More Than Friends And Brothers

Disclaimer: Not mine, not getting paid ... dammit, if I had only $0.01 per word I've ever written, I'd be set for life!
Note I: In response to the PRSW22 challenge on LiveJournal; themes #09, hallways and #15, peace
I'm jumping even more into the future, here; four years have passed and everything's rosy for the boys. Or maybe not?
Note II: Another split-in-half chapter, I'm afraid. Once more, the boys insisted on having the story go their way, not mine … and since this has reached proportions (again *sigh*) in which I'd have to post it in two parts anyway, I decided I might just as well cut it off where I did.
Note III: I'm going on vacation on July 9, and will have neither 'net access nor even a computer for two weeks. I doubt I'll get the second half finished before that date (don't give up hope quite yet, though) … but it may well be that the next part, be it chapter 17 or 18, won't be coming your way until mid-August, sorry. – Still, enjoy, and please pass by the feedback box on your way out?


More Than Friends And Brothers
Chapter 17: Homecoming, Pt. 1


"And now, ladies and gentlemen, a few words from Brookhill High's first-ever valedictorian, Sean Allerton!" Principal Massini took his seat among applause from the assembled families and cheers from the graduating class. Sitting midway in the audience, Tommy shifted in his seat. He hoped that the boy's speech would be more interesting than the ubiquitous speeches from the mayor, the PTA chairperson and Anton Mercer, who sat on the school board for both Brookhill and Reefside High; thankfully, he'd altered yesterday's address from Reefside enough to not be boring. Jason was sitting up on the dais with his colleagues; once the valedictorian had had his say, there would only be the handing out of diplomas, a bit of mingling with families afterwards and they'd be free to enjoy a couple of months of blessed freedom from work. Tommy smiled as he thought about their plans for the summer. There would be no vacation this year, nor had he another research project lined up, but something equally exciting was coming up – they were going to do building work.

During the past four years, Jason and Tommy had discovered that while the house at 1992 Valencia Road might be big enough for a couple, it still lacked space for two people who both needed a vastly different working library, separate computers and desks. Jason had set up an office of sorts in the spare bedroom, Tommy was using the Dino Lair for his research, but they had no more room for overnight guests – and whenever one of them had visitors, the other had to vacate the living room. As they both tended to get very involved with their students, often inviting them over for talks, that happened far too often for their liking. Thus, they had decided that they'd use money Jason had saved to buy his own property one day for some much-needed remodeling – namely, to build an extension into the back yard. The plans were ready, finances sorted out, and the contractor was scheduled to arrive on their doorstep first thing on Monday morning. Hopefully, by the start of the new school year in September, they'd be done.

Tamping down on his excitement, Tommy concentrated once more on the dais. Sean was grinning bashfully from ear to ear as he pulled a thankfully thin sheaf of paper out from under his red-and-black graduation gown. He waited for his classmates' cheers to die down, then cleared his throat.

"Mr. Mayor, Principal Massini, Dr. Mercer, Ms. Janson, thank you all for your kind words. Ladies and gentlemen, class of 2013!

"When we started here at Brookhill High four years ago, we were told that we not only had to make sure that, as a brand-spanking new high school, it was our duty to see that academic and moral standards would be as high as we could possibly make them, but also that as the first graduating class ever we had to establish new traditions we would like to see continue at our school. I don't know whether our teachers would completely agree, but overall I think most of us gave it their best shot. Well, some more than others." He grinned briefly. "We were also told that there are more things involved in getting an education than book learning, and that we'd have to figure them out on our own. I believe we succeeded. We were the ones who had to find, then show the way to those coming behind us. That is why we named our sports teams the way we did – the Trailblazers, the Pioneers, the Searchers, to name just a few."

Sean waited for the laughter and cheers to die down, then continued. "It would take too long to list all the different customs and things we started, but let me assure you, we did a lot! However, there are two more traditions we would like to establish today – and the first is that the valedictorian – me – is not gonna bore you with another long speech. Instead, a few representatives of the class of 2013 would like to tell you all what we've learned. Josh, if you'll start?"

Another boy walked up the dais, accompanied by applause and a few puzzled looks. He bent towards the microphone. "Hi. I'm Josh Barkowski, and I'm a jock." He grinned at the whistles and catcalls from his friends. "In my time at Brookhill High I learned that there's more to life than sports, and that talent is not enough – to be really good also requires dedication and a lot of effort. I earned a college scholarship because my teachers taught me not only how to work – but made me, not just for grades, but … well, everything. Thank you." He stepped back.

Next was a slight Asian girl. "My name is Michelle Soong. I'm intelligent and I know a lot; I also love to study," she said matter-of-factly, without arrogance. "I learned that not everything in life can be found in a book – and that I have no right to look down on others who may not have my intellect or share my passion for learning. Instead, I discovered that sharing my knowledge with others is a very rewarding experience. It made me a better person. Thank you."

Several other students followed suit, then Sean came forward once more. "Good job, guys. Now we're coming to the second and last new tradition, which needs a little explanation. For that, we need to hear from one more person. Gül?"

A slender girl, her dark hair caught at the back of her head in a shimmering net, walked lightly up the steps, laughing excitedly as the assembled students broke into a rhythmic chant of "Rosie, Rosie!" As soon as everybody quieted down, she started to speak in a soft, clear voice.

"This will be somewhat longer than my friends' comments; I apologize. But I have to give a little background first, so please bear with me?" She had a faint, not unpleasant accent, Tommy noted. ”My name is Gül Erdem, and my father is a bio-engineer at Mercer Industries. My family came from Turkey to America three years ago, so I wasn't part of this class from the beginning. It was hard to fit into a group of people most of which seemed to have known each other from childhood. I dressed differently, I didn't speak English very well, I didn't date, didn't know pop culture … that, and a lot of other things, made me very lonely. I wanted to feel accepted, to make friends, but while my family are by no means fundamentalist Muslim, we still take our faith and our traditions seriously. That set me even more apart. Also, my parents were concerned about the influence American teenagers might have on me; they feared that full, unquestioned assimilation of their customs might lead me away from what we believe is right and proper.

