The Order

The next morning, Ken and Brad woke early and headed to the lab for their workout. Sally texted their daily schedule, consisting of a new client at noon. Between Ken’s post-workout exam, heading home to shower, change, and grab lunch, they didn’t have time to fool around.

After his exam, while getting dressed, Ken laughed, saying, “Damn, B, we’re spoiled from havin’ all that time off. I got used ‘ta foolin’ around whenever we wanted. This is gonna be tough.”

Brad chose that time to pull off his underwear and bend over.

“Hey, Ken, look.”

“You fucker!”

“I just don’t want you to forget what you’re missing out on. That’ll have to hold you until we get home tonight.”

“You’re so gonna pay for that later.”

“Promises, promises, big guy!”

<><> 

It was a long drive to Alpharetta from the house, and while Brad drove, Ken reviewed the job attached to Sally’s email. Sally also attached a ‘Welcome back!’ e-card to both of them. Through their link, Brad picked up everything he needed to know as Ken read through the details.

Traffic was lighter than expected and they arrived at the hotel early, so they sat in the car with the AC on high, but it was nearly one hundred degrees outside, and the AC fought a losing battle.

Sweating in the heat, Brad said, “Man, I can’t wait until winter. I hate wearing a suit in the summer.”

Ken’s cocky grin appeared, and he said, “I think you can’t wait for winter ’cause you wanna snuggle with me.”

“Oh yeah, that too. Douche,” Brad said with a smile.

“Here ya go B, lean over and look at me.”

Leaning over, Ken wiped off a trickle of sweat running down Brad’s temple with his thumb.

Licking it off, he said, “Ahhhh, essence of Brad Wilson, my favorite.”

“Ken, if you give me a boner, I’m going to kick your ass.”

“Promises, promises, B.”

“Let’s go on in. I need to hit the head.”

<><> 

Entering the lobby, they headed straight to the men’s room, freshening up after the heat of the drive.

The day’s client ran some type of get rich quick seminar involving real estate, and as hired private security, their roles were to watch for previous disgruntled customers and prevent any interruption or interference with the presentation. Once it was over, they were to escort whoever carried the day’s proceeds to the bank for deposit. Apparently, the speaker could pull in quite a load of cash on a good day, which is the reason he hired their firm.  TGH Securities had a sterling reputation, and their rates reflected that fact.

The staffers were already in the ballroom setting up, so Ken and Brad went in to introduce themselves. Sheri, the personal assistant to the speaker, was very demanding and downright bitchy.

Over the years, they learned to deal with clients like Sheri and found it easy enough to ignore her attitude.  Their expressions remained impassive while she instructed them on how to do their jobs, making it clear she would put up with no nonsense from either one of them.

Half an hour before the start of the seminar, Brad and Ken took positions at the entrance to the ballroom and did their best to look the part they were there to play. Once the program officially started, Ken would move closer to the speaker, and Brad would remain at the entrance.

Ken wasn’t surprised when Brad’s voice entered his mind.

This is going to be harder than I thought. I feel like I need another shower after being around bitchy.

Yeah, I know what ‘ya mean. With the mix of smells from her skin lotion, shampoo, and perfume, plus her attitude, I’m surprised she hasn’t spontaneously combusted.

I’m going to have to shut things down before this gets started. We’ll be close enough you can talk to me if you need too. Just say the magic words.

What’re the magic words? ‘Brad’s a hot stud muffin?’

No, but I like that! Just say, ‘I’m a douche.’

Laughing in his mind, Ken broke into a huge smile.

You fucker!

For the next few minutes, they passed the time bullshitting and hanging shit on one another, enjoying being together in their own private world until people started wandering in.

Okay, Ken, it looks like folks are starting to arrive.

Taking the mental equivalent of a deep breath, Brad thought: Time to put our game faces on. I’m going dark now.

Alright, B. This’ll be a good time ‘ta practice what the doc told us. No time like the present, I guess. Stay strong and chin up. If you need ‘ta step out for a few, just say so.

The silence in his head seemed strange after their banter. Sighing, Ken worried about Brad. Soon, the ballroom would be full of financially desperate people, and the goal of the operation was to milk them out of money most of them couldn’t afford to lose. Emotions would be harsh and on the surface, and while Brad could block out most of it, some would leak through.

While talking with Sheri, Brad read her without meaning too, and Ken through him. He knew she was a snake, and it was worse for Brad. All in all, the event was a horrible environment for Brad to be in.

I need to be extra good to him tonight. He doesn’t deserve this.

Once the presentation started, Ken had to admit the speaker delivered his pitch flawlessly. Subtly but masterfully, he played on every hope, dream, and fear in the audience, and by the close of the seminar, nearly a third of the attendees signed up.  Ken calculated the day's earnings at almost a quarter of a million dollars, and with a practiced smile, Sheri took their money, hugging and congratulating each person.

The crowd was well behaved, so it was an easy afternoon as far as their job was concerned. Their final task was to escort Sheri to the bank, and then he and Brad would be done for the day and could get home to the pool and relax.

An unexpected and frustrating catch came when Sheri insisted they escort her to the main Wells Fargo branch downtown, rather than the one close to the hotel. She was the client, so to avoid trouble and in hope of repeat business, neither of them said a word. Ken accompanied Sheri in her car, and Brad followed in Ken’s Explorer.

Once in her car, Sheri became obnoxiously flirty with Ken, finding excuses to touch him. Acting oblivious to her intentions, he easily diverted the conversation when necessary, and by the time they were close to the bank, Sheri was one very frustrated woman.

<><><> 

Brad did his best to shield himself from the emotional turmoil and desperation of the crowd, but some leaked through, and by the end of the seminar, he had a blinding headache and was in a foul mood. His heart ached for the people in the audience. In the rough financial economy, their emotional distress blinded them to the con, and many risked their savings or retirement to buy into the scam.

As the day proceeded, Brad’s thoughts turned down a dark path. More often of late, he didn’t like his mental abilities. What was the point of seeing and knowing the truth, and not being able to act on it? He knew he couldn’t play God, in fact, that thought was detestable, but he ached to reveal the truth about the presenter and his scam. Instead, he was forced to keep silent and watch the audience get ripped off while feeling their false hopes. Merging with Ken made everything bearable in the moment, but surely that wasn’t all there was to it. If only they could get stranded on some deserted island and live together peacefully, naked, and on the beach.

Fuck, that would be wonderful.

Instead, Brad lived in a world of normals whose minds were closed and he wasn’t allowed to show them the truth. Brad admired the doctor more than ever for what he did and how he coped with the world.

By the time they arrived at the bank, Brad’s mood worsened. Sheri gave no consideration to the fact that he was following her and needed to stay close for her protection. He got lucky and found street parking a block from the bank and headed to the entrance to wait for Ken and Sheri. Sensing Ken through their link, he knew they weren’t far away.

A few minutes later Ken and Sheri joined him, and Brad’s mood lightened when he saw Ken walking towards him. Ken wore his work face, but Brad knew what was going on underneath his exterior. Granted, Ken didn’t feel everything as acutely as Brad, but his personality was better suited to handle uncomfortable and unwanted situations. Brad would rather remove himself and not deal with it.

<><><> 

The bank was busy, and the teller line long. Not surprising, Sheri, flanked by two handsome escorts and filled with self-importance, acted downright obnoxious.

Standing so close to Brad allowed Ken to initiate a deeper connection with him. Brad did his best not to show his mood, but Ken was aware of the tension in him. His outward demeanor appeared calm, and anyone but Ken would never know anything was wrong.

How’re ‘ya holdin’ up, B?

His mental voice flat and expressionless, Brad responded:  I’ll live, but  I want to get this over with as soon as possible and head out.

Yeah, I’m with ‘ya. If Sheri touched my arm one more time on the drive down, I think my dick would have fallen off. But it’s almost over. Remember what we have and use it as a shield.

Even in his current mood, Brad smiled at Ken’s comment. Ken, simply by his presence, always made him feel better. Taking a deep breath, Brad wanted to smell Ken’s cologne, and almost choked at the overpowering smell of Sheri’s perfume and hand lotion.

The line moved slowly, and they were almost to the front when Brad’s intuition sent a powerful signal that something bad was about to happen. With no outward indication of anything wrong, he said loud and clear in Ken’s mind: Ken, get Sheri out of here NOW! Something’s up!

Without question or hesitation, Ken took Sheri’s arm and firmly pulled her out of line, whispering in her ear, “Sheri, we need to leave. I’ll explain when you’re safe.”

Sheri tried to jerk her arm out of Ken’s hand, dug in her heels, and screeched, “Let go of me!”

The security guards might have had time to react if her shout hadn’t diverted their attention. As it turned out, because they were looking at her, they didn’t see the six men pulling masks over their faces and openly drawing firearms.

Ken heard an audible click as a lock snapped in place on the front door, and a man shouted, “Nobody move! This is a robbery! Everybody down on the floor now!”

Another robber shouted, “Pull out your cell phones and hand ’em to me! If anyone tries to video this or send a text, they will be shot! Hand me your wallets and jewelry along with your phones!”

Sheri screamed as Ken held her close, pulling her to the floor and covering her body with his, and his irritation towards her lessened slightly when he felt her trembling.

Two of the robbers held the security guards at gunpoint, disarming them and cuffing their hands behind their backs.

Ken, how do we handle this? Do you want to try and take these guys or see how it plays out?

As much as I hate it, let’s just see how it goes. This whole thing should be over in a few minutes. I don’t want anyone gettin’ shot if we jump these guys and one of ‘em panics.

<><> 

The robbery would have been over quickly except one of the tellers tripped the silent alarm, and there happened to be two Atlanta PD Black and White units a few blocks away.

Before the man collecting cell phones and wallets made it as far as Brad, the police cars skidded to a halt in front of the bank with their lights flashing.

The leader exclaimed, “Fuck me! How the hell did they get here so quick?”

Pointing his gun at one of the bank employees, he shouted, “Pull the blinds down! NOW!”

Terrified, the young man quickly followed his instructions.

“Alright, people, you’re now hostages, thanks to the Atlanta Police Department! Everybody move to the far corner and let the nice man finish collecting your wallets and phones.”

Brad: Fuck me! This just went from bad to worse.

Ken: Alright, B, let’s sit tight and come up with a plan. We need ‘ta figure out how ‘ta get everyone outta here alive without givin’ ourselves away, and preferably without you or me gettin’ shot! Do your best to keep everybody calm.

10-4.

<> 

Brad waited until the man collected his wallet and then closed his eyes so no one would see them turn white.

Mentally, he shouted: Lane! Can you hear me!?

Damn, Brad! Tone it down, brother!

Sorry! I guess it’s the adrenaline. Ken and I are with a client at the main Wells Fargo Bank downtown, and it’s being robbed. We’re inside with twenty-eight hostages, and six gunmen.

Fuck!

Yeah, tell me about it. Are you and Bry at the lab?

We just left, but we can be back in a jiffy.

Alright. I need you to get back there pronto and see if Bryan can break into the computer system and take care of the surveillance cameras. Ken and I can probably take care of this, but it can’t be recorded. I’m still not sure how we’re going to do this with so many witnesses and not give ourselves away, but at least that’s a start.

Okay, Brad, you guys hang tight. I’ll get everyone else here ASAP and holler back at you in a few.

<> 

Ken, Lane and Bry are headed to the lab. Bryan’s going to hack the computer system and disable the security cameras. We still need to figure out how to do this without giving ourselves away, but at least it won’t be on camera.

B, you’re amazin’. Have I ever told you that?

Not often enough. Douche.

I love you too, B. Let me know when you hear back from Lane.

<><> 

Wracking his brain, Brad tried to think of some way to get them out of the situation without him, Ken, or any of the hostages getting shot. He could easily handle the robbers one at a time, but he’d never tried to control so many minds at once and was unsure of trying.

His headache made it more difficult, but Brad amped up the wave of calm he emitted. His empathic broadcast wasn’t as strenuous as controlling a person, but influencing over thirty people by himself was still a strain. The bank robbers were high strung, but it worked on them, too, just not as effectively.

At least they won’t be as likely to have a hair-trigger and shoot somebody.

The corner of Ken’s mouth raised in a hint of a grin when Brad started broadcasting. Brad winked back but didn’t want to draw any attention, so left it at that.

