The Devilstone Registry: The Western Boys Part 2 (10-2/12)

Title: The Devilstone Registry Chapter 10: The Western Boys - PART 2
Rating: R
Pairing: Kris Allen/Adam Lambert


 

A/N: first part here

*****


     "Adam." Kris said, swatting the man's hands away. "Stop."

"But it's so pretty!" Adam protested, pouting a bit.

"Don't touch it, it doesn't belong to you!" Kris tried to keep Adam at bay, but after a few minutes he gave up and let Adam push past him to get at the large painted costume chest in the back of Allison's wagon.

"We’ve been shut up in this wagon for over a day. I am bored as you-know-what and you won’t do anything to occupy me because you keep saying how thin the walls are.” Adam complained, looking miserable. “Besides, we have to find something to wear." Adam insisted as he rifled through the massive chest. "I hope she has some male clothing." Allison did actually have some men's outfits, and since Kris was about her height they fit decently, if a little baggy. Unfortunately, they were designed with a certain type of performance in mind and were meant to be worn over a sparkly one-piece leotard. Kris didn't think that the black leather duds looked terrible over his white linen union suit, but Adam wrinkled his nose.

"Just don't wear the union suit." Adam said, trying to tuck the collar of the garment out of sight.

"But what if the snaps pop?" Kris felt a panic rise in his chest. The fact that Adam ran his hand down the front of the costume, popping the snaps with little effort did little to assuage his fears.

“You should leave the top few undone anyway, baby. You’ve got nothing to hide.” Adam took a step closer as he slid his hands beneath the flap of Kris’s union suit, pausing momentarily to undo each button. When the suit was open, Adam placed his hand on Kris’s bare chest and kissed him softly, a question on his lips. Kris closed his eyes and listened. The wagon was moving through rough terrain and the wheels rumbled over the rocky ground. In addition, Allison and Matty were harmonizing loudly to “Wild Rose of Texas” in a gleeful duet. Kris nodded at Adam, who released the breath he had been holding and pulled Kris close. They kissed for a long while, Adam’s hands wandering over Kris’s body as if he were surveying it.

Kris gulped as Adam pushed the shirt and leather vest to the ground and went to work on the leather pants. The belt buckle was an obnoxiously huge buffalo and Kris felt a little like he was under a stampede from an entire herd of the beasts as Adam devoured him with his hands and mouth as the wagon rolled along, its drivers cheerfully oblivious.

“Kris?” Adam said after it was over and they were both laying on a pile sequined feathery costumes.

“Mmhm?” Kris panted, pressing a kiss to Adam’s sweat slicked orange hair.

“I wonder if we can spend ten minutes alone without me trying to take your clothes off. I think I have a problem, I should probably see a doctor.” Adam ran his hand over Kris’s stomach, fingers inching lower to wrap around his thigh.

“You are a doctor.” Kris reminded him. He curled up against Adam’s side. “Besides, being in mind-numbingly dangerous situations all the time does something to your libido. At least that’s my experience. When I know I’m riding into danger I get an itch, like my body knows what’s coming and wants to make sure I do my best to stay alive.”

Adam lay silent for a long time and when Kris looked up at his face he saw that Adam’s expression was troubled and far away.

“I never should have let you leave Arkansas. You can protect me with your gun hand, but how the hell am I supposed to protect you. I should be keeping you out of harm’s way and instead I bring you with me because I can’t bear to be apart from you.”

“Fuck, Adam. How faithless do you think I am? You honestly think I would have stayed there, knowing what you were riding in to?”

“I shouldn’t have told you. Should have said I didn’t love you and –“

Kris rolled onto Adam’s chest, wincing has he forgot to go easy on his shoulder and ignoring Adam’s moans of protest.

“Who saved me from getting crushed by a propeller in front of the Hobbler cave? Who took down the gunman who was aiming for me when we got Danny back his money? Who sent along the only thing that kept Mac and I from getting torn apart by Howlers? Who killed the last outlaw on the train and then saved my live by removing that bullet and sewing me back up.” Kris was nearly shouting even though their faces were only an inch apart. “Dammit Adam. I am not going to lay here and let you pretend like you should have done this on your own. For every time I’ve saved you you’ve pulled my ass out of the fire. Pretending otherwise is just plum stupid and you’re too smart for that.”

