Maverick Cattle Company - 1. Chapter 1

Darrin woke to Mitch's panicked shouts and the sight of their bedroom walls painted red from a horizon engulfed in fire. Still trying to completely comprehend what was happening, he stumbled across the floor searching for clothes and boots in the bedroom he shared with his husband, Mitch. He faintly heard the stomp of Mitch wrestling on his boots and then racing for the door.

"Come on!" yelled Mitch. "It's a damn grass fire!"

"Go! Get that stack of blankets in the pickup! I'll be there in a second," answered Darrin.

Only barely aware of Mitch's rush out the door, Darrin sprinted after him once he had yanked on his jeans and boots. Vaulting from the porch, he jumped into the pickup just as Mitch rammed it into reverse. In seconds they were speeding down a dusty county road toward the raging crimson monster. Darrin had never seen a fire this large. The entire western sky seemed skirted with a red wall of flame. The pickup fishtailed around a hairpin curve; jolting Darrin out of his fascination with the beast and back into the danger they were racing toward. Sliding the pickup in beside a grassfire pumper truck, they both vaulted from the vehicle. The volunteer firemen were making the final check of their equipment as one of them looked up and nodded in acknowledgment of their arrival. Finishing his task at hand, the fireman sprinted over to the pair and filled them in on the strategy for this firefight.

Mitch piled in a pickup with a group trying to keep the flames from reaching a canyon lined with cedar, which would go up like a roman candle if the fire reached it. Darrin watched for a few second as they sped toward the fire line and then turned to clamber onto the pumper.

The rest of the night was a blur of smoke and flames as hundreds of acres of tinder-dry grass burned. Darrin was pushed to the limits of his endurance numerous times as the crew he was with advanced and retreated against this enemy. But as the brilliant orange dawn crept across the Oklahoma sky, he could see that they had won. He was concerned about Mitch, but the report they had received indicated no injuries. But he was still eager to see Mitch for himself. He couldn't help but worry. That was his part of the marriage, right?

Darrin waved to his new friends as they drove off. He chuckled to himself in amusement at how 6 hours of fighting could cement a new friendship. He had hoped that Mitch would already be waiting, but after a quick check he realized that wasn't the case. So he dropped the tailgate and eased his tired body down to wait. As the dim predawn slid into morning, Darrin realized that as far as he could see to the west was a charred black wasteland. The fire crews had saved the one house he could see, but the pasture was a total loss. Once the enormity of the disaster revealed itself to Darrin, his level of worry for Mitch increased. He knew Mitch would be expecting to find him here, but he really wanted to search for his missing husband.

Just as he was about to try to find him anyway, he saw a hard-used pickup top the rise and barrel down the dusty road toward him. Once it was close enough for him to spot in the passenger seat, he was able to relax. As they got closer Darrin had to smile as he watched Mitch's animated gestures that he was sure were punctuating whatever they were discussing. The driver slowed to pull in beside Darrin and both men stepped out of the truck without a pause in the conversation.

"Now Doug, you gotta be reasonable. We don't have any livestock right now so the grass is just fire hazard," said Mitch as they walked back to Darrin.

"No, think about it. I'd rather pay you for pasture than truck in hay. Lord knows it's easier to open a gate and let them on your place than hay 'em until it rains."

"Alright, alright. I give," said Mitch throwing up his hands in surrender. "You give us whatever you feel is fair for the pasture and we'll call it good."

The older cowboy nodded in agreement and then turned to introduce himself to Darrin.

"Hi, name's Doug Parker. And apparently I'm leasing pasture from you, in spite of your partner's poor bargaining skills."

Darrin chuckled as he took the offered hand and shook it. "Yeah, he sometimes is a bit hard headed. I believe his mother said he would argue with a fence post if it would argue back."

Doug laughed, "I can believe it! I think a few of those flare-ups he stopped through pure force of will."

Darrin looked startled, "Why, what happened?"

Mitch answered quickly, "Nothing Darrin, no need to worry."

"Nothing?" said Doug, "Chuck would disagree. You pretty much saved his bacon!"

Darrin turned to Mitch with a raised eyebrow. "Oh really? We'll talk about this when we get home . . . dear."

Darrin realized what he had done about the same time a booming laugh erupted from Doug. Glancing over, Doug saw the looks on each of their faces at Darrin's slip, which only drove him to new levels of laughter. As he regained his composure he winked at Mitch.

"It's nice to know that you guys don't get out of your share of the 'yes, dear' moments," said Doug with a chuckle. "But I need to git home or I'll be having my own moment with the missus. It was great to meet you both and I'll move the cows over later today."

Mitch nodded, recovered from the awkwardness of a few moments before. "Sounds good, just let us know if you need help."

Doug nodded and waved to them both as he crawled back into his pickup, and he was soon a cloud of dust disappearing into the distance. Once the neighbor was out of sight Darrin rounded on Mitch, crossing his arms across his chest.

"What happened? And don't bullshit me, you know someone will tell me the whole thing," said Darrin.

"The fire got too close to one of the guys and I pulled him out. It wasn't that big of a deal. Honest," replied Mitch.

Darrin caught Mitch's wrist and turned it to survey the damage. With a glance he saw that the normally dense dark hair on Mitch's forearms had been singed off. Looking up he locked eyes with Mitch.

"How close, Mitch?" asked Darrin in a heavy tone.

"Umm, pretty close."

"Uh-huh, and how close was that?"

Mitch pulled his arm back, unconsciously covering it. "Close enough to burn the hair off my arms, ok. But I wasn't going to let the guy die. He was trapped in a tangle of cedars that all the sudden exploded in fire. I grabbed one of the wet blankets, wrapped up in it, and got him out. It really wasn't as bad as it sounds."

Darrin let out a sigh. "It was too fuckin' close. You could have gotten hurt."

"Just a light roasting," said Mitch with a laugh.

"Light roasting my ass. Get in the pickup and we'll get you home where I can look you over and see how bad it really is."

Once they arrived at the house, Darrin pushed Mitch into the bathroom and stripped off his shirt. His arms were pink from the burns and not only was his forearm hair gone, his eyebrows and hair were singed too. But Darrin could find no serious burns. Exhaling a sigh of relief he lowered himself to sit on the edge of the tub.

"Looks like you got off lucky again. Damn it though! You could have been hurt bad!" said Darrin in exasperation.

"But I wasn't, now was I, babe?" said Mitch. Looking at his arms that seemed to be getting redder by the minute he said, "But this does sting a little. I think a cool bath would feel good right now."

Darrin waved him out. "Go strip in the utility room. I'll draw the bath."

Darrin turned on the water, adjusting it until he was happy with the temperature. He watched silently as the huge claw-foot tub filled with water. He smiled that the one renovation they had been able to accomplish so far was this enormous tub. Other additions were coming, including a new shower for two. But they had only lived in the house for a few months, and he hadn't officially started his new job in the Agriculture Department at High Plains University. He checked the water again and was turning it off when he felt warm arms wrap around his waist. Turning he smiled at Mitch, who was one of the most beautiful men he'd ever seen. His short dark hair, sideburns and rough scruffy face definitely got Darrin's juices flowing. Letting his hand trail down Mitch's back, he cupped his hairy tight ass and kissed him gently on the lips.

