Tommy and Tanner

Tommy and Tanner Chapter 41

Warning:

This story contains scenes of love and sexual interaction between males of similar age. If the reading or possessing this material is illegal in your country, state, province, county, municipality, etc., please leave this site immediately and do not proceed further. If you are under the legal age to read this, please do not do so. It is not my intention to offend anyone or to get you in trouble.

The author retains the copyright, and any other rights, to this original story. You may not publish it or any part of it without explicit authorization from me.

This is not my first attempt at writing fiction. My longer stories on Nifty include: "Always and Forever" (March 25, 2004), "Jacob and Jacques" (May 30, 2004), "Zeke" (August 29, 2005), "Tales from Bentonville" (November 16, 2008), and "Second Chance" (September 24, 2010) under "High School" and "Someone to Watch over Me" under "Beginnings" in the gay male section. There are a few short stories also: "Brad and Alan's Canoe Trip" (April 22, 2004 under "Camping", "Of Angels and Dragons" (November 8, 2008) under "Camping", "A Christmas Tale" (December 22, 2009) under "High School", "Brazil Affair" (October 1, 2010) under "Beginnings" and "Seth's Gift" (October 10, 2010) under the Science Fiction/Fantasy category.

I am now listed on Nifty under the category of "Prolific Net Authors" which will make it easier for you to access earlier stories. Some of these stories are also posted at: www.storylover.us along with those of other writers that may interest you.

My only reward for contributing to Nifty is your emails. Please write if you like the story. Please include the name of the story in the title of your email because my email service sometimes puts them in the "spam" file.

Thanks and hugs to Tom and David (boxerdude) who edit for me so that there are fewer mistakes! They not only proof-read, but make other valuable suggestions.

Finally, David has a new site that is hosting a number of authors. It's at: www.saberpeak.com. My first story, "Always and Forever," is posted there.

David (dlee169@hotmail.com)

Chapter 41

The boys packed their lunches from the food they'd brought. They were planning to stretch it so Jared would have something, but he had adequate supplies since the sheriff's men had left him the cooler after searching it thoroughly. Without Dirk to eat the lion's share, he'd be fine.

They hiked the main trail for a while, but went off to explore some less traveled areas. Tommy had a compass and Drake had a GPS, so there was little chance of their becoming lost.

At one point, Chris and Drake lagged behind while the other three kept up their original pace. Tommy texted Chris that they'd stop when they found a clearing so that after he and Drake had "rested" they'd know where to join up with them later. Chris returned his message with a big thanks and the symbol of a tongue sticking out. Tommy understood and grinned.

"Let's rest awhile here," he suggested when they came to a pretty open area. "Chris and Drake aren't outdoors men like us, so they're taking a break back a ways."

Tanner grinned knowingly, but Jared didn't catch it.

They sprawled on the grass, leaning on their backpacks. Tommy and Tanner shed their shirts. Jared started removing his too, but hesitated.

"What's the matter, Bud?" Tanner asked.

"I... Oh well, you're gonna see it sooner or later."

When the pulled it off, there was a burned spot not far from his navel. He looked like he was about to cry again.

"Cigarette burn?" Tommy guessed.

"Yeah, I'm so ashamed. I couldn't stop him."

"It's nothing to be ashamed of," Tanner insisted. "He's way bigger than you are and he's been bullying you for quite a while from what you've said."

"Yeah, but you're not as big as he is and you took him down in a flash."

"I had several advantages. I have kempo training and I had adequate space to put it into practice. You were probably trapped in the tent."

"I was, but I still feel like I could have done something, but I didn't see it coming. He's never done that before. I think he's on some bad shit."

"Are there more burns?"

"Uh-huh. There's one on my dick."

"Shit!" Tommy swore. "Is there no end to your brother's evil?"

"Maybe there is now because of what you helped me do today. Here, you better look at it."

With that, Jared undid his button and zipper, carefully slipping his shorts and underwear over his sore penis.

"That one's not quite as bad because I jerked away quickly."

"At least it's on your foreskin and not on your head; not that it's much consolation." Tanner said. "By the way, that's nice equipment."

"Thanks. I've never seen much to compare with except Dirk's and he's not any bigger, though he thinks he is. I'm always afraid to look in the showers at school `cause I don't want to get picked on if I got caught."

"Then how come you're so open with us?" Tommy asked. "Do we project some kind of aura?"

"I saw you guys in the woods kissing last night. I shouldn't have stayed and kept looking, but it was so hot that I couldn't tear my eyes away. That stupid fox had to mess things up! I hope you're not pissed."

