Payback!

Disclaimer: I don't own the Dukes of Hazzard, not making any money, just cheap thrills.


Warnings: Slash, Incest, OOC, Angst


Rating: FRAO


// indicates thoughts


Summary: What will Luke do to save Bo?


Payback!


The day had started like any other, chores and breakfast, followed by running a few errands. It had been when they were in town that everything had suddenly changed. Luke watched Bo carefully, alert for any sign of a problem. Maybe she had lied, but could he take that chance? No, he quickly decided, he couldn't take the chance, not when Bo's life could be on the line.


Earlier:


"Hey Bo I'm gonna go over to the bank while you go to Rhuebottoms," he informed his cousin as they climbed out of the car.


"Okay Luke," Bo didn't argue. He might not like shopping, but he liked dealing with Boss even less.


Luke was able to take care of buisness at the bank quickly and was soon on his way to meet Bo. As he walked past an alley he thought he heard somebody whimpering in pain. Turning into the alley, he called out so he wouldn't spook whoever was there. "Is anybody there?"


"Hello Luke," a woman's voice greeted him.


Turning around he was surprised when she stepped from the shadows. "Mary Beth Carver, how are ya doing?" he asked, a smile on his face.


"How am I?" she snarled. "Oh I'm just fine Luke. You and your cousin ruined my life, well now I'm going to return the favor."


"Look Mary Beth I'm real sorry that you got hurt but it ain't our fault, it was your daddy that was breaking the law."


"Maybe not, but it is your fault he was caught and sent to prison. I've been thinking about it for awhile now Luke and I decided that y'all deserve some payback." Reaching into her purse, she found the object she sought and pulled it out, knowing he would be surprised.


Seeing her reaching into her bag, Luke prepared to lunge for the gun. Stopping in surprised shock, he stared at the syringe she now held in her hand. "Are you sick Mary Beth?" his mind unable to come up with any other reason for the syringe.


"No I'm not, but Bo is. Well to be more accurate, he will be very soon and then he'll be dead," she calmly informed him.


"What?" Luke nearly yelled, fear gnawing at him as he fought the urge to run to his cousin. "What did you do to him?"


"I saw him over at that quaint little general store and well while we were talking I was able to give him a shot in his cute little behind. He didn't realize it of course, I guess he thinks it was a mosquito or something but no matter."


"Wh..." Luke paused, licking suddenly dry lips. "What did you give him?"


"After my daddy went to prison the FBI confiscated everything, including my racecars because Daddy bought them for me."


Her voice was starting to rise, her blue eyes no longer calm as they flashed with anger.


"I'm real sorry to hear that Mary Beth but that doesn't answer my question."


"I'm getting to that," she snapped. "I had to find a way to support myself, so I found a job managing a research lab for a major pharmeceutical company. That's where I found this," she said, tapping the syringe. "It's a very interesting virus they've been working with. A very deadly virus," she added. "A few hours after being exposed to it, the victim starts to feel just a little off shall we say. Not really sick, just not quite right. The fun begins the next day, that's when they start to become truly ill. Aches, fever, chills and as time passes they become sicker and sicker until finally their body can't take anymore and they die."


"No!" Luke gasped. "There's a cure right? Please Mary Beth if you want to punish somebody I'm the one who agreed to the sting, Bo didn't want to do it at all. Please don't kill him, he doesn't deserve to die," he begged, hoping that the affection she'd held for his cousin was still present somewhere in her heart.


"Maybe not, but he sure went along with it. You both used me to get close to my daddy just so you could help the feds arrest him." Looking towards the street she smiled when she saw Bo getting into the General. "You're right though, there is a cure and you can have it if you cooperate."


"Cooperate? What do you want me to do Mary Beth?" Luke wasted no time in asking, willing to do anything if it would save his cousin's life.


"Nothing you don't already want to do," she cryptically replied.


"Damn it Mary Beth would you just tell me already!"


"Temper, temper Luke," she admonished.


Swallowing hard, he forced himself to calm down. "Would you please tell me what you want me to do?"


