Chapter 10: Nightmare
I’ve heard that 3:00 a.m. is the perfect time to launch a surprise attack because the victim is usually in their deepest sleep. And I was. But, thank you adrenaline! I woke up with a jolt, instantly ready to fight. Fuck! My Bronco is all I have left now. There’s no way in hell I’m letting it go. I can’t lose everything. I started throwing fists and elbows, my big body doing its best to inflict as much damage as possible.
But I wasn’t in a fight with two faceless thugs. I was in the arms of a man who, oh so recently, started caring about me. As the realization hit, I immediately stopped my thrashing, my heart sinking with guilt and dread. Please, let it at least be past midnight, I thought. I can’t take crying one more time on the day I just had.
Corey had somehow dodged my flailing limbs with super hero precision, keeping his composure intact and his arms tightly wrapped around me. In full-blown ER nurse mode, his voice was low and steady, his words trying to find their way into my consciousness through the tangled mess of curls falling over my ear.
“It’s okay, Ollie. I’ve got you. You’re in my arms. You’re safe, baby boy. You’re okay.” He kept repeating the words, soothing me until the chaos in my mind began to subside, and lucidity returned. Lurd, please let me always wake in his arms.
As soon as I realized where I was, the tears came. I couldn’t stop them. “Corey, I’m sorry. Please don’t let my nightmares ever hurt you. I couldn’t handle that. I just couldn’t.”
“Sssshhh,” he whispered, his voice full of quiet strength. “Ollie, it’s okay. You’ve been so close to the end of your rope for so long - you need to understand there’s no instant miracle recovery. It’s going to take time, even with me, Dad, and Ted reassuring you every day that you’re safe now. You are safe, my Ollie. You’re okay. But, my love, please stop saying you’re sorry.”
Of all the words my mind just heard, it latched onto one most impossible phrase. “Corey, did you just say ‘my love’?” My sleepy head practically exploded.
“Yes, Ollie. Please don’t overthink it. It’s just… a sleepy reaction to the situation.” He let out a soft laugh, his voice tinged with exhaustion. “Believe me, I’ve had an emotional day too. But I guess I’ll have to tell you sometime about how Dad and Ted got together. Let’s just say, I inherited more than just Dad’s gay genes.” His lips brushed the crown of my head as he asked gently, “Are you okay to go back to sleep?”
I wasn’t sure how to feel about everything that had just happened, so I took the simplest route. “Not yet,” I mumbled. “I think I need to get some water.”
“Can you find your way to the kitchen?” Corey asked, his voice heavy with quickly returning sleep.
My turn to lighten things up. “Lol. Your dads’ house is big and beautiful, but I don’t think I’ll need GPS. Still, I’ll take my iPhone - just in case.” I gave him a small smile to reassure him. I was really okay, but the thought of slipping back into that nightmare again kept me from just crawling back into bed.
Right as I reached for the bedroom door, Corey’s drowsy voice stopped me. “You might wanna put your undies back on first.”
Oh. Right. As if I was actually going to walk around my new dads’ house stark naked on my first night. Then again… I guess I almost just did. Lurd. I quickly pulled on my boxer-briefs and padded my way down the dimly lit hallway toward the kitchen.
Strangely enough, Ted was already there. In his tighty-whities. For a moment, I silently thanked Corey for the reminder to put on some clothes. And… well, I guess we really are family now. Bonus? I had to admit, for a fatherly figure, Ted looked pretty damn good. Big and beefy, with just about as much chestnut fur as Corey had blond. Damn.
“Are you okay, Ollie? What’s wrong?” Ted’s voice was concerned but steady, a reassuring anchor in the dimly lit kitchen.
“I’m sorry, Ted. I had my customary 3 a.m. nightmare. Only this time, I got to share it with Corey. I think I might’ve tried to punch him. I didn’t even think to warn him before we fell asleep.” I paused, trying to compose myself. “Anyway, I just needed to get up and grab some water to clear my head. I swear I’m okay.”