Adam blinked up at Kris before running a hand up Kris’s naked chest and letting it rest just beneath his chin. Kris let the silence stand, sighing as Adam settled his other hand in the small of his back.

“Should anything ever happen to me – when it eventually happens to me-” Adam said slowly, cautiously. “I want you to know that this will be the moment I paint on the inside of my eyelids as they close. Every time I think you’re just about as perfect a man that I could have imagined you open your mouth and you’re suddenly ten times as perfect as you were before. Every. Fucking. Time.” Adam punctuated his last three words with kisses.

“Just promise me you’ll never do anything like that – try and keep me safe by closing me out. I need you as much as you need me.” Kris pulled Adam’s face so that they were looking eye to eye. “I mean it, Adam. You can’t protect me by pushing me away. That would kill me faster than any danger you could lead me in to.”

“Kris.” Adam started, before his eyes flew open in panic. “We aren’t moving anymore.”

Kris was off of Adam’s chest in a flash, struggling to pull on clothes. They both were into their union suits by the time Matt swung open the door.

“Oh, were you guys napping?” Matt asked, momentarily stunned by the sight of two men in their underpants.

“Yes!” Adam said, a little too enthusiastically. “Did you need something? Is everything alright?”

“Well, actually, Allison wants to stop for the night. We drove through last night but the girl’s completely knackered.” Matty looked a bit uncomfortable, as if there was something he wasn’t saying.

“I wish we could help drive.” Kris ventured, thinking maybe Allison resented the fact that she had to tow around Adam and Kris when they were perfectly capable of driving the team. However, Anoop thought it was best to minimize their exposure before the show. Even with Adam’s drastically altered appearance, the silhouette of a very tall man riding close with a very short one might be enough to elicit trouble.

“No, don’t worry about it. She’s not mad or nothing, just needs a break from moving. So we thought we’d camp here for tonight. You guys can take the wagon and we’ll set up the tents.” Matt said, casting his eyes down.

“That’s silly” Kris said. “Why set up both tents, you can stay in here with us.”

“Oh, no. That’s ok. I like sleeping outside. It was so much fun when we rode to the fragments.” Matt stammered. Kris recalled their rain-drenched ride and brief nap beneath the stone outcropping. “Fun” was not a word he’d use to describe the experience. Kris was about to protest when he saw Adam smirk.

“Sure. You need help setting things up? Making dinner? I’m good with fires, I could start one-“ Adam offered.

“Yeah. That’d be great. The tents are uh – beneath that pile of costumes and your clothing.” Matt said, holding out his hand. Kris rummaged beneath the clothing and pulled out the canvas bags, grateful that the low light hid his blush.

The four shared an awkward meal of stew. For some reason, Adam kept stifling laughter and Kris was getting mildly annoyed. There wasn’t anything funny in his stew. Matt wouldn’t meet Adam’s eyes and for the rest of the evening, Kris worried that perhaps Matt had heard something that had made him uncomfortable. They had been very fortunate so far in that the people who had discovered the true nature of his and Adam’s relationship hadn’t seemed to mind. It almost escaped him at times that the prevailing opinion was that they were committing an untenable sin every time they looked at one another with an impure thought. Which was pretty much always. It didn’t feel like a sin to Kris. Hell, he broke one of the ten commandments on a regular basis – even if it was for the right reasons it was still breaking it. Somehow Kris didn’t think that his immortal soul was in any danger from violating an obscure passage in the old testament, not when most of the old books were genealogy and fables.

“So I think I’ll head to bed” Matt was saying. “I’ll douse the fire.”

“Me too!” Allison said, springing up eagerly. “God damn, I’m bushed. You turnin’ in too, boys?”

“Well I guess, if Matty’s already got the fire out.” Kris watched as Matt poured a bit of water onto the embers, setting off a rise of steam amid a slow and steady hiss.

