The naked boy with soft brown skin and rugged features lay back on the bed. CJ's fingers ran sensuously along the inside of the boy's thighs. A slight downy fuzz crept across the soft skin of the boy's belly towards the indented bowl of his navel. The boy's muscles, long and smooth rippled with the sudden excitement of the man's caress. CJ's free hand roamed this hairless chest, pinching the soft nipples, causing shudders of pleasure to spasm through the boy's body. The perfectly sculpted torso gave rise to a neck of soaring proportions that held his noble head. The sweet face, kissed by the sun, was perfectly placed with full lips and a slightly flattened nose. His warm brown eyes had only closed for a brief moment of ecstasy but now they opened. CJ leaned over and kissed this beautiful boy who lay trembling on his bed.
          "Thank you, Blake. You're so beautiful, so strong and brave." CJ smiled and then... he felt a touch.

"Hey, CJ," Matt said, "wake up partner. You're talking in your sleep and it's time to get up."

The fog slowly lifted and he was back in his bed on the bus with Matt leaning over him all smiles.

"Ah, there you are," Matt said, "dreaming about the boy no doubt."

"Yeah, what time is it?" CJ groaned.

"It's seven o'clock and time to get up if you want to take that horseback ride Edgar promised us. He's already over in the corral saddling up."

"Right, horses," CJ said.

CJ slid out of bed, the dream and his erection fading in the morning light streaming through the open door of the bus. Blake would be there and that caused him to pull himself together and rush into the bathroom for a wash. My Lord, what a dream, he thought, it all seemed so real. Blake, the stunning vision had become an obsession. The cool water from the tap washed away the remaining strands of his dream and left him eagerly anticipating the day's events.

He joined Miguel and Matt for a quick coffee before they made their way over to the corral behind the trading post. Edgar had built himself a good business here catering to the tourists on their way to the Grand Canyon. His horseback tours of the surrounding hills and flatlands seemed to be quite popular as CJ counted about ten horses in the corral area. Today there were only four with saddles and CJ realized that Blake was missing.

He and Blake had seen each other several times the first two days of their stay, mostly when CJ made an excuse to either talk with Edgar or use the pay phone in the store. He had gotten over the initial shock of the boy's beauty, concentrating now on the fine details of the lad's character.

They had talked briefly, nothing vital, just short meaningful exchanges of ideas that only seemed to fire his passion for wanting to know more. Blake carried himself so very well and he showed interest but something was holding him back. What was he waiting for? He wanted the opportunity to learn more but the kid was always hanging out with several other boys and there was no chance for a private conversation. I have to find a way to be with him, CJ thought, the horseback ride had seemed a sure bet.

"Good morning, Edgar," CJ called, "looks like a good day to ride."

"Mornin, Mr.James," Edgar said. "A cool morning but it will be hot and stormy this afternoon. We had better go soon or you won't like the ride back."

"Where's your help?" CJ said, trying to be casual about the inquiry.

"Oh, my son?" Edgar said, "He's already left to go ahead. You watch for him, likely he'll try and ambush us somewhere out there in the hills. It's his little game on the tourists, you know."

Edgar laughed and shook his head. This was the third day they had been camped beside the trading post with Edgar's blessing. The man had said to call him Edgar but just couldn't bring himself to call CJ anything but Mr. James. The formality of it made CJ wonder about the feelings the Navajo had towards whites.

It was Blake who had first suggested to CJ that they might enjoy a horseback ride. The boy was seventeen, the same age as Miguel. He seemed more mature than his years allowed, but he had just finished his junior year in high school. Blake had a playful streak as well which made him all the more attractive. To CJ, the relationship of father and son was something beautiful to watch. They worked as a team, each seeming to read the thoughts of the other. CJ had noticed the whole family was gentle and kind to each other, it made for a harmonious group and laughter was common around the store.

They each filled several canteens with water at the spigot beside the barn and CJ realized Edgar wasn't kidding, the heat was already building. The mare he was given looked bored but still managed to try and nip at him as he mounted. He patted her neck and she tossed her head, so much for affectionate communication, CJ thought. But the horses knew the way and set out towards the low hills outside of town.

