Higher Education - 4. Higher 4

Because of my screw-up, today's chapter posted yesterday. But since I post every Monday, guess it means you get another one early. Enjoy.

Wind blew through Trevor’s hair as they raced south on Interstate Five in Brandon’s convertible. Sunglasses protected his eyes from the bright ball of fire hovering high over the Pacific Ocean. His hand rested on top of the windshield. It amused him how many people gave a thumbs-up to the small, classic Japanese car. After one freeway change, they took the exit into the Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego. As they waited at a stoplight, Trevor revisited an earlier concern. “You’re sure I don’t need to notify the local pack I’m here?”

“Yes, I’m sure. San Diego might be inside a pack’s territory, but it’s a neutral city as far as visitors go. This place’s too big, with people vacationing, transferring in and out for military postings, or just commuting to work.” Brandon let out the clutch and barely rolled back before first gear engaged. “You can’t have the rules of a small pack in a city of approximately 1.4 million. If you cause a problem, you’ll have to answer to the local alpha. But I know you’ll behave yourself.”

“Okay, I know you already told me, but it’s not what I’m used to. Just like someone our age handling a manual transmission the way you do. Pretty sure I’d have stalled it on a hill.”

“Or likely grind the gears into metal shavings. How about we get dinner at Urban MO’s?”

“I’ve got no idea what’s good around here, so I’ll defer to the alpha in the car.” Trevor smirked.

“Asshole. Don’t start that. To be fair, we were going to MO’s no matter if you wanted to or not.”

“Damn, this looks as bad as trying to park in Boston.” Trevor glanced around to see every space within sight taken. The street was non-stop traffic. If a car moved from the curb, the slot was immediately filled. “Do you think we’ll find a parking spot? Hey, there’s an empty one ahead.” As they neared he frowned. “Never mind. Why the hell is someone tying up a space on a street like this?”

“I don’t know. This looks busier than usual for a Saturday.” Brandon waved at someone and made a series of right turns, circling the block before wheeling the small car into the previously blocked parking space after someone picked up two traffic cones reserving it.

“What the fuck? How the hell did you get it so quick?” Trevor was shocked at how simple it was.

“That should be obvious. They saved it for me. That’s why it was blocked off.” Brandon’s deadpan delivery earned him a shoulder punch. “I texted a friend before we left and gave him an ETA. When the space opened in front of the bar, they blocked it off for me.” Brandon took a bow. “Now, for my second trick of the evening, we get to bypass all those people. Be ready to get called a few names.” He led Trevor up to the entrance. A crowd of around twenty people waited on the sidewalk for space inside the popular bar and grill.

“Brandon!” A cute Latino in short shorts, boots, and a crop top screamed as he stepped from behind the host’s podium.

“Hi, Jess.” The hug was between good friends. “Should be a table for two waiting for me.”

“Oh, and your plus one’s fresh meat.” Jess raked his eyes over Trevor and licked his lips. “I haven’t seen you here before.” The last line was directed at the visitor.

“Down, boy. Don’t make me get the leash out of my car. Or the paddle. He’s strictly hands off unless given permission.”

“Oh sure, Papi. Promise me a good time, and then don’t follow through.” The host teasing him appeared to be something Brandon was used to. “You know the crowd would love to watch you discipline me. Again.” He raised a hand asking for a moment and spoke to one of the servers. “The table’s just getting cleaned. Gonna be some bitter bitches when you walk in. Come on.”

“Hey, what the fuck? We’ve been waiting for over thirty minutes.” There was a lot more like that.

Jess looked to the person complaining and shook a finger. “Cut the bitching, honey. You’ll get in when you’re name’s called.” He spun on his boots and waved. “This guy actually matters.”

Most of the staff waved or fist-bumped Brandon as they were taken to a spot on the patio. Jess laid the menus on the table as a server appeared beside him, an equally cute, brown-haired guy with a tight upper body. “Yo, Bran. Good to see ya. Supposed to be some good waves the next couple days. Got time to go out with me?”

“I’m showing my buddy around ‘til Monday. Maybe in the afternoon or Tuesday.” Brandon glanced at Trevor and smiled.

“That works. So, Blackout Lemonade or Pink Flamingo to start? Or are you gonna change it up for once?”

“Two Pink Flamingos.” Brandon glanced at Trevor then back to the server. “Save the Blackout Lemonade for the second round.”

“You got it, bud. Wish I could drink like you. A couple of those would have me crawling out the door.”

“So it would just be an average day for you. Being on all fours I mean.” Brandon winked.

