When Sam came in it was almost 9. He had never been late before. Normally I wouldn't have been weirded out by this, but things were seeming just a bit too odd. He walked in on dinner and apologized, telling us it had been a late practice with some big drills since they'd be on the road next week. I wanted to believe it until he passed me to head upstairs. He reeked of sex. Lots of sex. I stopped eating, fork halfway to my mouth. He had stayed late with his teammates. Why hadn't I seen it coming? I felt ill. There was no way to compete with that. I didn't look at him or speak to him when he came back down.
And sure enough that night he didn't sneak into my room. It felt like there was a huge hole in my gut eating out my insides. Was it over just like that? Had Sam's hockey warrior spirit reclaimed him? I didn't sleep.

In the morning I headed outside red-eyed to catch the bus. I couldn't believe what I saw. Scott's car was in front of the house. He was standing there, waiting for me, a smile on his face.

***

"Hi," Scott said as I slowly approached.
"Hey," my voice was still scratchy. The sun had barely risen and it was very early. Especially for all of this.
"So," I asked bitterly, "Are you straightened out or...whatever?"
I was scooped up into a hug. My eyes widened as I heard Scott repeatedly apologize to me. We never hugged so he must've felt pretty bad. I'd missed him a lot the past couple weeks. I returned his embrace, gripping him tightly.
"I don't like fighting," I said to him as we released.
"Me neither. Come on, let's take the day off. I've got some stuff I wanna tell you."


We rode to the park outside the suburbs on the edge of the country. It was a popular spot for kids to do whatever it was they probably shouldn't be doing because it was so secluded from the road and the city. But it was too early for anything to be happening now and the place was all ours. Scott and I went to our usual tree and sat under it, watching the sunrise peak over the flatlands. It was cold out. I sat there against the tree, arms across my chest and watched my own breath form in the autumn chill.

"So what's up?" I asked.
Scott turned to face me. I felt him touch my hand.
"Skip's right. I do like you. Sorry I didn't know how to handle it."
"No, you really didn't," I agreed.

"Is it ok? I mean...if I like you?"
"Of course it's ok."
"Well....what about you? Do you like me?"

I knew the answer to this. I had feelings for Skip. Very strong feelings. But if he wasn't interested anymore then it was time to move on. Scott was opening up to me now.
"Yes. I like you very much." Scott's absence had indeed made my heart grow fonder. I leaned over, resting my head on his shoulder. "So what do you mean by Skip being right? Did you two talk or something?"
Scott moved me off his shoulder so that he could face me again. His look had changed as if he had done something bad and had been waiting to tell me.

"Did Skip tell you where he was last night?"
"He said he had late practice but I didn't believe it. Wait........he was....with........you?" When Scott nodded I felt faint.
"Wh...what were you two doing together?"
"He used your phone to call me. He wanted to talk about things so we met up and went out. Then he told me to just tell you that I liked you and that I think way too much."
"S..so you two made up, eh?" I really felt dizzy now. I knew if the two of them had done what I thought they had done, then Scott wasn't going to tell me. That was, until he did.

"We ended up trying to rape each other at my house. We destroyed everything, and in the end we ended up having sex for a good two hours. The cops came because my Mom walked in and thought we had had a break in, but in the end she found out I did it and now I'm in serious sh*t. I've gotta replace everything I broke which is, like, everything downstairs."
I was speechless.

"So I guess that would make you mad at me again."
I thought about it, but it made my brain hurt.
"Wait, why'd you just tell me you liked me then? You like Sam," I insisted.
"That's the problem...," Scott was hesitant with the rest, "Sam and I were fighting over you because we both like you, but then we sorta...yeah."
"Oh. Oh damn," I put a hand to my face and closed my eyes, "So you like Sam, and you like me."
"And Sam likes you, and he likes me."
"And I," I began but didn't finish. This was just crazy. I put my hands over my face, "Sh*t."

"Well, you just said you liked me, and Sam told me you two are involved...,"
"Yeah. But I've never gotten to...," I then glared at my friend. I'd been wanting to do Sam since day one.
"Sorry."
"All of us need to talk," I said, "Today." I was scared of this. How could liking two guys at the same time be normal? But more so than that, how could it possibly work?
"I'm going to sleep. Wake me in a couple hours," I grumbled. Sleep would sort things out, even if it was just a nap. I did like Scott. And I did like Skip. When I tried to compare the two of them I couldn't. They were both extremely important to me, both so very different from each other. When I pictured the two of them together it made my stomach turn. And that was because I'd been left out. When I began to wake up a couple hours later I still felt the same way. I was in love with my temp bro and my best friend. Equally. I sighed, feeling a warmth over me. When it rushed down between my legs I assumed it was because I had just woke up. Yet when I opened my eyes I saw a head of long dark hair bobbing between my thighs. I gazed down at Scott as he worked and finally let him know I was awake, putting my hands on him. He looked up at me.

"Sorry. Is this ok?" he asked. I could only nod. I ran my fingers into his hair and pushed him further down onto me.
I wasn't sure just what was going to happen with the three of us. But I knew I wasn't about to stand for being left out.

***

I'd never had sex before this. I mean real, cock-in-the-ass sex. And now I was doing it outdoors with my best friend from Middle School. I think something about that was poetic.

Scott sat against the tree and helped me climb over his lap, our clothes in a pile on the grass. My adrenaline was high, and I wasn't about to be passive about this. I was ready.
"No wonder girls like you so much," I said as I eagerly gripped his thick length and directed it to my opening. I relaxed the best I could and let Scott's head slowly push into me. It didn't feel like flowers and sparkles at first. I had to go slowly with it, an inch at a time. His cock seemed endless and it was a couple minutes before I had taken all of him in. When I finally settled onto his lap we kissed, and it felt incredibly incestuous. I guess I'm a real freak for admitting that only made it better.

