Disclaimer: this imagine is NOT MINE. Credit to the original author, Woolhat's Travelling Mood. I got this from Donatella's Head.

Rating: R

***

"Where you from stranger?" The man with the grey moustache asked gruffly.

"California," Micky murmured, gathering up the bunch of flowers.

The elder man scowled slightly and huffed. "Where you stayin'?" He growled.

"With Kate Harper." Micky finished over his shoulder, leaving the store manager in a state of utter confusion.

Kate Harper was a widow. She was generally always alone, the way she liked it, but sometimes the emptiness was too much to handle. And that's when her only living relative would come to care for her. Her house was at least a mile from town and its isolation sometimes scared Micky. Texas scared Micky.

The drummer squinted as he stumbled along the high street, the sun hot and blinding. He felt eyes watching him from all directions as he scurried towards the end of the road. There Mike was waiting for him, but his mode of transport wasn't to Micky's liking.

"Hop on!" Mike grinned, edging the black horse he was riding closer to Micky.

"What?!" Micky was aghast, "I'm not getting on that!" He scowled.

This just made Mike laugh and he drew closer, "Just climb on Micky, I haven't got all day!" He commanded.

Micky gave him a dark look and then struggled to clamber over the horse's rump. Mike grabbed the younger by the wrist and tugged him onto the horse's back. Micky nestled, unsettled behind Mike, and wrapped his arms around the Texan's waist. He looked at their reflection in the local bar's windows and smiled. Mike looked the part, casually sat on the horse as if they were joined. He wore a simple Stetson and his old cowboy boots, the reins cocked in one hand - he lived up to the Nesmith Texan reputation. Micky wriggled closer to Mike's back, partly through fear of falling off the back and partly because he loved to feel Mike close, and now he had an excuse. Suddenly they were moving and Micky just held tight, closing his eyes occasionally.

Kate was on the porch, teaching Davy how to clean horse tack the American way, when her nephew rode up. She smiled at seeing him, remembering how much he reminded her of her sister, his mother. Davy couldn't help but let out a giggle when he saw Micky cowering behind the guitarist.

"Hi aunt Kate," Mike grinned, jumping from the horse. Micky fell down behind him and lay in a heap.

"Michael!" The middle-aged woman smiled warmly, "And you must be Micky?" she asked, helping Micky to his feet.

"Yeah...hi...I...er bought you these," He handed her the flowers and stood unsteadily.

Kate had already met Davy and Peter, who had travelled down with Mike, but Micky had to visit his mother and came down two days later by train. Kate knew that Micky was extra special to her nephew, it was woman's intuition.she couldn't tell why, but she could see it in Mike's eyes. She escorted Micky into the house to clean up and passed Peter on the way. the hippy in training beamed at Micky and offered the usual 'peace and love' greeting.

The water was cool and refreshing as Micky splashed it into his face. For a moment he could empty his mind and just feel the tranquillity of the moment. He glanced up into the mirror and imagined Mike was there, beckoning. Micky smiled, the image dancing happily around his mind. He continued looking into the mirror and saw Mike appear again. He heard the sturdy, sensible footsteps behind him and knew that this time he was real.

"You won't be able to get through doors with that big head of yours!" Mike smirked, leaning against the doorframe. Micky turned to look at the real Mike and gave his well-known cheeky smile.

Mike stepped closer and closed the door behind him, locking it.

Micky was still in a daze, he couldn't remember when his feelings for Mike had begun, all he knew was that Mike felt the same, even if neither of them had openly made a pass or said so. They had gradually, over the past month, almost subconsciously, grown closer. Their body language had said it all. What had begun as a session of simple and ordinary flirting had evolved - and tonight it was all going to come to a head.

Mike was only a few inches away now and Micky could feel the Texan's hot breath on his own bare skin.

"Micky." Mike began to explain but was silenced by Micky's eager lips pressed urgently against his own.

This was Mike's signal and he immediately began unbuttoning his own shirt, his body temperature rising steadily. Micky was naked from head to waist and Mike sighed as he ran a long finger down Micky's bare back, making the drummer quiver with pleasure.

