Old Jon was 73 years old – he lived alone in the house now – the kids were grown and out – his wife tragically had passed in a car accident. Jon did the best he could coping with the house and being alone. His wife had been the communication link to his kids. Somehow, he had a real hard time developing that special relationship with them. He guessed it was from his own childhood never feeling close to his mother or father. Then, too, Jon thought it might be from hiding his real self for so long. For the last 35 years of his marriage Jon and his wife slept apart. If Jon thought he was bisexual at the beginning of his marriage, he knew as time went on that he was gay. He had closeted himself, doing the right thing-working and providing for his 5 children and his wife even when she said she wanted out. As the years passed, Jon suspected that the kids knew, but it was never brought up or discussed. Jon and his wife continued to live the life that was their marriage until her death. Truly he did love her but the intimacy they had early in their marriage faded when his gay side pulled at him. They grew apart.

As Jon got up this day, Dec. 21^st, he went about his morning routine--the three S's, shit, shower, & shave. Little did he know it would be a most important day.

His son called about 9:00. He was a director for a homeless agency. It seems they had a homeless 15-year-old boy. He was in the shelter system with his grandmother and she had just passed. His son normally would have called the child care agency but there was something about this boy. He felt a special compassion and then he knew what would happen. The children's shelter was more like juvey hall. This boy was small for his age, a real light weight. He knew the harder, stronger boys would make mince-meat out of him. He was also touched, by how he cared for his grandmother, waiting on the food line to get her a bowl of soup – nothing for himself and then spoon feeding it to her. He saw the tears as he found out she had passed. He saw the caring about how she would be buried. Talking to the boy, Josh Fitzgerald, he could also see the good in him – the politeness in the way he spoke -- "yes sir – no sir – please – thank you" – he knew how the bank foreclosed on the grandmother's house. He could feel this boy's pain knowing he lost his parents and now his grandmother. He was moved and saddened by the tragic story. No, not this time, he could not, especially at Christmas, send this boy to the hall.

So, he did what he had done so many times in the past when there was a problem. He called his Dad. He explained all about Josh; all about losing his parents and grandmother; all about the compassion he showed his grandmother and how he really did not want to send him to the children's shelter. "Could you help, Dad; maybe take Josh just for a week or two at least let him have a little of Christmas?"

Jon was slow to answer. He knew he was not the man he once was. For sure, the years had taken their toll. He wouldn't admit it to any of his kids, but he had lost a lot of the old ‘can do’ confidence from his youth. "Gee, I don't know. What if he is a trouble maker and steals from me?" he asked. His son, Luke, said he wouldn't have asked if he thought that was in any way possible.

"Dad, could you just come in and see and talk to him?". Jon relented; Luke seemed to want this so much. It was obvious he had special feelings for this boy, but nowhere to put him in his little 2-bedroom condo with his wife and own 2 kids. In the 15 years Luke had been working in the system, this was the first time he allowed himself to become attached. No doubt, it was a special case.

Hearing the urgency in Luke, Jon decided to go that afternoon. He drove his old van into the city. He met with Luke prior to seeing Josh. Luke again went over everything and then they called for Josh. Jon was taken immediately by the beauty of the boy. Josh had dirty blond, almost brown kind of long hair, worn in a page boy style; his frame looked frail and skinny, almost malnourished; his eyes a deep blue, soft and compassionate; he still had that young boy innocent face with just the beginning of peach fuzz on his upper lip and sideburns. Jon had to force himself to smile knowing all young Josh had been through. He already knew he would take Josh if he wanted to come with him. He didn't bother to ask any of the questions he had rehearsed on the trip in. Was he a thief; did he lie? He extended his hand for Josh who took it as manly as he could muster. He was plainly scared and anxious about what would happen to him now with the loss of his grandmother. Jon explained, he was Luke's father and was there to see if he wanted to go home with him over the Christmas Holidays. He had plenty of room in his house. Luke added he would not have to go to the children's shelter if he went with his dad. Josh, with his head down, said that would be good; then asked if he would be able to go to his grandmother's funeral. Jon said "Yes, of course". There was little joy in Josh's face, just resignation; he was a beaten young man who battled to save his grandmother and sadly lost. Luke tried to be upbeat and said "Well, do you want to get out of here, now that this is settled?"  Josh just nodded. Luke added, "Josh, do you want to get your stuff? While you do, my dad has to sign a few papers.” In as little as five minutes it was decided, Josh would be with Jon, at least over Christmas, while Social Services looked for a more permanent foster family. Luke smiled a bit and thanked Jon over and over. He told him if there was any trouble, to call him immediately. Yet he knew his dad was not the type to call for help. Mom was the one to call, afraid that the old guy would hurt himself.

