Dan and Ben at Sixty-two

Dan and Ben at Sixty-two--Chapter Thirteen By Ezra Randle

Ben texted Dan on a Friday night. "Hey, buddy, Gary will be at his brother's all day tomorrow and returning Sunday. Wondering if you'd like to come over."

He received the return text within a few minutes. "Wonderful. Early afternoon OK? I'm eager to see you."

When Dan pulled into Ben's driveway the next afternoon, Ray was tending to his perennial bed, something that he had become even more obsessive about since his affair with Jack began. Dan walked over to him. "Hi, Ray, good to see you. How have you been?"

"Hi Dan. I've been confused. Uncertain what to do next."

Dan was surprised. He expected a quick "I'm doing fine, how are you" routine but this was something that demanded more inquiry. "Care to share?"

"Ben knows all about it. He can fill you in," Ray said, pointing the front doorway through which Ben had just passed. He was wearing baggy gym shorts and a t-shirt cut off at the shoulders and waist, revealing his hairy belly. He wore flip-flops and looked quite tan. Dan was surprised by the outfit which took him back to when they were friends in late high school when they might have gone skinny-dipping in the Chippewa River in Eau Claire. "Hey, Danny, good to see you."

"Ray's telling me he's in a funk."

"Maybe you haven't heard. His friend, Jack, lost his partner last week. Long battle with cancer which really accelerated in the last month. I'll tell you more about it later. If that's OK with you, Ray?"

"I hope you do. Maybe he's got a solution that neither you nor I have come up with yet. Is Gary around?"

"He's at his brother's for the weekend. Back tomorrow mid-day."

Ray smiled. "You two are going to visit. Have fun."

Ben shook his head. "Ray, you know Dan and I are old friends. Nothing complicated about that."

"Just out of curiosity, does Gary know? How does that work?"

Ben laughed. "Ray, just because you drop by whenever you want, doesn't mean you should disregard matters of privacy. You know better than that. Besides Gary knows that Dan and I are best of friends."

Ray stood up. "I'm very sorry. I'm all out of sorts with this stuff." He looked over at Dan. "I haven't seen your boy lately. Usually he and Gary come over after their Sunday morning workout. Is everything OK with him?"

"Yes. Thanks for asking. I'll let him know you were wondering."

Dan shook Ray's hand, and he and Ben went inside. "What's with Jack?"

"O, boy. You met Jack at your retirement party. But he's been taking care of his partner who it turns out is his husband. They were married a month ago. Since the death, Ray thinks he's got to make decision about committing to Jack and leaving Celeste or let his old lover walk away again."

"Isn't it possible that Jack will want to continue seeing him like they've been doing? Maybe seeing him at home now that he's alone?"

"Seems like a sensible solution in the short term. But Ray says Jack wants him to commit and take up with him."

"Wow. Is there any chance of that?"

"I'd say about ten percent. But Ray is not dismissing the possibility."

They stood in the kitchen. Ben smiled. "Can I have some love?"

They embraced and kissed. "Nice. I've been looking forward to a day with you. If you've got it in you?"

"I do. I've missed you very much."

"Let's go upstairs. I've got a surprise for you."

They stretched out on the bed Ben shared with Gary most nights. "Am I resting on Gary's side of the bed?"

"Yes, you are, asshole. Now embrace me like we matter to each other."

They held each other, until Ben pulled Dan into him and had his face resting on his chest. "Tell me how things are. How's Larry?"

"Chip went back to Tucson. Dad was going to stay for a few more weeks. But now he's moved into Marie's old room and says he's staying until October."

"That's interesting. Why is he staying?"

"Part of it is the weather. It's a lot more pleasant in Wisconsin in August than in Arizona. But more importantly, he's really become attached to Jerrad. It's beautiful to see. Jerrad really loves him, too."

"Jerrad reminds me a bit of myself. A bit impulsive. Kind of a sexually charged young man. Curious about sex. He hasn't been around here much lately. Gary told me they're taking a break since their sex session."

"Why's that?"

"I told Gary that Jerrad might fall in love with him after they had sex. They were already good friends. Jerrad took it upon his own not to see Gary for a while to prevent that fear from breaking out. Gary told me they've finally resumed their Sunday morning workouts. So, that's nice."

Gary laughed. "Sounds like Jerrad."

