A Long, Hard Life

Imaginary lovers
Never turn you down
When all the others turn you away
They're around
It's my private pleasure
Midnight fantasy
Someone to share my
Wildest dreams with me
Imaginary lover you're mine anytime
Imaginary lovers, oh yeah

– "Imaginary Lover" by Atlanta Rhythm Section

***

"Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions."

– Albert Einstein 

CROSSOVER EVENT
RANCHES AND ROYALS

This special GayDemon chapter takes place at Tommy's Dude Ranch. See more at DJFM's fantastic saga, "Our Senior Year and More" Chapter 24

---

I'd never flown in a helicopter before. This one was loud! Everyone wore noise-canceling headphones with microphones to talk. I listened as the princes marveled at how much woodland passed below. I leaned into Anton's comforting embrace as we came in for a landing.

The ranch seemed tiny from the air. Two family homes with a large central compound, two barns, and guest cabins. A guest center sat closer to the road leading to the nearby town. What looked like a produce stand and a petting zoo stood across from the guest center.

I noticed considerable room for horses with training corrals. I noted a number of dirt roads and wooded trails led from the compound out into the wilderness. I saw familiar farm equipment but all hands were front and center for our arrival.

The helicopter touched down away from the barn where it might have frightened the horses. People wearing cowboy hats and western gear emerged from the guest center as Mattias exited with his security squad. The two groups met in the middle.

Mattias and his squad of Danish Royal Guard looked like Secret Service agents in suits, sunglasses, and sidearms while the locals affected cowboy charm. In that moment I recognized how far I had drifted from the life of my birth. After a short time of checking credentials and securing the perimeter, Mattias waved to us to exit.

Anton took point since he was the heir. To the world at large Emil seemed upbeat and curious but I saw how he tapped one foot restlessly and studied the perimeter. It struck me how the brothers learned from childhood to spot assassins. I understood the need but they lost so much of their innocence. I hoped a place like this, closer to my roots, might help them relax and just be themselves. Zeke took in everything with eyes full of wonder. I turned my artistic eye toward our hosts. To my surprise, I saw only one couple over the age of 30. The rest broke down into several small groups.

I pegged the owners as the couple in the front, one leading while another, a business partner or perhaps, no, definitely a boyfriend or husband approached a step behind. The partner put his man forward with a smile of pride. Business partners tended to compete, if only a little.

Another couple of guys followed about six steps behind. They leaned into each other, their hands always about to touch if not already in contact. They dressed identically in suits, one gray, one blue. Otherwise, they were a study in contrasts.

I identified the one in gray as the quintessential corn-fed Midwestern farm boy. Unassuming, modest of character with a purposeful stride, a straight back, a solid body, with brown hair trimmed short and neat, easy to care for. He looked uncomfortable in his suit while his partner looked like he consulted a focus group.

The companion in blue screamed "city boy" and "money" from his fitted Armani suit and $200 sunglasses, to dark blond hair trimmed fashionably long but calculated to fit in at whatever Fortune 500 he worked at. He could have walked in the fashion shows of Milan with a natural tan, cheekbones of a Hollywood heartthrob, and a smile that could stun at 50 paces.

This guy was a stallion personality, wild and free, fiercely independent. He must have seen the true beauty in his companion and wisely put a ring on that finger because they were clearly married. I rubbed my empty ring finger and felt suddenly bereft.

I guessed this married couple were friends, relatives, or possibly business partners of the owners. They were closer to the owners and as such, they carried more gravitas than employees, who stood in the back rubbernecking.

In that group I noticed a young family: a husband, wife, and two small children. The blond, beefy husband stood next to yes, very clearly, his identical twin. Next to them I beheld a huge bear of a man with a hand placed possessively on the shoulders of two Latinos, skinny little guys like me.

Another threesome, I wondered. That or maybe the Latinos were troublemakers and the big guy kept a tight leash on them. I guessed they were a threesome from the way they leaned affectionately into each other and smiled as they talked.

Lastly, the older couple stood off  to the side under the shade of the building, near a chair for the man. He reminded me of when my grandpa was sick and my heart went out to him immediately. Why was he out here pushing himself? We were not worth so much fuss.

"Your Royal Highness, Prince of Denmark," the lead cowboy  addressed Anton with a formal head bow. Up close he was a tall, handsome rascal with short dark hair and eyes. He filled out that fancy shirt nicely. 

