Green Gus Witzer The Throat Slitter Part 2
Disclaimer: Not mine! Property of Buena Vista Pictures Distribution and Spyglass Entertainment Group.
Go back to part 1...
"I'm not seeing this, Chon." Roy stared at the man, expecting him to disappear at any second. He blinked, but Hal was still there and getting closer.
"How can he be alive? His head was cut off!" Chon stared hard at him. "Look, his throat is still red from where it was slit."
"Shit... It's not real. It's a hallucination, that's all. A bad dream."
"A very real one."
"Think anyone else can see him?"
They watched as a man crossed Hal's path on the boardwalk. The local tipped his hat to the stranger and kept walking, moving to the left directly out of his path. The pair stood looking like fish with their mouths open.
"Yeah..." Chon breathed.
"Let's get the hell out of here."
"Why?"
"Now, Chon!"
O'Bannon pulled Wang after him. Meanwhile, Hal continued towards them, going no faster or slower. The pair ran to the livery and took off on Fido. Their departure attracted the notice of the citizens out and about.
A local glanced at the old stranger standing next to him. "Now, what the hell's wrong with them two?"
"Beats me." Hal grinned.
As Fido beat up a storm cloud of dust, Roy glanced back. Hal was still standing on the boardwalk staring after them.
At Roy's insistence, Chon ran Fido hard until they reached the cabin. There was no end to Roy's expletives.
"We're fucked, Chon! Fucked! I'm never closing my fucking eyes again! Hal! Fucking Hal! God damn it!"
"No shit!"
"Can't you make this beast go any faster?"
"Fuck no!"
"Hell!""You were wrong about the ghosts!""What do you mean I was wrong?"
"You said they were pale, see through. Hal... He looked normal to me!"
"Damn it! I've never seen a real ghost before, okay? How was I supposed to know he'd look like that?"
Chon said no more.
When they reached O'Bannon's hideout, Roy cussed for joy. In an instant, he was off towards the house, leaving Chon to care for Fido.
"Roy, wait!"
"Not now, Chon!"
Shaking his head, Chon led the animal into the small coral and began the process of taking the saddle off. The routine activity might give him some time to think about what the hell he just saw and how the hell they were going to deal with it.
"Ow!"
He jerked around as he heard the sound of a body hitting the ground. "Roy!" He reached the other man before he even started to get up. "Roy."
Roy grabbed onto him.
"Roy, what's wrong?"
Chon waited for him to speak, but Roy kept breathing, faster and harder, his eyes doing the talking instead.
There was no need for any further questions. Chon knew. He took Roy into his arms and held him. Roy sagged against him and tensed as he fought with himself. Chon's embrace was gentle, his scent overwhelmingly comforting to Roy as he panted against him.
"Roy... Roy, you fly too fast. Fido is sweating and look at us." He started with Roy's hair, folding his hand over the light bangs. "Any faster and we would have outrun the wind." He moved his palm over O'Bannon's heart, feeling the organ throb as it struggled to get more blood. Chon took a deep breath and rubbed his chest. "Slow down, baby, it's okay."
Roy's breath caught in his throat as he struggled to mimic Chon's breathing. He curled his fingers in Chon's pants and pressed back against him hard.
"Sh... Sh... It's okay, baby, just breath. You can talk me to death later."
The comment earned Wang a swat on the thigh.
Chon chuckled and kept breathing, continuing his soothing gestures.
This seemed to calm O'Bannon and after several more minutes his breathing returned to normal. Chon took another deep breath and exhaled. Roy did the same.
"I haven't had an attack like that in awhile." He confessed.
"When did they begin?"
"When I was young."
Roy felt weak and exhausted from the attack, but he wanted to run. He imagined himself running across the plains and over the mountains. His lungs burned as he tried to run faster. He imagined a man with an axe chasing him. He imagined Chon fighting that man with two axes. Chon would lose. Chon was dead, disembodied, and Roy kept tripping over the parts. He heard himself screaming.
"You okay?"
"You mean did I hurt myself? No."
"Roy, I know you are scared, but you must try to stay calm. I don't want you to suffer an attack again."
"I know."
"I was very scared for you, sunshine."
Roy started to shrug it off, but he felt bad about worrying Chon. "I'm sorry. I can't help it."
Chon acknowledged the comment silently. It seemed to be true where this Halloween was concerned.
"We're the talk of the town right about now." Roy said and turned his cheek to rest it against Chon's shirt.
"Why?"
"The only two lawmen in town running off in broad daylight? Bound to raise idle gossip."
"I'm sure you will think of something good to tell them."
"Really?"
"Really." Chon pressed a kiss in his hair.
"I don't know whether to be insulted or not."
"That was a compliment."
"Then why do I hear that smile in your voice?"
"Oh, hush." Chon helped him to his feet. "Are you okay to stand?"
"Yeah. Thanks, Chon."
Wang regarded him for a moment, reading his eyes. He turned away, but Roy pulled him back and kissed him. With a smile, Chon cupped his face as Roy's hands lingered in his hair. He enjoyed the quiet moments between them.
