Lessons Learned - 22. Chapter 22

Lessons Learned

By

Andrew Todd

Chapter 22

 

“We passed the exit for the Hollis Mall five miles back,” Dusty said. “So do you want to tell me where we are really going?”

“And spoil the surprise?” Zak answered with a smirk.

“Well, how much farther, then?”

“We have about another twenty or thirty minutes.”

“Wait…” Dusty said. “When are you planning to get home? Late tonight?”

“We’re not going back till Sunday afternoon.”

“No, I have lessons scheduled tomorrow.”

“No, you don’t. CJ and Mattie rescheduled your lessons for this weekend.” Zak grabbed Dusty’s hand. “You are all mine this weekend, Birthday Boy.”

“I told you, no parties.”

Zak nodded. “And I agreed no parties. So I am taking you away, just the two of us, for your present. No one is happy with your ‘no party’ mandate, especially Mattie and Spin. I told them it was what you wanted, but you know those two…well, Spin…and I’m not going to be held responsible for anything they do.”

“So, you aren’t gonna tell me where we’re going?”

“Nope, just sit back and relax,” Zak instructed. “When was the last time you got a whole weekend away from the ranch?”

“Probably not since way before you started there,” Dusty answered. “But, I love the ranch so I don’t mind.”

“I know that. And I love it too and I love being there with our friends and my brother, but it’s nice to have a weekend just to ourselves too. Especially, since after this weekend, with the move and all the new things going on at the ranch, getting away is going to be tough for a while.”

Dusty took Zak’s hand in his and raised it to his lips and kissed the back. “Thank you,” he said. “I love you so much; sometimes things get so hectic I forget to let you know.”

Zak smiled. “Baby, you let me know every day in everything you do how much you love me. You don’t say it in words all the time, but I always know. And I love you just as much.”

They drove along in silence. Dusty held Zak’s hand in his until they turned onto a mountain road. Dusty let go of Zak’s hand so Zak could concentrate on the road with both hands on the wheel. Dusty was curious about their destination, but he knew that Zak was not going to reveal his surprise so he just enjoyed the drive and the thought of spending the whole weekend alone with Zak.

They finally pulled up in front of a large old house. There was a sign out front that read ‘Whispering Pines: Bed and Breakfast’.

Suddenly, Dusty realized where they were. “This is the B&B where you and Mattie sent CJ and Danny before they went to Florida,” he stated.

Zak turned to him and nodded. “Yep. Danny and CJ loved it. Danny told me so many great things about it. I wasn’t sure if they’d let us come since we are under eighteen, but Danny called and talked to the owner. She remembered him and CJ and as a favor to them, she let us have a reservation for the weekend.”

Both boys got out of the car. Zak opened the back door and pulled out his small suitcase as well as the one that Dusty’s mother had given him for Dusty.

Dusty saw Zak carrying the bags. “Uh, where did you get my suitcase?” he asked as he took the bag from Zak.

Zak chuckled. “From your mom. She packed it up the other night and I picked it up on my way to the ranch yesterday.”

Dusty rolled his eyes. “Is there anyone who wasn’t in on the conspiracy?”

“No, not really. Your mom packed you up, my mom and Danny helped me with reservations, CJ and Mattie changed your lessons, Spin and Jesse are taking a couple of lessons that couldn’t be changed and Dylan and Ace are taking the trail rides that Jesse can’t do.”

“It takes a village,” Dusty muttered.

“To cover your butt it does,” Zak laughed.

They went into the Bed and Breakfast. The owner was waiting for them. She got them checked in quickly and sent them up to their room.

When they opened the door and looked in the room, both boys were surprised by what they saw. The room was large and airy with a king-sized bed in the center. There was a fireplace with a roaring fire going in it. A table had been set up by the fireplace. It was set for two. Zak walked over to the table and lifted the covers off the plates. On each plate was a steak filet, a baked potato and vegetables. A small birthday cake sat in the middle of the table and there was a bottle of sparkling cider in an ice bucket next to the table. Next to the cake there was a note. Zak read it and handed it to Dusty with a grin.

Enjoy your weekend. Have fun and relax. You’re not allowed back until Sunday afternoon.

Love,

CJ, Danny, Mattie, Spin, Jesse, Dylan & Ace

Dusty grinned. “I guess we have our orders.”

Zak grabbed Dusty around the waist and tilted his head up. The two kissed.

“Here,” Zak said pulling back. “Let’s eat before everything gets cold.”

They set their bags aside and took off their jackets. Zak went and held out Dusty’s chair. Dusty grinned at him and sat down. Zak went and sat in his chair.

The two enjoyed a nice leisurely dinner. They spoke about Christmas and their Spring Break trip to Spain that CJ and Danny had told them about the day before.

After dinner, one of the owner’s kids came up to roll the table out of the room and bid them good night.

Zak went into the bathroom to clean up. “Dusty!!” he exclaimed. “Come look at this!”

