The early morning dew glistened on the vast lawns of the estate, a silent promise of the warmth to come. A gentle breeze whispered through the leaves of the ancient oaks that lined the property, carrying with it the faint scent of blooming roses from the garden beyond the house. In the quietude of the dawn, the only sound was the distant chirping of birds, welcoming the new day.
“Steve, have you seen the new neighbours?” His sister, Rachel, peered out from the porch, her curiosity piqued by the sudden activity next door.
Steven, who had just walked onto the porch with a steaming cup of coffee, glanced over her shoulder. The sight of a moving van parked in the driveway of the mansion adjacent to theirs was a stark reminder that their solitude was about to be breached. “They must have moved in last night,” he murmured, noticing the unfamiliar car parked in the driveway.
The siblings watched as a young man, probably in his late teens, emerged from the neighbouring house with his dog and a walking stick. He was petite, standing at a mere five foot five inches, with long blond hair that shone like spun gold in the early light. A nightshirt that barely grazed his knees was the only clothing he wore, revealing his slender legs as he stepped out to walk his dog.
The new neighbour had an ethereal quality about him. His movements were fluid, almost dancer-like, as he navigated the dew-kissed grass with a grace that seemed to belie his youthful age. The dog, a large golden retriever, bounded around him, tail wagging and tongue lolling, thrilled to be out of the confines of the house and into the open space of the morning.
Steven felt a strange tug of curiosity as he observed Josh. There was something about the young man that was both innocent and alluring, a contradiction that intrigued him. Rachel, ever the more outgoing one, suggested they introduce themselves later that day, “It’s only neighbourly,” she said.
“Rach, I suggest we give them a few days to unpack and settle in,” Steven suggested, “and I tell you, someone, who dresses like that has got to be gay or blind or both. It’s not normal to wear a nightshirt during the day. Come on, look at him,” as Steven continued to look through his binoculars. “No one wears nightshirts anymore,” Steven continued to look closely, his gaydar on high alert as he gently licked his lips in a subconscious response.
Rachel nodded in agreement, “You’re probably right but he’s got a certain… charm.”
The next few days passed by as Rachel and Steven went about their usual routines, until Rachel spotted the moving trucks pulling away from the mansion’s grand driveway, having collected the containers that had been left on the driveway, signalling that the new family had likely finished unpacking. She turned to Steven, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “You know what this means, don’t you?” she whispered, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
Steven nodded, understanding her unspoken cue. “I guess it’s time to pay a visit just to say hello and welcome.”
As they approached the fence that separated their properties, they saw Josh in the distance, the golden halo of his hair catching the light as he played fetch with his dog. Rachel waved, her voice carrying on the soft summer breeze. “Hi there! Welcome to the neighbourhood!”
Josh looked up, his eyes lighting up with a friendly smile as he walked towards them, the hem of his nightshirt fluttering with each step, revealing a pair of well-defined calves. “Hey, thanks!” he called out, his voice a pleasant blend of youth and energy. “I’m Josh. And this,” he gestured to the dog, “is Whisper.” The dog, noticing the newcomers, trotted over and nuzzled Rachel’s hand, tail wagging in a silent greeting.
“I’m Rachel,” Rachel said, bending down to pet Whisper, “and this is my brother, Steven.”
Steven felt his heart skip a beat as he took in the young man up close for the first time. He was more than just a pretty face; there was an air of confidence about him that was utterly captivating. “It’s nice to finally meet you,” he managed to say, his voice a tad huskier than usual.
Josh leaned against the fence, his hands feeling for the top rung. “You guys are the first to come say hello. I’ve been here a few days and nobody else has even bothered.”
“Well, we’re here now,” Rachel said with a warm smile. “And we’re looking forward to getting to know you better. We just thought it better to leave you alone to unpack, considering how many containers the moving company left on your driveway.”
“Honestly, my mother and I are pleased they have finally gone. I kept bumping into them and Whisper wasn’t exactly very supportive as he likes to run off doing what dogs do and just leaves me following his bark.”
