Nate awoke at first light; there was something about the dawn that inspired him to shun sleep, maybe he was afraid of missing something. Today he would tread new ground; he was going to the Qualla with Ted. He had lain awake last night thinking about what Ted revealed; did it mean the boy was gay?

It sounded like when he was younger that Ted did sexual things with a boy from his martial arts school, was the boy older? But it had been more than kissing…there were no answers, only Ted could tell him.

Nate remembered the kisses and the feeling of Ted's hardness pressed against him, which fanned the flames once again. He ought to ease the pressure, banish the thoughts with a good hard orgasm, but he did not. His body ached for release but Nate was saving it, so he rolled over and pressed his erection into the mattress until he couldn't pretend he was asleep anymore.

The sun was just making an appearance over the mountains when Nate hit the showers. He didn't expect Ted to be up this early and he wasn't. He washed carefully and wondered what it would be like to take Ted's cock in his mouth. Gay people did those things, but so did straight boys, or so he heard.

Neil Franks, sixth grade, the scandal of the year. Franks had been caught sucking on… blowing… Damn, Nate couldn't remember the other boy's name. The word spread through school and Franks ignored the looks, until seventh grade when he screwed Melissa Stevens at a party in front of three of his friends just to prove he wasn't gay. Melissa didn't mind, she was out to do every boy in school.

So sucking a cock would be…interesting, and at least he knew Ted would like it, if he did it right. Crap, how does one suck cock? The feeling of Ted's cock pressed in the crack of his ass had excited Nate as well. He didn't think getting screwed would be much fun, unless Ted knew something he didn't.

It was all so confusing, but he was going through with it no matter what. The way he had touched Ted yesterday, the caress, it had felt so right. It expressed a caring, the way his mind felt about their relationship. God, was it a relationship already? OK, he had a crush…and then an even bigger thought popped up…was he falling for Ted?

No, it couldn't be that…what the hell did he know about love? He'd loved his mom, and he loved his aunt and uncle…but that was it. No girl had ever attracted him, but then he was too young for a steady girlfriend…and then there was this feeling towards Ted.

Ted was just a little taller, maybe an inch or two, but then he was older. Nate made a mental list of the things he liked…the soft blue eyes, the smooth attractive face, that hard muscled body. Damn, his cock was hard again. He turned the shower to cold and that helped…a little. He shut off the water and stepped out.

It was just after six and he was packing an overnight bag when Nate heard the Jeep pull up to the house. Good, the boy was ready. He walked out on the porch to greet him and had to laugh.

"Whoa, where did you get that outfit?"

Ted did a few turnarounds. "You like?"

A wide brimmed leather hat, tie-dyed T-shirt and faded blue jeans…Ted looked like a hippie from years ago. But the boy would look good in anything.

"Come on in, I'm making breakfast," Nate said.

Ted sat at the table as Nate filled the waffle iron and set the eggs on to a slow fry. There was already a plate full of country sausage, and Nate put out a crock of maple syrup.

"Jeez, you eat like this all the time?" Ted asked.

"Yeah, why not?"

"You'll spoil me; I usually get cold cereal and fruit, that's what mom thinks I ought to eat."

"Lunch is kinda iffy around here, I might be out half the day doing chores so breakfast is a big meal," Nate said.

His aunt and uncle slowly joined them, smiling at Ted and thanking Nate when he poured their morning coffee.

"So up and at it early," His Aunt Joan said.

Nate smiled. "Yeah, Joseph opens up at ten o'clock, thought we might get through the museum before lunch, and then see the rest of the Crowes."

Bill smiled and nodded at Ted. "Did you tell him about the Crowe family?"

"Nope, I hope he likes surprises," Nate said.

"Oh? Well yeah, I can handle a surprise or two," Ted laughed.

They were on the road towards Asheville by seven-thirty, the precious box of artifacts nestled in the back of the Jeep. By the time they got to Route 40 most of the morning rush was gone and all Ted had to contend with was the truck traffic. Ted had a CD collection and they listened to music for a while, and then Nate turned it down.

"I might as well tell you, the Crowe family is a big deal in the Qualla. They run one of the big hotels on the reservation, big fancy place. I wanted you to see it first before I booked us a room there for the night," He said.

"We aren't old enough to get a room, is that an issue?" Ted asked.

"Not with family, we won't have any problems, and they have a nice pool and a restaurant. Most of my cousins are older than me; I'm still just a little guy to them."

"Then they haven't seen you naked," Ted laughed.

"Nope, not in years. The Crowes are a very old family, their leader was Principal Chief on the reservation but he died some years ago, so you'll see John Crowe's name here and there. He was special to me, kinda like my godfather because we shared the same birthday."

Then Nate sat in silence for a minute. "What you said yesterday, what happened with that boy in your martial arts school…or am I being too nosey?"

Ted nodded. "I suppose you need to know. The closer we get the more I have to be honest with you. Barry was older than me, I was twelve and he was fifteen. He mentored me for a while and damn was he hard to please; I got the hell kicked out of me more than once.