Micky looked deep into Mike's yearning eyes and saw the encouragement to carry on. He helped Mike off with his shirt.

"Come here cowboy." Micky muttered under his breath, pulling Mike closer by his belt buckle. Mike was silent, eyes half closed, absorbing every moment with great tranquillity. Slowly Micky unbuttoned Mike's trousers and tugged them down. Mike remained still, occasionally running a swift hand through Micky's curls. There was nothing that could stop Micky now and he knelt before Mike, a slow grin playing at his lips. By now Mike was naked, and Micky began stroking gently and was surprised at how aroused Mike was. The caresses of Micky's hair grew harsher as Mike became lost in the ongoing moment of passion. Micky began to lick and tease with his tongue trying not to smile when Mike let out a deep felt moan. The drummer nibbled and licked a bit more and the moans he received were deeper and louder.

For a first attempt, Micky thought he was doing a pretty good job. The mental use of the word 'job' made him laugh and he had to stop for a few moments. Mike was awoken from his trance-like state and looked down at Micky with pity seeking eyes.

"Don't st..." He began, but stopped when Micky continued.Micky was pleased with his achievement at turning the hard ass 'Monkee' into putty in his hands and gave one long, hard suck to finish Mike off. Orgasm ripped through the now weak Texan and he had to steady himself on the wash basin. Micky swallowed every last drop and rose to his feet. There he was greeted with a passionate kiss from Mike, which was all he needed as a 'thank-you'.

Micky pulled away and looked to the floor, unable to understand what was happening. Finally he gathered enough courage to look Mike in the eyes and whispered, "What are we doing?"

"Something we should have done a long time ago." Mike murmured, dressing himself slowly. Mike sensed Micky's doubt and wrapped his arms around the drummer in reassurance. Micky could feel Mike's heart, still pounding and relaxed in those arms. Nothing could hurt him.

"Micky?" Kate banged on the door, "Are you OK?" Immediately Mike leapt back and darted behind the shower curtain.

"F...fine...I'm fine!" Micky rushed to pull his shirt on and hurried to the door.

Chapter Two

Davy lay back in the long green grass and sighed. The blue sky was cloudless and it reminded him of the sea by the pad, cool, and refreshing. He didn't want to admit it, but he was bored. Slowly he sat up again and surveyed the ranch. There was the odd chicken here and there, and Mike's dog rusty lying fast asleep in the dust.

Then he saw an old car drive up and he struggled to crawl out of its path. A tall man, well, by Davy's standards, looking about 50, climbed out and walked up to the Englishman.

"Kate about?" The man asked. Davy nodded and pointed to the house. The man didn't thank him and merely barged past. This new arrival intrigued Davy, and he gathered himself up and walked towards the house. Inside he heard voices so he remained out of sight and listened in.

"Geoff! What are you doing here?" Kate beamed,

"Come to see you sweetheart!" Geoff, the newly arrived man, smiled.

He leant forward and gave her a peck on the cheek, making her blush, "Not when young Michael could walk in!" She laughed.

"He's a big boy, he can handle the fact that his aunt has a boyfriend!" Geoff insisted.

Davy stepped back, analysing all the new information. Mike would go mad, he thought, he's very protective over her. With that the Englishman dashed off to find the others.

~~~

"But what if we get caught?" Micky panicked, in-between kisses.

"We won't, trust me." Mike reassured him. Micky relented and wrapped his arms around Mike's waist "My turn now," the revived Mike began, pulling at Micky's shirt. In two seconds, Micky was completely naked and Mike laid him down on the bed. "You're beautiful," Mike whispered, as he bit at Micky's neck. Micky began busily unbuttoning Mike's shirt as Mike nibbled at his shoulder. The Texan gradually worked his way across Micky's luscious stomach and down to his crouch. "You're delicious," he smiled, sucking on a piece of flesh from beneath Micky's ribs. Micky moaned slightly, anxious for what was about to happen.

