Home for the Holidays

by Jo Ann

While this story is in the ITF AU it is totally different than my other stories.

Altnernate Universe Into The Fold

Chris looked up as he heard someone bounding down the stairs and shook his head as he saw that it was Vin. His younger brother was going out again. It wasn't Vin's going out that bothered him so much as it was the fact that he rarely told them where he was going. Or who he was going to be with. Chris never had to worry about this with Buck or the others, simply because they told them everything. Plus the others very seldom left Four Corners. Where as Vin very seldom stayed. It wasn't as though he went out all that much, but when he did he went into Denver and stayed gone all night. Hell, he sometimes stayed gone all weekend as well. Chris supposed he should be grateful that Vin was only seeing one person in Denver. A professor. That he'd met at a gas station, of all places.

"You going out with that professor again tonight?" Chris asked as Vin stepped into the room.

"You staying home alone again tonight?" Vin countered. "And that professor's name is Ezra."

"Look . . ."

"No, you look. I'm thirty years old and can come and go as I please," he told him. "Just because you're being stubborn and won't call Sarah doesn't mean I'm gonna sit home and keep ya company. Besides, I like Ezra. I like him alot."

"So when do we get to meet him?" Nathan asked as he joined them.

"I had hoped at Thanksgiving, but he's going to New York to see his mother," Vin said with a shrug.

"I'm surprised Mr. Perfect didn't ask you to go with him?" Chris asked.

The younger man shot him a go to hell look before saying, "Ezra did, but it's been five years since he's seen his mother and . . ."

"Five years? Why?" Nathan wondered.

"I don't know. He didn't say. But I'm thinking she didn't take the news of Ezra being gay too well," Vin said with a shrug. Then asked, "Aren't you going to see Rain tonight?"

Nathan shook his head. "No she's got finals coming up and I don't want to distract her."

"She still graduating in December?"

"She hopes so," he said with a smile.

A few minutes later Chris watched as Vin got in his truck and drove away. He had been doing that a lot lately and he hoped it wasn't a sign of things to come.

~*~*~*~*~

Thanksgiving dawned bright and clear, but with a definite bite in the air that reminded people that winter was fast approaching.

Josiah shook his head as he watched Vin mope around. Man's got it bad, Josiah thought. Vin has talked of nothing except Ezra since they met. For the last two months it's been Ezra this and Ezra that. Josiah had never seen his brother so happy. He'll have to thank Ezra for that. If he ever got to meet him.

"Vin he's only gone to New York," he said. "Not the moon."

"I know," Vin whined. "New York is so far away and anything could happen to him," he sighed, then banged his head on the table. "I've only known Ezra, what? Two months . . . and I miss him. I m..miss him."

"He'll be fine," Josiah told him, pretending not to see the sheen of tears in his brother's eyes.

"I hope so," Vin mumbled and got to his feet.

Josiah smiled as he was hugged from behind. He couldn't remember Vin doing this before. Guess he has Ezra to thank for that as well. "Now then, we have company coming so we need to set the table . . ."

"Maybe we should use Miss Stacy's fancy plates," Vin suggested.

"Yeah, they 'are' the only ones that match," he said with a laugh. "Where's JD and Buck?"

"Watching the parade . . ."

"Hey! Josiah, your better half is here," JD teased as he stepped into the kitchen.

Josiah shook his head and gave Molly a brief kiss then cuffed JD on the back of the head. Molly was a librarian at the local high school. She had shoulder length auburn hair, light blue eyes, and was perfect for Josiah.

They enjoyed a late Thanksgiving dinner. The six of them along with five girlfriends, one aunt, and one father made for a very loud affair. By the time they finished eating the sun was beginning to set. They were in the process of cleaning up when someone pulled up in the yard.

"Who do we know that drives a fancy car like that?" Nathan asked as him and Josiah stood at the kitchen window.

"Do ya reckon that's Ezra?" JD questioned in an excited voice.

"Thought he was in New York," Josiah added. The three of them looked at each other as they heard someone knocking on the door. They then ran for the kitchen door and got there just in time to here a Southerner voice ask for Vin Tanner.

"Vin!" Buck hollered. "Someone's here to see ya!"

Josiah, Nathan, and JD now stood in the livingroom and all but pounced on Buck when he stepped back in the room. "Well?"

"What?"

"What's he look like?"

"Who?"

"Ezra!" all three of them said.

"Oh! Was that him?" Buck asked. The four of them headed for the door and frowned as they saw Vin close it behind him.

"Damn," they swore. Looking at each other they then cried, "To the window!"

"That is him!" JD said in an excited voice and clutched at Nathan's arm as they watched Vin wrapped the shorter man in his arms.

"Come into the light," Buck grumbled.

"Yeah, we can't see anything for the shadows," Nathan fussed.

"Wonder what happened with his mother?" Josiah asked causing the others to look at him.

"What's going on?" Sarah asked from behind them.

"Shhh!" they all said pressing their ear closer to the window.

"Aww hell," Buck swore, "Vin saw us!"

"Look!"

They watched as Ezra stepped into the light, held his arms out, and turned in a circle. Once he was facing them again Ezra smiled and with a grand sweep of his hand bowed. They all grinned and immediately stepped away from the window as Vin was suddenly standing in front of them telling them to go away.

~*~*~*~*~

"Don't encourage them, Ez," Vin said with a smile as he turned from the window.

Ezra smiled at his lover and held out his hand. He knew he should be afraid of what this man made him feel. Knew that he shouldn't trust him as much as he did. Knew that he shouldn't trust the contentment he felt from just hearing Vin's voice on the phone. Ezra had never felt like this before and as much as all these new strange and wonderful feelings scared him . . . the thought of losing Vin terrified him even more.

Vin placed his hand in his and Ezra just did resist the need to sigh like some love struck teenager. But that's what Vin did to him. Vin made everything seem new. Real. Better. Vin made the impossible into reality. With a simple touch of his hand Vin had Ezra knowing that he could trust him. And not just with his body, but his emotions. With everything. Every part of him.

Hand in hand they walked over and sat on the swing. "I know I should have called first . . ."

"I'm glad you didn't . . ."

"It's bad manners to show up unannounced . . ."

"I don't give a shit about bad manners," Vin told him. "I missed ya Ezra."

Ezra smiled and rested his forehead on Vin's. "I missed you, too Vin. So much," he whispered then took those tempting lips in a gentle kiss that quickly turned into a deep passionate kiss that left them both panting and wanting more. Pulling back Ezra once again rested his forehead against Vin's.

"What happened with your mother?" Vin asked in a gruff voice.

Ezra pulled back and got to his feet. He wasn't sure if he was ready to talk about his mother yet.

"Ezra . . ."

The Southerner stepped back as Vin reached for him. Then swore as he saw the hurt in those blue eyes. But didn't close the distance between them. He knew that if Vin touched him then he'd probably cry and he didn't want to do that.

"She never showed . . ." Ezra heard himself saying before he knew it.