"You might not want to start something you can't finish, good looking," said Darrin.

"And what makes you think I can't finish it?" asked Mitch as he ran his hands under Darrin's t-shirt.

Darrin sighed as Mitch's rough hands rubbed over his nipples. "Well you are the same color as the lobster we had over spring break. That's one reason you might not want to be bumping and grinding for a little while."

"Nah! I'm nowhere near that red. And you're a little pink yourself, College."

Darrin laughed, "A little, and you are going to have to stop calling me College now. I'm not a student any more."

Mitch lifted Darrin shirt over his head and tossed it to the side. "You're still college, you're just a professor now instead of a student."

Darrin's muttered reply drifted into a sigh as Mitch leaned in and started flicking his tongue over Darrin's nipples. Holding Mitch's head tightly, he relaxed and slowly rolled his head back as the pleasure swam across his nerves. Darrin's hands glided over the muscular expanse of back that he could reach, enjoying the feeling of warm skin as it passed under his fingertips. He gasped softly as Mitch's teeth closed on one of his erect nipples and he bit down slightly as his tongue danced over the tip. Darrin could feel his cock jump with each new sensation that was delivered. With a soft moan, he lifted Mitch's face and pressed their lips hard against each other. Slowly they separated, a single strand of saliva connecting their mouths.

"Let's get in the tub. I'm ready to get this nasty shit off me," said Mitch with a wink.

Darrin let his hands run down Mitch's bare body until he reached his target, Mitch's steel hard cock. He pumped it once, cock snot coating his hand as he skimmed his wet hand over the soft skin that sheathed Mitch's rigid dick. Darrin pushed the hard shaft down and then released it, smiling at the resounding pop it made when the boner slapped against Mitch's hairy belly. After a final kiss on the side of Mitch's neck, Darrin pushed him toward the tub.

"Get in. I'm right behind you," said Darrin.

He began stripping while he watched Mitch ease into the cool water. As the water lapped up on Mitch's hairy legs, crotch and finally torso, Darrin's cock was dancing with desire. Darrin moved to the back of the tub and slid in behind Mitch, his breath hissing with surprise at the cold water on his overheated body. Once he was submerged, Darrin sighed as the cool water took away a burn he hadn't realized existed. Working the soap into lather on his hands, he started gently washing Mitch, covering first his broad back and then his muscular chest with the cleaning froth.

"How does that feel, babe? You're covered with smoke and grime," said Darrin.

"Yeah, that feels good. You're doing a great job."

Mitch relaxed against Darrin when the cleaning became more erotic as Darrin explored the amazing body that was resting on his chest. Darrin moved his hands to Mitch's pecs and then to his nipples. The gentle nipple play caused Mitch's cock to belch out more precum. Darrin let his hand slip lower, wrapping it around Mitch's cock as it floated above the water and stroked it slowly. Mitch let out a low moan as Darrin's fist started traveling up and down his hard shaft.

"Oh god. That feels so good. You keep that up and you'll have me unloading in no time."

"Do it, babe. Give me one of those Mitch eruptions that I love," said Darrin.

With that Darrin hand increased it's speed, soon jerking Mitch's cock furiously. As the hand job got closer to reaching it's desired effect, Darrin could feel Mitch brace his feet against the tub and drove his shoulder against Darrin's chest as his pelvis rose above the tub water. Mitch's muscles suddenly locked and his entire body trembled. Knowing he was about to get what he wanted, Darrin stopped flogging Mitch's cock and used his thumb to dig into the tender underside of the deep red head.

"Oh fuck yes! Fuck! I'm coming!" Mitch said with a moan.

With that the first jet of white cream zipped across them both. Over and over again Mitch shot out massive volleys of cum. Exceeding even his normally generous loads, Mitch painted them both in ribbons of white. When the orgasm tapered off, Darrin caught the last oozing cum from Mitch's dick and tasted it. Once he had sucked his fingers clean he wiped up another pool and offered it to Mitch, who lunged forward and began nursing it off Darrin's finger.

Once Mitch had sucked Darrin's finger clean he release it with an audible pop. Twisting in the water he pushed Darrin up on the edge of the tub. Reaching up he grabbed Darrin's nuts and started stroking them with his thumb. Mitch surveyed his cum coated chest and then smiled at Darrin.

"Shoot on my face, baby. Give me your load."

"Oh god, that sounds fuck'n hot!" said Darrin.

Darrin wrapped his fist around his hard cock. Pressing it downward he rubbed it over Mitch's coarse stubble, reveling in the shock wave the abrasive face sent through Darrin's system. Again and again he rubbed his throbbing cock over his man's rough face, leaving a wide trail of precum with each swipe. Looking down, he slowly ran his free hand over Mitch's face as he started jerking faster. He knew he wouldn't last long after the fun they had already shared. Soon his nuts were hugging his shaft, his eyes locked shut, while he enjoyed the sensation of his own hand flying over his steel hard cock. Just as he was reaching the edge, he felt a hot tongue run over his tight nuts.

"Oh! Fuck! Yesss," said Darrin with a hiss.

His load exploded from his cock. Darrin felt his body tense and then release as the first shot spewed from his cock. Smiling he watched through thin slits while his convulsing body left trail after trail of baby batter on Mitch's face. Darrin's body trembled from the release as the last cum oozed from his slit. Reaching a trembling hand to his husband he slowly ran his fingers over Mitch's cum smeared face.

"Damn," said Darrin with a sigh, "That was amazing."

Mitch laughed, "You always say that."

Darrin chuckled and lowered himself back into the tub. Nestling Mitch's face between his hands he softly kissed his sexy partner. "That's because it's always amazing. Each time is different, but god it's so good."

Mitch laughed and pulled Darrin close, splashing him with water. "Come on, sex maniac. We need to wash the cum off us before it dries and we're peeling it off."

Darrin nodded in agreement and he tossed Mitch a bar of soap as they quickly cleaned themselves.

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Pulling on his jeans, Darrin glanced at Mitch. "I'm starved, and I don't want to cook. You wanna try that café south of the ranch? We keep saying we're going to eat there but never have."

Mitch paused for a minute as he pulled on his shirt. "That sounds like a great idea. I'm hungry and I'll pass on the cooking duties too."