"I haven't had anyone to look after me in a long time."
"I don't mind, sunshine."
Roy's expression brightened. He followed Wang over to the corral and leaned on the fence as Chon finished unsaddling Fido.
"That's a damn strange brand for a horse." Roy said of the two handprints that marked the animal.
Chon draped the saddle over the fence.
"They really give that to you as a wedding present?"
"Yes."
"I think those Sioux have a hell of a sense of humor."
"What do you mean by that?" Chon frowned.
"Nothing. Don't get your nuts tangled up. I'm just saying... Hell, wait 'til you have a run in with an Apache."
Chon grunted.
"Aren't you done yet, Chon? Hurry up. What the hell are you doing?"
"What's the rush?"
"You ever get the feeling like someone's watching you and you just can't see them?" Roy looked around. "He's out there, Chon, I can feel it."
"You worry too much."
"No..." Roy looked around again. "I don't. In fact, I think he'll come when we least expect him. Didn't I tell you? I told you he was real. Now do you believe me?"
Wang recognized the hunted instinct. "Come." He walked around the gate and closed it. "I'm starving." He took Roy's hand and tugged him along to the cabin. "I am going to cook you a grand meal. Chicken and rice -- all the trimmings."
"Okay, but you get to kill the chicken this time. I've had all the blood I can take."
"Fine. Make yourself useful. Set the table."
"With pleasure."
O'Bannon placed the dishes and utensils on the table and set out a bottle of whiskey for himself. He waited for Chon to come in before he asked about coffee.
"No, just water." Chon said.
After Roy poured him a glass of water, he had nothing left to do except watch Chon cook. He glanced from Chon to the front door and back. How could Chon be so calm after what he'd seen? O'Bannon got up and paced.
"Think, think! What are we going to do... What are we going to do... Pack your bags, Chon. We're saddling up. California here we come."
Chon turned from cutting up the chicken and frowned at him. "We can not leave. We are the law."
"The hell we can't. There was a sheriff before us. There'll be one after us."
"What will we do there?"
"I'll think of something."
"Roy, running away is not the answer. If he can find us here, he'll find us there."
"You got a better one?"
"Yes. We talk to Hal."
"Talk to him? Are you crazy? He's a ghost! He was probably sent to kill us by you-know-who!"
"How do you know? You said some ghosts were good."
"Not him."
"Roy, we can not know until we ask him."
"No! We are not going to do that!"
"Roy, you are being ridiculous. We can't keep running away."
"Oh, yes we can. We'll see the country. We'll see the world. What do you say, Chon? Just you and me..."
"No."
"No? Why not?"
Chon saw that Roy was getting worked up again. He left the stove and took Roy's hands. "Roy, I want to be with you wherever you go-"
"Then let's go."
"No. If we are going to see the country, to see the world, we must do it for the right reasons."
"And those would be?"
"Winging it."
"That's exactly what I'm talking about!"
"No, it's not. Roy, where I come from, you must face your enemies. It is the right and honorable thing to do. What kind of man would I be if I say I love you and then do nothing?"
"Chon-"
"I will protect you, Roy. Trust me. My honor will not allow anything less. I want to."
"That's just it, Chon! I don't want you to protect me! You almost got killed last night!"
"I do not care."
"But I do! I can't stand to watch you fight him. My god! Did you see that guy? He killed Hal."
"And I almost saw you get killed. I can not allow that to happen."
"Chon, you're the most important person in my life. I can't lose you."
"You won't."
"You don't know that for sure. I'm not taking any chances, Chon; I'm not. It's not that important. I knew this was going to be some Chinese thing!"
"Haven't you ever had someone willing to die for you? Who love you that much?"
"No, Chon, no one except you. Can't you see? That's why we have to go! You don't always have to fight the bad guys to the death. Sometimes we just let 'em alone. They don't bother us; we don't bother them. Works out nicely for both sides. Okay?"
"No."
Roy threw up his hands.
"He try to kill you, now I must find out what his intentions are. He will not harm you."
"Chon, stop it! That's not the way it works!"
"I don't need your permission, Roy. I will prove to you how very special you are to me. Do you understand?"
"No."
They stared at each other for a moment, each man waiting for the other to give in. Chon was the first to move. Closing the distance between them, Chon wrapped his arms around Roy's neck and kissed him. "Do you understand this?"
"Yes. This I know." Roy lingered on his mouth, exploring its shape with his lips. "Speak Chinese to me."
"Meili yangguang... Yisui... Wode yongyou."
"Hm. I love when you talk like that. It's like poetry, like Shakespeare only I have no idea what you just said."
"I was saying how much I love you. Remember I am the Shanghai Kid and you are Roy O'Bannon."
"Hell of a lot of good that's going to do against some ghost and a killer with an axe."
"Roy, sunshine, let's not talk about this anymore. I'm hungry and I have to finish cooking the food."
"Maybe I really am hallucinating. Do you think I'm hallucinating, Chon? Maybe?"
