Tau Kappa Delta

Once Ben had washed the taste of Tyler’s feet out of his mouth, he meekly followed Tyler downstairs and out to his car. Tyler drove to a nearby sports bar where he munched happily on chicken wings and watched a soccer game on TV. Ben really didn’t feel like eating so he just ordered a Coke and sat glumly while Tyler ate.

“What are you thinking about?” Tyler asked.

Ben looked up. “Nothing,” he shrugged.

“Well you should be thinking about how to score some points,” Tyler said. “You’re even further behind since the guys played Frisbee yesterday. I think those guys have like 400 points now and you’re still at zero.”

Ben slumped. “Aw man, what am I going to do Tyler? You’ve got to give me another chance to earn some points.”

Tyler sipped his beer and looked over at Ben, “Dude I told you I’ve been trying to come up with ideas but since you can’t do anything for three more days it doesn’t matter.”

“Wait, why do I have to wait three days?” Ben asked.

Tyler shrugged, “You haven’t even finished the last challenge. Can’t start something else until you work off your punishment.”

“Come one Tyler,” Ben whined. “Haven’t I done enough?”

Tyler shook his head. “You know that wouldn’t be cool dude. You lost so you gotta pay up.”

Ben looked exasperated. “Well then can’t you at least let me just get it all over with now? I’ll do it for like three hours I promise!”

Tyler snorted, “It’d have to be more like 6 hours but it doesn’t matter because you have to do it three more times so you’ll just have to wait till after my workout each day.”

“Couldn’t you work out twice a day?” Ben pressed.

“Seriously,” Tyler scoffed, “You want me to bust my ass at the gym just so you don’t have to wait?” “Please Tyler?” Ben pleaded.

Tyler put on a martyred expression, “Oh fine. Tomorrow I’ll hit the gym in the morning. I’ll swing by your place around 8:30AM.”

“I have a class in the morning,” Ben said.

“Well if I have to go to the gym at 6AM just to help you out then you can skip it,” Tyler said. Ben nodded, “Sure Tyler sure.”

“So you’ll be done in two days instead of three,” Tyler said.

Ben looked at his watch. “What about tonight? Isn’t the gym still open?”

“Well yeah it’s open but I’m fucking tired dude,” Tyler complained. “I just worked out a few hours ago. I’m not going again.”

“Please Tyler,” Ben asked.

“Sheesh dude,” Tyler snapped, “Are you that fucking eager to lick my feet?”

Ben reddened. “No but… I just want to get it over with.”

Tyler gave Ben a pitying look, “God you’re lame. Fine, I’ll go play some hoops with the guys after dinner. That should be enough.”

Ben brightened. “Thank you Tyler.”

“But I’m not going back over to your place afterwards,” Tyler said firmly. “You can just come over to the frat house if you wanna get this done tonight.”

“Yeah, of course Tyler,” Ben agreed.

Tyler leaned back in his chair. “Okay, since I’m being such a nice guy you can buy me another pitcher of beer.”

“You sure?” Ben said pointing at the empty pitcher Tyler had already finished.

“What are you? My mom?” Tyler quipped.

“No, I just don’t think you should drink too much if you’re driving,” Ben said with genuine concern. Tyler nodded, “Yeah, you’re right. You know how to drive though don’t you?”

“Yes,” Ben said.

“Well then you can drive me back right?” Tyler suggested.

Ben agreed and Tyler ordered another pitcher and watched TV while Ben fidgeted anxiously. When Tyler finished the second pitcher he had Ben pay the check and got unsteadily to his feet. He handed Ben his keys and they headed out to the car. Tyler sprawled in the passenger seat while Ben got behind the wheel.”

“You dent my car and I’ll kick your ass,” Tyler said only half joking.

“I’ll be careful,” Ben promised as he adjusted the mirrors. And then Ben realized there was a problem. “Uh Tyler,” Ben said, “I can’t drive a manual transmission.”

Tyler only half heard him. “What?”

Ben looked at Tyler apologetically and shrugged, “I only learned how to drive an automatic.”

