Lou rode in hard from a run to Ft Kearny...Lightning was lathered in the Nebraska heat and Lou too was sweating and coated in dust...The boys had not yet realized her femininity...Save Kid. There was something Lou loved about being the only female here.. She had gotten used to keeping a rock hard face as she watched the gorgeous young men undress each day...She wasn't always tired....But she was never late for bed!

Lou handed off the pouch to Cody and walked Lightning to cool her down before untacking...Lou hated being filthy.. But to fuss over the dirt would have given her away in an instant! So she simply tossed her hat onto a fence post and continued on...

Leading her tired mount to the corral to remove her saddle Lou saw Buck and Ike conversing in sign.. She tossed the saddle over the rail and let Lightning drink before the black beauty ran off to roll in the dust.... Lou watched the Kiowa and 
his mute friend speak in silence ...She did not know any more sign than she had picked up watching their lessons.. But still she intuitively understood...

Ike and Buck sat in the shade of the barn, their hands moving gracefully, meaningfully. 

Yeah, but if you was that small you'd ride faster too,  Buck signed with a quick point to Lou...Ya ever wonder 'bout him? Like how he's so shy sometimes, and sleeps in long johns all the time.. never takes his shirt off...Never goes swimmin..

Ike cocked an eyebrow.. I ain't sayin nothin, he's just odd is all.  Ike finished noticing Lou was staring at him...

Buck just laughed and got  up.. got chores to get to..later Ike, "Hey Lou!" He waved and entered the barn..

Ike looked uncomfortably at Lou, never quite sure just how he seemed to understand he and Buck's conversations...

Lou saw Ike gesturing toward her and huffed..."What Ike? Whatta ya got to say? Go ahead!" Lou charged at him carrying her saddle! She ducked inside just long enough to deposit it then returned to Ike standing a bit puzzled..."I saw you talking bout me! What the hell is it huh?!" she barked..

Ike took a step back...He shook his head and held up his hands...

"Don't give me that!!" Lou was angry! She advanced toward Ike.... She grabbed him by the arm...She had a wonderful idea push into her mind! "I'm sick of this secret little chat of yours...Teach me!" she demanded.

Teach you?! Ike signed laughing silently.

"Yes" Teach Me! Lou repeated his sign..

Ike flinched.. how much sign had he picked up?! By how riled he was enough to understand a bit of his conversation with Buck..
 

Ike shook his head and began to walk off...Lou grabbed him by the arm and 
turned him to face her.. Teach me! she signed looking into his eyes..

Ike looked into Lou's deep brown eyes they plead with him...so soft like a 
newborn colt!! Ike felt his chest swell...What the HELL!!!! His mind screamed!!!! NO, LEAVE OFF!  he signed and headed off...

Lou kicked the dirt and watched him go...She'd learn.. and he'd teach her!! But for now she stank!! She couldn't bear the grime anymore!! She HAD to shower!!!! She grabbed her things from the bunk house and headed out back to the impromptu shower stall.
 

Lou's head just peaked over the shower walls and she stood with her eyes shut secretly reveling in the cold water running over her body! She let a smile cross her lips as she ran her hands through her clean hair! She thought about Ike.. She liked him alot.. He was gentle.. Lou laughed to herself recalling how he had blushed the other day when Emma had hung her petticoats out to dry.. Lou giggled loudly before covering her mouth!

Ike threw his towel over his sholder.. He had discarded his shirt and after finishing his chores for the day was looking forward to a shower! He thought about what Lou had requested to show him sign.. Ike shrugged.. Why not? It would be one more person to talk to without a pad of paper.. But the thought then lead to another.. those eyes!! Ike felt a bit sick to his stomach.. he was looking at Lou and was aroused!! He wanted to wash the feeling from him with the dirt!!!  But the more he thought about it the more directions his mind ran in! 

Ike was only a few steps from the shower when he heard a giggle.. He shot his eyes from the ground and saw Lou there water cascading over his head...Ike watched...He just stood in silence....He found himself moving inexplicably to the stall door...He could see over just a bit.. Enough to see Lou's back and beginnings of his round behind.. Ike’s pulse quickened and he stumbled back away from the shower!!!!

Lou spun at the sound of Ike stumbbling.. "Ike, what?! I can explain!" She was frantic! 

Ike just held up his hands..Just comin' to wash for dinner, he signed and tried to swipe the look off his face...

Lou looked at him.. He hadn't seen!!! She sighed...