Chon sighed and gave in to the question. "No. I saw him too."
"Shit. Chon, we never should've gone there. Why didn't I listen to you? You were the one who said we should camp out. But no-"
"Roy, the path through life takes many twists and turns, some better, some for the worse, but you can't go back no matter how much you might want to."
"Can we not talk about that shit right now?"
"Why? You are the one who won't let it go!"
"Because..." Roy looked away and his voice softened. "I might die soon."
"You are not going to die."
"I've escaped death lots of times, Chon, some thanks to you, but what if this is it? What if my number's finally up?"
"You can't think like that or you're dead already."
Roy's eyes widened.
Chon went back to the stove and began preparing the meat again. He regretted the effect of his words, but his patience was wearing thin. He heard Roy sit down at the table. The whiskey glunked in the bottle as Roy drank. Chon wanted to say something hateful about that too, but he restrained himself. It was Roy's way of dealing with the situation. O'Bannon didn't offer any more conversation so Chon finished cooking in silence. He served Roy and then himself. Then he sat down, giving Roy his most reassuring smile.
"Eat."
Roy picked at his food. There were onions in the rice and other things he didn't even know the name of. He thought about what Chon had said. Maybe he was right, but Roy wasn't used to that kind of talk.
"Eat." Chon urged.
Roy took a bite and grabbed for his whiskey. It took four swallows to cool his mouth down. "Mm!"
"What?"
"What the fuck did you put in this stuff?"
"What I always put. Eat. It is good for you."
"Too hot for me. You should hook up with the Mexicans and have a cook-off."
"A what?"
"It's where you and bunch of other folks get together and cook the same thing and see who can do a better job."
"My mother say cooking is an art. Next time I will make baby food for you since you can't handle this."
"The hell you will." Roy dove back into his food. Despite the alcohol, the rice still made his eyes water. Eventually, he decided to stick to the chicken since it seemed to be the less spicy of the two.
Chon was smiling at him.
"Wipe that smile off your face, Chon. I just want some normal food. Like a steak and some potatoes."
"This is normal food."
"For you."
"In my country, we enjoy the cat and the dog. We do not eat cows."
"You eat cats and dogs? Eww!"
"Chicken not bad though. We do have those."
Roy drank some more whiskey and wiped his eyes. "That's wrong, Chon. That is so wrong! I better not see you go after some poor cat or dog and try to kill it."
Chon shrugged. "I won't. Since I am here, I will eat the meats you like."
"Good. Because if you had said no, I wasn't going to eat any of your cooking ever again."
"Fine." Chon refilled his glass with water.
"I need something sweet. My mouth is still burning. You want some canned peaches, Chon?"
"Sure."
After they cleaned the dishes, Chon drew his partner outside.
"Where are we going?"
"Over there." Chon pointed to a large tree several yards away from the cabin.
"Why?"
"Come. You'll see." Chon tugged him along until they were under the tree. With a neat roll, Chon lay himself out on his back on the grass. After staring at him for a moment, Roy joined him.
In the distance, a few clouds drifted across the sky.
"I see a dragon breathing fire."
"Where?"
"There." Chon pointed.
"Looks more like a fireworks display to me."
Chon reached between them and took Roy's hand. The grass was soft, Roy's fingers softer. Roy withdrew his hand and scooted over and curled up next to him instead. Chon reached for his other hand and began tracing the palm with his thumb.
"What do you see?"
"Lines."
"No, you're supposed to tell my future."
"I don't know it, but I do know something about your past -- our past specifically."
"What?"
"I know we miss last night and I know that a nice big bed inside is still waiting for us."
"Do tell." Roy grinned. "What else do you see?"
"I see very long stay in that bed." Chon's eyes got big. "I hear screams. 'Oh, Chon! Oh... Ooo...' "
Roy punched him in the stomach. "You bastard!"
Chon giggled and rolled to his feet. Roy struggled to his feet and took off after the China man.
"Chon! When I catch you!"
Chon just laughed and kept running. Eventually, he slowed down some and let Roy catch up to him.
"I got you!" Roy cried.
They tumbled together in the long grass, Roy landing on top when they finally came to a halt.
"Ah ha!" He crowed.
"I let you catch me!"
"Uu-uu!"
"Oh, yes. I think Roy he can not possibly catch up so I slow down."
"Liar!" Roy laughed.
"What are you going to do with me now?"
"Now... Well... Whew... Shit." Roy abruptly fell on top of him. "Now, I'm going to lay here and catch my breath."
Chon's laughter vibrated in Roy's ear.
The clouds passed over them. The heat from the sun collected in Roy's dark coat, making him warmer than Chon. For a long time neither moved. Roy listened to the earth. No pounding hooves reached his ear. For a moment, he allowed himself to think of Hal again. Would he even be able to hear the old man when he arrived? And where was Witzer? He needed a plan, but Chon and the warmth of the sun made it impossible to think.
"Roy?"
"Hm?"
"Just seeing if you were awake."
"I'm here. Just thinking.""About the ghost?"
"Yes."
