Date: Sun, 17 Dec 2023 19:22:04 +0000 From: DJ Warner Subject: The Inheritance Clause-4 This story contains descriptions of graphic sex between males. If that kind of thing does not appeal to you, stop reading now. This story is pure fiction. If this resembles something that happened to you, it must have been an incredible experience. But it's simply a coincidence. All comments are welcome: djwarner1984@hotmail.com Please donate to Nifty: https://donate.nifty.org/ -DJ ========== The Inheritance Clause - 4 Adam kept a decent speed on his ATV as he led Dawson along the trees and brush that designated the property line. The gentle sloping hills gave the boys an excuse to go airborne. They would speed up on the gentle inclines. When they reached the peak, their ATVs would sail over the top of the hill and soar a few feet in the air for a good 2 or 3 seconds. One of the hills sloped down significantly after the peak. When they hit that hill, they sailed about six feet in the air for a good 5 or 6 seconds. Both boys landed roughly. Adam turned to look to make sure Dawson was alright but found him whooping and hollering with excitement as he settled after the landing. Adam gave him a thumbs up and Dawson replied with the same. After that hill, the land began to flatten. The boys opened up their ATVs and began racing side by side. They kept looking at each other and smiling. Adam could faintly hear Dawson's cheers and yells of excitement over the roars of their engines. Eventually, Dawson could see the brush and trees ended up ahead. A post and rail fence appeared in its stead. Adam began to slow down. Dawson matched his pace. When they reached the fence, Adam let about ten posts pass and then he slowed to a stop about 20 feet from the fence line. Dawson pulled up next to him. Adam shut off his engine and got off his ATV. Dawson turned off his ATV. The roar of the engines still rang in their ears. Dawson removed his helmet, stood up on the seat of his ATV, and threw his arms into the air, holding his helmet above him. "Woohoo!" he cheered as loud as he could. Adam removed his helmet and laughed at Dawson. Dawson jumped down. He could not contain his excitement and ran toward Adam. "Did you see me?!?!? I was flying!!! That was thrilling!!! Thank you for taking me out here!" Dawson yelled. Dawson dropped his helmet. He embraced Adam and hugged him in his excitement. He pulled away and was lightly hitting Adam's biceps and jumping up and down. "That was so cool!" Dawson said. Adam had the widest smile as Dawson's enthusiasm hit him. He was so happy to see Dawson this excited. "We haven't even started yet. Watch this," Adam said. He dropped his helmet and opened the cargo bin of Dawson's ATV. He grabbed an apple and a carrot. "Here," he said as he held them out for Dawson. "What are we doing?" Dawson said as he took the apple and carrot and held them against his chest with one hand. "Come stand over here with me," Adam said. He walked right up to the fence railing. Dawson followed him. "Ok, don't be frightened. Just stay where you are. Trust me," Adam said. "I trust you, but now I'm not so sure," Dawson said. "I've got you. I wouldn't let anything hurt you," Adam said with a touch of tenderness in his voice. Adam turned toward the fence and put two fingers from each hand in the sides of his mouth. He took a very deep breath. He blew through his fingers and a high-pitched, ear-deafening whistle came from Adam's mouth. It lasted about 10 seconds and then echoed off in the distance when he finished. Dawson was startled at the sound and his body flinched. "Ok, now we wait," Adam said. After about 15 seconds, nothing happened and Dawson thought Adam was pulling some kind of prank on him. Then he could hear the faint sound of what he thought was thunder way off in the distance. Then he could see what looked like a dust storm coming toward them. After a few moments, Dawson could see it was horses, about twenty of them all coming toward them. They were coming fast and if they didn't stop, they were going to run right through the fence and trample the two of them. Adam reached out and grabbed Dawson's hand to keep him from moving. "It's ok, trust me," Adam yelled over the din. Dawson started to panic. He dropped the apple and the carrot and latched his other hand onto Adam's arm. With about thirty feet between the horses and the fence, the lead horse turned. He sloped around and the other horses followed him. They headed for the bushes at the start of the fence line. Then they turned so they were running by them, right next to the fence. The horses all stampeded about four feet in front of the boys, with only the fence between them as they all zoomed past them. The sound was deafening and the ground shook. Dust spewed everywhere. "Ahhhhhhh!!!" Dawson yelled spontaneously as he squeezed Adam's hand and arm, determined to trust Adam and stay put. "Elvis!!!!!" Adam yelled as the lead horse trampled by. They all sped by and then after about 15 fence rail lengths they started to turn and sweep back. They slowed down as the lead horse began prancing. He lifted and dropped his head and kicked his legs as the whole pack of horses slowed down. They circled back over their original path. When they reached the bushes at the start of the