Rachel’s eyes widened as she took in the information, her cheeks flushing crimson. “You’re blind?” she asked, the shock evident in her voice.
Josh chuckled, a sound that washed over them like a gentle stream. “Yeah, I am,” he said, his smile never wavering. “It’s okay, though. I’ve had plenty of practice navigating the world without sight. Whisper here is more than just a pet; she’s, my eyes.”
The revelation hit Rachel like a ton of bricks. “I’m so sorry,” she murmured, her voice thick with regret. “I had no idea. We’ve been watching you from the house, and I just assumed…”
“It’s all right,” Josh said, waving her apology away. “It’s not like I’m wearing a sign or anything. Plus, I enjoy the freedom of walking around in my nightshirt. It’s comfortable and it doesn’t bother me.” He laughed again, a sound that was infectious in its ease. “It’s also easier getting dressed in the morning. I just slip it on and I’m ready for the day ahead. My mum is relaxed about it considering I don’t go out that much and she only has to help me get dressed when we go to church or shopping or for appointments.
Steven, who had been quietly observing the exchange, felt a mix of admiration and embarrassment. Rachel had been so fixated on the idea of Josh’s orientation that she hadn’t noticed his disability, and now she was visibly flustered. He cleared his throat, deciding it was time to change the subject. “So, what brought you to the neighbourhood?”
“Oh, my mum and I just wanted a change of scenery after the passing of my father from cancer,” Josh replied, his eyes, though unseeing, seemed to twinkle with the joy of the unfamiliar environment. “My mother is a teacher and found a job at the school in town. Plus, the house is huge, and I can just wander around without knocking over too much stuff. It takes time to mentally map the house and garden but I’m getting there. Its new objects placed thoughtlessly that cause me consternation.”
“That’s great,” Rachel said, her voice recovering its usual warmth. “We’ve lived here our whole lives. It’s a nice, quiet place. I’m sure you’ll love it here.” Josh leaned in closer, his expression earnest. “I already do.”
As the sun reached midday, Rachel suggested they go back to their own house to give Josh some space. “We’ll have to plan a proper welcome party,” she said as they turned to leave. “It’ll be great for everyone to meet you.”
“I’d like that,” Josh called after them, his voice trailing off as they retreated. “See you soon!”
Once inside, Rachel couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt for her earlier assumption. “I can’t believe I didn’t realize,” she murmured to herself, her thoughts a whirlwind. “I’ve got to be more observant.”
“Don’t worry, Rach,” Steven said, patting her shoulder. “We all make mistakes. Besides, he seems like a cool guy. And you know what they say,” he added with a grin, “blind people have excellent hearing. Maybe he heard your whisper after all.” Rachel rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t help but laugh. “Let’s just hope he didn’t hear the part where I thought he was strange for wearing a nightshirt in the day,” she said, her cheeks flushing once more.
The next day, Rachel noticed a figure standing at their front door. It was Josh, dressed in his usual morning attire: a nightshirt that ended just above his knees and a pair of worn-in trainers. But this time, a white cane rested in his hand, tapping the ground with a steady rhythm as he waited for them.
“Good morning,” he called out cheerfully as Rachel and Steven approached. “I hope I’m not disturbing you too early. I just wanted to return the favour and say hello properly.”
Rachel felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her. “Not at all, we’re just about to start the day,” she said, trying to keep her voice even. Steven stepped forward, extending his hand. “No problem, Josh. It’s good to see you active,” he said, his voice carrying the genuine warmth Rachel knew he was capable of.
Josh’s hand was firm, his grip sure as he shook Steven’s hand. “Thanks,” he said, “I try to get out as much as I can. The fresh air is just so… invigorating.” He inhaled deeply, his chest expanding beneath the thin fabric of his shirt. “By the way, I keep hearing horses from my house, and I was wondering if I could say hello to yours.”
Rachel looked at her brother, who nodded. “Of course,” Rachel said, “we’d love to show you around our stables. Maybe later today?”
Josh’s smile widened. “That would be amazing,” he said, his excitement visible. “Whisper and I can come over when the heat of the day starts to die down.”
