Bear Hunt

Bear Hunt 3: When the Mighty Fall by Hairy1

(Several readers have requested that this be posted as a single piece instead of in chapters, and I am happy to oblige as I don't write in chapter, so breaks become artificial. Otherwise, everything is the same as before. Enjoy)

(This is a work of fiction, and no real persons or events are depicted. Safe sex practices are not depicted; but in real life, get tested and always play safe. This is a follow up to the stories "Bear Hunt" and "Bear Hunt 2". It would help in understanding the characters and situation to read those first. However, that is not necessary as this is a standalone story. If you have comments, please contact the author at ursuspilosus@yahoo.com)

(Authors note: I started this story before equal marriage rights ("gay marriage") began to sweep the nation. It is written with those restrictions and realities in mind. Here's to the hope and knowledge that someday soon all people will be treated with respect and fairness.)

(Another Author's note: Special Thanks to my doctor friend (and another author) Luis for helping me try to keep the medical issues more realistic, it certainly was no easy task, and I still took license.)

(Copyright 2015, all rights reserved. No part may be reproduced electronically or otherwise without the author's express permission)

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*** Chapter 1 ***

Sweat beaded on Roberts' forehead, and ran in rivulets through the heavy black and silver fur that covered his chest. He pulled himself up, one more time, muscles tightly bunched. That was 20 pull-ups, he was still a marine at heart, even at freakin' 49 and most of a year, and he wasn't stopping. He had already easily beaten the 3 miles in 18 minutes mark on the treadmill this morning, even if using the treadmill seemed like cheating, and done over 100 crunches in 2 minutes. While he normally just worked out, at least every six months he tested his physical fitness against the benchmark he knew best. At six and a half feet tall, with broad shoulders, he had no desire to develop an ex-football player's paunch, but knew that he needed to work to prevent it.

He was so intent on his efforts that, while duly noting Bradley's approach, he thought nothing of it. The slightly pudgy cub partially rounded the corner casually, hands behind his back, but didn't fully enter the room. He was wearing only a loose t-shirt and shorts, as if he intended to work out as well.

"Damn, Daddy Bear, you are so hot when you work out like that," Bradley said with an obviously approving gaze.

He got nothing back from Robert except a grunt, as Robert pulled himself up a 21st time, his mouth tight within the short black beard that was showing strands of silver.

"Yeah, you better focus on those pull-ups. You aren't just sexy hot, you are steaming hot, sweaty hot. Too bad I can't be of some help."

Robert tuned the cubs' chatter out, waiting for some question or comment that needed a response, even as he became more physically aware of his presence.

"I love your musky smell as you work out, you know."

"OK" thought Robert to himself "the cub is horny. He's just going to have to wait until my workout is done. But I think I'll rush it, just being here he's getting me horny too."

"Yup, you sure are hot. How about I do this..." With that, Bradley finished turning the corner quickly, brought a Super Soaker around his body, and immediately opened fire, drenching Robert's face, chest and crotch in ice cold water.

Releasing his grip, Robert dropped to his feet on the floor as Bradley ditched the water gun and took off running, his giggles turning into guffaws. Bradley might have caught him by surprise, but Robert's training took effect and he immediately went after the cub, following his laughter through the bedroom and into the living room, where he leaped over the couch that Brad had run around and almost caught him just as Bradley dodged through the dining room and into the kitchen. They faced off on opposite sides of the granite island.

"Robert, you seem to be dripping on the floor, don't slip," said Bradley with a grin, just as he tried to dodge off to the door leading to the garage and win his freedom outside. Robert didn't even look down, he simply moved, and intercepted Bradley before he was even halfway to the door, pinning him against the counter.

"Think yur funny, huh, Cub?" growled Robert, his accent growing as he became aroused. The answer was obvious as Bradley was still giggling as he gasped for breath.

Holding the cub tightly from behind with one arm, Robert leaned in and nipped at the side of Bradley's neck, and whispered "Let's see if ya think this is funny then," then yanked Bradley's shorts down with his free hand as he hoisted him off his feet and left him dangling in the air, supported only by Roberts arm and the counter. Robert was unable to yank his own shorts down, as his cock was now rock hard and straining against the material, so with a mighty tug he ripped them off and then pulled his member out the side of his jockstrap. As Bradley struggled, Robert reached across the counter and grabbed the olive oil, drizzling some down the soft light brown down in the cub's ass crack.

"Ya wanna play games, let's play rough, hot stuff." Slamming the olive oil down, he moved his free hand up to Brad's chin and turning his head to the side, then leaned forward and shoved his tongue into Brad's mouth, just as he aligned his cock on Brad's oil coated pucker and pushed in. It wasn't a slow penetration, it was needy and urgent, and Bradley almost gagged on Robert's tongue as he gasped at the initial pain, but groaned as it quickly turned to pleasure.

Robert rapidly pistoned in Bradley's ass, hilting each time then pulling out until the flare of his cock head rubbed against the rim of his cub's opening before plunging back in. He deepened the kiss, breathing hard through his nose as his pace quickened, then became erratic, then pulled his mouth away as Bradley started to flex his ass cheeks in time to Roberts' thrusts.

"Dammit dammit your ass is so tight today ... fuck fuck fuck ... so good ... I need you, cub ... " and suddenly Robert was bellowing his pleasure exactly as a male lion atop its mate would. With that, Robert's cock pulsed and throbbed and filled his cubs' ass with shot after shot of bear seed.

Panting heavily and releasing Bradley's head while still holding him up, his cock still buried in Brad's ass, Robert fumbled again for the olive oil, spilling some on his hand, then reached down and wrapped it around his lovers' hard cock. He stroked him slowly at first, running his thumb over the tip and around the head, until Bradley started to squirm and moan, and then picked up speed until Bradley's seed spurted over the front of the kitchen cabinet.

As Robert's cock softened enough to gently slip out of the well-used hole, he carefully lowered Bradley to the ground, turning him and kissing him softly. Wrapped in each other's arms, the couple slowly regained their equilibrium after the quick but passionate love making, nuzzling and touching and murmuring their love for each other. Finally Robert sighed.

"You know, Bradley, you excite me so much, on days like today I just can't contain myself. I feel like a teenager again, and I shoot as fast as one, too."

"Teenager my foot, you are every inch a big daddy bear ... MY big daddy bear. My lover, my soul mate. I love that I make you react that way."

"Aw Bradley, I dunno what I'd do without you. It's like you're the piece I was missing, the part that completes me."

Bradley reached up, drew Roberts' mouth to his, and kissed him deeply.

After the kiss was broken, Robert looked around the kitchen, with the wet floor, the jism on the cabinet door, and the spilled olive oil on the counter. "Much as I love ya Bradley, I still reckon this mess is your doin', what with that practical joke. You can clean it while I shower. Unless you want to do some mutual latherin' first" he said with a lascivious leer. With that, Bradley practically dragged Robert to the shower, his passion re-ignited, the mess left until later.

Brad finished drying off from the shower, physically and emotionally satisfied, thinking how much nicer it was on the weekends when he wouldn't be hurrying now to get to work on time. At least Robert had stopped complaining about the quick toaster pastries he ended up eating for breakfast instead of something healthy on rushed days. Just then, Robert ran a hand over his butt cheek, and leaned in to kiss his cheek.

"That was really nice, Bradley, really nice. I wish we had time every morning to do that."

"Is that your subtle way of saying I should get up earlier?" Brad said with a smile.

Robert chuckled. "Oh, I've given up on that, Cub. No matter how hard I work on this body, I can't lure you out of bed before you're good and ready."

"That's because I am perfectly content for that body to come and ravish me in bed without having to get up."

"Well, there is that."

Brad made a quick grab for Robert's flaccid penis, holding it lightly as it slowly plumped some. "Yeah, you teenagers might shoot fast, but you are horny all the time."

"Now Cub ..."

"Ha, I have no complaints, Robert, about you shooting fast on the rare occasions that you do. Knowing I turn you on so much makes me feel great. And I really like that I make you horny, too."

"I was going to say that if you kept holding me there, you are going to be late for work, but I'm not gonna stop you."

"You are so bad. I have a busy morning. But we could meet for lunch and take care of that. Those deep back seats and tinted windows are pretty useful."

"You're on. Noon good?"

"Noon is great," said Brad, breaking away towards the clothing he had laid out. "The teenager comment reminds me; I wanted to talk about next month."

"What about it?"

"Your 50th birthday. Do you want a party here or downtown?"

"What? I don't want a party."

"Oh come on. We can't let half a century pass by without marking it. I already checked a couple of caterers who will come out this way, and a couple of clubs have rooms ..."

"Bradley, I said I don't want a party," Robert growled.

"I'll take care of everything; you don't need to do anything except show up. I just wanted to know your preference."

"No party. That is my preference."

Brad rolled his eyes before continuing. "Seriously, don't be like this. It's something to celebrate. I want to do it right, and make it special. I'm thinking appetizers, drinks and deserts instead of dinner, so that we don't have to worry about seating, and music, and ..."

"Bradley, what part of I do not want a party is hard to understand?" Robert said slowly and deliberately.

"Well, none but ..."

"Good. That is settled then. No party."

"Yes, but..."

"No. No party. That's final."

"I think..."

"No. It is not up for discussion."

Brad's temper began to rise. "Oh yes, I forgot, only you get to make decisions around here."

"In this case, it is my choice."

"Said who?"

"If it is supposed to be a party for me, then I get to choose if it happens or not."

"Why, because no one else can want to celebrate? And of course, I can't want to do something for you, that would just be so wrong."

"Bradley, I am serious. There will be no party." Robert sighed. "But if we must, I suppose I could take you to your club and we could dance a little."

"Well then Your Highness has spoken. Forgive me if I don't bow and scrape," Brad said as he yanked his slacks up and pulled the belt through the loops.

"Why are you copping this attitude with me? You asked and I told you ..."

"Yeah, you told me. You didn't answer or discuss, you told me. Fine. I'm telling you I have to leave for work. Good bye." With that, Brad stormed out of the bedroom, grabbed his keys and cell phone, and slammed the door to the garage on the way out. He cranked the music in his car to full volume as he saw Robert open the garage door to say something, and backed out and down the drive quickly, barely giving the gate time to open before he sped off towards the city.

By the time Brad had reached the office, he was stuck in that absurd middle ground, where his temper was still raging, yet at the same time he was embarrassed by himself and his behavior. No matter how hard he tried, his rationale self couldn't suppress the emotions boiling within, made all the worse by the auspicious start of the morning. "Talk about acting like a teenager, my hormones seem to be in overdrive. I shouldn't be this upset over it. But I am, I can't help it. I just want to do something FOR him for a change. I shouldn't have asked, I should have done a surprise party. But now that would be even worse." Brad's thoughts spiraled in a circle, a vicious loop he couldn't easily break, ranging from irate with Robert to irate with himself, from angry to sad. His heart pounded, his palms were sweaty, he felt hot and red in the face. He found himself slamming his car door, throwing his keys into the drawer, dumping his cell phone unceremoniously onto his desk and generally snarling at everyone for the first half hour, even at the offer of a vanilla mocha latte with a double espresso shot. Luckily he needed to focus on his presentations, and had to put what he now considered to be a tantrum into the background. Somehow, they would resolve it at lunch, he knew.

Meanwhile, sitting in his home office, Robert was in a similar quandary, though not in quite the emotional turmoil as his other half. He was perplexed by Bradley's outburst, but thinking about it, understood what his lover wanted. He just didn't know how to explain that the idea of this birthday scared him. "I'm supposed to be strong. There to protect him. And I'm getting old. It's harder and harder to stay in shape, to be the man he needs, he deserves. How can I celebrate the thing that is robbing me of that? The thing I can't win against, at least permanently? And I can't say anything, he'll say it is all in my head, but it isn't. I know my muscle aches; the joint stiffness sometimes in the morning. I know he doesn't just need me for my physical size, for protection, but I need to be that for him, otherwise what am I?" Robert had seen the forgotten veterans wasting away in nursing homes, visited them often just to talk and let them know they were still important, even if they needed others to care for them now. Neither age nor disabilities caused by serving ones' country were reason that someone to be forced to the sidelines, let alone be disregarded. The system might be broken, society might be, but he wouldn't let it beat him.

A few hours into the morning, he noticed a glitch in the systems at one of his client's warehouses. No alarm was going off, but the feedback had become intermittent. It appeared to be a fault in some of the wiring, which had happened there before; they weren't always the most cautious fork truck drivers. "It's going to go into alarm status sometime in the next twelve hours, that's for sure." Rather than call a technician to make the easy fix, he decided simply to run over and take care of it himself, as it wasn't far off the route to Bradley's office and wouldn't make him late for lunch. Just to be sure, he dashed off a quick text to explain before he headed to the truck.

Brad's presentations went very well, better than he had expected, despite his earlier mood. He was congratulated by his friends, who knew how nervous he had been, and chatted for a while near the water cooler.

"Do you want to catch lunch, Brad? My treat."

"No, I have plans today, but thanks anyway."

"Plans? What, to sit at your desk and work as usual?"

"No, that isn't it at all. I'm having lunch with Robert."

