Arms of a Man Ch. 06

We flew down to San Diego and were waiting on the civ side of the pier as the transport ship came in, lined with sailors all ready to have a few days or weeks of shore leave back in the States. It didn't take long for me to pick out Alex; standing a foot above the rest he stuck out. "There he is. Tall idiot near the forecastle." I pointed for Zach who nodded.

"Dear god, you lived with him? He's huge...and hot." I nodded.

"Yeah. Too tall for my taste, but had he been shorter I would have been all over that."

"Glad he's too tall," Zach said and gave my hand a squeeze. It was subtle, him seeming to realize that I had been here only a few short weeks ago and was still a bit apprehensive about PDA here. I might see someone I knew and was not ready to tell.

The men and women filed off and into the arms of their loved ones. I gave myself a few extra inches in height by getting up on a pylon and Alex found me unerringly and the grin he had was the biggest ever. He weaved through the sea of sailors and pulled me into a huge rib cracking hug, lifting me from the pylon easily.

"G'damn bro! You still a little fucking tank." I laughed as he set me down. "You're looking indecently well. And you," he said to Zach, "you give me a hug too." Zach couldn't help but laugh and did just that. It was like watching a praying mantis seize its prey with impossibly long arms. "Lemme have a look at you two." I stood next to Zach and Alex's grin got bigger. "Yeah...this is love," and then he hugged us both.

"You seem a bit too happy to see me, freak."

"Dude, you have no fucking clue how much I miss you. My room mate...total prude. Doesn't even shit without saying a prayer. I don't think he's even hit one in the months since you been gone and god knows mine is in need of some attention. I was down to once a week."

"You poor saint."

"You know my pain. Right here." He grabbed his crotch. For him that was saintly. To go one day without hitting one was a stretch for him.

I directed him to the car I rented for the short time we were here. He jumped in the back seat without being asked and when I pulled away from the base he looked around. "So where we going? The Beast needs to be unleashed...unless you two are planning on doing it." I saw his grin in the mirror.

"Don't tempt us, freak. There is close to twenty-five inches of dick in this car and I'm the smallest."

"G'damn bro! You saying Zachy here has got 'bout ten inches of meat too?"

Zach looked over his shoulder. "Just about. By the look on your face, and the growing bulge in your pants, you want to watch and then join." I think the world was thrown off its rotation by the sheer force and speed of him nodding. "Maybe."

"G'damn..." he whispered.

We had discussed a potential threesome after the dream I had concerning this guy and when the actual event of them meeting was to happen, the subject came up again. While both of us were fairly open to the experience, we were pretty sure it would not change the way we felt about each other except maybe make us appreciate what we have even more. It may happen and it may not. If Alex had his way, it would happen as soon as we got home...and then every hour on the hour.

"So, serious shit, where are we going?"

"Airport and then you get to stomp around my town for a few days. Get you some Nor Cal country girls."

"Like...actual country girls? Like rodeo girls?" He was almost whining.

"Yeah. I know a few who know how to ride," said Zach and I realized he did. He probably still had a few of their numbers too. I had just planned on taking him to the bar and leaving it at that, let him make his own way like he always did.

"G'damn bros...I missed wing-men like you."

The flight was shorter home because dumbass was telling us so many stories that we were rolling in the aisles. He kept them mostly PG with kids around us, but some he dropped to a low tone and I marveled at how he described the new roomie. It was perfect really. A pole for a spine, a permanent case of constipation and an unthinking block where his head should be, his head actually being stuffed up his own ass. "Bros, I shit you not. I had my shirt off the other day, getting undressed to go to the shower. He asked me to undress in the other room as 'nudity is a private matter, please keep it that way' and then left the room himself. I about ran after him naked just to give him a hug. Fucking twat."

"Sounds like you love him dearly." Alex of course punched me in the shoulder.

"But seriously! How do I live with someone so different? You gotta help me, Leo."

"I do huh? Well, have you tried getting him laid?" Alex nodded. "With the usual girls?" Again he nodded. "Try a guy."

"Like that...might work. You never banged them chicks. Think he might be a closet case?"

Zach picked up the thread. "Could be. Never stopped me from doing it, but I was so attentions starved that if it was human, had a pulse, and was willing, I was there." Alex's eye went wide and then he stated asking questions and Zach, bless him, told him to wait until the plane landed. Which he did...as soon as the wheels were on the ground he started asking for all the dirty details.

Alex was quiet as we rolled up to the house. He just stared. "You, know, Leo, it will be so weird sleeping without having to get up at five."