Tyler rolled his eyes, “Oh for fuck’s sake. You’re telling me you can’t drive a stick?” Ben nodded.

Tyler got out of the car, “You pussy. I fucking have to do everything.”

“I don’t think you should drive Tyler,” Ben protested as Tyler came around to the driver’s side.

“Get up outta there,” Tyler said.

“I’m serious Tyler,” Ben insisted. Tyler’s response was to reach down with one meaty paw and haul Ben out of the seat and onto the sidewalk.

“I’m just buzzed,” Tyler said. “I’m not drunk.”

“But…” Ben started.

“Dude shut up or I’m gonna pound you,” Tyler growled. Ben wisely shut up. “Get in,” Tyler ordered. “It’s okay, I can walk,” Ben said.

“Get in,” Tyler repeated.

Ben sighed and got in as Tyler started the car. Fortunately, Tyler didn’t have any problems during the short drive to the fraternity. He pulled and parked and then turned to Ben. “So you gonna hang out while I play ball or come back later?

“I guess I can hang out,” Ben said.

“Suit yourself,” Tyler said as he got out of the car. It took a little coaxing but Tyler got enough guys together to play some basketball. Ben just sort sat on the grass next to the driveway while the guys played. They played for about an hour. When they were done, Ben noticed Tyler had worked up a sweat. He knew that was the idea but he still wasn’t looking forward to what was coming. As the other guys wandered back inside Tyler came over to where Ben was sitting.

“I don’t suppose you can play basketball can you?” Tyler asked. Ben shook his head. “Didn’t think so,” Tyler said. “Maybe I can get Dan to play a little one on one.”

“You’re not done?” Ben asked.

“You in a hurry?” Tyler asked.

“No, I just thought…” Ben said lowering his voice. “I just thought maybe… you’re already sweaty.”

Tyler chuckled, “Yeah, but I think you’re forgetting something.” Ben sighed as Tyler kicked off his sneakers and pulled off his socks. Tyler lifted his leg and checked the bottom of his foot. “Yeah, sweaty but way too clean dude.” With that he smirked and left Ben by the driveway while he went in search of Dan. Ben sat down and waited dejectedly. Dan and Ben emerged about 10 minutes later. Dan didn’t look

happy when he noticed Ben but he didn’t say anything. He and Tyler played for about 20 minutes and Ben was surprised when Dan one 21 to 17. He just assumed Tyler would win. He seemed to win at everything. Dan crowed in delight.

“Wanna go again?” Dan asked. “Or have you had enough?”

“Nah, I’m done,” Tyler said with a grin. “I just wanted to work up a sweat.” Dan headed back inside and Tyler gave Ben a sly look and lifted up his foot again. This time Ben could see Tyler’s foot was dusty and stained from the grubby pavement. Tyler smirked at Ben. “I guess that’ll be good enough don’t you think?” Ben just nodded self-consciously. “Come on then,” Tyler said as he headed inside. Ben followed silently behind.

There were a couple of guys hanging out in the front room when Tyler and Ben entered. Dan was there and looked up in annoyance when he saw Ben.

“What’s he doing here?” Dan asked Tyler bluntly.

Ben’s stomach flipped when Tyler said, “Oh he lost another challenge and he’s got some cleaning to do up in my room.”

“Polishing Ty’s trophies again?” Dan asked Ben with a smirk.

“Jealous?” Tyler asked Dan.

“Please,” Dan scoffed. “It’s not like they were for a real sport like wrestling.”

“Very funny,” Tyler said as he and Dan kidded each other. “Not all of us get off on rolling around on the floor with other guys.”

“Yeah, not like the manly art of kicking,” Dan joked.

“Hey my feet worked hard to earn those trophies,” Tyler said. “And now I’ve got Ben here to keep them nice and clean.” Tyler glanced at Ben and grinned. Dan thought Tyler was talking about the trophies but Ben knew what Tyler really meant. Ben just hoped Tyler didn’t say anything more or he would die of embarrassment. Fortunately Dan seemed to lose interest in Ben and instead offered Tyler a drink.