fence, the rest of the horses stayed. The lead horse slowed and started to approach the two boys again. "Elvis!! I missed you, boy!" Adam said. Dawson let go of Adam's arm. He stood there, with his heart racing from the excitement, with his jaw dropped. Adam moved forward and stood up on the bottom rail and leaned toward the lead horse as he slowly approached where the boys were standing. Dawson, fearing Adam might fall over the property line, latched onto Adam's waist. The lead horse had a swooping mane, kind of like Elvis Presley's pompadour, hence the name. He approached Adam, still prancing. His head came up next to Adam's and they began hugging. Elvis was making all kinds of noises. "Oh, boy...I missed you...I missed you so much..." Adam kept saying as he kept petting the horse's face and neck. Elvis kept sliding his head against Adam's, nuzzling their necks together. "Elvis, this is Dawson. Say hi to Dawson, Elvis," Adam said as he kept hugging Elvis. Adam reached down and swept his hand through Dawson's hair. Dawson let go of Adam and watched as the two hugged. "Hold out the apple in the palm of your hand. Keep your hand flat. Yeah, like that," Adam said. Dawson picked up the apple and followed his instructions. Elvis snorted and bobbed his head. He slid over to where Dawson was holding the apple. He slowly pulled his lips back, exposing his teeth. He gingerly grasped the apple with his teeth. He lifted the apple and then chomped on it, never touching Dawson's hand. "Holy shit! That was awesome!" Dawson said. "Now the carrot. Keep your hand flat," Adam said. Dawson picked up the carrot from the ground and held it out. Elvis bobbed his head and then again, gingerly took the carrot from Dawson's hand before he ate it. "Come up and hug him," Adam said. Dawson hesitated. "Trust me," Adam said. Dawson climbed up with Adam. Elvis stuck his head between the two boys. He sidled his head up to Dawson. Dawson began rubbing Elvis' face and neck. Elvis gently cuddled his head into Dawson's neck. "Oh my god, he's awesome!" Dawson said excitedly. "You're awesome, Elvis. Did you hear that? Dawson says you're awesome," Adam said in a playful voice as he scrubbed the sides of Elvis' neck. Elvis bobbed his head as if he understood. He then stepped back a bit. He turned his body so he was lined up along the fence. He cocked one of his front legs and lowered his head. Then he snorted at Adam. "Oh my god, I forgot! Watch this," Adam said excitedly. He jumped down from the fence and lined up next to Elvis' head, with the fence still separating them. Adam put his fists out and bent his elbows like he was preparing to run. He leaned his body forward. "Reeeaaadyyy... seeeeet..." Adam said slowly, then he yelled, "Go!" Adam and Elvis began running along the fence in a race. Elvis trotted so he was slightly behind Adam. Adam ran as fast as he could. Elvis kept the same pace on the other side of the fence. They ran together about 7 lengths, with Adam staying just ahead of Elvis and then suddenly Elvis took off. He went about 6 more rail lengths and then he slowed down. Adam stopped running and held his gut, slightly bent over and breathing heavily. Elvis pranced back toward Adam in triumph. When he reached Adam, Elvis stuck his head over the rail. They walked back together, Adam petting Elvis and talking to him the whole way. "You won again. I think you're cheating. Next time I'll beat you, boy," Adam said as they walked back. Dawson was glued to his position, standing on the rail, with a huge smile on his face. He couldn't believe what he was witnessing. As they walked back to where Dawson was, Adam looked at Dawson with a huge grin on his face, like he was a little kid. When they finally reached Dawson, he stepped down from the rail. Elvis leaned over and nuzzled Dawson. "You are amazing Elvis," Dawson said to Elvis as if he could understand him. Dawson and Adam kept petting him. Elvis kept his head between the two of them. He would nuzzle one, then the other. Dawson and Adam were smiling and laughing, telling Elvis how awesome he was. "Watch this," Adam said to Dawson. "Should we feed the other horses Elvis?" Adam asked Elvis with a playful smile on his face. Elvis reared up his head and snorted as he shook his head. Dawson's jaw dropped. "C'mon, Elvis. They're hungry. Can we feed them?" Adam asked again in a sing song, playful voice. Elvis snorted loudly and shook his head. "Pleeeease?" Adam begged. This time Elvis turned completely around and started bobbing his head yes. Adam ran over to the bin and got the bag. He brought it over to where Dawson was now petting Elvis. "Just keep putting them out for the other horses to take. Make sure your hand is flat or you'll lose a finger," Adam said. Dawson put his hand up with an apple. Adam did too. The other horses were all at the bushes watching. "Elvis," Adam said with a reprimanding tone, "you said they could. C'mon now." Elvis snorted at the other horses and skipped his front legs a couple times in the air. The other horses lined up and slowly trotted toward the boys. One by one, they took a carrot or apple as Dawson and Adam kept holding them up in the air. When a horse would get something to eat, they would trot around to the end of the line to get another. When the apples