"But I understood, he cared about me and this was just his way of showing it. We went to Charlotte for a tourney, a tough competition, but we both won an early place in the standings and that felt good. That gave us the afternoon off and we went back to the motel to shower, but his roommate was still set for afternoon competition so we were alone.

"I suppose it was the high of winning, but we showered and Barry sat naked on the bed with me and rubbed my body. I didn't stop him, I didn't want to, Nate. So we jerked off and that went to oral sex, something I had never tried before.

"But Barry had experience, he let me get off and then rolled me over…and fucked me. I didn't know how bad it would hurt, but it did. Training teaches you not to cry out in pain, never give your opponent the chance to see you suffer and feel like he's won. I cried and Barry apologized…I forgave him."

Nate frowned. "He raped you, Ted…that's what it was."

"No…I allowed it, and we did it again after that. I wanted to please him, it began to feel good…and I told myself it was because I liked him."

"And now…how do you feel about it now?" Nate asked.

"I'm gay…I know it because I want to please you too," Ted said.

"Oh God…we don't have to do that, I don't ever want to hurt you."

"Funny thing, it doesn't hurt any more…I like it, but I'll have to explain that later on."

Nate sighed. "You sure are complicated."

"That I am," Ted agreed.

It was a Friday morning so they dodged the Biltmore sightseers and avoided Asheville proper. A short distance past the city they turned south on the state road following the signs for the reservation. A half hour later they were there.

Nate always felt different on the Qualla, a part of him resided here. Ted saw the sign and gave Nate a glance.

"You feel at home here, don't you," He said.

Nate nodded. "You have no idea; it frees my thoughts of anything bad."

Ted drove them up into the town, one already crowded with tourists. The one thing that was obvious was that there were more Cherokee people here than anywhere else. The museum was a large modern building off the main street. Ted looked at all the cars in the parking lot but they lucked out and found a good spot close to the front doors.

Nate held the box and Ted opened the door for him, allowing them both inside to the front desk.

"Nathaniel…O'siyo…good to see you," The lady behind the counter said.

"O'siyo, Molly…this is my friend Ted," Nate said.

"Hello," Ted said, shaking her offered hand.

"Is Joseph here?" Nate asked.

"In the office…what have you there?" Molly asked.

Nate smiled. "Something to make you drool," He said.

Molly picked up her phone and called Joe to the front. Ted admired the calico dress she was wearing and she picked up on that.

"The Cherokee adapted colonial styles to their own mode of dress. The calico was most popular, and I like this one…except it's a bit warm for summer," She said.

A tall distinguished man walked up to the counter and greeted Nate. "O'siyo, Nathaniel. Bill said you would be coming."

"O'siyo, Joseph…I bring gifts for the museum," Nate said handing over the box.

"And who is this young man?" Joseph asked.

"This is Ted, he's staying with us," Nate explained. "I thought he would enjoy a tour of our culture, at least I haven't bored him yet."

Molly reached in the box and immediately pulled out the shirt, clothing being her specialty. "Oh my…this is incredible, where did you get it?"

"Bill says my mother left it for him, but he wants me to have it when I come of age. It belonged to Gran Betty's husband."

"Abner? Goodness, then this is very valuable," Molly said. Joseph just stood there quietly and nodded. "I bet she made it herself, or her mother did. Goodness, sweetie, this could be a hundred years old."

"Bill said as much, mom collected a little, you already have most of her collection," Nate said.

"We will display this with pride," Joseph said. "And when you want it back it's yours. Abner, he was a blood relation to us both, what a great find you have here."

Ted really enjoyed his time at the museum, not everyone received a guided tour by the curator. The broad rooms were filled with display cases and an array of artifacts. Statues of ancient Cherokee people in various forms of dress were prominently displayed as were the implements of every day life hundreds of years ago.

Joseph gave out some tantalizing details, little stories about why things were made the way they were, reinforcing the things Nate had said. Ted realized all these things were important to these people as a bridge to their past and their ancestors.

Telling Nate about Barry hadn't been difficult at all, a truth he had never admitted to anyone else. The memory was still clear, the feelings he'd developed during that time were still strong. But he had felt no rejection from Nate…Ted was elated.

And here he could watch Nate in his element. The family resemblance to Joseph aside, Nate looked like a young Cherokee warrior. The straight dark hair hung almost to his shoulders and framed a face so classic; Ted could feel the emotional pull, he was falling for the boy.

That thought made him look at Nate differently now. All the artifacts, baskets, clothing…all things Cherokee seemed to blur in his mind after a time. He wanted to get out of there and be alone with the boy; they needed to talk, to touch. Ted wanted to reveal how much he cared, he just wasn't sure if Nate was ready.

Finally they were shaking hands with Joseph, and Nate hugged Molly before they walked out the door.

"Thank God," Nate said. "I'm sorry; I know that was a little intense for you."

"Fascinating, but maybe too much to absorb at one time," Ted replied.

Nate smiled. "You're kind, that was exhausting and I've done it dozens of times. Let's go find someplace quiet and eat lunch."

"You read my mind."

They walked down the street and for the first time Nate noticed the Ferris wheel turning in the distance. "Carnival's in town, we could do that tonight."

"We can, where shall we eat?"