"I agreed with them in principle, but that didn't stop me from being desperately unhappy. Nobody seemed to notice, or know what to do about it. But I was wrong – one person did notice. One teacher, out of the wonderful staff at Brookhill High, saw my misery and took action. First, I was gently made to tell the problem. Then, that teacher invited my parents and myself to meet with some of my classmates, outside of school, and let us see that with a little bit of willingness to observe and listen on both sides, compromise was possible. My parents learned that they could trust others; that adapting at least somewhat to American customs need not mean that we betrayed everything we believe in. In short, we discovered good, not evil. Classmates and neighbors eventually became friends; we learned to accept and respect our respective cultures and values … and that being different doesn't mean being worse. If it hadn't been for that one teacher's sensitivity and effort, I wouldn't have the friends I've made; my life would be much poorer, and I wouldn't be looking at a wonderful future." She drew a deep breath. "I could go on for another half hour, but I won't, so all I have left to say, for myself and my family, is thank you."

The valedictorian took the mike once more. "Thanks, Rosie. Your experience was a lesson we all needed to learn. That is why we, the class of 2013, have decided to honor one teacher among the staff of Brookhill High who has, in our collective opinion, not only taught us a lot in class, but about life and being plain good people; who has done the most to make our years at school memorable. We took a secret poll, and one name came up more than any other. With the permission of Mr. Massini, we would like to present an award to one special teacher who not only gave us four years of exceptional guidance and taught us a lot in class and about life, but also was a great all-around role model. We hope that those who'll follow us will keep this tradition."

As the audience murmured excitedly among themselves, another student handed a wood-mounted brass plaque to Sean and Gül. Together, they faced the assembled teaching staff.

"To the staff of Brookhill High, we'd like to say that all of you have been great. Thank you for making high school interesting and fun, something we enjoyed, not just endured. But there is one person who, in our opinion, inspired us the most, both in and out of school.” Sean lifted the plaque. "The 2013 Most Inspirational Teacher Award goes to … Coach Scott!”

An obviously surprised and flattered Jason received a round of thunderous applause when the two students beckoned him forward and handed him his award. Tommy beamed with pride for him. Even from a distance he could see his partner's blush as the class started yelling, trampling and cheering.

"Speech! Speech! Speech!"

Jason tried to refuse, but as the chanting wouldn't stop gave in at last and took the microphone. "Shut up, you lot," he said firmly, just loud enough to convey his authority, and was almost instantly obeyed. "You guys just had to go and embarrass the heck out of me, didn't you?" Laughter branded up briefly before he could continue more quietly. "I don't really deserve this; there's a whole bunch of folks on staff here who've done as much, or even more than myself to be honored like this. The only advantage I've had over them is that I actually got to cuss you out on the field, or in gym class when you weren't doing your best. I bet half of my colleagues would've thoroughly enjoyed being able to do just that more than once." He grinned at the scattered applause and laughter from the staff seats. "Seems I'm right about that! Most of the time, it even worked; you guys did me proud! I just hope that hasn't taught you that whoever yells loudest, wins. Anyway, I'm highly flattered; it's the last thing I expected. I'm glad to see that you guys can appreciate what my colleagues – who in my opinion are equally deserving of this honor – and I have been trying to teach you. Guess we succeeded, as the idea behind this award shows. On behalf of myself and all of Brookhill High's staff, thank you." He sat down again, and the last part of the ceremony, the handing out of diplomas, went underway.

***

Students, their families and staff were mingling around the campus front lawn when Jason finally managed to extricate himself from a conversation with two PTA members and went up to the teachers' lounge to pick up some materials he'd left in his locker. Tommy was waiting for him in the hallway, ready to leave, when Anton Mercer showed up. He stopped to say hello, then smiled as Jason joined them soon after, a couple of books and folders tucked under one arm. Mercer nodded towards the brass plaque on top.

"That's quite an honor the kids did you."

"I know," Jason replied. "Dunno what I did to deserve it, but I'm tickled pink."

"You should be. That girl – what's her name again? The one who spoke last?"

"Gül. It's Turkish for 'rose'; the kids had problems pronouncing it correctly, she was sick of hearing her name come out as 'ghoul', so using the English equivalent seemed the way to go. From what I hear, even her parents sometimes call her Rosie now," Jason grinned.

"That's the one," Mercer said. "Her father praised you to high heaven the last time I spoke with him. Said that if it hadn't been for your sensitive intervention, he and his family would never have been able to integrate themselves as fast and as easily as they did. Good job."

Jason blushed. "Thanks, but I didn't do all that much. I just got the family and some of the kids together at home and let them clear up some misconceptions, explain cultural differences and so on. Trust was built, and everything fell into place eventually."

"Still, not everybody would have seen the problem, much less done something about it. The school board is very pleased with the way you handled the situation. This award just confirms it." Mercer looked at his watch. "Speaking of the board, we're having a meeting in ten minutes before we, too, can take off for the summer. Keep up the good work; we're looking forward to next year. Thomas, Jason – enjoy your vacation."

"You, too, Anton," Tommy replied for both of them, but his boss/friend was already striding quickly down the corridor. He shrugged, then looked at his lover with a warm smile. "Always in a hurry. Come on, Mr. Most Inspirational – let's go home!"

"Don't you start as well," Jason groaned comically, but followed Tommy without further ado down the empty hallway, their steps echoing off the walls. "That reporter was bad enough; wonder who invited her in? Good thing summer break is starting; I like the kids, but after the last hectic few weeks and today, I'm more than ready for some quality time for just the two of us!"

"Uh huh," Tommy nodded. "At least we'll have this weekend; as of Monday, it'll be us and a bunch of construction workers."

