Date: Tue, 28 Jan 2003 16:07:48 -0800 (PST)
From: Waddie Greywolf <waddiebear@yahoo.com>
Subject: "Booger Red & Cowboy Chapter 12"

DISCLAIMER: WARNING!!  This is a work of homoerotic fictions written by an
adult for the purpose of entertainment for other adults.  If you are not
eighteen year of age or you have any problem with this type of literature
then this is a warning to read no further.  The author will not be held
responsible for any reason if you do.  (Codes: M/M BD/SM Gay Incest Anal
Oral)

Copyright 2003 Waddie Greywolf
Mail to: <waddiebear@yahoo.com>
==================================================================
BOOGER RED & COWBOY
By Waddie Greywolf


CHAPTER 12


Ben surprised me by attending church with us on Sunday.  I explained to him
it was a family tradition to attend Christmas eve services.

"Would you like to join us, Master?"  I asked, knowing he was Muslim.

"I'd be honored to join you.  Jesus is recognized by my faith as a great
prophet and holy man. I enjoyed the services Sunday and the sermon by your
Pastor.  Yes, I'd very much like to go with you."

It was a bone chilling cold night in Texas that Christmas eve. Our family
piled into Dad's big Bronco and headed for the church.  Aunt Laura was
already there waiting for us.  It was so cold Dad had to loan Ben his big
sheep-lined jacket. We hugged and kissed Aunt Laura and settled down in the
pews.

Shirley Grimes waved to me, winked at me and blew me a kiss from the new
organ. She was thrilled with it. They'd rushed out and bought a new one and
had it set up for Christmas eve.  It was a beauty and sounded for all the
world like a damn pipe organ.  It sure filled our little church with
beautiful sounds.  It was incredible. I smiled, waved back and gave her the
okay/thumbs up signs for the new organ. She just smiled back real big.

I opened the bulletin for Christmas eve and there at the top was a thank
you, Mr. Billy Gunn III `Cowboy' from the Pastor, Shirley Grimes, and the
church for the new organ made by the Allen Organ Co.  They were so proud of
it.  Ben read it too and smiled at me with pride.

The church was radiant.  There were no lights, only candles everywhere.
The women and kids of the church had decorated it until it was a wonderland
of greenery and red ribbons. I'd never seen our little church look more
beautiful. Ben was impressed. His eyes got real big when he saw the wonder
of the transformation from Sunday.  I had explained to him about the
Eucharist and the meaning of the sacraments.  He was free to take them with
us or decline.  No one would say a word one way or the other.  He chose to
join us.  He saw no harm in taking the Christian communion.  He thought it
was a wonderful sentiment and felt it an honor to participate.

The service began and the children did a Christmas pageant that was
charming, funny, and touching.  Complete with carols sung at the
appropriate places.  I was a bit melancholy as it was my second Christmas
since I returned from Nam and my three friends were not here, by my side. I
had to admit, I missed Red too.  Damn it, I loved that ugly, old, son of a
bitch more'n I wanted to admit.  Having Master Ben next to me helped.

Our legs were so close together I ran my hand to my side and between our
legs.  I soon felt his hand join mine and gently squeeze it. I felt kind of
funny until I looked over and saw Dad secretly holding Uncle Joe's hand.  I
smiled to myself and thanked God for my family that Christmas eve.  We were
a rough looking crew.  The only family there that had a wonderful black man
as a member and an Arabian Prince next in line for the throne of a small
but wealthy country.  God had truly blessed us with the best.

When it came time for communion we knelt at the altar with Dad in the
middle, Joe and Lester on his right, me, Ben, and Aunt Laura on his left.
In a symbolic gesture he encompassed all of us in his big arms for a few
seconds and then joined in the communion.  I lost it, I had tears coming
from my eyes and looked to see that there wasn't a dry eye among us. For
once I didn't have to feel bad that I was being overly emotional. It was
one of the most moving and personally wonderful Christmas' I can remember.

I had lost so much the last year and a half but I'd weathered the storm,
came through it, started living again and gained so much in such a short
period of time.  It was a lesson to me to thank God for the here and now;
to thank him for the past and those that we loved and someday will love
again.  No matter what hand we're dealt, it's up to us to find the goodness
and joy in life, recognize it, make it a part of us and return it to our
Creator.

All I knew was I had survived and was thankful for my immediate family. I
vowed sitting in that church surrounded by love that I would stop being
suspicious of God.  I blamed him for taking my loved ones away. With the
willing help of those who loved me, I would learn to trust again. Besides,
I came to the conclusion that the Old Man loved Buck so much he wanted Buck
to be with him.  Sitting there in church that Christmas eve, I felt
surrounded by God's love.  I knew without a doubt in my heart, he would see
to it that Buck and I were together again someday. The Old Man understands
love better than anybody. Hell, he is love.

I even said a prayer for Red to empty my heart of hurt and pain. I prayed
that he was somewhere warm and cared for.  Yes, even in the arms of T-bo if
that's what he needed.  I felt bad that we couldn't be together for our
first Christmas but maybe that would cement a more solid bond between us.

When the service was over we left the church to a brilliantly clear sky.
The night air was colder than an ice cream headache; but, somehow, you
didn't feel the cold so much.  The warmth from the love in our hearts, the
comfort of belonging, and the joy of association surrounded us with a
warmth that stayed the night from our bodies.

We stopped and marveled at the canopy of stars against the dark background
of a moonless sky made it truly a night of wonder. There was a great
stillness came upon the midnight hour.  There was no wind, nor air movement
of any kind.  Soft winds had swept it as if to make it ready for a king's
ball.  All it's candles were lit.  All it's lanterns were glowing.  There
had never been such a night.  On just such a night as this the night
visitors, the Magoi, came from the East to pay homage to the child, a new
king.  They followed his star.

We had our own Melchior, a young prince from the orient far; a black man
with the soul of a king, our own Belthazar; and my beloved, humble and
devoted Uncle Joe as the retiring but ubiquitous Gaspard.  Gaspard de
la'nuit.

Last but not least, the old man that was the corner stone to the foundation
of my life, my dad, was the tarnished, one winged angel, everyone has on
the top of their Christmas tree.  It's seen a few rough years, but you
don't dare get rid of it and get a new one. It would almost be like denying
an old friend.  It's always been the angel on the top of the tree for as
long as you can remember, and even if it's tattered, a bit tarnished, with
only one wing, it deserves that spot to shine it's brightest once a year.
It's earned it.

Once you place it at the top of the tree, plug in the lights, stand back to
look, your heart leaps to your throat; suddenly, it's transformed from a
rag-tag ornament to the most beautiful of angels and your heart's glad you
didn't replace it.  Glad because of the grace it imparts to your being that
you're blessed with an epiphany, it has become the angel of hope, the angel
of home, the angel of comfort, the angel of belonging and best of all, the
angel of love; the true spirit of Christmas.  My dad was that tattered
angel.

A gruff, rough talking, kick-ass, cowboy angel, a bit tarnished, tattered,
rough around the edges but filled with the simplest, uncomplicated love; he
knew how to befriend his fellow man, give and receive love, and when called
upon, would shine his brightest.  I came to love and appreciate him as I
became an adult. He became my friend and a never ending source of love and
comfort.