Tyler accepted and dropped into a nearby easy chair as Dan poured a drink. “You can head up to my room,” he said dismissing Ben who headed slowly climbed the stairs as Tyler and Dan started chatting about sports.

Ben let himself into Tyler’s room and waited for Tyler to finish his drink. Ben figured Tyler would be up in about 10 minutes but as the clock ticked by Ben realized Tyler had either forgotten about him or just wasn’t in a hurry. Ben thought about going to check on him but didn’t know what he would say. It wasn’t like he could tell Tyler to hurry up and come upstairs so Ben could get busy licking his feet. So Ben just waited.

Tyler didn’t come upstairs until 90 minutes later and it was obvious he’d had more than just the one drink. He staggered into the room and gave Ben a dopey grin as he sat on the edge of the bed.

“Hey Ben,” Tyler said.

“I’ve been waiting forever,” Ben complained.

Tyler didn’t seem to hear him or wasn’t paying attention. “Is Ben short for something?” Tyler asked. “My full name is Benjamin,” Ben said crossly. “What took you so long?”

“Haha,” Tyler chuckled. “Ben. Benjamin. Benji. Haha. Benji. That’s funny. Benji.”

“Tyler are you listening?” Ben asked.

Tyler held up a hand. “Yeah, you had to wait. Sorry. I was with the guys. Jeez are you like in a big hurry to get at my feet or something?”

“No,” Ben protested, “It’s just that I thought you wanted to do this.”

Tyler frowned. “I was doing you a favor, remember? You were the one who was all fired up to lick my feet tonight.”

“Well yeah… I mean that was the idea but,” Ben said defensively.

“I had to play ball in bare feet and everything even though I was fucking tired,” Tyler complained, “So if all you’re going to do is whine like a little bitch then forget it.”

“I’m sorry Tyler,” Ben sighed. “That’s not what I meant.”

“You think any of the other guys here are going to help you?” Tyler asked. “Hell, Dan still wants to break you in half.”

“He wants to fight me?” Ben asked.

Tyler laughed, “You couldn’t fight Dan.”

“Oh,” Ben said. “Then what?”

Tyler shrugged. “I dunno, probably break your leg.”

“Like with a bat?” Ben asked nervously.

Tyler snorted, “Nah dumbass, he’s a wrestler and he’s strong as fuck. Probably just put you in a figure four and just apply a little too much pressure.”

“I don’t know what that is,” Ben said.

Tyler stood up. “Here I’ll show ya,” he said as he grabbed Ben.

“No that’s okay Tyler,” Ben said trying unsuccessfully to pull away from Tyler’s grip.

“Oh shut up dumb fuck,” Tyler said as he pushed Ben onto his back on the floor. “I’m not gonna hurt ya.” Tyler grabbed Ben’s right leg, planted his foot between Ben’s legs, bent Ben’s left leg behind his and fell onto his back. In a second Ben was in agony. He probably would have screamed but the sudden pain literally took his breath away.

“Ow fuck Tyler please!” he gasped. “Don’t… don’t…”

Tyler let go. “Hurts don’t it?” he asked with a wry grin.

“Jesus yes,” Ben wheezed. “I thought you really were going to break my leg.” “Dude I didn’t even apply any pressure,” Tyler said. “Lemme show you,” “No please!” Ben said quickly.

Tyler ignored Ben and grabbed him from behind and one muscular arm across Ben’s neck held his head firmly against Tyler’s chest. “I won’t do it on your legs.” This time Tyler wrapped one leg around Ben’s chest and then used his other leg to lock it in place. Tyler squeezed a little and Ben felt like there was a steel band around his chest.