Ike turned and went to the fence of the corral to wait his turn...He felt a build up 
of energy inside him and so he decided to chop some wood! He'd seen Kid chop a lot of wood these weeks and it seemed to help him so...Ike took up the ax and took to work....

Lou watched Ike at work...He was gorgeous lean and so muscular.. You'd never guess how sick he was as a boy! She watched him swing the ax with grace and rhythm...She found her hand working to her breasts.. She held herself her breasts firm from the running cold water...She watched Ike's hips moving under his swings...Lou found her fingers moving down her skin to her thighs...She knew he could look up a any moment and see her and that knowledge made her want to touch herself all the more!!!

Lou found her own clit with ease familiar with her body, and how to please herself, a past time she had become familiar with since joining the express....

Lou circled her clit teasing herself until she bit her lip.. then she slid two fingers into her heat...She tilted her head back and massaged herself she felt warmth tingle through her a bit.. She returned her eyes to watch Ike, his body flexing glistening with sweat.. Lou could almost smell him.. so masculine! She imagined that her fingers were his and her legs began to shake.. Lou thrust her soft fingers deeper into herself pressing against her wet hot walls farder and faster as she thought of the taste of him what he must taste like..Lou moved her hips to her hand and felt her way to orgasm..Lou let out a deep sensual moan, her eyes closed head flung back as she circled her own fingers with her wetness....Then her eyes flew open...Had he heard her?
 

Ike was working away and had succeeding in wearing himself out.. when he heard a throaty moan come from Lou!!! He turned and looked at him relishing the water!!!! Ike found a nagging question in the back of his mind....

Lou turned to see Ike watching her...She abruptly turned off the water and dried herself off...She dressed and stepped from the stall....

Now it was her turn to watch! She smiled to herself as she ran her 
fingers through her wet hair!
 

Dinner passed quietly. Many of the boys had gone into town for some "Fun" and Lou found them distasteful.. Even Kid had gone after being pestered by Cody for some time. Lou had seen to the stock for the night and stretched lazily as she jumped onto the porch startling Ike from a drawing...

Ike had been secretly drawing for a time now his eyes straining against the fading day.. his rough fingers gently moved the tiny charcoal across the sketch paper tablet...He was so engrosed in his work that the sound of a light thump nearly startled him out of his skin! 

"What is it?" Lou asked moving infront of Ike to peer over the tablet.. She looked down and smiled...a portrait.. A small elfish figure of a boy leaning against a post.. Lou smiled.  "Very good...but there's no face." Lou remarked her face curious..

Ike shrugged.. He felt a bit uncomfortable though he was doing nothing wrong he felt as though he had been caught! 

"Who is it?" Lou pried.

Ike closed the tablet and shook his head no.. Lou frowned.. "Look, I didn't mean nothin'." Lou sat on the bench..

They sat in silence both just watching the sun setting....

Then Ike felt a need to speak...he thumped his hand on his chest..

Lou turned looking at him wide eyed.. Ike signed quickly gracefully.. Lou moved closer watching his eyes.. she had a thought of what he was saying.. his body communicated as much as his hands...Lou tried to figure it out.. "Slower I think I got it.." She said watching carefullyIke repeated the motions.. His hands making symbols some obvious and others more abstract.. Lou nodded slowly.. "Yes it is very quiet tonight.. not too hot...Good night to ride." Lou agreed.. 

Ike nodded and slapped Lou on the back.. he understood!!

"Teach me more Ike." Lou asked and after thinking for a moment Ike nodded...He began by teaching Lou his name..Ike pointed to Lou then gestured with his thumb and forefinger little....then straddling his hand with his fingers.. rider

Lou repeated the movement....little rider.. Then she looked up and Ike pointed to her...

Lou shoved him.."Little rider...I see how you two are." she showed him a sign of her own and Ike slapped his knee grinning!! Then he shook his head no...He pointed to himself.. He acted as to turn a key in his lips then signed rider.. Lou nodded.. and sat to learn.. 

That night Lou learned alot! Horse, mail, pouch, gun, station, corral, water, prairie, all the boys names.. Cody, Jimmy, Kid...She learned things that made her dream.. dance, church...She found there were a number of signs Ike had created to make up for the white world.. like mercantile, and town, wagon,..

"Ike what is girl?" Lou asked brightly..

Ike smiled and felt stupid.. he took Lou's hand and ran it down his hair....Ike shrugged and motioned to his bald head.

