going anywhere, sir. I love you. I’m your boy.”

Jason kissed him again, and when they stopped Ben said, “Er, would you like a brandy, sir?’

Jason managed a watery smile. “Probably shouldn’t drink any more … but hey, what the hell, why not?” Ben got the brandy from the cupboard and glanced at Will who gave him a thumbs up in the shadows.

After a few gulps of brandy Jason looked Ben in the eyes. “Kid, all that stuff I said out there, I didn’t mean it, any of it. And you’re pal Will too. I didn’t mean it.”

“I know that, sir. I think you were just …”

“No, Ben, let me try to explain if I can. All that stuff up the coast in those fires. They were worse than any of us had ever experienced. Folks say it’s global warming or whatever, but when you’re in the thick of it all you can think about is saving lives, and getting your buddies out alive too.”

Jason choked up and he teared up again. “I haven’t told anyone this but … my buddy Chuck – we’ve worked together a long time. We got in a bad spot and he inhaled a lot of smoke. I got him to an ambulance and they did their best but … he didn’t make it, Ben. He’s gone.”

Ben wrapped his arms round Jason and held on for a long time.

Finally Jason pulled away and frowned. “When I got home … see, kid, it’s two totally different worlds. Out there is was all us firefighters together, and when I got home and saw all you guys getting on with your lives, I felt like a stranger … didn’t know how to … I kinda clammed up, folded into myself. And the last person I wanted to load up with all my troubles was you, Ben. That’s why I turned my back on you, pushed you away. I was so out of it I wasn’t sure you and me would even make it.”

“But sir, I …”

“I know, kid. I should have had more faith in you. Also I should have gone to see Doc Steve. He urged me to but I thought I could tough it out myself. That’s what guys like me do, I thought.

“Anyway, things got so fucked up in my mind I couldn’t think straight and kind’ve buried it all in denial. And when Adam won that stupid game I suddenly blurted out that he should fuck you. I don’t know why I said it … maybe to put more space between you and me, to protect you from my craziness. Seeing you and Adam was tough but maybe I thought that if I piled on the pain it would all get so bad it would be unbearable and go away – some cockamamie idea like that”

“And in a crazy way it worked. When I saw you and Adam together I got so mad that I cracked. I lost it and took it out on you and your buddy Will. Then the dam burst. I knew I couldn’t take anymore, so I came in here and … it all flooded out. Ben, I’m so glad you stuck around, and you’re here now. I love you kiddo. I never stopped. Can you forgive me?”

“Sir,” Ben said softly. “Would you like to come to bed with me now?” Jason smiled and they stood up. Jason caught sight of Will and said, “Will, I’m so sorry I hurt you. I’m real glad you’re Ben’s buddy. Will you come up and sit with us a while and let me apologize before Ben and me go to sleep. I won’t keep you long.”

“Of course, sir.” Will and Ben exchanged smiles and they all went upstairs.

*******************************

Big Brother

Previously, when Ben and Will had gone to Jason in the kitchen, Mark’s first thought was to call Bob. As Will was involved he thought Bob and the twins should know what was happening. They were all three in Bob’s house when he called, so Bob put his phone on speaker so the twins could hear too.

They were startled to hear Mark’s account of how the meeting had gone, especially Jason’s irrational behavior and his treatment of Ben over the last few weeks. Bob had suspected that Jason had some kind of post-traumatic issues but he never realized it had caused such unhappiness for Ben. They were shocked to hear how Will had intervened and been knocked to the ground for his trouble.

Their instinct was to go right down to Jason’s house and pull Will out, but Mark reassured them that he was on top of things and would take good care of the boys. “The situation seems to have calmed down and I’ll stay here until Will comes home. I gotta say, guys, young Will has been amazing. He’s been a rock for his pal Ben. That’s some boy you got there, guys.”

Bob and the twins were reassured by Mark’s presence and were confident he would take care of Ben and bring Will home safe and sound.

But one man who did not share that confidence was Randy.

He had come back after visiting Zack and as he climbed the stairs he heard Bob’s and Mark’s voices talking on the phone. When he heard Ben’s name mentioned something made him hold back on the stairs. He had a feeling that if he barged in Mark wouldn’t talk so freely, afraid of his reaction. And he was right about that. When he heard that his little brother Ben had been mistreated by Jason and that Will had been hurt, he was out of the house like a shot.