Even though Edgar said there had been some heavy rains the past winter and the corn was doing just fine, it seemed the land was parched all the time. Matt and CJ squirmed a bit in the saddle. They both had some experience with horses, but had not been in the saddle for a long, long time. Miguel rode with the ease of an equestrian, his former military school kept a stable. He had spent much of his time around the beasts, he assured CJ. Matt was sure that he'd been cleaning the stalls on punishment detail most of that time.

"I'll warn you now," Edgar said, "around that bend we may find some hostile warriors. I saw the boy round up three of his buddies this morning so you gentlemen will get the full show today. Don't be nervous, they only fire blanks but it sure gets loud."

They were passing through a low valley between two hills when the attack came. Down through the low scrub and up from the creek bed to their left, Blake and his three friends struck at the flanks of the party. The boys had been concealed on their mounts behind the boulders on either side of the trail and CJ was stunned by the ferocity of the attack. The short bursts of fire from the boy's rifles echoed off the hills as the\ foursome whooped in delight.

Blake almost knocked CJ off his horse as the warriors surrounded them and the boy's mount slammed into his own. CJ had to struggle with his horse to keep her from shying off the trail and the boy leaned over and grabbed the mare's halter to steady the frightened beast. It was a terrific display of horsemanship and tactics but it was over almost as quickly as it started and CJ found himself riding beside the object of his dream.

Blake shoved his rifle into a leather scabbard hanging from a thong around his shoulders. He and the other boys were riding bare back, dressed only in pants and moccasins. Otherwise their chests and faces were bare and striped with red and white war paint. They wore red cloth headbands without feathers, the fierce expressions giving way to satisfaction and wide, toothy smiles. CJ admired the slender body that rode beside him on the beautiful little calico mare.

"So what did you think?" Blake asked, "Did we scare you?"

"Huh?" CJ said, "I'm still deaf from the gunshots. That was so loud, we were terrified. I can imagine the early settlers probably crapped in their pants when the Navajo warriors swooped down on them."

"Really? That was great fun. But, honestly, most of the time the warriors just came sneaking up on them in the dark, just like Apache," the boy confided, "it's a lot safer that way. The weapons they used were terribly inaccurate but the soldiers had new repeating rifles which made a frontal assault suicidal."

"You sure know your history," CJ said.

"It's not history to us, Mr. James," Blake replied, "its part of our tradition. The stories of battles and legends are shared around the hogan as part of our tribal pride and culture. You would have to read a lot of books to find out about your European culture and ancestry but we have an oral tradition that dates back several thousand years or more."

"So you share Navajo tradition through stories?" CJ said.

"Yes, the Dineh tell them in song and dance."

"The Dineh, your people?"

"It's our name, earth people. Navajo is a Spanish word the whites use for us."

"I'll remember that, you are the Dineh. Do you dance?" CJ asked.

"Sure," Blake said, "I've studied that very hard. My uncle is a medicine man and keeper of our clan traditions. He's been my greatest teacher, but I'm sorry to say there aren't many of my friends that take an interest in our culture. "

"Do you ever dance publicly?" CJ said.

"You would like to see me dance?"

"I would be honored."

"Some dances are still kept private, but I'll arrange to show you one, maybe a hoop dance," Blake said. "There is much you have to learn about the People."

"You think I should learn? Will you teach me?" CJ asked.

"We've already begun," Blake said and he wheeled his horse away and up the trail to ride with his father.

Blake's friends took their leave and returned towards the town, whooping like the warriors they were supposed to be. Like a good tourist, CJ had slipped them each a ten-dollar bill for the show and they were off to spend it before the paper grew damp in their pockets.

The sun reached scorching proportion long before noon and although Edgar and Blake showed no sign that it bothered them, CJ was afraid that he and his traveling companions would get sunstroke. They were skirting the edge of a vast rock formation that seemed to wind for miles when Edgar called a halt.

"I'm afraid you gentlemen are going to find this ride getting more uncomfortable by the minute," Edgar said, "I think we should head back."

"I think you're right," CJ said, "it's been beautiful, but the climate is too harsh for us tourist types. I been sweating all morning, and I've already drunk a whole gallon of water."

"Alright, we'll hit the road back into town, got to stop and water the horses anyway," Edgar said.

Matt had been pretty silent during the latter part of the ride but he and Miguel were hanging back and talking now, their conversation punctuated with occasional laughter. CJ reined in his horse to see what was so funny.