That earned him a knowing wink and smile. "Ok, well, have fun, big guy."

Once he reached his desk, Brad saw he had a message on his cell phone. It read: HAVE TO SWING BY A CLIENT TO CHECK OUT A BUG. SHOULD NOT BE LATE. I LOVE YOU BRADLEY.

Before he even read the full message, Brad felt his anger returning unbidden. "Of course, there is a client. Best to do what they say. You can listen to them, just not me, they are all important," and tossed the phone back down on his desk without bothering to reply. He plopped heavily down in his chair and sighed. "I love him so, I shouldn't be so pissy. I don't know what is wrong with me today."

Deep in his introspection, he didn't notice time passing at first, until his stomach started to rumble, as he hadn't bothered to grab any breakfast during his loud departure from the house that morning. As noon came and went, and then 12:15, his mood started to sour again. By 12:30, however, his irritation started to turn into worry. Robert was never late, sometimes his punctuality was too much for even Brad, and if he was, he always managed to let Brad know. He called Roberts' cell phone, but got no answer, which was also odd, as normally he'd get the reject with message option of "I'm busy but will call you soon". Something must be seriously wrong at the client.

Brad was up and pacing by 12:45, when his phone rang from an unknown number. "Hello. This is Brad speaking," he answered.

"Bradley, this is Sergeant Jones. You remember me from the incident last year? I don't know how to tell you this, but I just found out that Robert has been in an accident. A serious accident. I'm on my way now."

"Wait, what? Sergeant Jones? I remember. But how, what ..."

"Bradley, for years the department here has been on Robert's emergency contact list due to the security business. We got the call a little bit ago, and I've headed out to the city while waiting for more information. I don't have anything yet. Where are you? I'll pick you up on the way to the hospital."

Stunned, Brad automatically gave his work address.

"Thank you. I'm about 5 minutes away. Meet me downstairs."

"Yes, yes, ok, thanks, I'll be there."

*** Chapter 2 ***

Brad alternated pacing in the Emergency Room and sitting nervously, as Sergeant Jones spoke to the officer in charge. Robert was still in emergency surgery, and no information was available yet. Eventually, he felt a firm hand on his shoulder.

"Bradley, they don't know how bad it is, just that it is bad. He was t-boned by a drunk driver who blew through a red light at the intersection of Foster and Niles. Witnesses say he could have sped up and maybe gotten out of the way, but slammed on his brakes instead, as there was a group of children in the crosswalk and his truck was all that stood between them and the drunk. His truck and the other drivers' car were totaled."

Brad stood, not knowing what to do, not able to process everything. "But, he'll be ok, right?" He couldn't keep the tremble out of his voice, but didn't care. Instead of answering, Sergeant Jones just pulled him into a hug, standing silently as Brad sobbed onto his shoulder.

What seemed like an eternity later, but was rather a few hours, a weary looking doctor came out to the Emergency Room, and headed towards Sergeant Jones.

"Sir, I'm told you're the emergency contact for Mr. Ariforte?"

"Yeah, I'm the one you called. This is his partner, Bradley Cenau. You should talk to him."

"Mr. Cenau? You're his business partner?"

"No, his partner. We're, uh, together."

The doctor blushed a bit. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have assumed otherwise. Look, I just wanted to say that Mr. Ariforte is out of surgery, but still in critical condition. He's got multiple broken bones, including a rib, which collapsed his lung. The other internal organs appear to be bruised but not permanently damaged. There are severe lacerations from the glass shards, a probable concussion, and substantial blood loss. I can't say more until he wakes up." Just then, the primary ER nurse walked up to the doctor with a chart, and he excused himself and hurried away.

"Can I see him now? Be with him? Where is he?" Brad asked.

"I'm sorry Sir, but only spouses and next of kin are allowed except during normal visiting hours."

"You don't understand, he means everything to me, and ..."

"Truly, I am sorry, but there's nothing I can do."

"Look, ma'am, Bradley here is his partner," interjected Sergeant Jones.

"I'm sorry, really, but I can't change state law and hospital policy."

"But when can I see him?"

"I'm afraid not until he wakes up, if he does, and is in a regular room."

"IF? Please, you have to let me."

"Ma'am, there has to be some way."

"Officer, you know as well as I do ...."

"Wait, wait," Brad interjected. "I remember, Robert had us do an Advance Directive, does that help?"

"If it has a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and a Hospital Visitation Form, then yes. Do you have it with you?"

"No, no. Is there some online listing?"

"I'm afraid not. Did you file it here at the hospital?"

"I don't think so. But we have notarized copies in both cars' glove boxes."

"It'll be at least 30 more minutes before he gets transferred from recovery. If you get the forms, come back here and I can get you to him after that."

"Oh, thank you, thank you so much," said Brad to the nurse, as she headed back to her station.

"Bradley, is your car at work? I can drive you there to get the papers."

"Yes, thank you Sergeant, I don't know what I'd do without you."

Sergeant Jones not only drove Brad back to get his car, where they checked to be sure the papers were indeed all in the glove compartment, but followed him back to the hospital to make sure the obviously distraught man made it safely. Shaking hands in the parking lot, the police officer made Brad promise to call when he had news, swapped personal cell phone numbers, and then took his leave.

The nurse was as good as her word, and ushered Brad into the Critical Care Unit where Robert was now recovering, giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze at the door before heading back to the ER. Initially, Brad could do nothing but look at the heavily bandaged body of the man he loved, IVs connected, both arms in casts, so very still in the bed; then the sounds of the room penetrated, the steady beeping of the heart monitor, the hissing and humming made by the respirator, the footsteps echoing in the austere hallway behind him. With a single tear running down his cheek, he moved to the side of the bed and loosely held the hand that he could, afraid to do more.

"Oh, Robert, why? I didn't tell you I loved you earlier, I should have told you, I need to tell you that. I know you did the right thing, you probably saved those kids, but I need you. Come back to me. Get better. Please." But there was no response. Brad was left regretting what had been said and what had not; worried that this time, they wouldn't get a chance to work out their differences and focus again on what was important.

A long night passed in the hospital room, Brad slumped in an uncomfortable chair by Robert's bedside, leaving only for necessary bathroom visits. He had refused the light dinner the nurses had offered, and his stomach was queasy from hunger and nerves. He tried to sleep, but only managed fitful bursts, gaining no real rest, but unwilling not to be awake when Robert's eyes finally opened. Because they had to, they would, he knew it. He had asked the nurses multiple times during the night why they were letting Robert sleep if he might have a concussion, only to be told that sleep and rest was indicated for someone with a concussion, that it was a myth that someone with a concussion shouldn't sleep, as long as they were monitored for no further symptoms, which they had been doing. He had asked if perhaps Robert had been given too much anesthesia and that was why he wasn't waking up, only to be told that Robert's body needed the rest in order to heal, but he wasn't being forced to rest, that the dose had been right. He asked about how Robert would eat, how he would talk with the ventilator, only to be assured that the IV could give him all the nutrition he needed for now, and that breathing was more important than talking. The longer the night lasted, the more questions he had, and the more he afterwards thought they were silly, but the staff answered patiently and helpfully.

Finally, morning arrived, as did the doctor. Brad rose to shake his hand, then let the doctor review Robert's chart. After a quick examination of vitals for himself, the doctor looked over to Brad.

"Good morning, Mr. Cenau. You should have asked for a cot, you need rest as well."

"I can't rest, doctor, not until I know something. If I close my eyes, my imagination goes out of control, I can't stop it. If I look at him, I can think he'll get better. And he has to get better."

"Please, sit down. Let's talk."

"Sit down? Why, is it bad news? Please, it can't be ..."

"Mr. Cenau, sit down. It isn't because of bad news, it's because you look like you'll fall over any second. And falling on top of Mr. Ariforte won't do him any good," said the doctor with a slight smile. "That's better. Now then, let me say that Mr. Ariforte is fortunate that the collision was at the rear door of the truck, not the driver's door, otherwise the damage would have been much more severe. His left arm was cleanly broken as the side air bag deployed; his right has both a fractured ulna and radius due to how tightly he was gripping the steering wheel at the time. The impact also cracked ribs on his left side, which in turn collapsed his lung. The EMS crew prevented a lot of long term damage by getting a chest tube inserted on scene and re-inflating the lung, but he'll be on the ventilator for a couple of days. We're going to take him down for a CT scan later this morning to assess the severity of his concussion, the forward impact against the deploying air bag certainly knocked him around. That accounts for the black eyes and broken nose. He has a lot of stitches, we need to watch for infection, and he needed a large amount of blood. There were no spine or neck injuries evident, which is a good thing."

"The way you say that, it sounds like you think he'll be alright?"

"Given how he has progressed overnight, yes, I think he will pull through. But it will be a slow recovery. I'll know more once he wakes up."

"Thank you, thank you for all you've done ..." Brad exclaimed, this good news flooding adrenaline through his system, but he was stopped by a soft rustling sound from the bed, as Robert's fingers moved slowly across the sheet. As they both turned their heads, they saw the patient's eyes slowly flutter open, then close again. The doctor quickly moved to his side, opening Robert's eye to examine the pupil as he checked Robert's pulse with his other hand, then letting it fall closed again.

"Mr. Ariforte, can you hear me?"

No response.

"Mr. Ariforte, this is Dr. Jacobs. You're at the Metro Hospital. You had an accident, and there's a ventilator in place. Open your eyes if you can hear me."

Still, there was no response.

Softly, Brad spoke. "Robert, it's me, Bradley. I'm here. Let the doctor know you're awake. Please."

At the sound of Brad's voice, Robert's eyes once again groggily opened. Just barely, but enough to be sure there had been a response. Moving to the side of the bed opposite Dr. Jacobs, Brad took Robert's free hand and held it as the doctor buzzed for a nurse and began a more thorough examination.

The first days at the hospital passed in a drug induced fog for Robert, as the controlled doses of painkillers kept him groggy. Brad was in a fog to, refusing to leave the room other than for necessities, eating there, having a cot brought in. Dr. Jacobs was finally able to convince him on the third afternoon to go home and shower and get changes of clothing, as Robert would need clothing eventually too. While he was gone, the respirator was removed.

Brad's heart leapt seeing this upon his return, another sign of Robert's recovery. Still under the influence of the painkillers, Robert could but smile at him as he drifted back towards sleep, feeling all the better as Brad leaned over to softly bring their lips together in a gentle kiss.

However, as the dose of painkillers was reduced and Robert's frustration over his condition increased, the quiet tender moments seemed to be harder to find. Brad tried to insist on spending every moment at his side, but Robert had grown more and more irritable with him, and insisted that he go to work, which Brad reluctantly agreed to, rushing back as soon as the day was done. Brad had to admit that the break was helpful, it allowed him to be more cheerful and patient when at the hospital, which despite efforts to brighten the place (including a collection of bright "thank you" drawings from the children that had been in the intersection) was still rather institutional. A few days later, when Robert was moved to a regular room, he insisted that the cot not be brought.

"You need your rest. You should sleep at home in the bed. That way you won't wake up every time the nurses come in."

"Robert, I'd rather sleep here."

"Bradley, that is considerate of you, but you don't need to. You've already put yourself out enough. I'll be fine."

"But ..."

"I know, you worry that something will happen, but Dr. Jacobs says the worst is over, it is just recovery time."

"I want to be with you."

"Bradley, I love that you do. I want you here as well. But you have to work, and you need rest. I'll be home soon, wait and see. Do I have to get out of this bed and drag ya home, Cub?" Robert said, coughing as he deepened his voice, his throat still rough from the ventilator. Brad quickly offered him a sip of water, and smiled despite his worry.

"Well, as much as I'd like you to drag me off to bed, you big ol' bear, I suppose I shouldn't force you to make the effort yet. I'll sleep at home, and go to work, but I will be here before work and all evening."

"Bradley ..."

"Hey, I am compromising here, take it or leave it. Otherwise I'll sleep on the floor if I have to."

"Ok, fine," Robert said with a grumble but slight smile "we'll do it your way, seeing as you are so reasonable and everything."

As Robert had more and more alert but inactive time, he become more depressed at Bradley seeing him so weak, and frustrated with his own inabilities. His first attempt to get out of bed by himself was an abject failure, causing nurses to rush in and a stern admonition from Dr. Jacobs -- but at least Bradley hadn't been there to see him collapse and yank the monitor cords out. He made every effort to cooperate with the staff after that, in hopes of speeding his recovery and release, but the loss of control made him all the more depressed.

Soon enough, however, he was out of bed walking the hallways, even if the two cast-encased arms meant he needed help getting out of bed and left him unsteady on his feet (as if his stiff, bruised aching leg muscles weren't enough). Knowing that Bradley got out of work very regularly now, he timed his second walk to leave him on the far side of the elevator doors and awaited his mates' arrival.

"Hey, sexy, my cub went to work, want some hot action?" he said in a loud deep whisper as Bradley exited the elevator and headed the other way.

"Huh, what ... ?" a shocked Brad exclaimed, spinning around quickly and breaking into a big stupid grin at the sight of Robert standing there. He rushed over to hug him tight.