"That's better," she smiled sweetly. "It's really very simple Luke, tonight when Bo is in the bathroom getting ready for bed I want you to enter the room. I want you to tell him that you've been watching him for years and wanting him. Tell him that you're tired of being patient and tonight you're going to take what you've been wanting. If he protests you will do whatever you have to, threaten him, cajole him, whatever it takes to convince him to cooperate. Tell him to go to bed and wait for you..."


"You're crazy, there's no way I'm going to do that to Bo," Luke refused as soon as he could speak again.


"Well if you'd rather watch him die it's no skin off my nose," she casually responded.


"If I do this you'll give me the antidote for the virus?"


"Yes, and Luke don't think about trying to fool me. I've already set up cameras and microphones in your bedroom, I have to admit I was surpised to see that Bo wears long pants to bed. Maybe he already suspects what you want from him," she taunted.


"I don't, this is all something you cooked up in your sick mind."


"Oh now Luke that's not true and you know it. We both know you've secretly wanted him for years, I'm just going to help you get what you want. Do we have a deal?"


Feeling sick, he reluctantly nodded his agreement. "When will you give me the antidote?"


"Tomorrow, if you do as I tell you tonight. Good-bye Luke," stepping to the side she smiled when he rushed from the alley and to his cousin. As soon as he was out of sight she broke down laughing as she imagined what Bo's reaction would be to his cousin's confession tonight.


Present:


As the hours had passed with no indication of a problem, Luke dared to hope that she was lying. He had very nearly convinced himself of it by the time supper arrived.


"Aren't you going to eat more than that Bo?" Daisy asked.


Luke glanced at his cousin's plate, surprised by how little food was on it.


"I don't think so Daisy, I'm just not very hungry tonight."


"Ya ain't getting sick are ya son?"


"I don't know Uncle Jesse. Don't really feel sick, just don't feel like myself I guess."


"You have a fight with Donna Jo?"


"No sir, just don't feel right. I know it don't make sense Uncle Jesse, I just can't think of how else to describe it," Bo said as he picked at his food.


"Alright, well you eat what ya can so you don't get sick." Hiding his concern for his youngest, Jesse went back to eating his own supper. The ringing of the phone took them all by surprise. Pushing his chair back, Jesse went to answer it. "Hello Duke farm, Jesse speaking." Casting concerned glances at Daisy as he listened to the voice on the phone, he quickly wrote down the information. "Thank you ma'am, we'll be there as soon as we can." Hanging up the phone he turned towards the kitchen. Stepping over to Daisy, he gently took her hand between his. "Daisy honey that was a nurse at the hospital in Montgomery."


"Aunt Jenny?" Daisy asked fearfully, knowing it couldn't be about anybody else.


"She's had a heart attack, now they think she's going to recover but she's asking for ya. You go pack a bag, if we leave now we can be there by breakfast time," he told her as gently as he could.


"Yes sir," hurrying to her room, all thoughts of supper forgotten.


"Luke if Bo does get sick you be sure and call the doc if you think it's needed. Don't you be worrying none about the expense."


"Yes sir," Luke said. He was sure that this was a trick of Mary Beth's so he and Bo would be alone. He hoped it was a trick anyway, even if it was cruel. It was still better than Daisy's aunt really being in the hospital. Luke knew how much it would hurt his cousin to lose her last link to her mother.


It didn't take them long to get ready and within half an hour Daisy and Jesse were gone, leaving the boys alone for at least a couple of days. "I'm tired Luke, think I'll get the kitchen cleaned up and go to bed." Walking back into the house without waiting for an answer, Bo began to get the kitchen cleaned up, knowing Daisy wouldn't like coming home to a mess. Rubbing the back of his neck, he couldn't believe how quickly things had changed. Luke joined him a few minutes later, working in silence they soon had the kitchen put to rights. "Goodnight Luke," Bo mumbled as he headed for the bathroom to clean up.


Taking a deep breath, Luke stood outside the bathroom door, wondering how he was supposed to go through with this. //You'll do it Luke Duke, even if he hates you later. At least he'll be alive to hate you and maybe after he's better I can tell him the truth. God please help me get through this, please let him forgive me someday.// Turning the knob he stepped into the room.


