Date: Sat, 21 Sep 2002 19:29:43 -0700 (PDT) From: Waddie Greywolf Subject: "Cabbage Patch Cowboy Part 5" DISCLAIMER: WARNING!! This is a work of homoerotic fictions written by an adult for the purpose of entertainment for other adults. If you are not eighteen year of age or you have any problem with this type of literature then this is a warning to read no further. The author will not be held responsible for any reason if you do. (Codes: M/M M/b M/t Gay Incest Anal Oral True) Comments/questions: waddiebear@yahoo.com Copyright 2002 Waddie Greywolf ===================================================================== CABBAGE PATCH COWBOY PART 5 One morning, a couple of days after Christmas buck made a phone call. Waddie overheard him talking to a man about a pony. The man he was talking to raised and trained roping ponies. Buck asked if he and his nephew might drive out that morning, meet him and take a look at his stock. The man was Dan Justin. Dan and his wife Jimmy Sue bought the ranch next to Morgan's and moved in the same day Waddie was rushed to the hospital. "Come on, Cowboy," Buck hollered at Waddie, "come take a ride with me out to the Justin place. I need to see a man about a horse. You can meet their boy . . .Wha'd ju' say his name was?" "George Gipson Gentry Justin." Waddie replied Waddie was all for it as long as he didn't have to stop by Morgan's place right now. He knew you couldn't see any of the buildings on the Justin place from Morgan's except an old barn that was almost on the property line at one time. It was still in fair shape and had been used for storage as late as a couple of years ago. He and his Uncle Buck took Buck's pickup truck. It wasn't a new truck but it wasn't an old truck either. She was a mature lady, as Buck described her. She definitely had personality. Buck name it Bertha May Come-a-long. Waddie shortened it to Bert and then Buck started calling her Bertie because he insisted `it' was a `she.' Pa Claymore decided to call `her' Bertie May Bendover because she's been rear ended and the step bumper near the tail pipe was askew. Poor thing, she got so paranoid she didn't know what to answer to. It had been really cold for Christmas but the two days following were beautiful days and much warmer. It was still cool enough to wear a light jacket. Waddie wore a pair of his new jeans, a nice western shirt, his boots and was ready to go. He saw his uncle with his enormous felt hat on and marveled at how handsome his uncle looked in his western clothes. He wanted to look just like him. `That's the way a man should look,' he thought. Buck looked at his buddy. "Grab your hat, Son! If we're gonna' be cowboys, we gotta' start looking like cowboys." Waddie liked that idea and ran to get his hat. It was the same color as his uncle's and he thought he looked really hot in it He did! But when he and his uncle stood in front of the mirror they got a shock. Buck looked at Waddie in the mirror and back at himself. Waddie looked at his uncle and back at himself. Neither could believe what they were seeing in the mirror. They turned slowly to look at each other and looked back in the mirror. Neither wanted to say anything because they weren't sure what the other was thinking. They turned away from the mirror and walked half dazed out the door. They got downstairs and Ma and Pa Claymore were having coffee in the living room. When Buck and Waddie entered the room Buck's parents were visibly shaken. "Hoe-leey shit!" said Pa Claymore and he never cursed around his wife. That was unusual. "You guys wait here a minute while I grab my camera, I gotta' get a picture of this." "Come'mer Darlin'," Ma Claymore motioned to Waddie. She had a pair of small scissors in her apron and cut several loose strings from his jeans and shirt. Pa Claymore returned with his camera and sat down for a minute. "Mom, Dad, Waddie and I couldn't believe what we were looking at in the mirror. Neither of us believed it. You had the same reaction we did. Waddie hasn't said a word. What did you think when we looked in the mirror upstairs, Cowboy?" "Like I was looking at a wallet size photo of you, Uncle Buck." Pa Claymore took them outdoors where the light was better and took several shots of the two of them. In one shot Buck's holding Waddie in his arms looking at him and Waddie's looking at Buck. Everyone that saw that picture asked for a copy. Buck and Waddie took off for the twelve miles to the Justin ranch. They were in great spirits. Buck was in one of his playful moods and Waddie knew he had to stay on his toes `cause you never knew when the bull shit would start to fly. He had to admit, though, he loved Buck more than ever when he was in one of these moods. He'd let his little boy come out and play with his buddy. They'd laugh and giggle at the damnedest things. Waddie was learning fast how to sling a little himself. His uncle had to check himself `cause he wasn't really sure whether the kid was serious or not. Today, Waddie couldn't be serious about anything. "You know why cowboy hats are turned up on the sides, Honcho?" Buck asked him. Waddie knew that grin. "No Sir, Uncle Buck, why?" "So three or more can ride in a pickup." Waddie thought that was funny. One of his uncle's better tries. He laughed and giggled almost all the way to the Justin place. They pulled in, up and around in behind the house. Dan Justin, his wife and boy came out the back door to greet them." "How do, Mr. Justin, I'm Buck Claymore and this here good looking Cowboy's my nephew, Waddie Lovejoy." "Call me Dan, Buck and good to meet you young man." Waddie shook Mr. Justin's hand. "Good to meet you, too, Mr. Justin, Mrs. Justin." but Waddie couldn't take his eyes off their boy. He knew he was his new buddy and his heart almost jumped out of his body. Waddie thought he had to be the best looking kid he'd ever seen. He walked slowly toward the boy and George Gipson Gentry Justin stuck out his hand to shake Waddie's. The three adults were watching intently to see what would happen. "Hi Waddie, I'm George." "No you ain't!" Waddie said slowly but determined with all the love from his heart his words could muster, "You're my best buddy, `Gip!'" and with that Waddie took Gip in his arms, hugged him to him then spoke quietly with conviction. "You don't shake your best buddies hand , Gip, you give him a hug, a kiss then tell him you love him." Waddie kissed the boy on the cheek. "I love you, Gip. I'm so damn glad we finally got to meet each other." Gip didn't know what to do but was so taken with Waddie's openness and strength of resolve he fell under Waddie's spell and melted in his arms. He didn't know why he was compelled to return this boy's unusual greeting, but he could sense nothing but love and gentleness of purpose emanating from the young cowboy that held him. Waddie held him tight enough to surround him with his love but not so tight he felt consumed nor threatened by such an expression. Gip