"Oooofff" grunted Robert. "Careful there, Bradley, I'm not so steady yet." As Brad looked panicked and started to draw away, Robert leaned his head down for a soft kiss, easing the tension.

Finally stepping back, the smile back on his face, Brad softly said "I'm so happy to see you up and about, Robert." Without further words, they began to slowly walk back to Robert's room, not needing to say more, just needing each other. Once there, however, Robert looked sheepishly at the bathroom door, then at his arms. "Guess it'll be some time before I can do that myself. I hate that bedpan."

"I'm here now, love. Let's go" said Brad, opening the door.

"You don't have to, Bradley ..."

"Sssshhh, just move that sexy ass, big fella, don't think I've not caught a glimpse or two of it as we walked. Those hospital gowns have some benefits."

Grinning but still embarrassed over needing help with such a basic function, Robert shuffled into the bathroom, which was easily big enough for the two, being wheelchair accessible. Brad closed the door behind them. Coming up behind Robert, he stood close, letting Robert lean into him a bit, supporting him, and brought his right arm around Robert's stomach, hiking up the front of the gown then holding him tightly enough to steady him yet loosely enough not to press upon the tightly bandaged ribs. Peaking around Robert, he brought his left hand around and gently grasped Robert's flaccid cock, aiming it at the toilet bowl.

"Ok, let `er rip, big boy, I have you."

Slowly at first, then relaxing, Robert let his stream flow, the sound of urine hitting water loud in the closed room. It was a long heavy one, not worrying about the bedpan and spilling or splashing, trusting Brad. He sighed deeply as the stream tapered off.

"Thank you Bradley, what a relief. Sometimes the little things make such a difference."

"Robert, there are little things, and I'm happy to do them. And not so little things, if you know what I mean" Brad murmured, giving Robert's cock a gentle squeeze. The feel of Brad's hand on it was good, Robert hadn't even thought of sex, but even the mild innuendo caused his erection to grow, and rapidly.

Without saying another word, Brad slowly and gently stroked Robert, enjoying the feeling of hardness yet the silky soft skin. As it become harder, the blood flow made Robert's cock feel warmer, and Brad felt the throbbing of both Robert's heartbeat and rising excitement. As it did in many religions and beliefs, it symbolized a return to life, to vitality, one that Brad still was thankful for every minute of every day. Even with the smell of disinfectants around them, holding him close Brad could catch the scent of his man again, a clean arousing musky aroma that let him know things were getting better and would be all right.

Roberts' quiet grunts and growls were all Brad needed to let him know things were going well. He gently kissed Roberts' upper back through the gap in the hospital gown, slowly picking up the pace of his stroking as pre-cum added a natural lubrication.

While he wanted the time to last forever, he knew they wouldn't have privacy for long, that a nurse would eventually be by to check and see how the walking went and get everything hooked back up. So Brad picked up the pace, rubbing his finger under the lower edge of the head of Roberts' cock with every upstroke, then twisting his hand on the down stroke. He played and teased, it was lovemaking, not sex, and Robert moaned out his name, slowly moving his hips in rhythm with the stroking, rubbing his bare ass against the bulge very clearly evident at the front of Brad's slacks.

"Bradley, oh Bradley, oh gawd just like that, don't stop ..."

"Yeah big man, that's it, show me what you got, let me work your big cock, you sexy bear."

"Uh, uh, oh yeah, Cub, Bradley, love ..."

"Come on, you can do it, give me that bear seed..."

No sooner did Brad ask, when with a shudder, Robert did exactly that, his orgasm causing his body to tremble heavily, his cum flying out into the toilet bowl, erupting all over Brad's hand, creamy and thick. As Robert growled out his satisfaction, Brad smiled with joy. Both men had found relief.

Robert found it hard to catch his wind, his normal post sex heavy breathing not possible due to the cracked and bruised ribs, he just couldn't draw a deep breath. The shuddering didn't stop when the orgasm did either, and carried down to Robert's legs, causing him to sag into Brad's grip. As Brad held him tighter in an automatic response, pain flooded through the ribs, and breathing became even harder. Robert saw stars, gasping out "my ribs, can't breathe".

Knowing he couldn't hold him up like this any longer, Brad responded the only way he could, leaning rapidly against the door, bashing his head against a towel holder but managing to loosen his grip around Robert's stomach, letting Robert lean against him from the upper back level.

"Robert, calm down, don't try to breathe deep. Shallow breaths, pant for me. Quick shallow breaths. It's OK. You're alright." Brad quietly and calmly murmured. As much as he wanted to panic, to scream for the nurse, he knew action was needed now, and that the issue could be controlled. He kept up the low reassurance, directing Robert's breathing, calming him, re-grounding him.

Slowly, Robert regained his equilibrium, and was able to stand on his own, even if unsteadily. Brad cleaned them both with a washcloth from the sink, being careful to be in a supportive position at all times.

"I knew you left me weak at the knees, Bradley, but I always thought that was a figurative statement, not a literal one" Robert said with a smile, knowing that despite his outward calm Brad needed some reassurance that all was well.

"And don't you forget it, big man, don't you forget it" Brad said as he turned to unlock the door, then helping the much weaker seeming Robert to his bed. Just as they were settled in, the nurse arrived.

"Good evening Mr. Cenau. How is everything Mr. Ariforte?" asked the nurse.

"It's good ma'am. I got more exercise than I intended though" Robert said, winking at Brad, who turned beet red and was happy the nurse didn't even glance his way, working on getting all the monitors back in place.

"Why yes, your pulse still is high. And you worked up a sweat. It's a good sign that you could do that much, it'll get you released to rehab all the sooner. But don't overdo it."

"I'm not going into the VA rehab center. I'm going home."

"Now Mr. Ariforte, Dr. Jacobs has talked to you about this. You will need therapy if you want to get better."

"I think I'll get better faster at home. Leave the rehab center for the vets who need it more than me."

"It won't be as easy as you think. I'll check with Dr. Jacobs about getting a counselor to talk to you about it."

Sensing what was to come, Brad quickly interjected. "Don't worry, Nurse. I'll be there to help, and I'm sure we can get home visits with both the physical and occupational therapists."

"It is a lot of work, Mr. Cenau. And a lot of strain" the nurse added with a knowing look.

"He's worth it, don't worry."

"Yes, I can see that" the nurse said with a smile, as she bustled about recording the readings on the reconnected monitors. "Well, if your mind is set, you'll need instructions too. It will still be a while anyway, so there's time." After asking about dinner, she left the now exhausted and thoughtful couple to themselves.

*** Chapter 3 ***

Once the long awaited day of Robert's release from the hospital finally arrived, Brad found himself to be in an odd mixed state of excitement and nerves. Excited both at the joy of Robert's continued recovery and the start of bringing their lives' back to some semblance of normalcy. Nervous not just at the responsibility of providing care for Robert, who was still significantly far from a full recovery, but also because, unwilling to add further to Robert's worries, he hadn't yet told him that work had been unable to grant him FMLA leave as Robert was not fully recognized as a "spouse" or family member. He planned to burn all his sick leave and vacation and then see, but he knew it wouldn't be enough.

His boss Logan understood and was upset at the situation himself, not just because Brad was a highly valued employee with a lot of potential, but because he thought it was wrong to deny him the leave. They had looked into the possibility of a sabbatical, but he didn't yet have the years of service required. Logan promised to hold the job for Brad as long as was possible, but in the end, it would be unpaid leave with no guarantee of his job being there when he was ready to return. Knowing Robert would insist that he just return to work and he would care for himself, or push himself too hard in an effort to let Brad get back to work faster, he had decided that it is was for the best to keep this secret, this omission, to himself.

Before leaving for the hospital, Brad did one last sweep of the house; making sure that everything was tidy with nothing to trip over between the door and the recently added hospital bed in their bedroom. He was sure Robert would hate it, but the therapists insisted that Brad wouldn't be able to get him in and out of the regular bed easily enough for proper exercise to aid in his healing, and pointed out that the hospital bed allowed him to sit upright which would be much more comfortable during the day. He had made the effort to "redecorate" around it so that the space was clear and looked like a bedroom rather than a hospital room; actually having to push one dresser into the exercise room in order to make it work, another thing he knew would annoy Robert, who liked things to be in their proper place. He had walked the property the night before, making sure everything was in order as best he could, but really not much had been needed. The walk had helped to occupy him and to clear his head at least, though it brought back memories of their games and hunts, which he wasn't sure they'd be able to do again in the same fashion. He was very careful to make sure all the security systems were properly in place and active as he left, glancing in the rear view mirror to see the gate close as he pulled away.

Pulling into the garage, Brad paused before getting out of the car.

"Robert, I have to tell you, I am so sorry for our fight the morning of the accident. I behaved terribly and I feel awful about it."

"Bradley, I'm sorry, too. We both could have acted better, shown more respect for each other, it wasn't just your fault, and we both reacted poorly."

"But Robert ..."

"No buts, Bradley. You need to stop apologizing for this, the accident wasn't your fault, nor was the fight. They just happened."

"I know. I just love you so, and don't know what I'd do without you."

"I love you too. But with these casts on, I can't lean over in the car to kiss you and show it" Robert said with a small chuckle and wink. With that, Brad smiled and got out of the car, then walked over to open Robert's door and help him out, first leaning in to kiss Robert gently on the lips. This elicited a sigh from both men.

Once Robert was out of the car and they were in the house (after watching Brad properly set the alarm system), Brad began to show Robert what had been moved to provide clear paths.

"Brad, this was very considerate of you, but you shouldn't have gone to the trouble. I should be able to navigate my way around our own house."

"Robert, I know you can do it, but the nurses told me something like "an ounce of prevention". They said it was a lot better to be inconvenienced a little bit this way than to set back progress over something silly like running into a trash can or tripping on something you don't see."

"I'm not an invalid" Robert replied with a grimace.

"No, but you are as close to one as you'll ever allow yourself to be. So deal with it, big fella, or the nurses say they can still find a spot for you at rehab."

At first Robert glared at Brad, but then he slowly smiled. "Thanks, Bradley; I don't say it enough, but thank you for being here with me through this. I know I make a lousy patient."

"That doesn't even begin to describe it" Brad said with a roll of his eyes. "But you ARE so worth it."

Robert raised his eyebrow. "If I'm so worth it, how about moving the trash can back. I hate having them under the sink. It's big enough for me to avoid."

"Ok, fine, we'll do it your way this time" Brad replied with a smile, knowing that conceding this small point would win him many battles in the future. "I'll do it after we get you situated in bed."

"Bed? No, how about ..."

"Robert, the nurse was very clear. Right to bed, the trip home was bound to shake things around a bit, and she wanted you resting for a few hours before we did anything else to make sure everything was still alright. So it is time to get to bed."

Robert grumbled but acquiesced, knowing inside that this was a reasonable requirement, even though the restrictions had already begun to chafe on him. He began his slow progress to the bedroom, Bradley by his side, chattering away about what was moved and why, looking to make sure Robert approved.

"Bradley, you don't need my permission to move stuff, this is your house too. I actually kinda like some of the changes, opens the place up. I never thought that how we had some of our things arranged made it look a bit cluttered after we consolidated it all, but you've made if fit really well."

Once they reached the bedroom and Robert saw the bed, his face dropped a bit. "I was really hoping to sleep next to you again, Bradley."

"It's just temporary, Robert. Until you get the casts off and the ribs and everything else inside is healed. Just a few more weeks. I miss that so much too. Now let's get you ready for some rest. At least you can sleep naked again if you want."

"Bradley, I can't even begin to describe how annoying those hospital gowns are!"

"Well, then, let's get you that way. I told people no visitors today, so no need to wait until later."

With that, Brad slowly began to unbutton the loose shirt he had brought for Robert, watching more and more of the black and silver chest fur poke out, until eventually the shirt fell open.

"I feel bad you having to do this for me, Bradley."

Instead of answering, Brad leaned forward and gently ran his tongue over Roberts' right nipple. This brought a gasp from Robert, and a wince as his still cracked ribs responded to the sudden expansion of his lungs.

"You want me to stop?"

"No, I really don't."

"Then hold still so you don't hurt yourself."

Brad leaned in again and this time kissed Roberts' right nipple, as Robert stood stock still and controlled his breathing. He took the nipple into his mouth, running his tongue over it, around it, and then sucked it gently. As it stood to attention, he knew that Robert was enjoying himself, and so he careful ran his fingertips over the other nipple, caressing the soft fur of Robert's chest as he went, until on the downward side he reached the shaved area where an incision had been made. He gently touched the practically bare skin there, realizing again that his man was not fully healed yet, and brought his hand back up so as not to run into bruises. He slowly moved his mouth to Robert's left nipple, still playing with the hairy chest, and gently repeated the process of licking it, kissing it, and taking it into his mouth to gently suck while running his fingers lightly over the other side of Robert's chest then flicking them over his moistened right nipple.As Robert's breathing began to quicken, Brad slowly lifted his head, running his tongue up the left pectoral muscle to Robert's neck, licking his way slowly to Robert's mouth. He kissed him then, softly, urgently, then leaned away, and removed the oversized shirt, carefully navigating the still-casted arms. He stepped back momentarily, tossed the shirt aside, and gazed at the torso of the man he loved, how powerful it looked even though it was battered and bandaged, at his ruggedly handsome face, and again realized how lucky he was to still have him alive.