Anton accepted the bow and the greeting with a patient smile. He surprised our host by reaching to shake hands.

"Thank you for showing respect but you welcome us into your home. We appreciate less formality while we visit. I am Anton, this is my brother, Emil, our companion, Chonay, and his assistant, Zeke Hartley."

The owner's eyes lit with pleasant surprise and he returned the handshake briskly. He introduced himself and his companions. I shivered, the host had a voice that could trigger moans of ecstasy on contact or cower lazy suppliers over the phone depending on his inflection.

"Yes, sir, my name is Tommy Young and this here is my husband and business partner, Devin. These are our best friends Dave and Joshua Addison-Edelmann. In the back here is Maryann Baker, our Chief of Operations. This is our Trail Guide, Bobby Baker, Maryann's husband, and their children Kieth and Blake. This is Dick Baker, our second Trail Guide. This is our Senior Guide, Kevin Parker, and our horse trainers Juan Ramirez and Sammy Sanchez."

Kevin shook a little longer than necessary, clearly starstruck, adding, "They call me 'Hulk' around here."

His friends winced but Anton laughed. "I see why!"

Tommy led us to the older couple. Dave rushed to stand next to the man while Josh stayed respectfully near the lady.

"Lastly, this is Harold Addison and his wife, Jean."

"My parents," Dave added with great pride.

"Your Royal Highness, I don't recall hearing about royalty getting out this far. It's quite an honor." Harold shook with each of us.

Anton clasped Harold's hands between his own. "The pleasure is ours, Mr. Addison. We thank you for your gracious hospitality. We would be honored if you called us by our names while we were here."

Both Harold and Jean agreed. "Well, it's easier to say, at least!" 

Tommy picked up. "We've prepared a cabin for your stay if you would like to rest and change into something more comfortable. Western wear is available at the Guest Center if you would like and we've prepared a welcome dinner at the home of Dave and Josh at 7:00 PM."

"Thank you, we would like to rest before dinner." Anton smiled and Tommy showed us to our cabin.

***

We were back in my element or at least, closer to it. I spent my teenage years on a ranch. I never saw any animals and our ranch looked more, eh, "lived in" but we had a barn, a compound, and a big house similar to this place. We had tractors and crops, so I felt more at home than anyplace we visited since leaving New York nearly a year ago.

We took a nap to recover from jet lag. Later, the shower proved roomy enough for two so Anton and Emil swapped out while I stayed behind to drain their balls. Zeke joined last and drained mine. The princes dried and braided my hair while Zeke laid out a selection of clothes he picked up from the Guest Center. 

I took it upon myself to dress my men so they did not look like tourists. Everyone got blue jeans and cowboy boots, the standard uniform of working class guys across the country. Anton and Emil wore red and blue plaid flannel, respectively, with rolled sleeves over ribbed white tank shirts. Zeke looked hot in green plaid and a dark leather vest. I chose a white cross-hatched button down shirt, sleeves rolled, over a black tank shirt and black vest. Simple animal tooth and coin pendants completed the look. The fit wasn't perfect which made them look more natural to me. Farm hands never used teams of tailors to make every look fit for the runways of Milan. Emil insisted on a neck scarf so he could look more like a bandit. I folded it and put it in his back pocket in keeping with the scarf rule I learned at various bathhouses we visited. Someone out here in Bum Fuk might know the code.

The owners, Tommy and Devin gave us a tour of the compound before dinner. The big house served as their home as well as their main office. They showed us a large barn with a wooden facade. That struck me as weird.

Tommy looked deeply affected as he explained. "We had a fire a few months back. We lost my family's original barn and a couple of our horses. We built a new and bigger barn and gave it the face of the old one. After that, we put together this memorial to remember what happened."

Devin picked up. "It was a really bad time for us but we bounced back thanks to our family and friends. This stall reminds us of what we lost, but also everything we gained."

"Halifax and Pudgy, they were beautiful animals." Anton looked at their photos. I'm sorry for your loss."

"Thanks," he and Tommy shook hands like men who truly understood the special place animals held in one's heart. I smiled, they seemed to be getting on well.

"I hope you're hungry because dinner is next." Tommy sounded a bit stiff and formal. I decided to throw my American accent out there.

