Joseph Andrew Collins

The following is a pure work of fiction and is the property of the author. It's a story with some sex, not sex with some story. Please remember this is fiction. Representation of characters and institutions may not be relevant to today's society. I do not usually acknowledge e-mails, instead using my time to write. I do appreciate hearing from you to let me know if this story is meeting your expectations. Hope that you continue enjoying the story. LJB

Joseph Andrew Collins Chapter 15

(Brother Brad)

"Son of a bitch!! What the Hell is this ?" I exclaimed bouncing over and sitting up in my bed. I hadn't had a 'wet dream' in years. My cock continued to throb as it expelled short bursts of cum from the end of a massive climax. I sat breathing heavily as my mind sorted out my thoughts and the dream from which I had just awakened. Tick. It had to be Tick. He's been dreaming again. He had broadcast his dreams to me before, but he had always been sleeping within fifteen, or twenty feet of me on those occasions.

Climbing out of bed, I grabbed a towel and wiped my groin and then the puddles on my bottom sheet. Throwing the towel into my laundry basket, I stopped and stared at it, recalling Tick carrying it through the hallways as his dream had started. Deciding to rinse off in the shower, I went down the hall and into the Drying Room. I couldn't believe it. Five of my third year Brothers were in the room in various stages of showering and drying. At this time of night, it couldn't be coincidental. After rinsing and drying with a very non-verbal group of sleepy men, I went back to my room and pulled on a pair of boxers. Off to Andrew's room.

Walking down the seniors' hall, I couldn't resist sticking my head into the Drying Room. Three seniors were still there drying off. I went to Andrew's room and knocked.

"Come." Andrew bid with no delay time to indicate that he may have just awakened. I opened the door and entered, closing it behind me.

"You get cleaned up yet ?" I asked. He gave me a questioning stare. "So far me, at least five in third year and three seniors." He looked puzzled as he though it over.

"It's the viewer in the dream." he said. "It's Tick." I nodded and told him about the other times this had happened to me over the past few years since puberty arrived.

"When he told me he was gay, it was no surprise to me." I commented. "He's been sharing his dreams with me for a long time, but always when we shared a room or he was nearby, never like this. I've never told him. I didn't want him to worry about it."

"Did you tell Brother Michael ?" Andrew wanted to know. I hung my head. "Why didn't you ?"

"I wasn't sure what Dad would do." I admitted. "I should have. I guess I found it special. Another way Tick and I communicated and I didn't want to do anything about it. Sharing with him was special to me." Andrew nodded showing an understanding of my motive. "Do you mind ?" I asked, pointing at the spare bed.

"You know you can, whenever you want." he answered. "As long as you don't mind Hogan." We both laughed and I crawled into the empty bed.

In the morning, Andrew asked me to present his gradings and recommendations at the Pledge Selection Meeting. He had decided to spend the day with Tick, to see what he could sense and find out about the dream event last night. I knew there was something seriously bothering Andrew about what had happened, but I sensed there was something also bothering him about the dream itself. He wasn't ready to discuss it as yet.

Andrew left early to meet up with Tick before he had a chance to get out of bed or started on any activities. Before he went, he was busy quickly speaking to as many of the Brothers as he could. I think he tried to get a rough tally on how many had been effected last night.

I had breakfast at the House. On weekends, we often have brunch at the House, so that the Brothers could eat throughout the morning, whenever it was convenient. When I sat down to eat, there were several others at the table and I drew them out about what had happened last night. Because of the nature of the dream, none had readily mentioned it to anyone else, but they became fascinated when they realized they shared the experience in common. I asked them not to talk openly about it with the others, until we had investigated as thoroughly as possible. They readily agreed.

Mid- morning the Selection Meeting began. Like the Nomination Meeting, it was attended by all available members. Andrew's notes were extensive and each Pledge was reviewed with contributions from every Brother who had come into contact with him. I was pleased with the opportunity to fill in for Andrew. Next year, I would become the senior Advisor and this practical experience was very enlightening.

After everyone had been discussed, we used a rating scale to grade each Pledge according to specific criteria we looked for in a candidate. Perceptive ability was graded highly, but was not the absolute measure. When this exercise was completed, the scores were rated highest to lowest and the first 12 were our picks. I found I could not totally put aside my personal pride that Tick was number one. I noted as well with pleasure that his recruited group were all included.

