A Different Kind of Love
Series: Against The Odds
Altnernate Universe Into The Fold
Disclaimer: Not mine and no money is being made.
Comments: In this story Ezra and Vin meet while they're still in high school. Vin is one five boys that have been adopted by Thomas and Stacy Larabee, who have one son of their own Chris. Ezra has been placed in the custody of a distant relative of Maude's, Gloria Potter.
Follows Deepening the Bond
Ezra placed the last of his clean clothes in his chest of drawers. He'd all ready rearranged his closet, packed up his winter clothes, dusted and polished every surface in his room until they were bright and shiny. Turning he nodded his head as he surveyed the room, placed his hands on his hips, and made note of the fact that he was diffidently losing his mind. That and the fact that he was bored. BORED. And it was all Vin's fault.
Vin's ankle was completely healed, however, only the two of them knew that. He made sure to keep his brace on and to wince once in awhile, especially around his parents. But when it was just the two of them ... you'd never even know he'd been hurt.
He himself had recovered from his bee sting and had received a punch on the arm for rolling his eyes at Vin's insistence on going with him to get his pen refilled and for buying him three bottles of Benadryl; one for each of their vehicles and the other was to be brought with them on their outings. Secretly though, he was grinning like fool and doing the Snoopy dance in his head at the caring gesture.
So why was he be stuck in his room on a Saturday? Vin. Pure and simple. Every since school let out, the two of them had been spending nearly every day together; fishing, horseback riding, and they had even gone camping along with Buck, JD, Casey, and Buck's latest girlfriend. Or even just hanging out together, content in each other's company.
Everyday that is, except today. Today it was decided that Vin was needed at home and so if the two were going to meet at all it would have to be later that afternoon. Which Ezra didn't think was ever going to come. With a desponded sigh he dropped down on his freshly made bed only to scoot back until his knees touched the floor, then with a quick look over his shoulder to make sure the door was closed, he reached between his mattresses and grabbed the book hidden deep within.
He stared at the cover and thought back to the afternoon it was given to him. To Vin gently touching his arm ... to the feel of his fingers wrapped around Vin's wrist ... to them leaning ever closer to one another.
With a shaky hand he flipped the book open, rediscovering the many interesting ... topics to be found within the bound pages. He had all ready gone through the book several times and have had a few vivid dreams as a result, that made looking Vin directly in the eye difficult. Overall though, the book had been helpful and the more he read the more his confidence grew. Allowing him to make the only decision he could concerning Vin and himself. He just prayed it was the right one.
Now all he had to do was test the waters. After all, it wouldn't do to enter into the situation totally blind.
~*~*~
Vin sighed and let his frustration help him drive another fence post deeper into the ground. They'd been replacing broken and/or damaged posts since first light. He was hot and sweaty and more than ready to call it a day. A glance at his brothers, who were all present, Nathan included, didn't improve his mood at all. If anything it made it worse.
Why was he needed if the others were here? It wasn't fair, he silently fumed. Him and Ezra had plans for the day. And at the rate they were progressing it'd be midnight before he saw Ezra or worse tomorrow.
"Okay, let's take a break," Tom announced, stretching his back.
"Again!" Vin snapped, before realizing it, luckily though his father didn't appear to have heard him.
"Cool it, Junior," Buck cautioned from behind him. "The more you bitch, the longer he'll keep us out here. And I for one do not want to stay out here any longer than necessary."
"I know, I know," he continued to fuss. "You told me the same thing half an hour ago!"
"Come with me," Buck told him, in a tight voice.
"Why? Where? Are we leaving?" he couldn't help but question.
"Vin," his brother growled, turning on his heel and walking toward one of the work trucks.
Vin rolled his eyes and followed, but at distance.
Buck took his time in retrieving two bottles of water, handed one of them to Vin, and waited for him to take a swallow before speaking. "Did you not hear what I just told you?"
"Yeah, I heard ya . . ."
"Then shut the f*** up!" Buck warned. "I don't know why you're in such an all fired hurry to finish up here ... after all it not like you have a hot date. All you're gonna do is hang out with Ezra. Where as I do have a date and I don't plan on missing it. So I suggest you pull out what it is that crawled up your ass and settle down. Understand?" He poked Vin in the chest to make his point, then walked away.
Vin stood there for a couple of more seconds in shock at the lack of shock at the discovery that Buck was right. But why wasn't he shocked? Why didn't the thought of dating Ezra scare him?
'Because you like him,' a voice sounded in his head.
''Course I like him,' he retorted, 'he's my friend ... my best friend.'
'True, but then again you like him as more than just a friend. You like, like him, don't you,' the voice stated rather than asked, making him drop his bottle of water and had him hurrying back to the others, as the truth in those words struck at the core of his being and taking the starch right out of him. Leaving him dazed and even more confused and he didn't say a word for the rest of the afternoon, as he realized that the voice was right. Which in turn scared the hell out of him. However, that fear didn't stop him from rushing from the house once they returned and he'd cleaned up.
He may not know exactly what was going on within himself, but he did know that being with Ezra helped. Ezra centered him. With Ezra he could breathe.
~*~*~
Ezra bit his lip and looked everywhere except at the up turned narrow yet shapely ass almost directly in front of him. A quick peak almost proved to be his undoing as it revealed faded jeans hugging slim hips, making all ready long legs seems impossible longer, and . . . oh my God! Is that a hole? Vin has a hole is his pants! Near the inside corner of his left pocket that showed the tucked in grey t-shirt he wore.
'He loved this game!' he silently cheered. The game of pool had always been exciting and since he'd started helping Vin it had only gotten better.
Ezra took a deep breath and slowly released it, trying to regain some control before he did something he regretted. He needed to find out if Vin liked him as more than a friend. He in no way wanted to frighten his friend.
'Okay,' he thought to himself, 'so how do I find out if Vin liked, liked him? How did he make a move without making a fool of himself especially since he had no earthly idea what he was doing? What kind of move did a boy make toward another boy?'
It wasn't as though he could just hold his hand or something. Not in public anyway. He'd have to take it slow. Take his time and not upset his quiet friend.
Ezra stilled from the inside out as he realized that Vin was quiet tonight, more so than usual. Maybe him and his dad were fighting again. Or maybe he's tired. Maybe tonight wasn't such a good night to test Vin. A few lingering doubts started to filter in, making him question whether or not he himself was ready to test the waters. Maybe he should just let sleeping dogs lay . . . no use in rocking the boat or placing all his cards on the table.
'What's with the cliches?' a voice queried. 'If you're going to let platitudes rule your life then try these on for size ... making mountains out of mole hills ... haste makes waste ... nothing ventured nothing gained ... it's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all and last but not least ... still waters run deep. In other words, you shouldn't give up on what could be without ever having taking a chance.'
