An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Chapters: 6/?
Fandom: Per un pugno di dollari | A Fistful of Dollars (1964), Per qualche dollaro in più | For a Few Dollars More (1965), Il buono il brutto il cattivo | The Good The Bad and The Ugly (1966)
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Relationships: "Blondie" | The Man with No Name/Tuco Ramirez, Angel Eyes/"Blondie" | The Man with No Name, "Joe" | The Man with No Name/Ramón Rojo, El Indio/"Manco" | The Man with No Name
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Alternate Universe - 1970s
Summary: A motel clerk get's in over his head.
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Sorry did something unusual posting a story before i finish it, figured i’d make a post here about it
Hale Gladwin's introduction.
wrote a small piece when Hale gets on the drive
If you'd like to know more about him Click Here
The plan was New Mexico.
Hale took a drag off of his cigarillo.
Six other men were on horses; they stopped briefly in the desert.
It was night, in the distance a coyote was howling, that didn’t phase any of the men.
Nothing was said.
Money was split amongst them.
They’d done countless robberies, but they did something a bit unusual doing their heist at night, it took some planning but it was worth the clean escape.
The law wasn’t after them yet.
It wasn’t wise for a single person to carry all that money.
Splitting it now and meeting up later was best.
Hale was the leader of this gang, and he knew very well none of them would get second thoughts and take their cut and run off. He was too smart and wise, he knew how to cut out those that he might deem unloyal.
He was sure that’s what got him this far anyways.
Escaping the noose numerous times, he was probably one the most wanted men of the West at the moment. He didn’t get as much attention as others like Jesse James or Billy The Kid. Which was probably a good thing, usually he could slip through counties unnoticed.
Hale didn’t take his cut, another man would hold his share of the money till they met up later.
The gang leader’s reasoning, well if he’s caught, he’d be damned that they’d get that money.
After the money was counted, everyone split up.
All going different directions.
Hale flicked his cigarillo out into the darkness of the desert, he’d be riding till morning, all his men would be doing the same. Getting as many miles between them and that town.
Even if they’d tried to track them they’d be long gone and the trail would be cold.
Hale's direction was South.
He could hop the border, but that might make it a bit tough coming back to get to New Mexico.
Instead he went to San Antonio.
It took him a few days but he got there in one piece.
He probably should’ve avoided big cities, but at the same time, he could blend in with more people, than some little town.
Hale needed a drink, he stopped at the first saloon he saw.
He saw an old man making a fuss at a younger man across the street where the general store was.
“Now Mushy, I didn’t check that flour, why’re you putting it in the supply wagon fer’?”
“Well Sorry Mister Wishbone, must’ve picked it up from the wrong pile.”
The old man said something else but Hale didn’t care to listen, it was drowned out by the sounds of the saloon.
He saw men dressed in chaps, a noisy bunch.
Drovers.
On the ride in Hale didn’t recall seeing any cattle, maybe they were on the opposite side of town, or maybe their drive didn’t start yet.
Hale went to the bar and ordered a drink.
Hale wasn’t exactly small, he was a big man, tall and dark, adding handsome to that might be up for debate
He shifted his duster, pushing it back and exposing his pistol.
Hale lit up a cigarillo, taking a drag and he felt eyes on him.
The gang leader was good at not showing emotion, having a blank expression as he took a sip of whiskey. Maybe the other drovers were vaguely curious.
This man had quite the presence, but didn’t say anything at all.
Seeing as he wasn’t starting any trouble the drovers did keep an eye on him but maybe not as close as before.
“You been on the road for a while?”
Hale wondered if anyone was going to approach him, guess someone’s curiosity got the best of them.
Hale exhaled smoke.
“A while,” Hale said, with some smoke escaping his lips.
The gang leader's voice was low and deep.
Hale heard a faint laugh beside him, he hadn’t yet looked at this man beside him, but he could tell he was already a little drunk and it wasn’t even noon yet.
“You looking for work?”
Hale paused for a moment.
“Do I look like a drover to you?,” Hale said, his tone was flat not harsh.
“Well no, but our boss is a bit desperate for men, $1 a day, and food.”
Oh it was hard for Hale not to laugh at the proposition.
“Well that does sound mighty tempting,” Hale teased.
“The names Collins,” Collins introduced himself offering his hand.
Hale finally turned his head, Collins was an older man, similar to his age, blond hair and mustache, and yep he was drunk.
Hale wasn’t rude; he shook his hand.
“Hale,” He said.
“Mind if I ask you one thing Collins?,” Hale asked.