"We're guys, we're always hungry!"

Everyone laughed and agreed. Emil looked over our hosts with a frankly appraising eye, adding, "Yes, we're hungry for more than food!"

Tommy did a double take while Devin grinned from ear-to-ear. I Elbowed Emil playfully. He ducked away, laughing as we headed for what our hosts called "JD Lodge."

***

The princes preferred to try local fare over forcing locals to try their hand at Danish dishes. As a result we enjoyed steak with crispy roasted red potatoes, vegetable soup, sauteed onions and mushrooms, a wedge salad, and garlic bread, served with wine. Jean Addison, Dave's mother, provided homemade apple pies for dessert.

"You did not have to go to such trouble for us, but thank you. The pie is exceptional." Anton offered his gratitude.

"It was my pleasure. I'm glad you like it." Jean's smile warmed.

"Like it, you're incredible! I want to take you with us!" Emil grinned.

"Many ply us with Danish for dessert. They think it is funny." Anton smirked as all eyes glared at Hulk.

Soon people forgot they were hosting royalty as the princes worked their charm. They knew quite a bit about horses which drew Tommy and Devin, Juan, and Sammy into a discussion. Zeke talked with Hulk and the Baker twins about off-road vehicles while I talked about life at home and abroad with Dave, Josh, his parents, and Maryann. Eventually, the hour grew late with Harold and Jean taking their leave. Bobby Baker and Maryann joined them as their small children fell asleep. We saw them off and a silence fell over those of us remaining.

"I feel like the evening is only getting started. I hate to leave such good company." Emil swished his drink as we stood in the den. The guys agreed heartily but I sensed tension in the air, as if everyone waited for one brave soul to say the secret password. We seemed to be waiting for permission but damn if I knew what for. I looked expectantly from face to face until Emil, fearless Emil, took the plunge.

"I have a question."

"Shoot, er, that is, what is your question?" Tommy cleared his throat awkwardly.

"You tell us all of the things we can do on a dude ranch but what do gay dudes do on a dude ranch?"

That led to an eruption of answers, most attempting to sound mature, informative, and responsible, save Josh, who nearly spit his drink through his nose laughing.

Everyone stopped to watch him. Josh seemed to enjoy the attention. His blue eyes sparkled with mischief to match Emil. He cast a roguish smile around the room. 

"Gay dudes do what gay dudes do on a dude ranch, dude." He waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

"I know what this gay dude wants to do." Devin flashed a crooked smile. Hulk looked ready to burst from excitement, while Dave's jaw fell open. I could see the voice of reason on the tip of his tongue but Tommy spoke first.

"It's a nice, warm night and there is a beautiful swimming pool just out back. It'd be a shame to let it go to waste."

Dave snapped as if awakened. "Oh, sure, everyone is welcome!"

As if a fairy drag queen waved her magic wand and yelled "Alloyastrip!" Shirts and coats flew off, someone put on pounding club music, and a festive air took over. Soon guys were bumping and grinding on a makeshift dance floor.

Meanwhile, someone politely mentioned having no swimsuit. A pang of anxiety spiked in me. Was I really considering this? I acted before the pushback of doubt crippled me.

"Do what gay dudes do!" I kicked off my jeans and boots, shucked my underwear and my tank shirt, and let everyone feast on the sight of my long neck, muscular back, the sweep of my spine, and the sensual curves of my ass, all wrapped in smooth coppery bronze skin. I shook my long black hair free and dove naked into the pool.

"When in Rome!" I heard after breaching the surface. I looked back, laughing as a couple of guys hopped on one foot struggling to kick off their boots. A gloriously naked Anton dove in behind me. He cut through the water like a knife. I watched as he drew near under the surface.

I shivered as his hands skimmed along my thighs, up my abs, to rest on my chest. I tasted chlorine as our lips touched.

"You were very bold. I expect that from Emil." He grinned.

"I'm still shaking," My teeth chattered though I smiled. "I won't let anxiety control me. At least my stunt worked." We looked back at how nearly everyone shed their clothing.

"Maybe a little too well." Anton pointed out Kevin, or "Hulk" as his friends called him, tread chin deep in water near them. He closed his eyes and appeared a little pained until a small brown head broke water and kissed him. The second of the Latinos joined them a moment later and ducked under water. Immediately after, Hulk's head fell back as he moaned.

