The Farmer and Dale Chapter 9

The Farmer and Dale


Chapter 9


An hour later, Dale was pacing the floor. Rick had been gone for 45 minutes and he couldn't help but wonder what was going on. He remembered the last time Rick had faced his mother. He’d returned home with a red and swollen cheek from the blow she'd dealt him. Dale’s mouth tightened at the memory.

Still, he thought to himself, Gerald had said that Rick's mother had been immediately sorry for her action, an action that was explained by incidents out of the past. Dale could, in a way, understand and even forgive Mrs. Hunter, but still the worry of not knowing was driving him nuts. When the phone rang he jumped, his heart pounding. Carefully he picked up the handset and breathed a sigh of relief at the sound of Rick's voice.

"Dale. Mom wants to meet you. Would you come down, please?"

Dale’s eyes went round as panic set in. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, babe, it's ok. I promise."

"Maybe I should wear that old football helmet that's up in the attic." Dale quipped.

"Dale." Rick's admonishment was clearly heard in that one word.

"All right, I'm sorry. I'll be down in a few minutes."

Dale hung up and immediately cursed. This meeting of the in-laws would be a nerve wracking business at best. With their history, he felt he was in for a very uncomfortable time. He decided against changing his clothes. Jeans and a polo shirt were respectable enough. Slipping on his shoes, he decided to hoof it to the Hunters. Any delay would be welcome.

Eyes on first the pavement under his feet and then the Hunter farm which loomed closer with every step, Dale fought to keep his heart from jumping into his throat. The damned thing seemed intent on shifting positions and strangling him. If not for the fact that Rick was waiting, he would never have made the turn onto that long, gravel driveway that felt like the path to doom. Inevitably, he arrived at his destination and found Rick waiting for him on the front porch. Rick pulled him in for a hug and Dale stiffened in his arms.

"Relax. I told you, it's okay." Rick murmured in his ear before taking the lobe in his mouth for a quick nibble.

"Damn, Rick, not now!" Dale whispered urgently, trying to extricate himself from Rick's embrace.

Rick grinned and relented. He ushered Dale into the house. By-passing the living room, he took the lead and pulled Dale into the kitchen.

Dale was confronted by the sight of Gerald, who sitting at the kitchen table, gave him a wink. Dale's mother was at the sink and turned when they entered. Dale was struck by her beauty. For a woman in her 50's she was more than well preserved. Her dark hair shone and had very little gray. Her blue eyes were bright and Dale could swear he felt the welcome in them. He was sure when she came forward and took his hand.

"Dale, I'm so happy to meet you. Please sit. Would you like some coffee? Or we have tea, soda, juice, you name it."

"Coffee will be fine, Mrs. Hunter," he told her then mentally winced, hoping she wouldn't deliver it into his lap.

The coffee appeared before him, on the table and in a cup and Dale winced again at the unfairness of his thought. His gaze met Rick's. Rick seemed to understand and shook his head slightly, before giving him a teasing smile. Dale returned his look with a subtle shrug.

Mrs. Hunter took a place at the table. "I insist you call me Irene. What is they always say? Something to the effect that Mrs. Whoever is my mother-in-law?"

Gerald and Rick chuckled. Dale couldn't help but smile. "Thank you, Irene."

"You're welcome. Now Dale, let's get right to the heart of the matter."

Dale felt a frisson of panic and shot Rick a ‘help me’ look but found no succor in that direction. Gerald was equally noncommittal. Dale was most definitely on his own.

"I was wrong."

"I beg your pardon, ma'am?" Dale was astonished.

"Now don't go ma'aming me or we're not going to get along at all well," Irene teased.

"Sorry, Irene, please continue," Dale replied.

She looked at Rick. "I like him, he's very polite. You could learn a thing or two here, son."

"Mommm," Rick whined, drawing out the word and giving it his best, little kid, imitation.

Gerald snorted and it was Dale's turn to chuckle.

Irene sighed. "The things I put up with. Now Dale, seriously, I've apologized to Rick for... well, let's just say it, for hitting him.” She gave her son such a look of remorse it tore at Dale’s heart to see it. This woman sitting before him was obvious not a cruel or vindictive person. Rick reached out and took one of her hands. She gave him a grateful smile and turned her attention back to Dale. “I'm not going to beat around the bush here. I was shocked when Rick told us about you. My reaction was prompted by things that Gerald has explained to you. I'm sure you understand my reaction, bad as it was."

