Date: Sat, 28 Feb 2004 20:15:16 EST From: Bwstories8@aol.com Subject: The Castaway Hotel - Book 7, chapter 3 Legal Notice: The following story contains descriptions of graphic sexual acts. The story is a work of fiction and has no basis in reality. Don't read this story if: **You're not 18 or over, **If it is illegal to read this type of material where you live, **Or if you don't want to read about gay/bi people in love or having sex. The author retains copyright to this story. Placing this story on a website or reproducing this story for distribution without the author's permission is a violation of that copyright. Legal action will be taken against violators. I wish to extend my thank you to Emoe57 for his editorial assistance with this chapter, and Art, the real Vinnie and John for their additional input on each chapter. E-mail responses to the stories, story suggestions, or other 'constructive' comments or advice may be sent to: bwstories8@aol.com. * * * * * * * * Although the boys in these stories have unprotected sex, I strongly urge all of you out there to be smart and protect yourselves from various sexually transmitted diseases by using condoms when having intercourse. * * * * * * * * The Castaway Hotel-Book 7-by BW (Young-Friends). Copyright 2003 by billwstories Chapter 3 - Seeing Wyoming and South Dakota. July 2003 After leaving Yellowstone, we stopped for dinner, and then we got back on the bus and rode to Cody, Wyoming, our next stop. Once we got there and checked in, everyone went to his room, but before long Graham was knocking on my door. "Dad, may I stay here with you tonight?" he asked, looking as if something was bothering him. "What's up, sport?" I asked him, trying to determine what his problem was. "I just want to stay in here with you tonight, cuz I feel really lonely." "Did someone do something to you?" I asked him. "No, Dad, it's nothing like that, but the name of this place reminded me about how much I missed Cody." Now the lights went flashing in my head. Even though this place was named for Buffalo Bill Cody, the fact that it had the name Cody in it at all reminded Graham about his loss. It also made him look for a little extra security by being with me again, like he did when we stayed with Cody in the hospital. Now I wondered how many of the other boys had drawn this same correlation, though I hoped it was only Graham who had done so, because of his special relationship with our lost lamb. After telling him he could spend the night, I left him with Jake, explaining that I needed to check on the other boys first, but I reassured him I would return shortly. After making my rounds, I discovered a couple of the other boys had also been reminded of Cody since arriving here, possibly because Graham had mentioned something about it to them, but they didn't seem to be as greatly affected as he was. We talked briefly about what they were feeling, and after I was certain they could handle their problems without my assistance, I went back to see if I could comfort Graham. I entered my room and sat on one of the chairs in front of the television. No sooner had I settled in, than Graham came over, sat in my lap, and placed his head on my shoulder, with one arm around the back of my neck and the other across my chest. This seemed a strange thing for him to do, seeing he was sixteen now, but it just seemed to emphasize how much the reminder of his lost love was bothering him. I gave him a little squeeze of reassurance and he began to speak. "Dad, I miss him so much," he began, not yet sobbing, but I could feel the emotion he was choking back in his voice. "Graham, I know how you feel, because I miss him a lot too. I'm not sure that pain will ever go away, as I still feel the same way about losing Brent, but I guess we just need to be thankful and feel blessed that we had either them in our lives as long as we did." "I know, but it just hurts so much when I think about him. I think about what it was like when we were together, and then I try to imagine what it would be like if he was still here, but when I do that, then I begin to feel really bad and miss him even more." I stroked his back to help console him, and gave him a little squeeze. "Graham, I think it's great that you think about Cody like that, but you can't keep torturing yourself by wondering what it would be like if he were still around. That won't happen, so it does no good to even consider that, especially since it makes you feel so bad when you do. Remember your time together and the great fun you had with him, but most of all remember what he meant to all of us. Just don't dwell on it so much that you only see the negative side of things and let yourself get so depressed. He was a very special young man and he made a great impact in the short time he was here. He also left an indelible impression on each of us, one that we shall carry with us for the rest of our lives, but we must use those memories to remind us of how special he was, not to torment our souls because of our loss." Graham looked up at me now, studying my face, and I could see the gears moving beyond those eyes. I hoped he was going to let me in on what he was thinking now. "I know and at least I still get to see him once in a while, when he appears to me, but it's just not the same. I can't hold him or kiss him now, or tell him how much I love him. I don't think I'll be able to love another boy like I did him, Dad. Do you