"Matt has a blister on his butt from the saddle," Miguel said.

"Ouch," CJ said, "sorry partner, we'll get some salve on that when we get back."

"It's only my pride that's hurt," Matt said, "I haven't sat in a saddle for ten years."

Blake dropped back to join them and said that Edgar wanted to stop and visit his sister but that he could lead them back into town. They soon came upon a dirt road and followed it to a crossroads. There was a small cluster of old hogans here and a place to water their horses. Matt and Miguel seemed grateful for the chance to stretch their legs and held the reins as the horses drank. Edgar waved goodbye and took the road towards his sister's home.

Blake led CJ around behind a large cement block building. Used to be a garage, the boy said, and they had to see the wall on the other side. And CJ was stunned as they passed around the building. Covering the whole side of the garage was a wonderfully painted mural. The colors were vibrant and the figures looked very much alive.

"That's Johnny Jimulla's work," Blake said.

"Holy cow," CJ said, as he stood further and further away from the wall to take in the whole artwork.

The piece of art was at least thirty feet long and half as tall, covering every square foot of the building. A huge flowing scene depicted warriors and farmers, legendary figures on horseback and beings that could only be ancient gods. There were a few strange symbols that defied understanding but he could pick out stalks of corn and sheep grazing in fields of green, it was magnificent in detail and color.

"Took him three months to finish," Blake said, "I was only twelve at the time and rode over here every day to watch him work and help mix the paint. It was the last thing he did before he left the reservation and moved to Los Angeles."

"It's beautiful," CJ said, "tell me about the symbols up there on the right."

"You picked out the most interesting part, Mr. James," Blake replied. "That depicts Changing Woman who gave birth to the People. The figure next to her is Turquoise Boy, Bearer of the Sun. He is, uh, forgive me. This is too complicated for me to tell right now; maybe we can talk about it later."

"You're quite a scholar, Blake, I'm impressed," CJ said, "but please, won't you call me CJ, all my friends do."

"If you wish," Blake said. "Many of the older Dineh will not call you by name or even refer to their children by name. You'll see my father always calls me his son or his wife's child. I'll bet you think that's strange?"

"Maybe, but some cultures don't use their names because they are afraid the devil will catch them. Is that what we have here?"

"No. The Dineh don't really recognize religion as you might think of it, we even have no word for it. Some of the People have become Christian because of the white man. Look, CJ, there is still a lot of distrust towards the white man here. If you study our history you will understand how many times we have been betrayed by your government. I don't want to dwell on it, just a warning to you, not all the people will accept you or what you are, ok?"

"I understand, "CJ said, "I'm sorry, my people have been terrible fools since we set foot on this continent."

"I know it's not your fault, I just want you to understand us and accept us for who we are. Our thoughts are our way of life, we see and feel the world around us and accept the gift of the Earth Mother. Our lives give proof to the blessing way. She guides us and the Dineh are truly the children of the Holy People. But you will learn this in time."

Matt and Miguel led their horses around the building and Blake had to go through the explanations all over again while CJ watched his eyes and body language as he talked. The boy spoke with pride about his people and their traditions, his spirit seemed to soar as he described the symbols and pictures with gusto. What an amazing child he must have been when this was painted, CJ thought, everything I learn about him makes me want to know even more.

"We should go soon," Blake said. "Do you feel how the heat changes? It will rain later and we don't want to be out if it storms."

They mounted up and left the stunning mural behind, its colors ablaze, looking out over the desolate landscape where few but the Dineh would ever see its glory. Maybe that's the point, CJ realized; it's a reminder to these people of all that has gone before.

Cameron soon appeared down the road and they returned the horses to the corral where Blake showed them how to unsaddle the docile creatures. CJ imagined that these animals had made this journey a thousand times as his mount made her way towards the barn and its cool, dark interior. As predicted the storm clouds were building above the distant hills, dark and churning with flashes of heat lightning.

Matt and Miguel returned to the air-conditioned bus to cool off and take care of Matt's blistered rear end. Blake and CJ went into the store where Edgar's youngest daughter was sweeping the floor. She was raising such a cloud of dust they had to leave, grabbing a couple of sodas from the cooler and retiring to the front porch. Sitting on the wooden bench lining the wall, CJ had his first chance for a real private conversation. The rains began as slow drips off the eaves which turned into torrents as the storm moved in.