"I know. Guess we'll have to make the most of tomorrow and Sunday," Jason leered, and Tommy felt a familiar flock of kamikaze butterflies starting to dance wildly in the pit of his stomach. He knew the heated look Jason was giving him; it never failed to send his heartbeat skyrocketing.

"I'm looking forward to it," he said, squinting in the bright sunlight as they left the school building and wove their way through the gradually-thinning crowd towards the parking lot. "Thank God Liz Randall didn't rope me in as chaperone for the Reefside graduation dance this year!"

"Mmm. Although, I like seeing you all dressed up," Jason murmured. "You always look good enough to eat." He let his tongue tip flicker suggestively across his lips for a second, then the dark eyes dropped towards Tommy's crotch and lingered on the barely-perceptible bulge under the beige pants.

With an effort, Tommy controlled his body's instantaneous reaction. What he did do, though, was rake his own eyes up and down the muscular body at his side. "Isn't that supposed to be easier when I'm wearing nothing, though?" he muttered as he unlocked the car. Jason looked back at him across the roof, his expression innocent.

"Why can't I have you both ways? In and out of a suit?" he said nonchalantly, laughed at Tommy's involuntary gasp and got into the vehicle.

"Is that a threat?" his partner asked, cursing mentally at the discomfort his burgeoning erection was causing him as he buckled up and his pants tightened across his lap.

"More like a promise. So get us home already," Jason ordered softly. "I'm getting very hungry for some hot meat."

Hearing the suggestive command made Tommy shudder as his mind started to fill with sensual images of Jason's mouth on him, of a fleshy pole thrusting deeply into tight, moist heat … and right now, he didn't much care who or which orifice would be the recipient of said thrusts. The pleasure they gave each other either way was different, but equally great, so what did it matter who was on top? Feeling his gut clench and his mouth fill with saliva, he did his best not to gun the engine, disregard safety and traffic rules and race back to Valencia Road.

***

Tommy was having the most awesome dream.

He was floating on something warm and soft, wrapped in gentle bands that held him securely without making him feel trapped. Flickering flames skittered across his skin, but the heat didn't burn; instead, they ignited a responding fire within his veins that let him soar towards a distant sun that beckoned with a brilliant glow. He knew that if he chose to let himself be carried along, he would drown in the fire and afterwards be reborn like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

A pulsating shaft forged of pure heat pierced through him. It hurt a little, but nonetheless he yielded gladly, knowing that soon the discomfort would transmute into joy. The living steel wrapped around his body made him feel safe and Tommy started to sway on the wave of pleasure carrying him. Without hesitation, he opened himself fully, letting his body as well as his heart be consumed by the hypnotic rhythm.

Soon, he was thrust towards the center of the flame with ever-increasing speed. A hot, moist wind blew across his neck, gaining in intensity as the brightness of the sun he'd seen earlier enveloped Tommy, blinding him until nothing but sensation remained. With one last, forceful push the fire became a conflagration. Then a gush of liquid swept in its wake through Tommy's innards, cooling the flames until they turned in on themselves and became a ball of embers that glowed deep within his very being, waiting only for a spark to ignite and start the whole cycle all over again.

Slowly, Tommy opened his eyes, unsure whether he was still dreaming. As he gradually grew aware of his surroundings, he realized that he wasn't drifting on a cloud, but lying on his bed, in his bedroom … and that Jason was holding him from behind, his softening cock still lodged deeply within Tommy's ass.

"Ohh," Tommy moaned, a little disappointed that it hadn't been real. A part of him was jealous that he hadn't gotten to share the pleasure Jason had taken without him being fully aware, but another thrilled in the knowledge that the love and trust between them was strong enough to let either fill their need even without formal consent.

Besides, he loved being fucked awake.

"Good morning." There was a definite smile in the deep voice as Jason nuzzled behind his ear. Tommy had to chuckle.

"A better morning for you than for me, looks like," he mock-grumbled sleepily, clenching his anus teasingly around the shaft still filling him.

"Don't worry, I'll make yours just as good," Jason promised, sliding one hand down his lover's chest. Tommy's cock was already hard and all but jumped into the big palm. "Just let me stay where I am for a minute; I love being in your ass after I've come. It's so nice and tight and hot … sometimes I feel as if I could stay inside of you forever," he murmured, punctuating his words with a series of openmouthed kisses and licks down Tommy's neck.

"Ditto." Tommy shivered sensually as Jason's fingers danced up and down his erection, gently stoking the embers in his gut into a small blaze. All too soon, Jason's shaft softened completely and with a small sigh he withdrew. Wordlessly, Tommy handed him a hand towel from the stack they kept on the nightstand and rolled onto his back, watching idly as Jason cleaned himself. His ass smarted as he moved; Jason hadn't been able to use much lube holding him from behind, but the discomfort was minimal. *Sometimes, a little rough lovin' is just what the doctor ordered. Well, this doctor anyway!* Tommy grinned to himself at the whimsical thought. After eight years as lovers, both could handle occasional spontaneity without damage. *Preparation can be half the fun, but as long as we're careful, I don't mind doing without once in a while.*

Throwing the terry-cloth square to the ground at last, Jason then leaned up on one elbow and bent over his lover for a deep kiss.

"How do you want it?" he asked huskily. "My mouth, or in my ass?" He was already fondling the furry sac, coaxing the long cock to full hardness, and Tommy smiled languidly as he spread his legs further apart.

"Any way I don't have to move, if that's okay with you," he requested. "I'm feeling kinda lazy today."

He got a slow, wolfish smile in return. "Works for me." Jason stretched and opened his nightstand drawer, taking out a bottle of lubricant. There was an odd clinking noise, but Tommy was distracted by a gentle pinch on one nipple. He gasped in surprise; usually, the round nubs were this sensitive only shortly before his climax. *I must be further gone than I thought!* Eagerly, he arched his chest upwards to the hot mouth and groaned with delight when Jason obligingly started to lick and nibble.

