Where You Lead

by Jo Ann

Disclaimer: Not mine and no money is being made.

Vin jerked awake, then lay very still trying to pinpoint what had awakened him. With a sigh he stretched, a long bone-popping stretch before turning over onto his stomach and burying his head under the pillow as a rapid thud could be heard coming from the apartment above him.

Brent. It had to be Brent. The kid lived in the apartment above him and was hoping to get a basketball scholarship for college. Vin was all for that, but dammit the kid knew not to bounce his ball until after seven. Peering through the folds of his pillow slip Vin did a double take as the time on the clock said seven forty-five.

"Hell, I don't remember the last time I slept this late," he muttered. But instead of jumping out of bed, he gave himself another minute to gather his thoughts. 'Cause he knew once he got up, the day would begin and he'd start his new life with Ezra.

Of course, what he didn't know was if this new life would be as Ezra's lover or as someone who was on the verge of falling in love with his best friend.

Vin decided last night as he stood outside The Saloon with the others watching Ezra's tail lights disappear that he'd waited and thought long enough. The time had come to act. He wanted Ezra. He needed Ezra. And he was going to tell Ezra. Today.

Come hell or high water. Today was the day. One way or another Ezra and him were gonna talk and decisions were going to be made.

He'd have done it sooner, only Ezra had been asked to assist another team. Chris had reluctantly agreed, but only after the other team leader vowed to keep his agent safe. And thankfully, the man had kept his word. Ezra had returned without a scratch.

Four weeks, that's how long Ezra had been gone. Four, seemly, unending weeks. Four weeks in which Vin had only gotten to talk with Ezra on the phone, for very brief periods of time.

The days hadn't been too bad, Vin mused. He was able to keep himself busy. Keep his mind occupied. The nights, however, were torture. Sweet torture. Vin smiled a slow smile as he recalled Ezra saying those same words. And when he'd said them.

The case wrapped up on Tuesday, with Ezra returning to them on Wednesday, only to spend most of the day debriefing. Ezra had used Thursday to perfect his report before submitting it. And Vin had allowed Ezra, Friday to relax. To rest. To do his own thinking.

Time was up.

It was now Saturday and Vin was ready to act. With that thought in mind, Vin threw back the covers, got out of bed, and was headed for the bathroom when there was a knock at his door. Spinning on his heel, he changed directions and made his way to the door.

~*~*~

Ezra had done a lot of thinking concerning himself and Vin. Had asked himself all the tough questions: Should they cross the line? Could they really remain friends if they did? Would they be able to handle the changes such a step would invoke? What happened if things didn't work out? These questions and more like them had plagued him since the Fourth of July.

He'd lain awake most of the night thinking of any and all possible obstacles before finally coming to the conclusion that such a step was not worth the loss of all that he had gained. No matter how much he may want or need Vin. No matter how much he craved Vin's touch. His love.

It was with a heavy heart that Ezra forced himself out of bed so he could begin what he believed would be the most miserable day of his life.

After packing a bag he headed for the supermarket, to pick up a few things for the weekend ahead. He was buying a cabin west of Denver that was the perfect little hideaway. Perfect in that, no one knew anything about it. No one.

Ezra loved it. The cabin had all the amenities of his town house, but without the noise or neighbors. When he'd first seen the cabin he knew he had to have it. Just as it was. From the decorations to the furniture. The light-colored pine paneling with its various floral prints and scenery framed works of art gave the place a bright and airy look. While the cozy leather couch and recliners located in front of the stone gas burning fireplace were made for lazy afternoons spent watching old movies or reading a good book as you enjoyed a roaring fire.

What had really drawn Ezra was the large sleigh bed, with it's curved head and footboards, stationed in the master bedroom, ensconced in an open loft that was the only room on the second floor, other than the bathroom, which was equipt with a Jacuzzi. The open loft allowed one to see most of the first floor below.

He wanted this cabin as is and in order to get what he wanted, he made the couple an offer they couldn't refuse. And they didn't, after all he was his mother's son.

The only thing his cabin didn't have was Vin. That was the one draw back. Since Vin didn't know about it, there was no wondering if the long-haired Texan would stop by unannounced or maybe phone.

//If you don't want a relationship with him, then that's for the best// His subconscious pointed out.

"I never said I didn't want a relationship!" he muttered to himself, throwing a roll of paper towels into the buggy. "I do want a relationship with Vin," he admitted. "It's just that . . ."

//You're scared . . .//

"I am not . . ."

//Are too.//

"I take chances every day . . ."

//But not with your heart.//

"It's the same principle . . ."

//Then why aren't you taking a chance on Vin?//

"Lots of reason . . ."

//Name one.//

Ezra paused not only at the taunt, but at the looks he was receiving and mentally slapped himself for making a spectacle of himself. Then very calmly continued with his shopping.