"I know. I still get up then, but I use the time for PT. Gotta keep in shape."

"You still PT?"

"Yeah. Usually involves a lot of foreplay and then some really hot sex. Lots of core work and concentrated muscle groups." Zach rolled his eyes but Alex laughed. "So, you hungry? The pasta sauce I have on the stove should have simmered enough by now to be edible."

"Home...made...pasta sauce?" I nodded as I unlocked the door, the smell of it wafting to our nostrils and Alex about nutted right then. "Oh yeah, that's some good shit."

"You're sleeping in there. Same rules apply as they did then. Just let me know you plan on doing the deed. If you want company, close the door and keep it down as we have neighbors. If our door is closed, we're wanting to be alone. Knock and if you get the go ahead, come on in. If not, I'm probably on my back with my knees on my shoulders." Alex nearly tripped over the coffee table when his head spun to see if I was serious.

"You mean..." I just grinned. Would he ask? "...you're a bottom?"

"Mostly." Yup. He asked. Seems like my dream was prophecy. Hopefully the sex part wasn't. I was such a slut in that dream that I hoped I could hold out longer than thirty seconds before I tripped and swallowed the Beast. "At least for Zach."

"And only because I'm still getting use to his coke can cock. I was a virgin before he got a hold of me." Zach then disappeared into the bed room and shut the door.

Alex dropped his stuff off in the room and came back out. "So, in all honesty, Leo...you got yourself one helluva man. He loves you. When I settle down I hope I find someone who thinks I created the sun and moon, not just hung them."

I smiled and nodded. "And I love him. Which brings me to something I need to ask you." He nodded and then when I was done, he nodded again. Now for phase three. This would be the clincher.

The city hosted a farmer's market every month and I knew for a fact that Zach's dad would be there. I even knew when thanks to a little bird I had on the inside. Zoe and Lisa were making him take them to sell their first batch of jam they made all by themselves. They had been putting it in jars for a week and one such jar was in my fridge right now. It was a little tart for strawberry, but I liked tart so I was not upset.

Alex simply "had" to go to the market and as his hosts we were honor bound to escort him lest he get lost or arrested. Zach had gotten all three days off work and no one even complained. Hell, the other manager told him it was about time he took some time off. Damien gave me the first day off, and Jason had given me today, so I decided to make the best of it.

"Um...can I not go? Dad will be there with the girls."

"Bro...you gotta. I haven't had fresh anything in months. Home grown ain't words we hear in the service."

"I'll...just avoid them."

"Like hell," I said. "You are going to be the bigger man and go buy a jar from your daughters and screw what he thinks." I had told the girls to expect us and to expect a scene. They loved the idea. Anything to bring the family back together. One thing about those girl was they loved their father as much as he loved them and they would stop at nothing to make sure he was happy.

"Okay, okay. If he starts something I'm leaving." I nodded like that was fair.

The market was lively and loud with so many people. Live bands provided entertainment, street performers and craftsmen were everywhere, and then the food! The glorious food! So many smells and all of it making me wish Nona Elenora was here. She loved the market. "Bros, I gotta visit the head. Where are the cherubs I hear about? I'll meet you there." Alex headed to the bathroom after getting directions.

"Lets get this over with." I took his hand and smiled.

When we got within eye range Zoe brightened. "Daddy!" she squealed and came dodging through the crowd for us.

"Hey, beautiful. Didn't your grandpa tell you not to run off?" He scooped her up and carried her back to their little stall. Carl paled a bit but said nothing.

"Yeah, but it's you so it doesn't matter. And Leo would beat them up if anyone hurt me."

"You're right," I said and booped her nose, which made her giggle. The adults all ignored each other as we looked over the types of jams they had. "Huh. I'll buy the green apple jelly. I love tart things." I bought two jars. "Zach?"

"I think I should get free samples, but that's only because I'm dad. I'll take the grape." Lisa took the money after getting smooches from us. Those were mandatory.

We waited for Alex. "Think he got lost?" Zach asked and I nodded.

"I think I see him over there." I gestured and we went that direction, me putting my arm around Zach's waist and snuggling close. I had seen Alex waiting for us to leave.

There was a momentary lull and then I heard Alex's voice. "Disgusting. This is a family event and children shouldn't have to see that." Zach went to turn but I kept him walking. "You a God fearin' man?" he asked Carl. It had chosen a light Southern accent.

"Yes, sir."

