Man Up! - 1. "Hug It Out"

The bedroom was a shrine to chaos, its corners littered with sneakers, half-read books, and an inexplicable number of snack wrappers. Two twin beds sat against opposite walls, separated by a battleground of clothes and a shared nightstand cluttered with chargers, water bottles, and a few rogue game cases. The match was tense on the screen: Barcelona versus Manchester City in a heated FIFA showdown.

On the left bed lounged Caleb, 18, his back pressed into a mound of mismatched pillows. His brown hair, an unruly mop of soft waves, fell over his forehead as he focused intently on the screen. His striking green eyes darted rapidly, calculating his next move. Caleb was the quieter of the two, the kind of guy who preferred the comfort of books or video games to parties. Tall and lanky, he moved with an awkward charm, his limbs slightly too long for his lean frame. His mouth twitched often into a small, self-deprecating smile, but when he laughed, it lit up his whole face.

On the right bed, sprawling like a king at 19 years of age, was Ryan. With short-cropped black hair that always looked perfectly styled despite his lack of effort and a pair of sharp, mischievous blue eyes, he oozed charisma. Ryan had the kind of confident grin that made people forgive him for things they probably shouldn't. Athletic and solidly built, he carried an effortless swagger that belied his reckless nature. Where Caleb was cautious, Ryan was impulsive, diving headfirst into situations to see what would happen.

"Are you seriously going to play defense the whole game?" Ryan groaned, his thumb hammering the controller as his on-screen striker took a desperate shot on goal, only for it to be deflected.

"It's called strategy," Caleb replied calmly, his eyes glued to the screen. "Not that you'd know anything about that, Mr. 'Let's Rush into Everything.'"

Ryan snorted. "That's rich coming from the guy who spent twenty minutes debating which cereal to buy last week."

"Hey, those decisions matter!" Caleb shot back, his voice rising in mock indignation. "You don't just settle for subpar cereal. You commit to excellence."

Ryan groaned dramatically, flopping backward onto his bed. "Ugh, you're such a nerd. I swear, you probably fantasize about spreadsheets."

"Better than fantasizing about my own reflection," Caleb retorted, his tone dry.

Ryan smirked, propping himself on one elbow to shoot Caleb a sly look. "Oh, it's on now." He leaned forward, his fingers flying over the buttons as he launched a furious counterattack.

Their banter continued, the room filled with clicking controllers and their voices volleying back and forth.

"Is that all you've got?" Caleb taunted, his player weaving through Ryan's defense.

"Just warming up, baby," Ryan shot back, his tone dripping with playful arrogance.

"'Baby'? I didn't realize we were at that stage already," Caleb said, raising an eyebrow but unable to suppress a smirk.

Ryan grinned wickedly. "Don't act like you're not into it. I see how you look at me when I walk out of the shower."

Before Caleb could respond, the sound of a car pulling into the driveway made them freeze.

"Crap," Caleb muttered, his head whipping toward the window.

Ryan's grin widened. "Think they'll notice the pizza box we 'accidentally' left in the oven?"

"You're kidding," Caleb said, his voice rising in panic.

"Relax," Ryan said, standing and stretching like he hadn't a care in the world. "I took it out."

The front door opened downstairs, and their parents' voices drifted up.

Caleb groaned, burying his face in his hands. "You're so fucking annoying."

Ryan said nothing, tossing a pillow at Caleb as their parents' footsteps approached the stairs.

The door burst open with such force that both boys jumped, their controllers slipping. Framed in the doorway stood Caleb's father, Nathaniel "Nate" Carter, an imposing figure of striking beauty and strength. Standing at 6'3" with broad shoulders and a faultlessly tailored shirt that stretched slightly over his muscular chest, he was the epitome of confidence and charisma. His skin was lightly tanned from hours spent outdoors, and his dark, slightly wavy hair was perfectly tousled in a way that seemed effortless. His sharp jawline was framed by a not overly trimmed beard that added an air of rugged sophistication.

But his eyes captivated the most, a piercing, stormy gray that could be warm and commanding. A boyish charm shone when he smiled, softening his otherwise intimidating presence.

"Am I interrupting some kind of life-or-death match?" Nate's deep voice filled the room, rich with amusement.

"Dad!" Caleb exclaimed, his entire demeanor lighting up like a flipped switch. He scrambled off the bed and crossed the room quickly to wrap his arms around his father in a tight hug.

Nate chuckled, hugging him back with an easy strength. "Hey, kiddo." He ruffled Caleb's hair, eliciting a groan of mock protest.

Still sitting on his bed, Ryan leaned back against the headboard, his expression unreadable. His blue eyes, usually brimming with mischief, were now focused intently on the exchange between Caleb and Nate.

"Uh, hey, Nate," Ryan said, his tone unusually subdued.

Nate turned his sharp gaze toward Ryan, a warm smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Hey, Ryan."

Not long after, another figure appeared in the doorway. Jenna Blake, Ryan's mother, stepped inside. In her mid-thirties, Jenna was a vision of elegance and vitality. Her shoulder-length auburn hair framed her heart-shaped face, and her hazel eyes sparkled with intelligence and tamed temper. She wore a sleek business suit highlighting her lithe, athletic frame.

"Well, aren't you boys cozy," Jenna remarked, a playful smile on her lips as she glanced around the bedroom mess.

"Hey," Ryan said, his voice flat. He didn't move from his spot, his posture stiff as he avoided meeting her gaze.

Jenna's eyes landed on Caleb and softened. "How's my favorite overachiever?"

"Good," Caleb said, smiling at her before turning his attention back to his dad. "How was work?"

"Long," Nate said, loosening his tie.

"Dinner's going to be late," Jenna announced, glancing at her watch. "So don't fill up on junk food."

"Too late for that," Ryan muttered, gesturing at the pile of snack wrappers on the floor.

Jenna sighed with exasperation. "At least pretend to be responsible for once."

"I'll add it to my to-do list," Ryan quipped, his tone light but his eyes flickering with something darker.

The room fell into an odd silence as the door closed behind them. Caleb returned to his bed, his features still glowing from his father's presence, while Ryan stared blankly at the paused game on the screen.

"You're quiet all of a sudden," Caleb said, his voice tentative as he looked over at Ryan.

Ryan shrugged, forcing a smirk. "Just recovering from that heartwarming moment."

Caleb frowned, sensing the edge in Ryan's tone but unsure how to address it. "You okay?"

"Totally." Ryan stood abruptly, grabbing a towel from the chair near his bed. "I'm gonna shower."

"Ryan..." Caleb started, but Ryan cut him off with a casual wave.

The bathroom door clicked shut, leaving Caleb alone in the room. With a quiet sigh, he picked up his controller and unpaused the game, though his focus was far from the screen.

The fact was, Caleb and Ryan's lives had been upended in the last couple of years, swept into the same turbulent tide when their parents met at a charity gala. What started as casual dating between Nate and Jenna had snowballed into a convoluted romance, and before either boy could catch their breath, there was a shotgun wedding. Their lives as only children, cocooned in their single-parent households, were suddenly disrupted by the sharp reality of being thrust into the roles of stepbrothers.

Caleb lived a quiet, predictable life with his father. His world was structured and routine, and he could escape into novels and video games when the world felt too loud. Nate had been a steady, dependable force who easily filled the roles of both father and friend. Caleb had never longed for more than what they had. It was simple, maybe lonely at times, but it was theirs.

Ryan's life had been a different story entirely. Jenna had dragged Ryan through endless cities and schools as she climbed the corporate ladder. He was used to changing and adapting quickly, but his absence of absolute consistency in his life had left him restless and unpredictable. Jenna's career always seemed to come first, leaving him to fend for himself more often than not.

When Nate and Jenna announced their engagement, it wasn't just their parents' lives merging but two entirely different worlds colliding.

For lack of a better word, the first few months were tense.

Caleb was quiet and introverted, while Ryan was loud and brash. They butted heads constantly in those early days. Ryan thought Caleb was too uptight, and Caleb thought Ryan was obnoxious. Small things became battlegrounds: the temperature of the shared bedroom, who got the more enormous closet, and whether or not music should be blasting while doing homework. Ryan had initially approached their forced brotherhood with a certain amount of flippancy, treating Caleb like another of his school rivals, someone to push and prod until he got a reaction. Caleb, meanwhile, tried his best to ignore him, retreating into his books and video games as if willing Ryan away.

But as time passed, they began to see glimpses of each other beyond the surface. Still, tensions never quite went away. Their parents seemed oblivious to the subtleties of the boys' relationship, content to believe that their blended family was functioning just fine. But there were still cracks, unspoken feelings, unresolved tensions beneath the surface.

Despite their knack for gliding through most challenges with effortless grace, one pesky subject relentlessly nipped at their heels, no matter how hard they tried to dodge it.

And that subject was Nate.

Caleb padded down the stairs, the sound of the football game growing louder. His dad's booming voice carried through the house, shouting at the television.

"Come on, man! Are you blind? That was offside!" Nate's deep voice filled the living room, accompanied by the clink of his beer bottle on the coffee table.

Caleb smiled at the sight. Nate was sprawled on the couch, his long legs taking up most of the space, one arm draped lazily over the backrest. His gray eyes were glued to the screen, but the corners of his mouth twitched into a slight grin when he saw Caleb lingering near the doorway.

Nate Grayson was the kind of man who commanded attention without trying. At 36, he had the presence of someone who'd lived a full life. His life story was one of grit. Born to a poor family, he learned the value of hard work early. His father was a laborer, and his mother worked odd jobs to keep the family afloat. Money was always tight, and Nate knew from a young age that if he wanted more, he'd have to earn it. He worked every job he could find, including construction sites, warehouses, and landscaping, to provide for his son. And in his early twenties, Nate took a risk. He pooled his savings, borrowed money, and started a construction company. It was a gamble, but Nate's relentless work ethic made it successful. Over the years, he expanded the business, taking on more projects and building a reputation.

Caleb was the center of his world, and even as his business grew, Nate always made time for his son. Yet, despite his warm nature, Nate carried a quiet intensity. An unreachable pall that seemed to follow him around but to which Caleb seemed oblivious to.

"Hey, kiddo," Nate said, his voice softening instantly. "Game's tied. It's getting intense."