Ted’s expression softened. “I know you are, Sport - now. Come here.” He opened his arms, and I stepped into his embrace. My boxer briefs to his just briefs. The moment felt both awkward and strangely comforting.
“Um, is this going on my co-op evaluation report?” I asked, half-joking, half addressing the awkwardness.
Ted chuckled, shaking his head. “Ollie, you need to stop worrying about always being so ‘on-point.’ You’re allowed to just be you.” His hand reached up, gently pulling my head down, and he kissed my forehead. Ted wasn’t as tall as me, Corey, or Chris, but he was every bit as commanding - and every bit as impressive.
Still fuzzy-headed, I found myself responding with simple sincerity. “I love you too, Dad. Um, where are the glasses? And… why are you up?”
Ted opened a cabinet, pulling down a glass and handing it to me. “Because I’m 52, and I rarely sleep through the night without needing to pee or grab a drink of water myself.” His grin was easy, unguarded. “I know you can kind of relate to that now, but I’m glad it was just a nightmare. We can help with that. And when we do, that’ll hopefully make your other problem go away, too.”
He gave my shoulder a light squeeze. “Goodnight, Sport. See you in the morning.”
I watched my second - wait, first? - new dad shuffle back toward his wing of the house, his presence leaving a lingering sense of calm in the air. I filled my glass with water from the refrigerator and headed quietly back to my room, wondering what damage I might have inflicted on poor Corey.
Thankfully, he was softly snoring when I returned. I sipped from my glass before placing it on the nightstand, the quiet hum of my new home soothed my nerves. Stripping off my boxers, I slipped back into my safe place beside him, doing my best not to disturb his peaceful slumber.
But even in his sleep, Corey instinctively pulled me into his arms, his warmth wrapping around me like a shield. His voice was barely audible, laced with grogginess, as he murmured, “You okay?”
I kissed his hand, letting my lips linger for just a moment before whispering, “I’m fine.”
The soft sound of his purring returned, and before long, my own joined his in a peaceful duet, lulling us both into a safe and restful sleep.
Chapter 11: Our First Morning
Having learned his lesson after waking me from yesterday’s nap, Corey’s voice floated toward me, warm and inviting - from a safe, non-threatening distance. “Hey, Ollie boy. You slept really well last night - well, except for when you tried to punch me. Time to wake up, my sweet pup.”
I yawned and stretched, my body unfurling, greeting the morning in a way it hadn’t been able to do in ages. If I’d done this just one morning ago, I would’ve bashed my knuckles into the Bronco’s windows. Again. How am I suddenly waking up in this unexpected heaven? My eyes cracked open, and for the first time, I noticed the view from my new bedroom. The backyard and pool gleamed in the bright morning light; the kind of scene that almost felt too good to be real.
Corey caught the moment my eyes adjusted to the daylight, decided it was safe enough to approach, and leaned in to give me a wake-up kiss - completely undeterred by my morning breath. Much to my surprise and delight, he followed it up with a kiss to each of my morning pits. His grin was brighter than the sunlight pouring through the window. “Ollie,” he teased, “please never wear deodorant again.”
Half-awake, I managed a sleepy chuckle and a squinty-eyed smile, his words leaving me both flustered and amused. But as my mind cleared, one thought rose to the surface - one I couldn’t shake. “Corey,” I said softly, “did I dream it? Or did you say you loved me last night?”
“I think I maybe did, my boy. But it’s right at 9:00 now, and I really want to give you a treat today. Do you mind skipping Starbucks and just chugging down a protein shake?”
“I love a good protein shake. But wait - 9:00? I slept until almost 9:00? I never do that. Like, ever.”
Corey held up a single finger with the same mock-stern face he gave his dads last night. “Wait - stop! Do not say you’re sorry. You needed it, and I’m pretty sure Dad’s right. You need a lot more.”