"Those types should not be allowed to do that in public. It should be kept a dark secret." We were covered by the crowds now, but we could still hear them well enough.

"Those types. Do you mean the men that were just here?"

"Yes. God has a special place for them." I wondered if Alex had heard stuff like this before because his tone was perfect. I did recall him saying he was from So Cal, but he was born somewhere in the south.

Zach pulled to a stop. "What's going on, Leo?"

"Just listen."

"One of those men happens to be my son...sir. These two are his daughters." I smiled. Zach's jaw slowly started to fall. "Your attitude is what should be kept secret. My son is a hard working man," Zach spun and looked back now, slowly going back to the stall, "and a credit to good Christian values. Yes, he loves another man and I will admit I was angry at first, but God has allowed me to see that it's not who you love but how you love. My granddaughters have grown up in a loving home, one that now includes three dads. My son's partner is a former service man and someone who once said that good Christians should not have to see scenes like this. So, sir, unless you plan on buying some jam, you may leave the area and may God judge you as He sees fit. Good day." Alex stormed off the opposite direction in a huff.

The crowd seem to part and Carl was suddenly face to face with his gay son. I swear they were going to just stand there until they both reached out for an embrace. I wiped away my own tears as they pulled the girls in. Then Carl shocked the hell out of me and opened his arms. "Leo," he said in invitation and I went to it. I thanked God for small miracles like this. "I have been so wrong, but I am hoping you can forgive an old backwards thinking man like me. Both of you...all of you."

"Dad...really. I love you and I never meant to hurt you or Mom."

"Leo, could you stay with the girls while my son and I talk?"

"Sure." They went off to sit in the shade. "You two are amazing," I said to Zoe and Lisa and they gave me hugs. Another good thing was the sold out their entire stock thanks to that scene. People came over to say the girls were lucky to have such loving family. They praised a man who openly acknowledged and defended his son and partner and were glad to buy some jam from two little angels.

After an hour Zach came over and gave me a hug and kiss. "Dad wants to talk to you."

I went over and sat when he asked. "I owe you a very big apology. My behavior was blind and cruel. There is no excuse and God has shown me that. He's given me proof that I have fallen short of His love and of being the father I should be."

"Your willingness to admit this shows where Zach got his values. I'm glad you've had a change of heart. Zach has been miserable. His other family has been doing what we could, but this...this will make him better. The only apology you owe me, if any, was for spitting in my face." Carl turned red and looked down in shame. "The rest was said in anger and words said in anger can be forgiven if the heart truly has changed. I will accept your apology if you accept mine."

"What do you have to apologize for? You are the one who was hurt."

"Because I have thought ill of you and wished I could get you back for hurting Zach. I love him, sir, and I will do anything I can to keep him from harm and I will get revenge for those who hurt him."

Carl got a bit pale. "And what stopped you?"

"Zach and the girls, Helen and her folks. My Nona Elenora would have flown out from Italy to tan my hide if she heard I did anything like that." I smiled sheepishly. "So...their love for you and my love for them stopped me from doing anything rash."

"Apology accepted. What I said about you not being welcome at my home...forget that. Zoe and Lisa have had nothing but kind words for you and my wife says that Patty Mae has been all praise for you, too. That woman sees things as they truly are and will not suffer a fool." I didn't realize the ladies had talked again, but I'm glad they did. It also sounded like Patty Mae had been very vocal about their stupidity. "I realized I was the only thing wrong, so I'm changing that. Please, give me some time to adjust. This is a lot to take in and it could take some time." I stuck my hand out, but he gave me a hug instead. "Just remember I will hurt you if you hurt him."

I laughed. "Get in line. Mrs. Thompson is at the head of it." We went back to the stand for a few minutes and then went to find Alex. Zach and the girls were all smiles as they counted out their earnings. Once overhead was factored in the girl made fifty dollars apiece.

He was leaning up against my car with his hands in his pockets and the biggest grin on his face. He knew he had done something right. "Judging by the fact that you took this long, you talked with your dad."

"Yeah. Thank you," said Zach and gave him a tight hug. Alex returned it with a different look in his eye, like he wasn't use to doing things like that and he could get use to feeling good.

"Anything for my boy's boy."

* * *

So, I liked some of the silly idea some of my readers came up with as part of the Master Plan and I included them in here. Thanks to "ILike2ReaditReadit" for the grizzly bear and to "JustBrowsing234" for the sink hole. I may not include anything from my readers, but if I do I will cite your name in a note. This story only has a few more chapters left until the finale. It has been fun and exciting.