know what I mean?" "Yes, I do, but I also want you to remember this. Through our lives we will know many types of love, and each one will be different and special. There's the love a child has for his parent, or that a parent has for his child, or that friends have for each other, but then there are times we also FALL in love. Just don't forget that when you fall in love, even that is not the same. I fell in love with my wife, but I've also fallen in love with Jake. They are not the same, yet one isn't any more precious than the other. I love or have loved them both, but it doesn't mean one type of love was greater than the other. Don't get me wrong, there may also be that one great love, the one that we cherish above all the others and affects us more than anything else, but it doesn't mean you can't love again. I'm glad Cody was that for you, but I know he wouldn't want you spending the rest of your life alone. He'd be the first to encourage you to move on and find happiness again. That doesn't mean you'd have to forget him or what he meant to you, just that you should hold on to what you had, but at the same time be willing to move on with your life, and continue to live, not merely exist." After a time, he finally nodded in response, and then he put his head back on my shoulder and snuggled up against me. We talked a little longer after that, and at one point I thought he might go back to his own room, but he asked if he could stay with me for the rest of the night. Knowing how much he needed me at that point, the three of us ended up sharing our bed. I was in the middle, with Jake on my right and Graham on my left. I ended up spooned up behind Graham for most of the night, not in a sexual way, but as a father would comfort a distressed child. It seemed to work, and soon I could feel the tension begin to release from his body, as he began to drift off to sleep. The three of us spent the entire night that way, with me sandwiched between the other two. Jake was very understanding, and he even encouraged me to focus on Graham tonight, so it probably had helped that we'd had some time alone before this happened. I didn't want to seem to always be putting Jake second, behind the boys, but I truly believed he also felt the boys needed to come first, at least for now. I think we both knew all the boys would be gone in a few more years anyway and then we'd have all the time we needed to enjoy each other. By the next morning Graham seemed to have overcome his feelings of depression and loss, and he was ready to take his place with the others again. Throughout the meal, I noticed various boys interacting with him, attempting to distract him or offer comfort and support, and I was very proud to see how my boys were willing to be there for each other. I've always tried to stress the importance of family, by telling them that although others may move in and out of our lives, the family is always there - the one constant they should always be able to rely on. I just wish my older children had also learned that lesson. After breakfast, we began our sightseeing, by going to the 'Buffalo Bill Historical Center.' We started in the Buffalo Bill Museum, which focused on both his personal and public life. We soon discovered he was born William Frederick Cody and earned his nickname supplying buffalo meat for the Kansas Pacific Railroad. He was also a Pony Express rider in 1860 and eventually became one of the most famous scouts during the Indian Wars. He won the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1872 and was a favorite scout of the Fifth Cavalry. In 1883 he inaugurated the Wild West show in Omaha, using 'real' cowboys and 'real' Indians to portray the 'real' west to the rest of the country and the world. The Wild West show performed before presidents and heads of European nations, and was also the featured attraction at Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, in 1887. He was one of the most famous figures to ever come out of the Old West. Even though we were all somewhat familiar with his legend, I think we came away from there with a better appreciation for the real man. >From there we went to the Cody Firearms Museum, where they not only display a vast collection of antique and modern weapons, but also trace the progression of firearms from the matchlock, to the flintlock, and then to percussion type weapons. The Winchester collection was also featured there, and the museum also had an exhibit of Colt firearms, as well. It was quite an interesting and remarkable presentation, and it gave you a better understanding of what it would have been like to not only settle the west, but to have fought in the Civil War, Revolutionary War, and even the French and Indian War using the weapons of that time period. By this point everyone was getting hungry, so we stopped and devoured a quick lunch, before heading over to the Plains Indian Museum. Here we learned much about the lives of the Plains Indians, including their culture, traditions, values, histories, and we even discovered some facts about their lives today. I think the boys were amazed at what they discovered here, compared to the way Hollywood and television have portrayed Native Americans, realizing some of the things they had been led to believe were far removed from reality. After that we went to the Whitney Gallery of Western Art, which included works by Frederic Remington, Charles M. Russell, Joseph