"When I was an Imperial Guard, I never got to do this. Just lay here..."
"See? Aren't you glad you're not over there right now?"
"Yes."
There was such quiet contentment in his voice that Roy was almost envious.
"Although, I never expect this to happen."
"Tell me about it. Life has a way of ambushing you on the trail no matter how careful you are."
"Hey."
"Hm?" Roy glanced up at him.
"There's a nice little place not too far from here. Secluded. Perfect for a bath."
Roy's spine prickled at the word secluded.
Chon began to gnaw on his index finger. "What do you say, baby?"
"Okay." Roy began to smile. Spending the day with Chon would be a nice diversion. He knew he should be worried, but at the moment, he just couldn't bring himself to give a damn.
They left on separate mounts. O'Bannon kept a sharp eye out on their back trail. Chon noticed, but did not mention it.
Roy would've preferred a bath in town, but a dip in cool water wasn't bad. There was a cave with a rock pool in it. It was filled with melted snow from the mountains. They picketed their horses just outside the cave. Roy struck a match and lit the torch he kept near the entrance. The sound of running water trickled out to them from deep inside the cave.
O'Bannon drew his gun and motioned for Wang to do the same.
"Why?"
"Sh. Someone might be in there."
"Why are we whispering?"
"Because they may not be on our side."
"Oh."
Chon flanked Roy as they went into the cave. He drew his gun, but if it came to a fight, he would let Roy do the shooting. His fists were all he needed.
"Hey!" Roy called. "Anybody home?"
The two men stopped and listened. If anyone was already there, they were not answering. Roy advanced cautiously until they reached the rock pool. The cave was empty except for them.
"Doesn't look like anyone's been here. Wouldn't want any squatters on our favorite water hole." O'Bannon holstered his gun.
"You should buy it."
"You can't buy a mountain, Chon."
Wang shrugged. Then, he had a thought. "Do you own your cabin?"
"That ol' thing? Naw."
"Why don't you buy it? You have plenty of gold to spare."
"What's the use? Besides, I don't know if this is where I want to settle down. Little too early to be thinking about that. Where do you want to settle down, Chon?"
"I don't know. Somewhere, anywhere. I don't care as long as I'm with you."
Chon's recklessness curved Roy's lips. He put the torch in its makeshift holder and took off his gun belt. "You wanna help me or stand around and watch?" Roy smirked. "Your choice."
"Hm... My choice... I think I will help you." Chon grinned.
He started with the coat, turning Roy around in a slow circle as he slipped it off. He folded it neatly and started a pile. He pressed a kiss over Roy's throat and scented him before untying his bandana. After undoing the button at the wrist of Roy's blue shirt, he smelled the skin over the delicate veins."You keep your hands so soft. Why?"
"Helps my shooting. Can't shoot good when your hands are stiff."
Chon arched an eyebrow.
"What?"
Chon decided not to mention what he thought of Roy's marksmanship. He unbuttoned the other cuff and then started on his shirt. When Roy's shirt was down around his wrists, Chon startled the gunman by pulling him close.
"Oo." Roy was beginning to breath a little more heavily, as Chon pressed him tightly against his muscled body, holding his wrists together behind his back.
Chon blinked slowly and kissed him. He moved away and let go of Roy's wrists, pulling his shirt completely off.
"You do the rest."
"Aw, come on, Chon, that's no fair."
"Hm." The China man just smiled and made himself comfortable on a rock a few feet away.
"All right. You asked for it." O'Bannon titled his hat over his head and took his boots and socks off. Eyes on Chon, he undid his pants and pulled them down. He stepped out of them and kicked them away. Giving Chon his best sultry smile, he unbuttoned his long johns and stepped out of them.
Chon inhaled at the sight of Roy naked with only his cowboy hat on.
Roy walked up to him and climbed on his lap, straddling Chon. Forcing the China man to look up at him, he whipped his hat off and knocked Chon's own back behind the rock he was sitting on. Cupping his face, Roy leaned down and took his mouth with a slow kiss.
Chon was blown away. Roy's bold, naked aggression made the kiss that much hotter. He ran his hands up the back of the muscled white thighs and pulled the pale globes to him. Roy tasted like whiskey and Chon feared he would get drunk on him. Breathing heavily, he licked his lips and gazed into Roy's blue eyes.
"Now, it's your turn." The blond murmured.
Chon stroked his rear, causing Roy to squirm and moan. The hell with the water, he wanted to take Roy here and now.
"Ahh..." Roy tightened his fingers in the black mane as Chon bit his left nipple. "Ah... Chon..." His hips bucked as Chon's teeth twisted his tit. The heat of Chon's breath made the hairs rise on his chest. His other nipple ached to be touched. "Chonnn..."
"No. I must have you. Now."
Roy shivered from the rough words. Combing his hands through Chon's hair, he said, "Patience."
"Patience be damn."