“See it works either way,” Tyler said as he experimentally flexed his legs and squeezed all the air out of Ben’s lungs. Ben just gurgled helplessly in Tyler’s grasp. He clawed futilely at Tyler’s arm but Ben might as well have been wrestling a bear. Tyler’s head was right behind him and he smelled nothing but alcohol. Suddenly Tyler rolled over so that he was lying on top of Ben. His legs were still locked around Ben’s chest but he removed his arm from around Ben’s neck. He raised himself up on his arms with his palms flat on the floor while his torso pressed down on Ben’s lower back. With his neck free, Ben could finally speak.

“Ty… Tyler… stop… please….” He panted.

Tyler ignored him. “And if you do it like this,” he said continuing his demonstration, “you can just bend back and you don’t even have to squeeze as much but it applies more pressure.” Tyler arched his back to demonstrate and he heard Ben groan beneath him. He really wasn’t trying to hurt Ben but he really had drunk too much and forgot he wasn’t just horsing around with one of the guys. He heard a small sharp sound and felt Ben’s ribcage shift under his leg as there was sudden gasp from Ben. Tyler immediately let go and rolled off Ben who just moaned a lay still on the floor.

“Uh, dude you okay?” Tyler asked worried he’d really hurt Ben.

Ben didn’t answer at first and then he said, “I don’t know. My side hurts.”

“Where?” Tyler asked. Ben moved his hand to a spot on his right side about halfway down his chest. Tyler reached out and touched the spot Ben indicated. Ben flinched and Tyler saw a reddened patch that he knew would turn into an ugly bruise by tomorrow.

“Take a deep breath,” Tyler said. Ben breathed in deep and winced. “It hurts.”

Tyler relaxed. “Yeah but you can take a deep breath. Looks like it’s just cracked,” he said.

“What?” Ben asked panicked. “My rib? You broke my rib?”

“Cracked,” Tyler corrected. “It’s no big deal. I’ve had a cracked rib before. It’ll just be sore for awhile.” “I…I should go to the hospital,” Ben said in a scared voice.

Tyler snorted, “Dude they don’t do anything for a cracked rib. It’ll heal on its own.”

Ben struggled to sit up. “Doesn’t it have to be taped or something?”

Tyler shook his head. “Nah they don’t do that anymore. Makes it too hard to breathe. Just take some ibuprofen and make sure you take a deep breath every so often.”

“Are you sure?” Ben asked nervously.

“Trust me,” Tyler said confidently. “I’ve been doing martial arts for 10 years. I’ve seen tons of cracked ribs.”

“I… guess,” Ben said hesitantly. He was feeling a little better. The sharp pain was gone there was just a dull ache. Now that the initial panic had passed he was feeling angry. “I can’t believe you did that!” he snapped at Tyler.

“Sorry,” Tyler said as he stood up and went to sit in the desk chair. “That’s it? You’re sorry?” Ben asked incredulously.

“What do you want me to say?” Tyler asked with a shrug. Ben was flustered. “I don’t know. I mean why? What did I do?”

“I didn’t do it on purpose dumbass,” Tyler said. “We were just messing around.” “No we weren’t,” Ben argued. “You just threw me down.”

“Dude I was just trying to show you what Dan would probably do to you,” Tyler explained. “So you decided to do it instead?” Ben asked with a glare.

Tyler took a deep breath. “Look, I said I was sorry. What can I say? I’m a lot stronger than you and it was an accident.”

“I suppose,” Ben said grudgingly.

Tyler started to lose patience. “I wasn’t trying to hurt you. Trust me. If I wanted to hurt you you’d be in several pieces right now and begging me to stop. I said I was sorry. What the fuck else do you want?”

Ben was still mad and blurted out the first thing that popped into his head. “Maybe you should kiss my feet and say you’re sorry,” Ben said angrily.

Tyler instantly stood up and took a step towards Ben. “What the fuck did you just say to me asswipe?!” Ben knew he’d said the wrong thing. “Nothing,” he mumbled.

Tyler’s eyes flashed as he glowered at Ben. “Bullshit,” he snapped. “I don’t take shit from anyone least of all some fucking loser who cleans my feet with his tongue!”

“I’m sorry,” Ben said quickly. “I didn’t mean that.”

