Date: Tue, 22 Jun 2004 01:15:14 -0700 (PDT)
From: dl mercer <dlmercer27@yahoo.com>
Subject: The Farmer and Dale Chapter 3

THE FARMER AND DALE

Chapter 3


Fear had driven Rick away. Fear of the unknown, of how his family would
react. All his life his parents and siblings had been his rock, the solid
foundation that made his life work. The thought of losing them left him
feeling lost, alone.

That night, after making love with Dale that last time, he'd awoken
shivering, anxiety creeping over him, fear knifing into his gut. He rose
quietly and seated himself in one of the oak chairs that Dale had kept in
the bedroom. He watched Dale sleep, so innocently, so peacefully. He
contemplated his future with Dale, wondering if he could really sacrifice
his family for him. What if things didn't work out? He'd find himself
totally alone, no lover, no family, no friends. What if he ended up
resenting Dale for his loss? Tears crept down his cheeks at the thought of
this joyous love he felt, turning into something ugly and hurtful. Panic
rose, twisting his guts, forcing him up and out. He ran.

Five days later, Rick too was punishing himself. He did every shit job he
could find, just to keep himself occupied. At night he'd drive into
Smiley's, and drink even the regulars under the table.  Everyday he woke
with a hangover, puking his guts out. Pale and shaking, he'd return to
work, sweating the remaining alcohol out of his system, returning to
Smiley's for another round of poison each night. He too, ate little. Guilt
and anger kept his stomach twisted, when the alcohol wasn't of sufficient
quantity to make him forget.

He wore a brace on his left hand. Cursing himself for his cowardice,
agonizing over Dale and what he must be going though, blinded by rage at
himself and the situation, Rick had punched a support beam in the barn,
acquiring a hairline fracture. The six by six beam suffered no damage.

That night at Smiley's, he sat alone in a booth, contemplating that magical
night with Dale. His friends and those clinging women, knew better now than
to disturb him. Rick had become surly and uncommunicative. He made it clear
he wanted no company.

He sat and studied the pictures he'd pulled from his wallet. His parents,
his siblings and their spouses, assorted nieces and nephews. A picture of
Dale filled his mind. Dale joking with him, teasing him. Dale fixing him
coffee, that indulgent smile curving his sweet lips. Dale working with him,
side by side, laboring through his exhaustion. Dale under him, their bodies
joined, his words of love filling Rick's ears and his heart.

Tears filled his eyes and rolled dolefully down his cheeks.  Suddenly he
slid out of the booth, dashing away the tears. He staggered out of the bar,
leaving early, his alcohol buzzed brain seized with the notion to see
Dale. He had to see Dale. Had to be with Dale.

Rick drove slowly, with exaggerated care. He had to get to Dale. He arrived
to find the house pitch dark, not surprising as it was after one in the
morning. He exited his truck and climbed the front porch steps. Hesitating
only a moment, he began knocking at the door. He saw a light come on behind
the concealing curtains. The fabric parted slightly, Dale's face
appeared. His expression was at first annoyed, then startled. Rick caught a
fleeting glimpse of infinite pain that was suddenly blanked.

The front door opened. Dale kept the screen door locked, it stood between
them.

"What are you doing here, Rick?" he question coldly.

"I had to see you, to tell you how sorry I am that I left." he paused then
blurted the words he couldn't keep inside, "I had to tell you how much I
love you."

Dale blanched, drawing back as though struck, his voice quivered, "You're
drunk, go home." He closed the door.

Rick heard the dead-bolt click. He turned away, shocked as his heart
shattered. Sliding to his knees on the porch floor, wracking sobs shook his
body. He thought he'd felt pain before. It was nothing compared to
this. Dale hated him. His life was over.

He didn't hear the door open, didn't see the figure that stood over him,
until warm arms encircled him. Dale's scent filled his nostrils, he fumbled
his arms around that precious body, holding on for dear life.

Dale's murmured words penetrated his consciousness, "It's not fair, where
were you when I cried? Where were you? Where were you?"

Rick finally realized that Dale was crying too. "I'm sorry baby, so
sorry. I was scared, I didn't know what to do. I know I hurt you. I didn't
want to. I didn't know what to do. I just didn't know what to do."

Dale pulled away, "You were scared? You didn't know what to do? You should
have talked to me. That's what you should have done. You think I wasn't
scared too, after all the shit I've been through?" Dale described in short
pithy sentences, his failed relationship with Tony.

Rick stared at Dale, the realization of just how deeply he'd hurt him
seeping in. He rose on unsteady legs and turned away.

"Where are you going?" Dale demanded.

Head hanging, Rick explained, his voice a defeated mumble, "I know you can
never forgive me Dale. I want you to know, you were the best thing that
ever happened to me. You deserve someone a hell of a lot better than me."
He placed a foot forward, preparing to walk away one final time.