Dusty ran into the bathroom. In the corner of the room was a huge Jacuzzi tub that would easily fit two.

Dusty whistled. “Oh, man, we have to try that.”

Zak grinned. He turned and wrapped his arms around Dusty’s waist. Dusty leaned down and kissed Zak hard.

“Oh, yeah, we need to try that now…nothing like a good hot soak to relax,” Dusty said as he pulled away from Zak.

Dusty went over and turned on the tap to begin filling the tub.

He turned back to Zak and grabbed the hem of his t-shirt and pulled it over Zak’s head. He dove down to kiss and lick at Zak’s neck as his hands fumbled for Zak’s belt. He unbuckled the belt and yanked Zak’s pants down.

Zak laughed as he almost fell over. “You give me another concussion and this weekend will not be as much fun as I planned,” he laughed as he stepped out of his pants.

Zak stood there wearing only his jockeys. He reached for Dusty, but his lover was way ahead of him quickly divesting himself of his clothing so he stood in front of Zak naked and hard.

Zak’s insides turned to jelly as he gazed at the beautiful figure in front of him. Something was wrong though. He walked over to Dusty and reached up behind him. Dusty laughed as he felt Zak’s hands grab the band that he used to keep his hair tied back. Zak pulled it free and Dusty’s hair fell loose around his face and shoulders.

Dusty chuckled. “Is that some kind of fetish?”

Zak’s whole body blushed. “You’re just so beautiful,” he said. “And something about your hair just loose like that is so damn sexy to me.” He growled as he ran his fingers through Dusty’s inky black hair.

Dusty reached down and pulled Zak’s jockey’s down. Zak leaned on Dusty’s shoulder as he lifted his feet so Dusty could pull the shorts off.

Dusty stood up and turned around to shut off the water as the tub was now full enough.

Dusty stepped into the tub. He shivered as the scalding water hit his skin. He sat down in the tub and reached for Zak.

Zak followed Dusty into the tub. He almost jumped when he realized how hot the water was.

“Shit!!” Zak yelled. “Do you have asbestos skin or something?”

Dusty laughed, “Just get in here, you’ll get used to it.”

Zak stepped back in and sank down in front of Dusty.

When they were settled, Dusty reached over to the controls and turned the Jacuzzi’s jets on full. The water boiled furiously around them.

Dusty held Zak tight as they both relaxed in the tub.

Zak had never been in a Jacuzzi before. The heat, the jets, the closeness of the boy he loved were all getting to him. He was so hard he thought he might explode without any stimulation. He also felt Dusty’s rock hard shaft prodding his butt cheek.

Zak had an idea. He moved over just a few inches and felt Dusty’s shaft in the cleft of his ass. He clenched his cheeks tight around Dusty’s cock and began to gently move up and down.

“Oh, god,” Dusty groaned. “Don’t stop.”

As Zak continued his ministrations, Dusty reached around and took hold of Zak’s hard-on. Dusty stroked Zak’s cock in rhythm to Zak’s motion.

It didn’t take long before Zak was on the edge.

“Dusty, don’t stop,” he moaned. “I’m coming.”

Dusty grasped Zak’s cock tightly as he felt shot after shot of cum spurt free from Zak’s cock. With each shot, Zak clenched his ass cheeks even tighter on Dusty’s member.

Dusty pulled Zak tight to him as his orgasm started to build. He kissed at Zak’s neck and shoulders. He was completely lost in the ecstasy of the moment. Dusty licked and bit at Zak’s shoulder. When his climax finally hit he sank his teeth into Zak’s shoulder and sucked as hard as he could.

After a few seconds, Dusty started to come down from his climax. He lay back in the tub and pulled Zak to him. When he opened his eyes he saw the mark he had left on Zak’s shoulder.

“Oh, fuck, Zak, I’m sorry.”

“What?”

“I think I just gave you a helluva hickey.”

Zak just shook his head and giggled and lay back against Dusty.

***

Ace pulled into the movie theatre parking lot. He had offered to take Dylan and Jesse to do some Christmas shopping. After they had finished their shopping, they had decided to grab dinner and go see a movie.

Mattie and Spin were spending the night at Spin’s house. Spin’s parents had been complaining about their son never being around.

Dylan was spending the night with Jesse, so Ace thought a night out would be fun for them and give CJ and Danny some alone time.

The three boys walked up to the Box Office.

“What do we wanna see?” Ace asked.

They quickly scanned the titles.

“I vote for ‘The Hobbit’,” Dylan said.

“Sounds good to me,” Jesse answered.

“Are you guys sure? It’s over three hours long,” Ace said.

“Sure,” Dylan answered. “It’s only five, so we’ll be home by nine.”

Ace grinned. “Ok, but you all best not give me any grief when it’s time to wake up tomorrow.”

Dylan and Jesse both nodded.

“Ok, then 3-D or no 3-D?” Ace asked.

“3-D!” they both answered together.