“Fine,” I said, conceding with a small smile. “But, um… did I also really try to fight you last night?” My gaze drifted to the water glass on the nightstand, the memory of waking up foggy but lingering.
“It’s okay, buddy. We’ve got a journey ahead of us, and it’s how all great stories start. The important part is I’m still going to be here tonight, tomorrow night, and, hopefully, far beyond that.”
I leaned up and kissed my sweet Norse God, my chest swelling at the reassurance in his words. “Okay,” I said, grinning. “What’s the plan, my man?”
“Well, good news: you won’t need a shower.” His smirk turned slightly mischievous. “Bad news: I might be pushing your boundaries again. You do understand that you’re beautiful and have an absolutely stunning body, right?”
I stared at him, refusing to nod but secretly appreciating his insistence.
He continued, his tone light but serious. “Do you like cycling?”
My face instantly brightened. “I absolutely love it! It’s my favorite off-season way to do ‘leg day’ without really doing ‘leg day.’ But my bike and gear are back in Michigan… probably never to be seen again. What did you have in mind?”
Corey’s grin widened. “Well, I’m sure you didn’t notice it yesterday evening, but there’s a bike trail right out in front of the house. It runs through the park along the creek - it’s our neighborhood’s feeder trail to the Trinity Trails system. That system stretches for miles and miles along the Trinity River. I figured I could introduce you to one of my favorite things.”
“That’s awesome,” I said, already imagining it. “But, like I said, I don’t have a bike or gear and… frak, it’s 9:00, right? I need to call Jason at LA Fitness and explain my new living situation.”
“It’s all okay, Ollie.” Corey’s voice was calm, reassuring. “You can call Jason; I’ll shake up the protein, and it’ll all work out.” He paused, looking me over with a playful glint in his eye. “What’s your waist size?”
“Um, 32?”
“Perfect. I’m 34, and biking bibs aren’t that exact. I brought two pairs from my house last night - one for you, one for me. Bonus, Dad’s bike should almost be exactly your size. So! You’ll have Dad’s bike and my bibs. All you need to supply is a T-shirt or tank top. Oh… And hint: tank top.”
“But what about cleats? I seriously doubt your dad’s shoes are exactly my size.”
Corey’s smirk was already forming. “Still no worries. Dad’s pedals are bi - just like he tried to be with my mom that one time.” He flashed his first full smirk of the day, clearly proud of his joke. “Cleat clips on one side, flat pedals on the other. All you need are your gym shoes.”
I rolled my eyes, but couldn’t help smiling. “Is there anything you’re not in control of?”
“Many things, Ollie, but I’m doing my best for you.” He paused, his smirk softening into something much sweeter. “Now, don’t you dare wash those morning pits of yours. Just put your undies on and let’s go get that shake. Oh, and by the way - we’re a morning underwear family, and I hear you’ve already seen Ted in his. It’s all good.”
How does he even remember things I tell him in his sleep? Oh wait - I didn’t. I guess Ted did, and that means I’m the last one up. I sighed, pulling my boxer briefs on and picking up my iPhone as Corey’s perfectly filled tighty-whities disappeared down the hall.
“I’ll be right there,” I called after him, dialing my suddenly former second boss. Jason sounded sad to lose my help but happy to gain me as a customer - and even happier about my new living conditions. I guess everyone kinda suspected I was homeless. Dang.
Chapter 12: Meet the Dads
I walked into a much brighter kitchen than the one I’d wandered through last night, and sure enough, there were Chris and Ted, sipping their coffee in nothing but their briefs, sitting at the breakfast nook table. I guess if I want to fit in - and I do - I’ll have to switch to tighty-whities soon myself. I only started wearing boxers because my dad told me it’d be a good idea once I’d finally turned into a “big boy.”
As soon as I stepped in, they both raised their mugs in unison and wished me a good morning, their voices warm and welcoming. Please, Lurd, let me and Corey look that good in 25 years. No, scratch that - just give me 25 years with my champion and his dads. That’s all I ask.