“Well shoot.”
“What railhead will you all be stopping at?”
Collins thought for a moment.
“Believe it’s Denver this time,” Collins said.
That perked up Hale’s interest.
“You sure about that?,” Hale questioned.
Collins itched his head, and turned around spotting Quince nearby.
“Hey Quince, what city will we be in at the end of this drive?,” Collins asked.
Quince grunted under his breath, “Denver.”
“Denver,” Collins proudly repeated.
“Well I guess I have to accept that tempting offer then,” Hale said.
Collins was beaming.
“You know you’re the first one to accept that offer in this town? I don’t understand it, pretty fair deal if you ask me,” Collins grumbled.
“When you lot pulling out?,” Hale asked.
“Tomorrow, I’d suggest talking to the boss then, he’s been in a right mood lately,” Collins said.
“Anything I should know about this boss?,” Hale asked.
“Well uh… hm… He’s fair, and a good man to work for, he’ll push you though… I told myself I’d never come back but here I am again, can’t really imagine myself working for anyone else. Oh, and he’s a nasty temper when he’s mad,” Collins said.
Hale took in that information, and he’d probably make his decision for himself when he’d meet that trailboss tomorrow.
Hale finished his drink, saying thanks to Collins before departing the saloon, he needed a bath.
Without Collins saying it he knew what kind of man the trail boss was before even laying eyes on him.
Usually a fair man that pushed you till he was sure of your breaking point also wasn’t dumb. There could be a chance he might recognize him or maybe not. The other drovers didn’t.
This was just too good of an opportunity not to take advantage of.
They were going to Denver. They'd be going right through New Mexico, it was too perfect.
Sure he’d be doing hard labor, but he’d take that chance slipping right through unnoticed on the cattle drive.
Collins told him where they’d be meeting before the drive started.
It was morning and it seemed like Hale was the first to arrive, other men shortly showed up, Hunched over, hats tipped down to keep the sun out their eyes, hung over.
Hale found it a little amusing.
Hale hopped off his horse, and approached from what he could safely assume was the trail boss.
“You’re the boss of his outfit?,” Hale asked.
Gil was in the middle of trying to account for his men.
“Looking for work?,” Gil asked.
“Well one of your drovers told me the going rate, and figured it was probably the best work I’d find,” Hale said.
Gil turned around having his back to Hale.
They were eye level.
Gil was taking him in, Hale knew that, he didn’t act phased at all.
Hale didn’t look like a drover, hell he didn’t look like a man that did any sort of cattle work.
“Name?,” Gil asked.
“Hale Gladwin,” Hale said.
Hale could see it in those hazel eyes of the trail boss, maybe recognizing the name from somewhere, but he couldn’t quite place it.
That’s how it always went.
“Do droving before?,” Gil asked.
“Not droving specifically, but I’ve worked with cattle before, but I suppose the real question you might be trying to ask me is if I've worked before. You can look at my hands if you’d like trailboss,” Hale offered, showing his hand that was well worn, covered in calluses and scars.
“It’s a dollar a day, free grub, but you won’t be paid till we get the cattle to the railhead in Denver,” Gil said.
Oh this trail boss was desperate for men alright.
“Fine by me,” Hale said.
When the rest of his men arrived slowly but surely, Gil went over everything before they’d be heading out.
They’d be taking 2,500 cattle to Denver.
Rowdy, Scarlet, and Teddy were picking up 500 more head and would be meeting them in Austin.
Hale didn’t pay mind to names, at least for now.
He was just happy he might get to New Mexico in one piece.
It took roughly almost a week to get to Austin.
Hale was riding drag, no complaints.
He knew all men started from the bottom, it was only fair.
Along the way they picked up other drovers.
They made noon camp.
Pete rode into camp, he was out for days before the drive had started to do his scouting work.
The scout dropped off his horse in the remuda, Jesus took care of his horse for him.
“Least I have good news boss, all that rain that got ahead of us, made for good grazing and some watering holes. It would be best to take advantage of that. It’s a 3 day push to get to it,” Pete said.
“Guess that is good, it would be nice to start off the drive with something in our favor for once,” Gil said.
“I saw Rowdy, Scarlet, and Teddy, they’ll be able to catch up with us by tonight,” Pete added.
“If that’s the case we’ll bed down here,” Gil answered.
Pete nodded, he happened to look over the camp.
He saw familiar faces, and new ones.
Usually Pete wouldn’t pay that much attention, but unfortunately for him something did.