"We could do something traditional, are you up for squirrel stew or broiled possum?" Nate asked.

"I doubt if the Cherokee eat like that anymore…or do they?"

"Just kidding, I'll take you to someplace interesting."

They walked down the street and then over a block to the Hungry Bear. Nate's first trip to the Qualla had been when he was three, this was the first restaurant he'd ever been in and nothing had changed over the years. They were seated at a table against the wall and handed menus.

"I don't see anything unusual here," Ted said.

"The place has atmosphere, don't you feel it?" Nate laughed. "When the Cherokee went from campfires to restaurants this is what they came up with…Americana. I'll have the roast beef and gravy, it's pretty good."

"OK, you sold me," Ted said.

They ordered and sat back. "It must feel so different for you here, surrounded by your people," Ted said.

"It does, but I have a foot in both worlds, I just try to balance them. I'm glad we became friends…and so tell me about your accomplishments in martial arts."

"What's to tell? I've been at it for almost eight years, gained a lot of knowledge and still don't know how to use most of it."

"Oh come on, you're being modest," Nate said. "Have you won many competitions?"

"Some…OK, I was a state champ for three years between thirteen and fifteen, and then I sorta slacked off."

"Anything to do with that other business?" Nate asked.

"Everything to do with it, Barry left."

"So this thing with Barry went on four years?"

"On and off…yes. I guess it was more a part of me than him…he's married now."

"How can you know that's really what you want? I don't think one experience is enough to make that kind of decision," Nate said.

"I know…I understand myself pretty well. I have feelings for you, those feelings, and it scares me because I don't want to lose your friendship," Ted said.

The waitress brought their meals and the tea. "Think of anything else just holler."

"Thank you," Nate said and she left.

"Ted, before you get too deep into these scary feelings let me tell you something. I don't reject you, I want to understand. I've never run away from anything, well, except maybe what I thought was a cougar. But I'm here because I want to be with you, I need to explore my feelings too and we will. I'm your friend and…and I just guess I'm trying to figure out if there's more to this."

Ted smiled. "There is more and we both know it."

"Yeah," Nate said with a sigh.

The open faced sandwich was just as Nate remembered, tender beef and smooth gravy that you could drag the French fries through. They ate in silence, sharing looks and smiles. They both knew what this night would test, they would get the chance to explore these feelings and maybe forge some answers.

Nate wasn't afraid, after all this was Ted, and the boy had proven his desire for their continued relationship. And if it happened that later on they lay down and engaged in sexual union then so be it. Then he supposed they would call themselves lovers. And then Nate had a wicked thought, maybe they ought to buy some condoms.

"What?" Ted said, breaking the silence.

"I...I, oh no…I can't tell you in here," Nate said.

They finished the meal and Ted insisted on paying, Nate promised to buy dinner. But no sooner had they left the restaurant then Ted wanted to know what Nate had been thinking.

Nate laughed. "I thought we maybe…well, we ought to buy some condoms."

Ted joined the laughter. "OK, seems like you've been thinking. But I have a half dozen in the glove box of the Jeep."

Now Nate howled. "Damn, and he's a horny Boy Scout too…always prepared."

Ted nodded. "That I am."

"Then before the afternoon slips away let's go see what we can round up in the way of accommodations…a king sized bed is required I assume?"

"No, just something big enough for two," Ted replied.

"I'm sure my cousin Denise will find us something," Nate said.

The Falling Waters Lodge sat beside the Oconaluftee River, a sacred waterway that ran down from the Great Smoky Mountains through the Qualla Boundary and beyond. The Crowe family had their fingers into everything on the reservation, the lodge being one of their more successful ventures.

Ted drove them into the parking lot and looked at all the cars. "Wow, they look pretty full up," He said.

Nate laughed. "Maybe, but I bet a dozen of these vehicles belong to the family."

They found an empty slot and parked. Ted looked at the tall trees and the carved bears standing in a courtyard before the lobby. It was nice tourist stuff, but not over done. The inside was something else; it was like stepping back in time.

Wood planked floors and rough hewn ceiling beams surrounded a huge free standing stone fireplace that glowed with a display fire. There were cooking pots on the hearth, and a huge old rifle hung above the mantel. Buffalo hides adorned the walls as did intricate beadwork tapestries; it looked like a movie set for a Cherokee themed film.

Nate approached the counter in the lobby where a young man stood. Ted looked at the five people he could see in the lobby and noticed most of them were Cherokee.

"O'siyo," Nate said and the guy looked up with a smile.

"O'siyo…can I help you?"

"Is Denise here, I'd like to see her please."

"Sure, I think she's on the patio by the pool…talkin up a storm as usual. Are you family?" The guy asked.

"I'm Nathaniel Smiley…or Smiling Sky if you prefer."

"Cousin Nathaniel, I've seen you before…long time ago. I'm John Crowe, the third of that name."

"Chief Crowe's grandson, yes, I remember you…that was like six years ago," Nate laughed.

"I guess we've both changed a little, and who is this unega, a friend?"

"Yes, John…this is Ted, my close friend. Guess we'll go find Denise."

"Out back…that way," John said, pointing towards the hallway.

"What's unega mean?" Ted asked after they left the lobby.