surprised himself when he hugged Waddie back, kissed him on the cheek and heard his own words come freely from his heart. "I love you, too, Waddie, and you can't know how damn glad I am you're here." Gip had never said those words to anyone and meant them more than he did at that moment. He knew he loved this cowboy and he knew his cowboy, his new best buddy, Waddie, loved him. There was no doubt in his mind. `After all,' he thought, `cowboys don't never tell lies.' Waddie had to be the best looking young cowpoke Gip had ever seen. Here he was calling him buddy and calling him by the first part of his second name. `Why the hell didn't I think of that?' Gip thought to himself. `That's the name I want to be called. I'm not a `George,' I'm my best buddy's new best buddy and by God if he wants to call me `Gip,' he can. Hell, this kid could call me `flapjack' if'n he wanted to.' At that moment he knew he never wanted to be called anything else but `Gip." It might take some convincing with his parents but they were good and understanding with him. If he truly felt strongly about something, they'd at least listen and discuss it with him. They weren't unreasonable. The three adults were dumbfounded as the two boys walked away, arms around each other, deep in conversation. They seemed like two old friends that had only been apart for ten minutes and picked up their conversation where they left off. A tear rolled down Dan Justin's cheek. "Well, I'll . . be . . . damned!" said Dan Justin, "Did you see that, Honey? What do you make of that? I swear I ain't never seen anything like that before in my life. That was amazing! You say Waddie's your nephew, Buck?" "Yes Sir, but we're not blood relation. He's my best friend Morgan Lovejoy's kid. Morgan owns the ranch next door." Buck motioned with his head. "That's Mr. Lovejoy's son?" Jimmy Sue asked Buck. "Yes Ma'am." "When you got out of the truck, we thought he was your kid. What'd I say to you, Dan?" "She laughed and said, well if it ain't big Buck and little Buck. I thought he was your kid, too." Dan supported Jimmy Sue. "We're getting that a lot lately. My parents damn near had a fit when we came down stairs both wearing our cowboy clothes. My Pa ran and got his camera and took several pictures." "We've been so worried about George because he's been withdrawn and depressed since we moved here. He just moaps around all day not doing much of anything. He use to follow me around like a puppy dog and help me. Now I can't get him to do much of anything. This move took him away from all his friends in the other town we're from and he doesn't have anyone to play with out here. I've never seen him welcome someone into his world like that before. He's usually guarded, reserved and standoffish until he knows them a little better." "He ain't never met Waddie before," Buck laughed, "he has that effect on people. If that kid decides you're gonna' like him, there's nothing you can do about it." Buck laughed, "The night I walked into that hospital room and his eyes met mine, it was all over! I fell in love with that kid right there. I knew I had no choice but to see that kid's life was set right." "Hell, Buck, looks to me like those two've known each other all their lives. Look at `em. They can't talk to each other fast enough and can't take their hands off each other." said Dan Justin seemingly thrilled that the two boys were off and running in a new friendship. "Dan, . . . Jimmy Sue, . . . I think we witnessed something very special here today and to be honest that was the main reason for coming out here was to get them two together. Waddie needs a buddy his age to relate to and it would appear your boy does too. I don't mind bragging about Waddie `cause he ain't my kid but your boy couldn't have no finer young man for a buddy. I expect to have kids of my own one day but I doubt I'll love them any more'n I do that boy. Not because he's my best friend, my brother's child, but because of who his is. There's an old man inside that five year old body. I also came out here to see the ponies but this needed to be done." "Well, come on in the house and have a cup of coffee, . . a beer or whatever you want." "Iced tea, Jimmy Sue?" Buck asked her. "No problem, Buck." They sat down at the kitchen table and Buck started. "Well, you may have to get use to a new name for your boy. I can promise you after today he won't answer to George no more." They both looked puzzled and Buck explained. He told them the whole story of Waddie's near death experience and the angel telling Waddie about the boy that was moving into the ranch next door, what his name was, and Waddie would call him `Gip.' His middle name is Gipson, right?" "How ju' know that, Buck. Nobody `round here knows his full name." "I sure as hell do, it's George Gipson Gentry Justin." Buck thought Jimmy Sue was gonna' drop the sugar bowl and Dan choked on his iced tea. "The angel told Waddie his name and we've known it now for over two months. That boy talked to an angel and it was the same angel that saved my life on Iwo Jima. The angel that helped me, told me his name, and the night I met Waddie he told me he talked to an angel said he was a friend of mine. He whispered the name of the angel that saved me. How could a five year old kid know that? I hadn't told anybody that story since I got back. I thought people would think I was crazy." They both shook their heads. "But I'll tell you what . . . my life changed after that angel touched me and the only word I could describe to you how I felt was, I was blessed. He told me I couldn't die, I had a son to live for. Sure `nuff, I no sooner got home than Morgan asked me to be Waddie's God father. Hell, he even named Waddie after me. His middle name's Claymore." "You know what, Hon?' Jimmy Sue asked her husband, "I know George was your dad's name but I sure like `Gip.'" Dan looked at his wife kinda funny then smiled. "Yeah, so do I." he admitted, "How many cowboys you know named, George? I guess we could leave that up to him. Hell, I'd rather be known as `Gip' than just plain George. I'll be honest with you, Honey, I sometimes regret giving him that name. Dad and I never got along very well and I gave him dad's name to try to bridge the gap between us. Never did, my old man went to his grave hating me. I'm beginning to believe a kid's name could possibly shape his personality. If that's true, I sure as hell don't want him ending up a bitter, hateful old man like my dad. I certainly wouldn't have any problem with it. Let's wait and see what he says. See if he asks us to start calling him that." Dan Justin told his wife. "They start school this year together. At least they'll have each other to help them adjust." Jimmy Sue added. "How long's Waddie staying with you, Buck?" Dan asked. "Well, maybe you've heard Linda Sue Davenport and I are engaged. We're getting married the second weekend in June. Morgan ask me a couple weeks ago, before