Caleb rolled his eyes fondly and crossed the room, squeezing himself onto the couch beside his dad. Without hesitation, he slid into Nate's side, his frame fitting perfectly against his father's larger, muscular build. Nate shifted, wrapping a strong arm around Caleb's shoulders and pulling him close.

"Comfortable?" Nate teased, glancing down at him.

"Very," Caleb replied, smirking. He tucked his legs up onto the couch, practically melting into the warmth of his dad's body. They sat in companionable silence for a few moments, the football game playing on as Nate absently rubbed Caleb's shoulder with his thumb.

"How's school?" Nate asked eventually, muting the TV with a flick of the remote. His attention turned to Caleb, the game forgotten as he looked at his son with genuine interest.

Caleb shrugged, fiddling with the hem of his shirt. "It's fine. You know the drill."

Nate chuckled, ruffling Caleb's hair. "That bad, huh?" Nate sipped his beer, his other hand still absently rubbing Caleb's shoulder. "And how's that project you were working on? The presentation?"

"It went okay," Caleb said, his voice muffled against his dad's shirt. "I think I nailed it, but no one listens during those anyway."

"I would've listened," Nate said, his tone soft but earnest.

Caleb smiled, his heart swelling a little. His dad always had a way of making him feel like the most important person in the world. The boy suddenly hesitated, his fingers fiddling with the hem of his shirt again. "Dad… can I ask you something?"

"Sure," Nate said, his tone instantly serious.

"You and Jenna," Caleb began carefully. "Is everything okay? You guys seem…I don't know."

Nate's expression faltered for a split second but quickly masked it with a small smile. "We're fine. Nothing for you to worry about."

Caleb wasn't convinced but nodded anyway, not wanting to push.

"Dinner's ready!" Jenna's voice called from the kitchen, breaking the moment.

Caleb sighed, reluctantly sitting up. As they made their way to the kitchen, Ryan descended the stairs, his gaze immediately locking onto Nate and Caleb. His blue eyes flickered over the easy closeness between father and son, his expression briefly unreadable before he forced a casual smirk.

"Finally decided to join the land of the living?" he said, his tone light but with a hint of something sharper underneath.

"Someone's gotta keep this family fed," Nate quipped, clapping Ryan on the shoulder as they headed toward the dining table.

Ryan's smirk faltered momentarily, his gaze lingering on Caleb before he followed silently behind them.

At first, the dinner table was lively, mostly filled with Ryan's usual sarcastic quips. However, Jenna's phone buzzed on the table midway through the meal, shattering the peace. She glanced at the screen, her lips tightening.

"Just ignore it," Nate said sharply, his gray eyes narrowing as he reached for his glass of water.

Jenna sighed, her hazel eyes flicking toward him. "It's my boss, Nate. I have to..."

"No, you don't," he cut her off, his voice firm. The tension between them was noticeable, stretching across the table. Caleb and Ryan exchanged wary glances, their forks paused mid-air.

"It'll be quick," Jenna insisted, grabbing the phone and standing up.

The silence that followed was heavy. From the kitchen, Jenna's voice carried faintly as she spoke into the phone, her tone professional but tinged with urgency. Caleb kept his head down, poking at his mashed potatoes. Ryan, however, leaned back in his chair, his sharp blue eyes darting between Caleb and Nate.

"Awkward," Ryan muttered under his breath, earning a half-hearted glare from Caleb.

Nate sat rigid in his seat, his jaw clenched as he stared at the empty doorway Jenna had disappeared through. Her voice grew louder as she returned to the dining room, the phone still pressed to her ear.

"I understand," Jenna said, her tone clipped. "Yes, I'll leave first thing in the morning." She hung up and set the phone on the table, her expression neutral. "I'm sorry. Something's come up. I have to go to Boston tomorrow."

Nate's chair scraped against the floor as he stood abruptly. "Are you kidding me? We've had this cabin trip planned for weeks."

"I know, but...this is important," Jenna said, her tone defensive as she crossed her arms.

"Isn't it always?" Nate shot back, his voice sharp.

Jenna bristled, her composure cracking. "Do you think I want to leave? I don't have a choice, Nate. You know that."

"Actually, you do," Nate said coldly.

The argument escalated quickly, voices rising until Jenna's sharp retorts and Nate's resounding, booming protests filled the room. Caleb stared down at his plate, his appetite gone. Ryan, however, sat back in his chair with a faint frown, his gaze fixed on the heated exchange.

"We can hear everything, you know," Ryan roared, cutting through their shouting. Both parents froze, their attention snapping at the boys. Caleb gave Ryan a warning look, but Ryan just shrugged, unfazed.

"I'm sorry," Jenna said, her voice softer now. She turned to Nate, her eyes flashing. "I'll be upstairs packing. You can still go to the cabin without me."

"We will," Nate said, his tone biting as he slammed his glass on the table. Without another word, he stormed out of the room.

Jenna inhaled deeply, visibly trying to compose herself before leaving the dining room and heading upstairs. As her footsteps faded, Caleb and Ryan sat silently.

"Well, that was fun," Ryan said, his tone dry. He picked at the edge of his napkin, avoiding Caleb's gaze.

"Not really," Caleb muttered, his shoulders slumping.

From somewhere downstairs, a door slammed shut. Nate retreated to the basement, his sanctuary when things got heated. Caleb sighed, pushing his plate away.

"She doesn't even care," Caleb said quietly, more to himself than to Ryan.

Ryan glanced at him, something unreadable flickering in his expression. "She's just… bad at showing it," he said.

"Yeah, well," Caleb said, standing up and grabbing his plate. "That doesn't really help, does it?" Ryan didn't respond, watching as Caleb carried his plate to the kitchen. Moments later, the sound of Jenna's suitcase zipping shut drifted down the stairs.

Hours later, the soft rumble of the SUV's engine hummed through the crisp night air as Nate packed the last of their supplies into the back. Caleb lingered upstairs, dragging his feet. His father had been tense all evening, and Caleb couldn't help but feel its weight pressing down on their supposed family getaway. He stopped short when he finally bounded down the stairs and exited the driveway. Through the windshield, he saw Ryan sitting in the front passenger seat, leaning back like he owned the spot. Caleb's chest tightened, heat immediately rushing to his cheeks.

That was his seat. He always sat next to his father when Jenna wasn't there.

"Ryan!" Caleb barked as he stalked toward the car, his voice sharper than he intended.

Ryan turned lazily, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "What's up?" he said, emphasizing the last word with mock sweetness.

"You're in my seat," Caleb said, standing outside the open passenger door. His arms were crossed, his expression set.

Ryan raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion. "Your seat? Pretty sure it's just a seat. And since my mom's not here, I figured I'd claim it. First come, first serve, right?"

Caleb scowled, his hands balling into fists at his sides. "Move to the back."

"Nah." Ryan grinned, clearly enjoying himself. "I don't think so."

"You're not even close to Dad!" Caleb snapped, his voice rising.

"And you're acting like a five-year-old," Ryan shot back, his tone dripping with amusement.

The sound of the front door slamming shut pulled their attention away from each other. Nate walked toward the SUV, his arms filled with stacks of beer and blankets. He paused when he saw the two boys standing off.

"What's going on now?" Nate asked, his tone a mix of exasperation and amusement as he tossed the blankets and beers into the back.

"He's in my seat!" Caleb exclaimed, pointing at Ryan like a child tattling to a teacher.

Ryan rolled his eyes dramatically. "I'm just sitting here, Nate. It's not like I've declared war."

Nate glanced between them, his gray eyes twinkling with suppressed laughter. "It's a seat. We're going to be in the car for hours. You'll survive."

"But I always sit next to you!" Caleb protested, his voice softer now but no less insistent.

Ryan snorted. "And I never get to. I'm just balancing things out."

Nate chuckled, shaking his head. "He has a point."

Caleb's mouth fell open in disbelief, and Nate stepped closer, pulling him into a quick, firm hug. The embrace was grounding, but Caleb's frustration simmered beneath the surface.

"Take this one for the team, kiddo," Nate murmured, his voice low enough for only Caleb to hear.

Caleb stiffened, his jaw tightening. "This is bullshit," he muttered, his words muffled against his dad's chest. Caleb groaned but stomped toward the backseat, muttering under his breath. He yanked open the door, slid inside, and slumped into the corner, his body practically folding into itself. He jammed a baseball cap over his curls and pulled the brim down low, shielding his eyes.

"Let me know when we're there," he mumbled, pretending to settle into sleep.

Nate got into the driver's seat, glancing into the rearview mirror at Caleb's hunched form before turning to Ryan, who looked entirely too pleased with himself.

"Don't rub it in," Nate warned with a smirk.

"Who, me?" Ryan said innocently, earning Nate's chuckle.

The SUV rolled out of the driveway, breaking the tense silence. Caleb stayed quiet, his face hidden beneath his cap, but the occasional twitch of his fingers betrayed his feigned slumber.

Ryan leaned forward slightly, fiddling with the radio as he grinned. "This is going to be fun," he murmured, half to himself.

Caleb muttered something unintelligible from the backseat, but the tone made it clear: he wasn't nearly as enthusiastic.

Hours into the drive, the whirr of the tires against the highway and the gentle sway of the SUV lulled Caleb in and out of a light, restless sleep. The brim of his baseball cap shaded his face, but beneath it, his ears tuned in to the low murmur of voices coming from the front seat.

"So, you're telling me Zeppelin doesn't make your top five?" Nate's voice carried a hint of incredulity.

Ryan's chuckle followed. "Nah, not really my vibe. I'm more of a Black Sabbath guy. You know, something with a bit more edge."

"More edge, huh?" Nate's tone was teasing. "Guess I'm showing my age here. Zeppelin's pure soul. You're missing out, man."

Caleb shifted slightly in the backseat, his cap slipping just enough to give him a sliver of view of the two. Ryan was relaxed, his arm draped casually along the windowsill, while Nate had one hand on the wheel and the other tapping a beat against his thigh. They moved on to discussing sports next, dissecting stats and plays from games Caleb couldn't care less about. Their rapport, punctuated by Nate's warm tone and Ryan's confident, smooth replies, gnawed at Caleb's insides.

Since when did they have so much in common? Caleb thought bitterly.

"Hey," Ryan said after a pause, his voice dropping slightly, almost conspiratorial. "I've got a little something in my bag if you want to mellow out later."

