2. Nick and Joseph - 21. Chapter 21

Nick and Joseph -- Chapter 21

Copyright 2014 - 2016, Nick Brady, all rights reserved.

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Jack knocked on the apartment door Sunday morning and took Joseph and me to Trinity for church. After the service he dropped Joseph off at his house and brought me back to the apartment. My younger brother Kevin and I spent a lazy Sunday afternoon watching a football game on TV and generally hanging out.

Kevin was a good kid. I know a lot of guys who gripe about their little brothers like they were a terrible nuisance. As a matter of fact, Kevin and I got along very well. Actually I should have to say that he was also my best friend, next to Joseph of course. But that was an altogether different relationship.

Earlier in the weekend Joseph had expressed concern that Kevin seemed not to have many friends outside of the family. I assured him that Kevin was a happy guy and did not appear to me to be lonely, but on reflection I began to wonder that he never had friends over nor wanted to spend time away from home.

Sunday night we had gone to the bedroom a little early before getting ready for bed.

“I had a great weekend,” I said to Kevin. “Joseph had a good time decorating for Christmas and spending the weekend here. We both really appreciated you giving up your bed for the weekend. It seems like you are looking after us. How about you? Did you enjoy the weekend?”

“Sure,” he replied, a little surprised at the question. “We all like Joseph. It's nice having him around. Why do you ask?”

“Well, I wonder sometimes that you never have anybody come over or want to go visit your friends. I mean, you are a cool guy. I'm sure you have some friends who would like to hang out with you.”

“I don't know. I do have some friends at school. I just like it here. I guess I'm not very sociable.”

I tried to choose my words carefully. “It seems like every time I come home, you are stretched out on the sofa reading or watching TV by yourself.”

“Is there something wrong with that?” He said a little defensively.

“Well no, but don't you ever get bored, or maybe a little lonely?”

Kevin gave me a long look. “Are you worried about me or something?”

“Maybe a little. Is it OK if I worry about you sometimes? You look after me. I mean, it's not like I don't care about you,” I tried to explain my concern.

Kevin nodded. “Yeah, we are in this together I guess. Since you ask, I guess I don't have a lot of friends. You know how I am. I keep a low profile, and don't like to say much, I guess I'm kind of shy. But I don't feel lonely. It just feels safe to hang out here at the apartment.”

“Just doing what seems safe sounds like you're kind of afraid of getting hurt or something.”

Kevin sighed. “Maybe I am. You have always been the one who hurled yourself into everything. I don't guess you're afraid of anything. I'm not like that.”

“Hey Kevin. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with you. You are the way you are. If it's none of my business, I'm sorry. I appreciate that you accept me like I am, I can certainly do the same for you.”

“It's OK. This whole thing with Joseph has helped you understand who you are, and it's brought us closer together. Maybe I need to look at myself a little closer too,” he smiled at me. “I like that you care.”

“So, what are you afraid of?”

He thought about that. “I guess mostly I'm afraid of looking stupid, of being laughed at.”

“But you're about the smartest guy I know. How are you going to look stupid?”

“If I don't look stupid maybe it's because I keep my mouth shut.”

“I don't see that,” I said. “We talk about all kinds of stuff.”

“That's different,” he explained. “You're my brother. I have always known you. You can piss me off sometimes, but I know where you're coming from. I have never felt like you were trying to hurt me. I guess I trust you.”

“I would never hurt you on purpose,” I assured him.

“That's what I am saying. I don't trust just everybody,” he admitted.

I thought about that. “Who has tried to hurt you?”

“Never mind,” he looked away.

“Wait, what's happened that you haven't told me about?” I asked. “If somebody hurt you I want to know who it was.”

“It doesn't matter, it was a long time ago.”

“I think it does matter,” I argued. “Whatever it was, it's still bugging you. Surely you can tell me.”

He sighed. “I guess it was a big deal at the time.”

“I'm listening,” I insisted.