As he made his way down the different isles Ezra was very nearly convinced that the only reason he was buying enough for two was because of the long holiday weekend ahead.

//And the condoms and lube?//

"Just being prepared . . ."

//Right, 'cause the probability of having sex increases when you live in the middle of nowhere//

"Shut up," he growled, then paid for his items and headed for Vin's, all the while trying to think of what to say. He didn't want to hurt Vin. Not ever. He'd rather wear polyester than to cause Vin one second of pain.

'So how do I do this?' he silently questioned.

Parking beside Vin's truck, Ezra killed the engine and drummed his fingers on the steering wheel for a few minutes trying to gather his nerves. Taking a deep breath, he slowly exhaled then opened the car door. Stepping from the vehicle, he locked the door and headed inside, with one thought on his mind. Quick and painless. Say it and run like hell.

He nodded and waved to people he recognized from previous visits as he walked into the building. He had to resist the urge to bite his nails as he waited on the elevator.

Five minutes later Ezra found himself standing in front of Vin's door and almost lost his nerve. He so wanted to turn tail and run, but he knew there was no place he could run to. This had to be done and the sooner it happened the better.

Just before his hand touched the door Ezra wondered if he shouldn't have called first.

What if Vin wasn't home? Hadn't he told Chris he had plans for the weekend? It was because of these plans that Vin wouldn't be joining the others for the Labor Day weekend at Chris's.

Which in turn was why Ezra wasn't going. No Vin. No Ezra.

Ezra felt a moment of panic then relaxed as he remembered Vin's truck out front. He knew that Vin wouldn't have gone anywhere without having his own transportation. Ezra raised his hand, quickly knocked, and braced himself as he heard Vin asked who it was.

Then the door opened.

~*~*~

"Ez . . ."

'Aww hell,' Ezra silently swore as he saw that Vin was only wearing a pair of boxers, revealing lean hips, long legs, a washboard stomach, and a smooth muscular chest. And that damned tattoo begging to be touched.

"We need to talk," he said, pushing past Vin being real careful not to touch him. Ezra knew that the with the smallest of touches they'd be all over each other and talking would be the last thing on their minds.

Vin slowly closed the door, all the while silently telling himself that he would counter any and all arguments Ezra presented. He wasn't about to make it easy for Ezra to walk away. Turning around he drank in the sight of Ezra standing in front of the window.

"Ezra . . ."

"Did I wake you?"

"No . . ."

"That's right you get up with the sun," Ezra lightly teased.

Vin grinned and replied, "But I know the value of lazy mornings spent in bed."

"About your plans for the day . . ." Ezra attempted to redirect the conversation.

"Ain't got none," Vin told him, not letting him stray to far.

"But I thought . . ."

"Just told Chris that," Vin assured him as he began closing the distance between them.

"Why?" Ezra frowned, not understanding.

"Why do you think?" Vin gently questioned, giving him a look that he hoped left no doubt to his meaning as he now stood directly in front of Ezra, with barely a foot separating them.

Ezra felt his eyes widened as he pressed a shaky finger to his chest and mouthed the word, 'Me?'

"You," Vin agreed. "I wanted to be available . . . for you."

'For me?' Ezra mouthed and closed his eyes as he realized that he'd been fooling himself all morning. There was no way he was letting this man get away. This was one chance he couldn't afford not to take.

Vin raised a hand to smooth Ezra's brow, he hated the disbelief that had flared in those green eyes, but he didn't touch him though. He just let his hand hover. If he touched Ezra now . . . he'd never be able to let him go.

Easing his eyes opened, Ezra's gaze immediately went to Vin's hovering hand. Watching as it moved closer, tremble for a second then fall to the side.

"Ezra . . ."

"W..would you like to go somewhere with me?" Ezra softly asked. He'd take Vin to the cabin, just like he wanted to from the beginning.

"Where ever you lead I'll follow," Vin vowed, inching closer still until barely an inch separated them.

Ezra found it hard to contain the smile that was threatening to over take him. "Go shower," he told him.

They both sucked in a sharp breath as a part of Vin chose that moment to make itself known, glances south showed Vin's tented boxers touching Ezra's hip.

"Vin," he panted.

"It's not my fault," Vin whined with a hint of color in his cheeks. "He likes you . . ."

The twinkle in those blue eyes combined with the pulsing heat teasing him had Ezra tittering on the edge of his control, causing him to press forward and pull Vin into to his arms. With a broken sigh, Ezra buried his face in Vin's neck breathing in his scent.

Vin closed his eyes and clutched Ezra tight against him. Then oh, so slowly he began easing his hands up Ezra's back, welcoming the feel of this man beneath his hands. Shifting he was about to thrust a knee between Ezra's legs, needing to feel a heat that answered his own. Vin groaned as he suddenly felt himself gently but firmly being pushed away, breaking their contact.

"Sunshine?" Vin grimaced as he realized that he'd said that out loud, luckily Ezra didn't seem to notice.