Then Dan told Gary about Katrine. "Holy shit. Your kid is really amazing. That is so astounding it's almost profound. Him rescuing her like that. And now she's gone for good?"

"Who knows for how long? They had a noisy farewell in Jerrad's bed the night before she drove out east. Woke Dad and me up."

Ben laughed. "I like that ending to their story. Do you think he's gay?"

"Judging by the other night, no. But he might easily be bi. In fact, I'm betting on that."

"I told Gary if he wanted a repeat with Jerrad, it was OK with me."

"You're not worried something might happen?"

"No. Gary's taste is with older men. If it were you, I might be worried. But he and Jerrad are just friends. And Gary needs a good friend just like Jerrad does."

"All good with Gary, then?"

"I love him like I do you. It's deep. Profound."

"I admire how it's all happened for you, Ben. Settling down with him. It's really quite beautiful."

"It's still by day. But I spend a lot less time concerned that it's real and enduring. Gary's an amazing guy in many ways."

"And your kids?"

"I'm batting 1.5 out of 3. Annie's with me one hundred percent. Jessie, halfway. With Marnie, I have no chance. The more I think about it, I feel lucky. Annie's left her kids with us for a day a few weeks ago. She wants them to spend an overnight in September."

"Gary OK with them?"

"He's very talented with kids. He should have been a kindergarten teacher."

Ben kissed Dan and said, "Tell me about Dolph."

After Dan told him the story, Ben said, "Yes, it's a bit weird, but in a way, it makes sense. He got in too deep too fast with you. He needs to back off and reconsider. I felt that way on occasion. That's part of why I needed to take breaks from you."

"Yes, but you were married and unsure if you were gay or bi. Dolph says he knows what he is sexually."

"But he's never really lived it. It's just in his head. When he was seeing Gary years ago and discovered his true self, he was still married. He was just sneaking around having an affair. But now that he's a single guy, it's a different thing. You both came on too strong. You might be the first man since Gary that he's fallen for."

"I should just back off and give him some time?"

"Yeah. Or are you having second thoughts? Maybe he's not the one for you."

"I like him. Quite a bit. I thought we really clicked. I was starting to forget about Alex."

"Any contact there?"

"No. Do you think I should reach out?"

"Yes. Find out if you can live with him while he occasionally sees his friend. What's his name?"

"Jorge."

"Find out what they mean to each other. Maybe you can live with it, like Alex had to live with me and you. And Gary has to do the same."

"I don't think it's the same. But I should find out."

Ben sat up. "Enough about him. Let's be us for a while. I've got something for you. All you have to do is close your eyes and listen."

Ben clicked his phone and piano music flowed, then a cornet followed by Lorraine's distinctive voice singing "My Foolish Heart." Dan was about to speak but Ben put his index finger to Dan's lips. "Just listen."

When the song ended, Ben said, "They are about to come out with a new album. `Ballads Two.' Orvy sent me some outtakes digitally."

They rested listening to Lorraine sing a variety of songs from the American Songbook and smiled as she ran through a dozen tunes. "In many ways, Orvy and Lorraine brought us back together. They're like comfort food," Ben said.

"Yeah. It's so good to hear some new songs. I keep meaning to take Dad up to hear them before he goes back."

"They've got a gig in Madison in early October. At a new club called The Sylvie."

"Great. Tickets on sale yet?"

"Orvy said he'll get us tickets in the front row. So don't worry about that."

"I can't wait to tell Dad. Jerrad might even come along. He's been listening to this type of music on occasion."

"Did we ever dance much?" Ben asked.

"Maybe once when we were at Lake Superior. Do you and Gary?"

"Yeah, we do. He's pretty nimble on his feet with the fast stuff. I mostly just watch when he does that. But he's taught me to love dancing with him while a slow ballad is playing. He usually lets me lead. Come here, dance with me?"

"I thought you'd never ask."

Ben replayed "My Foolish Heart," and they stood up and held each other. Dan was wearing khaki walking shorts and a polo shirt. As they moved about the bedroom, Ben pulled the shirt loose from the shorts and felt Dan's chest and back. Dan yielded to him as they swayed to the music. Ben played with his nipples and kissed him. "Feels just like old times, Danny."

"Yeah. You feel so good. It's been a long time since I've seen you wearing baggie shorts and a cut off shirt like this."

"They're Gary's. We swap clothes fairly often. We are an identical size with everything except our shoes. Do you like the look on me?"