Henry Sharp, N. C. Wyeth, and others. These were works of art produced by people who lived during the period of the old west and were more authentic concerning what life was really like back then. Although they may have romanticized some aspects of that period, their work gave you a far truer perspective of what it was like back then, than what we have been spoon-feed by other forms of media. It was about this time that I noticed the boys had probably had their fill of Museums, and they were also getting hungry again, so I located a nice restaurant, where we would dine. We had a relaxing meal, filled with much conversation, and then we headed back to our rooms, as we were going to stay in Cody for one more night. I informed the boys that they could select their own entertainment again this evening, and then I advised them about some of the places they could go or other things they could do. I also advised them that Jake and I would be available if any of them wished to join us for the evening, as we had decided to spend it in the large, heated, outdoor pool. Many of the boys decided to check out the nightlife in Cody, though I suspected they might discover it wouldn't be quite to their tastes. I was pretty sure much of what they would find here would be country and western oriented, not something most of the boys appreciated, but I reminded them they were to stay in groups of three or more. I saw the boys talking excitedly amongst themselves, deciding who was going where and who would hang with whom, when Graham informed us he'd be staying with Jake and me again. I wasn't really surprised, though I'd hoped he'd join some of the others, but I guess he just wasn't quite ready for that step. However, he wouldn't be the only one joining us, as Andrew and Sammy said they'd most likely stay and go swimming with us too. Now all of the boys went back to their rooms to change and go their various ways. Those who were staying with us were soon at our door, so we walked to the pool together and took our first dip in its inviting and relaxing water. As the evening wore on, more of the boys returned and joined us in the pool too, having found the local entertainment wasn't quite to their liking. Those of us who spent our time swimming and horsing around in the pool had a great deal of fun, and by the time we headed back to our individual rooms, we were quite tired and ready for a good night's sleep. I was mildly surprised when Graham told me he wouldn't be staying with me again tonight, as he had accepted an offer from Sammy and Andrew to spend the evening with them. Sammy had more than forgiven Graham for having been the first to introduce Andrew to sex, and I think the pair thought they might be able to get Graham's mind off Cody by doing some fooling around together. It was my understanding that it wasn't that much, just some oral sex and fondling, but the two of them kept Graham busy, either giving or receiving the whole time, so he didn't have time to dwell on the fact that he still missed Cody. I'm sure if Cody were watching, he'd have given his approval to what went on, and those three boys might have bonded just a little more closely than they were before. After breakfast the following morning, we loaded up and headed off to Thermopolis, and the Wyoming Dinosaur Center. I didn't explain to the boys exactly where we were going, only that they would find it interesting. Although they kept pestering me, and then Jake, to learn what our destination was going to be, neither of us would give in and tell them what they wanted to know. The bus driver, having overheard these exchanges, even kept our secret, when one of our more inquisitive boys tried to pry the information out of him. It was worth it just to see their reactions, once we pulled into the area, and the saw the sign announcing where we were. Instinctively, they seemed to be intrigued by the idea of dinosaurs and what they might see or do here. We began our time here by taking a tour of the dig sites, though not all of them of course, as there are about 60 dig sites on 500 acres the Center covered. We soon learned about the geology of the area, when and where specific dinosaur bones had been found here, and then we were apprised as to how these excavations are conducted. I think the boys were surprised to discover that this was done following a very methodical process, as each bone was carefully chipped out of the ground it had been compressed into. They soon understood that the process takes a long time, much care, and the type of patience most of my brood seemed to be in short supply of. After learning how the bones were recovered, we went to the museum to explore the over 12,000 square feet of exhibition space. Not only were there fossils, dioramas, and interactive displays, but we were also able to inspect the ten full-size skeletal mounts, representing various dinosaur species. Although we all realized how large these creatures were before we got here, until you stand next to what remains of one of these beasts, you can't fully appreciate how small you really are in the overall scheme of things. I felt like a grasshopper standing next to a dog, craning my neck to look up at the upper reaches of these truly enormous beings. After finishing up at the dinosaur museum, our next destination would be Buffalo, Wyoming, where we were planning to spend the night. I had chosen to stay there, because it was about halfway