Lou smiled and laughed a little....Lou ran her hand down her hair again.....She looked at Ike.. He was watching her so intently, studying her face.....

Ike took Lou's hand again and touched his hand to his face then again to his hair....."Mother." Lou guessed and Ike smiled brightly....

Lou felt Ike's hand linger for a moment and she closed her eyes meeting him in a kiss.. Her lips took his in and she moved toward him bringing her hand to caress his strong chest...

Ike felt Lou's soft mouth against his.. he did not pull away! He kissed her and found his tongue searching for his! Ike felt Lou's small hand on him and he sighed... He felt Lou coming closer to him.. his eyes flew open and he flipped back in his chair!! He jumped up and shoved Lou hard..

Stay away! Ike signed and not even Lou could miss the meaning behind the sign..Ike took off around the corner of the bunk house and punched a post on his way!!

Lou stood on the porch..what the hell have I done! She thought to herself..then it occured to her.. He thinks he just kissed a boy!!! She couldn help but giggle as she brought her fingers to her lips...he's a good kisser...she smiled in her own head...She wanted Ike!
 

Lou could not help but notice that all the boys came home and fell straight to sleep.. Pigs! She thought to herself laying in her bunk..Kid was the one exception..he came home with a bad mood! Lou wondered why but let it pass.. She had other things on her mind! Ike had not come in to bed..it was unlike him.... Lou lay thinking...She remembered the kiss they shared..Ike had not pulled away...It made her think..did he like men? his reaction told her he did not!! She 
giggled again at the image of his boots going up over his head...Lou slipped from her bunk and went out to the porch..Lou saw a lamp lit in the barn...She scowled....

Ike had walked all evening..anything to avoid going back to the bunkhouse!!! He didn't know what the hell was going on in him!!! He had never been attracted to men!! Never in his life!! He had bathed along side Buck and never the slightest hint of arousal!!! The boys swam together in the pond and nothing!!! But who had not gone swimming? Lou! It was Lou!! Ike's thoughts kept returning to his soft 
warm lips and his small hand touching him!! The feeling of Lou's hair on his hand...Ike felt himself getting hard just thinking the thoughts.. Then he felt sick.. He ran out of the barn and vomited! He took some water from the pump and felt a bit better...Ike brushed down the horse in the first stall.. Lightning...Lou's horse was dusty still from her roll...Ike got mad at himself.. He threw the brush, blew 
out the lamp and stormed toward the house....

He saw Lou standing there in the night! He gritted his teeth...He slowed then kept on for the door..

Lou stood with her arms crossed over her breasts concealing herself as Ike walked past.. Lou just stood as he shut the door behind her.. She just smiled.. She took up Ike's tablet that he had left in his rush to get away from her.. She opened it looking through..there were cartoonish drawings of the boys...one lovely drawing of Emma...one picture Lou had to laugh at of a young girl in the nude 
with large breasts and perfect curves.. Ike certainly had an imagination.. she snickered to herself......Then she turned to the last page....the boy leaning...she studied it and her heart began to beat!! Her boots...her vest.. her glasses hanging from the pocket...the hair!!! 

"This is ME!" she said covering her mouth...She was stunned...it was a lovely drawing! She was closing the book when she caught a glimps of the last page...There was a picture drawn there of another young woman...this one was incomplete.. she was slight...and shaded indicating she was tan and dirty! Lou felt herself getting warm! She wanted Ike so badly.. she decided she would relieve his worried mind...

Ike lay in his bunk tossing and turning.. to think while the boys were out with dance hall girls.. Ike was here kissing Lou..and liking it! He put his pillow over his face and huffed! He dozed for a bit and opened his eyes his long lashes fluttering.. He lay on his side facing Lou's bunk.. He was there with his back to him.. Ike found himself staring..then his stomach jumped and he lay flat staring at the ceiling! 

Lou could feel Ike's eyes on her back.. "Ike" She whispered in the dark...."Ike are you awake?" She rolled and saw him roll away from her.. "Ike please i need to talk to ya." She called whispering through the dark room....

Ike turned from Lou but felt his blood pressure rise! He turned back and signed angrily..You stay away from me.. you are trouble..Ike formed the sign for Lou's name but in anger pinched his fingers together..nothing rider, he signed....

Lou saw his hands in the dark...she frowned and sat up hurt.. She didn't say anything she slid to the floor put on her trousers and shirt and grabbed her coat and left the bunk house...

