Date: Mon, 23 Sep 2002 09:58:10 EDT
From: Tulsadriller7@aol.com
Subject: Tales from the Ranch, Chapter 11/?

Disclaimer:  The following story is a work of fiction.  If you
are offended by descriptions of homosexual acts or man/man
relations, please exit this page.

TALES FROM THE RANCH
Copyrightc 2002 by Tulsa Driller 7.  All rights reserved.

This is a story of men who have two common interests.  You will
see that they love the land where they live and work, but it is
also the story of young men who love other men and their coming
of age in a culture of prejudice and misunderstanding.  It is a
story, which deals with difficult and often disturbing issues
but, nonetheless, issues which must be confronted in today's
world.

This is a work of fiction and in no way draws on the lives of any
specific person or persons.  Any similarity to actual persons or
events is entirely coincidental.  This work is copyrightedc by
the author and may not be reproduced in any form without the
specific written permission of the author.  It is assigned to the
Nifty Archives under the terms of their submission agreement but
it may not be copied or archived on any other site without the
written permission of the author.

PLEASE:  In a perfect world AIDS doesn't exist.  My characters
have unprotected sex.  I hope you use proper precautions because
I'd like you to be around the read the last chapter of this
story.

Tales from the Ranch
Chapter 11:  Into the Weekend
     Friday morning Dale awoke again just before 6 a.m.  Craig
had moved the alarm clock to the side of the bed Dale slept on.
This morning Craig was spooned against Dale's back.  He could
feel his hard cock between his cheeks and wondered if there was
still enough lubrication that he could impale himself on Craig's
cock.  He moved himself slightly to see if he could get into a
better position for what he wanted to happen.  His movements
caused Craig to awaken.
     Dale heard, "Mornin' Lover," then felt Craig's wet tongue
behind his left ear.  That caused him to bounce up a little.  At
the same time Craig thrust his cock against Dale.  He must have
been situated in the right position because he felt his cockhead
breech Dale's sphincter muscle.  They both groaned as Craig
easily slipped in.
     Craig heard Dale mumble, "You feel so good."
     "Mmnn. so do you," as he reached around with his left hand
to wrap it around Dale's dick, which was fully stiff.
     Dale pushed himself back on Craig's erection which caused
his loose foreskin to slide up on his own cock.  They quickly
established a rhythm.  They each needed to pee, but not so badly
that they were uncomfortable with what they were doing.
     Dale managed to roll his head around so they could share a
kiss.  Not the most comfortable position, but their tongues could
touch the others.  He was beginning to ooze precum and Craig was
using it to lubricate his cock.  He pulled his mouth away so he
could whisper; "Let me roll on my back so you can deep-dick me."
     Craig broke their connection and started to move into a
position between Dale's legs as he rolled on his back.  Craig
thought his lover was the most wonderful sight his eyes had ever
seen.  He pulled his pillow down to fold it in half and scooted
it under Dale as he rose up slightly.
     Dale pulled his legs up and Craig reentered him.  "Ahhmmn,
that feels a lot better," he said.  They joined their mouths,
trying to bury their tongues in each other.  'No morning breath,'
Dale thought.
     Craig was unable to hold Dale's cock as he started
thrusting, but there was enough precum and Dale's loose foreskin
allowed his dick to be rubbed by Craig's stomach.  'Oh. that felt
good!'
     There wasn't any effort to hold off a climax by either.
This was morning sex and they each had a schedule to keep.  This
was just pure raw sex and lust.  Their hands and mouths were all
over the other.  Craig felt himself getting the tingle and then
immediately he could feel the cum rising in his cock.  He drove
himself deep and Dale started emptying himself at the same time.
Neither could believe that they had successfully reached a mutual
orgasm each time they had done this.
     They lay there for a few minutes, enjoying the dying
sensations of terrific sex.
     Dale whispered, "I love you and the way you make me feel."
     Craig returned, "And I love you too, Babe.  I love to be in
you and have you in me.  We are good together."
     They were a mess and the sheets were wet in places and had
dried cum on them in others.  Craig wondered if he should wash
them before Mrs. Hopkins was there again.  At the rate they were
going, the bed was going to need to be changed everyday.  Not
that he had any objection, he grinned to himself.
     Dale was standing by the bed and headed to the bathroom
before he dripped on the carpet.  He saw Craig grinning.  "Wha."
he started to ask.
     Craig laughed.  "Was just thinking that my sheets are in the
same condition we left yours the other morning.  I'm trying to
decide if I should wash them myself or let Mrs. Hopkins do it.
Dale joined in the laughter.
     "She might wonder why all of a sudden your sheets were
crusty, like they'd been starched in some areas and not in
others."  They both thought that was funny.
     They joined each other at the toilet and went through their
childish routine of trying to make their piss hit in the same
spot in the bowl.  This was fun.
     They each grabbed their toothbrush and cleaned their teeth.
Dale started to prepare to shave while Craig washed his hands.
     "I'm going to start coffee and pour orange juice for us,
then we can play in the shower," he giggled.