and carrots were all gone, the horses pranced back and forth as if they were thanking the boys. Adam began petting Elvis again as Dawson watched. Adam kept snuggling his face into Elvis and the horse kept turning and bobbing his head in response. "Ok, boy, we have work to do. You can stay with us, but I have to work now, ok?" Adam said softly. Elvis stepped back and bobbed his head. He went up on his hind legs and kicked his front feet. He landed and then he trotted around in circles. "I missed you, too. I'll come back and see you in a few day," Adam said. Elvis snorted and then began to trot away with his head held up high as the rest of the horses followed him. Adam was wiping his eyes as he approached Dawson. Dawson was still in awe at what he'd seen. "Are you ok?" Dawson asked, repeating the first line Adam used when they met. "Um...I was ok..." Adam simply replied, recognizing the phrase. Both boys started to chuckle. Adam had tears in his eyes. Dawson couldn't help himself. He leaned in and hugged Adam. Adam squeezed him back. They stayed like that for a good minute then they separated. Dawson smiled at Adam. His eyes were still misty. "How on earth was any of this possible?" Dawson said as he looked at Adam with amazement. "I was there when Elvis was born. I was 9 years old. I watched the whole birth. It was wild. For some reason, when he stood after his birth, he walked right to me. From that moment, we bonded. We've been best buds ever since," Adam said as he wiped his eyes again. "He's beautiful," said Dawson, "what an amazing animal." Adam responded by reaching out and grasping Dawson's bicep. He squeezed Dawson's arm and then let go. "I could swear you were talking to him and he understood you," said Dawson. "Well, kind of. They're performance horses, like you'd see at a circus or a rodeo. The Santos family starts training them at birth. They follow cues and patterns and the sounds and inflections of your voice. And Elvis is the oldest, so the other horses follow his lead," explained Adam. "Really?" said Dawson with some skepticism. "Yeah," said Adam, "that whole racing thing and pleading to give something to the other horses... that's all part of the show. But deep down, he loves to tease and have fun. I think that's why we bonded. I've always talked to him as if he could understand me. Sometimes I think he really does." "Wow, you're amazing," Dawson said. Realizing what he had just said, he tried to cover it up. "Elvis is amazing. All of this is amazing," Dawson said quickly. Adam simply smiled. He turned toward the ATVs. He opened the cooler and took out a water. He handed it to Dawson. He took another water, opened it and started to drink. Dawson copied him. He realized his mouth was dry from all the excitement and it felt good to quench his thirst. Dawson swallowed and looked at Adam who was looking at the ground with a sad demeanor. "What's wrong?" Dawson said. "It's nothing," Adam said and then took another swig of water. "Adam, if you can't tell someone who you recently met and are now forced to live with for six months what's wrong, who can you tell?" Dawson said, trying to lighten the mood. Adam forced a smile and looked at Dawson. He then looked down at the ground. "It really is nothing..." Adam said, "it's just that... I brought Vickie out here and it didn't go well..." Dawson got a look of concern on his face. He stayed quiet and gave Adam some time to continue. "She's afraid of animals, especially horses, which I didn't know. She was scared to death of Elvis and wouldn't get anywhere near him," Adam said. "I'm so sorry, Adam," said Dawson with concern. "It's ok. Once I explained it to her, she understood that I had a bond with Elvis and she was okay with that. But Elvis was something that I wouldn't be able to share with her," Adam said. Dawson tilted his head as he felt for Adam. He reached out and began to rub his bicep in sympathy. "Elvis is beautiful. And he clearly loves you. The way your face lit up when you were hugging him..." Dawson said, trying to pull Adam out of his sad mood. "You should have seen your face. You were smiling like a little kid," Adam said as his spirits picked up. "Well, I was just in shock from the excitement of almost being trampled to death," Dawson said wryly. Adam chuckled. "C'mon, let's check out these posts and rails and see what needs fixing," Adam said. He went over to the other ATV and opened the cargo bin. He took out a straw hat and tossed it to Dawson. He took out the other one and put it on. He grabbed both pairs of gloves. He tossed one pair to Dawson, who caught them with the hat. And then Adam put on his gloves. He reached into the cargo bin and took out a can of red spray paint. "There are 57 posts and 56 pairs of railings," Adam said. "How do you know that?" Dawson asked before Adam could continue. "Because I was here years ago when granddad repaired the fence. It was the year Elvis was born. I was into counting everything at that time," Adam explained. Dawson laughed softly. "Don't judge me. I was 9," Adam said with a chuckle. Dawson smiled at Adam as he smiled back. "If the post is loose, it needs to be reset. If the wood is rotted, it needs to be replaced. Same with the rails. Anything that needs to be replaced, we'll mark with the