I watched as around the pool guys fell into couples and small groups, kissing and from the heavy breathing, more. Zeke hung back on the wooden deck with Dick Baker. They were still fully clothed. It looked like they were debating whether or not to join the rest of us.

Meanwhile, Emil stuck with Josh and Dave, who in turn tread water close to Tommy and Devin. My chattering relaxed, so I glided over to find out what was up only to receive a surprise once I drew near.

Someone took my cock in hand underwater. By the placement it was a left hand and I floated on Emil's right. To my right Devin spoke softly with his husband, Tommy. He turned and saw me treading water next to him. The hand squeezed firmly to match his playful grin.

"Hey there," he spoke casually while -I assumed- his hand engaged in a welcome stroking action down below.

"Thanks for that," he nodded back toward the house. "We didn't know if we should -or if it was safe- to suggest anything like this."

Tommy looked relieved, "Yeah, we didn't want a diplomatic incident."

"The thanks should go to Josh," I pointed out. "He made it clear that you guys were up for more than dinner and a nightcap."

"Yeah, Josh is our instigator," Dave hugged his lover from behind. Josh simply smiled with his eyes closed. I estimated at least three sets of hands kept him very happy.

"If not him, it's this one." Tommy poked Devin, forcing him to let go of me to defend himself. A new pair of hands wrapped around my waist and pulled me back against a very solid, very well hung body.

I pinched the erection between my thighs as Anton's deep, throaty baritone vibrated in the marrow of my bones. "Emil usually leads the way with mischief. This one is typically bashful." He kissed my ear.

"Could've fooled me!" Devin laughed.

"So, everybody is naked, what now?" Dave asked.

"I have had a fantasy since we arrived." Emil peered.

"Oh?" Tommy arched a quizzical eyebrow.

The blond prince pointed between Dave and Josh. "I want you two inside me."

"Which first?" Dave lit at the idea while a slow, knowing smile crossed Josh's handsome face.

"Both at once, you mean double-penetration." Emil grinned wickedly in response. Dave looked like he might pass out at his luck.

"Yes, sir, we aim to please! I'm proud to step up for the honor of my country!" Dave saluted. Josh laughed as his husband practically dragged him out of the pool.

Anton searched our environs as we followed them to a set of poolside loungers. "We need lube."

Dave quailed. "It's in our bedroom upstairs. I don't think we have enough for everybody."

"We've got a quart bottle at my place, no problem!" Hulk sloshed out of the pool to get it. Meanwhile, everyone gave Hulk a telling look.

"You keep a quart bottle of lube." Tommy's eyebrows looked ready to fly off of his forehead. Hulk offered an insouciant shrug as he marched across the road naked. "We hate running out! What of it?"

Who would use that much lube in a month?" I heard a strident whisper with a subsequent response.

"Hulk, obviously."

It took a few minutes to navigate the specifics but Dave made it clear from the onset that no one but Josh fucked him. That helped things tumble into place.

Dave lay back on a lounge with me and Tommy slobbering joyfully on his cock and balls. Emil knelt straddling the Farm Boy's legs, kissing Dave with rolling passion. Devin feasted on Emil's ass with licentious delight, preparing him for the challenge ahead. Anton and Josh kissed with banked heat as the elder prince stroked Josh to his maximum hardness. I lost track of the others but they were similarly engaged. Before long Hulk returned with a gallon-sized jug of lube.

"Okay, so we had a quart left!" He grinned.

Soon, Dave's thick, glistening cock vanished inch by inch inside Emil's amazing ass. The Farm Boy's head lolled back with his eyes pinched shut in exquisite bliss.

"Ohhhh, fffuuuuuck…." He moaned.

As this happened Anton engaged Josh in a secretive exchange. I heard only the end as Dave's husband stepped into position behind Emil.

"You want to try it?" Anton grinned wolfishly as he pumped his own dripping cock. Josh took a look at the Dane's intimidating length and nodded.

"Bring it, I've taken Hulk, I can handle you." He bit back in a playful challenge.

Anton's eyes glittered dangerously as he stepped behind Josh, kissing along his shoulder until he reached the young lawyer's neck. 

Josh planted his stance wide, his balls swinging freely in the air. He bent over Emil's broad, muscular back. He took his massive tool in hand and pushed steadily, insistently, into the space already occupied by Dave.