What I foolishly thought was his failure to be the father I wanted as a
kid, he had more than made up for. I was forever short changing my dad.  I
wanted him to be what I thought I needed him to be.  I was too young to
understand that he was exactly what I needed. He gave me the greatest of
loves.  Unconditional love.  I didn't see it nor understand it as a kid but
it was always there.  I just didn't know how to tap into it `til I became a
bit older.  Once I did it was like hitting a gusher.

He left me alone to grow up to be my own person but was always there if I
needed him.  He provided for me and taught me the value of respecting
others.  He allowed me and my Uncle Bud to have a wonderful, close
relationship without feeling threatened.  What more could you ask from a
parent?

We made the transition that so many dads and sons fail to achieve. I no
longer was his `little boy' and he was no longer the imposing authority
figure. We had gone from father and son to friends.  We became each other's
trusted confidants and our love and admiration for each other has grown
steadily over the years

Christmas morning our family gathered, had breakfast and started exchanging
gifts around the tree that Dad, Uncle Joe and Lester had gotten the week
before. Ben asked Dad to take him shopping one afternoon in San Antonio and
bought gifts for us. I spent my spare time tooling a western belt for Ben
with his name on it.  He admired mine and Phil's.  I hid it in Lester's
room and worked on it as I could.  I finished it the day he and dad went
shopping.  It came out really nice.  The best I ever made.

We had a great time exchanging gifts. My dad almost shit when he opened his
gift and there was a gold Rolex watch.  Uncle Joe and Lester got the same
gifts from Ben.  They were three matching watches engraved. From Ben with
love, Christmas 1968.  Dad got tears in his eyes and hugged Ben.  Uncle Joe
and Lester did the same.

Ben gave me three beautiful western shirts and a pair of western boots. I
handed him his gift from me.  It was a small package and I began to feel
bad that I hadn't spent more on him.  He slowly opened it and pulled out
the hand tooled belt and was speechless.  He hugged me and almost got
emotional.

"You made this didn't you, Cowboy?"  I nodded affirmative, "It's truly
wonderful.  I'm so touched that you thought enough of me to take the time
to create this.  It means more than you'll ever know, Cowboy.  I'll cherish
this for many years."  He put it on and it fit him perfectly.  He had to
find a mirror to look at himself.  He was thrilled.  My second gift to Ben
was a pair of spurs that had been my Uncle Bud's.  Aunt Laura had given me
all his old western clothes, boots and spurs. He had about five or six pair
in all. I wanted Ben to have a pair of his spurs for the memory of him.
Ben cried like a baby in my arms he was so moved.

Dad, Uncle Joe and Lester gave their gifts to Ben last.  They surprised the
hell out of me and Ben.  Lester had taught me leather work over the years.
That's how I knew how to craft a belt for Ben.  Lester, himself, was a fine
leather craftsman. He had handmade fancy western saddles in his younger
days and taught me how to work with leather. He hand tooled a western cut,
brown leather vest for Ben.  Ben tried it own and it fit him perfectly.  He
shed more tears as he hugged Lester thanking him for such a personal gift.

Dad and Uncle Joe had bought him a pair of `bat wing' rodeo chaps and
Lester had tooled his initials on the bottoms. Ben was so excited and
thrilled he had to try them on immediately.  He looked great and hot,
too. It didn't go unnoticed by my dad and Uncle Joe as well.  I made him
wear all that gear to bed that night. He proved to be one hell of a
buckaroo. Learned real quick how to use them spurs, too.  Damn!

It was one of the best Christmas's anyone could remember in a long
time. Aunt Laura, Louise, Suzie, Phil and Wilma Jo and the kids arrived and
the women took over the kitchen to fix Christmas dinner for us.  Ben and I
tried to help but they ran us out.  Ben didn't know what to get the ladies
so he gave Aunt Laura a gift certificate to the local department store for
three hundred bucks.  He gave Louise, Suzie, and Wilma Jo certificates for
two hundred each.

He and I went shopping together and he bought Phil the biggest damn Silver
Belly Stetson you ever saw. I knew the size Phil wore and knew his taste in
hats.  He almost shit his pants.  It was an expensive hat.  He was thrilled
and hugged Ben in thanks.  He hadn't expected anything from Ben nor had
Wilma Jo. He gave Wilma Jo and the kids gift certificates for anything they
wanted.  Ben was a very generous man.  He loved these folks that had opened
their hearts to him.

Christmas dinner was unbelievable.  Ben couldn't believe the amount of food
that came out of Dad's kitchen.  We were being sent down to the only little
store in town still open for last minute things that we hadn't thought
about.  We enjoyed it.  It gave him and I a chance to be alone for a few
minutes.  He was having a ball.

"I hate to bring up bad things but that call from Harry a couple of nights
ago was about a meeting I must attend in Los Angeles day after tomorrow.
I'm afraid I only have one more day to visit. I need to catch a flight out
by tomorrow night."

"Hell Master, I'm just so grateful for the time we've had together that
isn't bad news.  You've been so generous with your time and gifts to us.
We all love you.  I'll make arrangements with Dad so I can take you to San
Antonio tomorrow afternoon."

Ben ate like a condemned man and Christmas dinner would be his last.  My
dad thought it was wonderful and kept passing Ben the bowls. I kept telling
him there was dessert but that didn't slow him down. He ate two desserts as
well! Women love any man that really enjoys their cooking.

I asked Ben if I could reveal his true identity to the assembled since
tomorrow would be his last day and he agreed. At the table, over coffee and
dessert I asked Louise if she would like to tell her story of confronting
me in the diner. She smiled, winked at me and began.

"Well, I knew'd this handsome man weren't no friend of Billy's from Los
Angeles, right away. Besides, Billy'n me go's back a long ways. Hell, me,
Wilma Jo and him grew'd up together; in the same class all through
school. He never could keep no secrets from me. I just put two and two
together and confronted Billy that first day I met Ben."  Ben, me, Dad,
Lester and Uncle Joe were laughing with Louise. Suzie still hadn't put it
together. Phil and Wilma Jo were clueless. I'd told Aunt Laura but she
would have died before she told a soul.  She was laughing as Louise told
her story.

"Well, who is he then, Louise?" asked Suzie frustrated.

"He's the Prince, Honey!"  Suzie looked at Ben and me and I nodded my head
with a smile.

"Well, I'll be damned," said big Phil. "Hell, he sits a good horse for a
Prince. I just thought he was one of your rodeo buddies from California."

"Me too." said Wilma Jo. "I hope you've enjoyed your visit, Ben. We've been
real glad to have you with us."

"You folks don't know what it's like being in my position. I apologize for
the deception but these good folk, whom I now consider family, gave me a
chance to relax, be myself and enjoy your company without putting on airs.
I haven't enjoyed myself and had so much fun with a group of people in
years. Well, since I was a kid.  I love you all for letting me be me; for
your kindness, graciousness, and welcoming me into your lives.  Thanks,
Louise for keeping my secret."  Everyone was silent but there wasn't a dry
eye in the room. My dad broke the silence.