Robert watched Bradley gazing at him, saw the reflection of love in his eyes, and worried that his beaten and bruised figured was no longer good enough for Bradley. Not that Bradley would ever turn away and complain, but that he wouldn't feel man enough to deserve someone like Bradley as a mate and partner. Yet seeing that love, seeing the growing bulge in Bradley's slacks, Robert felt things could still be complete, and felt his own need match Bradley's, the tumescence of his cock causing it to throb within the sweatpants he was wearing.

Brad saw the concern and doubt flicker across Robert's face, saw it replaced by the light of arousal in his eyes and a slight smile, and his own doubts began to fade as well. He stepped forward again, not saying a word, and hooked a finger on each side of Robert's sweatpants, then began to slowly drag them down, pulling them forward in an attempt to ease them around the now fully engorged member of his lover. He squatted down, dragging the sweats and underwear towards Robert's knees, swiping his tongue slowly over Robert's cock head as he did, savoring the taste, causing Robert to shudder involuntarily and lean back against the hospital bed. He dropped to his knees in order to bring the clothing to Robert's ankles, and softly rubbed his eyelashes over the moistened cock head, feeling Robert tremble at the extremely soft touch.Lifting Robert's left leg, he slipped the moccasin off, then the pants and underwear, all slowly and carefully so as not to cause a balance problem. He repeated the process on the right side, running his fingers up and down the strong calf muscles. As with the shirt, he tossed the rest of the clothing aside to be picked up later, then let his hands roam up his lover's hairy legs, from calf to knee to thigh, caressing them gently, ruffing the fur up then smoothing it back down, before finally lifting his head up again. He breathed in deeply, scenting the heady musk of his man, a smell which never failed to excite him. He glanced upwards at Robert, saw his partial opened mouth, saw the look of desire and love, as he cupped his hands gently on Robert's ass cheeks and then sank his mouth slowly over Robert's cock.

He took only the head in at first, running his tongue over it then around it. He felt Robert strain momentarily, wanting to place his hands gently on Brad's head but unable to do so with the casts, then heard a soft sigh. He knew Robert's eyes would be closed now, and he'd be focused on feeling what Brad was doing, perhaps frustrated some that he couldn't guide Brad to what he wanted, but Brad knew how to read his lover's needs without it. He began his slow progress down Robert's shaft, little by little wrapping his lips around it then running his tongue over it, occasionally clamping his teeth down enough to very gently scrape but not bite. Every inch or so he would pull back and work the head again, vigorously and quickly flicking his tongue along the frenulum, then wipe the pre-cum which was flowing freely across his lips to coat the shaft of the penis as he sank back down it. He did this over and over, Robert softly thrusting forward now and then with involuntary impatience, until finally he was fully hilted in Brad's mouth, his cock head lodged deep down Brad's throat.At this point, Brad started to swallow, letting his throat massage Robert's pulsing member, then pulled back enough to take a deep breath, the sensation of the air flow cold across the cock, allowing him to edge Robert all the longer. Finally, it was too much, and as Robert started to growl, Brad pulled him forward with his hands on his ass and gripped tightly, the sensation pushing Robert over the top, and he shot hard directly down Brad's throat. After the first two blasts, Brad pulled back and ran his tongue over the hyper sensitized tip of Robert's penis, causing him to cry out in pleasure, and flood his mouth with several more waves of cum, almost more than he could hold before he swallowed most of it.

Concerned that the heavy breathing might be a problem with Robert's ribs again, Bradley quickly rose up, leaving his arms wrapped around Robert's waist in light support, and kissed him softly, sharing the last of his sweet and salty cum, enjoying the intimacy of it. They stood there several minutes, kissing each other, being with each other, forgetting the rest. As the kiss broke, Robert blushed slightly, looking downwards.

"Bradley, I'd really like to take care of you, but with these casts, I'm afraid I can't undo your pants."

Brad giggled. "I live to serve, let me handle that for you." He quickly unbuckled his belt, unbuttoned and unzipped the slacks, dropping them and his boxers to the floor and kicked them along with his shoes out of the way, then leaned in to kiss Robert against, his hard cock already wet with pre-cum pressing between Robert's thighs. Robert let it slide in place then pressed his thighs together, at the same time thrusting his tongue into Brad's mouth, which excited Brad even more. He began to slowly move his hips, grinding into Robert, his cock trapped in the warm confines between his lover's thighs, sliding back and forth, moaning into Robert's mouth. He lost himself to the sensations.

Robert reveled in the feeling of Bradley's partially naked body against him, at how hard and ready he was. He felt Bradley's hands gently holding each side of his face, his thumbs tracing the line of his beard, fingers splayed wide. Robert bent his knees a bit while spreading his legs slightly, and then tightened them again, causing Bradley's cock to rub right along his perineum, Bradley's pubic hair caressing his balls, and shuddered at the sensual feeling. He pushed his tongue across Bradley's then drew it out, across Bradley's soft lips, tasting them. Pleasurable as it was, he knew that this relatively dry fucking without additional lubricant wasn't going to be enough to bring Bradley to a climax, especially as he couldn't use his hands to stimulate him elsewhere.

Robert spread his legs slightly again, and used his weight to push Bradley back a step, earning a needy whimper from the cub. He shushed him and carefully began to sink down, focused on his balance, keeping his center of gravity stable, eventually getting to a full squat position, but working up a heavy sweat with the effort. "Damn, I got out of shape fast" he thought, just as his prize came into view, the throbbing leaking cock of his cub, his mate. Holding his position still, feeling the burn begin to build in his leg muscles, he carefully licked the slit and brought his tongue back into his mouth, the sweet and sticky nectar causing him to close his eyes briefly in appreciation. He felt Bradley's hands softly touch his hair, being careful not to ruin the balance he had achieved, being careful to avoid the still healing scars on Robert's scalp, and felt a burst of joy and appreciation that the man he loved knew him well enough to understand this and not fuss. Slowly, reverently, he brought his mouth back to his target, licking the slit again, then moving his tongue in slowly growing circles around it, eventually coating the whole head in his saliva before closing his lips around it and sucking.

"Oh, Robert, that is so amazing, please don't stop, I've needed you so much ..."

Robert worked his lips around the edge of the glans, kissing it, caressing it, then lightly his teeth, nibbles and rubbings, increasing the sensitivity, the entire time working the slit with his tongue, feeling the increasing flow of pre-cum, hearing how words escaped Bradley such that they become only moans of pleasure. At that point, he began to slowly engulf the entire cock in his mouth, taking in more and more of the shaft, lavishing it with his tongue, chewing it lightly and playful, dragging the pleasure out for Bradley. He felt his own cock begin to harden again, to drool pre-cum down onto the floor.

Just as he had sunk most of the way down the shaft, it happened. Whether it was him slightly losing his balance and tipping forward, or Bradley involuntarily giving a slight thrust of his hips, his nose came into abrupt contact with Bradley, and suddenly his head was spinning and he saw stars and blackness. Gasping, he fell backwards onto his butt, just as Bradley reached out to grab him, causing twinges of pain through his arms and shoulders. He quickly leaned back into the hospital bed, worried he'd pass out, cursing himself for his weakness.

"Robert! Are you OK? What's wrong?" Brad cried as he noticed the drops of blood beneath Robert's nose. "Oh no, he's just gotten home and already I've failed him, not taken care of him right" Brad berated himself. By the time the nose bleed had been stopped and the couple determined that they had not re-broken Robert's nose, the mood had totally deserted them. Brad helped the still naked Robert up and got him settled into bed with a couple of OTC painkillers to help with the headache, having already gone overboard to check for obvious signs of re-concussing him. He fussed about, his shirt hanging over his now flaccid cock, getting everything settled.

"Bradley, I'm sorry, I really wanted to make you cum, and then this ..."

"Robert, I'm sorry, I started it, I'm pushing you too hard, we will take it easier from now on, don't worry."

"It's OK, really, it wasn't you, if I wasn't such an invalid ..."

"That isn't fair, Robert, you are healing, I'm supposed to be taking care of you, I won't hear another word about it."

Thus the stage was set for what was to have been a happy homecoming and speedy recovery to become a dream viewed through rose colored glasses. What was to have been a time of healing and nurturing turned into a period of tasks driven by health needs. Each turned in upon himself and built stories of their own failures instead of talking and relying on each other.

Brad fussed and worried constantly, scared he would do something wrong or hurt Robert. He felt guilty that they had fought the morning of the accident, that he hadn't responded to Robert's text, that he had hurt him when they got home. He felt that Robert's military buddies, who had taken to visiting him during his convalescence, would have been better suited partners, that they would have understood his needs better. He did his best to put on a brave front for Robert, being cheerful as he tended his needs, hoping he wouldn't see that he wasn't strong enough and needed some comfort himself, that he was unsure each day if he was doing enough.

Robert became more sullen, more and more certain with each passing day that he would never fully recover, that he would always need the level of solicitous help Bradley was giving him, never be the partner that he felt Bradley deserved again. This was fed by the fact that his body was healing only at a normal rate, not the superhuman one he desired. He was withdrawn and surly at the brave front Bradley put on, realizing it was just that, but assuming it was because Bradley knew more about how poorly Robert was doing than he was letting on. He found himself unable to respond to the smiles, instead snapping at Bradley and becoming more demanding. He hated feeling so helpless.The only time he felt truly somewhat himself was when his ex-military buddies would visit, and then only for a short while as he relived what he came to think of as his glory days. The only time both men felt truly cheered together was when Bradley took care of his sexual needs, usually first thing in the morning when he woke with aching morning wood, and Bradley would either suck him off or grab the lube and give him a slow and tortuous hand job. He had suggested once that Bradley climb on the hospital bed so they could suck each other in a 69, or that he'd suck Bradley off from the bed, but the look of panic on Bradley's face was enough to immediately sour the mood for both of them.

*** Chapter 4 ***

A few weeks went by, and Robert was healing as expected, getting close to the point where the casts could be removed. Brad had continued to work cheerfully to help Robert in every way possible, and was relieved when Roberts' friend Charles had come to visit. He could hear the two men talking and laughing in the bedroom, and it truly lifted some of the burden from his shoulders. He had taken the opportunity to walk the trails outside, make sure everything was in order, getting some fresh air and peace for himself, then come back into the house to check his e-mails.

There was a message from his boss, asking how things were, wishing Robert a speedy recovery, with other messages from his co-workers saying that all the presentations he had done before leaving had panned out, and that the workload was crazy, which made him worry about his work situation. Messages from his friends were also filled with best wishes, and a desire to be able to go out again, and news of dates and boyfriends and fun; yet their attempts at light conversation only served to remind him of how mundane his own life seemed to feel right now. He told himself over and over that things were OK, but didn't seem to believe it. With a sigh, he sank his head into his hands and just breathed deeply, frustration and sadness and uncertainty warring within him. As a single tear escaped his eye, he told himself that he wouldn't cry, he couldn't cry.

Taking leave of Robert, Charles quietly came up behind Bradley in the kitchen. He placed his hands on his shoulders and gently started to massage. At first Brad relaxed a bit, then realizing who it was pushed a bit backwards and jumped to his feet, taking a couple steps away.

"Charles, uh, nice to see you. I hope you and Robert had a nice visit."

Charles took a step towards Brad, and in a low voice said "Yes, we had a very nice chat. Hard to see him laid up like that. It's obvious he's in no shape to take care of you, satisfy you. He isn't man enough for you anymore." Charles was a big man, at least as tall as Robert, though his shoulders weren't quite as wide. He had dirty blonde hair, cropped short, and a matching beard, with piercing blue eyes. He took another pace forward, and put his hands on Brad's arms. "I'd be happy to step up and take care of you. Either a quick fuck or a long one, whatever you need. It's the least I can do."

Visions of his near rape flashed through his head, and Brad was motionless for a moment, stunned to disbelief. But that is quickly overridden as he became enraged at the slur to Robert, the thought that he isn't man enough anymore. "Robert is more man than you'll ever be. Get your hands off me!" he snarled at Charles. He took the half smile that formed on Charles' face as a smirk, and really let him have it, his voice rising in volume. He shrugged Charles' hands off his arms and poked his finger into his chest. "What kind of friend are you to behave like this? I trusted you, Robert did, too; and this is how you act? I'm not some cheap slut, and Robert isn't an invalid. You'll see," Brad shouted.

THUMP. Both men heard a loud sound from the bedroom. "What the hell is going on out there!" Robert bellowed as he stumbled into the kitchen, his face red. "You get away from Bradley, Charles, or I'll..."

"Robert, calm down, it's OK," Brad said, rushing over to his side, worrying that he had hurt himself getting out of bed in a rush, or that the stress would set him back in some way. "We just had a little misunderstanding, that's all, and I overreacted. Nothing to get you upset over."

Robert glared over towards Charles, who held his hands up. "Yes, Robert, nothing happened, there's nothing to worry about. I was just leaving, I'll see you soon."