“I am about 5 seconds from beating you to a pulp,” Tyler threatened. “I didn’t mean it,” Ben repeated earnestly.

“Then maybe you shouldn’t have opened your fucking mouth,” Tyler growled. “But you did dumbass. You think your cracked rib hurts? Wait till my foot starts slamming into your face.”

“Please,” Ben whined. “I’m sorry Tyler.”

“Give me one good reason not to break you into little pieces,” Tyler asked.

“Please Tyler,” Ben repeated, “I’m really sorry.”

“You didn’t answer my question,” Tyler said taking another step closer to Ben. “Give me a reason not to kick your ass.”

“I’ll do whatever you want,” Ben offered. “I’ll kiss your feet.”

Tyler nodded, “Yeah I think that’s a given. What else?”

“I’ll lick your feet!” Ben promised.

Tyler was unimpressed. “You have to do that anyway. What else?

“I… I don’t know,” Ben said desperately. “What do you want?”

“I want to kick your ass,” Tyler said simply.

“Aw come on Tyler please,” Ben whined. “I’ll do anything.”

“Okay fine, then you can sit there while I practice roundhouse kicks on your face. How’s that sound?” Tyler asked without humor.

“Oh god, please no Tyler,” Ben pleaded.

“Oh you want another choice? How about front snap kicks instead?” Tyler suggested.

“To my face?” Ben asked tentatively.

Tyler smirked. “Nah, how about to your balls?”

The color drained from Ben’s face. “Oh god Tyler please don’t do this.”

Tyler sat down in the chair. “Get the fuck over here and kiss my feet while I think about this,” he ordered.

Ben didn’t hesitate. He immediately crawled to Tyler’s feet and began kissing his feet.

“I’m sorry Tyler. I’m sorry.” He said as he kissed Tyler’s feet.

“You can beg for mercy later fuckwad but for now just shut the fuck up and kiss my feet so I can think,” Tyler commanded. For the next 15 minutes Ben groveled at Tyler’s feet in silence. Finally Tyler ordered him to stop and kneel before him.

“Okay Benji, here’s the deal,” Tyler said calmly. “I’m gonna give you a chance to avoid getting your ass beat. You don’t do what I say, I’ll crush you. You piss me off, I’ll crush you. You bitch or argue, I will fucking crush you. Now nod if you understand.”

Ben was petrified but he just nodded slowly.

“Good,” Tyler said, “Because I’m not fucking kidding.” He reached over to a pile of coins on the desk and plucked out a quarter and held it up in front of Ben. “I’m going to give you this quarter. You are going to

flip it. This quarter is going to decide the first part of your punishment. I gave you two choices before but we’re going to leave it up to chance. Heads my foot goes in your face. Tails my foot will bust your nuts. You with me so far?”

“Yes,” Ben said softly.

“Don’t speak unless I tell you. You’re going to be nice and quiet and accept your punishment, aren’t you?”

Ben nodded slowly.

“Now I could spend an hour kicking your ass,” Tyler continued, “but I’m going to let you off easy. You flip the coin to decide where my foot goes. Your punishment is either one roundhouse kick to the face or one front snap kick to the balls. I could put you in the fucking hospital with one kick but I’m just going to do it hard enough to teach you a lesson. Don’t get me wrong, it’s gonna fucking hurt like hell but I won’t do any permanent damage. You with me so far?”

Ben believed Tyler wasn’t kidding when he threatened to beat the shit out of Ben. He couldn’t believe what Tyler was saying but he nodded.

Tyler smiled. “One more thing before I give you the quarter. You and I both know I could easily make you scream in agony but I’m going to take it easy on you. Since you opened your big mouth and pissed me off you’re going to show me you’ve learned your lesson by keeping your fucking mouth shut. I don’t care if I kick you in the face or the balls but if you so much as whimper then I’m going to do it again until you can take it like a man. Got it?”

Ben nodded.

“Scared?” Tyler asked.

Ben nodded again.

Tyler grinned widely. “Good, you should be.” He handed the quarter to Ben. “Now flip the coin.”