"It means white, as in white man. I think John needs to grow up and get over himself, he said it to be rude. But then Denise would crush him if she knew he'd been rude to a guest in her hotel. Believe me, she's the boss around here," Nate grinned.

They exited the back of the lodge and stood on the edge of the wide pool deck. More of the same décor, lots of trees and carved animals on pedestals surrounded by flowering plants. Unlike the front courtyard it seemed to work out here. A dozen people were out lying in the sun and a few more sat under the umbrellas, and that's where Nate saw Denise. When she looked his way Nate waved. She said something to the people sitting there and got up.

Denise was a large woman, tall like her heritage determined and round like her stomach demanded. But for someone so large she moved quickly and gracefully across the deck.

"Nathaniel? Great Mother, it is you…O'siyo, Little Bear." Nate braced himself and she crushed him to her breasts, squeezing most of the air from his body. Her laughter was infectious and Nate laughed along with her at the joy of their meeting, it had been far too long.

"O'siyo, Denise…I see you're still well," Nate said.

"Are Bill and Joan here with you?"

"No, sorry, the campground is in full swing, can't leave the customers behind this time of year. But I've brought my friend Ted to see the Qualla and learn about our people. He's a worthy companion."

"O'siyo, Ted…welcome, my hearth is yours," Denise said.

"Thank you, you're very kind," Ted said.

Denise waved it off. "If Little Bear names you worthy that's all I need to know. How long are you staying?"

"We need to go back tomorrow, but I'd like to take a room at the lodge, if you have any available," Nate said.

Denise laughed. "For you I'd give up the Chief's Suite, but I have some Japanese tourists in there. I'll get you a good room."

"A good room sounds fine, Bill gave me money…" Nate began.

"Oh hush, my family never pays, you're always welcome guests. Did you see the carnival is in town? You ought to go over there tonight; will you be here for dinner?"

"I don't know, Denise…we've only been here a few hours, I had to visit Joseph first."

"Yes, a good place to teach Ted about The People, a good beginning. OK, let's take you inside and get the key, maybe you'd like a swim or a rest before dinner."

"Thank you, Denise," Nate said.

They followed her into the lobby and she gave John a look and told him to hand over the key for forty-two. "Quiet room at the end of the lodge, easy access to the pool and you can park close by. I don't suppose I have to say anything about the casinos, but you go wander the town tonight and have fun, OK?"

"Thank you, we'll see you for dinner," Nate said. She left for the pool and they walked back out to move the Jeep.

"She's so cool," Ted said.

"Drive me to the emergency room, I think she broke some ribs," Nate chuckled.

"Yeah, that was impressive."

"I think the WWF tried to recruit her, but she crushed the guy that did the interview…at least that's a joke Uncle Bill tells."

"Cute, this place is pretty interesting," Ted said.

Nate laughed as they got in the Jeep. "OK, I know some of it looks like a movie set, but the tourists expect to see that stuff. Downtown there's a guy who stands around in a full deerskin outfit and a huge feathered headdress, the tourists all want their picture taken with him.

"The getup isn't traditional at all, but they don't know that. The tourists bring in money, that's what a lot of this is about. Many Cherokee are grateful for the poor guy standing there in that hot costume. It means the tourists won't bother the rest of us."

"OK, I get it," Ted said. "So where is this room?"

"There," Nate said, pointing to a door on the end of the building. "Denise wasn't kidding; it's right next to the pool."

The room was nice and surprisingly modern without all the native influence. There was not one, but two full sized beds and that made Nate smile.

"Looks innocent enough, doesn't it?"

"We'll worry about looks later on, I'd like to go swim…and then maybe rest up before dinner," Ted said.

They stood in the room together and changed into their swimsuits, nothing exotic, just plain baggy surfer shorts. The room had big fluffy towels and they each grabbed one before heading out the door. Denise was gone from poolside, but there was still a small bunch of guys and girls.

Nate hit the water first, a big splash like always. Ted dove in, barely leaving a ripple. Nate watched the boy take an easy crawl stroke down the length; Ted had some swimming experience as well. It was fun to discover new things about the boy because for some reason everything about him had become so important.

Nate tried a sneak underwater approach but when he surfaced Ted was gone, only to appear behind him with a resounding attack. They swatted and grabbed, dunking one another and laughing their way through it all. But finally Ted heaved himself out of the pool and plopped down in a lounge chair.

He was still sitting there when Nate swam to the ladder. From a side door of the lodge John made an appearance with two other guys, young men that Nate knew only too well. Nelson and Larry were two members of the warrior bunch, the young Cherokee troublemakers club. And since they were wearing bathing suits Nate decided it was time to get out of the pool.

Nelson wasn't full blood, but he wore his hair in a brush cut jacked up Mohawk style with the sides of his head shaved. It made him look fierce and he traded on that image. Why Denise allowed him around was anyone's guess, he was probably a distant cousin.

Larry was descended from slaves. The Cherokee had kept black slaves, even after the forced march to Oklahoma. Cross breeding left many blacks with Cherokee blood, and by right they could claim status on the reservation and join the Nation.