"Thank you, Blake" CJ said, "I had a wonderful time out there today."

"How long are you going to stay with us, CJ?"

"I think we'll be headed up towards the big canyon tomorrow or the next day. We were headed that way before I even knew Cameron existed. Glad we stopped by though, I would have regretted never having met your family...or you."

"Thanks," Blake said, he shyly twirled the empty soda bottle in his hands. The flash of lightning followed by rolling thunder filled the silence between them. Here I have this bright and very beautiful boy sitting next to me and I just don't know what to say, CJ thought. But Blake filled the void as if he knew there was awkwardness between them.

"When I was only eight years old," Blake began, "we had many storms followed by great drought. The corn almost died which would have meant hardship for my people. The clan council gathered to discuss the problem. The Earth Mother gives us everything we have and if she places hardship on the People then we accept that and have a plan.

"My mother's father said we should hold the Blessingway ceremony to begin the council properly and it was the first time I had been allowed to sit through the entire ritual. It's a ceremony performed many times of the year, always to ask for good fortune or to consecrate other rites.

"Afterwards the council made plans for whatever might occur but the drought broke and the corn survived to feed us another year. We held a ceremony again that fall during the harvest as part of the celebration. It lasted nine days and was the first time I was allowed to dance with the adults. I've been dancing ever since, even won several awards in national competition. It's what I love to do."

"It sounds wonderful, "CJ said."The only competition I ever won as a kid was for pulling the biggest rockfish out of the Chesapeake Bay one summer, but it never made me want to become a professional fisherman. You probably have a gift for dancing, could you do it professionally?"

"Maybe," Blake replied, "but there are far more important things I have to consider first. I don't want to bore you with my life, CJ."

"I don't find anything about you boring. Besides, how many young Dineh warriors do you think I know anyway? I find your people and lifestyle very interesting, Blake."

The boy was blushing again but CJ could tell he loved the attention. Suddenly the storm was passed and Blake said he had chores to do but he was interested in talking later.

"I'd like that," CJ replied. "You can tell me more about your dancing and the boring life you lead."

"So you are interested? Cool," Blake replied, "see you later."

Blake left him sitting there on the porch in a daze. The boy now wanted to spend time with him, a development that raised his hopes. Last night he was dreaming about being in bed with the kid, but that doesn't mean it will happen. Yet he could feel the boy warming to their friendship, maybe with time it would have had the chance to become something deeper.

But they had to move on soon. Miguel needed to find his father. The boy had been very patient with this little diversion he had caused. Even Matt seemed to be enjoying the time he had to spend with Miguel. Neither of them had made any complaints, but CJ knew their time here was limited. He decided it was time to get back into the book on Dineh culture Edgar had loaned him. There was so much to learn about these people.

Matt and Miguel decided to take a walk after dinner, leaving CJ reading on the couch. The sun was setting and it had cooled off a few degrees thanks to the rains. There was no need to ask why they wanted some time alone together. CJ was just hoping that they would be discreet. He wondered what had happened to Blake, the boy had said this evening and here it was getting on seven-thirty now.

It was about nine o'clock when the two lovebirds returned all smiles and in love enough to be nauseating. CJ was cat napping on the couch, with still no sign of Blake. He would give up on the boy tonight and wait for the morning. It wasn't long before Miguel yawned and so did Matt. It had been a long hot day for all of them.

Unfortunately, CJ now felt wide awake and when the guys retired he decided it was time for a walk. Pulling on his boots he noticed a slender joint Miguel had rolled but never lit sitting on the edge of an ashtray, so he put it in his pocket.

Letting himself out the back door of the bus, he breathed in the fresh air, what a beautiful night, he thought, too bad I'm spending it alone. He walked away from the back of the trading post, glancing up at the darkened second story windows, wondering which one was Blake's.

A well worn path led back through the deserted outbuildings and past an old campfire site. A wisp of cloud passed across the moon and CJ shivered, it was almost chilly after the day's heat. He followed the trail for a while before he realized that it was fading out in the long grass.

There were sounds in the night and the gray light was fading to black now. Might be some critters around, he thought. With that in mind he climbed a large boulder and sat on the top, gazing out across the flats towards the hills beyond. There were few lights to be seen and the stars began to appear faintly in the sky. He had come walking this way before and CJ knew there was nothing between him and that huge crevice of the Grand Canyon sixty miles away in the darkness.