"No!" Ezra shook his head. "Go shower," he commanded in tight voice.

"Join me?" Vin had to grin at his own nerve. He couldn't believe he just asked Ezra that.

"Oh, no," again Ezra shook his head. "We have to talk Vin . . ."

"I know," he agreed, stepping around him and heading for the bathroom. He figured he'd better stop while he was ahead.

Ezra closed his eyes and took several calming breaths as he tried to tightened the reins on his control. What little control he had regained flew out the window as a pair of arms wrapped around him from behind.

"You'll shower with me later, though, right?" Vin asked directly into Ezra's ear, making him tremble.

"Maybe," he sighed. "After we talk."

Vin smiled into Ezra's hair and said, "Determined little shit ain't ya."

"Without a doubt," Ezra grinned. "Now go take your shower. Make it a cold one . . ."

"I'm going," Vin told him, with a grind of his hips, "but it won't be too cold."

Ezra tugged on his too-tight jeans as he watched Vin go and as soon as he reach the door to his room said, "Wear your hiking boots."

Vin raised an eyebrow, but didn't say a word.

"Oh, and Vin?" Ezra called out.

Vin looked up at him in question.

"Pack a change of clothing."

Vin couldn't contain the grin that danced across his face at those words and eagerly nodded his head, yes. Once in his room he gave into his happiness by slamming an imaginary football down, pumping his arms, and doing a little victory dance.

Half an hour later they were pulling away from a local fast food restaurant, having ordered breakfast from the drive through.

Ezra frowned as he watched Vin all but bury his face in the bag of food. After easing onto the road, he felt he should reinforce their earlier conversation.

"Vin I'm warning you now," he began, waiting for those blue to look at him before continuing. "I don't care how much I dislike you, if you make a mess in my car I'll leave your ass on the side of the road."

Vin grinned at him before leaning over and planting a kiss on Ezra's cheek. "You still dislike me after all this time?"

"Oh, yes, I dislike you more now than I did on the Fourth of July," Ezra smiled at him.

"It's nice to know where I stand," Vin laughed. "So where we going anyway?"

"This little cabin I have . . ."

"You have cabin?"

Ezra nodded his head, yes. "Me and the financial institution. It's not much. Just a cozy little home away from home, with a few modern conveniences."

Vin shook his head at that, wondering what Ezra called 'a few modern conveniences.'

"Is that where you disappear too sometimes?"

"Disappear?" Ezra repeated. Someone had missed him? He couldn't believe it. Someone had actually missed him, he inwardly beamed at the knowledge that, that someone was Vin.

"Yeah, there have been times, especially after that kid shot himself, that I've dropped by your place only to find it empty," he quietly explained. When that happened, he'd spend the entire weekend walking the floor worried that Ezra wouldn't return. That Chris, Nathan, or Buck had finally managed to somehow scare him off. He knew it was an unfounded fear because he, JD, and Josiah kept a close eye on Ezra and the other's treatment of him. Vin allowed himself to relaxed only once Ezra showed up for work on Monday.

"I'm sorry," Ezra apologized, "but even I need to get away once in awhile."

"No need to apologize," Vin shrugged. "I understand."

In no time at all they were pulling up in front of a medium sized log cabin with a circled gravel driveway and a large two car garage. The cabin was sparsely surrounded by trees, giving it a warm cozy look. The front of the weathered log cabin was accented by a wide porch with two Amish rockers swaying gently in the breeze, tempting weary travelers to stop and enjoy the sunshine.

"Wow, Ezra," Vin said as he stepped from the car, gravel crunching under his feet. "That's a mighty fancy bat cave you've got there."

"Yes, well, the snow-capped mountain was a bit out of my price range," he joked. Then without another word Ezra reached behind the seat to clasped the sacks containing the food. With a shove of his hips he closed the car door, heading for the cabin. Wanting to see Vin's reaction to the interior.

Tearing his eyes away from the swagger of Ezra's jean clad ass, Vin grabbed his and Ezra's bags, kicked the door shut, took two steps, and froze in horror as he realized what he'd done. Darting a quick look at Ezra's retreating back, he waited until Ezra walked into the house before spinning around to check for damages. He damned near fainted with relief at not finding anything other than the impression of his boot in the dust on the car's door.

The impression of his boot?

"Shit!" he swore. Dropping the bags on the ground, Vin reached down and quickly wiped away the evidence. Hoping what Ezra didn't know, wouldn't hurt either of them. Then just as he was about to straighten up a southern voice called his name, from directly behind him, scaring the shit out of him sending him sprawling back on the gravel.

"Dammit, Ezra, you scared me!" Vin cried.

Ezra couldn't have kept the grin off his face if someone paid him. It wasn't very often that someone got the drop on one Vin Tanner. And to have that someone be him, tickled the hell out of him.