Green eyes drifted closed as he whacked himself in the head with his pool cue. Opening his eyes, Ezra shook his head and decided that he wouldn't give in to his fears. If he saw a chance, what ever it may be, then he'd take it. With a new confidence he turned and grabbed his bottle of root beer and quickly downed the icy liquid.
Vin shrugged off his missed shot. He'd gotten much better and his misses weren't nearly as embarrassing as the once were. Straightening he stretched his back and refused to let his earlier conversation with Buck bother him too much. He didn't think of Ezra as his boyfriend, it didn't matter what Buck thought about how he behaved. Ezra was friend and only his friend.
With that in mind he turned to tell Ezra it was his turn, only the words never made it pass his lips as he got lost watching Ezra run his fingers through his hair, causing those silky waves to feather in some places and stick up in others. He remembered all to well the feel of Ezra's hair under his finger tips and desperately wanted more only without the bee sting. Heat filled his face and he fought the urge to run as Ezra looked up and caught him.
"It's getting longer," he tried to play it cool. "Before you know it it'll be as long as mine."
Ezra grinned, being careful not to react to the fact that Vin had been staring at his hair; no matter how much it filled him with much needed hope. Now how to use this to his advantage?
"Vin," he began, as a movie poster on the wall behind Vin caught his eye, "may I ask you something?"
"Sure," Vin agreed, deliberately not looking at Ezra's hair or thinking about Buck.
"Have you ever thought about shaving all your hair off ..."
"What?!" Vin whipped his head around and glared at his insane friend. "Have you lost your mind? Why on earth would you want to do something as crazy assed as shaving your head?"
"I didn't say I wanted to," Ezra corrected him with a smile. "I merely wondered if you'd ever thought about it."
"No," he declared. "Why would I? You shouldn't be thinking about it either."
Vin shook his head, almost unable to believe what he's just heard. Ezra couldn't shave his head. No way would he allow that to happen. He loved Ezra's hair; it was soft and silky and smelled . . . oh it smelled so good.
"Are you two gonna hog the table all night?"
"No," Ezra told Craig, stepping closer to the pool table, "we're almost done."
Vin frowned as Craig, Jason, Hayden, and Jenny joined them. This was the only thing wrong with having only one teen hang out in a small town, everyone wound up in the same place. The Joint was one big sectioned off open room; booths and tables were set up on one side for eating, a small dance floor and juke box was located in the back, and an arcade with a few games and a couple of pool tables completed the layout. There were no places to hide, so if you didn't want to be seen then you didn't need to be there. And right now, he was wishing that him and Ezra were anywhere but here.
His frown was replaced with a grin as he watched Ezra clear the table with only a couple of moves. He'd never seen anyone that played pool like Ezra. His friend owned this game.
"Wow," Jenny laughed.
"My boy's got skills," Vin boasted.
"How do you do that?" Jason wanted to know.
"Well," Ezra grinned, "one can not live in New Orleans and Chicago without picking up a few . . . tricks of the trade."
"Hey guys," a soft voice said from behind them.
"Speaking of tricks," Jenny whispered so that only Hayden and Vin heard her.
"Charlotte," Craig said, as the others nodded.
"Did I get here in time to watch you play Ezra?" she asked, moving closer to him.
Vin felt his eyes narrow and found himself standing between Charlotte and his Ezra before he even knew it. "Sorry but you just missed it. He cleared the table," he said in a tight voice and a nod of his head. "And would you look at the time ... Ez and I really have to be going. Got an early day tomorrow," he informed her. He handed both his and Ezra's pool cues to Hayden, then all but pushed Ezra toward the door.
"If you're leaving then maybe you could give me a ride home Ezra?" she gave him a hopeful look.
Ezra felt Vin grab a hand full of the back of his shirt and tried to contain his excitement. "I don't think so ..."
"I'd be willing to pay you," her voice dropped a degree as she gave him a heated look.
The grip at the small of his back tightened and he was pulled back a step. "That's very kind of you, but I can't. Perhaps one of the others could give you a lift."
"Can you believe that?" Vin snapped as soon as they stepped outside. "She all but propositioned you and then has the nerve to wonder why she has the reputation she has. You do know what she was gonna pay you with, don't you? I don't want you to ever give her ride if I'm not around. Ever. She can't be trusted."
He's jealous! Vin was jealous! Ezra could hardly believe his luck, Snoopy was dancing in his head and he just knew he was grinning like a fool, but he didn't care. Mrs. Potter was right Vin really did like him. Vin likes me.
"Ezra?" Vin steered the other boy to the mustang, then and only then did he dare release his hold on his friend's shirt. "Are you all right?"
"I'm f..fine," he stuttered.
"You're trembling," Vin said, taking one of Ezra's hands in his. "Are you cold?" He ran his other hand up and down Ezra's arm. "You're not having some kind of allergic reaction or something are you?"
Ezra bit his lip to keep from moaning as Vin gently touched his face.
"You're face is all flushed," he softly stated, then gave in to temptation and sank his fingers in Ezra's hair. 'Oh God, this feels so good,' he thought as he himself began to tremble and his body started to react.
Ezra was finding it hard to catch his breath and found that he could only focus on Vin's mouth and the feel of friend's hands in his hair.
Vin gave a slight start as he felt a hand settle on his waist and had to wonder what that hand would feel like in his hair ... on his face.
As if pulled by magnets their heads slowly lowered until their foreheads meet, meshing together and momentarily stilling their trembling as they found solace in the other's touch. Lips parted permitting warm puffs of air to caress, starting the shaking anew.
A loud group of kids leaving the building behind them had them jumping a foot a part.
"I g..gotta go," Vin said backing further away. "I'll s..see ya tomorrow. Okay?"
Ezra didn't trust his voice so he merely nodded his head yes. Vin likes me. Ezra suddenly felt kinda giddy as he hopped into his car. Vin likes me. He sat and watched until Vin's taillights disappeared into the night and decided then and there that he was going to kiss one Vincent James Tanner before the summer was out.
A few minutes later Vin slowed to a stop at the end of his road and slowly released the death grip he had on the steering wheel. Took slow shallow breaths until the tightness in his pants eased and he was able to get his body back under control.
"Oh God," he whispered, resting his head against the back of the seat. He couldn't believe how he reacted tonight ... even now just the thought of that bitch being alone with his Ezra set his blood to boiling. It hadn't bothered him in the past when girls flirted or came onto Ezra, but something about Charlotte was different. Or ... or maybe it was him that was different.
He'd always been very protective of Ezra and after almost losing his best friend over something as simple as a bee sting those feelings had strengthened. When the two of them were together the older boy was only allowed to stray so far before Vin closed the distance between them. Others were only allowed so close and no one was allowed between them. No one. Vin stood between Ezra and the world. Ezra was his.
Vin began to relax and felt his heart lighten as he realized that he was not alone in his almost obsession. He'd noticed the same type of behavior from Ezra. If he took more than a few steps away the other boy was quick to close the gap. If a girl, Charlotte, or anyone got to close Ezra made sure to make his presence known.