What had happened to the boy? The disappointment continued to plague his mind so CJ brought out the little joint and cupped his hands to light it in the slight breeze. He sucked in the sweet smoke and was planning to hold it in for a long time when a hand touched his shoulder.

CJ almost jumped out of his skin and whirled around, nearly falling off the boulder in his haste. There squatted Blake with a grin on his face. He was wearing black jeans and a darkly colored shirt with a headband across his forehead. Once again he looked quite the warrior.

"You know the reservation lockup is only two miles away and occasionally they put pot smokers in there," the boy said.

"Damn, you scared the shit out of me," CJ said. "Does this mean you'll turn me in to the cops?"

"Yeah, sure," the boy smiled back. "But only if you smoke all that yourself. Aren't you going to offer me some before it all burns away?"

"Oh sure, here."

Blake took a long toke and handed it back. They sat on the rock smoking the joint and CJ couldn't tell if it was the dope or the proximity to this wonderful creature that made his heart pound in his chest. He hoped it was the latter.

"I was expecting you earlier," CJ said, "we talked about getting together."

"Yeah sorry, but my aunt isn't feeling well and my father sent me over there with some medicine for her. I've been watching you for the past half hour though. If my tribe had been at war your scalp would have been mine. Well, except that my people don't take scalps and that's too Hollywood, ya know?"

"Glad to hear that we're at peace. You move so gracefully and quiet, I honestly didn't hear you at all," CJ said.

"Benefits of being a dancer. I'm afraid I drive my father crazy too, stalking him around the place. I figure I'm about the best ghost walker in town," Blake replied.

"So you've been out here all night, just stalking people?" CJ asked, thinking about the boy creeping up on the show that Matt and Miguel must have put on, and Blake smiled as if on cue.

"Yeah, I watched your buddies take a little walk too. Want to know what they did?"

"I imagine I already know."

"Thought so. You know, our culture has a great tolerance for many things, stuff the white man condemns. But you can't expect all of the Dineh to be that accepting of what they did. It sure was queer."

"I suppose you watched them doing things?" CJ asked.

"Sure did, I was lying under a bush about eight feet away actually. They never saw or even smelled me. I've never seen stuff like that before, CJ. I don't know how to explain it. But your friend treats the boy like a girl."

"Did they look like they were enjoying themselves?" CJ asked.

"Oh yeah. First they were sucking each other's cocks. Then your friend was nailing that boy up the butt something fierce. The boy was really enjoying it too. Shit, ya know, it gave me a hard on."

"Um, what are you planning to do about what you saw?" CJ said.

"Not really sure, are you queer too?"

"You're just full of questions tonight, and the polite term is gay. Yes, I am."

"Sorry," Blake said, "I didn't mean to be rude."

"No offense taken," CJ said, "I think you had quite a shock. It was something they shouldn't have been doing and definitely not in front of you."

"It's my fault; I shouldn't have been stalking them either. It was something else though. Do all gays, ya know, do it up the rear?"

"There you go getting personal again," CJ said. "Tell me Blake, are you a virgin?"

"Uh, see what you mean. But yes, I've never had sex, sorry."

"Nothing to be sorry about, but since we're being honest here, I haven't had someone fuck me in a while. I'm not sure I even remember what it feels like," CJ said.

"You have done it before. But why?"

"It's complicated, kiddo, but probably because I loved him and it seemed like the most passionate expression of my love. Allowing someone to get that close to you physically is such a good feeling, it's like giving the ultimate gift to another."

"I see, giving like that is something the Dineh understand," Blake said. "I've never found a girl here that I'd want to have sex with anyway, but hell, it seems everything makes me horny. I don't know what to do about it."

"Feeling sorry for yourself, are you? Come on, it will all happen for you in time, maybe not tomorrow, but someday. Have faith, you'll get what you want."

"You couldn't understand, but that's what worries me. And what do you want?" Blake asked.

"Do you really want to know? I just want to make you happy," CJ said.

Blake was becoming more of an enigma by the moment, what did he mean asking what I want? How could he be so calm after having watched Matt and Miguel? He's right, CJ thought, I don't understand the Dineh at all. The boy sat still for a minute, thinking Lord knows what. He stood up on the boulder and pulled on CJ's arm and motioned silently, follow me.