"Oh, shit," Dave pinched his eyes shut in overwhelming pleasure. "You are so fucking tight!"

"FUCK!"

Josh shouted that last as Anton copied the tan young lawyer's stance and pierced Josh's perfect ass with his cock. Josh penetrated Emil as Anton penetrated him. The elder prince pushed Josh to the utter brink of madness before pain subsided. The young lawyer seized a handful of Emil's white blond hair and rammed home with a powerful grunt.

From that moment the four lovers lapsed into a world all their own. Their bodies slapped and crashed together with reckless abandon, sweat flew, fingers clenched, muscles strained in a feverish dance of give and take.

They did not give pleasure to one another so much as they inflicted it. They bludgeoned each other with it. They tore ecstasy from the others grasp with steely rods, gnashed teeth, and merciless nails. I could not tear my eyes from the sheer fucking beauty before me. I snapped back to consciousness sometime later on hearing Emil's ragged intake of breath.

"I'm coming! I'M FUCKING, COM-UNHHH–!!!"

I launched just as the first of many ropes of fresh-brewed, rich and creamy protein blasted from Emil's pulsing rod.

I suctioned the remainder directly from the spout but as if to challenge my diligence, the others came like falling dominos. I captured what I could and licked up what I missed, sharing everyone's loads in a steamy, messy group kiss.

I turned to witness how Tommy and Devin put another lounger to good use with a rough and tumble fuck. Weirdly, Hulk stood on all fours while Sammy and Juan pounded him to Kingdom come at the same time. I smiled as Zeke and Dick Baker enjoyed sucking each other in a deep but steady sixty-nine.

The ice between us had well and truly broken. We had more fun that night and the following day when Devin took us on one of the horse trails.

I had never ridden a horse. In fact, they scared me after one stepped on my foot as a child. Juan introduced me to one of the new horses, "Pokey." He assured me that Pokey would be gentle. He was but something else hit me on the trail.

I possessed a hypersensitive prostate. I could not ride a bicycle after puberty without explosive and messy consequences. The same applied to things like go carts, riding lawn mowers, and now, bumpy rides in horse saddles.
  
We rested at a lean-to where I got to sample more sexual delights from our trail guides.

The princes had a lot of experience riding horses but through polo. Sammy found the equipment in the barn so Anton and Emil gave a demonstration. The sun beat down from a cloudless sky so the princes rode shirtless. I filmed them with my digital camera, drooling as their sweaty muscles flexed astride their mounts. I captured an impromptu water fight after they put the gear away. A naked and laughing Josh hosed down the horses but then sprayed Anton and Emil. They took after him in a playful free-for-all. I loved these guys! They took every chance to get naked and have fun.

We wrapped up our week with a skinny dip and campout next to the lake. My princes rode the advanced horse trail while those of us less skilled took off-road vehicles packed with tents and supplies.

I had enjoyed spending intimate time with every one of our hosts and I thought about that as we sat drinking around the campfire. I called for a toast.

"To our hosts. You opened your home and your hearts to us. We have been all over the world but this is what I'll remember most. Thank you, for everything."

***

A few hours later, the fire burned low, the Milky Way shone overhead with breathtaking splendor. We insisted on putting out the fire before bed. Anton seemed preoccupied all evening and now I knew why. Once we were alone he dropped to one knee next to me. The fire set the blue in his eyes aflame as he opened a tiny box in his hand. He held a gorgeous platinum ring before me. His eyes never left mine as he spoke.

Chonay, our time together is drawing to a close. We have traveled the world for nearly a year to answer a single question, 'How do I want to spend the rest of my life?' and I have an answer. Our time here with these good people has made things clear to me. You are more than my best friend. I love you like I've loved no other. I want you like I want no other. I think of you every moment. We talk about the things we want to do together. We dream about our future together. I want that dream like I've wanted nothing else and it starts with this first step. Chonay Walksfar, will you marry me?"

Emil stepped from behind me and placed his hand on his brother's so that they both offered the ring.

"Will you marry us?"

---

* Author Note: I write in a fantasy world where sexually transmitted diseases do not exist but in the real world, PrEP before you play and glove it before you love it. Carry on gentlemen!

* That does it for our crossover event. I highly recommend checking out DJFM's story, "Our Senior Year and More" here on GayDemon.