Josh and Jon got into his old van and headed back home. Jon tried as he might to make small talk. He tried the sports teams, school, all the things he could think of that a boy like Josh might be interested in. All he got out of Josh was a nod or a "Yup". Finally, he tried food, with "Are you hungry?" A "Yes, I guess I am." Came right out. Jon was elated--more than two words strung together.

"What kind of food do you like?"

"Ohh, anything will do."

Jon thought he would push a little. "Now Josh, you are my guest for Christmas and I want it to be the best we can do for each other. I don't really know you, so you have to help me. Tell me what you like. Where would your grandmother take you before you had to go to the shelter?"

Josh looked up and stared hard at Jon. He was trying to figure out if this old man really cared the way his grandmother had cared about him. He thought maybe, just maybe, Jon did. Anyway, he should try to be more sociable; that's what his grandmother had always told him.

"I really do like burgers ... Thank You."

Jon stopped at a burger place on the highway that was a relic from the 1950's, but the burgers were thick, juicy, and good. He thought it would help make some conversation between them. Music played; all oldies from the 50's and 60's. He told about how back then they had girl waitresses and they would be on roller skates. They would take your order and they would bring back trays with your order to hang on the car doors. Josh was genuinely interested as he wolfed down 2 big cheese burgers and a load of fries. Leaving, Josh said "Thank you, those were the best burgers I've ever had and I'll always remember you got them for me."

Jon was touched by Josh's sensitivity.

They got to Jon's house and Jon showed Josh around the small colonial. He showed him his bedroom and the bathroom. He asked Josh what he wanted to do. Josh had been scratching and itching all the way home. Jon didn't want to say anything on the fear of hurting the boy's feelings, but he had a bit of an odor around him. To Jon's relief, Josh asked if he could take a shower. Jon showed him how to operate the shower and Josh was soon in the hot water. Jon had suggested he use some oatmeal soap and dandruff shampoo to help get rid of the itching.

While he was in the shower Jon asked " Do you want me to wash these clothes for you? They have a bit of an odor. Is there anything in your pack that needs washing?". A little sheepishly Josh answered "Well, everything in the pack is dirty, but if you wash these clothes what will I wear?"

Jon said he would give him something to wear. "It'll be way too big, but it'll be clean and warm. Just wrap a towel around your privates when you are through and we'll find something?"

Josh said “OK” and scrubbed away. He hadn't had a good shower since Grandma and he lost their house and he was enjoying the massage features of Jon's  shower. He loved the hot water. For the first time in a long time, he wasn't cold or hungry. He had Jon to thank for that and he made a mental note to try to tell him.

As Jon unpacked Josh's stuff he was almost overcome from the odor. It reeked and all of it was torn or worn though ... underwear, tee shirts, the socks. He really didn't see anything worth washing. It was mostly rags. Even the underwear he had on was torn as well as his pants and shirt. My, what a hard time this boy has had in his young life, he thought. He put them in the washer any way; not wanting to offend Josh. He thought to himself they would have to get him clothes in the morning. He closed the door and hoped the machine could do magic. Luke said Social Services would give him $500.00 for Josh's board. It really didn't matter much to him, but now he thought a good bit would go to a new wardrobe for the boy.

Jon was rummaging through his dresser looking for stuff that might stay on Josh when Josh came through the door. "Wow, that felt good Mister ...; Say, what can I call you? I don't want to call you mister and Grandma says kids should not call grownups by their first name – it doesn't show any respect."

Jon smiled. "Well, my grandkids called me pop pop but now that they are older it's changed to Pops. Suppose, I could be your foster grandfather."