Maybe Buck was right ... these feelings ... these deep soul touching feelings were not just of friendship alone. These feelings were much deeper. More profound. These were feelings of ... love.
This revelation didn't scare him like he thought it would, instead he felt relieved. It was as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders and from around his heart. He felt free.
"I'm in love with my best friend," Vin said with a breathy sigh and a smile lighting his face. "I'm in love with Ezra."
~*~*~
When the boys met next there was no awkwardness or hesitation; just shy sweet smiles and a meeting of eyes that brought a flush to their faces and sent a jolt of anticipation drumming through their veins. Change was coming and they both knew it, however, only one was ready for it.
'There's something in the air,' Chris thought as he leaned against a wooden support beam on his parents's front porch, watching as Vin exercised a young colt while Ezra sat to the side observing. The friendship and the easy going relationship the boys shared was apparent. So much so, that sometimes it was hard to believe that the two had only known each other for a hand full of months, instead of a life time.
Rarely was one seen without the other. The boys practically shadowed each other. He couldn't decide if that was good thing or not, this closeness they shared. While he was happy that both boys had such a friend something about it nagged at the back of his subconscious. Bringing to mind questions he wasn't sure he wanted the answers to.
Chris shrugged his shoulders and decided he wasn't going to worry about it, at least not now. He decided to go with the old adage of what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him. That is until one day when they were all in town; him, the boys, and Buck and the issue was forced into the light.
The four of them had just stepped from Chris's SUV, heading for the hardware store when Buck let loose a wolf call that would have made Casanova proud. Chris himself enjoyed the view of the long shapely legged curvy figure that crossed their path, he just wasn't as oblivious about it. While the other two paid the lady no mind at all, merely continuing on their way.
"Did ya see those legs?" he teased his younger brother, as him and Buck caught up with them. "How'd you like those silky smooth thighs wrapped around you?"
Vin's mouth dropped opened and shuddered at the idea. "Gross! I don't even know that lady. You should have more respect for women Chris."
"There ain't nothing disrespectful in fantasizing about a beautiful woman," Buck pointed out.
Vin shook his head and pushed Ezra ahead of him. "Come on, Ez, let's get out of here before things start getting graphic."
Chris stared in growing disbelief and horror as it appeared an unknown fear was taking shape right before his eyes. "Buck," he grabbed his brother's arm, "do you think that Vin might be ... you know ..." He held up his free hand, shaking it softly from side to side unable to say the word.
"What?!"
"Shh!" he tightened his hold and gave the boys a wobbly smile when they turned at the outburst. "He shuddered at the idea of being with that woman," he continued once they were on longer looking. "I saw him."
Buck opened his mouth to respond only Chris didn't let him.
"How come he's never had a girlfriend? Where are all the phone calls?" he asked, even though he really didn't want to know. "Girls were constantly calling when we were at home."
"He calls people ..."
"Ezra," Chris corrected, "he calls Ezra. Mom says that even when they've spent the whole day together they stay on the phone most of the night."
"So?" Buck pulled his arm free. "That don't mean Vin's ..." He too was unable to say the word and moved his hand from side to side as well. "Maybe he's just a late bloomer or that he likes brunets instead of blonds. Maybe he's a late bloomer." Neither noticed he repeated the same reason twice. "Hell, it could mean anything," he shrugged, 'course Buck wasn't about to mention how Vin didn't react when he accused him of acting like Ezra was his boyfriend.
Chris let the matter drop and silently followed behind the other man as he started walking. He hoped Buck was right for Vin's sake. It really didn't matter much to him if Vin was ... that way, but their dad would never understand or accept it.
~*~*~
It was just after sundown with school only days away and the two friends were at their favorite fishing hole. One spent the day cutting hay while the other cut grass. Both were tired and more than a little sleepy, but to content in the other's company to call it a night. They'd just finished off a couple of cheeseburgers and a large order of fries. The mustang had been left on the gravel road leading to the pond and the jeep was used to traveled the rest of the way; whose windshield they were currently leaning against as they stared up at the stars in the bright moon lit sky.
"God, I'm tired," Vin yawned big and stretched his arms. "Don't think I could stay awake for a movie," he reluctantly admitted after Ezra suggested seeing one.
"We could just go home," Ezra offered his drowsy friend and ignoring his own heavy eyelids. He wasn't ready to go. He was enjoying the sight of Vin draped in moonlight, the silvery beams of light gave his friend an almost eternal look. A gentle breeze lifted Vin's hair in airy little wisps like a spider's web cast adrift. Those droopy blue eyes seemed bluer than ever. Ezra shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts or else he'd be listing Vin's attributes all night long. "We could have an early night ..."
"No, I don't want to go home," he stated very adamantly, suddenly feeling more awake. "Sometimes I wish I didn't ever have to go back."
"Are you and Tom fighting again?"
"No more than usual," he turned his head and looked at his friend. "Did you just call my dad Tom?"
Ezra gave him a smirk and a shrug before saying, "So why don't you want to go home?"
"I don't know if I can explain it," he sat up and crossed his legs, so that he was sitting Indian-style.
"Try."
Vin opened his mouth several times only to have words fail him. "I don't know, Ezra, I don't have the same gift of gab as you do," he rubbed his hands on his jeans. He liked how his friend looked in moon light. 'Course, he gave a mental shrug, here lately he liked everything about Ezra Patrick Standish. Very much indeed.
"Vin ..."
"Okay, okay," Vin threw his hands in the air. "It just sounds so stupid and I'm not sure if it makes any sense at all ..."
"Vin ..."
"I mean you're probably gonna think I'm crazy ... crazier than you all ready do ..." The rest was mumbled as a hand was placed over his mouth halting his babble.
"First of all ... if it's important to you then it isn't stupid and second there's no way I could think you're any crazier ... you are without a doubt the craziest person I know," Ezra told him, his hand was still pressed against Vin's lips. "Now if you promise to stop rambling then I'll remove my hand. Okay?"
Vin nodded, his eyes sparkled with mischief which was Ezra's only warning as Vin opened his mouth and licked the inside of Ezra's hand causing his friend to jerk back in surprise.
"Eww!" Ezra cried, as was about to wipe his hand on his pants then decided to get Vin back and aimed for Vin's hair instead.
"Oh no, you don't!" he warned, quickly grabbing Ezra's wrist.
"It's your spit!"
"Doesn't mean I want it in my hair," he gasped, between laughs.
Ezra dug his fingers into Vin's ribs making him squirm and allowing the Southerner to free his captured hand and wipe it on Vin's face.
"Ugh," Vin shuddered, wiping his cheek on his shoulder, "you're nasty!"
"Well, how would you like it if I licked you?" he asked without thinking, then held his breath waiting for Vin's reply.
