ASJ Fic - Multi Part (AU) - Slash Part 1
Glad I tried to post this here first. Having some trouble due to the length of the piece exceeding the max allowed on LJ, and I always have a hard time deciding where to break. Doesn't help that the story moves back and forth with flashbacks. So I'm hoping people will be able to follow it.
About it being AU: I have a hard time reading a lot of AU, but this shouldn'e be too trying...You can just imagine the same cowboys we know and love in the main roles. It was the only way I could think to bring their spirits forward into to the 1980s so they can meet S&H (next story). Anyway...I told a friend on LJ this week that she shouldn't worry about trying to please others with her writing and should write what makes her happy. So that's what I did here...took my own advice.
*And I wrote my first fully 'fleshed-out' sex scene in this story...just in time for Halloween.
Jedediah Curry pulled back gently on the reins, and his horse slowed his gait until he was standing still. Jed took a deep breath (a ‘cleansing breath’ as he remembered Heyes calling it) and took a look around.
Out here, far away from the trappings of the modern world, he could almost imagine he was living in the 1880s, the time of his legendary great-great-grandfather, Kid Curry, rather than the 1980s. It was hard to imagine how much the world had changed in the interim.
But then, he could tell you from experience just how much one man’s personal universe could change in the blink of an eye. Or, more precisely, the wink of an eye as dark and warm as good, strong coffee. He thought back to that crisp autumn day from some two years back…
“As I live and breathe. You must be Jedediah Curry,” Heyes said in the familiar, sonorant voice that Jed recognized immediately from their previous phone calls.
“I must be,” Jed replied as he swung his leg up and over the back of his horse and dismounted in a fluid motion. “Hannibal Heyes, is it?”
Jed quickly divested himself of his leather gloves and extended his hand in greeting.
Having none of that, Heyes stepped into his personal space and wrapped in up in a bear hug, which Jed returned and found - surprisingly - comforting and familiar. It was strange. He hadn’t felt particularly in need of comforting nor did he really know this man from a stranger on the street, but for their correspondence and a few phone calls.
Still, something about the embrace felt right. Almost like coming home.
All too soon, the moment ended as the men drew apart. Keeping his hand, companionably on Curry’s arm, Heyes chuckled and gave an easy wink. “To tell the truth, I prefer to go by my middle name, Joshua. Or just Heyes works.”
“Alright then, Heyes. How ‘bout you callin’ me Jed,” he said, noticing how Heyes’ hand on his arm felt like it belonged there.
“Not Kid?” Heyes asked with a hint of mischief in his voice.
“Not if you want to keep all your teeth,” came the good-natured reply.
“Fair enough,” after a momentary squeeze, Heyes released Jed’s arm. “It’s been a long road gettin’ here, and I’d hate to start on the wrong foot.”
“You know, I don’t see that happening,” Jed said in all honesty.
“Truthfully, neither do I,” Heyes agreed. “Well, I expect you’ve got some more area to patrol before the day’s out. Sure is pretty out here. Not a bad gig, bein’ a Ranger in this park, I imagine.”
“Couldn’t imagine doin’ anything else, most days,” Jed agreed, “You’re earlier than I expected, I planned to take the next week or so off to show you around. I’ve got personnel in place to cover my duty; I just need to get to the station and give ‘em the go ahead. It should just take me a couple hours to bring ‘em up to speed. Think you can stay out of trouble ‘till then?”
“You wound me,” Heyes said in mock offense, as he brought his fist to his chest. “I certainly can manage not to mess up too badly in that time. Besides, since I crossed the border into Montana, I kept driving straight through until I got here, without stopping in town to check into a hotel, so that’ll keep me occupied…”
“The hell it will,” Jed said tossing Heyes a set of keys. “Those are to Amnesty Ranch. Get back on the highway and head northeast until you hit the Bright Rock exit and follow it about two miles, you’ll see the entrance to the place. If you see signs for the Blackfoot Reservation, you’ll know you’ve gone too far.”
“What? You Rangers don’t believe in maps?” Heyes said in mock incredulity.
“I got faith in you Heyes. I’ll see you there in a few hours.”