"You want to move or me?" Scott asked, rubbing my hips.
"Let me do it," I breathed and began slowly riding his lap, my ass grinding against his sac. I guess it really was kind of like something you'd read in one of those trashy romance novels. I mean, we were outside, the wind blowing through our hair, slowly making love and looking into one another's eyes. Birds were singing. Looking back I guess it was kinda funny in some ways, but at the time the two of us were just totally lost in the moment.

Scott played with my bobbing length between us, shaking it from the base to get the blood flowing.
"How's it feel?" he asked me. I only nodded and began to move harder. When we picked up speed Scott accidentally slipped out.
"Lay down," I nearly commanded. His eyes widened and he did, obediently resituating on the grass. I quickly straddled and reinserted him again, now able to move a bit better in this position. When I leaned forward Scott spread my ass, and in turn, I squeezed around him. He moaned my name. Hearing him say 'Cadey' like that made me push even harder.
"Fu..F*ck," Scott arched upward. I pinned him back down as I rode.
"Skip didn't let you top him, did he?" I asked, amazed at my friend's lack of composure.
"Like I said, we...fought....I...lost...Eeh!"
The romantic love-making began to transcend to a rough ass pounding. Soon Scott was very insistent he was going to come and had to pull out. I wouldn't allow it. I gripped myself and aimed for his chest, stroking without reserve in front of him. Our timing was perfect. We both arrived in unison. Scott seemed really embarrassed after it was over, but I soon got him to forget it.

My turn.


I took advantage of Scott being on his back. I was quick to recover and shoved his thighs upward, lifting his ass off the ground.
"Caden?" Scott blinked. He wasn't even hard again yet.
"What?" I asked, "It's ok, isn't it?" my sex drive was through the roof.
"Of course it is. Put it in."
I wanted to melt. It was so tight and warm and Scott fit around me perfectly. He was far louder than I had been. Every which way I moved seemed to trigger some sort of reaction. (His entire ass is like that.) I gave his underside a gentle slap and he seemed to like it.

"Cadey, harder...do it harder."
I granted his wishes. It was while I was looking down at him that I remembered just how far back the two of us went. How we met in art class. Scott had come up to me and said he liked my work. It hadn't been love at first sight, or anything at first sight for that matter. But now, here we were 6 years later screwing in the countryside. A sweeping rush of pain brought me back to the present state. Scott was roughly jerking himself while I moved, his balls jiggling between his legs. I reached down and held them. Something about that must have set him off because it wasn't a second later that he lost it. And when I saw him coming it was the end for me. We were both a mess.

After an onslaught of kisses we sort of came around, realizing we were naked outside. We redressed ourselves with nothing to clean up with.
"You know, I thought I might feel really weird after that, but I don't," I admitted as I tied my shoes.
"Me neither," Scott had stood and helped me up after I finished. He brushed a hand through my hair, "I'm sorry we hadn't done it sooner. You're kinda aggressive too...I never would have guessed."
"Come on, let's go back to my place. There's no one there now."

By the time we arrived back at my house we were both ready again and had some more fun up in my room. We showered together, and although I thought I wouldn't be into something like that I had to admit it was pretty nice. Skip came home and found the both of us at the table, laughing and eating lunch.
"Oh, hi," Sam looked from Scott to myself, and then sat down with us. The mood suddenly turned quiet. All three of us knew. So why wasn't anyone saying anything? I for one was pretty nervous about the three of us being together. But when the silence continued I finally decided to speak.

"So, I guess we all know..," I started. The two of them said nothing. I sighed.
"Sam?"
"...Yeah?"
"Anything you'd like to say?" I looked at him. He finally stood and said he had somewhat of a speech he would like to share..

"Boys, I must admit to you both...that I am totally freaked out right now. I mean, Scott...you and me...what the hell happened? How did I end up falling in love with you, and not just you, with Caden too? I've never had this happen. I mean, sure, I've been with like 4 or 5 guys at a time, but I've never had like...you know...feelings for them."

I covered my face.
"Wait, hold on. You never said you loved me, you said you liked me," Scott looked at him.
"F*ck what's the difference? I want to be with you, ok?" Skip was getting pissed. It seemed his emotions were out of his control and he was doing what he could to handle them. So even he was as scared of this as we were.
"And Caden, if you don't know how I feel about you, then let's just clear the air right here and now," he glared across the way at me, "I love you."
It seemed like it pained him to say it.

"I love you too," I returned, but it sounded a bit hesitant. I didn't want him kicking my ass. Hockey players are really an odd bunch. Topics of love can tend to piss them off, like they're less of a man if they talk about it. He was lucky we understood him.
I then turned to Scott, "And Scott, I love you." It was easier to say to him.
"I love you too. Skip?" Scott asked.
"What?" Skip grumbled.
"F*ck you."
It seemed to break Skip out of his mood a little. He smiled and eventually sat back down.
"There, we all said it," I concluded.

Silence.

"...So now what?" Scott asked.
"We all have sex?" Skip grinned.
"I don't think we should push it," I said. "Maybe we should treat this like a normal relationship..."
"Normal?!" both of them shot at me.
"You must be joking," Scott added.
"Well, if we don't take this seriously it won't work," I objected.
"Sex makes things work," Skip cheezed. I rolled my eyes, trying not to laugh.
"Ok, ok. We'll just kinda roll with it then...I'm assuming this is a secret between us?"
"...Yeah," Scott said.
"Nope," Skip chimed.
I laid my head on the table. These two were gonna drive me crazy.

***

For the first two days nothing happened. We were all simply trying to get used to the three of us finally being on good terms.