"What? Why not?"

"I went to the hotel to check in and found a message waiting for me . . ."

"What it say?"

"She had a change of plans," Ezra told him. "So I turned right back around and . . . here I am." Then before he knew it he was in Vin's arms being held tight.

"I'm so sorry, Ezra," Vin told him.

Ezra didn't say anything as he buried his face in his lover's neck.

Vin pulled back and gave him a hard kiss then said, "Piss on her. Her loss is my gain."

Ezra smiled and laid his head on Vin's chest. He was glad he came. This is what he needed. Vin's what he needed.

"You can have one of my brothers, if you want. Hell, you can have 'em all!" he teased. "Josiah all ready likes ya and he ani't even met ya yet."

Ezra laughed and tightened his hold. Then to his embarrassment his stomach growled.

"Why didn't ya say you were hungry?" Vin asked pulling back. "Let's go find you something to eat. 'Cause you're gonna need your strength for later."

Ezra liked the sound of that and eagerly followed him.

~*~*~*~*~

Vin smiled. He was glad that Ezra, his brothers, and his brother's girlfriends were getting along so well. Except for Sarah, who along with her father and Chris were in the other room. His smile grew as he realized how lucky he was. When he woke up this morning he felt sad and was a little depressed, knowing that he wouldn't be able to see Ezra until Saturday. Two whole days without being able to touch him. Or kiss him. And it probably would have been tonight before he even got a chance to talk to him.

But now . . . now he was on the top of the world because in his time of need Ezra had come to him. Ezra came to him, he repeated deciding he liked the sound of it. Ezra was here and there was no way Vin was gonna let him leave anytime soon.

Needing to touch his love Vin grabbed Ezra's hand and gave it a kiss which made Ezra turn an interesting shade of red. "Do you blush all over?" he teased, reaching for his shirt knowing full well that his lover did. Ezra quickly captured his hand. Leaning over Vin gave him a quick kiss then rested his forehead against Ezra's for a moment.

"Your brother's a fag," a harsh voice accused causing them both to jump apart.

Vin felt Ezra tense beside him and before he knew it his lover was on his feet.

"No, Mr. Connelly," Ezra said in a hard voice. "Vin's a man. You could see that if you looked beyond your narrow mind."

"You might have told me Chris," Sarah said in a tight voice. She stood just behind her father, who stood in the doorway of the dining room.

"Told you what?"

"That you have a brother that's . . . That he's . . ."

"Gay," Chris supplied. "Vin's my brother, Sarah. Not my gay brother, but my brother. I don't know why I didn't tell you," he shrugged. "But it's probably because him being gay is not an issue for me. And I hope it isn't for you either."

"We're leaving," Hank Connelly said. "Now." Then grabbed his daughter's hand and headed for the door.

Vin knew he should say something, but couldn't think of a thing. He gave a start as he was kissed on the cheek. Looking up he saw Ezra looking at him and smiled. Ezra defended him. No one other than his family had ever defended him before. It felt pretty damned good.

The smile left his face as Chris walked back into the room.

"Well, I hope you're happy!" he snapped.

Vin opened his mouth to apologize, only to smile as Ezra did it for him.

"Your brother and I are very happy . . ."

Vin grinned as Chris snapped, "What?"

"You asked if we were . . . Oh! Sorry," Ezra said with a grin. "It was not our intention to offend anyone, Mr. Larabee."

"You should have told her," Vin added.

"It honestly never occurred to me," Chris said. "I hope you and your . . . boyfriend haven't ruined everything."

"Boyfriend?" Ezra repeated with a raise eyebrow. "Am I your boyfriend, Vin?"

Vin laughed at the twinkle in Ezra's eyes. "No, Ezra," he said. "You're my man." To his delight Ezra blushed. Getting to his feet Vin kissed him on his red cheek.

"Oh, please," Chris muttered.

Other than sticking his tongue out at Chris, Vin ignored him.

"Well, Josiah you really out did yourself," Nathan suddenly said probably hoping to change the mood. "The food was great. This is the best Thanksgiving ever."

"Yeap and it's only gonna get better," Vin added winking at Ezra. Then began to pull on Ezra's shirt sleeve. "Come on, let's go for a walk."

"Walk?"

"Yeah."

"Outside?"

"Yeah," Vin said with a shake of his head. "I'll show you my . . . horse," he told him with a teasing grin.

Ezra frowned at him and said, "But it's cold out there . . ."

"I'll keep you warm . . ."

"I don't think so . . ."

"You saying I can't keep you warm?"

"I'm saying that I don't wish to go outside," Ezra told him. "But you know I probably should be going . . ."

"But you just got here!" Vin protested. "Ya can't leave yet." Seeing that his brothers were watching him and Ezra with smiles on their faces, Vin knew he'd catch hell over this later. Hell, even Chris was smiling.

"Vin it looks like it might snow . . ."

"That's all the more reason to stay. We can sleep in my bed for a change," Vin argued. "Besides, if ya left now I'd worry about ya."

"Vin I have to be back at work on Monday . . ."

"Hell, Ezra that's three days away," he pointed out.

"You're welcomed to stay if you'd like Ezra," Josiah added. "We would all worry about you if you left."

"Thank you . . ."

"Great! Now let's go for that walk ya promised me . . ."

"I never . . ."

"Come on."

"I don't know . . ."

"Oh, come on," Vin whined pulling on his arm. "Let's go! Come ooooonnnn!"

"Oh! All right!" Ezra finally relented. "Quit your whining you big baby."

Vin grinned and gave him a kiss on the cheek then went in search of their jackets only to stop in his tracks as he heard Ezra say.

"Would anyone like to join us?"

"What the hell!" he cried causing his brothers to grin at him. "Dammit, Ezra what are you doing?"

"I was just being nice . . ."

"Well, don't," Vin told him. "Besides, they don't want to go. Do you?" He gave each of them a look warning. Daring any of them say other wise.

"Why can't they join us? We're just going for a walk. Right?" Ezra asked.

Vin felt his face heat up at that question 'cause he had every intention of having his wicked way with Ezra once they were in the barn.

Ezra grinned and asked, "You weren't planning anything . . . naughty were you?"

"Maybe," he replied with a shrug of his shoulders and felt his face heat up.

"Well, forget it," Ezra firmly said. "It's too damned cold out there."

~*~*~*~*~

A week later Ezra was trying to concentrate, but was finding it hard. Removing his gold rimmed glasses he rubbed his face then rolled his neck trying to ease the tension. The words of the term paper he was reading began to blur and had him pinching the bridge of his nose and squeezing his eyes shut for a few seconds as he felt the beginning of a headache.

It had been a hell of a week. He hadn't seen Vin since the weekend. And if he didn't get these finals graded then it would probably another before he did. He missed the younger man. And it wasn't just the love making either. It was all of Vin. His touch. His smell. His wicked sense of humor. The taste and feel of his skin beneath Ezra's lips and fingers.