As they agreed on the time, Rachel couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation building in her chest. The way the fabric of his nightshirt clung to him in the morning light had become a silent obsession, and now, with the chance to spend more time with him, she couldn’t help but wonder if their friendship would lead to something more but she couldn’t work out if Josh liked women or men thereby complicating her interest but Steven had been quiet since they first met which signified to her that her brother’s gaydar was working overtime and that perhaps, her hopes would fade away.
The hours ticked by, and Rachel found it difficult to focus on her daily chores, her mind wandering back to their brief but meaningful encounter with their new neighbour. When the temperature finally dropped to a comfortable level, she found herself peering out the window, waiting for a glimpse of Josh. Sure enough, as the shadows grew longer and the air turned crisp with the scent of the impending evening, she spotted him, a solitary figure standing at the edge of their property. Rachel’s heart skipped a beat as she watched him, the white cane tapping rhythmically against the ground, guiding him closer with Whisper not far in front.
“Steven,” Rachel called out, her voice carrying the excitement of a child on Christmas morning. “Josh is here!” Her brother emerged from the stables, wiping his hands on his jeans. Rachel could see the same curiosity in his eyes that had been there the first time they’d met their neighbour.
“Hey, Josh,” he said, his voice deep and warm. “Ready to meet the giants?”
Josh’s smile grew wider, his eyes, though sightless, seemingly brightening at the prospect. “I’ve never been around horses before,” he admitted. “I’m excited.”
The three of them set off towards the stables. As they approached the stables, Rachel could see the silhouettes of the horses in their stalls, their majestic heads poking out in curiosity at the sound of the newcomers.
Steven opened the heavy wooden door, the scent of hay and horse dung wafting out to greet them. “Here we are,” he said, his voice filled with pride. “This is where I keep the gentle giants.”
Josh’s eyes searched the space before him, though Rachel knew he couldn’t see the grandeur of the Shire horses. She watched as he reached out a tentative hand, and she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of pity. It was strange, she thought, that someone so vibrant could be denied the simple pleasure of seeing the beauty that surrounded them.
But then she heard it: the soft nicker of a horse, a sound soothing and welcoming that it seemed to resonate with something deep within her. Rachel looked at Josh, whose face had lit up like a child at the sound. “That’s Samson,” Steven said, his voice filled with affection. “He’s the biggest one we have, and I have a breeding programme registered with the Canadian Shire Horse Association.”
Josh reached out, and Rachel watched as his hand found the soft muzzle of the giant creature. He stroked it gently, his touch sure and firm. “They’re so… warm,” he murmured, his voice filled with wonder. “I can’t believe how big they are Steve.”
“Eighteen hands tall Josh, some of the tallest horses in the world, bred originally to pull carriages and ploughs but before that, they used to carry knights in their armour, so they had to be big to take the weight,” Steven explained.
Rachel felt a sense of awe as she watched the two of them, her brother and the blind boy from next door, bonding over something she had always taken for granted. It was in moments like these, she thought, that you truly realised the depth of human connection and she also realised that Josh was not for her. The young man’s body language moved in harmony to her brother’s picking up the vibe or the heat emanating from his body.
As the evening grew darker, Rachel suggested they head back to the house. “Your mum’s probably worried.”
Josh nodded, his hand still resting on Samson’s muzzle. “Thank you for showing me your horses,” he said, his voice sincere. “It was an incredible experience.”
Steven clapped him on the back. “Anytime,” he said. “They’re always happy to meet new people.”
The trio made their way back to the house, the crunch of gravel underfoot a comforting reminder of home. Rachel could see that the encounter had affected her brother as much as it had her. His gaze was thoughtful, and she knew that the mystery of their neighbour had just deepened for him as Josh asked, “Which way is my home?” Steven responded, “I will come with you Josh, to make sure you don’t fall into any rabbit holes on the way,” as he took Josh’s arm guiding him as he walked with Whisper enjoying the break from being a guide dog.
The next morning, Rachel awoke to the familiar sound of Steven’s footsteps in the hallway, but something was different. He was moving more quietly than usual, and when she peeked out her window, she saw him sneaking out the front door. Curiosity piqued, she threw on a light sweater and followed him to the stables.