We spent our evenings together, just hanging out like any normal friends would. We watched my Dad play Philadelphia on tv with Mom and Josh. They lost. Skip was being surprisingly well behaved. I think I got him to finally listen to me, at least a little. We didn't start kissing together until Sunday night right before Sam was to leave the next morning for his away games. We were all in my room, just talking about something when Scott felt it in him to lean over and kiss Skip on the cheek. Things moved fast from there. They started to get serious and I watched with no inclination to get involved. Sure they had said they'd been together, but now I was really seeing it with my own eyes. It was incredibly...hot. When they started to rub one another and make noise I turned on the stereo and went to lock the door. When I came back the two had gotten onto my bed and Skip pulled me down to join them. We were laughing when there was a knock at the door.
"Caden! It's your father on the phone!" My Mom yelled. I did my best to straighten up and went out to speak to my Dad, who wanted to talk about nothing but Skip, me, and of course, hockey.

"Hey dad, I saw the game last night. Sorry you guys lost."
"Eh, we'll get those Philly f*ckers next time," he sounded rather optimistic about it, "So how's things going at home? How's Sam?"
"He's good. We're good."
"You two hangin' out a lot?" there were sounds of people and bustling in the background.
"Yeah, we hang out quite a bit. We're growing kind of close actually," I leaned back against the wall and smiled up at the ceiling.
"Good. I was hoping you two might hit it off. How's School? Mom says he's been helping you study."
"Yes, he has been....yeah," I turned my head to see Scott and Sam approaching. They wanted to listen in. The two sandwiched me as they eavesdropped on my call.

"I mean, not that you need the tutoring, you're a bright kid. How's his and Josh's games going?"
"Well, the Steam is on a losing streak but Josh is handling it pretty good. The Kings haven't lost a game yet," I elbowed Skip who was breathing in my ear.
"I keep tellin' Josh to hang in there," my Dad started up. "He'll land a good team soon. It really isn't his fault."
Scott decided the conversation was boring and began to rub my upper leg.
"Not in the hall," I hissed at him. The two snickered.
"What was that?" Dad asked as if he had misheard.
"I said no, it isn't his fault. He always gets stuck on crappy teams," Skip's hands began wondering over me as well. I made to leave the space between them but Sam pulled me back harder than it was necessary. Scott looked down the hall and got on his knees in front of me as my Dad went on and on about my little brother. As Scott made for my zipper I yelled.

"STOP! I said we're NOT doing stuff like this where we can be seen!"

Right into the phone. There was no way to explain it.

"You got a girl over or something, son?" Star forward Pat Gobel asked me. His tone had suddenly turned fatherly.
"No, why?" I stammered, kicking Scott in the shoulder.
"What did you mean by that? I hear someone. You don't have to lie to me."
"Eh, Dad? Listen, it's really past my bedtime, so I kinda gotta go," I struggled as Sam kissed my neck.
"Well, alright Cadey. But remember the talk we had. There's condoms in my side dresser if you ever need them."

The both of them heard it.

I said goodbye to my Dad over a roar of male laughter. Who knew what Dad thought of all that had just happened? Hopefully in time he wouldn't remember it.
"You assh*les, what are you trying to do?" I asked as Scott was rolling on the floor. Sam had broken hold of me and was laughing into the wall.
"We're just having fun. Don't be such a tightass," Skip said, looking to me.
"Trust me, he is a tightass," Scott sat up.
"...Is he now?" Sam arched a brow. This only lead to more laughing. When Scott left that evening we parted in the front yard.
"For the road, man," Scott leaned in and delivered Skip a long slip of the tongue before they parted for three whole days.
"Thank you," Skip seemed satisfied.
"See ya Cadey," Scott delivered an equally overwhelming kiss to me as well.
"I didn't need a special kiss. I'm not going anywhere," my head was spinning.
"Fair is fair," he gave us a sort of a wink to us and headed to his car.

I think Skip said goodbye to me early that next morning. That or I dreamt it. Either way, when I awoke he was gone, and it was Halloween.
Every year Scott and I take Josh trick or treating. The two of us never dress up. We just walk around and bum candy off my bro and his friends. It's usually a fun night. But it was a bit irritating that Skip wasn't there on a holiday. Yeah, I know it's just Halloween, but still...

Ok, ok, so maybe I am a tightass.

We were walking around the neighborhood, everyone having a good time, while meanwhile I could only wonder if Skip would stay true to the two of us while he was away. Why hadn't I asked him if we were exclusive before he left? I was kicking myself for it. With Sam, if you didn't ask him, there were no guarantees about anything.
"Would you stop worrying?" Scott looked to me as we watched the group of kids collect candy.
"I can't help it. You haven't seen his team, dude."
"What's wrong with his team?"
"Nothing. That's the problem."
"Caden, don't get all bitchy girlfriend like. It's unbecoming," Scott slipped an arm around me. I leaned into his leather jacket. I knew it was unbecoming, and I knew I was being psychotic, but still...I worried. Only because we hadn't made any real promises about anything. I didn't know what Skip thought of love. It bothered me.

***

"Ladies and Gentlemen thank you for joining us here tonight for this special Hurricanes Halloween home game. The crowd here in Kansas city has attended this evening in costume, and it's been quite the exciting game although our Hurricanes are down by two here in the near end of the third period. There's 2:30 left to go and things are looking bleak as the Omaha Kings have been dominating this matchup."

Skip was covered in cold sweat. The coach had kept his line on the ice for a better part of the third period, and now near the end it was finally starting to take a toll on him. Despite Jason's determination to destroy #13 on the other team and, with that, the amount of penalties they'd received, the Kings had still managed to kill off most of Kansas' powerplays. It was a lucky night.