Ike watched Lou dress...He could have sworn he saw him crying!!! Ike leaned up on an elbow and looked at the door.. HE was through with playing! Ike pulled on his pants over his long john pants and grabbed his shirt; he tied on his boots.. He wasn't sure what he was going to say or do.. But he couldn't sleep and if this was not resolved he might never sleep again!

Ike stormed across the yard he followed Lou around the side of the barn. Ike caught Lou by the arm whirling him around.. Ike cocked a fist and punched Lou square in the face!! 

Lou cried out in pain and suprise and fell flat on her back on the hard dirt....Before she could think her breath was gone..Ike followed his punch by following Lou to the ground. he placed one hand on either side of Lou's head and kissed him deeply.. His tongue entered Lou's sweet mouth! Ike sighed and kissed Lou 
passionately.. He ran his had under Lou's back taking his round behind in his large strong hand squeezing.. He pushed his tongue deep into Lou's throat indicating what he wanted from him!

Lou was so suprised!! She returned Ike's kiss tasting him and loving it!! She moaned a throaty moan at his touch on her ass!! Lou began undressing Ike hungrily!

Ike lay his weight on Lou's slender frame and suddenly realized he was making love to a boy!!!!!!! Ike's mind screamed!!!!! He pulled away and scrambled back and to his feet his bulge throbbing!

He spit and wiped his mouth..NO! I don't like fuckin' men! Ike signed and kicked dirt at Lou! Ike turned away and held his pounding head.. He thought he was losing his mind! He clenched his teeth hard and leaned against the barn..Why are you doing this to me? He pleaded! 

Lou stood and moved behind Ike...she ran her hands down his strong muscular back.... She moved her hands forward to his manhood and stroked there feeling his taunt trousers! "Please  Ike, I want to taste you." She didn't know why but she wanted to see just how far Ike would go with Lou before she revieled her secret.. She quickly got her answer...

Ike banged his fist on the barn in frustration....he turned and grabbed Lou by the ass and lifted him to meet his lips then let him go again..No I can't, I ain't like that I like WOMEN! he said taking Lou's hand roughly and running it down her hair... WOMEN! He signed with Lou's hands again...

Lou smiled and signed..Ike, I am all woman, I promise you. She looked into his blue eyes with a smile...

Ike watched her sign...Suddenly it made sense..well almost!

WHAT!   Ike signed and looked at her body..her subtle curves, her tiny round 
breasts! What had he been on to have not seen this before!?! How could you..and let me think..I was ready to shoot myself I thought I was!!!! Ike realized he had no sign for what he thought he was!!!

Lou smiled and stilled his hands.. "I'm sorry Ike, I just...wanted you...I am so used to bein Lou..I just didn'y think is all" She moved closer to him...."I want you Ike McSwain! I want you as a woman wants a man!" she whispered in his ear....
 

Ike sat on a barrel and held his head in his hands. He tried to make sense of everything...Then he looked up leaving his eyes on the ground.. He slowly brought his eyes up Lou's body to her face...Those eyes!! Ike had found himself gazing into them so many times...Now he saw them truly! Ike stood as he saw Lou's cheek pink and beginning to swell.. He reached out and caressed her face..

I am so sorry Lou if I'd have known...

Lou smiled and took Ike's hands.. "I'm sorry too Ike, I shoulda told you..." Lou's breath was taken away as Ike moved in to kiss her timidly.. He ran his hands down her sides cupping her behind gently.

Lou moaned into Ike's mouth as she delved into his warm wet kiss..She wrapped her arms around his neck pulling herself up wrapping her legs around Ike's hips.. "Please Ike I have wanted your body for so long now!" Lou begged rocking her hips into him letting him know what was to come....

Ike was suprised by her forwardness..But it aroused him so! Ike felt her moan in his mouth and sighed deeply longing to call out her name....He merely nodded and took Lou into the barn laying her into the soft thick hay...Ike looked down at her his eyes reevaluating her form...She was not the young man he had remembered at all...

What is your name? Ike signed as he ran his hand up her thigh.

Lou bit her lip as he settled her comfortably into the hay..She smiled..
"Louise" she smiled with a giggle...

Ike thought for a moment then signed, beautiful rider, then her ran his hand through her hair.  Woman.

Lou tingled and became wet at his nearing touches..She smiled brightly at her new sign name..thank you Ike..."But I think little rider will have to do for now...Don't want Buck thinkin' yer strange." Lou giggled and played with his collar..