red paint," Adam said. "Got it," said Dawson. They walked all the way back to the first post. He dropped the can of spray paint and grasped the top of the post. He tried to shake it. It wiggled and the cross rails rattled. He looked at the post and tapped on it. It looked fine, just needed to be reset. Dawson was inspecting the rails. "This one is ok," Dawson said patting the top rail, "but I think the bottom rail needs to be replaced." "Yup, I think you're right," said Adam. He sprayed the red paint onto a spot in the middle of the bottom rail. "You count the posts. I'll count the rails that need replacing. When we get to the end, we'll have the numbers. As we drive back, we'll recount the painted ones to double check," Adam said. "Smart," Dawson said. "I'm not just a pretty face," Adam said and he winked at Dawson. Seeing Adam wink at him in the straw hat, Dawson thought to himself that he did have a pretty face. And he smiled back at Adam. The boys began checking the posts and rails. They kept driving the ATVs a few lengths ahead. Then they would walk back to check that section of posts and rails. As they went along, they realized a vast majority of the posts and rails needed replacing. When they finished they had decided they should just replace the whole fence. The sun was almost at the highest point in the sky. Dawson estimated it was almost noon. They were both sweating and they paused to drink some more water before heading back. Dawson was leaning against one of the posts. Adam was leaning against one of the ATVs. "How often did you come out here when you were growing up?" Dawson asked. Adam got a faraway look on his face. "When I was 8, my mom convinced my dad to let me stay with granddad for the summer. My parents fought all the time. I didn't want to be around that. I didn't know it was called a toxic relationship. But I knew I didn't want to be near it. I barely remember the details of what granddad and I did that particular year. But I remember loving it here. My mom told me I wouldn't stop talking about what a great time I had when I got home," said Adam as he reminisced. Dawson watched Adam's face as it lit up when he talked. "The next summer, my dad didn't want me to come. I begged and pleaded. My mom somehow convinced him. That was the year Elvis was born. After that, there was no way I wasn't coming back every summer," Adam said. Dawson didn't say anything as he swigged some more water. Adam looked at the ground with a faraway look as he remembered good times with his granddad. The boys stayed there, sipping their waters quietly, for a few minutes. Finally Adam spoke. "You ready to head back?" Adam said. "Yup," Dawson said as he stood up from leaning. They tossed their hats, gloves, and water bottles into one of the cargo bins. They mounted their ATVs and started back. They slowly drove along the fence line as they both enjoyed the beautiful views. When they got to the end of the rails, Adam gave Dawson a thumbs up. Dawson responded with a thumbs up. Adam opened up his ATV. Dawson did the same. They sped across the flat land smiling at each other as they raced. When they got to the sloping hills, they took advantage of the hills again and went airborne at the peaks. They slowed down as they approached the lake house. They saw a couple box trucks driving away down the driveway. Krantz was in the garage when they pulled in. Dawson and Adam got off and removed their helmets and placed them on the ATVs. "How did it go?" Krantz asked as the roar of the engines still rang in everyone's ears. "Great! We saw Elvis!" Adam said with excitement. "How is he?" Krantz asked as he looked back and forth at the boys. "He looked good, Krantz. He was so happy to see me. I didn't realize how much I missed him," Adam said as he looked at Dawson for confirmation. Dawson smiled and nodded at Krantz, who had a knowing look on his face. "We're replacing the whole fence line. We're gonna need a cement mixer and cement supplies," Adam said. Adam went over to the workbench along the wall and grabbed a slip of paper. He and Dawson calculated what they needed to repair the fence line. They talked with Krantz as they were writing things down. "I'll take care of the ATVs. You should go and clean up. Niven will have lunch for you on the terrace when you come down," Krantz said. "Great, I'm starving," said Adam. "Me, too," added Dawson. "Your wardrobes have arrived. I'll sort through them and have them in your rooms this afternoon. I pulled your swim trunks and a set of clothes, so you can change before going down to the terrace," Krantz said. "Thanks, Krantz," Dawson said as Adam nodded. Adam looked at Dawson and smiled. Dawson smiled back. They then headed up to their rooms. As they ascended the stairs, Adam spoke. "I need to use the toilet. Were you planning to shower?" Adam said. "I was, I feel dust and dirt in places I didn't know I had," Dawson said. "Yeah, same. You can go first," Adam said. "Cool," replied Dawson. The boys entered through Dawson's bedroom and Adam continued through the bathroom to his room. Dawson saw both beds were made. A change of clothes, some swim trunks, and a sun shirt were on one of the couches. There was a pair of sandals tucked under the couch. He slipped his sneakers off and slid them