The last elicited a soft chuckle from them both. Neither of them wanted to chance Mitch's questionable cooking skills. Hunger had them hustling to get dressed and they were soon headed toward their destination. Darrin watched as pasture and wheat fields rolled past. Lucky, he decided that was sure the word for it. They were really lucky to have found a place where they both could be doing what they wanted. With his freshly finished doctorate in Animal Science, he had found a dream job at a small university in southwestern Oklahoma. Mitch had also recently finished his masters, sharing an office was how they had met, and wanted his own ranch. The purchase of their current home and the 1,000 acres that came with it had more than met his wants. That both of them had what they wanted had given them the gift of being able to stay together without either of them comprising their dreams. During the past few months they had spent almost every waking hour working to get the ranch back in working order. But Darrin would be starting his job soon and the majority of the ranch work would fall to Mitch. Darrin smiled and decided that last night's fire had forced them to meet more of their neighbors than they had managed since they had arrived. Darrin was jolted from his thoughts as Mitch pulled into the café parking lot.

"We're here," said Mitch.

"Yup," agreed Darrin, "We are."

They both sat quietly for a few minutes. Neither of them had acknowledged that part of the reason they had not made more efforts to meet anyone was they were not certain what kind of reception they would get. While they hated to admit it, they saw some validity in the stereotype that small town people were not as accepting of same-sex marriages. But they had faced prejudice before and survived it intact. Both flashed a smile to the other with the silent promise that no matter what happened they would be there for each other.

Jumping out of the pickup they walked into the café. Looking around it felt like they had walked into scene straight out of the 1960's. The place was packed, mostly with men catching up on the local gossip while they had their morning breakfast. A few women were also scattered around the room, most of them looked to be ranchers wives. The few heads that turned when they walked in the room paused briefly and then smiled in their direction. Darrin was relieved when the room didn't change perceptibly. Once they had settled into an empty booth, the waitress appeared and it was all Darrin could do to not laugh. She looked just like Flo in the old sitcom "Alice", complete with the beehive hairdo and popping gum. His thoughts must have been evident on his face because he suddenly got the point of Mitch's boot raking across his shin. Jumping a little, he got himself under control quickly. But once the waitress began speaking Darrin had to grin, she made him feel right at home.

"Mornin' ya'll. Ain't seen you around these parts before. Well, welcome! Ya'll want some coffee, juice or somethun else?" said the waitress.

"Coffee would be great," said Mitch.

"Can I get a coke?" asked Darrin.

"Sure! We got Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, Sprite, Coke, and diet of most of 'em too."

"Coke would be great," said Darrin with a smile. He'd forgotten that 'coke' was the local term for soft drinks. He couldn't help but smile though. After she had walked away Mitch leaned across the table and smacked his arm.

"Stop it, you dumb ass," whispered Mitch.

"What? What'd I do?"

"You know what. You were laughing at her."

"I was not! I just thought she was . . . cute," said Darrin.

Mitch rolled his eyes and then looked at Darrin again. "Well don't make fun of people. We have enough problems without borrowing more."

She was back shortly with their drinks, took their orders and then hustled off to wait on her other customers. Mitch and Darrin were discussing last night's excitement when they sensed a presence coming toward them. Together they looked up and saw a large man in a sheriff's uniform moving closer. Darrin's hope that he was going to bypass them evaporated when he grabbed a chair and pulled it to the end of their booth. As he straddled the chair backwards Darrin could tell this wasn't someone you wanted to mess with.

"Hey boys. Hope you don't mind me crashing your breakfast for a few minutes," he said and then smiled, "Don't worry. You haven't done anything wrong. I just wanted to visit."

"Sure Sheriff. Let me get you a cup of coffee," Mitch started to signal the waitress and the Sheriff stopped him as he shouted across the room.

"Hey Nina, could you bring me some coffee? I don't want to fall asleep while I'm visiting with these two young'uns." He turned and smiled at the couple, "Last night was kinda late for an old man."

Mitch and Darrin both chuckled at being called young'uns, but they were only in their late 20's. So by comparison they could understand the moniker. But it didn't eliminate their underlying concern about why local law enforcement wanted to talk with them. They sat quietly and sipped their drinks as they waited for the Sheriff to settle in with his coffee.

As the white ceramic mug clinked onto the table, the Sheriff began.

"The name's Jim White Cloud. I'm the Sheriff for this county. I just wanted to let you know that was an impressive rescue last night. Chuck wouldn't be among the living today if it weren't for you."

Mitch flushed and waved his hand. "He would have been fine. There were other people who would have got him out. I just happened to be the closest."

"Not what I heard," said Jim, "I heard you grabbed a blanket, soaked it and you jumped into a cluster of burning cedars and dragged Chuck out. Is that pretty much it?"

Mitch nodded, not knowing what to say in response. "Yeah, I guess that's pretty accurate."

Jim nodded and smiled, "Well Chuck is glad you were close enough to save his bacon." He turned and looked at Darrin, "I heard you worked your ass off on the spray rig too."

Darrin nodded slightly in acknowledgment. "We were just trying to help out."

"Well you two boys have made a good impression around here. People in these parts put a lot by helpin' out neighbors. Personally I'm glad to have some Two-Spirits again. It just isn't right otherwise."

Mitch looked at Darrin, who shrugged in response to the unasked question.

"What's a 'Two-Spirit'?" asked Darrin.

Jim smiled and nodded, "Yeah, I guess you boys might not be familiar with the term." He paused for a minute to collect his thoughts and then began to unwind his story.

"Well boys, a lot of the native tribes recognized more than just male and female. Some of them had three or four terms for gender. Those people were generally looked upon as special, unique, and in some tribes holy. So a man who is attracted to other men is considered to have some of the spirit of a woman. It didn't have anything to do with masculinity, just preference. But they were said to carry two spirits, so that's where the term comes from. The Kiowa tribe, which I'm a member of, is from this area and we haven't had any Two-Spirits in years. They bring a different view that we need around here, you know what I mean?" Jim looked at the two men to see if they were following.

Darrin and Mitch both slowly nodded. Taking in this new information and the revelation that, at least to some people, their arrival was welcome.

Jim smiled, took a slow sip of coffee and continued, "You see, native people saw Two-Spirits as more connected to the spirit world, having more insight, since their personality comes from both sides. Sometimes they would become healers, or councilors, or just a good omen. So yes, I'm glad to see a Two-Spirit couple in the area. I think it's a good thing."

Darrin and Mitch slowly ate their breakfast, absorbing everything Jim had said. One concern they had both had about moving to a small town in southwestern Oklahoma was the potential for bigotry. But from what Jim was saying, that might not be as large of a problem as they had originally thought. A question occurred to Darrin.

"Wait, how'd you know we were a couple? I thought we were doing a pretty good job of keeping it under our hats."

Jim laughed this time, almost spilling his remaining coffee, "Son, you live next to the biggest gossip in the county. I'm sure by now Doug's 'Dear' story had been spread to everyone he knows."

He paused a moment and smiled, "Don't be mad at Doug though, he thought it was sweet."

"Oh jeez!" moaned Mitch.

"Oh don't fret so, it wasn't like it was a surprise to anyone who has been paying attention. You boys been out at that ranch working for months, and no one has seen you with a girl. I mean we might be country, but we ain't stupid," said Jim with a smile.