Corey appeared beside me, handed me a mug, and filled it with steaming, freshly brewed coffee. I added a generous amount of sugar, and he grinned. “I knew you were a sweet boy as soon as I saw you,” he teased, his tone full of affection.
I blushed, but still managed to walk over and give each of my new dads a side hug. I’m usually a full-body hug kind of guy, but even after yesterday, there was still something surreal about casually greeting people - who until yesterday - I only knew as my doctor and my mentor. All while they were mostly naked, just starting their Saturday morning routine. It was equal parts awkward and somehow comforting - and strangely, it all just felt like home.
As if on cue, both of them gave me a once-over in an appraising, fatherly way, but it was Ted - who knows me best - who decided to fire the first embarrassing dad comment of the morning. “Damn, Sport! You really are a super co-op!”
Corey walked over, bro-punched him in the arm, and wrapped his bare upper body around mine. “Yes, he is, and I found him first, so he’s mine.”
Chris looked up from his coffee, chuckle-clearing his throat in that way only an all-knowing dad can. “Actually, he found Ted first, just over three months ago. Then he met me. We just had enough restraint to let him stay fully clothed - until you stepped in.” Wait, wait. Did my Corey just get double-smirked by both our dads? This is awesome. And, much to my dismay, I giggled. Again.
Corey’s smile at me was warm, but his tone was mock-scolding once again. “Like you said last night - laugh it up buddy. I’ll lose you on the bike trails today.”
I put on my best hurt puppy expression and delivered my most pathetic, “But you keep saying you don’t want to lose me.”
Corey groaned, shaking his head with a big, thoughtful smile. “Damn, I keep forgetting how fast you adapt.” Then he turned to Chris. “Oh, hey, Dad, can Ollie borrow your bike for the day? I want to show him at least a little bit of the Trinity Trails. And…” He glanced at me with a smirk that made my skin tingle, “I really want to see him in my cycling bibs.”
He leaned down and gave me another morning kiss. It was absolutely perfect - until I remembered I was standing there drinking coffee in just my skin-tight underwear, right in front of our dads.
Chris was this moment’s proud recipient of the award for Most Inappropriate Dad Comment. “Well, I’m starting to see that Ollie really could be my son. Corey, maybe you should take care of that before you take him out into the neighborhood in cycling bibs.”
In unison, the dads clinked their coffee mugs together, like they’d just delivered the perfect punchline. Somehow, I didn’t die of embarrassment - though it felt like I should’ve. Instead, I surprised myself by going bold. “He seems to know how to do that really well, sirs. But… I’m still not sure about wearing biking shorts in public. I was just expecting gym shorts.”
Corey, kind of, sort of, well, at least ish came to my rescue. “Ollie, you’ll make all the other bikers gawk, lose focus, and ride off the trail. Like I said yesterday - turn around and be proud.” He cupped my butt cheek and added, “Well Dads, I guess we’re suddenly finishing our coffee back in our room. This is all your fault. I was going to save my next surprise for Ollie until tonight, but now I have to give it to him before we leave. Anyway… so, can Ollie use your bike?”
Chris, completely unfazed, replied drolly, “Sorry, something big distracted me.” He added an expert dad-joke-pause-for-effect before finishing. “Absolutely, Ollie! Again, son, just take care of that thing before leaving the house.” He gave me what I now recognized as the signature Chris-Corey father-son smirk. “And don’t forget to shut your door.”
Ted immediately chimed in. “Oh God, yes, please. Shut your door, Corey!”
Chapter 13: Shut Your Door, Corey
As soon as we got to our room, I innocently asked, “What’s all that about shutting your bedroom door?”
“It’s something they’ll never let me live down.” His eyes rolling with slight exasperation over the memory, “So, I was 9 when they got together. Over the years, I got very used to seeing my two dads being very affectionate with each other. I loved it, it made me happy. Plus, since we have a private pool, speedo cut trunks became the norm, still are. And several times, I accidently caught them both in the pool or hot tub naked. It never bothered me and no one ever made any big deal about anyone’s level, or lack, of clothing. It just didn’t matter.