~~~

"This is a beautiful house," Geoff began, "A beautiful house for a beautiful woman." Kate blushed slightly.

"I've never shown you around have I?" She smiled, taking his hand.

~~~

"Mike...please...now!" Micky moaned, tugging at Mike's raven hair. Mike teased a little more, nibbling, and enjoying seeing Micky squirm. Micky was close now, any moment and he would go over the edge. He just needed one hard suck. Mike lowered his head, preparing to relieve his partner.

"Robert Michael Nesmith!" The sound of those words, in that shrill voice, ran cold through Mike. He panicked and glared at the doorway. There stood his aunt and the town doctor. Mike couldn't think, no words could explain, only overwhelming warmth of embarrassment and fear. He was relieved when she turned and slammed the door.

Micky looked up in a daze, nowhere near climaxing now and regarded Mike. The Texan hadn't moved, he was still looking at the door, his hand shaking slightly.

"Mike...I." Micky began, but stopped as he watched Mike get up and dress himself, before scooping up Micky's clothes and throwing them angrily at the hapless drummer. Micky sat, crumpled and used on the bed as he heard Mike storm out of the house.

"Where's my aunt?!" Mike boomed at Davy, who had been sunbathing while filing his nails.

"She got in the car with Geoff." Davy murmured deadpan, thinking that Mike was only angry because he had found out about Kate's new boyfriend. Mike growled to himself and he kicked the dust with his boot. This didn't seem to ease his anger and he kicked the ground a second time, finally resorting to slamming his fist into a wall. Davy curled himself up on the floor and stayed perfectly still, hoping Mike would forget he was there. Mike stomped his foot occasionally and gradually his anger subsided into pure fear.

His mind relented to reminiscing why all this had happened, and then he remembered the whole reason - Micky.

Slowly he gathered up the courage and stalked into the house. Immediately he found Micky, fully dressed, sitting at the kitchen table, sipping at some fresh coffee. Mike sat down beside Micky and put his arm around the drummer's shoulders, leaning in for a kiss on the cheek. Micky pushed Mike away.

"Mick." Mike began, trying to open his heart but couldn't.

"Mike, I don't want to be your embarrassment, but I don't want to be your toy. I know what happened was a bit traumatic...but..."

"S...sorry." Mike murmured, nuzzling Micky's neck. Micky melted and turned to kiss Mike. Their lips met, sealing what they both longed for. "Here's to OUR future!" Mike smiled, drinking Micky's coffee.

Chapter Three

Mike awoke and yawned wearily. He slowly sat up and gazed round. Looking down in his lap he found an empty bottle of scotch. Suddenly he heard a noise and he gazed down beside him. On the bed, wrapped in Mike's quilt, lay Micky, sound asleep.

Mike ruffled his near-black hair and tried to remember what had happened the previous night. Slowly it came back to him. Kate hadn't come home, but he knew she'd be all right, Peter and Davy had gone out, sensing the tension and that just left Micky. Mike had never seen him so excitable and seductive.

And now they were lovers, after hours of lovemaking that night. Mike watched Micky sleep. The drummer was peaceful, breathing softly and completely free of any worries. Mike sighed and brushed his hand gently across Micky's cheek, waking him softly. Micky stirred and turned to face his lover.

"Hi," He gave his sweet smile, which was met with a passionate kiss from the flirting Texan.

"We have a lot of problems," Mike began, stroking a stray curl from Micky's face, "I dunno where to begin explaining to her...and him of all people!"

"WE'LL work something out babe," Micky smiled, taking Mike's hand.

Mike wandered into the kitchen, his stomach growling madly and was confronted with his aunt, seated at the table, accompanied by Peter, Davy and Geoff. Kate blushed at Mike's entrance, embarrassed at his previous behaviour but remained confident, determined to teach him a lesson.

"Tell them." She began, glaring at him, "Tell them, my dear nephew, tell them what you were doing yesterday, when I found you."

Mike was stunned and looked towards the quizzical faces of his fellow band members. He felt himself get hot with embarrassment and looked to the floor like a scolded child. "Tell them!" Kate demanded.

Mike looked up to her with eyes begging for sympathy, but found none.

"I was." Mike began, the silence and tension tearing him apart, "I was.."

"We were declaring our love!" Micky smiled, coming up from behind and kissing the Texan's neck.

Davy and Peter looked aghast, Kate looked annoyed and Geoff looked disgusted.

"If you have a problem with that." Micky threatened.Davy stayed aghast for a few moments but a small smile gradually crept across Peter's face. Slowly he rose and stood a few inches from Mike.