"Hey Luke, I'll be out of your way in a minute."


"Ain't no hurry Bo," Luke softly said, moving to stand beside him. Putting his hand on Bo's arm, he pressed closer, "I'm sorry for Daisy's aunt, but I'm glad we're alone."


"Yeah? Why's that?" Bo stammered, taking a step away from his cousin. His eyes widened in surprise when Luke followed him, pressing close again.


"So I can do this," Luke whispered. Pushing Bo against the wall, he put his hands on either side of his cousin as he leaned in, kissing him hard. Running his tongue over the younger man's lips, he demanded entrance.


At first Bo could do nothing, the surprise of his cousin's kiss shocking him to the core. As he recovered from the shock he shoved his cousin away. "What the hell do you think you're doing Luke?"


"Oh come on Bo, you know you want it. I've seen you watching me cousin, I know you want me as much as I want you."


"No, Luke I ain't never even thought about you like that," his voice trembled.


"Okay," Luke shrugged, "but I still want you and I'm tired of denying myself."


"What about what I want?" Bo snapped, angry at his cousin for treating him like this.


"What about it?"


"Ha-ha Luke, very funny joke. Ya really had me going there for a minute," Bo chuckled. "You can let me go now cousin," trying to move past his cousin.


Tightening his grip, he pressed closer to his cousin. "I ain't joking Bo. I want you and I'm gonna have ya, willing or not," he growled. Pressing his lips to Bo's he ran his tongue over the younger man's lips. This time when Bo's mouth stayed stubbornly shut he brought his hand up to violently pinch his nipple. When his cousin's lips parted in an involuntary gasp, he took advantage, shoving his tongue into Bo's mouth as he deepened the kiss, his other hand gripping the back of his cousin's head.


Bo's mind was reeling as he tried to understand what was happening to him. Keeping his jaw clamped shut he couldn't help the pained gasp as his nipple was twisted and pinched. //No this can't happen, please Luke stop this!// Bo cried out in his mind as he struggled to break free of his cousin's hold.


"Don't fight me Bo," Luke whispered, praying his cousin would listen. "I don't want to hurt you cousin, but I will have what I want. Let me make it good for you too," he quietly added, nuzzling against Bo's neck.


"Please Luke don't do this," Bo begged. "I'll fight you every step of the way, I'm not gonna let ya rape me," wincing at the ugly word.


"You'll only get yourself hurt if you do. I know ways to subdue a man Bo, you can't win."


"Maybe not, but at least I'll be able to look myself in the mirror tomorrow. I'll know that I didn't just lay down and let ya use me like ya want."


Luke groaned, frustrated with the whole situation. "Let me love you Bo," he murmured, rubbing his hand over his cousin's cock. "You like that don't ya Bo? I can feel ya responding to my touch, you wouldn't if you didn't want me too," he lied.


Bo couldn't help the small moan as his cousin's hand moving over his pajama clad groin brought a surprising response from his body. "No, please Luke this isn't right, you know it ain't right," he protested, though he didn't sound as convinced as before.


"Why not Bo? I want you and you obviously want me too, so why shouldn't we love each other?" Luke continued to rub his hand over his cousin's erection, surprised to feel his own cock twitching as he felt the younger man hardening under his touch.


"We're cousins Luke."


"So, ain't never stopped anybody before," he countered, moving down to suck on one of Bo's nipples, using his body to keep him pinned to the wall.


"We're both men, oh god," Bo moaned as his cousin's hot mouth latched onto one of his nipples. "Please Luke it ain't right, please stop."


"No," he refused, scraping his teeth over the sensitive nub. Hating himself as much for what he was doing as for his own reaction to it, he nevertheless continued. As he used his mouth and hands to torment his cousin, determined to make this good for him, he vowed that when it was over he would find Mary Beth and strangle her. "I want you to go to our room Bo, get in my bed and wait for me," he softly ordered.


"I won't do it," Bo said, denying the urges of his body as Luke continued to stroke him, driving him wild with desire.


"Do it now Bo," Luke ordered, his voice harsher, more demanding.