"So, we are going to be. . . welcome?"

"Son, we're just people and some of the ones around here have some of the most asinine ideas. But most are glad you're here, and especially after last night, you are more than welcome. Some of the old biddies over at the Baptist church might have a huff or two in your direction but that's just until they find something else to ruffle their feathers. They don't mean no harm, they're just old and have way too much time on their hands."

Darrin smiled in recognition of the trait as he heard Mitch's soft chuckle. Looking at the Sheriff, Mitch nodded, "Well if there's anything we can do to help you. Just let us know."

Jim smiled, "Be careful what you offer. People around here will take you up on an offer like that."

"Good, that's exactly how it was meant," said Mitch with a definitive nod.

"Oh yeah, you're gonna fit in just fine around here," Jim said with a nod. "Well boys I best get goin'. Take care and we'll see you soon."

The guys echoed the Sheriff's pleasantries and then quietly finished their meal. As they drove back to the ranch they both were thinking about the events that had just unfurled. Eventually Darrin looked over at Mitch.

"Well. That was interesting."

"Yeah, not really sure what to make of it. It sounds too good to be true, if you asked me," said Mitch.

"I know, but I guess we'll find out if he was just trying to set us up sooner or later."

"Yeah, time will tell I suppose," said Mitch.

"Well, we have too much to do to worry about it. As soon as we get back we need to . . ." and Darrin began to name off the things they needed to get done over the few days.

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Darrin wiped the sweat from this face, his bare chest glistening with perspiration. He'd been working most of the afternoon cleaning up the small house that had came with the property. They didn't need the space right now, but he had pointed out to Mitch that it would work as a guesthouse if one of their families came to visit. But it was the last of a long list of chores he'd worked on that day and between the scorching Oklahoma heat and the backbreaking work, he was ready to call it a day. As he stood surveying the results of his effort, Mitch walked through the door. Darrin glance over at his man and couldn't help but smile. Mitch had also stripped to the waist at some point and his sexy chest hair was matted with sweat. Darrin caught a whiff of Mitch's sweat drenched body and felt his cock respond.

"Looks good!" said Mitch as he looked around the space.

Darrin scrutinized the newly painted and scrubbed accommodations. "Yeah, it cleaned up pretty well. It's small but for one person it should be fine."

"Bigger than a dorm room!" said Mitch with a laugh.

"That's true! But damn it's hot. We need to get a window unit before anyone can live in it," Darrin said and then motioned to himself. "Look at me. Every stitch of clothes I have on is soaked."

Mitch walked closer and ran his hands over Darrin's wet chest, smiling as the drenched hair matting further. Moving his hand behind Darrin's neck he pulled them together and kissed him softly. Darrin smiled and wrapped his arms around Mitch's muscular torso and pulled them together, their chests pressed against each other with their sweat mingling. With a look deep into Mitch's eyes, Darrin began kissing his man softly. Mitch tilted his head to the side, enjoying it as Darrin kissed his way down Mitch's exposed neck. Darrin ran his hands down Mitch's back and into his jeans. He felt hands caressing his hairy ass and smiled as a soft moan escaped from Darrin's lips. Mitch knew the strong smells that had ripened on him today only served to excite Darrin more. Soon they had entered their own world as they explored each other, reveling in a shared passion that used all their senses. Mitch felt Darrin's lips part slightly and he sensuously slid his tongue inside, tasting and exploring the recesses it found. After several minutes of shared passion they separated, both panting with desire.

"You know, you stink," said Darrin.

"And I know you love my stink," replied Mitch. Mitch then raised his arm, exposing his sweat drenched armpit and pulled Darrin into it. Darrin let out a soft groan and then moved tight against Mitch and buried his face in the darkly-furred space. Mitch groaned as his lover slurped and licked through his dense pit hair. He knew Darrin was enjoying the tastes and odors of a day of hard work in the fierce Oklahoma sun. Mitch kept Darrin's face pinned against his sweaty armpit as the sweet sensations of warm wet tongue sent tingles coursing through him. Mitch smiled at the slightly stoned look on Darrin's face as they separated. Darrin stood panting while he looked at Mitch.

Mitch lowered his arms and grabbed the front of Darrin's jeans. Pulling Darrin to him, he opened the button and listened as the zipper slid down a few inches. He passionately kissed Darrin, his fingers drifted through the wiry hair that was released. Mitch let his free hand trail across Darrin's face as their kiss broke. He had always loved Darrin's closely trimmed goatee and his crystal blue eyes. He especially loved them when they were icy with lust like they were now. Mitch slipped both hands inside the grey jockstrap Darrin was wearing and fondled his hard shaft. As his kisses drifted down Darrin's chest, Mitch's thumb rubbed over Darrin's swollen cockhead and smeared the leaking precum over it. Darrin moaned in appreciation, his hips rhythmically thrusting forward as Mitch teased him, loving it when Darrin lost himself in their lovemaking. Mitch's lips closed around the pink nub protruding from Darrin's chest. The shudder that traveled through Darrin's body as a result made Mitch smile to himself. Wanting to push Darrin harder, Mitch closed his teeth around the nipple and bit down, letting his tongue dance over the trapped tit.

"Oh god! That feels good. Fuck you make me horny," said Darrin with a sigh.

Mitch released Darrin's nipple and slipped his hand around and grabbed Darrin's ass.

"You are smoking hot, babe. I love your hot body," said Mitch.

Darrin laughed softly, "Yeah, all the work you have lined up should keep me from getting the desk belly that most of the faculty have."

Mitch smiled as he continued to fondle Darrin, "Yeah, no middle age spread on my man. Or I'll have you out chasing cows every morning at 5am."

"Umm, for this, I'd get up at 4am."

Mitch released Darrin's butt and taking him by the hand pulled them into the tiny bedroom. Pushing Darrin onto the bed he grabbed one foot and then the other, removing boots and sweaty socks. He gently stripped Darrin, enjoying a slow piece-by-piece cadence of his efforts. Once Darrin was naked, Mitch ran his hands over his legs, enjoying the texture of Darrin's lower body. His hands traveled upward and rubbed his hands against Darrin's dangling testicles. Wrapping his fingers around Darrin's scrotum, Mitch trapped his nuts and gently tugged on them. Darrin's turgid dick flexed in response and belched out a wad of clear cock honey that slowly ran down its heavily veined surface and past the circumcision scar. Mitch smiled as Darrin began to thrash on the bed from his attention.

"Oh fuck, yes! That feels amazing. God babe, let me come," moaned out Darrin.

"Oh I don't think so, stud. I think I wanna piece of this grade A man ass."

"Shit yes! Fuck me baby. Juice me up good."