With that, Jed swung up on his horse with an ease that spoke of years in the saddle, turned and gave a nod of his head to Heyes then urged his horse forward.
Towards, what he suddenly believed was his destiny.
Thinking back now, Jed realized how right he was. That he and Heyes would not only meet, but that their lives’ purposes would become so enmeshed, they would become partners.
He remembered the first time he had seen Heyes’ book on the shelves on the local bookstore. It had revived interest, locally, in the town’s connection to the once ‘notorious’ outlaws Hannibal Heyes and Kid Curry. And their personal connection to Jed of which he was well-aware.
His folks had told him the stories. His grandfather had actually met The Kid, before he passed away, and did his best to ensure his legacy would be honored by his kin. In the naming of Jed, he believed The Kid’s spirit would live on.
Jed did his best to see that he lived up to the name, which he associated with a man of integrity, decency and, ultimately, honor. In spite of a somewhat inglorious past.
He wondered if that’s why he felt as if he was born to live a life where he was sworn to protect not only local citizens, but the environment - to which he always felt a strong connection. His grandfather joked that Kid would be spinning in his grave if he knew his kin was a Ranger, albeit for the National Park Service. But Jed could tell the old man was proud, and he thought The Kid would feel the same.
The Ranch had been in the family for several generations and could be traced directly back to The Kid. The rights to the land belonged to Hannibal Heyes and his descendants the house and all the surrounding buildings to the Curry clan. That was how it was laid out in the deeds and supporting documentation. It had been an investment made by the partners after they had been awarded their Amnesty. Hence the name.
“Well, this sure is some spread,” Heyes enthused, looking around the place, on that first night while they shared a quiet supper of stew and biscuits and potatoes, washed down with a couple of beers.
“You mean you didn’t know you were a land baron, all these years?” Jed teased, “Surely your folks knew. And you, yourself, did all that research for that book…”
“My folks played any knowledge of ol’ Hannibal pretty close to the vest. Got the feeling my Ma wouldn’t have given me the name if my granddad hadn’t’ve insisted. I only caught the bits and pieces he was able to tell me, when they weren’t around, so that’s why I wrote the book. The research was mainly to satisfy my own curiosity. But I found it was a damn compelling story, so I figured I might as well share it. Been told I have a way with words,” Heyes said with not a little pride in his voice.
“I’d agree with that assessment. I already knew the story, but I couldn’t put your book down, once I started it,” Curry admitted.
A companionable silence fell on them, then. Curry noticed a slight flush in Heyes’ cheeks at the compliment and couldn’t quite tell if it was a sign of embarrassment or pride…or something more.
“I want you to know I appreciate you’re letting me bunk here with you. I don’t want to put you out or cramp your style. I mean, you’re already wasting your vacation time on me, I’d hate to get in the way of any personal…entertainin' you might have planned…”
“ ‘Entertainin’? Is that what they’re calling it now in the big city?” Curry let out a little laugh. And for some reason felt obliged to add, “You can rest easy Heyes. Ain’t been of a mind much for entertainin’ lately.” Though an admission like that should make a man feel embarrassed, Curry felt nothing of the sort. It felt like a relief, saying it.
“Oh. Sorry to hear that. You mean there are women in these parts who aren’t susceptible to those baby blues?”
Now it was Jed’s turn to blush.
“Apparently not when they realize what comes with the package. It can be a fairly solitary life out here…It’s pretty remote. Not much by way of distraction other than a lot of lookin’ at each other and maybe the stars at night,” Jed lamented.
“Doesn’t sound too bad to me,” Heyes said with an earnestness in his voice that took Jed by surprise.
“Yeah right. Big City author like you. I bet you’ll be climbing the walls by the time the week is out.”
“I’ll take that bet,” said Heyes with some assurance, “But I’ll have you know, I’ve been known to be a pretty good gambler.”
“Fair enough. If you’re not more than ready to leave these parts by this time next week, you win. What are we wagering, exactly?” Jed asked curiously.
“I’ll think of somethin’.” And there was that damn assurance again. It made Jed a little afraid of what he’d gotten himself into.
He wasn’t sure whether he was afraid he’d lose the wager or win it. Good Lord, he was in trouble.
