****************************************************************************
  *                          "NEW TO TEACHING LOVE"                          *
  *                                 (part 3)                                 *
  *                              by Vince Water             January 16, 2005 *
  ****************************************************************************
  | Copyright 2005-2006 by Vince Water                        Corrected 4/06 |
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

     I awaken with a start. Jesse has his head resting over my chest and he's
  tickling me with his soft finger strokes across my belly. A deep yawn fills
  my mouth. I'm stretching my left arm until its elbow cracks; my right arm is
  tucked beneath my lover. The soft glow of morning's light filling our bedroom
  lifts my heart with its promise of a new day.

     :Your hair feels soft,: Jesse remarks.

     :Good morning to you too. How long have you been awake?:

     :For a while, love. Are you rested?:

     Jes Asked me that to be polite. He knows that I've slept well from our
  Connection like I know he's feeling better this morning. His former self
  isn't troubling him. Whether that's because grandfather's ritual holds
  Owopspec at bay or he awaits doing battle with that Omaha Shaman tomorrow,
  I don't know. The troubles in my life return to me. I face trial for
  attacking that police officer and I'll probably go to jail because of it!
  Eli Kie is still on the loose. He may come after Jes and me next so that's
  why our house is being guarded by tribesmen. And what will the People think
  of me when they learn that I'm gay and with their next shaman? All these
  woes are like the cries of wolves in my ears. 'Go away!' I plead. Jesse and
  I have this day to be together. It may be our last one.

     "What are you thinking about?" asks Jesse.

     I've been guarding my thoughts from him yet he's picked up on my gloomy
  mood. :Nothing much. Well... I'm trying to remember when we last had the
  chance to be alone with nothing to do.: Jes relaxes his hand over my belly.

     :Why look behind for happiness when there are many days ahead for us?:
  Asks Jesse. :Days of joy by being together as we've always hoped for like
  this day. Mike? It has happened! Mom is letting you stay here to be with me.
  She accepts that we're a couple.:

     "Yeah. She has." The corners of my lips sag when I think about yesterday.
  :If only my parents could accept us. Maybe I told them too much about what we
  Share or maybe too little. What do you think I should have...:

     "Shhh."

     He's right. Why fret about the past? It's over and done with so I'd only
  be ruining our day by worrying about things I cannot change. My left hand
  falls to Jesse's head. I'm leaning forward to plant a kiss in his hair,
  breathe in its strong smell and I detect a whiff of flowers that comes from
  the shampoo he uses. My lover rubs his nose against my breast. He kisses me
  until finding my left tit that he sucks on. A thrill shoots down my spine.

     :I love you, Short Hair.:

     :I love you too.: From our connection, the deep feelings that we have for
  each other comes through along with our thought-spoken words. His heart and
  mine Speak in a hauntingly beautiful Voice. It makes us as One. I can See the
  longing on his brown face, his shining eyes and Feel what's inside him at
  this moment even though I can't see his face with my eyes.

     :I See you too, love.:

     Jesse resumes stroking the fine hair on my belly. His forefinger and
  thumb try wrapping my blond curls around them but they're too short. The
  sensation is nice when it isn't tickling me. I gasp when my navel is stuck.
  His finger makes a suggestive in and out motion that gets my dick stiffening.
  I'm Feeling Jes growing excited as well.

     His kisses return to my breast. More follow going down my body that become
  deeper and filled with a hunger to eat me all up. Jes sniffs me. It's kind of
  strange (in a nice way) that he likes my smell. My body hair is tickling his
  nose. He pulls on some with his lips between planting kisses on my belly.
  It's a pleasant kind of tickle. His mouth roams lower. And lower. My cock
  tingles in anticipation of his next kiss.

     Jesse straddles my legs. He flings the blanket away and a rush of air
  has me shivering. Then I see his eyes. The fire radiating from those black
  depths reveals his utter love and hunger for me. He smiles wickedly. We look
  down at the bulge in my underwear. His face lowers to it. A spilling of long
  black hair covers my belly. His eagle's feather lands on my chest and I blow
  on it, sending it sailing into the air like a balloon until its tether brings
  it back down.

     I gasp in surprise. He's tonguing into my navel. :That tickles, Jes!: With
  a giggle, my lover withdraws to plan his next attack upon my person. His
  small brown hands pull down my underwear so he can kiss my thing. That's what
  Jes calls it because he's too shy to say the actual word. He's not shy about
  what he wants to do with my dick. I'm enjoying his gentle mouthing to my
  balls. His kisses climb up my hard shaft until he reaches my knob, licking it
  as if I were a Popsicle.

     :Yours is very sweet.:

     Jesse's tongue swirls over my piss hole to taste my oozing. The sensation
  is becoming too intense. I'm squirming over the bed. He goes down on my cock.
  My cheeks are firmly held in his hands so I can't escape his sweet torturing.
  :It's too ticklish, Jes. Stop it!:

     :I want to drink from you, love.:

     Jesse isn't teasing me. He really wants to. My cum is no longer thick
  with sperm but a boy's clear release.

     :It'll be sweet,: Jesse comments, :and you won't tire after spurting.:

     :How do you know that?: Something breaks in my lover's head. He pulls
  from my cock and rests his face over it, going deep into thought. Jes is
  remembering something that happened to him when he was twelve. The images
  are almost too quick to catch but I See an old man sucking on his pole. He
  likes drinking a boy's sweet release and does so again and again. We can't
  see his face in the dark. The warrior claimed that his aged body draws in
  youthful strength from this ritual. Brown Reed enjoyed letting him.

     :That was my former self's boyhood name,: Says Jesse.

     A sharp pain stabs my stomach. Is he Living Owopspec's memories? I'm
  afraid for Jesse because they would overwhelm him!

     :Don't worry, love. Grandfather's shining spear guards against that from
  happening. Owopspec offered me this memory. I know it's his and not mine.

     Relief fills me. There's no sign of possession in my lover. From Merging
  with my former self, I'd know what to look for in Jesse. He's Looking down
  into himself as I've dipped into Christopher's memories. There is the danger
  of becoming too curious about his past life. That could ensnare him.

     I gasp when Jesse resumes to suck on my cock. He's going down on it, the
  intense tickly sensations are becoming too much for me to bear! I'm thrashing
  over the bed. "Stop... Stop it, Jes!" I shout between breaths but he doesn't
  so I sit up in bed and give a yank to his long hair. He lifts his head to
  peer up at me. There's a wicked grin on his face from knowing that I can't
  stand getting sucked.

     "Are you going to punish me?" Asks Jesse, giggling.

     "Yeah." I've caught the meaning behind his words. I'm pulling on his arms
  to get him falling to our bed onto his belly. I spin around to squat over
  his legs. His pair of underwear is such a contrast to his dark brown skin. I
  slowly pull them down. My eyes fall over his little behind that sends a surge
  through my cock. It would be a shame to spank him, not when there's a better
  way to 'punish' him for being a naughty boy.

     :Give me what I deserve!:

     What he deserves is all of my love. My dick tingles in sweet anticipation.
  I lower my face to his brown butt and start kissing it. My hands paw over his
  cheeks. They're perfect in form: warm and soft, a boy's small shape that
  draws my tongue between them to find its entrance. There's a taste. Not
  really bad though I know what that is. Its musky odor enflames my passion to
  rim his asshole really good before I stick my cock in.

     "Oh, yessss!" cries Jesse.

     I lick into his butt as far as my tongue can go. Spit is put in him. He
  wails in his high-pitched voice. I'm pulling my face back to take a breath.
  Jes sticks his butt up from our bed, his cheeks parting like the petals to a
  flower. I peer inside. Wet streaks lead from his circle of darker skin. I'm
  diving back in to suck on his asshole with deep tonguing and breathing in its
  smell. Ahhh! My hard cock aches me so much that it's almost a pain to delay
  relieving my lust any longer.

     I pull my face back to take another breath. Jesse rises to his knees to
  offer me his butt. He's ready to get it fucked. I plant a kiss on each brown
  cheek then rub my nose back and forth against them. We're about to join our
  bodies. He wants me to and I need to! I'm scooting forward, directing my
  knob into his ass until it presses against his wet hole. Jes backs onto me
  hard. I'm groaning from that thrilling sensation. He's gotten my cock to
  stick all the way inside him.

     "Do me good!" Jesse begs. "Don't end too quickly."

     That's gonna be hard. My first stabs in his butt felt too good. Jesse's
  asshole clamps tight around my cock and won't let go until it gets a drink
  from my loins. My balls press onto his balls. When my hands push on his slim
  waist, I slip out of his butt. I'm quickly making a savage stab back inside.
  My pink shaft disappears between his brown cheeks into a slimy warmth only an
  asshole can feel like. Ahhh! Jes cries out too in sweet pain. He doesn't want
  me to stop but when my cock starts feeling intense, I have to pull out. My
  held breath comes out of me as a moan.

     "You haven't given me a wet butt?" Jesse asks.

     "Not yet." I'm surprised he didn't know that. A sharp aching comes from my
  cock by not finishing it. I can't ignore my intense lust for Jesse's little
  behind. It's a powerful sensation combined with deep feelings for my lover.
  After taking a few breaths, I lean forward and stick back inside. Deeply. My
  throaty groans are echoed by his high-pitched wails with each savage stab.
  I'm using this Indian buck as if he were my squaw...

     Owopspec enjoyed playing the squaw for me and Wind-go-through-his-hair. We
  took turns fucking his butt after waking up each morning and before we went
  to sleep at night. Owopspec couldn't get enough of us. When he crossed paths
  with a lusting brave or warrior, they'd give it to him and hoot encouragements
  when I took my turn riding my lover's wet ass. That excited me a lot to feel
  my dick slipping through his hole already filled with strong seed. Owopspec
  felt a sacred obligation to give himself to men. Jesse does too.

     My knees dig into the bed when I pull Jesse's ass onto my groin. It's a
  wonderful meeting of brown to white. The thrills from my cock grow intense.
  I'm trying to break up the rhythm of my breaths to prolong fucking him. He
  doesn't want me to end it yet. Me neither! I'm stopping myself before going
  over the edge. My cock rests over his left cheek.

     "That was... close," I gasp. Breaths rush through my mouth. Jes reaches
  under himself to gather our balls into his palm. He fingers mine.

     "Yours hang down more."

     I've noticed that. Jesse's sac of balls cling close to his body. White
  guys have theirs dropping down like a bull's. That's what I'd seen in them
  porn videos and one guy even wore a kind of leather harness for his balls.
  The man he was fucking reaching back to yank on them like Jes is doing to
  mine but more gently. It blows my mind that I'm finally being gay by having
  sex with another guy but unlike those two guys performing in that video,
  I'm doing it out of love.

     My oozing cock slips back into his butt. He backs onto me hard. I'm quick
  to rejoin the battle. Savage stabs. Man! This feels sooooo good. My lover
  tightens his sphincter muscles that intensifies my male thrills. I'm tempted
  to finish it but manage to pull out in time. The sweet thrills from my cock
  ebb but leave it aching.

     "You're giving me a good spanking, love."

     "Yeah..." I'm laughing. Jes backs onto my cock that rides his ass quick
  and hard. I'm going for it. His slimy tightness gives me ever increasing
  thrills. I stay deep in his butt, hold breaths until I spurt. Ahhhh! Man!
  Pleasure explodes in my head. Breaths race through my mouth as low moans.

     "Now you have a wet butt." Jesse wiggles himself back there in triumph.
  I'm excited by the slippery sensation that draws me into a lusty daydream:
  Jes comes home after attending a sweat rite with his tribesmen. I catch the
  glow in his eyes I've often seen in Owopspec's after he's made the rounds in
  camp. We rush to bed. Jesse's butt smells sweet and my tonguing in it
  discovers why. I'll eagerly add my load of cum to what he's holding in his
  ass. How many naked laps did my lover sit over in the sweat lodge? Giggling,
  Jes chides me that my guess of two or three men doing him is too low. Can't I
  tell from my stabbing? He claims that his little butt is so overflowing that
  their cum will back up into my cock and drown my balls. Oh, yeah?