At Jason’s house Mark, Pete and Adam had watched the scene in the kitchen from the window and had felt reassured that there was no more danger to either Ben or Will. They were sitting outdoors with the last of the brandy waiting for Will to come down with a final report when the gate crashed open and Randy strode in, looking ferocious in jeans, boots and an old tank top hanging over his muscular frame.

“What the fuck’s going on here, Mark?” he growled. “You told Bob that Jason has been abusing my brother and hurt Will. Where the fuck is he?”

“Randy cool it, please. There has been some trouble but it seems to have sorted itself out well. Will wasn’t hurt and he’s upstairs with Jason and Ben now.”

Randy’s eyes blazed. “You fucking left him alone with those kids after what he’s done. I’ll fucking deal with the son of a bitch myself.” Mark stood up to confront him but Randy said, “And don’t you damn well interfere, buddy. This is my show, so stay out of my way.”

Mark hesitated. He knew that if he confronted Randy in his mood there would be a big fight and the whole situation would flare up again. By all appearances Jason seemed to have calmed down and when Randy saw that, he would calm down too. But Mark stayed tense and on alert.

Jason and Ben were sitting on the bed and Will was sitting beside it about to say his goodbyes when he heard the commotion downstairs. He went to the window and his heart sank as he saw Randy confronting Mark. “Don’t worry, guys,” Will said. “I’ll go check it out.”

But as he got to the bedroom door Randy was bounding up the stairs shouting, “Where is he?”

Will stood in the doorway and said, “Everything’s OK, sir. Jason and Ben are fine and they just want to be left alone.”

“Fuck you boy. I heard he’s been hurting my brother and you. Are you OK?”

“I’m fine, sir. And yes, Ben has been unhappy but it’s all in the past and he’s safe now.”

“The mother-fucker hurt my kid brother,” Randy growled menacingly. “Anyone messes with my family messes with me. Out of my way, kid.”

Will blocked the door by stretching his arms wide and bracing his hands against the doorframe. He said defiantly, “Sorry sir. To get to them you have to come though me first.”

Randy stared at the determined freckle faced boy with his shock of tousled red hair … and the big man was stunned. He had beat up guys and busted his way through a gang of thugs in his time but … but he didn’t know how to get past this boy without hurting him.

Will didn’t flinch as he barred the door, nervous but resolute. Despite the tension Randy stifled a smile as he gazed at the boy, still wearing the dark green apron he had worn all day and doing his best to look fierce. And his anger dissolved. He looked over Will’s shoulder and shouted, “Ben, are you OK in there?”

“Yeah, I’m good, sir … very, very good actually. Thank you for coming sir, but I’m just fine.”

Randy hesitated, then grunted at Will, “Fuck you, boy.”

Will relaxed, lowered his arms and smiled, “Thank you, sir.” He had been told by Bob that when Randy said ‘fuck you’ like that it was his way of backing down. And Randy knew Will knew that. “Kid, you’ve been spending too much time around Bob,” he grinned.

Randy grabbed Will by the waist, picked him up off the ground and kissed him hard. When he put him down he ruffled his hair. “Damn, I love you, Red. Tough, just like me at your age. Thanks for taking care of my little brother, kid.” And he stomped back downstairs.

Will smiled and brushed his finger over his lips, still tasting Randy. He turned and went back to Jason and Ben. “All taken care of. Now I’m going to leave you alone with Ben, sir.”

“Will, thanks for everything. Listen, I was thinking. I’ve got a week off now, and some time ago Mark offered me the use of his shack up the coast in the dunes. How about I take you two up there and we can hang out together on the beach, do some surfing, just kick back and let all this bullshit wash off us. How’s that sound?”

Ben’s eyes sparkled. “We can take care of you real good up there, sir.”

Will said, “Sounds good to me too, sir, provided you don’t think three would be a crowd.”

“Nah … Oh sure, Ben and me have got a lot of lost time to make up and we’re gonna start on that right now. But it’ll be fun with you up there, eh Ben? And don’t think we’re only asking you for your cooking skills and your rhubarb pie,” Jason chuckled.

“Mmm … all that and rhubarb pie,” Ben grinned. “I think I just died and went to heaven.”

*******************************

TO BE CONTINUED in “A Trial Of Strength” – Book 9: Chapter 50