Brothers

A Tale of Two Brothers

A.J. Roye

All Rights Reserved 2023

Fantasy... noun... The faculty or activity of imaging things, especially things that are impossible or improbable.

Chapter 1

"David, you had three hard hits tonight. All of them to the right center field wall. Did you see something from Puente and Wallace, that your teammates didn't?"

"I don't know," I began. "But, I did tell them in the dugout. Both Royals pitchers were trying to get me to swing at change ups. And, I did. Three hits worth."

I chuckled. Hard.

"And, on top of that, you had a fantastic throw out at first on that bunt from Marchman, plus a great tag out at third with Peters' attempted steal from second. Still, another loss tonight. Do you have any concerns about the lack of offense the Mariners are having, this early in the season?"

"Robbie... It's no secret to the team, and the fans. We're struggling. Dead last in the AL West. My teammates, and the coaches, are trying our best to turn things around. Every single player is working their ass off to be better. Extra time in the bullpen, batting cage, and the field. Myself included. I have confidence in Steve Brophy. He's gonna turn things around, soon."

"Steve Brophy is the manager, folks. Your brother, Donald, is having a great April and May with the Royals. Four hits for him tonight. All singles. Both of you are error free in the field and each of you are one, and two, in the batting stats."

"Well, Robbie... I love my, brother. But baseball is baseball. He knows, as well as I do. We're both as competitive as hell on the field. When we meet on the field, we hug each other, talk about Mom and Dad, then it's baseball. I'm gonna try to beat him, and I know well, he's gonna try and beat me."

"Thank you for your time, David. And folks, David Brantley is leading the American League with a.421 batting average, with Donald Brantley right behind him. Thanks again, David."

"You're welcome."

I smiled to the camerawoman, heard Robbie sign off with the local TV station, and then turned to find Bruce waiting at the dugout for me. I knew, if Bruce was waiting for anyone, it wasn't good news. I groaned in my throat, cocked my head, and gave him a steely eye. The fucker just smiled at me. Asshole.

Whatever it was, I knew I could handle it. Yeah, I'm on a suck ass team. But there's about eight other suck ass teams right now. I'm pretty sure I'm not going back to Triple A.

As I neared Bruce...

"You had a great night, David. As usual."

I stopped in front of him in the dugout...

"Thanks. Look... You and I both know, something needs to be said. So, say it." Again, eyes of steel from me.

"Alright. Brophy wants to see you. Right now." He returned the steely eye, I gave him.

I nodded, Bruce spun on a toe, and lead the way to Brophy's office, through the dugout and locker room. Bruce entered first and I closed the door behind me. Brophy was on a phone call. Still in his uniform.

I sat in the chair, as Bruce stood next to Brophy's desk... leaning against the glass wall. The call didn't last more than a minute, and it was mostly Brophy listening, and grunting in his throat... in apparent reply. Then, with an ending... "OK," Brophy hung up the phone.

He turned in his chair. Paused for a second, with a neutral stare, then... leaned forward, and rested his crossed arms on the desk in front of him...

"Brantley. You've been traded to the Royals."

He paused to gauge my reaction.

But, I had been practicing for this day. Once a week for the last year. To offer an unemotional reaction.

Although, I thought I was drafted by the Mariners, three years ago, to help turn around the fortunes of this team. At least, that's what I thought a first round draft pick was for. Although, despite the practice... emotion hit my chest like a sledge hammer. My brain stopped processing for a moment...

The Royals? Did I hear that right? The team we just played? Before I could say anything... Brophy...

"They're waiting on you. On the bus to the airport. Gather your things and hustle it. Someone with the Royals is outside, on the concourse, waiting to meet you."

"OK," I offered, as I stood. I took a deep breath. I eyed Brophy... "I enjoyed my time here. In Seattle."

All I received was a grunt from Brophy and a big ass smile from Bruce.

I turned, left the office and went straight to my locker. I glanced around the locker room. Apparently, no one knew I was leaving. I stripped, showered, shaved, and dressed... without a word from me, or another teammate. It took all of ten minutes. I began packing my glove and cleats. Then...

"What are doing?"

I looked up from my bag, to Nelson. Our right fielder.

"I've been traded. To the Royals," I replied, as I stood upright. The look on his face told me he couldn't believe his ears.

"Are you serious?"

"I am," I replied, as I picked up my bag and slung it over my shoulder. "See ya on the field."