Selection Meeting Results.

Name Age Score Study Specialty BIG

1. Joe Collins 18 285 Pre-Law Martl Arts Andrew Pritchard

2. Gary Davis 18 263 Pre-Law Fencing Duane Sutton

3. Don Wilmot 18 251 Science Soccer Amos Redfield

4. Kirk Dillon 18 247 Kinetics Football Brad Collins

5. Robert Trunt 18 245 Kinetics Football Vince Willows

6. Chuck Russell 18 242 English Wrestling Sam Polanaski

7. Pete Greege 18 241 Teacher Swimming Ben Fellows

8. James Spencer 18 238 Science Academic Bruce Winters

9. Gavin Robins 18 233 Biology Football Cliff Smith 10. William Peters 19 227 Kinetics Track Kevin Devron 11. Richard Grey 18 225 Math Academic Eddie Santori 12. Verne Liscombe 18 220 Teacher Soccer David Holmes 13. Ellis Durham 19 243 Teacher Basketball Sandy Urich

One item, which we had to deal with, was the inclusion of Ellis Durham in our considerations. The reviews Andrew had done in testing Ellis scored very highly and his total was in the upper 1/3 of the Pledge Class. After some discussion, we decided to have 13 candidates in the second week of Trials, and to eliminate 3 for the finals. We also discussed how we would physically manage Ellis, if he did indeed end up being invited to commit to the Brotherhood.

There was a spare room on the first floor of the wing next to the bathroom. It was decided if Ellis remained, to convert that room to a bedroom for him and designate the bathroom for his use. The installation of a wheelchair accessible shower would be an easy task according to our Engineering majors. We further decided that a ramp should be installed, replacing the stair access at one end of the front veranda, so that physically disabled individuals could have easier access to the House. As Vice-President, Steve undertook to initiate that change.

On Sunday the scores would be erased and everyone would start over again. Next weekend our selection would leave the final 10 who would be invited to commit to the Brotherhood.

We were done in time for a 1:30 p.m. lunch, so we all went to the cafeteria. I had seen Andrew and Tick break for lunch about noon, so I knew they were back in Andrew's office by now. When I returned to the House, I went by his office to see how things were progressing, but the "Testing in progress. DO NOT DISTURB" sign was on the door, so I went on to my room to clean up a bit and do some studying.

Andrew and Tick came looking for me at just about three o'clock. They had decided to hang out at Roberts Hall for a while with some of the other Pledges and then go for some dinner. I was happy to go along. I had really missed my brother during the past week, although I saw him every day. In some ways that made it worse. When I was here at school and he was at home, I had no expectation of having him near me, but when I knew he was nearby and we could sense each other, I wanted to be able to talk with him and when I couldn't, I really missed it.

The afternoon moved by quickly between talking with the guys and watching an old movie on the TV. Andrew and I wandered through the residence for a while talking with the many people we knew and giving encouragement to the very anxious Pledges. I stopped this and left Andrew after a short while. It was too hard encouraging some of these boys I already knew were not going to be returning. Andrew kept telling each of them how special they were to have even been invited the first time and I realized how important that was to everyone's self-esteem.

We invited our boys to go to dinner with us. They were a little hesitant, in case they missed the invitation bearers, but I assured them if missed, they would return. We took them to a small pizzeria that the Frat members frequented often and had pizza and beer, a college man's staple. While we were there, some Pledges undergoing a hazing from one of the other Frats came in and were short a buck for their order. The test was, if they would go and beg for money to obtain their Masters' food, or return empty handed. I made sure they got their order and the relief on their faces was more than worth the buck it cost me.

During the course of the afternoon, I had gotten a chance to talk a bit with Tick and was pleased to find him very positive about the Trials over the past week. He told me he had spent his nights with RAT and James and a little about each of them. There was no comment at all about his being disciplined and I sensed that it was a thing of the past, not to be dwelt upon. I was very pleased to touch base with Tick and felt like our sense of one another had been renewed.

Andrew and I left Roberts Hall about 9:p.m. and when we got back to the House found a gathering was in full swing. The Brothers had been able to invite their girlfriends and boyfriends over for the first time in several weeks and everyone was letting off a little stress. I don't have a current girlfriend, but was introduced to a couple of ladies last night at the Friday Beer Fest. Connie had been one of them and had come back tonight looking for me. She was particularly cute and we ended up sharing a nice evening. She was between boyfriends and we found we had quite a bit in common, the least of which was that we were both horny as hell.