Dale nodded but kept silent.

"I want you to know that I'm sorry for the way I acted. I'm fully prepared and actually pleased to welcome you to the family. I hope you'll find it in your heart to forgive our rocky beginning." She held her hand out to Dale. "Friends?" she questioned hopefully.

Dale took her hand and gave her a sweet, open smile, "Friends." he agreed.

Irene breathed a sigh of relief. "Good. Rick tells me you're a writer and he's following in your footsteps. I think it's wonderful. Farming is a good living for some, but I'd like to see one of my boys make it in some other field. No pun intended."

Everyone laughed, the laughter easing away the last of the tension. After that, they had a good visit, Irene making them promise to come for supper the next evening. Rick and Dale took their leave and enjoyed the leisurely walk back home. Dale was silent during the walk. When they entered the kitchen he sat at the table and looked at Rick.

"I like your mom. I was prepared not to, but I couldn't help it."

Rick sat opposite him and reached for Dale's hand, rubbing his fingers lightly over Dale's knuckles, "I'm glad you like her. Thank you for giving her a chance. She really is a good woman. She's been the most kind and loving person my whole life. Our house was always filled with love and laughter. I'm not saying there was never any discord. When people live in close proximity that's to be expected, especially between brothers and sisters or children and parents. But what I mean is, it could have been a hell of a lot worse."

Dale nodded. "I understand, believe me I do. It's good to know there's someone who'll keep you in line," he teased.

"Ass." Rick squeezed his hand fondly.

Dale smiled, then sobered. "Have you decided whether or not to tell your dad about Steven?"

Rick shook is head. "I'm just not sure. I want to. I know Dad would be glad to know that Steven is happy. But every time I start to say something I feel like..."

"You're betraying your mother?" Dale filled in.

"Yeah." Rick admitted.

Dale rose and walked around the table. Wrapping his arms around Rick's shoulders, he kissed the top of his head. "Let's not worry about it now. Come on. You promised to show me that new chapter you wrote." Rick took Dale's outstretched hand and followed him to the study. "After you show me what you've got. I'll show you what I've got. How ‘bout it?" Dale wiggled his eyebrows.

Rick chuckled and releasing Dale's hand and pulled him in for a hug. Using both of his to squeeze Dale's firm, denim-covered cheeks, he nuzzled his lips against Dale’s ear. "I know what you've got, babe, but I'll be charitable and let you show me again."

"Gee thanks."

* * *

"Hey, Dad, come on in." Rick welcomed his father as, a few days later, he walked in the back door.

Dale and a cup of coffee waited for him at the kitchen table. Gerald greeted him warmly, then sat and took an appreciative sip of Dale's renowned brew. His eyes wandered the cozy kitchen as he relaxed into the solid comfort of the oak chair that he rested in. He approved Dale's choice of the muted celery green paint he'd chosen for the walls, it gave the room a calm, soothing ambience. The air was scented with apples and cinnamon. Dale had proved to be an excellent cook, and Gerald's mouth watered at the thought of the apple pie that even now was baking in the oven.

He took a second sip of his coffee. "There's got to be a little magic in this cup," he sighed, "nothing totally of this earth could taste so good."

Dale gave him a grin. Rick smiled and fidgeted with the ceramic chicken salt and pepper shakers that sat in the middle of the table. He seemed fascinated by them, as though he'd never seen them before. Gerald watched his son over the rim of his cup then spoke a gentle demand.

"All right, son, out with it."

"What?"

"Whatever it is that has you trying to dissect that poor rooster." Gerald took the salt shaker from Rick's hand and set it on the table. He looked at Dale. "Rick never was one for hiding his feelings very well. I could always tell when he had something to confess, it always began this way."

"I know what you mean," Dale agreed giving Rick a look filled with tender and knowing fondness.

Rick knew he had better come out with it – his dad had him cold. "I need to ask a favor," he told him. "Dale's publishing company called. They want me to come to New York to sign a contract for my book."

Gerald rose from the table, Rick doing the same to intercept his dad's congratulatory hug. "That's wonderful news! Your mom is going to be so proud. She'll be calling everyone in the family."