Christmas, if I'd mind keeping Waddie `til we got married. I told him it was more'n fine with me. He could leave him longer if he wanted. My parents treat him better'n they treated me. My dad lets him do things he'd never let me do. He spoils him rotten. That's not bad, because the kid could do with a little spoiling from the life he's been living. Ma and Pa would gladly take care of him `til Linda Sue and I got back from our honeymoon. Then their's Waddie's grandparents, the Lovejoys that haven't gotten to see too much of Waddie `cause Morgan's wife, Judy, hates them and won't let Waddie see them. They've seen more of Waddie since he's been with me that they have in the last five years and they idolize the kid. Morgan wouldn't care if'n he stayed a week with them. Linda Sue's fallen in love with him and she wants him to live with us. I'd have no problem with that whatsoever. I'd raise that kid as my own if Morgan would let me. But Waddie has a say in this, too, and for all we've come to mean to each other, he misses his dad. He may choose to go back and live with him. I ain't gonna' try to influence the boy one way or another." Buck was quiet for a minute, "Would you folks like me to tell you another lie?" he asked Dan and Jimmy Sue with a big grin. They all three broke up at Buck's honesty. "Has Morgan been over to welcome you folks?" "Yeah, he stopped by a couple of days after we moved in and told us his boy was in the hospital. He tried to be up but we could tell he was worried. He didn't stay long; said he just wanted to be neighborly and welcome us. It was nice of him. We appreciated it. We haven't met his wife and other two kids. We seen `em from time to time when we drive by. They never wave or seem very friendly. And of course, we've heard talk. Is Waddie the boy, she gave all his clothes away?" "`Fraid so, Dan. I can't say anything. Morgan and I are closer than any brothers could be. We think of ourselves as brothers. My parents think of Morgan as their other son and his parents think of me as their other son. I love his parents, too. Those folks have been damn good to me over the years. I'd do anything in the world for them. That's why I have no problem with them seeing their grandson and Waddie loves them, too. I don't know what's going on in Morgan's household and it ain't none of my business. All I know is that boy out there hasn't had it easy go of it. You wouldn't believe the stories he told me. I didn't know whether to believe him or not. Now, I would believe any damn thing that kid told me as God's gospel truth. He don't lie. You'll never catch that kid in a lie. He's proved it over and over to me. He's a damn good boy, aside from what he's been through, and I've come to love him as if he were my own. Well, you'll see for yourselves. He'll charm the dickens out of you. You can't help but love the little guy!" Buck went on to tell Dan and Jimmy Sue what happened Christmas and Jimmy Sue was in tears. She couldn't imagine what that poor little boy had been through. * * * * * * * * * * * * Dan, Jimmy Sue, and Buck sat and talked for almost two hours and Dan suggested he show Buck his stock. The two men left the house and headed toward the newer of two large barns on the property. Dan Justin was quite a bit smaller than Buck but he was a lean sturdy built man that had hard muscles from ranch work. He was several years older than Buck and Buck found him an attractive man. Buck found himself drawn to Dan because of their common interest in roping and rodeoing and of course Dan had heard all the talk about Buck Claymore, war hero. He was impressed that Buck was a down to Earth person that he could readily relate to. He showed Buck his stock and pointed out several ponies he thought were intelligent and going to make good roping ponies. Waddie and Gip fell in behind the two men still talking up a storm. Buck turned around and looked at them, then smiled and winked at Dan. "What'chu men talk'n about, Son?" Buck asked Waddie. "I'z just telling Gip about the rope you gave me for Christmas, Uncle Buck, and how you gave me several lessons and Quinton taught me some, too. Told Gip, I've been practicing every day. Gip says he wants to learn too." They went back to their conversation. Dan turned to Buck. "First I've heard about it! My boy interested in learning to rope?" Dan shook his head in disbelief, "I've tried to get him interested and he won't even try. I figure if a kid don't want to do something don't force him. Sure as hell hope Waddie gets him interested. It'ud make me a very happy man, I'll tell ya that!" "I told ju' earlier about me feeling blessed by that angel, well, I think Waddie was, too. I think he's a special little boy that's going to overcome the hurt he's been through and do great things. If he can't talk your boy into getting interested in learning to rope, nobody can. He won't try to talk him into it. His enthusiasm for anything he's interested in infects everybody he comes in contact with. Make you a small bet, Dan. Five bucks says your boy asks you for a rope and some lessons `for the days over." "You're on, Buck! It'll probably be the only bet I ever make I pray to God I lose." Dan put his hand on Buck's shoulder and they laughed together. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Jimmy Sue came out the back door of the house and hollered at Waddie and Gip to come in and have some cookies and hot chocolate. They came inside and sat at the table and had hot chocolate and cookies and never stopped talking the entire time they were there. Jimmy Sue couldn't believe what she was hearing. These two boys had great things in common and obviously had a deep spiritual connection with each other. She could feel it flowing back and forth between them. It was powerful and she was grateful for Buck having brought Waddie out with him. Buck was right, she couldn't believe how fast Waddie charmed her. He was polite, considerate, thoughtful, and genuinely grateful for the least thing she did for him. `What more could you want in a kid,' she thought to herself? She laughed because Waddie kept calling her boy, `Gip' and her boy `Gip' made no effort to stop him. In fact it looked to her like he beamed every time his new friend called him that. She was impressed by the strength of character that Waddie projected. For a young kid to have suffered as much as she heard about, his demeanor was one of gentility, goodness and hope. She had no doubt these two were on their way to becoming close friends and buddies. "Waddie, if your Uncle Buck would let you, do you think you might like to come out and stay a night with us to be with George?" Waddie smiled at Gip and winked. Jimmy Sue knew exactly what that communicated: "She's sweet. She means well. We'll tell her later. No sweat." "I'd enjoy that Mrs. Justin. Gi . . .uh, George and me are buddies and I'd like to see him as much as I can. Especially since we start school together this fall. Do you