<><><> 

Peeking through the blinds, the leader freaked out. Police cars filled the street, and cops were everywhere. While watching, a SWAT van pulled up, and he cursed under his breath. Knowing they would make contact soon, he needed time to think and formulate a plan. The robbery wasn’t supposed to go down like it was, but as long as he got away, he didn’t mind killing a few hostages or losing any of his crew.

<><> 

A few minutes later, Lane’s voice entered Brad’s mind.

How are you guys doing? How’re the hostages?

So far, no one’s hurt, and I’m keeping everyone calm. I have a plan, but I’m not sure if I’m strong enough to do it on my own.

Brad, don’t doubt yourself. You’re fucking Professor X! You almost blew my eardrums off when you called earlier. You’re way stronger than you know man, you just need to stay focused. I wish I was there to help just so you two pervs don’t take all the glory.

How’s Bry coming with the cameras?

My man has the situation in hand. The live cameras are offline, and as of a few seconds ago the video is looped.

Thanks, Lane. Ken and I will take it from here.

Brad, everyone except me and Bry is headed to you. I doubt they’ll make it in time, but they’ll be there in about twenty minutes, barring traffic. Bill, Darren, and Loy don’t have the range you and I do yet, but they’ll be there to help if things go south. Do what you have to, to keep everyone safe, but if you can wait, they’ll be there soon.

Okay, Lane, thanks. You guys rock.

<><> 

Ken?

Yeah, B?

I have a plan, but I need you to be ready. How long will you need to take all six of them out if they’re immobilized?

Immobilized? What’re you gonna do?

I’m going to make a construct of the bank and pull them in for a talk. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to keep all six immobile in my head, but I can keep them occupied. Honestly, I think it depends on how smart they are, or more likely, how dumb. Anyway, I’m going to grab them, but I’m not sure how much I can do with all six at once, so it will be easier if you knock them out rather than me going Freddy Kruger on them. Just be quick; with the time differential, it will be minutes with them in my head.

B, you’re badass.

Let’s wait until we’re out of this safe before I agree with you. I’m still not sure how we’re going to handle the hostages. I can erase their memories, but it will take time, and I’m going to be exhausted after this.

Don’t stress about it. Let’s take things one step at a time and not overcomplicate the situation. Our priority is ‘ta get everyone out safe… except Sheri.

Brad, in his mind, felt Ken’s smirk.

Okay, I need a few minutes to get my thoughts in order, and I’ll let you know when I’m ready.

<><> 

In less than thirty seconds, Brad memorized the interior of the bank, wanting to keep it simple; just himself and the six men, without their weapons. Lowering his head and closing his eyes, he formed the image and set his mental ‘hooks’ into the robbers.

Okay, Ken, NOW!

Yanking their minds, none too gently, Brad pulled them into his construct.

Surprised Brad yelled so soon, Ken sprang into action, moving towards the closest robber with all his enhanced speed.

<><> 

Suddenly the six robbers found themselves standing in the bank, with only one hostage. Startled and unsure what was happening, they started to train their weapons on Brad only to realize they were gone.

Tyler, their leader, shouted, “What the fuck just happened?”

Brushing off his pants, Brad stood up, saying, “That’s a good question, Tyler. You and your boys picked a bad day to rob this particular bank.”

Scared and confused, the robbers resorted to the one thing that had gotten them through life, and often rough situations in prison – violence!

“I don’t know who you are, mother fucker, but there are six of us and one of you. I don’t know how you pulled this shit off, or what you’ve done to us, but we’re gonna break that pretty face of yours. Get ’em!”

Brad still hadn’t decided on his best course of action but was ready for their attack. The more complicated he made things, the harder it would be, so it would be easiest to keep them occupied and let Ken do his job.

The temptation to fry them with fireballs or lightning bolts was enticing, but their bodies would be damaged, and it might even kill them. Remembering the doctor’s statement about loving them, Brad opted for a simple game of cat and mouse.

As they attempted to tackle him, he jumped, rolling off the back of the closest one, landing on his feet and using his momentum to vault over the counter. Before Brad landed, the robber he rolled over yelled loudly, grabbed his hand, and disappeared as he crumpled to the floor. Immediately, the pressure on Brad’s Mind lessened when the man dropped out of his construct.

Wide-eyed, Tyler yelled, “What the fuck?!”

Brad said, “That would be my badass partner in the real world, taking you guys out. Don’t try to figure it out, boys, you’ll only get a headache, but know that you’re all going to disappear like that, one by one.”

“Ty, what the fuck is he talking about? I didn’t sign up for any shit like this!”

“That’s right, Buck. You didn’t sign up for this, but neither did those people. How the hell can you sit here and whine about what’s happening to you when they’re on the other end of your gun, and I know you don’t have any qualms about killing them? As a matter of fact, Buck, Tyler here has no qualms about letting you die either.”

Tyler knew he was losing control of the situation and interjected, “Buck, don’t listen to him! I don’t know what the fuck’s going on, but he’s just one guy, and there are five of us! He’s going down as soon as we get our hands on him!”

Another of the robbers fell to the floor and disappeared.

“Five Tyler? Did you learn to count in school?”

The pressure on Brad eased more as the second robber disappeared, knocked out by Ken.

With two of the robbers incapacitated, Brad had some breathing room, although the entire affair was easier than he expected. Lane and Ken were right; he was stronger than he gave himself credit for.

Brad’s earlier thoughts about his abilities and his negative attitude towards them in the past weeks came to a head, and out of the blue, an epiphany struck.

For months his unconscious mind processed his issues and chose that moment to thrust the results to the surface. Brad was acutely aware his attitude towards his abilities was going downhill, even bordering on self-pity.

Ken reminded him how long it took for him and the other bodies to adjust to their physical abilities and enhanced senses after their change, but Brad, in his ego, didn’t think the same adjustment would, or should, apply to him.

Success always came easily to Brad, excelling at anything he applied himself to, except his damned mental abilities. They were as much a matter of will as intellect and didn’t always do what he wanted when he wanted them to, and he felt inadequate for not mastering them immediately.

It was okay for Lane and the others to struggle and learn slowly, but not him. Not Alan Whetherson, Valedictorian at his high school, Magna Cum Laude in College, top of his class in the Naval Academy, first-run BUD/S graduate, and a genetically perfect man with an enhanced mind and body. Failure to grasp and understand difficult concepts was for others, not him.

As much as Brad didn’t want to admit it, and as humble as he came across to others, he had a huge ego. The most humbling aspect of his life was Ken, who loved Brad above everyone and everything else, seeing through his ugliness and faults and loving him unconditionally, regardless. Ken saw everything when they merged, the beauty and the brokenness. Ken saw the beautiful train wreck that was his lover.

The most painful thought amidst his epiphany was not feeling worthy of Ken’s love and realizing Ken knew it. That knowledge made Brad feel like he just got punched in the gut. He didn’t love himself unconditionally, so he didn’t feel worthy of Ken’s love, deluding himself into believing otherwise. 

When the doctor told them the answer to their predicament was both simple and profoundly difficult, he wasn’t lying. His epiphany made Brad love Ken all the more because every time they merged, Ken saw everything, yet gave Brad the space and time he needed to realize he was worthy. Ken could tell him over and over until he was blue in the face, but until Brad accepted it on his own, he would never actually believe it.

Fuck me, I’ve been an absolute fucking idiot! Ken knows me better than I know myself. He’s told me, and we can’t lie to one another, but now I know it’s true. God, I love you, Ken Habersham. If you can accept me for who I am, I can accept myself.

Surrendering his ego, the self-imposed barriers Brad placed on himself shattered. Letting go of his pride, Brad accepted Ken’s love, finally feeling worthy of the man who loved him more than anything, and the power Brad’s unconscious mind held back surged into his conscious mind.

With only three of the robbers left, panic set in, but suddenly they couldn’t move. Brad held them, effortlessly, until Ken knocked them out. Tyler was the last one standing, fiercely cussing and yelling the entire time. As soon as Tyler disappeared, Brad left the construct, opening his eyes to see Tyler at Ken’s feet, unconscious.

<><><> 

As he stood, Brad emitted a surge of calm so powerful the hostages slumped to the floor, asleep. Surprised, Ken looked at Brad, whose eyes were red and bright, with a tear running down his cheek.  Despite his appearance, the power emanating from him was palpable.

Ken’s concern for Brad showed on his face and in his tone of voice as he asked, “B, are you alright?”

His voice catching, Brad answered, “Never better, Ken.”

“Are you sure? Why are you blocking me?  I can’t read you.”

Brad sniffed and shook his head, focusing on the moment and compartmentalizing the intense emotions running through his mind.

Rubbing his hands roughly across his face, he said, “Sorry. I’m shielding you, so you didn’t go to sleep with everyone else.”

Ken knew something significant had occurred, but had no idea what it might be. He saw Brad push aside whatever happened, at least temporarily, and as much as he wanted to express his concern and make sure Brad was okay, out of love and respect for his partner, he held himself in check.

“What are we gonna tell the cops?”

“That the robbers started fighting among themselves and we took advantage of the situation, getting the jump on them. We need to remain anonymous, but we can tell them we’re retired SEALS, and I can keep any nosy reporters away.”

Aware of Ken’s concern and loving him for it, Brad appreciated Ken not pushing him in the middle of everything. However, he could hardly wait to get Ken alone and apologize for his behavior and attitude over the last few months.

<><> 

Lane? We’re good. Everyone’s safe, and the robbers are unconscious. We’ll be opening the doors in a few minutes.

Damn, the guys were hoping for some action, but you two studs did it all by yourselves!

Just pass the word on, you dork, and we’ll see them outside in a few minutes.

10-4.

<><> 

Ken retrieved the bag with the cell phones and wallets, pulling out his and Brad’s, along with Sheri’s deposit bag, which he tucked under her arm. Looking at Brad’s wallet, Ken chuckled.

Glancing over, Brad asked, “What’s so funny?”

“I wish your wallet said ‘bad muther fucker’ on it.”

Brad smirked but didn’t laugh, still wound up over everything that just happened.

“Come on, B, you have to admit it’s funny.”

Letting himself relax, Brad laughed, saying, “Sorry, I’m still a little wound up. Should I go walk the earth like Cain now?”

In his best Samuel Jackson impression, Ken said, “Check out the big brain on Brad!”

“Ken, shut up and call 911 before the SWAT team breaks down the door and shoots us.”

Ken called 911, explaining he was inside the bank, and the robbers were neutralized. Staying on the phone until the message was relayed to the police outside, he then raised the blinds, motioning the police forward.

Brad woke everyone up just as Ken opened the door.

The next few hours were a blur as the police moved in, got the hostages out safe, and took statements. Ken received most of the recognition because people saw him disarm the robbers, and he was emphatic with the police about he and Brad remaining anonymous. Brad enforced the idea in Sheri’s mind, knowing she would try and take advantage of the situation.

While Ken and Brad gave their statements, Kevin, Bill, Rick, Loy, Pat, and Darren waited. Once finished, Ken and Brad moved over to them, and after fist-bumping their buddies, all of the guys hugged them and gave them backslaps, relieved they were safe and proud of their actions.

Through it all, Brad was in a fog, still processing everything that happened. His emotions, raw and on the surface, were powerful, and his love for Ken stronger than ever.  Remembering how Ken always told him to use their love as a shield, he sought the comfort of that feeling, sinking his heart and mind into the special bond they shared. While they stood talking, Bill, Loy, and Darren’s eyes widened when Brad’s aura increased to an almost blinding level.

Bill asked, “Brad, what the hell?”

At Bill’s comment, Brad closed his eyes, reinforcing his shield. His emotional intensity high, he didn’t realize he was broadcasting, as his thoughts wandered over how much he loved Ken for putting up with him and all the things he wanted to say.

Brad: Sorry, guys, I’m still a little on edge.

Bill: Are you sure you’re alright?

Brad: Seriously, guys, I’m fine… In fact, I’m better than fine. I’ll explain soon, I promise.

<> 

Linked and standing so close to Brad, Ken saw his aura brighten and heard the mental conversation between Brad and Bill, and couldn’t wait to get Brad out of there and find out what the hell was going on. Kevin also heard Bill’s comment and looked questioningly at Ken, who gave a slight shake of his head, indicating he didn’t want to talk about it.

