Ch22. Lesson Sixteen. Mixing Herds

Story by Equusaz on SoFurry

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#22 of Home of the Pioneers

Plot development. This is probably going to be the shortest chapter I write. Just an introduction to the whole John and Bruce dynamic. Sorry, I don't mean to be a tease....


The next day, suffice it to say, was a bit of a trial physically. I was tired. I'd gotten only a few hours sleep, and it was all I could do to concentrate on my work. Yes, Bruce showed up for class. He was much more subdued that before. I wasn't happy about that. A happy bull, is a prideful one. So different from horses. Did they have no structure as well? Were the bovine community lacking in leadership?

My thoughts darkened for a moment.

I can't keep this up, I'm just me. Someone is going to have to take over. I mean, sure I know herd logistics, and I can keep the herd in line, but, Bruce? This is almost too much. Either a bovine has to step up, or else things are going to get messy.

**

Ever see a herd with no leader? No? Right. That's because there is no such thing. Oh there are leaders, and there are followers, but the quality of the leader speaks volumes as to the dynamics and well being of the herd.

Me? Don't look at me like that. I'm human. I have to think and react properly in "Equine" to get this rag-tag bunch to act right. How long do you think I can keep this up? The answer? Not forever.

**

Lunch went well. I noticed the rest of the herd had calmed down and shaped up. Tracy's mane flowed. I noticed with a light grin that Jake was actually looking at her. For a gay stud, he sure had the wandering eye! Melissa as well had taken our words to heart and was looking very sleek this afternoon. Her gray mane shone, and her dappling was accentuated by her choice of gray stripped blouse. It looked fantastic on her. I made certain to compliment her as I passed, sitting down next to Aden.

I didn't bat an eye at Aden. He had an eye for Melissa as well. I couldn't fault him, the dappled gray filly was quite the eyeful. She, however, had eyes for Marcus only, the bull. The huge brute sat protectively next to her, his huge bulking arm either stroking her back, or lazily resting on her waist. That was a very good sign, and one I hoped the rest of the herd would notice.

It didn't take long for Andrew to notice the changes. He'd taken a lot of care in his appearance. He was smartly dressed with a polo shirt, slacks, and he had groomed himself until he shone. Every equine (and some non) gazed at the painted stud as he walked over to Tracy. I didn't hear the words, but I did take in her expression. Extreme interest, and flattery. Then an equine expression that would equate to a deep human blush.

I glanced over at Aden. He's noticed as well and had a smile on his lips.

**

I saw the reaction that Tracy had with Andrew, who wouldn't? I had to admit that there was a bit of jealousy in me when I spied Melissa with Marcus the bull. I didn't rationalize it though, that would be useless. One thing I'm learning more and more around Dex is to be true to what is inside. He's Stallion material for a human. Its one thing to prate and preach about being strong like he is, it's another to live the role.

In our history there are a few of them who had tried to over-step their own skills. They had been caught and fell from their place. Rodan, Elwin, and Karant. They are what you would call a "Benedict Arnold." They had tried to do what they thought best, but hurt the herd worse than inaction would have. Their names are anathema, and considered unlucky.

Andrew? He's hot. I always considered my fellow team-mate hot. He wasn't as big or as bulky as Jake, but he had a nice body, and was pleasing to the eye. It didn't hurt that his paint markings drew your eye to them, even the ones on his face. One half was pure white, the other brown, with a lot of white under his chin.

I also noticed Jake was taking in the sight of his fellow equine as well. He may have taken off with Rodney at Dex's suggestion, that didn't mean he didn't still have longings for Andrew, but I did see him sigh with what looked like resignation.

I have a feeling that the next few days I'm going to have to do a lot of talking. I still want to beat Jake up and chase him around for a while to get him to shape up, and Andrew? He's looking a little too proud of himself. Hrm....I wonder if I should slip my leash a little...

**

The walk home from school was nice. Aden walked with me for a while before turning off. We had compared "notes" about the herd after school. I'd also had another run in with Cory. "Horse Boy" while not a bad phrase in and of itself was taking on a very negative connotation in his mouth. I badly wanted to lash out at him, but that would get me nowhere.

Mom and Dad weren't home. They had yet another fundraiser to go to. The unions were getting restless, and the Senator wanted their dollars for his "War Chest" as dad would call it. Yuck. Politics. It at least kept them out of the house though.

I began the slow trek upstairs when I heard the rhythmic thumping. It took me a second to realize with a smile that my friend Bruce and my brother John were probably enjoying some "alone time." I started back down the stairs when I heard the words "get OFF of me!" Shouted by my brother.

I ran the rest of the way up the stairs and flung the door open to his room. Bruce was, well, mounting John. Roughly. His huge bulk held my brother down on his bed. I didn't give him time to think. I reached over, grabbed his nose ring and pulled.

**

Fucking hell! Here I am, rutting like normal, and then someone grabs my nose ring? Who does that? What is this, the Colonial Trials of 1955? I slipped out of the human, John, in front of me, and felt my nose lowered to the ground. I swung wildly with my fists but a quick jerk from the ring told me that was a very bad idea.

"Stop!"

It was Dexter. I was naked and now kneeling in front of him. John was still on the bed, he had an almost fearful look and kept glancing at Dex and myself.

"What's going on John?"

Um....John looked a little embarrassed and began covering himself up. I tried to at least hide my erection with my hands.

Fuck this human...I....OW....ok I can't pull away....

**

"John??" I repeated.

He wouldn't look me in the eye.....

"I ah....we......that is......it was a little uncomfortable and he wouldn't stop...."

I glared down at the bull. His nose ring barely fit in my hand, but it's traditional look belied it's traditional purpose. To control those who were not compliant.

"um....."

Bruce rumbled a little and caught his breath. It was obvious he wanted to fight me badly. I realized a little belatedly I was standing full on at the bull, glaring at him. A challenge to any bovine. More so than with anyone else. I realized my stance was the equivalent of giving a middle finger to the pope.

Crap.

I turned my body a little and stared off to my left, just aside from Bruce's face. While his behavior was in question I sure as hell didn't want to get pummeled.

"I think I may have been a bit rough..."

Bruce wasn't backing down. I had the bull by his nose, but he could still cream me if he wanted to, if he really tried.

"Um...." John looked confused.

I didn't have time. Mom and Dad could be home soon, and this wasn't getting us anywhere. I turned back to Bruce full on and glared. "Look, Bruce, fuck you, be gentle, he's a human, not some cow!"

That took him by surprise for a second.

"I don't care what you guys do, but be careful! John, did you even THINK of that taking a bull on this way would mean?"

My older brother shook his head, looking very embarrassed now.

"Well, now you know, and Bruce?"

The bull snorted. I felt the hot breath on my hand. I gently let go of the ring. There is such as thing as going too far. Bruce stood up and met my gaze steadily. I didn't back down though. There are times and places it's ok to back down. This time, no. This was my brother.

"You better be a little more gentle and at tentative of my brother. I don't want to have to hurt these..."

I quickly groped the bull's sagging testicles. They were very warm in my hands. I caught the smirk from Bruce. Before he replied.

"Oh you won't have to hurt them, maybe drain them, but I'll do my best.....sorry John...."

What the hell am I doing?

**