They crossed back down the trail and through the campfire site to the large barn-like structure on the edge of the highway. CJ could only see their route by the floodlight on the porch of the store which lit some of the yard and the darkened bus. The boy walked past the door to the long shed like building and around into the darkness behind. There he slid open a small door hidden by a water tank slung under the eves. CJ crawled through the door behind the boy and found himself in the rear of what was Edgar's supply warehouse.

"My dad has never let a white man in this building before so don't ever say anything about it, ok?" Blake said.

"My lips are sealed. Wow, look at all the stuff." CJ said.

"Yeah, he sells for a lot of weavers and we make our dancing costumes in here. You've never seen me dance, it might teach you something"

"But I said I would like to," CJ replied.

The room they had entered had several tables piled with brightly colored beadwork and feathers. Several skin covered drums sat along the wall, along with stacks of the carefully crafted blankets Edgar sold. The only light in the room was from an incongruous source, the face of a Coke sign that hung above the door, casting its rays of red and white through the gloom. Blake moved a few blankets aside on a work table and told CJ to sit there.

"I know I'm stoned now, do you still want to make me happy?" Blake said.

"Yes, I really do."

"Ok, then watch."

Without another word, Blake walked into the gloom and vanished. CJ sat waiting patiently even though his heart was about to beat it's way out of his chest. The room felt hot and close around him, the still air charged with anticipation. Blake reappeared, naked except for a slight loincloth around his waist. He seemed different now, more in control, CJ thought, much more the warrior. The boy carried a dance costume and after laying the pieces on the table, proceeded to put them on. The beadwork and feathers were wonderfully crafted into the skins of the vest and leggings.

"Sorry," the boy said, "we can't have any drums so you'll have to imagine the rhythm in your head and I can't risk any lights either. Just watch and I'll explain it later."

"I understand," CJ said.

Blake began a steady soft chant, more for himself than his audience of one. He began to move with the rhythm, his hands moving gracefully making small patterns that grew larger until his arms moved like the soaring of a bird. CJ sat spellbound as the boy moved about the gloom, in and out of the shadows cast by the dim source of light.

To CJ the effect was magical and eerie, bringing tears to his eyes. He now knew the boy was trying to please him and it felt so good. CJ could feel the rhythm of the dance in his mind, though his ears could only hear the sound of the boy's feet pounding on the floorboards. Small puffs of dust leapt off the floor as the boy's moccasins struck their beat.

Blake stepped in a series of moves that took him back and forth, then around the room. His arms rose, becoming the bird in flight, captivating CJ with his grace. Time seemed suspended as he watched the boy weave his spell, finally stopping his dance in front of the table where CJ sat. His eyes were wide in the soft light and beads of sweat gave his face an eerie sheen.

"Did you like it," Blake asked, his breath coming in small gasps from the exertion.

"I'm astounded; it was beautiful," CJ said, "just like you."

Blake smiled and CJ stood, taking the boy in his arms and they hugged. He could feel the warmth, the energy flow between them as the boy relaxed in his arms. They stood like this, arms around each other until the boy slowly began to untie the laces that held his costume in place.

Carefully folding the pieces he laid them on the table and stood before CJ in only his loincloth. Sweat was still running in small rivulets from his face and chest, dropping on the wooden floor. The room was hot, CJ thought, or is it passion? He removed his T-shirt and began to wipe the boy's body. Blake stared closely into his face and putting the palms of his hands on CJ's bare chest and spoke the words that would never be forgotten.

"CJ, could you ever love someone like me?"

"Yes," CJ said, his hands trembling, "You are the most amazing young man I have ever met."

Blake wrapped his arms around CJ and he could feel the boy's body trembling. CJ raised the boy's head slightly and kissed him on the forehead, the cheeks and then the mouth. No words could describe the emotions he felt pouring from the boy. And when that first kiss ended their eyes locked on one another for a while, glowing with warmth. The boy laid his head on CJ's chest.

Now is not the time, CJ told himself. He knew that Blake would give his body willingly at this very moment, but that would be unfair. He was only seventeen and that was an issue. But if it was going to happen they needed to grow into this relationship, to learn to trust and love before having sex. The wonder of it lay before them, and in time it would seem right and necessary to them both...but not now.