Roy got his wish. Chon's teeth hurt. His tongue flicked the end of his nipple until Roy was whimpering for him to stop. Chon ran the pad of his index finger down Roy's belly. Roy shuddered and whined as Chon's teeth pulled painfully at his tit. Chon growled, not letting up on the small mound of flesh. He wanted to suck the taste out of it. He touched Roy again, carving out the slight hollow in his belly. O'Bannon whimpered and twisted, wanting more despite what he'd said earlier.
"You..." Chon breathed into his chest. He felt Roy begin to shake as he stroked him.
"Chon... I'm gonna come right here, Chon. Oh... We may not make it to the bed at this rate. Ah, shit." O'Bannon arched against him, burying his face in Chon's hair as a particular stroke touched a sensitive spot.
Chon grunted and picked Roy up and kissed him until he put him down on his own pile of clothes. He took off his bandana and began unbuttoning his shirt as fast as he could.
"Hey, hey, slow down."
Chon sighed and slowed down a little. Not as much as Roy would have liked him to, but even still seeing those clothes come off and Chon's tanned, toned body revealed was fine, more than fine. He didn't miss the subtle jibes aimed at him either as Chon made a point of throwing each piece of clothing at him.
Roy whistled and stood. Chon's curves rivaled those of any woman's. "Oh lord, come here, you big warrior."
Roy trailed kisses from Chon's forehead down his to mouth. He liked how tightly he was being held. He moved to Chon's chest. He had his own form of tit worshiping - the ladies were very appreciative and he knew Chon would be too. His moans made him seem vulnerable. Roy smiled, licking and nibbling on the curved flesh until he was on his knees. Chon's eyes were closed, but Roy didn't miss the look of anticipation on his open features. With a devilish smile, he opened wide and let the head of Chon's dick slip past his lips.
Chon inhaled and moaned as Roy slowly swallowed more of him. His partner definitely knew how to use his mouth. Suddenly, he was angry with the blond for making him wait, for torturing him. In China, he had been taught to restrain himself, always restrain. Well, now he wasn't going to. Tightening his hands around Roy's head, he pulled Roy close, shoving himself down his throat. Oh yes...
Roy's eyes bulged and he pulled away, collapsing into a heap on the dirty ground, coughing and sputtering. He didn't understand. Chon had never been rough with him before. "What the hell was that for?" He whined.
Chon thought he would still be angry, but the sight of Roy naked and curled into a ball hurt him. What he had done was wrong. He lowered his head, unable to bear the hurt look on his lover's face. He had shamed himself.
"I'm sorry. I want you so bad. Sometimes, I think it will never come and I waited too late."
"What the hell are you talking about, Chon?"
Chon looked at him. "You. All the time, never showing how I feel except in a few moments, like this. It is difficult for me. I'm sorry."
"It's okay." Roy got to his feet and approached him. "I feel the same way too."
"But you do not act like me."
"Well, I'm just used to living in a repressed society, sort of."
"Roy-"
"Sh... It's all right. Let's start over again. Okay?"
Chon traced the kiss-swelled lips. "I don't deserve this. You are too forgiving, my sunshine."
"Of course you do." Roy kissed him. Chon could be so volatile sometimes, yet so controlled. They'd done something to him. Those damn Imperial Chinese had done something to him to make him think he didn't deserve to be loved. It made him so angry. But he didn't want to get into that with Chon now. Now, Chon needed to be reminded again of where he was. Roy took a deep breath and relaxed, realizing how tense he had become. Chon probably thought he was still upset with him.
"Chon, it's okay. Come on, can I have a smile, please?"
Chon closed his arms around him. "Okay." He kissed O'Bannon, apologizing to him again. He smoothed his hands over Roy, trying to brush some of the dirt off of him.
"I know a better way to get that off." O'Bannon headed for the pool, pulling Chon after him.
"Shit, this is cold." Roy griped as he stepped in. He swam around for a few minutes, trying to get the chill out of his system. Soon he would be numb and it wouldn't matter what temperature the water was. Chon waded in and Roy latched onto him.
"Oo! Get away! You are cold!"
Roy kissed him and rubbed his back. Chon pushed him away and started splashing. Roy splashed back while Chon disappeared under water. Chon came up and nailed Roy in the face with a stream of water from his mouth. Sputtering, Roy went after him and wrestled with Chon. Chon picked him up and swung him around and threw him into the water again. Roy screamed and laughed. He went after Chon and wrapped himself around him so Chon couldn't throw him again, but Chon turned the tables and pressed Roy against the rocks. Grinning and giggling, he leaned in for a kiss as he rubbed himself against Roy. He liked the taste of the cold water in their mouths. Roy writhed and began to whimper as Chon kept rubbing against him. With a cry of pain, he pushed the other man away. The rocks had rubbed his back raw.
"What's wrong?"
"My back's burning. Shit, it hurts. Damn rocks."
"Let me see."
Roy turned around so Chon could survey the damage. He flinched as Chon touched his back.
"I'm sorry, Roy. Why didn't you tell me?"
"I tried to tell you, Don Juan, but I couldn't get your tongue out of my throat."
"Who?"
"Never mind."
"Roy, I'm sorry."