"Nah, we shouldn't have been out there messing around if we were afraid of getting caught." Tommy grinned. "I suppose you saw me starting to go down on Tanner."

"Yeah! I stayed after you left and pulled one off. Good thing it was before Dirk burned me. I promise I won't ever tell anyone what I saw."

"It wouldn't matter if you did," Tanner told him.

"Your folks know?"

"Yup, and we came out at school toward the end of the year too, so there's no one to tell."

Tommy's mobile began to vibrate and he fished it out of his cargo shorts just as it rang.

"Hi Dad. Yeah, we're out about two miles and we're gonna have lunch soon. You're here? How soon do you want to see us? Okay, we'll eat and then head back. Yeah, I'll tell Jared."

After he ended the call, he told his companions the gist of the conversation.

"Jared's parents have arrived and are causing a fuss about the charges pending against Dirk. They want Jared to go with them to the sheriff's office and swear that none of it is true. Dad's going to intervene if he can."

"I don't give a shit what they want me to do! I'm not taking abuse from him anymore. I've been living in fear, but I'm done with that. Besides when they check on the age of the little ho he was doing they're gonna have to charge him even if I say none of it was true. You guys and the ranger all witnessed it."

"Yup, they even took the chip from my camera to use as evidence. Good thing I had a spare in the bag," Tanner said. "There was only one picture on there that I'd like to keep anyway, and I'm happy to give it up if it helps you."

"Well, let's start eating so we can walk back." Tommy suggested. "I'll text Chris and Drake so they can do whatever. They aren't needed at the camp right now."

Chris and Drake appeared about the time the boys were finishing their lunches. The older boys said they would go ahead and do a bit more exploring, but wanted to be kept in the loop about everything.

On the hike back, Jared began to drag his feet the closer they got to the camp office.

"I know I'm in big trouble because they've always believed him over me. How can I get through to them, especially my mom? The sun rises and sets with Dirk."

"You have to tell them everything he's done to you. You need to show the cigarette burns and also have a rectal exam by a doctor to support your story. They could be guilty of child neglect for not having protected you." Tommy told him.

"Do you think I'll be put in foster care?"

"It's possible, but it's better than chancing being hurt further. Our uncle could probably pull some strings. I wish Dad had brought him. We'll, we're almost there. Be strong, better days are coming," Tanner said as he hugged Jared around the shoulders. "I was in foster care with a loving family who adopted me."

"I'm glad I met you guys. You've shown me I can make it. I'm gonna stand up for myself from now on, but I'm still scared; please stick with me!"

The drama in the camp office was like a soap opera on steroids. Jared's mother was making the ultimate scene. The ranger was trying to calm her down, saying that she needed to talk to the sheriff's department and that her son's fate was out of his hands.

When the boys entered the office, several things happened at once. Tommy and Tanner hugged Tark and then Lee and Peter, both of whose presence was a happy surprise.

Jared's mother immediately lit into him over his role in Dirk's arrest.

"How could you turn in your own brother; you ungrateful son of a bitch? I'm taking you to the sheriff and you'll tell him the truth!"

"I already told him the truth! And if I'm a son of a bitch, what does that make you?"

"Shut your mouth, Boy, or I'll shut it for you," she screamed. "You're a no good God damned rotten liar. I wish you'd never been born into this family."

"You can't wish it more than I do," Jared responded, ducking her attempted slap to his face.

"Ma-am, you need to calm down," Tark broke in. "You are verbally abusing your son and attempting to harm him physically. As a licensed teacher in this state, I'm a mandatory reporter. I will have to file a report about your behavior."

"You stay the fuck out of this; it's a family matter and I'll discipline this brat any way I choose."

"There are several of us who won't let that happen," Lee spoke up for the first time. "I'm involved in child welfare and so is Peter. This will NOT continue."

"Whatever," she replied. "I'm taking this ungrateful pup to the county jail to get it all straightened out. He and I will discuss this in the car."

"You won't be going in the same car," the ranger stated. "You and Mr. Bristow will not be transporting your son. He's shared some details about his abuse and I'll not allow you to influence his testimony by threatening him or harming him in any way."

Jared's parents, seeing that they were outnumbered, rushed to their car and drove off in a flurry toward the county seat, scattering a shower of loose gravel in their departure. Tark led the rest to his minivan to follow after, while Tanner made the introductions all round.

"We're so lucky Uncle Lee and Peter came along with Dad. Uncle Lee is the guy we were telling you about. If anyone can get you help, he can." Tanner announced proudly. "And Peter will be your counselor next year at Coolidge, I'll bet."