     Dale loved Craig's giggle, almost like a child who was
discovering something new for the first time.  'Maybe he was,' he
thought.
     As Craig was preparing the coffee maker he was thinking
about their morning sex romp.  They had both been on the giving
and receiving end of anal sex and both enjoyed it.  Craig
recalled reading that most macho men wouldn't allow anyone near
their asshole and Dale was about as macho as any man he'd ever
seen.  Certainly he was a sexy hunk, handsome, hairy and strong.
And, Craig himself loved to be on the receiving side of this.
This should make their sex lives most versatile and keep things
interesting for both of them.  How he loved this guy and was
thankful he'd had the guts to make a move on him.
     He poured juice and headed back to the bathroom.  Dale was
just finishing and rinsing his razor.  Craig handed Dale his
orange juice.  He really preferred to shave before his shower,
but he wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to shower with his
new lover!!
     He looked at Dale with a twinkle in his eye.  "Too bad
you're not drinking milk, then I could lick off the mustache."
     "You can lick off a real mustache instead."
     Craig gave him a kiss and rubbed his upper lip below Dale's
nose.  "That's growing quickly.  It's not going to take long for
it to look really good."
     Dale opened the shower door and they entered the enclosure.
Dale started the water and adjusted the temperature.  When it was
the temperature he wanted, they turned on the other three
showerheads.  This was great.  Almost like standing in a warm
rainstorm.  Craig reached up, turning two of the nozzles to their
pulsating feature.
     "Oh, wow!!! I think I could stay in here all day, Dale
said."
     "Yes, feels mighty good.  You know, we've not tried the
Jacuzzi tub yet.  I think it's large enough for both of us to
enjoy it at the same time.  He leered at Dale; "I can't wait for
you to feel the pulsating nozzles on you - all over your body."
     "I had someone use a pulsating nozzle on me this morning and
I loved it."
     By this time, they had shampooed their hair and rinsed the
soap off their skin.  Dale picked up his washcloth and started
rubbing himself.  Craig just stood there and watched.  He loved
the patterns the water was making on his chest hair and on down
his legs.  That was beautiful.
     Dale was looking at Craig.  He was handsome, his body was
tight and he had beautiful blue eyes and blond hair.  Yes, he had
made the right choice.  He had a real stud for his new lover.
     They shut off the water and quickly dried themselves.  Dale
was toweling his hair as Craig took the empty juice glasses to
the kitchen and poured coffee for them.  He glanced at the clock
on the microwave.  6:55.  Good thing Dale had awakened early.
They couldn't have had the fun they'd enjoyed if they'd slept to
6:30.
     Craig took the two mugs of coffee back to the bedroom.  Dale
was ready to get dressed.  Craig checked the dresser drawers.
"Hon, there are three drawers here that I can vacate by moving
some things around.  That will give you a place to put underwear
and socks.  If you need more space, we can get a chest to put in
here, or we can get more shelving for the closet."
     "I don't think the things I have will fill three drawers.
These are larger than the ones in my dresser at the house."
     "Whatever you need, we can get it," Craig replied.
     By this time Dale had put on socks, jockey shorts and his
Levis and had just sat down to pull on his boots.  Craig leaned
over for a kiss as he sat down to put on his socks and boxers.
"I love you," he said softly.
     "I love you more," Dale said with a twinkle in his eyes and
a grin on his face.  "And I certainly felt your love a little
while ago.  That was fantastic.  Hope it will hold me for the
day."
     He stood up to pull on his t-shirt as Craig ducked into the
closet to pull a pair of chinos off their hanger and get a sport
shirt for himself.
     Their arms about the other, they headed to the kitchen for
more coffee and some muffins Craig had purchased.  They ate in
silence, staring into each other's eyes, just enjoying being with
each other.  Finally, Dale realized that he needed to fix his
lunch as it was 7:10 and he needed to be on his way.  It was five
minutes further from here to the ranch than his house.
     He slipped the sandwiches and other items in a paper bag.
He and Craig said their good-byes and exchanged a toe-curling
kiss.
     "I should be here about 6:30 and I'll let you decide about
what to eat tonight."  They exchanged another kiss.
     Craig said, "Call me as soon as you know about taking Friday
and Monday - two weeks from today off so we can go to Ft. Worth.
I need to make hotel reservations today, if possible."
     Dale smiled, "Will do.  I should know the very first thing
because Mort wants to look at some of the new land we're buying.
I'll call you before we do that."
     Another kiss and he was out the door.
     Craig thought about how lucky he was.
     Dale got in his car and started down the street, thinking
the same thing.
     As Craig was filling his pockets with his billfold, change
and a pen and pencil, he happened to glance in the mirror over
the dresser and realized he hadn't shaved.  He decided he'd
better do that or Don would tease him.  Not that it mattered.
     * * * * *
     Dale arrived at the ranch pretty much on time.  Jason and
Kevin were waiting for the school bus so he stopped his car to
talk to them for a little bit.  "Hi Dale," they said, almost in
unison.