After we had brunch on Sunday morning, I walked the young lady back to her Sorority House and we made plans to get together again next weekend, after the Pledges were invested. The rest of the day was a wash/cleanup/work on projects/study day. Before I knew it, the clock struck five and I went with a group of Brothers to get my supper, so I would be back for the 6 o'clock Pledge meeting. I kind of wondered when I didn't see any of the fab four at dinner. About five to six, I walked into the Pledge lounge and looked around for Tick. He wasn't there. Kirk wasn't there.

I had a feeling I should check this out and went to see if the Pledge Master knew anything about their absence.

"What do you mean they're not here ?" Vince snarled. "That boy's going to be the death of me yet." He looked at me and I just shrugged my shoulders and then he looked to Andrew.

After finding out from Pete and Chuck they had not received invitations, the snag was tracked down, the invitations were located and it was decided that Andrew was the best- qualified person to resolve this mess. Basically, Andrew was the only one with whom we figured Tick wouldn't get angry.

Chris had instructed everything to be delayed an hour and the Pledges be sent to the cafeteria. Vince and I went to join them after Andrew left with the invitations. I didn't want to be at the House when Tick arrived, because I was certain this would be seen as my fault and he wouldn't let me forget it.

Naturally, the story had circulated among the10 Pledges, thanks to Chuck and Pete. They were all full of questions and Vince told them what had happened. They thought it was hilarious that Tick kept being missed on invitations. Pete pointed out to them how Tick and Kirk had felt, when they realized they weren't asked back. Things got serious then and there was a lot of anger expressed about putting them through those feelings. I had my hands full helping them to settle and recognize their feelings as the result of an accident, opposed to a purposeful intention to hurt someone. By the time we returned to the House, the anger had passed and their reaction to Kirk and Tick was one of brothers returning to the fold.

There was a House meeting, including the Pledges, held to resolve the situation with Ellis Durham's entry to the remaining week of Trials. After some arranging by my little brother, Ellis was included. The Pledges were paired later in the evening with their new 'big Brothers' and I took on Kirk as my second 'little brother'. Sandy Urich was the 'little brother' I had taken on last year, but I knew now that Tick was here, my role with Sandy would be as an advisor to a group rather than an individual.

The role of 'big Brother' to Sandy had been an interesting year. He had grown so much during the time; he was hardly the same lonely, timid, frightened, young boy Tick had discovered in the gym during his first weekend visit with me here at the College. Sandy was in awe of Tick and he could see only how much bigger Tick's slice of life was than his own. That view has changed over the past year and now Sandy sees him as a hero, but one to be emulated, not worshipped. Tick has served as a role model for him and it has drawn Sandy out of his shell and helped him become an important individual in his own eyes. The Brotherhood has also made Sandy gain the self-worth he seriously lacked and now he is a handsome, self-sufficient man, confident in his abilities and place in the world. He still worships Tick, but as a worthy role model, not a god.

It was evident the Pledges were shocked to be twinned with their 'big Brothers' for the next 24 hours and it was a learning experience for the second year Brothers. To this point they had always been able to turn to their 'big Brother' for guidance and answers. Now they were expected to provide that support to someone else. For those on either side of the scale, who had no siblings, it was a unique experience in life and for those who suffered a dysfunctional relationship with siblings, it was a chance to relearn and possibly rebuild for themselves.

Kirk, my new 'little Brother' was as nervous as a bridegroom on his wedding night. Andrew and I had built a relationship with Kirk since his day in the House resolving his turmoil about Tick's sexuality. He knew he was safe with us, but still the uncertainty of this new experience was unnerving for him.

"This feels very different to me." Kirk stated. "I spent all of last week sharing a bed with guys a lot smaller than myself, now we're together. You're not only built a lot heavier than they were, but you're a good bit taller than me, too."

"Just think," I responded, "you actually get to have a 'big Brother' who's bigger than you are. Tick will likely never be bigger than his 'little Brother' when he gets to have one." He smiled when he thought about that.

"I don't think I'll ever meet a bigger man than him." Kirk reflected with total sincerity. "He thinks you're the greatest person who ever walked the earth."