Both guys were trouble, and as older teenagers they thought themselves invincible. Nate wouldn't be surprised if they both had police records by now, he was just surprised that John sought out their company. John saw him in the pool and pointed, all three boys leaped in around Nate and Nelson grabbed him.

"Don't run away, Little Bear…we want to see if you can swim," Nelson said.

He tossed Nate in Larry's direction and they pushed him back and forth a few times, and then Ted surfaced between the three.

"Ahh, the unega punk comes to defend his Little Bear," Nelson said, and he jumped at Ted. Nate wasn't sure what happened but Nelson seemed to recoil and the side of his face was bright red.

Larry dove and went for Ted's legs, trying to bring him down. Ted turned his body sideways and thrust his foot at Larry, who quickly surfaced with blood streaming out of his nose. Ted gestured to the ladder and Nate climbed out just as John and Nelson tried to come between Ted and the ladder.

Ted grinned and hopped up on the pool deck in one fluid movement, Nate wasn't even sure how he'd done that. But once on the deck Ted turned and motioned for Nelson and John to step up which they did.

"I don't want to hurt you, but I can," Ted said. "I would recommend you just back off and leave."

"Fuck you," Nelson said and he swung a hard right hook. Ted ducked and then pulled the arm across his body, yanking Nelson out of balance. Ted's arm shot out and he hit the guy in the center of his chest with a flat palm, the resounding smack could be heard across the pool. Nelson went down clutching his chest and Ted turned to John.

"You've been hanging back; did you get smart all of a sudden?" Ted asked.

John grinned but his eyes flicked towards something behind Ted. It was enough of a warning that Ted dropped to the ground and spun over, looking straight up at Larry who held a knife in his hand. Ted braced his hands and back flipped, kicking John straight into the pool and coming up on his feet facing Larry.

Nate yelled when he saw the knife, but Ted was already aware of the danger.

"OK, now you're feeling brave," Ted said, "but I warn you, put that away before I have to do some serious damage."

Larry lunged with his knife, taking a swipe at Ted's middle. Nate watched in awe as Ted disarmed the guy, broke his arm and shattered his collarbone. Larry was left writhing in pain on the deck, and Nate was sure his screams would wake half the town.

John got out of the pool just in time to be collared by his mother, and she slapped him silly. Nelson was down with broken ribs, Larry was busted up, and John, well he'd probably have enjoyed fighting with Ted rather than being beaten by his mother in front of everyone.

It was only minutes later that the tribal police arrived, and they called for an ambulance. One of the policemen huddled with Denise and Nate until the paramedics got there and took Nelson and Larry away. Ted was surprised when John was cuffed and led away as well. He sat on the lounge chair and waited for the cops to come question him, but they left too.

Denise approached and Ted stood up, ready to apologize when the woman gave him a resounding hug. "I am sorry…so very sorry that my son did such terrible things," Denise said.

"I didn't want to hurt any of them…" Ted began.

"Hush, I saw what they did, and I saw the defense you made for Little Bear. It's a true act of friendship that you risked your life for him. I'll tell the Council the truth; they'll pass judgment on those terrible boys…and that includes John. No son of mine is going to become a gangster; he needs to learn his lesson."

She looked at Nate. "You OK, Little Bear?"

"Yes, I was just shocked," Nate replied.

"I'm going to call Bill; you boys will have to stick around tomorrow because the police will need a statement from you. Don't worry, I'll tell them everything I saw. I'm so sorry, you stay as long as you want, the room is yours and I'll see you get fed." With that she turned and walked back into the lodge.

Nate pulled Ted's arm and they walked back to the room. Once the door was closed Nate threw his arms around Ted and hugged him in silence.

"What happened?" Ted finally asked. "Why did they act like that?"

"You know about gangs and the things they do, I think John was showing off to his friends so he could become one of them, one of the warriors."

"What warriors? You mean these guys are some kind of gang?" Ted asked.

"Were…past tense. You just took out the two leaders in less than a minute. I don't think we'll see much of them on the reservation for a long time. The Tribal Council will ban them and the state will probably lock them up for assault. The Qualla is a peaceful place, such activity is not tolerated."

"I'm sorry, Nate…I just saw them going after you and I reacted," Ted said.

Nate ran his fingers across Ted's cheeks, searching for the sides of his face and then pulled the boy into a long and passionate kiss. Ted allowed it for a few moments and then backed off, walking over to sit on the end of a bed. His suit was wet so he stood up and spread out his towel before settling down again.

"I feel sorry for Denise, she feels so bad about what her son did."

"But she's happy that you protected me, you heard her," Nate said.

"Yeah, she calls you Little Bear too, just like Chief JT did…what's with that?"

"Old story…my fault really," Nate said.

"Tell me, I want something else in my head besides all the crap that just happened."

"I'll tell you on one condition, you must promise not to call me Little Bear…OK?"

Ted grinned. "Maybe…I guess so, but it's cute."

"And that's how it all started," Nate said. "I was about five when we visited the Qualla for the second time in my life. Mom took me on the rounds to see all the family and we finished up at the Crowe village outside town on Owl's Foot Road, a huge old place.