"Sorry," he said, looking anything but.

"Yeah, you look it," Vin muttered, peering up into that happy face. Seeing those green eyes sparkling, he knew he couldn't keep anything from this man. Specially about his car. Vin had never been comfortable with lying and wasn't about to start his relationship with Ezra under a cloud.

Ezra offered Vin a hand up and without even realizing what he was doing, he began brushing some dirt from the seat of Vin's pants with his free hand.

"Did you get it all?" Vin asked in a breathless tone.

Ezra stilled and quickly stepped back, breaking all contact between them. "So what were you doing anyway?" he hurriedly questioned.

"Don't badger me," Vin snapped, not because Ezra was, but because he was nervous. Bitting his lip he wondered if Ezra would grant him a dying wish before breaking his neck. 'Course that wish would be satisfaction and that could take years . . . decades . . . forever. "I was going to tell you . . ."

"Tell me what?"

"All right, all right, don't push," he grumbled.

Ezra gave him a look, but merely held up his hands in surrender.

Taking a deep breath, Vin slowly exhaled and jumped right in. "I was distracted . . . You do have jeans on . . . faded jeans that hug your hips. I'm . . . I'm not blind, you know. I'm sorry, Ezra, I . . . I didn't kick it hard . . . It was just a little tap. It didn't even leave a scratch . . ."

"You kicked my car," Ezra stated rather than asked. He knew he should be upset - this was his car. His pride and joy. It was also, the bane of his existence. However, Vin was . . . everything.

Vin nodded and looked away.

Stepping closer, Ezra cupped a hand around Vin's jaw and turned him so he could look into those blue eyes. "Don't let it happen again," he softly told him and absently traced Vin's lips with his thumb. He may not be upset with Vin, but he didn't want him making a habit of kicking his vehicle.

"Come on, let's go get settled in," Ezra prompted, trailing his fingers across Vin's face before stepping back. "We can pack a lunch and have a picnic in the great outdoors," he suggested with a wink as he backed away.

Vin's face and lips tingled from their all to brief contact with Ezra. A slow grin spread across his face as he watched Ezra. Seeing Ezra about to hit the steps behind him, Vin opened his mouth to warn him only to have Ezra spin on his heels, just in time, and bound up the steps and into the house.

Picking up their bags Vin eagerly followed him. Stepping into the cabin he made his way down a small, but spacious entryway adorned with a large oval antique looking mirror with old-fashioned oil lamps on either side of it. At the end of the hall Vin came to a complete stop, letting the bags slip from his fingers as he eyes grew large at the sights that greeted him.

A pool table in front of a wall of windows was the first thing to catch his eye, the spacious kitchen with a breakfast nook/bar that separating it from the dining area were the next. Where a large round glass-topped brass table sat, looking inviting.

Walking further into the room, Vin's eyes followed a split-level staircase leading to what looked to be a loft. Just beyond that were two recliners, a couch, and a rocking chair strategically placed so that where ever you sat you could enjoy the stone fireplace in the corner of the room or watch the wide screen television.

The hardwood floors were accented by a variety of throw rugs. But it was the back wall of the cabin that drew Vin, for it was made entirely of glass and wooden beams, overlooking a deck with a hot tub and a view of the forest.

Vin blinked his eyes in wonder.

"Why don't you look around, while I put the car in the garage," Ezra suggested.

Vin nodded and began moving about the room. He discovered two bedrooms, but quickly dismissed them. Instinctively knowing that neither were Ezra's. Of course, it helped that the curtains were to light. Like him, Ezra preferred his room dark. And where Ezra slept, he would sleep.

With bags in hand Vin took off up the stairs. His body surged to life at the sight of the sexiest bed he'd ever seen. The curved footboard was perfect for laying one's lover across and the large mattress offered lovers plenty of room to maneuver. Striding closer he dropped the bags, then trailed his fingers along the dark cherry wood frame.

Now 'this' was Ezra's room. This was 'their' room. Vin could just picture Ezra draped over that hunter green bedspread.

Vin smirked as he opened a door revealing a huge walk-in closet. While another door lead to the bathroom, which had an enclosed shower large enough for two. He climbed into the deep claw-foot white tub and sat down, stretching out his long legs. Vin leaned back and rested his head against the high curved end. He then spread his legs as far as the tub would allow, figuring that him and Ezra would fit rather nicely in it.

With a sigh he got to his feet and stepped from the tub and felt his breath catching in his throat and his body to spring into life at the sight the Jacuzzi in the corner.

Ezra, him, and steamy bubbling water . . . Thank you, God!

Vin forced himself to leave the bathroom and all it's temptations. He walked over and pulled open the dark green drapes, revealing a pair of French doors leading to an upper deck that overlooked the forest and the mountains in the distance.

"A few modern conveniences," Vin laughed, making his way out onto the deck. This cabin perfectly suited the many facets of Ezra's personality; classy yet modernly equipped.