Now that the initial confrontation was over, Jared was on the verge of tears. Lee instinctively embraced the boy before getting into the van. Jared cried in his arms.

On the way, he cheered up some because he overheard Lee on the phone contacting a social worker in Middleton and asking her to contact her counterpart in the local area. He wasn't waiting to get the ball rolling.

The scene Jared's parents made in the sheriff's office wasn't any less unpleasant than the earlier one. In fact, Karen Bristow ranted even more than she had before.

Jared tried to explain the continued abuse he'd suffered at the hands of his brother, admitting that he'd been forced to have sex and had been burned last night. He pulled up his shirt to show the burn on his abs and said there was another in a private place. He asked that his mother be removed from the room so he could show it. She again called him a liar and this time struck him hard in the face before anyone could intervene. He didn't try to duck, knowing that the blow could get her in even bigger trouble.

After that incident, the sheriff had had enough. He put Karen in handcuffs and locked her in a cell temporarily.

When Jared's father saw the burn on his son's penis, he nearly broke down.

"I had no idea it was this bad. I knew Dirk pushed you around, but I didn't know..."

"Dad, he did worse, he fucked my ass."

Paul Bristow hung his head in shame.

"Mr. Bristow," Lee said. "I'm going to take your son to the hospital for an examination to establish evidence of his brother's abuse. We're meeting a social worker there. Then, we're going to see a judge and have Jared's temporary custody awarded to Peter and me. I'm a children's counselor and have proper credentials to provide foster care. You can be forced to relinquish parental rights pending a hearing or you can sign them away voluntarily. Your wife's behavior in the presence of many credible witnesses has established that she is not fit to care for him."

"I'll do what you want," Paul sighed in resignation. "I can't be around 24/7 to protect him in our home."

Since there was nothing further do be done at the sheriff's office after a few more statements were taken and signed, Tark, Peter, Lee, and the boys went to the hospital.

It wasn't a busy day, so Jared was seen almost immediately. His bruised face was photographed as were his burns. The nurse, with her back to the partially naked boy, recorded all the verbal comments on a computer as the doctor described the nature of Jared's injuries. Then the doctor said he was ready to do the rectal examination.

"Can I have someone with me?" Jared pleaded.

"Well, it's pretty personal and most people want it done in private. Which one is your father?"

"He's not here. Could my friends keep me company? I'm not ashamed for them to see, and it would take my mind off what you're doing."

"Well... It is unusual, but I'll allow it if you'll be more at ease. I'm for whatever makes my patients more comfortable."

Jared smiled tightly and thanked him.

Everyone, including the doctor and nurse, stayed in the hall while Jared removed his clothes and donned the backless gown. It was a mystery to him why he had to put it on. His new friends had seen almost everything already and were about to see the rest.

Again, the nurse made a written record of what the doctor said. Some of the terms were technical, but the boys got the gist of it. There was evidence of scarring from rectal tears, some of which were old. The doctor shook his head in disgust more than once in the process.

"Son, have you told the authorities who did this?"

"Yes Sir, it was my brother."

The doctor shuddered as he patted Jared's shoulder. The look on his face said volumes about how he felt.

While Jared was being examined, the social worker was interviewing Lee and Peter. She seemed to be very reluctant to support Lee's request for temporary custody.

"Hmm... I wonder what two gay men could want with a cute young teen in their house. Has your love life gone stale? Do you crave some new excitement?"

"I resent what you are implying," Lee said. "Would you and your partner choose to take a little girl in your home for the same reason?"

"My lifestyle isn't the one in question here and I resent your implications! What makes you think I'm a lesbian?"

"Sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. The social work community in this state is a fairly well-connected group. I suspect that my friend in Middleton isn't the only one who knows your orientation. She gave me a heads-up because she knows you to be prejudiced against gay men. Personally, I can't understand why some lesbian women don't trust any adult males around boys, but have no reservations when it's women with girls. But, if you try to block, or even stall my application, I'll go over your head so quickly you'll have athlete's foot of the scalp!"

"Calm down, Mr. Ratliff, I'll encourage the judge to release the boy to you."

It was around 5:00 when the men and boys returned to the sheriff's office after appearing briefly before the judge who had presided over Dirk's case. By then, Karen Bristow had been booked on assault and interference with official acts, but released on her own recognizance. She and her husband had departed after signing a form to relinquish their parental rights over Jared.