Caleb's pulse quickened, though he kept his breathing steady, his body unmoving.

"Something, huh?" Nate replied, a smirk audible in his voice. "Save it for the cabin. The last thing we need is me getting pulled over with you holding."

"Fair point, dude," Ryan said, his grin evident in his speaking.

Caleb's stomach twisted, but he didn't move. He wanted to snap at Ryan for being so bold, but what surprised him more was Nate's easy acceptance. His father would never let this kind of attitude fly with him.

There was a pause, and then Nate leaned across Ryan, reaching for the glove compartment. Caleb's gaze flickered beneath the cap's brim, barely catching Nate's broad arm brushing Ryan's shoulder. He could even swear he caught a glimpse of Ryan's nose leaning forward and discreetly sniffing his father's neck. When Nate sat back, he had a pack of cigarettes in his hand.

Ryan glanced at the pack, then back at Nate with a sly smile. "Want me to light that for you?"

Nate gave a low laugh that Caleb rarely heard outside their one-on-one moments. "Go ahead."

Caleb's breath caught as he watched through barely parted lashes. Ryan retrieved a lighter from his pocket and pulled out a cigarette, deliberately licking the filter and coating it with his spit before lighting it. His movements were slow, almost theatrical, as he leaned forward and placed it between Nate's lips.

"Thanks," Nate murmured, his voice dipping into a tone Caleb didn't recognize. It wasn't quite the tone Nate used with Jenna, nor the familiar warmth he reserved for Caleb. It was...different.

Ryan leaned back, a satisfied smirk on his lips, and Nate exhaled a stream of smoke, the glow of the cigarette briefly illuminating his face. The air felt charged momentarily, even from Caleb's vantage point. He could feel his heartbeat pounding in his chest, his pulse filling his ears. Then, as if nothing had happened, Nate and Ryan resumed their discussion about music. Ryan started talking about an obscure band he thought Nate might like, and Nate responded with a story about the first concert he ever went to. Caleb closed his eyes tightly, trying to shut out the voices and the strange energy between them. But it lingered, seeping into his thoughts like smoke curling under a door. Eventually, exhaustion won out, and he drifted into a troubled sleep, his mind spinning with the unsettling scene he had just witnessed.

Several hours later, the SUV eventually slowed to a halt, and Caleb stirred awake at his father's voice cutting through the early morning fog. "Rise and shine, kiddo."

Caleb groaned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he sat up. The sight of their destination quickly pulled him from his grogginess. The cottage stood tall against the backdrop of the lake, a quaint, two-story retreat that seemed plucked from a postcard. Its wooden frame was weathered but sturdy, with deep brown tones blending perfectly with the surrounding lush greenery. The back of the cottage faced a lake, its surface glassy and still. Several winding trails led from the house into the forest.

The ground floor opened into a spacious living room with a rustic charm. A massive table, its wood polished and scarred, hogged the dining area. Two oversized, plush sofas faced each other near a stone fireplace, a large TV mounted above the mantel. The kitchenette in the corner was small but well-equipped.

Caleb stretched as he stepped out of the car, still bleary-eyed but feeling the tug of nostalgia. This was his sanctuary with Nate. It had been for years.

The upstairs had two bedrooms. The main one had a king-size bed covered in a plaid comforter. The smaller room had two single beds pushed against opposite walls, simple but cozy. As Nate carried their bags upstairs, Caleb trailed behind, dragging his feet in protest against being awake so early. Ryan was less sluggish, bounding up the stairs with surprising energy.

"I call the big bed," Caleb announced suddenly, sprinting.

"Like hell you do!" Ryan yelled, quickening his pace as they both dashed down the hall.

But Caleb was faster, slipping past Ryan and diving into the doorway of the main bedroom. He threw his arms out dramatically, planting himself in front of the bed like it was a prize to be claimed.

"Too late!" Caleb grinned, his dark eyes gleaming with triumph.

Ryan skidded to a halt, his jaw tightening as he glared at Caleb. Before he could argue further, Nate appeared in the doorway, shaking his head with an amused smirk. The tall hunk crossed the room and placed his bag on the bed before Caleb darted toward him.

"I get to stay with you, right, Dad?" Caleb asked.

Ryan snorted, rolling his eyes. "What are you, five?"

Nate laughed and ruffled Caleb's hair. "Alright, alright," he said, scooping Caleb up quickly and throwing him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

"Hey!" Caleb yelped, laughing as Nate carried him to the bed.

Nate swatted Caleb on the backside. "Sorry, man," he said over his shoulder to Ryan, his tone light and teasing. "It looks like you're on your own tonight." Ryan's face darkened, his blue eyes flashing with irritation as Nate deposited Caleb onto the bed. Caleb landed with a soft bounce, stretching out over the smooth sheets with a smug grin. Nate chuckled, shaking his head as he turned back to Ryan. "Plenty of room in the other bedroom," he said with a wink, trying to soften the blow.

Ryan didn't respond. His lips pressed into a thin line as he turned sharply on his heel and walked down the hall. As he reached the smaller room, muffled laughter drifted from the main bedroom, Caleb's unmistakable giggles mingling with Nate's low chuckle.

Ryan clenched his fists briefly, his jaw tightening before he exhaled and dropped his bag onto one of the single beds. The small room felt colder than usual as he sat down, his gaze fixed on the floor.

About an hour later, the soft ripple of water was the only sound competing with the faint rustle of pages as Caleb read. Reclined on a sunbed, he basked in the serenity of the morning. One of his favorite parts was coming to the cabin, the stillness, the escape.

The creak of the porch door broke the quiet. Caleb glanced up, lowering his book slightly as Nate stepped outside. His father was a vision of effortless masculinity, wearing only gray athletic shorts and sneakers. The sun gleamed off his broad chest, the deep ridges of muscle catching the light. His shoulders were broad and strong, tapering down to a defined abdomen that Caleb knew came from years of dedicated effort. A thick trail of hair dusted down his chest, leading to his shorts, and Caleb could see the veins in his father's arms and hands as he carried a ball, spinning it absently.

"Hey, lazybones," Nate called, his voice rich and teasing as he tossed the ball lightly. "How about a quick game? Let's see if you've still got that arm."

Caleb rolled his eyes behind his sunglasses and waved a dismissive hand. "Pass. I'm busy," he lifted his book for emphasis.

Nate chuckled. "Reading doesn't count as busy."

Before Caleb could retort, the door swung open again, and Ryan bounded out. "I'll play," he announced eagerly, the same competitive gleam in his eyes that he always wore when there was an opportunity to show off in front of Nate.

The hunk's face lit up, his smile wide and welcoming. "Atta boy!" he said, jogging further down into the grassy patch that sloped toward the lake. He stretched his arms, showcasing his defined lats and biceps flex.

Ryan momentarily lingered near Caleb's sunbed, peeling off his T-shirt in one fluid motion. His toned but not overly muscular frame contrasted Nate's bulk. Caleb's lips twitched as Ryan tossed the shirt onto his lap.

"Hold that for me, will ya?" Ryan quipped, not waiting for a response before sprinting to join Nate.

Caleb glared after him, shoving the shirt to the side, but his attention was quickly drawn to the field. He adjusted his sunglasses, allowing himself to watch while keeping his expression neutral. At first, the game seemed innocent enough. Nate tossed the ball efficiently, and Ryan tried his best to match his stepfather's skill. Caleb couldn't help but feel jealous at how naturally they clicked.

But then the tone began to shift. It started when Ryan lunged too hard for the ball, colliding lightly with Nate's side. Nate steadied him with a hand on his shoulder, but the contact lingered for just a second too long. They began to wrestle playfully after that. The ball was forgotten and rolled somewhere into the grass. Ryan's hands found their way to Nate's chest, pushing against the hard muscle, his fingers occasionally brushing Nate's skin in ways that didn't feel entirely accidental. Nate's voice was loud and warm, but his eyes flickered around the yard, quick and careful, as though checking to see if anyone was watching.

Caleb's jaw tightened. From behind his sunglasses, his eyes tracked every movement. He saw Ryan's hands gripping Nate's sides, his fingers curling too tightly around the hunk's muscles. The way Nate grabbed Ryan's wrist, his large hands almost swallowing Ryan's arm, but instead of pushing him away, he pulled him closer. Finding ways for his hands to brush against the boy's crotch. The tussle grew more intense. At one point, Ryan was on his knees, his hand on Nate's thigh, his head tilted back as he laughed. Nate loomed above him, his chest heaving, his lips curved into a smirk that Caleb didn't like. There was something too easy, too comfortable about the way they interacted.

Beneath the surface, it wasn't just a father and his stepson playing around. Caleb could see it, even if Nate pretended not to. The subtle shifts in Ryan's touch, how his hands would linger on Nate's chest or trail down his arms and legs. The way Nate allowed it, his hands brushing against Ryan's waist and inner thighs in what could be mistaken as innocent, but Caleb wasn't sure it was.

A low hum of anger simmered in Caleb's chest, mixing with a darker, more complicated emotion he didn't want to name. His fingers tightened around the book in his lap as his gaze fixed on the two figures wrestling in the grass. When Nate pinned Ryan down, his knee planted firmly beside Ryan's hip, Caleb felt his stomach twist. Ryan laughed breathlessly, his hands on Nate's forearm, and Nate smirked down at him, his bulge hanging dangerously yet deliberately close to the boy's mouth before finally stepping back, helping him to his feet casually. Caleb turned his face away, pretending to be engrossed in his book, though his heart raced beneath his calm exterior.

What the hell was Ryan trying to prove? Caleb thought bitterly, flipping a page without reading a single word. And what the fuck was his father thinking?

Later that afternoon, Caleb stood at the counter, pouring a glass of water. His swim trunks, damp from the lake, clung to his body. The fabric hugged his toned frame, accentuating the lean muscle he'd inherited from his dad. His hair was still wet, tiny droplets running down his neck and disappearing into the waistband of his trunks. He leaned against the counter, savoring the coolness of the water against his throat, when the door swung open behind him.

Ryan entered, his chest glistening with sweat, the damp strands of his dark hair sticking to his forehead. The scent of Nate clung to him, earthy, masculine, a mix of aftershave and the faint musk of exertion. He walked with a cocky air, shirt draped over one shoulder, his smug grin widening when he spotted Caleb.