"No. There ain't nothing you can threaten me with that will make me do that."


Desperate to save his cousin's life, but not wanting to physically hurt him he tried the first thing that came to mind. "Would you rather have me make love to you or a prison full of men use you for their own pleasure?"


"Prison? What the hell are you talking about now Luke?"


"Simple Bo, if you don't give me what I want I'll set you up for probation violation and you'll go to prison. Where there will be hundreds of other men. Men that you can bet will be more than willing to take a pretty boy like you. Now what's it gonna be?"


"You wouldn't," Bo protested, his face pale with shock and fear.


"I won't, if you give me what I want."


"How can you do this Luke?" Bo asked, not hiding any of the fear or hurt he was feeling.


"I told ya Bo, I want you and judging by this hard-on ya got, you want me too. I'm gonna let ya go now Bo and if ya know what's good for you I'll find you waiting in my bed when I get to the room." Backing away Luke stood aside, allowing Bo to flee the too small space. The moment his cousin was out of the room he grabbed the sink, letting the solid feel of it beneath his hands steady him. "Damn you Mary Beth for making me do this. Damn me for being turned on by my cousin." he snarled as he stared at himself in the mirror, his eyes filled with self-hatred. "What kind of man am I?"


The moment Luke moved Bo fled the room. Nearly running to their room, he stood in the middle of the room feeling more lost and alone than he ever had before. He didn't understand any of this. Why was Luke doing this? How could he be reacting to his cousin's touch like he had? Moving towards the dresser he thought he would get dressed and leave. Bracing himself on the dresser, he hung his head. "Where can I go though? What if he carries out his threat? I hate the thought of Luke...of being with him sexually, but at least I know him. I thought I knew him," he whispered to himself, his mind whirling with all that had happened in the last half hour. With a defeated sigh he stepped over to Luke's bed and climbed under the covers.


Luke spent longer than usual getting ready for bed, until he couldn't delay it any longer. Stripping down to his boxers, he tossed his dirty clothes in the hamper and walked to his bedroom. Steeling himself for what was to come, he slowly opened the door. Standing in the open doorway he forced himself to look at Bo, his heart sinking when he saw the look of fear on the younger man's face.


Bo had sat in Luke's bed, the covers pulled up to his chest as he waited for the older boy. The minutes seemed to tick by slower than he could ever remember as time nearly stood still. He wondered what was taking his cousin so long, hoping it meant he had changed his mind. When the door opened, he couldn't contain the gasp of fear as he saw how Luke was dressed, his cock already hardening beneat the cotton material, confirming that his nightmare was only just beginning.


"What are you wearing Bo?"


"My," he swallowed as the word rasped out past his dry throat. "My pajama pants," he finally managed to say.


"I told you to be ready Bo, take them off," Luke ordered.


"Luke please don't," he tried one last time.


"Now Bo," he barked in his best Marine voice.


"Yes sir," Bo sighed. Standing up he slowly stripped, feeling uncomfortable with his cousin for the first time in his life. The moment the pants were off he hurried to climb back into the bed. Pulling the covers back to his chest he stared at his cousin with a mixture of fear and shame as he remembered the way his body had reacted in the bathroom.


Walking to the bed, Luke stood next to it, looking down at his cousin, wishing he didn't have to do this. Stripping out of his boxers, he ignored the look of fear on Bo's beautiful face as he climbed under the covers with his cousin. "I promise I'll make it good for you Bo," he soothed, brushing his fingers down his cousin's cheek. The heat he felt emanating from the younger man's skin took him by surprise, serving as a reminder of why he was doing this. Pulling him close he kissed him deeply, sighing with relief when Bo allowed him access to his mouth. Delving into the moist heat, he explored his cousin's mouth, savoring the taste of him. His mind reeled with shock, the realization that Mary Beth was right, he did want this, taking him by surprise. In the space of a heartbeat the joy he'd felt as he kissed Bo was replaced with despair when he understood the true cruelty of her plan. He would spend tonight in his cousin's arms, loving him with all he had and tomorrow after Bo was given the cure he'd be damned lucky if he'd ever speak to him again. Thanks to Mary Beth he would be forced to spend the rest of his life loving and wanting a man who would forever hate him. Kissing his way down Bo's body, he teased his nipples with his mouth as his hands roamed his body. "You like this don't you?" he asked as his hand stroked his cousin's erection.