Ace laughed and went to buy the tickets.

They went to the concession stand and each got drinks. Jesse and Dylan got a jumbo popcorn to share and Ace got some candy.

The theatre was pretty packed since it was Friday night. They found some seats about midway up and settled in for the movie.

About halfway through the show, Ace, who was seated on one side of Dylan, looked over to see Dylan resting his head on Jesse’s shoulder. The two were discreetly holding hands. Ace knew they knew enough not to do anything too ‘obvious’ in a public place. He was happy they had found each other; they were both good kids and they needed the happiness.

When the movie ended, Ace left the two younger boys in the lobby while he got into the long line for the men’s room. Dylan and Jesse had both snuck out during the movie, but Ace had been too engrossed and now his bladder was paying the price.

While they waited for Ace, Dylan and Jesse leaned against a far wall in the lobby; their shoulders were touching and they were whispering to each other. To most people, they looked like two friends engrossed in conversation. But someone who knew what to look for could see the glances and touches they subtly gave each other.

Dylan was whispering to Jesse when he noticed someone standing in front of him.

He looked up and saw TJ Oliver and two of his goons standing there glaring at them.

“So, where’s the rest of your pansy friends?” TJ sneered.

Dylan looked at TJ; he could feel it starting. Jesse squeezed Dylan’s shoulder; he could feel Dylan shaking. He knew Dylan was having a panic attack and he had to help him.

Jesse looked at TJ. “Look, I don’t know who you are or why you are bothering us, but you need to back off.”

TJ took a step closer. “No. I don’t ‘need’ to do anything except get some queers out of this theatre.”

Jesse got up in TJ’s face. “I said back off!!” Jesse was pissed. He had been bullied all his life and Seb had always protected him. Since he had come here with CJ and Danny everything had been perfect. He had a family and friends and had maybe found love and he wasn’t going to let some homophobic thug wreck everything or hurt them.

TJ laughed, “Really? You really think you can stop me?” He and his friends laughed louder.

Jesse looked back at Dylan--he was pale and shaking. He needed his anxiety medication, but he was frozen to the spot.

Jesse looked back at TJ. “I’ll stop you if I have to,” he said.

“You and what army?”

“He won’t need any army, TJ,” came a voice from behind TJ and his friends. “He’ll just need me.”

TJ turned to see Ace standing there glaring at him.

“Now, I do believe, Jesse asked you nicely to back off,” Ace said as he stepped closer to TJ. “And now, I’m asking you not so nicely, STEP BACK or I will FUCK you up!!”

TJ clenched his fist. “I don’t think so,” he said as he swung at Ace.

Ace grabbed TJ’s fist and shoved him backwards. He landed with a thud against the wall where Jesse and Dylan stood.

TJ’s two friends each took a run at Ace and found themselves in a pile on the theatre floor.

As TJ was trying to pull himself up, the police officer who patrolled the area around the theatre came up to them.

“You boys causing trouble?” he asked sternly.

Ace shook his head. “No sir. These three were giving my friends here a hard time and I was just showing them the error of their ways.”

The officer looked at the three boys on the floor. He shook his head. “Ok, I’ll take care of these three, why don’t you boys get on your way.” He looked at Dylan. “Son, are you ok? You don’t look so good.”

Dylan just stared.

“He’s having a panic attack,” Jesse said. “He just needs to take some medication. It’s in his pocket. I’m gonna take him into the restroom so he can take it.”

The police officer nodded as Ace and Jesse led Dylan into the now deserted restroom.

Jesse reached into Dylan’s front pocket and pulled out his little pillbox. There were some small white pills, he took one and handed it to Dylan. Ace handed him a cup of water and Dylan swallowed the pill and a mouthful of water.

Dylan leaned against the counter while Jesse wet some paper towels and ran them over Dylan’s forehead and neck.

Quickly, the color started to return to Dylan’s face.

He grabbed Jesse’s hands. “Thank you,” he said, a few tears in his eyes.

Jesse leaned forward so their foreheads were touching. “Any time,” he whispered.

Ace watched the two. He knew it had taken a lot for Jesse to stand up to TJ, knowing that he would probably get flattened.

Ace decided that he needed to talk to his dad about some self-defense classes for the boys. Mattie was already quite adept, but Dylan and Jesse would definitely benefit from lessons. Spin and Zak might be interested as well. He’d talk to his father and either he and Mattie or Casey and Josh could teach them.

“You guys good to go?” Ace asked.

Dylan and Jesse both nodded and the three went out to the truck and drove home.

***

CJ and Danny were curled up together on the couch. They had a fire going in the fireplace. Kaya and Cesar were splayed in front of the fireplace, neither of them pleased that their boys had gone off and left them behind.

The ranch house was sparsely decorated for the holidays. Since they would be moving into the new house right before Christmas they did not want to overdo things at the ranch house.

They had brought in a small tree and decorated it so Sarge and Ace would have one when they took over the house.