I turned and headed to the exit. I could hear Nelson telling others I was leaving, but I got my ass out of there before anyone could call after me. I took the stairs, two steps at a time, and landed on the concourse. I looked to my right. Just a few people. Then, I turned to my left.

A stranger, with a Royals hat.

And...

My brother.

Smiling like he hadn't seen me in years. A welcome sight, any time my brother and I meet.

I took ten steps toward them and my brother closed the remaining five. With a huge smile on my face, I dropped my bag and we held each other. For a good 10, or 15 seconds. Without a word. Drinking in the brotherly love we have for one another. Then...

"I can't believe this has happened," we both uttered into each other's ear.

We broke our embrace. Simultaneously. Offered a hand shake. Simultaneously. Smiled, like well-fed dogs... simultaneously.

"Mom and dad," we spoke... simultaneously. We both laughed. Hard. Simultaneously. I got the next words in, before Donald could...

"They're going to be, so happy." I nodded. I felt emotion's grip on my chest and throat and I could see the same in my brother. I fought back the tears of joy. As did he. It was a good half minute before either of us could say anything. I took my brother into my arms and held him. As he did, me. Hard. Trying to meld my body into his. I choked back tears of joy and he did, too.

We broke our embrace. I...

"Let's go. Might as well get it over with."

My brother reached for, and took my bag. Then, my arm across his shoulder as we walked to the buses. To take the Royals to the airport.

I was emotional. I couldn't say anything as we walked.

"The team knows you're coming," my brother offered. "I've never seen so many happy faces with the news. They couldn't believe it at first. I couldn't believe, either."

"I only hope I can meet their expectations."

"Oh, you will. You're a fuckin' monster in this town. Kansas City is going to go crazy when they hear the news you're leaving Seattle. And. You're staying with me. Roommates... Again, David. Just like at Texas Tech."

"Yeah," I sighed, with happy emotion. "Roommates." I choked on a tear. My heart inside my throat.

"I can't wait."

*****

I was met by the manager of the Royals, outside the bus.

Clint Stevens.

A big ass smile on his face, and a firm grip on my hand. Welcoming words from his lips. When he introduced me on the bus, I never heard so many yells, yelps, and hoots in my life. Every man was slapping me on the back, and the ass... high fives, and low fives, as I walked down the aisle to the empty seats on the right. Everyone telling me, and Donald, how happy they are for me to be part of the team.

"We're fuckin' going to the World Series!" I heard, in the back. I took my seat against the window and Donald sat next to me. All eyes seemed to be on us. Smiles everywhere.

Another emotion. I've never been welcomed, like this before. Just a few seconds passed and the bus left for the airport. There was excitement all the way to the airport and for about twenty minutes on the plane. Again, Donald sat with me. It was late and we would be getting into Kansas City late. Right before it began to calm down on the flight, Donald and I, both heard... from several rows behind us...

"Fuckin' identical twin brothers. Leading the majors in hits, and now, on the same fuckin' team. Unbelievable."

I also heard, right before the quiet, the Royals picked up two fantastic relievers from the Pirates and the Orioles. The Royals already have a great pitching staff.

Damn.

Maybe this team will go to the World Series.

*****

It was late when we arrived in Kansas City, and it was a day off for the Royals. Mid-week.

But, everyone was expected to go to the Stadium, to practice for the next game with the Rangers.

Donald showed me to the guest room in his house. I was exhausted. The excitement overwhelming. I stripped, washed my face, flossed and brushed my teeth and collapsed into the queen size bed. My head hit the pillow and...

A sliver of daylight piercing the opposite wall. I stretched. Yawned loudly. And my bladder was about to explode. I groaned myself out of bed and crossed the hallway to the guest bathroom. It seemed like I pissed for an hour. During that long, relieving piss...

I needed to call my teammates, who I shared a house with, in Seattle. I would need to hire someone to pack my things and ship them to Kansas City. I slipped my dick back into my underwear, washed my face, wet, and combed my hair, and...

I fuckin' only have the clothes I wore from Seattle. I blinked at myself in the mirror.

I opened the door to the bathroom and my brother was waiting on me in the bedroom. A huge smile on his face, and he was pointing to the bed I slept in last night. Jeans, shirts, socks, shoes. Waiting for me.

"My clothes are yours, David. Until yours arrive from Seattle. After breakfast, we'll go through my closet and you pick out what you want."

I wouldn't have expected any less from my brother. And, I would've done the same for him.