When Jed thought about it now, he was amazed at how easily this man had worked his way into his heart. Jed had never been one to open up easily. It was one of the reasons, he told himself, that he was never able to sustain a relationship with a woman. They always sensed he was holding back, and eventually got fed up and moved on.
And he never really mourned the loss of any of them.
But from the moment he met Heyes, his defenses were down. He found a companion who seemed to not only understand his moods, but to support all his decisions unquestioningly.
“I had been thinking of maybe taking out a loan and putting the money into fixing up the place.” Jed began, as they sat on the sofa enjoying the warmth of the fireplace, on the third evening. “Expanding the main house and a couple of the out buildings. Putting the land and ranch facilities to better use. Maybe turning it into small vacation resort or something,” he continued his explanation to Heyes, “I haven’t really thought a lot about the specifics, but just so there’d be a source of income to be able to keep from having to sell any of it off…I’d hate to lose any of this to developers…I’ve seen what they do with a property that may have existed in pristine condition for centuries. They just lay waste to the entire area with no thought for the long term impact…Anyway, I’d have to make sure you were on board with the idea. This place belongs as much to you as it does me.”
“I couldn’t think of a better idea Jed. Except for the loan part. I think there’s enough money stashed away from the book to be able to get a good start on things. My accountant keeps telling me I should look for a solid investment. What’s more solid than our future?”
That was the first time the words were spoken out loud. Our future. Jed felt such a surge of warmth hearing that statement. But part of him felt guilty.
“I’d feel like I was takin’ advantage of you Heyes…” he said apologetically.
“I can see you’re gonna have to let me do the thinking is this partnership. That’s okay, I think you’ll find you agree with me most of the time. You’ve always struck me as a sensible man, Jed.”
“Oh? Always? In the entire three days we’ve know each other?” Jed bluffed, still reeling from Heyes’ use of the word partnership. There was that feeling of warmth that went right to Jed’s core, again.
“Exactly. That’s more than enough time. You’ll learn I’m a very good judge of character. Now about this idea that you’d be takin’ advantage, I think I should point out that any ‘ownership’ I can claim to the tellin’ of the story of our great great granddads, is by all rights as much yours as it is mine.”
“I’m not so sure about that…” Jed began to protest.
“Well, I am. And the more I think about it, the more I can see the possibilities you envision for this place. Tell ya what. How ‘bout tomorrow you take me out and show me the extent of our claim here.”
“Our ‘claim’?” Jed asked with a smile.
“Claim…property…land…whatever. You spend as much time in your head in the old west as I have, and you pick up the vernacular. I have a tendency to slip into it, I guess,” came the admission.
“That’s okay. I know what you mean. Sounds right coming from you,” Curry assured him. “How’re your riding skills? The best way to get the feel of the land is to survey it on horseback. We could make an overnight trip out of it, take some gear and set up camp once we get into next valley over. Or we could get some motor bikes and follow the main trails…”
“Oh no. It’s gotta’ be on horseback I think. That seems like what they’d want…” he stopped speaking at the look he was getting from Jed.
“Who exactly are ‘they’ Heyes?” Jed asked, but somehow, he suspected he knew the answer.
Heyes appeared to struggle, for the first time, but seemed to find his courage and laid it out for Jed. As trusting as a child, in some respects.
“I can’t believe you don’t feel it too. The Kid and my great great granddad are here, with us. They led me to you Jed...or you to me depending on how you look at it. I know that as surely as know my name.” Heyes’ voice had taken on a softer, almost conspiratorial tone. As a result, Jed found himself drawing even closer to the man on the shared sofa. Their knees were touching. and it felt like the most natural thing in the world.
“That’s why you’re the writer Heyes.You got quite an imagination,” Jed said lightly.
Whether it was the tone or the words themselves, it was the wrong thing to say.
Suddenly, the warmth of Heyes knee was no longer pressed against his, as the man moved to put some space between them. Jed felt unexpectedly bereft at the loss.
“Yeah. That’s me. Always spinnin’ stories.” Jed noticed that Heyes' voice had lost the softness of earlier.