Danny sighed as he relaxed into CJ.

“Peace at last,” he whispered.

CJ chuckled. “You are so full of it,” he said. “You know you love it around here.”

“Oh, I do,” Danny agreed. “I love it all--the ranch, the boys, our family, Jesse, Idgie, everything. But I miss times like this when it was just you and me.”

“I know, I miss it too, but I wouldn’t trade this for anything.”

“Me, neither,” Danny agreed.

After a few minutes, Danny sat up and looked at CJ. “I need to ask you something.”

“What’s that?”

Danny hesitated. “Well, next month is…”

CJ suddenly remembered. He leaned forward and hugged Danny. “Your mom,” he said.

Danny nodded. “I want to go home and visit her grave,” he said. “Would you come with me? Maybe we can bring Idgie too.”

“Of course. We can go the weekend after New Year’s. We’ll be all moved into the house. Casey and Josh will be there to keep an eye on Mattie and Jesse. Plus, that lady is coming tomorrow to interview for the housekeeper/nanny job. Do you want to see if Zak or Mattie wants to go with us?”

Danny shook his head. “No. I need you to go. And I want her to know about Idgie, but I don’t think Zak will go. He’s still angry.”

CJ nodded. “It’s funny, Zak is the most forgiving person I’ve ever met--he wants to help everyone; but he can’t get over this thing with your mom.”

“We’ve talked about it a lot and he’s getting there, but he still feels like my mom’s lies robbed both of us and our dad of time we could have been together. He also realizes that if my mom had told our dad then chances are his parents never would have gotten together. I’m sure he’ll let it go at some point, but not right now.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I love Zak and I love my mom. I understand exactly how he feels. I’ve had some anger issues with her as well. My therapist has helped me work through those and make peace. That’s part of the reason I need us to go home, just so I can let her know I love her, so she can meet you and Idgie.”

“Then, I’ll make the arrangements tomorrow,” CJ said as he kissed Danny.

“So, what time does this lady get here tomorrow?” Danny asked.

“I think Sarge said she would be here about ten,” CJ answered. “If she’s half as good as he thinks she is, then she’ll be perfect.”

“I hope so, take-out is getting old,” Danny laughed. “And it will be nice to be able to do stuff together and know that Idgie’s ok.”

The two laid back on the couch and snuggled. They watched the fire and occasionally kissed.

They were both almost asleep on the couch when they heard the front door slam.

“CJ? Danny?” they heard Jesse call.

Kaya jumped up when she heard Jesse’s voice. Cesar looked up sleepily, but seeing Mattie wasn’t there, he wasn’t inclined to move.

“In here, Jess,” Danny answered.

Ace walked into the room. Jesse walked behind him with his arm wrapped around Dylan. Kaya walked over to Jesse and Dylan. Since Jesse and Dylan had become close, Kaya had ‘adopted’ Dylan as one of the boys she had to protect. From what most observed, that protection extended to Jesse, Dylan and Idgie.

Danny jumped up when he saw Dylan.

“Dylan are you ok?” Danny asked as he walked over to Dylan and Jesse.

Dylan nodded. “I’m ok. Just had a few rough minutes.”

“What happened?” CJ asked the boys.

Ace and Jesse told them about their encounter with TJ and his friends and Dylan’s panic attack.

“Did you have your meds?” Danny asked.

Dylan nodded and grinned. “I had my meds and I had my hero,” he said giving Jesse a peck on the cheek.

Jesse blushed. “I don’t know about the hero part.”

“Jesse, man, don’t do that,” Ace warned. “You were fixin’ to get right up in that TJ’s grill. The fact that he probably would have flattened you made it even more of a brave thing.”

Jesse blushed more and looked at his feet.

“Hey, CJ. I’m gonna talk to my dad tomorrow, but I wanna start these two and maybe Zak and Spin on some self-defense training. I know Mattie knows his stuff. So either Mattie or I can teach them or maybe Casey and Josh,” Ace offered.

 

CJ nodded. “I think that’s a good idea,” he said. “Let’s get together with your dad and Josh and Casey tomorrow or Sunday and get something started. Probably be best to have Casey and Josh handle it. Might be good to get some firearms training in as well.”

“Guns?” Dylan cringed.

Ace wrapped his arm around Dylan’s shoulder. “You’ll be fine, Dyl. It’s just training. You don’t have to shoot anything or anyone. Paper targets, but it doesn’t hurt to know how to do it.”

“Ok, I’ll try, but I’m telling you my aim is not good.”

Ace grabbed Dylan tight around the neck and rubbed his knuckles over Dylan’s head. “It will be when we get through with you.”

“Oww,” Dylan laughed as Ace gave him a noogie.

Kaya jumped in front of Dylan and growled at Ace.

Ace let go of Dylan and stepped back. He knelt down and offered his hand to Kaya. “It’s ok, girl. I wouldn’t hurt him,” he said to the dog as he stroked her. He looked up at Dylan. “Well, I guess you have another protector.”