“You know it.” The server gave his friend a peck on the lips. “Be right back with your drinks.”

“Should I even bother to ask what you just ordered for me?” Trevor turned to the specialty drinks page on the menu.

“Trust me. You’ll like it.” Brandon pointed them out to his friend. “The Pink Flamingo is strawberry lemonade with vodka and some other stuff. Not sure what’s in the Blackout Lemonade, but it comes out of one of those Slurpee type machines and is so good.”

“Daddy Brandon!” A salt-and-pepper haired, tatted, muscle bear strode out of the building to the patio, making a b-line for their table. “A couple people mentioned you were here.” The man dropped to his knees and rested his head on the small wolf’s leg for a moment, earning himself a head scratch. “Good to see you, Daddy.” He stood after a moment.

“Trevor, this mass of muscles is Davey, one of the bartenders. This is my buddy, Trevor. He’s visiting for a couple days.”

“A pleasure to meet one of Daddy’s friends.”

“Cool to meet you too.” Trevor was having a hard time holding in his laughter. “I wish we had a place like this in Boston.”

“Oh, and despite him calling me Daddy all the time, this studly muscle bear is rumored to be a total top. But he gets a kick out of shocking all the guys hoping for a chance to get lucky with him.”

“Hey, stop giving away my secrets.” Davey turned his focus from his friend. “I love Beantown, though your gay scene sucks. You dancing tonight, Bran?”

“Yeah. And might even get Trevor up there with me.”

“Not sure about that, but we’ll see.” Trevor smirked.

“I’ll let you enjoy your dinner and will probably see you at the club later. Enjoy yourself in our fair city, Trevor.”

“Thanks. With the people I’m meeting through Brandon, how could I do anything else?” He watched the man walk off. “So, Daddy? What’s the real story?”

“He put the moves on me years ago. When we finally hooked up, I topped. He’s called me Daddy ever since.” Brandon leaned back and stretched, lacing his hands above his head. “Plus he introduced me to the Dom and sub group Austin and I are in. It helps teach safety when trying new things.”

More people bumped fists with Brandon as they walked past or stopped to chat with him. Most at least nodded at Trevor, and many introduced themselves while flirting. “You made me think you live a quiet life at the stable. I think you’re the most popular person I know, aside from those two guys you once called attention whores. It’s so cool to see this side of you.”

“I like the peace of the horse farm, but I’ve lived in the area for nine years, and I’ve been dancing for eight. I wind up meeting quite a lot of people. Only a few I’d consider friends, like Davey and some you’ll probably see tonight. But the rest are mostly nice people.” Brandon’s eyes scanned the patio. “In here, I’m always able to just be me. Your species doesn’t really matter. People come to have fun and be around others like them.”

“It’s not someplace I’d score with the ladies, but I could see myself hanging out here.”

“I’m sure a drag queen or ten would love to carry you off.” Brandon laughed.

“Asshole.”

******

The heavy beat of dance music let Trevor know they were close to their destination. A line stretching about forty people deep along bustling University Avenue waited for entry into the popular San Diego nightclub. He had to smile, as once again, because of his host’s connections he was able to bypass the masses.

“What the fuck? We wait and they get to just walk in?” Several in line yelled with similar annoyances.

Brandon turned to the crowd. “We’re not actually cutting in front of you. I’m working tonight and hopefully you’ll be in the club when I start stripping. Maybe one of you will go home with my jockstrap after I get it nice and sweaty. And if you’re lucky, you’ll get to watch my buddy here get his dancing cherry popped tonight.”

The jeers quickly turned into cheers as the smaller man waved to the crowd before leading Trevor inside.

“You handled that impressively. I’m still not getting up there with you to dance.”

“Aside from what the club pays me to be here, I work for tips. It’s all about keeping people happy so maybe they slide a Hamilton or Jackson in my underwear. And we’ll see about the rest. I’ve seen your moves.” Brandon winked. “Don’t make me use my alpha voice on you.”

“You do and I’ll disown you.” Trevor accompanied his words with a shove. “Don’t most just put a dollar in?”

“Yeah, or a fiver. Sometimes it’s just a slip of paper with a phone number or email.” Brandon laughed as he made his way through the club doors.

Trevor was surprised it looked more like a small lounge than a large dance club. His friend led him around, high-fiving staff or people he knew. The tour continued as they moved through an archway and another set of doors into the main club. A massive warehouse style space lit mainly by club lights over the dance floor. Flashes of color bounced around the room to the constant thump of the music’s baseline. He was introduced to more people than he could hope to remember.