With that, Charles quickly left the house through the kitchen door.

"Bradley, it sounded like you were upset. I want to know what is up. This isn't nothing."

"Robert, it's nothing for you to worry about. Just a simple misunderstanding. You shouldn't have had to get out of bed like that, you could have hurt yourself. How about you sit down and I'll get you some lemonade."

"Are you sure? You aren't hiding anything from me?"

"Sssshhhh, Robert, it's all OK. Sit down. Do you want a snack with the lemonade?"

"How about a beer and pretzels?" Robert says, still certain that there is more that he's not being told.

"Now, Robert, with those casts on, you can't hold a beer, and you won't like it with a straw ..." Brad saw Roberts' face fall at the mention of the casts and his limitations, and kicked himself inside for reminding him of it. "How about we share a beer and I can help you with it?" he offered.

"No, no, I don't want to be a bother, I should just go back to bed."

"It isn't a bother, it would be really nice. Sit down. Please," Brad said, pulling out one of the stools near the island.

Robert hesitated, and then plopped down on the stool with a loud sigh, and Brad grabbed a microbrew that they both enjoyed from the fridge, and filled a bowl with pretzels. Standing in front of Robert, he held the bottle to his lips for the first swig, letting Robert have a nice long pull, then drank himself, the cold beer tasting good, the knowledge that Robert's lips were so recently on the same bottle feeling even nicer. He reached down for a pretzel and carefully put it up to Robert's mouth. Seeing the smile on Bradley's face, realizing that it was genuine, Robert relaxed, and in a moment of silliness, lunged for the pretzel with a loud "nom", catching it with his teeth as his lips brush Bradley's fingertips. Brad giggled, relaxing himself, happy to see Robert break out of his distant mood. It had been a long while since they had done something so simple together as sit in the kitchen and share a snack, made more intimate by the fact that Brad was hand feeding the pretzels and helping with the beer but in a fun fashion rather than one simply of need.

As Brad helped Robert with the last swig of beer, having to tip the bottle high, he noticed a small layer of foam on Roberts' upper lip. He leaned in without thinking and licked it off, then kissed Robert gently. Their eyes met, and as Robert instinctively tried to wrap his arms around his partner, reality yet again sank in for both. Almost shyly, they broke apart again, and Brad bustled about, putting the beer bottle in recycling and the pretzel bowl in the dishwasher. Yet instead of going their separate ways, Robert stayed on the stool as Bradley began to prepare dinner, and they spoke of inconsequential things from the news for a bit. All too soon, however, the lack of support of the stool made Robert uncomfortable, and he moved back to the hospital bed.

Later that evening, once Robert had settled in for the night, Brad's cell phone began to vibrate. He looked; it is a number that he didn't recognize.

"Hello, this is Brad."

"Don't hang up! Bradley, this is Charles. Please don't hang up."

"What? Why shouldn't I? How dare you call me? How did you get my number?"

"Robert gave me your number, just in case something happened. I want to explain about today, please listen."

"I don't know why I should. If this is another come on ..."

"Bradley, listen. I want to help."

"You said that this afternoon."

"Don't be offended, but you really aren't my type."

"It sure didn't feel that way! And if you were really doing us a "favor", then what does type matter? How about that?"

"Seriously, Bradley, I'm straight. You aren't my type."

"What? Why?"

"Look, Bradley, just let me explain. I've been worried about Robert. Even when he was wounded in the Middle East, he didn't sink into a funk like this. I had to know what was going on, if it was physical or mental. This afternoon was all a setup, to see how you would both react, because I'm afraid that Robert is losing the will to fight and get better. I didn't know what else to do. But seeing the love and drive in you, seeing Robert's passion re-ignite, I know now it isn't hopeless."

"I could have told you that."

"Could you have? You seem pretty dejected yourself when you aren't putting on a show for Robert."

"A show?"

"Yes, a show. I see how much effort you put into being totally positive for him. Even over simple things. No one can be that cheerful all the time."

"Things aren't that simple."

"I think they are. Look, you're pampering Robert too much, and it's wearing you both down. He needs to feel like a man, to learn to take care of himself again. That isn't something you can do for him."

"Well, he can't, and I don't mind at all, he deserves to be pampered."

"Bradley, I think he can start to do more for himself, and he has to if he is going to get back to being the man he was. I was a drill sergeant back in the day, and I know all about "tough love", and what it takes to build a man's confidence, to believe in himself. That is central to who Robert is."

"But, I need to help him, it is my fault ..."

"No, he told me you felt that way, and that you're wrong. You need to move on from that, and focus on how to make the future better."

"I see some of that, but, I don't know."

The two ended up talking for a quite a while, Charles finally convincing the reluctant Brad that this was best for Robert, that he must work for himself to get better, put the effort in, with Brad for support only when truly needed at this stage.

At first, it was all little things -- not rushing to Robert's side, not getting him exactly what he wanted when he wanted it. Robert's loud complaints could be heard throughout the house and made it much more difficult, as he still felt the need to help; but he had promised Charles that he would give it at least four or five days to see what happened, unless there was an unforeseen medical need.

Two things happened on the fourth day to truly convince Brad that he was on the right path forward. First, he noticed that instead of bellowing and badgering and complaining, Robert was exhibiting much more civil behavior. He remembered to ask instead of demand, to thank Brad for efforts made and do so sincerely, to praise what was done rather than complain if it wasn't exactly as expected. This in turn caused Brad's own behavior and attitude to change, actually being happy to do things instead of the enforced cheerfulness he had been exhibiting. He began to feel a renewed confidence in himself, and realized the Charles had actually seen things more clearly than he would have thought possible.

The second issue was another message from Logan, letting him know that the additional workload had gotten to the point where they could no longer handle it with the staff on hand, especially given the tight deadlines expected. He had looked at temp agencies, and found nothing that matched their needs.

Brad thought long and hard about it, and determined that no matter what happened, he wasn't ready yet to leave Robert home alone all day every day. But his job and career were important as well, he was not just a satellite orbiting around Robert's needs. He decided to offer Logan a counter proposal, and decided that if it wasn't accepted, he would resign in order to have that weight off his shoulders. Robert had told him often enough that his military pension and the income from his business were more than enough to support them, though he had never pressured him to stop working. Once when it was mentioned, Robert had simply told him that he needed to do what made him happy, that he was a partner, not a pet. Right now, he couldn't be happy being at work all day while Robert was home alone in casts.

Channeling what he called his "inner Robert", he mustered his courage and called Logan, explaining his proposal. While he was out of his normal comfort zone being rather aggressive on the issue, he knew it was the only way he would get what he needed.

"Look, Brad, what you are saying makes perfect sense, it is just different than how we've always done things. For you to stay behind the scenes and do the grunt work while others work directly with the clients and get the credit, I don't know if that is the best thing for your career."

"Logan, I appreciate you looking out for me. You know I can do all the background work, and prep everyone on how to deal with the clients on those issues via phone. I can certainly run to the office and get hard copies when needed, though with scanners, there really isn't much I can't handle from home."

"I know you can, but how do I explain that to everyone else? Corporate has a policy about telecommuting."

"I know. You can present it as a temporary solution to get us over the current hurdle. You know that there is no one else you can get up to speed fast enough. I'm willing to work with you if you are willing to work with me."

"Brad, I agree with you. Hold on while I talk to HR."

Brad listened to the on hold elevator music for a bit, feeling much more relaxed that he had expected. Eventually, after a long pause, Logan came back on the line.

"Brad, HR says no, that it would be an abuse of policy. I argued as best I could. I'm sorry."

"No, Logan, I am sorry. I quit. Guess there is no point in two weeks notice even."

"Brad, please, we do need you. There has to be some way to work this out."

"How about this, Logan. I quit, that is said and done. But, you could hire me on as a consultant for now. It'll cost you more per hour, as I'll need to pay insurance for myself, but you won't have to pay benefits. It'll be just like a temp service."

"What temp agency will you be at? Have you been thinking of this for long?"

"No, I really haven't, I always hoped to come back. But, there is no reason I can't work as a consultant under Robert's company. I can get you all the liability and insurance paperwork via fax within an hour, and his non-disclosure agreement is far more aggressive than ours, so the lawyers should have no problem. What do you think?"

"We'd need to set it up as a new vendor, so that we could pay, and you know we don't do anything other than net 60 terms, can you live with that?"

"I was willing to live without a job, I think I can manage."

"Otherwise, I can try to force a retainer through."

"Thanks, Logan, but you are sticking your neck out enough, I'll deal with the net 60 day terms."

"Get me the papers as soon as you can then, we need you right away."

"Will do, and thank you."

"No, thank you Brad. You've pulled my ass out of the fire work-wise with this, and my conscience out of the fire as well. I still think it is ridiculous how you've been treated."

After a few more pleasantries, they hung up. Brad quickly checked on Robert, who was napping (and constantly complained about how the medicines made him drowsy enough to do so), then called both the attorney and the accountant for Robert's company and got all the required paperwork started. It turned out that no new vendor paperwork would be needed, as Robert's company already provided several forms of security for a subsidiary of the marketing firm. It also so happened that, without Brad knowing it, Robert had made him a full partner in the company some time back, and he could execute all the documents himself. The lawyer laughed when he explained it, saying Robert was determined to do it that way, and that nothing would stop him once he set on a course. Amazingly, when all was said and done, Brad discovered that he could start work again within the next couple of days.

With the weight of the work dilemma off his shoulders, and Robert's improved attitude, Brad set forth with a vengeance with Charles' plan. Immediately he determined that Robert would no longer eat in bed, instead he would get up and eat at the table, even if he still had to be fed. He brought Robert's laptop into the bedroom and had him become involved with work again, using voice recognition and command software, which while not perfect enough to do detailed tasks, did allow him to do emails, participate in phone calls, run reports, and more. Once both were working, it seemed that when they talked, they had so much more to talk about, even if it wasn't work. This included the new work arrangements for Brad.

"Robert, before you get to deep back into work, you should know a few things."

"Sure, shoot Bradley."

"First, I know about how you set me up as a partner. You could have said something."

"Well, I didn't want you to think you had to do anything. I didn't do it to rope you in or anything."

"I know that, but I would have helped anyway I could, especially while you've been recovering."

"You have your own career, your own desires. I didn't intend to force fit you into mine. I just wanted to be sure the company was in the family, no matter what. Because you are my family. I shouldn't have kept it from you, I know we should have talked about it, but I didn't want to impose."

Brad hugged Robert, and kissed him. "Of course we're a family, but it sure sounds nice hearing it out loud."

"Forgiven?"

"Of course you are. I get why you did it, and it was sweet in your special bullheaded way" Brad said with a wink. "So, another thing, and why don't you forgive me right away."

"Forgive you? For what? Of course I will, but what?"

"Well, I am active in the company now, in a way. I sort of had to set up a consulting operation within it, as I've used up my leave at work. That way, I can still be here, yet do the parts of my job I really am good at. I hope you don't mind. I've already set the paperwork up, that is how I am working at home now. It doesn't have to be forever, I don't know how long it will work out."

Instead of the explosion Brad thought might have happened, or the patient sigh, instead he saw a glistening in the corner of Robert's eye, and a big smile on his face. "Bradley, I can't tell you how happy this makes me. Not just the staying home part, but the fact that you could work it all out like that. Of course it'll be fine, and as long term as you want it, it isn't like my clients couldn't use help in that area now and then, or as if I couldn't use the help if I want OUR Company to grow."

With that, Brad carefully laid down on the hospital bed beside Robert, his head on Robert's chest, and the men cuddled for a while, talking softly of plans for the future.

Not all was sunshine and light however. Robert had become used to using a bedpan to piss most of the time, as some of his earlier medications had acted as diuretics, and getting him in and out of bed quickly and frequently had gotten old fast. So he'd yell for Bradley to fetch it for him, and expect him to wait until he was finished and then dump and rinse it. While Brad understood the need, it had become a task he found hard to be cheerful over.

"Bradley! I need to take a leak. Bring the bedpan over, would ya cub?"

"Coming, coming."

"Shake a leg, I gotta take it now!"

"Maybe you should have asked sooner then" mumbled Brad from the bathroom where he was fetching the bedpan, after getting up from his laptop in the middle of a set of graphic re-renderings.

"What?"

"Nothing, nothing, be right there."

Brad helped Robert roll to his side, moving the sheets, and positioned everything properly. As Robert let his flow start and sighed, Brad spoke up. "I need make sure nothing times out during this re-rendering, or the last hours' work is lost. I'll be right back." Without waiting for a response, he left the room and commenced typing on the laptop.

At first, Robert was a bit miffed but thought nothing of it. He finished his business, and waited. After a minute or so, he called out "Bradley, I'm done" only to get a distracted "Uh huh" as a reply.

He continued to wait, holding still as he didn't want to cause the bedpan to spill. He couldn't even shift himself away at this point. "As if it isn't embarrassing enough needing a bedpan, but now this too?" he grumbled to himself.

"Bradley, I'm done. The bedpan needs to be emptied"

"Uh huh" tap tap tap click was all he heard.