Wanting to restore some normality to the situation, Ken said, “Sorry you losers didn’t get ‘ta help out, but we knew ya’ll had our backs. Maybe next time we’ll save some bad guys for ‘ya!”

His comment broke the ice, and the jokes and shit hanging continued until the police gave them permission to leave. The guys took off, and Brad and Ken made their way to Ken’s Explorer, jumping in and heading towards home.

<><> 

As usual, Ken held Brad’s hand, playing with it while Brad drove, rubbing his thumb across the back, or holding it. The physical contact heightened their connection, and while Ken could read Brad on the surface, a barrier prevented him from seeing deeper, and he didn’t like it. As hard as it was, Ken gave Brad space, knowing he would talk when he was ready. In the meantime, Ken masked his concern with positive feelings of support and confidence.

By the time the police finally let them go, it was the middle of rush hour.  Interstate 85 north of the perimeter was a parking lot, and Brad’s irritation worsened as people drove like assholes.

Out of the blue, Brad asked, “Hey Ken, would you mind if we stopped somewhere for dinner? I want to get out of this traffic and let it clear out. I’m starving, so I know you are too.”

“Sure, B. That sounds good. We’ve had a long day. How about catching a movie on the couch later since we won’t have to cook?”

Brad sighed, his face lighting up at Ken’s suggestion.

“God, you have no idea how good that sounds to me right now.”

“Hey, that new seafood place we’ve been wantin’ ‘ta try is just ahead if you can make it over.”

Brad put his blinker on, but typical of Atlanta drivers, no one let him over.

The hair on the back of Ken’s neck rose when a powerful compulsion came off of Brad, and immediately cars in both lanes blocking them slowed to let them over.

“Holy shit, B, what’d you just do?”

“Sorry Ken, but I’m hungry, my head is killing me, and I’m not in the mood to fuck around with petty rudeness. Letting us over cost them all of 5 seconds and 20 feet of pavement.”

Ken didn’t say anything but squeezed Brad’s hand a little tighter, wanting him to relax. Making it to the exit, Brad turned left towards the restaurant. The parking lot was nearly full, but Brad saw an open spot and halfway down the row with his blinker on, a guy in a convertible zipped up and took it. Ken heard the screech of tires, so there was no doubt of the driver's intent.

In an uncharacteristic display of anger, Brad slammed a hand on the steering wheel, shouting, “Son of a BITCH!”

Startled, Ken jumped from his outburst and said, “It’s okay, B, he’s just bein’ a jerk. Let it go, and we’ll find another spot. He’s not worth it.”

“Sorry, Ken, but not today. I’ve had it up to fucking here with assholes today.”

Shoving the gearshift into Park, Brad hopped out of the car.

“I’ll be right back.”

With Brad acting so far outside his norm, and shielded so Ken couldn’t read him, he was unsure about intervening.  He was leery but wanted to show his trust that Brad could keep himself under control, or it could make his lack of confidence worse. Ken stayed in the car, ready to intercede if necessary.

Brad was usually so laid back it was easy to forget how intimidating he could be, and the guy in the convertible didn’t have a clue what he was up against.

Brad shut the door when he got out, so Ken couldn’t hear their conversation but watched as the driver tried to run past Brad, making for the entrance to the restaurant. Brad pointed a finger at the ground in front of him, and the guy spun around, heading back to where Brad stood.

Arms crossed over his chest, Brad stared, looking down at the guy while they talked. Brad was much taller, his physique intimidating, and to Ken, based on the shorter guy’s body language, he looked like he was about to piss his pants.

The conversation ended quickly, and the man took off into the restaurant. Not saying a word, Brad got back in the car, put it in gear, and circled the parking lot until he found a spot.

Once parked, Ken looked at Brad, asking, “Are you seriously not gonna tell me what happened back there?”

With a heavy sigh, Brad lowered his head, saying, “You were right, Ken. He wasn’t worth it. He had what he thought was a legitimate excuse for being a jerk. I let him know I didn’t appreciate it, but all he had to do was ask, and I would’ve let him have the spot.”

“That’s all?”

“Well, I want to get inside. For the next few minutes he’s compelled to tell the truth, and I want to see what happens. He’s getting married tomorrow, and he’s here for the rehearsal dinner.”

Ken’s stomach let out an enormous rumble as the seafood smells hit them when they walked up to the door. Surprisingly, they were seated immediately. The layout of the restaurant was big, and the hostess led them to a table by a window overlooking a fountain. Draping their coats over the backs of their chairs, Ken and Brad loosened their ties, rolled up their sleeves, and took their seats.

While waiting for their server to take their drink orders, Ken heard a commotion near the back where the private dining room was located. With his enhanced hearing, the distinct sound of someone getting slapped and a woman crying rang in his ears.

With a sad expression on his face, Brad said, “Well, that went about like I expected. He slept with his fiancée’s sister and her best friend twice this week. He had it coming.”

“B, should you…”

Brad held up a hand, cutting Ken off.

“Wait, Ken, before you say anything, I know I shouldn’t have interfered, but in the long run, I probably saved them a lot of anger, grief, and money. Their relationship is a disaster.”

Lowering his head sheepishly, he admitted, “Yeah, I know I should have stayed out of it.”

Before Ken could say anything else, their server came back, going over the specials for the night and taking their orders.

<><> 

Brad ordered a bottle of wine with dinner, taking advantage of being in a nice place with Ken. As they made their choices, the server was amazed at how much food Ken ordered.

Starting with calamari for an appetizer, while they ate, Brad lifted his glass.

“To you and me, Ken, the doc, and our brothers in arms.”

Ken tapped his glass and said, “To us, B. You and me, the doc, and the guys, but especially you. I love you.”

After the toast, Ken reached across the table, taking Brad’s hand.

At that moment, their server stopped by to refill their water and glanced at their hands when she heard Ken’s proclamation. Brad started to pull back, but Ken made it clear through his grip he didn’t want to hide their hands. The server got an eyeful; never in a million years would she have guessed the two gorgeous, rugged-looking men could be gay.

Just my luck! She thought as she moved to another table.

Brad picked up her stray thought and told Ken with a grin, “We just dashed her hopes.”

“B, I’m not gonna press you on what happened today, but I do want you ‘ta know how fuckin’ proud of you I am. You took a seriously eff’d-up situation with the hostages, and because of you, everyone, includin’ you’n me, made it out safe and uninjured. You were amazin’.”

“We make a good team, Ken. More than I ever thought we could when all this started. I couldn’t have done it without you, at least not without hurting, or maybe killing them, and I didn’t want to do that.”

“Well, whenever you wanna share, I want the mental play-by-play. Now on ‘ta more important things like what the hell were you thinkin’ goin’ all fried clams on me tonight? You never eat fried stuff.”

“It’s all a part of my master plan. Remember those mad seduction skills I was telling you about?”

“You mean the ones where I seduce you, and you try ‘ta take credit for it? Yeah, I remember those nonexistent skills.”

“Well, they’re at work this very moment, and you’ve already fallen for the first part of tonight’s agenda.”

“B, you better not make me pop a boner. I don’t wanna turn the table over.”

<><> 

Even with the restaurant nearly full, Brad and Ken felt like they had the place to themselves. Ken kept the conversation light, and Brad felt more like his old self. Spending time with Ken did that to him, especially these days, and the anger and tension flowed out of him. The wine probably helped, but in Brad’s mind, it was all Ken. With his new confidence and strength, he effortlessly maintained a shield, keeping out the thoughts and emotions of everyone in the restaurant. Extending it to include Ken, he felt even more like they were in their own little world.

Neither Ken nor Brad noticed a well-dressed man staring at them from across the restaurant, along with two large, muscular men. When Brad put up his shield, the well-dressed man frowned, raising a hand to his temple. His face livid, and without saying a word, he stormed out of the restaurant, followed by the other two men.

They hadn’t settled their bill yet, and their server started after them, but the well-dressed man’s eyes turned white, stopping the server in her tracks. With a vacant expression on her face, she turned and walked away, and no one nearby seemed to see or hear anything out of the ordinary. Brad and Ken only had eyes for each other, with no reason to be suspicious of anyone in the restaurant.

By the time they finished, it was nearly dark. The evening warm, when they got to the car Ken unbuttoned his shirt. His t-shirt fit snug against his frame, and he noticed the look on Brad’s face as he eyed Ken’s chest. 

Smirking, Ken said, “I’ll drive B. You had too much wine. Besides, I know you’re horny after eatin’ all those clams and won’t be able ‘ta keep your hands off me.  I don’t want us endin’ up in a ditch.”

Once seated and buckled up, Ken reached over, cupping a hand behind Brad’s neck and pulling him into a long, passionate kiss. In return, gripping Ken’s neck and shoulder, Brad pulled them as close as the car seats allowed.

When they parted, breathing hard, they smiled at one another. Staring into Brad’s eyes, Ken asked, “B, do you have any special teleportation powers I don’t know about? Can you make us, like, appear in the garage so we can go inside and fuck like rabbits right now?”

“Sorry to disappoint you, but I haven’t mastered that one yet.”

Giving Ken his sexiest smile, Brad continued, “But I can clear any traffic that might get in our way.”

<><> 

As soon as they arrived home, both men went to the bedroom to get out of their suits. While Brad hung his coat, Ken hugged him from behind, snaking his hands under Brad’s t-shirt, seductively rubbing them over his chest and stomach.

His voice low with passion, Ken breathed hotly into Brad’s ear, asking, “How’re those seduction skills comin’ along, B?”

Leaning his head back, Brad nuzzled his cheek against Ken’s, breathing deeply. Ken’s heat and scent wrapped around him as much as his arms, and Brad sighed contentedly, replying, “Just fine. You’re falling for them hook, line, and sinker, as usual.”

Ken’s hands went lower, into Brad’s briefs.

Chuckling, Brad asked, “Does this mean we’re skipping the movie?”

“No talkin’. This one’s for you, hero. This is your reward for bein’ macho and studly and makin’ me so hot for you today I could hardly stand it. Do you know how hard it was ‘ta kick those guys’ asses with a ragin’ hard-on?”

“Damn, I wish I could have seen that!”

Smiling, they separated enough to finish undressing each other, before Ken took Brad’s hand and led him to the bed.

True to his word, Ken made it all about Brad.  He also made it last a long time, drawing out Brad’s pleasure as only he could do.  He connected their nervous systems, and Brad connected their minds, and a few hours and multiple orgasms later, the room reeked of sweat and sex as Ken collapsed on top of Brad. 

Charged up from the sex, Brad took Ken’s full weight, hugging them tightly together while recovering and catching their breath.  The two men drifted, totally relaxed, and enjoying the after-sex intimacy.  No words were necessary with their thoughts and emotions bare to one another.

After a few minutes, Brad whispered in Ken’s ear, “Squeeze me, Ken. I want to feel how much you love me.”

Ken squeezed as hard as he could, and Brad squeezed back, with their faces buried in the crux of each other’s shoulder and neck. 

When they finally released the hug, Brad murmured, “That was hot and amazing. Thanks, Ken.”

Resettling himself on his side, Ken said, “B, if you ever thank me for lovin’ you again, I’m gonna’ kick your ass.”

“Don’t be a douche.”

“Apparently, bein’ a douche is what I do best.”

“I have something else in mind as a thank you. Part two of tonight’s seduction.”

Grinning, Ken asked him, “How’s that seduction workin’ out there, buddy?”

Letting out another huge sigh of contentment, Brad nuzzled his face tighter against Ken’s neck and shoulder.

“Great! It’s all under control.”

“Alright, Romeo, let me know when you’re strong enough to continue seducin’ me.”

“You got it.”

<><> 

Brad rested, quiet and still, content in Ken’s arms.  Ken loved holding Brad or having Brad hold him, so he was perfectly happy either way.

Brad waited a little while longer before raising his head to look at Ken. Unable to help himself, he nibbled Ken’s neck and upper chest before pushing himself up.

“Alright, Ken, I want to try something. Are you up for a trip down memory lane?”

“If it involves more wild, hot sex with the sexiest man in the world, I’m all for it.”