They lay together on a pile of the blankets, still and quiet, bodies entwined, listening to the rhythms of their breathing. Blake's heart beat seemed to match his own and CJ knew from then on his life would never be the same. They fell asleep this way until the boy started awake at the distant sound of a dog's bark, his reaction jolted CJ as well.

Blake ran a hand across CJ's face. "I have to sort some things out in my mind, CJ. And you still have a lot to learn about me. I care for you a lot. Just be there, and help me figure these things out."

"Ok, I'm here for you. And, Blake, I care for you a lot too."

Blake hugged him and CJ felt the elation of realizing that this wonderful creature was his to love. They picked up their belongings and straightened up the room.

"I have to see my aunt again this morning and I'll probably be gone most of the day doing chores around her place, will you meet me on the boulder again tonight?" Blake asked.

"Yes, if that's what you want, I'll be there." CJ said.

"You know, it all feels so good," Blake said." I don't really know anymore than that right now. It feels strange being in the arms of a man...but it's ok because it's you. How much like the People you seem to be, maybe you were Dineh in another life? Am I making sense?"

"Right now I think the worst thing you could do is think about it too much. I might tell myself the same thing. Complex feelings take time to work themselves out. But I'm glad you trust me enough to be honest about those feelings. And tonight, please don't sneak up on me again."

"Yeah, I promise never to scare you again."

The boy smiled in the dark and led them through the door, where he hesitated and turned. They kissed and then Blake vanished into the darkness. CJ crept back to the bus under the stars of the wide Western sky. He paused, noticing that the stars seemed brighter, the universe grander, and his mind finally felt at peace.

CJ had to be awakened the following morning at eight-thirty, this time by Miguel.

"Good morning, dear. Sleeping in this morning? Seems you were out late last night, did you get to see the moon?"

"I got to see the whole universe, and boy do we have to talk," CJ said. "It seems you and Matt were doing it for an audience out there in the bushes. I recommend you confine your lovemaking to the bus if at all possible."

"I'll bet that dirty little boy was watching us, wasn't he," Miguel said. "He was looking funny at me all day yesterday."

"Careful, young man, I'm in love with that dirty little boy."

Miguel screamed," I'll be damned. Matt said you would. Oh CJ, that's wonderful."

"Thanks, but I don't think I had anything to do with it. Blake seems to be very much in control of the world around him, but don't you dare let on you know anything about it, understand? Is there any coffee?"

"I'm so happy for you, CJ. He is such a beautiful one."

Matt was sitting quietly with a newspaper when CJ came out of the bathroom. Miguel had told him the good news and he was all smiles.

"Everything worked out between you two? I'm sorry, CJ. Miguel and I never should have done anything out there last night. I never knew anyone was around."

"It's dangerous in public anytime, but especially when boys like Blake are around. I must admit though, your actions with Miguel probably broke the ice between us."

"So are we going to stay here now?" Matt asked.

"No, we still have Miguel to think about and Blake has to finish school. I just hope to keep it going somehow, I'd hate to lose him now."

"I know. Sometimes things just happen this way," Matt said. "But he'll be on his own soon and he impresses me as a kid who knows exactly what he wants. I do believe he's already chosen you."

"Isn't that amazing? The boy has so much self confidence, and since I'm in this for the long haul it will have to go at his pace. He's an easy boy to love."

It was about an hour after dark when CJ reached the boulder and found Blake waiting for him. The boy's features looked wonderfully soft in the moonlight and they sat gazing at the blanket of stars.

"I want you to learn more of my people, CJ. I have a place I want to take you, tomorrow if possible."

"Sure," CJ said, "is it far?"

"You mentioned the canyon and I thought I might drive you all over there. I suppose your friends could find something to do while we make our little side trip, it would only take a few hours," Blake said.

CJ felt a sense of something changing between them, the relationship was about to take a turn. Where was the boy taking him? He didn't want to ask, this was going to be Blake's show, just like last night. As if the boy sensed his doubt, he smiled.

"The Dineh have many silent places, they contain things that speak without words but where knowledge flows directly into the spirit. I am one of the lucky ones. I have my own special place."

"Is it alright for me to go with you to this place? We won't be breaking any rules will we?" CJ asked.

"No, it is my decision alone to make," Blake said.