Dale beamed at the two of them. Seeing them together in this way, he could see how Steven had at first mistaken Rick for Gerald. They were the same height, their honey blonde hair the same shade and those eyes, those beautiful, blue-green eyes that so took Dale's breath away, were bequeathed directly from Gerald's DNA. Their body type was similar with Gerald being a bit slimmer than Rick, but no less fit.

He worked hard. Physical labor kept his body honed and healthy. His skin was tanned with very few wrinkles. His face bore laugh lines etched around the eyes, the only real indication that here was a man of greater maturity than first impression might make one assume. At 57, Gerald was fit and hearty and Dale had to admit, a fine looking man. He knew he'd give him more than a second look if circumstances were different.

Rick and Gerald resumed their seats. "The thing is, Dale's got a deadline to beat. He's been a bit distracted lately." Rick shot Dale a wicked look that sent a blush to Dale's cheeks. Gerald chuckled at Dale's bashful display. "I don't want to go to New York by myself. I was hoping you might come with me," Rick offered.

Gerald looked surprised then pleased. He considered a moment. "Well, I think I could find the time for that. Your mother might like to come too, son."

Rick paled slightly and Dale cleared his throat. "Um, that might be a bit of a problem."

"How so?" Gerald asked giving them both a look of puzzled concern.

"We met Steven, Dad," Rick told him.

At Gerald's blank look, Rick clarified. "Steve, your lover, before you married Mom."

A welter of emotions crossed Gerald's eyes; surprise, delight, melancholy and finally a kind of wistful caution. "How did you meet. Where?"

"He's Dale's publisher. We met on the trip to New York. Dale had met him before, but had no idea he was your Steve," Rick explained. "When he saw me, he called me Gerald and then... then it all came out." Rick hesitated. "I would have told you sooner, but I... I wasn't sure I should."

"Your Mom—you wanted to protect your Mom." Gerald guessed.

Rick could only nod.

"It's all right, I understand. But understand this. Years ago, I gave my word to your mother, and I have no intention of going back on it. I had a choice to make and I made it. It damned near broke my heart to let Steve go, but given the opportunity to change it all, I'd stay with your mother. She's my heart. Without her I would never have had the joy of being a father." Gerald cleared his throat.

"I know that I could have been happy with Steve, but even at 21, I knew that I wanted a family, children of my own. If I had never met your mother, I'd most likely be with Steve now; I felt that strongly about him. But I did meet your mother and knowing that I did want that family, that home, I made the best choice for me." Gerald's voice held a note of sure finality, his eyes took on a faraway look.

"Sometimes I'd dream that your mom and Steve would meet and grow to like, even love each other. That maybe the three of us could be together. It was a young man's wishful fantasy, but I'd have done it in a heartbeat, damn the scandal it might cause. I loved them both," Gerald revealed on a wistful note. He shook himself and smiled at Dale and Rick. "Is he all right?"

Rick found himself too touched by his dad's revelations to answer. He looked to Dale. "He's very well, Gerald," Dale told him. "Not long after the two of you split up, he met James, his lover and partner. They've been together almost as long as you and Irene."

Gerald's face lit with delight, his eyes going misty. "I'm so happy to hear that, boys, so very happy." He reached out and took Dale's hand in one of his and Rick's hand in the other, giving them a reassuring squeeze. "Now when do we leave for New York? I want to say hello to an old friend."

Finally! Farmer and Dale Chapter 8

THE FARMER AND DALE


Chapter 8


Dale's black Lexus turned into the gravel drive, tires crunching over the stone. He parked by the front walk, and the guys got out, both stretching and sighing with the gratifying relief of being home. They smiled at each other over the top of the car. Dale popped the trunk and the bags were pulled out and hauled to the porch.

Rick watched patiently as Dale’s long fingers sorted through the keys on his key ring. A quiver tightened his stomach when Dale found the right one and inserted it. Seeing the barrel of the key disappear into the lock, made Rick’s sphincter tighten. Soon those sleek, tapered digits that held those keys would be working him open and sliding in just like a key into a lock. He swallowed hard, holding onto the groan building in his throat.

They shuffled the bags inside and Dale closed the door. As he turned, Rick wrapped his arms around him and began kissing him. His kiss was hard, desperate, needy. Dale groaned, and opened for Rick's probing tongue. Their bodies slammed together. Dale reached down, grasping the cheeks of Rick's ass, grinding together the already full erections that pressed against their zippers.