"I think we've got this," Jason slid up to Skip just after an icing call. He looked equally as exhausted.
"Not yet we don't," Sam looked up at the time clock.
"...Wanna run coast to coast with me?" Jason had an evil grin on his face. The coach had already assigned a different play to be ran. One the two of them didn't find exactly all that interesting.
'"...Yeah," Sam sneered back. The two briefly worked out their own strategy as both teams gathered for the faceoff in the Hurricanes zone. When the puck was dropped the two split up, circling and waiting for the opportune moment for breakaway. It came. Jason got a hold of the puck and took off with Skip across the ice to the other end, leaving their opponents as well as confused teammates behind.

"It's all you!" Jason called, passing Skip the puck. Sam was surprised, as his teammate was usually quite often the glory hog. Sam went left, right, left as he closed in on the goalie.

A wristshot to the upstairs left.

...He scored.

Sam was relieved as the stands overflowed with boos. If he hadn't scored, Jason would've been pissed. After the game it was a rambunctious ride to the hotel. Jason was still excited and the two rehashed the game as they settled into their room.
"Man, I'm wiped out," Jason had shrugged off his coat and began peeling layers of shirt and wifebeater off of him. Skip looked away to the window, sitting on his own bed. He had missed Halloween with them.

"I'm gonna go take a shower," Jason said.
"Ok," Sam turned back to him. He knew it was coming.

"Ya...wanna...?" Jason's dark eyes motioned to the bathroom.

Skip gazed over Jason who was now loosening his belt. The guy was absolutely insane on the ice. Skip couldn't even begin to imagine how he might be in the sack. Surely he'd be out of this world. Jason's eyes gleamed with mischief.
"Mmn," Skip said with interest as he shook his head no, looking at him, "I can't. Sorry."
"Was worth a shot. Hey, is it that guy Caden?" Jason's eyes lit up.
"Down boy," Skip remarked, eyes still fixed on his defensemen's body, "Yeah, Caden. And his best friend...this guy named Scott. All three of us are kinda involved right now."
"Damn, you're lucky," Jason envied, "Why don't I ever get a board like that? I'm staying with this single Dad and his two brats. They do nothing but cry."
"What about Mack?" Skip tried to suggest an alternative.
"Mack, he's next door with Josi. They're gonna be f*cking all night while I'm stuck in a room with the hottest player on the whole team...who's taken. My luck is total sh*t tonight."
"Hey, we won..."
"We did. Guess I can't complain too much eh?" Jason headed for the shower. After a moment, Skip reached for the phone.

When Jason re-emerged from the bathroom sometime later he was surprised to find Shawn, the alternate team captain, on his bed talking to Sam. Jason's eyes darted to Skip in a 'WTF?' fashion.
'Lookie what I got you,' Sam hinted him with a look. Shawn was straight. Very straight. And popular. He had a wannabe-model girlfriend and was one of those super jock kind of guys. Was Sam out of his mind? Sure he'd given Shawn a few looks over before, but he wouldn't dare make a move on him if valued his life. He was one of those guys you just didn't play around with. When Shawn turned to look at Jason he found himself standing there in shock.

"Oh, hey Jason. Skip just called me down, said you guys were bored. Mikaels already fell asleep so I had nothing to do."
"Uh, cool," Jason retreated to the bathroom again to finish drying his hair and came back shirtless in his boxers. He sat on the end of his bed next to him.
"That was some game tonight," Shawn commented, casually running a hand through his modelesque strawberry blonde hair, "Really nice assist."
"Oh yeah. But Skip did the scoring."
"It's not like you to be modest Jase," Sam made this painfully obvious.

Jason shot him a glare, "Well, I guess I'm kinda tired, long night you know...heh."

"I'm not tired," Skip argued, "Neither is Shawn. Come on, don't wuss out. Let's have some fun."
"Yeah," Shawn was beaming. Skip had a knack for bringing anyone out of themselves.
Jason shrugged, "M'kay. What are we doing?"
"Let's play Confession," Skip had evidently already thought this out.
"Whoa, wait. I'm not so sure Shawn here would be cool with that. I mean, not that I have a problem with that game, it's just...I'd probably freak him out," Jason looked over to him.
"Oh, you'd be surprised," Shawn replied. Jason was overruled.
"Confession it is. I'll go first."

Sam spilled his sins from the past week to the two of them. By the time he was finished with the details about Skip and Caden his two teammates were wide-eyed and silent.
"And that's about it for me...this week," Skip noted. "Well, who wants to go next?"
There was a silence. Jason knew it. Shawn was gonna run out of there and tell everyone what weirdoes they were. Not that everyone else didn't already know it...
"I'll go," Shawn raised his hand with a smirk. Jason looked to him, "Funny since we're on the topic of guys...," he started hesitantly then stopped, "I can't, I can't," Shawn waved a hand, embarrassed.
"Aw, come on," Skip encouraged.
After a pause he continued, "Well, I've been with my girl for about a year. And it's getting a bit....,"
"Boring?" Jason suggested.
"Yeah...," Shawn rubbed the back of his neck and was quiet again.
"Dude, just spill it already," Skip was getting impatient.

"Well.....What's....?"

"What's what?" Jason asked.

"What'saguylike?" Shawn asked, rushed in one anxious jumble of a word. Sam was smiling from ear to ear. He looked to Jason, knowing he was perfectly capable to handle things from here.
"Well, they don't bitch about their feelings as much...you don't have to go on super long shopping trips...and they're rarely not in the mood," Jason listed, playing dumb with the question.
"No, I mean....what's it...like?" Shawn insisted, in dire need of an answer.
"It's good," Jason nodded as if Shawn were definitely missing out.
"Yeah?" Shawn glanced down at Jason's boxers as if it were gold resting between his legs. Their eyes then met in a moment of mutual consent.

Puck in net.

"Yeah. It is. Make yourself comfortable, ok?" Shawn nodded to this and slipped off his jacket as Skip put on his and headed for the door.
"First time deserves some privacy," Skip nodded to Shawn and went out to the balcony. Jason gave him a look of thanks. Sam gave them an hour, and when he came back the two were still at it under the covers. He couldn't tell who was doing what. It was a loud pile of blankets and limbs, headboard slamming against the wall. At least they both sounded ridiculously happy. Skip slid into the opposite bed and let out a heavy sigh. It was going to be impossible to sleep.