     I'm pulling over Jesse's waist to back his ass onto my groin. My cock
  stabs in and out. It makes a wet slapping sound admits the bed creaking. I'm
  looking over my shoulder at our door in alarm. Winna could hear what we're
  doing but then I remember that she's at work. I have her son alone and all to
  myself now.

     The force of fucking Jes has him falling to his belly. He sticks his butt
  up from our bed. His arms spread out in surrender to my urgent need. I'm
  rocking over my knees to give it to him a second time! I pull back a ways
  then stab in hard. My cock is swallowed up until my groin hair presses onto
  his cheeks. This feels tremendous! I've not tired much or lost sensation from
  cumming earlier. My body becomes frenzied with in and out thrusts. Lust sings
  in me.

     The lust of certain tribesmen had them braving the coldest moons of winter
  to pay a visit to our tipi. A warrior named Follows Buffalo along with braves
  Sit In Creek and Sucking On His Pipe shared 'warmth' with Owopspec while
  Wind-go-through-his-hair and I watched. Our lover welcomed their successive
  mountings. It was an exciting display by those horny men. We took our turn
  afterwards in his insatiable ass. There's nothing like fucking a wet butt.

     Owopspec challenged us two boys to find out who could do him the most
  times. I fucked him in two different positions, ending up beneath him on my
  back with his hands pulling over my butt to coax my third release while
  Wind-go-through-his-hair sucked on the man. He gushed from both sides of
  himself. I ended up with sticky balls and emptied of sperm to give him. The
  younger boy managed four mountings. All in the same position by laying over
  Owopspec's back and buckin' his proud little ass even when I sat over it in
  my attempt to keep it still. Yet he won. Wind-go-through-his-hair claimed
  that drinking from our lover's loins strengthened him. I didn't envy the
  boy's cheating 'cause a man's seed makes for a sticky throat.

     My balls are tingling so I fall over Jesse's back at my swift ending.
  Strong, easy squirts. "Oh, Jes!" My intense thrills soon ebb leaving me with
  a pleasant sensation of male relief. I'm turning my face sideways from his
  hair so that I can breathe in air.

     "I felt you cum in me," Jesse whispers. "Twice. Wore yourself out, love?"

     I'm panting to my lover's neck. "For the moment." He giggles in response.
  I direct my thoughts at him. :Jes? You Pulled yourself back from me, didn't
  you? There wasn't any sense of you being in my head when we, ah, did it.:

     :I wanted you to enjoy our bodily joining,: Jesse explains. :Otherwise,
  our intertwining thoughts would have overwhelmed you like before.:

     I know what Jesse means. There were times during sex when I've lost
  myself in our Connection. I'd return to myself only after it was over with,
  cheated of feeling pleasure from it. A twinge of guilt squeezes my heart.
  I've given into lust without being very loving to Jes. No mouth kisses. My
  attention was focused on giving him a wet butt.

     :Don't feel that way,: chides Jesse. :Other guys express their love this
  way with their bodies instead of getting caught up in it like we have. I want
  to feel your love for me outside of ourselves. Not Sharing everything all the
  time. Know what I mean?:

     :Yeah. Our Connection can get in the way sometimes.: When Jesse gasps for
  breath, I lift myself from his back. My cock pulls wetly from his butt. I'm
  pulling his cheeks apart for a peek inside. His hole is oozing a clear fluid.
  My release is like that of a boy's when his balls aren't developed enough to
  produce sperm. That's because I've given my manly strength to Hawk Flying
  Over. My head hangs in remembrance of my loss.

     :We're not trying for a child.:

     He's right. We aren't. I close Jesse's butt to keep my love inside it.
  I'm then bucked off his back and fall onto my right side in bed. A cooling
  sensation comes from my groin but not for long. My lover rushes on top of me.
  Fire burns in his eyes to fulfill himself as I've just done. He grasps my
  shoulders, pushing me fully onto my back. A quick rubbing begins. His hungry
  kisses fill my mouth. I keep Jesse close in my arms to his urgent need.

     Our cocks collide in loving battle. Jesse strikes me again and again, his
  body dancing to a lusty drum beat above me. I reach my left hand down to feel
  his flexing ass. I've already spent my love there while he races to give me a
  wet belly from love. Breaths sing through his nose. I'm given hungry kisses.
  Our noses rub. Such joy fills my heart to have found my Indian lover again!
  We have this second lifetime to be together and we'll be happy.

     My warrior scolds me. Not with words but that long sharp look in his eyes
  whenever I've done something wrong. Why is Owopspec angry with me? No. He's
  really worried like that time we escaped from Fort Union and in pursuit by
  its soldiers. What is the danger now? My lover's face fades from sight before
  I can ask him...

     I'm violently shaking my head to cast that strange thought away. This is
  Jes in my arms, not Owopspec. He's nearing completion from our love making.
  To my surprise, I'm feeling strong from my cock even though I've already come
  out from it twice. Jesse's dick slides harshly over mine. It's stiffening.
  My thighs clutch his cheeks to slow him down. "I'm feeling close... to it."
  He buries his face in my neck. Panting. Our bodies find a common rhythm
  that'll bring us to fulfillment together. It's like when we were beating on
  our drums as one. I'm flexing my butt against the bed, stabbing forward
  while his dick retreats nearly to my balls. He thrusts onto me. Ahhh! We
  Sense our nearing climax with eager expectation.

     Jesse lifts his head and cries out. Warm spurts are felt on our bellies.
  He peers down at me with such love shining in his eyes. They flutter and
  close while breaths are racing through his mouth. I'm also gasping for air.
  His body becomes limp over me so I tighten my arms around my lover to hold
  him close. We lay together for a while.


     Jesse is scrambling some eggs on the stove. I'm sitting over a stool
  watching him. Mesmerized. The deep brown color of his arms and legs contrast
  the shirt that he's wearing. No underwear. His shapely butt sticks through
  the white cloth for me to enjoy. He glances back at me with a grin on his
  face. What a beautiful looking man! He really is mine.

     "Aren't you cold?"

     I look down at myself. I'm wearing underwear but there's no shirt covering
  me because he took it for warmth. "My feet are a little cold." Jes stamps his
  left foot, reminding me that he's wearing thongs.

     "We'll need to get you some. The floors in this house can be cold! How
  about some warm fuzzy slippers?"

     "Yeah. Okay." I realize that Jes was teasing me about the slippers. His
  right elbow stabs the air when he chops the eggs in his skillet. My eyes are
  drawn to his wiggly behind. He knows what I'm looking at, reaching back to
  pat himself there. My love fills him. I feel a tightening in my underwear.

     Jesse turns the stove off. He sets his skillet over a cold burner and
  drops two slices of bread into the toaster. Its lever isn't pushed down. He
  turns to me with a thoughtful expression on his face.

     "That old warrior sucked Brown Reed's thing dry. Even after getting him to
  squirt three times in his mouth, the boy didn't tire much."

     "I'm sure of it." A chuckle escapes my lips. "I was shooting between my
  thighs to tire myself before I went to sleep. I could beat off several times
  in row at his age. My cum thickened when I turned thirteen." Jesse ponders
  over what I've said. "I think you've missed out by not beating off. Charlie
  must have ruined that pleasure for you."

     "Not really," answers Jesse. "I wasn't that embarrassed by what he showed
  me at the corral. It just didn't seem right to touch myself down there."

     "Too naughty or something?" Jes shrugs his shoulders in reply.

     "I sometimes rubbed against my bed for thrills."

     "Did you wet the sheets?" I ask, surprised.

     "No. I stopped myself before it came to that. What really excited me was
  reaching back for my butt and feel its humping. Ron showed me how good that
  part of me could feel like."

     I'm nodding. Even as a boy, Jes realized that his butt was sexy. Feeling a
  man's cock inside it must have blown his mind. "You didn't know about guys
  fucking each other?"

     "No. Charlie told me how horses mated and from that I figured out how my
  mom and dad, ah, brought me into the world."

     "I'm glad that we can join our bodies like that even though we're gay."
  Jes pats his cheeks with a sly grin. He looks down at the front of my
  underwear, gives me the eye then he turns to start the toaster.

     "If you're feeling cold, you can join me wearing your shirt. It's warm."

     A thrill goes through my cock when I get Jesse's meaning. I'm springing
  from my stool to act on his suggestion. He pulls the back of my shirt from
  his legs so I can slip my head in. My face rises to meet a soft obstacle.
  :Your butt feels real warm.:

     :It's plenty slippery, too.:

     I'm kissing over his soft pair of cheeks. Jesse begins moaning. When I
  try sticking my nose in, his butt tightens. He doesn't want to get rimmed?

     "Stand up behind me,: Jesse Asks. :There's enough room in here."

     "Maybe. My t-shirt is sure gonna get stretched out of shape." My hands
  roam up the front of Jesse's body while my face rises along his back. I'm
  kissing him along the way. His body smells nice, a stronger odor than mine
  that comes from having darker skin. Chris noticed that too with Indians.
  Jes pulls on the neckband when I struggle to push my head out. This must be
  what a baby endures when coming out of his momma's womb. I manage to pop out.

     It's a tight fit inside my shirt. Our bodies are mashed together in warmth
  like Jesse asked. A bit silly. My cock stands along his butt crack and I
  consider fucking it. Is there anything left in my balls to give him? We're
  startled when the toaster pops up.

     As one body, Jesse steps to the counter. My cock enjoys the motion of his
  rear end butting against my groin. When he leans forward to drop two more
  slices in the toaster, my knob slips between his cheeks. A sharp thrill
  shoots through me. I pull over my lover's slim waist to stick his butt. Ahhh!
  He does feel very slippery in there.

     "I love you being inside me, Mike."

     "Me too..." I breath against his neck. My hands roam up the front of Jes
  to palm over his stiffening tits. I like the silky feel of his hair running
  down along my chest, tickling my nipples. We share warmth inside my shirt.
  The idea that our bodies can fit together still blows my mind. He's given
  every part of himself to me and he has my heart, my body and my soul.

     :That is so, love. Now I want your male expression to fill me!:

     Jesse reaches back for my butt and with all of his strength, pulls my
  body onto his. My cock sheathes into his squawness. I lower my hands down to
  that part of him which is male. I'm fingering his balls. His erection stands
  between my forefingers. My thumbs are pressed against his groin hair. This
  young man in my arms is two spirited. That's the Indian way of saying Jes is
  completely gay. Not only expressed with his body, my lover acts as both
  sexes. He has a woman's compassion and giving while still remaining a man. I
  love that about him.

     I'm chasing after Jesse's earlobe with my lips. A gentle nibble is given
  it followed by me tonguing in his ear. He keeps his tight grip of my ass to
  keep us as one. My cock throbs. His asshole feels hot and slimy around it.

     :Can I get you to do it again?: Asks Jesse.

     I'm chuckling. :If you want me to.: Jes relaxes his hands over my cheeks.
  I give his ass a few stabs that feel good but I don't know if I'll be able to
  cum again so soon. It is nice having our bodies joined this way. All these
  sensations combine with being One in thought and spirit.

     I pull over Jesse's breast and lean forward to find a part of his neck
  not covered by hair. My mouth sucks on him. He moans through his nose from
  the pleasure of me loving him. I can See that in his head. The silvery thread
  between us stiffens with Power, filling my head with pleasure that surges
  along our Connection back to him. I'm losing myself to that utter joy...

     Something shuts off in my head like the flipping of a switch. My bodily
  sensations return. It's very intense! I'm bucking into Jesse's ass while he
  holds mine. My cock aches from being so stiff. Ahhh! Relief in pissing but
  not urine; I'm squirting strongly with an intensity of pleasure I've not felt
  before. Five times? No. It's more like eight! My mouth opens in a gasp for
  air to fill my lungs. The thrills ebb from my cock. I'm feeling light headed.
  Tiny stars dance at the edge of my sight...