Dale met Rick's need and took control, shoving his tongue into Rick's mouth, exploring, laving, eating his essence, until Rick was moaning with the exquisite pleasure of it. Dale firmly kneaded the taut cheeks under his hands then gave one a sharp swat.

He swallowed Rick's gasp then broke the kiss. "Upstairs," he ordered.

Rick eagerly obeyed.

In the bedroom, he toed off his shoes and reached for his shirt, intent on undoing the buttons, until Dale stopped him. "This is my show, lover. Just stand there a minute."

Acquiescing to Dale’s command, Rick’s breathing picked up speed as Dale undressed. Each item of clothing was removed and set aside, slowly revealing the body that Rick had come to love. Dale was all sleek, tanned, muscle. Fair and firm. Rick was dying to touch, especially when Dale slid out of his jeans and briefs, revealing the hard throbbing length of his cock.

To Rick's wide-eyed gaze, Dale's cock seemed to have grown larger than he remembered. The plump, blushing head was full and ripe, the stalk long and thick. As he stared, it appeared to quiver with anticipation. A gleaming pearl of precum gathered at the tip. It grew larger until it became tear-shaped and slid with lazy grace over reddened, silky skin, leaving a gleaming trail behind.

Rick groaned, moistening his lips in anticipation of tasting that dewy drop.

Dale had other ideas. He pulled back the covers on the bed and sat down, swinging his legs in while propping his back against the head board. He smiled, his eyes sultry, yet teasing. "Strip for me. Slowly."

Rick paused for a moment then returned Dale's smile. He bent down, removing one sock. Turning, he bent to remove the other giving Dale a wonderful view of his ass, stretched taut under hugging denim.

"Beautiful," Dale admired with a hint of awe tingeing his voice.

Rick turned his head to see Dale's gaze fastened on his ass. His smile became a delighted, mischievous grin. He straightened and turned again this time to face his lover. Clearing his expression, he began slowly unbuttoning his shirt. He was determined to drive Dale crazy with need. He had no idea that his sweet and gentle lover was about to turn the tables on him.

"That's right, gorgeous, nice and slow. You have such a beautiful body, Rick. Have you ever been rimmed? I want to taste you. I’m going to slide my tongue all around your sweet little hole until you open for me and let me in. I won’t stop until you're squirming and begging me to fuck you."

Rick's eyes widened and he swallowed convulsively. Was this his reserved and reticent Dale speaking? Shrugging off the tiny hint of unease that tickled his subconscious, he continued. Reaching the button above the waistband of his jeans, he pulled his shirt tails up and out. Undoing the last button, he let his shirt fall open. All the while he kept his attention on Dale, waiting for his next command.

"Take your shirt off. Let me see that hard-muscled chest," Dale ordered softly. He reached for his cock and began to slowly stroke himself.

Rick groaned and nearly swallowed his tongue. His own cock jumped and strained against the confines of his jeans. He pulled his shirt open. The fabric swept lightly across his nipples, causing them to bead and harden. Shivering at that gossamer light touch, he let his shirt drop to the floor.

"Oh yeah, babe, look at those sweet little nipples, so hard and ready. Would you like me to take them in my mouth? Run my tongue over them? Lick and suck until they’re red and aching?"

"Oh yeah. Yeah. Now?" Rick panted anxiously. His eyes were glued to Dale’s cock and to the hand that slowly worked up and down the rigid column.

"Not yet. Soon. Show me what else you have for me, sweetheart."

Wanting Dale's touch as soon as possible, Rick opened the buttons on his fly and began pushing both jeans and his briefs down.

"Just the jeans, babe. One thing at time," Dale insisted.

Rick cursed softly, but did as he was told. He stepped out of his jeans and dropped them to the floor with his shirt. He stood, his briefs tented by the thick bulge of his cock as it strained against the material. A warm, wet circle formed on the front where the head was leaking precum at an alarming rate.

"Come here," Dale ordered, his voice husky, alluring.

Rick didn’t hesitate and moved to stand as close to the bed as he could. Dale leaned forward and buried his nose in Rick's groin, taking in the pungent, potent scent of his lover. His tongue slipped out, working over the wet patch on Rick's briefs, massaging the needy flesh under it. Rick squeezed his eyes shut, a groan rumbling from his throat.