"No, no," Bo denied, even as his traitorous body responded to the pleasure his cousin offered.


"Liar," Luke accused, kissing and sucking his way down the gorgeous body beneath him.


"Please Luke stop, please don't make me do this," he begged, tears of shame and anger falling down his pale cheeks.


"You want it Bo, stop denying it," Luke replied, ignoring his cousin's tears with difficulty.


"No, yes, oh god please Luke I can't, please," he plead, his hips thrusting up as Luke engulfed his cock with his hot mouth.


"You can Bo, I'm gonna make it so good for you," Luke groaned. Raising up he reached for the KY that he thankfully always kept in the nightstand.


"No, Luke you can't," Bo protested, his eyes widening further when he saw what Luke was doing.


"I can and I will," Luke firmly informed him. "Count yourself lucky Bo, ya think those guys in prison would be nice enough to use this?" Cursing himself nearly as much as Mary Beth for the hell he was putting his cousin through, he forced himself to sound cold and selfish. Hearing no further protests from Bo he kissed his way back down to the younger man's cock, slowly sucking it into his mouth. Spreading a generous amount of lube over his fingers, he slowly inserted one long digit into Bo's ass, ignoring the hiss of discomfort.


Bo squirmed under the onslaught, his cousin's mouth felt too good, bringing an unwanted response from his body. Moaning and writhing, he couldn't believe how much pleasure this was bringing him. His face flushed with shame as he fought with himself, trying to will his body not to respond. It was useless though, even when Luke pushed a finger into his opening, the slight burning wasn't enough to change his body's response. The addition of a second finger a few minutes later nearly did it, but before his erection could wilt Luke brushed across a spot inside him and Bo nearly came off the bed.


"Like that sweetheart?" Luke quietly asked, the endearment slipping out.


"Yes, oh god it's so good," Bo moaned, writhing beneath him as his body was assailed with jolts of electricity each time Luke touched that spot.


Luke silently thanked God, relieved that Bo was getting some pleasure from this. Using his fingers he scissored them apart, stretching and preparing Bo's body for his length. As he pumped his fingers in and out of Bo, he bobbed his head up and down the younger man's cock. Sucking vigourously, he continued pleasuring his cousin, wanting to make him cum before he entered him. He hoped that if he was relaxed enough it would make it hurt less, though he knew that it wouldn't matter, Bo would never forgive him for what he was doing.


Moaning and writhing, Bo thrust his hips, nearly driving himself down Luke's throat. The dual sensations were driving him wild, bringing him closer and closer to the edge. He wondered later if it was because of the way he had fought himself or if it was just that Luke was that good. In that moment though all he knew was that when he lost the battle his body erupted in the most powerful orgasm he'd ever experienced, seemingly going on forever.


Luke swallowed what he could, most of his cousin's cum dribbling out of his mouth to pool on his groin and on the sheet below him. Not giving the younger man a chance to tense up, Luke quickly lubed his cock and climbed between Bo's long legs. Pushing his legs up to his chest, Luke pushed his hard cock into Bo's relaxed body, forcing himself to ignore the cry of pain as he stretched his cousin wide.


"No Luke...please," Bo cried out with pain, his back arching as he instinctively tried to escape the source of the pain.


"Yes Bo," Luke countered, hardening his heart as he began to thrust his hips, moving in and out of his cousin's body. Knowing that he would hurt his cousin no matter what he did, Luke deliberately set up a fast, hard pace in the hopes of ending this soon.


"Please...hurts...Luke...please...stop," Bo panted, gasping with pain each time his cousin moved. He nearly sobbed with relief when his cousin came deep inside him, signaling an end to his torment. He prayed that this would be the last time Luke would use him like this.


Pulling away, Luke collapsed next to Bo on the bed. He hoped this would be enough to satisfy Mary Beth's need for revenge.


"Can I go wash up now?"