Mitch released his hold on Darrin's nuts. Stepping back he opened his pants and started to strip. He glanced up to see Darrin's watching him and slowed down, making it more of a strip tease for Darrin. But he found himself being turned on by his own sensual movements, his rock hard cock dripping by the time the last sock joined Darrin's clothes on the floor. Realizing they had forgotten lube, Mitch quickly retrieve a tube from the bathroom, knowing that Darrin would enjoy the sight of his hairy ass as it moved across the small room. Moving back to the bed he swatted Darrin's hip,

"On your knees, lover. I want a little doggie sex this afternoon."

Darrin smiled and moved into position, his knees spread as he kneeled on the edge of the bed. With his chest against the bed he opened his ass and presented his puckering pink eye for Mitch's inspection. Mitch leaned in and spat on Darrin's hole. Moving his hand over it he smeared the spit over his man's gateway until it was nicely swollen from the stimulation. Popping open the lube, he squirted out a generous dollop and then smeared it over Darrin's hole. He slowly worked first one and then two wet fingers into Darrin, enjoying the elastic sensation as Darrin's gateways opened for him. Mitch slowly finger fucked Darrin, watching as the body under him responded to the probing. As Darrin's moans escalated in volume and his body pushed back against his hand, Mitch let his fingers slip out of their hot sleeve.

"Shit no! Put 'em back. Oh damn, baby, give me back your fingers."

Mitch smiled down at his panting lover without a sound. Coating three fingers, he slowly slid them into Darrin's receptive hole. Pumping them in a little and then letting them slide back Mitch was soon buried deep inside. He enjoyed the searing heat of Darrin's ass as he began finger fucking him in earnest. Soon Darrin's initial gasps of discomfort were replaced with animalistic sounds emerging from his lips. Mitch smiled as he watched Darrin try to force his fingers deeper inside his hungry ass. Eventually Mitch decided they were ready for the main event, and let his fingers slide slowly from Darrin's now throbbing ass.

"What do you want now, lover? You ready for some dick in your hungry ass?"

"Oh goddamn, Mitch. Fuck me! Shit, just shut up and fuck me!"

Mitch gripped his rock hard cock and zeroed in on Darrin's twitching hole. Rubbing the head up and down Darrin's slick trench, Mitch coated his cock with clear slippery gel. Pressing the dark red head of his cock against Darrin's hole he pressed in slowly. Mitch enjoyed the sensation as he slipped through Darrin's outer sphincter. The rumbling groan that emerged from Darrin's lips were a testament to the skill Mitch was showing. With his cock jammed between Darrin's two gates, Mitch bumped against the final entry into Darrin's hot ass. With each gentle thrust of his hips, another, louder, sound drifted from Darrin.

"Goddamn! Put the fucker in already!" yelled Darrin.

Mitch grinned, clenched his ass cheeks and pushed past the last obstacle. Shoving forward relentlessly, he didn't stop until his coarse black pubs were grinding against Darrin's ass cheeks. Mitch sighed as Darrin's hot ass surrounded his hard cock. Without pausing he began to rotate his hips, exploring the depths of Darrin's gut with his rigid tool.

"Oh fuck, babe. Your ass feels so good and tight," said Mitch.

Darrin looked over his shoulder with a look of pure lust. "Good! Now fuck my ass. I want you to fuck the cum outta me!"

"Oh yeah, I can do that!"

With that Mitch pulled out slowly, until only his swollen glans was still inside. Pushing forward, he moaned loudly as the velvety smooth heat sheathed him again. Moving faster with each full thrust, Mitch targeted Darrin's prostrate. As he hit it, Darrin went wild under him. His body was thrashing at the sharp pleasure of his prostate being assaulted over and over again. The sweat ran off them as they merged into a hungry meld of passion. Darrin suddenly pressed back and screamed, his ass clamping down and pinning Mitch's invading pole.

"Oh! Oh! Fuck! I'm coming!" screamed Darrin.

Mitch gripped Darrin's hips tightly as he felt Darrin's ass rhythmically clamp onto his cock as Darrin's cum shot onto the bed. With a last convulsion of muscle the final measure of cum oozed from Darrin and he collapsed onto a bed coated with his own semen.

"Damn," Darrin said as he panted, "You're an amazing lover."

Mitch growled, maintaining his grip on Darrin's hips.

"Yeah, I'm about to tear you a new ass!"

"Do it baby! Fuck me."

Mitch began a hedonistic display of lust as he pounded his thick cut cock into Darrin over and over again. The build up of passion was enough that he knew it wouldn't take much to push him over the edge. After only few hard strokes Mitch felt his orgasm begin. Thrusting wildly, he pounded Darrin until he lost control and his cock began emptying the content of his balls into Darrin's gut. Mitch released a loud grunt as each shot rocketed from his slit. The wet sounds of his cock's movement in Darrin's ass slowly magnified as he filled it with white hot cum. When the last massive shot emptied from his cock, he fell across Darrin's back. Their rivulets of sweat merged as they gasped for air. As his breathing slowed to near normal, Mitch moved higher and kissed Darrin on the back of the neck.

"Damn, sex with you is amazing," said Mitch quietly.

Darrin's hands made a feeble attempt to lift his hand as incoherent muttering came from his mouth. Finally he was able to speak.

"Oh god, I've definitely been fucked. Damn, you are the amazing one," said Darrin with a moan.

Mitch chuckled and moved back slowly, his softening cock slithering from its wet lodging. Mitch smiled as a white stream oozed from Darrin's ass and then slid over his nuts and to the bed. He ran his fingers through the flow and then pushed some of it back into Darrin's ass with two fingers. He slowly started finger fucking Darrin again.

"Oh god no. I can't take another round right now. And this place is damn hot. Let's shower and get back to the house and AC."

Mitch chuckled and let his fingers slide out. "Yeah, it probably wouldn't be good for our bodies to be found and we'd died of heat stroke while fucking. Come on, I'll get the shower going."

<><><><>

Darrin and Mitch were cleaning up from supper when they heard the crunch of gravel as a car slowed to a stop in front of their house. Looking out the window Darrin glanced at Mitch.

"It's a county sheriff car."

"No shit? Wonder what's wrong now."

"I don't know, but it's Jim. He's climbing out of the car now. I guess we should see what he wants," said Darrin.

Pulling on their boots quickly, they opened the door as the Sheriff stepped on the porch. Looking up Jim smiled and tipped his hat to the pair.

"Howdy boys, sorry to intrude on you this way but . . ." he paused as if searching for words.

"Whatever we can help with Jim. Like I was saying at the café the other day," said Mitch.

"Well, I guess I'm here to see if you meant that. Cause I have a little problem in the back of my car."

They glanced over and realized that someone was seated in the back of the vehicle.

"What's going on? What did they do?" said Darrin.

"He. And far as I can tell he hasn't done anything," said Jim.

Mitch looked back at the Sheriff with a puzzled look. "Then why do you have him?"

"Well, interesting story there. The neighbor called it in, said there was all kinds of hell breaking lose at the kids house. So I went out to see what the problem was. Near as I can tell the parents found out the kid wasn't straight, and were beating the hell out of him."

"Sheriff, we aren't a home for every gay kid with family problems," said Mitch with a look of concern on his face.