Jesse nodded. “Yep. She knows how important he is to me, so she’s looking out for him now.”

Jesse took Dylan’s hand. “Let’s go to bed,” he said as he walked Dylan down the hall to his and Mattie’s room. Kaya shuffled along behind her boys.

“’Night, guys,” CJ, Danny and Ace called to the younger boys.

“Ace, thanks so much for watching out for them,” Danny said.

“It wasn’t a big deal, Danny,” Ace answered. “They’re both good guys. I like spending time with them. I think they’re good for each other.”

Danny nodded. “They are, but you’re good for them, too.”

“How so?”

“Ace, Jesse’s been bullied his whole life, including by his step-father. He had one friend in school. That boy protected him as best he could, but Jesse had a rough time. And Dylan’s gone through a lot too. I’ll let him give you the details if he chooses to, but just think. You’re a big, country boy. The boys love you and you take care of them. Physically, you’re the kind of guy that made their lives miserable, and here you are their protector. I can assure you that means the world to them.”

“Well, it’s my pleasure. I told them before, I’ll go to the mat for my friends,” Ace said. “Well, I’m gonna turn in. Six seems to come even quicker on the weekend.”

“Ok, G’night,” CJ said.

“’Night, guys,” Ace said as he went to his room.

“How did we become parents and surrogate parents to teen-agers?!” CJ sighed as he hugged Danny to him.

“I don’t think of us as ‘parents’, I think of us as ‘big brothers’, “Danny answered. “They don’t need us to take care of them, like Idgie does, they need us to help them and guide them and offer them advice.”

“You’re right as usual,” CJ laughed. He looked over at the fireplace. “Well, the fire seems to be dying out and the grump is gonna stay there since Mattie’s gone, so we might as well head to bed too.” He took Danny’s hand and led him down the hallway to their room.

They both stopped to peek into Idgie’s crib to watch their son sleep.

CJ went into the bathroom, while Danny stood over the crib. He thought about how much had happened in the last year and how happy he was now. He wouldn’t trade his life right now for anything.

***

Jesse shut the door behind them after Kaya sauntered in the door. She laid down in her usual spot at the foot of the bed.

Jesse wrapped his arms around Dylan’s waist and hugged him tight.

“Are you really all right?” Jesse asked.

Dylan turned in Jesse’s arms and hugged him back. “Yes. I’m good now. I’m sorry, I’m such a mess.”

Jesse shook his head. “You are not a mess. You have an illness. It’s not your fault. Just remember that you’re not alone. I’m always going to be there for you.”

Dylan tightened his grip on Jesse. “Thank you,” he whispered.

Jesse leaned in and kissed Dylan.

Jesse turned Dylan towards the two twin beds that sat on opposites sides of the rooms.

“Let’s go to bed,” Jesse whispered to Dylan.

Dylan froze. “Uhh…”

Jesse stopped and hugged Dylan from behind. “Dyl, I meant let’s go to sleep. I’m not ready for that and you definitely are not ready for that.”

Dylan turned to face Jesse. “Are you sure?”

“Am I sure of what? That neither of us is ready for sex?” Jesse asked.

Dylan nodded and bit his lower lip.

Jesse smiled. “Dylan, it took me more years than I want to think about to admit my feelings for Seb and even longer to act on them. When I found out he felt the same way I was over the moon. We didn’t do anything that night but kiss and cuddle. I never saw him again. Do I wish we had done more? Sometimes. But the fact is, neither of us were the type to rush into anything. Even if he had come back and I had moved in with his family, we still would have taken it slow. That’s the same thing you and I are doing. Tonight, we’re just going to snuggle up and get some sleep. We’ll know when we’re both ready for more. There’s no pressure, no timetable. It will be when we are both ready.”

Dylan hugged Jesse as hard as he could. “Thank you, again,” he whispered. “I’m so glad I found you…I’m so glad you found Danny.”

“Me, too…on both counts…” Jesse whispered back as he led Dylan over to the bed.

The two quickly stripped down to their underwear and climbed into the bed. As it was a twin, they had to spoon together to fit. Jesse knew that they would probably be more comfortable if one of them slept in the other bed, but he also knew that Dylan needed to be held and to be loved and comforted and he wanted nothing more than to do just that.

Jesse slipped into the bed behind Dylan. He spooned tight up against Dylan’s back and wrapped his arms around him. He kissed the back of Dylan’s neck and giggled as he sighed.

Soon he felt the slow and steady rhythm of Dylan’s breathing as he slept.

Jesse had tears in his eyes as he said a silent prayer of thanks for his new family and friends.

***

Ace sat at his computer. He was sending yet another e-mail to Devon. It was the fifth one that he had sent since he found out that Devon was coming to stay with them.

Devon had not answered a single one.