Hale was leaning under the shade of an oak tree to smoke.
“Who’s that?,” Pete asked.
Gil looked where Pete had his attention.
“He’s not exactly unnoticeable ain’t he?,” Gil teased.
“Doesn’t exactly look like the usual drover, looks like a bounty hunter or something,” Pete commented.
“Could be, maybe that’s why his name sounds so familiar,” Gil said.
“Which is?,’ Pete inquired.
“He goes by Hale Gladwin,” Gil said.
It took Pete less than a moment for that name to ring a bell.
“You have to be joking boss,” Pete forced a laugh.
“That’s the name he gave,” Gil said.
“Boss… You hired an outlaw!!!,” Pete hushed his voice.
“You sure about that?,” Gil asked.
“Oh I’m sure… You mean to tell me… We have THE Hale Gladwin in our outfit, notorious robber, criminal.. Boss he’s wanted in 14 counties and 3 states,” Pete said.
“Si! Senor Boss, I heard his gang robbed a bank recently, there’s a posse I’m sure out for him,” Jesus spoke up.
They were by the remuda and having heard their conversation.
“Have you seen a wanted poster of him?,” Gil asked both of them.
“No Senor boss but-”“No but it’s him, there-”
Gil frowned at the both of them.
“Now you may say it’s him, but it might not be him, not sure how common of a name Hale Gladwin is; But I’d rather not start accusing, especially since I need men,” Gil snapped.
Pete was about to say something, but Gil stopped him.
“That’s final, so as long as he does his job, that’s all I ask for,” Gil said.
Pete grunted out an annoyed sigh, it was no use arguing when Gil made up his mind he always stuck with it.
Pete let it go for now, at least till Rowdy and the others got back, maybe Rowdy could talk some sense into their trailboss.
Pete and Jesus shared a look they’d drop it for now.
It was the evening with Rowdy, Scarlet, and Teddy bringing in 500 head.
Rowdy was talking with Gil, filling him in, thankfully the cattle were no trouble to move along.
They’d be moving on tomorrow.
Rowdy got a plate of dinner, and he noticed Pete practically pouting by the side of the supply wagon.
“Now what’s that look for?,” Rowdy asked, giving a small laugh.
“Well while you were away, the boss hired a criminal to be a drover,” Pete said.
Rowdy was confused, “he did what?,” he asked.
“See that man there?,” Pete nodded to the side.
Hale was sitting on a rock eating his dinner, he was in camp, Collins was talking to him.
It would be hard for Rowdy not to agree with Pete already, that didn’t look like cattleman that was for sure.
“His name is Hale Gladwin, I know you’re from West Texas Rowdy, I dunno if you heard of him,” Pete said.
Rowdy had to think the name vaguely sounded familiar, but that’s all not really connecting it to anything.
“Does he have quite the rap sheet?,” Rowdy asked.
“He does, told the boss that. He’s wanted for multiple armed robberies, in 14 counties and 3 states,” Pete said.
“And the boss was fine with that?...,” Rowdy asked.
That sounded very unlike his trail boss.
“He needs men,” Pete said.
Rowdy made a slight face.
Rowdy looked around for Gil, he was right where he left him, beside the chuck wagon eating his dinner.
Rowdy walked over.
Gil was sitting on a box.
Not really paying mind to his Ramrod that was approaching him.
“Hey boss?,” Rowdy started off.
“Yeah?”
Rowdy squatted down, he started to pick at his own dinner.
“See you got new men,” Rowdy said.
“Barely… Lets hope I can pick up five more, when we get to Silver Cove in 5 days,” Gil grumbled.
“Well I know you’re desperate for men boss but uh… That Hale fellah…,” Rowdy started off, but Gil stopped him.
“You talked to Pete I see,” Gil commented.
“What’s one man anyways?,” Rowdy asked.
“Now you haven’t been here for a week Rowdy, if he really does have a bit of a complicated past and present I’m not here to ask questions. I’m just here to get 3,000 head of cattle to Denver. If he makes trouble fine we’ll send him on his way, but until then he stays, he’s riding drag with no complaints unlike the rest of these jaspers,” Gil said.
Rowdy would’ve liked to have made a comment of course he would, anyone that was avoiding the law would do just about anything to stay away from it.
“Now no more talk about this,” Gil added.
Rowdy grunted under his breath, his trail boss was stubborn.
After dinner, men were assigned to nighthawk while others grabbed bed rolls to turn in for the night.
Hale wasn’t tired, he was smoking outside of camp, when he heard footsteps approaching.