"That'll be great, Pops. Grandma's husband died before I got to know him. When I lived with her; I always wanted a Grandpa." Josh smiled and almost went to hug Jon; started then stopped and thought better of it. He just wasn't sure. But this was so much better than the shelter.

Jon thought to himself how resilient youth is. A few short hours ago hungry and cold Josh was a beaten down young man. For sure he is not healed, but at least he could smile again. Later he would have to call Luke to tell him and to himself he gave silent prayer of thanks.

Jon found an old flannel shirt that had shrunk quite a bit from the wash. It was still way big for Josh but the best Jon could find. He was about to give it to Josh to put on when he noticed welts on his back and chest and arms. Actually, now that he looked all over Josh's body.

"Josh, do you know what those welts are on you?"

"Not really, Grandma said something about there being bed bugs in the shelter."

Jon checked the computer and the welts looked exactly like the bed bug bits. He got some hydrocortisone that he used for his eczema, had Josh sit on the bed and put a dab on each bite. He got his back first, then his chest, had him raise his arms, check his legs from his knees to his toes. Then asked Josh if he had bites on his backside.

 "I can't see back there, but it sure does itch, so I guess I do”

 "I really should put this on the bites. Is it ok if I lift up the towel?"

 Josh thought about this new area of intimacy - "If you are my grandpa, I guess it'll be ok."

Jon applied the ointment; there were a dozen bites on his butt and upper thighs.

Jon told Josh he no doubt had bites on his front as well, but you should be able to get them yourself.

"Go back to the bath room and take a good look. A dab of the ointment on each red spot like I did. You don't have to use a whole lot but get each one. OK?"

Josh was relieved that that Jon wasn't going to be inspecting his stuff. He was also grateful that he would be getting rid of the itching.

While Josh was inspecting himself, Jon was going crazy trying to find something to cover the boy's privates. With the bed bug thing he was not keen on him putting any of those clothes back on. He knew from the net that odds of the bugs being in his clothes was slim. But who wanted to take that chance? Those clothes need to be burned and the backpack, too. He could roll up or cut off the sleeves of the shirt that took care of the top part of Josh, but he had nothing for his bottom part.

Josh was back again. Jon gave him the shirt. As they both knew, it wasn't going to be a good fit and they laughed a bit at that. With the top button buttoned you could have fit two Joshes into it. The shoulders were at his elbows; beyond Josh's hands there was still a foot of sleeve; the bottom on the shirt was three quarters down Josh's thighs . Jon thought that was a good thing. It covered the privates.

Jon got the scissors to cut off the sleeves. Josh was afraid of ruining his shirt. Jon told him. "I never wore it. What was a little too big for Josh was still way too small for me." Jon told him he didn't have anything for pants or even underwear. The best was the towel. He could pin it if Josh wanted.

Jon told Josh he wanted to buy him new clothes and burn the ones he had. He told him that the state would give him money for it. He didn't want bed bugs breaking their beaks on his tough skin. Josh laughed a little at his lame but good-natured humor. He certainly didn't want any more of the creatures either and he really could use new clothes. He couldn't remember getting anything new while he stayed with his Grandma. She always got hand me downs from the thrift store.

"But want am I gonna wear to pick out my clothes?"

Jon laughed and said "Your Birthday Suit."

Josh smiled and said "Really, I know what a birthday suit is and I don't go naked to any stores and I'm not wearing this get up either."

Jon laughed "Ok, ok, you look on the internet for one outfit. I'll go get it and underwear and socks and then you can go to the store for the rest. How does that sound."

"You gonna leave me alone in your house with all your stuff; aren't you afraid I'd steal something?"

"Josh, of course I'd leave my grandson in my house. Besides I don't think you would go anywhere in that fine shirt and towel."

They both laughed at that. Josh was liking Jon, all the more; he might be old but he had his wits about him, just like Grandma did.

Jon went and got his tape measure to get sizes. He did the measuring; Josh had the job of writing it down. Waist 28", Inseam 28" (that was kind of tricky with the towel and up to Josh's crotch. Jon was pretty sure he felt a good size erection there. Josh didn't say anything.) There was a little tickling going on and the boy was feeling better and better about being with Jon.