"I swear to God, Rick Hunter, if you walk away, I'm going to kick your
fucking ass." Dale ground out each word, his voice a fierce growl.

Rick turned, surprise giving him an almost comical expression. Hope filled
his eyes.

"Do you love me?" Dale asked quietly.

Rick nodded.

"Do you promise from now on to share every problem with me? To talk to me?
To give us a chance to find a solution together?"

Rick nodded again.

"Get your ass in the house." Dale ordered.

A ghost of Rick's patented grin made a fleeting appearance on his face as
chastened, he entered the house.

Dale led him into the kitchen, indicating he should sit. Rick's eyes
followed him non-stop as Dale fixed a pot of coffee. He placed a steaming
cup in front of Rick and sat next to him. He studied Rick with a critical
air as he sipped his coffee.

Reaching out, he brushed Rick's hair back from his face, "Looking a little
rough there, farm boy."

Rick closed his eyes momentarily, nodding his agreement. He shivered at
Dale's familiar, yet fleeting touch. He opened his eyes, running a critical
assessment of Dale.

"You look a little haggard yourself." he observed quietly.

"It's been rough." Dale admitted.

Rick broke eye contact, his gaze fastening on the table.

Dale sighed, "I didn't say that to make you feel bad, Rick. I just figure
we should be truthful with each other. I'm guessing you've made yourself
feel almost as bad as I could." He grazed his finger-tips over the brace on
Rick's hand. "What happened here?"

"Hairline fracture," Rick admitted.

"How'd you manage that?" Dale asked.

Rick grimaced, a blush heating his cheeks.

Dale's eyebrow raised.

"I was...uh...upset, I hit a support beam in the barn." Rick confessed
shamefacedly.

Dale tried to suppress a smile but was unsuccessful, "So you tried to beat
up a barn. Gutsy. Real gutsy, Hunter."

Eye contact resulted in unsuppressed chuckles. The laughter eased the
tension.

Dale stood, "Come on, you look like you could use a shower and some sleep."

He lead the way upstairs. As Rick stripped, Dale laid out fresh towels for
him. While Rick showered, Dale splashed water on his face, used the toilet
and resisted the urge to flush it, just to hear Rick yell as the water got
unexpectedly warm. He returned to the bedroom and stripped off his jeans,
briefly considering whether he wanted to don briefs or sleep naked as
usual. He opted for usual.

Rick made his appearance, hair damp, a towel wrapped around his waist.

He hesitantly approached the bed, "If you want, I can sleep on the couch,
or in one of the other bedrooms. I don't want to push you Dale. I want you
to be comfortable, but.... I'd really like to hold you babe. Just hold you,
nothing else."

A soft smile graced Dale's lips. He pulled back the covers, silently
inviting Rick in. Rick smiled in return, dropped the towel and climbed
in. The two of them snuggled together, Dale kissed Rick's shoulder and
sighed. Bodies relaxed. The effects of emotional and physical ravages took
hold.  The reunited lovers fell instantly asleep, locked securely in each
other's arms.

                                              * * *

Dale woke slowly, stretching. His eyes blinked open. It was fully daylight,
the sun well up. A thrill of panic clenched his stomach. He rolled
forcefully, his elbow connecting with the hard abs of the man who lay next
to him. Rick grunted, bending to protect his besieged mid-section.

"Damn, babe, are you going wake me up like this every morning? I was hoping
for something a little sexier, if you know what I mean." He gave his
eyebrows a lascivious wiggle.

"Sorry," Dale murmured, his breathing a bit rapid, "I wasn't sure... I
didn't know..." He stopped, unsure of what to say without sounding
accusing.

Rick rose up on his elbow, pushing Dale to his back, "I'm not going
anywhere. I'll never leave you again." He nuzzled Dale playfully, "Except
for one thing. I really gotta piss. Bad."

He clambered over Dale's reclined form, his morning hardon poking Dale as
he went. Dale reached out, delivering a resounding smack to Rick's
retreating ass. Rick yelped and halted, turning a frowning gaze on Dale's
innocent face.

"You will pay for that, my innocent, little angel, mark my words." He
continued on to the bathroom, "By the way, if you need to pee, you better
get in here. That's the only reason you get to leave that bed today."

Dale grinned, eager to comply, he anticipated Rick's lovemaking. He was
disappointed. Rick kept him in bed all right, he made him rest and
eat. Last night, when Rick joined Dale in bed, he became vividly aware of
the physical manifestations of Dale's ordeal. The weight-loss was
noticeable. Dale had dark circles under his eyes that had not been there
before. Remorse weighed heavily on Rick as he held Dale close through the
night. He was determined to erase all reminders of his mistake, both
physical and emotional.