"It's okay. Let's go home and get warmed up."
"I didn't mean to."
"Chon, it's nothing. I've been hurt worse than this. This is nothing compared to getting shot."
"Stop making excuses!"The look on Roy's face silenced Chon for a moment. He hadn't meant to scream, but... Wang took a deep breath in and let it out. "I should've been more careful."
Roy exploded. "What are you going to do, Chon? Beat yourself over this? Is that what they taught you to do over there? Because if that's what you're gonna do, then I don't wanna see it!"
"I'm sorry, Roy. All I do is upset you."
"Chon, you saved my life. You take care of me. Chon, why are you always so hard on yourself?"
Chon sighed. "All my life, I was taught discipline, control, and when I'm with you, I don't have any of that."
"So enjoy it!"
Chon mustered up a smile for Roy's benefit. "Okay, sunshine." As Roy bounded out of the water, Chon looked at his back again. He cursed himself. The old world was difficult to shake off.
When they arrived back at the cabin, Chon took it upon himself to look after his partner. He made Roy lay down in bed so he could rub medicine on his back.
Roy smiled and obeyed, but not before taking his clothes off. He knew where he wanted this to go. He just hoped Chon wanted to go there too. The air felt good on his back. Chon's extra careful ministrations didn't go unnoticed by him either. Chon was too hard on himself. He tried hard at everything he did, sometimes too hard. Roy wasn't sure of how he was going to help Chon break that habit.
Chon kissed the back of his neck and nuzzled his hair after putting the medicine on.
"That feels better already."
"Good." He kissed the pale shoulders and back, careful to miss the sore spots.
Roy murmured. Chon's hair felt deliciously cool and silky against his skin.
Chon made a fire and heated his hands. Starting with Roy's feet, he warmed them with oil and massaged up the backs of his legs. Night was coming and he needed to provide Roy with a distraction. It would be senseless to stay up all night again waiting for the ghosts, but he knew Roy was stubborn enough to try it.
"I was hoping you were gonna do that."
"I know how much you love it."
"Mm... You're going to have to teach me how to give you one."
"I will." Chon let the words blend with the air. He rubbed over the curves of Roy's cheeks and down into his lower back. Then he did his back and shoulders always careful to keep his hands warm.
Roy groaned when a finger slid into his ass, making it warm and slick. He made a needy noise as Chon bit his ass and kissed and blew on it. Chon bit his other cheek, loving the sound Roy made as he carefully licked where his teeth had been. He leaned over and sucked at Roy's ear, whispering in Chinese, as he played with his ass. Roy felt himself opening up as Chon's fingers circled and slipped inside him again and again. His heart quickened as he felt Chon rest against his back. His cock was pressed between his cheeks, just enough.
"Well?" Roy inquired after a few moments.
"Hm... Reach for the sky, pawtner."
"You plagiarizing Chinese bastard!"
Chon chuckled and got up. He held Roy down as his partner cursed him and his dick.
"Chon, you ruined a perfectly good line! You know what this means? Next time I rob someone I'll be thinking about your fucking dick! How am I supposed to carry on then? 'Oh, excuse me, ma'am, I need all your money, but I have to run. Ignore the bulge in my pants. Damn it! Chon- Ahh... Ooo... Chon..."
Chon kept pushing. He wanted the warm tightness of his sunshine around him and he was going to get it for as long as he wanted it. He listened to Roy's raspy moans, letting them guide him.
Roy whimpered. This was the way he liked it. To hell with the Mormons and the rest of the fire breathers. This was it. He felt warm, electrified. Oil was running out his ass and all over him. Their bodies turned and he groaned as Chon's warm, slick hand milked him. Roy whined and writhed against his lover, wanting more.
"That's it, baby. Don't hold back. I love you so much, sunshine." Chon murmured into his ear.
They didn't talk afterwards. Laying there, trembling, all Roy wanted to feel was Chon curled around him. He felt a strange sense of complete safety and contentment. If there could ever be such a thing on the frontier, it was with Chon. Roy pulled his hand up to his lips and nibbled on the China man's fingers.
"I'm still mad at you for stealing my line."
"Not too mad."
"Yeah."
When he was certain Roy was asleep, Chon left him and cleaned himself up. He stirred the fire and turned down the lantern. It was dark and quiet outside. Chon slipped back in bed. His plan had worked. Roy had gone to sleep. Now came the hard part. Chon took a deep breath and focused. Murmuring a little, Roy curled up and pulled Chon's arm around him, glad to have Chon at his back. But Wang didn't close his eyes. He was on guard duty tonight. Hal might be coming; maybe even Witzer if what Roy said was true. The old man wanted something.
Roy dreamed of darkness on a night when the moon was full. The grass was cool under his bare feet. He was following someone. He could not make out the dark outline in front of him. The air made goose bumps on his naked body and he could feel the lines of dried semen running out his ass and down the backs of his legs. The wind hurt his eyes, drying them, causing him to rub at them as they began to run, but there was no breeze, they just hurt. Realizing he'd stopped, he noticed a tall tree, like the one near the house. A golden eagle lighted on a branch and poked its head at him. It had beady eyes like Hal.