"Aw, maaaan!"

His lover laughed softly, repeating the action. "You like that, huh?"

"You know I do,” Tommy murmured, wondering what Jason was doing with his hand underneath the blanket, but the small part of his brain still capable of rational thought supplied an answer. *Warming the lube. Oh yeah.* Shivering with anticipation, Tommy drew Jason between his thighs. "Make me come, Jase," he said, half commanding, half begging. "I don't care which way. Just – soon."

"No problem," Jason promised and fitted himself on top of his partner. It would be a while before he'd be ready for an encore, but that only meant that he could concentrate fully on giving Tommy as much pleasure as possible without getting sidetracked by his own needs. But that didn't mean that he couldn't enjoy the feel of that lean, hard body against his own skin while he kissed Tommy senseless, did it? Jason proceeded to do just that. Within minutes, Tommy was straining against him, all but clawing at his back. Smiling, he abandoned the panting mouth and licked his way across the heaving chest, pausing only at the swollen nipples before he scooted lower towards the hard shaft.

Tommy groaned when Jason went down on his cock; he loved the way Jason's lips closed around him, first swirling his tongue gently around the crown, then teasing the vee formed by the ridge with its tip. He instinctively bucked his hips as his lover started to suck softly, moving up and down in a familiar rhythm. The large hands slid under his butt, kneading the tight globes in sync with his thrusts, and soon Jason managed to relax his throat muscles enough so that Tommy was able to bury himself completely in the wet heat. One hand left, then returned seconds later, the strong fingers slippery with lubricant as they burrowed between his asscheeks to find the puckered opening. Tommy was relaxed enough from his earlier fucking to let one, then two fingers slide in easily, moaning even louder when they found the slight bump behind his sphincter and started to rub.

Jason kept Tommy simmering on the edge of orgasm for a good while and Tommy reveled in it, all feeling concentrated on his pulsing dick and his ready-to-erupt balls. He barely noticed when those maddening fingers slipped out of his ass momentarily; it was enough to know that he was filled again right away, so that his muscles could bear down on the slick hardness stretching him as he started to thrust harder and faster. Jason adjusted with the ease of long practice; his tongue was doing incredible things to Tommy's cockhead, his balls were being rolled and squeezed with just the right amount of pressure, and whatever part of his cock wasn't enveloped by Jason's firm lips was being stroked and held by knowing fingers. All too soon, it became too much; with a sharp cry, Tommy came, spurting his seed into the willing mouth. Jason swallowed every last drop, holding the softening shaft pressed against the roof of his mouth while he continued to lick gently across the satiny crown. Only when it was all over and Tommy slumped bonelessly onto the mattress, gasping for air, did he release him and with a parting kiss scooted upwards once more to share the taste of his own climax with his lover.

"Mmm," Tommy sighed when the kiss ended, once more wrapped securely in the strong arms. "Man, I love it when you're deep-throating me."

"Took me long enough to get the hang of it, but it was worth it," Jason smiled, running one hand languidly down Tommy's back. He stopped just short of the rounded buttocks, and Tommy twisted a little, wanting to feel its warmth on his ass.

It was then that he became aware of the fact that there was still something hard and unyielding lodged deep within his ass. And it was neither Jason's cock nor a finger. The brown eyes flew open.

"What the hell …?"

Jason held him more firmly. "Sshh. It's okay."

Tommy clenched, then unclenched his sphincter. It was no use; whatever was stuck inside of him, it wouldn't budge. "What is that?!?"

"It's a butt plug," Jason replied huskily, cupping the firm buttocks at last. He delved into Tommy's crack with one finger, pressing the flared base of the device. "I've wanted to put one in you for ages."

Tommy shuddered and gasped as he felt the nudge against his prostrate. He was too spent to react, but he knew that under other circumstances he'd be growing hard again. "What? Why?"

Jason looked at him with glittering eyes. "It's one way for me to fill your ass and still have both hands and my mouth free to do other stuff," he said with a small smile. "Didn't you enjoy it?"

"I … well … kinda," Tommy admitted grudgingly, berating himself for overlooking that Jason must've grown an extra hand to have done what he did right before his climax. Then again, he had been well and truly too distracted to notice.

"I know should have asked you first if you'd mind, and I'm sorry I didn't, but …" Jason's shrug was decidedly sheepish. "I really had no idea of how to bring it up. I mean, so far we've never used any toys, and … I dunno, it just seemed a good opportunity."

"Would you like using toys?" Tommy wondered, his mind flashing back to the 'research' he'd done years ago. Some of the things he'd seen in online shops and catalogues or read about had intrigued him, if he was honest. He didn't think that Jason would go in for really kinky, bondage-type stuff, but he had to admit that one of the contoured bolsters, for example, might be much better and comfortable than making do with stuffing a pillow under one's hips.

*Or what if we had some …no.* He resolutely banished the image of Jason tied to their bed with steel-studded leather cuffs, spread wide open and just waiting to be taken. The pulse of excitement spreading through his gut into his still-spent cock wasn't as easily ignored, though. *And what if it were me? Bound, helpless, totally at Jase's command …* With considerable effort, Tommy suppressed a groan. He hadn't known that the mere idea would be such a turn-on. Suddenly, the idea of having a butt plug in his ass gained a lot more appeal.

Jason was watching Tommy with knowing eyes. He had never made a secret out of the fact that he liked a little rough sex on occasion; it wasn't that much of a step to contemplate some light bondage play. *And that would be all it'd be – play.* Besides, to his mind it would be a fitting compensation for the times Tommy had gotten him to go along with his own kink, namely having sex in places other than the privacy of a bedroom – more specifically, where there was a remote possibility of being observed. He also noted that Tommy was neither pushing him away nor trying to remove the latex-coated device. So he might as well admit to his deepest fantasies.

"Some, yes," Jason murmured in reply to the question. "Nothing hardcore, though."

