Friday
9:42 AM
Brown moving boxes toppled down against my bedroom floor as I pushed them aside to open the closet. I still had a lot of progress to make in this place. Deciding to live off campus this year was a big move, but I felt like it was the right choice after such an exhausting two years in the dorms. Having my own four walls, even if a mere 800 square feet, was a feeling that didn’t take long to get used to. One such luxury was not having to share the bathroom when I was in rush, such as this morning. Uncle Doug agreed to pick me up at 10 AM, which normally would work out fine but I had made the great decision to spend the night on my PlayStation instead of heading to bed early. I ran from one room to the next throwing the last of my things in a bag for the road trip ahead.
It had been a long time since I had seen Uncle Doug, or maybe I should just start calling him Doug. The last time I saw him (was it last summer?) he mentioned I could just call him Doug if that was more comfortable as I was getting older. Doug had been a close friend of my dad’s for many years and became a part of the family over time. He used to come over to our house every month or so for dinner, more so after my parents divorced. My mother never liked having him around very much. Once it was just me and Dad, Doug would often bring us on trips to one of his several cabins in upstate New York and Vermont. Things changed when I started college. Dad moved away to Tennessee and I didn’t see Doug as much after that. We still talked on the phone from time to time, but we used to be so close. I was looking forward to this weekend. I had a few days off from classes for Labor Day weekend and Doug offered to drive us to Nashville to visit my dad, which was no small feat since we both still lived in Maine.
Forcing my duffle bag closed, I quickly rushed back to the bathroom to brush my teeth. Standing only in my underwear, I admired myself in the mirror for a moment. I had made quite a lot of progress with my appearance in the last year or two. I lost almost 60 pounds and started working out regularly. I wasn’t jacked by any means, but I had a nice beefy build and thick arms which I strived for. I let my hair grow a bit longer too, the warm brown color always complimented my more masculine jawline and green eyes. I’ll admit it, I was kind of hot. And I wasn’t afraid to say that to myself anymore. I pulled on a tank top and began smearing some deodorant on my pits when the doorbell rang.
Fuck! Was it time already? I ran to the front door to greet Doug. As I pulled open the door, the blinding morning sun greeted me. Squinting my eyes, I pushed open the screen door, first seeing Doug’s red pickup truck in the driveway, my eyes slowly adjusting to the light, their gaze refocusing now on the man standing on my doorstep. Doug had aged a bit over the last year; his build a bit bulkier, his scruff a bit more gray. He also had a mustache now, which I thought complimented his hair nicely, which he has kept tousled at shoulder length for as long as I have known him. He had on a green flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a pair of faded blue jeans. The first few buttons of his shirt were left undone, leaving graying curls of chest hair peeking through. I wondered how old Doug must have been now. Maybe 50? He always felt very youthful to me, I never really felt an age difference between us. He always talked to me like an equal. As I opened my mouth to greet him, Doug began to speak.
“Who are you and what have you done with Keith!?” He shouted out in amazement while grabbing both of my bare arms with a bit of a shake.
“Doug!” I shouted as we transitioned to a hug. “What’s going on? Come on in.”
“I believe the 21-year-old kid I was supposed to meet who somehow morphed into a grown man has to share first.”
“Oh come on!” I laughed. “It’s been a whole year. I’ve just been watching what I eat and lifting some weights.”
“Clearly.” He laughed. “So is that what you plan on wearing?”
I looked down and noticed I still didn’t have my pants on, my boxer briefs tight against my bulge. I felt a little embarrassed but tried to play it off cool. “Yeah, yeah. I’m running behind, I know. Give me five minutes. Almost ready.”
“Take your time, kiddo.” He smiled as he dropped himself into my couch.
I finished packing quickly and pulled on some shorts before dragging my overstuffed bag down the hallway. Dough sprung up when he saw me, snatching the bag out of my hand. “No way! You aren’t gaining another inch of muscle on my watch. Can’t have your biceps bigger than mine. My turn.” He laughed while carrying my bag to the truck above his head. Doug had such a great sense of humor. I was glad to be with him again.
11:29 AM
The late summer air was warm and smelled of pine as we made our way out of Maine. Doug was jamming some classic rock with his hand gliding on the fresh highway wind.
“I miss this” he smiled.
“Miss what?”