“OK,” he took a deep breath and let it out. “When I was in third grade there were these sixth graders who were picking on a kid after school. I didn't even know him that well, but they were pushing him around and making him cry. I went up and told them to stop it and they started pushing on me. I got mad and said something, I don't even remember what I said. So they knocked me down, took my pants off and threw them on top of the school. The kid I was trying to help was scared, so he ran off and left me there.”

“Crap. Then what happened?”

“Then they laughed at me and made fun of me. Kicked me in the side and left me there crying.”

“Did they hurt you?”

“Not really. I was more embarrassed than hurt.”

“So what did you do?”

Kevin shrugged. “What could I do? After they left I managed to climb up on the school, got my pants back, and came home.”

“How come I never heard about this?” I asked. “I would have kicked their butts.”

“I didn't want anybody to know. I was too embarrassed,” he admitted. “So I kind of decided that I needed to keep my mouth shut and mind my own business. I mean, I never was all that mouthy anyway.”

“You should have told me. You should have told somebody.”

“Maybe. But after they kicked me they said if I told anybody they would hurt me really bad. I was scared Nick. I was just nine years old and they were a lot bigger than me. They were a lot bigger than you too.”

“Damn, that must have been terrible.”

He nodded his head. “It was pretty scary. Anyway, I remember when I got home, I felt so safe. I didn't want to go to school the next day. I told Mom I was sick and stayed in bed most of the day.”

“I wish I had known,” I told him. “I'm sorry Kevin.”

He shrugged. “It wasn't your fault.”

“I'm not apologizing, I am saying I feel bad for you. I wish I could have done something.”

Kevin shrugged again. “I figured anything I did would just make it worse.”

“So did the kid you took up for ever thank you? What did he say?” I wondered.

“Nothing. He avoided me. I don't think I ever talked to him again. I didn't know him that well anyway,” Kevin acknowledged.

“I guess it's a little late to say this, but I am proud of you for trying to help him,” I said. “That took courage.”

“Yeah, and it got my ass kicked and thanks for nothing,” he said grimly.

I sat back and looked at him. “How does it feel to finally talk about it.”

He took a deep breath and looked at me. “Better, I guess. Anyway, thanks for being concerned. I never told anybody about that until now. You don't need to repeat it.”

“No, of course not,” I assured him. “I guess I understand where you are coming from, but I don't think you should hide either. Think about it.”

“Yes, I will,” he agreed. “I will think about it. Maybe I am hiding. I guess I shouldn't do that, it was a long time ago now. But the thing is that I know I'm safe at home. There aren't many people I trust, and they are all at home. I trust Mom and Dad, I trust you and I trust Joseph. I don't know him that well, but I think I can trust Jack too.”

“You can trust Jack with anything,” I promised him. “Even if you have a problem with someone in the family and need to talk about it with somebody, you can talk to Jack and he will not only keep it to himself, he'll find a way to help you.”

“That's quite a statement,” Kevin said.

“It may be, but it's true,” I promised him.

“That's good to know, I'll remember that,” he said. “Actually, I think it's good you brought this up. I've had this stuffed inside for too long, and I did need to talk about it. Thanks Nick.”

“What I feel kind of bad about, is that you kept this a secret for so long. I wish you had told me this a long time ago. We shouldn't keep secrets from each other. God knows, you know all of mine,” I smiled.

Kevin smiled back. “Probably not all of them,” he yawned and stretched. “I'm ready to hit the sack. Goodnight.”

I said goodnight and turned out the lights. It had been an interesting weekend.

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When I saw Joseph on Monday he looked pretty upbeat. “Hi Nicky,” he called to me when I came out of the school.

“Hey. How are you? What's new? Did you talk to your dad?” I quizzed him.

He smiled. “I'm well, thank you, and I did talk with my father. He got a call from Valley Of Hope and they say that Mother is 'adapting' as they put it. He will not be home until after 8:00 so you might want to come over.”

“Be right there,” I said, unlocking my bike.

At Joseph's house we were greeted by Alice with hot cocoa and fresh chocolate chip cookies.

“Hi Alice. Always nice to see you and your goodies.” I smiled.