"When you came out of the house earlier, I wanted to feel you inside the shirt. Then pull the shorts down."

"Ray would have enjoyed that. He's always popping into the house hoping to catch us naked and making out."

"I might too if I lived next door to you two."

Dan lifted the t-shirt and felt Ben's naked chest. Lorraine's voice guided them as Ben removed Dan's shirt and unbuckled his shorts. The shorts fell to the floor, and Dan pulled Ben's shorts down. He chuckled as Ben was wearing his briefs from twelve years ago, taken on their second date when they'd showered with their underwear on. "Nice. You still have them."

"I have to hide them from Gary as he loves wearing my underwear."

Ben kissed Dan and pulled his briefs to the floor. Dan did the same to Ben. They kissed as the music played pressing their bodies tightly against each other. Dan clutched Ben's ass and turned him around so he was facing Ben's backside. He kissed Ben's neck and felt his nipples from that position. "My ass still thinks about you, Danny. Feels good with your cock pressing into me."

Ben turned and let himself be led in a dance as "My Foolish Heart" replayed for the fourth time. They moved to the bed and Ben pulled back the sheets. They pressed their bodies together and kissed deeply, as though it was the first time they felt each other's nakedness. They finally paused and held each other. "Wow, that was intense for those ten minutes. Thank you," Dan said.

"I often think that it could have been us. No regrets. Absolutely none. But when we're like this, it is very special. I want you to find something just as good. Because I'm not leaving Gary."

"I understand. And I hope we will always be able to make love like this when we have the right time and place. I'd be very sad to lose that chapter in our lives. Because it does live on when we meet," Dan said.

They kissed again and Dan said, "I have a little surprise as well." Dan went to the pocket of his shorts and pulled out a pair of vibrating dildos, one lime green and the other pink. "Can we try it while we're fucking?"

"I'm game."

"I'll lick you and get you hard while it's in you. Spread your legs."

Dan lubricated the pink dildo and Ben's ass. "Your finger alone feels good."

He turned on the dildo as Ben turned onto his belly. He slid the dildo throughout Ben's anal area and through his taint. Ben moaned throughout this pleasuring. He stopped at his hole and slowly inserted it. "Jesus, that is wonderful."

And then it was inside him, and Ben rolled on his back feeling the vibrations of the toy. Dan licked his cock more until Ben's glans was fully exposed from his foreskin. Dan lubed himself and Ben's cock and perched above the cock. He slowly lowered himself so that Ben's tip was right at his opening. He had been wearing a plug overnight and in the morning in preparation for Ben's thickness. The cock went in easily. Dan lowered himself completely so Ben's cock was buried deep in him. "I assume you cleaned out like I did?"

"Yes. From the moment you called last night, I've been so eager."

Dan rose and fell slowly, sometimes lingering at the tip before plunging downward to take all of Ben. He varied his motions, and Ben said, "Wow, you are fucking me so beautifully, even though technically I'm the one fucking you."

It went on through the complete playlist of the new music, until they were back to "My Foolish Heart." Now Dan picked up the pace as he reached to the vibrator and turned it to a higher speed. "Wow, that's intense," Ben said.

As Dan rode him, the pulsing in his ass cause Ben to moan and even shout. "Fuck me, Danny. My first true love. O, Jesus fucking Christ. I'm going out of my mind with pleasure."

When Ben erupted he bucked his hips and shot deeply into Dan. Dan could feel the juices gushing into him. The pleasure was so intense that he shouted, too, even though he was saving his orgasm for later. Ben rolled him over and kissed him deeply, the vibrator still buzzing his ass. As he spread out on top of Dan, he whispered, "My forever sweetness."

They held each other until Ben rolled off and dropped into a doze. Dan smiled and watched Ben fall asleep thinking of all the times they had done this while in each other's arms. He'd certainly fucked Alex more times than Ben, but Ben held such a special place in his heart. He dozed off thinking of Ben, wishing he were in his arms every night.

They woke simultaneously and kissed again. "Want to shower and have lunch?"

"You go ahead. I'll come down in a few. I want to linger a bit with your cum up my ass."

Ben reached to Dan's ass and felt his cum. "Now that's nice. Man love at its finest."

Ben didn't put any clothes on after he dried himself and went downstairs pulling out the ingredients for grilled deli sandwiches. As he was setting the heat at just the right level, Ray came in through the garage. Ben looked over his shoulder half expecting Gary. "Ray, you surprised me."