He would be glad when the semester ended and the holidays began. He felt a little better as he remembered that he was starting his break early and he wouldn't be back until after the New Year. Ezra was looking forward to spending more time with Vin.

"Professor?"

Ezra lowered his hands and looked at as the young lady in front of him. He thought it was funny that the majority of his students were female. Some flirted. Others teased. And some just came right out and propositioned him. Ezra found some of it amusing, but for the most part he ignored it all.

"Professor?" the young lady persisted.

Oh, hell, since she wasn't going to go away, he supposed he should deal with her. Reluctantly he pushed thoughts of Vin just out of reach.

Three hours later Ezra finally made it home. He fell on the couch in exhaustion. His head hurt as well as his back. All he wanted was to see Vin, take a nice hot shower, and go to bed. If life were fair then Vin would be there to join him that shower and then share his bed. But since it wasn't, he sighed, he'd settle for just hearing his lover's voice. He'd worry about the rest later.

Reaching for the phone he punched in Vin's number. A few seconds later a man answered and he asked, "May I speak with Vin?"

"I'm sorry, but he's not here. Is . . . is this Ezra?"

"Yes," he smiled. "Which one of Vin's brothers are you?"

"JD. How are you?"

Ezra sighed and replied, "Good. I'm good. How are you and your family?" The two chatted for a few minutes then Ezra asked him to tell Vin he called. Stretching out on the couch the Southerner yawned and was almost asleep when the phone rang causing him to jump. Hoping it was Vin he quickly grabbed the phone.

With a smile he hung up the phone. It wasn't Vin, but it was good news. The lady that handled the rental property that another of his step-fathers left him called to tell him that the cabin would be free for the holidays after all. Ezra had called her a couple of weeks ago asking if the cabin would be available for Christmas and was told no that it had already been reserved.

The property was once used as a ski lodge, but Frank Donaldson, his step-father, hadn't liked to share so he closed the lodge and kept the 'cabin' for his own use.

Ezra snorted as he pictured the cabin in his head, then shook his head as the nasty habit he'd picked up from Vin. Anyway, that cabin could easily sleep twelve. More if they were couples. Upon inheriting the property Ezra had immediately made it available to the public, with the stipulation that it only be rented to families.

Maybe, just maybe he'd asked Vin if he'd like to go skiing for the holidays. Ezra smiled as he pictured Vin's long lean body stretched out in front of the fire. Closing his eyes he drifted off to sleep with this vision in his mind.

~*~*~*~*~

Chris stumbled down the hall heading for the stairs when he tripped over his own feet and would have fallen if Vin hadn't have grabbed him. "Chris, are you all right?"

"I'm fine!" he snapped jerking his arm away. Ever since Thanksgiving it seemed as if Vin and Ezra's relationship was flourishing, while his and Sarah's had hit the skids. It wasn't as if he didn't want to see Vin happy because he did, but dammit he wanted to be happy too. And dammit he wanted Sarah. He l..loved her, Chris suddenly realized with a jolt. He was in love with Sarah. Oh, God when had that happened? He wondered.

"Not going to see Ezra tonight?" Chris asked to distract himself from his own thoughts.

"No he's got finals to grade . . ."

"Oh, that's right Ezra's a professional . . . I mean a professor . . ."

"Chris . . ."

"What the hell does Ezra see in you anyway?" Chris taunted. "Hell, Vin, you can barely read . . ."

Vin flinched.

Oh, God, he couldn't believe he said that.

"Look, Chris I'm sorry you're having trouble with Sarah, but I'm not hiding who or what I am. Nor will I pretend to be something I'm not. Not anymore. Not even for you," Vin told him. "I understand what you're going through. Hell, don't you think what I feel for Ezra scares me? I've never felt this way about anyone. Ever. But there's no escaping the fact that I'm in love with him . . ."

"Love?" Chris sneered, he didn't want to hear anything about love. "Who the hell said I was in love? Dammit Vin, . . ."

"I'm not fighting with you . . ."

"Well I'm fighting with you . . ."

"Not tonight you ani't," Vin told him and tried to walk around him.

"Does your college professor know that you never even finished school?"

"Chris!" Josiah cried in warning as he suddenly appeared in the hall.

"None of that stuff matters to Ezra. He cares about me!"

"Oh, that's right he's Mr. Perfect! You'd better grab him before he's gone!"

"Shut up!" Josiah warned him.

"The only thing that's gonna be gone around here is me! I'm not gonna stay and take anymore of this shit from you!" Vin told them. "It's no wonder Sarah doesn't want anything to do with you! I wouldn't want to be around a drunk either . . ."

Chris saw red and before he knew it he punched Vin in the mouth. Then watched in horror as he stumbled back into the hall table before tumbling to the floor where him and the table landed with a loud crash.

"Vin, are you all right?" Josiah asked helping him to his feet.

Vin jerked away from him and headed up the stairs. A few minutes later they heard his door slam shut.

Chris watched him go and felt tears sting his eyes. He took a step to follow only to have his arm caught in a vise like grip.

"Don't even think about it," Josiah warned him. "You stay away from Vin until you've sobered up. And once your sober you need to do some hard thinking," he said pulling him closer, "because we're not taking anymore your shit either!"

Chris nodded and clung to his older brother letting him lead him to the office at the end of the hall.

~*~*~*~*~

Slamming into his room Vin locked the door and paced around like a caged animal. He was already on edge because he hadn't seen Ezra all week and this . . . this just served to push him over. Grabbing a bag, slammed it down on the bed, and began shoving his stuff in it. He grabbed everything and anything he thought he might need. Pretty soon, he had two bags and one suitcase packed and was ready to go. Putting his coat on Vin snatched up his keys and bags then headed for the door.

He made his way down the stairs and was out the door without his brothers even knowing it. Throwing his bags in the cab of his truck Vin took one long last look at his home then climbed in and was about to drive away when Buck pulled up beside him.

"Where ya going this late?"

"Denver . . ." Saying the first place that came to mind.

"Denver? Why?"

"'Cause I can't stay here anymore," Vin told him with tears in his eyes, but refused to cry. "I can't do nothing without Chris breathing down my neck . . ."

"I know things have been rough lately, but don't go do something stupid Vin . . ."

"I ani't Buck," he said clearing his throat. "But I can't stay here. Not anymore. I'll call ya in a couple of days and let you know where I am." Pulling away Vin had only one thought in mind and that was getting to Ezra. An hour later he sat in front of Ezra's building without any recognition of how he'd gotten there. He hesitated a moment then grabbed his bags, stepped from the truck, and headed inside.

Vin bit his lip then winced from the pain. After loudly knocking on the door he leaned against the frame and waited. Vin remembered the first time Ezra brought him here. One month after they first met. It was the first time they'd made love.