Ben’s hands were shaking as he took the quarter. He flipped it in the air but missed catching it. It fell on the floor at Tyler’s feet. Both Ben and Tyler bent to look at the coin. It was heads.

“Face then,” Tyler said as he stood up and moved the chair out of the way to give himself more room to move. “Kneel over there,” Tyler said to Ben pointing to the middle of the most open area in the room. Tyler then peeled off his shirt and flexed. He was already wearing shorts and of course he was barefoot.

“Just stay still,” Tyler ordered. “My foot is going to impact the side of your face unless you flinch and then I might break your nose or something so don’t move.” Ben closed his eyes and braced himself.

“Open your eyes,” Tyler said. “I want to make sure you don’t forget this. You fucked with the wrong guy and you’re going to regret it.” Tyler’s body dropped into a familiar fighting stance and he grinned at Ben. “Hope you enjoy my foot in your face dumbass?”

Ben saw Tyler’s leg come up and flash towards him. In the microseconds before Tyler’s foot slammed into Ben’s face, Ben noticed how dirty Tyler’s foot was. And then Ben was on the floor and his face was on fire and his jaw throbbed. And he was moaning.

Tyler stood over him. He was shaking his head. “Aw too bad dumbfuck, you were supposed to be quiet. You know what that means.”

“Puh… please Tyler…” Ben said hoarsely.

“I told you not to speak,” Tyler snapped. “Say one more word and my foot will break your jaw. Now get on your fucking knees again.”

Shakily Ben got up and knelt again and looked up at Tyler.

“Since you whined like a little bitch it’s another foot to the face. Let’s try the left foot this time. Maybe you’ll have better luck.”

Ben clamped his lips shut as Tyler’s left foot came slamming into his face. And then he was on the floor again. It hurt worse this time and he tasted blood on the inside of his mouth. But he stifled the urge to sob and kept quiet.

Tyler came over and looked down at him. “I might have overdone that one a little. I tend to overcompensate on my left leg. But I’m pretty sure I heard you make a noise. It was kind of hard to hear over the sound of my foot smashing your stupid face. Oh well, get on your knees fucker. Better be sure.”

Ben’s head was ringing. He was sure Tyler was just going to beat him unconscious. He groggily got to his knees and looked up at Tyler.

“I’ll cut you some slack and use my right leg again. I have better control.” And then Tyler’s foot slammed into Ben’s face again and he toppled over. Tyler said he was holding back but it didn’t feel that way. Ben wanted to cry but he didn’t.

“Congrats Benji,” Tyler said with a broad grin. “You managed to keep your mouth shut. Good job. Now get on your knees again.”

Ben was glad Tyler was through kicking him. He didn’t think he could stand any more. But Ben knew Tyler had said that getting kicked was just the first part of the punishment. He wondered what was next.

He knelt before Tyler who stood over him with his arms crossed. “Well dumbfuck it took three tries but you managed to get through the first part of your punishment. Well almost. You fucked up and talked once after I told you not to.”

Ben gulped.

“I thought about making you flip the coin again,” Tyler explained, “but fuck it.” Without warning Tyler’s right foot snapped forward and slammed into Ben’s groin. It caught him totally off guard and he pitched forward onto his face practically falling onto Tyler’s feet. Ben let out a low moan.

“I told you to be quiet but I’m going to give you a break. I can only imagine how much my foot slamming into your balls must have hurt. I’m not sure what would be worse than that.”

Ben’s hand clutched his throbbing nuts and groaned again.

Tyler walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. “Oh wait, I know what would be worse than getting kicked in the balls. How about having some dude kick you in the balls and then having to kiss his feet and thank him for doing it?”

Ben was still writhing on the floor.

“You heard me loser,” Tyler said sternly. “Get over here and start kissing my feet and make sure you thank me for kicking you in the nuts.”

Ben rolled over and crawled on his belly to Tyler’s feet and began kissing them reverently. “Thank you. Thank you Tyler.”