He began by bringing breakfast in bed. He brought enough for two and they
spent a pleasant, and to Dale's way of thinking, frustrating hour, feeding,
teasing and arousing each other with no more release than that provided by
a few long, hot kisses. Dale assured Rick that he was fine, to no avail,
Rick just shoved another tidbit in his mouth, admonishing him to eat.

Between meals, they slept, or read, or watched movies. Rick stayed at
Dale's side the entire day, except to prepare meals. Rick would be the last
to admit it, but his own body needed replenishment as well. His meals had
been sparse, his body inundated with too much alcohol. Rick felt somewhat
jittery and tired that day, he gratefully took his naps alongside Dale.

He slept especially sound during the late afternoon hours before supper. He
woke to an empty bed, Dale having disappeared. He checked the bathroom,
then downstairs, finding Dale in the kitchen preparing supper. He frowned
fiercely.

"Damn it, Dale, your supposed to be in bed!"

Dale jumped, flipping a handful of salad greens out of the colander and
into the sink, "Shit! Did you have to scare me like that?"

Rick moved to the sink, relieving Dale of the colander. "Go back to bed,"
he ordered.

"Rick."

"Bed."

"Damn it, Rick, I'm not the only one who needs to be in bed. You think I
can't see that you suffered too?" Dale admonished him. "You lost weight,
angel, and you're tired. You didn't stir when I got out of bed."

Rick's anger was defused, "You're too observant, you know. Am I ever going
to be able to put anything over on you?"

"No," Dale chuckled, "but you're welcome to keep trying."

"All right," Rick conceded, "I propose a compromise. We fix supper
together, then we both go to bed."

"On one condition," Dale agreed, "sometime, before this night is over, you
have to touch me with improper intent."

Rick looked at Dale, feigning shock, " Why, Mr. Vaden, I'm surprised at
you! Are you inviting me to take carnal liberties with your person?"

"You damn well better believe I am." Dale complained, "I'm horny."

Rick snickered at Dale's plaintive admission, "Come here, you." He hooked
an arm around Dale's neck, pulling him close. "I promise to perform,
sordid, lewd and lascivious acts on your body, later. You'll be my soiled
dove, my fallen angel, my deflowered virgin."

Dale's brows rose at the last moniker, "Um, I think it's a little late for
that for that last one."

"You're right," Rick agreed with a shrug, "ah well. Hey, maybe I should
introduce you to my favorite role playing fantasy. It's called, Milking the
Cow."

Dale frowned, his face was a study in confusion and disbelief. He looked at
Rick from under lowered lashes, unsure if he was serious or not.

Rick lost his struggle to keep a straight face, he burst out laughing,
"Lord, you should see your face!"

Dale grinned sheepishly, "I didn't know if I should be jealous because
you've been doing the cows, or drop to all fours and practice my moo."

Rick howled with laughter as tears streaked down his face. Dale grabbed him
as he staggered into his arms.

"You're a nut." he accused Rick fondly, "Must be why I feel I have to take
pity on you and give you a little lovin'."

"Bullshit," Rick chuckled. "You know it's because you find me sexy and
irresistible."

Dale solicitously patted Rick on the back, while pretending to humor him,
"Oh yeah, that's right, I forgot. Come on sweetie, let's get supper
started. You need to eat. I think you're a little light headed."

The two of them continued their banter as they fixed their supper. They
fixed a simple meal, salad, toasted cheese sandwiches, and cream of tomato
soup. Neither had the inclination to play gourmet. It was just too much
trouble, they wanted a quick fix, simple food and a quicker cleanup. That
accomplished they returned upstairs.

Rick declined sharing the shower with Dale, much to Dale's
disappointment. After performing his nightly bedtime rituals, he turned the
bathroom over to Rick and jumped into bed, waiting impatiently. When Rick
joined him in bed, he immediately became the aggressor. He kissed Rick with
all his pent up passion, wringing moans from him. His hands wandered Rick's
body, massaging, arousing. Having taken enough, Rick went on the
offensive. He rolled Dale over onto his stomach.

"I want you on your knees, baby." he ordered.

Dale complied, groaning as Rick draped himself over his body. Rick reached
around and took Dale's cock in hand, slowly stroking.

"Guess what I found." Rick whispered in his ear.

"What?" Dale panted, totally unprepared for Rick's next salvo.

"A teat." Rick answered.

Dale growled a warning, "Rick, don't start." Irritated, Dale couldn't help
the laughter that began slowly bubbling inside.

Rick ignored him and continued to pull at Dale's cock, "It's a big one too,
think I'll milk it." He increased the strength of his strokes. Dale
groaned, torn between laughter and the indescribable pleasure he was
getting from Rick's touch.

"You sadistic bastard," he gasped as the laughter bubbled closer to the
surface.