Ike nodded and ran his hands to her hips..those beautifully curved hips!! May I. beautiful rider? Ike signed..

Lou nodded and unbuttoned Ike's shirt..His chest was so very defined and soft!
Lou ran her callused hands over his body to his pant button..She continued down with one hand stroking Ike until his pants became quite tight!

Ike also unbuttoned Lou's shirt and lay it aside..He pulled her longjohns to her waist and looked on her beauty..He let out a raspy breath as she stroked him until the confines of his pants became painful!

Ike leaned his head down and took Lou's small pink nipple in his mouth circling and biting at it until it became a tiny bud in his mouth..he sucked at her..As he did he moved his other hand squeezing her other supple breast..then his fingers trailed to her trousers..Ike undid them and pulled away to remove her pants and 
undercloths..He looked at her..She truly was all woman..Ike could not take it any longer! He quickly removed his own boots and pants and returned to her....

Lou gasped as her clothes were gently removed..Ike's every movement was easy and gentle! She looked on his body..His buttocks firm and tight..his stomach chisled and sculpted perfectly! His smooth skin shone in the lamp light.. Lou looked at his envigorated manhood long and wide..She pulled him over her. spreading her legs wide for him...."I want you Ike..I want you moving inside me..
I want you to ride me!" She pleaded...

She did not have to plead for long! Ike lowered slowly onto her body and prepared her for his length..he massaged her clit until her wetness had lubricated her completely...then he clenched his teeth penetrating into her soft velvet darkness..

Lou instantly pressed against him with a cry..he reached completely into her filling her long and wide! Lou moved beneath him......

Ike's breathing became heavy and deep as he began stroking deep in and out of Lou...her slight body hugging his length..She was tight..but not too tight and the sensation was over whelming...Ike's lips parted in silent moans...

Lou panted..Ike fit in her completely!! His girth spread her wet muscles but brought no pain!! Lou moaned sweetly and wrapped her legs around Ike's hips pulling him deeper into her! "Oh Yes Ike Yes!" She called out into the night! She met his thrust with her own and cried out as his head bumped against the end of her opening! It hurt in a wonderful way she had never felt before! 

Lou's words pushed Ike farther into her and her cries brought him to the peak of pleasure..He quickened his strokes angling up into her deeply.Ike moved harder faster her sweet insides sucking against his member..It made his head hurt she felt so good!!!

Ike longed to tell Lou how she was making him feel and his eyes teared with sadness at not being able to! But he kept on stroking into her hard!

Lou felt her internal muscles beginning to contract and held onto Ike's body! He was so very strong!! Ike took her up in his arms still driving into her wet heat! He felt her excitement squeezing him and he grunted! They both began their climax at the same moment! But Ike willed his time of ecstacy to meet hers!

Lou covered Ike's mouth with hers and cried out for both of them as pleasure over took her tiny body she bucked wildly against her lover his head beating against her insides!

Ike felt his hot fluids spread deep inside her! And with a few more hard strokes his body exploded..He rolled to the side bringing Lou on top of him...He felt his head spin and his body went numb!!

Lou felt her body coursing against him as he flowed into her hot and thick! She couldn't help but bring her fingers to his member as he pulled out of her...."Oh God Ike thank you!" She let the words fall from her....Her body was still shuddering as she lay her head on his chest exhausted...

Ike took a deep breath of her scent! Like flowers and earth..."Beautiful rider," he spoke.. "mmmm...You are perfect" Ike spoke and drifted off to sleep...

Lou's heart exploded into a million pieces at the sound of Ike's deep smooth youthful voice!!! He had spoken to her!! It was not a dream..He moved his lips and spoke!!! But as soon as the enchanting sound had hit her ears it was gone!! Lou kissed his sleeping lips...Thank you Gentle Rider, Louise signed as she lifted from his body and covered him with a blanket...She dressed in silence and 
walked out into the night watching the stars twinkling...She covered her mouth and cried. She felt blessed for the gift he had given her...
 

Louise never heard Ike's voice again...They continued their long talks...but that strange electric was gone...or perhaps deepened...But his sweet voice never left her mind! Months later Lou lay down to sleep and felt a paper under her pillow..she pulled it out and smiled..A picture of an elfish young boy leaning on a post..and in the distance a man wearing a bandana on his head gazed at him.. 
His hands signing beautiful.......