"Ben, you're my son now, same's Billy.  If you ever need us or need a place
to escape to, our doors are always open to you.  Never feel that you have
to ask, Son, just come on home. We've come to love you in this last week
and you've contributed so much to our happiness this Christmas, that alone
is your single greatest gift to us."  Dad got up and walked over to Ben.
Ben stood and dad hugged him.  Everyone applauded as Ben broke down in my
dad's big arms.  I know how he felt, my old man had a way about him.

The phone rang and Dad went to answer it. I thought it was probably
Red. Dad came back with a big smile on his face.

"It's for you, Cowboy." Was all he said.

"Who is it, Dad?"  I asked warily.

"It's not Red, Son, go on, answer it."

"Hello."  There was an ominous, calculated silence on the other end of the
line.

"When-- I-- get-- my-- hands on you, Cowboy, I'm gonna' turn you across my
knee and not let you up `til you holler `calf rope'" I recognized the deep
voice of my cowboy in Glen Rose, Leon.  I started laughing and couldn't
stop.

"You promise?"  I asked laughing.  "`cause don't get my hopes all built up
if'n you don't mean it."  He was laughing on the other end.

"I damn well mean it, you little shit!  Cowboy,--that has to be the nicest,
most wonderful, Christmas gift I've ever received.  Walker and Xander
rolled it out of their garage this morning and gave me your card.  I hope
you're happy, I almost pissed my pants. Walker and Xander couldn't stop
laughing at me."  I couldn't stop laughing at Leon.

"Do you like it, Cowboy?" I ask him shyly.

"Do I like it?  No,--I fuck'n love it!  All the way down to the leather
saddle bags Walker said you insisted on so's I wouldn't forget I'm a
cowboy; your cowboy."  I was still laughing.  Leon never said too much but
he was letting me have it and I loved it.  It was worth every damn penny to
buy him that bike just to hear such joy in his voice.

"When are we gonna' get to see you, Cowboy?  I have more than a spanking to
give you, Son."  He laughed.

I'll come home, hop on the bike and I can be in Glen Rose tomorrow evening
late if'n that's all right with you and Walker."

"No, wait until the next morning to start out. I don't want you on the
roads over the holidays at night.  I'd worry myself sick until you got
here.  Wait until the next morning early."  Leon insisted.

"Okay Cowboy, I'll see you good folks day after tomorrow.  Love you, Cowboy
and Merry Christmas. Give my love to the two fine men that live in the big
house.  They were so wonderful to do that for me, tell them I really
appreciate it and Merry Christmas."

"I will and I love you, too, you little shit.  Ride safe, you don't want to
be late for your spanking."  Leon was enjoying himself and laughed hearty.

"I'll be there and take it like a man, Cowboy, I deserve it!  Besides
that,----damn it, I need it." He laughed as he hung up.

It was the day after Christmas and Ben could only get a flight out to Los
Angeles that left at noon.  We got up early and the whole damn family
wanted to go with us to the airport.  Dad, Uncle Joe, Lester, me and Ben
piled into dad's big Bronco and headed for San Antonio. Ben was quiet most
of the way. We didn't take the back way through the hill country.  We took
a more direct route to San Antonio.

We got Ben to the airport an hour before the flight left. He wanted us to
go on back but we weren't about to.  My dad wasn't about to leave him there
to wait alone.  He was upset that Ben was leaving.  Dad didn't say anything
but he really meant what he said Christmas.  He had come to think of Ben as
a second son and it made me feel good.  They called Ben's plane to depart
for Los Angeles. Dad was the last to say his goodbyes and took Ben in his
big arms.

"Ben, don't be a stranger. Even if the cowboy isn't in Mason and you need
to get away, give us a call and we'll be here to pick you up.  You can go
and do or hide out there at the house.  No one has to know you're there.
None of our town folk would say a word.  They've all come to love you and
you'd be safer with us than in your own country." Master Ben got tears in
his eyes again as he spoke to my dad.

"I will, Dad.  Now I know how Cowboy feels when he talks about having more
than one Dad to love and how wonderful a feeling it can be.  You have been
wonderful to me, giving, caring and accepting me into your family. I love
you, Dad."

"God, I love you, too, Son."  My old man hugged Ben tight before he had to
walk up the ramp to the plane.  He turned, smiled and waved.

We watched Ben's plane leave and we headed back to Mason. It was a quiet
ride.  Even old Lester was a bit down in the mouth.

"That man has a way of growing on ya,' don't he?"  Lester kinda
sighed. Everyone was silent for a moment.

"He sure does, Lester, he sure does."  I answered for all of us.

"Dad, how long a trip is it to Glen Rose from Mason? Two hours?  Four?" I
asked Dad.

"I'd say it's about a four hour trip, wouldn't you, Joe?"

"Yeah, about that."

"I want to take off early tomorrow morning to visit the Johnson Ranch."

"We enjoyed our visit with Walker, Xander and Leon when we went to get
Dolly and Madison.  Best steaks I ever had, right Joe?"

"They were damn good, Son. By the way, that Leon is one mean looking
hombre."

"Yeah, I know." I said smiling sweetly.  They all laughed knowing exactly
what I meant.

"Was that him on the phone yesterday, Son?"

"Yes Sir, he called to thank me for his Christmas gift."

"Wha'd `ju give `em?"  Dad asked.

"A new Harley-Davidson."

"Shit, I'd a' called you, too."  Dad laughed.

"Hell, I'd a' called you Santa Clause."  said Lester. We all laughed.

"Yeah,--told me he was gonna' turn me over his knee and spank me good."

"Joe seems to enjoy that ever now and then."  Dad whooped. Lester
roared. Uncle Joe just blushed.  Poor Uncle Joe, for all the shit my old
man gave him, dad really loved him. Uncle Joe took the cue and let me be
alone with dad that night. I didn't know if I was going to be back this way
for a while and wanted to spend the rest of the holidays with the folks at
Johnson Ranch.  They all had been so damn good to me this last year.
Besides, I needed my cowboy.

I pleasured my old man that night until he swore his damn dick was gonna'
fall off.  I turned that old son of a bitch every way but loose. I was like
a fucking octopus.  Every time he even looked like he was thinking about
getting out a' bed he found another tentacle ready to pull him back in.  He
had to admit though, he got some of the best ass fucking from his kid he
ever got in his life.  He was hot, horny and ready for some boy butt.

I liked my new sober dad.  He had the stamina of a Brahma bull.  He fucked
me three times that night and I sucked him off twice.  It was like we were
storing up for winter.  We both felt the same way.  We didn't know where
life would take me next and how long it would be before we were together
again.  We were sucking up each other's love like two camels at an oasis.

We got up early the next morning and I decided to take my family to
breakfast at the diner to say goodbye.  I called Phil and Wilma Jo to join
us and Aunt Laura.  She declined and told me goodbye on the phone and
thanked me for my Christmas gift.  I thanked her for mine.

We had a wonderful time at breakfast.  Phil and Wilma Jo were sad to see me
go but knew I'd be back.  Louise and Suzie were in tears.  Everyone seemed
to know that Billy was leaving this morning and everyone had to hug me and
wish me well.  Even Shirley Grimes, her husband Kurt, Pastor Mc Cree and
his wife June came down to the diner to have breakfast and say goodbye.  It
felt wonderful to be loved by a large number of folks in my community.  Dad
was so proud that everyone thought enough of the Gunn family to come wish
me well.