     A hardness is felt along the right side of my body. It's cold. Where am I?

     "We're on the floor."

     I'm trying to catch my breath. My chest struggles to expand against Jesse
  but the t-shirt won't stretch any further. "Did we fall?"

     "No. I felt you become faint and lowered us down. Are you alright, love?"

     My cock is throbbing in his butt. "I felt such intense thrills. Did you?"

     "Yes. I'm afraid that I've gotten your shirt wet."

     I feel the wetness to Jesse's dick. His belly rises and falls from his
  heavy breathing. :Are you alright?: I Send.

     :I don't know.:

     I'm Sensing worry in my lover. He tries not thinking about what happened
  but we're being drawn back to it like a moth is to the flame. That place in
  our heads which is pleasure. I can See it. I've only to want feeling thrilled
  again and... it... comes! Ahhhhh. Jes wails sharply. His dick throbs in my
  hand after spilling again. My cock aches after emptying into his butt.

     "Stop..." Jesse begs. He gasps for breath. "We have to stop doing it!"

     Part of him doesn't want to. I'm not either. We have only to Reach inwards
  that excites our bodies and brings forth intense pleasure. Ahhh! We're giving
  into it again like the strong addiction to a drug. A loud roar fills my ears.
  My eyesight grows dim...


     I awaken with a start. Jesse is struggling on the floor beneath me.

     "Mike?"

     "Huh?" I lean back onto my right side. That's when I notice a dead feeling
  in my head. I'm not Seeing Jesse!

     "Can you crawl out of your shirt?"

     "Jes. Our Connection is broken." I'm trying to sound calm but that feeling
  of loss is scaring me.

     "It's not really broken," Jesse explains. "We have to stop touching so
  get out of your shirt!"

     I pull on the neck band and struggle with lifting it over my head. My nose
  bangs into Jesse's spine. Man! That smarts. My hands push along his sides
  until I'm free of the t-shirt. Jes rolls onto his back to get away from me. I
  glare at him. My anger cools when realizing that we had to stop touching. I'm
  taking a few breaths to calm myself before trying to Think to him. It's like
  looking through muddied water yet after a moment, my head clears enough to
  Send. :Can you Hear me?:

     :Yes, love.:

     Relief fills us both. I'm Feeling Jesse again. :What happened?: Alarm
  shows on his face and he Asks me not to think about it.

     "We must consult with grandfather about this."

     I'm hanging my head with shame. It's my fault. I found that place in our
  heads where... My eyes shut tight and I force myself to stop thinking about
  it. The temptation is great. I keep my right arm against me when it was about
  to reach out to my lover. I'm left feeling empty. Alone.

     "Are you hungry?" Jesse asks.

     "Not really." I'm scolding myself for saying that.

     "I can pour you a glass of milk."

     My eyes open to see Jesse's shy grin. There's a cooling sensation from my
  cock so I look down. My groin hair is wet. I'm sitting naked over the kitchen
  floor with nothing to wipe myself with. Jes lifts his arms above his head and
  pulls off my shirt. After wiping his butt, he tosses it over to me. "Thanks."
  I'm rolling my eyes.

     I wad the t-shirt up in my hands and find a dry place to press against my
  groin. Jes gets to his feet. I'm looking at his butt with concern. "Maybe you
  should go to the bathroom. We both should. And let's take a shower."

     "Later." Jesse tries rubbing the hurt from his behind. "Ah. I think a lot
  has already gushed out."

     My face begins to burn when Jes points at a wet spot on the floor. He gets
  some paper towels and cleans it up. The edges are precisely folded before he
  tosses it into the trash can beneath the sink. I look at his butt again. How
  many times did I shoot in it? A lot. That's left my cock aching. Yet I'm
  tempted to jump my lover again and lose myself in such bliss that I've never
  thought possible! "Jesse..." I call out in a begging tone.

     "I have to go!"

     Jes grasps his butt and streaks from the kitchen. I'm tempted to chase
  after him but my legs won't support me. I remain on the floor. There's such
  weariness in me from what we did. It was more intense than sex.

     When my breathing returns to normal, I struggle to my feet. I'm feeling
  cold. There's my underwear lying on the floor. I put them on before someone
  sees me naked. Those guarding the house sometimes come in to use the bathroom.
  Yuck! My underwear feels cold and clammy. I'd forgotten that we'd used it to
  wipe our cum. A sly smile comes to my lips. I press my hands against the
  front and back of me for wearing our love, wet and smelling very male.

     I step into the hall and look towards the bathroom. Jes hasn't returned. I
  think he's staying away from me so it won't happen again. I'm forcing myself
  back into the kitchen and I head for our bedroom for some clothes.

     :Find some shirts that we can get dirty in,: Jesse explains. :We've some
  work to do in the garage. Afterwards, we'll take a shower.:

     I See an image of his father's red pickup truck. Winna said that I could
  have it. I've missed the freedom of riding my motorcycle. After reaching our
  bed, I pull down my wet underwear. Brown Bear is looking at me. He's seen me
  naked before and perform as a man with his master. I tuck my underwear under
  a pillow at his feet.

     I'm rummaging through the drawers for clean clothes. For myself, I grab a
  pair of blue jeans and a t-shirt. New underwear is taken from a package I'd
  bought at Wal-Mart. Jes has some in the top drawer. All neatly folded. I hold
  a pair up and note its boyish size. My underwear isn't that much bigger than
  his. Wow. I really have lost weight here in Montana. Mostly, I think that
  comes from all my worrying.

     I slip into the smaller pair with a grin and feel my butt sticking nicely
  through the soft cloth. That brings back a fond memory of Jesse wearing my
  underwear he'd taken from my bathroom after wetting in his. Ahhh. That first
  hug of ours in my trailer. He had gotten so excited.

     I'm pulling on my jeans. Socks are taken from a package and worn. With a
  matching set of clothes for Jesse, I return to the kitchen. He's standing by
  a stool waiting for me. He accepts the clothes I've brought him. I'm given a
  knowing look when he slips into my new pair of underwear. My eyes drink in
  the beauty of his slim dark body when he covers it. My lover looks good
  whether he's in clothes or not.

     "I'm afraid that our sandwiches have gotten cold."

     "That's alright." There's a glass of milk set beside my plate. I'm
  smiling. He knows I like drinking that with meals. I take a bite from my egg
  sandwich followed by a sip of milk. Jesse has orange juice in his glass.
  I'm noticing again how slim my lover is. His collarbone sticks out at his
  neck. I've seen the outline of his ribs when we're naked. Any fat that he has
  shows up in his butt. It's more shapely than Running Water's though that
  man's body is more muscular.

     "I hope my father's truck will start," whispers Jesse. "We'll need to
  clear it off first."

     I remember seeing all them boxes piled in its truck bed. Jes takes a bite
  from his sandwich. I'm taking a bite from mine and reach for my glass asking,
  "How long has your father's truck been sitting in the garage?" I gulp down
  some milk.

     "Almost four years."

     Our eyes meet. Jesse is putting on a brave face while inside him, he's
  struggling with his emotions. The deep hurt he's felt when his father ran
  away is still there even though he cried some of that out in my arms. On top
  of all that, his mom learned that her husband has taken half the money out of
  their house by forging her signature on the loan documents. She's not gonna
  get him into trouble for her son's sake. Maybe she should. What that man did
  to them was wrong. Winna's monthly mortgage payment more than doubled and
  she's only working part time. I'm going to use most of my savings to pay off
  her house so she won't lose it.

     Jes sets his sandwich down on the plate. He finishes his orange juice and
  waits for me to finish eating. I see the frown on his face. He's picked up on
  what I've been thinking about his father. Instead of being angry at his dad,
  Jesse is worried that he'll never see him again. There's been no phone calls
  from him. Not even a birthday card last year. I reach over to grasp my
  lover's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Jes."

     "It's not your fault."

     Jesse clamps down on his emotions. He doesn't want to deal with them
  right now. Too painful. I can understand that but he can't hide them away
  forever. There are reminders of his father throughout the house. A photo of
  Jes standing between his parents at a powwow hangs in the front room. The
  laundry room is filled with his construction materials that are also being
  stored in the garage. Maybe it's not such a good idea that I drive his
  father's truck. "Jes? I want to buy a new truck."

     "You don't have to, Mike. My mom wants you to have his truck. It's going
  to cost a lot to buy a new one and you really need to save your money."

     Jesse knows that I'll be paying off his mother's mortgage. He thinks
  it'll look better if I'm seen driving an old truck by the People instead of
  flashing my money around. What happened Saturday comes to mind. Those Indians
  in the jeep didn't stop to help me when Running Water's new pickup I'd been
  driving had run out of gas. They had a big laugh at seeing a white guy stuck
  on the road.

     Jesse picks up his egg sandwich and finishes it. I notice my name on a
  piece of paper sitting on top of the answering machine. I'm grabbing it with
  much trepidation. It reads:

          Mike,

          Your attorney called last night.  He wants you to know that
          he'll be coming over at three today with the papers to sign.
          If it's later than that, he'll call you.  Winna

     Jesse peers at me. I satisfy his curiosity by Sending him what his mother
  has written. I'm looking at the clock set above the stove. We'll have four
  hours to kill before my lawyer arrives. I'm sure Jes and I can come up with
  something to do together. That's a happy thought.

     I take our plates and glasses to the sink. A mug smelling of coffee is
  set in there. I'm washing the dishes and am handed the frying pan by Jes.
  It's gonna need to be soaked in water for a while to make it easier to clean
  out the burned egg residue.

     Jes sets our two stools under the table. That has me realizing something.
  "You and your mom eat in the kitchen most of the time."

     "Yes. We only go to the dining room when there are guests. Why?"

     "Maybe we should get another stool in here." Jesse smiles, nodding in
  reply. He agrees that I'm no longer considered a guest. I live here now.

     We go down the hall and put shoes on at the front door. It's warm outside.
  The sun has risen close to the top of the sky and I'm breathing in the smells
  of Spring that lifts my spirit. I look towards the street. There's a brown
  truck parked in front of the house. I don't recognize it so I'm trying to see
  who's sitting in the driver's seat. I'm turning to Jes. :Do you know him?:

     :No.:

     I'm Sensing his shyness to go over and meet who's guarding the house. We
  head up the driveway to the garage and enter through its side entrance. Jes
  flicks on a light switch. There are boxes and piles of junk lying everywhere.
  It fills the truck's flatbed. I look for the release handle but need Jesse
  to show me how to work it. The back door drops with a bang. When lifting
  myself into the truck bed, I mind myself from hitting my head against a
  raised metal frame. It's silly but I don't know what you call that part of a
  pickup truck. All I know is that it's used by construction guys to haul wood
  and stuff.

     :My father piled long boards and his ladder over that rack,: Says Jesse.

     :I won't need it.: I'm following one of the vertical supports down to
  where it connects to the truck. If I had a wrench, I could loosen those bolts
  to remove this rack from the flatbed since it sure looks ugly. Only someone
  in construction would find it useful. I'm turning to my lover. He's looking
  down at my feet while trying to hold back tears. "I'm sorry, Jes."

     "Mom said that it's your truck now. You can do what you want with it."
  Jesse wipes the back of his hand across his face. In a whisper, "Let's get
  it cleaned out."

     I peer at my lover, ready to jump down to offer him my hug if he needs it.
  He's really broken up over his dad leaving him and his mom. This old truck is
  a reminder of being abandoned. Forgotten. Jes needs to accept that his father
  might not ever come back yet he clings to the hope that he will.

     Jesse pulls out a heavy sack of concrete and struggles to hold it in his
  arms. "Hey! Let me do all the lifting. Okay?"

     "I'm not a China doll," Jesse complains.

     "No. But you're not a construction dog either. Here. Take this box from me
  and let's find a place in the garage where we can put all this stuff." I'm
  jumping down to carry that bag of concrete. Jes follows me with his box and
  we set them down along the wall.

