It had been a long, hard ride, with little rest on the way. Adam wanted to get to San Francisco as soon as possible so that they could get a good nights rest for the trip early the next morning. Joe had no time to think all day, not since Pa had cast him and his brother out of the house. It was now that he regretted asking Adam to reveal their relationship and take him away. At the moment, it seemed like a good idea; now he had lost Pa and Hoss.
Stifling a sob, Joe rolled out away from his brother and buried his face into his pillow. What had he done to himself? To Adam? It had been a selfish request, and now not only could he never return home, neither could Adam. He had torn them both away from the home that they loved, never to return. Without realizing it, his sobs grew stronger.
"Joe? Are you alright?" Whispered the soothing baritone voice. Joe became aware of a hand at his shoulder, gently turning him onto his back. Adam wiped away tears as he smiled comfortingly down into his brother's face.
"So what's the problem?" Adam wanted to know.
"I'm sorry, Adam," Joe muttered forlornly. He tried to look away only to have his face pulled gently back to center, forcing him to look his brother in the eye.
"Just tell me what's wrong, huh?" Adam insisted, his face serious yet compassionate.
"I knew that this would happen," Joe stated forlornly, "That if we told them, we'd have to leave and never come back. I just-" A finger was placed on his lips, silencing him.
"I know. You couldn't handle hiding the truth. To be honest," Adam replied, "Neither could I. I'm taking you to Japan for the both of us." Adam slid his hand to the side of his brother's face, and kissed Joe ever so gently on the lips. Laying back down, Adam gathered Joe into his arms again, holding the small frame tightly.
Joe nuzzled his face into his brother's chest, breathing deep the familiar scent. It was indescribable, somehow earthy and ethereal all at the same time. He didn't waste too much time thinking about it, allowing himself to relax.
The ship headed to Japan departed at eight in the morning, right on schedule. Adam smirked as he watched his younger brother yawning, trying to stay awake.
Leaning against the railing and watching America grow smaller, Adam asked, "So how much sleep did you get last night?"
"Oh, I got enough," Joe replied stubbornly. He tried to fight back another yawn unsuccessfully.
"I'd say you need to go back to bed," Adam stated calmly.
"And you're going to make me, is that it?" There was a hint of teasing in Joe's voice. Adam smiled, and looked Joe in the eye. Without warning, he pulled the smaller man into his arms, much like a bridegroom holding his bride, and carried Joe into the small room that they shared on the ship. Placing him on the bed, Adam looked at Joe intently before kissing the lips that he dearly loved.
"Rest for awhile, and I promise to make well worth it," Adam stated, rubbing Joe's thigh suggestively. Joe shivered with desire, his eyes closed.
"Suddenly I'm not so tired anymore," Joe murmured, his hand sliding up Adam's arm and grasping the material that stood in the way between his hand and his brother's flesh.
Grazing his lips against Joe's ear, Adam whispered, "Sleep now, and I'll have my way with you later."
Joe's eyes fluttered open halfway, and he smiled at Adam. A small hand guided Adam's face down until he was kissing Joe again. The ever-so sweet tongue begged admittance into Adam's mouth. He let it in, sucking lightly on it before the mock battle for dominance began once again. Adam always won, Joe liked it that way.
The very first night they made love to one another, Joe realized he wasn't in the least bit disappointed when Adam took the lead. Neither one of them knew what they were doing back then, but Adam took charge. The feel of Adam's body against his own during their first passionate interlude remained strong in Joe's memory. He could still fell the way their hips moved together, how he writhed under Adam's touch, and that hard member as it painfully entered his anus for the first time. Adam did his best to move slow, not wanting to hurt his brother. As they continued, Joe found that pain merged with pleasure, leaving him wanting more.
When Joe finally came out of his thoughts, Adam was no longer leaning over him. He opened his eyes and looked around the room slowly. Finding himself alone, Joe got up and smoothed out his appearance quickly. Adam had made a promise to him after all, and he intended to collect as quickly as possible.
Once outside, Joe instantly heard his brother's voice. Adam sounded jovial, laughing and chatting with someone. Joe followed the sound of Adam's laughter, looking forward to being in his brother's presence once more.
As Joe turned the corner, his heart fell. Adam was there, alright, but he wasn't alone. By his side was a lovely young woman. She was obviously attracted to the eldest Cartwright son, and Joe wondered how Adam couldn't see it.
Or is it that he sees it and is interested in her as well, Joe wondered. Little room for doubt was left in his mind as the woman kissed Adam. Turning around, Joe went back to the room and tossed himself on the bed.