The Texan drew his legs together as the thought of Ezra licking him had his body reacting. "You wouldn't dare," Vin heard himself challenge his friend and could hardly believe those words came out of his mouth.
Without a word of warning Ezra scooted closer, wrapped one arm around Vin's shoulders pulling him snug against his chest before pressing a hand to the left side of Vin's face, and running his tongue across his friend's cheek. Stopping only once he reached Vin's ear where he whispered, "Never dare a southerner."
Vin froze, as hot moist air tickled his ear. His eyes drifted closed as he fought the need to press closer and to run as far and as fast as he could. Unfortunately, he did neither. He stayed right where he was, in between Ezra's legs, hardly daring to even breathe. He started to tremble as the hand on his face curved around his jaw and tilted his head.
"V..vin," Ezra said in a breathy moan, then very gently touched his lips to Vin's which had lights exploding in his head. Easing back he hesitantly met wide hopeful blue eyes, unknowing that the same emotions were reflected in his own. "Vin," he swallowed, "I k..know I shouldn't have done that, but ... well the t..thing is that I ... I ... l..like you and ... think maybe you like m..me too." As he spoke Ezra ran the tips of his fingers down the side of Vin's face, resting them at the wildly beating pulse point at the base of his friend's neck. "P..please say something ... anything . .."
Vin thought he was going to pass out, he was feeling light headed and still had spots dancing in his eyes. He was still reeling from the realization that he was in love with Ezra. Now Ezra wanted him to say something. He didn't know what to say ... or do ... or to even think.
Ezra's heart was beating so fast that he feared it would jump right out of his chest as he waited for Vin to react. For him to do anything at all, except sit there. The silence continued to stretch giving Ezra's defenses time to kick in, leaving the southerner powerless to stop the rebuilding of walls that had laid dormant almost since his very first contact with Vin.
"It's okay, Vin," he said in a voice that was way too calm. "I apologize for placing you in such an awkward position ... for giving in to my baser needs and ruining our friendship. You are the most important person in my life and no matter what ... I'll always be there for you. Always."
Vin watched as one lone tear slowly made it's way down Ezra's cheek and desperately wanted to reach out to him, but he was still unable to move even as Ezra leaned over and gave him one last kiss, before sliding from the jeep and disappearing into the night.
After awhile the salty taste of tears penetrated the fog that surrounded him and at first he thought it was from Ezra, but soon realized that the tears were his own and that Ezra was gone. Ezra kissed him ... twice! Ezra was gone. And ... and he l..liked it when Ezra kissed him. Ezra was gone. He wanted Ezra to kiss him again. Ezra was gone.
"Oh God," he sobbed, raising his knees and burying his face in them, "I'm ... I'm g..g..gay." Which was the one thing in this world that he absolutely could not be. "My dad's gonna kill me," he groaned, "I can't be ... I don't wanna be ... But ... I want Ezra."
'What about your family?' that ever present voice questioned.
"Shut up," he mumbled, with tears in his eyes. "It's my life. I love Ezra and ... and ... and they'll never understand. M..maybe it's best if we forget this ever happened. Put it behind us ... act l..like it never ... Go back to the way things u..used to be."
'It'll never be like it used to be. Never.'
A lick of his lips proved just how true those words were as he discovered a taste of Ezra lingering there. He didn't want to go back to the way things were. He wanted Ezra, but knew with heartbreaking clarity that there was no way he could have both Ezra and his family. How do I sacrifice one for the other? Or myself?
"Oh God," he moaned, "what do I do?"
~*~*~
Ezra couldn't have remembered the drive home if his life depended on it. All he could recall was sprinting to the car once it came into sight and the next thing he knew he was sitting in front of the house. He stepped from the car, slowly making his way toward the door and inside.
"Ezra?" Gloria called out, as she stepped from the kitchen. "You're home earlier than I thought you'd ... Ezra?" she grew concerned when she saw her ward just standing there looking lost and utterly alone.
"It's all your fault!" he cried, as everything came bubbling up to the surface. "You just had to fill me with hope and all these possibilities and ... and now I'm left with nothing but empty ... wasted dreams!"
"What happened?"
"I f***** up ..."
"I know you're upset Ezra, but there's no call for such language," she gently corrected him. "Now tell me what happened."
"We were at the pond, you know just hanging out and talking and ... and I ... I k..kissed him," he said, with tears stinging his eyes. "I didn't mean to ... I didn't even know I was going to until I was doing it," he closed his eyes and gave a weary sigh. "He was sitting there in the moonlight ... he's eyes were so blue. I couldn't help myself," he told her.
"Oh Ezra," she took him in her arms and gave him a brief hug, then wiped at the tears running unchecked down his face.
"He doesn't want me," he whispered with a hitch in his breath.
"Did he say that?"she asked and when he didn't respond, she repeated her question.
"No," he pulled away from her. "He never said a word. Not one single word. You said he liked me too ..."
"Vin does like you ..."
"Not anymore! He hates me!"
"He doesn't hate you, Ezra," she grabbed his arm before he could get any further away from her. "Vin could never hate you! Things will be all right, I promise you! But you have to give him time to come to terms with things ..."
"Why must I give him time? Why can't I just forget it ever happened?"
"Don't you remember me telling you that Vin didn't have anyone to tell him it was okay to have these kinds of feelings for another boy?" Gloria quickly reminded him. "Well, I meant that Ezra. You cannot honestly expect him to just fall into your arms. You more than likely scared him half to death ..."
"It doesn't matter," Ezra shook his head. "I'm going call my mother ..."
"NO!" she declared, taking his face firmly between her hands, "you will not call your mother. I am not about to allow you to run away from this, Ezra. Or forget it. Vin will come around. I just know it. Do you want that to happen and you not be here?"
"How long am I suppose to wait? Why must things be so difficult for me? Why can't it ever be easy?"
"Oh baby, I wish I had the answers you're looking for," she swallowed her own tears. "All I do know is that you've waited your whole life for Vin," she pointed out. "A little longer won't kill you, will it?"
"It might," he sniffed, "it might."
~*~*~
The next couple of weeks were pure hell for both boys. The sun had gone out in their world; it was like they were going through withdrawals; they craved something they no longer had access to and it gnawed at their insides, robbing them of their appetites and plaguing their dreams.
Other than school, football practice, and his chores Vin rarely left his room. He'd told his mother that him and Ezra had, had a fight. That he'd done something he shouldn't have and that she shouldn't to worry, he'd be fine. That is if one didn't take into account the way his gut twisted and knotted up when ever he caught glimpses of Ezra in the halls. They had all the same classes and teachers, only at different times. The only thing they shared was lunch; which was the longest forty-five minutes of his life. The kicker was that their lockers were side by side.