Out of view he had his hand on his pistol.
“Droving might not be your profession, but it would be better to get some sleep.”
Hale turned his head, seeing Rowdy near him, but not too close.
“You must be the ramrod huh?,” Hale asked.
“I am,” Rowdy answered.
“Just stopping by to say hello? Thoughtful,” Hale teased.
Hale took a drag off of his cigarillo.
“It was brought to my attention that you might have a colorful record,” Rowdy said.
“That right?”
“What’re you doing here?,” Rowdy cut right to the point.
“Maybe I’m starting fresh. You know, the cattle business is booming, it seemed like a good switch,” Hale said.
Rowdy frowned, he was eye level with Hale, even if the criminal wasn’t looking directly at him at the moment.
“I’m sure, this isn’t some type of trick for cattle rustling?,” Rowdy asked.
That earned him a small laugh from Hale.
“Rustling? Cattle?... If I do any rustling it would horses, easier to move and not as dumb,” Hale said.
“You think getting smart with me is wise?,” Rowdy asked, his temper flaring a little.
“Sorry about that Mister Ramrod,” Hale apologized, he flicked his cigarillo.
Hale’s eyes flickered down to the pistol strapped at Rowdy’s side.
“You any good with that gun, boy?,” Hale asked.
“Did you want to find out?,” Rowdy questioned back with a frown on his face.
“Easy Mister Ramrod, only asking. Figured it would be nice to have a handsome sharpshooter in my gang, well if you thought about giving up the cattle business that is?,” Hale said, his mouth briefly twitching into a smile.
Rowdy’s face scrunched up.
“Can’t say being a thief is in my future,” Rowdy said.
Hale shrugged, he didn’t look much bothered.
“Well I don’t want to keep you Mister Ramrod, since you probably should get some sleep,” Hale half mocked.
Rowdy glared at the other man.
He couldn’t wait for this criminal to screw up, so then he’d have a reason to send him packing.
Rowdy didn’t say anything else, which was unlike him, usually he always had to have the last word in.
Rowdy could’ve sworn he felt eyes on his back.
The ramrod put his bedroll on the ground, he looked back, Hale was already lying down, head against the saddle, and his hat tipped covering his face.
They'd rode together for days, and it was time to part ways.
Jesus was traveling South, while Rowdy would be traveling further West.
They would've rode together longer if it was possible, but they put it off long enough.
Rowdy hopped off his horse, looking at the vast nothingness of the open prairie.
Jesus followed suit.
"You think four weeks will go by fast?," Rowdy asked, breaking the silence between them.
Jesus was holding onto the reigns of his horse in his hands awkwardly.
"If it's anything like last time... No," Jesus offered a small smile.
Rowdy turned his head to look at Jesus, he smiled back, then itched his cheek giving a small laugh.
"You're probably right," Rowdy said.
Rowdy took a step forward, Jesus didn't move.
The wrangler felt his face get warm, then Rowdy reached out pushing aside the open part of his shirt.
Jesus felt the chain around his neck slide up, the pendant that hung very low on his chest was brought into view. Rowdy had gently taken ahold of it.
The pendant was nothing special, well to most it wouldn't be nothing special. It was just a protection token Jesus' mother gave him for when he'd be on long journey's on the drive. Mother Mary stamped onto the silver like metal, which it was hardly silver it was probably made out of nickel or some other cheap material. It was nothing worth to steal, which is why the wrangler still had it in his possession after all this time and as many times as the outfit got in trouble.
Rowdy didn't inspect the pendant, he lifted it higher, and softly placed his lips on it. The pendant was very warm from resting against Jesus' skin on the long ride they had all day.
Jesus felt his face get even warmer, his heart started to flutter.
"Maybe some of that luck will rub off on me for the ride home," Rowdy said.
Jesus had a small frown on his face, "don't say things like that, do you want something to happen?," He asked.
Rowdy gave another small laugh, he stared at Jesus with soft eyes, he tucked the pendant back into Jesus' shirt when he was done.
"Can't say I do, but it usually has a way of finding me doesn't it?," Rowdy asked.
Jesus stepped closer, "just... be careful," He said.
Rowdy smiled again, a half cocked grin on his face.
"I'm not good at promises I can't keep," Rowdy answered.
Jesus' eyes flickered down, he didn't say anything.
As far as they knew they were alone out here.
Jesus heard the sound of gravel and dirt crunch, when Rowdy stepped even closer.
The wrangler stilled when he felt something soft and warm press against his forehead.