Her heart skipped a beat as she saw the unmistakable figure of Josh standing in the dim light of the stable, his nightshirt fluttering around his knees as he spoke softly to Samson, the largest horse in their herd. She watched from a distance, not wanting to intrude, as Josh held out a carrot, his movements slow and deliberate. The horse took it from his hand with a gentle nibble, and Rachel could see the boy’s face light up with pure joy.
Steven walked over to them, his boots thudding softly on the floor. “Hey, buddy,” he said, his voice low. “Couldn’t stay away, huh?”
Josh turned towards the sound, his smile growing even wider. “I had to come back,” he admitted, his eyes, though blind, holding a warmth that seemed to fill the space around him. “Whisper and I missed you guys and the horses, especially Samson.”
Rachel stepped forward, feeling a bit awkward. “I didn’t know you liked horses so much,” she said, trying to keep her voice from betraying the flutter of excitement in her chest.
“They’re amazing,” Josh said, his voice filled with awe. “I’ve been up since dawn, just thinking about them.”
Steven chuckled. “Well, you’re welcome to come by any time,” he said. “But maybe next time, let us know so we can save you the walk. You don’t need to come over here in the dark.”
Josh’s cheeks reddened. “Sorry about that,” he said, his voice a little sheepish. “I didn’t want to bother you, and the dark doesn’t bother me either.”
Rachel stepped closer, laying a hand on her brother’s arm. “It’s no trouble,” she said, her voice gentle. “We’re happy to have you,” noticing the bond between her brother and Josh for the first time.
Josh looked up at them, hope shining in his eyes. “Could I?” he asked, his voice tentative. “Could I sit on Samson?”
Steven paused, considering the request. It wasn’t something they did often, especially with strangers. But there was something about the earnestness in Josh’s voice that made him want to say yes. “Sure,” he said finally. “But we’ll have to be careful.”
She had never seen her brother connect with someone so quickly, especially not someone like Josh but with Steven’s help, Josh was soon mounted on Samson’s back, his bare legs draped over the side, his nightshirt riding up slightly to reveal the smooth skin of his thighs and the lower hem of his tighty whities.
Once seated, Josh’s expression transformed. The look of wonder on his face was something Steven knew he would never forget and likewise, he knew he wouldn’t forget the young man’s thighs and the sneaky view of his tighty whities. Josh’s hands found Samson’s mane, his fingers tangling in the coarse hair, and Steven watched as a gentle smile spread across his lips.
Whisper, ever attentive, sat at his feet, her tail thumping against the ground in approval. It was a moment of pure connection, one that Rachel knew she was witnessing something special.
“All right, now hold on,” Steven instructed, his voice steady as he helped Josh find his balance. “We’ll just take it slow.” With a gentle pat on Samson’s flank, the horse began to walk in a slow, deliberate circle. Rachel could see the concentration etched on Josh’s face as he leaned forward, his body moving in sync with the horse’s rhythm.
As they walked, Rachel found herself getting lost in the moment, her thoughts swirling with a mix of admiration and curiosity. She had never seen anyone ride for the first time with such confidence and grace, especially not someone who couldn’t see. And yet, there he was, his blond hair fluttering in the breeze, his bare legs gripping the horse’s side like he’d been born to it.
When Steven finally brought Samson to a halt, Rachel noticed that the hem of Josh’s nightshirt had ridden up even further, giving her a glimpse of the top of his tighty whities. She felt her cheeks burn as she quickly averted her gaze, hoping no one else had noticed.
But as Steven helped him off the horse, his grip slipped, and the shirt lifted even higher. Rachel’s heart skipped a beat as she saw the tighty whities in full view, the fabric clinging to the curves of his bottom. She didn’t dare look at her brother, knowing that he must have seen as well and she knew that Steven had a thing for tighty whities, the underwear he would wear himself. Rachel also liked the look of men in pristine white Fruit of the Loom her favourite and she had had, many occasions of exploring men who wore only that design instead of European boxer briefs.