"No, no. I understand you guys aren't the poster children for gay people everywhere. But you did say if you could help . . ."

Darrin sighed and rolled his eyes slightly, "Yeah, we did. How long are we talking about? Overnight?"

Jim looked over his shoulder and without meeting their eyes said, "Well he turns 18 in a couple of months."

"A couple of months! Fuck! There's no way," said Mitch in a barely controlled voice.

"Now, now. Calm down. I'll look for somewhere else then. But can you keep him over the weekend? That'd give me some time."

Darrin stepped in, "Yes, he can stay here for that long. It'll be fine. We're both here for the next couple of days."

The Sheriff breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks, this kid doesn't need to be bounced around too much. He won't admit his parents hit him. He says the injuries are from a kid at school. And he keeps muttering 'I'm going to hell' over and over."

Mitch and Darrin glanced at each other. Darrin flashed 'the look' at Mitch, and Mitch knew he was sunk. He recognized that as far as Darrin was concerned, this kid was staying as long as he needed. Mitch had to admit the kid's story sounded a lot like Darrin's, which wasn't pretty. With a slight sigh he turned to Jim.

"Alright. I'm not going to be the asshole who kicks the kid out again. But he's not going to fuckin' freeload off us. He's gotta work."

"Perfectly reasonable. Probably wouldn't be good for him to sit around and think about stuff too much right now anyway," said Jim. "Let me get the kid."

As the Sheriff walked back to his car, Mitch whispered to Darrin, "You so fuckin' owe me on this one!"

Darrin smiled and said, "Oh yeah, I'm well aware of that."

They both watched as the kid crawled out of the car and followed Jim to the porch. As he got closer Darrin could see that he was pretty tall, maybe taller than Darrin, which would put him over six feet, with a slender build. His body language telegraphed complete defeat as he moved toward them with a definite limp. Never looking up as he followed Jim, all Darrin could see was the top of his battered green John Deere cap. Pausing, Jim did introductions. "Guys, this is Joshua. Josh, this is Mitch and Darrin. They've agreed to let you stay with them for a bit."

Josh nodded without looking up. When Jim gave him a gentle nudge he almost whispered, "Yes sir."

"Well alright. I'll let ya'll to get settled in. If you need me just gimme a call," said Jim.

Mitch looked at the kid who was being left with them and then at Jim. "Oh you can be sure of it, Sheriff."

Jim chuckled and walked off. While the sounds of his tires on gravel receded, Darrin had been watching Josh. He couldn't remember ever seeing anyone looking more dejected. His clothes were coated with dirt and other stains and all he had was a small gym bag that Darrin assumed was his clothes. Heaving a silent sigh, Darrin braced himself to handle the situation that he had gotten them into.

"Alright Josh. Let's get you settled in and cleaned up," said Darrin.

"Yes sir," came the muttered reply.

"Josh," Mitch started, "It's ok. You're safe here."

The tall slender young man in front of them started trembling. "No sir. I'm gonna go to hell."

Mitch started at the reply but Darrin knew where this was coming from. "No Josh. You are not going to hell because you are attracted to other guys."

Josh's head suddenly snapped up with a look of disbelief, giving them the first view of his face. They both cringed at the massive bruise covering almost the entire left side of his face. It was far beyond a black eye, it looked like someone had beat on his face repeatedly. Quickly recovering, Mitch leaned in and took the gym bag from Josh's hand and then motioned him toward the house.

"Come on. We'll get something to eat and then you can clean up," said Mitch.

Josh followed them quietly and sat at the table while Mitch and Darrin grabbed the fixings for sandwiches. He quietly nibbled at the food when Darrin sat it in front of him but once past his initial hesitation, Josh fell on the food like a starving man. Mitch noticed once he relaxed, Josh seemed uncomfortable in the chair. When the last bite of food was gone from the table he looked at Josh and caught his eyes.

"What's wrong? You seem to be in pain."

Darrin watched Josh's eyes enlarged to saucers and his body freeze into place. He knew that Josh's clenched teeth were happening when he hit particularly sore spots on his butt. Josh wouldn't yet admit what happened but the moisture gathering in the corners of his eyes gave Darrin a pretty good idea. His suddenly closed eyes and full body shudder let Darrin know he was close to the end of his endurance. Josh's eyes flew open when he felt a hand clamp on his shoulder.

"Come on, Josh. Let me see how bad the damage is," said Darrin with a look of concern on his face.

He watched as the teenager's body sagged further when he could no longer keep up the stoic front and nodded his acquiescence. Darrin squeezed his shoulder as he stood up and gently pushed him to the guest bedroom. Part of Darrin thought it was stupid that they didn't just look at the damage in the kitchen so Mitch could help if needed. But he knew this kid's fragile ego couldn't take much more, and having two gay men checking his ass for wounds might be the final straw.

Once they were in the bedroom Darrin motioned Josh to the bathroom and showed him where the towels were stored. "Strip in the bathroom and then you can cover up with the towel and come out so I can take a look."

Josh nodded, the tears now silently running down his face as he waited for their revulsion once they found out what had happened to him. He shuffled into the bathroom, closing the door behind him. He bit back cries of pain as he separated cloth from drying wounds. Once he finally got the last of his clothes removed he wrapped the towel around his small waist and stepped back into the bedroom. He looked at Darrin who motioned him to lay face down on the bed.

Darrin had braced himself to see the aftermath of a beating, but already it was worse than he had imagined. Josh's back was covered with raised welts and black bruises. Darrin took the tips of his fingers and began to pull down the towel when he heard a sob.

"Please. Don't," said Josh in a whisper.

"Josh, it's not your fault. I just need to see if you need stitches or if we can doctor you here," said Darrin.

Josh nodded once and buried his face in the pillow to absorb his sobs as Darrin exposed his butt. A gasp escaped Darrin when he saw the kid's rear. It was a maze of cuts and dark colored bruises, with a few deep punctures. Darrin was so overwhelmed that he wasn't sure where to begin. Finally, without thinking, he asked the question Josh didn't want asked.

"What happened to you? And don't tell me it was at school because this is from a beating. What did they hit you with?"

"A belt . . ." said Josh around sobs.

"And? This wasn't just from a belt."

"Yeah, it was. But sometimes it was with the buckle."

"The buckle . . ." said Darrin quietly as it dawned on him, "A trophy buckle. The hook made the holes."

"Yeah, I suppose."

"Josh, who did this. Did your dad beat you like this," asked Darrin.

Josh shuddered, "Some of it was Dad, Mom's the one who used the buckle end on me."

Darrin shuttered and shook his head. "Ok. Well you need some antibiotic cream on them. But first you need to clean up. Take a shower, there's some antibacterial soap under the sink that you can use. Yell when you're out and I'll doctor the cuts," said Darrin

Josh nodded, not trusting his voice. Darrin waited for a minute and then slipped out of the room. Walking back into the living room he saw Mitch looking at him.