He looked into my eyes, bring me into his tale, “I was the exact opposite of you, at least according to what you told me about your journey through puberty. I was the first kid in my class to get pubes and a big boy dick. Unlike you, I didn’t handle my situation as well.”
He glanced away, flashing a bit of some long-ago embarrassment, “I always felt like everyone was looking at me and whispering about my big hairy dick. It really started to upset me. I came home after a particularly bad day of junior high school and, well, dad is a urologist. So, I stormed in, found him, dropped my pants and demanded to know if I was normal.”
My eyes were large as saucers, wondering how my father would have reacted. Corey regained his smile and continued, “After he got over the shock of my brashness, he chuckled - in a fatherly way - and told me that I was very much above normal. He assured me that I was probably just a few months ahead of the other boys in my class and that they would soon catch up with me and lose interest.
Corey was apparently just getting to the heart of the story, “Because I’d breached the subject and, well, was still standing there with my dick hanging out, he asked if I’d had a wet dream yet. Then he had to explain what that was. He also explained about masturbation and how it was ‘perfectly normal’ for me to start doing it. But only in my room.
“I didn’t have to be told twice. I picked up my pants and undies and ran to my room. I was hard before I made it past the kitchen. I jumped on my bed and I think it took maybe 45 seconds before I experienced my first orgasm and shot my first load all over my chest and stomach.” Corey tried not to chuckle at my shocked expression, “But wait pup, there’s more… And what did I immediately do next? I yelled for Dad and Ted to come to my room. ‘Dads! You’re not gonna believe what I just did!’”
My jaw was once again on the floor as Corey gleefully reached er, the climax of his story, “Imagine their surprise when they walked in to find their totally naked son, drenched in his own cum, his hand still around his hard dick, proudly presenting his accomplishment. ‘Guys, this is awesome! Is it okay to do this as much as I want?’
“After they stopped laughing, they assured me that yes, ‘jacking off’ is every teenage boy’s favorite hobby. Then, in unison, they added, ‘But maybe shut your door before you do it next time.’ Unfortunately, I kept forgetting that part and they kept walking by my room right at the wrong time, well, because there were a lot of wrong times. ‘Shut your door, Corey!’ became our house’s most overused catch phrase."
My mouth was still agape as I heard him seductively say, “So, Ollie, shut the door.”
Chapter 14: Solving a Hard Problem
Corey easily slipped back into his nurse command mode, his demeanor that starts sending shivers all through my body. “Drop those boxer-briefs my boy, time to make that protein shake.”
Still frazzled by his story, my inner monologue was all, Wait? what?! But I dropped my drawers as I was told, and freed my now very hard dick. Corey dropped his briefs as well and moved in to give me a long and sensual kiss. When he came up for air, he gently pushed me back onto our bed. And slowly leaned forward, arms on the bed on either side of me, crawling toward my torso, forcing me to lie back, while giving me one more quick kiss.
This time I absolutely understood that I was his prey. I shivered as his lips and breath made their now almost familiar way back down my body. This time, he didn’t stop at my belly button. He took a deep breath of my pubes, and then ever so gently placed his lips on the exposed head of my very attentive cock.
But then raised up, “Ollie, I rarely get to suck an uncircumcised cock, just stop me if I do anything wrong.” Then he tenderly took my exposed head into his mouth and slowly started twirling his tongue under what little loose foreskin remained around the top of my shaft.
“Damn! You’re not doing anything wrong! Is it supposed to feel this amazing?”
Corey gave me an evil, lusty smile, and proceeded to worship my throbbing, leaking dick with his tongue. He let a proud appraisal slip out: “Ollie, your precum tastes amazing. Pure and sweet, exactly like you.” I smiled between gasps of new and unexpected waves of pleasure.