To say he was impressed was putting it mildly, but then again he'd never seen a penthouse before. It was huge. It was a lot more opened than Vin would have ever have believed. Had hard wood floors and a rot iron spiral staircase that lead to the master bedroom. Ezra had been quick to tell Vin that the place had been left to him by one of his many step-fathers and hadn't cost him a cent. But what really impressed Vin, in addition to the balcony that over looked the city, was the sky light over the bed in Ezra's room.

The first time they made love Vin had literally see stars. Millions of them. Another time they watched a thunderstorm roll through the area. They often made love with only the stars and the moon guiding their way.

"Who is it?" a raspy voice asked breaking Vin what of his musings.

"Vin."

"Vin," Ezra said throwing open the door. "Oh my God, what happened? Who hit you?"

Vin couldn't say a word as he stepped into the penthouse, dropped his bags, and wrapped his arms around Ezra's waist then buried his face in his lover's neck. He felt tears sting his eyes, but still he didn't say a word. Couldn't.

"It's all right," Ezra told him over and over again. "Are you okay?"

Vin nodded his head and tightened his hold. I am now, he thought to himself.

Ezra pushed the door shut then locked it. Sweeping Vin up in his arms, he cradled him gently against him, and carried him up the stairs. Once in the room he paused for moment. With a grin on his face said, "Bare with me Vin 'cause I swear my bed moves around at night."

"What?" Vin asked with a laugh.

"Every time I get up in the middle of the night I have trouble finding my bed upon my return," he told him as Vin laughed again. "Go ahead and laugh, my sweet, you'll see how funny it is when you can't find the bed," he said with a grin and placed Vin on his feet and tried to step back only to have Vin further tighten his hold.

"No," he pleaded. "Hold me."

"I'm not going anywhere," Ezra assured him with a kiss. "I wanted to remove your clothes so you can rest better."

Vin just stood there as Ezra undressed him. Before long he was standing naked. He flinched as Ezra touched his lower right side. Looking down he saw a large bruise beginning to show. With fresh tears in his eyes Vin glanced at Ezra and was about to say tomorrow only he didn't get the chance.

"Come on," Ezra said kissing his tears way then gently took his hand, heading for the bathroom. "Sit."

Vin sniffed as he sat on the toilet and watched as Ezra began running a bath.

"I planned on doing this on this weekend," his lover said as he added something that smelled of raspberries to the water. "But I think you need it more now."

He ran his eyes up Ezra's pajamas clad hips, across that flat tapered stomach, sweeping up Ezra's well defined chest, and met those oh-so green eyes that were filled with a welcoming warmth that had Vin feeling as if he was home. Taking Ezra's offered hand Vin stood only to once again be swept up in Ezra's arms. He grinned at the sight of the bubbles and sighed as he sank into the fragrant water. "Aren't you going to join me?"

"Not this time," Ezra told him as he knelt behind the tub.

Vin sighed as Ezra placed a kiss to his temple the began massaging the tension from his shoulders.

"You're spoiling me Ezra," he whispered a few minutes later as he rested his head on Ezra's shoulder. Welcoming the comforting touch of his lover's hands on his chest.

"You're easy to spoil, my sweet," Ezra whispered his ear pressing another kiss to his cheek.

Vin fought to keep his eyes open and shivered as the water started to cool.

Ezra flipped the switch to drain the water then stood. "Come on, time to get out."

Getting to his feet Vin stepped from the tub and into a huge fluffy towel. Ezra gently dried him then once again lifted him in his arms. "You know you're gonna throw your back out if you keep carrying me like this," Vin said with a smile.

"That's a chance I'm willing to take," the Southerner told him with a smile. Ezra set Vin on his feet beside the bed then straightened the covers a bit. "Do you need anything?"

Vin crawled under the covers then held a hand out to his lover and said, "Only you." As soon as Ezra settled in beside him Vin laid his head on Ezra's chest and sighed at how right it felt being held in this man's arms.

The steady beat of Ezra's heart under his ear and the gentle rubbing of his neck soon had Vin drifting off into a deep contented sleep.

Late the next morning Vin stirred in his sleep. The feel of the warm hard body next to his had him snuggling more closely against Ezra.

"You aren't going to rush off on me, are you?"

Vin opened sleepy eyes and smiled at him before saying, "There's no place I'd rather be."

Ezra grinned at him then placed a kiss on the top of his head. "Good. I gather since you brought your clothes you're . . . planning on staying awhile . . ."

Vin looked at him and asked in a tentative voice, "Can I?"

"Yes," he replied with a big smile on his face. "Stay as long as you want. Forever, in fact."

"Thank you," Vin said then once again rested his head on Ezra's chest.

"So are you ready to tell me why Chris hit you?" Ezra asked a few moments later.

Vin tensed and asked, "What makes you think he did?"

Ezra rose up to rest on his elbow, grabbed his chin so he couldn't look away, and said, "Because I'm not stupid. I know perfectly well that if anyone else had hit you then you'd have scraped knuckles from where you defended yourself. And you wouldn't have come to me in the middle of the night . . ."

Pulling away from Ezra, Vin got to his feet. He didn't want to talk about it, he silently screamed. He didn't want to tell Ezra what Chris said. Didn't . . . want what Chris said to be true. Looking at his lover Vin felt his gut tightened in fear at even the thought of losing him.

"Talk to me Vin," Ezra said.

"I can't," he whispered. "Not yet." He watched as Ezra got to his feet and closed the distance between them. Vin sighed as Ezra wrapped his arms around him and simply held him. This is what he loved about Ezra. This closeness that they shared that had nothing to do with sex. And everything to do with respect, comfort and simply enjoying each other's presence. This was real. This is what he needed.

"I'm sorry," Ezra apologized. "I never meant to upset you. We'll talk whenever you're ready too." The Southerner pulled back and gave him a brief kiss then stepped back. "You smell of raspberries," he said with a smile.

Vin smiled in return and watched as he walked over to his chest of drawers where he began removing some of his things. "What are you doing?"

"Making room for your things," Ezra explained. "You . . . you are still staying, aren't you?"

He hated that note of uncertainty in that Southerner voice. Walking over to him, Vin turned Ezra to face him and said, "I already told ya there's no place I'd rather be than here with you." He relaxed when he felt Ezra relax. "But there's no need to move your stuff. I don't care if you wear my boxers," Vin told him with a smile. "We're about the same size. You might be a little wider than me, but not enough to matter."

Ezra stepped back and looked down at himself then said in a serious voice. "You think I'm fat."

"What? No!" Vin cried. "God, no! I think you're perfect . . ." he trailed off when he saw that Ezra was laughing. "Bastard," he swore and jerked him closer.

~*~*~*~*~

Two days later they were just finishing supper when Vin suddenly asked, "Do you think I'm stupid?"

Ezra felt his temper begin to simmer and slammed down his fork then snapped, "Is that what Chris told you?"

"No. Not really . . ."

"That what did he say?" he pushed. "And to answer your question, no. I don't think you're stupid. You are one of the most intelligent men I know . . . Don't give me that look," Ezra told him as Vin went to roll his eyes.