“We’ve got a long day tomorrow.” Adam said, obviously feigning a yawn. “Should get in just after noon, then we’ve gotta rehearse a bit, take a walk around town to get the lay of it, and then convince the entire population to get so drunk they won’t notice Kris and I trying to break in their bosses house. Come on Kris, it’s getting cold out here without the fire.” Adam yanked Kris up by the arm and marched him over to the wagon.

“What’s the rush?” Kris mumbled, but Adam ignored him, calling

“Goodnight” cheerfully over this shoulder and pushing Kris into the wagon.

“Gonna tell me what that was all about?” Kris asked after they had settled in beneath a large patchwork quilt.

“Shhh.” Adam said, sliding his hand beneath Kris’s. “Listen.”

Kris lay quiet against Adam’s side and listened. He heard the breeze outside the wagon and the hoot of a nearby owl announcing the twilight hours. He listened to the steady reassuring thud of Adam’s heart and the occasional stamp of one of the horses shifting its weight. Then, he heard a giggle. Followed by other, less lady-like sounds. Matt’s discomfort and the awkward dinner conversation suddenly clicked, and Kris realized what had Adam so amused. Apparently they weren’t the only people with something to hide.

“Oh. “ Kris said as he snuggled closer to Adam, trying to distract himself from the sounds outside with a few sounds of their own.

***

While Allison checked in to The King’s Arms (“quite a reach” Adam had joked as he eyed the sign) the boys decided to get the lay of the land. They took a brief foray into the General Goods store where Adam insisted on trying every pair of trousers the shopkeeper had while Kris tried to subtly eye the weapons rack. Matty quickly dragged him off towards the musical instruments, marveling at the selection.

“Nicer ones here than in Dodge City.” Kris said, whistling low as he fingered a mandolin.

“You’re telling me. I don’t think I’ve ever touched a piano this nice.” Matt ran a hand along the top of a particularly fine upright.

“Mr. Cowell has a penchant for fine music.” The shopkeeper explained. Thus, we have the best performers from all over the west stopping in quite frequently. I’ve found it’s been quite lucrative to have a high quality selection available. A shame that such talent is wasted on uneducated ears.”

“Wasted?” Adam emerged from the back room clad in green linen trousers and a brown calfskin coat. It was the most bizarre combination that Kris had ever seen but on Adam’s lean frame it worked. He’d also run his hand backwards through his copper hair so that it formed little jagged peaks. He drew the shopkeeper’s attention at once. That made sense, Kris thought, in that get-up he’d be even more impossible to ignore. Even Scott without his goggles would have stared.

“Not a soul in this town would know good music if it came up and shook his hand. Folks only agree to perform at The Kings Arms in order to get in Mr. Cowell’s good graces. A singer would be set for life if they manage to snag him as a patron.” The man continued amiably. “I assume you lads are here for that reason?”

“We’re with Allison Iraheta. We’re her Western Boys.”

“Ahh! I hadn’t heard she had added a band. That’s quite a lucky break for the three of you. I see we have a guitarist and a piano player. What is it that you do, Mr-?”

Kris watched Adam struggle for a name less ridiculous than the one Anoop had given him.

“Folks call me Copperhead Charlie.” Adam said, affecting a slight drawl. “And I can sang.”

“He sings back-up” Matty explained, and Kris had to chuckle as Adam shot him a dirty look.

“Well welcome to Cowellsville, Charlie. Hope you strike Mr. Cowell’s fancy. Then maybe you can afford those duds you’re in.”

“How much?” Adam asked, eyebrows raised.

“That get up will run you fifty dollars.”

Kris gasped. Fifty dollars was enough to outfit a whole band.

“I’ll give you thirty five” Adam bargained “As I bet I’m the only one that’s ever touched these pants. They were on the bottom of a pile way in back.”

“Done” The shopkeeper agreed, surprised at Adam’s astuteness and at the amount of cash in his wallet. “Maybe you don’t need Simon’s backing. You seem to be doin’ alright on your own.”