Trying to ease any embarrassment, Jon said "You know when I was a boy about your age, I would get erections. You know woodies, hard-ons, stiffies, boners." Josh felt a little flush in his cheeks. Jon went on, "All boys get them at all kinds of times. My dad told me, my penis has a mind of its own and wasn't very smart."

Josh said “What do you mean?”

Jon went on "Well you know your penis... can I say dick?"

"Yes."

"Your dick is used to piss and make babies. To make babies it has to go inside a girl to give her the sperm to make babies. To go inside the girl, it has to be hard and stiff. If it's not hard and stiff, it won't be able to go in. You with me?"

Josh nodded.

“So, when you're young, like you are, and your dick has just woken up to the fact that it can make babies, that's called puberty. It gets excited to do it ... really easy. Even if there is no girl around. It's not so smart. It's like it is saying ‘Is it time yet? ... I have to be ready ... it might be time.’ You can be just getting undressed to take a shower and what does it say – ‘IS IT TIME YET? I'LL GET READY.’ ... in the middle of school ... ‘IS IT TIME YET? I'LL GET READY.’ It wants to show off.”

Josh laughed and laughed at Jon's explanation. He had had sex education in school. But not like this. But as he thought about it … it made sense.

 "So", Jon went on "you shouldn't worry about popping a boner. Are they still called that these days?”

"Sometimes more woodie or stiffie."

"Got ya. Anyway, don't worry if you get one at an inappropriate time ... don't be embarrassed. It's just your dick not being so smart."

"Thanks. I never thought about it like that. Thanks a lot, Pops."

"And if anyone ever teases you about you ... you know getting excited, just tell the story that your dick is not so smart."

"Gosh, thanks Pops"

"Tomorrow morning first thing, I will go to the store and get you clothes. You gonna be ok in that get-up ‘til then"

"Guess I'm gonna have to be. I kinda like this shirt, it is really warm."

"You can have it but I would wait to wear it outside until you've grown 6 inches and put on about 100 pounds."

It was getting to be supper time. Jon asked "You hungry? What do you want for supper? I can make some fish... do you like tilapia?"

"I don't eat fish that much ... don't think I ever had tilapia."

"Want to try it? I like it."

"Ok. "

Jon made up his tilapia dish with Cajun spice, baked potatoes with onions, peppers, and mushrooms. He had spinach for a green vegetable. Jon had wine with his meals and all he could offer Josh was water. The boy was okay with that, but kept looking at the wine. Jon asked "Have you ever had wine?"

"A couple times with my Grandma. She said it was good for your heart and relaxed you. But only to be had in moderation. Sometimes she would give me a glass."

Jon gave Josh a short glass and he enjoyed it immensely. Made him feel a little more grown up.

Josh said dinner was great and asked if they could have it again some time. Whether he was just being polite or whether it was the wine. It made the old man feel good. Josh helped with the after dinner clean up.

They settled down to watch a little TV. Actually, Jon put on a Netflix movie that Josh picked out. It got to be close to 11:00. Jon took his medication.

"What's that?" Josh asked.

"Oh, just some blood pressure medication."

"Why do you take it?"

"Well about 3 or 4 years ago I had a little mishap. It was a very minor stroke and this will help me from having another. Can you do me a favor?"

"Sure."

"If I ever forget to take it, in the morning or at night, please remind me."

"Sure will, I don't want you getting sick."

Jon smiled again more to himself. He was liking having Josh around too. Luke was right -- he is a good boy and life has given him more shit than he deserved.

"Well,” Jon said "what do you think? Is it time for bed? I know these old bones of mine are ready?"

Josh said "I guess so."

Jon thought why is it that young people don't ever want to go to sleep.

They went upstairs, Josh first, he was a lot faster. Jon followed for sure a bit slower. Josh settled into bed. "Don't you have to use the bathroom boy?"

Josh said "No."

Jon began wishing he had a young prostate and bladder. He took his nightly piss, went into Josh, ruffled his hair a bit while saying good night. Leaving the room he added, "I hope you'll be happy here, Josh, I'm going to try to make that happen for you."

Josh didn't know what to say. He remembered his Grandma and she said, "Always return a kindness given to you." All Josh could say was, "Thank you so much. I am already happy that I'm here with you."