to our next destination, which was much father than I wanted to travel nonstop. The ride was long, but not totally without merit, as there was some lovely scenery to view along our route, which included the Bighorn Mountains and the Bighorn National Forest. As always, the boys found ways to entertain themselves and each other on the bus, although a few of them opted for sleep, probably because they had stayed up so late messing around the night before. Once we got to Buffalo, we checked into our rooms at the Big Horn Motel, cleaned up quickly, and then went out to eat. We ate at Colonel Bozeman's Restaurant and Tavern, which features steaks, ribs, prime ribs, and buffalo selections. I let the boys all order their meals, and then I ordered a couple of extra meals, of buffalo meat, so everyone could get a chance to sample it, if they wanted. They found the buffalo a little different than beef, maybe a little gamier and perhaps just a touch tougher, but everyone finished chewing and swallowing the piece or pieces they took. After dinner we decided to walk down the historic Buffalo Main Street and check out some of the more notable buildings there, including the Occidental Hotel, which was mentioned in Owen Wister's 'Virginian.' With a little effort, you could almost picture the trail hands riding down the street, stopping and entering the hotel for a room, a meal, or possibly just a drink. After we went back to our rooms, the boys were clamoring for something more to do. Seeing it was getting late and I didn't have any plans for anything special this evening, we started discussing our options. Again, I told the boys they could venture out on their own, if they wished, but after their experience the previous evening, most decided it wasn't worth the effort. Eventually, we finally settled on going to the large pool at the motel for a night swim. I managed to have the boys keep the noise down to a dull roar, in case some of the other guests decided to go to bed early, but I knew a good workout would tire them out enough, so they'd sleep better and later. After our swim, the boys went back to their rooms, but I wasn't surprised to discover that Kevin, Vinnie, Trey, and Dion had left earlier and headed back to their room for the night. I knew both couples valued their quality time alone, and that's the biggest reason they hadn't wanted to share a room with non-couples. At least this way they wouldn't feel so conspicuous or uncomfortable about their lovemaking, as both pairs would be focusing on their own partners, and they wouldn't have to feel guilty about ignoring any others. Tonight, however, one of them tuned into a radio station, playing the kind of music they enjoyed, and then both couples went to their beds for a long evening of intimacy and lovemaking. Neither couple was just there for sex, and to them the cuddling, kissing, and simple touching meant as much, if not more, than the sexual acts and their eventual release. For the first hour or so, they mostly just talked, caressed, kissed, and stroked each other's faces and upper body, before they ultimately gave in to those urges that every teen experiences. After a point, both couples became completely oblivious to the other pair, and merely went about doing the kinds of things they would have anyway, had they been totally alone. None of them was ashamed or embarrassed about their intimacy or lovemaking, and they were able to share the love and tenderness they felt for their soul mate. Both couples engaged in a variety of foreplay and sexual acts, including manual and oral stimulation, but when it came to the act of surrendering themselves totally to their partner, that was the gentlest and most beautiful part of all. This wasn't animal lust, with two mammals rutting for sexual release, this was a slow, tender, and total commitment, as two people in love performed the most intimate act they could share with each other. As those two bodies joined and slowly merged into one larger body, connected by a fleshy tether, the boys reaffirmed their commitment to be with just that one other person, not wanting or needing anyone else to make them feel fulfilled and whole. When at last they reached their orgasms and enjoyed the release they both ultimately sought, it didn't mean the end of their need for each other or their lack of desire to be together any longer. They didn't immediately roll over and fall asleep, once their sexual desires sated for the moment, but they continued to touch, cuddle, and kiss, reaffirming the fact that this was more than just a purely physical act. A half hour or so later, the boys cuddled one final time, and then let their bodies drift into oblivion, as they sought the rejuvenation that only sleep would bring. When they awoke the following morning, both couples were still entwined with their soul mate, content with the love they had shared. This meant they were also well rested and ready to face the new day ahead. That morning, we managed to get a very early start and began traveling east again, heading to our next stop, Devils Tower. This is the natural formation made famous by the movie 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' as it was the eventual destination of the lead character. I thought it would be great for the boys to see it in person, and I believe some were even looking forward to it. I think we all gawked out the windows, as we approached it, because it was a truly