He then started taking more and more of my shaft into his mouth. While his tongue kept dancing around everything it could reach. His fist was wrapped around the lower inches of my shaft as he started an up and down motion that I’d seen in so many pornos, I just had no clue how amazing the real deal felt. My balls inevitably started rising into firing position. Corey noticed it as well.
He let my over stimulated cock slide from his mouth. “Not yet pup, here’s a preview of what’s in store for tonight.” He moved his face lower, and for the second time, I felt his tongue on my balls. He attentively bathed each one, then lifted them up and continued south. I felt his magical, wide tongue on my shaved-smooth taint, and I had to fight back a way too loud moan. It was as if his tongue was licking the whole of my body.
“I knew you were going to like that.” He smiled, “Just wait until I go lower tonight.”
I almost comprehended what his innuendo was telling me, but I just couldn’t believe it, so I simply responded with my standard, “Y-yes sir!” He returned his attention to my dripping dick and it only took a few more minutes of licks with his tongue and strokes with his fist before I was delivering my protein into his hungry mouth. I saw stars and comets and whole galaxies before my senses returned to normal.
As I was trying to calm down, Corey had crawled up the bed and was again by my side, gently rubbing my furry tummy and kissing my neck. I eventually uttered, “May I return the favor? My Norse God.”
He smiled and replied, “Hey, you need some protein too. However, you won’t believe this, but I’m much better at giving blow jobs than I am at receiving them. I know that sounds stupid. I mean, they feel great, but I might need to take control to cross the finish line. Is that okay?”
I was like, you prefer doing what you just did to me? And this is a problem? But instead, I simply said, “I’d love to try my best sir.”
“I know you will, Ollie. I’m not sure you’ve noticed this yet, but I really like being a little dominant in our fun. And I think you like being a bit submissive. Am I right?”
Fuck, I’d honestly never realized that before, but, well, fuck. “Yes, sir!”
“Good boy! Now, off the bed and on your knees.” Corey got up from the bed as well.
I immediately complied and suddenly Corey’s cock was throbbing right in front of my face. And like Corey, my first instinct was to grab his erection, move it aside and inhale the scent of his pubes followed by his balls. I knew I’d love his scent, and I wasn’t wrong. I couldn’t stop myself from moving lower where his scent intensified. But I didn’t lick anything like he did; I wasn’t sure I was ready to do that, so I returned to his pubes.
He cupped his hand under my chin and looked deeply into my eyes. “Why don’t you start off just doing what comes naturally, and we can go from there.” I took that as my cue and I again took his massive member in my fist but this time I maneuvered the shaft to point down in my direction. I tentatively licked the precum that was about to drip from his slit and immediately realized it was the taste I never knew I needed to have on my tongue.
From that moment on, I knew exactly what to do, I was just so shocked at how badly I needed to do it. I couldn’t get enough of Corey’s cock. I loved his taste and his primal scent. I kept trying to take as much of his shaft in my mouth as I could. But I’d always wind up choking after the first 4 inches or so. So, I tried another approach and simply licked and slid my lips and tongue all the way up and down the bottom side of his pole. I was having the time of my life, all the while looking up at Corey to make sure he was enjoying it. I think he was. At least, I loved the smile he was giving me.
“Damn Ollie! Aren’t you the eager pup? I can’t believe this is your first time, but then again, I also keep forgetting how fast you adapt to new situations. With a lot of practice,” he gave me a wink, “you’ll be a pro and be able to take me a lot deeper. But for right now, may I suggest an alternative way to get me over the edge?”
I didn’t want to release his manhood from my lips yet, so I simply nodded.
“Okay, pup spit on your palm and firmly wrap it around my shaft. Use it as a buffer to keep me from going too deep into your mouth.”
I immediately understood what Corey was asking. And I let him take over. He started slowly thrusting his cock through my fist and into my mouth. I just concentrated on keeping my teeth safely out of the way, my tongue on his frenulum, and enjoying how amazing it felt to be getting Corey so excited.