     We're startled by a knock on the main garage door. After gesturing for Jes
  to hide behind the truck (he won't), I cautiously peek out the side door to
  see who it is. Relief fills me. It's only a Native boy.

     "Hi. Charlie asked me to take on his duty this morning in front of the
  house. I'm Jeremy Two Ponies."

     He gives me a quick once over while I'm studying his face: a small nose,
  deeply sunken eyes and a broad forehead. Long hair spills half way down his
  back so I'd guess his age to be in his teens. Maybe seventeen. He's wearing
  jeans and a black leather jacket.

     I step out to shake hands with Jeremy who reluctantly responds. It's not
  customary amongst the People. Too bad. That's how I greet someone new. He
  won't look me in the eye while I'm struck again by his unusual facial
  features. He's not Blackfoot.

     :He looks to be Cree,: comments Jesse.

     :Oh. Aren't they an enemy of the Blackfoot?:

     :Not these days. We've joined forces against a common enemy.:

     I'm lowering my head in remembrance. Yeah. Us versus Them.

     "Hello Jesse."

     My lover shyly nods at my side. He hasn't met this guy before.

     "You're Mike Yager?" asks Jeremy.

     "Yeah." He looks me over again and turns to speak with Jesse in Siksika.
  Not all his words are right.

     "He put down that law officer?" Jeremy asks with awe in his voice.

     Jesse nods. "How do you know to speak my People's tongue?"

     "From my mother."

     "You speak well. I don't know any Cree words."

     Jeremy shrugs his shoulders. "I came to ask I go relieve where?"

     :He wants to use the bathroom, Jes.:

     :I know that, silly!:

     :Why don't you show him where in the house?: Jesse and I exchange brief
  glances. My lover is shy in front of strangers but he's gonna need to get
  over that when he assumes the duties as shaman of his tribe.

     "Let's go to the house," asks Jesse.

     Jeremy follows my lover down the driveway. I notice a white I-pod clipped
  to his left hip and follow the cord up until it disappears under his hair. A
  pair of earphones are draped over his shoulders. My eyes fall to the seat of
  his pants. Not much of a butt. Jesse's shows up nicely in his jeans and that
  has me remembering what happened earlier. The thrills were so intense. It's
  like I flipped a switch in my lover's head that lit up the pleasure center in
  my head. I'm tempted to Reach out to Jesse to do it again.

     :Mike! Stop Thinking about that. We shouldn't least we get caught in a
  kind of trap. I'm going to ask grandfather to help us stop it from happening.
  There is a danger. It's an aspect of our Connection we need to control.:

     :I know.:

     :It's not normal. Do you know what I mean?:

     :Yes, my love.: I'm realizing something else. :Is that why you haven't
  touched me since?: Jes Sends a reluctant confirmation that it's so. He fears
  we won't be able to control ourselves and we'll give in to a false ecstasy.

     :Grandfather will be coming with us to Great Falls. I'll ask him then.:

     :I didn't know that.: My face is burning. :Are you gonna tell him what we
  were doing when... it happened?:

     :Don't be embarrassed, love. I'm not. Grandfather has seen us making love
  before not that he doesn't already know how it's done even between two guys.
  We really need his help in this thing so until we can control it.:

     :No more touching.: My heart aches for not being able to hold Jesse in my
  arms. I enter the garage with a gloomy heart.

     Boxes set by the main garage door are moved out of the way. I manage to
  lift each one after some difficulty. They probably hasn't been opened in
  years. I've removed two bags of cement and a tool box from the pickup truck
  before they return. Jes fills me in on some words they've exchanged. It seems
  that Jeremy is amazed that I took on Lt. Danielson and beat him up. He had
  given anything to have seen that. I'm not proud of what I've done. I had to
  prevent my lover from getting shot by that corrupt officer but my attack had
  been savage. I'll likely go to jail because of it.

     I push a big box towards the back of the truck. Jeremy helps Jesse carry
  it away. I kick out dust with my feet before dropping down to the ground. The
  flatbed door is closed behind me.

     "Are you going to drive the truck out?" asks Jeremy.

     "That's the plan. It's been in this garage for four years so I don't know
  if it'll even start." Jeremy gives the Ford F-150 a critical look. It's an
  older model, maybe from the early nineties. There are dents along the sides
  and most of the red paint has been scraped off in the flatbed. I head for the
  driver's side door and am about to get in. :Jes. Where are the keys?:

     :They should be in the glove box.:

     I'm scooting along the seat and notice that this truck is a stick shift. I
  haven't driven one in my adult life. Dad had let us shift his VW Beatle when
  we were kids. My sister and I often fought over sitting in the passenger seat
  so we could help daddy drive. His foot worked the clutch.

     First things first. I open the glove box and find the keys laying on top
  of some papers. I'm grabbing them. One appears to be to the house. I insert
  the ignition key, turn it and... nothing happens. Not even a click.

     "Do you have it in neutral?" asks Jeremy.

     I try moving the stick shift against my right leg. It won't budge.

     "Step on the clutch."

     I look down at my feet. There are three pedals on the floor. Right one is
  for gas, the middle one is the brake so I'm stepping on the left pedal and
  pop the stick shift into neutral. I turn the key again. Nothing happens.

     "It's a dead fuck for sure. I can jump the battery from my truck but we'll
  have to push it down the driveway and turn it in the street."

     "Do you have jumper cables?" Jeremy gives me that Look. Of course he does.

     "Release the parking brake. There."

     I'm pushing down on a pedal above my left knee. It won't move.

     "With your foot!"

     Talk about embarrassment. This Indian kid is sure making me look bad. It's
  not like I haven't driven a pickup truck before. Jesse reminds me that his
  uncle's truck doesn't have a stick. I push the brake release with my foot.

     "Get out," Jeremy asks. "Jesse? You steer while we push the truck down
  the driveway. I'm sure it's just the battery. We'll get it running again."

     Jes reluctantly takes my place in the drive's seat. He looks real worried.
  :You have the easy part,: I assure him. :Just sit there and keep the steering
  wheel straight while we push.:

     :How can I know where I'm going?: Asks Jesse.

     That's when I realize the truck is gonna be facing towards the garage.
  :We're not going to push very fast. Look behind if you need to. If it were
  me, I'd navigate by watching the driveway in front of me to keep the truck
  straight and only look back when reaching the street.: I close Jesse's
  door. He peers through the window at me with fright on his face. :You can do
  this! Roll down your window so you can hear us if we shout.:

     Jeremy takes up a position by the front left bumper. There's hardly any
  room between him and the garage wall so I'll have to squeeze past him to get
  to the other side. He huddles closer to the truck. My groin rubs across his
  butt that makes him tense up. We exchange brief glances. Yeah. He knows I'm
  gay and not liking that much. I ain't gonna be jumping him.

     :Don't think badly of Jeremy. We need his help.:

     :He's only doing it because of you, Jes. He wouldn't help out a pale face
  like those guys who passed me on the road in their jeep.: My lover remembers.
  I expect worse treatment when everyone in the tribe learns that I'm gay.

     "Let's go!" Jeremy shouts.

     I'm pushing on the bumper with all my strength. Jeremy's feet push off
  against the garage wall for leverage. That's a good idea so I try it. The
  truck begins to move. Panic rises in Jesse so I'm calming him through our
  Connection. I advise him not to move the steering wheel. He's already pointed
  straight. We clear the garage door and keep on pushing. It's a long way yet
  to the street. I'm already tiring from the effort. Jeremy glares at me when
  I look at him. He probably thinks I'm checking him out. The truck picks up
  speed. My eyes widen in alarm when I realize why. The driveway slopes down
  towards the street. Jesse is realizing this too.

     :It's okay! Get ready to turn the steering wheel.:

     :Which way?: Jesse Sends in a near panic.

     :Clockwise. Ah, to your right when we reach the street so the truck will
  face Jeremy's.: I'm nearly running to keep up with the truck's bumper. Jeremy
  is shouting something. It's not in words I can understand. Cree? The pickup
  is dropping over the curb. It's turning slowly to the left. :Steer more, Jes!
  Hand over hand.: I'm Sending him an image of how I've done that in a tight
  curve. Relief fills me when the truck turns more sharply, missing a mailbox
  standing on the far curb. :Brake, Jesse!: I Show him that it's the middle
  pedal at his feet. The truck skids to a stop.

     I'm running to the driver's side door. "You did good, Jes." My lover shows
  relief. His long arms fall from the steering wheel. Jeremy comes to my side.

     "Pop the hood. I'm going to pull my truck up to yours."

     Before we can thank him, Jeremy is running across the street and gets into
  his truck. Jes is pulling on the hood release. We hear it pop open. I walk
  around to the front of the truck and raise it. The engine looks clean. I find
  the battery well situated on my right. Huh? It's empty!

     :Maybe my dad pulled it out. I'll go look for it in the garage.:

     Jeremy is making a three point turn in the street while Jesse runs across
  and heads up his driveway. I stand away from the bumper to get out of the way.
  Jeremy's brown truck slowly pulls up. He gets out with a look of surprise on
  his face.

     "Where's Jesse going?"

     "To look for a battery in the garage." That has me puzzling over something.
  :Jes? Why did your father leave his truck behind?:

     :He drove away in their new pickup truck. Mom was so angry that she didn't
  want to touch anything of his. Those boxes in the garage are filled with all
  his stuff from the house. She bought a used truck to go to work in.:

     :Oh.: I'm glancing at Jeremy to see if knows I'm Talking with Jesse in my
  head. My father figured that out. It has to do with my facial expressions or
  something. :Have you found it yet?:

     :No. What does a truck battery look like?:

     I'm rolling my eyes in dismay. :It's the size of a small cement block
  covered in black plastic topped with two round metal contacts.: I Send
  Jesse an image of one.

     "Are you going to be driving this truck?" asks Jeremy.

     My eyes focus on this Indian teen. "Yeah. Winna's giving it to me."

     "She's letting you stay in her house, too."

     Is he asking me or just saying that? His face is plain of emotion yet I'm
  Gleaning confusion in him. He can't figure out why that woman is allowing me
  to be with her son since I'm gay. It becomes a staring contest between us.
  I dare him to say something against it while he's waiting for me to explain.
  It becomes very tense. Words spill from my mouth. "Charlie asked you to take
  up his duty this morning."

     "He's meeting with a client at his ranch this afternoon."

     I'm smiling. "How many stallions does Charlie let out on stud?"

     "I... ah, don't know."

     I'm surprised that flustered him. I press my attack. "How long have the
  two of you been friends?"

     "We're not, really. Dirt-brought-up-in-his-hand gave him my number when he
  couldn't come to the house himself this morning."

     "How do you know Dirty Hands?" Jeremy's eyes flare at me for saying that
  man's nickname Charlie's given him. He obviously knows it. The teenager kicks
  a stone across the street.

     In a low voice, "He's my girlfriend's father."

     "Oh." Jeremy gives me that Look then he turns to walk back to his truck.
  Jesse is walking across the street carrying something heavy in his hands. I
  sure hope it's a battery that'll fit in his father's truck.

     :Is this it?:

     Jes hefts the battery into my hands. :It looks about right.: I position it
  into the well and push down where it makes a tight fit. I'm seating the red
  and black power connectors. :I'll need a screwdriver to tighten them clamps.:

     :I'll ask Jeremy if he has one. Are the screws regular or the cross type?:

     :Regular.: He's running off before I can warn him about my exchange with
  Jeremy. It's nothing really bad. Teenagers think they know everything and I'm
  sure he's already judged me. 'A queer fuck' comes to mind. Doesn't he realize
  that Jesse is also gay?

     They talk for a moment before Jeremy's head lowers from sight. Jes Tells
  me that he's looking for a screwdriver in his tool box set behind his seat.
  There are jumper cables in my lover's hands. He answers something Jeremy has
  just asked him. I'm not Hearing what that was in my head. Alright. Let it be
  their secret.