"He'll be ok. But he's been beaten pretty bad."

"What's he doing now?" asked Mitch.

"Showering. He was covered with dirt, dried blood and who knows what else. So I told him to take a shower and then I'd use the antibiotic ointment on him," Darrin smiled at Mitch. "I gave him your fancy antibacterial soap to use too. So I guess I owe you even bigger."

Mitch rolled his eyes and then sighed. "He probably needed it worse that I do at this point. What are we going to do with him."

"Well first you're going to give him some of your briefs that are too small," Darrin said with a gleam in his eyes. "And then he's going to get some sleep. I'm no shrink, but I think he's at the end of his rope."

Mitch stomped off with mutters of mutiny, but was soon back with a pair of white briefs. "Here," he said as he tossed them to Darrin. "But it's your loss. 'Cause now you can't rip the tiny underwear off my ass and fuck me."

Darrin chuckled and opened the briefs, which were small but would probably fit Josh's slender teenage body perfectly. Looking back at Mitch he chuckled. "They're going for a good cause. And I can fuck your ass with or without ripping off your clothes first."

Mitch finally broke his frown and chuckled. "You better check on your child. The shower is off."

Darrin nodded and went back down the hall. Knocking on the door, he asked. "Josh, can I come in?"

"Ah, yeah. I suppose."

Darrin opened the door to see Josh standing in front of him. With his hair ruffled from the towel drying and the dirt and grime washed off, Josh definitively looked young. His smooth face and almost hairless body made him look younger than his true age. The only hint at puberty was a thick dark treasure trail that plunged downward from just under his navel. Realizing that he was still very nervous, Darrin smiled slightly and motioned to the bed.

"Lay down again and I'll get the stuff to put on them."

Darrin walked into the bathroom as Josh crawled onto the bed. Moving back to the side of bed, he flicked back the towel and surveyed the injuries. With the dirt gone they seemed even more prominent and Darrin quickly and quietly administered the ointment to them. As he finished the last one he asked.

"Want me to do the ones on your front? Roll over and we can wrap this up pretty quick."

"No!" Josh almost squeaked. "I mean. I'll do it. I can reach those."

Darrin smiled and laid the tube beside the bed, putting the underwear with it. "Yeah, you're probably right. I left some of Mitch's old briefs. They're clean and too small for him. I wasn't sure if you needed a clean pair or not."

Josh gulped and nodded, silently acknowledging the gift. Darrin left without pushing the issue. He smiled at Mitch as he sat beside him on the couch. Lying against his husband, he enjoyed the faint musky scent that Mitch always seemed to have.

"How is he?" said Mitch.

"Better I think," said Darrin with a laugh.

"What's so funny?"

"I think he had an erection. He didn't want to turn over and let me do the cuts on his chest and the front of his legs."

Mitch laughed, "You do that have effect on people. I know you touching my ass would give me a boner."

Darrin swatted his lover on the shoulder with a chuckle, "A strong wind gives you a boner, you horn dog."

Mitch made a barking noise that caused them both to laugh. They talked about the day and how many things they needed to finish before Darrin started work on Monday. Eventually they saw the lights go out in the spare bedroom.

"Looks like he's going to sleep. I think it's time for us to go too," said Mitch.

Darrin stifled a yawn and nodded. "Yeah, come on my sexy man. I'm ready for some serious spooning."

Mitch grinned and helped pull Darrin to his feet. They quickly went through their nightly ritual and crawled into bed. Both had stopped wearing clothes at night as they discovered that they enjoyed their bare bodies against each other as they slept. Even more than normal Darrin enjoyed Mitch wrapping his muscular arm around his chest and spooning against him. Darrin drifted off feeling very safe and secure, protected from the kind of prejudice that Josh had been dealt.

<><><><>

Darrin woke the next morning to find they had kicked all the covers off the bed and that his morning wood was wedged between Mitch's ass cheeks. Still partly asleep he started moving it slowly up and down, the precum that was flowing coating the hairy furrow of Mitch's ass.

"Grab the lube and get busy, stud," said Mitch in a gravely voice.

Darrin grabbed the bottle of lube and pumped a few squirts into his hand. Slathering it over Mitch's asshole, he let first one and then two fingers slip into the slick opening. After several minutes of slow finger fucking Darrin let his fingers slide out and he added more lube and soon wedged three slick fingers inside Mitch's hairy ass. On his side Mitch groaned softly as his lover's thick fingers penetrated. Enjoying the lazy motions of early morning sex he slid his top leg up higher to give Darrin better access. Soon his ass felt like gelatin and he needed the hard cock that Darrin was holding for him.

"Throw me a fuck, baby. I need your hard cock inside me," said Mitch with a growl.

Darrin wiggled in close until he was spooning Mitch again. Gripping Mitch's tight hips he pushed forward, never stopping until his pubic hair was grinding against Mitch's ass. They luxuriated in the slow early morning fuck as Darrin's swollen cock explored the depths of Mitch's ass. Darrin wrapped his arms around Mitch's chest and ran his thumbs over his distended nipples while he slowly pushed into his gut.

"Oh yeah, babe. That feels good," said Mitch softly.

Darrin slid his hands lower and grabbed Mitch's cock. Jerking it in time to his thrusts he soon had them both moaning with pleasure. As they reached the edge, Mitch let out a guttural scream and tensed. When his ass clamped onto Darrin's dick it triggered his orgasm. Mitch's semen was painting the sheet with stripes of translucent white as Darrin plunged in deep and pumped his ass full of cum. In their relaxed positions the wave of pleasure rolled over them again and again. The loud moans quieted and their breathing slowed to something more normal as the passionate build up receded. Mitch ran his hand down Darrin's thigh and chuckled.

"I think we just provided morning jackoff material for our guest."

Darrin glanced up at the open door. "Shit. You think so?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure that I heard the pitter patter of teenage feet racing back to his bedroom," said Mitch with a chuckle.

"Well I guess we need to invest in a door lock."

Mitch laughed, "Maybe we should try closing the fucker first."

<><><><>

Their day unfolded without any more drama, although it was several hours before Josh could look at them without his face turning red. Mitch and Darrin both ignored his reaction, thinking that anything they might say would only make it worse. Mitch had set an ambitious schedule of chores to be finished on Darrin's last full day at home until next weekend. With Josh's help they had managed to accomplish them all. By the end of the day even Mitch had to admit that Josh was a valuable addition to the ranch.

Darrin cooked steak and baked potatoes for supper and then they broke out a gallon of ice cream to serve over a hot apple pie from the café. They all were relaxing in the living room when Mitch levered himself up and headed back to the kitchen.

"Anybody need anything? I'm grabbing a beer."

"Yeah, a cold beer would be great," said Darrin.

Mitch looked at Josh and smiled, expecting him to ask for a beer too, but he remained mute. Finally Mitch decided to cut him some slack and asked,

"Josh, you wanna coke?"