Rick whispered seductively, "Moo for me, baby."

Dale lost it completely. The laughter burst free as he collapsed to the
bed. He lay there, shaking, Rick's equally laugh-racked frame draped
partially over his own. The bed shook with their mirth, not exactly the way
Dale had planned for it to be shaking, but pleasurable just the same, and
healing.

Rick rolled slowly to his back with a groan and a long, contented, "Mmm."
as Dale followed, moving into his arms. Muscles relaxed and weakened by the
laughter, they lay drowsy and acquiescent as sleep began to claim them.

Dale sleepily murmured a plaintive "I'm never gonna get laid" and drifted
to sleep.

Rick joined him, a sleepy, yet devilish smile, curving his lips.

A couple of hours later, Dale woke to growing pleasure. His cock was
engulfed in hot, wet, velvet heat that stroked and sucked. He groaned and
reached down, finding the head of his lover bobbing rhythmically over his
groin. He wrapped his fingers in soft, silky hair, petting, encouraging,
expressing his appreciation.

Rick hummed, acknowledging Dale's awareness.

Dale's body clenched at the vibration. His buttocks tightened as he
mindlessly undulated a counter rhythm. Rick's hand cupped his ball sack,
gently massaging, drawing a guttural groan from Dale.  When his fingers
found that velvety length of skin between balls and pucker, pressing
firmly, Dale cried out and released. Powerful spurts of hot, fertile cream
flooded Rick's mouth, which he swallowed with pleasure.

Dale finally calmed, his body melting, loose and relaxed. Rick moved up,
covering him, finding his mouth, sharing a cum-flavored kiss.

"You didn't get laid, but I hope that helped." Rick whispered.

"Oh yeah, baby, just let me catch my breath and I'll show you how good it
feels."

"Uh, uh, that was for you, lover. Just relax and sleep. We've got time,
lots of time now, babe. Go to sleep."

Dale's heavy lids fluttered closed as Rick's deep soothing rumble, washed
over him. Rick hovered over Dale, softly stroking his hair, content to
watch, to be part of the peace that filled his lover.  He felt infinitely
peaceful and satisfied himself, knowing he was correcting his mistake,
heading in the right direction. No matter how much he loved his family, he
knew now that Dale was his future. He was ready to accept the consequences,
whatever they might be.

                                              * * *

The next morning they enjoyed a leisurely breakfast together. Dale noticed
that Rick seemed uncommonly subdued. At first he put it down to their
continuing recovery, neither of them had coped very well with their
separation.

Dale stood and began clearing the table, while Rick finished his
coffee. Dumping the dishes into hot soapy water, he returned to Rick. He
walked behind him and placing his hands on Rick's shoulders, he began a
firm massage. Rick sighed and leaned back, his head against Dale's mid-
section. Smiling, Dale continued the massage, leaning down to place a kiss
on the top of Rick's head.

"You ok, baby?" he asked.

"Yeah, babe, just a little tired I guess." He took one of Dale's hands,
kissing his knuckles, "Listen, I'm going to return the backhoe to mom and
dad's and have a talk with them, about us."

Dale's stomach lurched in sympathy. He knew Rick was dreading the upcoming
confession and possible confrontation with his parents.

He squeezed Rick's shoulder, "Are you sure you're ready for this?"

Rick nodded, "I don't want to put it off, waiting will just make it
harder. Besides, they're gonna wonder why I'm over here all the time." He
stood and took Dale's hands in his, "Tell me you love me."

Dale looked steadily into those beautiful, solemn, yet expectant,
blue-green eyes, "I love you Rick Hunter. No doubts."

Rick nodded decisively, curtly, as a sheen of tears brightened his
eyes. Dale dropped one of his hands, but kept a firm hold of the other. He
led him to the living room, leaving Rick in the center of the room with the
admonition to stay put. He went to the stereo and pushing a button,
selected a cd. He returned to Rick as the music began to flow from the
speakers.

"I want you to listen to this song." He held out his arms, "Dance with me."

Rick stepped forward and was enfolded in warmth and comfort. The music was
soft and easy. The words telling of a lover's fear of newly discovered
love. And though the fear was there, so was the knowledge that everything
would be all right as long as they were together.

They swayed slowly, as its mellow sweetness poured over them, the words
knifing straight to Rick's soul. He clung to Dale as tears
threatened. Dale's arms tightened, holding his man in a warm, secure
embrace. Their movements slowed and halted as the music ended.

"It's us isn't it?" Rick murmured.