"That's a relief," Tommy said dryly. He was trying to come up with a valid reason to refuse, but couldn't find one; there was no real harm in sex toys, after all, and if they were used safely by consenting adults, he supposed they could enhance an already-great love life.

*Am I consenting, though?* The remembered thrill of imagining either of them tied up seemed to say yes. Sure, they were both naturally adventurous and they didn't really need any enhancing, but to be able to give and be given that kind of ultimate trust and surrender was incredibly appealing. *To say the least! Guess I'm consenting, then.* Suddenly feeling reckless, Tommy threw caution to the wind, reached up and laid his palm against Jason's face so that he could read his expression clearly. "Okay. But no more surprises – we'd have to decide together what kind of stuff to use. And what we'd both be comfortable with."

"My word on that," Jason promised, his dark eyes blazing up briefly before he contained the fire within their depths. He kissed the long fingers. "Thanks."

"Consider it an early Christmas present, then," Tommy muttered, slid his hand around Jason's neck and drew him into a heated kiss. When they were done, he grinned slightly. "Now what?"

"Now … I suppose we should get up," Jason sighed regretfully. "I'd love spending more time in bed with you and fool around some more, but if we don't get a move on, we won't be ready for the construction crew on Monday."

"Uh, yeah." The plan was to break through the outer wall of what was now Jason's office to connect the extension to the house; they had already packed most of Jason's books into crates, but these needed to be stashed somewhere safe, the desk had to be moved back into the den … and the shed behind the house had to be cleared and dismantled. Not a problem for two fit guys in the prime of life, but still tedious and quite probably tiring work for the next couple of days. "Guess we have to."

"We'll make up for it once the extension is done and we can start, uh, christening all that extra space," Jason said with a small leer.

"Sounds like fun. So who gets to shower first?"

"Depends on whether you want a cooked or a plain breakfast."

"Let's go for plain; we can eat out tonight, or order in. I doubt either of us will be in the mood to cook much this weekend."

"Right. Then I'll go first." Jason kissed Tommy once more, then bounded out of bed. "Enjoy your extra five minutes."

With a nod and a smile, Tommy watched him disappear into the hallway towards the bathroom. As usual, he admired the flex of muscles on Jason's back and ass, then lay back against his pillow and concentrated on his body. He was still a little sore from his unlubed wake-up fuck, but it was nothing he couldn't live with for a day – and the fullness in his ass from the butt plug was actually quite pleasant. *Exciting, even, knowing that I'll be ready for anything when Jase gets in the mood again.* Now that he'd had some time to get used to the idea, he decided somewhat guiltily that he rather liked it.

Tommy heard the shower switch off and soon after the sound of the bathroom door falling into the lock. Jason called to him that he was going downstairs to start the coffee, and reluctantly Tommy sat up. He gasped as the internal pressure increased and quickly got up, noticing as he did so that despite his recent orgasm he was already half-erect again.

*Oh boy.*

Tommy quickly went through his morning hygiene, removing the butt plug in the process. He was surprised to see that, base and all, it was barely four inches long and had less than an inch at its widest point; it had felt much larger! But when he went to stash the black cone back into the bedside drawer, he hesitated as he touched the bottle of lube. Jason hadn't said it in so many words, but Tommy couldn't help feeling that he'd get a kick out of knowing he was still wearing the device. *It'd pretty much keep me half hard all day, too …* Almost without volition, Tommy reached for the lube. His short walk to the bathroom had shown him that the widened base would keep everything in place, but if he was really going through with his mad impulse, he'd need something more. *Only, what?*

Some kind of tight underwear would probably do, but Tommy generally preferred boxers; he didn't even own spandex swim shorts. Suddenly, a solution occurred to him. When they'd emptied the mostly-unused closet in the spare room Jason had turned into his office, he'd come across an old pair of white bike shorts he used to wear under his gi at karate tournaments. Tommy certainly was no longer seventeen; his clothing size had changed since then, if not by much. If he could find the bag destined for the charity shop he'd chucked them into …

A few minutes later, he was back in the bedroom, spandex shorts in hand. Before he could get second thoughts, Tommy quickly coated the butt plug with lube and inserted it into his ass. He shivered at the coolness, jiggled a little until it fit just right, then breathed heavily as his cock hardened and lengthened. It was a struggle to pull up the shorts – they were a couple of sizes too small by now, and his erection didn't help – but once he got them on, he knew his instinct had been right. Not only did the material compress his buttocks enough to hold the device where it belonged, it also outlined his genitals in almost-indecent detail. And when he twisted to look over his shoulder at his ass, the mirror showed the slight bump and dark shadow of the plug's base lodged between his cheeks.

*Worse even than my old white uniform!* Kimberly had often commented on how she'd been distracted because every movement showed off his muscles and more; she'd even admitted that sometimes ogling her boyfriend had seemed far more engrossing than defeating Zedd's latest monster. A slow smile formed around Tommy's lips at the memory; he'd done his own fair share of ogling the girls back then, and so had Jason. At the time, being encased in a full body suit, heavy shield and helmet had helped more than once to conceal his teenaged reaction. Briefly, he wondered if the similarly-constructed Gold Ranger suit had worked in the same way for his best friend after his return; Zeo Red's uniform had only been slightly less revealing than his Ninja Whites, after all. *Given that Jase, by his own admission, was falling for me at the time, probably.* So … Tommy's smile widened. If he wore a certain tank top with the shorts today, Jason was sure to get an eyeful – and if he knew his lover at all, it was going to drive him wild!

***

Jason looked up from the morning paper when Tommy finally entered the kitchen. He gestured towards the countertop. "Coffee's ready," he said, "and I've put some bread next to the toas- … holy shit!" He did a classic double-take and nearly fell off his chair as his brain registered what Tommy was, or rather wasn't, wearing. And when Tommy walked past him with an enigmatic grin and he got a good look at his backside, Jason nearly choked on his coffee. He also grew instantly hard.