"O, sorry. I'll get out of here."

"That's OK. Dan will be down in a minute. What's up?"

"I was going to talk if you two had time. But this is obviously not the right moment."

Dan walked into the kitchen at that moment sans clothing. He laughed when he saw Ray leaning against the counter. "How long have you been here, Ray?"

"I just walked in. Sorry to intrude. I was going to leave but Ben told me to stay."

"Are you hungry, Ray? I can make three just as easily as two," Ben said.

"If I stay I guess I'll need to take my clothes off, too?"

Dan laughed. "That would be fair."

Ray quickly disrobed pausing at his boxers. "I should have showered but I was working outside."

"Jump in the shower. We'll still be here."

Ray used the downstairs shower and came back up drying his short hair. "I've never done anything like this."

"You've eaten with us before, Ray."

He laughed. "It's nice looking at you two naked. I've seen Ben a few times, but you have a nice body, Dan."

"You, too, Ray. You've got almost fifteen years on us. But you look very healthy."

"I'm not so bad, all things considered. I still get pretty hard without using the blue pill, but it all works better with the medication. How about you two?"

"I've used it but I don't need it," Dan said.

"Same with me," Ben said.

They could see that Ray was stiffening up. "I like seeing a man your age get hard, Ray. Gives me great hope," Dan said. "Just like seeing my dad get erect."

"He's got about ten years on me. Kudos to him."

Dan and Ben smiled as Ray got harder, almost half a boner. "I'm sorry to be getting aroused like this. Should I go?"

"We're fine with it, Ray," Ben said. "Now, do you want a sandwich or not?"

"Sure. I'd love one."

"Have a seat. You're boner won't be so obvious," Ben said.

Ray finally got around to the reason he'd interrupted them. "What's your opinion, Dan. You've been married. Is it worth giving it up for a man I love?"

"How sure are you about his love?"

"Ben probably told you that this is the second time around for us. It feels stronger than the first time. But maybe that's just me and not him as well."

"Have either one of you said the words this time around?"

"Yes. More times me saying them, but Jack's said them as well. I think he means it."

"Has he truly asked you to be his partner or is that just you filled with your love and lust?" Dan said.

Jack paused. "Well, that's the jackpot of questions. If I knew that for sure, I could act on this right away. It's the risk of not truly knowing the answer to that question. More than dealing with the fallout from leaving Celeste and what my family might think. I don't want to live the rest of my years without loving. I've done that for too long."

"You want me to ask Jack for you, Ray?" Ben said interrupting the back and forth between Ray and Dan. "Because I'll call him right now."

Jack wouldn't answer. "What's his number, Ray," Ben said as he picked up his phone. "Tell me. I'm going to do this and make resolving this easier for you."

Ray reluctantly gave Ben the number. Jack answered right away. "Hi, Jack. This is Ben Schermer. Ray's neighbor. How are you?"

"Pretty good. Is Ray OK?"

"Well, that's a difficult one to answer right now. First off, my condolences on the death of your husband. I know you nursed him right to the end."

"Yes, I did. Thanks for your words. I wouldn't expect less than that given how good you've been with Jack and me."

"I have a question. I hope it's not too personal. But it will help us as we sit here having our late lunch."

"OK, what is it?"

"Ray is wondering if you'd like him to move in with you and be your lover and partner. I mean after a suitable period of time for grieving, of course."

They could hear Jack laughing. "Is this some kind of a prank call?"

"No. I couldn't be more serious."

"Is Ray there right now?"

"Yes, he is."

"Put him on."

"If you don't mind, I'll keep it on speaker phone. I need to hear this because we're kind of in a counseling mode with Ray. Helping him make up his mind."

Jack laughed again. "You can tell Ray that I love him with all my heart. And I'd take him tomorrow if he's got the nerve. But it's a tough choice for him. And he's got to do what's best for him and his family. He's the only one who can make that decision."

"Jack, is it an all or nothing thing for you?" Ben asked.

"Yes, it is, Ben. He's either got to be with me or we have to let it go. I don't want either one of us sneaking around. There's no need for that anymore with me."

"Jack, you've made yourself very clear. Thanks for being honest like this."

"Ray, I mean it. I'll live the rest of my life with you. You've got my pledge on that."