     I turn from them to check on the battery connectors. They're seated. The
  black one tends to pop up but a screwdriver will tighten it down. Jesse is
  still talking with Jeremy. It's maddening! My lover is often Peering into my
  head whenever he wants to while I can't do him. That doesn't seem fair.

     Footsteps are heard approaching from behind. I step away from the truck
  without looking at either of them.

     "We'll find out if this battery will hold a charge," says Jeremy.

     I'm only nodding in reply. Jeremy tightens down both power clamps with his
  screwdriver. Jesse offers him the jump cables but he waves them away.

     "I want to check a few things first," he explains.

     Jeremy gives the engine a careful inspection, wiggling some wires and he
  checks on all the fluid levels. A paper towel is pulled from his pocket to
  wipe the oil stick clean. He nods with satisfaction.

     "Okay. You can hand me the cables now, Jesse. I want you to wait over
  there on the sidewalk just in case..."

     :The battery explodes,: I add to Jeremy's unspoken warning.

     :You're not kidding?:

     :It's only a precaution. Jeremy and I will be sitting in our trucks where
  we'll be protected by our windshields. You shouldn't be near the engine.:
  Jes heads over to the sidewalk while giving Jeremy a worried back glance.

     :You be careful, love.:

     :He's not gonna blow me up, Jes.: I'm guarding my next thought from him.
  How tempting is it for Jeremy to be rid of one less gay fuck in the world?
  I've seen that look in his eyes. He probably worries about Jesse. I release
  a deep sigh, scolding myself for thinking badly of him. In a way, I'm glad
  that he cares enough to 'protect' Jes from me. Sure wish someone could have
  kept Ron's hands off my lover.

     I hear Jeremy revving his engine. He sticks his brown arm out the window
  and waves in a signal for me to try starting my engine. I turn the key. It
  turns over a few times and dies. I'm pumping the gas pedal and try again.
  Vroom!

     Jesse meekly walks up to my window. I flash him an assuring grin and
  press my foot down on the gas pedal. The engine sounds powerful. I'm startled
  when Jes sticks his head into the truck to give me a kiss. It's nice. We're
  quickly looking through the windshield to see if Jeremy saw it but he
  couldn't of with our trucks' hoods raised.

     "Promise to be good," asks Jesse. He flares his eyes.

     I'm nodding. Jeremy has helped us get the truck started. I push down on
  the gas a few times to keep the engine from dying. The battery will need to
  charge up. We're startled when the hood slams down. Jeremy turns away as I'm
  waving my thanks to him through the windshield. The jumper cables dangle down
  from his hands. He gets back into his truck and turns it around in the street
  to park in front of Winna's house. A thought strikes me. :Jes? I'd like to go
  get my stuff back from Mr. Cavallero.:

     :If you want to.:

     I Sense my lover's uneasiness. :There won't be any trouble. I promise.:
  Jesse looks past me at something so I'm turning my head to the right. It's
  Jeremy. He's walking across the street and comes to my door.

     "The truck needs to be driven so the battery will charge."

     "I know that." Jeremy gives me that Look. "I'm gonna drive over to the
  trailer park to pick up my things."

     "Have you driven a stick?"

     "Not lately."

     "Mike. Let me drive so the engine won't die on you."

     "Okay. Thanks." I'm sliding across the long seat and Jes gets in beside
  me. Jeremy sits in the driver's seat and closes his door. I'm the only one
  putting on my seatbelt.

     "Where's your trailer park?"

     "Behind us, not far down the road. It will be on your left." Jeremy nods.
  He reaches down for the stick shift at Jesse's knee and puts it in gear.
  We're turning around in the street. I'm noting how to put the truck in
  reverse. That's something my dad had never shown me.

     Jesse spreads his legs to give Jeremy space when he shifts. I hold my
  lover's right knee against mine, smiling, when we exchange knowing glances.
  We're remembering Winna driving me home after class on that night we met. His
  mom had scolded him for driving his knee into my leg whenever she shifted so
  I held it like I'm doing now. Jesse's eyes shine. He enjoyed my touching as
  much as I did that night.

     Jeremy looks away when I glance at him. He steps on the gas and passes my
  trailer park. "The entrance was back there!"

     "I know. I'm going to drive some so the battery can charge up."

     "Thank you for helping us."

     Jeremy only nods in reply to Jesse's words. I'm muttering my thanks. We
  drive on for a while without anyone saying a word. I watch Jeremy shifting
  gears after he steps down on the clutch. The sound of the engine prompts him
  when to do so. It's not much different from driving my motorcycle. I'm sure
  that I'll get the hang of it.

     "What's your girlfriend's name?"

     I'm startled that Jes has broken the silence by asking Jeremy that. He's
  speaking in Siksika.

     "Ah. Mary Soft Fawn's Skin."

     "Is her father Dirt-brought-up-in-his-hand?"

     Jeremy nods.

     "He's a good man. How long have you been dating his daughter?"

     Jeremy glances at my lover uneasily.

     "Since last October."

     "It's difficult isn't it?" asks Jesse. "Being with someone outside your
  tribe, I mean."

     "My mother was Blackfoot."

     "You speak Siksika well. That helps."

     I'm pretending that I can't follow their conversation. What is Jes up to?

     "Are you... with that white guy?" asks Jeremy.

     Jesse nods. "He has taken my heart."

     I endure Jeremy's glaring by putting on an innocent expression. He looks
  ahead to concentrate on his driving. We're nearing the shopping mall.
  McDonald's comes into sight so I'm asking, "Is anyone hungry?" The Indians
  shake their heads. Jeremy makes several right turns until we're heading back
  the way we came. Jes lays his right hand over mine. I'm Sensing something
  rising within us. Power.

     "It can be difficult," Jesse comments, "to be with someone outside your
  People. The differing customs, old prejudices and speaking in different
  languages." He pauses. "Mary Soft Fawn's Skin must love you a lot."

     I notice Jeremy's startlement. He thought Jes was talking about him and
  me. There's Power flowing from us. It fills the truck like bright sunlight.
  Not to force Jeremy into accepting us, only to open his heart to the truth.

     "Is that why he's helping your People?" asks Jeremy.

     "Short Hair has a good heart. He really cares more than you can know. If
  your girlfriend were in trouble, wouldn't you do anything to help her and her
  People even if your father were against it?"

     "But he isn't! At least we're both Native and ah, normal."

     "How is the way you feel about Mary different from how I feel for Mike?"

     "You're both guys."

     "I'm holding my boyfriend's hand and it feels so right," answers Jesse.
  "We love each other. Isn't that how you feel for your girlfriend?"

     I notice the confusion in Jeremy. He's often glancing at me to see if I've
  been following their conversation in Siksika. Jes Asked me to remain silent.

     "What does your mother think about it?"

     Jesse takes a deep breath. "She was upset at first. Even if Mike wasn't a
  guy, it's difficult for my mom to know that I'm with someone white."

     "She's letting him stay at your house."

     "Yes." Jesse grins. "My mom has come to accept where my heart has led me.
  She's seen how much Short Hair loves me, how he's helped me and my People.
  He's no longer that white guy named Mike."

     "I don't follow your words."

     "I know. If you can look past his white skin, you'll see the good person
  that he is. My mom has done so. Grandfather has given us his blessings. Just
  give Short Hair a chance to show his heart. Too often people pass judgment on
  others without the chance for them to prove themselves."

     Jeremy slows down and turns right into the trailer park. I'm pointing at
  a small trailer asking, "Can you park there? That's where my manager lives
  and he's storing my stuff he took from my trailer."

     "Why'd he do that?"

     I briefly explain to Jeremy that Mr. Cavallero was told I'd taken flight
  from my trailer after Lt. Danielson had come to see me. That policeman told
  my manager I wasn't expected to return so he cleared out my stuff from my
  trailer and is 'storing' it for me. Jeremy catches my drift. He sets the
  brake on the pickup truck but doesn't shut the engine off.

     "The police have it out for you, huh?"

     I'm nodding while turning to Jesse. "We've had to endure a lot." A deep
  breath is taken before I open my door and slip out. :Jes. Stay here, okay?:
  I Sense my lover's worry because that man was responsible for tipping off
  Danielson when we'd return to my trailer on that awful Saturday.

     Before I can even knock on Mr. Cavallero's door, it opens. I'm glaring at
  my manager but keep my anger in check. "I've come for my stuff."

     "Sure. I have it all in storage for you. Ah, wait a moment."

     Mr. Cavallero closes his door while I wait nervously outside. I'm turning
  to Jesse sitting in the truck. He looks very worried. :It's going to be all
  right. I won't be yelling at him or anything.:

     My park manager returns to his door. He has a clipboard in his hand and
  leads me around his trailer to a locked storage shed. That's where he kept
  Running Water's drum and Ron Earlman's diary that was found inside it.

     "Here's a list of everything I'm returning to you," Mr. Cavallero explains.
  "Check off each item and sign it for me, please."

     I'm handed the clipboard. It's holding a typed sheet of paper that is more
  than a list of items. I quickly read it to myself:

                         Havre Cottage and Trailer Park
                                - Release Form -

       On this day of ______________, 2003, the following items belonging
       to Mr. Yager, hereinafter referred to as "Tenant" were safely kept
       in storage by Mr. Cavallero, hereinafter "Park Manager" when the
       Tenant appeared to have abandoned his trailer he was renting at
       114-D. The Tenant indicates by placing his checkmark by each item
       returned that they are in the condition Park Manager found them.

     A detailed list of my belongs follow. He has my television set, vacuum
  cleaner, kitchen utensils (pots, pans and silverware), bags of clothes, shoes
  and so forth. What catches my eye is the Indian drum. I remember dropping
  Running Water's drum in the front room in my flight from my trailer because
  I couldn't carry it on my motorcycle. I'm glad that I'll be getting that
  back for him. The typed form continues.

       The Tenant holds harmless any such acts by the Park Manager to
       remove belongings from the Tenant's trailer. The Tenant is not
       released from his obligations per the Rental Agreement.

       ___________________
       Mike Yager (Tenant)

     Hey. What's that last part all about? I can understand why Mr. Cavallero
  wants me to sign this agreement holding him 'harmless' for removing my stuff
  from the trailer without my permission but I'm not being released from my
  rental agreement. Is he expecting me to pay next month's rent or something
  because I'm leaving without proper notice?

     "Here's your T.V. set, Mr. Yager."

     It's set down at my feet followed by my vacuum cleaner and Running Water's
  drum. Mr. Cavallero sets a garbage bag (filled with clothes) on top of my
  television set. He's about to reach into his storage shed for more stuff but
  turns to face me instead.

     "Here's a pen. Why don't you checkmark off each item and sign below."

     Jeremy has joined us and he reaches down for my television set with the
  clothes bag on top of it. I swing my right hand down sharply in a gesture for
  him to stop.

     "Don't you want me to help load your stuff into the truck?" asks Jeremy.

     "Not yet. Thanks." I face Mr. Cavallero with a grim face. "I'm gonna need
  to have my attorney look at this agreement first." The man's eyes flash like
  the wolf who sees his prey escaping him.

     "Don't you want your stuff now?"

     "No." I'm removing the typed sheet of paper from the clipboard, folding it
  before stuffing it down into my back pocket. I return to Mr. Cavallero his
  pen and clipboard. The man glares at me. I'm mad because he's trying to pull
  a fast one on me. The words 'thief' and 'liar' are about to spring from my
  lips but I keep my mouth shut. He isn't worth my breath.

     "I'm not going to be able to store your stuff for very long, Mr. Yager.
  Better for you to get from me now."

     I turn my back on the man and head back to the truck with Jeremy at my
  side. We exchange glances. Mr. Cavallero utters a curse under his breath.
  That has me smiling. I'm badly wanting to get my stuff back, especially
  Running Water's drum but I've Gleaned trickery from that man. I'm not gonna
  make a scene with yelling and all because I promised Jesse I wouldn't. I'll
  get my stuff back another time.

