BOOGER RED & COWBOY CHAPTER 12
By Waddie Greywolf

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 all ready there waiting for us.  It was so cold dad 
loaned 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 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 sign for the
new organ. She 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 decorated it until it
was a wonderland of greenery and red ribbons.  I never saw 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 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 the 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 in my eyes and looked to see there wasn't a
dry eye among us. For once I didn't have to feel bad I was being
overly emotional. It was one of the most moving and personally
wonderful Christmas' I can remember.

I 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 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 survived and was thankful for my immediate
family. I vowed sitting in that church surrounded by love  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 the Old Man loved Buck so
much he wanted Buck to be with him.  Sitting there in church 
Christmas eve, I felt surrounded by God's love.  I knew without a
doubt in my heart, he would see to it 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 he was somewhere warm and cared for.  Yes, even in the
arms of T-bo if that's what he needed.  I felt bad 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 stayed the chilled night
from our bodies. 

We stopped and marveled at the canopy of stars.  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 the sky 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 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 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 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 progressed 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 got 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 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 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 gave 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 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 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 bought him a pair of 'bat wing' rodeo chaps
and Lester 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 who
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 
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 who
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 the 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 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 who 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 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 were 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 going to 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 of 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 Billy was leaving this morning
and everyone had to hug me and wish me well.

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 everyone thought enough of the
Gunn family to come wish me well.

Of course it got all over town my friend Ben was that "Prince"
fellow whose 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 pulled 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 the 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 
chose 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 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 you two finally got 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 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 who knows 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 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 the 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, 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 who 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 who 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 the 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 it wasn't them he chose to love.  They couldn't
understand how it was 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 rearrange a few things.  He put up a
big cork bulletin board and filled it with photos.  All of them were of
him and me I never knew were taken.  They were great pictures. 
All taken by Xander with a telephoto lens.

Xander has a fine camera with a zoom optic lens and could take
pictures of us from far away and we had 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 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 whom 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 who 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 them done.  I certainly didn't mind.  It
was like the summer I 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 the 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 with 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."  Hehad to stop
fucking me he was 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 laughed harder and
start fucking me again with a vengeance.  He made it a good one
for the both of us.

Thought I was going to 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 Idid the
same for him. All I know was 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 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, who, 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 I made love to so many times.

Somehow,  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 wants 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 accepted 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 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 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.

Leon and I wore matching western shirts. A touch that didn't go
uncommented on by the 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 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 rifle. 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 I could've had 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 were 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 who 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 the 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 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 the 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 too pleasant.  I was hoping for the best but
dreading the worst.



End of Chapter 12~ Booger Red & Cowboy
Copyright 2003 Waddie Greywolf