     "Hi yourselves.  How's the first week of school been?"
     "Pretty good," Jason said.  "The Riley twins have been in
trouble everyday and have had to spend two days in supervised
detention for disturbing their home room.  They separated them so
that Larry is now in my homeroom, but they both still get in
trouble."
     Kevin added, ".and Mr. Harris won't allow them to make any
noise on the bus.  They started teasing John Clark last night and
he made them move to the front row and told them not to open
their mouths or he would make them walk home."
     Jason said, "Dad didn't think he could do that, but they
don't know it."
     About this time, they saw the bus coming around the curve of
the highway.  They exchanged their good-byes and Dale drove on to
the barn.
     * * * * *
     Mort was working at his desk so after putting his lunch in
the cooler Dale went in to talk to him.
     "Mornin' Dale," Mort said.  "Are you ready to go look at the
other land?"
     "I will be as soon as Michael and John get here.  I need to
assign their work so they can get started on it."
     "I've got several things to do here, so it'll be at least 20
minutes before I'm ready," Mort said.
     "Mort, would it be okay with you if I take a Friday and a
Monday off in two weeks?"
     "I don't know why not.  We're not doing anything that's
critical like planting or harvesting.  Plan on it."  He went to
the calendar to verify the dates and marked them as Dale being
off.  He looked at Dale and smiled.  "You never take any time
off, must be something special going on."
     "Yes, a friend invited me to go to Ft. Worth with him.  He's
going to a Builders Trade Show and then wants to have some fun
there, too.  I've never been to Ft. Worth or Dallas so he's going
to show me the sights."
     "Good for you, Dale, I worry about you sometimes.  You don't
seem to have too many friends and I never see you out when my
wife and I are shopping or going to a movie or even, out to eat."
     "No, I don't like to go places by myself and just never
seemed to have anyone who wanted to go anywhere except to drink
beer or play pool.  After the example my grandfather set for me,
I don't want to be like him and spend my time in a bar, losing
money."
     About that time the other two fellows drove in, this time in
Michael's car.  Dale remembered that he'd intended to ask John if
he'd been able to get a room at the Starlight.
     They came in, and all exchanged greetings.  Dale had them
sign new time cards and reminded them that they would receive
their paychecks before they left for the evening.  He assigned
John and Michael to clean out the two hay balers.  "Be sure to
grease and oil everything," he reminded them.  Then he said,
"When you are done with that, clean out the stalls in the horse
barn.  They didn't smile.
     "I'm not singling you out for this, we have to take turns
and this is your time.  The horses have been outside most of the
time, so it shouldn't be too bad."
     "I know, it's just not my favorite job," Michael said.
     "Mine either, but I've done it a couple of times myself
recently because I needed you fellows to work on something else."
     He looked at Michael.  "Farm Supply is supposed to deliver
some parts this morning.  Mort and I are going to look at some of
the new land we're buying, so you need to watch for the driver.
Be sure to verify quantities and sign the delivery sheet.  Put
the ticket on my desk.  Also, the Co-op will be delivering both
diesel fuel and regular gasoline.  Check the glass before he
starts filling them so you can verify the total he leaves.
Should be within a couple of gallons of his meter reading."
     The fellows set off on their assigned tasks.
     Dale ducked back in the office and called Craig.
     It felt a little awkward to talk to Craig on the phone with
Mort sitting there.  He simply said, "I've made arrangements for
the two days.  I can't talk right now, but will see you later."
     They exchanged their good-byes.  'That was strange,' Craig
first thought, then realized that either Mort or one of the other
men were probably listening to the conversation.  That would make
it difficult to talk to one's lover, wouldn't it?
     * * * * *
     Dale and Mort went off to look at the land the Williamson's
were buying to expand the operation of the Bar-W.  This was good
land, some of which was close to the river and would be very
fertile soil for crops.  They also looked at the land Mort
thought would be good for grazing land.  Dale agreed that it
couldn't be successfully farmed.  While the soil would support
grazing cattle, it wasn't the quality needed to support plowing
and growing crops.  Dale suggested that they might seed the
ground with some type of prairie grass to enhance the grazing.
Mort thought this was a good idea, but they would need to wait
until next spring when there was warmer weather and spring rains
to help give it a head start.
     That task accomplished, they discussed the sections, which
would be vacated by the cattle as they were moved to the new
ground.  Then they talked about how to handle the soon to be
vacated land at the present ranch.  Dale suggested that the
ground be plowed and a legume crop be planted to add nitrogen to
the soil, and then plant winter wheat the next fall.  Mort was
pleased with Dale's suggestion, as it was what he would have
proposed.  'This young man was coming along nicely,' he thought.
     They arrived back at the ranch in time to eat lunch.  Mort
was to meet his wife, as she wanted to buy some new furniture.
     Dale ate lunch with Michael and John.  As they didn't know
each other well, it was a chance to get acquainted.  They talked
about the possibility of their jobs turning into permanent ones
and Dale assured them they were eligible to be hired as of the
first of October.  There were questions about the living
arrangements and Dale told them that they shouldn't plan to
vacate the Starlight much before Thanksgiving, although if the
weather held the new quarters might be completed a week of so
before then.