"Well, don't you look comfortable," Ryan said, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge and cracking it open. His eyes raked over Caleb, lingering in a way that made Caleb's skin prickle. "Guess it must be nice, lounging around while I'm out there, actually keeping your dad entertained."

Caleb's grip on his glass tightened. He turned to face Ryan, his jaw clenched. "Is that what you call acting like a try-hard all day?"

Ryan smirked, taking a long sip of water before setting the bottle down. "Jealous much?"

The words hit a nerve, and Caleb's chest tightened with anger. "Oh, please," he snapped, stepping closer. "You're so desperate for attention you'll do anything to impress him. It's pathetic."

Ryan's eyes darkened, his grin turning sharp. "At least I can hold his attention. You're just the golden boy by default," the blue-eyed beauty provoked, stepping closer until his face was inches from Caleb. "Guess you don't like sharing the spotlight, huh?"

Caleb took another step forward, his voice dropping to a dangerous level. "You don't know anything about me or my dad. So why don't you stop pretending you belong here?"

Ryan's smile faltered for a split second before he recovered, his voice laced with mockery. "Touchy, aren't we? Maybe you should take it up with your dad," he said, looking over his shoulder as Nate approached the porch. "Later, though. At the moment, he seems too busy having a good time with me."

Caleb's temper flared. He set his glass down with a sharp clink, his fists curling at his sides.

"What's going on here?" Nate's deep baritone cut through the room like a whip, instantly commanding attention.

Both boys turned toward the doorway, where Nate stood, his imposing frame filling the space. His eyes flicked between them, taking in the flushed anger on Caleb's face and the defiant smirk still lingering on Ryan's lips.

"Dad," Caleb started, his voice tight with frustration. "He's been acting like a jerk since we got here. He's..."

"Stop," Nate interrupted, raising a hand. His tone was calm but firm, leaving no room for argument. "I don't care. This isn't how we handle things."

"But..." Caleb tried again, but Nate cut him off with a sharp look.

"Enough, Caleb," Nate said, his voice hardening. "Go to your rooms. Both of you. Now." Caleb's chest heaved with suppressed anger, his jaw clenched so tight it ached. He turned on his heel and stormed out of the kitchen, his bare feet pounding against the stairs.

Ryan lingered for a moment longer, his smirk softening into something more subdued as he met Nate's gaze. "Guess I'll head up too," he said, his voice quieter.

Nate didn't respond. He just nodded once, his eyes unreadable. Ryan walked out, his steps more measured than Caleb's, but as he reached the top of the stairs, both boys slammed their doors in unison. Nate sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair as he leaned against the counter.

Later that afternoon, Caleb lay on the bed, his back to the door, staring out the window at the fading daylight before he heard the soft creak of the floorboards as Nate entered.

"You okay, kiddo?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.

Caleb shrugged, his face pressed into the pillow. "Fine," he muttered, though his tone betrayed him.

Nate walked closer, sitting on the edge of the bed. The mattress dipped under his weight. "Look," Nate began, his voice measured, "I thought you and Ryan were finally getting along."

Caleb turned his head slightly, just enough to glance at his father. "We are," he admitted reluctantly. "Until you come home. Then he turns into an asshole."

Nate chuckled softly, shaking his head. "An asshole, huh?"

Caleb frowned, sitting up and crossing his arms over his chest. "It's not funny, Dad."

"I know, I know," Nate said, raising his hands in mock surrender before his arms lowered, and he paused, his expression sobering. "What are you afraid of, Caleb?"

Caleb opened his mouth to retort, but the words caught in his throat. He hesitated, his eyes dropping to his lap. "I don't know," he said quietly, though his voice wavered with emotion. "I just...I don't want things to change."

Nate tilted his head, thoughtfully studying his son. "I see," he murmured, his voice soft. He reached out, placing a hand on Caleb's shoulder. "I probably spoiled you a little too much over the years," he admitted, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Caleb looked up, his eyes wide with surprise. "Seriously?"

"Yeah," Nate said. "It was just you and me for so long. I wanted to give you the world. But...things change, kiddo. And that's okay."

Caleb's frown deepened, his arms tightening around himself. "But what if it's not okay? What if...what if I lose you?"

Nate's expression softened, his eyes warm with reassurance. He scooted closer, wrapping an arm around Caleb's shoulders and pulling him into a loose hug. "Hey, listen to me," he said firmly. "You're my son, Caleb."

Caleb leaned into the embrace, the tension in his shoulders easing as he felt the unmistakable scent of his father's sweat. "But Ryan..."

"You and Ryan need to figure it out," Nate interrupted. "For everyone's sake."

Caleb sighed heavily, his head dropping onto Nate's shoulder. "I'll try," he mumbled.

"Good," Nate said, reassuringly squeezing him before standing.

He unbuttoned his shirt, peeled it off, and tossed it onto a nearby chair. Caleb watched from the corner of his eye as his father kicked off his sneakers and pushed down his shorts, letting them fall to the floor. His dad's body was still glistening faintly from the day's heat, the muscles of his chest and arms flexing with each movement. And there, between his thighs, the most perfect 6-inch uncut soft cock. Caleb gulped silently.

It wasn't the first time he felt drawn to linger on it. And Nate had never made him feel embarrassed by it, either. Being naked around each other was normal. But for the last couple of years, Caleb's groin would cringe slightly whenever Nate did it. Was it discomfort? Or something else?

Nate turned, grinning mischievously. "Oh, and one more thing," he said, balling up the damp fabric in his hand.

"What?" Caleb asked warily.

Without warning, Nate tossed the sweaty shorts at Caleb's face.

"Ugh, Dad!" Caleb yelled, swatting them away as he leaped off the bed, his nose scrunched in disgust.

Nate laughed, winking as he grabbed a towel and headed for the bathroom. Seconds later, the sound of the shower starting filled the room, and Caleb flopped back onto the bed, a small smile lingering on his lips despite the lingering tension in his chest.

That night, Caleb groggily descended to the living room. The music played low in the background, a classic rock tune his dad loved.

Nate stood at the stove, flipping something in a pan with practiced ease. When he heard Caleb's steps, he turned his head. "Hey. Dinner's almost ready."

Caleb rubbed his eyes, leaning against the doorway. "Smells good," he mumbled, his voice still thick with sleep.

Nate pointed a spatula in Caleb's direction. "Go wake Ryan up, would you?"

Caleb frowned. "Do I have to?"

"Yes," Nate said firmly.

Sighing, Caleb pushed off the doorframe and trudged back up the stairs. He paused before Ryan's door, debating whether to knock or walk in. After a moment, he rapped his knuckles lightly against the wood.

"Ryan?" he called.

There was no response. Caleb waited a beat, then sighed again and opened the door.

Ryan was sprawled out on his bed, earbuds in and his phone in hand, scrolling through something Caleb couldn't see. He didn't even glance up when Caleb entered.

"Hey," Caleb said louder, stepping inside. "Dinner's ready."

Ryan finally looked up, pulling out one earbud. "I heard you the first time," he said flatly.

"Then why didn't you answer?" Caleb asked, his tone sharper than he intended.

Ryan smirked, tossing his phone onto the bed. "Cause I didn't feel like it."

Caleb rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. "Look, I'm not in the mood. Can we...not do this for once?"

Ryan raised an eyebrow, leaning back on his elbows. "Why? Thought you hated me."

"I don't hate you," Caleb said, though his tone lacked conviction. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I get it. We're different. And this whole...situation is weird. But we're stuck with each other, so maybe we should try to make it less...unbearable."

Ryan studied him for a moment. Then he shrugged. "Fine. But only because Nate cooked, and I'm starving."

Caleb snorted. "Figures."

Ryan stood, stretching lazily, before grabbing a hoodie off the chair. As he moved past Caleb, he paused, a sly grin creeping across his face. "You know, you're kinda cute when trying to be serious," he said.

Caleb blinked, caught off guard. "What?"

"Nothing," Ryan said, brushing past him and heading toward the stairs.

Caleb stood there momentarily, trying to decipher the odd twist, before shaking his head and following Ryan downstairs.

The dining table was set with plates of grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and mashed potatoes steaming in the center. Nate turned from the stove, a beer in one hand and two cans of soda in the other. "Just because she's not here doesn't mean we can't have a proper meal together," he said warmly.

Ryan muttered, "I'd rather eat your food anyway."

The comment was low, nearly lost under the shuffle of chairs, but Caleb caught it. He shot Ryan a sharp look, his lips twitching with the urge to respond, but Nate didn't seem to hear it. They sat, and Nate popped open the sodas, sliding them across the table to the boys before cracking open his beer. Ryan's hand shot out toward the bottle.

"Nice try," Nate said, pulling it back quickly.

Caleb chuckled, hiding his smirk behind a forkful of mashed potatoes. "Smooth move, Ryan."

Ryan leaned back, his lips curling into a smug grin. "At least I tried, unlike some people."

Caleb froze mid-bite, narrowing his eyes. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Ryan shrugged, stabbing his fork into a piece of chicken. "You know exactly what it means...Daddy's boy."

The words landed like a slap, and Caleb felt heat rise to his cheeks. "At least I don't act a fool every time he's around," he snapped.

Ryan raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Oh, is that so? Or is that just 'cause you're jealous?"

"Jealous? Of you?" Caleb laughed bitterly.

"Yeah," Ryan shot back, leaning forward. "Or maybe...plot twist..." he whispered with malice. "Maybe it's not me you're jealous of."

Caleb's fist clenched around his napkin, his heart pounding with frustration. "You're such a fuckin'..."

"STOP!"

Nate's voice cut through the air like a whip. Both boys jumped, their heads snapping toward him. Nate rose from his chair, his palms slamming against the table with a force that rattled the dishes. The room suddenly fell into a stunned silence. Caleb's mouth went dry, his father's usual warmth replaced by an intensity he'd never seen before.

Nate's eyes burned as he looked between them, his jaw tight. "What the hell is wrong with you two? We're supposed to be a family. A family. You don't have to like each other, but you will respect each other. Do you hear me?" Neither boy spoke, too shocked to respond. "This isn't a fucking competition. We're all on the same team, whether you like it or not."

Caleb swallowed hard, his throat tight with emotion. He glanced at Ryan, expecting to see defiance or anger, but instead, Ryan's expression was different. His lips were slightly parted, his tongue glazing slowly over his lips, and his gaze fixed on Nate with an intensity that Caleb couldn't quite place. Nate exhaled sharply, dragging a hand through his hair before he walked to the fridge, yanked it open, and pulled out two beers. He returned to the table, slamming the bottles in front of each boy.