"Yeah. Dr. Pepper would be great if you have it," replied Josh.

Mitch walked to the fridge and dug around for a minute. "Yup, you're in luck. But it's a diet."

"Diet's fine. I just love DP," said Josh with a tentative smile.

Mitch walked back from the kitchen and distributed the drinks to everyone and dropped into the overstuffed chair with a sigh. Taking a healthy swig from his beer he smiled and then let out a loud burp. Darrin laughed and shook his head.

"Damn it, Mitch. I just can't take you anywhere."

"Oh chill out, Professor. We're at home and I can belch and –" Mitch lifted one leg and farted, "fart if I want to."

Darrin laughed and waved his hand through the air while Josh softly chuckled. "Damn it, Mitch! That was rank!"

Mitch worked his eyebrows and smiled, "Why, thank you."

Mitch drained the rest of the bottle and sat it down on the table beside him. Drying his hands on his pants he looked over at his partner. "You know we have to decide on a ranch name. We need to have business cards and shit made and we have to come up with a name."

Darrin sighed and took another drink of his beer. "I know. I just don't like anything we've come up with so far."

"AM Cattle Company wasn't bad," said Mitch.

"No, it wasn't. But just using our last names together is about as creative as a turd roller."

Josh looked at Darrin with a confused look, "A turd roller?"

Mitch laughed, "Yeah Mister College means a dung beetle."

"Oh. Sorry. I guess that was a stupid question," said Josh quietly.

"Nope, the only stupid question is the one you don't ask," said Darrin. "But I still don't like AM Cattle Company."

Mitch smiled and got the glint in his eye that Darrin knew meant orneriness. "Well how about Two Bulls Ranch, or Tall Pines, Crossed Swords, or just White Holes Resort."

Darrin almost spewed his beer with the last one and grinned at Mitch, "Yeah, those are all subtle as a heart attack, and White Holes? Damn this isn't a gigolo stable, Mitch."

"Ok, College. What'd you got?" challenged Mitch.

"Ok, well what about Two Spirits Ranch or Mountain Shadow . . . "

"Jeez, Darrin. You're trying to make us sound like a soft porn novel," said Mitch.

"Well shit, I'm out of ideas. Any other suggestions?" Darrin looked at Mitch with a lifted eyebrow, "And ones that don't sound like an erection would be good."

They both paused, trying to come up with another name. As the silence stretched on for several minutes they heard Josh clear his throat.

"Josh, you got a suggestion?" asked Mitch with a smile, "If you do just spit it out. It can't be worse than ours."

"Well, I was thinkin'. You're kind of rebels, in several ways . . ."

Darrin held his breath, hoping the kid wasn't going to suggest something like Rebel Yell Ranch. But he carefully kept his fears from his face and smiled at Josh with encouragement. "Sure, I can see that."

Josh swallowed hard and they could see him brace himself to get out his suggestion. "What about Maverick Cattle Company? Cause you're mavericks to do something new, and you haven't been tamed either. I think it sounds kind of male too."

Josh sat there quietly as they looked at him, his hands shook so hard he finally sat the drink down. As the silence stretched on for too long he started talking again, "Never mind, it was dumb. Sorry I shot my mouth off. I won't do it –"

Darrin held up his hand to stop Josh's self-deprecation. "I like it. I like it a lot. What'd you think, Mitch."

Mitch smiled over at Josh and nodded. "I believe we have a name for our ranch."

<><><><>

Darrin's first week at the university had been frantic, but he was settling in to the routine. Mitch had finally relaxed around Josh, and he was looking at them when he talked, at least most of the time. Mitch was keeping Josh busy with the fence building since he wanted to buy a load of stocker cattle to overwinter on their ranch. When Mitch was working, he worked hard. Which also mean that Josh was exhausted by the evening, almost falling asleep at the table a few times. He'd also let Darrin check the cuts a few more times, but only the ones on his backside. Darrin still thought Josh was getting erections from the touch, which made him chuckle to himself.

He was glad Mitch and Josh were working things out, because while nothing was going wrong, he had plenty to deal with at work. The new faculty orientations, which were endless prattle, and meetings at just about every level of administration became a little overwhelming. But today were the introduction of new faculty and then all the hoopla would be over and he could focus on his own work and teaching.

Finishing a last note to himself he started to the meeting room to get through this last meeting. As usual it was mostly rah-rah speeches to get everyone excited about the coming year. After the better part of an hour had been pissed away, they got to the introductions. He stood and smiled as the department chair called his name and gave his background. He sat down to congratulations from the people around him and then realized the other new faculty in the department was being introduced. Curious who the other new guy was he glanced up, and his jaw fell open with shock. As if to confirm his eyesight at that moment he heard,

"and Kevin Boorman has also joined our faculty in –"

Darrin sat thunderstruck. This was the asshole who had snuck around and yelled homophobic slurs at he and Mitch while they were graduate students. It had come to a head one day when they confronted him and dressed him down. Darrin let a small smile flicker across his face when he remembered Karen's vicious defense of the two of them as she ripped Kevin a new asshole.

Coming out of his stupor, Darrin realized the meeting had ended and most of the people were gone. He glanced over at Kevin again and was met with a predatory glare. Deciding he should at least make an effort at reconciliation he walked over and extended his hand. Kevin simply continued to glare at him and ignored the offered hand, which Darrin slowly let fall. By this time the room was empty but for the two of them.

"Anderson. I didn't realize you were here too."

"No, I didn't know you were either, Kevin."

Darrin cringed inwardly as Kevin leaned forward with an evil smile plastered on his face. "So I wonder how long you'll last once I out you and your little perversion?"

Darrin started to chuckle and it rapidly progressed into a full belly laugh. Kevin watched him with furrowed brows, trying to determine why he was laughing when he thought Darrin would be begging for his silence. Finally Darrin caught his breath.

"Go for it, Boorman. I told them I was gay during the interview, and about Mitch."

Kevin's face contorted, his lips moving soundlessly as he struggled to comprehend. Darrin smiled, turned and walked back to his office. Four days, he thought, at least he had four days of peace before finding the biggest problem he was going to have.

<><><><>

Darrin walked into the kitchen, paused, and listened to Mitch and Josh playing video games in the living room. Josh was never allowed to have a game system before, or a computer for that matter, but he was rapidly making up for lost time. Darrin and Mitch each had a computer, as well as a couple of different game consoles. But Mitch enjoyed the games more than Darrin, so he was glad there was someone to take his place. After a few minutes he let his shoulder bag drop to the counter.

Mitch looked up and smiled. "Hey babe. How was the day?"

Darrin watched Josh and noticed he didn't even react any more. At least he was getting more comfortable with the fact that he and Mitch were a couple. Turning to face Mitch he shook his head.

"Guess who the other new faculty is . . ."

"Who, babe?" said Mitch.

"Kevin Boorman."

"Our Kevin Boorman?"

"Yes, the one and only."

"Fuck!"

"Yeah, fuck is right."