"Their homestead extends almost to the national park, and is surrounded with a deep dark forest. Well I went about playing with all the kids, and that included John at the time. But the adults held court in the modern day version of a townhouse. So at some point they lost track of the kids, and I got lost too.

"All I remember is the boys that were with me turned one way and I went the other, vanishing into the woods. I don't remember being scared, just fascinated. I knew about the animals in the woods, the snakes on the ground and which ones were dangerous. Cougars and bears I understood, although I had never seen either.

"I don't think I was gone but half an hour when they discovered me missing. By then I was over the nearest hill and down in a creek…playing with a bear cub. Under most circumstances that would be extremely dangerous, and maybe it was, but I wasn't afraid.

"The little bear and I were splashing in the water and momma bear was right there with us, but she was looking for their supper amidst the shiny trout slithering around in the shallows. I remember she caught one and flipped it up on the bank, and I thought that was great fun so I started fishing too.

"Joseph and Chief Crowe found me first, but they also saw the bear close by and didn't want to spook her so they sat down to watch. I probably caught two or three fish myself, tossing them up on the bank to the bear cub. Momma and the cub sat down to eat and I watched, not really interested in eating a raw fish.

"The momma bear sat watching me, and the little one came over and sat with me once it was done eating. There was an empathy that passed between us; I have never felt such peace as I did with them that day. I didn't realize it at the time but Chief Crowe said this bear cub was special; it had a blaze on its chest that looked like a white arrowhead.

"But the world intruded when I heard my mother calling my name in the distance. The bear got up, looked at me and then bounded away into the bush with her little one following behind.

"That's when Joseph and the Chief walked down the slope to get me. I was wet and happy and enjoyed it when Joseph hoisted me to his shoulders. The Chief patted my head, calling me Little Bear. It stuck and everyone knows the story although many don't believe it happened.

"I didn't understand the significance back then, but the bear is a powerful figure in Cherokee legend and myth. The Chief told that story many times at the gatherings before he died, now only Joseph is witness to the event. But it assures me a place in the Qualla when I reach adulthood and can stand up before the Council."

Ted sat quietly and then smiled. "I understand where the name came from, but why are you so reluctant to be called Little Bear?"

"It feels like a baby name to me, maybe that's a silly way to think of it. I ought to be proud, not many Cherokee have sat with a bear and lived to tell about it."

"There you go, I don't think it's silly at all. The bear saw the gentle side of you, she trusted you with her cub. Adding to her pile of fish for dinner was probably a good idea too, a hungry bear might not be so diplomatic," Ted said.

Nate smiled. "So you think I ought to embrace the name?"

Ted nodded. "Yes, and you may embrace me as well."

They lay on the bed and the wet suits came off, skin met skin, and yet they both hesitated.

"I want this to be perfect, we haven't even talked about what you want to do," Nate said.

"I don't want to talk, we'll just do…later," Ted said with a smile. "Now we have an hour before we'll have to get dressed and go find dinner. I'm not sure we should eat here tonight after what happened."

Nate nodded. "Yeah, I can't face Denise either. So we can walk into town, take some rides at the carnival and then come back here for some real entertainment."

Ted laughed. "OK, you win."

"I realized something today, I like it when you take care of me," Nate said.

"I may have the skill to take on fools like that but I don't like to use it. What you're taught is a deadly skill; it's hard to hold back." Ted closed his eyes for a moment and then sighed before they opened again. "I would defend you any time any place, Nate. There is something so special about you…"

"I think I'm falling for you, Ted. I don't know what the sex means, and I don't care. I just have such intense feelings, I feel like we were meant to be together."

"Oh God…you make me so happy when you say things like that."

Nate couldn't help it, he rolled on top of Ted and they kissed, longer and harder than they had all day.

"Hmm," Ted mumbled, breaking the kiss. "Jeez, but you get hard as a rock."

Nate giggled. "I don't think you're poking me back with a pickle."

"Can I show you something, we don't even have to change position," Ted said.

"OK." And then Ted began to move.

Their cocks were side by side, rubbing the sensitive heads on their bellies and thrilling them both. Nate was happy that this felt so sexy without worrying about the penetration thing. Still after what Ted had done today he would let the boy fuck his brains out if that's what he wanted.

The motion was slow and elegant, building up the heat between them, and then things began to get slippery down there.

"Mmm," Ted moaned. "God, this feels good."

"Yeah," Nate replied.

Ted slid his hands down and grasped Nate's butt, pulling them together harder. This was the sexiest they had ever been and those fingers digging into his flesh made Nate moan. The kisses went deep, tongues dueling and the flames of passion flaring. Nate groaned as he felt his orgasm rising and he knew Ted wasn't far behind.

The groans from deep in Ted's chest signaled the moment and Nate felt himself surrender to the feelings, and a flood issued between them. Ted could feel the spurts and was happy Nate had found this so exciting, it meant their bodies were in tune. Groans turned to gasps as the final thrill swept through them and left their cocks quivering from the exertion.

"Oh wow…that was incredible," Nate said.

"We had to do something before that Little Bear inside of you went crazy," Ted said.

"I love everything about you," Nate said.

"Love is something we need to think about," Ted said. "In three weeks I have to go home and that's when love will start to hurt."