     * * * * *
     Craig was having a good day.  His morning had gotten off to
a good start - in bed.  The sex they'd had the last few days
really felt good.  He was pleased that they both seemed to be
versatile and either could fuck the other.  He was not
comfortable with the "male/female" roles that many gay men acted
out.  They were both virile studs that loved having sex with
another man.  That's what counted.  None of that "husband/wife"
role-playing.
     He pulled out the envelope with the information about the
Ft. Worth Builder's Show.  The convention headquarters was the
Hilton Hotel and the show would be at the Tarrant County
Convention Center, which was downtown.  Craig punched the number
for convention registration and talked with one of the staff who
confirmed his reservation and that both a member and guest badge
would be held for him
     As soon as he hung up, he called the Hilton Hotel to make
room reservations.  They had a block of rooms set aside for those
attending the trade show and Craig was able to obtain a double
room.  He requested that it be on an upper floor and was assured
that a note had been made on his reservation.
     Craig needed to do a little bit of planning so he could
arrange for Dale and his parents to meet.  He was so proud of his
new partner and wanted to share his good fortune with his family.
     He was able to complete the plans for the crew quarters to a
point that he could call Ray Evans to come look at them to see if
he needed anything else.  He was able to catch Ray on his mobile
phone.  Ray told Craig that he had to be at the Builder's
Warehouse Store at 11:15 and would stop by his office afterward.
     Craig wasn't sure where Don was that morning, but it wasn't
unusual for him to be out of the office without telling Craig.
He knew that Don had three projects working where he needed to
check construction sites at least every couple of days.
     It didn't seem that it was too long after that when Ray
arrived at their office.  Craig offered him a cup of coffee and
showed him the computer generated plans he had printed out using
their plotter.  He had a couple of concerns and Craig made the
corrections.  Ray was impressed with the plotter and the fact
that it printed such good detail on the extra-large paper used
for blueprints.  He had never seen this CAD program in operation
before and realized the time it saved, as plans didn't have to be
corrected by hand and re-printed.
     They discussed the computer program.  By the time the
working drawings were completed, it was time for lunch.  Ray
invited Craig to got get a bite to eat.  Craig didn't have
anything which needed to be done immediately so accepted the
invitation.
     Ray offered him a ride in his pickup and drove to Zapata, a
Mexican restaurant.  The food was good and they each ordered a
beer to go with their food.  As they ate and talked, Craig
realized that maybe Ray was coming on to him.  He didn't know
anything about Ray except that he was a high school buddy of
Marty's and that he and his business partners were excellent
carpenters and had a very good reputation around the Williamsport
area.
     They discussed subjects in general and when they had
finished eating, Ray leaned across the table to ask, "Are you
dating anyone?"
     Since Craig had sensed Ray's interest, he really wasn't
surprised at the question.
     "Yes, someone I've just met," without giving any further
clue.
     "Anyone I know?" Ray asked.
     The moment of truth had arrived and Craig didn't see any
need to beat around the bush, even though he didn't know Ray.
All he knew was he didn't think he was married.
     He really didn't want to "out himself or Dale" but the
question seemed to be asked honestly.
     "Yeah, you met him the other morning at the Bar-W meeting,"
watching for Ray's reaction.
     "Dale?" Ray answered.
     "Yes."  Craig gulped a little, not knowing what kind of
reaction this was going to draw.
     "You lucky dog, you," Ray grinned.  I've been wanting to ask
him to go to a movie, but really was too chicken to follow
through."
     "In that case, I am lucky, because I had a hard time getting
up the nerve myself."
     This exchange of information seemed to cement a new
friendship with each other.  That of being real "brothers"
instead of casual friends.
     As they got ready to leave the restaurant, Ray insisted on
picking up the check for the meal and wouldn't even allow Craig
to leave the tip.
     When they returned to the office, Craig gave Ray the
completed plans for him to look over.  He also gave him the "bill
of materials" the computer system had prepared, telling him that
there could be some changes as Marty hadn't signed off on the
plans, but Craig didn't think there would be any surprises.
     * * * * *
     Craig busied himself by going through invoices to be paid
and putting them on their secretary's desk so she could prepare
the checks for signing.  He decided to prepare the site elevation
for the lot Warren Collins owned.  Don had left the information
he'd gotten from the zoning board and utility companies on a
spindle near the computer.  Craig started on that project and
soon had the basic lot drawings completed.  This would show how
much work a contractor would have to do in order to level the
lot.  He was surprised when he finished.  There was more slope to
the lot than he had thought.  Wanting to make sure this was
correct, he drove the few blocks to look at the lot down the
street.  'Not a problem,' he thought.  He just didn't think there
was a 2-foot rise from the sidewalk to the backside of the lot.
He was glad he'd come to check it out.