“This! Us, hanging out together. We used to do this sort of thing all the time. Me, you, and Robert. Those were good times. But you are growing up now and I have to remember you are becoming a young man and have your own life to live.”
I sighed. “Yeah, well my early 20s aren’t all I thought they would be. The people I’ve met in college have kind of been a joke. I don’t even bother trying to date. And I miss hanging out with you and dad.”
“Well, it’s all part of your evolution Keith. We can’t do the same things forever. But you are a handsome, smart young man and you will find your way. And I’m always there when you need some time to listen to how hard it is to be 21.”
I could spot his smirk from the corner of my eye. “Oh, funny! But it is actually kind of hard to be my age.”
“Probably not as hard as being 53.”
“53! When did you get so old?” We both laughed at that one. “No, but in all seriousness, you don’t have to worry about your age, Doug. You are a wise, kind, attractive man who always knows the right thing to say. I can’t wait to be 53 if that’s what I have to look forward to.”
Doug smiled under his mustache. “Ah, Keith. You always were such a sweet boy. Always know the things to say to make people smile. Don’t change.”
“I’ll try. So how far do you think we will make it today?”
Doug moved the truck into the fast lane. “Damn, that’s right. We’ve got a shit ton of driving to do, don’t we? Hopefully, we can make it to Maryland at least. That splits the trip up into two smaller chunks.”
“Okay, not too bad! And listen, Doug, please feel free to use me if you are ever getting tired. I can help drive at any time. Or just keep punching your arm to keep you awake.”
“Aren’t you the one who drove into your Dad’s truck in the driveway?”
“You are never going to let that go!” We both let out a big laugh and looked onward at the endless highway ahead.
3:30 PM
“You better not be yawning already!” Doug shouted at me with a big grin.
“Ah, shut up. I had a long night mister. And there is nowhere to stretch out in this truck. The seats don’t even recline. The front is like one long bench. Not even cupholders.”
“They call it a classic young man. Far too sophisticated for your taste. And just plop your head against me and stretch your legs if you must.”
“Maybe just for a few minutes.” I unbuckled my seatbelt and shifted my body across the seat toward Doug, allowing my head to rest against his side. His body was warm and his shirt smelled of freshly chopped wood. It was nice to be close to him like this. I always felt some kind of connection with Doug. I never quite knew how to put it into words, but we had a sort of chemistry that stretched beyond our years. We always knew what to say to each other and felt totally comfortable in each other’s presence. There was an intimacy of sorts there. I don’t think I’d call it romantic, but then again you never know how these types of emotions manifest. We at least had never expressed romantic or sexual thoughts toward each other out loud. But what I know for sure is we enjoy being together. I felt Doug’s hand gently comb through my hair as I fell asleep at his side.
9:35 PM
“I don’t know, Keith. I think we might have to pause it here. I’m about to pass out and your attempts to blast me with cool air are not working anymore. What do ya say we try that motel up there?”
“Yeah, that’s probably for the best. Says there are vacancies. That should be good.”
Doug parked near the door and hulk carried both of our bags on his shoulders, leading me to the front desk.
“Hi there, we’d like a room with two double beds please.”
The front desk woman looked utterly uninterested in talking with anybody. “There is only one room left and it’s a king bed.”
“Oh,” Doug sighed. “Is there a couch in the room at least?”.
“No.” She said plainly.
“Okay then, well I guess we will be going some-“
“Doug, it’s really fine. We are both tired. Let’s just share the bed.”
“I-you don’t mind? You are all grown up now. Not like when we used to all sleep in one tent camping with your dad. I know you like your space now.”
“You make me sound like a princess. It’s a big bed. We will be fine. I can adapt.” I laughed.
Doug turned toward the woman. “I guess that’s a yes then.” She said nothing as she swiped Doug’s credit card and gave him the room key.
Room 20, the last aged wooden door on the left. The zero was practically falling off of it, the key barely turning the rusted handle. Stained orange carpets and faded wallpaper slapped our eyes upon opening the door.
“Home sweet home.” I sang.
“One night, we can manage,” Doug reassured.
The room was very small, and I was unconvinced that the bed was actually a king. Seemed more like somewhere between a twin and a full. I could also immediately tell the A/C was not operating at all. I also found it a bit odd that the bathroom had no door, just a large archway from the initial doorway that opened into the sinks, shower, and toilet.