"You won't be far away, I'll come see you," Nate said.

"You're sweet. No, somehow we need to work this all out so neither of us gets hurt. Maybe my dad will let me stay for the rest of the summer, that's a start," Ted said.

"I bet he'd go for it if we had a project, he looks like the scientific type."

"He is, and that's a very good idea," Ted agreed. "Just don't tell him we're studying anatomy."

Ted moved, feeling something wet and slimy rolling down his flank. "Um, I think we need a shower before the glue dries."

Nate laughed and pried himself off Ted's chest. They enjoyed the hot water in the shower, dried and then dressed.

"I wonder if I ought to leave Denise a message," Nate said.

"That would probably be the polite thing to do," Ted agreed.

They walked around to the front entrance and Nate ran inside, he was back a few minutes later. "I wrote her a note and left it with a young lady at the counter…so we're free for the evening."

The walk back towards the center of town took them fifteen minutes, but there was much to see along the way. A lot of people were moving on the street, many headed up towards the fairgrounds and others out sightseeing.

They saw the Japanese couple out with their cameras, and Nate nodded in their direction. The couple was approaching the man in the 'Indian' costume.

"Ted…watch this," Nate said, indicating the couple.

They stopped long enough to hear the Japanese man say 'How' and raise his right hand. Nate wanted to laugh and almost did when the Cherokee guy repeated the gesture with a straight face and said 'How' right back. Nate looked at the man and they both stifled the laugh. The Japanese man took a photo of the Indian with his wife, and then she took one of him.

The Japanese man handed the Indian twenty dollars before they walked off. Nate shook his head and the guy laughed. "I say whatever they want to hear, little man."

Nate nodded. "O'siyo, my brother...I don't blame you."

The man nodded. "It's a job," He replied and then turned to the next guy with a camera.

"This is a real busy place all summer I bet," Ted said.

"Year round too," Nate nodded. "Unless it snows or there's ice they hold all kinds of events. The People plan things according to the seasons, from the Flower Moon to the Harvest Moon, spring and fall, this place is busy."

"Is there a village, I mean a typical Cherokee place like it used to be?"

"Um, yeah…again a real tourist display, but it would give you the idea. If we had more time I could take you up into the hills, there are still some who maintain the old ways, but not many. It would mean backpacking a few days and a lot of climbing. I did that a few years ago with JT; he knows most of those families."

"That might be fun, sleeping under the stars sounds romantic," Ted grinned.

"Yeah, just you and me and a cougar makes three," Nate laughed.

"Oh, I forgot about that…so it's dangerous?"

"Could be, we'd have to go armed, just don't ask me to shoot a bear," Nate said. "Hungry yet?"

"I could eat; it's been six hours since our last meal."

"Up around the corner, good food but we might have to wait a bit if they're crowded."

And they were, but after fifteen minutes they were shown into the steak house which was filled with the aroma of broiling meat.

"You eat a lot of red meat," Ted said.

"Yeah, when I can, it burns off pretty fast…but I do like my veggies too," Nate said.

They each ordered a large salad and a small steak, enough calories to carry them through the evening. Nate ate slowly, watching Ted and remembering the afternoon.

The look on his face as he was attacked, Ted seemed almost sad and terribly calm. He could have killed those guys; Nate saw that much power behind the moves. It must be a great feeling of security to know that kind of skill and yet be so in control of it.

Ted lacked the ego of guys like Nelson, Larry and John. Poor Denise, it must break her mother's heart to see her son involved with such bastards. But Ted had stopped short of finishing off his opponents, the response had been measured and just right. Larry had suffered the most, but Ted had warned him what would happen, he didn't have to.

"What?" Ted asked.

"Huh?"

"Nate, what are you thinking?"

"Um, about this afternoon and everything that happened."

Ted looked around the restaurant and then leaned forward. "I like touching your ass."

Nate smiled. "Yeah, I was thinking about that too. But you're my hero and my lover; it can't get any better than that."

Now Ted returned the smile. "Give me a chance; there are other tricks up my sleeve."

"Or in your pants," Nate whispered. "Come on, let's get out of here."

Nate paid the check and left the waitress a tip; he'd never had a bad meal here. It was almost six-thirty, the dinner hour ending and the crowds were all headed for the fairgrounds. The sun would soon set behind the mountains throwing the valley into an early dusk, and then the lights of the carnival would feed the crowd's lust for excitement.

One of the most beautiful things about this town were the mountains, they were everywhere you looked. The streets were laid out in an arch following the course of the river, but the mountains hemmed them in. The fairgrounds covered a pretty large flat area close to the trees at the foot of a large hill, what JT would call a 'mountain wannabe'.

Five dollars apiece to get in seemed reasonable, but the rides were three dollars each as well. The travelling carnival had to make its money, people didn't seem to mind and Nate didn't either. He bought a long string of ride tickets and they set off to wait in line.

"The roller coaster looks dinky," Ted said. "Ever been to Six Flags in Atlanta?"

"Nope, we did Bush Gardens in Virginia Beach and I've been to the water park near where you live."

"I love water parks, but they have a dinky roller coaster too."