     By the time he got back to the office, Sherry had the checks
written for the bills to be paid as well as payroll checks for
each.  It was 4 p.m. and really no reason to start another
project on a Friday afternoon.  He decided to do something he
hadn't done for quite a while.  Leave work early.  After all, he
owned the company - with Don - and it wasn't like there was a
backlog of work that needed his attention.
     He wished Sherry a good weekend and taking his paycheck,
stopped at his bank to make his deposit and get $100 in cash for
the weekend.
     He headed home so he could accomplish a few things before
Dale got there.  He started with the dresser drawers, moving some
underwear and socks into other drawers and putting his collection
of pocketknives, pens, tie clips, cuff links, receipts; things
that accumulate in drawers on their own.  Mostly "junk" but he
didn't want to throw any of it away.  He got a small box out of
the closet, put those items in and then put it in another drawer.
     Then, it was time to tackle the closet.  He started through
the hanging clothes, deciding that there were several things he
hadn't worn for quite awhile.  Two pairs of pants, three sport
shirts, one pair of shoes that maybe could be resoled.  He
carried the stuff to the closet in the other bedroom and hung it
up.  'Well, that was simple,' he thought to himself.
     He rearranged the remaining clothes and shoes, moving his
things to one area of the closet and leaving plenty of space for
Dale's use.  There were shelves that held folded shirts, Levis
and sweaters and he moved those things together.  Again, there
seemed to be plenty of space for Dale to use.
     Next was the bathroom and again there was little to throw
away or rearrange.  He could empty two drawers easily.  There was
a lot of shelf space behind the mirror.  He was done.
     * * * * *
     Dale's afternoon went quickly.  Mostly planning for work in
the coming weeks and putting away the supplies, which had been
delivered that morning.  He checked the two hay balers Michael
and John and worked on.  They were clean and had been greased, so
could be moved to the storage area for use next week.  John had
cleaned out the horse barn; scattering new straw in the stalls,
then had cleaned out the barn where Star was milked without being
asked.
     Jason and Kevin arrived home after school and soon were in
the barn to do their evening chores.  Jason, being his usual
outgoing self, stuck his head in the door to thank Dale for
cleaning out Star's stall.
     "Wish I could take credit for it, bud, but you really need
to go find John and tell him."  Jason set off to find John and
found him talking to Michael as they were cleaning other
equipment parked in the storage lot.  John was pleased that Jason
had taken the trouble to thank him.  Most kids wouldn't have done
that.
     About 5 o'clock a messenger from the accounting firm arrived
with an envelope containing their paychecks.  Dale had an
envelope of invoices he and Mort had approved to be returned for
payment.  Mort arrived about that time to collect his check and
told Dale that it had been decided to sell the clover hay they
would be baling next week.  The barns were getting full and they
had been able to get an extra cutting from several of the fields.
The good news was that the purchaser had agreed to pick up the
bales in the field so there would be no extra handling by him or
his crew.
     While they were talking, Michael and John came in to sign
their time sheets and Dale gave their checks to them, wishing
them a good weekend and that he would see them on Monday.
     He and Mort exchanged good-byes and left about the same
time.
     * * * * *
     As Dale was driving to Williamsport, he realized that for
the first time this week he wasn't all dirty.  That was a big
change, as he usually couldn't wait to get home to shower.  He
could go on to Craig's - correction - their place.  That was
going to take some getting used to.  He had lived in his house
all his life.  Actually it had been his grandparent's home, and
then was left to his mother when they died and now was his.  He
had never known anyplace else to call home.
     In some ways he was hesitant about moving in with Craig.  It
wasn't that he didn't want to live with him and share their
lives.  It was the fact that it was going to be a different
routine and he had some doubts about coming home to that spacious
home when he was all filthy with dirt, sweat and grime.  Although
Craig had told him that it's was no one's business except theirs,
it just seemed strange.
     He drove on past his usual turn, heading to THEIR home and
his new lover.  His heart was light and the anticipation of soon
being in Craig's arms filled his thoughts with love.  As he drove
in the parking lot, he looked at his watch.  5:50.  Forty minutes
earlier than he'd told Craig he would be home.  Forty more
minutes of their lives that they could be together.
     Dale parked his car and had another thought.  His old car
was 15 years old and looked like it was on its last gasp,
although it ran fairly well.  It was basic transportation to get
back and forth to work and no one else ever rode in it.  It just
looked terrible and really looked like "poor relation" had parked
in the lot next to Craig's car.  He would talk to Craig about
replacing it.  There had been several times that a small pickup
would have been handy, although he knew he could borrow a pickup
from the ranch with no questions.
     He took the elevator to the top floor and started to ring
the bell.  Then he remembered HIS key that Craig had given him
that morning.  He pulled the ring out of his pocket, unlocking
the door and entered the apartment.
     "Hi Honey, I'm home," he called out as he shut the door.  It
felt good to be able to say that.  Where was HIS MAN?  Dale
started for the bedroom and Craig came out of the kitchen with a
stack of bath towels in his arms.  Craig got a huge grin on his
face.
     "Hi Honey, yourself," walking up to him for a kiss.  His
GUY, his LOVER was home.  Craig put the still-warm towels on a
chair and wrapped himself around Dale's body.  He was glad to see
him.