"Get dressed and come to the kitchen. I have eggs and bacon waiting."

I took a phone call from my parents, while I dressed. Apparently, Donald spoke with them. Mom and Dad were overjoyed. It was good to hear their voices.

During breakfast, Donald briefed me on what to expect when I got to Kauffman Stadium. Teammates. Training staff. Equipment staff. Grounds crew. Coaches. Office staff and managers. Donald had me fired up. To be part of the Royals.

I hung up the clothes Donald loaned me, and spoke with our older sister, and our younger sister. They had heard the news and they sounded as excited as Donald, Mom, and Dad. I was told, our younger brother, James, had been told of the news. He was attending classes at Texas Tech and is the starting second baseman for the baseball team. A freshman. I expected his call later.

After hanging up with my sister, I received a phone call from a woman. Who introduced herself as Helen Bergeron, and told me she's the PR rep for the Royals. She ordered me... albeit, kindly, to get my butt to the stadium by noon. A press conference to introduce me, is scheduled.

I looked at my watch. Dressed in a business suit... Grabbed my glove and cleats and headed to the garage. To ready myself to be a Royal.

Now, Donald's bedroom is near the garage and I heard him, and a woman, speaking behind the closed door. I must've been pretty tired last night to not notice a woman was in the house. No hint of perfume. No coat lying on a chair. No girly things lying on a coffee table. Nothing.

Now, my brother is a ladies man. Ever since high school. The girls love him. I've seen lots of women, in many situations, throw themselves at him. And sometimes, he gets a little nookie. He failed to tell me about a woman, so... I surmised, this was a... Well... a brief relationship. I chuckled in my throat.

I went to the kitchen, opened the refrigerator, snatched an apple, and poured a small glass of V8. I gulped the drink and Donald waved at me to go. I followed him into the garage with my apple and bag.

I'm telling ya. Donald likes the cars. I do, too. But nowhere near what Donald likes. He bought a custom painted, Royal blue C8 Corvette. It's beautiful. He told me about it last year. I tossed my bag into the frunk and we left for the Stadium. Damn. This car has to be the hottest car I've ever seen.

At the Stadium, we entered through the players gate. And... Helen Bergeron was there, waiting on us.

"Gentlemen. The owner, Mr. McKuen, and Mr. Stevens, are waiting for you in the press room. To introduce you, Mr. David Brantley... to the fans, and the media. Everyone is excited, not only for your performances on the field, but because you are brothers. And even more so... identical twins. It's a story, Sirs. I have Gail looking into, whether this is a first in major league history. Twin brothers. On the same team."

I smiled and nodded. My brother...

"Thanks Helen."

If I didn't know any better, this woman couldn't have been out of college for very long. Pretty woman. Long, straight, black hair. Sexy, super dark brown eyes...almost black. Broad and black eyebrows and long eyelashes. Silky white skin. High cheek bones. Wide smile. Sexy figure in her blue, knee length skirt and blouse... buttoned all the way to the neck, BTW. Narrow waist and nice, defined hips. Nice tits. Not huge, but not small either. High heels for sexy legs. With her heels, umm... five-seven? Donald caught me checking Helen out and wiggled an eyebrow at me. I smiled a knowing smile. It was then...

I noticed a wedding ring on her left hand.

Damn. Lucky bastard, whoever he is.

The press conference was, which was fortunately, only twenty minutes, thanks to Helen. Donald and I answered all the obvious questions.

"How's it feel to be on the same team?"

"How does anyone tell the two of you apart?"

"You both are leading the majors in batting stats. Which of you is going to win the batting title?"

Dumb questions. To me at least.

Batting? It's too early in the season to answer that.

Tell us apart? A question Donald and I have lived with our entire lives. I have a small mole on my left arm, near the wrist. I think Donald has a slightly larger nose, and he has a scar just off his left eyebrow. From a time, as a child, he was hit by a playground swing when he fell off. And, I'm slightly taller. And, I'm older... by four minutes.

And... how does it feel to be on the same team?

I answered...

"I love my brother. Always have. And, I long to be with him. Often. I consider this opportunity, to be here in Kansas City, a blessing. To share the love of baseball with him, and my new teammates. As you know, we played together at Texas Tech. We played together in high school, and youth ball in Cleburne. And, the last four years, we've played on different teams. It was hard for me. To be away from Donald. I think it's a 'twin' thing. You know. Together in the womb. Together forever. I have those feelings, for Donald." I choked back the emotion in my throat and chest. "I want to thank Mr. McKuen, and Mr. Stevens, for this opportunity. To be with my brother... Again. I promise. To the fans, and to Mr. McKuen. I'm gonna work my ass off. To win games for the Royals, and... to be near my brother."