So far he's managed to avoid Ezra and he hated it. He hated the hollowed eyed look his friend was sporting, even though he knew he shared the same look. He missed Ezra so much it felt like he was slowly dying inside, but he just wasn't ready to deal with Ezra yet. He had no idea what to do and until he did ... he thought it best to keep his distance.
Ezra sighed and bit his lip as he leaned against his closed bedroom door and slowly slid to the floor. He hated this one high school town. Having Vin evading him was tearing him up inside. He prayed Mrs. Potter was right, because there was no way he wanted to live with this empty feeling for the rest of this life.
"I'm sorry Vin. Sorry for ruining everything," he swallowed his tears, pushed to his feet, and made his way over to his desk where he opened a drawer. Rooting around until he found the card he'd shoved in there when he'd first arrived. "Just in case she's wrong," he whispered, taking his wallet out his pocket and placing the card inside. "I won't wait forever."
~*~*~
Vin hated homecoming week. It had always been wild, but this year was proving to be worse than usual. It didn't help that a guy Buck graduated with was coming for a visit or that this guy had played professional football for three years before injuring his knee.
His dad was eating it all up and talking to scouts. He didn't push for a commitment, after all, Vin still had a season of baseball yet to play.
Vin stood on the porch and watched as Buck, Inez, and two tall dark haired men stepped out of a dark green extended cab Ford truck. He jumped as the screen door wacked him, when his dad threw it open as he went to greet the local sport's hero.
"Alan!" Tom held out a hand and gave the younger man an enthusiastic shake.
"Mr. Larabee ..."
"Call me Tom."
"Tom," Alan nodded, "it's good to see again. How've you been?"
"Can't complain."
Vin softly snorted and ducked his head at that.
"Buck where are your manners?" their dad fussed. "Introduce us to Alan's friend."
"Right," Buck smiled a little nervously. "David this my father Tom Larabee."
"Hello David," Tom offered a hand in greeting. "You a football player too?"
"I used to be a quarterback," David returned the shake.
"Shoulder injury?"
"That and one to many hits in the head," he grinned. "Which according to Alan explains a lot."
Tom laughed and motioned toward the house, "Come on in. Make yourselves comfortable."
Vin, who still stood on the porch, tensed as he saw his father's focus switch to him.
"Alan do you remember Vin?" Tom asked. "He plays wide receiver same as you. Also plays shortstop on the baseball team. He's sure to get a scholarship if he can keep his grades up."
"Vin," Alan said.
"Hey," Vin gave a short nod and felt his heart begin to race as he noticed that David's eyes were almost the same color as Ezra's. Thinking of Ezra had Vin wanting to slip off to his room so he could wallow in self pity and drown in a sea of doubts. He knew that would never happen, his dad would want him to spend as much time as he could with their guests.
What he really wanted was to slip away somewhere quiet and maybe relive that kiss. That all to brief kiss. That was over almost before it started. He stifled a sigh and wished he had someone he could talk to. Someone that understood what he was going through. Someone to help him do the impossible by hurting no one. He'd had enough of living in limbo. He wanted Ezra.
Lost in his thoughts he absently followed the others into the house and sat down beside Alan on the couch. He didn't remember any offers of cookies, but somehow found one in his hand just the same.
"So Alan," Tom began, "where's the little misses? Or are you still looking?"
"No, I've found the love of my life ..."
"Oh so, you're engaged ..."
"No sir," Alan took a quick sip of his iced tea. "David here is my ..."
"Your?" Tom prompted when the other man seemed to hesitate.
"You guys wanna go out an toss the ball around," Buck suggested, getting to his feet.
"It's okay, Buck," Alan smiled at him. "David's my partner."
"In what?"
"Life," he replied, taking David's hand in his.
That got his attention and had him sitting up a little straighter. Vin couldn't believe was he was seeing or hearing for that matter. Alan and David were boyfriend and ... boyfriend. Big, tall professional football playing Alan and David are gay. Like him and Ezra.
"Life partners," Tom slowly repeated. "I see. Your parents . . ."
"Haven't spoken to me since I came out," Alan confided. "Which is why we're staying with Buck while we're here."
"My parents on the other hand are totally supportive," David informed them.
"Well," Tom cleared his throat, "I've got some stuff to do. You ... boys are welcome to stay for supper if you want." He got to his feet, wiping his hands on his pants.
"Thank you," Alan said. "We'd like that."
"Good," Tom nodded his head a couple of times then without warning reached over and snagged Vin by the back of the shirt, pulling him to his feet. "Go finish your chores," he instructed, all but pushing him out of the room.
~*~*~
Vin stepped away from his dad and straightened his shirt once they were outside.
"I don't want you alone with either of those ... them," Tom told him.
"Why?"
"Because I said so!" he snapped. "You're at an impressionable age, you and JD both. Thank God he's with Casey ..."
"Dad ..."
"Look I don't want those ... them doing anything that might influence you."
"Dad I can make up my own mind," Vin assured him. "I know what I want and neither Allen or David is going to change that." He stilled as he realized that, that was true. He did know what he wanted and that was to be with Ezra.
"Okay," Tom gave him a sheepish grin, "I overreacted. You're a good boy and I know you'll never do anything like that to disappoint your mother and me."
His resolve slipped a little at those words, so with slumped shoulders and feeling more than a little depressed Vin headed for the barn. Once inside he greeted each horse by name before retrieving a curry comb and brush from the tack room. Then set about grooming the horses. One by one.
A little while later he thought he heard someone walk in and looked up only to freeze as he saw David tug Alan into the shadows near the door, then draw him closer before pressing several teasing kisses to his lips. Vin felt his breath catch as the kisses deepened.
'I want to do that to Ezra,' he thought to himself, then swallowed hard as David's hands reached down to cup Alan's ass. 'I wanna do that too. I wanna touch Ezra like that and have Ezra touch me too.'
"I love you." The passion filled words had Vin feeling bad for spying, but he saw no way out. The two kissing men were between him and door. His dad was working out behind the barn so the rear exit was out as well.
While trying to decide the best way to sneak past them, the horse beside Vin grew tired of being ignored and gave the young man a non to gentle nudge into the side of the stall, sending a bucket hanging on a nail clanging to the barn floor.
The two lovers did not spring apart in a guilty manner but they did separate and glance in his direction in surprise.
"S..sorry," Vin mumbled, feeling heat fill his face. "It was the horse ..."
"It's okay, Vin," Alan said. "I hope we didn't offend you with our ..."
"Affection," David supplied.
"You didn't," Vin quickly told them. "What's it like?" he heard himself asking.
"What? Being gay or kissing a man?" Alan questioned.
"Your life," Vin whispered and for some reason felt tears stinging his eyes.
"I don't know Vin," Alan shook his head, "I'm not sure if we're the ones you need to talk to ..."
"I don't have anyone else," the younger man confessed.
"Your family loves you surely ..."
"Didn't your family love you?" Vin countered.