“Sudden death in the family.” Adam lied. “My uncle left me a whole shitload of money…”

Kris shook his head, remembering the line Adam had used in the letter. The only uncle Adam had received money from was Uncle Sam, and that uncle hadn’t gone anywhere. He was most certainly still waiting for Adam to make good on his promise.

The afternoon brought a rather awkward conversation in which Allison had informed them that Matt would be sharing her room, clearly nervous that Adam would disapprove. Adam had told her it didn’t make a lick of difference to him who she bedded down with and that he was happy she was happy. The two had grown very close in their brief interaction – Kris supposed that it was natural considering her situation. Adam had ruffled her pink mop of hair and warned Matt not to break her heart or else he’d take back the harpsichord throat. Matt looked genuinely afraid until Kris had started to laugh. They had practiced a few songs, Adam doing a fair job of marking along with Allison as he learned the lyrics while Kris worked out the chording. It was easy to forget that the show wasn’t the main reason they were there.

“You missed your calling, Arkansas.” Allison said, swatting him on his black-leather-clad behind. “My pants look pretty good on you!”

“That’s what I said!” Adam agreed enthusiastically. Matt shot him a questioning look. “I said it’s too bad there’s no girls in Cowellsville, cause I think those pants make him look taller, don’t you?” Adam recovered quickly. “It’s those little stripes.”

“I still can’t figure out why you’re not with Katy. She’s so pretty!” Matt exclaimed, withering under a jealous glance from Allison. “If you like blondes, that is. Do you?”

“Prettiest woman I ever saw was a red-head.” Kris answered truthfully.

“That mystery woman! Whatever happened to her?” Matt asked.

“I could tell you, but not in front of Allison. She’s a lady after all.” Kris teased. “But one night on the ranch and she hasn’t ever been back.”

The other two begged and pleaded, but that’s all that Kris would say. He felt rather pleased with himself – he had never seen Adam such a lovely shade of crimson.

***

“I’m Allison Iraheta, and these are my Western Boys!”

The name drew thunderous cheering from the assembled men inside The King’s Arms. The place was packed, even the balcony was full of men who looked at Allison with predatory eyes. Kris was suddenly very glad that Matt was sharing Allison’s room.

She had them from her opening note, stomping around the stage with a commanding presence that belied her 20 years. On the second verse, Adam hopped up on stage and danced with her, singing the harmony with so much power that Kris flubbed a few chords.

It figured. It figured that Adam, a certified genius capable of exploding the entire world with his sheer brainpower, would also have a voice that God should have only granted to one of his Angels. Specifically the one with the flaming sword.

Even Allison was surprised, but she leaned close to him and they traded solo lines as easily as if they had rehearsed it a hundred times before. Matt was wailing on the keys, arms flying fast and furious to keep up with the pace of the singers. The tune ended and the applause was enough to shake the stage. Kris had never played for such a large crowd before and the feeling was electric. He envied Matt and Allison for getting to live this life, but was grateful for the little taste of it he was getting . As the applause and cheers died down, Matt struck the opening chords of the next number, but a lone man strode forward from the back of the room. The crowd parted to let him pass.

“Let the tall one sing.” The man said, and his voice was unmistakably British. Kris saw Adam’s back tense up and knew that this man must be Simon Cowell. The man responsible for kidnapping Adam and for trying to build a bomb capable of destroying an entire city, maybe even more. Though Kris had just been considering hanging up his pistol for good in favor of his guitar, he longed for the comforting touch of steel in his hand.

“It’s Allison’s band.” Adam protested, making sure to use his faux southern accent.

“Humor me.” Simon said, authoritatively. He took a front seat from a grunt who gladly gave it up and waited expectantly.

“Alright. You heard the man.” Allison said, waving her hands as she exited the stage. “You got something to sing, Charlie?”

Adam hesitated.