"I wish you all the luck in the world." He smiled, giving them both a hug.

Mike relaxed immediately and whispered as Peter left "Thanks Pete."

Once the blond had left, all eyes turned to Davy, who's expression hadn't really changed. He looked at Mike, eyed him up and down, and then did the same to Micky. "'Tis a bit of a shock!" He whispered, letting his full Manchester accent become even more apparent. Gradually a smile crept over his lips and that evolved into a giggle, which itself, evolved until he was in hysterics. Mike looked a little disgruntled until Davy staggered to his feet and shook Mike's hand. "Congratulations man, a bit unexpected.but that's amore!" The short romantic smiled, patting Micky on the back and leaving the same way Peter did.

Micky gripped Mike's hand and kissed his lover's ear. Mike's attentions were now just upon his aunt and her boyfriend. Her plan had backfired. By now he had a smug grin on his face, thrilled by his friends' loyalty.

"You can wipe that grin off yourself boy!" She growled.

Mike just smiled even more. "I'm not a child and I'm not your son...I'm in love, what's so wrong?"

"Don't you dare speak to your aunt like that!" Geoff yelled in her defence.

Micky cringed and tightened his grip on Mike's hand. Mike was angry but remained calm, yelling wouldn't solve anything.

"Aunt," he began, overlooking Geoff, "I love Micky, I want to be with Micky. I'm sorry about the way you found out but, please, understand?"

He saw Kate muse over his argument and then let out a short, sharp sob. She cowered beneath the truth she couldn't change and broke down in tears. Mike released Micky's hand and crept over to his aunt, wrapping his arms around her lovingly.

"I'm...I'm so sorry Michael," She whispered in-between sobs and he nodded, accepting her apology.

That night Kate went to bed early, after spending hours making it up to Mike and Micky. Mike sat out on the porch, strumming his guitar and drinking some good old fashioned tea that Davy had created. Quietly Micky strolled out and sat beside his lover. Mike turned to him and smiled.

"I wrote you a song Mick," He whispered, beginning to strum. "It's called Papa Gene's blues...just so that you know it's for you without it being too obvious or commercial."

"Play it," Micky murmured.

Mike played his acoustic version of his latest creation, with Micky listening intently. "I like the line 'I love you and I know you love me'," Micky grinned, "Soppy, but sweet." He leant forward and met Mike's lips and both melted into a passionate kiss.

"I'll get you Nesmith!" A voice came from behind. Mike spun round and found Geoff glaring at him, "She may have forgiven you, but I won't, I'll see you destroyed." And with that the man left, driving off into the night.

Chapter Four

Two days past and Peter was enjoying his usual meditation session. The tranquillity was overwhelming but suddenly it seemed to get very dark. He opened one eye and saw that all of his candles had burnt out. He huffed slightly, trying not to swear and clambered to his feet. He scratched his head gently as he crept out of the room. As he walked out onto the porch he found Mike in the bright morning sun, pulling on his boots. "Hey babe," Mike greeted,

"Hey,"

"What's up?"

"Run out of candles!"

"Hey, well I'll get you some, Micky and I have some things to get for aunt Kate, I'll drop into the hardware store."

"Cheers man," Peter smiled warmly, shaking off his Davyism and walking back inside.

Micky looked the animal in the eye and poked out his tongue.

"Mick, what are you doing?" Mike asked, exasperated.

"The horse keeps starin' at me!" Micky whispered,

"Probably fancies you!" Mike laughed, dragging his partner along the street. By now it was noon and the sun beat down on Micky's head.

"Can I borrow your hat?" The drummer asked, pinching Mike's Stetson. Mike gave him an offhand smile as they continued walking.

Back at the ranch, Geoff was visiting Kate when he saw Mike and Micky leave. He knew exactly what he was going to do, to make everything fair again. On leaving, he saw a call-box and cunningly crept into it. After dialling, he paused to work on his speech.

"Hello?" A voice came from the other end.

"It's Geoff Campbell,"

"Hi Geoff, what's.?"

"I need your help, you owe me a favour,"

"Go ahead,"

"You mustn't tell anyone,"

"No I won't,"

"I need someone taken care of, he's Kate Harper's nephew. I've been after her for a while and he turns up and destroys everything. He's homosexual,"

"A queer? What's so wrong.?"

"She was distraught, he can't get away with hurting her like that."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Teach him a lesson, but don't make it too obvious, a gang attack perhaps,"

"Where's he now?"

"The town, the drug store I think he said,"

"Not too far from me, what's he look like?"

"He's called Michael, tall, dark hair, wearing a black shirt and a Stetson."

"Right...consider it done."