"I know." I admitted. "I do everything I can to deserve the value he places on me."

"You do all right, Brad." he commented. "I think you're pretty special too. Not everyone would put up and stick with me like you and Andrew. It's easy for me to believe the things Joe says about how special the Brothers in this House are. I truly hope I deserve to be worthy of being one. My values and reasoning about things have changed so much since the first day we all met. Sometimes, I hardly recognize myself. It's Joe and the people here that have made it possible."

"You've done the work, Kirk." I assured him. "All we did was stand by and let you know we were there when you needed us."

"Do you honestly know how important something like that is ?" he asked looking intensely at me. "It could make all the difference between success and failure. It did for me."

"Then we're glad we were here, because you are very much worth having along for the ride, 'little Brother'." I testified. He seemed not to know what to say after that. I pushed the covers back and slid into my bed. Kirk stood for a moment looking from me to the spare bed where he had slept the last time he was here. "You're welcome in either bed, it's your choice." I held back the covers on my bed. He climbed in next to me and I switched out the bedside light.

"Brad, do you think it's strange, or childish of me to choose to sleep in here with you ? You know, two straight dudes sleeping together when they don't have to." Kirk asked after a few minutes.

"I think straight or gay has nothing to do with it." I answered. "I think there are times a guy, no matter how old or young, needs the companionship of someone else, not for sex, but just for human companionship. That's one of the best things about having brothers. They don't need to make up excuses to just be with each other." We were quiet for a long time. Just as I was going off to sleep, Kirk spoke quietly; I'm not even sure whether it was to me or just himself.

"I was right about what I wrote in my essay about love. I love Joe and I love you and sex has nothing to do with it. It's just plain love." I wasn't going to argue with that. The last conscious thought I had that night was something I suddenly sensed about Tick being upset toward Vince.

The next morning, Pledge Master Vince put in the first five-mile run he had run since he was a Pledge himself. President Chris made a strategic move, which left Vince trailing along behind the jeep with the rest of us. For some reason it took most of the day before Vince could see the humour of the situation.

Kirk and I remained twinned throughout the day and it worked out really well. He attended my basketball practice in the morning and met most of the men on our team. I attended his practice in the afternoon and had a chance to see the Frosh footballers in practice. It looked like a strong team and Kirk was definitely an asset. By the end of the season, he will be a well-known, valued player. The rest of the day we attended our classes, meeting for lunch. He was challenged a couple times by senior Brothers, but had no problem, as I was close by each time.

After classes ended, Kirk accompanied me back to the House, where I was needed to fill in for Andrew for the Pledge study program. Everyone was required after their classes, or practices to report to Vince at the Library, or Andrew at the House to work on school work or study until dinnertime. Andrew was tied up with Tick at his practice with Ken Williams, so I was supervising at the House. During that supervision time, Kirk did school work.

We broke up the study group about a quarter to six, so everyone could get ready to meet at the cafeteria for dinner. As our group neared the cafeteria, I heard a mental message that Andrew needed support with a security circle. A security circle was a method of isolating a potential problem before it could escalate into something more than a problem. I instructed the Pledge brothers with me as we neared the building and I spotted Andrew at the same time I saw Vince and his group from the Library approaching. The senior Brothers were exiting the cafeteria and the circle formed in a matter of moments after Andrew's call.

We all watched as Andrew and the President of AGE diffused the problem and our group dispersed rapidly when the problem was in hand. Andrew indicated he would fill us all in later, but I noted that one of the AGE Pledges had stayed with Andrew and Tick. After dinner we returned to the House for a group meeting scheduled to begin at 7:00. In the few minutes we had before the meeting, Andrew gave the details of the meeting to the Executive and myself. As next year's senior Advisor, I am included in many of the Executives' problems and decisions.

The meeting began with the entire House of Brothers and Pledges. Andrew took a quick survey of numbers with regard to the Friday night dream Tick had broadcast. We were all stunned to find the actual number was 100%. Even more astounding was to find out Terry Sommers, the Pledge from AGE had also experienced the dream.