under the couch. He undressed and tossed his dirty clothes into the laundry bin. He stood there, completely naked and paused. Adam had already seen him naked, but Dawson felt embarrassed about how he had displayed himself in front of Adam before. He waited and listened to hear if he was already in the toilet. He thought, if he could avoid letting him see him again so soon, it would ease his guilt. He didn't hear any movement, so he surmised that Adam was already in the toilet. He walked toward the bathroom. As Dawson stepped into the bathroom doorway, Adam came in from his bedroom and stepped into his bathroom doorway. They both paused, looking at each other. Adam was naked. Dawson couldn't help but look at Adam's junk. He had a trimmed brown-haired bush. His circumcised penis was at least 5 inches flaccid and it looked kind of thick. His balls were medium sized and unshaven. Adam had light brown hairs on his ballsac. They both scanned each other's bodies. They then looked at each other's eyes. Dawson knew his lips had parted at the full sight of Adam's fit body and appealing cock and balls, but he froze and couldn't close his mouth. For his part, Adam couldn't help getting a slight grin as he looked at Dawson's body again. Dawson thought he saw Adam's dick start to plump up. "Hey," Adam said as he suddenly moved forward and turned toward the toilet. "Hey," Dawson said looking at the great view of Adam's meaty ass as he watched its muscles flex when he walked by him. Dawson felt his own cock start to plump up and he was relieved when Adam closed the door to his toilet. By the time the shower water was warm enough for him, Dawson's cock was at full mast. He didn't hesitate and he began furiously stroking his cock as soon as he stepped under the spray. His foreskin slipped on and off his cock head as he stroked at a rapid pace. Within a minute, he had reached the point where he could feel his orgasm building. He closed his eyes and leaned his head down. He simply remembered Adam, naked, standing in the doorway, and he began to cum. He held his moaning in check and breathed heavily as he spewed his cum onto the tiles of the wall separating him and Adam. He came down from his orgasm and he squeezed his cock head to get the last of his cum out. He repeatedly swept his hand in the shower spray, causing it to splash against the tiled wall where his cum shots hit. He watched as the cum slid down the wall and made its way to the drain. Dawson ducked his head under the water. He took in a deep breath and exhaled. He pulled his head out of the spray and opened his eyes. He could see Adam washing his hands at the sink. He wondered if Adam had seen him masturbating. He hadn't heard Adam flush, so he wasn't sure when Adam came out of the toilet. Realizing there was nothing he could do about it now, he took some body wash and cleaned up. When he finished with his shower, he came out and stood in the bathroom drying himself off. Adam was still at the sink. Adam turned, still naked. Without looking at Dawson or saying anything, he came up close to him as he passed to get into the shower. Dawson watched his muscular back and tight butt as Adam tested the water. Dawson was surprised to feel himself plumping up again. He rushed to finish drying off and left the bathroom. Dawson sat down next to the change of clothes and sighed. He was very attracted to Adam both on a sexual level and an emotional one. He was falling in love, Dawson surmised. He hadn't been in love before, but he could just feel it in his gut that this was what it felt like. He put on the swim trunks and sun shirt. He slipped his feet into the sandals. He stepped into the bathroom. Dawson saw Adam in the shower. He had his back to him, shampooing his hair. He could see Adam's wet backside. "Hey Adam?" Dawson called to him. "Yeah?" Adam replied, keeping his back to him as he paused his shampooing. "I put on my swim trunks so we can get in a swim lesson after lunch," Dawson said. "Ok," Adam said, still with his back to Dawson, still paused. "I'm going down. I'll meet you on the terrace," said Dawson. "Ok," Adam said. Adam resumed his shampooing. Dawson couldn't help watching him for another few moments. Adam slipped his head under the spray. He dropped his hands down to his crotch and Dawson saw his arms moving. Adam turned slightly and Dawson could see Adam's cock was hard. It was covered with soap and his hands were stroking and pulling it. Dawson stepped out of the bathroom quickly before Adam saw him. He left the bedroom and headed downstairs as he considered what he saw. Was Adam horny because of Dawson? Or was he just a normal, healthy male who needed to stroke off every once in a while? Dawson wasn't sure which one it was. He reminded himself again that Adam was engaged. There probably wasn't anything there. He was imagining things. He got to the terrace. There was some pasta salad, a meat and cheese charcuterie board, and some light wraps. There were assorted sodas and pitchers of iced tea and lemonade, too. He poured some iced tea and he took a seat in the shade at one of the umbrella tables. Dawson looked out over the lake. He watched a large raptor bird flying over a section of the property as he circled, looking for prey. He reflected on the excitement