~~~~~

"Hey Mick?"

"Yeah," Micky looked at the Texan wistfully,

"I just remembered to get Pete's candles, you stay here while I run back to the hardware store."

"Ok," Micky seemed more interested in the buttons on his black shirt. It was typical that he and Mike should dress similar, he thought, annoyed slightly at looking less flamboyant than usual. "Looks like we're going to a funeral," He muttered to himself.

~~~~~

Mike inspected the candles wearily, "I'm sure he gets more spaced out every day," He mumbled to no-one. It was a beautiful day, but there didn't seem to be a soul about, the town was deserted. There was no sign of Micky either. He didn't want to call and alert everyone so he tried to look casual as he strode along, all the time worrying what had happened.

He was passing the ally between the hotel and the drug store when he heard something that made his blood run cold. A muffled scream wound its way around the buildings to his ears.

Mike glared into the sudden darkness of the alleyway and felt physically sick. There were four of them, but that was enough. They took it in turns to pounce on Micky, rejoicing in his agony. Mike was split in two halves. Half of him wanted to break down and cry, the other half was pure hate and anger. He clenched his fists and made a running leap at Micky's assailants, knocking tow to the ground.

Micky was still on the ground, a whimper escaping him occasionally. For a moment, Mike had distracted all four of them, but Micky couldn't tell, the pain was continuous. Mike stood, protectively in front of Micky, fists raised.

"We ain't got no query with you stranger, on your way," The first and biggest of the attackers spoke.

"It is my business, leave him alone." Mike growled.The four glared at him and a silence fell. They had only been paid to hurt one man, and that's all they were going to do. One managed to get behind Mike and kicked Micky one last time before scurrying for his life. As quickly as they had appeared, they were gone.

Mike waited until he was sure they wouldn't return before collapsing to his knees at Micky's side.

"Mick." He whispered, wiping a blood stained curl from his lover's face. But he could hardly see Micky's face anymore. The drummer didn't move, except for a lone hand that took Mike's.

"Don't leave me again," He pleaded, driving the Texan to tears.

"I promise, I'll never leave you again," Mike sobbed, kissing Micky's cheek and tasting his blood on his own dry lips.

Chapter Five

Davy regarded the weeping Texan, he was almost a portrait. He sheltered his head from the dim light by hiding it in his hands, which were caked in Micky's blood. Davy had never seen Mike cry since his mother died two years ago, and that wasn't as much as he did now. Davy tried to think of all the things he could say, but nothing could ease the pain Mike was feeling right now. There was only one thing he could do.

Davy slid across the cold seats until he was beside Mike and wrapped his arms around Mike's shoulders, pulling him into a warm embrace. Mike's sobbing grew louder, his guilt flooding over him and the fear, the immense fear. He hugged back, trying to imagine it was Micky there instead and everything was ok again.

Peter stalked in with a cup of coffee and tried to force Mike to drink. There was no response so he drank it himself, his usual sentimental and gentle face strained with grief and guilt.

Suddenly the door swung open and Mike leapt up, nearly knocking Peter's coffee all over him. The nurse was solemn and Mike stalled, his heart stopping briefly. "It's 50/50 he'll make it through the night," She whispered, turning to escort Mike to Micky's side.

Mike felt that sickening feeling again when he saw Micky, he looked even worse once they had cleaned all the blood away.

He sat quietly beside the bed and fell into a deep trance, just looking at Micky.