Rowdy had leaned down pressing a small kiss against his forhead.
Jesus reached out and pulled at the ramrod's sleeve to keep him close.
Rowdy had pulled away slightly, he pressed his forehead against Jesus'.
"Think we both have a lot of ground to cover," Rowdy said.
Jesus took the hint, he let go of Rowdy, with the other man pulling away.
Both of them got back onto their horses.
"Maybe four weeks will go by fast this time," Rowdy said.
"It never does Rowdy, it's always a lifetime," Jesus answered.
They stared at each other, then both of them laughing.
It was always bittersweet when they would part ways, but the both of them would try and be a bit optimistic for the other.
"See you in four weeks Soos," Rowdy said.
"I'll write to you," Jesus answered.
That earned him a grin from Rowdy.
Both of them pulled at their reigns, getting their horses to ride off in different directions.
Jesus going South, and Rowdy going West.
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Well this ended up being way longer than I thought! lol
Idk I wanted to write something about the pendant Soos wears but is never talked about, and we only see it a handful of times... Anyways!
Characters: OCxOC Hale/Jonah *Jonah belongs to @khazadspoon *
Rating: Mature
Summary: It's the end of the trail drive and some drovers aren't good at saying goodbye.
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“Got something on your mind, small one?”
The campfire quietly crackled.
“What makes you ask that?”
A soft laugh followed.
Hale and Jonah were sitting near one of the campfires, maybe an arms length apart from each other.
“Well ever since I got back from town, I feel like I have a small shadow following me around,” Hale said with some amusement.
Jonah felt his face get warm.
“Could be you’re imagining things,” Jonah answered.
Hale didn’t say anything, he reached into his jacket pocket to get a cigarillo, lighting it with a match right after.
Jonah fidgeted for a moment.
“You were at the telegram office in town,” Jonah said finally.
“That I was,” Hale answered.
“On this entire drive every other town we’ve passed you stopped by a telegram office, expecting something or sending something?,” Jonah asked.
If this was early on in the drive Jonah wouldn’t dare ask something like this, pushing into someone else's private business like that.
It was a bit different now, Jonah knew what Hale was like.
Hale didn’t answer right away, he took a couple of puffs off of his cigarillo.
“You know I could say you were observant, while at the same time I never hid my business much have I?,” Hale questioned, biting back a smile.
Jonah noticed the wrinkles around the other man’s eyes and how they scrunched up a bit. The younger man knew by now usually that would only happen when Hale found something very humorous.
“I suppose you haven’t,” Jonah answered.
“Well I’m not so good at goodbyes, so I guess I can tell you I’ll be leaving first thing,” Hale said.
Jonah looked confused, then furrowing his brow slightly.
“Leaving?,” Jonah asked.
“What you’d miss me?,” Hale teased.
“Why would you leave? The buyers aren’t going to be in Sedalia for a couple of days, you still have your pay to collect,” Jonah questioned.
Hale stifled back a small laugh, then taking another drag off of his cigarillo.
“You know I’m not a drover, boy, why would I collect any pay for something I’m not?,” Hale questioned, he turned his head to look at Jonah.
“Well because you’ve done the work of a drover… For a couple of months now, and you literally have done it for free?? You don’t want anything for it?,” Jonah questioned, still not understanding at all about Hale’s reasoning.
“I suppose so, I got what I wanted out of this anyways,” Hale said, then turning his attention back to the campfire.
“Which is?,” Jonah pressed.
“Well for one being the boss man, and none of the rest of you in this outfit turning me in. Which is wise since I’d have killed anyone that thought they could’ve,” Hale said.
Jonah wanted to roll his eyes, but he very well knew by now Hale was always a man that whatever he said he always followed through. Maybe that’s why Jonah did get some small and confusing feelings for this mangy criminal.
Jonah drew his knees to his chest.
“Yeah well… $10,000 is a lot of money,” Jonah said.
Hale looked at the other man out the corner of his eye, very amused for a moment.
“It is but at least you’re smart enough to know you’d be outgunned, you’re not much of a good shot with a pistol. And I don’t think I’d let you get close enough to hit me with a rifle neither,” Hale said.
“There’s 40 of us and one of you,” Jonah countered.
Hale took another drag off of his cigarillo, then holding he looked at it pensively.
“And lucky for me, none of you are smart enough to work together, and well with a big payout splitting all that money? Hm? Doesn’t really make it much worth it does it?,” Hale mused.
“Didn’t realize you were good at math,” Jonah said.
Hale laughed softly.