“It is nice to see you Nick,” she returned my smile. “Thank you for taking such good care of Joseph. He always comes home smiling after being with you.”

We went up to his bedroom and continued our conversation on his sofa.

“That's good news about your mom,” I said. “Did they say when you might be able to see her?”

“Yes, if all goes well she can have a visitor next Sunday,” he said hopefully. “That's just a few days before Christmas.”

“That will be nice. I wonder if you can take her a present or something?” I asked.

“I don't know about that. They well may have restrictions on what can be brought in,” he conjectured.

I grinned. “Yeah, a bottle of wine would probably not cut it.”

He smiled and rolled his eyes. “Oh, I hardly think so. Besides, I think she can have a visitor, singular, which of course would be Father.”

“So, how is it going with you and your father?” I asked.

“Rather well, actually. We chat for a few minutes when he gets home in the evening, and the conversations are beginning to be more comfortable. He feels less like a stranger,” Joseph told me.

“Hey, that's a good thing,” I said.

“Yes, that is a very good thing,” Joseph agreed. “He is even chatting a bit about his practice. I think we are closer than we have ever been.”

“Things are looking up for you then?”

“They are. And in the meantime, I can spend the weekends with my friend Nicky,” he smiled.

“Christmas is next Tuesday,” I reminded him. “We will be out of school beginning all next week until January 2nd. Where are you going to spend Christmas?”

He shrugged. “I don't know. I should ask Father about his plans. He often works right through the holidays.”

“We aren't going anywhere. Why don't you stay with us another two days and spend Christmas with us?” I asked hopefully.”

“That would be nice, but I already feel I am imposing,” he hesitated.

“Not at all. That would be fun. Why don't you see if you can spend Christmas with us,” I enthused. “We will have to be at church for the Christmas Eve and Christmas services anyway.”

“That's true. I will ask,” he promised.

I thought about my brother. “Do you remember asking me about Kevin? How he sort of isolates at home?”

“Yes. Did you talk to him about that?”

“I did. I'm glad you made me think about that. It turns out there is more there than I realized.”

“What did he say?” Joseph wondered.

I repeated what Kevin told me about being bullied and humiliated when he was in third grade. I told Kevin I wouldn't repeat his story but since Joseph was the one who had suggested I talk with him, it seemed appropriate. Joseph and I had no secrets.

“I guess he has trust issues,” I told Joseph. “He said he feels safe at home and doesn't really trust people. He said the only people he trusts are Mom, Dad, you and me, and maybe Jack. He is kind of hiding at home.”

Joseph looked concerned. “That's sad. He is such a nice person. I hate to think of him being bullied.”

“I know. I told him that hiding wasn't the right way to deal with his fears. He said he agreed and would try to bust out a little more.”

“I hope so,” Joseph looked thoughtful. “Actually, it wouldn't hurt us to get out more either. We don't do much besides sit here and chat, or bounce on the bed.” He laughed. “Not that I am complaining.”

I laughed with him. “The bouncing part doesn't get old, but I know what you mean.”

I thought for a minute. “I saw on TV that the Harlem Globetrotters will be here this weekend at the Maybee Center. We might go see that. They are a lot of fun. Meadowlark Lemon is fantastic!”

“That does sound like fun. Have you ever seen them play?” he asked.

“Just on TV. I bet Jack would take us. Or Dad might like to go, or at least give us a ride,” I began to get excited about the idea. “We could check on tickets.”

“Yes, please do that. Since you are providing me with room and board every weekend, I can surely pay for the tickets. You might ask Kevin too.”

“Sounds like a great plan,” I agreed. “I will talk with Jack when I get home.”

That evening at supper I ran the idea past Dad and he seemed receptive. Kevin agreed enthusiastically, so I went up to check with Jack. Just to encourage him to be agreeable I took up a plate of Mom's meatloaf and some mashed potatoes and gravy.

When Jack opened his apartment door he took the proffered plate first and then said, “Hi Nicky. Come right in.”

“I thought you might like some supper,” I said tactfully.

“Always a good thought,” Jack replied as he dug a fork out of the kitchen drawer.