"Mr. Ratliff, I have to congratulate you on your handling of those people. They could have fought giving up Jared and dragged this on in court for months," the sheriff said. "This has all been extremely rapid. My head is still spinning!"

"They never really wanted me anyway," Jared said sadly. "Dirk was always big for his age, and all rough and tumble. I was always puny and sissy. My mother could hardly bear the sight of me. You don't know how often I thought about killing myself."

"I'm afraid I'm guilty of bullying your parents," Lee said. "The sheriff is correct in implying that I sort of over-played my hand."

"Well, you have a good supporting cast," the sheriff laughed. "The local social worker and judge expedited this in record time.

I'm going to trust you people with a few details of what else is going on. It's all public record anyway. We found cocaine and a couple of other substances yet to be identified in Dirk's duffle bag. He will be facing charges of possession as well as giving drugs to a minor. The girl he was having sex with is a runaway and is actually 13 years of age. Unless the DA goes for a plea bargain, Dirk should be spending the next 20 years where he won't be bothering this young man."

"Wow! That's all happened fast." Jared exclaimed.

"It's not a done deal by a long shot," the sheriff continued. "I have little doubt of the outcome, but the case will drag on for some time and you boys may be called upon to testify later in court. Either way, Jared, I feel you are going to be safe."

After leaving the county jail, the men and boys proceeded to the van.

"What say we call Chris and Drake and have them meet us for dinner here in town? It's going to be time to eat in another hour, if I know my starving brood," Tark laughed.

"Could we get more hamburger and stuff to add to what we have and cook it back at the campsite?" Tommy asked.

"Yeah, could we?" Tanner chimed in.

"Okay, let's do it!" Tark agreed. "It's only about a 10 minute drive back to camp."

They found a small supermarket on the way and purchased things, including paper plates, to supplement what the boys had packed so there'd be enough for the three extra guests. Twenty minutes later, they were pulling up to the campground.

Having received their message, Drake and Chris had managed to get a good fire built in the fire pit. They appreciated the compliments they got from everyone. The wood had burned down to hot embers that were perfect for grilling. The men offered help if needed, but stood back to allow the boys to do the cooking. Tommy and Tanner had learned valuable lessons in scouts. Even though they were no longer allowed to participate, their experiences had not been in vain.

Their meal was pretty well balanced, if you don't count the s'mores that they made for dessert. Chris and Drake ate extra ones because this was all new to them and they found it exciting. Tark grinned remembering his own kids being like that about 10 years earlier.

When it was time for the men to return to Middleton, Lee asked Jared what he'd like to do.

"I'll do whatever you want me to. I'm so thankful to you. I like it here, but I've never camped alone."

"You won't be alone if you stay," Tommy said. "You can bring your bag and sleep with us."

"But I don't want to be in the way."

"You won't be," Tanner assured him. "If you're worried that we won't be able to make out, just know that we sleep together almost every night, so you won't be imposing. We already told you that Dad knows about us."

"And Dad doesn't want any details!" Tark joked. "You should take them up on the offer if you want."

"Mr. Ratliff, I think I'll stay and come back with them tomorrow if that's okay with you."

"Of course you may do that. It will give Peter and me time to get your new room ready. We'll have you stay at Peter's place, I think. That way you won't have to change schools again, unless you want to, that is. By the way, you can call me Lee or whatever you're comfortable with."

"Okay, Lee, I'd like to stay in town and go to Coolidge with these guys and Tuck. I'll feel a lot better with having at least a few friends."

"Cool," Peter said. "We'll put you in the room that Tommy and Tanner used to have."

"We'd better strike your tent and put whatever you're not going to use in the van." Lee said. "I'll ask your father for your things when I return the camping equipment to him tomorrow."

The first order of business after squeezing Jared's bedding into Tommy and Tanner's tent, was to get showered. Jared was eager to wash the lube off his anus and feel really clean. Though the doctor's probing hadn't been particularly uncomfortable, it had made him feel dirty.

The five guys went as a group and took up all but one shower head in the process. Jared did his best not to be too obvious when checking his companions out. Chris grinned when he caught Jared looking at his nearly bald crotch.

"Hey Jared, do you know the term `manscaping'?"

"Uh, no." Jared blushed.

"It's applied to guys who trim their pubes, and shave other body hair. We all got shaved for swimming finals and it's grown back in pretty much, but we're keeping it short. However, Drake went a little overboard last time. You're welcome to have a closer look."

Jared wasn't sure if this was for real or a test to see if he'd throw a bone, but he couldn't pass up the opportunity to see an older guy's junk up close. He was impressed and it began to show.