-
-

The phone was ringing as all of us piled into the house the next day after one of Josh's Sunday afternoon games. I rushed down the hall to get it in hopes that maybe it was Skip calling after two days to say hello. It was silly of me to think he would, but I was hoping anyway.
"Hello?" I asked as I grabbed the phone off the receiver.
"Hello, is this the Gobel residence?" it was an older man's voice.
"Yes..."
"This is Terry Sloan, I'm the assistant coach of the Omaha Kings. I'm calling in regards to your current billet, a Sam Tanner?"
"Oh God...what happened?" my Mom and brother froze in the hallway when they heard me.
"Well, he had a bit of an accident at last night's game. Got a little ripped up."

"How bad is it?" I envisioned Skip in a hospital bed, clad in a full body cast sipping orange juice out of a straw.
When he told me what had happened I passed the phone over to my Mom.
"What's happened?" she was panicked.
"It's Skip," I said, "The idiot. He's gotten himself injured."

***

Luckily it was just a torn ligament in his left ankle. Skip came home on crutches, his lower leg in a black velcro cast. He seemed alright enough and did his best to keep my Mom from worrying about him.
"It's ok, Mrs. Gobel. I'm kinda used to it," Sam plopped down on the living room couch with a heaved sigh. Josh hugged Sam out of worry and Skip returned it, a bit surprised at all the attention he was getting.
"So did guys really kick their asses?" Josh asked up at him, amazed at the story Skip had told in the car on the way home. A big fight had broken out at the Lansing game and Sam had been in the thick of it.
"Joshua!" my Mom scolded.
"Sorry..."
"Well, maybe...," Skip admitted. And then for some reason he looked at me. He had this look on his face I'd never seen from him. It was a look of relief. He was glad to be home. I guess it's when things you love are threatened do you truly appreciate their value.

Ok, so we were probably blowing things way out of proportion. Sam hadn't even broken anything. Besides, Kevin and Dad used to come home busted up quite regularly. But this was different. And hey, it was dramatic at the time.

"So how long are you out?" I asked him.
"Doctor says 6 weeks..."
"Six weeks?!" Josh was up in arms.
"Yep, seems like I'm gonna be the family cripple for just a little while. But this sure isn't my first time on crutches though so don't worry about me."
"Sam honey I'm sure you're tired. I'm gonna get you some food and then I want you to rest up down here. None of that up and down the stairs stuff," Mom said in that 'And I mean it,' voice she often had to use with Dad. I was off the loveseat and onto the couch before Mom and Josh had even completely left the room. Sam gave me a long grateful kiss but he seemed immensely tired.
"So you can't even be gone for three days without something happening, huh?" my eyes felt hot. I couldn't believe I was being so emotional over something so stupid. I was acting like he was my soldier who had just returned from war. Armless, legless, and blind. I really needed to get a grip, "Sorry, I didn't mean-"

"I love you."

There was no smile when he said it. I pulled him into a tight hug.
"No, no...," he pushed me gently back and held onto my shoulders, "I just spent the last three days thinking about nothing but you...and...where's Scott?"
"He's on his way," I promised.
The sound of clattering in the kitchen reminded us we weren't alone. I eventually went to go help.
When Scott showed up he did his best to act casual but I could tell he was just as freaked as I was. I wanted to give the two a moment alone so I got my family out of there and used the opportunity to ask if Scott could stay the night.
"But hun, it's a school night. I'm not sure Scott's parents would be ok with it."
"Please Mom? He's really freaked out."

It was then that she gave me the look. If she hadn't caught on before, she had now. She knew there was something going on with us, and more than what I was telling her.
'Oh....sh*t..' telegraphed it's way across my mind.
"The three of you sure have become close," she gave me a stern eye.
"Yeah," I admitted. Not knowing what else to do, I looked at the floor.
"Well," she started, "Only if it's ok with Scott's parents."
We knew it wouldn't be ok, so Scott never bothered calling home to ask. All three of us settled into the living room that night, my suspicious mother and Josh heading upstairs.
"You assh*le," Scott finally said to Skip when all was clear. They were able to talk and fuss over one another for a bit. I meanwhile, had my eyes glued to the stairwell. We were so gonna get caught if we weren't careful. I knew my Mom. She liked catching me doing things I wasn't supposed to just to get the message across that I shouldn't be doing them. I think by far the worst was the night I was shut up in my room having some fun when she busted in to ask what I wanted for dinner. There I was, completely naked on my bed, covered in sweat, and she didn't so much as bat an eyelash. Since then, I never ever did it when she was home.

"Cadey, come here," Skip whispered as Scott flipped off the light. I scrambled over and tried to break the two up.
"No, no guys. We can't. There's no way," I insisted, "And you're in a cast for crying out-"
"Goodnight boys!" my Mom called down as a final warning. The three of us froze before hesitantly returning the sentiment.
"See?" I whispered, "We can't do this...I think she knows."
"Would you shut up?" Skip asked, pulling off his shirt, "Scott, get his clothes." They weren't even going to wait until she was asleep. My eyes had begun to adjust to the darkness and I could see Skip slide out of his breakers without too much trouble. He began to rub himself, looking at me as Scott got me quietly out of my things, "I think we've put this off for a little too long," he added. Scott got up and went into the back hall bathroom and returned with some baby oil.