"I can barely read, Ezra . . ."

"Says who?" Ezra demanded. "I've never noticed any problems . . ."

"I'm slow and I never even finished high school," Vin told him ducking his head.

Ezra got to his feet, pulled Vin to his, and said, "Let's take this somewhere more comfortable." With Vin's hand in his Ezra lead them into the livingroom heading for their favorite recliner. After settling himself in the chair Ezra pulled Vin down onto his lap.

"Comfy?" he asked.

Vin nodded and settled against him.

"Vin, none of that stuff matters to me. And none of that makes you stupid. Did you drop out because they told you, you were slow?" Ezra questioned.

Vin shook his head, no. "Not really. Remember I told you that me and the others were adopted? Except for Chris."

Ezra nodded his head, yes.

"Well, I had just turned seventeen when my parents . . . well adopted parents were killed in a plane crash. And everything was turned upside down and sideways. Nothing was the same. 'Course it didn't help that I started to notice that I liked boys more than I like girls," Vin sighed. "I gave Josiah and Chris hell. I got into fights. Talked back. Pushed everyone away from me. Was a real pain in the ass," he shrugged and ran a hand through his hair. "I quit school and badgered Josiah until he let me join the Army."

"Didn't the Army notice any problems with your reading?"

Vin shook his head, no. "All they cared about was how well I handled a gun. They worked around everything else. Gave all my tests orally . . ."

"Vin, look at me," Ezra told him. "A high school diploma or a GED doesn't prove a person's smart," he said. "You are an extremely intelligent man. It's one of the things I love most about you. So you have a little trouble," he shrugged. "Who doesn't? It doesn't in any way alter the respect I have for you."

"Really?" Vin questioned.

"Yes, really," Ezra reassured him. "The only person's opinion you should be concerned about is your own."

Vin nodded his head. "Do you think I should get my GED?"

"Yes, I do, but only because an education is the one thing that can never be taken away from you. That's one of the few things that my mother told me that was actually true," he told him. "But then again, it's not my decision to make, is it? That's for you to decide. I'll support you in what ever you decide to do."

Vin nodded then sat up and straddled his lap. "You love me?"

Oh, my God. Did I say that out loud? He darted a glance his lover and bit his lip. "Didn't . . . didn't you know?"

Vin shook his head. "I hoped, but . . . ya never said."

"Well, I do," Ezra told him. "I l..love you very much. So much that it . . . scares me." He breathed a sigh of relief because that wasn't as bad as he thought it would be.

"It's the same for me," he said. "I love you, Ezra."

The Southerner smiled and began playing with the buttons of Vin's shirt. "You know we haven't made love since you got here."

"Yeah, I noticed that," Vin smiled as he ran his hands up Ezra's arms. "It's real nice to know that our relationship is based on more than sex . . ."

"Love making," Ezra corrected as he sat up and scooted forward to sit on the edge of the chair. "It was never about sex. Only love."

"Do ya wanta make love, Ezra?"

Instead of answering he leaned forward, took one of Vin's shirt button between his teeth, snapped it off then spit it across the room. Glancing up he saw Vin's encouraging smile then made quick work of the rest. Slipping his hands inside Vin's shirt Ezra pushed the material further open and teasingly caressed Vin's exposed skin.

Vin twined his fingers in Ezra's hair and wrapped his legs around Ezra's waist, then began rubbing against him. "Ezra," he moaned.

Ezra latched unto one of Vin's nipples teasing it with his teeth and tongue until his lover was shuddering in his arms then switched to the other one. Bringing his hands around Ezra undid Vin's jeans, slipped his hands inside, wanting to touch the flesh inside. But the way they were sitting prevented that.

"Ezzrraa," Vin groaned, then bit his lip.

Reaching out Ezra kicked the coffee table across the room and lowered Vin to the floor. The Southerner made quick work of removing the rest of Vin's clothes then his own.

Knelling between his lover's spread legs Ezra leaned down then kissed and licked his way up Vin's flat stomach, played with his navel making him shudder. Next Ezra teased Vin's already sensitive nipples. Ezra loved the little noises Vin was making. Loved the fact that it was him that had Vin making them.

"Ezra . . . Ezra please . . . I need ya now," Vin panted.

Ezra gave him a quick hard kiss causing them both to tremble with need. "Shit," he muttered as he fumbled around the end table for the lube and a condom. Finally he located them and began to prepare Vin for his body.

"Hurry, Ezra," Vin whined.

Ezra slipped on the condom and was poised at Vin entrance then stopped. "Look at me," he told him. Once those blue eyes, which were nearly black with passion, looked up at him Ezra said, "I love you." Then made them one.

His breath came in gasps at the delicious heat and tightness that surrounded him. Feeling Vin clinch around him had Ezra fighting a losing battle for control. Looking deeply into those nearly black eyes Ezra began to move. He saw the pleasure Vin's eyes. Saw his face flushed with passion.

Ezra leaned into the hand that reached to cup his face. He opened his mouth and captured the finger that traced his lips. Wrapping his tongue around that digit Ezra gently sucked it deep within his mouth.

"Oh, God, Ezra," Vin panted then removed his finger and pulled him down into a searing kiss.

Gripping those lean hips Ezra picked up the pace. Thrusting harder and faster. Pushing them closer to the edge. It only took a couple of more hard thrusts to have them both screaming and spiraling as wave after wave of exquisite pleasure coursed through their bodies.

Ezra collapsed onto Vin's heaving chest as both their bodies shook as if from aftershocks.

~*~*~*~*~

Chris sighed as he waited for Sarah to open her door. When she did he soaked in the sight of her. He couldn't believe how much he missed her. Without a word he held out his hand and smiled as she took it. Raising her hand Chris kissed the back of it and began pulling her down the hall toward the elevator.

"Where are we going?"

"I want to show you something," was all he said as they rode down the entrance of the building. Stepping out into the bright sun light Chris led her to his truck, opened the door, helped her in, and only released her hand because he had to close the door. Once he was in the truck and was pulling onto the rode he grabbed her hand again.

Chris didn't come to Denver very often so he wasn't that familiar with all the street names, but give him a landmark or a store and he'd find. It might take him a little while, but he get there. Seeing a familiar truck had Chris finding a parking space close by.

"You wanted to show me the park?" Sarah asked.

"Not exactly," he smiled. "But since they're here," Chris shrugged and undid his seatbelt then her's. Scooting closer he rolled down the window.

"They?"

Chris nodded as the scanned the people scattered about the park. He smiled as he found them by the swings with some children. "My brother and Ezra . . ." Sarah tensed, but Chris didn't let that stop him. Couldn't really. He was fighting for the love of his life and his family. And didn't want to lose either. "I know they make you uncomfortable," he conceded. "It did me too, at first. But then I realized that love knows no gender. Or color."