They entered a storeroom just off one of the side bars. “We can leave our packs here. You don’t have to dance if you don’t want to, Trev. But it would be a new experience and you might have fun. If you decide to go up there with me, just remember a couple things. First, you won’t be alone. And no exposing the front, try to avoid them touching your dick since that’s technically illegal, but they go for it like crazy. Don’t get pissed if they do or when they run a hand over your ass. Try to look like you’re having fun and play to the crowd. And most importantly, I’m an alpha, you’re a beta, so I grind on you and not the other way around.”

Trevor’s laughter filled the room and caused a barback to check on what was going on.

******

Brandon had worked two sets as Trevor looked on. He had seen his friend dance in Club Underground while in Sydney along with several other strippers. It impressed him with how much effort the good ones put into what they did. He wandered through the club while his friend was busy, exploring and occasionally flirting with some of the guys who made eye contact with him. His usual charm had no effect on the women he encountered so he rapidly abandoned those thoughts.

The combination of cologne, perfume, sweat, and alcohol hung in the air, while the cigarette smoke lingering on people returning from outside was nearly overwhelming. It was one of the few times he cursed his lycan physiology. From time to time, he thought he picked up a scent bordering on the familiar. He tried to follow it, but it was useless in such a large crowd. He thought he had caught a glimpse of someone to go with the scent, but was sure it was impossible.

Trevor leaned on the bar chatting with a furry, ginger bartender when Brandon joined them carrying a helmet and his clothes. “I see you met Finn. Could I get a bottle of water?”

“Here ya go, Bran. That last set was hot. Some of the other strippers hate it when you bring out your fire gear.”

“Thanks.” He took a long drink. “It’s because they want to play with my hose, and I won’t let them.”

“Having seen you naked, it’s no wonder.” Trevor smirked

“Holy shit. He’s giving it up to you while the hubby’s overseas?” The bartender looked on wide-eyed. “Sorry if you being married was a secret from this stud. If I just cock-blocked you guys, I’ll be happy to take care of him anyway I can.” He winked at Trevor. “I’d offer to do you, Bran, but know I’ll get shot down. Again.”

“Dude, seriously? Stop being such a pig, that’s my job. He’s a friend and staying with me for a couple days. You’ve seen how small my place is, so you’re bound to see everything when someone showers.” Brandon flipped off the redhead. “Besides, this one’s straight.”

“Oh. Since you’re from out of town, if you’d like to try something on the wild side, you’d never have to see or hear from me again. And if I corrupt two more straight guys I get a free toaster oven.”

“Sorry, Finn. I’m gonna have to pass. All my best friends are gay, and I’m extremely comfortable with who I am and showing guys affection.” He leaned in, planting a not-so-chaste-kiss on the bartender’s lips before pulling back with a mischievous grin. “But women’s where my interest lies.”

“Damn. A guy who can kiss like that and not on our team is a crime. What’s the point of being a sexy bartender if I can’t use it to get laid?”

Brandon chuckled. “Says the guy rumored to have more notches on his headboard than any other guy on staff.”

“Real nice, Brandon. Make me sound like a slut in front of your buddy.” Finn held up his hands. “And those rumors were started by the anti-ginger crowd. I can’t help how many guys drop to their knees to make sure the carpet matches the drapes.”

Brandon nodded towards Trevor. “You mean in front of the guy who can, and from what I hear usually does get any woman he wants?” The shorter wolf dodged the head slap aimed at him. “Well, maybe not the ones here, but otherwise. He’s got a reputation with the ladies to match the one you have with the guys.”

“I’m respectful of who they are and what their orientation is, but damn, there are some beautiful ladies here.” Trevor glanced around and gave a low whistle.

“They tip okay, but a little well placed flirting and the gay boys leave a good amount of coin and walk away smiling.” Finn winked

“So not like Sydney where you managed to get one in a similar club? Hmm?” Brandon took half-a-step back in case Trevor tried to elbow him.

Instead, the Harvard man cast a mock glare down at his friend. “A trans woman is still a woman, so don’t give me any shit, Mighty Mouse.”

Finn spit out the water he was drinking and fought through a coughing fit. “Mighty Mouse?”

“You are so dead, Trevor. I know where you’re sleeping tonight.”

“I heard that some firefighters in Australia called him that a few times, and it briefly caught on with his own crew, until he threatened to neuter them in their sleep. Small in size, but massive in strength. I’ve seen this guy carry more in his pack than what he weighs, while guys twice his size complain about handling the same amount of equipment.”