Ace was becoming concerned; it was not like Devon to stay out of touch for so long. Even when one of them was super busy, they always at least responded with a simple ‘Hi’.

Ace was the eternal optimist--he always hoped for the best; but he was afraid for Devon. He hoped that in coming to the ranch and staying with Ace and his father, things would get better for Devon. But he also knew how stubborn Devon could be and if he had it in his head to be difficult things were going to get ugly fast.

***

Zak woke up snuggled tight up against Dusty. They were buried under several large quilts and he was still freezing. He wrapped himself around Dusty’s warm naked body.

“Oh, my God,” Dusty groaned. “You’re like a heat sponge.” He laughed as he grabbed Zak tight. “How come you’re always so cold?”

“I don’t know…” Zak answered. “I’ve always been like that.

“Shit!! Your feet are like ice!!” Dusty jumped as Zak’s toes grazed his bare calf. “C’mere,” he instructed as he pulled Zak tighter. He spooned Zak into him and rubbed his hands up and down Zak’s arms. He reached around and rubbed Zak’s chest.

“Oh, that’s better…” Zak purred.

“So, what’s on the agenda for today?” Dusty asked as he rested his chin on Zak’s shoulder.

“Lots of stuff, but I’m not telling you what,” Zak answered. “You just have to trust me.”

“Ok,” Dusty replied. “I do need to talk to you about something. Now’s a good time since we are alone.”

“Do we have to?” Zak whined. He knew what Dusty was going to say and he really didn’t want to talk about it.

“Yes, Zak, we do. You’ve been dodging this since I first brought it up weeks ago,” Dusty sighed. “I don’t want you to work at the rescue when we open it.”

Zak turned over so he was facing Dusty. “You don’t want to work with me?”

“You know that’s not it,” Dusty answered. “I don’t want you to get hurt. I think you would do a great job working with the horses and helping to rehab them…”

“But…”

“But, you get too attached. Look at how you get every time you even talk to Nick. Never mind when we go there. A part of the goal is to adopt the horses out after we get them well. Dodger’s a special case, cuz we always knew he was staying with Dylan. I’m sure if some of the horses are good for lessons or trails, we’ll keep them and move them to the old ranch, but in most cases they are going to be adopted and I don’t know if you can handle that.”

“I know…I know. I’ve talked to Nick about it a lot. He thinks it won’t work for me either. I want to do it so much to help them, but I know that I fall in love with every one of them.” Zak inhaled. “I think you’re right. As much as I want to, I don’t think I can handle it.”

Dusty pulled Zak to him and hugged his little boyfriend tight. “It’s not a bad thing, you know. Your heart is just too big and I don’t want it to get broken. Not on my watch.”

“I know,” Zak whispered. “I love you for wanting to protect me.”

“I love you, too.”

They lay in bed for a while longer and finally decided to venture out.

Dusty wrapped Zak in two of the quilts and carried him into the bathroom. He put Zak down and turned on the shower. When he had the water as hot as they could stand it, he unwrapped Zak and lifted him into the shower and then got in with him.

The two washed each other and stayed in the shower until the hot water started to run out.

They dried each other off and went back into the bedroom to get dressed.

When they were ready, they walked downstairs to breakfast.

After a filling breakfast, Zak ran upstairs and grabbed their jackets and gloves. The two bundled up and went outside.

The owner’s son was waiting for them behind the Inn. He had a snowmobile all gassed up and ready to go.

The boy gave Dusty brief driving instructions and handed them both helmets. He pointed them towards several trails that went through the woods and sent them on their way.

Dusty straddled the snowmobile and Zak climbed on behind him. They spend the next hour or so zooming around the trails.

Dusty finally stopped the machine at the edge of a frozen pond. He shut it down and pulled his helmet off.

He turned to Zak, who had also taken his helmet off. “Oh, man, that’s fun,” he laughed. “What a rush.”

“So, you ready to trade in the horses for one of these babies?” Zak asked.

“Never. I’d think about getting one--it would be fun on the trails this time of year; but I’d never give up the horses.”

“I know…they’re more fun anyways.” Zak grinned.

The two exchanged a few kisses before the cold settled in and they decided to head back to the B&B.

They left the snowmobile with the owner’s son and went to Zak’s car. They decided to head down the road to a small café for lunch.

After lunch, they returned to the Bed and Breakfast. Since the mid-day sun was doing nothing to warm things up, they decided to ‘hibernate’ in their room for a while.

When they got to the room, Zak pulled some blankets out of the closet and laid them on the floor in front of the fireplace. He then turned and pulled the pillows off the bed and dropped them on the blanket.

Zak laid on the floor in front of the fire. Dusty lay right behind him and pulled Zak tight to him.

The morning they had spent in the fresh mountain air combined with the relaxing heat of the fire soon has them both fast asleep in each other’s arms.

When they awoke, it was already starting to get dark outside.

“Oh, shit, we’re gonna be late,” Zak exclaimed as he jumped up.