He placed his right hand under my chin again and his left on my cheek. “You look so incredibly hot right now my beautiful pup, I’m really close. Are you okay to swallow my load?” I gave him a genuine hero worshiping look and another nod. He gave me the biggest smile that was all too quickly replaced with his very manly ‘O’ face. My mouth was soon filled with shot after shot of his protein. I reflexively swallowed all I could, but I knew some of it was dripping out of the corners of my mouth.
After his shivers and quakes subsided, my dominant Corey slowly left to be replaced by my protector Corey. I felt absolutely safe with both. He immediately asked, “Are you okay? That was incredible. I can’t believe you did so well for your first time. You are my very good pup.” I stood up and kissed him. He licked up the parts of his load I couldn’t swallow and we shared it in our continued kiss.
“Are you safe to get into our cycling bibs now?” Corey teased.
“Absolutely - for at least fifteen minutes. But once I see you in yours, I might throw wood again.” I grinned sheepishly. “Also, um… you do realize that little fun talk we had with the dads kinda derailed our quest for real protein shakes, right?”
Corey chuckled, his mischievous grin lighting up the room. “You don’t miss a thing. Put your bibs on, and let’s finally - really, really-really - go get our shakes.”
****
Corey’s bibs fit me perfectly, and I almost felt like one of my wrestler friends from high school - except for the sewn-in seat padding. Wrestler singlets definitely don’t have that. The padding made it feel like someone was cupping my butt crack. But hey, since meeting Corey, that’s become one of my new favorite feelings. I decided to put a thin tank top over the bibs, just like Corey suggested.
Corey gave me an appraising look, his eyes scanning me from head to toe. “Dayam,” he simply said. I took that as a “good to go.”
I shot the same look right back at him. His bibs accentuated his muscles and all of his bulges perfectly. “You know, looking at you is going to keep me, well, enthusiastic for the whole ride, right?”
Corey grinned, his tone dripping with playful confidence. “Hey, that just means more fun when we’re done.”
We finally had our real shakes, topped our tires off with a few pumps of air, donned our helmets, bid our dads goodbye, and finally started our ride. Chris’ bike really did fit me perfectly, but I missed being clipped in. Still, I was being given the chance to ride again and I was happy.
Chapter 15: On the Path Together
We rode north along the trail as it wound through my beautiful new neighborhood until we made a sharp left turn and ducked under Hulen Street. After a few more quick turns and a street crossing, we were suddenly overlooking the Trinity River - or maybe the Trinity Creek? The trail continued over the river at a low-water crossing. I swear, the Trinity couldn’t be more than two or three feet deep, but it was still pretty, just different from the bigger rivers I was used to.
Corey stopped before we started the descent to the riverbed. “See that exposed bedrock there where our little creek empties into the river? When I was a kid, you could find ammonite fossils there. But they were soft, like moist clay. I took a few home and did what any kid would do - I baked them in the oven to harden them into stone.”
He grimaced dramatically, and I could already tell where the story was headed. “The dads weren’t too happy to find their oven full of stinking, hot river mud. And, sadly, my experiment didn’t really work anyway. But I still say I should’ve gotten credit for being so creative. Nope! Instead, I got grounded.”
I laughed, imagining a young, earnestly mischievous Corey, and found myself wishing I’d known him back then. “That’s hilarious. You definitely deserved points for creativity.”
Corey grinned. “Okay, the left - or west - trail will take us out to Lake Benbrook. It’s gorgeous out there. But I think we should head right, or east, into Trinity Park and then past downtown. Ready to really roll?”
I nodded eagerly. “Let’s do it.”