"Pick it up." The voice told him.
Lying on the ground near his feet was an axe with a finely sharpened blade.
"Do it. It's the only way."
He picked the blade up and cut into the tree trunk. The tree shrieked and tore at him with its claw-like branches as blood spurted out with each cut. The voice was laughing.
Roy opened his eyes. It was still night out and Chon was still sleeping against his back. He turned and snuggled against Chon's chest. The dream disturbed him. Chon sighed and obliged by putting his arms around him again and Roy let the dream fade.
When Roy opened his eyes again, it was early in the morning and Hal was standing over their bed. Roy gasped and pressed hard against Chon. He began to hyperventilate, trying to get a scream out.
"He's coming for you, sonny. Sooner than you might think."
He smiled while a line of spit ran out of his mouth. Hal reached out an arm and Roy screamed.
The old man laughed and walked out.
Roy screamed again and pushed at Chon. "Chon! Chonnn!"
Wang jerked awake. "Roy, Roy, what's wrong?" Chon tried to hold him, but Roy was a bundle of sharp, twisting limbs. "Roy!"
"It was him, it was him! He tried to touch me!" Roy sobbed and pressed against Chon, trying to hide.
"Who did, baby?"
"Hal, Hal! It was Hal!"
"Sh." Chon wrapped Roy up in his arms a little tighter and rocked him. "It's okay. He's gone now."
"No, he's not. He's not!"
"Sh... Yes, he is."
"He was here, Chon. Right there!" Roy pointed. "He knows where we live. He knows where we live. Fuck!"
"Sh, sh... Go back to sleep, baby, everything will be okay. I promise."
"Didn't you see him?"
"No, now please, sunshine, rest."
"But-"
"Sh... Baby, you're getting excited again. I don't want you to have an attack. Relax. He's gone. Okay? Sh..."
Breathless and upset, Roy muled and after struggling to get comfortable, he lay still.
Chon touched his hair and rocked him a little more. It bothered him how upset Roy was about the incident. He didn't like to hear his sunshine cry. Calling upon himself to be more diligent, Chon chastised himself. How had he fallen asleep? Was it because of the night before? Maybe. It had been a rough night for both of them. It didn't excuse the fact that he'd missed Hal. Obviously, the ghost man did not intend to kill them. Why then had he come? To deliver a message? If so, what was it?
Eventually, Roy stopped crying and went to sleep. Chon decided to wait until later in the morning to ask Roy more about his mysterious visit with Hal.
November 2, 8:47 am
When Roy woke up, Chon was still in bed with him and even though he didn't say it, he was utterly grateful. He shifted and took a deep breath.
Chon splayed a hand over his face, brushing lightly against his features. "Did you sleep well?"
"Sort of. It was hard to sleep after well you know."
"Did he say anything?"
"I don't know. I can't remember. It's vague. He said something. Something about having to do something. I was cutting down a tree. It was weird."
"Don't worry. It'll come."
Roy chuckled as he remembered another time Chon had spoken those words.
"What's so funny?"
"You. Come on, let's go into town."
"I thought you didn't want to go there."
"Yeah, but I want a card game and a drink, hear the latest from Sam."
November 2, 1:24 pm
"Roy! Chon! How you boys doin'? Come here and have a drink!" Samuel Cook greeted.
"Thanks, Sam, don't mind if I do." Roy said.
"What'll it be, Chon?"
"Just coffee."
"Comin' right up."
Chon noticed the patchwork on the wall. "What happened?"
"Old Gallie the Goose caught the old man gettin' too friendly with one of the girls. Seems she followed him into town. Goose must be gettin' slow in the head not to notice that one. Either that or Gallie's got some Indian in her. Anyway, she was mad as hell, cussin' and hollerin'. Took a shot at ol' Goosey. Only problem is Gallie never was too good of a shot with a sawed-off. Took the wall out instead. Damned if Goosey didn't have a stream of piss runnin' from here to the Mississippi."
Roy and Chon laughed.
"Remember when we have to lock him up that night?" Chon said.
"Yeah, Goose said he needed protection and it was from her!"
Cook laughed.
"I did some fast talking that night." Roy said.
"Heard you boys made a fast getaway yesterday morning? What's in the wind?"
"Noth-"
"We-"
The two men glared at each other, both intending to tell the bartender two different stories.
"What I meant was-" Roy scowled at Chon as the China man kicked him in the leg.
"What Roy meant was that we are looking for a man and we thought he might be in the area so we went after him. We didn't want to miss him."
"Some one I need to be worried about?"
"I don't think so." Chon smiled. "We just want to ask him a few questions. Right, Roy?"
"Right." Roy let some of the dryness slip out in his voice."Good. Always like to keep an eye on things." Cook said.
"Sam, gimme a bottle if you please."
"Sure thing, Roy."
O'Bannon glared at Wang as they left the bar. "You didn't have to kick me so hard."
"Sorry!" Chon hissed.