think he could come in and stay with us an evening." "Well, I don't see why not, Waddie, but let me ask his dad first, and by the way, you can call him Gip if you want to. "Thank's Mrs. Justin. See Gip, trust your buddy, I told you they wouldn't have no problem with it." Mrs. Justin had to laugh with the two boys over Waddie's statement. `He's probably right,' she thought "I do trust you, Waddie. Until you give me reason not to, I'll always trust you." "You think that's what you want to be called, Sweet heart? Gip?" "Yes Ma'am, mom! That's the name my best buddy gimme' and I like it a lot better'n George. It just feels right and I keep wondering why I never thought of it? I feel like I've always been Gip, not George. Like Gip's been asleep and Waddie just woke him up. Think Dad would have a problem with it, mom?" "Well, you know George was his dad's name but you know you can talk to your dad about anything. Tell him it's important to you, I don't think he'd mine. You can tell him you have my vote." "Gee, thanks mom! I don't think he'll mind. He and my granddad fought all the time. I made up my mind I won't never fight with my dad. I saw what it did to the both of `em and I never want to see that look on my dad's face. I love my old man and that would kill me. I wouldn't want to live no more." "Gip, you never told me that before." "You're right, mom, George never told you that. Gip ain't afraid to tell you." The boys laughed at Gip's play with names. * * * * * * * * * * * * * Dan and Buck came back in the house and Jimmy Sue fixed them a cup of coffee. It was late afternoon and it was getting chilly outside. She offered Buck a couple of homemade cookie and he readily accepted. "Buck's gonna' buy a couple of ponies from us, Hon. "Great. You gonna' train `em for him." "I'm gonna' help him train `em. Teach him how and he's gonna' help me with a couple of projects." "That's great. Buck, why don't you ask Linda Sue to come for dinner some evening and bring Waddie with you. We'd love to have the three of you out." "I'm sure she'd love to, let me get back to ya'" "And you young man!" Dan pointed a finger at his son, "Come'mer!" Dan pulled Gip to his lap and smiled at him, "I like that name Waddie give you. I like it a lot better'n George. Is that what you wanna' be called, Son?" "Yes Sir, Dad. I was just telling mom, it's like Gip was asleep in side of me and Waddie woke him up." "That's good enough for me, Son. From now on you're `Gip.' They all cheered and Gip jumped down, ran to Waddie, hugged and kissed him. "Thank you, buddy, for my new name. Ever' time somebody calls me `Gip,' I'll remember who gimme' that name. I love you, Waddie." Waddie hugged him back and kissed him on the cheek. "Love you, too, bother." All three adults had to turn away and dab their eyes at what they were witnessing. The affection that flowed between the two boys was undeniable. Dan Justin fell in love with Waddie at that moment. Hell, Jimmy Sue was all ready smitten with him. It was time for Buck and Waddie to go. Jimmy Sue and Dan invited them to stay for dinner but Buck hadn't planned on it and didn't want to impose. They walked Waddie and Buck to the truck. Dan got Buck aside. "Can't thank you enough for bringing Waddie out with you. Personally, I hope you and me and our families have a long and steady friendship. Appreciate you coming out, Buck. You and Waddie are always welcome, any time." Dan hugged Buck and Buck didn't hold back his affection. "You ain't any more glad that we came out than we are. You got a fine boy there, Dan. One I know you're gonna' be proud of. Somehow the two of them together . . . well, I just shudder to think what they're gonna' be like in several years." both men laughed. The boys hugged and kissed each other and told each other they loved one another. Then Buck and Waddie jumped in the truck and headed back to town. As they passed Morgan's place they saw Judy walking around outside with Willie. Waddie moved closer to Buck. Buck put his big arm around Waddie and pulled him closer. "Seeing them make you feel bad, Hon?" he asked Waddie at seeing Judy and Willie. "Not as much as it might have before today, Uncle Buck." "Why's that, Sweet heart?" "`Cause I got some good folks who love me now and with love in my heart I can face anything, including them. That's what I prayed for, Uncle Buck. He heard me and answered my prayer. I'm grateful to Him for that." Buck almost had to pull the truck over, he thought he was going to lose it, but he didn't. He choked back the tears and held Waddie closer. "You know who else we should thank?" "Our angel, Mr. Urial, Uncle Buck?" "Yeah Son. I don't remember whether I ever thanked him for saving my life on Iwo Jima. I haven't thanked him for bringing us together and several other things I've probably forgotten about. What do you say?" Waddie looked out his window and jumped next to Buck like he'd been shot then started giggling. "What chu' giggling about. I was serious." "I know, Uncle Buck, and I wanna' thank him, too. But you don't have to worry none `bout him knowing." "Why's that, buckaroo?" "`Cause he's sitting right next to me but you can't see him. He said to tell you, he's proud of you and so's the Old Man. They love the both of us." "Is that why you jumped a minute ago?" "Yes Sir, Uncle Buck. Damn near pissed my pants." Buck laughed. "Well, if he can hear me. Mr. Urial I thank you, Sir, for saving my life but more than that I thank you from the bottom of heart for bringing me and my buddy here, together. I love you, Sir!" "He said he loves you, too. Now, he's gone. He just disappeared. That scares the shit out of me when he does that!" They both laughed together. Buck had no doubt the angel Urial was riding shotgun. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Justin family finished dinner and Gip was helping his mom clear the table. Dan got up and put on his sheep lined jacket to go feed and put the ponies in the barn for the night. He put on his big hat and Gip spoke to him. "Dad, can I help you with the ponies tonight?" "Sure Son, glad to have your help. Grab your jacket and hat." Gip quickly put on his jacket and hat and they headed out the door. Dan turned to Jimmy Sue, smiled and shook his head in disbelief. Gip really helped his Dad putting the stock away for the night. It took them about half the time it would ordinarily if Dan did it alone. Gip helped him feed and put things away. They closed up and headed back to the house. Dan put his arm around his son. "Thanks, Gip, for helping me tonight. I really appreciate it." "Well, Waddie started me thinking. I don't want us to be like granddad and you. I want to help you and let you know I love you. After today I ain't afraid to tell you I love you, Dad." "Well, I love you, too, Son. I guess I'm partly to blame for us drifting apart and if you ain't afraid to tell me you love me, I sure as hell ain't gonna' be afraid to tell you either." Dan held