"How'd you know that was there?" I asked him. He didn't answer as he used a sparing amount on Skip who was beginning to come to life in Scott's hands. I then grabbed the bottle from Scott and poured a little onto my fingers. Skip watched me prepare myself in front of him and he twitched, anxious. We had been waiting awhile for this. Scott fluffed me a little although I hardly needed it, and promised to keep watch if he heard anyone coming. With that, I climbed up onto the couch and mounted Skip's lap. The boards in the furniture shifted and that in itself was loud. We were going to have to be extremely quiet and hope that even if we were heard, we'd at least have enough time for one round.

***

The couch creaked rhythmically under our weight. I did all of the moving so Skip wouldn't have to. Yet he soon tried to ignore his handicap and began pushing upward as I came down.
"Stop," I gasped, urging him not to strain himself.
"I'm fine," he looked up at me, one eye squinted, "How's it feel?"
"Sssh!" from the entryway. Scott was standing there, looking at us and making a motion with his hands.
"Good," I whispered, heeding our lookout's advice. I eased more weight forward and kept my body from resting on his legs. Skip held my rear and now took over the job of moving. I pushed a long rolling moan back into my throat and held tight to the back of the sofa.

"Sorry I'm not as big as Scott," Sam whispered, purposely intending to drive me crazy. At that point I was asking for something, 'deeper', 'harder', I don't remember. Probably both. Anyway, we were starting to get a little noisy. Scott kept warning us to shut up but we weren't listening until he finally ran over and threw a comforter over us.
"Someone's coming!" he panicked. I couldn't easily get off Skip's lap without hurting him so I covered us both up completely. We were still. A big lump there on the couch.

It was Josh. He'd returned downstairs to get something or other and came straight into the living room.
"Guys?...You all asleep?" he asked us. We didn't move a muscle. I assumed Scott was pretending to be asleep on the floor. I thought Josh had left until I felt him poking at the covers over us. When he pulled the comforter away to reveal me naked on Skip's lap he blinked in surprise.

"Um, what are you two doing?"
Skip, as always, was able to handle the strangest situations like a professional.
"It's just a game we're playing to help my leg feel better," he told Josh as if he were 5 instead of an 8 year old.
"....Do you have to be naked?" Josh asked. He looked at me. I couldn't say a thing.
"Actually, it's a requirement. It's an old......Greek tradition. Your best friend sits on your lap for one whole night. It's supposed to make the pain go away. Don't tell me you've never heard of it."
"Can't say that I have," Josh said, "So...Caden you have to sleep like that?"
"Pretty much," I was glad it was dark in there because my face must've been beyond red. Josh contemplated this for a second, then decided it was acceptable. Thank goodness he takes after Dad when it comes to brains.

"Can I help your leg feel better too?" he asked.
"N..no, that's ok," Skip managed, "I think Caden's doing a good job."
"Oh, ok. Well, I'm going to bed."
"Josh," I called after him, knowing well that he'd tell Mom what he'd seen first thing in the morning, "There's twenty dollars on my dresser, and it's yours if you don't say a word to Mom."
"Really?" Josh asked. Good thing he was a simple kid and had no interest in blackmail.
"Yeah, and there's another ten in my wallet if you promise to try like hell to forget you ever saw this when you're older."
"Deal! Nite!" Josh took off upstairs to my room. Skip shifted me on his lap and we soon returned to business. Scott fell asleep trying to keep us quiet.

It was difficult to find time to get the three of us alone over those next weeks. Because of Skip we weren't able to obtain any privacy so things became somewhat difficult. My Mom had eased off on me a little, although I still think she knew at the time. When Dad came home over Thanksgiving the three of us didn't mess around at all. Dad was always hanging around the living room watching a game on TV or something. Scott and I were lucky enough to get some alone time after school, but we felt bad for leaving Skip out so we kept it to a minimum. Luckily for me though, my Dad had completely forgotten about the phone incident. He didn't even ask me about any girls I'd been seeing.

When Skip got his cast off in December we all went to cheer him on at his returning home game. Dad was home again for Christmas vacation and, needless to say, he stole all the attention at the game and totally hammed it up. Scott and I watched Sam play, and afterwards we found ourselves in the clubhouse, the usual post-game hangout.
"Good game," I nodded to Skip as he plopped down next to me, "Your leg holdin' up?"
"Thanks, it's holdin'...you know, now that I'm better I was thinking that maybe the three of us could go somewhere after this."
"You are the horniest guy I've ever met," I smirked, drinking my soda.
"Thanks," he said to me as Scott walked over and sat down next to Sam.

"Who's that asshole on your team? Number 15?" Scott asked, glaring back behind him.
"Oh, you mean Jason?" Skip laughed, "Relax, that's just his way of hitting on you."
"I dunno. 'Hey jackass' isn't a very good pickup line if you ask me."
"Is your entire team gay or something?" I interjected.
"Gay? No," Skip looked over at them, "A couple of 'em are just sorta..."
"Freakish?" Scott helped.
"Yeah," Sam nodded, "That's a good way to describe them."

Before long Jason had made his way over to us.
"Sam, Caden," Jason said as he sat. I nodded to him. Scott passed him a short glance.
"He's not too friendly," Jason noted.
"Why would I be friendly to a stranger who calls me a jackass?" Scott fumed at him.
"You...are really cute," Jason grinned as if a fist fight would serve as an excellent icebreaker. Scott gave up and just shook his head.

"Boys, your captain has arrived." A voice behind us.
"Hey babe," Jason growled at the unreasonably attractive blonde who slid up next to him. I saw Jason's hand slide around his hip.
"How's that girlfriend Shawn?" Skip asked, looking at the two who were quickly warming up to one another.
"...What girlfriend?" Shawn smiled at us, "Did I have a girlfriend?"

"Good God. They're all the same," Scott muttered. I had to agree. Skip fit in perfectly here.