of the morning as he watched the bird circle. Flashes of Adam's smiling face hugging Elvis stuck in his head. Dawson smiled without realizing it as he thought about Adam. He reflected on the exhilarating feeling he had when the horses were stampeding toward him while Adam held his hand. He sipped his iced tea. He heard Adam approach. Adam was dressed in swim trunks and a sun shirt. He had a couple bucket hats and sunglasses in his hand. He placed them on the center of the table. "Presents from Krantz," Adam said. He walked over toward the pitchers. He poured himself some lemonade. "Cool," Dawson said as he picked up a brown bucket hat. He put the hat on and adjusted the brim, so it was flipped up. "How do I look?" asked Dawson. Adam had grabbed some grapes off the charcuterie board. He was popping them into his mouth one at a time. "Hmm, like you've never worn a bucket hat before," Adam said. He plopped a grape from his hand into his mouth. He walked over to the table. He reached down and adjusted Dawson's hat. He pulled the flaps down and adjusted it again. "There, now you look presentable," Adam said. Dawson smiled a goofy smile at Adam. Adam playfully stuck out his tongue at him. Adam turned, went to the spread, and got a plate. Dawson got up and joined him. They playfully jostled elbows as they reached over each other to choose their food. Adam picked up a slice of salami. "Hey, I was reaching for that," Dawson said, with mock frustration. "This?" Adam said waving the salami pinched between his thumb and finger. "Yeah," Dawson said. Adam quickly shoved the salami into his mouth. Dawson opened his mouth in fake shock. Adam smiled at Dawson as he chewed. He spoke with his mouth full of salami. "Oh, sorry, I didn't hear you," said Adam as he chewed. "That's it. You're off my Christmas card list," Dawson said jokingly. "No, not that. Please, Dawson, don't do that," Adam said as he exaggeratedly whined in mock protest. Dawson rolled his eyes. "Oh, all right...I can't stay mad at you..." Dawson said. He quickly grabbed a tuna wrap off of Adam's plate and turned to go to the table. "Hey, that was mine," Adam whined. "What? This?" Dawson said and then took a bite of the wrap as he sat down at the table with his plate. Adam pursed his lips. He picked up a piece of cheese and chucked it at Dawson. It hit him on the top of his head and it skipped onto the terrace. "Whoa...good thing I was wearing my hat...that could have killed me..." Dawson said. "I know...you gotta watch that flying cheese..." Adam said as he came to the table. Adam sat down at the table. He sat back and just stared at Dawson. "What?" said Dawson as he paused and looked at Adam. "I like hanging with you. You're a lot of fun," Adam said in all sincerity. "Same. You're a lot of fun, too," Dawson said and then smiled at Adam. Adam smiled and then started in on his plate. Dawson felt that vibe from Adam again. Instead of trying to ignore it, Dawson couldn't help enjoying the feeling. "I may have to drown you though, during your swim lesson," Dawson said. "See?" Adam said, waving his fork toward Dawson, "that's what I like about you. You want to kill me, but you give me fair warning. That's a true friend." "That's how I roll," said Dawson. They ate without saying anything for a while. They both kept looking out over the lake as they chewed. Dawson could still see the raptor bird, circling. He pointed at it with his fork. "I was watching him before you came down. I think he's got something in his sights," Dawson said. Adam focused on the bird. For about five minutes, they both watched and ate in silence as the bird kept circling. Suddenly the bird dove. "Whoa," Dawson said. Adam paused with his mouth open. They watched as the bird dove below the tree line and disappeared. They both watched as they looked for the raptor bird to reappear. A couple minutes passed. "I wonder if he got it," Adam said. Just then, they saw the bird emerge from behind the tree line, climbing. There were four much smaller birds flying around it, attacking it. "Whoa, look!" Dawson said. He didn't need to tell Adam. He was already watching. They sat in silence as they watched the larger bird fly off into the distance, with the four other birds chasing it. They kept going in to attack the larger bird as they kept badgering it until it went out of the boys' sight. "Wow, that was so cool," Adam said. "I love this place," Dawson said. "I know. Me, too," Adam said. They both silently contemplated the 50-50 split and how that was going to force one of them to have to give up the property. Dawson still felt Adam rightfully should have it. But he knew it wasn't going to be easy to give it up. They both finished eating. They sat for a while, just looking at the beautiful views in front of them. "You ready for your first lesson?" Dawson finally broke the silence. "Aren't we supposed to wait an hour before swimming after eating?" Adam asked. "That's an old wives tale. And we're not old wives, so we should be good," Dawson said, jokingly. Dawson got up and put on a pair of the sunglasses. He smiled at Adam. "You look like a tourist with that hat and glasses," Adam said. "Heh heh, thanks. That was exactly the look I was going for," Dawson quipped. Dawson took his iced tea glass and filled it