“I got a love song my girl used to sing for me, before she left me for an outlaw.” Adam said to the crowd’s delight. “Maybe a few of you fellas out there have heard of it. “My Lover Rides at Dawn”” Adam looked back to the boys and mouthed the key. Kris grimaced. It was a familiar tune that incorporated a lot of Spanish-style guitar work. He took a step forward and opened the song, fingers flying over the strings as fast as he could handle. The notes popped staccato in the air, and Kris was pleased to see Adam’s look of approval. Matty brought the melody for a few bars before Adam began to sing. The sound was so beautiful that it was all Kris could do to keep playing. He wanted to stop and stare and listen to Adam sing forever. When Adam reached the chorus, it was so overwhelming that Kris couldn’t help but sing the harmony.

“And I know my momma wouldn’t approve

She wants me to stay on the farm

And I know my daddy’s gonna make me choose

My lover rides away at dawn

And I, oh I, I’m going too.

He’ll never leave me, he swears he won’t stray

Forever beside me is where he will stay

I’ve got to prove that my love’s just as true

My lover rides at dawn

And I’m going too”

Kris found that the more he focused on Adam, the easier he found the guitar part. He became part of the music that Adam was making, a mere instrument in the hands of a master. When the song was over, the crowd waited in silence until Simon rose from his chair. He looked at Adam as if he was the only other person in the room.

“That was a very spirited performance, boys. I have to say, if I am being honest, that the male/male harmony on this particular song was an interesting choice, although I didn’t really give you adequate time to prepare. The lead vocals were immaculate. The harmony wavered a bit at first but that’s natural en octavo. There’s usually a much bigger gap in the voice parts. It was strange hearing such a closed harmony. I bet that half the people in this room were watching you thinking that it was spectacular, and the other half were just confused as to what was happening. It was sort of bizarre. But I liked it.”

“Well, I’m glad.” Adam said, looking unsure.

“I hope you will join me for a drink after the show at my home. Bring your little friend.”

Adam nodded and Simon bobbed his head slightly in acknowledgment before exiting the bar.

Allison came back on stage and Kris retreated into the music, enjoying what little time they had left before entering into the belly of the beast.

“You think he recognized you?” Kris asked as he and Adam changed into their normal clothing.

“Tough to say. Why make me sing on my own if he did? The shopkeeper told us he likes nurturing new talent. Maybe he thinks we have potential.” Adam said, smiling vainly.

“Are we actually gonna go?” Kris said a little warily.

“I think we’d be foolish not to. If nothing else it would give us the chance to see the inside of the house. We could have a drink, leave, and then return in a few hours.”

Kris thought about it. Adam was right, it would be a big advantage to see the layout of the building and if there was any security.

“Alright. But more importantly, Christ, Adam, how come you never told me you could sing. If you can even call what you did singing. It was more like heaven opened up in front of me.”

“Sounds familiar.” Adam joked, prodding Kris on his backside. “You know, I really should be more nervous about this but I can’t help but feel good after singing. I always sing in the Lab, I can’t believe you’ve never heard me.

“You’re right, you really should be nervous. What if he recognizes you?”

“He won’t.” Adam insisted, but Kris didn’t think he sounded very sure. “And if he does I’ll think of something. Just follow my lead.”

***

“Ah, Dr. Lambert! And his gunman-cum-guitarist-cum-lover, Krissy the Kid. Do come in.” Simon answered his own door, which surprised Kris but not quite as much as the fact that he had used their real names. Sort of. His hand went to his gun, but Simon flicked his eyes upwards towards the foyer balcony. A man had the muzzle of a shot gun trained on Kris.

“Do let’s be civil.” Simon said cheerfully. “I was thrilled when I saw it was you with dear Dr. Lambert here. Saves me the trouble of you coming to look for him again. I have to say, the disguises almost threw me, and Adam your accent is wretched, but upon closer examination I was certain it was you. Brilliant vocals, by the way, and an interesting song choice considering.” Simon said, waving his hand between the two of them. “It’s a shame I’m going to have to deprive the world of her greatest mind and her greatest singing voice all at once.”

“What do you mean?” Kris stepped in front of Adam protectively. “I thought you said we were being civil.”

“I meant you and I. I don’t want anything from you, Kris Allen. As long as you don’t put up a fight, you’re free to go.” Simon gestured towards the door, but Kris stayed stone still.