"A-are you planning on working in the yard dressed like this?" he asked hoarsely, torn between enjoying the view and jumping Tommy's bones here and now.

"Yes, why?" Tommy said innocently. "It's gonna be a hot day, I was going to trash the shorts anyway – why soil a perfectly good pair when I don't have to?"

The thought of looking at a as-good-as-naked Tommy all day and knowing that he'd chosen to reinsert the sex toy made Jason's mouth water. It was a pity that they really had to get started on their clear-out, or he'd drag him back to bed immediately. *Better yet, pin him against the kitchen counter, lift his legs over my shoulders and fuck him senseless right away!* But that was clearly not what Tommy wanted; there was a definite purpose to his behavior. *Like driving me out of my skull with wanting him. He's succeeding, too!*

Things didn't get better when Tommy carried his breakfast to the table opposite of his lover. He couldn't quite hide his gasp as he sat down, telling an avidly-watching Jason that the butt plug was making its presence felt. And yet Tommy managed to eat his toast with apparent unconcern. Forcing himself to finish his own breakfast, Jason controlled his raging libido with difficulty. How was he going to survive the day? If there only was a way to retaliate … *Hmm. Maybe there is!* Jason decided spontaneously that two could play that game.

"You know, you're right," he said as lightly as he could. "Maybe I'd better change; too. Enjoy your breakfast – I'll see you outside, okay?"

"Sure." Tommy grinned to himself. If he'd had any doubt about his choice of attire, the glimpse of Jason's distended shorts as he hastily left the kitchen was enough to dispel them. They were going to have fun today!

***

Back in bed that night, Jason lay on his side, head propped on one hand as he watched Tommy stuff his clothes into the hamper. If he got any say in the matter, they'd keep the bike shorts as long as Tommy managed to squeeze into them! A lazy smile curved his mouth as he thought back on the day. He'd managed to keep his hands off his lover almost until lunchtime, but when the garden hose slipped off the outside tap, sprayed them both from head to toe with icy water and rendered those white shorts nearly transparent, he'd lost it. Briefly thanking the Powers That Be for the fact that their nearest neighbor lived a couple of miles down the road and wasn't likely to drop in unannounced, he'd yanked Tommy into his arms, wrestled him to the ground and swarmed all over him on the thick grass they'd been about to water. Tommy had cooperated enthusiastically, accepting the hard, fast fuck with relish. As Jason had hoped, entering the tight ass had been easier than usual due it to being already well-lubed and loosened. After Jason came to a shuddering climax, Tommy had barely let him catch his breath before bucking him off and initiating his own frenzied assault on the half-naked body.

"Think you'll wear it again?" Jason asked idly as Tommy closed the bedside drawer on the nearly empty bottle of lube and the butt plug. His own backside still smarted from their romp in the yard and the thorough fucking Tommy had given him in the shower after they were done, but even the bruises on his hips, collected from some stray pebbles hidden in the grass, were worth the sheer sensuality throughout their day.

"Possibly," Tommy smiled. "Unless you want to try it next." He crawled under the covers and stretched out next to his best friend and lover.

"I just might," Jason replied, feeling a distinct thrill at the prospect. He was also glad that his impulsive introduction of a sex toy had gone over so well. "Maybe we should equip the future guest room in the attic as some kind of, um, 'playroom'," he suggested, lifting one eyebrow meaningfully.

"Now there's an idea." The chocolate-brown eyes gleamed. "We'd just have to make sure we lock away anything incriminating for when we have visitors."

He reached sideways to trace the sculpted pecs with one finger, reminiscing fondly on how his teasing had backfired on him that morning. Jason had joined him in the yard after breakfast wearing nothing but tight, ratty cutoffs. They had rips in the back, half the fly buttons were missing, and a single glance at the resultant gaps in the fabric had sufficed to show him that Jason was going commando underneath. As if that hadn't been enough, he'd proceeded to do the most strenuous work by himself, covering his chest and back with a light sheen of sweat that made every muscle glisten in the sun and stand out in sharp relief. Furthermore, Jason had used the cologne Tommy liked so much, and every time he caught a whiff of the musky scent Tommy's cock had jumped in its confines.

"Yeah, I guess," Jason chuckled. "Wouldn't do to give the gang or your parents a heart attack – although Eric and Wes might find it, um, inspirational."

"Oh really? Do you know something I don't?"

"Nah. Just speculating."

"You may be right at that," Tommy conceded, laughing as well. He let his hand wander upwards into the short black hair and drew Jason into a languid kiss. "Want to go for one more round?" he whispered against the moist lips.

"Want, yes. Can, no," Jason murmured back with a rueful grin. "I hate to admit it, but I'm no longer a teenager. Three times a day is just about my limit. Although, I'm game if you want to try and persuade me," he smiled when the saw disappointment flash briefly across Tommy's face. To his secret relief, Tommy shook his head.

"Wish I could. But I'm afraid by fooling around so much we've lost time we should have used otherwise," he sighed comically. "Not that it wasn't great fun, but we sure could've picked a better time. And what with the construction work, we probably won't get another chance to be so uninhibited all summer."

"Uh huh. More's the pity."

"We'll have other opportunities."

"Oh yeah. Maybe we can get a cabin in that ski resort again? Not over Christmas or New Year's, but sometime in between, at least for a couple of nights. I've always wanted to make love in the snow," Jason mused with a sly sideways glance.

Tommy snorted. "Skiing sounds good, but sex in semi-frozen water? Only if I get to be on top!"

"I'm sure that could be arranged," Jason leered, then ruined the effect by a sudden yawn. "Man. I'm so bushed!"

Tommy pushed Jason onto his back and rolled halfway on top of him. He slid an arm around the narrow waist, kissed his throat and laid his head onto a broad shoulder. "Then go to sleep already," he said matter-of-factly and closed his eyes. "It's gonna be a long day tomorrow."