Leaning across her Chris rested his folded arms on the door. "Look at them," he said. "Not as two men, but a couple in love." Chris smiled as Ezra suddenly grabbed Vin and spun him around. "When my parents adopted Buck we became fast friends. Hell, he was my shadow. We did everything together. Drove our parents crazy. Then came this skinny blue-eyed little boy. He was only six, but seemed older. It took a long time to earn his trust. Then Vin became my second shadow," he told her. Turning his head Chris looked at Sarah for a moment then returned to watching his brother. "Do you what it's like having two best friends? Well, I do. It was great," Chris sat up and leaned against the other door. "When Vin told me he was gay . . . I felt like I had let him down some how. That I had done something wrong. But he quickly set me straight. Told me it wasn't anyone's fault. I finally accepted it and found that it wasn't as hard to do as I thought it would be. Then together we told the others. They took it better than I did," he smiled at her.

"I watched Vin after he 'came out'," Chris made quotation marks with his fingers. "He was a lot more relaxed and opened around us. But still," he frowned, "it was like he was missing something. Being the independent cuss that he is Vin wouldn't tell us anything. He never brought anyone home. Would just say he was going out and would be home when he got home. Not that he went out all that much. He's real picky when it comes to his heart."

"Until Ezra," Sarah guessed.

Chris smiled and nodded his head. "Until Ezra," he agreed. "A few months back Vin comes waltzing into kitchen, literally. He grabbed Buck, who was closest to the door and danced him across the room. Beaming all the while. When we asked, all he would say was that he met someone. And that they'd talked all night. Talked. And only talked. Said that he hadn't even held the guy's hand," Chris grinned at the memory. "We all saw a difference in Vin after he met Ezra. Our brother was happy and that was all that mattered."

Sarah smiled at him. "They look very happy," she said.

"They are. Ezra spoils Vin rotten, but they balance each other," he told her with a smile. "After you and your father left on Thanksgiving that happiness grated on my nerves. You wouldn't talk to me and Vin was positively glowing. Hell, it seemed everyone was happy except me. And I took that out on everybody. For two weeks I snapped and growled at anyone who got too close," Chris stated and ran a hand through his hair.

"I'm not blaming you because I know it's my fault. All of it. Then before I realized exactly what I was doing Vin was gone. I . . . I drove my own b..brother away," he took a deep breath.

Scooting closer to her Chris took her hand in his and said, "I want the kind of happiness Vin and Ezra share and . . . and I want it with you." He leaned into her touch as she cupped his face. "I . . . I love you, Sarah. And I want to make a life with you. But I can't do that at the expense of my family. A family that includes Vin . . . and Ezra."

"Chris . . ."

He placed a finger on her soft lips to silence her. "Don't say anything now. Just think about what I've told you."

~*~*~*~*~

Vin wrapped his arms and legs around Ezra, holding on tight. Not wanting to break their connection just yet. If ever. Vin could stay like this forever. He reveled at the sensation of having Ezra buried deep within him. "I love you, Ezra," he panted once he got his breath back.

Smiling against his neck Ezra said, "I love you too."

"Why do you suppose your step-father put that there?" he asked about the sky-light.

"What?" his lover asked without lifting his head.

"The sky light."

"I haven't a clue," the Southerner confessed. "I had never even seen the place until after he passed on."

"Have you ever been camping?"

Ezra lifted his head. "Camping, no. But I was in the Army. So, I've done my fair share of sleeping under the stars."

Vin grinned and said, "Have you ever made love under the stars?" At his knowing look, Vin shook his head. "No! I meant outside . . ."

"With the bugs? No."

Laughing he tightened his hold. "Oh, my gentleman lover!" he teased. "What am I going to do with you?"

"What ever you please."

"I like the sound of that," Vin told him then rolled them over, so they lay on their sides. He sighed as Ezra began rubbing the back of his neck. Snuggling closer together they soon drifted off to sleep.

It was a week before Christmas and Vin sat at the dining table wrapping gifts. Looking up he saw Ezra walking down the stairs and smiled at him. The last two weeks had been the best of his life. Being able to see and be with Ezra every day was like a dream come true. A dream that Vin hoped he never woke up from. "So what are we doing for Christmas?"

"Do you want to go to your brothers?"

Vin thought for a moment then shook his head. "Kinda. But I'd really rather be alone with you."

"Really?"

With a big smile on his face the Texan said, "Yes, really. This is our first Christmas and I'd much rather spend it with the man I love than having to worry about offending anyone."

Ezra grinned and said, "I have this cabin up in Aspen that we could spend the holidays at."

"Well, then I guess we're going to Aspen."

"You need to let your brothers know," the Southerner pointed out.

Vin nodded.

"Well there's no time like the present," Ezra said handing him the phone.

With a roll of his eyes Vin smiled and took the phone. "Hey, Josiah," he said. "Yeah, it's me. No, nothing's wrong. I'm fine. I promise. Yes, I'm at Ezra's. How's everyone there?" Vin laughed and nodded his head. "Good. Good. Look, Josiah . . . I won't be home for Christmas. Well, not this year. I'm going away with Ezra and won't be back until after the New Year. Oh, so it was okay last year when Nathan went to Chicago to met Rain's parents, but it's not alright for me to go away with Ezra? Is that it? Well, that's how it sounded. Apology accepted. No, I don't wanta talk to Chris. If you put him on the phone then I'm hanging up," he warned. "I'm not ready to talk to him yet. I don't know." Vin saw Ezra shake his head at him. He knew that Ezra probably thought he was just avoiding Chris, but that wasn't true. He was still angry with his brother and wanted to wait until he was feeling more level headed so he didn't make matters worse by saying something he'd regret.

Thinking about what happened with Chris brought all the anger to the surface and had him snapping at Ezra without thought. "Hold on, Josiah," Vin said. "Do you have something to say?"

Ezra was silent for a long minute then said, "Maybe you should try to work things out. He is your brother . . ."

"Well, you know Ezra when you reconcile things with your Mother then you can give me advise concerning Chris," Vin cruelly pointed out and immediately regretted it when his lover flinched, nodded his head, then turn away from him. With tears stinging his eyes and clogging his throat Vin told Josiah he had to go and that he'd call him later.

"Ezra . . ." he started only to be interrupted.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to over step my bounds," Ezra told him. "But there's a big difference between your situation and mine," the Southerner began to explain. "You know where your family is. I don't have the same luxury. I never know when my mother will show up."

"Ezra . . ."

"I'm going to go and bring these toys over to the hospital," he said grabbing the two bags filled with an assortment of toys.

Vin swallowed hard as he fought a losing battle with his tears. "Ezra . . ."

"I'll be back later," Ezra said then was gone.

Vin ignored the tears streaming down his face as he stared at the closed door. "Oh, God," he muttered, "what have I done?"

How long he stood there staring at the closed door Vin had no idea. All he did know was that he was afraid that Ezra wouldn't come back. Finally able to break his trace with the door Vin sank to the floor, automatically reaching for a gift, and began wrapping it. Just to have something to do.