     I slip into the passenger side and close my door with a loud bang. Jesse
  peers sheepishly at me. I'm grasping his shoulder in assurance. "Don't worry.
  I'll have my lawyer clear everything up." Jeremy is sitting behind the wheel
  and he puts the truck into gear. We're spinning left in a donut over the
  pavement and speed towards the park's exit. He turns right without stopping
  at the sign.

     "Hmm. It bad treaty?"

     I'm laughing by the way Jeremy said that like you hear Indians speak in
  them Hollywood movies. "You could say that." Jesse grins at me.

     When we near Winna's house, I ask Jeremy to park in front of the driveway.
  He puts the truck in neutral and turns to me.

     "Is there somewhere else you want to go?"

     "Yeah. I'd like to take the truck to a garage for an inspection. You know.
  Get an oil change, replace the fluids, a tune up and whatever else this truck
  might need. Can you recommend a good place in town?"

     Jeremy nods. "There's Paul River's Garage. My uncle works there."

     "Sounds good. I'd like to drive there with you leading me in your truck.
  That way, I can leave it at the station and have you drive us back home if
  that's alright with you."

     "Sure, Mike."

     Jeremy looks down at the stick shift between Jesse's knees. "I'm gonna
  need to learn how to drive a stick. Might as well be now."

     "It ain't easy..."

     "My dad showed me how when I was a kid. I've been driving a motorcycle."

     "Then you know it's a matter of listening to the engine and changing gears
  when you need to."

      "I know that." Jesse glares at me so I add, "I appreciate your advise."

     "Well. Remember to first let up on the gas before you step on the clutch.
  Otherwise, the engine revs. Shift up-left for first gear, down-left for
  second and go across neutral to the right and up for third. Down-right is
  fourth gear but I don't expect you'll need to shift that high when in town.
  You're bound to stall the engine. I don't know if the battery has charged
  enough for you to start it again on your own."

     "You'll be right in front of us with the jumper cables." Jeremy nods. He
  opens his door and gets out along with Jesse. I slide over to the steering
  wheel. To my surprise, Jes doesn't go around to the passenger side door but
  tries crawling past me. He falls into my lap for a moment. With a laugh, I'm
  pushing on his rear end until he's sitting on my right. We glance at Jeremy
  who tries hiding his embarrassment from us.

     "Good luck, Mike. We'll take it slow. Okay?"

     I close my door and fasten my seatbelt. I'm turning to Jesse who puts his
  own on. "I'll try not to make it a bumpy ride." My lover grins. Jeremy starts
  his truck and slowly drives towards the bridge instead of turning around as I
  was expecting him to. Well. He knows where we're going. I release the parking
  brake, step on the clutch and shift into first gear. My left foot eases up
  while I press down gently on the gas with my right foot. The pickup truck
  surges forward. When I hear the engine rising in pitch to a certain point,
  I'm letting off the gas, step on the clutch and shift into second. It's an
  easier gear transition than I was expecting.

     We pass the fishing bridge. Trees line both sides of the road that curves
  to our left. Jeremy is not that far ahead. I'm glancing at Jesse with a grin
  on my face yet he knows how nervous I am inside. I don't want to shame myself
  by stalling the truck.

     The road continues on for a while. Fewer houses and then none. This part
  of Havre hasn't been built up and remains what it was since Indian days. I'm
  enjoying the trees though most have lost their leaves from winter. Joy fills
  me to have regained my freedom! I haven't driven my motorcycle since giving
  it to Running Water. How long ago was that? Only a few weeks? It seems like
  months with everything that's been going on.

     Jeremy slows down at an intersection. He's stopped at the sign until I've
  caught up to him. I'm putting my truck in neutral. He makes a left turn and
  I follow after him while concentrating on my feet and right hand to shift
  properly. Jesse flashes me a grin.

     We're turning left again that I know will lead us into the heart of town.
  Jeremy took this round about route to give me some practice. A car makes its
  way between us. It speeds past Jeremy when he slows his truck down so I can
  catch up to him. Houses return to both sides of the road and there is more
  car traffic. We manage to drive through an intersection on a green light but
  I'm forced to stop at the next light. Jeremy has driven on.

     "You're doing well, love."

     I flash Jesse a grin. :Thanks. This is easy driving, though. No bumper to
  bumper traffic. It'll be smooth sailing when I take the highway down to Great
  Falls tomorrow. Your grandfather is really coming with us?"

     "Yes. I'm glad he is. We don't know who this shaman of the Omaha is or if
  he can even help me."

     The light turns green. I concentrate on shifting into first gear and try
  catching up to Jeremy. After I've shifted into second, I'm startled by a loud
  'Bah-Ooooow' sound coming from behind. There are red lights flashing in my
  mirror. I look back at the police car. Oh, no! What did I do wrong?

     I turn my steering wheel sharply to park at the curb and brake. My truck
  stutters when I forget to step on the clutch. The engine dies. Jesse looks
  real scared so I'm trying to assure him that they're not coming to put me
  back in jail. It must be a traffic violation or something.

     It's a tense moment when we wait for the policeman to walk up to my
  window. He's wearing sunglasses that shields most of his face from us but I
  can tell that he's white. A sharp pain shoots through my stomach.

     "Driver's license and registration, please."

     I'm getting out my wallet and hand my license over to him. The policeman
  tucks it under his clipboard. I see the stern look on his face when he peers
  over at Jesse.

     "Registration?"

     My eyes flash in alarm. :Jes. Look inside the glove box for it.: My lover
  goes through all the papers, handing me those he thinks might be what the
  officer wants. I find the document and hand it over. "What did I do wrong?"
  He studies the truck's registration for a moment then looks at Jesse.

     "Are you Mister Looks-from-mountain?"

     "No," Jesse squeaks. "He's my father."

     The officer studies my Indiana driver's license. His jerks his head at me
  as if alarmed. He knows me somehow.

     "Mr. Yager. Are you aware that you're driving this truck with expired
  plates? That's why I stopped you."

     "Sorry. I didn't know that." My thoughts are racing. "We're going to
  Paul River's Garage to get it serviced. This truck has been sitting in the
  garage for four years." The policeman seems to be thinking for a moment. I'm
  Gleaning that he doesn't want to make any trouble for us. For Indians, that
  is. I glance at Jesse. Captain Ruston is concerned that a race war might
  break out in this town. He's warned his officers.

     "Okay. I'm going to let you off on a warning, Mr. Yager. Get it serviced
  but don't drive this truck again until you get its registration renewed."

     Relief fills me. "Thank you, sir. I won't." He hands my driver's license
  and the registration back to me. I'm turning to Jesse with an assuring grin.

     "What's going on?" shouts a voice.

     I'm turning my head sharply and see Jeremy running up to my window. The
  policeman is startled by the Indian confronting him. I gasp for breath. He's
  gonna ruin everything! In Siksika, "Be at peace, my brother. This man is
  letting us go." That stops Jeremy in his tracks.

     "Who's this?" demands the officer. "Your friend?"

     "Yes. He jumped the battery and we're following him to his uncle's garage."

     The policeman glares at Jeremy until he steps back. I see the anger in the
  teen's face so I'm asking him, "Go back to your truck. We'll follow you."
  Jeremy is startled for my having spoken to him in Siksika. After glancing at
  Jes, he runs back across the street. The officer stops banging his clipboard
  against his leg and returns to his patrol car.

     I'm releasing a sigh of relief. Jesse is still feeling tense so I reach
  over to hold his hand. "It's alright." A chuckle comes out of me. "Seems that
  my notoriety in this town has cut me some slack." Jes looks past me at the
  patrol car passing by. We watch it speed ahead until it's lost from sight.

     Jeremy makes a u-turn in the street until he's positioned in front of us.
  I put my truck in neutral and try starting the engine. After a few stutters,
  it starts to my relief. I'm revving it to let Jeremy know.

     We continue on our way. My right hand is trembling when I shift gears. Jes
  covers it with his hand. Jeremy goes through the next intersection then turns
  right into the parking lot of a service station. The weather battered sign
  reads: 'Paul River's Garage'.


     Jeremy's uncle is looking over my pickup truck as if it were an old horse.
  I've been studying him. This man appears to be in his forties by the cracks
  in his face and he walks with a limp. His long black hair is tied in a
  ponytail with streaks of gray running throughout. He's full blooded Cree.
  Jeremy spoke with his uncle in that tongue when we found him working on a
  truck in the garage. His English is excellent with hardly any accent when he
  speaks to me.

     "Hmm. I know this truck," comments Tom Grips His Tomahawk. He turns to
  Jesse. "Your father worked it hard as you can see by its battle scars but
  the engine still runs good."

     "It's been sitting in their garage for four years," says Jeremy.

     Tom's eyes take on a far away look. I Glean from him that he realizes
  that's when Jesse's father had run off.

     "That's real sad." He looks at Jesse asking, "What do you want me to do?"

     I Sense my lover's anguish. For a moment, he thought Tom was talking about
  his dad. Jesse looks to me for help. "I'd appreciate it if you could check
  on the battery, see if it only needs charging or should be replaced, give the
  truck a tune-up and whatever else needs to be done with it."

     "I can do that." Tom walks over to the rear left tire. "This tread doesn't
  look good."

     "Replace all the tires then," I answer. "And can you detach this from the
  truck?"

     "The lumber rack? Sure can."

     Tom peers into the flatbed and frowns. He's noticing that most of the red
  paint has been scraped off. "Could we get a... liner to cover that?" I ask.

     "Sure. I was about to recommend you get one. It'll be cheaper than if you
  were to have it repainted."

     "Thanks." Tom glances at Jesse again. I can see his confusion about who I
  am to him and why I'm making all the decisions concerning his father's truck.
  "Winna's giving it to me," I explain. "We'll be driving down to Great Falls
  tomorrow so it needs to be put back in shape."

     "Tomorrow?" asks Tom. He's shaking his head. "I'll need a few days to work
  on it. That liner will have to be ordered."

     :Jes! What are we gonna drive to Great Falls?:

     :My mom doesn't work tomorrow. Maybe she'll let you use her pickup.:

     I'm nodding in response. Tom gives me a startled glance and mutters under
  his breath. He's sensitive to Power.

     "How much will it cost?" asks Jesse.

     "Ah. Maybe close to a... thousand," Tom stutters.

     I'm nodding in agreement. It's worth that getting this truck in working
  order. I offer Tom my hand and we shake on it. He gives me a long hard look.
  I'm not flinching. "Call us if you find anything else that's needing to be
  taken care of."

     "Sure." Tom gives his grandson the eye and they walk back to the garage.

     :I don't think he knows what to make of you, love.:

     :Yeah. I've sensed that in him too.: I may be white skinned but inside,
  I'm no longer who I was as Mike. That's because of Jes.

     :I'm sure Chris has something to do with that too, love.: He smiles.

     I give Jesse a serious look. :What happened back there when Jeremy was
  driving?: He knows what I mean. All them questions about his girlfriend and
  telling him about us. I'm surprised that my lover had the guts to do so.

     Jesse's eyes shine. :It's about time that people learned about us. I've
  opened Jeremy's heart to this truth that we're like everyone else when it
  comes to being in love.:

     :Yeah.: Pride shines in my eyes for Jesse. He smiles, turning to lead me
  into the garage. We find Jeremy talking with his uncle. They become silent
  when we approach. Tom lifts the clipboard at his side and jots down a few
  things before handing it over to me. It's a work order for my truck. I'm
  signing it.

     "Can you fill out the address and phone number for me?" asks Tom.

     I'm nodding. Winna's information is given. I return the clipboard to him.
  "Your grandson has been a big help. I want to thank you both." Tom peers at
  Jeremy and something unspoken passes between them.

     "I'll call if I find something else that needs to be done on the truck."

     "Thanks." Tom studies me for a long moment that makes me feel awkward. The
  tiny hairs are lifting at the back of my neck. There's Power in him. I'm
  Sensing this. He's figured Jes and me out.

     "Let me drive you back home," asks Jeremy.