The door opened again and Mike expected to see Davy and Peter, but it wasn't. Kate stood in the doorway, tears in her eyes, and rushed to Mike's side, hugging him. Geoff stalked in behind her, a smug expression on his face until he saw the scene before him.

"Wh...what happened?" he gasped,

"A bunch of bastards.they just attacked him.and I wasn't there," Mike could feel the tears welling up again.

"It's not your fault love," Kate smiled falsely. Mike regarded his soon-to-be step-uncle and a sudden idea grasped his mind. At first he shrugged it off, but the more he looked at Geoff's face, the more its seemed so true.

"Did you organise this?" Mike asked coldly,

Geoff panicked immediately, "What?" His voice quivered, "You must be joking." It was his body language that gave him away and that made Mike's blood boil.

He leapt from his chair and pounced, grabbing Geoff by the collar and throwing him up against the wall. "Is this your idea of revenge?!" The Texan screamed, slamming the man against the wall a second time. "Micky's dying coz of you.look at him!" Mike was sobbing and shaking with anger as he struck Geoff on the jaw. "Why didn't you get me?" Mike pleaded for knowledge, "Why didn't you get me?"

Geoff gulped slightly, he turned to Kate for support, but she had a similar sixth sense to Mike and knew that he was guilty. Looking back into his attacker's eyes all he saw was sadness, Mike's heart was breaking.

"It...it was meant to be you." Geoff whispered. Mike released him, intent on hearing more, "I...I found out that Kate, here, had quite a bit of money.so there...that's what I did it for...to get you out of her will! When you declared you were gay I thought that would have done it for me. I underestimated her compassion. I got the thugs, but they were meant for you." With that he gathered up his coat and hat and left, knowing that Mike couldn't get him once he was out in public and he disappeared into the crowds.

Mike turned to Kate with tears in his eyes, which partnered her sobs. Mike couldn't bring himself to look at Micky, knowing that it was meant to be him. Slowly he stooped beside his lover and took his hand. "I'll make it up to you," Mike wept, "Please give me another chance." There was no response and Mike crumbled in a heap.

Chapter Six

The funeral was quick and simple, nothing too fancy. Mike looked at his reflection in the lake by the grave and scowled at the black mass that rippled back at him. He wiped away the occasional tear and gulped down the sadness. "Life goes on," Peter told him, but Mike couldn't help feeling like a part of him was missing. But he would carry on, he would do wonders in his life, to make up this great loss to the world. The death should have been expected, given the circumstances, there was no chance of survival.

Mike looked down at the casket and said his last farewells, a coldness drifting over him. He looked up and saw people he had never seen before, somehow they had known the 'deceased'.

All the things they had learned from just one person. Mike sighed, dropping a red rose into the open grave to try and show what he was feeling, it didn't work.

Slowly he turned to leave and was greeted with a familiar beaming face, which reminded him why he was carrying on. Micky offered his hand to Mike and hobbled alongside his lover, still a bit unsteady after weeks of recuperation. "I'm here for you," He whispered in Mike's ear, caressing the palm of Mike's hand with his finger. "I know how close you two were, she was lucky to have such a great nephew." Mike smiled and nuzzled Micky warmly.

"She was a great aunt, the best, I'm gonna miss my aunt Kate. But she's in a better place now, no harm can come to her now."

Mike looked wistfully up to the heavens and smiled, he felt Micky kiss his neck and was brought back to Earth. "Come on," He whispered, "I have a big inheritance and I do recall you need a new drum-kit."

Micky's eyes lit up as they walked, hand in hand, to join the others.