"To a t, baby, to a t, that's why I wanted you to hear it." Dale again took
Rick's hand in his. "I know you're afraid Rick. Afraid of what's going to
happen today. Afraid of these feelings we have for each other and where
they'll lead us. I am too, but like in the song, we can't go back or undo
it. We both know that's no longer an option. I don't think it ever was." He
held Rick's gaze with his own, his mossy green eyes, serious and
sincere. "What we have is special, meant to be.  There are a lot of
unknowns in the future but we'll find the strength in each other to face
them.  Together." He gave Rick a sweet, loving kiss, "I love you, I'm here
for you."

Rick took a deep breath and nodded, turning, he walked through the kitchen
and out the back door. Dale was surprised when a few moments later he
returned, carrying a ringed binder filled with papers.

"I've been carrying this around the last few days, debating on whether or
not to ask you to look at it." He handed the binder to Dale, "I'd be
honored if you'd read some of it and give me your opinion." He gave Dale a
quick kiss. At the doorway he stopped and looked back, "I love you Dale,
I'll be back in a little while."

Dale nodded. He sat down on the sofa, listening for the sound of the
backhoe. It was fired up and by the sound, he could tell it was on the
move.

Curious, he settled back and opened the binder. Inside was a series of
short stories. Dale began with the first one and was soon engrossed. He was
touched by the writing. The stories were interesting, the characters well
drawn. By turns he laughed and cried and was amazed by this outpouring of a
talent Rick had apparently kept hidden. He was unaware of the passing time
until Rick entered the living room. Dale took one look at his face and
stood, going to him, wrapping his arms around him for a hug.

"Tell me, angel." he murmured softly, as he drew back to study Rick as he
spoke.

"Mom...she didn't take it too well. She hit me, Dale. Momma's never hit me,
not once my whole life." Rick spoke mechanically, remotely, "Dad, he didn't
say anything, not one word. After Mom left the room, crying, we just sort
of stared at each other for a minute. It was like we were
strangers. Finally, I told him if he needed to reach me, I'd be here."

He looked at Dale, his eyes seeming to focus away from some distant
point. "See, I told you I'd be back," he said with almost child-like
simplicity.

Dale bit his lip, Rick was in shock, "I know you did baby, I'm glad you're
home. Let's get some ice for your cheek."

Rick nodded and followed Dale into the kitchen, waiting patiently as he
filled an old-fashioned ice bag with cubes from the freezer. Dale kept the
bag for occasional headaches, usually brought on by sinus. Keeping his head
half frozen was the only way he got relief from headaches that sometimes
lasted for several days.

Bag filled, Dale led Rick upstairs. Once in the bedroom, he had him sit on
the edge of the bed, so that he could remove his shoes. He urged Rick to
lie down and sat down on the edge of the bed beside him. He placed the ice
bag on Rick's red and slightly swollen cheek.

"How does that feel, baby? Better?" he asked.

Rick nodded and shivered slightly. Dale reached for a blanket and pulled it
over him, tucking it tight. "Close your eyes, love, relax." He tenderly
combed Rick's hair back, a slow, soothing act that calmed and reassured
both of them. Rick yawned. Dale smiled, "Go to sleep, baby. It'll be all
right. Go to sleep." he crooned softly.

                                              * * *

"Dale?"

Rick's almost panicked call, brought him instantly alert and to the bed.

"I'm right here, Rick. You ok, babe?"

Dale had held the ice-pack to Rick's cheek for nearly half an hour, as he
slept. The place where his mother hit him was reddened, but the swelling
seemed to have gone down. He'd left him for a moment, going downstairs to
retrieve the binder that contained Rick's stories. Returning to the
bedroom, he settled himself comfortably in one of his grandmother's chairs,
opening the binder to read and wait for Rick to wake.

"I'm ok, Dale. I was a little out of it when I got here, but I'm ok now."
He sat up and sighed, "I'm glad you're here."

"So am I." Dale sat on the bed. They hugged, rocking gently, "I'm sorry
Rick, sorry things turned out the way they did."

Rick drew back and nodded, "So am I, but damn it, I'm not going to cry
about it." He blinked back the tears that threatened. "This shit has got to
stop."

"What shit?" Dale questioned.

"All this emotional upheaval. I haven't cried this much since I was twelve
and my dog died. It's not dignified."

Dale snorted, "Since when have you been concerned with dignity?"

"Since right now." Rick retorted. "Lets go out. I'm not going to hang
around the house and mope the rest of the day and night. I know, let's go
on a date. Dinner and a movie, what do you say?"

"So, you're asking me out?"

"Yes, I am. Will you go out with me, Dale, please?"

Dale felt a shiver of pleasure, "I'd love to go out with you."

Rick gave a whoop and jumped out of bed, his grin at full watt. "We've got
plenty of time to get ready. Let's drive into Springfield, I know this
little Italian place that has the best manicotti you've ever eaten. Then
we'll catch a movie, your choice. Does that sound ok?"

Dale nodded, laughing as Rick grabbed him up in his arms and danced him
around the room.