"Here," he said, his voice still tinged with authority.

Caleb blinked, staring at the bottle. "Are we...allowed?" he asked hesitantly.

Nate paused, his shoulders rising and falling with a deep breath. "Yes," he said gruffly. Ryan's lips curled into a small, satisfied smile as he reached for the bottle. Caleb hesitated for a moment longer before taking his. Nate lifted his beer, his expression softening but still serious. Ryan and Caleb exchanged a glance, the tension between them still simmering but tempered by the weight of Nate's words. They lifted their bottles, clinking them against Nate's.

As they took their first sips, Caleb couldn't help but notice the flicker of admiration, or something more, in Ryan's eyes as he looked at Nate. And as the hours passed, laughter and competitive banter morphed into a drunken haze. The stack of empty beer bottles on the table mounted and the scattered UNO cards only added to the chaos. Ryan stood up, pulling out his phone and cueing his favorite playlist into Nate's surround system. A rhythmic pulse of bass and melody instantly grabbed Nate's attention.

"Hey, listen to this," Ryan said, leaning over Nate's shoulder as if to pull him into his world. "The guitar work is insane."

Nate nodded slowly, his expression measured. "Not bad."

Ryan grinned, basking in the praise. Caleb, however, sat hunched over his cards, seething. His patience, already worn thin, unraveled further with each word exchanged between Ryan and his father.

"Can we just focus on the game?" Caleb snapped, throwing down a card.

"Relax, nerd," Ryan replied, his tone mocking. "Just because you're losing doesn't mean we can't enjoy the vibe."

Caleb clenched his jaw, but instead of firing back at Ryan, his frustration turned toward Nate. "You know what? This sucks," he said, his voice rising.

Nate blinked, turning to his son. "What are you talking about?"

Caleb stood abruptly, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. "I'm talking about how everything's been..." he stumbled, rage building inside his chest. "Fucking miserable since you married her!" he spat.

Nate's expression darkened, his contained demeanor vanishing. "Caleb, sit down."

But Caleb wasn't done. "No! You don't get it! You spend all your time trying to bond with him..." he pointed accusingly at Ryan.

"That's not true," Nate said firmly.

"The fuck it's not!" Caleb shouted, his voice breaking. "You're so busy playing house with them that you don't even see how much I hate this!"

Ryan stood, his expression hardening. "'That's horseshit, man," he cautioned.

"Stay out of this!" Caleb snapped.

"Make me?" Ryan shot back, stepping closer.

That was all it took. Ryan lunged, and the table between them toppled as they collided, wrestling furiously. Plates clattered to the floor, beer bottles tipped over, and UNO cards scattered everywhere as they threw themselves at each other's throats.

"ENOUGH!"

Nate's voice roared over the chaos, and suddenly, two powerful arms grabbed the boys by their collars. He yanked them apart as if they weighed nothing, his strength unmatched. Both boys struggled instinctively, but it was like fighting against steel. Nate's broad chest heaved with exertion, his eyes blazing with fury. "Come here," he growled. He quickly dragged them across the floor, their feet barely scraping against the ground. Reaching the couch, Nate flung them onto the cushions like unruly children. "SIT. DOWN. AND. SHUT. UP," he barked, his voice echoing through the cabin like thunder.

Caleb and Ryan froze, their breath coming in short, ragged gasps. Nate towered over them, his chest rising and falling. For a moment, the room was silent, save for the heavy breathing of the two younger men. Caleb's eyes darted to Ryan, who sat wide-eyed, his usual cockiness replaced with something else entirely, something almost spellbound. Caleb scarfed, stunned. He'd never seen his father like this, not once in all his years. His strength, his authority, was overwhelming and menacing. Nate finally stepped back, slowly sinking his bum into the coffee table before the couch, his deep eyes digging into Caleb.

"If I ever talked to my father like that," Nate began, his voice low and simmering with restrained anger, "he would have beaten me within an inch of my life."

Caleb's eyes widened, a flicker of fear and confusion crossing his face. He opened his mouth to respond but thought better, biting back whatever words had formed. On the other hand, Ryan glanced sideways, his jaw tight, but his lips pressed into a thin line as if suppressing a smirk.

Nate sighed heavily. He ran a hand through his hair, muttering under his breath, "It's a goddamn sauna in here." Without warning, he gripped the hem of his T-shirt, pulled it over his head, and tossed it aside.

The movement was unceremonious, but the sight was anything but. His massive chest, dusted with hair that tapered down into a defined line along his abdomen, gleamed slightly with sweat. His broad shoulders seemed to span forever, and the way his muscles shifted as he moved was almost hypnotic. Caleb swallowed hard, but Ryan's reaction caught his attention. He saw it, just a flicker, but it was there. Ryan's lips parted slightly, and he exhaled, the sound faint but enough for Caleb to hear. Caleb's stomach churned with something he didn't understand, and his gaze darted away.

"You," Nate said suddenly, addressing Ryan, his tone sharp enough to make both boys jump. "Fetch the weed," he ordered before standing up and circling the table.

Ryan froze, his eyes wide. He hesitated momentarily, glancing between Nate and Caleb, before slowly reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a small plastic bag, the contents neatly rolled into a tight bundle and placed it gently on the coffee table. Nate's gaze dropped to the bag, his expression unreadable, but the intensity in his eyes made both boys shift uncomfortably. Without a word, he sat on the couch, his massive frame making the piece of furniture seem smaller. He grabbed the bag and began rolling a joint with practiced ease, his fingers deft despite their size. The silence in the room was deafening, broken only by the soft crinkle of paper as Nate worked. Once he finished, he licked the edge of the paper, sealing it with a quick flick of his tongue, and then lit the joint. He inhaled deeply, holding it for a moment before exhaling a thick cloud of smoke that instantly enveloped the entire room.

Caleb coughed softly, his voice hesitant. "Dad...?"

Nate didn't respond. He leaned back into the couch, spreading his arms along the top of the cushions, his posture relaxed but his presence commanding. His head tilted back, eyes closed as if savoring the moment before he finally opened them and looked at the boys.

"Tell you what...we're gonna play a game," he said, his voice carrying an edge that made Caleb and Ryan sit up straighter.

"A game?" Caleb echoed, his voice uncertain.

Nate nodded, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Yeah. A little something I like to call 'Man Up'."

Ryan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What kind of game is that?"

Nate took another drag from the joint, blowing the smoke out slowly as he leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with a strange mixture of amusement and authority. "It's simple," he said. "It's about pushing limits. Testing boundaries. Seeing what you're made of."

Caleb's stomach twisted uneasily, but Ryan's interest seemed piqued. "And what happens if...we don't want to play?" Caleb asked, his tone defensive.

Nate leaned back again, spreading his arms wide, his smirk growing. "Trust me," he said, his voice dripping with confidence before his gaze turned to Ryan. "You'll play." Nate reclined lazily on the couch, his broad shoulders slumping in a way that gave him an air of authority and recklessness. With the joint resting between his thick fingers, he gestured toward Ryan. "Gimme your phone," he said, his voice low and commanding.

Ryan hesitated, the briefest flicker of reluctance crossing his face, but he complied, fishing his phone from his pocket. He unlocked it and handed it over without a word. Nate took it, his thumb scrolling through the playlists, his eyes narrowing in mock scrutiny.

"Let's see if you got something on here that's actually decent," Nate muttered, the corner of his mouth twitching. Ryan shifted uncomfortably, glancing at Caleb, whose expression was already souring. After a few seconds of scrolling, Nate suddenly stopped. He punched his thumb down decisively, and a deep, bass-heavy tune filled the room. The sound was electrifying. Raw, old-school rock with a driving beat. Nate's head started bobbing as he took a drag from the joint, exhaling the smoke with a grin. "Now THIS," Nate said, his voice rising with excitement. "...is what I'm talking about!"

Caleb and Ryan exchanged wide-eyed glances. This wasn't the Nate they knew, the steady, composed man who kept everything in check. This version of Nate was alive and unpredictable, with an edge that was both thrilling and profoundly unnerving.

"Stand up," Nate barked suddenly, snapping them out of their stunned silence.

Caleb blinked. "What?"

"Stand. The. Fuck. Up," Nate repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Both of you. Now."

Ryan and Caleb hesitated, but the sheer force of Nate's presence propelled them to their feet. Caleb chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his neck. "What are we doing?"

Nate leaned forward, pointing the joint at him like a weapon. "You're gonna hug it out," he said.

Both boys froze, their eyes darting to each other in disbelief.

"Hug?" Ryan asked, his voice tinged with incredulity.

"Yeah, hug," Nate said, leaning back again, his smirk deepening. "You two have been at each other's throats since we arrived. So hug it out. Now."

Caleb laughed awkwardly, shaking his head. "You're kidding, right?"

Nate's expression hardened in an instant. He snapped his fingers sharply toward Caleb, his voice dropping an octave. "Do I look like I'm kiddin'?"

The sound of the snap sent a shiver down Caleb's spine. His father had never spoken to him like that before. Swallowing hard, he glanced at Ryan, who looked equally confused but slightly amused.

"Fine," Caleb muttered, stepping forward.

Ryan sighed and followed suit, the two of them standing awkwardly. They leaned into each other for a stiff, perfunctory hug that lasted barely two seconds before they pulled apart.

Nate scoffed loudly, shaking his head. "Pathetic," he said, his voice laced with disdain. "Do it again. And this time, mean it."

Caleb's jaw tightened, his frustration mounting. He shot Ryan a glare before stepping closer again. Ryan shrugged, a faint smirk playing on his lips as he opened his arms. This time, the hug lingered. Caleb's arms looped around Ryan's back, and Ryan's hands pressed against Caleb's shoulders. The tension between them shifted subtly, the awkwardness melting into something neither could quite name. Caleb's breath hitched as he felt the heat of Ryan's body against his own, and for a moment, it was as though the rest of the room disappeared.