Corey coasted down the slope, crossing the low-water dam before pedaling up the other bank, with me close behind. Once we reached the main trail, it widened enough for us to ride side by side. We only had to slip back into tandem when someone was coming toward us. Our ride alternated between relaxed conversation and competitive bursts of speed, racing each other for dominance. I’d say I was at a disadvantage because I couldn’t clip in, but honestly, I was having the most fun I’ve had in forever. This was an amazing city perk I never even knew existed.
When we reached the heart of Trinity Park, Corey signaled for us to exit the trail. He led us to a shady picnic table by a much-needed water fountain. As Corey leaned in for a big drink, I couldn’t resist speaking up. “I wondered why we didn’t bring any water bottles.”
“Um, normally I do, but…” Corey glanced at me with a sheepish grin. “You in those bibs got me all flustered and I forgot. Thankfully, this part of the trail has a few water fountains. What’s my ‘bad’ count up to now?”
“Zero! You’re perfect.” My reply earned me a hug and a quick kiss. I grinned, adding, “Careful, though - the dads won’t be happy if I accidentally shock anyone in the park.”
Corey chuckled and pointed toward a food truck parked nearby. “Wanna take a break and gaze at the skyline? Maybe grab a light lunch while we’re at it?”
I thought it was a great idea - both of my protein shakes were long gone. As we walked toward the food truck to check out the menu, I glanced back at the skyline. “The view is really cool from here,” I said, then hesitated for a second before adding, “but there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you. It’s about something you called me yesterday… and something you and the dads keep calling me now.”
Corey raised an eyebrow, intrigued. I pressed on. “So, right before you, uh, shaved my taint, and again before we napped, you called me ‘Ollie Otter.’ And you keep calling me ‘pup,’ which I love, but… do they mean anything beyond just being pet names?”
He gave me a dramatic wince at my terrible pun, but his face quickly lit up. “Ooh! Time for the well-practicedgay to educate his baby gay again!”
I laughed, shaking my head. “My cousin would so kill me. Yes please - teach me, sir!”
By the time we reached the front of the line, we’d both decided on a couple of ridiculously delicious-looking hotdogs - apiece - and a couple bottles of Powerade. Both were perfect for quenching my hunger and thirst. I couldn’t wait to hear his answer as we carried our lunch over to a shady spot overlooking the river and skyline beyond.
After we wolfed down our first hotdog, Corey began his explanation. “Alright, Ollie, first off, I just like thinking of you as my cute little puppy. But also, a lot of gays refer to their body types - or even personality types - as animals. For example, Ted is almost a muscle bear. He’s bulky and furry, but not quite big enough to be a classic bear. Bears are usually hairy, hunky-chunky guys known for being friendly and huggable. There are also ‘cubs,’ who are either younger bears or guys who prefer being a bit more submissive.
“Then we’ve got otters - furry, wiry guys, who are thinner instead of bulky. Honestly, I was just trying to be clever when I called you an otter - mostly just trying to keep you engaged. Because, with your muscles… Well, they’re way too big for you to be a true otter. Unless that’s what you want to be, of course. A lot of all this comes down to your preference. Personally, I think you’re more of a college jock right now. I mean, sure, I could shave you down, make the rest of you match your smooth taint, and call you a ‘twunk’ - a muscled-up twink - but that would never fit you. And honestly, I’d never want to do that.”
He paused just long enough to flash me a smirk. “If I had to choose my own animal designation, I’d probably go with ‘wolf.’ Furry, muscled, and, as you’ve discovered, a little dominant - at least in bed.” His smirk deepened, sending my heart racing. “Dad’s pretty close to being the same, though he claims he doesn’t do labels. He just prefers to call himself a ‘muscle dad.’ So, Ollie, since I’m a wolf and you’re my boy, I like calling you my pup. Actually, I love thinking of you as my beautiful wolf pup. Is that okay?”
I was practically melting, loving every single word coming out of his mouth. Did he even need to ask? Grinning, I replied, “I have a wolf for protection. I’m the happiest pup on the planet.”
Public or not, I couldn’t resist. I leaned in and kissed my wolf, feeling completely at home in his arms.