     "I didn't expect you to be here so early."  He realized Dale
was wearing the same clothes as he'd put on that morning.  "You
didn't go to your house to shower, did you?"
     "No, this is the first evening in quite a few that I haven't
been absolutely filthy.  I thought I'd come HOME.  His smile was
huge as he said this.
     Dale hugged Craig to him and showered him with kisses,
starting with his mouth, then around his face to his ears and
back to his throat, then the other ear and back to his mouth.
Craig was getting hard and Dale could feel himself getting that
way, too.
     They broke their kiss and Craig panted, "You sexy stud, you.
I'm glad you are HOME.  OUR HOME!!  I've thought about you all
day and how lucky I am that you belong to me."
     They stood there a full 5 minutes, nuzzling each other and
whispering their good thoughts to each other.  This felt so great
to each of them.  It wasn't like the "dates" they'd had other
evenings.  This was their coming home to be with each other.  It
had all happened so quickly, but it felt so right and certainly
neither had any regrets.  They belonged to each other. they
NEEDED each other to complete their own lives.
     As they broke apart, they exchanged one more small kiss.
Craig picked up the towels and headed toward the linen closet.
"Come on, you might as well learn where things are kept and you
can help me make the bed.  The sheets aren't 'crusty' anymore."
He grinned.  They went through the bedroom into the bath.  Dale
hadn't noticed before, but there was a large storage closet
behind the door.  There were shelves for sheets and towels and
drawers for other things, extra soap, shampoo, etc.  Then there
was shelving for extra toilet paper, cleaning supplies and other
items.
     "There is another closet in the other bathroom for the
towels and sheets which belong in that area," Craig told him.  He
put the towels on the shelf and asked, "Will you help me put the
sheets on the bed?  Dale stepped up to help him and together they
had the bed made in two minutes, sacking up four feather pillows
and putting Craig's beautiful quilt back on the bed.
     "Let me show you what I've done with the closet.  They
walked in the room and Craig pointed out the space he'd made for
clothes to be hung up, then the shelving for things Dale had
which were folded and extra storage above.  The hamper for dirty
clothes was in the closet also.  "You can put dirty clothes in
there and we can either wash them or leave them for Mrs. Hopkins
to wash."
     Dale said, "That's fine, but I think I'd better bring a
basket to put my Levis and shirts in.  Sometimes they are just
too dirty to mix with other laundry."
     "Not a problem.  We can get one while we're out this
evening."
     "Why don't we head over to my place in a few minutes and
I'll move most of my clothes this evening.  That way I won't have
clothing in two places and have the problem of not having what I
might need."
     "Fine with me.  I don't think we have any plans except to
eat.  How soon do you want to go?"
     "Now is fine with me.  Do you mind taking your car?  Mine
isn't really something I think you want to ride it.  If we need a
pickup, we can get one from the ranch tomorrow."
     "Be glad to, how much stuff is there?"
     "Not a lot.  We can probably move most of it in one trip."
     "I have a clothes bar which can be put in the back seat.
The things on hangers will be easier to move if we can leave them
that way and hang them in the back."
     "There are two or three clothes baskets at the house and we
can use them for loose items, underwear, socks - things that are
in drawers," Dale said.
     "When we get ready to pack you up, we'll go to the liquor
store.  They always have good sturdy boxes and they leave the
lids intact.
     Dale said, "I was thinking that tomorrow we go out to the
ranch and get one of the pickups.  We can haul more things and
make fewer trips."  He thought for a little bit.  "Have you ever
been horseback riding?"
     "It really was a pony at a friends birthday party.  A long,
long time ago."
     "We're not really pressed to get a lot accomplished
tomorrow.  Why don't we fix a light picnic lunch and go to the
ranch, saddle up a couple of horses and I'll take you up one of
the ravines along the river.  There are lots of good places to
picnic and we can even swim, if we want."
     "That sounds like fun.  I've never done anything like that,"
Craig answered.
     "Do you have any boots?" Dale asked.
     "As a matter of fact I do, just don't think about wearing
them very often."
     "Great.  Let's get the clothes moved tonight, then we can
tackle some of the other stuff I might need tomorrow and on
Sunday.  It's just now 6:30, so we should be able to get the
clothing moved then go out to eat."
     Craig got the clothes bar out of the entry closet, and then
they locked the apartment, went downstairs and got in Craig's
car.  It didn't take more than a few minutes to get to Dale's
house.  While Craig was attaching the clothes bar, Dale unlocked
the house and went in.  Craig was there shortly.
     Dale showed him the clothing that was on hangers and they
might possibly fill half the back seat.  They carried the clothes
out in two loads each and Craig carefully hung them on the bar.
     As they went back inside, Dale said, "I've got some clothes
in the dryer I need to get."  The clothes baskets are in here,
too.  Craig got the baskets and carried them to the bedroom.