Dale's hands came up, fingers sliding under the waistband of Rick's briefs, peeling them over his erection which was so hard and full it slapped against his stomach as it leapt free. Rick groaned again in anticipation. He felt the warmth of Dale's breath against his cock.

"That is so amazingly beautiful," Dale whispered against Rick's skin. His tongue slid slowly over the swollen head, spreading and tasting the sweet honey of Rick's precum.

Rick felt his knees begin to buckle as he moaned. Dale's hands supported him. "Take off the briefs and lay down here with me." Legs shaking, Rick obeyed, sighing gratefully as he stretched out on the bed. Dale bent over him and offered a smile. "To much, babe?"

Rick shook his head in the negative. "I just need you so bad it makes me dizzy. Please, Dale, do something."

Dale nodded. "I want you to close your eyes. Think of your favorite fantasy and touch yourself. I want to watch you come. Will you do that for me?"

"You know if I do it isn't going to take long don't you?” Rick was nearly shaking with the need to come. “I feel like one touch will make me explode."

"I know," Dale replied. "That’s why I want you to get off once before I make love to you. I want it to last for us. I want to make this something you'll never forget."

"What about you?" Rick asked.

"Don't worry about me." Dale’s smile broadcast his wicked intent. "I have a plan."

A thrill of anticipation shot straight to Rick’s balls. "Now?" he managed to ask.

Dale nodded. "Now."

Rick closed his eyes. He reached for his swollen, aching cock and felt Dale's hand capture his. Surprised, he began to open his eyes until he felt the cool touch of lube against his skin. He smiled and wrapped his now slippery fingers around himself. Slowly he began stroking, images filling his head as his need rose. Rick threw his head back against the pillow groaning and panting, his hips straining, pushing his begging flesh between the firm pressure of his encircling fingers and hand.

He could feel the weight of Dale’s gaze upon him, knew that his lover’s eyes would be fill with heat and arousal. Rick felt moved by sheer animal desire. Sweat broke out of his skin. He could feel the movement of his muscles as they bunched and flexed. In his mind he saw his own body undulate and respond to the rhythmic strokes of his hand wrapped around his own cock. Knowing what it had done to him to see Dale so engaged caused him to groan aloud, caused the blissful ache centered in his groin to ratchet higher.

His movements became shorter, harder. He jerked under the strain of impending release. Rick’s eyes flew open. "I'm coming." he gasped.

"Mmm, all for me," Dale whispered and bent, taking Rick into his mouth.

With an anguished roar, Rick came. Powerful blasts of salty/sweet cum burst from the swollen tip of his cock, flooding the interior of Dale's mouth. Dale swallowed each shot, humming his approval, the vibrations causing Rick's balls to jerk as yet more semen was unloaded.

"Dale, oh fuck, Dale," he groaned, feeling the suctioning slide of Dale's mouth and tongue over his depleted cock. He rested a hand on Dale's head, fingers tightening in his thick, burnished hair. "No more baby, please," he pleaded as his cock-head became sensitized to the touch.

Dale lifted up and away. He leaned over Rick, and capturing his lips in a kiss, fed him the remnants of his release. Their tongues swirled languidly in the rich, fragrant cream which they shared and swallowed.

Dale sat up and gazed down at Rick. "Feel better?" he teased.

Rick chuckled. "Oh yeah."

"Good. Roll over."

Rick hesitated only a moment then rolled to his stomach. It was time.

Dale draped his body over Rick's and rested against him. Rick could feel the hard ridge of Dale's cock pressing against his ass. He lay quietly, tensely waiting.

"Relax," Dale ordered softly.

Rick nodded and willed his muscles to loosen. They lay quietly for a few minutes. Rick actually felt himself beginning to doze. He was floating in a lazy fog when Dale changed tactics. His mouth moved over Rick’s shoulders, neck and back. Kissing and licking Rick’s warm, sweaty skin, he moved lower and lower.

Poised to lift himself away, Dale leaned forward. "Get up on your knees for me," he whispered in Rick's ear before nipping his earlobe. That fleeting pinch sent a shiver down Rick's spine.

Gathering himself, he pulled his knees up and spread his legs at Dale's urging. He felt open and vulnerable, waiting for Dale's touch. It wasn’t long before Rick noted the increased rhythm of Dale's breath and looked around, his eyes widening in surprise. Dale was on his knees, firmly stroking his own rigid cock. His gaze was fastened to Rick's ass and with a drawn out groan he shot. Rick felt the warm liquid splash against him, coating his skin. His puckered opening jumped as it was hit by a direct shot.