"We shave our balls and trim the rest too," Tommy told him. "You can check us out if you want."

That was all it took for Jared to stiffen up fully. He would have been mortified, if not frightened, in a different situation, but he realized the guys were only trying to make him feel like he was family. It was especially true when Drake complimented him on the size of his equipment.

"Thanks," Jared grinned. "I guess it's not too tiny."

"Maybe for a stallion, but not for a teenager!" Chris giggled.

"I wish I could will it down." Jared sighed.

"Are you embarrassed? You shouldn't be." Tanner said.

"No, it's just that it hurts where my skin is stretched under that burn. I think the pain is going to take care of it. Look, it's wilting already."

"Chris kinda let something slip a few minutes ago," Drake said to Jared. "I need you to promise that you won't tell anyone that we shave each other's balls."

"It's none of my business if do, or even if you're boyfriends; and besides, who would I tell? I certainly wouldn't rat out anyone who's been good to me."

"See Drake, I told you the kid was smart enough to figure us out. I think we have another guy in our corner."

They sat around the campfire for a while when they got back to their campsite. Drake gave an exaggerated yawn and said he was heading for bed. Chris joined him. The others sat up another hour talking. None of them was naïve enough to believe that Drake and Chris were going to bed to sleep.

"This has got to be the craziest and most wonderful weekend I've ever had," Jared enthused. "One minute I'm being bullied and I don't see any hope and the next, I have new friends who are helping me escape my old life. I'm still kinda scared about what's going to happen to me."

"With Uncle Lee on your case, you can expect good things," Tanner assured him. "I know exactly how you feel. Trust me, things will work out."

Tanner's phone rang in the tent and he scrambled to get it. He talked to Lee for a few minutes and then handed the phone to Jared. Tommy and Tanner watched Jared's expression in the glow of the dying fire. He smiled as big tears flowed down his cheeks. When he ended the call, he told his companions his good news.

"Lee and Peter want me to live with them if it works out! They've discussed it and phoned several teachers to check up on me to see if I'm as good as Tuck evidently said I was. Wow! They want me!"

Tommy and Tanner hugged him between them for several minutes while he wept with joy. They also shed a few tears in empathy. As Tanner had said previously, he knew exactly how Jared was feeling.

When they finally did bed down for the night, Tommy and Tanner cuddled Jared between them. They all kept their underwear on so there'd be no direct contact of intimate parts, but the boys felt he needed physical closeness to convince him that he was safe and cared for.

On Sunday, the boys explored a different part of the park. It seemed like there were many interesting trails available. Chris and Drake offered to take Jared with them if Tommy and Tanner wanted some "quality time" together, but the boys politely declined, saying that they had almost every night to be together, whereas Chris and Drake had few chances in the summer. They were rewarded with big smiles and kisses on their cheeks.

Late in the afternoon, they struck camp and packed up to go home. Jared fell asleep in the back seat leaning against Tanner.

"I think we have a new cousin," he whispered to Tommy. "He's a keeper."

Author's notes: First, thanks to all who emailed this past week: Bert H, Rutabaga, Roger L, Danny A, Walt S, Anonymous, Bill T, Justin S, JTR, Bill K, Tom A, Paul R, John A, Jim C, Anthony B, Trish R, Tim K, Ott H, Wayne, Bob Z, and Mike T

I have to weigh in on some news from the past week. I'm all for love and sex between guys of similar age, but I detest pedophilia. What Jerry Sandusky did to innocent boys is reprehensible! He should be incarcerated with a big, mean stereotypical guy named "Bubba" and find out what it means to be raped! (Please understand I'm not intending that as an insult to anyone with that nickname!)

In the "culture wars" front, thanks to the election of Liz Mathis in district 18, Iowa's marriage equality is intact for the time being. This happened despite buckets of money and reams of hate literature poured into our area from outside interests - those who claim to love their neighbors but don't. My prayers were answered; I wonder how they fell about theirs? Does God perhaps love ALL his children regardless of their orientation?

By the way, several of you found errors in the last chapter. Thanks for pointing them out. I have made changes in the master copy. Try as we may, we still miss some things. Most were typos or words I'd failed to delete when I made changes after my editors had proofed. However, I used "disbursed" when "dispersed" was the correct word. Mea culpa! It's kind of like "affect" and "effect" or "discrete" and "discreet." If you all keep on me, I'll learn eventually!

And yes, some things happen too rapidly and turn out too perfectly. Hey, it's fiction!

David