Dale followed with the clothes and folded them up.  They began
filling the clothes baskets, emptying the dresser drawers.  Dale
got a couple of empty boxes out of the basement for loose things
out of the dresser and chest.  After the boxes were loaded, they
carried them to the car, too.
     Going back in the house, Dale said, "Come on downstairs with
me and I'll show you what we are up against in trying to empty
this place."
     Craig followed him downstairs, expecting to see the worst.
He was surprised as it was neatly organized.  Dale's old bedroom
that he used before his mother's death was still set up and full
of things he'd collected through the years.  Sports trophies,
posters, newspaper clippings and pictures.  There was a weight
bench and an ironing board was set up.  There was also some old
furniture and an old TV.  Otherwise, the place was in good shape.
     "I don't see a problem with this," Craig said.  "From what
you told me, I thought it would be full of junk, stacked floor to
ceiling."
     "It was when my grandparents died.  I don't know how many
trips to the dump we made and you wouldn't believe all the old
magazines and newspapers.  I think they put things down here
instead of throwing them away."
     They went back upstairs and Dale showed Craig his mother's
room.  There really wasn't a lot worth keeping except for things
Dale wanted as memories of his family.  Those could be picked up
and packed, then the people who would have the garage sale could
come in and start organizing the rest for the garage sale.
     They were through there for the evening.  Dale locked the
door and they got back in Craig's car.
     As Craig was driving down the street, Dale asked him what he
thought about buying a small pickup to replace his old eyesore of
a Mustang.
     "I don't know that it's necessary unless you just want a new
pickup.  I'm not sure that we would really have anything to haul
around.  Didn't you say that you could always use one of the
pickups from the ranch?"
     "Yeah."  Dale was silent for a minute and Craig asked him
what was wrong.
     "I'm concerned about my old car being parked in your parking
lot at the condo.  It doesn't look like it belongs there."
     A bell went off in Craig's head.  Dale was beating himself
up again.  He had to be careful with his reply.
     "Hon, don't worry about it.  Nobody really cares what kind
of vehicle you drive, especially me.  Don't spend money to
needlessly 'improve your appearance'," he told Dale.  "People are
looking at Dale and his being who he is, not whether he drives a
Mercedes or rides a bicycle.  It's the same thing about your
clothes and coming home dirty of an evening.  They look at you
and see a man doing an honest day's labor.  Now if I were to
dress that way, it would definitely be an issue for them to
complain about."
     Craig reached for Dale's hand and squeezed it as they drove
in the parking lot at THEIR apartment.
     "Okay?" he asked.
     "Yes, Craig, you always seem to be able to reduce things to
the simplest terms.  I don't know how you do it, but you always
make me feel better when you explain it to me.  Thanks, Lover."
     It took three trips each and they had Dale's clothing in the
apartment.  They hung up the clothes that were on hangers and
there was still plenty of room.  Craig thought there was more
than enough drawer and shelf space for the rest, but they didn't
need to deal with that tonight.
     "Hey Hon, any ideas about where to eat?" Craig asked.
     "There's a new barbecue place at the south end of town.
It's supposed to be pretty good, but I've not eaten there."
     "Sounds good to me.  I know where it is."
     They got back in Craig's car and were on their way.  The
decor was interesting.  The floor was covered with sawdust and
the food was served on heavy plastic plates with plastic
utensils.  They each ordered the combination plate and a bottle
of Coors beer, and then found a table where they could sit and
eat.  The food was very good.
     * * * * *
     They arrived back at the apartment and Dale let them in with
his new key.  It felt good to have a new home and be living with
Craig.  He thought things had moved very swiftly, but it felt
right and he knew he wouldn't regret it.  There were so many new
experiences awaiting him and he could hardly wait.
     Craig's thoughts were along the same line.  He didn't know
how he had lucked out in finding Dale and was really quite
surprised at himself for having the determination to approach
Dale at all.  He had never been the aggressor before.  It had
always been someone coming on to him.
     As soon as the door was shut, Craig turned to Dale and gave
him a hug and kiss that took Dale's breath away.  After what
seemed like five minutes they broke the embrace.  "Welcome home,
my love. really welcome to OUR HOUSE," Craig whispered.
     Dale was enthusiastic at the 'welcome home' and responded
with equal vigor.  "I'm glad to be here," he said as he nuzzled
Craig's neck.  "I'm really glad to be home."
     They went into the living room to sit on the love seat, but
within a minute were rubbing each other and starting to shed
items of clothing.  It was almost a contest as to which could
kiss the most places on the other's body.  Finally they pulled
apart a little and Craig whispered, "There's a room down the hall
that's better suited to this activity."
     Dale, who was sort of lying on top of Craig, stood up and
offered his hand.  He pulled Craig to a standing position and
they looked at east other and laughed.  Dale pointed to their
erections; Craig's sticking out of his boxers and Dale's tenting
the front of his jockey shorts and said, "Lead the way, little
guys."
     Craig followed Dale into the bedroom, pinching his butt
through his briefs.  Dale reached back to make sure Craig's dick
was following behind him.  He had plans for that dick - and
Craig, too.