Dale finished shooting and ran his still hard cock through the cum that decorated Rick's crease. He spread the creamy liquid, positioned his cock between the firm mounds and slid it up and down. Rick moaned and pushed back into the touch. It was a moan that multiplied and became many when Dale backed away and substituted his tongue for his cock. For the first time, Rick felt the warm, tactile brush of wet flesh over the most intimate and vulnerable place on his body. He nearly cried out with frustration when Dale stopped.

“Mmm, you taste so good,” Dale murmured breathing hot and hard against his skin. “Slick and creamy with cum and your own unique flavor. You should see this.” A fingertip slid lightly across his puckered, virgin entrance. Rick felt his hole spasm. “You wouldn’t think suck a tender, pink little entrance would be found between these muscular cheeks. I just came but the sight and scent of you has me harder than a rock already. I want to be inside you so bad it hurts but I promised you something, didn’t I? I promised I make you beg. Let’s see what I can do about that.”

Dale's tongue was suddenly there and once again that sweet, slick probe was setting off minute detonations over the thousands of tiny nerve endings that encircled Rick's sphincter. He closed his eyes tightly, his face scrunched in a grimace at the flood of pleasure that inundated him. Rick found himself rocking to a primitive beat with his hands clenching fistfuls of the sheet beneath him. Dale’s seduction was killing him. No one had ever directed him like this, guided him, teased him and aroused him like this. A part of him wanted to surrender while another fought to withstand the tender onslaught. He was the dominant one wasn’t he? Wasn’t it his job to lead? Stubbornly he fought his desires, all the while drowning in the sensations Dale was lavishing on his pleasure wracked body.

Without consciously acknowledging it he threw his dominance to the wind and gave in. “Oh fuck! God, yes. Dale, fuck me, please fuck me. Son of bitch, I can’t take it anymore!”

Dale immediately ceased. Rick gasped with relief, his body shuddering. He heard the snapping sound of the cap on the bottle of lube they kept by the bed. A slick finger circled the wrinkled skin of his hole and the tension that had eased was immediately back. Torn between fighting and accepting, the decision was taken out of his hands. That warm, lubed finger pushed in and slid deep in one smooth dizzying glide.

“Dale!” A frisson of panic tightened Rick’s stomach. Arm’s straightening, he started to rise.

"Easy baby, it's okay. It's ok,” Dale soothed, his free hand landing gently in the small of Rick’s back. Warm, sure caresses smoothed up and down Rick’s spine and he relaxed, dropping back to his original position. “How does it feel? Talk to me, Rick."

Panic subsiding, Rick was able to concentrate enough to realize that it actually was okay, better than okay. "Good. It... it feels good." His voice was tinged with surprise which brought a chuckle from Dale.

“Of course it does. I wouldn’t hurt you, angel.”

Relaxing, Rick lost himself in a fog of sensation and mental confusion. The slow in and out glide of Dale’s finger brought more than carnal delights. He'd never felt anything like this in his entire life. This small invasion was bringing not only physical pleasure but emotional upheaval. He’d let Dale into his heart but this penetrative act was allowing Dale to touch the very core of his being.

He groaned as a second finger joined the first, opening his body, opening his soul. Rick struggled to relax, struggled to make sense of all the emotions filling his mind and heart as Dale filled his body. The smooth rhythm of Dale's stroking fingers was soothing yet provocative. A third finger moved in with the first two and Rick's thoughts shredded as pleasure and pain whipped up his spine, shocking, yet welcome.

From a distance he heard Dale's soothing murmurs, his lost soul following the sound, knowing that here was love, here was safety, here was a place to rest and let go. His body relaxed, allowing the glide of Dale's fingers free and deep access to his accepting entrance. Rick felt bereft as Dale's fingers left him, despair rose up until he heard Dale's softly murmured order to roll over.

He automatically obeyed, his eyes locking with Dale's as he settled on his back. "I want to watch your face, see your eyes as I fill you.” A throb of emotion made Dale’s voice husky and rough.