Jon went into his bedroom. It was too late to call Luke, but he sent a text for him to read his email and sent a rather long email telling him all about his day with Josh. He also told him about the bed bugs and the shelter needed to be fumigated. Lastly, he thanked him for sending Josh to him.

During the night, it was often the case that Jon had to get up to take another piss. His shut down plumbing just didn't work well at night. He marveled at Josh, how he didn't need to go before bed and then slept all night. As he passed Josh's room, he thought he heard whimpering. Was Josh crying? He stuck his head in and soon the rest followed. He was right Josh was upset and all in a fit. It looked like he had been crying for some time. Gently he shook him.

"Josh, what's wrong?"

"My nightmare is back. Could I stay with you? Could I, please!!"

Jon got Josh up. The towel, that had covered him, had fallen off. Jon gathered it up, half looking for the pin as he did. Josh was in quite a state shaking and sobbing. He just couldn't seem to stop.

Though the tears Josh said, "I'm sorry to be such a baby."

"It's alright; it's really alright" Jon said as he held him.

He pulled back the covers and let Josh get in the double bed, put the towel around him again, and got in the other side.

"Will you hold me please; if anything bad happened my dad would hold me"

Jon wrapped his arms around the fragile boy; holding him tight. One arm under his neck the other arm over his chest. His chest tight to the boy's back; his middle down on his butt; one leg draped over both the boy’s legs.

Jon kept whispering over and over "It's all right, you're safe here."

After what seemed like forever, the sobbing stopped. Josh's breathing became more regular. He was asleep. Jon went to pull his arm ever so slowly from under his neck. As soon he went to move it; Josh grabbed it with both his hands and held it so tightly. Jon was amazed at his strength. It must have been the result of his episode, so Jon tried to sleep that way. It was very hard considering his secret (the gay thing). He wanted to kiss and hug the boy and make love to him. For sure he wouldn't; he wouldn't molest this frail boy, he wasn't that kind of monster. He had never touched a boy inappropriately and certainly he wouldn't start now. But it didn't make going to sleep any easier. Finally, exhaustion kicked in and he fell to sleep.

The next morning Jon awoke with Josh still cradled in his arm and his arm was numb beyond belief. As he struggled to free it, Josh woke and immediately sat up and helped Jon to move his arm.

The boy was so upset he thought Jon had lost use of the arm. Jon was a little apprehensive as well since it was on the side of his body where he had the stroke. But ever so slowly he began to get feeling back into it. He asked Josh to help him move the arm around to stimulate the blood flowing. Josh did it so carefully. He really was liking the old guy and was mad at himself for being such a baby. It took about 15 minutes but feeling in the arm came back. By then Jon's bladder was about to burst. Josh didn't want to let go of Jon's arm but he had to piss really bad. Jon said the arm was ok and started for the bathroom. Josh happy that the arm was ok, bolted for it as well. "You gotta pee, Josh?"

" Yup, I've been holding it."

"Well, me too ... come on we'll share the damn toilet."

Josh was at the point that it didn't matter. It was either piss in the toilet or on the floor; Jon was the same way. There they were at the toilet, the boy with piss plummeting out like a water fall, and "Pops" with the littlest stream that was more like a leaky faucet. Josh of course was done in a minute. Jon was taking his time.

"So how come it takes so long for you to take a leak, Pops?"

"It's my damn prostate, once it gets working too hard to hold it back it doesn't want to turn on again. It's a bitch getting old, boy, but I'm still working on the alternative. Now go get that towel and quit showing off your equipment."

Sure enough, Josh had popped a boner. Josh smiled and yelled back "You know my dick's not all that smart. I tried telling it, it wasn't time." Then it did what it was told.

"Go amuse yourself with the TV while I take a shower. Then I'll make some eggs for breakfast."

Jon felt a lot better after his 3 s's. Josh asked what he could do to help, Jon had him make the toast and coffee. Fried eggs, turkey bacon, toast, and coffee was as good a breakfast as Josh had ever had and he wolfed it down. "Pops, you sure feed me good. That was great."