“Not that I don’t think about them, too, Heyes. I do. I think about what The Kid would think of me today, about what kind of man I am…”
“He’d be damn proud of you, Jed,” Heyes said solemnly, “you’re dedicatin’ your life to makin’ the world a better place. Just the way you talk about wantin’ to protect the land from developers…”
“Doesn’t make me the most popular guy among townsfolk who think I’m standin’ in the way of progress, I can tell you that,” Jed said in a self-deprecating tone.
“But don’t you see? That’s what they wouldda’ done. They didn’t just care about what society thought was right. They went with what was in their hearts.”
“Even when they were robbing banks?” It was a fair question, and Heyes took no offense at it.
“I admit, their actions were not always in others’ interests. But that was after they’d both lost all their family as teenagers and had to fend for themselves as best they could. Times were different then, they didn’t have the kind of options we do now. I suppose it doesn’t excuse the stealin’, but you gotta’ remember they never hurt anybody. I documented a number of times when they sacrificed a big haul because they ended up helping somebody who might’ve been hurt as a result.” Heyes was animated now and Jed decided to remind him that he didn’t need convincing.
“I remember, Heyes. I know everything you’re saying is the truth. Truly I do,” Jed told him and brought up his hand to grasp Heyes’ shoulder and give him a reassuring squeeze. “Hey, I’ve got an idea, tomorrow, we should stop by and check out the first cabin they put on the claim. Just a bare bones shack, really. I’ve barley ever poked my head inside. This house that they built later is more accessible from the main road and so much more comfortable and with the improvements that have been made over the years just suited me needs perfectly…but it might give you…well, give us both, more of a glimpse into their history. Sound good?”
“I can see that I’m gonna be a good influence on you Jed. That is a Heyes-caliber idea!”
And there was more truth to that statement than Heyes realized. Heyes would prove to not only a good influence in Jed’s life, but the most important person in it. Period.
And the bit about the spirits of their ancestors being a force in bringing them together. Well, Jed wasn’t sure he didn’t believe that as well.
The next morning broke crisp and clear. According to Heyes it was a sign that they were destined to make their planned journey that day. As he had learned to do, over the past few days, Jed sat back and smiled indulgently as Heyes waxed poetic on everything that he loved about this place.
Secretly, he wondered if the novelty would wear off, and Heyes would come to his senses and realize all he left behind back east and he’d get the itch to light outta’ these parts. Jed tried not to think about it, but reminded himself that he had made the bet with Heyes that he would be doing just that in just a few more days. Better not to get too wrapped up in him, only to lose him…
“So, do these models generally need time to warm up like this,” Heyes said, leaning over and giving his horse a pat on the side of the neck, “Or are we ready to hit the trail, partner?”
Better not to get too wrapped up? Who was he kidding? He was already in so deep he was practically drowning. When Heyes gave him a wink, Jed felt his heart skip a beat.
Well hell. He might as well enjoy the ride while he could. Jed gave Heyes a big smile and, clicking his tongue guided his horse on ahead, encouraging his partner - and that was really how he’d come to think of the man - to follow.
They spent a full day taking in much of their property, and Heyes seemed rapt as Jed shared what he knew about the local flora and fauna they encountered. It was early evening as they approached the cabin Jed had mentioned the night before.
“Figure this is as good a place as any to make camp. Even if the cabin itself, doesn’t suit our needs, we can make camp near this fire pit. Saves us having to make one from scratch. It’ll be hard to see much inside as we’re losing daylight pretty fast, but we can satisfy our curiosity in the morning.”
“Always sensible, Mr. Curry. I bow to your experience in these matters,” Heyes said with an aristocratic nod of his head.
“In that case Mr. Heyes, lets hitch these horses to that post over there and duck inside and see if the place is in the least bit habitable.” Jed dismounted with his usual unpracticed grace.
Heyes was a little slower to disengage from his mount, but managed to do so, with the merest of grimaces giving away his discomfort. It had been a long day, of fairly demanding riding, and even more seasoned riders would have felt the effects. Jed had been impressed with Heyes natural riding ability, and decided It wouldn’t hurt to mention that fact.
“You’ve done this before,” Jed said with an easy smile.