“What’re your plans after this small one?,” Hale asked, changing the subject.
Jonah thought for a moment.
“I’m not sure,” Jonah answered.
“Well you better start thinking,” Hale said.
Jonah made a slight face.
“That’s not really any of your business is it?,” Jonah asked.
“Suppose not, but there’s not that many outfits around come October, you’re gonna need to find work for a couple of months; And you don’t have nowhere to go as I recall?,” Hale said.
Jonah felt his face get warm again.
“Like I said, is it any of your business?”
“You can ask about my affairs but not me to you? I don’t think that’s really fair,” Hale said.
Jonah’s face got much warmer.
“I dunno… Maybe pick up work as a ranch hand… or something,” Jonah said.
“That’d be easier work at least, and for around the same pay. Least you’re smarter than you look,” Hale teased a bit at the end.
“Won’t miss that…,” Jonah mumbled under his breath.
“Hm?”
“Your sense of humor,” Jonah deadpanned.
“I’m usually not one to be missed,” Hale said.
Hale took one last drag off of his cigarillo before tossing what was left into the campfire.
“As entertaining as this conversation was with you small one, I think I should be getting some shut eye,” Hale said.
The older man got up from the ground to stretch.
Jonah didn’t say anything but he did watch the other man.
Men had their saddles and bedrolls in all sorts of places around camp.
Jonah noticed how Hale disappeared just outside the campfire's light on the edge of camp.
Jonah stared at the campfire in front of him, lightly chewing his lower lip, thinking.
Probably thinking too much.
His eyes shifted looking at his surroundings, only a couple of men were asleep, everyone else was either talking, playing some knife game that he never did really understand or cards.
Jonah carefully got up from the ground he dusted himself off, and casually walked outside of camp.
Jonah made his way around a corner, which happened to be some large boulders outside of camp.
A twig snapped under his feet, he mentally cursed.
“Forget something small one?”
Jonah jumped slightly.
He looked down, Hale was on the ground, lying back on a bed roll, his head resting on his saddle, while his hat was tipped covering his face.
Jonah straightened up, and lightly cleared his throat.
“Ah… No.. I just thought…”
“Thought what?”
Jonah’s face was practically on fire.
Hale lifted his hat, and sat it on the horn of his saddle, then adjusting himself so he could sit up, his back leaning against the saddle.
Being outside of camp a lot of things were obscured, Jonah couldn’t read Hale’s expression if he was annoyed with him or what exactly.
“You’re curious aren’t you?,” Hale asked.
Out of instinct Jonah frowned.
“Curious about what?,” Jonah asked himself.
“Well judging by how you give the boss man certain looks and a couple of others… Doesn’t really take much to figure it out,” Hale said.
Jonah felt himself immediately getting on the defensive, he had the urge to tell Hale that he was wrong; But he knew and probably Hale knew he’d be lying so he didn’t say anything. Instead he made an attempt to step away.
“And there’s a reason you walked over here, instead of your bedroll you have in camp,” Hale spoke up, which stopped Jonah from moving.
Jonah felt his heart pounding in his chest.
“And you think you have it figured out?,” Jonah asked.
In the moonlight Jonah could catch the glint of Hale’s smile.
Jonah hesitated, but found himself walking, he walked over to Hale, getting down on his knees. Hesitating for another moment, then closing the space between them kissing Hale.
Jonah felt a firm but gentle hand at the nape of his neck.
Out of nervousness Jonah pulled away slightly.
“Huh… I wasn’t expecting that, I thought you came over because you wanted to join my gang,” Hale said.
Jonah’s eyes widened, he was completely mortified.
He wanted to hide under one of the boulders beside them and never see the light of day ever again and-
Jonah attempted to pull away, he had to save whatever dignity he had left.
“Easy easy… I was only teasing you,” Hale laughed softly.
Jonah scrunched up his face, he put a hand on Hale chest giving an attempt to push him away.
“You’re a bastard, you know that?”
“Oh I’ve been called much worse things.”
Jonah stilled when he felt Hale’s hand gently rub the nape of his neck.
“Now I agree it wasn’t a very nice thing for me to do, so let me make it up to you, how’s that?,” Hale offered.
“No more jokes…”
“Alright.”
Hale closed the space between them, kissing Jonah softly.
Jonah’s heart was pounding hard in his chest.
Jonah had some experience kissing, hell he even had a little bit experience kissing another man before; But somehow this was very different.
Raising his hand Jonah lightly touched the side of Hale’s cheek, feeling that unkempt scruff under his fingertips made him wonder what it would feel like to feel it against his skin.