     I break eye contact with his grandfather. I'm not sure what to make of the
  expression on this man's face but it wasn't unkind. Jesse and I follow
  Jeremy back to his truck and get in. We're driving through the heart of
  Havre when Jeremy clears his throat say something.

     "Why did that policeman stop you?"

     "Ah. He saw that the truck's plates were expired. When I explained that we
  were going to get it serviced at your uncle's garage, he let me off on a
  warning. I'm sorry if I was abrupt with you."

     "That's alright." Jeremy peers at me. "How do you know to speak Siksika?"

     I'm shrugging my shoulders. He wouldn't believe me if I told him. I'm
  looking out my window to avoid the subject.

     :You're getting good at keeping secrets,: Says Jesse.

     :Yeah. That's one we have to keep for sure.: My lover holds my hand that
  doesn't go unnoticed by Jeremy. He sticks headphones in his ears and listens
  to his I-pod. The rest of our ride back home is in silence.


     When we reach Winna's house, Jeremy parks out in front. He shuts his
  engine off. It seems that no one has come to relieve him of guard duty yet.
  Jes turns to me with pleading in his eyes. I catch what that is through our
  Connection. "Would you like to come in for a cup of coffee?"

     "Huh?" Jeremy blurts out. He removes his earphones.

     I repeat my offer to him.

     "Sure," answers Jeremy. "That would be great."

     We enter the house and Jeremy makes use of the bathroom while Jes gets the
  coffee maker started in the kitchen. I notice that the answering machine is
  blinking. I'm pressing the start button.

     "Hello, Mike. This is Mr. Talbert. We're on our way to see Mrs. Winnapah
  at work with her set of statements to sign. It's ah... nearly one right now.
  I'll be bringing your statements and Jesse's to sign after that. Say around
  two o'clock. We hope to see you at the house then. Okay? Bye."

     I'm looking up at the kitchen clock. It reads 1:18pm. Jesse presses the
  'message erase' button on the machine. I get two mugs from the dish rack and
  have Jes fill them with coffee. My lover won't drink coffee. The caffeine is
  no good for his heart because he suffers from Marfan's Syndrome.

     While we're waiting for Jeremy to join us, I clean the frying pan. The egg
  residue is difficult to scrape out even though it's soaked some. Jesse comes
  up behind me. He won't risk holding me (as much as we're aching to!) but
  feeling the heat from his body and his breaths against my right ear is nice.
  :I sure hope that your grandfather can help us.:

     :He will,: Answers Jesse, giggling. :Then I'll take back my underwear
  from you tonight, love.:

     I'm feeling a thrill from my butt. Jes will get his turn enjoying that
  part of me. Man! How many times did I fuck his this morning? My dick starts
  tingling. It becomes an overwhelming sensation that has me turning around to
  face my lover. I see the fire in his eyes for me. My arms open in want of an
  embrace. His hand thrust against my chest feels like a hard slap to my face.

     :We can't, love!:

     I'm dropping my eyes down to Jesse's feet. A few deep breaths are taken
  to shake off my feelings of lust. It becomes a long struggle for both of us.
  We can't hold each other least that brings about that sweet explosion in our
  heads even though we're in clothes.

     "Do you want any cream and sugar?" asks Jesse.

     That's when I notice Jeremy has entered the kitchen. We stand apart.

     "No, thanks."

     He sits down over a stool. I take my seat at the small kitchen table while
  Jesse stands at my side. We take sips from our mugs. :Aren't you gonna drink
  anything?: I Send. :You need to replenish your fluid loss from this morning.:
  My lover's face starts burning. He glances at Jeremy then heads to the
  refrigerator to get some orange juice.

     Jeremy sips from his mug. He looks at Jes for a moment then sets his dark
  eyes on me. There's something on his mind.

     "My uncle... He told me something that I didn't realize until now."

     I stare at Jeremy with baited breath.

     "You and Jesse share something special. Don't you?"

     I'm only able to nod. Did Tom tell him what that is? Jes returns to my
  side with his glass of orange juice. He drinks down half of it and wipes the
  corners of his mouth with his shirt sleeve. Jeremy is glaring at me. Oh. He's
  hoping I'll explain things to him. That special Connection I share with Jes.

     "I noticed that your uncle walks with a limp," says Jesse.

     Jeremy and I are startled that he's said that.

     "That happened in Vietnam," explains Jeremy.

     I realize that Tom Grips His Tomahawk must be even older than I thought.
  There's Power in him. We both Felt that in each other. "Is your uncle a
  shaman of your People?"

     "No. His older brother followed in their father's steps as an Inspired
  One. He was undergoing training himself but the war changed all that." His
  eyes become sad.

     "I'm sorry."

     "No. Don't be. My uncle was proud to serve though everyone knew it was the
  wrong war. He was lucky to have returned with only a bad leg."

     "He was shot?" asks Jesse.

     Jeremy nods. "By one of his own men." He takes a long sip from his mug.
  "My uncle wasn't expecting danger from that direction. He had a sixth sense
  for where the goons were holding up whether they were hiding in trees or in
  holes in the ground. He often prevented his men from getting ambushed."

     "How did it happen?" I ask.

     Jeremy's lips tighten in anger. "He caught two white soldiers raping a
  village girl. When my uncle tried stopping them, one of them shot him. The
  whole matter was hushed up and he was given a Purple Heart for his leg. My
  uncle returned home with a greater hurt inside him though."

     I'm given that Look by Jeremy that makes me feel bad to be white.

     "There are bad people no matter what the color of their skin," says Jesse.

     Jeremy looks down into his empty mug. Jes fetches the pot of coffee from
  the counter and offers us refills. We both accept.

     "Mike? I'm sorry that I gave you a hard time earlier."

     "You helped us get the truck started." Jeremy looks at me with shy eyes.
  "It's alright. I've gotten used to people being suspicious of me and giving
  me that look." I'm taking a deep breath. "Maybe once they get to know me."

     Jeremy slowly nods. "It's going to be hard for both of you."

     He means because we're gay. "Yeah. I know." Jeremy taps the handle on his
  mug and it looks like he's gonna say something more about it but he doesn't.
  Jesse drinks down the last of his orange juice and sets his glass over the
  table. He comes to sit over my right leg. I'm automatically wrapping my arm
  around his waist to steady him.

     "It don't seem weird anymore..." mutters Jeremy.

     A surge of emotion rises in Jes and me to hear that. Mostly, we're feeling
  happy that we can be ourselves in front of him. Jeremy sets down his coffee
  mug. We look at him. He smiles, though there's a trace of embarrassment on
  his face.

     "I, ah... should be getting back outside."

     "Thank you for helping us with the truck," I utter in Siksika. My eyes
  flare at him to poignant what I'm feeling that was left unsaid. Jeremy nods.
  He smiles at Jesse then heads for the front hall. I bring both arms around
  my lover. Happiness and acceptance. That's what we're feeling right now.


     There's a knock on the front door. Jes switches off the television while I
  sprint off to answer it. Mr. Talbert is standing on the doorstep, obviously
  relieved to see me at home. Standing behind him are three men that I know by
  their faces: Elder-quiet-before-the-dawn, Chief Shoots-rifle-at-moose and
  grandfather. They're dressed in Indian finery like one sees at a powwow.
  Painted elk skin robes and feathered headdresses. Chris has seen the proud
  chiefs of his tribe so arrayed only on special days and at ceremonies. These
  men want to make an impression on the District Attorney when they present him
  with signed statements they hope will get me out of the trouble I'm in.

     "May we come in?" asks Mr. Talbert.

     "Yes. Of course!" I'm backing into the hall to let them pass. The Elders
  look upon me with an assortment of expressions. The chief is grim. Elder
  Quiet-before-the-dawn's face reveals a weariness that comes from a lack of
  sleep or perhaps it's his concern. That part of me which was Mike thinks I
  should bow in respect to them but my former self bids me not to. They are
  servants of the People. I lift my shoulders in pride and look fully upon
  these two men. They pass into the front room. Grandfather closes the door
  behind him, turning to face me.

     "How are you, my grandson?"

     I become shy to hear him calling me that. "I'm well, grandfather." The
  old man studies my face for a moment. It is something to see this Blackfoot
  Shaman in regalia. He bears dozens of tied eagle's feathers in a flowing
  progression down both sides of his head. A finely painted elk skin robe
  covers his thin frame. Lower, I see that he wears quill moccasins. My
  shoulder is grasped. That sends my down cast eyes back up to grandfather.
  He smiles warmly at me.

     "We are come... to save your butt."

     That makes me grin. "Yes, grandfather. Thank you." He leads me into the
  front room. Mr. Talbert is setting out papers on the coffee table. He hands a
  pen to Jesse who signs the bottom of each one without reading them. I join
  my lover on the couch. It becomes an awkward moment when I realize that the
  Elders remain standing.

     "These are for you to sign, Mike."

     Jes hands me the pen when he's done. I glance over each document before
  signing them. They are statements describing what happened when I encountered
  Lt. Danielson at my trailer, Eli Kie's attack on Jesse and what took place
  outside Winna's home. This statement claims that I feared for my friend's
  life when Lt. Danielson came charging out of the house with his gun drawn.
  It's cleverly worded to make it seem like I had no choice but to prevent
  Jesse from being killed by subduing that officer.

     I gather up the signed documents and hand them over to my attorney. Our
  eyes meet.

     "Mike..." Mr. Talbert glances at the Indians standing behind him. "Ah.
  As your attorney, I would be remiss in my duty if I were not to voice my
  concern about this course of action."

     I'm nodding with understanding. "We're tipping the D.A. off as to our
  defense strategy. I know." A deep breath is taken before I speak above our
  whisperings. "The Elders advise that this is the path I should take. We must
  trust in their wisdom."

     Mr. Talbert resigns himself to my decision. He knows that I hold the
  Elders' advise above his even though he's acting as my attorney in this
  matter. I also have misgivings. Chris assures me that I'm unable to see all
  ends because of my inexperience and youth. He found this to be true when his
  lover's father, Chief of the Blackfoot had taken actions that didn't seem to
  make sense at the time but proved true in the end.

     "Very well, Mike." Mr. Talbert places the statements into his briefcase.
  That reminds me. I reach into my back pocket and hand him what Mr. Cavallero
  wanted me to sign before he'd give my stuff back.

     "What's this?"

     I tell Mr. Talbert what transpired between me and Mr. Cavallero. He
  glances at the Release Form.

     "Hmm. I'll study this later, Mike. It was good that you didn't sign
  anything before I've had the chance to check it out."

     "Thanks." Jes gets to his feet so I join him. I'm raising my right hand in
  respectful greeting to the assembled Elders. "My heart is full that you would
  come to my aid." They glare at me. Was it the wrong words to say or because
  I'd reverted into old Siksika? My head bows in shame.

     "No, Short Hair. You are worthy in the eyes of our tribe. If this trouble
  you are in with your People can be cast aside, we must but try."

     Tears sting my eyes to hear Chief Shoots-rifle-at-moose say that. Jes
  Heard those words between us through our Connection because he doesn't know
  the old tongue himself.

     "Elders. I thank you for helping my companion," says Jesse.

     The three men make their gesture of acceptance to my lover's words. I then
  realize what they've further acknowledged. We are seen as a couple in their
  eyes. Grandfather's smile confirms this.

     "Do you want anything before you leave?" I ask. "Coffee?" I've reverted
  back into English so Mr. Talbert can understand my offer.

     Elder Quiet-before-the-dawn looks to his companions. "No, thank you. We
  must be on our way if we're to catch the District Attorney at his office
  before he goes home."

     Mr. Talbert is also shaking his head. He hefts his briefcase and turns for
  the hall. I'm smiling to myself. It is a strange sight to see him in his
  business suit while the three Indians accompanying him are in regalia. That's
  sure to make an impression on the District Attorney.

     Grandfather stays while the others head for the front door. I'm picking up
  on something from Jes. He wants a private moment with him.

     "Grandfather?" Jesse whispers.

     "I have felt that you are troubled." His arms open to his grandson.