"That's more like it," Nate said, his voice cutting through the moment. Caleb and Ryan broke apart quickly, their faces flushed as they avoided each other's eyes. Nate grinned, taking another drag from the joint, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. "Now," he said, blowing out a smoke in a dramatic pause, "Strip. Both of you." The suddenness of the command made both boys freeze. Ryan's face paled while Caleb's eyes narrowed in confusion. Neither moved, their minds racing to process this new development. "Now," Nate said, his voice hard as steel.

Slowly, tentatively, they began to undress, their gazes locked on Nate's chest the entire time. Caleb was the first to finish, his boxers revealing his semi-hard erection to Ryan's curious eyes. Ryan followed suit, his 7-inch cock springing free, an almost rebellious glint in his blue eyes.

Nate watched them, the joint dangling from his fingers. "Now hug again," he ordered.

"Dude..." Ryan stuttered, eyes darting back and forth between Caleb and his Nate.

"What?" Nate questioned. "You'll slap your teammate's asses in the locker room after practice and try to grab their balls, but suddenly you get an attack of morality when you have to hug another man?" He argued.

"He's..." Ryan countered, looking at Caleb, whose eyes were now locked on him. Ryan glanced at Caleb one last time before his hand slid along Caleb's hip and coasted on his stepbrother's lower back, pulling him in. "Fine," he muttered, their faces now inches apart.

In a matter of seconds, Caleb could suddenly feel Ryan's breath on him. He'd never noticed how fresh it was, basil-scented. The movement was slow but deliberate, their bodies finally slamming gently together as Ryan pulled Caleb all the way in. Ryan's arms circled Caleb's smooth back, his movements measured yet purposeful. And as their nipples grazed together, he felt Caleb's head sink into his shoulder. A deep breath escorted his movement, and Ryan sensed his stepbrother's warm breath sink into his skin. He could feel Caleb's dick hardening between his thighs, and it wasn't long before he felt compelled to close his eyes.

And when he did, something shifted. They both felt their bodies falling into each other. The last barrier of awkwardness crumbled as they finally surrendered. The loud music faded slightly, and they could feel each other's heartbeat pumping between their chests. Their dicks twitched, and Ryan's hips started grinding against Caleb's, who couldn't help but moan as he did. These soft, gentle whines carried the last shred of resistance with them. Almost instinctively, Ryan's hands began to climb Caleb's back, clutching his neck and diving his fingers inside Caleb's unruly brown curls.

Their faces began to rub, and Ryan's nose sniffed Caleb's skin, testing its scent like a dog. How could he have never noticed it, he thought? It smelled terrific, like almond milk. Ryan couldn't help but let a soft, unexpected chuckle escape his lips before he pulled back slightly, allowing his mouth to linger less than an inch away from Caleb's. By now, their cocks were throbbing against each other, synchronized to perfection. They remained there, compelled to lunge their mouths into each other before Nate's voice cut through their bubble like a pin.

"That wasn't so hard, now was it?" he said, causing the boys to abruptly pull away from each other, the awkwardness creeping back in. Nate's eyes immediately locked on their erections, and he chuckled. "Guess I was wrong. It was hard," he joked, proudly pulling back. "Sit down," he ordered.

The boys sat back on the couch. Caleb was noticeably more uncomfortable than Ryan, whose legs spread, proudly displaying his stiff shaft, which tumbled back, slapping against his abdomen. Nate's eyes lingered a second longer on it before he leaned forward and extended the joint to Ryan, who promptly held it to his mouth and took a deep drag. He followed with smaller puffs, burning the joint to half its size. His blue eyes darted up, teasing a reaction from Nate, who stoically stood his ground. Then he glanced at Caleb and stretched his hand.

"Here you go, nerd," he offered. Caleb's eyes rested hesitantly on it before looking up at his father.

"Might as well..." Nate uttered, shrugging his broad, muscular shoulders.

Caleb looked at the joint and took it to his mouth. He slowly inhaled but immediately paused, the smoke scratching at his untamed throat and causing him to cough out. His body leaned forward, and he passed the joint back to Ryan, who chuckled sarcastically.

"Yeah. He definitely pampered your ass way too much," Ryan mocked as he looked at Nate, whose eery smirk began to show.

Nate's massive chest rose and fell into a deep exhale. "You think you're tough?" he questioned, his raspy and brutal voice causing Ryan's smirk to soften. "Fine," he added, grabbing the coffee table between the couches, dragging it across the floor, and opening up the space between them. His massive form loomed, its shadow eclipsing everything around him. "Get up," he said, directing his attention to Ryan, who couldn't fake his playful smile as he stood, his hard cock still standing proud. "Knock me down," Nate challenged.

"What...? Ryan's voice wavered slightly.

"If you can knock me down, I'll..." Nate challenged before pausing. He darted at Caleb before grabbing Ryan's neck and pulling the boy forcefully into him. He pulled his mouth into his ear and whispered something.

Caleb sat slumped on the couch, his head resting lazily against the armrest, eyes half-lidded from the combined haze of alcohol and weed as he tried to make out what his father was saying, but as his attention traveled south, he caught Ryan's cock twitching. What the fuck did he say to him, Caleb thought?

Ryan smirked, his confidence flickering like a spark. "You're on," he replied, swaying slightly. He was still drunk but determined. He pulled his shoulders back, puffing out his chest.

Caleb tilted his head, watching them through the smoky haze. His dad was massive compared to Ryan, his sheer bulk casting a shadow over the younger man. The contrast was almost comical. Ryan's athletic frame looked downright puny against Nate's towering presence. With barely a breath in, Ryan lunged forward, aiming for Nate's waist. Nate sidestepped with ease, one hand pushing Ryan's shoulder as he passed. The boy stumbled, catching himself before spinning back to face him.

"Fuckin' pathetic," Nate taunted.

Caleb chuckled under his breath, watching Ryan huff and adjust his stance. "This is going to be embarrassing," he muttered, his voice thick with drunken amusement.

Ryan tried again, this time going low, aiming for Nate's legs. But Nate was quicker than he looked. He stepped back, his large hands coming down to grip Ryan by the shoulders, spinning him off balance and sending him staggering into the arm of the couch.

"Come on," Nate said, his grin fading slightly as his tone turned more challenging. "Put some muscle into it."

Ryan's expression hardened. He lunged again, with more force, his shoulder slamming into Nate's chest. But Nate didn't budge. Instead, he wrapped his thick arms around Ryan's torso, lifting him off the ground for a brief moment before setting him back down, firmly pushing him away. It was almost imperceptible, but Caleb could swear he saw Ryan's hand touch his father's crotch just as Nate's own hand playfully went for Ryan's hard, bouncing cock. And in that moment, the playful tone began to shift. Ryan's movements grew sharper, more frustrated. He launched himself at Nate again, aiming for his side, but Nate caught him by the arm, twisting it just enough to immobilize him without causing pain.

"You're trying too fuckin' hard, you little bitch," Nate said, his voice low and almost condescending.

Caleb's drunken gaze flickered between them, his momentary amusement giving way to unease. Something about how his dad blocked every move, effortless and controlled, like a lion toying with its prey, made the air in the room shift. Ryan growled under his breath, pulling back and charging again, trying to catch Nate off guard. For a moment, it seemed like he might succeed, managing to get his arms around Nate's waist, pushing with all his strength. But Nate dug his feet into the floor, his powerful legs unmoving as he gripped Ryan's wrists and twisted him around.

And then it happened.

Before Caleb could fully register what was happening, Nate swung Ryan around and pinned him face-down on the couch. One of Nate's massive hands pressed between Ryan's shoulder blades, holding him firmly in place, while the other twisted Ryan's arm behind his back. Ryan panted, his body tense under Nate's grip. Caleb sat up slightly, his heart pounding as he stared at the scene before him. Ryan's face was partially buried in the couch cushion, his breath coming in quick, frustrated bursts.

"Fuck you," the boy muttered with frustration before the faintest laugh pushed through his lips.

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?" Nate asked, leaning down slightly, his weight pressing harder on Ryan's back as he began to grind his crotch against Ryan's smooth, naked ass. Ryan didn't answer. "I said... wouldn't you like that?" Nate repeated, his tone even firmer as he pressed his hips further down, crushing Ryan's body under him.

"Yeah..." Ryan muttered finally, his voice muffled.

"Good boy," Nate said, releasing his grip slightly as he kept pumping his groin into Ryan's asscheeks. Ryan's face emerged from inside the pillow, Nate allowing the boy's head to turn enough for his blue eyes to lock on Caleb before the most salacious moan escaped Ryan's lips.

Caleb exhaled shakily, sinking back into the couch. His chest rose and fell as he caught his breath. What the fuck was happening, he thought?

"Dad...?" Caleb uttered, his voice barely above a whisper, shivering in panic.

Nate's neck turned, eyes bloodshot and raging with a fire that made Caleb's gut contract. "You better look away, kiddo..." he groaned, turning his gaze away from his son before his hand came up, and he slipped his index and middle fingers inside his mouth. He took the fingers out in a flowing motion and slid them between his body and Ryan's. A sharp gasp immediately broke from the boy's mouth, his entire body wriggling beneath Nate's towering figure. "Fuck, that's tight," the hunk groaned again, his lips parting into a sadistic smile.

Nate's fingers skated deep into Ryan's ass, stretching and probing the tight entrance. At first, Ryan's body tensed with discomfort, his muscles clenching involuntarily. But as Nate's fingers teased him, sliding in and out with precision, he began to relax, his body submitting to Nate's dominant touch. This caused Nate to pull back slightly, pinning Ryan's body down with his strong legs as he continued to invade Ryan's ass with his fingers. He experimented with different movements, twisting and curling his digits inside the boy until he found just the right spot to elicit a gasp from Ryan.

"Found your sweet spot, didn't I, you little slut?" Nate taunted. With each thrust of his fingers, Nate occasionally stopped to bring them to his nose, savoring the smell of Ryan's insides like a delicacy. "Mmm, you smell good," he said, a predatory grin on his face as he licked the tips of his fingers clean before shoving them back inside Ryan's tight hole.

The intensity of Nate's assault was overwhelming, but Ryan's body language betrayed his feelings, submission, and desire mixed together in a volatile cocktail that left him quivering on the edge of the couch. Finally, he had enough and pulled back, curling himself into a ball as he tried to regain some control over his body.