"You a fanatic about roller coasters?" Nate asked.

"Yup, I crave the thrills, especially being upside down," Ted laughed.

"I can handle the regular up and down roller coaster, just not sure I like flipping over like that. I like my dinner right where it is."

"This one won't even make you dizzy I bet, look how tame it is," Ted said.

The cars went flashing by and the ground shook, followed by the screams of the passengers. "OK, I'll even let you scream," Ted said.

"Screaming is mandatory," Nate replied.

It took fifteen minutes in line for their two minute ride, but it was fun. Ted screamed along even though it wasn't scary, just exhilarating…Nate was mildly terrified. They rode the bumper cars three times, mainly because Ted wanted to get even when Nate slammed him too much. They rode the Ferris wheel just to get a bird's eyes view of the town at sunset and hold hands.

Ted could feel the boy's words coming true, they were falling in love and he gave in to the feelings. Ever since Barry, and what they experienced at the dojo, love had been a constant part of Ted's thoughts. There had been others, two others, and neither of them had been worth remembering.

Peter was a high school dropout, did drugs and sucked cock like a wiz, but he couldn't be loved…he didn't love himself. Luis was Mexican, had all the hot fire of his Latin blood but couldn't deal with his gay side. Fucking Ted was all he wanted to do, and he only grudgingly put a hand to Ted's cock.

He ended it by trying to play the macho man and getting rough, Ted walked away after knocking the boy senseless without breaking anything valuable. The pursuit of sex wasn't the answer, he had loved Barry in vain. The other two just poor substitutes for jerking off. But Nate…this Little Bear was everything Ted wanted and more.

"What," Nate asked. "Now you're doin it."

Ted smiled as the Ferris wheel pulled them to the top and stopped, the little basket swinging on the pivots. "I'm just thinking about you and how much I love you," Ted said.

There…he had said it, for by now his heart told him it was true. Here they were on top of the world and in love; it couldn't get any better then this.

"Kiss me," Nate said.

"Here?"

"No one can see us, quick before the wheel moves."

And they kissed for a few moments until the wheel started the descent.

"I love you too," Nate said. "And every time I think that I'm going to kiss you."

"An old Cherokee custom I suppose," Ted asked.

"No, a new Cherokee custom, and in our case it's going to become a tradition."

They walked the midway, and rode all the rides they found interesting. Ted took out all the ducks in the shooting gallery and won a large bear.

"No cracks about Teddy Bears…please," Ted said.

"Aww, you're no fun," Nate laughed.

"Let's go back to the room and I'll prove you wrong," Ted said.

The bear rode on Nate's shoulders back to the lodge; it made a few people smile as they passed by on the street. The room was dark and cool as Nate turned on a bedside lamp. He propped the bear up on the pillows of one of the beds and sat down.

"I guess we sleep in that one, we can mess up the sheets here in the morning to make it look good," He said.

Ted pulled a few packs of condoms out of his pocket. "Think we'll need these?"

Nate smiled. "Maybe."

Ted used the bathroom first, brushing his teeth and washing his face and hands, Nate took the next turn. Ted was under the covers when he came back in the room.

Nate laughed. "Are you wearing anything?"

"You'll have to climb in here to find out," Ted replied.

Nate did a slow strip tease, removing everything before lifting the covers. He had been right, Ted was nude as well. Nate turned out the lamp and slid in, moving straight to the middle and finding himself enveloped in Ted's arms.

They kissed in the dim light bleeding through the drapes, eyes adjusting to the gloom, hands roaming across vast swaths of flesh.

"Is this what love feels like?" Nate asked.

"I suppose it does," Ted replied. "I never felt quite like this, love isn't always the same with everyone."

"I feel like we're a part of one another, the best part. I could spend every night like this and still never get enough."

"Yeah, me too," Ted said…and then he yawned.

"You're tired, it's been a long day for you…physically and emotionally," Nate said.

"Yeah, but this is our first night in bed together."

"So, it won't be the last…love guarantees that. Roll over," Nate said.

Ted rolled on his stomach and Nate began a gentle back rub. He could feel the power in those shoulders and arms, Ted was an amazing creature. The flesh felt smooth and creamy under his hand, and Nate wondered if he could just slide them down enough to feel Ted's butt. No, the boy needed to relax…and sex wasn't that important anymore.

He heard Ted's breathing change, the boy was asleep. There was one part of today that Nate had avoided thinking about…the 'what if' part. What if Larry had managed to hurt Ted during that fight, it would have destroyed everything they had. But Ted had seemed so confident of his ability, and displayed his mastery of the martial arts.

What if…what if they had never met? How could he have come to terms with these feelings without Ted to guide him? Life was going to be so different now, he was in love. And in the quiet darkness Nate shed a tear for the joy he felt lying beside this wonderful boy. Teddy and Little Bear…somehow it felt so right.


On to Chapter Three

Back to Chapter One

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Nathaniel Smiley is © 2009 by Chris James.
    This work may not be duplicated in any form (physical, electronic, audio, or otherwise) without the author's written permission. All applicable copyright laws apply. All individuals depicted are fictional with any resemblance to real persons being purely coincidental.


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