Standing at the railing, he took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. Fresh air, open spaces, and Ezra . . . it didn't get much better than this, he thought.

At the sound of movement downstairs, Vin headed back inside.

Ezra looked up and smiled as he saw Vin coming down the stairs. He'd just finished making them some sandwiches and was washing his hands when a pair of arms wrapped around him from behind.

"I love that bed," Vin told him, nudging the back of Ezra's neck with his nose. "Can hardly wait to use it. Or the shower . . . or the tub . . . or the Jacuzzi . . . or the hot tub. Or even the pool table."

Ezra swallowed hard desperately wanting to rip Vin's clothes off and make love to him until neither of them could move, but the same instinct that had saved his life too many times reminded him that they needed to talk first. Get everything cleared up. Look at all the pit falls such a move would entail.

"Vin," he moaned and turned to face him.

"Feel what you do to me Ezra," Vin whispered, pressing closer leaving no room for misunderstandings. "I've been in an almost constant state of arousal since the Fourth. My hand and fantasies just don't cut it anymore . . . I want you. I need you." Raising a hand Vin ran the back of his fingers down Ezra's cheek then threaded them through his silky hair. Unable to resist the lure of Ezra's lips any longer, Vin lowered his head and opened his mouth to get his first taste only to have Ezra push him away.

"Ezra," he growled in frustration.

"Vin we need to talk . . ."

"I know that," he snapped, "but if we don't kiss soon I swear my head will explode."

"I'm sorry," he apologized, pulling Vin into his arms and giving him a fierce hug. "Vin I know you're losing patience with me, but this isn't something we . . . I can rush into. So please, just hold on a little longer. Please."

Vin wrapped his arms more securely around Ezra and with a shuttered breath replied, "I'm holding, Ezra, and I ain't planning on letting ya go."

After a couple of minutes Ezra eased back, brushed the hair from Vin's face and suggested, "Now, how about I pack up these sandwiches and we go for a walk in the woods . . ."

"Thought you wanted to talk," he said.

"I do . . ."

"Then why can't we talk here?"

"Because for the last four weeks I've been enclosed in a tiny little basement tracing a money trail surrounded by idiots. I need some space," Ezra told him in a tight voice. "Some fresh air. To feel the wind in my face . . ."

"To clear the cobwebs," Vin stated in understanding. Then to his shame, for the first time he noticed a ring of circles surrounding those precious green eyes. He saw how tired Ezra looked. How had he missed that, he wondered. 'Course when Ezra showed up at his apartment this morning, he'd been more than a little shocked. But still . . .

"Exactly," Ezra agreed. "I need to clear my head and I'd like to do it with you."

"Yeah, I want to do it with you too," Vin couldn't help but tease, gently poking Ezra in the belly.

"That's not what I meant," Ezra grabbed that finger.

"Yeah, well, it's what I meant," Vin assured him. "You gonna run naked through these woods," he kidded, delighting in the color that engulfed Ezra's cheeks. "Seriously, we gonna talk on this hike?"

"I'd like to . . ."

"Then come on Sunshine, let's get going, before I loose what's left of my control," Vin said, stepping back and away.

"That's the second time you've called me Sunshine," Ezra commented as he placed the sandwiches in one of backpacks he'd retrieved from the washroom and handing Vin drinks to place in the other.

"That's 'cause you brighten up my days," he confessed.

Ezra welcomed the warm feelings those words produced and proclaimed, "You're going to get so lucky later."

Vin grabbed the backpack so he wouldn't grab Ezra. He wanted to get lucky now . . . and later and tomorrow and the day after and the day after that. He wanted forever.

They were soon on their way, with Ezra taking the lead. Usually Vin preferred to be the front man, but he was more than happy to follow Ezra. He got to watch him walk this way. His fingers itched to touch that ass . . . that body . . .

"You all right back there?" Ezra asked, looking over his shoulder.

"Oh, yeah, I'm good," Vin winked at him. "It's beautiful out here Ezra."

"Wait until you see it in the Fall when the leaves start to turn. All those red and orange colors blending with the evergreens make quite a beautiful landscape," he explained.

"I look forward to it," Vin replied.

After awhile they came to a clearing with a small gentle flowing stream near by and decided to have lunch.

Vin finished his sandwich, placing his trash inside the now empty backpack. Leaning back against a nearby tree he shut his eyes, enjoying the warm afternoon sun on his face.

Ezra put his own trash away and simply watched Vin, taking in the way his hair curled around his shoulders and how the sun made Vin's eyelashes appear much longer than they were. The small smile playing at the corners of Vin's mouth, told Ezra that Vin was aware of his watchful gaze.

Figuring that now was as good a time as any, Ezra decided to get the conversation started. So they could move on to more interesting things. Hopefully.

"Do have any idea beautiful you truly are?" he wondered in a soft voice.