"What do want to know?" David invited after exchanging a look with Alan.
"Is it worth it?" he desperately needed to know.
"There's always some prejudice but yes," Alan took David's hand and kissed his knuckles, "to us it is. Why?"
"'Cause," he sniffled and dug the toe of one boot into the hey on the stall floor, "I'm in love with my b..best friend and I don't know w..what to do about it ..."
"Does he know?"
Vin shook his head no, wiping away a tear.
"How does he feel about you?"
"He k..kissed me. Twice."
"That's always a good sign," David gave him a gentle smile. "What did you do?"
"Nothing," Vin hung his head in shame. "I did nothing, but sit there."
"How long ago was that?"
"It'll be four weeks on Thursday ... tomorrow."
"Vin," Alan began, then paused to gather his thoughts, "I wish we had the words to make everything all right. Being gay isn't as easy life ... like I said earlier there's always some prejudice, but denying what you are will drive you crazy. Slowly kill you inside."
"It's your life, Vin," David added. "And in spite of what everyone says or does or who approves or disapproves you have to live your life to suit you. I hated the fact that Alan had to choose between his family and me ..."
"I followed my heart, so the choice was easy," Alan assured his mate. "There's nothing wrong in what you're feeling or how you're reacting. You're simply following what's natural for you."
"And you should never deny what's comes naturally to you," David said. "Talk to your friend, Vin. Tell him how you feel, just don't leave it to late."
"Do you think ..." Vin couldn't bring himself to say the words.
"Not yet, but I wouldn't leave it too much longer," Alan told him.
~*~*~
Gloria checked an item off her list after placing it in her buggy. Just a couple of more things and she'd be through. Homecoming was over and the store was nearly empty, which is why she waited until late Friday afternoon to do her shopping. With her mind on what to fix for supper she wasn't really paying attention as she rounded the isle and collided with someone. "Oh I'm so sorry," she quickly apologized, then stopped as she saw it was Vin. "Hello, dear. How are you?"
"Mrs. Potter," Vin glanced all around her.
"He's at home." She was tired of watching Ezra waste away, heart broken and alone and from the looks of it, Vin wasn't any better off. 'Maybe it was time to step in and offer a little assistance,' she thought.
"He's waiting for a call from his mother."
Vin felt liked he'd been sucker punched. "His moth... His moth... Maude? Why?" he finally managed to get out.
"She called while he was at school. Said something about maybe coming for a visit," she dared to tell him, then felt bad as all the color drained from his face. "Vin ... I know what happened between you and Ezra," she softly told him. Then quickly continued at the panic that filled those normally lively blue eyes. "It's okay, your secret is safe with me. I can't tell you what to do or how to feel, but if you don't return his feelings then please, please, I beg you, tell him and let him get on with his life. He will eventually get over you and find someone that can love him like he deserves." She gave his arm a gentle squeeze, "All I want if for you to be happy. Both of you."
Having said more than she probably should have, Gloria quickly finished her shopping, paid for everything, and then sat in her car for a full ten minutes telling herself that everything would be okay. That one little white lie couldn't possibly make things any worse. Besides, it wasn't a complete lie. Maude had called to check on Ezra, however, when she was told that he was recovering from a bee sting she cut the call short. Gloria hadn't told Ezra about his mother calling, she intended to, but it was the same day that the boys had shared their first and hopefully not their last kiss.
A little later she was putting things away and trying to decide if she should tell Ezra what she had done, when he walked into the kitchen.
"Mrs. Potter," Ezra reached for a bag and began to empty it, "Mrs. Wells called while you were out and wants you to call her."
"Thank you, dear," she replied, being careful to keep her back to him. She knew that if she looked into those eyes, she'd confess everything and she didn't think that was such a good idea. Vin needed time to absorb what she'd said and she planned to give him as much as she could.
"How was your day?"
"Better now that homecoming is over," he told her. "No more stupid pep rallies to raise school sprit," he snorted. "Or having the team parading around like conquering heros."
"Ezra ..."
"He's avoiding me. Did I tell you that?" Ezra looked at her, waiting for her to say that everything would work out for the best. When she didn't he felt the hope he'd been clinging to begin to slip through his fingers like grains of sand.
Gloria finished putting the canned goods away then turned around, only to find herself alone. She tossed the bag in her hand to the floor and hurried after him.
"Ezra," she knocked on his door. "May I come in?"
"It's open."
"I know what you're thinking and you're wrong," Gloria said, as she stepped into the room. "I thought I heard one the children coming and I was trying to finish a cookie I'd slipped into my mouth. Shopping always makes me hungry and I didn't want them spoiling their apatite."
"Mrs. Potter ..."
"Things will work out Ezra. Don't give up on him yet," she advised, then slowly walked away.
Ezra didn't say a word, he knew a lie when he heard it. One didn't live with his mother for long and not learn to recognize them. He felt tears sting his eyes, but refused the let them fall. Instead he pulled his wallet out and removed the card. Maybe it was time to make a phone call. He'd been here awhile now, so surely it was time to move on.
"Hey Ez," Bill Potter knocked on the open door. "Get your shoes on and come go with me."
"Where?" he asked, replacing the card and getting to his feet.
"Harry called saying the part I ordered for my truck was in, so I was thinking that now would be a good time to take you up on that offer to drive the Mustang," Bill smiled at him.
"Okay," Ezra grinned, "we can even put the top down, if you want." Perhaps he could stay a little longer, he thought to himself as he followed the older man down the stairs.
~*~*~
'Ezra's mine!' Vin wanted to scream as what Mrs. Potter said replayed in his head. It was all he could think about on the ride home from the store and during supper, which was a loud affair with all of his brothers in attendance; including Alan and David. Not even his dad going on about college managed to distract him.
He didn't remember walking into the living room or his brothers agreeing that they'd all meet up at the movies the next night before leaving. Nothing registered. It was as if he was stuck in a void. Then something Buck said broke through.
"What did you just say?" Vin interrupted, his voice a little husky.
"Are you all right ..."
"I'm fine! Just tell me what you said?"
"All right! Don't go getting your panties in a twist," Buck frowned. "I said I told the man it was time to either shit or get off the pot."
"That's good advice," Vin absently nodded, as he got to his feet.
"Where ya going?" he asked, as his younger brother started to walk from the room.
"Gotta make a phone call ..."
"It's about time," Buck told him.
"What?"
"That you and Ezra put what ever happened behind you," he explained.
Vin didn't know what to say to that, so he said nothing as he continued on to the kitchen, where he stopped short and glared as he saw JD all ready on it.
"JD do you mind hurrying, I need to use the phone," he stated as nicely as he could.
"Hold on Casey," JD covered the mouth piece. "Sorry Vin, but I just got on ..."
"How long ya gonna be?"
"Every minute of my allotted time ..."
"But it's important!"
"Is someone dying?" the younger boy quipped, then turn his back on him.