Caleb sat stiffly on the opposite couch, his body a tense coil of emotions, his fingers gripping the worn armrest as if it were the only thing anchoring him to reality. The room felt oppressively warm, almost scorching his skin into the sofa's fabric. Across from him, Nate and Ryan seemed utterly oblivious to his presence, trapped inside their own world. Caleb's gaze flickered between them, unable to look away despite the twisting knot in his stomach.

An animalistic game was going on, a push and pull as Nate tested the boy's limits. Ryan tried to tear away. But Nate's strength was unmatched, and he eventually gripped the boy's ankle and pulled him into him, forcing his body to smash into his. Nate's hand immediately went for Ryan's 7-inch cock, stroking it. The boy's mouth opened in complete rapture, his body submitting to Nate's dominance, subdued to the tall hunk's will.

Ryan's voice eventually broke into a whisper, "Show it to me...I wanna see it," he asked, sliding his hand inside Nate's shorts. "Fuck..." he muttered, clutching what was hiding underneath the prominent bulge.

Nate lifted his ass from the couch and pulled down his shorts, finally unleashing his massive cock. Their eyes widen in shock. In front of them was the biggest dick they ever saw. It was 9 inches, but it wasn't just the size that made it impressive. Its impressive girth was hard to ignore, a thick shaft of hard throbbing meat that made their eyes bulge even more as they stared at it in awe.

Nate turned to Ryan, grinning at the boy's gaped mouth. He grabbed Ryan's neck, pulling him closer and shoving his face inside his hairy armpit. The boy groaned in pleasure, wrapping his legs around Nate's massive thighs. Nate began instructing Ryan, throwing obscenities at him as he forced him down on his body. Ryan sniffed and licked Nate's hairy pecs, nipples, and armpits like a dog, lapping up every inch of skin he came across with an eager tongue. Nate grabbed Ryan's face, pulling it up and spitting into it several times. His cock oozed precum, throbbing with every pulse as it leaked out onto itself like a sticky liquid glaze on a delicious pastry that Ryan's gaze seemed unwilling to resist any longer. He reached out with trembling hands and wrapped them around Nate's thick shaft, stroking it before taking a deep breath and leaning forward to take it into his mouth.

"Holy shit," Nate puffed, his head falling back as he felt Ryan's warm mouth wrap around his cock.

As Ryan took the first few inches of Nate's cock into his mouth, he felt its thickness stretch out his throat muscles as if they were being reshaped by this massive intruder, a sensation he found thrilling and overwhelming at once. He tried to take more of it in but found himself choking slightly on its thickness before backing off again, coughing profusely.

"Fuck…" the boy gasped, his eyes locked on the spit-covered giant, his entire face practically hidden behind its massive size.

"You're not so tough anymore, are you?" Nate groaned.

Ryan exhaled before he leaned back down to try again. This time, he took in just a little more, gagging slightly but continuing to stroke it with his tongue while Nate's fingers tangled in his hair. With each pass, he managed to take in a little more of Nate's monstrous dick until, eventually, he was swallowing most of it. His hands moved down to fondle Nate's massive balls as he sucked and licked every inch of this god-like shaft. Nate's fingers began to run across Ryan's dark hair, trying to grip it. But his eyes narrowed, frustrated by how short it was.

"You'll need to grow this..." Nate groaned, his fingers struggling to grip the boy's hair tightly, causing Ryan's face to contort in pain.

But before the boy could react, Nate forced his head down, his cock sliding deeper into Ryan's throat with every thrust. Immediately, deep guttural gags erupted from Ryan's mouth, his lips stretching wider, throbbing in strain as he struggled to accommodate Nate's size. Nate's hips bucked rhythmically, each thrust pushing further into the tight warmth of Ryan's throat. Sweat dripped from his forehead and onto the boy's face as he relished being aggressively serviced. Ryan's eyes widened in fear and pleasure as he felt Nate's cock hit the back of his throat, eliciting a gag reflex.

Ryan gasped for air, his lungs desperate for oxygen as Nate's grip now tightened around his neck. His vision blurred, and stars danced before his eyes, but he couldn't tear his gaze away from Nate's powerful thighs flexing. The scent of the hunk's sweat and musk invaded his senses, and Ryan's cock hardened even more, leaking a trail of pre-cum that began to drip slowly into the couch. He could feel the heat radiating from Nate's body, and every thrust of the hunk's python into his mouth clouded his mind further.

"Nngh...!" Ryan choked out, his hands flailing for something to hold onto as his world spun. His fingers dug into Nate's rock-hard thighs, nails piercing the taut skin. His body trembled with the effort to both push away and draw closer to the dominant figure above him.

Nate's eyes blazed with lust as he watched Ryan struggle beneath him. "Shhh," he purred, his voice dripping with sadistic pleasure. "Don't fight it."

Ryan's muffled cries grew louder, his eyes bulging in panic and arousal as he strained against Nate's unyielding grip. His vision started to darken, and white spots danced before his eyes as the lack of oxygen took its toll. His legs thrashed wildly, banging against the couch in a futile escape attempt. Nate sensed Ryan's impending loss of consciousness and eased his grip just enough to allow a trickle of air into his oxygen-starved lungs before finally letting go of the boy's head. In seconds, Ryan's head pulled back, falling over Nate's abdomen, gasping loudly as he tried to regain his breath. As Ryan gulped down lungfuls of air, Nate skated his left arm down the boy's back and slid a finger inside his ass.

"Fuck…dude…" the boy huffed, his hand grabbing Nate's monstrous, glistening cock as he smirked. Despite the brutality, every inch of Ryan's body was now under Nate's command, like a dark spell taking hold of the boy's pureness. His blue jewels slowly regained their vibrancy, and he locked them on Caleb. "Look at his fucking face," he mocked between heavy breaths as he stroked Nate's cock. His voice had changed, now layered with a dark and unsettling quality.

Caleb watched in horror from where he stood, clenching his fists tightly at his sides. The sight before him was surreal, like witnessing a loved one possessed by some malevolent force. As if reading his thoughts, Nate turned away from Ryan and glared at him with cold eyes. "Get me a beer," he commanded in a low growl.

Caleb rose from the couch and walked to the kitchen as if his body had been put under a powerful spell. His heart pounded fiercely against his ribcage as he took out a cold beer from the fridge, his reflection jumping out at him as he closed the door. He couldn't help but feel like he was watching an entirely different version of himself performing these mundane tasks. His normally dutiful actions now felt tainted by the dark, nightmarish power play unfolding before him. He walked back to the living room, his eyes unable to pull away from the couch where the other two continued, seemingly oblivious to his presence.

This wasn't just about sex anymore but about control, dominance, and submission. They were lost in it, reveling in the newfound freedom granted by this twisted instance.

As Caleb placed his father's beer on the coffee table, he couldn't deny that an unpleasant yet tempting stirring had begun low in his stomach, an unfamiliar response to the dark scene playing out inside the room. He could feel the tears welling up in his eyes, and before any of the other two could notice, Caleb motioned to leave the room.

But it wasn't long before Nate's powering and intimidating voice broke from behind him. "Where the fuck do you think you're going?" he called, causing Caleb's body to freeze in place. The boy turned slowly to find Nate's eyes still focused on Ryan. "Sit the fuck down," he boomed. "You'll leave when I tell you to leave," he asserted, never looking at his son's face.

Caleb turned, finally exposing his tears to the room. But neither his father nor Ryan seemed to care. In fact, as he reluctantly sat back down on the couch and faced the other two, Nate's hands were already grabbing Ryan's head, forcibly pushing his dick back into the boy's eager throat. In seconds, loud sounds of slurping and gagging echoed inside the room, overpowering the loud music.

Nate's hands were rough against Ryan's sensitive skin, causing him to shudder with a mixture of pleasure and pain. Ryan's eyes widened as he struggled to keep Nate's dick in his mouth, his cheeks hollowing out as he sucked hard, trying to take as much of it in as possible. The veins in Nate's fingers were thick and pulsing with adrenaline. The slurping noises were intense, sending a shiver down Caleb's spine. He could see his father's dick sliding in and out of Ryan's mouth, glistening with saliva. The throbbing shaft was slick, looking almost obscene as it plunged deep into the blue-eyed beauty's throat. He could see Ryan's larynx moving with each thrust, a clear indicator of how far Nate was pushing him. Ryan gagged loudly, but it was clear that he was enjoying it.

Finally, Nate pulled out of Ryan's mouth with a loud pop. Without missing a beat, he grabbed the boy's ankles and rolled him over, barely giving him time to catch his breath. As the boy's ass was exposed, Nate knelt on the couch, one foot on the ground, and without any ceremony, dove his face inside the boy's crack. Nate's tongue darted to explore every inch of Ryan's tight hole. He licked and circled the entrance, feeling the boy's muscles tense and relaxed. Meanwhile, Ryan lay there moaning in pleasure as Nate buried his face inside his ass, tongue thrusting into his virgin entrance, the hunk's beard chafing against his smooth skin. Nate would occasionally pull back, spitting into the hole before plunging back in, his large fingers spreading the cheeks apart.

"Fuck…" Ryan moaned, biting down on his pillow as Nate savagely hated his ass, sweat and spit fusing together. Nate pulled back, slapping Ryan's ass several times. His arm would reach back, coming down on the boy's cheeks harder each time, until Ryan finally fled forward, his skin covered in several red prints of Nate's palms. "What the fuck, dude?" the boy complained, yet unable to shake the grin off his face, only to be met by the hunk's hands clutching his hips and pulling him into him.

Caleb's eyes blinked slowly, tears clouding his vision as he saw his father slap his massive cock on his stepbrother's hole before finally directing the tip inside.

Ryan pulled away immediately, but as expected, Nate's sheer force held him at bay. "Wait, dude, I don't think..." he warned ominously before Nate plunged inside. The movement was slow yet deliberate, eliciting Ryan's voice to screech as they both fell forward.

"Holy shiiiit," Nate groaned, his voice dragging along with their movement until Ryan's body was pinned down under him again. "That's a tight fucking pussy," he mocked with a satisfied grin on his face. His hips kept moving slightly, the muscles on his ass clenching as he ground his cock inside Ryan's hole. The boy contorted under him, clearly overwhelmed by what was happening to him.

Caleb's gaze trembled as Ryan's head turned under Nate's body, the boy's blue eyes locking on Caleb's across the room. And that's when Caleb noticed it.