“What do you..?” Heyes looked startled - like he’d been caught - then seemed to realize what Jed meant. “Oh. The riding…I decided the least I could do, once I learned about my lineage, was to get on a horse now and again. Not many chances to do that back east. So I’d take some vacation trips to ‘dude ranches’ and the like. Took to it pretty easy.”
“I can tell. You got a way with the animal. My granddad said a good way to judge a man was by the way he treated his horse. And how the horse responded to him. Horses are good judges of character.” Jed considered a minute then added, “What did you think I meant…at first, I mean? You started to ask what I meant, and you seemed…I dunno’..kinda’ defensive there for a minute. I didn’t mean to offend you, you know.”
Heyes looked at a small rock at his feet and busied himself kicking it.
“I don’t really remember. Just thought you were making fun of me or something…”
Jed decided to let the obvious misdirect pass. It had been a perfect day and he didn’t want to spoil it.
They were pleasantly surprised at what kind of shape the cabin was in. It was rustic, but solidly built, with no danger of falling in on them any time soon.
“We got just enough daylight here, plus that lantern, that I think we could air the place out and clean up a nice little spot in front of the hearth if you wanted to bunk inside tonight. Don’t think we should cook in here though, just to be safe. We can do that out in the fire pit,” Jed suggested.
“You haven’t led me astray so far. What do we do first?”
After a quick clean up inside the cabin, they went out to the campfire and roasted some hotdogs and shared a bag of corn chips.
“If we were going for authenticity, I suppose we shouldda’ brought beans,” Jed laughed.
“I think we’re both happy enough being inauthentic just this once,” Heyes replied around the last mouthful of his dog.
“You’re right. That was perfect.” Jed said with a bit of a sigh.
“Oh no. This. This is perfect.” And he produced a bag of marshmallows that he’d managed to keep hidden from Jed, grabbed the twigs they’d used to cook the hotdogs and speared two puffs on each stick, offering one with a flourish to the man next to him.
“When on earth did you get these? I know I didn’t have any back at the ranch.” Jed voiced in amazement.
“And I’ve been meanin’ to talk to you about that. What kind of man, who has this kind of access to the great outdoors, does not keep an emergency supply of marshmallows?” Heyes tisked a couple of times then continued, “I, on the other hand, had them packed in my suitcase. I like to be prepared for anything.”
“Oh, you’re a regular boy scout, Heyes,” Jed laughed as he blew out a flame that caught and blackened the edge of one of his marshmallows. He took a tiny bite to test and make sure he wouldn’t burn his mouth, and enjoyed the sensation of the sweet, warm goo on his tongue.
“’Fraid not. The Scouts wouldn’t have me. Must’ve been my reputation as a outlaw that preceded me,” he said proudly.
Jed watched the obvious delight on his partner’s face as he devoured a helpless marshmallow. And was struck by two things. One was just how…good the man looked basking in the light of the campfire…no, not good. Sexy. His coal dark eyes seemed to dance in the reflection of the fire’s glow. The second thing was the errant bit of marshmallow that clung to the side of Heyes’ mouth.
Nothing had ever looked so appealing to Jed in his whole life.
Without thinking Jed reached out to wipe it away. Heyes’ hand came up and grasped his and neither man breathed. For a moment, it was as if all time was suspended.
Somehow finding his voice, Jed managed to choke out, “Uh..you got a little...”
After releasing Jed's hand, Heyes' smoldering eyes followed the man's index finger as it removed the last of the sticky substance from the corner of Heyes' slightly smirking mouth.
Feeling brave, Jed brought his finger back to his own mouth and sucked it clean. He was rewarded with the sound of Heyes' sharp intake of breath.
“Yep, that was a great idea Heyes. Marshmallows definitely go on the shopping list from here on out. You feel like stayin' out here much longer or you wanna head inside?”
“Race ya',” said Heyes as he scrambled up and headed into the cabin.
Was it because Heyes liked what seemed to be happening between them, and wanted to continue to see where this was going, or did he want to distance himself from it entirely? Jed wondered, but didn't want to miss his opportunity if it turned out to be the former so, after dowsing the dying campfire with what was left of their coffee, he followed close on his heels.