“Nice strong thighs you have there Josh, great for riding and controlling a horse,” Steven commented.
Josh blushed, the shirt falling back down to cover his thighs. Rachel cleared her throat, trying to change the topic before it got too awkward. “Why don’t we grab some drinks?” she suggested. “We can sit and chat for a bit.”
“I’d like that Rachel,” Josh responded as Whisper got up, tail still wagging approval as they walked back toward the house.
Once they had settled into the cool embrace of the porch, Rachel’s curiosity got the better of her. She took a deep breath, her heart racing a little. “Josh,” she began, “do you have a girlfriend?”
Josh’s smile didn’t waver, but Rachel noticed a brief flicker of something in his eyes that she couldn’t quite place. “Nah,” he said, his tone casual. “I’ve been too busy with school and stuff. Plus, it’s hard to meet people when you can’t see them, right?”
“I get that Josh, it must be hard,” Rachel responded as Steven nodded his agreement until his sister prodded him to verbally respond.
“Yeh, sorry Josh, I was nodding my agreement forgetting for a moment your disability until my sister reminded me. I get it but does that mean you have never felt another person’s body? I saw it on the Discovery Channel once that blind people need to feel a body to visualise it.”
Josh laughed, the sound like music to Rachel’s ears. “It’s true, I do rely on touch to understand things better, but that means I’m inexperienced in the romance department as well because everyone likes the freedom of sight and fails to understand the limitations that blind people face,” he said, his cheeks reddening slightly. Rachel’s eyes widened as she looked at her brother, who was blushing furiously.
Josh continued. “The only body I have explored was my mother’s when I was younger whilst she was in the bath with me. That was a long time ago and whilst I have a visualised picture of the female form, first-hand experience visualising the male form is yet to be experienced.”
Josh’s enjoyment of their company came to an abrupt halt when he felt his watch, pressing the button which responded by telling him the time. “Cool watch,” Steven said as Josh stood up. “Sorry folks, I have to go, I’m a bit late and mum does worry even though I have Whisper to keep me safe.”
“Tell you what Josh, I shall walk with you until you are back in your fields.” Steven offered. “Rachel, I shall be back soon.”
Rachel knew then that she had lost as her gaydar was suggesting that Josh was more relaxed around her brother although it was apparent, that Josh liked her as a friend. Rachel’s eyes widened as she realised the depth of her brother’s feelings. It was clear that there was something more than friendship blossoming between them, something she had never seen before in Steven’s interactions with anyone else as she watched the two young men make their way back to the fence, their laughter carrying on the gentle breeze.
As they approached the boundary between their properties, Josh tilted his head slightly, his smile still in place. “Steve,” he began, his voice curious. “Why did you say I have nice thighs?”
Steven’s face grew hot, and he stumbled over his words for a moment. “Oh, I just meant, you know, for riding the horses,” he said quickly, trying to brush it off. “They’re strong, good for gripping.”
“And?” Josh interrupted waiting for Steven to continue.
Steven took a deep breath. “Well, it’s just that, when you were riding Samson, your nightshirt…uh… it kind of rode up and I could see them.” He felt his face growing hotter with every word, “Along with your tighty whities which I now know are Fruit of the Loom.”
Josh chuckled. “Thanks, I guess,” he said, his cheeks flushing. “It’s not every day someone compliments my thighs or mentions by name my underwear. Am I to assume you wear similar?”
“Josh, you have lovely thighs, and you looked beautifully at ease when riding Samson. Even stunning and yes, I do wear the same design tighty whities.”
Josh felt the heat in his cheeks spread as he digested the compliment. He had always been self-conscious about his body, knowing that his height and build were not the typical standard of beauty that the world often celebrated. But there was something about the way Steven had said it that made him feel seen and appreciated.
Steven watched Josh walk through the long grass towards his home, kicking himself for his comment about the nice thighs. “Really?” he muttered to himself. “Is that the best I could come up with?” Oh well, he thought, muttering to himself again, “Tomorrow is another day.”