Laughing softly, Jason shifted until they were both comfortable, tucked one leg between his lover's thighs and reached for the headboard light. One flick of a finger was enough to shroud the room in darkness. "Good night, Bro."

"Night. Love ya."

"Ditto." Minutes later, they both were asleep.

***

Sunday brought more work. This time Jason and Tommy refrained from taking unscheduled time-outs. They shared quick kisses and teasing gropes as they went about their tasks, slow and unhurried ones when they paused for a break, but had agreed that anything more would be left until the night when they were done. Accordingly, they made good progress, wolfing down sandwiches at mid-day and only slowed down when night had already fallen.

With a sigh, Jason dumped the last crate of books into a corner of the underground lair. "That's it," he groaned. "When I think we'll have to lug all that stuff back upstairs again in a few weeks …"

"Maybe we can rope Conner into helping," Tommy stretched and rubbed his aching back. "I think he mentioned coming home in early September. Family birthday, or something."

"Sounds like a plan. Dinner?"

"Hell, yeah. I could eat a horse," Tommy sighed. "Lunch was a long time ago."

"Horse I can't do, but what do you say we call for Chinese? I'm too tired to cook, and want definitely more than just soup and more sandwiches."

"Perfect. Four dishes, rice, and we share?"

"Add a couple of spring rolls for me. We burned enough calories today to afford them."

"Okay. I'll call and you can shower first; just make sure to leave me enough hot water."

"Will do." Whistling, Jason bounded upstairs while Tommy gave the Lair a final once-over, making sure his equipment was safe, before he followed.

They were both clean and comfortable by the time the food arrived, and had just sat down in the living room, the mouthwatering scent of sweet 'n' sour pork, Moo Goo Gai Pan, chicken with cashews and Chop Suey filling the air, when the phone rang.

"Figures," Tommy grumbled and reached for the receiver. "Hello? Oh, hi Mom," he said more pleasantly. "I didn't think you'd be back already – weren't you and Dad supposed to stay in Phoenix until Tuesday?" They continued to chat and Tommy motioned to Jason to start eating, which he did with a smug grin. Idly listening in on his lover's half of the conversation, he only looked up from his food when his name was mentioned. "Yeah, Jason's here. We were just about to have dinner."

Mrs. Oliver said something else, and Tommy got up. "Sure. Hang on a sec, I'll put you on speaker." Going to his desk, Tommy flicked a switch and placed the mobile unit into the charger. "Go ahead, Mom; Jase can hear you now."

"Hello, Jason."

"Good evening, Rachel," Jason replied after hastily swallowing his mouthful of rice. Tommy grinned as he sat down, picked up his own chopsticks and began to eat hungrily. "How was your trip?"

"Fine, thank you. But more about that later – Jason, do you remember a Karen Lawrence?"

Puzzled, Jason thought briefly, then snapped his fingers as his memory reconnected the name with a face. "Yeah, didn't she used to live across the street from my parents?"

Rachel Oliver sighed. "She still does. She's also in my yoga class; when Jeffrey and I stopped at the store on our way home to get groceries, we happened to stand in line next to each other at the checkout. Karen knows that you and Tommy are friends; long story short, she gave me some information that Jeff and I feel you should know." There was a pause, then Rachel continued without preamble. "Jason … there's no easy way to tell you, so forgive me for being blunt. Your mother is in the hospital."

Alarmed, Jason stood and walked closer to the phone's speaker. "What? Since when? Why?"

The connection crackled, but it couldn't blot out Rachel's second, heavier sigh. "I know less than half of it, obviously, but it seems your mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer earlier this year; she's already had an operation where they successfully removed an orange-sized tumor. They've started her on radiation and chemotherapy now, but … she's not doing very well, I'm afraid," Rachel added in a subdued voice. "Dear boy, I'm so sorry."

Jason went sheet-white and swayed with shock. He barely heard Tommy's dismayed exclamation as he dropped his chopsticks and jumped up to stand behind him. "No," he muttered numbly. "That's impossible …"

"Unfortunately not," Rachel murmured. "I wish I could've given you better news."

"Where … where is she?"

"Angel Grove Memorial, the oncology ward. I have the number if you want to call …"

Jason didn't answer, just turned and walked towards the window, his back to the room. Quickly, Tommy crossed to his desk, switched the speaker off, lifted the receiver and spoke quietly to his mother. "It's okay, Mom, we can look it up. Thanks for telling us."

"You're welcome." Rachel hesitated, then asked, "How's Jason taking it?"

"How do you think?" Tommy replied sarcastically, worriedly watching his partner out of the corner of his eye. Jason wasn't moving, but he'd clenched both hands into fists and was staring into the darkness outside. His reflection in the window pane showed that his expression was stony, but someone who knew him as well as Tommy could see that he was biting his lips to control their tremor. "He's in shock. Who wouldn't be?"

"Sorry, dumb question."

"Yeah, well … better it came from someone we know than a stranger."

"I suppose. Well, that's why I called. We can talk more another time. – You look after him now, you hear?"

"Of course. I'll call you back, okay?" He didn't wait for an answer, just killed the connection and returned to Jason's side, putting a hand on his shoulder in a gesture of comfort. "I'm sorry, Bro," he whispered quietly. He could feel the stocky frame tremble. *I don't even wanna begin to guess what you're going through right now!* Although in some corner of his mind Tommy did know; he only needed to imagine such a bombshell had been dropped on him. If it were his mother or father … he fought off a sudden chill, then banished the thought. Now was not the time for what-ifs. All Tommy could do was offer his support. To that end, he changed his light touch into a gentle embrace, drawing Jason against his chest. "I'm here if you need me, Bro."

For a few seconds, Jason remained as he was, then turned suddenly with a strangled moan and clung to his lover. "Oh God, Tommy …"

"I know, love. Just hold on to me."

"Mom … I can't lose her. I can't!" The deep voice was muffled by Tommy's shirt. Tommy started drawing soothing circles on the broad back.