“Well, since you’re the sexiest man on the planet that might be a problem. I don’t think you could pull this off by yourself.”

“Alright, I’ll admit I’m the sexiest man alive to you, but you are to me, so does that let us get to the sex part?”

“I think I just got defeated by Ken logic.”

“I don’t want anythin’ to come between me and havin’ sex with the most awesome man in the universe; the man I love more than anythin’, except myself.”

“What’s that vinegary fresh scent I smell? Oh yeah, it’s a douche!”

Laughing, ken retorted, “Fuck you!”

“You’re starting to get the idea!”

<><> 

Brad went quiet again, not nervous about what he wanted to do, not after the events of the day, but to do it right, he needed to dig deep within them for the memories and details.

“Alright, Ken, relax and open your mind. Instead of watching this, I want us to go back and relive it.”

Ken had a slight sensation of falling into himself…

Summer of 1989

Bruce was having a great day, finally making progress towards getting his strength under control.  He was tired of breaking glasses and coffee mugs every time he took a drink of water or a sip of coffee, or bending silverware when he ate. The doctor provided metal cups in the meantime, but Bruce was determined to get enough control and sensitivity to stop using those; they felt too much like training wheels.

Every time Bruce stopped to think about the recent changes in his life, he could hardly believe how different things were. He joined the Navy out of a sense of adventure, but little did he realize what he was in for!

The sound of a key in the door told him Alan was back early. He and Alan really hit it off, becoming great friends in the first few weeks as roommates. As soon as they met, the two men were comfortable around each other, like they had known each other their whole lives. Lately, however, Bruce had to keep himself in check around his new buddy. His preference for men was a secret, and one that couldn’t get out, or his career in the Navy would be over.

With his awesome personality, handsome face, and amazing body, Alan epitomized everything Bruce desired in a partner.  Bruce built a wall around that part of himself and was careful to keep things casual, friendly, and on the surface, but found it more difficult every day merely being around Alan.

When the door opened, Alan’s face appeared with his keys dangling from his mouth. His hands full between a bag from the PX and his uniforms from the dry cleaner, Alan closed the door with his foot, leaning back against it and glad to be home.

His face lit up when he saw Bruce, and tossing the bag on the kitchen counter, he dropped his keys into his hand so he could talk.

“Hey, buddy! I wasn’t sure if you’d be in yet. How did things go today?”

“Hey, Alan. Pretty good! I only broke a dozen coffee mugs today!”

As soon as Alan saw Bruce on the couch in his workout shorts and tank top, he clamped down on his libido. His physical reaction to Bruce was becoming a problem, and he realized if he wasn’t careful, his feelings could easily get out of hand. 

He couldn’t let that happen for all kinds of reasons, but they had become such good friends so fast… it was unbelievable how well they clicked.  If he was honest with himself, his feelings were already out of control, and he needed to rein them in, put a lid on them, and bury that box so far inside himself he could never find it again.

Alan laughed at Bruce’s running joke because he really did break coffee mugs all the time, as well as glasses and plates.  The other four guys who were physically enhanced were going through the same adjustments. Alan’s modifications were much easier to deal with; he was mostly smarter, had perfect recall, and the empathic changes seemed intuitive, allowing him to master them quickly.

“Well, that’s better than last week! You’re making progress.”

Sitting up, Bruce said, “Hey, I checked the paper, and the base theater is showin’ ‘Field of Dreams’ tonight. You wanna go?”

“Yeah, sounds good. I need to take a quick shower and drop by the doc’s office for a short meeting. When I get back, we can grab some food if you want and head out.”

“Good deal. I’m gonna take a nap. If I’m still snoozin’ when you get back wake me up.”

Alan hung his uniforms in his closet, stowed his personal items, and went to the bathroom to start the hot water. He had to be careful around Bruce; aside from his strength, Alan knew Bruce’s hearing, smell, and other senses were extremely acute.

As soon as the bathroom door shut, Alan turned, placing his hands against the door and lowering his head.  He barely made it in before he got hard.  The sight of Bruce on the couch, his tan, muscled body spread out, wearing shorts and a tank top, was almost more than he could take. Walking by Bruce, smelling his scent and feeling his body heat pushed Alan over the edge.  He was unaccustomed to the tightness in his chest and losing control.  Besides the shower running, he turned on the water in the sink to mask the noise of him jerking off.  He was so turned on he finished quickly and sprayed the bathroom with Lysol to mask any smell, hoping Bruce wouldn’t pick up on it.

<> 

Half an hour later, showered and wearing a clean-pressed uniform, Alan knocked on the door to Dr. Thomas’s office.

“Come in, Alan! Come in, my boy.”

For such a brilliant man, the doctor was extremely polite, never expressing any ego about himself or his Top-Secret work for the government. He also never called any of the men by their rank, always by their first names.

“Reporting as ordered, Sir.”

“Come in and have a seat. I wish to discuss something with you.”

Taking off his hat, Alan moved to one of the chairs in front of the doctor’s desk and sat down.

“First of all, how are you? Is there anything you wish to discuss? Any issues adjusting?”

“No, sir, none. I’m enjoying the changes immensely, to be honest.”

He couldn’t help his thought: More in Bruce than myself!

“Excellent. I am pleased to hear that.”

Opening a folder on his desk, the doctor flipped through a few pages. After a short pause, he continued, “I am enrolling you in some specialized training. The courses are entirely new areas of study for you, but given your new aptitude and retention, I am confident you will pick everything up quickly.”

“What kind of training, Sir?”

“Basic and Advanced Anatomy and Physiology, Basic and Advanced First Aid, EMT Training, Chiropractic Care, and Massage Therapy.”

Looking at the doctor with a blank stare, Alan thought it was a joke. When the doctor didn’t smile, he asked, “Sir, are you serious? Those are completely outside any core competency I currently have. Advanced Physics or Calculus I could see, but those I don’t get?”

“I understand, but it is necessary for your role in the program. The need for these skills will become apparent in time. Lt.’s Brennan, Shogren, Barton, and Bolin will join you. As with all your training, no one outside the program is to know. Your other duties will be suspended until the training is complete.”

“Yes, sir. When do we start?”

“First thing Monday morning.”

“Yes, sir. Is that all?”

“Yes, my boy.”

<><> 

Pensive and wondering about possible reasons for his new training, Alan quietly opened the door to their quarters to see Bruce, shirtless, sleeping soundly on the couch. The sight stopped him in his tracks, and he took the opportunity to stare openly at Bruce’s body.

My God, he’s… Perfect.

Bruce’s deeply tanned and flawless skin glowed with health, his definition mouthwatering, and his thick, lean muscles, even at rest, were breathtaking.

Realizing his mistake, Alan blushed, now hard again.  Bruce must have sensed him standing there, slowly stretching and tightening his body as he woke up. Turning away quickly, he hoped Bruce hadn’t seen him staring or the bulge in his uniform pants.

Groggily, Bruce asked, “What time is it?”

“Almost 1900. I’m going to change, and we can head out for food and the movie. Let’s grab wings and beer so you can eat with your hands and not have to worry about plates or silverware. I promise not to laugh if you drink your beer through a straw.”

Getting off the couch, Bruce absentmindedly ran his hand through the sparse hair on his chest while heading to the bathroom. Alan caught part of the view in the mirror from their small living room and thought to himself: Fuck! He’s too damn hot. Keep a lid on it, Alan. Don’t go there!

<><> 

Alan spent the next six weeks attending an intense training program outlined by the doctor. The doctor taught much of the curriculum himself, supplementing his own vast knowledge with a few private specialists.  Alan, along with the other four Lieutenants, learned the material efficiently and quickly, while also getting to know each other better. All of them were part of the program and would be working together as time went on.

<><> 

Alan and Bruce spent most of their off-duty time together, and their friendship grew every day. Bruce was a very physical friend, often grabbing an arm or patting a shoulder. He was that way with the entire team, not just Alan, but it seemed to Alan that Bruce touched him more than anyone else.

Alan had to clamp down on his empathic abilities around Bruce to prevent his feelings from bleeding through when Bruce touched him, or vice versa.  The doctor instilled in them early on not to read people inadvertently, considering it an invasion of privacy. Military missions were another matter, but in their day-to-day interactions, it was highly discouraged.

One of the physical changes in Bruce and the other bodies, aside from their strength and senses, was an increased core body temperature. Warm to the touch, even radiating heat, it was another thing about Bruce that Alan found hard to resist.  The heat from his buddy when they were close, touching shoulders at a movie, or when Bruce grabbed an arm or shoulder, caused a physical reaction that Alan found hard to contain.

<><> 

At the end of their training, the doctor called a meeting with Alan and his four teammates.

“You all performed exemplary, as I knew you would, and I am sure you are curious as to the need for your new skills.

“As you know, the physical changes in Lt.’s Dutcher, Abrams, Schrader, Elenburg, and Thibodeaux were extreme. Their bodies are still adjusting to the alterations from the process that changed them. If you think of their bodies as machines, they need regular maintenance to remain in top condition. Moving forward, you are required to oversee and administer a daily physical exam as part of their training regimen.

“I have modified a gymnasium, where they can push their new bodies to their physical limits. You will assist in their recovery, making any necessary skeletal or muscular corrections to keep them in proper alignment, and collect data so I can monitor their status and changes over time.”

Alan’s outward expression didn’t change, but he blanched internally at what the doctor said. There was no way he could keep his secret if he had to touch Bruce every day!

God, what am I going to do?! It’s hard enough being around him, but to touch him after a workout, feel him… and smell him?

He was going to have to figure out some way to deal with that. He didn’t want to be discharged from the Navy, and more importantly, as much as he was afraid to admit it, the possibility of losing his best friend!

“I will help administer the first exam to show you precisely how I wish them performed and how to collect the data. Execution of the exams will take a toll on you physically, so you may wish to increase your personal workout regimens to compensate. We will begin this new schedule in one week.”

<><> 

His chest tight, struggling not to show alarm, Alan panicked. Despite his efforts to resist, his feelings for Bruce were stronger than ever.  No matter how hard Alan fought it, everything about Bruce attracted him; his sense of humor, his personality, the way he treated people, and of course, his incredible body and handsome face.

Fuck, and the way he smells!

Alan resorted to planning his schedule around when and how often he could get himself off, to better control himself around Bruce. How could he handle intimately touching Bruce during an exam and maintain any semblance of composure?  What if his empathy betrayed him, and his feelings unintentionally bled through his touch? Terrified of how Bruce might react if he realized Alan was gay, Alan was convinced it would ruin their friendship.

Alan’s experience with other men was limited to begin with, and he hadn’t been with anyone sexually since joining the Navy. He messed around with two friends in high school, but fear of getting caught kept him from experimenting further, and as he got older, Alan buried that part of himself, not even secretly looking at porn. Bruce, just by his presence, shattered the self-protection barriers Alan spent years building around himself.

<><> 

Bruce’s stomach knotted in a cold ball of fear when he realized Alan would be administering his physical exams. Daily!

Fuck!

There was no way Bruce could maintain his composure with Alan’s hands touching him.

What am I gonna do?

As much as he fought his feelings, Bruce knew he had already fallen for Alan.

The grip Alan’s presence had on him was too powerful to ignore. Bruce felt like a kid around Alan, his heart jumping when Alan smiled, and always wanting to reach out and touch him. He looked forward to seeing him come through the door when he got off duty, and their shoulders touching when they sat next to each other in the theater.

Bruce’s thoughts forced him to look back and reflect on his sexuality. He realized he was gay his entire adult life, but only consciously admitted it to himself just before joining the Navy. He never acted on it, and no one knew.  No one could ever know, or his career would be over.

Alan was such a stud and straight acting, there was no way he could feel the same way about Bruce, and the thought of Alan finding out and what he might do if he did terrified Bruce. Bruce was sure he would lose his best friend, and they would have to work together in the program for God knew how long. Bruce’s mind spun with all the ‘what if’s’ and he was a nervous wreck by the time he got back to their quarters.

<><> 

Alan resorted to the only thing he thought might have a chance of working. As painful as it would be, he had to withdraw and distance himself from Bruce. Starting that night, he made an excuse not to eat with Bruce or go to a movie. The disappointment on Bruce’s face was visible when Alan said he couldn’t go, but steeling himself, he stuck to his plan, feeling utterly miserable about it.