Vin growled at his brother, then spun on his heel and slammed out of the room. "Buck! Go tell that RUNT to get off the phone!"
"Now Vin, you know that mom and dad gave you each twenty minutes to use the phone. You can wait your turn," Buck stated. "You've waited this long ..."
"I've waited too long! I need to talk to Ezra now!" he knew he was acting like a brat, but he couldn't help it. He had this almost uncontrollable fear that Ezra would leave him and it was eating him alive. The only thing keeping him from rushing over there was an even greater fear that it was all ready to late.
He looked up at the sound of his name and easily caught the cell phone tossed his way.
"Call him," David advised him.
"Thanks," he said, blowing out a deep breath, willing his hands to stop shaking. "Hi Amelia, it's Vin. May I ... four kittens. Wow, that's ... Amelia ... Amel ... AMELIA ... No, no don't cry. I didn't mean to yell at you. I need to talk to Ezra ... Company? What kind of company?" he almost hated to ask. "Who?" he went completely still and could actually feel the blood drain from his face. "Charlotte," he repeated, through gritted teeth. "No. I gotta go. Bye. Bitch," he sneered, under his breath.
Vin turned the phone off and without a word handed it to Alan, then ran to his room. Closing and locking the door behind him, he threw himself on the bed, only to get right back up so he could pace, from the bed to the door, from the door to the closet, from the closet to the bed. Over and over he did this.
"Okay," he mumbled to himself, "let's think this through. There could be a very reasonable explanation why that ... bitch was over there with my Ezra." He picked up a baseball laying on his dresser and began tossing it from hand to hand as he walked. "They do have a class together," he admitted, gripping the ball tightly in one hand. "It's not as if he's interested in her," he paused as he realized what he just said. "He likes me. Ezra kissed me!" The choke hold around his heart eased a little at that and he started to believe that maybe it wasn't to late after all. Him and Ezra were meant to be. And first thing tomorrow he'd prove it.
~*~*~
"You boys did good and I'm grateful," Buck quietly informed the men beside him. "Don't know what you said to him and I don't want to, but what ever it was it worked. Everything's gonna work out just fine," he grinned at them.
"Buck?"
"I've suspected for a while now. Ezra's a good kid and will be good for Vin. They'll balance each other nicely," he nodded his head. "Wait 'til you meet him. Ezra's a good looking kid, damn near as handsome as me. They'll make a handsome couple," he gave them a wink.
"You going to tell him you know?" Alan questioned his old friend.
"Nah, the less people that know the better. It'll keep them from slipping up and revealing themselves before they're ready," he voiced.
"You never cease to amaze me, Buck," Alan laughed.
"Well, what can I say," he smoothed his mustache, "I'm an amazing man!"
"That you are, my friend, that you are," Alan agreed, exchanging a look with David then before Buck could do anything they both kissed him on the cheek.
"Hey!"
~*~*~
Bright and early the next morning Vin stood in front of the mirror over his dresser. He'd all ready showered and shaved, nicking himself in the process. He planned to tell his parents he wanted an electric razor for Christmas. Wrinkling his nose, he was glad he'd been able to get most the aftershave off. 'Course his eyes still slightly red eyes looked a little worse for wear.
He was dressed in one of his best shirt, but wasn't sure if this was the look he wanted. The plain white button down shirt was almost dressy and while he wanted to look good for Ezra, there was no way he could wear this without it raising some questions he didn't want to answer.
Tearing off the shirt, he threw it over his shoulders, and let it fall where it may. Pulling his drawer open he reached for one his ever present t-shirts, one with the American flag of the front. The one he wore the night Ezra kissed him.
'There,' he thought to himself with a nod, as he finished tucking in his shirt, 'now I look more like me. Now what do I do for the next two hours?'
With a sigh he turned and grimaced at the sight that greeted him. Shirts were scattered all over the bed and floor, as well as the towel he dried his hair with.
"Oh well," he shrugged, as he began picking up his things, "at least it'll kill some time."
An hour and a half later he walked into the kitchen and frowned as he saw all his brothers seated at the table, "Don't you people of houses of your own."
"Vin!" his mom shook her head.
"We're going riding," Chris told him. "Is that all right with you?"
"Does it matter?" he retorted.
"Vin can you give me a ride ..."
"No ..."
"Don't drink out of the jug!" Stacy hollered.
"There's only a swallow left!" he argued. "Why dirty a glass for nothing?"
"I said, no."
"Fine," he put the jug back, closing the refrigerator with a snap. He knew he needed to rein in emotions before they got him into trouble, but he didn't think it was possible. He'd held things in for so long that, the release was making him cranky and impatient.
"Come on, Vin, I need a ride," JD whined.
"Yeah well, I needed the phone last night. Didn't I?" Vin reminded him. "Barrow one of their vehicles," he suggested, as he headed for the door.
"And just where are you going that your brother can't go with you?" Stacy asked.
"What's that smell?" Nathan wrinkled his nose.
"Ezra's," he replied, quickly walking out the door and deciding that he'd leave the top off the jeep.
Ten minutes later he stood outside the Potter's door, raising a less than steady hand to knock on the door, only to have it open before he even touch it.
"Vin!" Gloria smiled. "Come on in! Mind the noise, Bill and I are taking the kids into Houston for the day."
"He's in the tree house out back," Bill told him, all but pushing his wife and kids out the door. "Not a word," he warned her, "you've done enough. Now it's up to them."
Vin nodded and walked around the house.
~*~*~
'These early mornings were killing him,' Ezra thought with a yawn. 'Course the fact that he found it hard to sleep at night helped. His dreams were plagued with images of Vin and their shared kiss. Of their ruined friendship.
With a shake of his head, Ezra glanced down at the book in his lap and wondered why he even bothered. The pictures of all the happy couples doing things that he wanted to be doing with Vin only depressed him. Releasing a long sigh, he closed his eyes and settled back against the tree behind him, hoping to put everything out of his mind. He went completely still a few minutes later as he suddenly had the feeling he was being watched.
"I've all ready told you that I didn't wish to accompany you to Houston," he said, then opened his eyes and got the surprise of his life as he spotted the person standing half in and half out of the tree house.
"Vin!" he cried, scrambling to his feet and moving closer to the waist-high railing Mr. Potter put up to keep the children from falling.
"Ezra!" a deep voice hollered. "We're gone!"
"Okay," he absently replied.
"If you and Vin go anywhere, be sure to leave a note."
"We will," Vin answered for the both of them as he drank in the sight before him.
"What are you doing here?" Ezra found that he was unable to keep his eyes on Vin for any length of time, his gaze would rest on the other boy then dart elsewhere.
"I had," he paused to clear his throat, "I had it all worked out in my head. What I was gonna say, I mean, but now it's," he shrugged his shoulders, "it's all g..gone."