Ray finally spoke up, trying to stifle his tears. "Jack, I'm trying to make a decision. It's really hard. I love you so much. Please give me some more time."

Jack laughed. "You've got time, babes. Take care. Let's talk again."

Then Jack disconnected. The three of them looked at each other. "Wow. Ben. You really did it," Ray said. "You called him just like Gary might have."

"I don't want you to be pussyfooting around with this thing because you're doubting Jack. Putting it on him. He's made that clear. If you'd got to say no to him because of all the reasons Dan and I understand all too well, let it go. But if you've got the balls to take him at his word, we'll love you for it, Ray. OK?"

"Yeah. OK."

"Then let's eat."

A few hours later, Dan and Ben sat on the porch. The late afternoon sun had left the porch in the shade, but it was still comfortable to sit in their shorts with no shirt. "Have you heard from Gary?"

"He's not returning until tomorrow at noon. He and his brother, Ricky, are finishing up with the basement project they've been working on for a few months. So, if you want to stay overnight, you're welcome."

"I probably will. Let me call home and check on the boys. I'd like to do some more with the vibrator and you sitting on me."

"Me, too. What we did earlier might be the most fun I've had sexually in quite a while. Especially with you."

"If Gary heard us talk, he'd be pissed or jealous."

"I'm very careful about what I tell him."

"Is that being honest?"

"Honest enough. If he had an old friend he had to see on occasion, he'd understand. But I don't expect him to fully understand it. He just has to tolerate me seeing you. If you went back to Alex, he might have the same feeling about Jorge as you have about me. That he'd have to see Jorge on occasion. Do you ever think that was his plan?"

"What do you mean?"

"He makes a friend in Jorge. If you want to be together with him, you have to accept him seeing Jorge on occasion. Just as he has to accept you seeing me on occasion."

"Maybe. I know if I find a way to get back with Alex that has to be addressed. I'm not sure I could accept it. It certainly makes me appreciate him being jealous of us."

"Maybe the key is not to see each other too often. And do it like we are today. Discreetly."

"Ray broke through our discretion."

"He's a nosy little prick, isn't he? Gary and I laugh about that all the time. But I hold so many secrets about him, he'd never try to harm me in any way."

"If I were to get back with Dolph, our situation would inevitably have to be addressed."

Ben laughed. "Wouldn't it be funny, if we were brought back together because our mates can't handle us seeing each other? We'll be all that's left."

Dan reached out his hand and Ben took it. "Gary and I have started showing our affection when we're walking in the neighborhood. Holding hands and kissing a bit. Nothing too dramatic, but enough if anyone's watching."

"Good for you. I'll bet that was a big step."

"There have been lots of steps, big and small. What Gary and I are doing is not the easiest thing in the world. Even if you come to it at such an early age like Gary. He's so confident in his sexuality, it rubs off on me."

They treated each other to a massage. When it was Dan's turn to receive, Ben ended up by inserting the lime green vibrator deep inside him. "Feel good?"

"Yes. Very good."

"Turn over."

As Dan turned onto his back, Ben held the vibrator in place. Then Ben rubbed his chest and worked his nipples by leaning over and sucking them. Dan moaned as Ben lowered his mouth to Dan's cock which was semi-hard. Ben licked the shaft up and down, then led Dan to bed. Dan spread out his back and Ben sat on him. "Am I too heavy?'

"Feels good. Take my cock."

Ben repeated the same steps that Dan had done earlier, gradually lowering his ass onto Dan's cock, swallowing it deep into his ass. He rose and fell, using his thick thighs to generate the motion. Dan moaned as he received the pleasure from Ben's ass and the vibrator inside his bottom. Thoughts of the same pleasuring with Dolph came to him and he smiled. They had certainly enjoyed each other before Dolph woke up to his uncertainty in the middle of the night. He felt the pleasure of orgasm arise in his hips and thighs. "Ben, I'm cumming."

"Yeah, deep in my ass."

Dan shouted as the dual of pleasure of his orgasm and the vibrator pleasuring his prostate overwhelmed him. He hadn't had an orgasm for several days and he felt like he had a flood of liquid spurting out of him. Ben was jacking his cock as he rose and fell on Dan's cock. He hosed himself onto Dan's chest, soaking the hair around his nipples and onto his chin. Then he rolled off of his friend and pulled Dan to his chest, kissing him deeply. They both fell into sleep, waking an hour later still finding themselves intertwined.