After waiting another minute or two, he felt ready to explode, then thought better of it. "Bradley, could you please help me? I'd clear out the bedpan myself, but I'd spill it."

"15 seconds more and I'll be there, sorry about the delay" though Brad wasn't particularly sorry. He finished processing what he needed in order to save, and walked over to Robert. "Wow, you did really have to go. Let's get rid of that." He carefully slid the bedpan away and lifted it, walking it careful to the bathroom, emptying it in the toilet and flushing. He rinsed the bedpan with warm water in the tub, then sprayed it with disinfectant and let it sit while he got a warm washcloth ready and went to gently wipe Robert off, carefully cleaning his cock then his balls with the other end of the cloth, causing Robert to spread his legs and sigh.

Brad put the washcloth aside, and without being asked, just sensing the need, feeling it himself, he lowered his mouth over Robert's rising cock, taking it all into his mouth before it was fully hard. He sucked it then pulled back, letting his lips slide up over the shaft, running his tongue in circles around the head.

"Oh Bradley, that feels so good" moaned Robert.

"Tastes good, too."

Brad ran his tongue up and down the sides of Robert's shaft, then started licking his balls. He'd run his tongue back up the underside of the shaft, flick it across the glans and slit, then back down where he'd either lick the sack or gently take a ball into his mouth and give it a tongue bath. Soon Robert's cock was covered in a mix of Brad's saliva and his own pre-cum. Brad continued to suck Robert's balls, and wrapped his right hand around the hard, wet penis, stroking it slowly yet firmly. Robert's eyes closed, his breathing became heavier, and his hips started to move.

"Oh, no, not so fast, stud," Brad whispered softly, running his tongue around his fist and up Robert's belly, squeezing his hand tightly closed to prevent movement. He licked his way up the furry stomach, running it over the now healed scars, feeling the shortened fur where it had been shaved. He licked the beads of sweat forming under Robert's pectorals, slowly, enjoying the salty taste, then went for the left nipple, flicking his tongue across it at the same time he flicked his thumb along the underside of Robert's cock head. He held his finger still every time Robert started to buck, and started going from one nipple to the other, keeping Robert poised for almost 20 minutes before moving up and shoving his tongue into Robert's mouth, past parted lips, and renewing his stroking. As Robert passionately kissed him, pushing his own tongue into Bradley's mouth, Brad stroked him faster and harder, until Robert's back arched. Brad held tight for another moment, the released Robert's cock, and cum spurted up, glazing the fur on Robert's chest and the sleeves and side of Brad's shirt. The kissing became gentler, loving, but the awkward bend of standing beside the hospital bed and leaning in left Brad ready to straighten out.

"I love you, Robert" he said softly as he stood.

"I love you, Bradley" Robert replied, not softly in the least.

Brad smiled as he retrieved the washcloth and got it wet with warm water again. He again cleaned Roberts' cock and balls with the washcloth, and the ropes of drying cum from his stomach and chest.

"Your shirt needs to get cleaned off too, Cub" said Robert.

"I guess someone needed some release" Brad smiled, taking off his shirt and quickly rinsing it in the tub, at the same time rinsing out the bedpan and setting it to dry.

He walked back to Robert, shirtless, and leaned down to kiss him again. As he rose back up, Robert crunched his stomach muscles, following below him, and licked Brad's right nipple, which quickly hardened.

"Seems like something else needs some attention. Lean over here a minute, Cub."

Brad leaned over, with Robert telling him to move a bit higher, a bit left, and Brad gripped both railings of the hospital bed, his chest over his lover, who soon engulfed his right nipple with his mouth, licking and sucking it, nibbling it. He turned his head and treated the left to the same. As Robert alternated between teasing Brad's nipples and getting rough with them, Brad's cock grew harder, poking into the side of the bed, and as he arched up, into the side of Robert's leg.

"Pull that cub cock outta those pants, Bradley."

"Robert ..."

"Do it. C'mon, do it. Now."

Releasing the closer railing, Brad unzipped his jeans and released his cock, feeling how wet his underwear was from how aroused sucking Robert had made him. It slapped down on Robert's leg, leaving a trail of pre-cum.

"Yeah, Cub, you jerked daddy's cock, now jerk yours, that's it, do it" Robert growled, teasing Brad's nipples more.

Brad slowly started to tease his own cock, sliding his hand up and down the shaft, rubbing the pre-cum across the shaft with each stroke. Robert matched the timing of his tongue and mouth on Brad's nipples with Brad's strokes, and started to get more vigorous as Brad jerked harder, then easing off as Brad slowed down. The pleasure in two separate erogenous zones became incredibly intense for Brad, linking to his entire being. All too soon, Brad's arm on the rail began to tremble slightly, and Robert knew it was now or never. He moved his leg over, under Brad's cock, pressing carefully against Brad's balls, and rubbed it back and forth. Then he bit down on Brad's left nipple, not hard enough to break skin, but enough for pain to become pleasure, and release inevitable, and Brad's cock throbbed, then erupted. Cum flew forth, coating Robert's leg, cock, and belly, as Brad called out his name.

Panting hard, Brad released the railing as Robert released his nipple, and leaned in to rest against Robert's chest, panting.

"Looks like we both needed some release Bradley. Sorry to make you do most of the work."

"Work? That was all pleasure, Robert, thank you," Brad said, raising his lips to Robert.

Soon enough, Brad went to get the washcloth a third time, and clean everything off, shucking his now damp pants as well. "Guess we'll both be naked for a while today."

"Now, having you naked for the day, that makes waiting on the bedpan completely worthwhile!"

Both men laughed, relaxed and sated for the time being.

Things were not always so amusing when Brad was slow with the bedpan. Very quickly, Robert realized that he didn't need to be fully dependent on it, that he could now get himself out of bed with an effort and get himself to the bathroom. Yes, he had to sit to piss. Yes, he still needed Brad's help to wipe. But it was far better to ask for that than constantly bellow for the bedpan and expect it. He became more and more assured of his own recovery, and put more effort into speeding it up again.

*** Chapter 5 ***

A few days before the casts were to be removed, Charles paid another visit. He and Robert had a very nice time, instead of just talking about the glory days, they also goofed around with how out of shape Robert has become, batting exercise ideas back and forth, planning activities for the future. As Charles was saying his good byes, Roberts' cell phone rang with a client, and Charles excused himself with a wave.

All this time, Brad had been working in the kitchen, finalizing details on a report. The final proofing was just complete and he was sending it via email when Charles walked though. With Charles' hand on the doorknob to leave, Brad thanked him. "Charles, I don't know how we can ever repay you. You really opened my eyes; it has made a world of difference."

"Bradley, I couldn't agree with you more. It is amazing how much his old self Robert is becoming. He must be a real horn dog now that he is healing."

Brad blushed. "Well, he is, but I'm still worried about hurting him, and he is still tentative with me. But it is good."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm holding back when we make love, because I hurt him the first time we tried. I don't want to do that again."

"And why is he holding back? Does he not want it? Is he in pain?"

"No, he wants it, demands it. But he doesn't push me for more than feels right."

"Well, I would hope neither of you do that. But if I recall, Robert can like it a bit rough and wild at times."

Brad got a big smile at that. "Oh, does he ever."

"Look, it isn't my place, but looking at your smile, I think you're ready to get back to where you were. Don't take so long that you lose any intimacy with each other."

"So instead of tough love', now you are preaching rough love'?" Brad said with a lopsided smile.

"Oh, that is bad! No, I'm just saying that I've seen enough men get hurt over the years, including myself, and after being treated with kid gloves for a long enough time, you sort of forget how to be yourself, and don't know how to ask."

"Did Robert say something?"

"No, not a thing. He is much happier and more relaxed now. It's just me sticking my nose were it doesn't belong again."

"Look, Charles, your advice was great before, I won't ignore this. I just need to figure out the right way to do it."

"That is all you can do Bradley. Figure out what is right for both of you. Remember, it isn't all on you, either. Rely on Robert, too."

"Oh, trust me, the big lug is going to be making up for lost time in a lot of ways, very soon!"

Charles laughed, and pulled Brad into a good bye hug. Nothing sexual, no innuendo, just two men secure in themselves and expressing it with each other. Brad didn't hesitate in returning the hug, giving as good as he got.

"Bradley, you gots ta stop tryin' ta turn ma friends -- not like I can't beat out the competition, mind you."

Brad and Charles looked over to the door as Robert slowly walked out, having become much more self-assured getting in and out of bed. Brad reached back and gave Charles' ass a quick grope, and they both started to laugh.

"Damn, Robert, you aren't supposed to warn them! It's harder to work my cubby wiles that way." Brad said jokingly as they break the hug.

"And with that, I'm on my way... before the two of you try to drag me off into a three way!" Charles said with an obviously exaggerated look of shock and horror on his face.

The conversation with Charles gave Brad a lot to think about. Robert was much better, even if not fully recovered, and seemed eager to engage with as much play as Brad wanted. The thought of it made him hornier with each passing hour. He knew that Robert would not initiate anything while still in the casts, and even though it was only a few more days, felt that might be longer than he wanted to wait.

The morning that the casts were to be removed was overcast and cloudy, not a bright sunny day which would cause one to wake up quickly. Brad had roused early, his old work time, and found Robert still asleep in the hospital bed, something he still had trouble getting used to (both sleeping apart and Robert not being up significantly before him). His morning wood was throbbing, having spent the evening still thinking about what Charles had said, and having that influence his dreams and he decided to do something about it.

He quietly got out of bed and grabbed the lubricant, padding softly over to the far side of the hospital bed, which would hopefully be making its exit today. As gingerly as possible, he lowered the railings, but was unable to do so silently, and Robert stirred.

"Huh, uh, mornin' Bradley" mumbled the groggy Robert.

"Shhhh, just roll over on your side, that's it" coaxed Brad, rolling Robert onto his side facing away from him, then reaching down and pulling his furry ass to the edge of the bed.

"Wha.. I don't need to be cleaned there, sweetie, don't bother" mumbled the barely awake Robert, cooperating out of habit.

Brad squirted some lube on his fingers and on his cock, and then rubbed his fingers up and down Roberts' crack, feeling Robert relax his ass muscles as he would have when he needed a wipe down. He heard a sigh, then quickly circled his fingers around Robert's hole and pushed one in, coating it with lube.

"Hey, Bradley, what are you ... oooohhhh, yeah" moaned Robert as a second finger found its way in.

Surprised and encouraged at how rapidly Robert opened up for him, Bradley thrust his fingers back and forth a few times, spreading them to widen the opening a bit more, then pulled them out.

"Don't stop, Cub, don't stop."

"Don't worry, Daddy Bear, I'm just getting started."

With that, Brad pushed his cock between Robert's butt cheeks. He rubbed the head across the hole, smearing it with more lube and pre-cum. Robert tried to push back against him, but between Brad's hand on his hip and the lack of traction with the casts still in place, had no luck, and Brad continued to tease him, wiggling his hips back and forth.

Feeling Robert's response, Brad finally let go, and pushed forward, penetrating Robert's tight ring, slowly forcing himself deeper and deeper into the tight warm tunnel of his lover. Once he was buried about half way in, he slowly pulled back out, feeling the rim of Robert's ass pop slightly

"Damn, baby, do it again. Daddy needs it."

"Yeah, and I need that hot ass of yours" growled Brad, smacking it a good one then thrusting forwarded again hard, quickly penetrating deeper than before by another half inch as Robert grunted. He kept it up, pulling all the way out then pushing in hard, half inch by half inch, a quick slap on the cheeks each time, letting the hand on Robert's hip slip down to feel the now engorged cock of his mate as he fully hilted. That knowledge triggered an instinctive response, knowing he was needed and wanted, he began to pump himself back and forth deep within Robert, feeling the tightness give way slightly, feeling the heat reach deep within his core. He gave way to the pleasure, hanging onto Robert's cock as he pounded away, growling "fuck .... Fuck ... fuck ... such a hot ass ... fuck ... fuck", and way sooner than he would have liked "I'm gonna fill that hot ass now, fill it with Cub seed ... fuck Fuck FUCK!". Robert felt Bradley's cock pulse within him, then the heat of a large load of cum deep with himself. Unable to stop, Brad kept thrusting, shooting more and more of a load, sweat dripping from his brow.

Finally, he was spent. He pulled his cock out of the furry ass as he let his hand run slowly up and down Robert's side. "I love you Robert" he said softly as he walked around the bed then, and lowered the other side of the railing.

"I love you too Bradley. Thank you" whispered Robert.

"Don't thank me just yet, you aren't done" Brad said, as he reached down and coated Roberts' cock with lube. He laughed softly at the quizzical look on Robert's face, placing the lube on the night stand. He sat down on the hospital bed, then laid down, his back to Robert's front, and carefully scooted backwards so as not to bump the casts or ribs until he had Robert's furry body spooned against his back, and Robert's hard cock between his ass cheeks. Brad lined himself up, reaching back to hold Robert's hip again, and slowly impaled himself on the throbbing manhood behind him, moving carefully as he had not opened himself prior but still was ready due to the recent orgasm. He loosened and then contracted his ass muscles, drawing Robert in, milking him, and soon both men were moaning.