"I can't do this!" he swore and shoved the presents aside. Dropping his head into his hands Vin gave his tears free rein all the while hoping and praying that Ezra would be back soon.

~*~*~*~*~

Ezra sat in his car, which was still parked beside Vin's truck, staring into space. As much as he wanted to tear out of there he wanted to stay. Wanted to be with Vin. Even though his lover had hurt his feeling. Closing his eyes Ezra rested his head on the headrest. He knew that deep down Vin hadn't meant to hurt him. He saw the regret in those blue eyes of his. Hell, he more than anyone should know that confronting a family member was never easy.

With a heart felt sigh Ezra sat up and decided to go on to the hospital. He found a parking space up front and ran inside then hurried to the Children's Ward.

"Hello, Miss Cannon," Ezra smiled at the head nurse then handed over the bags.

"Mr. Standish," she smiled.

"There's a few extra gifts in there just incase."

"Thank you," she told him. "I can't tell you how much we appreciate you doing this."

"It's my pleasure, ma'am," he replied. "I only wish I could do more."

"You do more than your share, I assure you."

Ezra shrugged then said, "I have someone at home waiting on me, so I can't stay long."

"I understand," she said. "You have a nice Christmas."

"You too." Turning he started toward the elevator. Slowly at first, but was soon hurrying as he realized that he 'did' have someone at home waiting for him. Someone very precious to him. Someone that had quickly become his world. Someone he didn't wish to fight with any longer. That someone was Vin Tanner.

Getting into his car Ezra felt an almost desperate need to go home and hold Vin. To make things right. Pulling out of the parking lot, he quickly made his way across town and was soon pulling up in front of his building. He breathed a sigh of relief at seeing Vin's truck.

Rushing inside Ezra jumped into the elevator and impatiently punched the button to his floor and was out of the doors before they had opened all the way. Unlocking the door he came to a stop at the sight of Vin sitting on the floor with his head resting on his bent knees, slowly rocking back and forth. Pushing the door shut he then locked it.

"Vin?" Ezra watched as Vin's head shot up and he jumped to his feet. Ezra met his lover half way.

"Oh, God, Ezra," Vin cried into his neck. "I'm so s..sorry. I d..didn't mean to hurt you. P..Please forgive m..me."

"I know you didn't. And I do forgive you," Ezra told him over and over again, holding him tight. After a minute he stepped back and gave Vin a searing kiss. "I love you," he whispered against Vin's lips.

"I love you, too. So very much," Vin panted into his mouth. "I honestly didn't mean to hurt you. It's just . . ."

"Just what?" he pushed. "Talk to me," he pleaded.

"Chris is not only my brother, but my best friend. He's always been there for me. Chris was the first person I told I was gay. It . . . it took him a little while to accept it, but once he did he was nothing except supportive," the younger man told him.

Ezra pressed his forehead to Vin's and slipped his hands into the back pockets of Vin's jeans. "So that made what ever is was he said even harder to take," he stated. Vin hadn't yet told him exactly what Chris told him, but from what Vin has said, Ezra had a pretty good idea.

Vin nodded, but didn't say anything.

"It's going to be okay," Ezra promised him. "I'm just going to say one more thing then I'll not bring up the subject again . . ."

"Ezra . . ."

"Don't leave it to late, Vin. The longer you wait the harder it will become," he told him. "You have a family. That's something I've never had. Sure I know my mother loves me, but," he shrugged. "Don't throw it all away because of your pride. You have no idea what's like to be . . . alone," the word came out in a whisper.

"You're not alone anymore," Vin reminded him. "And you can say whatever you want about my family. You love me and that gives you the right . . ."

"No, it doesn't," he said, "we're not married. I'm not your husband and you're wife. Or however that works." They shared a smile. "So I have no right to say a word. Unless they're hurting you." Ezra cupped Vin's face gently in his hand then kissed the almost faded bruise. "And this . . . this I will not allow. Do you hear me?"

Vin nodded his head, yes.

"I mean it, Vin. I don't care if it's Chris, Josiah, or the f****** brood," Ezra declared in a tight voice. "I will not allow them or anyone to deliberately hurt you."

"I love you," Vin said pressing kisses along his jaw.

Ezra closed his eyes welcoming the comfort to be found in Vin's touch. Needing it.

"Come on," Vin said tugging at his hand. "I think it's you who needs the raspberry bubble bath tonight."

"Only if you join me," he told him. Then glanced at presents Vin had been wrapping. "What are you going to do about those?"

"I don't know," Vin stated with a shrug of his shoulders.

"I could bring them for you," Ezra offered. He'd love to have a word or two with Chris Larabee.

"Really? You'd do that for me?"

"You need only ask."

By now they'd reached the bathroom and it was Ezra's turn to sit on the toilet while Vin fixed the bath water. The smell of raspberries quickly filled the air. Getting to his feet Ezra removed his clothes only to be fussed at by Vin.

"Hey! I was gonna to that," Vin placed his hands on hips.

Ezra just grinned at him then stepped into the tub. "Do you need help with yours?"

In stead of answering Vin quickly stripped and stepped in behind him.

With a sigh Ezra settled back against Vin's chest.

"Tell me about this," the Texan was gently tracing the tattoo on Ezra's shoulder.

"There's not much to tell."

"Tell me what there is," Vin said.

Ezra could feel the heat of Vin's arousal against his lower back and felt his own senses begin to stir. It didn't help that one of Vin's hands rested high on his inner thigh, while the other hand lightly caressed Ezra's chest and stomach.

"Ezra?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah, the tattoo," he said with a shake of his head. "I got it in Hong Kong while I was . . . on l..leave," Ezra voice rose a notch as Vin wrapped a hand around his shift. It was a tatoo of the grim reaper riding on a white horse wearing a red robe. All Night Stalker pilots had them. "W..What about yours?"

"It's right behind you," Vin whispered into his ear.

Ezra smiled and shook his head. "I meant y..your tattoo."

"Oh, that!" he laughed. "I got mine in while I was stationed in Germany. Typical story. I was on leave, got drunk, and woke up with it the next morning."

Nodding in understanding Ezra pressed his face into Vin's as a finger slipped into his entrance. "V..Vin," he moaned. Spreading his legs wider, Ezra grabbed the outside of Vin's legs needing something to anchor him. Between the hand slowly caressing his shaft on the outside, the finger caressing him on the inside, and the velvet steel pressing into his back Ezra had no idea which way to move and was fast losing control. He sucked in a sharp breath as Vin bit him on the neck, leaving his mark behind.

Wanting to torture his love in return Ezra reached behind and grasped Vin's shaft in a firm grip. Causing the hand wrapped around his own to tighten in response, which in turn had him loudly groaning. Using just his thumb Ezra rubbed the head of Vin's penis making his lover buck into him.

Ezra whimpered as the finger was suddenly removed and he was pushed forward. He watched as Vin reached around him and flipped the drain. Grabbing Ezra's hand they both got to their feet and stepped from the tub. Ezra tingled all over as Vin quickly dried them both off.