When the Pledge brothers went to their lounge, I joined a number of my Brothers getting a little reading and homework accomplished. This was interrupted at 8:15 when I relieved Andrew in the Pledge lounge so that he, Tick and Terry Sommers could go to the AGE House. The Pledge discussion lasted about another half hour and just as I started back on my reading, Chris came and told me we were needed at the AGE House. I stopped for a moment and tried to sense Tick to be certain he was okay, but I could detect no indication of any problem with him.

When we arrived at the AGE House, we found that their membership was in chaos. Their President was ready to resign over the lack of participation by any of their members. It looked very much like he had been carrying the load on his own for some time and had finally reached a breaking point. Andrew had proposed DPD provide some assistance to the Brothers and they had accepted his proposal. My role was to become a DPD Pledge Master and live with the AGE members for the next week, guiding their new Pledge Master in the orientation of their new Pledges. We all sat down as a big group to discuss plans.

While Andrew, Chris and I talked turkey with the Brothers, Tick took the six Pledges into the front lounge and they had their own meeting about their role and what they should be looking to learn and experience. I went into the lounge after they had been there about half an hour. When I entered the room, Tick jumped to his feet and stood at attention. The other six did not move as quickly, but followed his moves.

"Introduce me, Pledge Joe." I said.

"This is Brother Brad, a DPD Pledge Master." Tick informed the others. "He is going to be here with your Pledge Master Doby to help guide you to become Brothers in your Frat." He then introduced each of the Pledges individually to me and I asked each questions about themselves and their schooling to familiarize myself with them as individuals.

"Sit down, please Pledges." I told them and we all sat in a corner of the room. "My job with you guys is going to be a little rushed, so if we start going too fast and you find you're getting lost, tell me. Normally, the whole Fraternity should have previewed each of you, before you were invited to Pledge. I understand that's not quite how it went."

"No, Sir." Terry Sommers replied. "I attended a beer party here one night and I asked about Pledging. I was told I was a Pledge and I should show up here last Saturday morning. I did and so did these other guys, then Hell began."

"I figure Joe has told you everything he can about becoming a Pledge and undergoing the Trials." I stated. "Do you have any questions that he, or I can try to answer for you ?" Before anyone could say anything, Joe stood up to attention and the others followed his example. I looked behind me to find Andrew and Doby had come into the room and were walking toward us.

"Sit down boys." Pledge Master Doby told them. "I didn't mean to interrupt Brad. Can we sit and listen ?"

"No," I answered to his astonished reaction, "but you are welcome to sit and join in." His face turned to a big smile. "I just asked these Pledges if they had any questions, which any of us can try to answer." I turned back to the Pledges, acknowledging the first hand raised.

"Sir, Joe told us about twinning and mute days." he stated. "Will we be doing any of that kind of thing ?"

"Pledge Master Doby and I have not had a chance as yet to decide how to use what little time there is left, to best prepare you to become Brothers." I answered. "By tomorrow morning we should have a fair idea of how things will run and will tell you then what you need to know."

"We were talking in the other room," Doby announced, "and I think we are going to extend the Trials this year until the end of next week." There was a groan from the Pledges. "Now don't look on it like that. With Pledge Master Brad's help, it will be time, which benefits you and will help you become far better Brothers than this Frat has ever seen. We are also talking about putting the second year Brothers through the Trials with you, to see if they can improve their knowledge and become better role models than we've provided for them. Almost all the second year Brothers thought this was a good idea. Those that didn't are being tortured now." Everyone laughed.

We spent an hour talking with the Pledges and I found Doby to be very receptive to the suggestions I made and willing to make a real effort to help their situation change. The Pledges were sent to bed as twins after they showered and Doby sat down with me to plan out a series of Trials, which would guide their Pledges toward the goals and purpose this Frat was suppose to be achieving. One of the differences in these Trials was that they were to teach, rather than measure. The Pledges were hopefully to all join the Frat, not be eliminated. There was no established limit on annual intake.

Somewhere around 2:a.m., I crawled into the spare bed in Doby's room. We had a plan outlined and we both believed it would put some vigour and renewed interest into this Fraternity.

As I lay in bed thinking about the day to come in a few short hours, I opened my mind to the world around me. I felt a wave of anger and loss crash over me like a great ocean wave. The anger contained in this wave was almost paralysing and I felt a sense of betrayal, which dominated everything else. It took a major effort for me to take control of my own feelings and separate them from those of the person broadcasting to me.

'Oh my God!' I thought. 'Tick.'