"You're always kicking people."
"I do not."
"Do too!""And what's with stealing all my thunder? You complimented me about what I was going to say about our rather sudden departure and then you say that? Chon, if I didn't know better, I'd say you didn't trust me.""I do trust you."
Chon grabbed his arm as Roy turned away. "Where are you going?"
Roy smiled. "To start a card game. Wanna join in?"
"No."
"Fine. See you around, partner."
Chon watched after him as he made his way towards a table of three men. The men were regulars and Chon knew Roy had played with them before. He watched as Roy poured himself a shot and rolled a smoke. Chon was displeased. Roy was setting himself up for a fall and he knew why. He decided to leave. Watching Roy smoke and drink wasn't going to improve the situation. He needed answers.
November 2, 4:47 pm
The Sioux encampment was a long ride from Carson City. Chon figured he would have just enough time to talk with them and then head back to town before it got dark. Maybe they would offer him a meal while he was there. He had not spoken with the good-natured chief in months. He could understand the man's reasons for trying to marry his daughter off, but the woman seemed to fit her name, constantly moving from one thing to the next. In a way, it reminded him of another person.
The site of Little Feather brought a smile to Chon's face. The boy was growing up.
"How."
Little Feather laughed. "You don't have to do that. I saw you coming."
Chon had no reply to that. Was everyone in this country as suspicious and watchful as Roy? "You have grown since I last saw you."
"You look like a white man now. Wait 'til Father sees you."
"How is he?"
"Same as usual. He just got married again last week."
"How many times has he been married?"
"This one's his fourth."
Chon followed the young man into the village, receiving the usual stares. He dismounted and waited for Little Feather to bring his father.
"Ah, Man Who Wears Dress!" The chief greeted and spread his arms to embrace Chon. "It is good to see you again."
Little Feather laughed.
The taller man held Chon back a little and surveyed him. "Hm, you dress like one of them now. And you cut your hair. Mm... Bad sign."
"Yes." Chon smiled, unsure of whether the man thought well or ill of him. "I have not seen your daughter for some time."
"Ah!" The chief waved his concerns away. "She ran off with a Crow. Can you believe it? I think she did it just to piss me off. Like her mother, that girl. At least it wasn't a white man. Have you come for a divorce? You don't need one, you know."
"Actually, I need some advice."
"Ah, now I think Man Who Wears Dress is wise and a brave warrior. Don't you think so, Little Feather?"
"Yes, father."
"What do you need advice about?"
"For starters, what do you know about plains madness?"
The chief's smile disappeared. "Plains madness... An affliction of the white man. There's no cure for it, if that's what you're asking."
"No. A man told us a story about a particular man with the madness, Gus Witzer."
"That is an old story and Many Wanderings is an old man now."
"May I speak with him?"
"If he will allow it. Come, I will translate."
They entered a teepee and inside sat an old man with skin the color of leather and long hair, white as snow.
"Sit."
Chon sat, only slightly uncomfortable with the old man's stare.
"Speak."
"Does he know of Rivers Eve?"
The chief answered after the old man spoke. "He says yes. He and his friend John came upon it once in their travels. The whites had left the town to rot and rightly so, but they had compassion for the dead and gave them a proper burial."
"Does he know of Gus Witzer?"
When the chief asked the old man Chon's question, the man lifted a sagging eyelid at Chon.
"He says Witzer was more beast than man. A curse on the whites for their invasion. For the man killed his own and not us. Witzer killed many. Their first encounter with Witzer was preceded by a golden eagle. Soon after he and John found a young boy wandering. The child led them back to the slaughter. Very angry this Witzer."
"But I thought he kill everyone?" Chon said more to himself, than the others.
The old man elaborated and the chief spoke again. "He says the boy had gone exploring and when he returned his wagon party was dead. A little yellow-haired boy. Many Wanderings called him Little Eagle. He says John took Little Eagle to a white's home and left him there to be raised. But the boy ran away and followed them. He says that Little Eagle wanted to stay with them. They tried to keep Little Eagle, but they had to hide him because Witzer was after him. Somehow he knew the boy wasn't dead. They kept him with our people, but Witzer came. Nearly killed John. The boy had the curse on him. Many Wanderings said that they took him to another home far from here where he would be safe."
"And did he grow up?"
"As far as Many Wanderings knows yes. He says he was glad of the day when Witzer met his fate."
Chon nodded. "A man attacked my friend and I the other night in Rivers Eve. My friend believes it was him. He had an axe, terrible eyes. How can he still be alive?"
The old man stared at Chon for a few moments before speaking.
"He says it can mean only one thing. That somehow you and your friend are related to the original massacre. For that, he has returned. Witzer is like the drawings on the red rock. He will not leave the earth."
"How do we stop him?"The elder Sioux looked disgusted.
"Many Wanderings does not know."
"Thank you." Chon got up and left. He had to find Roy. He had something to ask him.
End Part 2
Translations:
meili -- beautiful
wode -- my
yangguang -- sunshine
yisui -- fragile
yongyou - own
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