The next morning, he snuck out to do his PT run by himself, and during the day did everything possible to avoid being around Bruce. Alan didn’t realize how much it would hurt, but shoring up his defenses, he convinced himself it was the only option. He had to get some level of detachment back.

<><> 

Bruce was disappointed when Alan couldn’t go out to eat or see a movie. It was a regular part of their roommate routine, and he looked forward to it more than ever and had even come to depend on it. The next morning when Bruce got up for PT, Alan was already gone.

Over the next few days, where before he and Alan palled around all the time, Alan was conspicuously absent. It was like he was intentionally avoiding Bruce, but always had an excuse. Bruce’s emotional distress caused him to start breaking things again, regressing months in his control.  Depressed, he got an anxious knot in his stomach anytime he thought about Alan, which was pretty much all the time.

<><> 

Alan made it through the rest of the week, but internally he was a basket case. He didn’t sleep well and was irritable towards everyone around him. One afternoon,  forgetting his wallet, he ran back to their quarters. As he walked in the door, Bruce came out of the bathroom, his eyes red and watery. If Alan could believe it, he would swear Bruce had been crying. As much as he wanted to ignore what he saw, and knowing it was the wrong thing to do, he asked, “Bruce, are you alright?”

Bruce’s face lit up when he saw Alan standing there in his uniform, looking as handsome as ever. Sniffing and wiping his face, he lied.

“Yeah, I just washed my face and got soap in my eyes. Hey, you wanna grab some chow?”

“Sorry, I can’t. I forgot my wallet and need to head back.  If I’m late, the CO will have my ass.”

Alan had to get out of there. Being in the same room with Bruce quickly broke down what little resolve he managed to build up. Smelling Bruce from where he stood, Alan also felt his body heat as he moved by, and despite his effort, he got hard.

In his bedroom, Alan stopped at his dresser, looking at himself in the mirror. Gripping the edge of the wood, his arms taut from the tension in him, he breathed hard, fighting the tightness in his chest.

Fuck! Look at him standing there, so God damned handsome! What am I going to do?

Alan ran out of their quarters, moving by Bruce as quickly as he could. As he ran by, Bruce reached out to grab his arm in the friendly way he had about him.

“Hey, you wanna catch a movie later?”

Alan couldn’t let Bruce touch him and twisted his torso as he moved by to keep out of arm’s reach. He knew it looked intentional, but he didn’t care. He had to get out of there.

Calling over his shoulder as he ran out the door, Alan said, “Sorry, man, I can’t.”

The door slammed behind him, and he took off running, needing to get out of the barracks and put some distance between himself and Bruce.

He couldn’t see the hurt on Bruce’s face, or the fresh tear dripping out of the corner of his eye as the door slammed shut. It took Bruce an hour to get himself under control enough to leave the room, and the rest of the night, he was a zombie.

<><> 

The next day Bruce determined to figure out what was wrong, afraid he had done something to offend or piss off his buddy. As soon as he got off duty, Bruce went looking for Alan but couldn’t find him, and there was no sign he had been back to their quarters since that morning. Seeing some of Alan’s buddies, he asked if they had seen him around, and one of them said he was in the mess hall a few minutes ago.

Bruce headed over right away. It was the middle of the afternoon, so why Alan would be in the mess hall that time of day was a mystery, but Bruce wanted to talk with him and figure out what was going on.

<><> 

Alan wasn’t hungry but needed to keep up his food intake due to his workout schedule. Eating by himself, he noticed a small group of men come in and sit near his table.  Their banter loud and obnoxious, he glanced over, recognizing most of them.  One in particular, Ensign Hampton, was a known troublemaker.  Ignoring them, Alan finished eating, but as he stood to leave, Hampton made a snide remark.

“Hey, Whetherson, where’s your boyfriend?”

Pausing, Alan turned white as a sheet. Anyone who didn’t know him would think he was furious at the comment, but the truth of Hampton’s statement and the fact Alan wanted so badly for it to be true shook him to his core. The doctor impressed on all of them the need not to draw attention to themselves, so as badly as Alan wanted to say something, he let the comment go and moved on.

One of them muttered, “Chicken shit,” as he made his way to the clearing station. Alan, not usually a violent man, could explode if pushed far enough, and at that moment there was nothing he wanted more than to take out his frustration on Hampton and his buddies and kick all their asses.  Maintaining control, Alan decided to head to the base gym to work the anxiety and tension out of his system.

<><> 

An hour later, Alan’s body felt better but his emotions were still a wreck. He wore only PT shorts and shoes, and his sweat-drenched, powerful body shone under the bright lights in the gym. With energy still to burn, he started a full-body routine on the rings.

Hampton, the jerk from the mess hall, came in with his buddies and started working out, but they were lazy and more interested in joking around than lifting. It didn’t take long for them to notice Alan, and Hampton sauntered over.

“I see your boyfriend’s still missing, Whetherson. What’s the matter, lovers’ quarrel?”

“Hampton, you need to back off. I was willing to overlook your comment in the mess hall, but you’re pushing your luck. You and your pals need to leave now.”

“Or what, Whetherson?”

“That’s Lt. Whetherson, Ensign.”

“Or what, Lt.?”

Hamptons' belligerent, unapologetic tone and attitude pushed a button in Alan, snapping his temper. The tension in him needed an outlet, and if Hampton wanted a fight, he was going to get one.

“Alright, Hampton, you win. Get your ass in the ring if you think you can take me. No repercussions on you if I lose.”

Hampton smiled, stripping off his shirt and moving to the ring, while his buddies gathered around, immediately starting their shit talk.

Alan asked, “Do you want to use gloves or not? Up to you.”

“No gloves, I want to feel your nose break when I punch you in the face.”

Alan didn’t say a word as he ducked between the ropes, stepping into the ring.

Hampton, with a cocky grin on his face, said, “I’ve been waitin’ for this. You think you’re better’n me, Whetherson. I’m tired of your stuck-up attitude.”

Alan wasn’t in the mood to play around, needing to get his frustrations out, and Hampton was an easy target.

“I don't know what you’re talking about, Hampton, but since you seem to have a problem with me, now’s your chance.”

Predictably, Hampton rushed him, and Alan deftly sidestepped, not taking advantage of Hampton’s overbalanced stance. He let Hampton take a few more swings, nimbly dodging his uncoordinated attacks. Hampton had a lot of raw power but was unfocused and was nowhere near Alan’s level of skill. His heavy breathing, only a minute into the fight, made his lack of conditioning apparent.

“Quit running like a girl! Stand still and fight!”

“Alright, Hampton, you asked for it.”

On Hampton’s next lunge, Alan grabbed his wrist, pulling him forward and driving a knee into the center of Hampton’s chest directly into his solar plexus. Hampton dropped like a rock, curled in a ball, wheezing and gasping for air.

Stepping back, Alan let him recover, as he slowly and unsteadily got to his feet, clutching his chest. His face red with fury, he charged Alan with a roar, wanting to beat him to a bloody pulp.

Hampton’s forward movement stopped from the force of the first few punches to his ribs and stomach, while Alan cut loose with multiple blows to his chest, abdomen, and neck. Almost comically, Hampton twitched and spasmed with each impact of Alan’s fists, elbows, forearms, and knees, standing just long enough for his eyes to roll back in his head before falling to the mat unconscious.

With the thump of Hampton’s body on the mat, Alan looked at his buddies, saying, “If any of you want a shot, now’s your chance.”

As one, the five of them launched themselves into the ring. For a time, Alan held his ground, but one of them brought a folded metal chair into the ring. Alan saw it and tried to dodge, but it clipped his shoulder. He didn’t feel anything break, but the pain was excruciating, and he went down to one knee. Once down, they jumped on him, two pinning his arms, while the others pummeled his face and stomach.

<><> 

Bruce didn’t see any sign of Alan in the mess hall.

Where the fuck is he?

Dejected and upset, he left the building, walking back towards their quarters. Passing the base gym, it dawned on him Alan might be there. Bruce hadn’t thought about the gym because he couldn’t work out there, and was under orders not to even enter the building. His need to find Alan overrode the order, and he decided to risk a quick glance inside.

As soon as Bruce walked in he heard the commotion, and on entering the main room what he saw made his blood run cold. A man lay unconscious in the ring, and Alan, his face and torso bloody, was being held down and beaten by a small group of guys.

 “Get the fuck off him!”

Not even thinking, Bruce’s reaction was pure instinct as he took off blindingly fast.  After two strides, he launched himself, sailing through the air thirty feet and over the top rope to land in the ring on his feet.

The structure of the boxing ring shook, nearly breaking from the impact, and the shockwave knocked them down.  Bruce moved so fast the men beating Alan barely had time to react, scattering quickly, and without them holding him up, Alan collapsed beside Hampton in the ring.

Seeing the folded metal chair on the mat, it was easy enough to figure out the cowards hit Alan with the chair; there was no other way they could have gotten him down like they did.

Swiping up the chair, Bruce pulled it apart like paper, wadding the seat into a ball, cutting his hands on the sharp edges.  Throwing it as hard as he could at the last of the fleeing men, the jagged ball of metal hit the door like a cannonball, splintering the wood and sending slivers flying everywhere. Luckily he missed and realizing how easily he could have killed the man snapped Bruce out of his anger.

Kneeling beside Alan, he practically yelled, “Alan, can ‘ya hear me!?”

Fuck! Please be alright!

Shaking from the adrenaline rush and the effort of keeping himself in check, Bruce examined Alan as best he could. So worked up his control was shot, Bruce didn’t want to hurt Alan even more. Looking him over, Alan’s nose and possibly a few ribs were broken, his eyes were swollen shut, and his bottom lip torn.

Fuck! I need to learn to fucking control myself! If I hurt him, I’ll never forgive myself!

His eyes bright with tears of frustration and anger, Bruce gingerly picked Alan up, cradling his body in his arms and ruining his uniform with all the blood and sweat. Alan moaned in pain as Bruce carried him to the locker room, setting him down on one of the benches.  Grabbing some towels, as lightly as he could manage, Bruce started cleaning Alan up. Bruce concentrated so hard his forehead broke out in a sweat as he ran his fingertips over Alan’s ribs, trying to ascertain if any were broken. His hands shook from the effort of keeping his touch soft. It was difficult to tell, but nothing seemed broken, so hopefully Alan’s ribs were only bruised. Alan moaned again as he came too.

“Alan, can you hear me? It’s Bruce! Talk ‘ta me!”

With his split lip, his words came out fuzzy. “Bruce? Fuck…”

“Alan, what the hell’s goin’ on? I need ‘ta get hold of the doc, I can’t take you to the Dispensary.”

“You cut your hands.”

“What?”

“Your hands are bleeding.”

“Fuck my hands! I’m worried about you! Who were those guys?”

“Hampton and his goon squad.”

While Alan talked, Bruce wiped his body with wet towels as best he could, still afraid of hurting him.

“Thanks, man.”

“It’s nothin’. I wish I could have kicked their sorry asses for doin’ this. I need ‘ta clean up the mess I made out there. That chair’ll be hard ‘ta explain.”

“Go do that. I’ll be okay here. Check on Hampton, too. I knocked him out before the others joined in. He should be okay, but I want to make sure.”

“Are you sure? I don’t like leavin’ you like this.”

“I’m not a baby. I’ll be fine. Go take care of that. You know how important it is to keep a low profile.”

Smirking, Bruce replied, “Yeah, so says the man who’s a bloody mess.”

Alan couldn’t help the grin that crossed his face at Bruce’s remark and winced as his split lip stretched.

Reluctantly, Bruce left the locker room and found Hampton gone. He picked up the remnants of the metal chair, but there was nothing he could do about the hole in the door or the splintered wood. He would have to fess up and tell the doc what happened but he doubted the men responsible would say anything out of fear of getting thrown into the brig. When he got back to the locker room, Alan was gone and Bruce felt like he got punched in the gut again, realizing Alan wanted him to leave so he could take off.

What the hell is goin’ on with him?

<><> 

Bruce managed to get back to their quarters without getting into trouble or drawing too much attention to his blood-stained uniform. Changing into a fresh uniform, he immediately went to the doctor to tell him what had happened.