"Yeah Bo," Luke quietly replied, his heart breaking at the broken tone of his cousin's voice.


The next morning Luke woke up to find Bo lying in the next bed, tossing and turning. Quickly climbing out of the bed he sat down on Bo's bed. Reaching out to brush his sweat soaked hair from his face, he winced at the heat he found. Getting up he hurried towards the bathroom, stopping when he heard the phone ringing. Nearly running he rushed down the hall to answer it. "Duke farm, Luke speaking."


"Hello Luke, how was your night?" Mary Beth purred.


"I think you know already," Luke snapped.


"Temper, temper."


"Bo's sick Mary Beth, his fever is so high I can't hardly touch him, please give me the antidote."


"That is a shame Luke, it really is," she cooed sympathetically. "I'm not sure I should do that though."


"What do you mean? I did what you wanted, what you demanded."


"I know you did Luke, I was watching through the window. Poor Bo, I doubt he'll ever forgive you," she taunted. "I have a confession to make honey, Bo only has the flu. He's in no more danger of dying than you are."


"You bitch!" Luke snarled.


"No that would be Bo," her cold laughter traveling through the line. "Have fun trying to earn his forgiveness, good-bye Luke."


Before Luke could respond the line went dead. Going to the kitchen he ran cold water in a bowl and grabbed a rag before returning to the bedroom. Sitting down on the bed, he placed the bowl on the nightstand and began to gently wash his cousin's face. Ignoring the stab of pain each time Bo called out to him, begging him to stop hurting him he did his best to make the younger man feel better. He spent the day taking care of his cousin, stopping only long enough to tend to the animals and once to answer the phone. Luke wasn't surprised to find out that the emergency with Daisy's aunt had been a trick to get Jesse and Daisy out of the house. Telling his uncle that they'd be fine until they got back, Luke went back to the bedroom, praying that he was telling the truth.


Two days later Jesse and Daisy arrived home, just hours after Bo's fever had broken. Walking into the house they were both surprised by what they found. "Luke, son wake up," Jesse called shaking his nephew's shoulder as he slept on the couch. The dark circles under his eyes spoke of sleepless nights and exhaustion, making him wonder what had gone on in his absence.


"Uncle Jesse?" Rubbing his eyes, Luke sat up, his tired mind trying to catch up with his eyes.


"What's going on Luke? Why are you out here on the couch looking like you haven't slept since we left? Where's Bo?"


"Bo!" he cried out, trying to stand up only to have his uncle push him back to the couch.


"Daisy would you go see if you can find Bo?" Jesse asked of the young woman who hovered anxiously nearby.


"Yes sir."


"Now Luke you need to calm down and tell me what's going on," turning back to his nephew, he kept one hand on his arm to steady him.


"Bo's been sick Uncle Jesse, I been trying to take care of him..."


"Bo's in his room asleep Uncle Jesse," Daisy interrupted.


"His fever broke a few hours ago," Luke continued. "I came out here to dump the water and I sat down on the couch for a minute. Guess I must've fallen asleep," he added.


"I reckon ya did son. Why don't you go on and get some rest in your bed, me and Daisy will take care of everything now."


"Yes sir." Reluctantly Luke pushed himself to his feet and stumbled to his bedroom. His bed was the last place he wanted to be but there was no way he could explain that to his uncle, so he didn't try. As he came into the room, Bo opened his eyes, pulling back in fear when he saw him. Unable to stand that look in his baby cousin's eyes, knowing he had put it there Luke turned and fled the room. Hurrying into the bathroom, he threw up what little there was in his stomach, his body continuing to heave even after it was empty.


It was there his uncle found him a short time later. Helping him to his feet, he led the feverish young man to his room and tucked him into his bed.


"No, please not here, please," Luke begged, his pleas falling on deaf ears.


"Uncle Jesse what's wrong with Luke?" Bo asked from his own bed.


"He's sick Bo, probably has whatever bug you picked up."


"Good," Bo growled.


"Bo! What is wrong with you?" Jesse demanded, shocked to the core.


"Ask him," he nodded to Luke.


"I'm asking you."