his boy tighter and thanked Waddie and Buck in his mind. "By the way, Dad, you got an old rope around that you'd let me have to practice roping with? Maybe give me a few lessons?" Dan smiled to himself and was never happier to have just lost five bucks. "I think I got one around you can have. Be happy to give you some lessons. Tomorrow be too soon?" "Sound's good to me, Dad." "By the way, Gip, you and Waddie were right. The name,`Gip,' just feel right!" "Thanks, Dad, I feel different. Don't know how to explain it." "I think your old man understands, Son." "I had a feeling you would, Dad." They got back to the house and Gip went in to clean up to go to bed. He was in the shower when Dan picked up the phone and called Buck's number. Buck answered. "Hello." "Buck, this is Dan Justin." "Hey Dan, just thinking about you." "I owe you five bucks, pardner!" all Dan could hear was laughter on the other end of the phone. "I'm damn glad you lost that bet, Dan." Buck laughed again. "No more'n I am, friend. It was worth every penny. Thanks Buck, hug that kid for me and tell him he's got a new friend." "Will do, Dan. Goodnight." * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Linda Sue called and Buck got to talk to her all of five minutes before she wanted to talk to Waddie about his day. They were on the phone thirty minutes before Buck told him he wanted to at least say goodnight to his fiancee. Waddie said goodnight to his Aunt Linda and gave Buck the phone. "He had a big day today, Hon." Buck told Linda Sue. "Buck, he never ceases to amaze me. You never cease to amaze me. Since he's been with you, he's opened up to the world. I'm a lucky woman to be engaged to you. I can see what kind of father you're going to be and I couldn't be marrying a better man." "Ahww, just doing what needs to be done, Darlin.' And, you know you got two men over here that worship you. Never forget that, Hon!" "Goodnight, Darling." "Talk to you tomorrow, Sweet heart." * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "Come on, Cowboy! Clean up time. Then it's time for us buckaroos to bunk it in for the night. Ready?" "I'm ready, Uncle Buck" Waddie started toward the shower, stopped and turned around to face Buck. "Thanks, Uncle Buck, for taking me out to meet the Justins and my buddy. You did that for me and I appreciate it." Buck grabbed him up in his arms. "How'd ju' know that?" "I'm getting to know you and know how you are. Mr. Urial and God couldn't have sent me a better buddy. Besides, . . . Mr. Urial told me in the truck." Then Waddie giggled. "Well, here's where the bull shit stops, Son. Yes, I did take you out there to meet Gip. I also wanted to buy a couple of ponies from his dad. Even gave him a check for a deposit on a couple. Today did something for you, Waddie. I ain't real sure what, yet, but it's got to be good. I just feel it." "I agree, Uncle Buck. I'm not going to be so afraid after today. Fear is an awful thing to live with. I don't wanna' do that no more." "Can't blame you, Son. Your Uncle Buck has lived with fear and he knows what you're talking about. I don't want you to live with it anymore either" The two cowboys crawled into their bunk and were ready for sleep. Didn't take either one any time before they were asleep. Waddie dreamed of holding Gip in his arms and comforting him. Gip was afraid about a lot more things than Waddie was. He knew he could help Gip and love him. He never felt this way about anybody before. His love for Buck was rock solid and would never vary through the years but he felt different about Gip. He wanted to protect Gip and look after him. Gip needed Waddie and Waddie wasn't beyond realizing that he needed Gip. It was important to Waddie to have Gip need him. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The days started to fly by. The Justins became closer to Buck, Linda Sue and Waddie. Linda Sue and Jimmy Sue found they had a lot in common and Linda Sue asked Jimmy Sue if she'd be a brides maid for her. Jimmy Sue was thrilled and readily accepted. Buck asked Dan if he'd be a groomsman for him and Dan, too, was pleased Buck pulled no punches with Dan and told him how Waddie and he lived when they were home. That was his rule when anybody, males only of course, came to visit. He told him about the monthly poker games and Dan just howled. He wanted Dan to know, in case he had any problem with Gip coming to visit Waddie `cause the three of them would be running around in their birthday suits. Dan thought it was a great idea and would probably help Gip get over some of his shyness. He wanted to leave the decision up to Gip and wanted Buck to ask Waddie to tell him about Buck's rule. Dan laughed and told Buck if he ever need a fourth for poker, give him a call. Buck fell out laughing and told him he would. Dan had several large projects he wanted to get done and with Buck and the two boys they got a hell of a lot of things done around the ranch. When Buck went out there to work, he worked. They'd work from sunup to sundown with a break for lunch. Most times Linda Sue would go out spend the day with Jimmy Sue and help her in the kitchen. They'd fix lunch and dinner for the men and Linda Sue would help her clean up afterwards. Waddie surprised Buck once more. Buck thought he and Gip would be off playing somewhere while they worked but they didn't. They both helped. The men would dirty up an area. Waddie and Gip would come along and clean up. They stayed right along with Buck and Dan all day long. Dan couldn't believe Waddie's positive influence on Gip and the change in his son. He told Buck he was gonna' steal Waddie away from him and Morgan. He said Jimmy Sue would back him up. They wouldn't stand a chance. Buck just roared with laughter. Then he told Dan he wasn't real sure they hadn't done that all ready the way Waddie talks about the two of them. Then Dad laughed. As the months went by, Waddie and Gip were practicing more and more on their roping. A kid learns faster than an adult and it didn't take them four months before they were as good and sometimes better than either Dan or Buck. Quinton went out to work on projects with Dan and Buck several times and was a big help. He was better than all of them at roping. Waddie and Gip pestered the shit out of him to give them lessons every time he went out. Quinton loved the attention. He couldn't say no to Waddie and thought Gip was just as wonderful. He thought the two of them together was a perfect combination and predicted to Dan and Buck that in three years nobody in the state was gonna' be able to beat them. Gip shared with Waddie his attraction to Quinton and he'd had nasty dreams about Quinton. Waddie laughed and told him he wasn't alone except his were probably nastier. They broke up laughing slapping each other on the back. Gip got to where he loved to visit Waddie and Buck. He couldn't wait to get his clothes off. At first he was a bit shy but after running around butt