Ok, we better get to work on your wardrobe. "What kind of undies do you like?  Boxers, boxer briefs, regular briefs, or skinny briefs. white or color?" Josh had never had the chance to pick out underwear he just wore what he was given. His Grandma had frequented the Goodwill for most of his clothes. As he thought about it, the skinny briefs were kind of sexy and he liked that; white ones, he thought, were also cute. He also decided on white crew socks because it was winter, and blue jeans and a pull over grey sweat shirt. So, Jon had his shopping list. Josh said he would clean up the breakfast dishes. Jon went on his way.

Jon went to the local Kohl's. It was closest. He picked out a kind of orange & grey shirt with a design on it; blue jeans, the skimpy white briefs Josh wanted, the white socks, the hoodie sweat shirt. Jon also got him a hair brush and a tooth brush.

Jon got back in a little less than an hour. Josh had busied himself on Jon's computer. He immediately shut it off as Jon came in. Jon noticed and figured he was on a porn site. All 15-year-old boys are curious about sex. He gave him the bag of clothes. Josh immediately tore into it. Without any modesty, he dropped the towel and put on the underwear. They clung to his hips, barely covering his package, and seemed tight to Jon. Without a doubt, Jon could see a bit of a boner growing inside. Josh started to smooth them over his ass and down his front.

"What do ya think, Pops?" he asked

Jon smiled and said he could never wear anything like that but they looked great on Josh as long as he didn't mind showing so much.

"Ohh no, Pops, all the boys wear these. They are a little sexy, but I like them. They feel great!!" Josh said as he ran his hand over his growing erection.

"Ok, as long as you are happy; try on the jeans and the shirt."

Josh took off Jon's old shirt and pranced around a little in his new underwear. Jon couldn't help but think Josh certainly was one great, looking, boy. So smooth and cute with his innocent face. Josh ran over to Jon and gave him the biggest hug and kissed him on the cheek saying thanks. Holding the almost naked boy aroused Jon as well, but he controlled himself and said “Ok, ok. I'm happy you like your underwear, but put the shirt and some pants on before someone passing will think I'm a pervert or something."

Josh frowned a little fake frown and teasingly said "But I like wearing only my briefs. Don't you think I look sexy?"

"Yes, very sexy, but you are not going to get the rest of your clothes going out like that."

Josh tried on the jeans next and, to Jon's surprise they were not regular fit but skin tight. As Josh stuffed his little bubble butt into them, he said "Wow. How did you know I like the tight fit?" Jon shook his head. "I thought I was getting the regular fit."

"Well, you did good." as he pulled on the shirt. Josh went to check himself in the mirror. Jon watched as Josh turned one way and then the other to see how his butt looked in the mirror. He gave Jon another hug and said "You're the best grandpa."

Jon made turkey sandwiches for lunch and together he and Josh made up a shopping list.

Jon said a warm winter jacket, Josh... another hoodie sweatshirt, Jon... dress pants and shirts, Josh… another pair of Jeans, Jon... a dressy sweater, Josh... maybe new sneakers please, Jon... dress shoes, Josh... maybe 2 more casual shirts. Josh asked why the dressy stuff then Jon said “Remember you want to go to your grandmother's funeral. It's usually a bit of a dress up thing." Josh had put it out of his mind then said "Will you go with me?" ... "Of course." Josh put on his new hoodie sweatshirt and torn sneakers and they went back to Kohl's.

There was a little disagreement on the 2nd pair of jeans. Josh wanted another pair of the tight fit; Jon thought the regular fit. Finally, Jon said " Be a little practical here, boy. What if you have to scratch yourself; you'll never get to the itch in those tight things."  Josh relented. He had to. He had never been treated to so many clothes in all his life. He was beginning to feel like a kid again in just 2 short days with Pops. His fears of what would happen to him were being washed away with Pops’ care. He knew it, and he made up his mind if there was any way he could stay with Pops; he was going to do it.

Jon stopped at the market on the way home asked Josh about pot pies. Josh said chicken was his favorite. So, Jon got 3 --- 2 chicken and 1 turkey.

Josh said "How come 2 chicken/"

"Because, my boy, teenage boys like you are eating machines."

To be continued...

RE Posted: 10/03/2021