"We don't know yet that you will," he murmured comfortingly, wishing that he could put more conviction into his voice. "You know your mom; she never gives up easily."

Jason shuddered, then looked up with haunted eyes and let his arms fall to his side. "I've got to go see her," he murmured roughly. *It could be the last time ever … no. Please, God, NO!*

"Of course," Tommy nodded, having expected nothing else. Jason's parents might have rejected him four years ago, but Jason wouldn't be the man he was and whom Tommy loved if he was giving up on them.

Running a hand distractedly across his chin, Jason looked around the room. "My keys," he whispered. "Where did I put my keys?"

"Most likely on the hallway table, as usual," Tommy replied, made an instinctive, lightning-quick decision and restrained his partner gently yet firmly from leaving. "And that's where they're gonna stay for now."

"What? No – let me go, Tommy!" Jason protested, his dark eyes flashing with anger as he tried to shrug off the strong grip holding him in place. "I have to go see my mother!"

"Yes, you do – but not tonight," Tommy replied in a voice that dared Jason to defy him. Before Jason could argue anyway, he cupped his face with both hands and waited until he would look at him. "Jase, listen to me," Tommy said reasonably. "It's almost ten, and it's a three-hour drive to Angel Grove at best. Even if you left right now, you wouldn't make it there until well past midnight. Do you really think the hospital is gonna let you come in that late?"

*So what? I don't care!* Mutinously, Jason tried to avert his face. "But …"

"No buts." Tommy drew a deep breath and shook him a little. "Bro, I'll see you off at dawn if that's what you want, but you can't leave now. I understand you're desperate to go – I'd be the same in your shoes – but please, take a little time to calm down first." He lowered his voice to a soft whisper. "I don't want to get another phone call tonight telling me it's you in a hospital because you had an accident."

The rational part of Jason's mind recovered at that moment and decided to kick in again. *Would you let Tommy go?* The answer came right away. *No, dammit.* Tommy was right – he wouldn't be able to see his mother or a doctor, and he was in no condition to drive. That didn't mean he liked admitting it, or waiting any more than he absolutely had to. With a half-sob, Jason closed his eyes and slumped back into Tommy's arms, his temper subsiding as quickly as it had flared. "Can't you come with me?" he asked, not caring that for once he sounded like a little boy lost. "I … I don't know if I can face this alone," he sighed, finally confessing a deep-seated fear. *It's my Mom!*

Tommy groaned and tightened his embrace. "God, Jase, I wish I could!" *Sometimes, life really sucks,* Tommy thought, feeling even more helpless. *If it weren't for that contract we signed …* While the building work could be postponed if necessary, they simply couldn't afford to lose the money breaking that contract would cost. He hated to remind Jason, though. They'd been looking forward to this so much for the past months, yet now it seemed utterly trivial.

"You know the construction crew is coming tomorrow," Tommy started to explain reluctantly. Much to his relief, Jason stopped him with a wry look and shake of his head. He, too, knew how to face unpleasant reality.

"I know. One of us has to be here."

"Yeah. And under the circumstances, it's got to be me. I'm sorry."

"It's okay," Jason mumbled despondently, only to be interrupted by Tommy.

"No, it's not. You shouldn't have to go back alone, and I absolutely hate that I have to let you. But unfortunately it can't be changed. That's why I'm asking you to wait until you've had at least a little time to get your head together after this shock. Can you do that for me? Please?"

"I … yes," Jason muttered reluctantly at last. "I hate that you're right …"

"I know." Placing a gentle kiss on the furrowed forehead, Tommy guided him back to the table. The remnants of their dinner still cluttered the top, but neither man felt hungry anymore. "Go pack a bag for a few days and while you do that I'll see whether I can book a room for you somewhere. Or do you want to stay at my folks' house?"

Mutely, Jason shook his head. He couldn't bear the thought of accepting sympathy – or worse, pity. It was one thing if it came from Tommy, but anybody else? No. "A motel will do," he mumbled.

"Right. Now go pack."

With slow, dragging steps, Jason obeyed and trudged listlessly from the room. Hoping that the activity would help restore Jason's equilibrium at least a little, Tommy quickly went online and checked accommodations near the hospital. He soon found something suitable and had made a reservation by the time Jason came back downstairs and put a small suitcase next to the front door. His color was a little better, and some of his earlier anguish had left the dark eyes. Tommy smiled at him reassuringly. "All done?"

"Yeah …"

"Me, too. Then let's go to bed; I'll clear up tomorrow."

"I don't think I can sleep," Jason murmured, only to be gently herded back out of the den regardless.

"Maybe not, but you can at least get some rest lying down – better anyway than if you stayed up all night, getting all stiff and worrying yourself sick." He met the stubborn look with a small grin and shrug. "Besides, how am I supposed to hold you properly otherwise?"

That offer was too tempting to refuse – Jason wanted, no, needed to be held. He gave in with a wan smile. "Okay."

Together, they went upstairs and lay down. True to his promise, Tommy kept his arms around Jason all night, listening to his occasional ramblings, comforting him with soft words and gentle back rubs. He even managed to coax his lover into an hour or two of uneasy sleep while he kept vigil. When dawn came at last, though, nothing could hold Jason back. Tommy let him go with a thermos of strong coffee, a simple reminder to drive safely and call home as soon as he arrived, and a heavy heart.

Life had been so good lately, had looked even better just a day ago – until Fate decided to interfere again. *Why does Jase have to be the one to suffer again? Hasn't he had enough heartache over his family already?* Tommy had no answer. All he could do was hope and pray that things would end well – and that he wouldn't lose the man he loved. A voice from his past rose in his mind, and unconsciously he spoke the words their ancient mentor had used so often when sending them into battle.

*It is another battle we're facing – only, this time the enemy is not some weird, ridiculous monster, but pain, disease … maybe death itself. And this time, there's no guarantee we can win.*

"May the Power protect you, Bro. As well as your mother … and us."


To Be Continued …