naked with Waddie he suddenly realized he didn't care anymore. It felt natural. After the third or fourth time he even stopped staring at Buck. He was shy about looking at Buck but he wanted to. Waddie encouraged him. He told him Buck don't care. He'll let you feel him if you want to. "Does he let you feel him?" Gip asked Waddie. "He has and I have. I don't do it much anymore. I'm so use to him I don't pay him much attention. We sleep together every night and sometimes I wake up and grab me big ole hand full and go back to sleep. Sometimes I'll wake up and he's holding on to me. We don't think about it much. It's just something we do that makes us feel closer to each other. If we feel the need we can reach out and touch one another. We're buddies and he has that right and so do I. I love my dad but I ain't never loved nobody like I love Buck . . . until you come along, Gip. Now I love you as much as Buck only different." "How different, Waddie?" "Well, Buck's more like a big brother and as my God father he's also my one of my dads. You're like my brother to me, Gip. A brother I ain't never had. I know you're thinking I have Willie. Willie ain't my brother, Gip. You're my brother! Don't never doubt it! Someday I'll be able to tell you what I know but I can't right now. Just trust your big brother that everything's gonna' be all right and when things get tough remember I love you. I'll remember that you love me and it will get us through." "I love my old man, too, Waddie, like you love Buck. More now since you and I `ve been working with him and Buck. I find myself wanting to help him anyway I can to make us closer. I know he's thrilled that you and I are getting better at roping. I'm glad you got me interested. It helps me pass the time by practicing and I think about you and Buck while I'm doing it. I guess I feel the same way, Waddie. Ain't never loved anybody the way I love my big brother. I don't even haf' ta' say it, you can see it every time I look at you, I love you, too." The two boys hugged and kissed each other on the cheek. Gip looked puzzled and wanted to ask Waddie something. "I'm getting more use to seeing Buck naked and I don't sneak as many looks at him as I use too. Do you still sneak looks at him once in a while." "Occasionally I look up at him and admire him, after all, he is a fine looking man. He'll catch me looking at him and wink at me. Hell, I don't blush no more like I did at first. Now I just look at him and tell him what I'm thinking, `Goddamn, Uncle Buck, you're a fine looking man you know that?' Then I get to laugh when I watch him blush. Then I look at you and I admire my buddy, too." Gip just blushed. "Awww, Waddie. I sneak looks at you and admire you, too." "I know you do, Sweet heart, I've seen ya', but Gip, you don't never have to sneak looks at me. You're my buddy. Buddies don't have to sneak a look. Being my buddy gives you that right. You wanna' look, I'm proud for you to look at me as much and as long as you want." "Would you ever let me touch you, Waddie?" Gip asked quietly. "Course I would. Being my buddy gives you that right. I wouldn't never say `no' to you." "Why haven't you ever touched me?" "Wait'n . . ." was Waddie's reply. "For me to ask or bring it up?" "Yeah, little brother. I talked to Buck about it and he suggested I wait until you felt like it was your idea and you wanted to. I've wanted to touch you ever since the first day I held you in my arms but Buck was right, he usually is. It was something you needed to come to on your own. Ain't nothing wrong with it between two buddies. It's just another form of love. I didn't want to take the chance of scaring you and losing the love you all ready have for me. If you never wanted to feel me or me feel you, I still wanted to be your brother, Gip. I was a' hoping you might." Gip started crying and Waddie took him in his arms to comfort him. He kissed Gip behind his ear and on his neck until he calmed down. "Did I say something wrong, little brother?" Waddie asked gently. "No. It was just tears of happiness and relief, Waddie. I've wanted to touch you so bad since that moment we first held each other but I was afraid you didn't want to touch me. So when can I touch you, big brother?" "Well, let's see." Waddie mused to himself, "We be laying here in the all together, . . . I'm holding you in my arms up here on Buck's big bed, I'll make you a deal." "What's zat, Big Brother." "Give your big Brother a real kiss on the mouth, relax, put your hand down there and grab yourself a big ole handful. But you gotta' gimme' a good kiss at the same time." Gip looked Waddie in the eye and saw only the look of caring and love for his buddy. "I'm ready, Big Brother." Gip move up slightly in Waddie's bigger arms and gently put his mouth to Waddie's. He closed his eyes and felt himself falling into Waddie's love. He slowly moved his hand down his big brother's side, over his stomach, and rubbed the surface of his cock. Reached further to examine Waddie's tight little sack underneath. Slowly, as if Waddie's dick was a holy relic, he grasped it and felt it fullness as the blood began to fill Waddie's dick. The door opened to the room and in walks Buck. Waddie and Gip didn't even look up. They knew it was Buck and he wouldn't care. They were right but it didn't stop the big man from grabbing a couple of tissues to wipe his eyes and blow his nose. He knew Waddie had wanted this closeness with his buddy for three months and he was finally getting to experience it. He was happy for him. He was happy for both of them. He knew how important this would be to them. The boys broke their embrace and looked up at Buck and smiled. They didn't jump to cover themselves nor move apart. Waddie motioned for Buck to sit on the bed with them and he did. "Sorry, Uncle Buck. You caught us at a moment that was kinda important to us and we didn't want to lose it." "I could tell." said Buck. "I'm sorry I interrupted you but I'm pleased you didn't feel self-conscious and try to jump apart. Tells me you trust me enough to understand and that means a lot to this old cowboy. "I knew you'd understand, Mr. Claymore." said Gip, "course my big brother held me tight to let me know it was all right, not to worry." "What say, you men help me set up that bedroom `cross the way there. Then if'n you two men feel like you want to be private with each other, you can go in there and that'll be off limits to anybody but me. I won't disturb you unless it's important. I'll knock first and wait for you to answer. You men are growing up and you deserve some privacy." Waddie and Gip helped Buck fix the bed and arranged the furniture in the other bedroom and they made it quite comfortable. Buck made it clear that they could sleep in there together or still sleep with him. Whatever they chose to do. The two boys slept with Buck a lot. Gip loved to sleep in between the two men he had come to adore and finally got to where he had no