Vin's eyes popped opened. He'd felt Ezra's eyes on him and delighted in the feel of them. "You're the beautiful one, Ez. You take my breath away . . ."

"I had every intention of walking away from this . . . My plan was to tell you no and run like hell, but . . ."

"But," Vin repeated, pushing away from the tree and inching closer.

"You opened the door and I . . . I couldn't. I knew I'd been fooling myself," Ezra admitted. "This will change everything, Vin. We'll have to be careful in everything we do. Not just in our privates lives, but especially in our professionals ones . . . This will kill our careers. And we can't tell anyone . . ."

"What about the guys?" Vin was now half way, the rest would be up to Ezra.

"The agency frowns on teammates of the opposite sex becoming involved and usually finds a way to separate them. Who knows what could happen between members of the same sex," he replied, getting to his knees. "Chris's first priority is to the overall safety of the team. And with two members of that team romantically involved, safety becomes a concern . . ."

"Are you saying we'll endanger the team?"

"No! At least not intentionally." Ezra shrugged and ran a hand through his hair before continuing, "If you were to be injured . . . my first instinct would be to run to you. To be there for you . . ."

"Mine too . . ."

"Precisely and that's where the problem will lie. The team has to come first."

"I hear what you're saying, Ezra," Vin admitted, no matter how much he may want to deny it. Ezra had a valid point.

"He may not wish for us to remain on the same team," he cautioned. Moving a little closer, Ezra was now an arm's length away. "This is it for me Vin . . . I can't start over with another team. I won't. Seven is my last chance. No other team will want me . . ."

"That's not true Ezra. You'd be an asset to any team, but you ain't going no where without me," Vin vowed. "I meant what I said earlier, where ever you lead I'll follow."

"Vin, I . . .," Ezra sighed, closing the distance between them and pressing his forehead into Vin's. "I don't know if I can do this," he sobbed.

"Ezra," Vin took Ezra's face in his hands. "I hear what you're saying, but don't we deserve to be happy? To be loved? I love my job just as much as you do, but dammit Ez, it's not my whole life."

"You're right," Ezra agreed. "We can't live our lives for the others and I do want to try."

"That's all I ask Ezra," Vin said, in a tight voice, kissing the tears away. "I know things are going to be hard that we're gonna have to be very careful . . . but come what may, we'll do what we've done all of our lives and handle it. We'll assess each situation and act accordingly and more importantly we'll survive it . . . together. I want this, Ezra. I want you. I want us."

"I want that too," Ezra whispered.

Eyes drifted closed as heads turned and lowered, lips trembled and parted in anticipation. Heated breaths were shared. A gentle caress was felt, withdrawn only to return with more pressure. Lips retreated once again, heads angled even more as controls snapped and mouths were desperately meshed together as passions flared. Hands shook as they seemed to clutch and pull at the same time.

Gasps were heard as overheated flesh met the soft cool grass and full body contact was made. Snaps popped and zippers rasped, as greedy fingers sought out hidden crevices and uncovered pulsing steel.

Bodies thrust, strained, and twisted until mutual cries of ecstasy ripped through the air as wave after crashing wave relentlessly coursed through them, leaving a quaking, shivering and temporally sated mass behind.

After awhile Ezra began to stir, but didn't open his eyes. He was afraid of it all being a dream, in spite of the warm hard body beneath him.

"Am I dreaming?" a husky voice asked.

Ezra smiled into Vin's neck and opened his eyes.

"My dreams never did that . . ." Vin moaned as a tongue pressed against pulse point at the base of his neck.

It was Ezra's turn to moan as Vin slowly removed his hands from the inside of Ezra's jeans and glided them up his back. Lifting his head, Ezra planted a kiss on Vin's closed eyes before capturing his lips in a slow sensual kiss.

Vin groaned and licked his lips when they finally separated, then held on as Ezra rolled over onto his back.

"Sunshine?" he questioned as Ezra tried to sit up.

"There's a towel in my bag we can use to clean up," Ezra explained.

"Stay. I'll get it."

Once they were clean and had re-fastened their jeans, Vin lay with his head on Ezra's firm chest, reveling in the joy of being with this man like this. Being able to touch and be touched. Shifting a bit Vin stretched out on top of his lover, resting his chin on Ezra's abdomen for a minute, then sat up and straddled Ezra's waist.

"Ezra?" Vin glided his hands up and down Ezra's chest, enjoying the feel of hard muscle beneath his palms. The sight of their tattoo made it even better.

"Hmm?" Ezra took one of Vin's hands and began kissing each of his fingers.

"Where'd you get a chest like this?" he asked, feeling his body awaken.

"My mother . . ."

"What?" Vin frowned. "Maude ain't got a chest like this."

Ezra raised an elegant brow at him before saying, "And you know this how?"

"Anyone with eyes can see that your mom has breasts . . ."