Dusty tried to pull him back to the blanket, but he pulled away. “No time for love, Dr. Jones. We have a reservation and we need to get going.”

Zak instructed Dusty to run in and take a quick shower and then he would take his. He didn’t want them to shower together, because he didn’t trust either of them to just shower.

When Dusty came back to the bedroom, he saw that Zak had laid out his clothes for the evening. He hadn’t bothered to check and see what his mom had packed, but apparently she and Zak had planned well. She had sent a dark grey pair of dress pants, a white button-down shirt and his dress shoes.

Zak quickly got dressed. He sat in a chair waiting for Zak finish in the bathroom.

When Zak came out Dusty just stared.

Zak was dressed in black slacks and a dark blue dress shirt that set off his blond hair and blue eyes.

“Wow…” Dusty exhaled. “You really do take my breath away.”

Zak blushed. Even after six months together, he still had a hard time believing that the most beautiful person he had ever seen was in love with him.

Zak went over to his bag and took out a small package. He walked over and kissed Dusty on the cheek as he handed him the box.

“I told you no presents,” Dusty declared.

Zak rolled his eyes. “After everything you did on my birthday, you think I’m gonna let yours pass with nothing? I don’t think so.”

“Well, thank you, but this weekend was more than enough.”

Zak sat in Dusty’s lap and hugged him. “Nothing will ever be enough to show you how much I love you,” he whispered.

Dusty kissed Zak and then tore open the small box. Inside was a silver bracelet inlaid with several pieces of turquoise.

Dusty smiled. “I love it, it’s great.”

Zak said, “Turn it over.”

Dusty turned it in his hands and looked at the inscription Zak had had engraved there.

To my true love, always & forever, Zak

Dusty slipped the bracelet on and hugged Zak tight.

“Ok, let’s go before we get started again,” Zak instructed as he jumped up.

They grabbed their jackets and headed downstairs hand in hand.

About twenty minutes later, Zak was parking in front of a small restaurant.

Inside, the restaurant was dark and elegantly decorated. The boys were led to a small table in a secluded alcove.

Dusty and Zak spent the next two hours enjoying a leisurely gourmet meal. When they thought they would burst, their server came out of the kitchen carrying a small birthday cake with a single lit candle on it.

Dusty glared at Zak, who raised his hands. “Wasn’t me,” he protested, then the light bulb went off. “It was Danny, he made the reservation for me.”

“Remind me to thank him,” Dusty mumbled.

“Don’t be that way. It’s his way of saying that he loves you,” Zak laughed. “He does, you know. He thinks of you as a brother.”

“I know,” Dusty sighed. “And I love him too, I just have never liked anyone making a huge deal of my birthday. I guess it goes back to when I lost my dad. When he was alive my birthdays were so great, but after he was killed I never felt like celebrating.”

“Well, I let you get away with it this year, but next year you are going to be eighteen and we are going to celebrate,” Zak declared.

Dusty laughed, “Ok, just that once.”

Zak shook his head. “Nope, first of many. As long as we are together, which will be forever, birthdays are going to be holidays and will be celebrated loudly--for you, me and our kids.”

“Kids??” Dusty choked. “Can we get out of high school first?”

Zak laughed. “I want ‘em, you know. The more time I spend with Maxie and Idgie the more I know I want ‘em.”

“Well, let’s be the best uncles we can be for now and we can think about being daddies later.”

“Ok.”

After they finished their cake, Zak took care of the bill and drove them back to the Bed and Breakfast.

They quietly climbed the stairs and went to their room. It was late and the building was still and quiet.

Dusty closed the door behind him and grabbed Zak from behind. He spun Zak around and kissed him hard, his tongue probing Zak’s mouth.

Dusty broke the kiss and grabbed Zak tight.

“Thank you for a wonderful evening,” Dusty said, his voice breaking with emotion. “This is probably the first birthday I’ve wanted to remember since I lost my dad.”

Zak hugged Dusty tight. “It’s not over yet,” he whispered. “I have one more present for you.”

“Zak…” Dusty whined. “No more presents.”

Zak walked over to the nightstand. He grabbed a small bag and walked back and handed it to Dusty.

“Just this one more,” he said.

Dusty shrugged his shoulders and pulled the tissue paper from the bag. He reached in and pulled out a small tube. When he saw what it was his eyes got big.

“Zak, are you sure?” he asked waving the lube at his lover.

Zak looked deep into Dusty’s black eyes and nodded. He took Dusty’s hand and led him to the bed.

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life,” he declared as he began unbuttoning Dusty’s shirt.

Zak slipped the shirt off Dusty and bent forward and kissed and licked his dark nipples until they were hard nubs. His fingers deftly unbuckled Dusty’s belt and he quickly pushed Dusty’s pants down. Zak knelt down to remove Dusty’s shoes and socks and pulled his pants off each leg.