qualms about grabbing a handful of Buck in one hand and a handful of Waddie in his other. Many mornings Buck and Waddie would wake up, wink at each other as Gip still slept holding on to both for dear life. Waddie would roll over, take Gip in his arms and kiss him on the neck. Gip would let go of Buck and curl up in his buddy's arms and go back to sleep still holding on to Waddie's dick like an airplane throttle. Waddie would lay there awake holding his little brother until he awoke in his arms. Gip would reach up and kiss Waddie gently on the mouth for good morning but he wouldn't let go of Waddie's dick. That was his right and he was exercising that right. He liked to wake up in Waddie's arms and have him pet him until the fog cleared from his brain. He couldn't remember a time in his young life that he'd been more at ease, comfortable, not afraid, and happy with more strength of purpose in his life than ever before. He was looking forward to school with his big brother. He wasn't afraid of it anymore. Dan and Jimmy Sue Justin couldn't believe the change in their boy. He was coming out of his self imposed shell, was more open to them, and didn't hesitate to tell them separately and together how much he loved them. Buck was right, as he usually was according to his number one fan, being nude around a bunch of guys would make you more well met and communicate more freely when you had clothes on. You got over being shy with people and Gip was growing every day. So was Waddie. Buck began to not worry so much about Waddie returning to Morgan's if he chose to. He had grown up so much in five months in every way. He was shooting up in height and Gip was right behind him. Waddie would always be bigger than Gip but Gip was not going to be a small man. Jimmy Sue's dad was a big man over six foot four. Dan's dad and granddad were all taller, bigger men that he was. Dan took after his mother's side of the family and she was small. Dan was not a small man where it counted the most. Waddie and Gip were thrilled to discover at one of Buck's monthly poker games he was slightly bigger than Quinton. Suddenly, Dan became their hero and he loved it. He wasn't unaware of why either. He subsequently became a regular to the monthly poker game. Gip told Waddie he'd never seen his dad nude before and was a little nervous the first time his dad took his clothes off. But after Dan held his arms for Gip to come to him there never was any fear after that. Dan would even shower with his son once in a while and Gip loved it. Waddie had explained to Gip about foreskins and taught Gip how to clean and take care of himself. Nobody had told him how to do it because Dan was circumcised. One evening in the shower Gip asked his dad why he hadn't been circumcised. "Because I always felt it was unnatural to cut away anything from a man unless he was given a choice. My dad had me circumcised when I was a baby. I never had a choice. I didn't want that for you. I wanted you to make up your mind whether you wanted to be or not. Because I don't have the skin covering over the head of my penis it rubs in my pants and underwear and becomes desensitized. I don't have the same feelings you do when you pull the skin back. You know how sensitive your's is. It may not seem important right now but later when you grow up and began to have sex with someone it becomes very important. I just wanted more for you Gip that I got in life. I guess that's every dad's dream for his son." Gip grabbed his old man in the shower, hugged him and kissed him. "Thanks Dad. I love you for that! Hell, I love you for a lot of reasons but that one's special." Dan Justin was glad they were in the shower and his son couldn't tell the shower from his tears. He had talked to Buck about showering with Gip and Buck told him Waddie and he always showered together. He makes sure Waddie gets clean and Waddie scrubs his back. Dan thought it might bring him and Gip closer together. He'd been right and he thanked God he'd had that talk with Buck. He and Gip had grown as close as any father and son could be and Waddie was always included. Jimmy Sue couldn't believe the change in both her men. She reaped the rewards of both their affection and Gip had never been so thoughtful and helpful. "Waddie taught me how to clean myself real good and take care of my dick. He's not circumcised either. He didn't know `til Buck taught him." Gip told his Dad. "You've learned a lot from that boy. He's a good boy. I know you love him, Son." "I won't lie to you, Dad. I love Waddie like I never loved anyone `cept'n' you and mom." "Truth be known, Son. I think of him as your brother. I love him that much." "Well, I know he loves you, Dad. He thinks the world of you. He says if he decides to move back to Morgan's it will only be because he'll be closer to me, you and mom. He told me with your Dad next door I won't be so afraid." "I'd do anything in the world for that boy, Son." "He knows it, Dad. He feels the same about you." That five months of running with Buck , Quinton, and Dan Justin must have forced a growth spurt in both the boys. The two boys attitudes and states of mind were highly influenced by Buck and Dad Justin. Dan had a firm reality about what was right and wrong and wasn't shy about sharing it with the boys. He had come to accept Waddie as Gip's brother and what lecture went for one, went for the other. It only made the two boys fall more in love with Dan and Waddie felt more included. Dan treated Waddie like he was Gip's brother. Dan worked with Buck and taught him a lot about training roping ponies. The two Buck bought from him were trained to be first rate ponies. The were gentle enough that Dan and Buck began to let Waddie and Gip start learning to ride. The ponies were around Gip and Waddie almost every day and they spoiled them rotten. They always had an apple or a carrot for them. They knew when the boys were aboard and rode them with care. Morgen was seeing Waddie more and more. He'd come to the Justin ranch and be with everyone. He helped quite a bit on the construction projects. It seemed to do him good to get away from the wicked witch of the west and her trained monkeys. Buck and Linda Sue took Waddie and Gip to see the "Wizard of Oz" and Waddie remarked to Buck that the wicked witches castle looked a lot like Morgan's house. Buck ruined the movie for several folks he couldn't stop laughing at Waddie. Then Waddie dropped a bomb in Buck's lap. "Goddam Buck! Look at that green monkey with that little hat. Looks just like Willie in his band uniform." Enough of the audience knew Waddie and the bad feeling between him and his step relations. The whole audience fell out laughing. Poor Buck had to get up and go to the lobby. Linda Sue quietly chastised Waddie but she couldn't help but laugh when she did it. Gip couldn't stop giggling at his big brother's take on his step-brother. He had to go to the lobby, too, and then Linda Sue and