“Anything I can help you with?” he mumbled through a mouthful of meatloaf.

“Umm. Did you know that the Harlem Globetrotters are here this weekend?”

“Really? And you were thinking you might like to go? And need a ride?” he grinned.

“I guess I am pretty obvious, aren't I?”

“Very,” he nodded. “But that doesn't make it a bad idea. So who wants to go?”

“Joseph and me, and Kevin wants to go.”

“We won't all fit in my pickup, but I might have a better idea.”

“What's that?” I asked.

“I think you know that I have a good friend, Pablo?” He raised his eyebrows.

“Uh, right. He is Tony's brother?”

Jack nodded. “He might like to go, and has a car that can take five.”

“Joseph, Kevin, you and me and Pablo? Cool,” I paused. “I have never met Pablo.”

“Actually you have,” Jack reminded me. “He was our waiter at the Hideaway, and was the guy who put birthday candles on your pizza.”

“Now I remember him. He's Tony's brother? I guess he kind of looks like Tony. He looks good.”

“He is a nice guy,” Jack assured me. “You will like him.”

I paused again. Does, uh, he know who I am?” I asked.

“I don't think so. Should he?”

“Well, uh, I mean because Tony and I, uh....”

“I know what you and Tony did. But the only way that Pablo would know about that would be from Tony. I would never share your confidences Nicky. You should know that.”

I smiled with gratitude. “I know that Jack. I would trust you with anything.”

Jack rinsed off the plate I had brought from downstairs and handed it back to me. “Thanks for the meatloaf. Tell your mom it was delicious. Now let me get out of here. I was going over to see Pablo anyway, I'll ask him about the Globetrotters this weekend. I think that Saturday would probably work best for us.”

Back in our apartment I told the family. “I asked Jack if he would take us, and he said he would if we could go on Saturday. Joseph has said that he wants to treat and that Kevin is welcome,” then I remembered. “Mom, he really liked your meatloaf.”

“It's OK with me,” Dad agreed. “Is Joseph sure he wants to pay for all three of you?”

“Well, he said that since we are putting him up every weekend it's the least he can do,” I explained.

Dad chuckled. “I suppose that is reason enough. Sounds good to me.”

Kevin and I exchanged high fives. “I'll tell Jack we can go and let Joseph know tomorrow so he can get our tickets,” I looked at Kevin who nodded vigorously.

I thought of Jack and hoped he had not left yet. I ran out to the back and caught Jack just about to pull out in his truck. “Hey Jack, wait!”

“What? I was just leaving.”

“Dad says it's OK and Joseph will get us tickets for Saturday night,” I told him.

“OK, I will get ours and I'll talk to you on Saturday,” he grinned.

The next day I went over to Joseph's and told him that Dad had approved the basketball game, and that Kevin was very pleased to be included.

“Jack has a friend who is coming too. He said he has a car big enough for all of us.”

“Oh good,” Joseph responded. “I will get the tickets. I think the game starts at 7:00 so why don't we plan to get started at about 5:30. That will give us enough time to get something to eat before the game.”

“Great! This is going to be fun.”

Joseph looked curious. “Who is Jack's friend I wonder. Do you know him?”

I hesitated. “I think he was our waiter at the Hideaway for our pizza party.”

“I do remember him. He seemed like a nice fellow. What is his name?” he asked.

“His name is Pablo and he is kind of Jack's special friend,” I told him.

Joseph's eyebrows went up. “Special friend?”

“Right. Well I think he is kind of Jack's boyfriend.”

“Oh how interesting. So this is a double date?” he grinned.

“I guess so. Except for Kevin,” I admitted.

Joseph laughed. “I think Kevin already knows all our secrets.”

“I'm not sure Kevin understands about Jack,” I hesitated.

“Oh I bet he does. Kevin doesn't miss much,” we both laughed.

I looked at Joseph's smiling face. It seemed like I had known him forever and my heart swelled up with affection for him.

“You're fun,” I said.

“Oh?” He put his hand on my thigh.

“Wait, before we get distracted, I need to ask you something.”