I received applause from the staff and the reporters. Then, Donald...

"I have nothing to add. I would've offered the same words. I love you, David. Very much."

I lost it.

The grip on my throat had to be relieved. I wept. I covered my face with my hand to hide my tears and emotions. I heard Donald choking on his tears. I stood, touched my brother on the shoulder to stand, and I embraced him. Weeping on his shoulder. Not a manly thing, I know, but... I can't describe the love I have for Donald. It seems I'm not whole without him. And...

For as long as I've been given this opportunity to be with him, I'm going to cherish every moment with my brother.

*****

The welcome I received when I stepped into the locker room.

Memorable. I pray I never forget.

I have never been welcomed by teammates, like I was this day.

All I received from my teammates in Seattle was a welcoming handshake. Followed by a couple of "humphs."

My new teammates were excited about our playoff prospects and winning the division.

I met the equipment manager and the assistants. The head athletic trainer and his assistants. Shown my locker. Ready for use. I pulled my jersey from the hook and looked on the back...

I smiled. My heart leapt at the sight of the number, 17. And my last name across the top. Damn. I hope I can meet the expectations of my teammates. We've already won the World Series, to hear them talk.

And, I suppose we had a chance. The pitching staff is fantastic. Donald, myself, and two other starters are hitting above.350. Three others above.300. Donald and I are flirting with.400.

When introduced to the press, Clint Stevens announced I would be the starting third baseman. Miguel Bustos, formerly at third, would move to second base. And Donald would be moved from second base to the designated hitter position.

"It was a hard decision," Stevens offered, when asked. "All three players are more than excellent position players. There may be a time, when I change my mind, and change the fielding line up."

I worked my ass off.

Batting cage. Sprints. Infield practice. Double plays. Throws to first and home. I took a second turn in the cage. To work off the energy and excitement of my first day with the Royals. I even ran stadium steps. Donald came along.

I'm ready.

For the Rangers tomorrow night.

*****

I followed Donald into his house, from the garage.

I slipped past him and headed to the guest bedroom. I returned my brother's phone call. James had phoned and left a message while I was at practice. When I came back to the living room, Donald was gone. I checked the master bedroom, kitchen, garage.

Back in the living room, I caught a movement in the backyard. I sidestepped some furniture and opened the French door.

I blinked. I swallowed. Hard.

Just a few feet away, near the swimming pool, Donald was making out with a gorgeous blonde in a bikini. The sight of her caused my dick to flinch. This woman...

Hot. On fire, hot.

Standing on her toes. Her arms around my brother's neck, her lips gently caressing the lips of my brother. His hands on her lower back. Pulling her into his body. It was damn sexy to see these two kissing one another. A copper colored, tight, shiny bikini with her cute little butt cheeks on full display. Slightly tanned skin. On her toes, I'm guessing at least five-nine flat footed, considering Donald is six-two.

Damn.

I stood there for a few seconds until they broke their kiss. Donald saw me and smiled.

"Come on, Lori. I want you to meet my brother."

Damn. Again.

She hit me with a fantastic smile. Brilliant white teeth. Piercing brown eyes. Turning, and holding my brother's hand, the couple walked toward me. Fantastic tits behind her scoop bikini top... Gently wiggling as she took her steps. Her pussy mound, well-defined in her tight bottoms. Flat tummy. Her ribs could barely be made out. As she neared, I noticed freckles. Soft freckles. Just a few, here and there. Across her upper chest, arms, and across her cute nose and cheeks. And. She's young. Twenty, if she's a day.

"Lori Jones, this is my brother, David. He joined the Royals today."

"Hi," she chirped, in a higher, than I expected, voice. Offering her petite, feminine hand to mine. I took her hand in greeting. "You and Donald are the talk of the town, David. Everyone is excited about the prospects the Royals have, and my colleagues spoke about the two of you all day. Welcome to Kansas City."

"Thank you, Lori," I replied. "I'm happy to be with my brother again. However..." I glared at my brother... with a grin. "He failed to mention you before now." Back to Lori... "I can see why he kept you a secret, until know. I love your bikini and you wear very well." I hissed in my throat and I hope she didn't hear it.