Finn looked surprised. “I honestly never thought about that. I heard the talk about you working fires, but pictured more what we see in porn or those sexy calendars.” Finn eyed Brandon up and down. “Most of us love it when you’re dancing, especially in that gear. You’re laid back and come chat with the staff instead of working the crowd for some rich guy to rent you for the night.” The bartender pointed to one of the dancer stages. “That guy’s big in porn, has a hot ass, and knows how to take a dick. Plus, he’s hung. Well maybe not as big as yours, Bran, but he can’t dance anywhere close to what you do either. He’s only here because he’s got a good porn and Instagram following. He’ll post stuff favorable to the club which is why they schedule him.” Finn sipped his water as they watched. “Look at the way he just kinda sways to the music. The guy looks good when he’s riding a dick or pounding an ass, but he’s got no rhythm. You put some effort in. He’ll be whoring for tricks when he’s not up there. And I don’t mean that as a negative judgment, but just a fact.”

“I do my fair share of mingling with the people. Like I told Trevor when we came in, gotta keep the people happy so they tip well. And the more worked up they get, the more they drink, so the better they tip at the bar. Be right back. Gotta take a leak and get dressed, then I need more water before we wander the crowd.”

“He’s a sweetheart and so’s his husband.” Finn watched Brandon disappear into the crowd. “So how do you know him?”

“Met him in Australia fighting the fires. And yeah, he’s a great guy. Haven’t had a chance to meet his husband, but hope to.”

“He rarely talks about that part of his life. We know when he’s out on a fire since we don’t see him for a couple months sometimes. His husband usually lets people know if he’s around.” Finn wiped down the section of the bar in front of him. “I’ve read a couple poems he wrote, and they scare the hell out of me. It’s bad enough seeing the pictures in the news. After he got back from one fire, we organized a fundraiser for the Red Cross.” He briefly stepped away to fill someone’s drink order. “He rarely stops. There were toy drives at Christmas with the Marine Corps, and he got people to bring clothes or other stuff to the club for a homeless shelter and a group home for teens.”

“Having seen what he does first hand, it’s hard to…” Trevor thought for a moment. “I’m not sure how to say it, but I’m glad I was primarily in a logistical position, even though I manned a hose with his crew a few times.”

Brandon surprised them when he returned. “Don’t tell me you guys are still talking about firefighting and wanting my hose.”

“Here’s your water, Brandon. You want one too, Trevor?”

“Thanks, Finn.” He nodded at the redhead. “He was telling me about your charity work.” Trevor smiled as his friend blushed. “Okay, Bran. What’s the plan?”

“Work the crowd, talk to people, chat with some of my friends if we’re lucky enough to find them, then do my next set. Oh, and you’re dancing too after bringing up Mighty Mouse.”

******

“Just remember, I’m right next to you. Don’t try to focus on everyone at once. Pick someone, make eye contact, and smile.” Brandon led the way out of the storeroom after they had put on their outfits. “Move your eyes to different people and with luck they’ll all stuff some money in your underwear.”

“Okay. I think I’ve got this.”

“If it gets to be too much, you can head back to the storeroom early, but I know you’ll do fine.”

“This is it. Casey, Darius, and Cody are gonna be so pissed they won’t get to see me do this.”

“Yeah, like Ethan and Aiden won’t be?”

“True dat.”

As one dancer waved to the crowd and moved off the platform, Brandon and Trevor took his place. Whistles and catcalls greeted the pair and both returned them with brilliant smiles as they gyrated to the music.

Trevor briefly thought he was going to falter moments after they started, but his friend came to the rescue.

“Pretend this is Sydney and dance with me like you did with her.” Brandon encouraged. “I know you can show the porn guys up.”

Rather than being two guys moving independently side by side, they melded into a sexy couple’s dance. After their first tip, Trevor’s confidence increased.

“Those are the moves I remember.” Brandon grinned.

Turning his attention away from Brandon, Trevor scanned the crowd. A large number of them were intently watching the pair. He dialed up his flirtation, locking eyes with person after person. A few times, while holding someone’s gaze, he would mimic Brandon’s move of reaching down to his crotch, tightening his shorts over his bulging member.

About five minutes into the set, Trevor was enjoying himself more than he thought he would. Brandon’s near whisper reminded him of what they were doing. “I’m gonna pull your tank top off, lean forward as I do, then take mine off.”

He could not help smiling when the smaller hands ran up his abs causing the shirt to ride up. When his nipples were exposed they were given a nice tweak each, causing him to harden even more. After Brandon pushed up as far as he wanted, Trevor leaned in so it could be pulled over his head and arms.