Of course it had gotten all over town that my friend Ben was that "Prince"
fellow who's life I'd saved.  "He sure was a nice fellow." they all
allowed.

It was a balmy morning when I pulled out of Mason on my bike.  It was
fairly warm and sunny but still a winter chill in the air.  Good weather to
wear all your heavy leathers to keep you warm.  I loved my leathers.  There
was something about them that kept my dick hard most of the time.  Maybe,
it was because the beast loved to fuck me while I was wearing them.

I couldn't get comfortable on the bike on the way to Glen Rose.  Every time
I moved, my sore ass hole would complain. I'd just smile to myself
remembering, then I'd get a roaring hard-on thinking about my old man up
there in side of me rootin' around for all he's worth. I had to pull off on
a lonely stretch of road behind a billboard and jacked off, my old ass was
twitching so bad.

When my old man fucked me, I stayed fucked for several days. It's a wonder
I could walk, let alone ride that damn bike.  I got back on my bike,
started off, hit another huge bump, hurt my ass like hell, and got another
roaring hard-on.  What the fuck's wrong with me?  T'weren't me!  It was
that damn good fucking my old man threw in me. I loved that old son of a
bitch with all my heart. They don't make `em no better'n my dad. I'm proud
to wear his name. After that, I found myself heading for the bumpy patches
in the road to keep that silly smile on my face.

I rolled into Glen Rose about noon on a Thursday.  I rode up in front of
the Johnson Ranch and into the back.  There was Leon's new Harley parked by
the garages. Master Walker and Xander had chosen well. It was a handsome
bike; made my dick hard.  Hell, the crack of dawn would have made my dick
hard that day.  I parked by the side of it.  Everyone came out of the big
house to welcome me. Leon got to me first, grabbed me and spun me around as
he hugged me.

"Damn, it's good to see you, Cowboy.  You little turkey, I should turn you
over my knee right cheer."

"Oh please wait, Stable Master, until I've got my clothes off so's I can
really enjoy it."  He kissed me instead.

"Cowboy!" Walker held his arms open for me.  "Damn, you look so much like
Bud. I know I tell you that ever damn time I see ya' but it never ceases to
amaze me.  It takes my breath away."

"Me, too."said Xander. He hugged and kissed me, too.  "Great to see you
again, Cowboy.  Glad you could come spend some time with us."

I went in and joined them for lunch.  I caught them up on everything
including Ben coming to spend Christmas with my family. They were wowed
that the `Prince' came to Texas to stay a week with my family.  I was tired
of holding back about me and Red so I told them what he'd done to
me. Walker was not pleased.

"Booger has to have something really bothering him for him to do something
crazy like that.  He was so in love with you when you left for Vietnam and
searched for you continuously for months after you got back. After that
night you opened up to us and we learned what you lost and were trying to
heal from, I told Booger over and over again to back off, be patient, give
the kid some time.  He didn't listen, was sure he could help you. I think
my boy Wes finally got through to him.

We were all glad to hear that you two had finally gotten together and hoped
everything would work out. Then we saw you and his picture in the papers
when you saved the Arab Prince's life.  We were worried about you because
of all the blood you had on you.  We could tell you were holding the other
guy's wound and it looked like he was more hurt than you.  We called your
Dad and he said you were fine.  We were so damn proud of you, Billy.

I'm not real happy to hear this about Red, though.  He shouldn't have
treated you that way. It's not considered proper in our family for one
Master to judge another Master unless one of them has done something that
is so blatantly wrong.  I don't know how many times Red told us and others
if you would only be his slave he wouldn't need anyone else.

His timing couldn't have been worse.  You were just getting back on your
feet again; learning to trust.  There were periods around here we were
truly worried about you. I think the turning point was that night you stood
up and told everyone what you'd been through; what you lost; how we all had
been lied to about what was going on over there.

You started opening up after that and it seemed like you slowly began to
heal.  We were encouraged that you were gonna' make it.  Then you began to
help Wes and that's when you really began to come around, by leaps and
bounds.  Of course credit has to be given where credit is due.  Our Stable
Master here for all his silence is a damn good listener."

"I wouldn't have made it if it hadn't a' been for Leon." I said quietly,
"Maybe my Christmas gift was a bit extravagant but damn it, Leon, I wanted
to do something special for someone who loved me enough to stop and
listen. You did, by the hour, `til I almost drove you nuts.  That Harley's
only a token of my debt to you."

"Com'ere!" was all Leon said and I went to his big arms for him to hold me
close.  He put his big hand on my head and held it next to his heart as he
embraced me. Then he gently kissed me on top of my head.

I showed them the ring that Ben's dad gave me.  Walker got the vapors and
almost fainted.  He knew good jewelry and knew immediately what it was
worth.

"Your dad told me about the ring but fuck,--the stone alone is worth a
million and a quarter, Cowboy.  Maybe more."  he said, "You really
shouldn't be carrying that around with you. It should be in a bank vault."

"Who would believe it was real on a biker bum?" I asked him.

"Someone that knew good jewelry, Son, and there are a lot of people out
there that do, trust me."  he made me think. "By the way, Red has called
here about a dozen times asking if we'd heard from you.  We hadn't, I told
him the truth but I knew exactly where you were.  I didn't tell him
though."

"How'd you know, Master Walker?"

"I know who I'd run to if I had a dad like yours."  He winked at Xander and
they both laughed.

"I'll second that, Cowboy. What a fucking hunk your old man is and his
partner, your Uncle Joe, is drop dead, good looking.  Two fine looking
cowboys." Xander raved.

"Yeah, they came to pick up Dolly and Madison several weekends ago and
ended up staying with us several nights.  We really enjoyed getting to know
them, they were great company.  Your dad can tell some of the funniest damn
stories. You could've left Dolly and Madison here.  They were fine and Leon
was taking good care of them.  Hell, you sent us money to take care of `em
but your dad wanted to take them to Tucson to Dan Yates.  We didn't try'n
stop him `cause we felt he was your dad and had your blessing."

"Well, I expressed to Dad I felt kinda bad dumping them on you even thought
I'd sent money for their care. I guess he took that to mean I'd like them
elsewhere. Dan Yates , my dad and Uncle Joe have become great friends and
have been visiting back and forth. Dan's been teaching my major competitors
some excellent roping tricks. I'm glad they've become friends. Dan needs
the friendship and comradery Dad and Uncle Joe can provide; however, Dad
and Uncle Joe have gotten so good at roping they waxed me and my partner,
Phil Roamer's ass at our last two Rodeos." the three of them laughed, "I
know Dan would love to have Dolly and Madison, so maybe it's best. It makes
it awkward for me not being able to see Dan because of Red."

I spent that afternoon helping Leon clean out the stalls in the barn.  It
felt good to get out doors and do some hard work again.  We didn't talk
much but there was a flow that went back and forth between us that said
volumes.  Every now and then he'd pretend to stumble into me and I'd catch
him to steady him.  Of course he'd have to hold me in his big arms for a
few minutes, hug and kiss me to thank me. He didn't fool me for a minute.