Robert started to try to thrust, but lack of angle and traction still left Brad in control, and he kept the pace slow, teasing Robert and himself, enjoying being stretched out, enjoying feeling Robert's body so close against his. Robert began to kiss his head, then nudged his way towards his ear, nibbling and licking, causing Brad to push back harder. Feeling this, feeling the need, Robert worked even harder, using his tongue and teeth, then wrapping a leg up around Bradley's hip, drawing him in, rubbing his inner thigh against Bradley's outer thigh.

"Oh Robert, yes yes yes" cried Brad, who up until now had been limited to riding without any other touch.

Robert growled deep and low. "Fuckin' yeah, Cub, work that hot ass for me. Earn my cum."

Not in shape as before, but still aware of how to move his body, Robert worked his way down from Bradley's ear to his neck, licked and kissing, his foot reaching around so he could use his leg to slightly lift Bradley's leg, making things tighter. He flexed his pecs and abs some, rubbing his skin and fur against Bradley's back, leaning into him. While he missed having his arms around Bradley, the intense skin contact was turning him on as well, and he managed to start to grind his hips, using his cock to massage Bradley's prostate. He took his time, and about 5 minutes later, Bradley started to gasp, then was overcome with another orgasm.

"Oh damn ... yes yes yes ... Robert don't stop .... I'm cumming I'm cumming!"

As Bradley shot, his ass contracted rapidly around Robert's cock, and swept him along with the tide.

"DAMN! Bradley, fuck, yeah, I'm gonna fill you with bear cream! Oh yeah, fuck yeah!"

Robert's body shook with the intensity of his orgasm. He flooded his lover's ass, filling him deep, giving in to the pleasure.

Soon, both men were breathing heavily, snuggled together. Brad carefully rolled some, making sure that Robert's slowly softening cock stayed in place, and kissed Robert.

"Now is time for that thank you. Thank you. And I love you."

"Thank you, Bradley, I love you too. That was wonderful. I needed to be reminded how good it was I guess."

"We both needed the reminder, Robert. Because it is more than good."

"Sure is."

In no rush, they relaxed together, talking softly, feeling each other's closeness. Until Brad looked at the clock, and realized it had been a couple hours. He rolled his eyes.

"Sad day when I am the one making us get out of bed, but if we are getting you to the doctor to get those casts removed, and if this hospital bed is going to get taken away, we better get out of it so I can clean us off and maybe wash these sheets."

"You don't think they'd like them covered in cum?"

Brad laughed "No, I don't."

"Does this cleaning up involve a shower together."

"No, one last sponge bath for you, a shower for me. If you are a good bear, maybe a shower together when we get home."

"Oh, I is a good bear, Mr. Cub, a really good bear!"

The day continued on that note, happy and light, exactly as either man would have wanted. The shower together did happen, with some careful but uninhibited sex, after some cautioning from Dr. Jacobs that newly knitted bones could re-fracture easily.

Robert's recovery truly began to pick up its pace with the fewer physical restrictions and being in a better mental and emotional place. He had even begun his more strenuous workouts again in a modified fashion, though he was far from Marine Corp shape, and was pleased that Bradley had decided to join in at his own level and pace, even if his ulterior motive was to make sure Robert didn't overdo anything.

"You know, you'd get more reps in if you weren't busy mother henning me over things I've done a thousand times, Bradley."

"You'd get more reps in if you weren't so busy showing off and going too fast, you big stubborn lug. Besides, how can I be a mother hen when I have a cock just waiting for you hanging between my legs?" Brad retorted with a leer.

"So instead of pumping iron, I should be pumping cum into your ass, huh Cub?" was Robert's reply.

"I have that protein supplement for you to suck down anytime, big fella."

The repartee continued back and forth for a while, making the session go faster, even if it was less focused than Robert was used to. Thinking about it, he'd rather get a little less out of each work out physically and have it be with Bradley. Not that he wanted a muscle cub, he truly had come to love the shape Bradley was in, but he did appreciate the health and physical benefits. And for himself, well, he was getting older; and probably never would be back to how he used to be, and he needed to learn to accept that. At least that is what he kept telling himself.

From his perspective, Brad happily observed Robert's improvements and returning confidence. Life was still far from the same, but it was recognizable; and while he wouldn't have thought it possible, they seemed to actually be in a better place since going through the rocky phase. He had spoken to Charles several times about it, just to be sure he wasn't just seeing only what he wanted. The one thing both men noticed was that Robert didn't like to get outside his comfort zone, didn't drive himself as hard as he used to. Brad didn't mind helping and pushing some, but he knew that long term in their relationship Robert wouldn't be satisfied with taking a supporting role only, that he needed to take a dynamic stance in life.

The more Brad mulled it over, the more determined he became that Robert just needed one more little nudge, one more push to get him to truly believe in himself again, and not settle for less than he wanted to be. It couldn't be anything obvious, conversations around the topic hadn't gone well.

Slowly, an idea formed, and a plan began to evolve. Now that Robert was walking longer distances without problems, and not overly concerned over bumping his arms, Brad knew that getting Robert out of the house, not for a work meeting or routine errand but to do something different, was what was needed. Yet, he needed to make sure that Robert engaged in whatever activity he came up with, without having to deal with him digging his heals in stubbornly.

He arranged to need to pick up some documents at the office the next day, and on the way home, called his friend Lee over the Bluetooth in his car.

"Hello, this is Lee speaking."

"Hi Lee, it's Brad. How are you?"

"I'm good, though I'll be better later today. How are you? And how is Robert?"

"I'm doing really well, to be honest. And Robert is getting better each day."

"I'm glad of that. You have to be so proud of the big hero, saving all those kids."

"I am, but he doesn't like to hear it. Not modesty, but he says it is all in the line of duty, that when he was a marine, the job all boiled down to protecting the innocent and helpless." Brad then laughs. "When I told him to leave that part of the job to the young marines who weren't my man, I sure got a big glare."

Lee laughed along with Brad.

"So, why better later today? What is up?"

"Oh, that's right, I didn't tell you yet. You remember Gary, the night of your, uh, well, incident ..."

"Yes, I remember Gary, really nice guy, hot too. You two walked with me to the car."

"I wish we had done more."

"No, don't even think that, it's all over, there is really nothing more you could have done."

"I'm sorry to have brought it up and made you remember."

"I had to remember it so often and clearly during the trial that it is etched in my head. But honestly, that took a lot of the hurt and pain out of it. That and the fact that he was put behind bars for such a long time - between this and his previous convictions, he'll never be out. So truly, don't worry. Anyway, you still haven't told me about Gary."

"Oh, yeah, well, we've been seeing each other ever since. A lot."

"Details! I want juicy details!"

Lee laughed, relieved that Brad indeed seems to not have minded the reminder. "You'll get details, maybe, when you buy me a drink."

"That is a deal."

"Anyway, Gary suggested we move in together, and we are looking at an apartment tonight that would fit all of our stuff together. It's over near the river."

"Wow! Congratulations. Do I need to give you the lecture on being sure, that it isn't just all about the sex?"

Lee giggled. "I should've known you'd say that. And it isn't. It is so much more. We have so much fun together, no matter what we are doing."

As they'd been talking, everything clicks in Brad's head. "Lee, I think I am going to owe you more than a drink, I want to ask you and Gary a big favor."

"If you mean a foursome with you and Robert ..."

"No, that isn't it. Listen, what I need is ...."

*** Chapter 6 ***

That Friday, after dinner, Brad laid out a comfortable pair of jeans and a casual button down shirt for Robert before calling him into the bedroom as he changed himself.

"What's up Bradley?"

"We're going out. Get changed, handsome."

"Out where? I don't need to change to get ice cream." Robert suggested with a big smile.

"Ha, nice try, no ice cream for you until your workouts are back up to par. All you did is complain last time about how it made you feel bloated."

"Well, that was two scoops, and I wasn't walking as much then."

"It was Tuesday. So no. We are going out, and you are getting some exercise."

"Lifting that spoon so much is exercise. And I really would like some of the lemon custard flavor again."

"Ok, stealing my lines won't cut it. Get changed" Brad said with a chuckle.

Robert stripped down, slowly, teasing Brad with the view.

"Robert, come on, I'm not that strong! We ARE going out, now get dressed before I get distracted. But damn you look good."

Robert laughed, a good, hearty, deep laugh. "Thank you, Bradley, I like that you think that. You look good too" he said as Brad pulled on a pair of snug jeans. "That exercise is giving you a nice bubble to your butt, you know."

Brad wiggled his ass at Robert, then walked over and kissed him. As they held each other close, sighing, he dropped the news.

"Remember how you promised to take me dancing instead of having a birthday party. It's time to pay up. We're going to Keys. So get dressed."

Robert sputters. "But but but, I don't like to dance. I can't dance. Don't try to make me."

"You promised. You always keep your word. We're going. No, don't button it up all the way, I want to see more of that chest fur."

"Bradley, wouldn't it be more fun to, I don't know, go to a movie or ..."

"No. Quit stalling. I chose Keys instead of Grind, so it will be a less intense" Brad smiled and ran his hand over Roberts' ample package, which the jeans show off nicely.

"How about ..."

"No. Don't be a baby. How about we go, you dance at least one slow dance with me, and the rest of the time we play it by ear? No pressure."

"Ok, but it has to be a slow dance. And I'll pick it. You can dance if you want, I'll watch.

"It's a deal. And I'll drive so you can have a few drinks while I dance if you want. It'll be fun. Now let's go."

Keys was a piano bar in the city, with a nice dance floor. Less wild and boisterous than most gay clubs, but still a lot of fun. Plenty of space to either dance, listen to music, or watch other people dancing. It wasn't terribly busy when the couple arrived, so they ordered drinks and talked, Robert choosing a table overlooking the dance floor rather than a booth by the piano. Robert ordered Irish Whiskey on the rocks, and just to see the look on Robert's face, Brad ordered the same fruity sweet concoction he had the last time, with both an umbrella and fruit garnish.

"Geesh, Bradley, is that a drink or do you plan to dress up as Carmen Miranda?"

Brad laughed. "If I am just having the one, it might as well be good. Plus, all the sugar will give me extra energy to dance."

"That's just what we need ..." Robert rolled his eyes. Robert moved to pay the waiter for the drinks, but Brad put his hand up.

"Tonight is on me. And if you want a couple more, they are on me as well."

"Bradley."

"Robert." Brad says in mock seriousness. "If this is the replacement for a party, you certainly can't pay. So, cheers... here is to you getting better, to you having a milestone birthday, and to you being the love of my life."

As the men clinked their glasses, Brad thought he might see a glint of light reflecting from the corner of Robert's eye, but said nothing.

"Thank you Bradley. I have to say, the music is very pleasant here. And there is some nice eye candy."

Brad followed Robert's eye to a group of cubbish men that have just walked in, who appear to be glancing in Robert's direction. "No dancing with them until you dance with me."

"Dang, you've caught onto me!"

Some faster music started, and Brad starts to move his body to it. "You ready to dance now, big guy?"

"Oh no, slow dance, remember? You go ahead though."

"What, so you can ogle those cubs?"

"Bradley, they are cute, but I got the best eye candy here at the table with me. Go have fun, don't let the old guy slow you down."

"What old guy? Where is he? I like mature daddies you know, maybe he'll dance with me."

Both men laughed, then Brad headed out to the floor. When he had looked towards the cubbish men, he had seen Lee come into the bar. He caught Lee's eye, and they met on the dance floor.

"Are you sure Robert doesn't suspect anything?" Lee asked as they danced.

"One can never be sure with Robert, but I don't think so."

"Gary is on the other side of the room having a drink. He wants to be sure Robert won't be upset or offended."

"That is sweet of him. No, Robert will be fine, and if he is peeved, it will be at me."

"We don't want him peeved at you."

"Nothing risked, not gained. It will all be good. Now stop worrying and dance."

The men relaxed and danced, to that song, and the next.

Back at the table, Robert watched, smiling to see Bradley having so much fun. "I really should do this for him more often, I guess. But, what does he need me here for? He can have fun without me. Maybe I am holding him back. But he really seems to want me here. Not just for security either, he really was excited. If only I could do more for him, but I can't even do something silly like dance."

Brad saw that Robert was smiling at him from the table. He spoke softly to Lee, and put the next phase of the plan into place. As Lee left Brad's side, he nodded over towards Gary, a handsome man with a salt and pepper goatee and abundant fur spilling from the front of his collar, who came out to the more crowded dance floor and approached Brad.

"Care to dance, Brad?"

"That I would, Gary."

"Are you sure Robert will be OK with this?"

"Don't worry, if anything, it will all be bluster. I'll deal with him. But, I think it is just what he needs."

The song starts, a more moderately paced one, and the men start to dance. Brad sees Robert still watching him, drink in hand.

"OK, Gary, he's watching. Put the moves on me."

Gary blushes. "Are you sure? I don't know ..."

"Yes, I'm sure."

"It seems disrespectful though."

"Look, Gary, you're attractive, but I know you are with Lee. You know I am with Robert. It doesn't mean anything, really. But if you don't want to do it, I understand."