“What's that, Nicky?”

“I want to know what to get you for Christmas. I can't think of anything you don't already have.”

“Hmm. Assuming I already have you, I can't think of anything else I need.”

“No, I mean yes you do, but I was thinking of something I could gift wrap.”

“I think this would look cute with a ribbon around it,” he tickled my penis through my jeans.”

I laughed. “You know what I mean.”

He leaned back against the arm of the sofa, took my arm and pulled me on top of himself. “Let me think about it,” he said in a low voice.

“Now you are distracting me,” he kissed me, I kissed him back, and we began to smooch.

“Hmm, really, what can I give you for Christmas?” I asked between kisses.

“How about a blow job?” he said as he stuck his tongue in my ear.

Conversation dwindled as we unbuttoned our shirts and pushed down our pants to rub ourselves together. I nibbled at his nipples and ran my tongue down the center of his chest, licking at the trail of fine hair that ran down from his navel.

When I got down to his penis it was already hard and I started to lick it like a long white lollipop, up and down with my tongue circling the head. I turned my face and put my lips on either side of his dick, slurping up and down, wiggling my tongue as I passed over the bottom of him from balls to tip.

He put his hands on my head and began to hum and move his hips. I took him in my mouth and swallowed him whole, running my hands over his flat stomach from groin to neck, pinching his nipples as I passed them.

His pants were at his ankles and he clasped me with his knees as I worked on him.

“Oh my God, Nicky! That is inspired. I am about to cum already,” he moaned.

I paused just long enough to say. “Go ahead. I want to taste you.”

I began to massage his nuts and the moaning grew louder. He pushed his hips up and started to cum in my mouth. I let it fill my face, swallowing most of it, enjoying the salty sweet taste of his semen. He stopped moving but I continued to suck on him gently, rubbing my nose in his long dark pubic hair, moving my tongue from side to side.

“Oh, stop. I am too sensitive!” he groaned. He pulled me up by my armpits and held me. “Oh Nicky. I love you so much,” he whispered.

I raised my head up to look him in the eyes. “Merry Christmas,” I grinned.

He sighed. “And it requires no wrapping.”

“Anything else I can do for you?” I asked with a smile.

“Yes, well you know what I like,” he turned under me and arched his butt up into me. “Do me Nicky. I want you in me.”

“Where is your lube?” I asked.

“I doubt you need it,” he murmured.

I checked myself and found that I was wet with precum, put some saliva on my index finger and slid it in his hole. “Think this will work?”

“Yes, yes. Just do me please Nicky.”

I retracted my foreskin and pressed the end of my cock against his hole, smearing the fluid around and in him. Holding the skin back I wiggled myself inside him slowly, watching for any sign of discomfort. He responded with a moan of expectation and I pushed myself in, moving slowly as he waggled his butt from side to side. After a few thrusts I was as deep as I could go.

Each time I pushed down he raised himself up. We synchronized ourselves to the motion of the other. I looked down to watch my cock slide in and out of his ass, my modest bush of orange pubic hair flattening against his butt cheeks each time I was deep inside. He had some long dark hairs on the inside of his crack, and when I was all the way inside they intertwined.

It looked very sexy I thought. The visual stimulus of the sight of us coupling coincided with the feel of him moving around me. It was exquisite, and I could feel the spunk rising in my belly. My nuts began to draw up tight against the base of my cock and I felt the electric feeling that precedes an orgasm.

“Oh shit, I'm cumming!” I groaned and could feel the hot cum ripping through my cock. I fell forward across his back and held him tightly under his arms as I emptied myself inside him.

He rocked his hips from side to side. “Come on Nicky, give it to me!” I opened my mouth and gently bit at his neck, blowing spit on his shoulder as my breath panted in and out.

I finally stopped and held still, breathing heavily against his neck, my face wet and pressed into the crook of his shoulder. It took me a minute or two to recover my breath. He brought his hands up his sides until he found mine and pressed them together.

After a minute I heard him whisper. “Merry Christmas Nicky.”

......................to be continued.

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