from the pitcher. Adam did the same with his lemonade glass. Dawson led Adam down the terrace stairs to the pool and hot tub. There were a couple umbrella tables next to the low-end steps to the pool. They placed their drinks on the table. "So, have you been in any kind of pool before?" Dawson asked Adam. Dawson removed his bucket hat and glasses and placed them onto the table. "I used to sit with my feet on the edge of the pool when I was younger," Adam explained, "but I was afraid to go any further than that." Dawson began unbuttoning his sun shirt. He slipped off his sandals. Adam began unbuttoning his sun shirt. As both boys removed their shirts, Dawson turned to face Adam. "Let's sit for a minute before we begin. I want to make sure you aren't stressed by being in the water while I explain what we're going to do," Dawson said. Adam sat in one of the chairs. Dawson pulled a chair up, so it was facing Adam. Dawson sat down and leaned forward. Their faces were a foot and a half apart. Dawson could see Adam was nervous. "Are you nervous?" Dawson asked softly. "A little," Adam said without looking Dawson directly in the eye. Dawson leaned his hands on Adam's bare knees. "Ok, well, remember earlier when I was standing out on the property and there were 20 horses barreling toward me? Do you think I was nervous?" Dawson asked. "Yeah, you were definitely nervous," Adam said as he chuckled. "I was. But you know why I didn't back away?" Dawson asked and then paused, "because I trusted you." Adam looked at Dawson. "Do you trust me?" Dawson asked gently. "Yeah, I do," Adam said with a bit of relief. "Then you'll be fine," Dawson said as he smiled, "I'll be right next to you the whole time, ok?" Adam nodded. "Now, there's only one thing I need you to remember any time you're in the water.... Slow," Dawson said. "Slow?" Adam asked with confusion. "Slow. Your breathing should be slow. Your movements should be slow," Dawson said, "moving through water is slow. You're supposed to move slow. The second you start to do anything fast, panic sets in. So just go slow, ok?" Dawson said gently as he pressed his fingers on Adam's knees every time he said the word slow. "Ok," Adam said. "Ok...all we're going to do today is get you comfortable in the water. We're going to learn how to put your face in the water," Dawson said. "Ok," Adam said with less nervousness in his voice. "C'mon," Dawson said and he stood up. He reached out his hand to Adam. Adam took it. They went over to the edge of the pool. Dawson stepped into the water, on the top step. The water barely covered his feet. "Sit down with me," Dawson said, still holding Adam's hand. Adam copied Dawson and stepped into the water on the top step. Dawson drew Adam down, and they sat together on the top step of the pool stairs. "Hold onto the side wall," Dawson said. "That's it. Now, when you're ready, scoot down a step." Dawson scooted down one step. Adam looked at Dawson and nodded. He held onto the wall with his right hand and squeezed Dawson's hand in his left. He scooted down so he was sitting on the second step. The water came to his waist. "Ok, only one more step and that's as far as we'll go. Whenever you're ready," Dawson said. Dawson went down to the third step. Adam squeezed Dawson's hand again and scooted down. The water came up to his arm pits now. "Ahhhh, I'm nervous," Adam said as he squeezed Dawson's hand. "I'm right here. Go slow. Breathe slow," Dawson said. Adam slowed his breathing down as he looked at Dawson. "You're doing great," Dawson said. "All you have to do is watch me and then you'll try it. I'm going to breathe in and then blow it out in the water. Slow, deep breath in..." Dawson said as he breathed in, "exhale in the water," he said as he closed his eyes, bent his head down, and put his mouth in the water. Bubbles came to the surface as he exhaled. He lifted his face and turned to look at Adam. "Slow breath in..." Dawson said, "exhale in the water..." Dawson dipped his mouth in the water and exhaled again. He lifted his face and looked at Adam. "You ready to try? If at any time you feel nervous, just lift your head, ok?" Dawson said, "whenever you're ready." Adam forced a smile and squeezed Dawson's hand. He breathed in as he looked at Dawson. He dipped his mouth into the water, closed his eyes, and blew air out making bubbles in the water. He lifted his head and opened his eyes. He turned toward Dawson and grinned. He breathed in again, looking at Dawson. He lowered his mouth into the water, closed his eyes, and exhaled under the water. Dawson felt Adam's hand relax as he lifted his head. Adam turned and looked at Dawson smiling. Dawson smiled back. "I did it... I put my face in the water," Adam said calmly. "You did," Dawson smiled at him. "Now, keep doing the breathing. Slowly. When you're ready, let go of the wall. Keep holding my hand and breathe slowly. Take your time. If you have any problems, lift your head," Dawson explained. Adam turned and looked across the pool. He breathed in slowly, dipped his face into the water, exhaled and then came out of the water. He did that a few times and then let go of the wall. He brought his hand under the water. He did two more cycles of breathing. When he lifted his head, he turned and smiled at