“I suppose it’s a step up from camping,” I stated unconvincingly.
“I can’t wait to see how the 20-something can rough it for a night. They may not even have wifi here.” Dough laughed to himself.
“Well, just you wait and see then. I’m going to make myself right at home.” I smirked while plopping my bag on the right side of the bed. “I’m even going to take a shower.”
“Careful for the roaches,” Doug grinned while placing his wallet and phone on the left night table.
The bathroom decor was rather dated, with dusty seashells and other beach motifs decorating the counters and walls. I glanced at the shower which was incredibly gross, but I was really starting to stink and didn’t want Doug getting grossed out being in the same bed with me. I peeled off my tank and shorts, finishing with my underwear which I kicked to the ground by my feet. I noticed my pubes in the mirror when I turned, I’d been letting them grow out more because I’ve really just been too lazy to shave. I kind of liked my pits and pubes hairy actually. I still kept my chest shaved for some reason. Maybe I’d let that grow out too?
I went to go turn on the shower when the head completely detached from the pipe and made a loud clanking sound into the tub. I quickly wrapped myself in a towel as I heard Doug get up and approach the bathroom.
“Can’t leave you alone for two seconds, can I?” He laughs as he rounds the corner, his smile fading as he catches a glimpse at my bare torso and the towel I clung tightly to my waist. Something in his eyes was different, but I couldn’t say for sure what was going through his mind. “Well-“ he took a breath and moved his stare from my chest to the shower. “This shouldn’t be too hard.”
“It was totally the shower’s fault!” I laughed.
“If you insist kiddo. Should be all good to go now.” He gave me body one last glance before turning quickly and heading back to the bed. I don’t know if he’d ever seen me with so little clothes before. He seemed transfixed. Something about it excited me, but I tried my best to push those thoughts aside.
Dressed in a fresh t-shirt and boxers, I continued drying my wet hair as I walked to the bed. Doug was already tucked into the comforter and had lined the middle with some extra pillows.
“Making a fort?” I joked.
“Ha ha. I figured you would want some space to help us deal with the whole one-bed situation. I can always make a little spot on the floor too if you are more comfortable.”
We always had a very carefree boundary when it came to our personal space with each other. It was strange that now he was suddenly so conscious of it. I mean I just slept on his side for 2 hours in the truck. “All right mister, enough with this crap” I declared as I tossed the extra pillows on the floor.
“Whadya doin!”
“This bed is 1 foot wide as it is. Just lay your ass down and go to bed, you know I’ve never been one to care about personal space like that. Some things don’t change.”
“I suppose not,” he shook his head and turned his body toward the wall. “Guess you better shut that light so we can get in some good shut eye before heading out tomorrow. I wanna start early.”
“Yes sir” I said playfully.
In the darkness of the night, I lifted my side of the comforter and slid in. The bed was definitely too small to have any sense of personal space, our legs were immediately touching. Hopefully, he got the message that it truly didn’t bother me. He continued to shuffle for the next 30 minutes or so. I could tell he was still not sleeping, his breathing too regular. Something was keeping him up. I wondered what it would be like, to have total physical freedom with someone like Doug. To be able to drape my hand over a man’s body and rest it there. Not necessarily in any sexual way. Just to feel his warmth. Would he truly mind? We have had such a close bond over these last few years and I started to wonder why we never just kept getting closer. Why set that boundary if it feels so natural? I don’t think he would stop me. He may act as if nothing happened. The quiet darkness of the room provided me a protection I felt to try things I’d be too afraid to do in the light.
Slowly, I guided my hand over to Doug and caressed the bulk of his chest, pulling my body in closer until we were basically cuddled up together. I heard him audibly breathe in deeply, but he did not stop me. I then hooked my left leg over his and rubbed his foot lightly with mine. My dick began to firm up against the edge of his ass where my groin rested, there was no stopping that. I decided to take things a bit further and move my hand under his shirt, slowly tracing his skin with my fingers until I found a nipple. Solid and firm between my fingers. He moaned lightly as I began to play with one, taking my time to squeeze the tip before flicking it back and forth with gentle motions. I kept my hand there for the rest of the night, pulling in my body closer to him until my mouth practically rested at the base of his neck. I wonder what thoughts raced through his head. Excitement or fear? Pleasure or panic?