                                              * * *

Rick had kept his cheery attitude and made their date a rousing
success. Dinner was ambrosial, the movie amusing and their lovemaking on
their return home, explosive. Rick's amorous mood had lasted through the
night. He kept at Dale constantly, almost desperately it seemed. Dale was
certain some of his urgent need had to do with what had happened between
him and his parents.  He was desperate to be assured that Dale loved him,
needed him.

Dale was more than happy to comply, returning Rick's passion with equal
fervor. Though concerned with Rick's insecurities, he wasn't about to stop
and try to engage him in meaningful conversation. Rick was in rut. Dale
reveled in it.

Morning found them sleeping late.

The next couple of days, they worked around the house and outside. Rick was
a man who needed to stay busy and did. He did maintenance on the mowers and
tiller that were stored in the garage.  The grass had gotten tall and he
spent some few hours mowing. He took over the care of the ground that had
hosted the now defunct poplar grove. He arranged for some soil to be
delivered to fill in the holes. With the tiller he worked the ground,
blending the new soil with the old. The area was soon prepared and ready.

He and Dale made a trip into the local nursery, where they picked out four,
tall, sturdy oak trees and three, showy, scarlet maples. The trees were of
a size that they needed to be delivered, Rick helping the nursery man to
set them in when they arrived. He and Dale gazed at their new grove with
satisfaction. The trees were spaced to allow plenty of room for growth.

"Just think how these will look a few years from now." Dale spoke with
satisfaction.

Rick threw an arm around his shoulder and squeezed, "Those maples are going
to be something to see this fall, they'll add color the oaks can't. But the
oaks... there's something timeless and reassuring about oak trees. They
stand so tough and steady, unshakable and constant, as the years pass."

Dale squeezed Rick by means of the arm he'd looped around his waist. "You
have a poet's soul, my love. Which reminds me, I want to talk to you about
your stories."

"Okay...do I want to hear this?" he asked with some trepidation.

Dale laughed and released him, ducking from under his arm. "Well, I'm not
sure." he began walking back to the house, Rick anxiously on his heels.

"What does that mean?" Rick asked suspiciously.

"Maybe we should just forget I brought it up." Dale teased.

"Dale." Rick growled, in warning.

"What?"

"Tell me."

"Make me." Dale threw over his shoulder and sprinted away.

"You little shit." Rick cursed and took off in pursuit.

The two of them ran around the house, Dale dodging Rick's determined
pursuit. Dale would have been fine if he hadn't started laughing. He was
clearly the faster of the two. He led Rick on, reversing direction,
rounding the barn, when his amusement tripped him up. Weakened by laughter,
he fell victim to Rick's flying tackle.

They rolled in the soft, fragrant, padding of grass, Rick making sure he
came out on top. With Dale pinned beneath him, Rick began a determined
tickle attack that had him shrieking and begging for mercy. At last,
winded, and satisfied he'd doled out sufficient punishment, Rick
ceased. Dale sucked in deep drafts of air. As his breath steadied, he
bucked under Rick's imprisoning weight.

"Get off me, you fiend."

Rick declined to comply. "Not until you tell me what you thought about what
I wrote."

"Ok, ok. I give." Dale took another deep breath. "You're stories are
wonderful. I want to introduce you to my agent and have her read them. Have
you ever thought about writing something longer?"

Rick was stunned, he rolled off Dale and collapsed in the grass, "You're
serious aren't you?  You're not just saying that because we're lovers. You
really mean it don't you?"

"I'm serious all right, I wouldn't waste my agent's time, she'd skin me."
Dale levered himself up and leaned over Rick. "You have a real talent,
Rick, it would be a shame to keep it hidden. You should be published so
others can enjoy your writing, not to mention the fact that the money can
be damn good."

Rick lay still, watching the clouds move slowly across the sky. Dale lay
back next to him.

"What do you say to a trip to New York? I'll call my agent to arrange a
meeting. I want her to verify what I think, that you have a lot of raw
potential. I'm not saying you'll see a book in print with your name on it
in the next few months, but I want you to have the opinion of a
professional." Dale explained. "Afterward we can spend a couple of days
cruising around the Big Apple. It could be fun. Might be a good thing to
just get away for a few days or even a week or two.

Rick remained silent for a moment or two, then sat up. "Lets do it. I've
never been to New York, never been to much of anywhere for that matter. I
think it's time I expand my horizons." He stood and offered a hand to Dale,
pulling him to his feet. "Right this minute though, I feel something else
expanding. Let's go back to the house." He nuzzled Dale's neck. "This grass
is nice, but it's a little damp. I want you on your back, in our bed, while
I make love to you."

Dale shivered with anticipation. He held out his hand, "Come on." he
urged. Together they walked, arm in arm, back to the house.