It was the week before Christmas and we were on our vacation from school. The three of us were home with Josh that afternoon just hanging around and I was trying to get Skip to tell me what it was he'd like for Christmas other than my ass. The doorbell rang and Josh went to get it.
"Caden! It's some sales guy!" Josh called. I got up from the table and went to door. There was a man there in a suit with a bag, and he did seem like he wanted something. He had short dark red dyed hair which I found a little odd looking.
"Sorry, we're not interested," I began to close the door on him.
"H..hey! Wait!" he suddenly shoved his foot in the door.
"Dude, I said get lost!" I tried to push him back out. I was overpowered and the man stormed into the house.

"I don't believe this," he grumbled, looking around the living room and loosening his tie.
"Ex-cuse me? What the hell are you doing?! Get out of here!"
He glared at me, "Not only Josh, but you too? Damn, guys. It's not like I've been away for a decade or something."
My shouting had brought everyone up into the front room. I stared at him. It couldn't be. I didn't recognize a thing about him, and he looked nothing like the painting in my room anymore.
Scott walked forward, staring at the stranger, "...Kevin?"

It was my older brother, home for the holidays.

***

"Kevin....what happened to you?" I looked at my brother in disbelief. His green eyes, the thing I remembered most about him, were now brown. His caramel hair was red, and there was something different about his nose. I later remembered the phone call he had made to us last spring about how he had broken it in some fight or something. Kevin had never really looked like part of the family before, but now he was even more of a stranger to us. He'd only been around until Josh was five, so when I said Kevin's name my little brother moved behind me.

"What do you mean what happened?" he asked me, "Nothing happened."
"You look totally different," I argued.
"What? Can't a guy change his look a little over the years? You look different. What's with all that long hair?...And what's with him?" Kevin gestured to Josh who was halfway behind me.
"Well, you're like one of those long lost relatives," Josh was brutally honest, "The scary kind."
"I'm not scary, ok?" Kevin tossed his bag down on the couch and looked at me again, then at Scott, "You two turn into hippies or something?"
"Still the same assh*le as always," Scott commented. Kevin ignored him completely, and went on with the production of his grand entrance.

"So who's he? You Sam?" Kevin looked to Skip who had been frowning at him the entire time.
"Yeah." This was all Sam said in reply.
"Got any prospects?" Kevin immediately went into hockey mode.
"...I dunno," Skip looked at him funny.

"We'll have to play."
"...Sure."

"I'm going up to relax for awhile," Kevin suddenly lost interest and strolled towards the stairs.
"Sam's living in your room," I pointed out.
"Fine, can I use your bed?"
"I guess," I hadn't much of a choice. I followed him up, uncomfortable with him being alone with my things. I had an entire portfolio of erotic art of Scott and Skip stashed under my bed that not even the two of them knew about. When my parents came home Kevin was the talk of the night. We all sat around at dinner and listened about all the great things he had done, and then later he and Dad got into stats which Skip didn't even seem to be following. The three of us excused ourselves and went out back. It was cold outside, but it was the only place we could really talk.

"What a d*ck," Skip looked back in through the patio door.
"Now I remember why we were never close," I said.
"He still ignores me. It's like I don't exist," Scott added.
"He's just jealous," Sam slid an arm around Scott and said something I couldn't hear into his ear.
"Guys," I started in on them.
"Dude, I'm tired of hiding," Skip said, "It's getting old."
"Well, two guys is one thing, but three-," the minute I started my lecture it was quickly ignored.
"I wanna do it. All three of us without someone having to stand guard or keep watch," Skip's voice grew louder and in a liberated tone. Scott laughed and this egged Sam on. I just knew he was about to start yelling.

And he did.

"HEEY! HEY EVERYONE! I'M TIRED OF HIDING IT! I'VE GOT TWO BOYFRIENDS! THAT'S RIGHT, TWO! AND I REALLY WANT TO DO 'EM! BOTH AT THE SAME TIME!"

Even I was laughing now.
"WHO WANTS TO WATCH?!"
The back patio door slid open.
"What's with all the screaming?" Dad asked. Scott pointed at Skip. He shrugged.
"And aren't you boys cold? Come on in here."

Christmas Eve we went to the local rink, where Kevin insisted he and Sam had to have a match of sorts. Skip didn't seem at all interested in competing, but my Dad kind of forced him into it. And since he knew the rink's owner, (and shamelessly used his hockey fame to his advantage), the rink was cleared just for their little contest. It was pretty silly, two guys on the ice with open nets. Things went fine for the first few minutes. But then Kevin checked Sam from behind into the boards. Hard. The two weren't wearing any padding and it was supposed to be a friendly match. My dad yelled at my brother in front of everyone. It was awkward to say the least.

"What? The guy can't take a hit?" Kevin was sneering like, and there's no other way to put this, a complete goon.
I saw Sam get up slowly. He was angry and his nose was bleeding but he didn't do a thing. He couldn't in his position. And that really pissed me off.
"You f*cking jackass!" I yelled at Kevin, "What the f*ck's the matter with you?" Before I knew it I was across the ice and in his face.
"Easy bro, just playin' around," Kevin seemed happy to get a fire lit under me. My Dad was now trying to break us up, a large group watching us. Sam was staring at me off to the side in complete shock, holding his nose.

"Why don't you let him handle it?" Kevin asked me as Dad held my arm, "Or does his girlfriend always do the fighting for him?"
I looked at Dad. He let go of me.
I think Scott was the one who was finally able to pull me off of Kevin. I had gotten him pretty good a few times and he was holding his face, rolling on his side. It was a satisfying sight.
"Alright, everyone to the car NOW! This is Christmas!!" Mom screamed, having suddenly appeared. The ride home was completely silent.

Yes, it was a night we'll all remember.

Scott had us come out to his car before he left our house that night.
"Since I won't see you guys tomorrow, here's your presents," he handed a small box to me and one to Sam.
"Thanks man," I smiled and opened it. I got a magnet. Skip got a lighter. I expected nothing less of our ongoing tradition. I explained to Skip that we often regift junk back and fourth since both of us are usually broke all the time. Sentiments were then exchanged between us and Skip and I headed inside.