Ryan's eyes were changing. A layer took hold of them. Something that had laid dormant and was now being awakened. The fear and confusion of someone who had poked a caged animal and was now under the beast's relentless mercy. Caleb's legs curled up, his arms wrapping around his knees as his whole body recoiled into the couch. And at that moment, he knew. He was not just watching Ryan's body being deflowered. He was watching his father fuck the soul out of him. As Caleb finally settled back, his body frozen in place, Ryan's eyes rolled back.

In seconds, his body was being shoved back and forth by Nate's powerful thrusts, the hunk's hips pumping his cock like a hammer into the boy's hole.

Ryan's mouth opened slowly, but Nate's hand swooped in and wrapped around it like a gag. "Don't you fucking dare," the hunk groaned. "You wanted this," he continued, his hips pistoning into Ryan's hole, the wet slapping sounds of their bodies slamming against each other reverberating across the space. "Didn't you...?" Nate asked. "Didn't you?" He asked again, his voice demanding.

There was a brief pause, filled with the sounds of Nate's cock stretching Ryan's walls before the boy's eyes closed shut. And with it, Caleb's breath. Everything went quiet and breathless. Caleb prayed Ryan would yield. That he would finally tap out and end the nightmare. But as Ryan's eyes opened again, Caleb's heart sank. Where doubt and fear once hovered, lust, eros, and insidious desire now resided.

And with an almost imperceptible movement, Ryan's head nodded.

"Good boy," Nate groaned into Ryan's face as he pulled out, raising his ass until his 9-inch beast's tip dangled above Ryan's entrance before shoving it back into the boy's virgin ass. "Time to man up!"

Ryan's eyes curled up, pure, unadulterated bliss taking hold of his semblance. "Fuck...me," he wailed from under Nate's mouth as the hunk continued to fuck his hole into submission.

And for over ten minutes, that's all Nate did. Everything became sweat and tears, and the stench of musk and cum slid into the walls and floor, oozing into their skins.

By the time Nate's head snapped back for air, a wolf-like wail breaking from his lungs, and he pulled his cock out, Ryan's sphincter was a quaking mess. It queefed loudly, its walls shivering as the gaping hole attempted to close. Ryan's body trembled uncontrollably, his ass cheeks jiggling, teasing Nate's still-famine cock. The hunk's body hovered over the boy, one leg on the floor, his body dripping sweat into Ryan's skin as he stroked himself.

"Damn, mother fucker...look at that," Nate commented as he stared down proudly at his body of work. Ryan's hole puckered back at him, taunting his ego. "Now that's a nicely fucked hole," he taunted, slapping Ryan's ass with gusto before letting himself fall to the side, his back slamming against the couch. He lingered there, scanning the room before his dazed gaze finally settled on his son. "Enjoying the show?" he asked, disregardful to Caleb's masked shock. But his eyes soon narrowed, studying his son's expression, a flicker of the man Caleb knew resurfacing. But as he opened his mouth to say something, Ryan's moans stole back his focus. "Ready for round two, I see," he teased, grabbing Ryan's ankle as the boy tried to flee the couch.

“Dude, please…give me…” Ryan's frantic voice uttered, his words lagging.

"What? A break?" Nate questioned, his voice bottled with sarcasm. "That was just the warm-up," he added, yanking and grabbing the boy's waist before settling him on his lap. Ryan's back collapsed over Nate's massive hairy chest, his head falling back and landing on the hunk's neck crevice. Nate slid his hands under Ryan's kneecaps and hoisted the boy's legs up. On the opposite couch, Caleb's lips tightened at the sight of Ryan's loose hole wholly exposed to him. Under it, Nate's prick throbbed impatiently. In a hasty move, he tilted his pelvis up and slid the 9 inches back inside in one swift motion. Every inch came escorted by one long wail that slowly crawled from Ryan's lungs before it stopped. "This should teach you not to bite more than you can chew," Nate groaned into the boy's ear before he resumed pummeling his cock into his hole.

Caleb's eyes widened in shock and distress, gripped by a paralyzing fear and fury. His father's penis relentlessly plowed through Ryan's sphincter, stretching it thin and sheer with each thrust. The forceful penetration was unwavering as Caleb watched every sinew and muscle in his hunky father's body strain with ferocity, working tirelessly to fulfill his insatiable desires. Ryan's limbs dangled on the sides, limp and powerless, as his body was forcibly gyrated by Nate's barely controlled movements.

Ryan's anus clenched around Nate's cock, trying to resist the intrusion but to no avail. Nate's thick member relentlessly conquered Ryan's insides, plunging deeper and deeper with each powerful stroke. Their bodies slapped together with a wet, meaty sound that echoed through the room, punctuated by Ryan's muffled cries of both pain and pleasure. Nate's balls swang between Ryan's legs, brushing against the sensitive skin and adding another layer of sensation to the ordeal. Sweat drenched Nate's brow as he grunted with each effort, driving himself deeper into Ryan. Ryan's hips bucked involuntarily, unable to escape the merciless deluge of bliss and pang that coursed through him. Occasionally, his mouth would open, desperate to cry out, but no sound would evade it. It would linger there, gaping, with only these sharp, muted breaths spewing from inside.

As their bodies moved in sync, their flesh collided in a symphony of lust and passion. The veins in Nate's forearms stood out in stark relief as he clutched Ryan's hips tighter, muscles bulging under the strain. Caleb watched his father unleash himself onto his stepbrother, each second detail crystal clear in his mind. Their faces were twisted into expressions of raw, animalistic need, Ryan biting his lip to stifle his cries of ecstasy, Nate grinding his teeth as he drove himself home again and again. Sweat-like raindrops on glass, coating every inch of skin they touched with perspiration.

After what felt like an endless scream of rapture, Ryan's voice finally moaned, barely recognizable. "Oh god…oh my god…"

"Fucking cunt!" Nate exclaimed, clutching the boy's limp body by the ankles and giving it a forceful shake. His cock slipped out with a wet popping sound, leaving an echoing hollow feeling in his groin. A loud fart-like noise burst from Ryan's insides, like a popped balloon. "You almost made me cum there," Nate shouted, his voice dripping with excitement as he tossed Ryan's limp body to the side like a rag doll. It landed with a soft thump on the couch's plush cushions, curling up to the sound of its own movements.

Nate's shadow loomed over him, swallowing up every light in the room. "Woo-hoo!" he bellowed, slamming his hands together in exhilaration. He lunged for the beer Caleb had left on the table and chugged it down in one go, the cold liquid soothing his throbbing manhood. He tilted his neck back, eyes landing on the ceiling momentarily before releasing the deepest exhale.

Behind him, Ryan's body shivered uncontrollably. "Fuck…what the fuck…" he stuttered, wholly swamped, his fingers weakly and tentatively going for his hole as it tried to close. "What the hell…" his feeble voice stammered as his eyes locked on Caleb. "…is he still doing here?" he questioned, a cruel smirk pushing through his sex haze.

Caleb's jaw tightened with anger, but as he looked up at his father, he finally realized. He had been shunned. Forced to watch something he had no part in. No control over. Tears strimmed down his face as Nate finally addressed him, crouching before his traumatized figure.

"Go to your room. There's nothing for you here," the hunk uttered with unsettling cruelty. Then he rose, turned around, and walked back to Ryan, whose body was already rolling on his back.

"Dude, I need a break…I…" the boy pleaded. But Nate's hands were already grabbing his feet, hoisting his legs over his massive shoulders, and aiming his cock. And just like that, he drilled back in. "Fuuuuuck!" Ryan yelled, incredulity and eagerness fusing. "Jesus Christ… you're fucking crazy…" the boy moaned as Nate resumed his thrusts, pumping his massive meat in.

Caleb watched in horror as Nate continued to ravage Ryan's body without mercy, feeling a sense of powerlessness wash over him. He knew that there was nothing he could do to stop it. And as much as it all made him want to vomit, there was also a part of him that couldn't look away, couldn't tear himself from the sight of his father taking advantage of another man in such a brutal way. He slowly peeled off the couch, turning toward the stairs, fighting every fiber of his being not to succumb and collapse on the floor from exhaustion. He took one last glance back, in time to see his father's muscular ass bouncing on top of Ryan's form before he finally walked up and into his room.

Once inside, Caleb slammed the door shut behind him with such force that the brittle wood rattled in its frame. He pressed his back against it, his chest heaving as if the air itself had turned to water, thick and unyielding. His entire body trembled with fear and a raw, visceral revulsion that seemed to crawl beneath his skin like fire ants. His breaths came shallow and rapid, each one threatening to break into a sob.

He slid down the door slowly as if his legs could no longer bear the weight of what he had just witnessed. The rough wood scraped against his skin as he sank to the floor, curling into himself like a wounded animal seeking shelter from a predator that wasn't there. His knees pressed against his chest, his arms folding tightly around them as though he could physically contain the turmoil. The taste of bile crawled up his throat, sharp and acidic, but he clenched his jaw, forcing it back down. The effort left tears pricking at the corners of his eyes. But Caleb barely registered any of it. His senses were consumed by something far worse.

Ryan's moans and wails. They were still there.

Those guttural sounds seeped through the walls, low and broken, each laced with anguish and pleasure so intertwined that Caleb's stomach churned. And then there was the slapping, the rhythmic collision of flesh against flesh, a grotesque metronome that punctuated every wail with mechanical precision. Caleb clamped his hands over his ears as he scrambled off the floor and threw himself onto the bed. The springs groaned under his weight as he buried his face into the flat pillow, curling into himself again as though he could make himself disappear.

"Stop it," he whispered hoarsely to no one but himself. His voice cracked on the second word, weak and pitiful against the relentless cacophony bleeding through the paper-thin walls. "Just stop…"

But it wouldn't stop. It was everywhere, those sounds filling every crevice of the room, pounding against his skull like a hammer until they became more than noise. They became a sensation, an invasive presence in his mind that he couldn't escape no matter how tightly he pressed his hands over his ears. Each slap and moan felt like an insult whispered directly into his soul.

He squeezed his eyes shut as tears finally spilled freely down his cheeks, hot and bitter. His body convulsed with silent sobs that shook him to his core. Each tear felt like some small piece of him breaking apart, falling away into a void he couldn't name.

And yet, even through all of it, the disgust, the shame wrapping around him like chains, there was something else. A dark question slithering into his thoughts like an unwelcome guest.

Why was his dick still hard?

(To be continued...)