Walker cooked steaks on the grill by the pool.  We ate inside because it
was still damn cold at night.  Those steaks sure warmed me up.  Walker
handed me the key to my old apartment over the garage.

"We haven't moved a thing. It's just like you left it.  I don't think
anyone's been in there but Xander to clean it yesterday."

"Thanks Master Walker, I'll throw my things in there but I was a' hoping I
was gonna' get an invite to bunk it in with the Stable Master tonight.
It's a cold night and he looks meaner than I remember.  Maybe someone to
keep him warm tonight might make him look a little more mellow tomorrow."
Leon reached over with his big paw and wrapped his arm around my neck and
pulled me to him.

"Sure sounds good to this old cowboy, I'll tell you." We finished dinner
and I helped Xander clean up afterward.  It was like old times being back
on the Walker Ranch.  I'd come to think of it as my second home. Walker,
Xander and even Leon were so damn comfortable to be with. They treated me
like family.

"What should I tell Red if he calls here again, Billy?"

"I'm tired of running, Master Walker.  I wasn't the one that shit on him. I
don't feel guilty.  I have to get back together with him' cause that's what
God wants.  I don't want Red to know that.  Tell him the truth.  I'm here
and with your permission I'd like to stay through New Years."

"Stay longer than that if you want to, Son.  You know your welcome here and
I know the Stable Master would love to have your help."

"I don't want to involve you good folks in Red's and my quarrel.  I'm
gonna' get back on the road shortly after New Years.  Tell him not to show
up here that I'll find him, on down the road, later.  If he doesn't abide
by my wishes and shows up here there's no chance of us riding together
anymore.  I need this time away from him and he'll just have to cope with
it."

"I don't think that's too much to ask of him.  He was way out of line.  In
fact he told the story much the same way you did and told me what a fool he
was to do that to you. I agreed with him.  He said you begged him not to
make you go with the other guy `cause you only wanted him.  He knows and
admitted he told you the same thing when you got together.

He's so ashamed of how he treated you, maybe this will be a lesson to him.
Let's hope so.  Do you still love him, Cowboy?"  I was silent for a long
time.

"Silly question, wasn't it, Kid?" Master Walker allowed.

"Wasn't silly, Master, you just know the answer."

"Yeah! I do." Walker agreed as he sighed deeply in understanding.

Leon and I were getting ready to make the cold walk to his quarters over
the stable when the phone rang.  It was Red.  Walker answered the phone.

"Hello."

"Yeah, Red, he's here.  No, he's out in his apartment right now.  We
finished dinner, he was tired and went to bed.  I don't think he wants to
talk to you yet anyway.  No, he just got here this afternoon.  No, no, I
don't think that would be a good idea right now, Red.  No, Red, that would
be the wrong thing to do.  You can't force someone to love you, Red. Put
yourself in Billy's position.  That kid has been through the tortures of
the damned, to hell and back, was just getting back on his feet, reaching
out, learning to trust again, gave you his love, dared to give you his
trust and you fucked over him.  He paid your price, Red, to ride by your
side.  He didn't hold nothing back.

He's hurting right now and needs to be with people that love and care about
him."  Walker held the phone listening for a few minutes.  "I know you care
about him but coming here is not the right thing to do right now.  He said
to tell you he'd find you after the holidays sometime.  If you try to come
here and force the situation, I can guarantee you Cowboy will never ride by
your side again.  Because he told me, Red, and I can't blame him.

Now you're not making any sense, Red. I don't want to be mean spirited
`cause you and me go back a long way and been friends for years; however,
you're not welcome here as long as Billy's here and this thing between you
isn't settled.  If you try to come here, I won't let you see him, do you
understand?

No, he told me to tell you he was here.  He didn't want me to lie to
you. He's tired of running and hiding for something he didn't do.  I, for
one, am disappointed in you, Red.  I've never known you to do something
like that; to blatantly hurt another person.  What do you mean, you didn't
think he'd care that much?  He loves you, you dip shit! You don't do
something like that to someone you love unless you wanna' take a major
chance of losing them. Then if you do lose `em, well, hey,--it was your
choice to take that gamble.

He walked out because you hurt him, Booger.  To have a kid that damn good
looking, devoted to you, love you, trust you, ride by your side, and be
faithful to you is the dream of almost every scoot bum out there. If
nothing else, Red, have you considered that kid is only one year older than
the legal age for drinking and you just expect him to understand something
that an older mature person might.

Red, you're damn near thirty years older than that kid. You're not dealing
with a fully trained, mature, seasoned slave that could accept that kind of
shit as his Master's right.  He hasn't been out there in the world long
enough to understand that.  Besides you were the one that set the
relationship up as one on one."

Walker listened for a while again. "I know it! Yes! Yes!  Red, Goddamn it!
Your acting more immature than that kid.  At least he had the common sense
to get away from a situation he was uncomfortable with."

Walker continued to listen.  "Look Red when everyone heard you'd gotten
together we were all happy for you but I garan-damn-tee ya' I can name you
nine men who's faces I watched registered disappointment that it wasn't
them he chose to love.  They couldn't understand how it was that ugly old
Booger Red got the pick of the litter.

If Cowboy gives you another chance you'll be the luckiest son of a bitch
I've ever known. I know!  I know!  I know!  I know, Red!  Well, if you call
tomorrow I'll tell you the same damn thing but if you're sober, maybe
you'll understand better. All right, Red.  Okay!  You, too.  Goodbye."
Master Walker hung up the phone shaking his head. "He's been drinking."
was all he said. I went to Master Walker and hugged him.

"Thanks Master Walker for caring about me.  I feel good about telling him
the truth.  I don't think he'll come here.  Red ain't stupid, he may be
hurting but he won't throw the baby out with the bath water. I don't think
he wants to accept responsibility for what he did.  I told him every tub
has to sit on it's on bottom."

Leon and I left after saying good night to Master Walker and Xander. I
grabbed my bag from my bike and walked with the Stable Master, arm in arm,
in the cold, still, night air to his quarters over the barn.  It was cold,
bone chillin' cold.  We got inside and started up his little Franklin
heater and in minutes the place was toasty.  I started looking around and
he had rearrange a few things.  He had put up this big cork bulletin board
and had it filled with photos.  All of them were of him and me that I never
knew were taken.  They were great pictures.  All taken by Xander with a
telephoto lens.

Xander had a zoom optic lens and could take pictures of us from far away
and we would have no idea he was taking them.  There were some great shots
of Leon and I roughhousing.  Buck naked in the river holding each
other. Cleaning out the barn.  Digging post holes.  Laying out in the
pasture, bare ass, on a quilt to get some sun.  Leon and I making love on
the quilt.

I remembered that afternoon.  It was a warm early spring day. We got all
our chores done early and had nothing on the docket to do that afternoon so
we went for a swim and laid out on this old patchwork quilt to dry and get
some sun.  When I'm around Leon and we're working I'm all business but when
we were by ourselves I couldn't keep my hands off him.  Not necessarily
anything sexual, I just had to touch him. We were way down in the low
pasture and we knew we couldn't be seen by anyone. I started rubbing his
old back for him in the warm spring sun.  He asked me if I was gonna' do
the other side too.