<> 

“Bruce, as soon as Alan returns to your quarters bring him straight to me, do you understand?  No matter the time.”

“Yes, sir. He’s been actin’ strange, and I don’t know what’s goin’ on with him. I thought we were friends, but lately, it’s like he can’t stand bein’ around me.”

“Do not worry, Bruce. I have an idea of what the problem might be. I did not think things would be so difficult for him.”

<><> 

It was Friday, and Alan didn’t come back to their quarters that night, causing Bruce to stay up all night worrying.

Fuck, where is he? What’s he doin’?

Despite Alan’s behavior, Bruce’s feelings continued growing stronger, and he didn’t know what to do, but his fear of losing Alan was still too great to risk telling him how he felt. The situation was killing him, and Alan’s behavior didn’t make any sense. Determined to keep Alan as a friend and in his life, Bruce would do whatever it took, no matter how hard, to keep himself under control, hoping over time his feelings would become less forceful.

Alan didn’t come back Saturday or Sunday, and Bruce was a wreck, staying on the couch in their quarters, waiting. He didn’t watch TV or read, he just sat on the couch, his emotions vacillating between fear, anxiety, and anger. His body was hot, sweating from the emotional tension.

By the end of the weekend, a pile of empty pizza boxes covered the coffee table. Needing food to appease his continually rumbling stomach, but fearful of leaving and missing Alan in case he came home, Bruce ordered out.  At least with pizza he didn’t need to worry about breaking plates or bending silverware.  Finally, Bruce passed out, getting a few hours’ sleep before his Monday PT session. His first scheduled exam by Alan was that morning at 1000.  Nervous about what it would mean for Alan if he didn’t show, his workout went horribly. If Alan went AWOL, it would be a disaster.

Precisely at 1000, Bruce and the doctor waited in the Lab when Alan came in, wearing a clean, freshly pressed uniform.  His bruised face looked a wreck, with his eyes still swollen and his lip scabbed over, and tape across his nose. 

Trying to act as if everything was normal, Alan said, “Reporting for duty, doc.”

“Oh, my! Alan, you seem in no condition to perform today’s duties.”

“I’m fine, doc. I apologize for my appearance. Just a little mishap at the base gym a few days ago, but I feel much better, not nearly as bad as I look. I’d like to proceed as planned.”

Looking at him for a moment, with a sigh, the doctor said, “Very well. We will see how you proceed. If I have the slightest doubt about your ability to continue, I will halt the exam and put you on medical leave.”

“I understand, and thank you, Sir. Let’s get started.”

From the moment Alan stepped into the Lab, Bruce tried making eye contact, but Alan kept his eyes averted. Whatever he felt, or whatever Bruce had done, it seemed Alan didn’t want to move past it, and Bruce was getting pissed off about the entire situation.

Proceeding to one of the exam rooms for privacy, the doctor instructed Bruce to strip.

Fuck! Here we go!

Thinking to his dick: You’d better not betray me, you fucker, or I’ll cut you off along with my balls!

The doctor instructed Bruce to stand with his back straight, legs wide apart and arms straight out at shoulder height. Using a tape measure and calipers, Alan proceeded to take full body measurements on the size of each major muscle and Bruce’s body fat percentage. The doctor provided pre-printed, labeled sheets listing the order of the data collection, making the process efficient and straightforward.

So far, Alan maintained his composure. If he felt even the slightest twinge below the belt, he bit down on his sore lip, and the pain helped distract him. Recording the measurements took about twenty minutes, and for the next stage, the doctor instructed Bruce to get into a specially designed ergonomic massage chair.

“For the first part, Bruce will remain in the chair. For the second part, he will need to get on the table, or a bed if the exam is performed elsewhere.”

While retrieving a vial of warm oil from a machine on the counter, the doctor said, “Alan, you should change into your workout clothes for the massage.”

Bruce maneuvered himself into the chair, which was quite comfortable, placing his face over the hole, draping his arms on the forward pads, and resting his chest against the central pad. His broad shoulders, back, arms, and lats were fully exposed, making the major muscle groups on his arms and legs available from various angles. The exam table for the last part would be to cover his chest and abdomen.

Alan quickly changed, wincing when he pulled on his tank top.  Glancing in the mirror, his ribs and shoulder were black and blue and extremely tender.

“Now, Alan, begin at his neck and shoulders and work your way down to his legs, pushing any tension towards his feet. It will be difficult with Bruce because of the density of his muscle and connective tissues, requiring a great deal of pressure to get the deep tissue movement necessary. The oil will help once absorbed into his skin. During the massage, make any adjustments necessary to keep his body in alignment.”

Even clamping down on his empathic abilities, as soon as Alan’s hands touched Bruce’s bare shoulders, something ran through their bodies. Both men felt it and fought against it. Bruce, despite his anger, started getting hard, and it took every ounce of willpower to halt his erection and keep it from getting any bigger. The next hour was sheer torture as Bruce fought his body every second to keep his composure.

When Alan placed his hands on Bruce’s shoulders, he wasn’t sure if he could continue. Bruce’s muscles were like rocks under his warm, soft skin, and it took all the strength in his fingers, hands, and forearms to move them. Alan assumed the tension in Bruce was from his discomfort with the situation. He was right, of course, but not for the reasons Alan thought!

Shortly into the massage, Alan started sweating, and his arms shook with fatigue, helping to cover the trembling in his hands. His ribs and shoulder ached every time he leveraged his body weight to push against the muscles in Bruce’s back.

The entire time, Alan’s emotions spun out of control. His feelings for Bruce, raw and on the surface, and touching him as he’d dreamed about was almost more than he could bear. Bruce's body heat and natural scent pushed the limits of Alan’s resolve.

When Bruce got on the exam table, he wasn’t hard, but he wasn’t entirely soft either and he continued his struggle to keep it down. The only thing that allowed both men to make it through the exam was the doctor’s presence, and him periodically stopping Alan to correct his motion or position.

When they finished, the doctor said, “Well done, Alan, well done. You can shower if you wish and come to my office before you leave.”

“Yes, sir.”

At the door, the doctor hesitated as if he was about to say something else, but someone in the hall called his name, and he shut the door.

When Alan went to his office, the door was closed with a note reading ‘Alan, unexpectedly away. See me first thing in the AM.”

Bruce went to clean up, but Alan’s locker was closed and he was already gone. Hightailing it back to their quarters, he hoped to find him there but was again disappointed when there was no sign of him.

Sitting on the couch with a sigh, Bruce went over everything in his mind, desperately trying to figure out what he might have said or done to make Alan act the way he was. Over the next few hours, his emotions were a rollercoaster, and by evening he was so mentally exhausted he passed out on the couch.

Alan was as quiet as he could be when he got home, taking over a minute to put his key in the lock and open the door. Knowing how sensitive Bruce’s hearing was, he didn’t want to let him know he was back. Seeing Bruce asleep on the couch, he thought it odd that the television was off, hoping it would have been on to cover any noise. Slowly and quietly, he made it to his bedroom and shut the door. Turning on his bedside lamp to undress, he stripped down to his boxers.

Resting on top of the covers, he turned off the lamp but remained wide awake, his mind racing. After touching Bruce… whatever it was he felt go through him… it was overpowering, and Alan knew he couldn’t continue. Something had to give. There was no way he could touch Bruce’s naked body day after day and not completely lose his shit. With anyone else in the world he could maintain a clinical detachment, but not Bruce, not with how he felt.  No one had ever commanded such a grip on him before and he didn’t understand it.  He would talk to the doc in the morning and ask to be reassigned.

How the hell do you resign from a program that has altered your genetic structure?

He felt trapped, even desperate.  With the amount of money the government invested in the program, they weren’t going to let him just walk away. Unable to contain his emotions any longer, he started to cry.  He tried to be quiet, but once the emotional box he built over the last weeks cracked, it was like opening Hoover Dam. Sobs wracked his frame, and hot tears wet his pillow. His chest was so tight he could hardly breathe, and his body icy cold, trembling with uncontrolled anxiety. Rolling on his side, he pressed his face into his pillow, trying to stifle any noise.

In the living room, Bruce woke with a start. Sad and despondent, he stripped off his shirt as he moved towards his bedroom, feeling like he wanted to throw up. The pull Alan had on him was unlike anything he ever encountered, and he didn’t understand it.  The pain was too much to deal with, and he didn’t know what to do. The entire situation with Alan seemed a no-win situation.

As Bruce moved down the hall, he heard noise coming from Alan’s room. He hadn’t heard Alan come in, and his chest tightened even more. The last few days all he wanted was for Alan to come home so they could talk, but now he was there, Bruce was even more terrified and didn’t have a clue what he was going to say.

Moving quietly to Alan’s bedroom door, he listened for a moment.

No way!

To his enhanced hearing, Alan’s uncontrolled sobbing was clear. Knocking on the door, he tried the handle, but it was locked.

“Hey Alan, open the door. I need ‘ta talk with you.”

Alan panicked at the sound of Bruce’s voice.

His throat thick with emotion, he tried to talk but couldn’t. Swallowing hard and clearing his throat, he managed to squeak out, “I’m already in bed. We can talk in the morning.”

Fed up with excuses, Bruce twisted the doorknob off and pushed the door open. With Bruce’s vision, there was plenty of light from the hallway for him to make it to Alan’s bedside. Turning on the nightstand lamp, he was shocked at Alan’s appearance. The bruises on his face were still dark, and most of the swelling was down, but where there was no discoloration, his skin was white as a sheet. Tears covered his face, his nose ran, and his blue eyes were bloodshot and glassy. Alan's entire body was tense and sweaty, and he breathed heavily.

Bruce’s heart broke at the sight of his buddy so distraught, and he wanted nothing more than to comfort Alan and make him feel better but knew he couldn’t, not in the way he wanted.

His throat tight and knowing he sounded gruff, Bruce said, “If you try ’ta leave I’ll break your legs. Stay put.”

As quickly as he could, Bruce padded down the hall to the bathroom, turned on the hot water, and came back with a warm washcloth and a hand towel. Kneeling on the floor, knowing Alan’s bed couldn’t support his weight, he moved to wipe Alan’s face, but Alan shied away from his touch.   

Glaring, Bruce said, “Hold still.”

Bruce wiped Alan’s face like he would a child’s, then used the hand towel to dry his face and wipe down his chest and shoulders, careful of his ribs.

“That’s a little better. Alright, we’re gonna have a chat. I wanna know what I’ve done that’s makin’ you act the way you’ve been.”

Tearing up as he spoke, Bruce’s emotions built as his thoughts formulated into words, and his chest felt like it was about to explode.

“I thought we were friends, Alan. Actually, I thought you were my best friend until last week.”

Lowering his head, Bruce quietly said, “Whatever I did, Alan, I apologize. I want our friendship back. I need it back.”

Alan lost it again, crying even harder, his thoughts nearly incoherent in his distress.

All he managed to say was, “Fuck, Bruce, I’m so sorry.”

Unable to stop crying and not wanting to make eye contact, Alan put an arm over his eyes, repeating how sorry he was.

Bruce reached out and put a hand on Alan’s chest in comfort and was shocked at how wound up he was. His body was so tight his muscles were like rocks, and he was trembling.

“Alan, tell me what’s wrong. What’re you sorry about?”

Bruce rubbed his hand in small circles on Alan’s chest, trying to soothe him, while his body underwent small jerks as his breath caught between sobs.  Bruce kept quiet, giving him time to calm down.         After a few minutes, Alan regained a semblance of composure and rolled onto his side, facing Bruce and making eye contact for the first time in a week.

“I’m sorry, Bruce. Things are so out of control right now, and I don’t want to hurt you. I’m scared as hell to tell you what’s wrong. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost your friendship.”

“What the hell are you talkin’ about? There isn’t anythin’ you could say or do that would affect our friendship like that.”

“I’m not so sure.”

Another short pause followed as Bruce collected his thoughts, and he lightly gripped Alan’s neck and shoulder, wanting him to feel his support.

“Well, buddy, here’s the way I see it. You’ve backed yourself into a corner, and you’re in a place you can’t stay at. In my leadership trainin’, they taught us if you ever get in a spot like that, you have ‘ta make a decision, move forward, and go with the consequences. You can’t keep livin’ like this. I miss my best friend, and I don’t like seein’ you like this. It hurts me, seein’ you like this. I might not show it as much, but I’ve been a wreck this week, cryin’ like a baby on the couch waitin’ for your sorry ass ‘ta come home so we could talk.”