"Well, Brad, you are hot yourself, and maybe I am silly to hesitate, but I don't want to ruin any friendships or anything, and I really admire how you've helped Robert."

"And this is just helping him more."

"Ok, I just needed to be sure."

With that, Gary began to dance closer to Brad, brushing his body against Brad's, first front to front, then moving slowly around Brad, rubbing against him the whole way as both men continued to move to the beat of the music. Once he was in front of Brad again, he reached both hands back to grope Brad's ass, drawing him closer. Brad in turn placed his arms around Gary, grinding his crotch into Gary's slightly. Leaving one hand on Brad's ass, Gary brought the other up to cup the back of Brad's head, and presses his face to Brad's neck, appear to kiss or nibble, accidentally tickling Brad with his goatee and causing a big grin to appear.

"Is he watching?" Gary whispered.

"I can't tell, too many people between us" Brad whispered back. "Just keep it up."

Back at the table, Robert only caught sporadic glimpse of the pair dancing. "I liked it better when he was dancing with the cub" he thought. Then seeing the groping, he felt a bit sorry for himself, thinking maybe he had let Bradley down. But when he saw the bearish man's lips approach Brad, something inside him shifted. "What the fuck am I doing! That is MY cub, MY mate, and I am letting someone else make him feel good? What is fucking wrong with me?"

About three quarters of the way through the song, Gary suddenly felt a tapping at his shoulder. He turned his head to see Robert standing behind him.

"I beg your pardon, but may I cut in."

"Uh, well, we were enjoying ourselves."

"I could tell, but you see, my friend, Bradley here is MY cub, and I am HIS bear, and I would like to dance with him now. If you don't mind."

"If you put it that way, well, of course you may." Gary bowed slightly towards Robert with a smile as he separated himself from Brad, receiving a thumbs up pressed discreetly against his back, and placed one of Brad's hands on Robert's arm. "Have fun, kids."

As Gary melted into the crowd on the dance floor (to find Lee, who had just requested a slow song and had both of their drinks freshened courtesy of Brad), Robert wrapped both arms around Brad and drew him close, swaying to the sound of the music, covering Brad's mouth with his own. They kissed until the song ended, oblivious to the crowd around them.

"Bradley, you are mine, now and forever, or at least for as long as you'll have me."

"Robert, forever is how I see it. You are mine, too. Don't forget it. I love you, I need you."

"I love you too, Bradley, and I need you, more than just to help my recovery. To remind of who I am, why I am, what is important.

Just then, Joe Cocker's "You Are so Beautiful" started. A perfect slow dance song.

"Robert, you don't really have to dance, we can go back to the table."

Robert held Brad at arm's length, then drew him in again, dancing slowly and gracefully, leading Brad perfectly.

"No way you are escaping me, Bradley. You are beautiful, whether you know it or not, and being with you makes everything right." By the end of the song, holding Brad even closer, looking him straight in the eyes, he was softly singing along in his deep rumbling voice, out of tune but touchingly sweet.

"Can't you see.

You're everything I hoped for,

You're everything I need,

You are so beautiful,

To me."

It was on those last words that the tear actually did spill from the corner of Robert's eye, and Brad melted into him, knowing this was no act, no pretense, but Robert dropping all the fear and doubt that had nagged at him since the accident and fully entrusting it to their love, to his lover.

Robert actually danced to a couple more songs before Brad could tell he was reaching his limit, and took him back to the table. Robert had another Irish Whiskey while Brad had sparkling water, and they talked and laughed.

"Hey, there are the two guys you were dancing with earlier, out on the dance floor together. What a coincidence."

Brad blushed. "Yeah, uh, it sure is."

"That cubbish one looks awfully familiar to me, I wonder where I might have seen him before" Robert asks with a sparkle in his eyes.

"Uh, maybe you boinked him before we met?"

"Oh, I'd remember boinking someone that cute. Maybe I should go cut in on their dance. It worked the last time I did it."

"Ha ha, yeah, you go ahead and do that. I knew you were a dancing fool."

Both men laughed, and dropped the topic. Soon thereafter, they decided it was time to go home, that there was no need to close the place. When they got to the car, Brad took Robert in his arms before pressing the unlock button on the key fob.

"Thank you for a wonderful evening, Robert. I hope it wasn't too bad for you."

Robert leaned down and rested his forehead against Bradley's. "Thank you, Bradley. I really did have a very nice time. Not saying we'll go dancing every week, but I'm willing to give it a shot once in a while." He leaned a bit further and softly kissed Brad's lips, just as a light drizzle began to fall. Brad quickly unlocked the car, being solicitous of Robert getting in, and they headed back out to the country.

Pulling into the garage, Robert told Bradley to let him get out of the car himself, he'll just be a little slower than before.

"I like your car just fine Bradley, but I am starting to get anxious to get a new truck. The insurance cleared a long time ago."

Keying the alarm codes, Brad responds "A truck? I thought we'd get you one of those Smart Cars, so you won't be tempted to do more heroics."

"Har har har. Even now I could tip one of those single handedly."

Brad giggles. "I don't think the insurance would cover that, so I guess we are just back to you in a truck."

"Yup" Robert replies, entering the kitchen and closing the door behind them.

"If you really think you could tip one."

"You wanna see my progress cub?"

"Show me, big guy."

"You ain't as big as a Smart Car, but how's this for starters."

Robert lunged forward and grabbed Bradley's waist, dead-lifting him from the floor and planting him to sit on the kitchen island. Stepping between Bradley's legs, he leaned forward and kissed his partner, roughly and urgently, his hands working Bradley's belt then the button of his jeans. The button undone, he gave a quick pull to undo the zipper. Bradley placed both arms around Robert's neck, still deep in the passionate kiss, and lifted his ass slightly up, allowing Robert to quickly pull down both the jeans and the underwear, letting them fall to the floor. Robert reached up, grabbed Bradley's hands, and put them down on the counter behind him, leaning him backwards, then dove down to engulf Bradley's quickly engorging cock in his mouth. Both men realized how keyed up the physical contact from dancing had made them, and there is nothing gentle. Robert sucked hard, rushing even more blood to Brad's penis, at the same time cupping his balls with one hand. Brad placed a hand on Robert's head and pushed him down further, forcing the head of his cock into Robert's throat before leaning back again with a deep moan. With that, Robert started bobbing his head up and down, ravishing Bradley's cock with his tongue.

"Oh yeah, Robert, that feels so good. Suck my cock. You like my juices, big guy? Oh, baby, yeah."

Brad scooted a bit to the edge of the counter, and placed his legs up on Roberts' shoulders, still aware enough to be cautious. The added leverage allowed him to begin to thrust, fucking Robert's mouth as Robert sucked him.

Robert moaned under the assault to his mouth, loving the feel of his cub's cock sliding back and forth, the flared head rubbing against the roof of his mouth, the increasing flow of pre-cum causing him to swallow repeatedly. His own cock throbbed, constrained within his pants. He pulled back enough to run his tongue just over the slit of Bradley's cock as he gave his balls a light squeeze, then swallowed just the head and a bit of the shaft, running his tongue over and around it repeatedly and rapidly.

That little bit of extra stimulation pushed Brad to the point of no return.

"OOOHHHH, Robert, yes yes yes, I'm gonna cum, I'm gonna cum!"

With that, his balls trying to pull back inside his body, his cock spurted rope after rope of cum into Robert's mouth. He gasped in pleasure, and his body shuddered. He felt his ass throbbing in time to his orgasm.

"Fuck me, Robert, I need to feel you inside me!"

Robert didn't need to be asked a second time, he felt the urgency himself. He lifted his head from Bradley's still hard cock, seeing it glisten with a coating of his spit, and reached down and undid his own pants, dropping them to join his lover's on the floor. His cock stood out, proud and needy, dripping pre-cum.

Bradley's request had come before he could swallow, so he slowly drooled his Cub's cum from his mouth onto his fingers, using them to first coat his cock, then swirling the finger around Bradley's rim, pushing in slowly, adding a second finger, lubing him with his own cum, opening him fully. As Bradley threw his head back moaning, his legs still on Robert's shoulders, Robert lined his cock up and slowly but firmly penetrated, the only resistance a hot tightness. Brad started to hump back toward Robert, eager for the fucking, but Robert maintained the slow steady insertion until he was fully hilted, then leaned over for a kiss, soft and tender, breaking it by nibbling Bradley's lower lip. With that, Bradley started to squirm, moving Robert's cock within himself, and Robert reared up and began thrusting, slowly at first, but then more urgently.

"That's it Robert that's it, fuck me hard, like you mean it. That's my bear, that's my stud. Oh yeah, that's good."

"Fuck yeah Cub, your ass is so hot, shaking it all night, it needs to be bred."

Soon enough, words became grunts and moans.

"Damn Robert that is so good ... I'm cumming again ... yeah fuck the cum out of me ..." and Bradley shoots again, his cum erupting from his cock, glazing both his belly and Robert's. As Bradley shot, the orgasm throbbing from his cock to his ass, it pulled Robert with it, and with a roar, he unloaded.

"FUCK! Oh yeah! Bradley, my cub, my love... gonna fill you with my seed, make you mine, keep you mine.. oh damn yes yes yes."

Robert's paused his thrusting, his eyes closed, then pushed hard again and one last time, his own cum oozing out around his cock.

Both men were panting now, but Robert lifted Bradley in his arms and backed up, his cock still held tight by Bradley's ass, and they kissed yet again, holding each other.

Brad reveled in the feeling of being securely held by Robert, knowing now that the road to recovery will be complete and full. Robert basked in the glow of holding his cub, his love, being able to do this again, knowing that when, a long time down the road he can't manage it, that it will be ok, their love is what matters.

Brad let himself slowly slide to a standing position, resting his head on Robert's chest, breathing deep of his lover's scent, holding him tight. He took Robert's hand to lead him to their bedroom.

"It's not my fault this time that the kitchen is a mess. But we'll clean it together, in the morning" he said with a smile.

Robert chuckled softly, and let himself be led away for some post love making cuddling and a night sleeping with the man he loved spooned up to him, glad to be well and truly home.

*** Epilogue***

The full moon lit the forest in muted contrast, a light wind causing the shadows cast by the leaves to shift, a kaleidoscope of shimmering white, grey and black. The rustling of the leaves was accompanied by the sound of a nearby stream, the occasional call of a night bird, the chirping of crickets; all low background noise, not enough to cover other sounds. It was a warm summer night, not hot but not cold. Yet Robert shivered lightly, feeling goose bumps on his naked body even as with a slight sheen of sweat. He held himself still, striving to keep his breathing quiet, a difficult task as he had almost reached his endurance limit with his nearly healed body.

He had smeared mud from the stream bed over as much of his furry body as he could, camouflaging himself well. "Too bad it's a full moon instead of a new moon, it'd fade away to nothing then. But nothing is insurmountable if you analyze the situation right" he thought to himself.

He had not hidden himself as well as he could, choosing to crouch between a series a bushes which offered an escape route. He would use his incomplete cover as bait, leaving only a glimpse, so Bradley wouldn't be sure it was him. Knowing his opponent couldn't move as silently as he liked to think, he would listen closely, and as Bradley approached have enough time and space to turns the tables on him this round. It was the closest match they'd even had, Bradley down to one article of clothing to his own none, so he'd need to focus. "Good of Bradley to wait until I was this close to fighting shape to challenge me" he smiled inside.

Stilling himself, forcing himself to breath slowly and quietly, he listened, but heard no noises beyond those of the wilderness. He knew better than to feel reassured, to lapse into a false sense of confidence. Pursuit wasn't be that far behind, and was determined.

The rustling of the leaves off to his left almost made him turn to stare, but he caught himself, stopping the telltale movement just on time, forcing himself to rely on peripheral vision instead. After several tense moments of seeing and hearing nothing, he softly exhaling, releasing the breath he had been holding.

A high pitched yowling suddenly broke the stillness. He smiled, knowing the sound would throw Bradley for a moment, and wished the raccoons in heat as much fun as he planned to have.

He allowed himself a slight smile. He had years of military training and experience, while Bradley was a city boy born and bred. When they first met, he would have never imagined the Cub able to cope with this experience, to actually thrive in it. What had been physical attraction had quickly ignited into passionate love, a deep and abiding love that was about far more that the sex or banter or companionship. It wasn't just Bradley that had changed, Robert knew he had changed as well, and for the better. He realized how very proud he was of his partner, how happy their life together made him. He felt a warm satisfaction knowing that Bradley felt the same.

It was this moment of introspection that cost him. A single moments' lapse of focus.

He didn't notice the sudden quiet around him as the crickets fell momentarily silent. He didn't hear the tread of bare feet being careful placed. Not until the pale figure, not quite ghost-like, leapt towards him, was he aware that he had indeed been found, and in that single moments' lapse he barely had time to recognize the form rapidly approaching him, catching him off guard, knocking him to the ground and driving his remain breathe from his lungs.

"You're mine now, big boy!" yelled an excited Brad.

"Now, and forever" thought Robert, ready and eager to accept this 'defeat' which was a victory for them both in so many ways.