"Sure, roll over cowboy."  He did and had the biggest ole hard-on.  I paid
no attention to it but went to massaging his chest and down.  Then I worked
around his groin and inner legs and on down to his feet.  I never saw a man
keep an erection that long in my life.

The next thing I knew my legs were over my head and I was being ridden like
he was the pony express delivery man and he was late with the mail.  Damn
it felt good laying there in the warm sun getting fucked by his huge dick.
He decided to get creative and see how many different positions he could
fuck me in.  Well, every one of those positions were captured for posterity
by Xander's telephoto lens.

They were some hot pictures.  I love `em.  Then there were shots of us
laying there afterward, my head resting on his chest, his arm around me, me
reaching up to give him a kiss; damn, it was two men in love sharing a
wonderful moment with each other.

There were other pictures of him and I on horseback riding together.  Leon
and me roping in the arena.  Leon and me kissing on horseback.  On and
on... They were hot, beautiful, and well done.  Wasn't a bad picture in the
bunch.

"Damn Sweetheart, these `be' some fine pictures."  I said quietly. "I'm
impressed!"

"Didn't know how you'd take to `em, Cowboy."

"I love every one of them. It shows two men enjoying each other and
obviously sharing love."

"I knew you'd see that in the pictures same's I did. That's why I keep them
up there.  I look at them every night and they make me happy."  Leon took
me in his arms and looked at me. "I still love you, ya' little shit!"

"I love you, too, Cowboy, you'll always be my cowboy." I told him.

"Cowboy, I loved my Christmas gift, but just having you here, in my arms,
with the thought of loving you tonight is the greatest gift you could have
brought me."  he kissed me gently but passionately. I responded in kind. I
spent a night of bliss with my cowboy.  He was better than I'd remembered.

I lay in his arms afterward and again thanked God for friends like Master
Walker, Xander and Leon that I never had to worry about running to if I
needed them.  I needed that week in the arms of my cowboy, Leon. There's
just something about recharging your broken spirit from those that love
you.  It's like going to a pool and drinking deeply from the waters of life
itself.  They become your training wheels to get you back up and riding
into the sometimes harsh reality of life. They help you get back on your
horse after you've fallen off.

I worked my ass off with Leon that week taking care of some projects around
the ranch that had been put off because it required more than two hands to
get `em done.  I certainly didn't mind.  It was like the summer I'd spent
there mending my spirit.  We worked well together and made love half the
night.  It seemed the harder we worked the harder we fucked.  Leon knew I
couldn't stay, would probably never be his but that wasn't gonna' stop him
from loving me while he could.

Master Walker and I taught him to ride his bike.  He sat a good looking
bike.  He looked as hot on that bike as he did on a horse.  He made one
hell of a mean looking, bad ass biker.  Master Walker, Xander and I
couldn't help but laugh to each other how mean he looked on that damn
bike. He made Brando look like a sissy.  We took a couple of short runs
here and there to get him use to the road and he took to it like a natural.
He got to really enjoy the feeling of that big bike under him.  The
vibration would make him hornier than a bull let loose in a pasture of
fresh heifers.  I got the snot fucked out of me after those little runs.

"Still glad you bought me that beast?"  He'd huff and puff as he was
enjoying gettin' some deep stuff in my ass.

"Best investment I ever made in my life, Cowboy.  Come on, fuck me harder,
show me how you ride a Harley, Stud."  He'd have to stop fucking me he'd be
laughing so hard.

"You're no damn good, Cowboy."  he'd laugh, "That's why I love you so
much. You're my kinda people."  Then he'd laugh harder and start fucking me
again with a vengeance.  He'd make it a good one for the both of us.

Thought I'd start climbing the wall when he finally hit his and signaled me
to get mine. Never been so completely drained by anyone in my life as Leon
could empty me.  He claimed I'd done the same for him. All I know was that
by the time New Years rolled around I was buffed again from working around
the ranch and horny twenty-four/seven.  Leon and I fit together like a hand
in a glove.  He claimed he'd never been hornier since riding that damn bike
and he loved it.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Red called every other day. He'd asked to talk to me and Walker didn't lie
to him. Most times, I wasn't available but when I was, I'd shake my head
`no' and Walker would explain I wasn't ready to talk to him yet. Red called
New Years eve and I told Walker I'd speak to him.

"Howdy, Red!"

"Hey Cowboy, how `re you doing?"

"I'm okay, Red. How're you?"

"Miserable."

"Sorry to hear that."

"Really?"

"You should have stopped with `Sorry to hear that,' Red."  I laughed.  He
laughed nervously.

"Awh, come on, Cowboy, have a heart.  I love you so Goddamn much I hurt
when you ain't with me."

"Gee, Red, the last time I checked I do have a heart and somehow it got
broken. Hard to get a damaged heart working again, Red. You should know
that."

"I do know that. What will it take to repair it?  To patch things up
between us?  I'll do anything you want, anything you ask."

"Where are you now?"

"Fort Worth, in a cheap motel in hopes I can come see you."

"No, I don't want to involve my loved ones in our problems, so call me the
day after New Year, January second, and I'll meet you somewhere on the
road."

"Okay."

"But, Red--"

"Yeah Cowboy?"

"It ain't gonna' be like it was.  I may consent to ride and sleep with you,
but I ain't calling you my Master and I ain't gonna' be your slave."

"Well, let's take it one step at a time."

"You heard what I said, Red.  Don't even get it in your head I'm gonna'
change my mind; won't happen.  I won't trust you like that again, Red. You
once put an ultimatum to me that if I wanted you to be my Master I had to
meet your price.  I met your price, Red;---gave you everything you
wanted. You told me then you never wanted to love anyone else but your
handsome young cowboy.  Did you lie to me, Red?  You insist on your slave
being totally honest with you; however, does that mean as my Master you can
demand things of me you don't have to live up to as well.  Talk about your
worthless contracts. I'd say your word is worthless.  Do you deny saying
that to me, Red?"

"No Cowboy, you're right, I said it."

"You didn't send me to slave training.  I asked you to and you felt I was a
natural slave that with limited training from you would be all I needed.
That was my Master's decision.  I let you make all our decisions, but you
know what, Red, you never trained me to overlook you lying to me, being
deceitful, or fucking a pig with the same dick that I made love to so many
times.  I doubt seriously slave training is about a slave overlooking his
Master throwing all his trust out the window in one stupid action.  Trust
is a two way street, Red. We'll see if you really care enough to meet my
price.  Take it or leave it."

"Just give me a chance, Billy, that's all I ask."

"Okay, I'll give you a chance." I said resolutely, "Give me a call the day
after New Years day and we'll talk."

"I love you, Cowboy."

"Yeah, well, we'll see.  Bye Red."  I hung up the phone.

"Bravo!" Said Master Walker echoed by Xander. "Couldn't have put it to him
better myself, Cowboy.  You didn't leave yourself open, and you gave him
just enough. Good for you, Kid."