“I’m sorry, Bruce. I’m just terrified of what’s going to happen if I tell you the truth.”

“Alan, I’m gonna kick your ass if you keep sayin’ you’re sorry without tellin’ me what you’re sorry about. I’m gonna make you a promise. No matter what you tell me, I swear ‘ta the Big Man upstairs, it will not come between us. You need ‘ta trust me on this.”

Alan looked at Bruce, and it only took a second to get lost in Bruce’s green eyes. Between Bruce’s warm touch, and looking into his eyes, the last of Alan’s resistance crumbled. He realized Bruce was right; he had backed himself into a corner, and something had to give.

Taking a chance, Alan covered Bruce’s hand with his own, giving it a squeeze.

“I’ve never had a friend like you, Bruce. Growing up, moving from foster home to foster home after my mom died kept me from having any lasting friendships. Once I got out of high school, I focused on college and then my career in the Navy. This wasn’t supposed to happen, and I don’t know how to handle it.”

“Handle what?

“I love you, man, like a brother.”

“I love you, too, Alan. We are brothers. I feel closer to you than I’ve ever felt with anybody. Is that what this is about?”

“No, you don’t understand. I’m not saying this very well. I don’t just love you…”

Alan’s throat tightened again. Once he said the words, there was no turning back. He had to take a leap of faith and trust that Bruce meant what he said.

“…I’m in love with you.”

Alan’s words stunned Bruce beyond belief, and his mind reeled.

I’m in love with you.

The pressure in Bruce’s chest, the near incapacitating tightness, broke loose, and the relief was more than he could take. His eyes welled, whether from joy or relief, he wasn’t sure. Alan saw the tears, and Bruce leaned forward, laying his head against Alan’s chest.  Instinctively, his arms wrapped around his best friend and the man he loved.

Alan felt Bruce’s tears on his bare chest. Bruce’s hot breath on his sweaty skin and the warmth of his body sent a shiver through Alan he couldn’t control. Bruce wanted to squeeze Alan as hard as he could but knew that was impossible.

Why was Bruce crying?

What have I done!?

Starting to panic, Alan thought the worst. He wanted to move but couldn’t bring himself to let go.  Bruce moved, raising himself up and draping an arm over Alan.  The weight of his body hurt Alan’s ribs, but he didn’t care. 

“I’m sorry, Bruce. I’ll talk to the doc in the morning and see about getting transferred to different quarters.”

Alan finally realized Bruce was trying to hug him but was afraid of hurting him.

“Bruce?”

Bruce looked up, his face a mess, but smiling.

His voice catching, Bruce managed to ask, “Can I tell ‘ya a secret?”

Alan wasn’t sure he could talk, so he nodded.

“I feel the same way about you. I wasn’t sure what I was gonna do because havin’ you touch me in that exam was about ‘ta kill me. I didn’t think I could take it, and I was afraid that if I told you how I feel, you’d hate me.”

“God, Bruce, I could never hate you.”

Alan put his arms around Bruce’s head, pulling his face against his chest and squeezing as tight as his bruised ribs allowed. They stayed like that for a while, until the tears stopped. The warmth and touch of Bruce’s body had Alan hard as a rock.

“Hey, Bruce.”

“Hm?”

“I have another problem.”

“Fuck.”

Smiling, Alan took one of Bruce’s hands and placed it on his crotch.

“This is what you do to me.”

A sheepish, embarrassed look crossed Bruce’s face.

“What’s wrong?”

“Well, you might find this hard ‘ta believe… but I… well… I’ve never been with a guy.”

“Never? What about girls?”

“Only a couple, and that didn’t go well. I tried, but nothin’ happened. I used the excuse of too much beer and pretended ‘ta pass out.”

“Bruce, you don’t know how happy that makes me. I want to make your first time special. It’s been a rough few days for both of us. Are you sure you want to do this now? Tonight? I don’t want to pressure you. We can wait if you want.”

“Alan, I’m so hard for you I could jack up a car. I want this more than I’ve ever wanted anythin’.”

“Okay, let’s go to your bed. Mine can’t hold both of us.”

Alan had seen Bruce naked and soft in the showers before, but when Bruce stood up, Alan couldn’t help but notice how well endowed he was fully erect, and grinned. 

Jackpot!

Standing beside Bruce’s bed, Alan dropped his shorts and pulled Bruce’s down as well.

As a Commander in the Navy Bruce was used to being in control, but what was happening was new, and he let Alan take the lead. 

Nervous and elated, the cold, anxious feeling in his chest and stomach from earlier was now a hot fire, and his body flushed with excitement.

“Get on your back.”

Bruce got on the bed, and Alan sat on the edge, not getting on top just yet. He placed his hands on Bruce’s chest, wanting to feel his heartbeat and how excited he was. He also wanted to openly touch Bruce as a man and a lover. Sure enough, Bruce’s heart pounded in his chest, and glancing down, he saw Bruce’s erection throbbing to match it, the head already glistening with precum, and the hair of his treasure trail wet with it.

Alan firmly gripped the thick base, keeping his hand still for a minute, letting Bruce get used to the feeling. Once some of his urgency passed, Alan gently gave him a few strokes. The solidity and density of Bruce’s erection matched the rest of his body, and it sent a thrill through Alan just holding him.

Raising his hips with a small gasp, Bruce’s eyes shut tight, and he threw his head back. His whole body taut and flexed, he trembled in anticipation. No other man had ever touched him, and the sensation was overpowering.

Alan stopped holding back his Empathy, and all his pent-up emotions for Bruce flowed through his hand and into Bruce by his touch.  Unprepared for the emotional rush, coupled with the touch of Alan’s hand, the touch of the man he loved, was more than he could take.

As the most intense orgasm of Bruce’s life hit him, Alan leaned over and took him into his mouth.  

Both men thought: God, I’ve wanted this so bad!

Alan continued his ministrations through Bruce’s orgasm, letting him ride out the pleasure as long as he could, and as he did, a strange sense of wholeness permeated his mind and body. He felt as though he just had a great workout, his body full of energy, and the last of the tension left him.

It took Bruce a few minutes to recover, and he lay with a goofy smile on his handsome face, looking at Alan. Alan looked back, smiling. They couldn’t take their eyes off one another. The sight of Bruce, naked, his to touch and caress, was everything he dreamed about.

Finally breaking his silence, Bruce said, “Fuck Alan, I can’t stand not touchin’ you.”

Reaching over, Bruce pulled Alan on top of him.

His naked body against Bruce’s was better than he imagined.  Putting his arms around Bruce’s shoulders, Alan brought their faces together for a kiss.  After swallowing Bruce’s load the taste was heavy in his mouth, and he wasn’t sure how Bruce would react, so he took it slow in case Bruce wasn’t ready for that step.

Bruce found the taste odd but not bad. He wanted Alan’s tongue in his mouth and wasn’t going to let his cum get it the way of that. What started as a gentle kiss became a long passionate session that lasted a few minutes. Bruce never went soft, and Alan felt him, hot and hard against his stomach.

Smiling, Alan broke off the kiss, saying, “Time for round two. I want you in me.”

The apprehensive look returned to Bruce’s face.

“What’s the matter?”

“I don’t wanna hurt you, Alan. I’m still not in control, and if I get too wound up, I might not be able ‘ta keep myself in check. I’d never forgive myself if I hurt you.”

“Bruce, I trust you. What better way to learn control than by playing around with each other? For starters, let me stay on top and guide things. The more we do this, the more you can be in charge. How’s that?”

“If you’re sure.”

After a slight pause, Bruce mumbled, “God, I’m nervous as hell.”

“There’s no reason to be scared, Bruce. I love you, and there’s no right or wrong in what we’re about to do. We need to learn how to make each other feel good. I don’t have much experience either. I just know I feel more for you than any other person ever in my life, and I want to make you feel amazing.”

Averting his eyes, Bruce quietly said, “I don’t know how ‘ta make you feel good, Alan.”

“But you already have, Bruce! God, man, you do. I feel more alive than ever being with you. I want us to go slow, and don’t be afraid to tell me what you like or don’t like. Touch me any way, anywhere you want. In fact, I want you to. I can’t tell you how good your touch feels, and what your hands do to me. Like right now, I want to do something to you. There’s something about you that drives me absolutely bonkers, and it was one of the reasons I was having such a hard time being around you.”

“What’s that?”

“Your smell. I don’t mean you stink; it’s nothing like that. You can be fresh out of the shower, and you have this distinct smell that drives me crazy. It’s like you have this natural cologne made just for me, and I bet I’m the only one who ever picks up on it.”

Grinning, Bruce said, “Okay, that’s a bit weird and a little kinky, but hot!”

“You can’t believe how hot you are to me, Bruce. Put your arms over your head.”

Bruce raised his arms, and Alan grabbed his hands, intertwining their fingers. Alan gazed at Bruce’s broad chest and armpits, and perfect nipples. Bruce didn’t have a lot of hair under his arms. In fact, he wasn’t a very hairy man, but where he did have hair, it was perfect and in all the right places.

Leaning over, he started kissing and licking Bruce’s armpit.

“Ohhhhhh, Alan, that feels amazin’. Fuck!”

Alan kept at it, moving back and forth between his armpits, taking his time, including his nipples in between. Once again, his emotions reinforced the physical pleasure, and Bruce’s excitement and pleasure drove Alan’s.

“You better not do that much longer.  I’m just about there again.”

“Okay, let’s cool down a second. Just touching you is about to make me explode.”

Straddling Bruce’s waist, Alan ran his hands over Bruce’s body, caressing his chest, moving his hands up to his shoulders, and down his arms. Bruce did the same; the sight of Alan, his muscled hairy chest and stomach, was driving him crazy, and he couldn’t keep his hands off him. His touch was a little awkward and unsure, but none of that mattered to Alan, they were Bruce’s hands, warm and strong, and that was all that mattered.

They couldn’t stop staring at one another and smiling, not believing where they were after the turmoil of the last week. Both men felt they were meant to be together, and any stress or strain between them vanished.

Alan finally said, “Ok, I can’t wait any longer. I want you in me. You aren’t small, so this might take a few minutes. Let me get some lotion from the bathroom. We can get some real lube tomorrow at the PX.”

Alan ran to the bathroom and was back in a flash, using lots of lotion on Bruce and a liberal amount on himself. Sitting up, he put Bruce against his opening and slowly lowered himself. He read enough to know to push out to make going in less painful, but that was easier said than done, and he gasped at the initial sharp sting.

“Are you sure you wanna do this, Alan? We can wait. Fuck it feels amazin’, but it has ‘ta hurt.”

“No way in hell I’m waiting, Bruce. I want this more than anything!”

Sweating, Alan leaned forward, putting his hands on Bruce’s chest to hold himself up. The heat and solidity of Bruce’s body was such a turn on. There was so little give to Bruce’s body even when Alan put his full weight down for leverage, he didn’t want to move his hands. He continued pushing down slowly, and by the time he had Bruce’s full length in him, he was breathing hard and sweating heavily.

“Sorry man, I sweat a lot when I get excited.”

Bruce grinned, saying, “It’s sexy as hell, man. I love it. It lets me know you’re feelin’ me. I wanna see you get all worked up.”

The heat and tightness in Alan were more than Bruce expected, and it took all his willpower not to start thrusting.

Alan kept still another minute, acclimating to Bruce’s size, and once comfortable, he started moving. The culmination of everything so far that night, and the realization that Bruce, the man he loved and who loved him back was in him, sent Alan over the edge. 

 “Oh, fuck Bruce, I’m gonna’ shoot. You feel too good. Shit, I can’t hold off!”

The orgasm that hit Alan was the most powerful of his life. He had never felt that way about anyone, and the emotional intensity was just as powerful as the physical. He covered Bruce’s chest and abs, and the contractions of his anal muscles drove Bruce over the edge again.

Alan fell forward, nuzzling his face against Bruce’s neck and shoulder, breathing in his scent and resting on his warm, smooth skin and hard body. Bruce brought his arms around Alan’s back, rubbing up and down and hugging him.