"Ahhh!" Ezra cried and clutched at his eyes. "Vin please! I don't want to talk or even think about Maude's . . . chest."

"Sorry," Vin laughed.

"Seriously," Ezra took Vin's other hand and began nibbling on it's digits. "When I was about twelve one of Maude's 'friends' made some comment about me being short and, well, chubby. Anyway, for some reason Mother took exception to that and while she could do nothing about my height, she could my being the other and bought me a weight bench," he smiled. "After that Maude made sure I had access to a weight room or that I had one of my own."

'Maybe Maude isn't quite so bad after all,' Vin thought to himself.

"I don't workout like I used to," he continued. "I like your hands," he drew Vin's pinky deep into his mouth. "I just don't have the time, but I do try to workout at least three times a week."

"Where?" Vin squeaked in a breathless tone.

"What?"

"Where do you work out? 'Cause I ain't ever seen ya where me and the boys go," he was curious, in spite of his arousal.

"I don't like gyms, people . . . men and women . . . tend to stare and . . . and I don't like it," Ezra confessed.

Vin felt his hackles rise at the thought of someone . . . anyone looking at what was his. "Yeah, it's best you stay away from those places, Sunshine, ain't right teasing them folks with something they ain't ever gonna have."

Ezra loved that possessive look in Vin's eyes it made him feel desired.

"I guess you think I'm being unreasonable?" he asked, but didn't give him time to answer before continuing. "I got a taste of you now, Ezra, and if I have my way I'll be the only one tasting ya from now on."

"Don't concern yourself with other people, Vin," Ezra assured him, drawing another finger into his mouth. "You know that third bedroom of mine, the one I keep locked?"

Vin slowly nodded and fought to stay focused, he wondered about that room when they'd unpacked those boxes, but hadn't wanted to press his luck.

"Well I have my own weight room situated in there and you're welcomed to share it with me," he offered, nibbling on the skin between Vin's thumb and index finger.

"Thanks, Ez, I'd love to. I don't like all those stares either," Vin panted and beamed at the same time, having Ezra offer to share part of his home with him was almost the same as a declaration of love. "'Course I don't know how much exercising would get done . . ."

"Oh, I don't know, Vin, I can promise you one hell of a workout," Ezra said in a husky voice.

Vin shivered as that sexy voice washed over him. Leaning down he captured that equally sexy mouth and plundered it, tasting all within before moving on to Ezra's jaw.

"Who stares at you?" Ezra demanded, sitting up and nearly unseating Vin in the process as he realized what Vin said.

"I don't know people," Vin shrugged.

"I don't like people looking at what's mine."

Vin felt his chest swell with pride at those words. He knew he belonged to Ezra, but to have Ezra confirm it, made him want to share it with the world.

"Neither of us can stop people from looking . . ."

"No," Ezra agreed, running just the tips of his fingers up Vin's back making the younger man arch his back. "But we don't have to give them any more to look at than what's necessary." Then lowered Vin to the ground and taking Vin's mouth in a heady kiss, causing them to shudder.

"Ezra," Vin whimpered, pressing closer. "Let's go back to the cabin and try out that bed."

Ezra nodded and gave him one last hard kiss before easing to his feet and lending a hand to assist Vin to his.

They gathered the backpacks then located their shirts, or at least Ezra did Vin couldn't find his.

"What the hell did ya do with my shirt?" Vin asked with his hands on his hips and a mock scowl on his handsome face. "For that matter . . . how the hell did you get it off? One minute we were kissing and the next . . ."

"I distracted you with my sexual prowess," Ezra wiggled his eyebrows at him before placing an open mouth kiss on Vin's shoulder.

"You certainly did," Vin snickered and slipped his hands around Ezra's waist, drawing him closer and lowered his head securing Ezra's lips.

Ezra groaned, letting his head loll back giving Vin access to his neck when he spotted a faded blue t-shirt and began to giggle.

"You know, this isn't the response I usually get when I nibble on someone's neck . . ."

"Sorry, but I found your shirt . . ."

"Where?" Vin frowned as Ezra pointed up, then began laughing. "Damn, Ez, you musta been in a hurry . . ."

"I was," he confirmed, pulling away and making for the tree. 'Didn't want you changing your mind,' he silently muttered.

Vin felt his body respond as Ezra stretched to the tips of his toes to retrieve his shirt. Moving to stand directly in front of his lover, Vin lovingly ran his eyes across Ezra's broad chest before raising a hand to lightly trace the tattoo located above Ezra's heart.

"I got it!" Ezra exclaimed.

"Yes, you have," Vin whispered, his eyes dark with passion leaving no doubt as to his meaning.

Ezra's breath caught at the heated look Vin bestowed on him.

"I love you," Vin confided in a husky voice, causing Ezra's eyes to widen in shocked amazement.

"R..really?" Ezra brokenly asked.