Zak ran his hands up and down Dusty’s smooth legs. He cupped both of Dusty’s asscheeks in his hands and brought his face up to Dusty’s crotch. He inhaled deeply. The spicy aroma of Dusty’s musk made his already hard cock jump and squirt in his pants.

Zak left one hand on Dusty’s ass and ran the palm of his other hand over Dusty’s cloth-covered dick. Dusty was so into it that every time Zak’s small hand passed over him his cock pulsed and got harder.

Zak hooked his fingers in the waistband of Dusty’s underwear and pulled them down. Dusty’s big dick popped free and stared Zak in the eye.

 

Zak looked up at Dusty and grinned. He leaned forward and took Dusty’s considerable length into his mouth. Months of practice had made him adept at taking all of Dusty in his mouth and throat. He bobbed up and down on Dusty’s lovestick.

Dusty moaned as Zak continued.

Dusty reached down and grabbed Zak under his arms and pulled him to his feet. He looked down into Zak’s blue eyes and was overcome with emotion. He cupped Zak’s cheek in his hand and gently kissed his lips.

As Dusty’s kisses became more hungry and passionate, he ripped away at Zak’s clothes until Zak stood naked in front of him.

Dusty laid Zak on the bed. Zak stretched out with his arms over his head.

Dusty watched as Zak’s tight muscles stretched and flexed. The tiny quivers that went through Zak’s muscles excited Dusty.

Dusty lay down next to Zak and took him in his arms.

“My god, you’re beautiful,” he whispered to Zak.

Zak’s whole body blushed a rosy pink. “Not as beautiful as you,” he replied.

Zak wrapped his arms around Dusty and the two began to kiss passionately.

Dusty kissed and licked his way down Zak’s body. He rolled Zak over onto his stomach. His dick lurched at the sight of Zak’s bubble butt.

Dusty reached over and grabbed the lube. He squirted a bit on his fingers. He ran his hand between Zak’s ass cheeks leaving a trail of lubricant. He re-lubed his middle finger and very gently rubbed it around Zak’s rosebud.

Ever so gently, he pushed the finger into Zak.

Zak purred as the finger entered him.

Dusty pushed the finger all the way in and moved it around to spread the lube. He removed his finger, to Zak’s protest.

Dusty squirted more lube onto his fingers and slowly entered Zak with two and three fingers.

When he thought he had Zak suitably prepared, he pulled out his fingers.

“Are you ready?” Dusty asked.

“Mmm hmm,” Zak moaned.

Dusty took a healthy dollop of lube and spread it all over his erection.

He pulled Zak back to the edge of the bed and propped a pillow under Zak’s hips.

Dusty placed the head of his cock against Zak’s entrance. He took a deep breath. He was so hard and so keyed up he was afraid he would shoot the second the head of his cock entered Zak.

Dusty could feel the heat emanating from Zak; it made him harder than he had ever been. Taking another deep breath, he slowly pushed forwards until the head of his cock popped through Zak’s tight pucker.

“Oh, wow!!” Zak moaned as Dusty entered him.

Dusty stopped. “Are you ok?” he asked with concern.

“Are you kidding?” Zak giggled. “I’m awesome, keep going.”

Encouraged, Dusty continued slowly feeding Zak his cock. Not wanting to hurt Zak, he would push in an inch and then pull out about halfway and then go further. Eventually, the entire length of his cock was seated in Zak’s tight ass. The feeling was incredible. Dusty had never imagined it would feel like this. He said a silent thank you that he had waited for Zak to do this and not just jumped into it with the first guy that came along.

Dusty began to slowly thrust in and out of Zak. After a few minutes he pulled out.

“What are you doing?” Zak whined.

Dusty grabbed Zak and flipped him over onto his back.

 

“I want to look in your eyes when I make love to you,” Dusty answered.

He pulled Zak’s legs up so his feet were resting on Dusty’s chest. He pushed his cock back into Zak and began to pump more urgently.

Dusty reached down and grabbed the lube and squirted some on Zak’s hard cock. He wrapped his fingers around Zak’s dick and began to stroke it while he continued to pummel Zak’s ass.

“Oh, God,” Zak moaned. “I’m not gonna…Oh, shit, Dusty…I’m…gonna…Oh, FUCK!!!” he groaned. Dusty felt Zak’s cock begin to pulse and then it erupted spewing cum all over the young lovers.

With every pulse, Zak clenched his ass tighter and tighter around Dusty’s cock.

Dusty felt the wave of ecstasy hit him. He leaned forward and hungrily kissed Zak as he rode out his orgasm.

Dusty let his full weight fall onto Zak; Zak hardly noticed as the two continued to kiss and grope each other in their post-orgasmic bliss.

Dusty rolled over onto his back and pulled Zak to him.

“Holy shit,” Dusty gasped. “I never dreamed it would be like that.”

“Me, neither,” Zak replied. He looked over at the clock on the night stand. “Hey, it’s after midnight. Happy birthday, baby,” he said as he kissed Dusty.