Jonah felt himself pushing closer against the other man, practically in his arms.
The kiss deepened.
Jonah felt himself blushing, he could taste cigars on the other man’s tongue. He was pulled into Hale’s arms, they were chest to chest now.
Jonah tightness and warmth that traveled down to his groin, it had been quite a while since he last kissed someone before. At the moment he couldn’t even focus enough to even recall when was the last time.
Hale made them change positions, he had Jonah lean back against his saddle.
Jonah took in a sudden breath, as Hale palmed his crotch.
“You said you don’t have much experience, that right?,” Hale asked.
Jonah barely mumbled out a quiet ‘no’.
Jonah stiffened when Hale undid his pants.
“Easy, relax. I ain’t gonna hurt you… Just make you feel good, promise,” Hale murmured against Jonah’s ear.
He shivered when he felt Hale’s scruffy face rub against his cheek.
Jonah was expecting something he was familiar with, when Hale slipped his hand into his pants and started to stroke him. He bit back a small groan, he bit his lower lip hard to stay quiet.
Jonah might’ve heard some amusement escape Hale’s mouth.
Hale pulled away, and lowered himself so he was between Jonah’s thighs.
Jonah had a deep blush on his face that traveled down to his neck, when he watched Hale take him into his mouth.
The younger man let out a shallow deep sigh, he never felt something like this before, his dick being enveloped in a wet and warm heat.
Jonah shut his eyes, the heels of his boots dug into the bedroll.
Hale let out his own pleasing hum.
Jonah breathed deeper, it felt too good what the other man was doing to him, before he knew it felt himself getting close fast.
Jonah’s legs buckled, his thighs clamping around Hale’s head as he finished quickly.
A small moan managed to escape Jonah’s mouth, his hands slacked that were fisting the bedroll on either side of him.
Jonah heard the sound of spitting, he opened his eyes, seeing Hale wipe his mouth with the back of his hand.
Hale sat up, with Jonah tucking himself back into his pants.
“I… I umm…,” Jonah trailed off.
“Hm?”
“I can… You know…,” Jonah felt the blush on his face go deeper.
“You ever done something like that before?,” Hale asked.
Jonah shook his head.
Hale let out a faint laugh under his breath.
“Well as sweet as that is, I only have the time to show, not teach. You understand?,” Hale said.
“Oh…,” Jonah swallowed hard.
“You’re good with your hands aren’t you?,” Hale asked.
“Good enough I think…,” Jonah said quietly.
“Fine.”
Hale undid his belt, but he left his gun belt alone. He was too paranoid to take that off.
“Well?,” Hale questioned.
Jonah hesitated briefly, Hale was leaned over him.
Jonah undid his pants, the other man was hard. It made him blush deeply wondering if he made him feel that way or he was just a pervert so it didn’t matter much who it was.
Either way Jonah liked how it felt stroking another man, he heard Hale sigh.
“A bit tighter… Yeah that’s it,” Hale sighed again.
Jonah blushed again when Hale started kissing his neck, feeling his scruff scraping against his neck was sending shivers up and down his spine.
“You know something boy… I’m happy I was right about you from the first time I saw you ride in with that Ramrod,” Hale said softly into Jonah’s ear.
Jonah swallowed hard.
“Right about what?...” Jonah asked.
Jonah shivered, feeling Hale gently nipping at his jaw.
“That all you pretty boys are just the same, curiosity gets the best of you… I’m not a betting man but if I was, I’d bet if I asked you sweetly I could get you to say yes to just about anything…,” Hale said.
Jonah was annoyed by Hale’s comment, while at the same time there was a shiver of excitement that started to run south through him.
Jonah felt a bit of slickness on his hand, Hale was practically grinding himself into his hand, he was sure he was getting close.
“You’d… Wanna do something like that with me?...,” Jonah shyly asked.
“I’d take you nice and slow, take my time working you open…,” Hale sighed against Jonah’s ear.
Jonah felt his heart start to pound in his chest.
“If we weren’t on the outskirts of Sedalia, just outside camp, on the hard ground. You’d be too tempting, boy if I got you alone in a hotel room.”
Jonah mentally cursed since the older man was right about that, it was smart that this didn’t get out of hand.
Jonah wondered if Hale stuck around after the cattle were delivered and… If they got to a hotel room in town and…
Hale cursed under his breath, he finished in Jonah’s hand.
The younger man turned his head so he could softly place his lips at the corner of Hale’s mouth.