inspiring site. It rose 1,267 feet above the surrounding Belle Fourche River and is known by several northern plains tribes as Bears Lodge. To these tribes, Devil's Tower is a sacred site of worship. In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt established Devils Tower National Monument, which made it the nation's first national monument. Now, it is included in a park of more than 1300 acres that receives more than 450,000 visitors each year. Although climbers are allowed to scale the Tower, that was not part of our plans, but we did opt to take the one-hour walking tour, guided by a park ranger. The walk was interesting, and the view spectacular, but by the time we finished our hike, we were ready to get back on the bus and head off once more, this time for Deadwood, South Dakota. It took us a few hours to travel there, but most of us were growing accustomed to the long rides between stops. Deadwood is an interesting place, incorporated in 1876, during the gold rush in the Black Hills. James Butler 'Wild Bill' Hickok was killed there, shot during a poker game, and you can even visit his grave, as well as the grave of Calamity Jane. The area has almost always survived on gambling, but now there are also many other things to see and do. There are several small museums to visit or you can take guided tours of an old gold mine, the infamous Boot Hill Cemetery, or the old Chinese tunnels, which run beneath the city. There is also a Ghosts of Deadwood Gulch Wax Museum, which features the likenesses of some of the town's most notable prior residents. We found plenty to do, and there were tons of choices of establishments to eat, and the hours just seemed to fly by. Before we knew it, it was time to head to our rooms and turn in for the night. We spent the next day in the Deadwood area too, starting out at the Gulches of Fun Amusement Park, where we played mini-golf, rode go-karts and bumper boats, and spent time in their large arcade. This was pretty much a 'let your hair down and just be a kid again day' for the most part, and I think the older boys, Jake, and I had as much fun, if not more than the younger boys. After tiring ourselves out there, we drove to Custer, South Dakota, where we would spend that night and set ourselves up for the next day's three stops. I personally don't remember much about what happened that evening, except for a late night visit from one of my boys. Something must have come up the previous evening that bothered him, and he came into my room and asked to speak with me alone. He seemed very nervous, but desperate for my attention, so I sat down in a chair and pulled him onto my lap. I hoped by doing that it would make him feel a bit more comfortable and allow him to begin to tell me what was on his mind. "What's up, Andrew?" I asked, once we'd settled against each other. He looked up at me and studied my face, before responding. "Dad, how come I'm still a little kid?" "Andrew, you're not a little kid any more. You'll be turning thirteen in a couple more months, and I don't believe anyone thinks of you as a little boy any longer." He didn't look convinced. "But I am. I'm still short, shorter than anyone in my grade at school, and I'm even shorter than Sammy was at my age. When Sammy was almost thirteen, he already had a few hairs down there and his thing had begun to grow. I got no hairs, 'cept on my head, and I've still got a baby dick." Now, I understood what his problem was. "Andrew, I think you've heard me talk about this before, but everyone reaches puberty at different times. Some boys begin this trek at eleven, while others may not begin this phase of their lives until they're fifteen or sixteen. It doesn't mean you're a baby, or that there's anything wrong with you, it's just because it's not your time yet. That's all." Looking at his face, he still didn't seem convinced by my explanation, so I decided I needed to pry further. "Andrew, what brought this out now?" He looked at me again. "I spent last night with my brother and Graham, and they're all so much bigger and older looking than me." "Well, your brother is the next youngest, but he's nearly two years older than you, so of course you'd seem a lot younger. There's nothing wrong with that." "But I have such a little thing, and I don't know how they can have fun with me, when that's all there is." "Hey, little man. It's not the size that counts, and I'm sure they'd tell you the same thing." "Yeah, they have, but they don't sound like they believe it either. They tell me they don't mind and it's okay, but I know we can't do the same things and they have to do me different, when they suck me or jerk me off." "Well, I'm sure you're not the only one they make adjustments for, but that's neither here nor there. You just have to be patient, until your day comes, and then you'll begin to physically mature and develop just like all the other boys have. I know it's not easy being the youngest, but you'll just have to wait your turn for puberty to begin." "But, Dad! I feel like such a baby compared to the rest of them, and I hate that feeling." "I can appreciate that, Andrew, but every one of the other boys went through the same thing, though maybe for not as long a time. In another year or so, you'll look back at this and laugh at how you made such a big deal over it, because by then you'll be just like all the others. Just be patient, Andrew, because it will happen sooner or later." "But