"Why do I feel so empty inside then? I wanted to scream at him, `I love
you, you big, ugly, son of a bitch, why did you do that to me?'  Then I
realized there was no answer that would make me feel any better.  He chose
to do it, we both have to deal with it, but I don't have to sell my soul
for his stupid mistake. If I let it be like it was, it'll say to him he can
get away with doing it again to me."

"You feel empty `cause the son of a bitch ripped your heart out, and now
wants everything back the way it was.  He knows it can't and won't be that
way; he's frustrated as hell. He's not ready to accept the fact he fucked
up, and has to accept the consequences, there will have to be adjustments
on his part. You're not ready to give him the same trust he enjoyed, and we
can't blame you.  Look, if he gets too tough to deal with, you're always
welcome to run back to us, and I'll damn well see to it he doesn't bother
you until this thing blows over between you."

"I appreciate that Master Walker, and I just might if I need to; but, I'm
hoping it won't come to that.  Buck told me in a dream I had to ride with
Red for some reason, and that's good enough for me. Buck told me it wasn't
his idea.  God wanted me to be with Booger for some reason. Buck didn't
know the reason, but said they would reveal it to me later.  Maybe this
separation will mellow, him and I can ride with him as a buddy."  They
looked at me, and each raised an eyebrow, to which I started laughing at my
own naivete.'

"Yeah, who am I kidding?"  we all laughed. "Tell me Master Walker,---I did
accept Red as my Master and I understand a Master should have that right if
he wants to fuck another slave.  Should I have over looked it and swallowed
my pride as a good slave? I tried to be a good slave to Red.  I never
denied him anything.  I called him my Master and showed him homage in front
of our family and his biker buddies.  I serviced him every time he snapped
his fingers.  Course I ain't saying Red wasn't easy to serve.  I loved
every minute of serving that big, ugly animal.  God, Master Walker, I love
that man."


"Don't beat yourself up, Cowboy.  You followed your heart and got away from
a bad situation. If he'd wanted to fuck that guy that bad he could've
talked to you first and set it up so you knew he was gonna' do it and he
expected you to be his good slave and ignore it.  He didn't `cause he knew
you wouldn't go along with it.  You're not a trained, imprinted slave.  He
can't expect that from you.  He took a chance and fucked up.  Furthermore,
if you asked for training and he refused then it's up to him to train you
the way he wants.  You gave him the raw material.  If he didn't train you
to accept what rights a Master has and how you should cope with it, then
he's wrong.  I can only compare my own situation.

Zander was put through training.  I think it's a mistake for a Master to
try and train their own slave.  It should be done by a third party with
limited ties with both the slave and Master.  I have never gone behind my
slave's back to have sex with another man. Most times I include him.  I
string him up and make him watch.  Or like your Uncle Bud use to love to
fuck Xander and I use to love to watch him.  I think only one time in all
these years I went with someone I didn't include my slave but I was up
front, and told him I was going to do it.  Then after I did, I felt worse
about it than he did.  He ended up consoling me. Don't be too hard on
yourself, Cowboy.  You're a good kid and it's only natural these things
should run through your head."

Master Walker was planning a small New Year's eve party, and naturally Leon
and I were invited.  Some of their friends from Ft. Worth-Dallas area were
driving to Glen Rose.  Leon and I got dressed up in our best cowboy duds,
and arrived shortly after all the other guests had arrived.  I had western
clothes spread all over the Southwestern United States. It was early
evening, and the sun had set. All the guests had arrived, I thought.
Another truck pulled into the lot in front of the house.  I didn't look to
see who it was.

The door bell rang, and Master Walker asked me if I would get it.  I was
glad to help out, and went to answer the door.  There stood two of the best
looking, hottest cowboys I'd ever seen. It was my old man and my Uncle Joe.
They'd driven up for the evening, and to stay the night with Walker and
Xander.  Hell, they had plenty of room.  They could even stay in my place,
because I was staying with my cowboy tonight.

Leon and I wore matching western shirts. A touch that didn't go uncommented
on by that randy group of men.  My dad and Uncle Joe were in a party mood,
but I never saw them take a drink.  They were sober when they arrived, and
they were sober at midnight.  I was so impressed when my old man came to
kiss me a Happy New Year, I got emotional.

"I'm so proud of you and Uncle Joe." I whispered to him.

"For what, Son?"

"Being sober. I really like my new sober dad and uncle."

"Well, thanks, Son.  So do we.  We don't fight no more.  We have better
sex.  We're better ropers,--or do I need to remind you?"

"Uuuhh No.  Been there, done that, you won, fair and square."

I told him about my ride to Glen Rose, and having to stop behind a
billboard.  Thought my old man would bust a gut laughing.  He thought that
was the funniest damn story he'd heard in years.

"Glad to know I did you some good, Son." he said wiping his tears of
laughter away.

"You certainly did, Dad, you certainly did."

"I'll just bet that mean, ass looking cowboy's been doing you some good
too.  Is he really as mean as he looks?"

"Meaner, Dad, much meaner.  He's baaad!"  we laughed together. He got my
drift. "Funny thing is, Dad, Leon is probably one of the sweetest men you'd
ever wanted to meet, that is, until you crawl into bed with him; then he
changes into a dangerous animal.  Much like you, come to think of it."  I
had my old man laughing so hard I thought he was gonna' have apoplexy.

My dad wanted to see my Christmas gift to Leon, and quite a few of the
guests made the trip to Master Walker's garage to see his new Harley.  Leon
was so proud of that bike.  He was quiet but you could see the way he
touched it, it was special to him. I shared with Dad how Leon was my rock.
How he listened by the hour to any shit or thought that came into my head.
He was my hero. There was no gift that could repay him in my mind. The
Harley was only a token of my appreciation. Dad told me later I'd done a
good thing.  He approved, he was proud of me.

It was a great New Year's eve party, and Leon and I stayed close to each
other.  He knew that I'd be leaving in a couple days, and wanted to feel as
close as he could. I wanted him close to me as well.  I loved the
attention. He loved having me on his arm at the party, and I catered to him
like he was the most important man in the world. He and I talked quietly,
and left shortly after midnight to go have our own private rodeo in his
quarters over the stables. We said our goodbyes to the hoots and hollers of
all assembled, "Y'all have fun, now, y'a hear."

"Leon, may I ask a favor." I asked him before we left.

"What's that, Cowboy."

"Would you be embarrassed, or would you mind if ask my dad and Uncle Joe to
walk back with us to see the pictures.  Then I'll kick their ass's out to
be alone with you."

"No, I love those pictures.  I'm proud of `em.  I wouldn't mind sharing
with your dad and uncle."

I told Dad, Leon and I had something to show him and Uncle Joe in Leon's
apartment over the stables. It wouldn't take but a minute then they could
come back and rejoin the party.  He agreed and motioned to Uncle Joe.

Then he mentioned to Walker he and Joe were going to walk us out to the
stables to see something.  Walker knew what I was going to show him, smiled
and winked at Leon and I. We walked back to the stables climbed the stairs
on the back to Leon's apartment.  Leon had banked the coals in his heater
and it started up right away to warm the place.

We no sooner walked in the place than dad and Uncle Joe headed for the
picture board and started `ooing' and `aaing' over them.

"I thought you'd like them."

"There fucking fantastic, Guys.  Thanks Leon for allowing us to come out to
see them." Dad said.