Hale seemed to appreciate the small gesture.
Jonah wiped his hand on the dry grass.
Hale tucked himself back into his pants, and fixed his belt.
Jonah sat up a bit, when the other man plopped down beside him letting out a contented sigh.
Hale put an arm around Jonah, which surprised him slightly, since he was about to get up, and go back into camp.
Hale didn’t say anything.
Jonah felt his face get warm again, he lied down, he let his head rest against Hale’s chest.
“Comfortable?,” Hale asked.
“Yeah.”
With his other arm he reached over to grab his hat, putting it on and tipping it to cover his face.
Jonah was perfectly tucked against the other man’s side, he felt safe being held so close, probably the safest he felt in… He couldn’t even recall.
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Jonah fell asleep with ease.
Faint noises roused Jonah.
It was sounds he was accustomed to by now, Wishbone getting out pots and pans to get breakfast and the coffee going.
Jonah mumbled something under his breath, as he woke up.
He noticed he was alone, he was on the bedroll covered in a blanket.
For a moment Jonah wondered how he could’ve slept through Hale leaving, sneaking off with the saddle to ride out.
Jonah felt his face get warm again, thinking about last night.
He was a bit grateful he was by himself like this away from camp, that gave him a few moments to collect himself.
Jonah got up, tied up his bedroll and headed into camp, as other drovers were slowly getting up for the day.
He wasn’t sure why, but his eyes briefly scanned around camp, seeing no sign of the scruffy criminal.
The next couple of days passed by quickly, the buyers were in Sedalia, cattle were moved, and they finally were paid.
Men were hollering, almost tripping over each other to head into town to celebrate and blow their money.
First thing Jonah was going to take a bath, he couldn’t wait to get this dirt of the trails off of him.
“Oh Jonah, hang on a moment.”
Jonah’s back straightened up hearing a voice behind him, he knew it was his trail boss calling him.
“Oh yes Mister Favor?,” Jonah inquired, turning around and stopping.
Every man had just about left, leaving them mostly alone.
“I wanted to wait till most of the men left, but here,” Gil said.
Gil handed over some money.
Jonah was about to take it, but stopped, he was already paid.
“Uh… Sir you did pay me you recall don’t you?,” Jonah questioned.
Gil smiled, he looked half amused and half annoyed.
“Well I was told to give it to you, since I’m sure you noticed we’re one man short,” Gil said.
“Then it should just be split with the rest of the men then,” Jonah countered.
Gil forced a small laugh, he tucked the money in the front of Jonah’s jacket pocket.
“To quote exactly what I was told to tell you, ‘tell that boy he better use that money to buy new pants, since the ones he wears look like they belong on a scarecrow.’,” Gil said.
Jonah felt his face get warm.
“It’s not my business what a man does with his money, but I think he might be right. If you sign on again in four weeks, you’ll best be needing new pants,” Gil said.
Jonah perked up.
“You’d… You’d want me to sign on again?,” Jonah asked.
“Well you weren’t the worst drover I had, Willow Falls in near San Antone that’ll be where we start,” Gil said.
Gil gave him a thoughtful pat on the shoulder before walking away.
Jonah couldn’t help but have a smile on his face.
He was worried he’d have to figure something else out after the drive, but for four weeks? That would last him just fine the money he earned.
As Jonah started walking he felt something press against his chest, remembering the extra money. He stopped walking briefly, taking it out to look at it.
He rolled his eyes, he tucked it away again, and headed over to a merchandise store.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Chapters: 5/5
Fandom: Il buono il brutto il cattivo | The Good The Bad and The Ugly (1966), Per qualche dollaro in più | For a Few Dollars More (1965), Per un pugno di dollari | A Fistful of Dollars (1964)
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: "Blondie" | The Man with No Name/Tuco Ramirez, "Joe" | The Man with No Name/Tuco Ramirez
Characters: "Blondie" | The Man with No Name, "Joe" | The Man with No Name, "Manco" | The Man with No Name, Tuco Ramirez
Additional Tags: implied manco/mortimer, the man with no name are actually all brothers, triplet fic?
Summary: When the trail goes cold trying to track down Blondie, a bandido needs the help of two Blondie look a likes to find him.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Rawhide (TV)
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Jesús Patines/Rowdy Yates
Characters: Jesús Patines, Rowdy Yates, Gil Favor
Additional Tags: in general fic, story setup
Summary:
A stranger runs into a Ramrod.
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Just a nice setup for when i write more Jesus/Rowdy. It could be read as in general fiction anyways