The next day, the sun had barely crested the horizon when Rachel heard the familiar tap-tap of the white cane against the gravel. She glanced out the window and saw Josh standing at the door, dressed in his usual nightshirt. Rachel hurried to answer it, hoping that her brother would come out to greet him as well.
“It’s still dark Josh and don’t say you hadn’t seen it, you have a talking watch, remember,” Rachel joked with him. Steven isn’t even awake yet, it’s that early.”
Josh laughed, the sound of it light and free. “I know, Rachel, but I just couldn’t wait to see Samson again. Whisper and I are both eager to say hello.”
“Yeah right and thank god you are blind because you would be in shock. I haven’t even got dressed yet myself. Come in and sit down at the table and I shall make you a coffee and then go and wake Steve.”
“Can I wake Steve, Rachel? Rachel nodded, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “Sure, go ahead. His room is the first on the left.”
Josh’s footsteps grew quieter as he navigated the hallway, his cane tapping out a gentle rhythm. Rachel heard a scream guessing Whisper had jumped on the bed, afterwards, she could hear the murmur of their voices as Josh woke Steven, and she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy.
Steven emerged from his room a few minutes later, his hair a messy halo around his head and a pair of tighty whities slung low on his hips. “Josh, what the hell?” he said, his voice thick with sleep. But before he could protest more about the rude awakening, he felt the gentle touch of Josh’s hand on his chest. Rachel’s eyes widened as she watched the scene unfold from the doorway.
“Stevee,” Josh said, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and excitement. “Could I feel your thighs?”
Her brother looked down at him, his eyes a mix of shock and confusion. “What?” he croaked, his voice barely above a whisper. But before he could protest further, Rachel saw the way Josh’s hand slid down from Steve’s chest to rest on the waistband of his underwear, his fingertips grazing the bare skin of his hips. “Josh,” he began, but the words died in his throat as Rachel watched her brother’s face soften, his eyes closing slightly as he took in the sensation.
“I would like to visualise you Steve and I can only do that by running my fingers over your whole body. Would you mind?”
“Oh, I understand. Okay then but no tickling. It’s too early for that,” he murmured, his voice hoarse with something Rachel didn’t quite understand. “Go ahead.”
And with that, Rachel watched as the boundary between friendship and something more intimate dissolved before her eyes. Josh’s fingers traced the contours of her brother’s body, moving up his legs to the firm muscles of his thighs. The fabric of Steven’s tighty whities stretched tight over his growing arousal, and Rachel couldn’t help but feel a mix of fascination and arousal as she watched the two of them.
As Josh’s hand reached the apex of his thighs, Rachel held her breath. She had never seen anyone touch her brother so intimately before, and she felt like she was intruding on a moment that was meant to be private. But she couldn’t tear her eyes away as she watched his hand hover for a moment, and then, with a gentle touch that seemed to hold the weight of the world, he brushed against the bulge that was growing more pronounced with each passing second.
Steven’s breath hitched, and Rachel felt a shiver run down her spine. “I’m sorry,” Josh said, his voice filled with something that sounded a lot like wonder. “I didn’t mean to, wow, you are so big, I hadn’t realised…much bigger than me.”
Blushing at the comparison, Steven assured him, “It’s fine,” his voice tightened with tension. “It’s just… it’s been a while.” Rachel felt a sudden need to look away, but she was transfixed by the scene before her. It was as if the air itself had thickened, charged with something electric and unspoken.
“Does it feel good?” Josh asked, his curiosity piqued. Rachel watched as her brother nodded, his eyes still closed.
“Yes,” he murmured, the word barely a whisper. “Very good.”
The tension grew between the men, and Rachel knew that she should leave them alone, but she found herself rooted to the spot. She had never felt this way about her brother before, but there was something about the vulnerability of the moment that made her heart race. She watched as Josh’s hand grew bolder, his fingers tracing the outline of Steven’s erection through the thin fabric.
Finally, Rachel couldn’t stand it anymore. “I’m gonna…uh, go feed the chickens,” she said, her voice high and unsteady. She practically bolted from the room, her mind racing with thoughts she didn’t quite know how to process.
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