Vin cupped Ezra's face in his hands, placed a heated kiss to those lips, and uttered, "Really and truly . . . I love you, Ezra." He deposited another kiss on Ezra's lips before saying, "I don't need the words right now Ezra. You can say them when ever you're ready."

Ezra opened his mouth only to have Vin kiss him again. "Vin," he panted once they came up for air. "I've . . . never said those words to anyone . . ."

"I understand," he said. "But you do . . . don't ya?" he hated himself for asking.

"Yes . . ."

"That's all I need to know," Vin assured him. "Come on," he stepped back, taking Ezra's hand, "let's go back to the cabin."

With backpacks and t-shirts in hand they made the trek home, stopping occasionally to share a kiss.

Later that night the two men lay wrapped in each other's arms, utterly exhausted but feeling pretty damned good.

Ezra pulled Vin more tightly against him and smiled into his shoulder as he thought back on that afternoon.

When they'd gotten back they'd barely gotten in the door before nearly attacking each other as their hunger reached a fevered pitch giving them just enough time to remove their jeans before falling onto the couch and losing all control.

Each had driven the other wild with their mouths and hands before venturing upstairs. Where they shared a shower, surrendering to the sensations of hard wet flesh caressing hard wet flesh. Once they'd finally made it to the bed they'd managed to work off the worse of their suppressed passions, allowing them to make slow sweet love to each other.

Vin snuggled deeper into Ezra's arms wanting as much contact as possible. He was on the verge of sleep, but was reluctant to give in . . . he wasn't ready for the day to end. It had been damn near perfect. Once Ezra was able to say those three little words, would Vin's life be as close to perfection as a man's could expect.

As reluctant as he was to sleep, he was looking forward to waking up next to this man, of feeling Ezra's touch throughout the night.

Vin closed his eyes and grinned as he realized that him and Ezra had two whole days left in their holiday weekend. 'Two days,' he thought to himself, 'they could make a lot of memories in two days. After they ate breakfast, they'd start in the Jacuzzi. Or maybe they'd start in the Jacuzzi and have a late breakfast.'

Ezra felt and heard Vin's breathing deepen and closed his own eyes, taking several slow deep breaths then silently mouthed, 'I love you.'

'That wasn't so bad,' Ezra told himself then smiled and since the world hadn't ended he'd take a chance and say the words out loud, just not very loud. "I love you."

The words felt like a caress and had Vin's eyes popping opened, twisting around he captured Ezra's mouth with his own and between kisses asked, "Was . . . I . . . dreaming? Or did . . . you . . . really tell . . . me you . . . loved . . . me . . ."

"I . . . I thought you were asleep," he confessed, more than a little breathless.

"So you did say it," Vin said, then gave Ezra a sweet kiss. "Say it again," he prompted.

Ezra's breathlessness quickly turned to panic. "W..what with you w..watching me?" he stuttered.

Vin heard Ezra's labored breathing and feared Ezra would retreat on him and he didn't want that. He wanted Ezra to feel secure enough with him to tell him anything, especially that he loved him. Leaning closer Vin began kissing Ezra, deep and long not meant to arouse, but to sooth. Only once Ezra began to relax did he pull back.

"It's okay, Sunshine," he assured him, giving him one last lingering kiss.

'Three little words,' Ezra thought to himself. 'Just eight letters, but with enough power to make or break a person.'

//And which do you choose?// His subconscious once again reared it's ugly head. //Look at that face shadowed by a fear that he'll loose you.//

Ezra saw just a hint of fear in what he could see of Vin's face in the darkened bedroom.

//Look at those eyes . . . how can you deny him?//

Gazing deeply into Vin's eyes, Ezra saw fear, understanding, trust, and love.

//You've already said them once. Would repeating them be so hard?//

'No,' he admitted to himself, 'not for this man. Not for Vin.'

Vin held his tongue as Ezra seemed to be having a conversation with his inner self, he just prayed that inner Ezra was on his side. Feeling Ezra's heartbeat increase had Vin's own racing with uncertainty.

"Ez . . ." Vin began, wanting to let them both off the hook.

"Shh," Ezra placed a slightly trembling finger to Vin's mouth, then reached over and switched on the light momentarily blinding them both. He wanted to see Vin's face and have Vin see his. "I . . . l..love you, Vin Tanner," he said, with a scratchy voice and cupping Vin's handsome face in his hands.

Vin felt tears sting his eyes not only at the words but at the love blazing within Ezra's eyes. Love for him. "Thank you," he replied in a watery tone.

Ezra brushed away the lone tear that escaped Vin's eyes.

"I love you, Ezra," Vin said, shifting so that he lay on top of Ezra. His breath caught as fingers lightly trailed down his back and hands cupped his ass pulling him closer.

After tangling their legs and giving Vin a sexy smile Ezra taunted, "You up for another round?"

"Oh, yeah," he grinned, "who needs sleep."

The End