"I...he...I can't tell you," Bo mumbled, looking away, his face coloring with shame.


"I won't ask ya to explain now, you're obviously still not well. I will want an explanation later though. Can you keep an eye on him while I get some water and a cloth?"


"Yes sir," he reluctantly agreed.


"No, not Bo. Please don't make me hurt him," Luke begged.


Bo's head snapped to the side at his cousin's words. What was Luke talking about and who was he talking to?


"No, I won't do it. I can't hurt him, not Bo, not like that."


Climbing out of his bed, Bo moved to sit beside Luke. "Luke what are ya talking about? Who wants you to hurt me?"


"I'm sorry Bo, I don't want to do this. Have to, only way to save you," Luke mumbled, unaware of what he was saying.


"Bo," Jesse called. "Sorry sprout, didn't mean to startle ya," he apologized when the boy jumped. "Do you know what he's talking about?"


"I'm getting an idea."


"This have something to do with what you said?"


"Yes sir. He, something happened while y'all were gone."


"What happened?" Jesse gently asked.


"I can't tell you, but it was something I never would've thought Luke could do to anybody. I think maybe it wasn't really Luke, it sounds like maybe he was forced somehow."


"You may be right Bo, but now ain't the time to ask him. You go on back to bed and get some rest, I'll tend to your cousin."


"Yes sir."


A few days later Luke's fever broke, putting him on the road to recovery. Showing more patience and restraint than he ever had before, Bo forced himself to wait for Luke to be up and around. Finally a few days after Luke's fever broke, the two boys were alone in the house and Bo had his opportunity. "Luke can I talk to you?" Sitting down in his uncle's chair he faced his cousin who lay on the couch.


"Of course Bo," Luke readily agreed, surprised that the younger man would want to.


"When you were sick ya said some things."


"What kind of things?"


"Things that made me wonder why you did what you did?"


"You mean why did I rape you?" Luke bluntly asked.


"Yeah," Bo confirmed, hanging his head as he remembered the way he'd reacted to most of what his cousin did.


"Mary Beth Carver."


"Huh?" Bo was more confused than ever, what did she have to do with this?


"The day it happened, she cornered me in town..." Luke went on to explain everything to his cousin. "I'm so sorry Bo, I can't tell ya how much I regret what I did to you. I just hope you can forgive me someday, but I'll understand if you can't."


"Forgive you? Of course I forgive ya Luke, you were trying to save my life. It don't matter that she lied to you, you thought I would die if you didn't do what she wanted. You ran the risk of losing not only me but your entire family, even your freedom maybe just so you could save my life."


"You're an amazing man Bo Duke," Luke whispered, awed by his cousin's ability to forgive.


"You wouldn't think so if ya knew the truth," Bo mumbled.


"What truth?"


"You heard that?"


"Yeah."


"Luke I...I enjoyed it, well not all of it, but most of what you did. I ain't never felt anything so amazing. I'm sorry, you don't need to hear that," he apologized, hanging his head.


"Bo, if we were to take things slow do you think you'd ever consider being with me again?" Luke carefully asked.


"You mean that?"


"Yeah I do," Luke confirmed. "Bo I hated what I was doing to you, what she forced me to do, but I realized during it that I do love you. If you think you'd like to, we could try this again the right way, see where it leads," he shyly suggested.


"I'd like that," Bo whispered. Standing up he moved to sit on the couch, "Luke could you kiss me?"


"Gladly," Luke smiled as he pulled his cousin down for a gentle kiss.




A year later Mary Beth Carver received a letter from Bo Duke.


Dear Mary Beth,

A year ago you came to Hazzard for a visit. You tried to destroy two lives with that visit, all because you thought we'd ruined your life. I'm sending you this letter to thank you for your efforts. Because of you Luke and I discovered that our love went deeper than we'd ever imagined. We are deeply in love, basking in the love and support of our family and friends as we prepare to pledge our love in a public ceremony. I would invite you, but we're only inviting those who wish us well. Again thank you for your scheming ways, giving us both more happiness than we could ever have imagined possible.


Bo Duke.


Howling in frustrated rage, Mary Beth tore the letter to shreds.


The End.