Waddie heard the two of them bellowing with laughter in the lobby. That only made the audience laugh more. For the sake of the other folks they decided they'd have to see the "Wizard of Oz" another night. When Waddie and Linda Sue got up to leave the audience applauded Waddie hollering, "Right on, Waddie!" "Way to go, Kid!" "He does look just like Willie." Years later when they'd show the "Wizard of Oz" on TV the green flying monkeys would come on the screen and Buck and Linda Sue would hold each other laughing remembering that night and Waddie's remark. It only took a couple of months of intensive training to teach the roping ponies to do their best after a steer had been roped. Buck owned them and was boarding them with Dan. It was extra work for Dan and Gip but they didn't mind. Buck didn't want to impose so he asked Morgan if he could keep them at his place and come out to take care of them. He added it might be a good way to get Waddie over the fear of coming back to Morgan's. Morgan wasn't running any livestock at the time and told Buck he was welcome to keep them there. He'd be happy to take care of them when he was home but Buck or Dan would have to take care of them while he was gone. There was no way he could get Willie to help. Waddie and Gip rode the ponies over to Morgan's and Buck went around in his pickup with Dan. Waddie felt good riding the bigger of the two ponies. Willie had never been on a horse in his life and Waddie came to find out he had a terrible fear of horses. A fact not lost on two very fertile young minds. Willie didn't know it but he was about to enter the twilight zone. Morgan came down to the barn and greeted them. Judy nor Willie ventured from the house. Waddie wasn't as nervous as he thought he might be. A thought came to his mind as he was riding the pony over. This is my dad's home, I'm his real son. Willie's no relation to him yet he's living his house and by right of birth, my house. Morgan's house is my house. He looked at his dad and spoke quietly. "Don't know what I've been afraid of, Dad. That ain't Judy's, Willie's nor Dorothy's house. By rights, it's my house!" Morgan put his arm around Waddie. "You're right, Son. It is your house. They'll never inherit it, but you will. You decide to come home I have no problem with you setting them straight." Things went well with keeping the horses at Morgan's. His runs had stabilized to three days and two nights. He returned the third day. He didn't mind taking care of the horses when he was home. Waddie and Buck would go out once a week and muck out the stalls and put fresh hay down for the ponies. Waddie was beginning to put muscle on and growing bigger every day. Buck swore he was going to be the biggest kid in first grade and indeed he was. Gip was second largest. They'd ride out the afternoons that Morgan was gone and feed and take care of the ponies. Willie and his mother never came out of the house to say a word to them. Buck still hadn't taken a job. He done some speaking around the state and gotten pretty good money being a speaker. He wouldn't talk about his part in the battles. He would tell how they went and how many men they lost. Most folks thought his talks were informative and entertaining. They felt they got their monies worth. Waddie went with him a couple of times and was proud of his uncle when he heard him talk. He wasn't the least nervous and spoke in a commanding yet understandable voice that held people's attention. Buck began to take on a new dimension for Waddie. He sat there in one of Buck's speeches and tried to imagine Buck giving a speech to run for sheriff of their county. That night in the hotel room they'd gone to bed and Buck was holding Waddie close to him. "Uncle Buck, I'm so damn proud of you I could pop an button on my chest. Ain't never heard nobody give a better talk that you did. I need to ask you something." "What's `at?" "J'ever think of running for sheriff of our county?" Buck was unusually quiet for a long while, but Waddie knew he was thinking. "Never crossed my mind, Son. What made ju' think a' that?" "When I heard you speak and saw how you took command of the situation and had those people, me included, eating out of your hand. I looked at you and wondered how you'd do in a speech running for sheriff of our county." Again Buck lay there quiet, thinking. He started rubbing Waddie's back. "I know you, Waddie. You don't come up with something like that without a damn good reason. Gonna' share it with your old uncle?" "I saw the posters for the sheriff we have now and no one's running against him. You're well enough known in that county you could win, Uncle Buck. You've got good friends all over the place that would work their butts off to see you win. I know I would. If not this time. There's another election after that." Buck was quiet for another long while. "Damn Son! You come up with the damnedest shit but somehow when you stop and think about what you said, it begins to make sense. Tell you what . . . I'll think about it and ask some people what they think. Especially my wife to be. How she'd feel about it. I appreciate you thinking that highly of me to suggest it. I love you, Waddie." "Oh hell, Uncle Buck, you know I love you. Always will. But, you know what, Uncle Buck?" "What, Sweet baby?" "You're my God father, right?" "Yeah, I am." "What do you call your father?" "You know what I call him. Dad or Pa. What's this leading to?" "I want you to think about something for me that's important to me. You don't have to answer me tonight." "Okay, what is it?" "I'll keep calling you Uncle Buck but once a day, in private, I want to say to you, `I love you, Dad.'" Waddie lost it and started crying. Buck understood, then, just how important it was to the boy. Buck held him close and lost it, too. How could this small boy have that effect on him. He could rip Buck's heart out with a glance if he wanted to but he wasn't like that. Instead he would say the damnedest most unexpected loving things to Buck anyone ever had. How could he deny this little person that simple request to say nothing of having just made Buck feel like a God? Buck barely pulled himself together. He soothed Waddie and kissed him gently. "You know the number of times a day I refer to you as, Son, it would only seem right that you could call me Dad at least once a day. I would be so proud and honored for you to, Waddie, but let's limit it to that so's I don't infringe on Morgan's right to be your dad. Waddie leaned back, found Buck's mouth and kissed him gently. Buck returned it with the gentleness of a saint. "Goodnight Dad, I love you." "Goodnight, Son. Peaceful dreams, Sweet baby." Buck didn't let Waddie go all night. Waddie didn't want him to. He would have gotten closer if he could. Closer to the big man that loved, protected him and kept him warm all night, his other dad. End Part 5 9/20/02 Copyright 2002 Waddie Greywolf Questions/Comments: waddiebear@yahoo.com