They were just heading up the stairs when they heard a vehicle pull into
the driveway. Rick looked out the window by the front door. It was his dad.

"Oh shit," he whispered, his erection deflating.

>From his perch two steps up, Dale asked, "Who is it?"

Rick turned a look filled with uncertainty and anxiety in his direction,
"It's my dad."

Dale leapt down the stairs, coming to stand at Rick's side, "He's not armed
is he?"

"Dale." Rick admonished.

Dale shrugged, "Well, I don't know him, Rick. I'm just being
cautious. Where are you going?"

Rick had opened the front door, unlocked the screen and was preparing to
step out, "I have to see what he wants, Dale."

Dale frowned, but finally nodded. "Don't go off the porch. I'm staying
right here just in case."

Rick gave him a rueful smile, "All right mommy."

He walked out on the porch. By that time, his dad had exited his truck and
was now mounting the steps, coming to meet him. He stopped a few feet from
Rick and uttered one word.

"Son."

Rick answered with a choked, "Daddy?"

His dad nodded, "Come here, boy."

Rick stepped into his arms.

Dale watched them, his eyes filled with tears of relief and
happiness. Rick's dad rocked him as Rick cried, his own eyes bright with
tears, a few of which rolled slowly down his tanned, weathered, cheeks.

"I'm sorry son, I'm so sorry." he murmured.

Rick got hold of himself and pulled away, wiping his eyes, "What are you
sorry for, Dad? You didn't do anything."

Gerald Hunter shook his head, "I should have defended you. I was just so
damned surprised. I never suspected that you had such inclinations, you
were always going out with this girl or that one." He heaved a sigh, "I
watched for it, I watched your brother too, but I missed it. I didn't know
you were like me."

Rick's eyes widened in stunned surprise.

"Can we sit down someplace? We need to have a talk, son."

"Yeah, of course, Dad, come in." He opened the door, letting his dad
proceed him. Inside he introduced Dale. "Dad, this is Dale Vaden, my
partner."

Dale's nerves were jittery. He gave Rick a sweet, grateful smile and held
out his hand, "I'm pleased to meet you, Mr. Hunter." he said firmly.

Rick's dad shook his hand without hesitation. "I'm pleased to meet you,
Dale, call me Gerald. I wish we were meeting under easier circumstances,
but I hope things will get straightened around eventually." He looked
around curiously, "You young men wouldn't happen to have a cup of coffee,
would you?"

Rick's grin was beatific, "Dad, you sure came to the right place. Wait till
you taste Dale's coffee!"

Dale fixed the coffee and they settled at the kitchen table. Gerald took
his first sip, a look of surprise and delight spreading over his face. He
gave his son a stern look.

"Don't let him get away from you, son. A man could put up with a lot of
aggravation for coffee like this."

Dale grinned and blushed, as Rick and Gerald chuckled at his embarrassment.

Gerald sobered, "Your momma's awful sorry she hit you, son. She cried all
night, kept saying how she couldn't believe she did that to her baby."

Rick's throat tightened, unable to speak, he nodded. Dale took his hand and
gave it a reassuring squeeze. Rick grasped his hand firmly, keeping the
needed contact. Gerald smiled briefly at their display of comforting unity
and affection.

He continued, "She was shocked, Rick. It was like the past had come back to
haunt her."

Rick frowned, "What do you mean, Dad?"

"When I was a young man, I discovered I liked not only women, but men as
well." He took a deep breath, "I'm bi-sexual, son, just as I suspect you
are."

Rick flushed and nodded. It was disconcerting to be `outed' by your own
father, especially when he confessed similar inclinations. This was a side
of his dad, Rick would never have guessed existed.

"When I was eighteen, I had my first sexual experience with a man. I'd been
active with girls and enjoyed the hell out of it, but I still found myself
drawn now and then to a man. Not anyone in particular, mind you, just if
some good looking guy would catch my eye, I'd wonder what it would be
like. I found out. I'm not going into the details, just suffice it to say
that sex with women was sweet and hot. Being with a woman made me feel
strong and protective, but being with a man was totally different. There's
was something wild and primitive about it. It was just pure lust and
pleasure with no worries about emotional entanglements."

Gerald wiped at the sweat on his upper lip and grinned, "It's gettin' a
little hot in here."

Rick and Dale chuckled, sympathizing with his feelings.

"Anyway," he continued, "After that first time, I felt the itch every few
weeks, so I went into Springfield to scratch it. I met your momma when I
was 21. We started dating and it wasn't long before I was sure she was the
one for me. You see, even though I liked sex with men, I still preferred
women. When your mom came along, well, I was sure I could put all that
other behind me." He paused, lost momentarily in memories. "Then I met
Steve. That man affected me in ways no one ever had before. I was
fascinated with him, he was older than me and very experienced, we did
things..." He cleared his throat and glanced at his rapt audience,
reddening slightly.