Tearing up again, Alan whispered, “I love you, Bruce. Man, I can’t believe I can say that now. I was so scared I was going to lose you!”

Rolling on his side, Alan propped his head up on one hand, leaving his other hand free to touch Bruce wherever he could reach.

Still recovering, Bruce remained silent.  Alan’s continued touch, plus the emotions, was a lot to take in.  He never thought he’d be with another man and resigned himself to shutting off that part of himself a long time ago. Out from under the need to live the lie of his sexuality, at least with Alan, he felt a sense of inner freedom. No one else could ever know, but he and Alan could be together, and that was more than he ever hoped for. Alan placed a hand on Bruce’s cheek, angling his face to look at him.

“God, I love your face. You’re so handsome.”

Alan ran the backs of his knuckles over the five o’clock shadow on Bruce’s face. Leaning forward, he rubbed his cheek against Bruce’s and then rolled back on top, wrapping his arms around Bruce, their chins fitting perfectly in the crux of each other’s neck and shoulder.

Bruce took a chance and hugged Alan back, whispering in his ear, “I love you, Alan. God, I can’t believe how all this worked out. I couldn’t stand the thought of you not being in my life, and now you’ve made me one happy man. “I think we’re meant ‘ta be together, like two pieces of a puzzle. It just took us a little time ‘ta figure out the right way for the pieces ‘ta fit together.”

After a few minutes of cuddling, Alan rolled over and said, “Spoon up against me and put your arm around me. I want to fall asleep with you holding me.”

Bruce pulled him close, with one arm draped over Alan, putting his hand on Alan’s chest to hold them together.

Bruce’s body heat had Alan totally relaxed. Sharing an orgasm and openly and unashamedly lying naked with Bruce, after the emotional chaos of the last week was amazing, and he felt like he was dreaming. Just before he drifted off to sleep, a thought popped into his head.

“Hey, Bruce?”

“Yeah?”

“Did you notice your control was a lot better tonight? I think you just needed the right motivation.”

Bruce smiled sleepily and said, “Hell yeah! You definitely motivate me.”

Kissing Alan’s shoulder, Bruce said, “Fuck, you feel good. This is nice.  I can’t believe an hour ago we were ready ‘ta give up everythin’.”

“Yeah, I know. Funny how things work out.”

Chuckling, Bruce said, “I can’t wait for tomorrow’s exam.”

“Me either.”

Alan fell asleep to Bruce’s warm breath against his neck and shoulder, and their bodies touching. There was no better feeling in the world. It felt perfect.

<><> 

The next morning when they got up, Alan went to the bathroom to take a piss and did a double-take when he looked in the mirror.

“Shit! Bruce, come here! You’ve got to see this!”

Bruce was there in a flash, thinking something was wrong.

“Look!”

Staring at his face in the mirror, Alan ran his hands over his nose and jaw, now void of bruising and swelling. There was the slightest trace of his lip still healing, but other than that, his face was back to normal. Running his hands across his ribcage, they didn’t feel the slightest bit tender.

His face breaking out into a huge smile, Bruce pulled him into a hug.

“What’cha think coulda’ happened?”

“You know, I felt something when we were together last night, but we were so wound up I didn’t think much about it at the time.”

“I’m sure the doc can explain it.”

“Hey, Alan?”

“Yeah?”

“We need ‘ta set the alarm for earlier tomorrow. We’ll just have to be a few minutes late today. Come here.”

<><> 

After they finished, they did their PT run together and then went to the lab. The doctor was already in his office, and as soon as he looked up, his mouth rose in the barest hint of a smile.

“Good morning, my boys.”

“Doc, something strange is going on.”

“What might that be?”

“All my bruises are gone, and my ribs are almost fully healed!”

“Yes, I can see that.”

“You don’t look surprised!”

“My only surprise is how long it took you two to realize your feelings for one another. I was about to lock you both in a room until you figured it out. You are both very stubborn!”

Bruce and Alan looked at each other in shock and then broke into big smiles, their faces red.

“There is no need to be embarrassed. Rest assured, no one will ever find out that can harm you or your careers. Now that you have taken this step, I must explain a few things to you both. I waited for you to discover this on your own because knowing ahead of time not only takes the fun out of it, but it might keep you from discovering everything about yourselves. You are taking the first step on a marvelous journey together. I am happy for you both!”

Bruce felt the sensation of falling into himself…

<><> 

Tears filled their eyes as they relived their memories, and with emotions thick between them, they hugged both physically and mentally. Remembering that time, especially reliving it, reinforced how much they loved each other and how far they had come together. Pulling Brad close in a cuddle, Ken’s hands ran up and down Brad’s back.

“My God, B, that was incredible!”

“Looking back, it’s hard to believe the journey we’ve had. I love you, Ken.”

“I love you, too, Brad. If you can believe it, I love you more every day we’re together.”

Looking intently into Brad’s eyes, Ken said, “I wanna show you how much.”

The next half hour was an intimate and tender time. Ken started it by resting his weight on his elbows, so their bodies were in as much contact as possible.

Opening his mind, Ken wrapped Brad in his emotions, just like his arms, and the validation of his love overwhelmed Brad. While Ken made love to him, when they weren’t kissing, they hugged or nibbled on ears, necks, and shoulders, and the sensation of their hot breath on sweat slickened skin turned them on even more.

Ken regularly interjected how good Brad felt, how much he loved him, and what a great lover he was, while Brad expressed his feelings through their link, with his mind, not in words but feelings. With their physical bond active and their minds linked, when they couldn’t hold off any longer, they shared an orgasm so powerful neither one of them could talk for a few minutes. Slowly coming back to themselves, tender kisses and roaming hands followed as they caressed one another. Finally separating, Ken spooned Brad with an arm draped over him, their fingers intertwined, staying quiet and resting in the shared intimacy.

Brad finally broke the silence, asking quietly, “Ken, do you mind if we talk about today, or do you want to sleep? It can wait until tomorrow.”

“B, there’s nothin’ I’d rather do right now than talk with you. Tell me what happened.”

“Well, first off, I owe you a huge apology for the past few months.”

Cupping Brad’s face, Ken turned him around so he could look into his eyes, serious when he asked, “Why do you think that?”

“Because you kept telling me this is all new, and how long it takes to adjust, and I didn’t believe you. That’s one reason I wanted to look at those specific memories. I’ve been frustrated and filled with self-pity because control over my abilities didn’t just come to me. I felt stupid, inadequate, and not equipped to handle them. My ego was in the way, which is something I came to grips with today. You’ve borne the brunt of my attitude and selfishness this entire time and never complained. You were with me the whole time, supporting me. I want to tell you how sorry I am for you having to put up with me.”

“B, there’s nothin’ ‘ta apologize for. I did try’n tell you how things were for me after the program, but you learn different than I do, and ‘ta be honest, what I told you might not be relevant ‘ta what you were goin’ through. Some of the underlyin’ principles might be the same, but it’s mental versus physical, so I might’ve been steerin’ you wrong.”

“No, Ken, everything you said was spot on, I was just too stubborn and proud to listen. I had an epiphany today, and stopped fighting against it and feeling sorry for myself.  For lack of a better way to say it, I surrendered to it. In the back of my mind, I still felt like I didn’t deserve your love, but everything came together in the middle of the robbery. As soon as I accepted your love and pushed my ego out of the way, it was like this switch went off in my head, and all these things fell into place. That’s why I chose those memories; it makes tonight even more special to me. Nearly twenty years ago, you told me you loved me, and tonight I finally, completely, accepted that love.”

“See, I knew you’d figure it out. You’re too fuckin’ smart for your own good sometimes. You tend ‘ta over analyze things, and it shakes your confidence. Even the doc says you’re one of the smartest people he knows. I still don’t know why you felt like you didn’t deserve my love. Are you sure you’re okay with that now? Cause I can prove it again if I have to!”

Ken smiled, holding Brad tighter when he made his comment.

“Honestly, I’m good with it now.”

Grinning, Brad continued, “But I can have a memory lapse now and then if you need me to.”

A brief pause followed, and Brad’s forehead creased as he asked, “How come you’re so smart about all this, Ken? How were you so confident I’d figure it out?”

“I may not be as smart as you about most things, but when it comes ‘ta Brad Wilson, I have a fuckin’ Ph.D. You’re my best friend Brad, and I love you more than anythin’. I’ve been with you for almost twenty years now, and when it comes ‘ta you, I’m a genius. I think I know you better than you know yourself sometimes. I knew the stages you’d go through ‘ta figure it out, you just had ‘ta get to the point to believe in yourself enough ‘ta accept the changes.

“I know I said it earlier, but I’m proud of you for how you handled things today. I knew the minute we cleaned house with those punks somethin’ was different. I could see the difference, and when we were drivin’ in traffic, your brain was still workin’. I think the hardest adjustment for you will be the restraint you’ll have ‘ta exercise. You can kill someone with a thought just like I can kill someone if I’m not careful. We’re two sides of the same coin.”

Listening, hearing Ken’s words, reinforced how much Ken loved and supported him. He knew Brad struggled and was there every second without smothering him, giving him time to work through his issues and not rushing him.

“I know this is gonna sound mushy, Ken, but thanks for believing in me and supporting me. I know I haven’t been the easiest person to be around.”

“B, even at your fuckin’ worst, you’re the easiest person in the world for me ‘ta be with. With you, it’s not an effort ‘cause I love you so much.”

Ken tightened his arm around Brad again and kissed his shoulder.

Brad continued, “So, yeah, when things clicked into place, I realized I was the one holding myself back. The power I have is a bit of a rush. I know I was a little out of control while we were driving back, and I can’t let that happen again.”

After a short pause, Brad said, “I have some ideas after tonight’s playtime.”

“Oh yeah? Do you wanna tell me what you’ve got in mind? No pun intended, of course.”

“Well, when I get more practice, and as I get stronger, my constructs can be bigger and more elaborate. With you, I don’t have to be as careful because you know what’s going on, and your brain won’t fight me to try and figure out what you’re seeing isn’t real. When things get stressful, I can make us a getaway where you and I can be by ourselves. We’ll have all the time in the world to enjoy ourselves, whether it’s a cabin in the mountains or a villa on the beach. Wherever we want to go, I can take us there, and we can have as much hot passionate, wild sex as we can imagine.”

“Hell yeah, I like that part. The more time we have together, the happier I’ll be. Because I’ve been thinkin’, B...”

“Oh-oh.”

Ken chuckled and said, “Shut it, punk, I’m bein’ serious.”

Brad turned his head and kissed Ken as an apology.

“As I was sayin’… We need ‘ta take care of each other. With the way we are now, except for the guys, we’re more isolated than ever. If we’re gonna help them in whatever way the doc has planned, we need ‘ta keep ourselves strong and sane. Does that make sense?”

“It makes perfect sense. Almost as perfect as your handsome face.”

“B, I’m serious.”

“So am I.”

“So, are you good now? Is there anythin’ else you wanna tell me?”

“I think that’s the gist of it. I needed to tell you how sorry I am and how much I love you for supporting me and putting up with my sorry ass.”

Reaching down, Ken cupped Brad’s extremely firm ass and said, “I don’t think your ass is sorry at all. It’s a nice ass.”

Brad couldn’t help but laugh and said, “You douche. I love you, Ken Habersham.”

“I love you, too, B.”

Another quiet pause followed.

“Hey, B?”

“Yeah?”

“This is totally shiftin’ gears, but we need ‘ta have Bryan and Lane over for dinner this week, and maybe next week have a cookout with everyone. We haven’t seen much of them lately outside of work. They’ve givin’ us space, and I appreciate that, but they’re family.”

“That sounds like a plan. I’ll talk to Lane tomorrow. He and I need to have a mental chat about some things now that I’m getting a better grip on this stuff. He’s ahead of Dar, Loy, and Bill, and maybe I can prevent him from having any heartache like I did.”

“Now that’s the Brad Wilson I know and love, always puttin’ others before himself.”

Tightening his grip in a quick hug after his statement, he fell silent, and after a minute Brad heard Ken’s steady breathing and knew he was asleep. Brad drifted off to sleep in Ken’s arms, his favorite place in the world, feeling his warm, steady breath on his neck.