Rick nodded wordlessly and helped as Dale pushed his legs up, exposing his entrance. Dale moved between Rick's legs and Rick shuddered as he felt the first touch of Dale's cock to his waiting pucker. He strove to relax as the pressure built. An involuntary groan was torn from his throat as the head of Dale's cock penetrated the tight ring of his anus. Pain blossomed like a flower and just as quickly the petals folded and dropped away.

Together they stilled, waiting for Rick's body to relax, to accept its invasion. Slowly, slowly, slowly, Dale began to push forward, stopping every inch or so, giving Rick time to adjust, to become familiar with the sensation of being filled. Finally he was in to the hilt, his pubic hair tickling Rick's parted cheeks. He pulled back slightly and returned, each retreat of longer duration until he was taking Rick with long, slow strokes.

Rick accepted then welcomed the thick intrusion of Dale’s cock. The pleasure built, blinding in its intensity. His thoughts were on total shutdown, his body intent on complete meltdown. Every long, hard thrust caressed his prostate sending fiery tendrils of sensation shooting through his groin. His own cock was throbbing in time with Dale's every move, swelling harder and harder. He felt the inevitable tightening of his balls, the tingle that proclaimed his orgasm would not be held at bay any longer.

"Dale!" he cried out, wanting to tell his lover things there were no words for.

"Let go baby. Come for me," Dale gasped. He increased the strength of his thrusts taking Rick and himself over the edge.

Their mutual roars of release joined, mingling, sweeter than the sound of any choir. Dale shot his load deep into the dark, hot, velvety depths of his lover. The backwash anointed his pubic hair and dripped down to puddle on the bed beneath them. Rick's offering drenched them in hot ropes of potent seed. Pungent and heady, the smell of sex inundated their nostrils, acting as a drug, sending them higher. Aching, gut wrenching spasms of pleasure tore through their taut, straining bodies until finally, regretfully it began to recede, leaving exhaustion and sweet, tender repletion in its wake.

Dale had collapsed on top of Rick and rested there. Rick held him, breathing hard, his body relaxing until he felt the tears form. He stiffened in denial, blinking rapidly but they wouldn’t retreat. The breath stilled in his lungs as he fought the rising emotions but his body cried out for air forcing him to breathe. Small convulsive shudders took hold and his defenses crumbled. The tears leaked from the corners of his eyes and dripped down to soak the pillow.

When Dale lifted his head, Rick could see the appalled remorse that filled his eyes. "Oh shit. I hurt you,” he almost shouted. He made to withdraw from Rick’s body.

"No! Stay. I'm okay babe, I'm okay. It's just..." Rick panted, lost, struggling to find the words.

After the physical release, his emotions had come flooding back in a confused welter. He couldn't contain the flood, couldn't hide from it, couldn't make sense of the relief pitted against the guilt.

Frowning in concern, Dale reacted just as Rich had come to expect. "Shh, take your time, angel. It's all right, baby. Relax.” He hovered over Rick, softly stroking the hair back from his face.

Rick began hesitantly, as he carefully chose his words. "All my life, I've been strong. I've known that this was how I was meant to be. But sometimes... sometimes I just wanted to be the follower, to not always have to take the lead, not always have to make the decisions. I... God, Dale." His final words were a plea. One that Dale did not ignore.

"Rick, it's all right. This is how it's meant to be. You and I together are one unit. When I feel down or lost, I know you'll be there. Your strength is something I'll always be able to depend on. But now you know that you have the same with me. You don't always have to be strong. There's nothing wrong with relinquishing your control to me. It's not weakness, babe, it's trust, it's knowing that I'll always be here for you, knowing that you can pull back, rest, and I'll take the lead." Dale continued to stroke Rick's hair, his face and chest. "That's what this is all about. You claimed me and now I've claimed you. We're equals, partners, lovers. We take care of each other. Understand?"

Rick, his eyes glittering with as yet unshed tears, nodded. He swallowed hard, a smile teasing the corners of his lips. Reaching up, he brushed the hair back from Dale's face, his touch light, tender, loving. "How did I get so lucky?"

Dale grinned. "You must have done something very good, somewhere along the way."

Rick chuckled, the movement pushing Dale's flaccid cock from his body, forcibly reminding him of their joining. "However it happened, I'm grateful." He pulled Dale's face down to his, giving him a warm and loving kiss. "Thank you for making my first time unforgettable."

Dales eyes shone with pleasure and pride. He returned Rick's kiss. "You're welcome. I love you."