I want it sooner, not later." "I understand, but there are some things that are beyond our control. If I could speed it up for you I would, but that's not within my power either, no more than it is within yours. I'm not sure this is much help, but does it at least make you feel a little better?" "No, not at all. I'm just a baby and I'm going to be one for even longer." He began to weep. "No, you're not a baby, and no one thinks you are. In the past year you've received recognition for your artwork and I've let you begin messing around with the others too. Are those things a baby can do?" He merely shook his head. "Maybe this is partially my fault, for giving you permission to start doing things with the other boys before you did reach puberty. Maybe I should have stuck to my guns and made you wait until you'd developed first, before I allowed you to join in the sex games. If I'd have done that, maybe you wouldn't be feeling this way now." He looked up at me, the tracks of his tears clearly visible on his cheeks. "No, Dad. I think I would have felt even worse then, if you didn't think I was old enough to do those things too. I know you don't think I'm a baby, and I'm pretty sure the others don't either. It's just me. I just can't help feeling this way. I know you're right and all, but I still feel like such a little kid. I try not to, but I can't seem to change how I feel, but I do hope I don't have to wait much longer for something to happen, or I'll go crazy." "Just hang in there, little man. All good things come to those who wait." "Man, you sound just like some of those crazy stories and stuff we have to read in school." He giggled. "Well, I was probably around when they were written, so I'm sure I do." He giggled even louder. "But some of those things came from ancient Greece or even from guys like Ben Franklin. You're not THAT old." He laughed again. "Well, as you feel younger than you really are, sometimes you boys make me feel older than I really am." Andrew stopped laughing and studied my face. "Yeah, I guess most of it is just in my head, huh?" "I think that's where most of the problem lies, in how we perceive ourselves." "Okay, I understand and I'll try to do better. I think I see what you're saying." I gave him a hug and a kiss after he said that. "Oh, I hope that doesn't make you feel like a baby too!" I exclaimed, with a shocked look on my face. "Maybe, but I don't mind it for things like that. You can do it again, if you want," he added with a huge grin. Not wasting any time I repeated my last gesture, giving him the biggest hug he'd had in a long time and kissed him over and over again on his forehead. He was giggling hysterically by the time I stopped. "I love you, Andrew, and rest assured, I do not think of you as a baby, in any way. Just my loveable youngest son." I gave him one more hug and kiss, and then I just relaxed, with Andrew still on my lap. "I don't know how you do it, but you always seem to make me feel better," he acknowledged, melting against my chest. "That's just part of my job, little man...that and to love you." This time he hugged me. "You do a good job of both," he reassured me. We sat there for many more minutes, chatting about other things, but mostly just to allow Andrew the opportunity of receiving a little more affection from his dad. Even though it was something a younger child would be more likely to do, I knew he was enjoying this time together, as we hadn't had many opportunities to do this as of late. Since he'd started joining in the sexual escapades, we hadn't spent as much time alone, and I think he was letting the little boy in him show through again, no longer as concerned about being considered a baby. Eventually, he went off to his own room, somewhat convinced that he had nothing to worry about. I know he was still greatly concerning about his seemingly delayed entry into puberty, at least in his own eyes, but I think he had decided to not to let this bother him for the time being, so he could enjoy the fun he could have with the others. When I went to bed that night, I mentally rehashed everything I had talked to Andrew about, wondering if I could have said or phrased anything better. After thinking about this for many minutes, I finally concluded I was only beating myself up over something I couldn't change and that Andrew seemed to have been satisfied with the way things went. I would consider other things I might say to him later, if this subject popped up again, but for now, I'd let a sleeping dog lie. After a good night's sleep, we were all in a better mood, and it was another beautiful day. We ate our breakfast, gathered up our things, and boarded the bus once more, this time on our way to visit more typical tourist attractions. * * * * * * * * If you have enjoyed reading this story, you will find other stories by me at 'BW's Rainbow Youth Connection,' at http://bwsryc.gayauthors.org/ You can also locate my stories by clicking on the Nifty author link and scrolling down to "BW". This will give you the links for everything I have posted there. I also love to hear from my readers and get their reaction to my stories. If you don't mind, please share whatever information you feel comfortable with, because it helps knowing my readers better when I decide what to write or how to gear it. Please email me at bwstories8@aol.com and let me know what you thought, so I can do even better in the future. Thanks, Bill.