"I didn't know you could fight like that. You must get it from your Dad," Sam said.
"I didn't know I could fight either. I'd never hit anyone before..."
"Feels good, doesn't it?"
"Well, yeah. A bit," I admitted, "It just sucked, the whole thing. I'm sorry."
"Sorry for what? I thought it was cool, especially how your Dad ended up being cool with you taking a swing at him." We reached the porch.
"Well, is it too early for my present?" Sam asked.
"You're still on that ass thing, aren't you?" I shook my head at him.
"It's alright, I can wait," He smiled and opened the door for me.

Christmas morning everyone had started over, or had at least tried to forget about the previous night. Presents were passed around and everyone got the usual stuff. Stick tape, gloves, rollerblades...I got a few new canvases so I was very happy. Kevin was still acting like a jerk, but that was something that would never change.
"This one says 'To Cadey Love Skip'," Josh read and there was a round of laughter that followed. I glanced at my Mom. She took a long drink of her coffee and gave a look to Sam.
"Thanks," I took the red shoebox shaped gift from my little brother and opened it.
"What is it?" Dad asked me as I stared down into the box.

I wanted to die.
It was a big pink vibrator, complete with batteries.

***

I slowly closed the lid.

"Well son, what'd Sam buy you?.....You look embarrassed, is it a hygiene product or something?"
I stammered like an idiot at my Dad, "Y...yeah, something, something like that." I tried to move the box casually behind me.
"Come on, guys don't need hygiene products," Kevin was insistent on knowing the contents of my gift, "Show everybody."
I knew the minute I refused I would get tackled from all sides. There was only one alternative.

I stood, spotted an opening between Mom and Sam, and ran like hell for the stairs. By the time my brothers and Dad were able to register that I was trying to escape I was already upstairs and was able to lock my door with plenty of time to spare.
"Is it drugs?!" Josh yelled above Kevin's pounding.
"No, it's not drugs! Go away!"
"Don't be such a wimp!" Kevin insisted. I had a couple minutes to find a substitute for Sam's gift. Something Josh didn't know I had. I took the vibrator out of the box without giving it a second look and shoved it into a dresser drawer, tossed the batteries on my desk and quickly found a replacement item. I opened the door and handed the box to Josh. He opened it.
"MOM!!!" Josh yelled in shock and ran back downstairs. I heaved a sigh of relief. It was enough to surprise Josh, but I doubted it would be enough to ease everyone else's suspicions. When I came back down my Dad was inspecting the box of cigarettes, totally unconvinced.

"I didn't know you smoked, son."
"Well, I don't. And I didn't want you thinking I did. I mean, I'm 18 but....still....Hey Josh you wanna open something?"
Both Mom, Dad, and Kevin had that 'we totally don't buy it' look on their faces. Josh meanwhile had served as the distraction I needed as he ripped open another present and screamed. Eventually I was left alone. As I plopped back down in my spot by the tree I finally got to look at Skip, who had been quietly enjoying the whole thing. He gave me an innocent angelic-looking smile and then returned his attentions to my little brother who was running around the room with his new remote control truck. I vowed to kill him later.

That evening my phone rang. It was Scott.
"Merry Christmas. I thought you said you wouldn't be able to call...," I said as I made my way through the house, nearly colliding with Josh on his rollerblades in the kitchen. My Dad and Kevin had the TV full blast and were screaming at an old vintage game on DVD. I tripped over a stick as I was walking and nearly killed myself, "Josh, get your stick outta the dining room!"
"Sounds hectic there," Scott's voice was soft. He sounded odd.
I looked around before saying, "You sound like you miss us or something."
"I do."
"You won't believe this," I said as I made my way past the wreckage and into the what I thought was an empty back room, "Skip pulled the stupidest stunt this morning."
"What happened? Something worse than last night?"
"Almost," I said as I entered the room to find my Mom and Skip on the couch in mid conversation.
"Sh*t," I said aloud. They were talking about what had happened this morning. I ducked back into the dining room.
"What is it?" Scott asked me over the phone.
"Nothing. It's nothing," I said and chose to quietly retreat to my room. Our conversation continued there.

"I don't even know where he got the thing. What made him think it was ok to just put it under the tree?....Yeah, well I'm glad you left your cigarettes here, even though no one bought it," Scott was too busy laughing to give me his two cents. Later I was able to confront Sam as he was heading to his room.
"I am gonna kill you," I said. Skip looked back down the hall and then motioned me into his room. He shut the door behind us and locked it.
"I was just having fun. I knew you wouldn't let them see it. So, do you like it?"
"...Like it? I never thought about liking it, I was too busy trying to keep my 8 year old kid brother from seeing it!" I exclaimed.
"He didn't see it. Relax. Your Mom's kinda been on me though. She asked about Scott for some reason. She wanted to know if he and I hung out a lot."
"She knows," I felt dizzy, "I tried to tell you guys that she knows. Why won't anybody listen to me?"
"Nobody listens to you when you nag."
"...What else did she ask you? Did she ask what the gift was?"
"She asked if it was 'adult themed'," Skip quoted with his hands, " I told her it was, and apologized for not giving it to you in private. She didn't seem too mad though. Anyway if she's suspicious she's still not doing anything."
Footsteps in the hall.

"I gotta go," I held my head, "I give up asking you to tone it down. Obviously that's not gonna happen."
"What about...," Skip protested as I left, "Aren't we gonna have sex?" I cringed. Words carried, even through closed doors.
"Kinda impossible tonight," I said and gave him a quick kiss before creaking his door open and bounding across the hall to safety.
"Use it," Skip whispered across the way to me. I shushed him and shut my door.

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