The moon hung over the desert and the wash of pale light lit the trees and delicate rock formations. CJ gazed at the lovely scene before them as Blake leaned against his shoulder. The boy was communicating his affection this evening, a togetherness that thrilled CJ to the depths of his soul.

I feel like an adolescent, CJ thought, I have a crush on this kid. This is the one. I am so lucky to have found the boy I've spent a lifetime wishing for. It still felt eerie and he knew the boy felt it too. Blake suddenly sat up straight and gave a high piercing howl towards the moon above, a chilling mournful cry. Several answering howls echoed back from the darkness of the hills beyond them.

"Coyotes love to talk. They are our brothers." Blake said. "I feel so much a part of the earth."

"You're perfect in this environment," CJ said, "the perfect man as an animal."

"You're closer to the truth than you know," Blake said, "only a wise man would understand my spirit. We have chosen each other well, that's why we need to go up to the canyon tomorrow. What I have to show you is something so very important to my People and my future. You need to understand about me and the path my life must take."

Blake stood and motioned CJ to follow. The boy began to run silently through the darkness following a path only he could see. CJ struggled to keep up, but he knew he must. Their way led through a forest of scrub pines and out onto another long rock formation. He followed the boy into a dark cleft in the rock wall and found himself standing at the edge of a small pool of water, feeling the coolness of this place on his skin.

It was so very quiet here that he could hear the water moving, a quiet trickle from the surrounding rock. Suddenly Blake lit a match which he touched to a lantern stuck in the sand at their feet. The dim glow showed CJ the coziness of this wonderful little grotto. The stars shown down on them through a small crevice above their heads.

Blake approached him and began to pull at the base of his shirt, urging him to take it off. CJ allowed the boy to undress him and then enjoyed doing the same to Blake. They sat naked on the smooth rock in the cool water, which proved to be only inches deep in the middle.

"We all come here to purify ourselves before dancing, it's become a ritual," Blake said.

"It's not an old place though. I found it several years ago, but it never seems to dry up."

"The place you want to show me tomorrow, is it an old place?"

"From a time beyond time as we know it. I know you're curious but that's all I'm going say for now. You'll have to trust me; it's something you will never forget."

Blake began to splash water over himself, washing his arms and legs. CJ took the hint and followed suit, drenching his body in the coolness until they were both cleansed and covered with beads of water. Blake pressed against his chest and they lay over in the shallow pool. CJ hugged the boy and ran his hands across the smooth muscular back to the boy's ass.

"I've been thinking about you all day, CJ."

"And I have been thinking about you, my dear."

"CJ, I always want it to be like this between us. Does that mean I'm gay like you?"

"What a question, I don't know what to tell you. Do you think one man can give you the knowledge to make that decision?"

"I don't know, but I want to find out." Blake was silent for a moment and then he smiled. "Do you want to put your penis inside of me as I saw your friend doing to his boy?"

"Umm, yes I do...very much. But I think it is too soon for that between us...don't you? I mean, there is your age to consider. It is something we may eventually do but not until you are ready for it, until we are both ready for it."

"I think you are embarrassed to answer me, but I understand. If you plan to be with me a long time then there is no hurry, is there?"

It was CJ's turn to smile. "And as I have said, there is so much wisdom in you. I want you in my life for a very long time."

"Then you will have to learn what it means to be me, and I promise to show you tomorrow."

CJ's mind ran rampant, what was the kid hiding? He had too many questions and could only hope Blake would begin to trust him with a few answers. The boy was so unsure of himself now, what about tomorrow?

"What is it you want to become, Blake? What do you see in your future?"

"I want to go to college and learn about the world. I know so much about my people but that isn't enough. My father thinks I could be the next medicine man."

"Really," CJ said. "That must be a great honor."

"It is, but I would have to give up my ambitions and work here for the good of my people. I'm not sure I am ready to decide that yet."

"So there are two things that you cannot decide about, isn't life grand? It's always about having to make choices and never really being sure they're the right ones," CJ said.

"How true, it is grand and awfully scary."

"Don't be afraid, my friend, you're not alone in all this. The Mother of us all has blessed you with wisdom beyond your years and I'm here."

"Thanks, CJ. That's why I want to make the right choices. I don't want to disappoint my father or my family. And now I am sure I don't want to disappoint you."

"You never disappoint me, Blake. I love everything about you."


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