"Never mind what we did. What I'm trying to say is, my relationship with
Steve began to affect my relationship with your mom. I knew I loved her and
didn't want to lose her, so I asked her to marry me. Even after we became
engaged, I couldn't break it off with Steve. Your mom began to suspect I
was seeing someone and one day she caught us."

"Oh shit," Rick murmured.

"Oh shit, for real." his dad agreed, "Steve was in town and I called your
mom to cancel our date that night, telling her I wasn't feeling well. Like
the good woman she is, she brought me chicken soup. Steve and I had just
finished up our first round and were fresh out of the shower, both wearing
only towels. We were headed for the kitchen and a snack when the doorbell
rang. I had this sudden, awful premonition, but before I could warn him not
to answer it, Steve opened the door and there stood your mom."

Gerald shook his head, the guilt and remorse of that moment still had the
power to disturb, even after so many years. "I'll never forget the look on
her face when she saw us. I knew then and there, I'd lost her. She didn't
say a word, just turned and walked away. I was in a total panic, I fell
apart. I'd never told Steve about your mom. He made me tell him
everything. Afterward, he shook his head and told me I was a fool. He said
it was obvious where my heart was and if I didn't get my head out of my
ass, I was going to regret it for the rest of my life."

Tears filled Gerald's eyes, "To this day, I still love that man. Not in the
way I love your mom, son," he added as Rick seemed about to protest, "but
Steve was a good man, totally unselfish and giving. I never saw him again
after that day. I hope and pray he's had a good life, he deserves it.  He
surely saved mine. I was able to patch things up with your mom and I vowed
to her I'd never be unfaithful again. It's a promise I've kept, even though
it was damned hard."

He gave both young men an uncompromising look, "That's something you'll
find out. The male animal isn't built for fidelity. More than likely, at
some point, you'll be tempted to stray, no matter how much you love each
other. But take my advice, you'd better think long and hard about what
you're putting at risk for a little physical pleasure."

Rick and Dale squirmed like guilty schoolboys under his fierce
regard. "We'll remember what you said, Dad," Rick assured him. "So, what
happens now? Is Mom prepared to accept Dale?"

Gerald shook his head, "Not yet son, but I'm working on her. She loves
you. I know, given time, she'll accept your decision. Like I said, all this
just brought back the past. It's quite a blow for a woman to face
infidelity from the man she loves, but to face what she did was doubly
hard. Your mom has a lot of strength and character, you know that son, and
she's fair. She's never had a bad word to say about gay men and
relationships. If anyone could have worked up fear and hate on that
subject, she certainly had cause to, but she didn't give in to it."

"Give it time, Rick, just give it time." Gerald sighed and pushed his chair
back, standing, "So, have you two been making any plans? Dale, I don't even
know what you do for a living. Are you going to be able to take good care
of my son?" he teased.

Rick grinned as Dale rolled his eyes, "Now I know where Rick gets it from."

They all laughed as they walked out on the front porch. Rick explained to
his dad, their plans for the trip to New York and the reason.

Gerald shook his head in mock resignation, "Son you're just one surprise
after another. It wouldn't surprise me now if you turned up pregnant. If
any man could do it, you could. And, if that happens," he turned a warning
eye to Dale, "I'll be down here with a preacher and a shot gun."

He reached out a hand to Dale, who took it, "Oh hell," he muttered, and
pulled Dale in for a hug.  "Son, you take good care of my boy." He released
Dale and drew Rick in, "And you look after this man, I plan to be down here
on a regular basis for that coffee, make sure you lay in a good supply."

"I will Dad." Rick replied, happiness squeezing his heart. It was a good
feeling.

Gerald walked down the steps and stopped, turning back to look at
them. "It's going to be all right boys, you mark my words, it's going to be
all right." He made his way to his truck, jumped in and with a wave, headed
down the road.

Dale and Rick returned the wave and entered the house. They turned to face
each other and came together in a rush, holding each other tight.

Rick laughed, "He's right, you know, it's just like our song, it's gonna be
all right."

Dale smiled, "Right now, I feel like the luckiest man alive, except for one
thing." he ran a teasing hand over Rick's groin, "I believe you owe me
something."

Rick took Dale's hand and led him upstairs, "Come on babe, I never go back
on my word. And you know? I feel another bout of, Milk the Cow, coming on."

"Aw, shit." Dale cursed. He pulled at Rick's hand, trying to get away.

Rick kept a firm hold and circled his arm around Dale's waist, leading him
into the bedroom, "Come on Bossy, come give daddy some cream."

"Rick!!"

Rick's laughter filled the room as he shut the door behind them.

To be continued....