"Oh shit, Cowboy!  These are the greatest pictures I've seen in a while.  I
hate to say something stupid but I can't help it.  These are pictures of
two people who love each other very much.  It comes through.  Who took
these?" said Uncle Joe.  That was a lot for Uncle Joe to express himself
that way. I was glad to see him doing it.

"Xander!"  Leon said.  "Telephoto lens.  We had no idea he was taking them
and was terribly apologetic when Walker made him show `em to me.  I loved
them and asked for my own set.

"Would you guys have a problem if I asked him for a set for us?  We think
they're beautiful." asked my dad.

"I wouldn't care.  You're welcome to `em, Mr. Gunn.  How about you,
Cowboy?"

"Oh, hell, no!  I'm as proud of `em as your are, Cowboy."  I told Leon.

Dad and Uncle Joe thanked Leon for allowing them to come see the pictures,
then hugged and kissed me goodnight. Dad turned to Leon on the way out.

"Tear off a big ole piece of cowboy butt for me, Leon."  Leon started
laughing and told him he would.  Leon was still laughing after they were
gone.

"You have a great dad, Cowboy.  He's a funny man.  Kept us laughing when he
and your uncle came for Dolly and Madison.  I'm almost jealous of you
growing up with a man like him.  Wish't my old man had been like him.  My
old man was a withdrawn, sullen, bitter, old West Texas cowboy.  You think
I'm quiet, I'm a chatter box compared to my old man.  I don't think he
spoke to me more'n a dozen times my whole life.

My mother died when I was about ten years old and I stayed with him.  I
couldn't go to school `cause he didn't have money to buy me any clothes.
The only clothes I had were throw away stuff from relatives or stuff the
welfare people gave me.  Most times we didn't have nothing to eat less I
went out and shot something with his old riffle. I ended up taking care of
him until I was old enough to leave.

I withdrew into myself `cause he never had nothing to say.  I never said
goodbye to him.  One day I just walked away and never went back.  I don't
know to this day what happened to him.  Don't much care.  I use to care
about what could've been but that's useless.  I didn't have it so what?
You move on.  That's why I'm so quiet today.  I find most folks talk too
much when they should be listening."

"I love you, Cowboy." I said to Leon, "I'm glad you know how to listen.
You save my life, Leon.  Thank you for that."

"I know you have obligations and responsibilities but having you here with
me this week has meant more to me than you'll ever know, Cowboy.  I was
deeply touched by your present and sentiment in your card but like I told
you the first night you got here, the best Christmas gift you could ever
bring me was yourself.  I love you, too, Cowboy, I always will."  He hugged
me and I broke down in his arms because I knew the pain in the big man's
heart, it was in mine, too.  I was going to make damn sure our last couple
of nights together were going to be permanently etched in both our minds.

The entire time I was there at the Johnson Ranch, sleeping in Leon's arms,
I didn't have one flashback. He almost acted like a tranquilizer for my
soul.  Sometimes I wish it had been meant for Leon and I to be together,
but knew in my heart it was not to be. He did, too.  He was the one that
told me when I was staying on the ranch before.  I agreed with him when he
told me, "Let's love each other while we can." Leon and I crammed a lot of
love into that week.

Leon and my paths crossed many times over the years and we always had that
same gut feeling for each other I know I never felt for any other man.  We
got together many times after that for a night together and treasured every
one.  I loved him then, and still love the man as much today. Today, he
lives in an old miners cabin in the California desert with one of the best
men I've ever known. With Leon's permission I laid my soul bare to his
slave about what his Master meant to me and told him I was so glad he was
with Leon.  I'm happy for them.  They're very much in love. They found
their bliss

New Years Day we were up early.  We Rodeoed in Leon's bunk `til late, but
we slept peacefully and felt good come morning.  I did get to suck him off
in the shower though.  Which sent him through the day with a smile on his
face.  Not to be missed by my dad and Uncle Joe.  They got to talk to Leon
some and decided he was a fine man.  Of course, Leon's opinion of me went a
long way in that decision. Dad asked Walker and Xander for copies of the
pictures Xander took.  Xander handed an envelope to dad with a set of the
pictures before they left.

They left to go back to Mason around noon, and we said our goodbyes.  I
told them about talking to Red, and that I was meeting him tomorrow. Dad
didn't seem too upset.  I think he trusted me to do the right thing.  He
set a good example for me as a kid.  Uncle Joe offered a bit of sage
advice.

"Don't live with abuse, Son.  You don't have to.  If he isn't serious then
come home. He'll have a hell of a time finding you among the people that
love you."  I hugged him and thanked him, for taking care of my old man all
these years.  I told him I loved him a lot.  Uncle Joe got a little
emotional.

I spent the last night with Leon, and once again we tried to cram as much
love into a brief period of time as we could.  I knew I'd see Leon again,
but I didn't know where or when.  Buck liked him. He told me so. Told me to
thank Leon for him for taking care of me.  I did, Leon looked at me funny
and held me tight.  He knew I wasn't kidding.

Red called the Ranch first thing early the next morning as we were having
breakfast, and Walker handed me the phone.

"Hey, Red."

"Hey, Cowboy, have a good New Years?"

"Yeah, my dad and Uncle Joe drove up from Mason, and stayed the night. It
was a great surprise."

"Sounds like you had fun."

"Yeah, it was nice. What's up?"

"You wanna' meet me somewhere?"

"No, just come on by here, pick me up, and we'll take off together. I
talked with Master Walker and Xander, and they said it would be all right."

"Great, I'll be there in a couple of hours.  See you then, Cowboy."

"Okay, Red."

"I love you, Cowboy."

"Okay, Red, see you when you get here.  Bye."  I hung up the phone.

Leon and I said our goodbyes, and he left for the stables.  He didn't want
to be around when I took off with Red.  I could understand `cause I didn't
want to have to wave goodbye.  I loved him too much for that.

Red arrived, hugged and kissed me.  I responded, but was not as warm as I
could have been.  He said `Hello' to Walker and Xander, had a cup of
coffee, and apologized to Walker for being drunk when he called. I had my
stuff on my bike, and we took off.  He wanted to know where I wanted to go.
I told him I wanted to go to Los Angeles to visit Tim, Master Jeb and
Master Jim.

I also wanted to visit with Wes and his new Master.  I don't think Booger
heard the news that Master Earl had bought Wes.  I couldn't believe it when
I heard the news.  I was so happy for them. Who ever arranged that pair
should get a gold medal.  I'm sure it must have been Master Jeb. Walker and
Xander couldn't have been happier for Wes.  They thought Master Earl was
tops in their book.  So he was in all our books.  I once spent an evening
in his arms that summer at the ranch, and knew I couldn't spend
another. Not because he wasn't some of the finest, most loving sex I ever
had; I just knew myself well enough to know I would have fallen head over
heals in love with that man, and I had other commitments.

I didn't know what the immediate future held for me.  I had an idea it
might not be to pleasant.  I was hoping for the best but dreading the
worst.


End of Chapter 12~
Booger Red & Cowboy
Copyright 2003 Waddie Greywolf
Mail to: <waddiebear@yahoo.com>