A moment later Brandon turned his back to him, rubbing their bodies together. Trevor imagined it was one of his dates he was undressing. He matched his friend’s seductiveness in slowly exposing the skin and running his hands all over the taught, furry muscles before the garment was off and dropped to the floor.

A man in his apparent forties approached and slid a bill under the exposed underwear waistband for both men before moving back. This was repeated several times before Brandon glanced at their shorts and gave a little nod. At nearly the same time, both yanked and the Velcro sides separated. The pair continued in only high-top sneakers, socks sticking a few inches over them, and matching neon pink and black jockstraps.

Tips poured in for both, as men of all ages and body types slid money under the leg straps while patting their asses. Or the waistband and into the pouch as they tried to get a feel of the tube steak that laid inside. The vibrant pink allowed both thick shafts to show their hardness well as it pointed left. The exposed furry butt cheeks were perfectly framed by the black straps.

The pulsing beat of the music changed as Uptown Funk came on. Trevor had matched Brandon’s moves as best he could, but this was a song his friend obviously enjoyed. Both upped the energy in their actions, and Trevor was surprised when Brandon did freestanding back and forward flips, occasionally landing in a Black Widow crouch to an enthusiastic crowd cheering. While both were on their knees thrusting their groin forward, the smaller dancer leaned forward to give a patron a kiss on the cheek following his tip. When Trevor noticed what was being stuffed in his jock by the same man, he did the same, earning him a nod from his Brandon.

An older couple moved to the front of the crowd, possibly in their seventies. One was in a wheelchair, and Trevor had seen them on the dance floor enjoying themselves as much as the younger party-goers. Brandon jumped off the stage and gave both men a hug and kiss before they tipped him. As soon as he nodded, Trevor joined him on the floor.

“This is Marcus and Heath. Guys, this is my buddy, Trevor.”

“Great to meet you, guys.” Trevor gave both men a hug before he and Brandon hopped back up onto the GoGo box.

When their time was up, the duo waved to their admirers and were soon replaced by another stripper. Sweating heavily, they held their discarded clothes and pulled the cash from their jock and socks. Following his experienced friend’s lead, Trevor folded the currency and shoved it deep into his sock to be counted later.

“Should we get dressed here?”

“If we walk through the club like this, it’ll lead to a few more tips.”

“I’ve gone this far. Lead on my teacher.”

They made their way bare-assed through the club, stopping to talk to people and indeed getting extra dead presidents slipped into their jocks. After zigzagging around the expansive space, they eventually headed towards the stockroom.

Finn’s bar station was near their destination and he held out a bottle of water to each as they neared. “You guys looked awesome up there. That was one of the hottest sets I’ve seen in months.”

“Thanks. It was more fun than I expected.” Trevor glanced between the two men. “I’m kinda sorry I didn’t join him up there earlier. Maybe I’ll have to take this up to supplement my income.”

“You had the DJ play Uptown Funk, didn’t you?” Brandon stared at Finn while hooking a thumb at Trevor. “He did pretty damn good for his first time. Always fun to pop a straight guy’s cherry.”

Finn shrugged. “Yes, I’m a pig, but I’d give anything to see you pop the cherry that counts, as you put it. I was going to request it, but Jamison did that all on his own. He knows that number always gets you doing those flips none of the other dancers do.” Finn looked Trevor up and down. “You’re a sexy man to start with, but you look exceptionally hot dressed like that. Some people say pink makes a guy look fem. With you, both of you actually, it adds to your masculinity and how secure you are with yourself.” He stepped out from behind the bar and walked around Trevor. “Woof. And that looks like an ass of steel and furry enough to…”

“Okay, okay. I get the picture. You’re still not getting any.” Trevor winked. “Though I’m sweaty enough down there to likely quench any man’s thirst.”

“Where the hell’s my water? I’m thirsty now.” Finn laughed. “I know, you’re straight.” The bartender made sure to use air quotes. “I just wish you were one of those guys trying to convince himself he’s straight rather than knowing it. That kiss you gave me earlier, the thought of licking every drop off that succulent fur, and the video of you guys dancing will be enough to make me blow a big one later.”

“Could you send it to Bran? The video of us dancing, not of you getting your nut. I’d love to show it to my buddies back home.”

Finn whipped out his phone, tapped away for a moment and smiled. “Done.”

The familiar scent Trevor had been picking up throughout the night assailed his nose again causing him to look around. He zeroed in on silky dark hair about ten feet away and a face he would know anywhere.

“Shannon!”