     Jesse embraces his grandfather and I'm Sensing what that is. There's a
  rush of thoughts between them. The unspoken language that's similar to what
  my lover and I Share. I'm unable to Hear grandfather's words but gather from
  Jes that he's very worried about what had happened to us in the kitchen this
  morning. He's Telling the old man everything. My face begins to burn.

     'My hand but wielded that spear, grandson. It was not of my own making.'

     I'm picking up on what grandfather is Saying to Jesse through him. He
  means when Owopspec was trying to come up in my lover after my mother had
  upset him that night. He nearly lost himself to woe until grandfather aided
  him. That spear he wielded against Owopspec wasn't of his making?

     "The two of you must Look within to block what is happening. I cannot help
  you in this matter."

     Anger fills me. "Grandfather! We're afraid even to touch each other least
  that brings about the intense pleasure we can't stop." The old man thumps
  Jesse's back then lets him go. I glare at the old man but soon cast my eyes
  down to my feet.

     "Short Hair. This is not a thing that I can help you with. I've Passed
  that bundle's spirit into both of you. That is the source of your power.
  Speak with it."

     "We will, grandfather."

     From Jesse's words and that Look in his eyes, I realize that he knows
  what must be done. Grandfather lifts his arms in prayer. We add our own
  silent pleas unto Him. Then we look at each other in silent understanding.
  "Forgive me, grandfather. I shouldn't have gotten angry."

     "Hmm. You still need to not give an easy voice from your heart."

     "Yes, grandfather." Jesse stands close at my right side. I'm sensing the
  warmth of his body that's almost like he's holding me. "I know that you'd do
  anything to help us if you could. You are helping us. Me, that is." I look
  towards the hallway where the others are waiting outside. I'm delaying
  grandfather from his appointment with the D.A.

     "Our message is not for whom we deliver it this day," mutters grandfather.

     "What?" I stammer. The old man gives me a toothy grin.

     "Your attorney is right. We're revealing much to an enemy who I suspect is
  without honor. His actions will prove his heart. If it is for ill against you
  then our hidden strength will be revealed. The words come first in the hope
  for peace. Battle comes after if they've fallen on deaf ears."

     I'm shaking my head back and forth. "What battle? I don't understand..."

     "You will."

     The old man says no more. He grasps Jesse's shoulder with compassion in
  his eyes. I'm offered an assuring grin. A smoldering fire comes into his eyes
  when he turns to join the others as Shaman He-who-runs-up-mountains of the
  Blackfoot Nation. They go to our enemy with words to end this conflict. What
  worries me is if it comes to a battle. Grandfather can't mean that there will
  be actual fighting! He's a man of peace.

     The front door closes. I turn to Jesse who is staring into the empty hall
  as if he's looking for someone. There's an odd feeling I'm getting from him.
  "What is it?"

     "I... don't know."

     Jes runs to the window and looks out. I join him and see my lawyer's car
  backing down the driveway. It turns in the street. Speeds off. There's a
  white jeep parked out front.

     "That's One-white-horse," whispers Jesse.

     "Yes." I recognize his jeep. Jeremy has been guarding the house since this
  morning. Now his brown truck is gone. I'm mouthing the word 'guarding' to
  myself for some reason. We're safe. Eli Kie won't strike at us here.

     "A Trickster strikes out from the shadows," mutters Jesse, "when you least
  expect it."

     A cold chill runs down my spine. Chris didn't see it coming. He was struck
  from behind by Eli Kie who raped me before cutting my throat. I'm reaching up
  as if expecting to feel his hand grasping that blade. No. That happened long
  ago to my former self. Jesse continues looking out the window. I'm noticing
  that we've been speaking out loud. My thoughts have been open to Jes but he's
  guarding his. There it is again! An ominous feeling to the word 'guarding'.

     The telephone is ringing. Jesse turns to me and Asks that I answer it.
  I'm reluctant to leave his side (he lowers his eyes as if hiding something)
  but after two more rings, I run through the dining room and enter the
  kitchen, lifting the phone from its cradle. "Hello?"

     "Mike?"

     "Yes. That's me."

     "It's Dianne! So... this is where you've been hiding."

     I'm groaning inside. My mom must have given her this phone number. I try
  catching my breath after my sprint and manage to mutter, "How are you?"

     "That's what I want to ask you, Mike."

     "I'm fine. How are things back there?"

     "Hectic. We could really use your help on coding a voice recognition
  module for a math title. You did a great job with the 'Read and Say' series.
  Didn't you get my emails?"

     I'm feeling rather guilty. "Yes... but you know I'm still on vacation."

     "I know that, Mike. The product team is hard at work on it but we're not
  complete without you there to finish it."

     "I'm not up to coding right now." Hint!

     "I've gathered that. Can I send you the program inputs? That way, you'll
  have had a chance to review what this title needs to code when you return
  back to work in June."

     "I'm gonna be staying in Montana longer than that." Hint-hint.

     "Oh."

     There's a long pause on the line. Is she waiting for me to explain that?
  "I like it up here."

     "I've heard that an unexpected Spring storm had passed through northern
  Montana. Aren't you snowed under?"

     "No. It melted off more than a week ago. The weather here has been warm.
  Didn't my parents tell you about their visit with me?"

     "Not really. Your mother gave me this number where I can reach you since
  you've been ignoring my emails."

     I knew that mom wouldn't tell Dianne about the legal trouble I'm in and
  no way would she say anything about me falling for a guy! Am I gonna have to
  explain things to her? No. Maybe I should just get this over with and tell
  Dianne that I quit.

     "There's something wrong. Isn't there?"

     "Well... yes and no." I can't bring myself to telling her that I quit
  without explaining why. Dianne has been more to me than a boss. We've gotten
  to know each other well these past three years to where she's like a sister.
  I'm feeling horrible right now.

     "Mike? Tell me what it is."

     Okay. I'll take the plunge. "I... ah, met someone."

     "I knew it! Oh, Mike. I'm really happy for you so please don't feel like
  you're letting me down."

     She realizes that I'm not coming back to work. Is she okay with that?

     "What's her name?"

     I'm cringing inside. "Jes-ee-ah." There. I've said it. I'm gripping the
  phone real hard while I wait for her to react.

     "That sounds like an Indian name. You told me that you were going to
  Montana to explore the reservations and it looks like you found someone."

     "Yeah."

     "What tribe of Indians is she from? Where did you meet? How old is she?
  Are things getting serious between you two? If so, are you planning on
  staying with her in Montana or will she consider coming back with you to
  Indiana? I want you to tell me everything!"

     I hear the enthusiasm in Dianne's voice. She's really happy for me but
  will she remain that way after I answer all her questions? "Jes-ee-ah is
  Blackfoot. We met during a class I was teaching at a local college here in
  Havre." I'm swallowing past the hard lump in my throat and go for it. "Ah.
  He's a year younger than me. I'm gonna be staying here with him and his mom."

     "Oh."

     Dianne pauses from saying anything more as I was expecting. She's shocked.
  I look up and notice that Jesse is standing at my side. I'm startled by what
  the woman asks me next.

     "Is he cute?"

     I grow wide in the eyes since I wasn't expecting her to say that! "Yeah.
  But more than that, Jes has a good heart. He makes me very happy and I'm
  living my life now because of him."

     "Mike. Please know that I am very happy for you."

     "You are? Ah, thanks for that."

     "Now I know why you may have been afraid to tell me what's going on. I'd
  seen how burnt out you were from coding for me during the day and working on
  those Royalty projects at night. When you went off on that long vacation, I
  was half hoping that you would find yourself. Not remain a computer person."

     Wow. Dianne saw what was happening to me before I did but is she really
  accepting that I'm gay? My hand is shaking. I'm not sure what to say to her.

     "Don't worry about things back here. I can get Wally to work on the voice
  recognition module based on what you've coded for those other titles."

     "That sounds good."

     "Will you be teaching more classes, Mike?"

     "I hope so." That is, if Miss Owens isn't too upset with me for backing
  out of my MS-Word class. I'd lied to her about the reason why I had to.

     "If you need a reference from me, let me know. Okay?"

     "Thanks, but I'm not gonna be doing any more coding jobs."

     "Sure. You'll be able to live on your Royalty earnings for a while. Oh!
  I forgot to tell you the news, Mike. Some retail chains have signed up to
  distribute our educational product line. It's Wal-mart, Best Buy and Costco.
  We'll earn less margin on each sale because they're discount markets but more
  profit will result from the higher volume sales. You'll notice an increase in
  your Royalty check by January of next year."

     "Sounds great." The business part of me kicks in when I realize something.
  "Won't those massive volume distributions lessen our titles' sales life?"

     "Yes. Our marketing department considered this but they're confident we'll
  make more accelerated profit based on this distribution model."

     Jesse gives me a puzzled look from not following what Dianne and I have
  been saying. I Send him an image of a fat bank account. More than I was
  expecting to earn from my three Royalty titles. That has him grinning.

     "The company will be handing out bonuses to our team at the end of this
  year based on how sales go. A way to motivate them into producing more titles
  and quickly. Certain members may even be given stock options..."

     I've caught her hint. My salary would be nothing compared to the value of
  stock in a company on the rise. "I'm happy for them. Everyone's worked hard
  these past three years."

     "Mike. You aren't going to be returning to work with us. Are you?"

     "No. I'm afraid not." I peer up at Jesse without any regrets. Being with
  him is worth so much more than the money I could be making.

     "You must really be smitten with him."

     "Yeah." I'm laughing, mostly out of relief. "Hey! You wanna say hi to the
  person who's stolen me away from you?" Jesse is shaking his head back and
  forth while Dianne asks me to put him on the phone. "Ah. He's kinda shy."
  Then I recall what he told Jeremy in the truck about us being together. He
  catches what I've been thinking and takes the phone from me.

     "Hello Dianne."

     "Hi, Jes... ah?"

     "You can call me Jesse. That's my English name."

     "I want you to know that Mike is a great guy. Be good to him. Okay?"

     "I know. And I will. Here's Mike."

     Jesse thrusts the phone back into my hand. I'm laughing, catching what
  she's said to him through our Connection. "I told you that he's shy."

     "I love his soft accent," Dianne remarks.

     "Me too." There's a pause without any of us saying anything. "Dianne? I
  have to say that you caught me by surprise."

     "Why? Your mother called me up to give me your new number. You weren't
  answering my emails or the phone in your trailer."

     "I don't mean that."

     "Mike. I'm happy for both of you. To tell you the truth, I kind of
  suspected that you might have been gay."

     "Really! How?"

     "Oh. Nothing that I can put into words. It was just a feeling I had."

     Relief fills me. I'd be uncomfortable if the other members of my team knew
  that I was gay even though I wasn't being so in my old life. Now, I don't
  really care. People will figure it out when they see me with Jes. Love is
  difficult to hide. And now that Jeremy has been told, I'm sure that the word
  will get around. I'm taken from my thoughts when Dianne asks me something.

     "Be sure to email me a picture of him."

     "Sure thing." That has me realizing that I don't have a picture of Jes.
  A digital camera can rectify that. Maybe he'll let me take some 'personal'
  shots that would put those images I've collected of naked Indians to shame
  including the boy porn I've hidden in my laptop.

     "It was good talking with you, Mike."

     "I'm glad that you called. You don't know how things have been weighing on
  my mind."

     "Well. You take care of yourself. I want to read the juicy details in an
  email from you."

     "Dianne!" She's laughing so I know that was a joke.

     "Bye, Mike."

     "Goodbye." I set the phone back on its cradle. Our conversation has taken
  a lot out of me but I'm relieved that she knows I won't be returning to work.
  And she's even happy for me!

                                       ***
  AUTHOR'S NOTE:
  This story part is dedicated to Erwin. Our paths crossed (several times) in
  the dark until I offered this nice man a hug. We talked. I hope that our
  friendship will grow. I've discovered that having a good friend is a better
  thing sometimes than fleeting love.

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  End of file: TEACHLV3.TXT               The story continues in: TEACHLV4.TXT