The balm of those three words was never more welcome. “I love you too,” Rick answered with all his heart.

Dale eased himself away from Rick and off the bed. "I think it's time for a shower." Walking into the bathroom he casually threw over his shoulder. "That was one hot piece of virgin tail."

Rick lay on the bed chuckling. He decided to allow his lover this small bit of impertinence. It was well worth it. A moment later, he joined Dale in the shower where flying water and shouts of laughter filled the air.

* * *

Dale sat at his desk, lost in his work. His fingers moved over the keyboard, his thoughts materializing on the screen with each key stroke. He muttered a small grumble of annoyance when the phone rang. Rick, he knew, was outside in the garden. He could hear the steady drone of the tiller. No chance of passing the phone answering chore to him. He hesitated a moment and thought of letting the machine pick it up then relented.

Picking up the handset, he brought it to his ear. "Hello?"

There was a brief silence then a woman's voice questioned. "Is this Dale Vaden?"

"Yes, it is," he replied, puzzled. This was a voice he didn't recognize.

"This is Irene Hunter, Rick's mother. May I speak to him, please?"

Dale froze with surprise. "Mrs. Hunter. Yes, of course, Rick's outside. Please hold on. I'll take the phone out to him."

Dale hurriedly rose and strode for the front door. Quickly crossing the porch and descending the steps, he trotted out to the garden plot that lay on the other side of the gravel driveway. He cursed silently at his lack of shoes, wincing as the rocks bit into the bare soles of his feet.

Rick was using the small tiller to weed carefully between the rows of tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. His tee shirt, wet with sweat, was plastered to the middle of his back. Dale couldn’t help but admire the sight of those smooth, firm muscles flexing under the damp fabric. As usual his fingers itched to touch, knowing he'd find the skin warm and smooth.

Keeping to the edge of the garden, he pulled even with Rick, waving to get his attention. Rick shut the tiller down and with a smile made his way to Dale. Dale could see the impish light in Rick's eyes and forestalled any play by holding up the phone.

"Your mother," he mouthed silently.

Rick's eyes widened, his brows rising. He gave Dale a questioning look as he took the phone. Dale shrugged and shook his head, having nothing to tell Rick about the reason for her call.

"Mom?" Rick questioned, speaking into the phone. He listened for a moment then replied. "All right, I'll be down in about twenty minutes." He listened again. "That's okay. I'll see you in a bit." He disconnected and looked at Dale, his expression somewhat worried. "Mom wants to see me."

"Well, that's a good thing, isn’t it?"

Rick shrugged and headed for the house. "I hope so.”

Dale followed and drew even with him, slipping an arm around his waist. "I'm sure it will be. She wouldn't ask you over just so she could wallop you again.”

"Guess you're right. Babe, I'm dirty and I smell. You're gonna need a shower too if you don't turn me loose."

"I don't mind. I like the way you smell."

"Stinky?" Rick chuckled.

"That's pure man smell," Dale told him. "Musky-hot and spicy, mmm."

Rick grinned, pulling Dale close as they stopped in front of the porch. "You've gotten to be a real horndog, lover." He leaned in, nibbling at Dale's lower lip. "Ever since you took my cherry."

Dale smiled against Rick's teasing lips. "Where you're concerned, angel, I've always been a horndog."

He slanted his lips over Rick's finding that familiar and perfect fit. Rick moaned and Dale took advantage of the offer, sliding his tongue into Rick's mouth. Their tongues tangled and explored, Rick's following Dale's home, where Dale held it captive, suckling lightly. Rick broke the kiss, stepping back.

Breathing hard, he looked down at the bulge that strained against his buttons. "Damn, now I gotta take a cold shower!"

Dale stepped forward, closing the gap between them. "I could be persuaded to take of this for you," he offered. His hand stroked Rick's swollen cock behind the imprisoning denim, tracing it with a slow sultry motion.

"Don't take this the wrong way, babe," Rick said stepping out of reach, "but I don't think that would be a very good idea right now. It's going to be hard enough to talk to my mother as it is without blushing like a schoolboy cause I can't help thinking about how my lover just got me off."

Dale grinned and chuckled. "Guess it's the cold shower then."

"Yeah, I know."

Rick's petulant expression brought a spate of laughter from Dale. He followed as Rick morosely made his way upstairs, determined to face his fate.