“Go, Kris.” Adam’s voice was firm as he placed his hands on Kris’s shoulders and tried to push him sideways. However, Kris was stronger than his frame belied and he remained rooted to the ground between Simon and Adam.

“Listen here, you bastard. If you think I’m going to walk out the door and let you kill Adam you’re beyond insane.” Kris said, taking a step forward. “I know your man up there can get a shot off, but is he faster than me? You think he can kill me before I kill you?” Kris snarled, watching Simon’s eyes carefully. “So what’s it gonna be, Cowell? Are you a gamblin’ man?”

Simon tensed, clearly he was a man used to being obeyed. He hadn’t counted on Kris standing up to him; hadn’t counted on Kris at all. Kris took a bit of pride in that at least he was unexpected.

“Who said anything about killing Dr. Lambert.” Simon said, waving to the gunman to lower his weapon. “What I really want is for him to join me. Killing him would be-“

“Well, he’s not gonna!” Kris interjected, but Adam placed a calm hand on his shoulder.

“Actually, Kris. That’s what I’m here for.” Adam took advantage of Kris’s stunned silence to push past him and hold out his hand to Simon.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said.” Adam began, as Simon grasped his hand. “About making a new start out here, without the misguided morality of the eastern states. I want in on it,”

“Adam! What are you saying?” Kris felt like his world was going to drop out from beneath him. Was this what Adam had meant when he had told Kris to follow his lead?

“Kris. Think about it. Think about what it could mean for us.” Adam took his hand and twined their fingers together, holding their hands upright against Adam’s chest. “We can work with them, make sure the separation isn’t violent. You’d be a big help, you could rally a lot of undecided people to the cause. Think about it. If the West succeeded, the South could rise again. Leave the Yankees to their frozen corner of the country.”

Kris couldn’t be sure if Adam was telling the truth. He looked convincing, that was certain. There were tears in his pleading eyes and Kris felt like weeping himself. The country had just barely begun to heal, and only a week ago Adam had begged Kris to keep him from doing anything that would tear the country apart. Adam squeezed his hand tightly. Kris turned to look at Simon, who was so certain of his victory he was eyeing Adam the way a cat would eye a mouse.

“If you love me, stay. I need you to face this with me, I can’t do it alone.” Adam said, and that was it. Kris could either break his promise to keep Adam from breaking the fragile peace of the nation or his promise to stand by Adam no matter what came their way. For life, he had said, and he had meant it.

“If this is what you want.” Kris said. “Then it’s the only thing that matters.” Kris pulled his hand from Adam and offered it to Simon, before he could change his mind.

***

EPITAPH

There were wedding bells in Westport this week, folks. The Reverend Daniel Gokey presided over a rather impromptu ceremony uniting Miss Megan Joy and Westport’s own Marshall Mac Sarver. I wonder if this means his bar-brawlin’ days are done. It seems like Miss Megan’s bar-brawlin’ days are just beginning. During the reception at The Golden Calf, she allegedly punched out another gal who was lookin’ at her man. When asked about the unladylike conduct, the groom said that Miss Megan has a mind of her own, and he was just glad that on that day her mind was set on him.

It really must be love, folks. If my wife decked another lady, we’d be having words and make no mistake! Of course, that situation would be predicated on my having a wife, which doesn’t look to be happenin’ anytime soon.

I’m hearing interesting news from further west. It seems that the newly-formed band Allison Iraheta and The Western Boys” have fractured after only one show. Allegedly, two of the bandmates, Copperhead Charlie and Papa Sizzle have partnered off and are now guests of famed patron Simon Cowell. Apparently he was so impressed with Charlie’s vocal acrobatics and Papa Sizzle’s pickin’ that he invited them aboard his Devilstone-Powered airship for a tour of the country! Let me know if you see that Zepplin anywhere – anyone that Mr. Cowell chooses to endorse is certainly worth a ticket. Good luck Boys, from what I hear of Simon Cowell, you’re gonna need it.

Till next time!

The Snoop

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