Dawson. "You're doing really well, Adam," Dawson said. Adam smiled. "Do you think you can let go of my hand?" Dawson asked softly. "Yeah, I can," Adam said softly. Adam squeezed Dawson's hand softly and then let go. He moved his hand under the water. Both his hands were on his knees now. "When you're ready, go slow and breathe in air and exhale into the water," Dawson said as he watched Adam concentrating. Adam looked forward. He breathed in and then leaned his face into the water. He exhaled and then lifted his head. He turned toward Dawson. "I did it," Adam said with excitement, "I'm not scared." Dawson reached out and put his hand on Adam's muscular shoulder. "I'm proud of you. This was the hard part, getting comfortable in the water," Dawson said gently rubbing Adam's shoulder. Adam smiled at Dawson. "Here, hold the wall and take my hand. We're going to turn toward the wall," Dawson said. Adam put his hand back on the wall as he held Dawson's hand in his other. Dawson stood up and guided Adam's hand as Adam turned. They left the stairs and were in the shallowest part of the pool. Dawson brought Adam's hand to the wall. Dawson held the wall next to Adam. He slipped his right hand under Adam's so they were both holding the wall. "My hand is right here, if you have any trouble," Dawson said. Adam nodded and squeezed Dawson's hand. He looked calmer than when he started. "We're both going to breathe like before. Breathe in air, then tilt your head down into the water and exhale. Go slow," Dawson said. Without further prompting, Adam began breathing and exhaling, blowing bubbles in the water. Dawson followed and they stayed in rhythm together. They did this about ten times. Dawson flexed his hand and stopped. Adam then stopped when he came up out of the water. "You feel ok?" Dawson said. "Yeah," Adam said with a grin. "Ok, now, instead of tilting your head, we're going to go up and down. Like this," Dawson said. He stood up slightly so he came a little bit out of the water. He breathed in. Then he dropped himself so his face was mostly in the water and exhaled, producing bubbles. Then he surfaced. "You control how far under you want to go. If you get nervous, just stand up. Ok?" Dawson said. Adam nodded. He looked a little nervous. He began breathing and exhaling in the water. He started out just submerging his mouth. But after a couple times, he went deeper. After a dozen times or so, he was dunking his whole head. He did that a couple times and then surfaced. He smiled and looked at Dawson. "That was great! How do you feel? Still doing ok?" Dawson asked. "Yeah, I'm not scared," Adam said. "Ok, the last thing we're going to do today. Try that without holding the wall or my hand. Take your time. Go slow. If you're not ready, just keep hanging onto the wall," Dawson said. Adam began dunking his head. After a couple times, he let go with his right hand. He still held Dawson's hand against the wall. After a couple breaths, he let go of Dawson. He dunked his head three times, then grabbed the wall when he came up. "I did it! Did you see?" Adam said with excitement. "I did. I'm proud of you. You did great. That's it for today," Dawson said. Dawson held out his hand. Adam took it. He used his other hand to grab the wall and he stood up. They turned and stepped up and out of the water. When they were out of the pool, Adam kept holding Dawson's hand as he turned toward him. Adam moved in to embrace Dawson. Their naked, wet chests touched. Their packages rubbed gently against each other. Adam wrapped his arms around Dawson. Dawson froze, not sure what was happening. "Thank you. I was so scared, but you helped me relax. And you didn't make me feel stupid. Thank you," Adam whispered softly into Dawson's ear. Adam held him for a couple beats and then separated himself from Dawson. He slipped his hands onto Dawson's biceps. Dawson had so many feelings running through him. He collected himself quickly. "Adam, any time you need me, I'm here for you," Dawson said. He meant it to sound supportive. But he thought it came out sounding creepy. "Thanks, Dawson. That means a lot to me," Adam said as he squeezed the sides of Dawson's arms. Adam cleared his throat and let go of Dawson. He went over to the towel rack and grabbed two towels. He tossed one to Dawson and started to dry himself with the other. Dawson dried himself off. Dawson grabbed his iced tea and took a sip. Adam came over to the table, grabbed his lemonade, and started sipping it. Dawson put on the sunglasses and sat down. Adam put on the brown bucket hat and sat down, too. "How do you feel?" Dawson asked. "Like a huge weight has been lifted..." Adam responded almost immediately. Dawson looked at Adam. "I've been so scared for so long. I don't know why," Adam got a sad, wistful look, "but you made it seem so simple and I did it. I put my face in the water. Thank you Dawson, I don't know how I can ever thank you," Adam said as his tone shifted to hopeful. "Like I said, I've got your back...any time," Dawson said. Dawson sipped his iced tea. Adam sipped his lemonade. "We'll do more each day, if we can. We'll have you swimming in no time," Dawson said. ========== If you liked this story, tell me: djwarner1984@hotmail.com And then donate to Nifty: https://donate.nifty.org/ -DJ