"Well ... I'm sorry ... I guess," Ezra frowned, shoving his hands in the pocket of his jeans.
"Don't," he shook his head, "apologize."
"Look ..."
"Please," Vin sighed, "let me say this. L..let me explain." He took a deep breath and slowly released it before continuing, "It was there the whole time ... these feelings. I should have known. I mean why else would I ... want to be with you all the time ... to be near you ... want to touch you ... smell you. Then there was the way my body r..responded." His grip on the ladder leading into the tree house tightened, as he fought the tears threatening to spill over. "I finally figured out that I ... liked, liked you," one tear fell, creating a path for the others. "I ... I didn't make the connection. It never occurred to me that I was ... you know ... gay," he panted, smiled, and brushed away tears all at the same time. "Told ya I was dumb ..."
"Hey!" Ezra called in warning. He wanted to go Vin and wrap him in his arms and never let go, but he wanted to get everything out in the open first. Get things settled. He needed to know what Vin wanted.
"You s..scared me Ezra. Even more so than when you got stung by that bee," he admitted. "It wasn't just the being gay part," he cleared his throat once again. "It was ... it was having to choose ..."
"I would never!" Ezra swore, taking a couple of steps closer. "Never, Vin. Never."
"I know, Ezra. I know," Vin wiped his nose, "you wouldn't. But they will and I'm sorry. I'm so sorry it took the threat of you leaving ..."
"Leaving?"
"I was terrified you'd go where I couldn't follow ..."
Ezra shook his head in confusion.
"I don't want you going back to live with your mother, Ezra. I want you here with me."
"What's Maude got to do with this?" Ezra didn't understand.
"Mrs. Potter said she'd called ..."
"This is the first I've heard of it," Ezra ran a hand through his hair.
Vin's tears dried as he suddenly remembered something. "I called you last night."
"I didn't . . ."
"Amelia told me you had company."
"Company?"
"Charlotte, Ezra," he said through gritted teeth. "Why was 'she' here?"
"Charlotte?" the other boy may have been frowning on the outside, but inside he was cheering as he realized that Vin was jealous. "She came to get the notes she asked me to take since she wasn't going to be in school yesterday."
"Oh," Vin felt stupid. 'Of course it's innocent,' he told himself, 'Ezra likes boys ... me ... he likes me and not her.'
"So that's why you're here?" Ezra interrupted his thoughts. "Because you're worried about losing your ... friend?"
"Yes ... No Ezra!" Vin struggled for the right words. "All this made me realize that it's my life and I want you in it, as you're in my heart. I love you, Ezra, and I want ... I want to be with you. If it's not too late." The last few words were barely audible as his emotions began to get the better of him.
"V ...," Ezra swallowed the lump in his throat and tried again, "come here, Vin." He held open his arms.
Vin climbed the rest of the way into the tree house and all but ran into the welcoming embrace beckoning him. "Ezra," he began to sob, burying his face in Ezra's neck.
"Don't cry," Ezra attempted to sooth, even though he himself was crying too. They stood there simply holding each other for several minutes, taking much needed comfort in finally being able to touch without fear. "Vin," he mumbled into the ear closest to his mouth, "I love you, too."
"Really?" Vin shivered as he began running his fingers through Ezra's hair, like he always wanted to. "I'm taller than you," he announced, easing back a little.
"A little," Ezra agreed with a sweet grin, as he leaned into Vin's touch and clutched at the front of his shirt.
"We fit," he voiced, "we fit perfectly." He swallowed hard as dark dusty colored lashes parted, revealing smoky green eyes that would have had the power alone to seduce him, if he wasn't all ready taken with everything that was Ezra Standish. "Do you think," he whispered, pressing their foreheads together, "that we could ... maybe try that kiss again?"
"Think you're ready to try that again, do you?" Ezra teased, rubbing their noses together. His accented voice going all silky and smooth. He slipped his hands around Vin's waist and gripped those narrow hips before placing one hand at the small of Vin's back and pulling him ever closer.
"Oh yeah," Vin all but panted, "I'm ready ... I'm so ready. Kiss me, Ezra."
Ezra felt his breath hitched as he felt those words against his mouth and saw as sky blue eyes darken with need just before they drifted closed.
Smooth, soft lips pressed gently together, trembling with excitement. Emotions that had once lay dormant now flowed freely, leaving them dizzy and wanting more. Heads titled allowing more room, as lips parted, offering them a whole new world to explore. Moans filled the small tree house as they got swept away on a wave of passion.
"Wow," Vin shuddered, as they broke for air.
"That was much better than the first time," Ezra beamed. "We'll have to be careful," he said, peppering kisses across Vin's brow, eyes, and the tip of his nose.
"I know," he groaned, clutching Ezra's shirt between clinched fists, as his ear lobe was drawn into Ezra's mouth and nibbled on. "O..only when we're alone ... Oh God," he quivered, as what little control a seventeen year old had was pushed to the limit. "S..stop ... please ... s..stop," he begged.
"Is something wrong?" Ezra pulled back, his voice full of concern. "Did I hurt you?"
"No and you'd never hurt me," Vin closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then slowly released it. "I'm only seventeen ... h..how much control do you think I have?" he opened his eyes and smiled. "I don't want to rush any of this."
"I understand," he brushed the hair out of Vin's face. "We won't do anything that the both of us isn't ready for. Besides," he felt his face flush and ducked his head, "if ... when we go that far I don't want it to be quick. I want us ... to be able to take our time and ... and ..."
"Do it right," Vin finished for him. "That's what I want to ... even if, God help us, we have to wait until we're eighteen."
Ezra laughed and agreed.
"We can tutor each other this time," Vin suggested, burying his nose in Ezra's hair and inhaling the heady scent. "I love your hair," he sighed, then blushed as he realized he said that out loud.
Ezra ducked his head, feeling more than a little pleased at the words. Then blurted out, "Mrs. Potter gave me a book ..."
"A book," Vin repeated, but didn't move his head.
"About this, that will help us. I'll show you later," Ezra told him. "It even has pictures ..."
"Speaking of pictures?" Vin pulled back a little. "W..want to go see a movie tonight?"
"Are you asking me on a date?" Ezra could barely contain his excitement.
"I am," Vin nodded, nervously lifting one shoulder. "Be my date tonight? My brothers will be there, but so will these two guys I want you to meet. They're friends with Buck and ... and are like us. They helped me."
"Then I can't wait to meet them," Ezra assured him, laying his head on Vin's shoulder and hugging him.
"So that's a yes?" Vin needed to be sure.
"Yes, I'd love too," Ezra pressed a soft kiss to the neck next to him.
Vin pulled him closer and rested his head on Ezra's.
Neither noticed the merging of their shadows in the morning light, making it impossible to tell one from the other. However, unlike their shadows they wouldn't be so easily separated. Their hearts and souls, were inseparable and linked forever.