     They shed their shorts and eased themselves onto the bed
after turning the quilt and top sheet down.  The quilt was a
"double wedding ring" pattern that Craig's grandmother had made
and hand stitched with love. one for each of her grandchildren.
Craig thought the quilt was appropriate for the occasion.  'After
all, this was kind of like a wedding night, wasn't it?'  He got a
big smirk on his face.
     Dale looked at Craig.  "Wha.?" he asked.
     Craig told him about the quilt and asked, "Do you think it's
appropriate for it to be on the bed?"
     Dale thought for a moment.  "It's not really our wedding
night, but kind of like a honeymoon and homecoming all rolled
into one for me."
     "Me too, especially the homecoming part for you."
     They lay down and turned to face each other so they could
still kiss and caress each other.  They kissed each other for a
while, their hands roving over the other.  Finally Craig worked
himself around so they could get into a 69 position.  They each
started licking around the other's ball sack, saving their rock-
hand cocks for a little later.  Craig was elated at the mild
sweaty taste of Dale, who had worn Levis and jockey shorts all
day.  The perspiration tasted wonderful and he couldn't get
enough.  Dale was clean, just that his equipment had been bound
up all day.
     Dale thought that Craig tasted great, also.  Something about
the taste of a little sweat combined with soap seemed to be a
real turn-on for him.  He wrapped his tongue around Craig's cock,
starting above the ball sack and worked himself up to the tip and
back down.  Craig moaned.
     Meanwhile, Craig was doing the same to Dale.  His tongue
reached the end of Dale's shaft and he worked his tongue inside
the foreskin, then ran it around the rim of the glans.  The
accumulation of what he later learned was called "cock cheese"
was there and it had a strong, heady taste.  He licked it up,
coating his tongue.  This was too good for one person; he wanted
to share it with Dale.  He broke their contact and searched for
Dale's mouth.
     Dale was surprised at what Craig was sharing with him.  For
some reason he had never investigated his own smegma.  He was
surprised at the taste.  Tart and tangy, but not all that
unpleasant.  He thought it was too bad that Craig didn't have
some of his own to share.
     They shared Craig's discovery, mixing it with their saliva;
then went back to the important aspect of worshiping each other.
     As they each coated the others cock with saliva and mixed it
with the precum that was leaking, Craig managed to wet one finger
with the slick mixture, and then worked it into Dale's anus.
Dale bucked on the bed.  That felt so good, especially when Craig
found his prostate and stimulated the flow of precum.  'Dale
tasted so good,' he thought.
     Not to allow just one of them to have all the fun, Dale
performed the same manipulation on Craig, getting almost the same
result.  They each got into a rhythm that gave the other
wonderful sensations.  The deep-throated each other, they hummed
when they had the other's cock buried in their throats.  It was
wonderful.
     They each had two fingers inside the other and had come
close to the edge several times, then backed away only to attack
the other with renewed vigor.  Finally Craig realized that he had
gone beyond the threshold and knew Dale was going to cum.  Dale
knew what was going to happen and increased his efforts.
     It was going to happen!!  Dale's cock started pulsating and
Craig could feel the cum move up his pee tube.  The sensation of
the pulsing organ in his mouth stimulated Craig and he lost his
load at the same time as Dale.  They could hardly keep up with
the flow as it gushed into their mouths.
     'What a fine taste,' Craig thought.
     Dale was still bouncing around on the bed a little.  The
feeling was, again, like nothing he had ever experienced and his
lover had caused it.  His lover had made him feel so good.  His
lover was the most wonderful person he had ever known.
     They moved around so they could share their harvest with
each other.  Two big loads, add saliva, then blend and swallow.
Julia Child or Craig Claiborne couldn't have 'cum' up with a
better recipe, or could they?
     It took quite awhile for the euphoria to wear off.  They
hung on to each other, kissing and rubbing their hands over their
lover.  "Lover, lover," each thought, enjoying the warm thoughts
the word brought to their minds.
     Finally, they broke apart.  Each had to pee and they needed
to brush their teeth, because as good as it tasted right now,
cummy breath wasn't what they wanted to greet each other with in
the morning.
     Getting back in bed, together they pulled up the sheet and
"double wedding ring" quilt, rolled to face each other, then
exchanged a sweet-tasting good night kiss.  Sleep came swiftly
for each.
     * * * * *
     (to be continued)
* * * * *
Author's Note:  This is my first attempt at gay fiction, and the
only way I can learn whether or not I should continue is from my
readers' feedback.  I would appreciate your comments, criticism,
suggestions, and anything else that you would care to say.  All
Email will be answered.  If you wish to receive e-mail
notification of subsequent posting, please let me know by sending
your request to the e-mail address below.  Contact me at:
tulsadriller7@aol.com

Thanks for the overwhelming response to previous chapters.  I
received positive replies from all over the world.  My special
thanks to RW, whom I've known for many years and value his
suggestions.  Also for the proofreading help of Paul Daventon,
author of  "Turning the Page" found in the "Adult-Friends"
section of Nifty.  Please read it.