"Vin . . ."

"Shhh," Vin pressed a finger to his lips.

He gasped in surprise then laughed as he was suddenly thrown over Vin's shoulder, in a fireman's carry. Ezra snorted with laughter as he was dumped on the bed. "Oh, Vin," he panted and batted his eyes at him, "you're so romantic."

Vin blushed and laughed in response. "Oh, well, I try."

Ezra got to his knees and with a giggle pushed Vin onto his back then crawled on top of him.

"Oh, no you don't," Vin said rolling them over. "I'm topping . . ."

"I don't think so," he teased and rolled them back over. "Oh!" Ezra cried as they both rolled off the bed with Vin landing of top of him. Looking at each other they burst out laughing.

"God, I love you Ezra," Vin said with a huge smile and sparkling blue eyes.

"I love you, too," Ezra replied then pulled his lover down on top of him.

They made slow sweet love right there on the floor. And with their fingers intertwined they found their release at the same time.

~*~*~*~*~

The next day Josiah was chopping wood when the sound of a vehicle had him looking up. He smiled at the sight of Vin's truck pulling into the yard. It turned into a frown at seeing Ezra and not Vin emerge.

"Hey Ezra!" he called out still happy to see the younger man.

"Mr. Sanchez," Ezra smiled and walked over to him.

"It's Josiah," he told him and shook the offered hand. "Where's Vin?"

"I dropped him off at Mrs. Wells'."

"Oh," Josiah nodded. "How is he?"

"Good. He's good," Ezra assured him. "I never knew he ate so much! He's eating me out of house and home! And he doesn't gain an ounce!"

"Try feeding three of them!"

Ezra laughed and shook his head. "Oh, you poor man!"

"Where's Vin?" a voice said causing them to turn.

Josiah watched as the laughter left Ezra's face and saw him tense as if he expected trouble. "At Nettie's," he told Chris.

"Why are you here?"

"I come bearing gifts," Ezra replied indicating the bags in the truck.

"Why didn't Vin bring them?"

"You'll have to ask Vin that . . ."

"I'm asking you," Chris said stepping closer.

Josiah felt the respect he had for Ezra rise a notch as when he didn't back away from his intimidating brother.

"Ask him."

"He won't talk to me."

"That's not my problem."

Josiah tensed at that and thought for a minute that he might have to grab Chris, but his brother didn't even move, he just glared at Ezra. The older man hid his smile as Ezra raised his proud chin clearly stating that he wasn't afraid.

"Give him a message . . ."

"No."

"What?"

"I'm not your messenger boy . . ."

"Then what the hell are you doing here?"

"I am merely doing a favor for my lover."

"Hey Ezra!" Buck hollered as him and the others joined them. "Where's . . ."

"At Nettie's" Josiah and Chris both said.

"Josiah said that ya'll are going away for the holiday," Nathan said, "but didn't say where."

"We're going to Aspen . . ."

JD whistled. "Damn, I wish I was going with ya," he grumbled.

"Maybe you can join us next year," Ezra offered with a smile. "All of you."

"Really?"

"It's plenty big enough for everyone," he explained. "You could even bring Miss Casey with you if you wanted."

"That'll be great! Thanks Ezra!"

"Those for us?" Buck asked indicating the bags in Vin's truck.

"Yes," Ezra smiled. Then opened the door, removed the bags, and handed them over.

"Did he get us something good?"

"You'll have to wait and see," the Southerner replied with a smile. "Well, I'd better be going."

"Wish you could stay longer," Josiah said and found that he meant it. He liked this young man. Vin had chosen well.

"Vin and I are leaving for Aspen tonight," Ezra told him. "So we really need to get going."

"I understand," he smiled and held out his hand. Josiah watched as Ezra shook each every one's hand, even Chris's. What happened next, he would never forget simply because it was totally unexpected. As Ezra released Chris's hand and stepped back he drew his arm back and struck Chris right in the mouth sending him to the cold hard ground.

"Don't you ever hit Vin again," Ezra warned him cold hard voice. "I know this isn't any of my business. And I told myself I'd stay of it, but heed my warning . . . I will not allow you or anyone to deliberately hurt Vin. Ever."

Just when Josiah thought things couldn't get any more strange Ezra did the unexpected again and extended an hand to Chris and helped him to his feet.

"I won't pretend to know your brother as well as you do," Ezra told Chris, "but I know him well enough to know that he can't stay away from here much longer. He's not made for the city. He needs this place. This space. He'll be back."

They watched as Ezra turned and headed for the truck. "Ezra?" Chris called out. The Southerner stopped and looked at him. "Merry Christmas."

Ezra smiled, wished them the same then got in the truck and drove off.

"No wonder Vin loves him," Josiah said to none in particular.

~*~*~*~*~

"What happened to your hand?" Vin asked once they'd been on the road for about an hour.

Ezra glanced down at his hand then over at him and shrugged. "I hit it on something."

Turning to lean against the door Vin watched his lover carefully. "Did you do what I think you did?"

Again Ezra darted a look at him. "I did only what I felt was necessary."

"Oh, really," he replied with a thoughtful nod of his head. "You're lucky ya didn't break it," Vin said after a couple minutes.

"Break it?"

"Yeah, hitting Chris's stubborn jaw," he grinned. "Did ya knock him on his ass?"

"Yes."

"Dammit, Ezra!" Vin swore. "I would have loved to have seen that!"

Ezra turned to his with a grin. "So you're not mad at me?"

"Hell, no! I'm impressed," he grinned. Then undid his seatbelt, scooted closer, and kissed Ezra's cheek. Then grabbed the battered hand and kissed the bruised knuckle. "Did the others see, ya?"

"All of them were there."

"Double damn!" Vin laughed. The laughter filtered off as they pulled up in front of a large two story log cabin.

"It used to be a ski lodge," Ezra quickly told him.

"This looks like something off a Christmas card Ezra," Vin said at the stepped from the truck. The cabin was nestled between several tall snow-capped trees. It had a large front porch with rocking chairs and the biggest swing Vin had ever seen. A person could easily have slept in it, it was so big. The large picture windows only added to it's appeal.

"Come on," Ezra said nudging him. "Let's get inside."

Vin nodded and grabbed his bag then followed his lover inside. "Damn," he whispered as he saw how inviting and rustic the cabin was. There were two fire places. A bar. There was a huge Christmas tree in the corner of the room that sparkled and made Vin miss his brothers. A large wide staircase led to the second floor, where Vin could see several doors that he guessed led to bedrooms.

"Do like it?" Ezra asked.

"It's huge! A person could get lost in here!" Vin grinned at him. "I love it! And I love you, too!" Dropping his bag he rushed over to his lover, wrapped him up his arms, and spun him around.

Ezra laughed and held on.

Vin captured his lips and tasted every nook and cranny of Ezra's mouth. He made quick work of their clothes then lowered Ezra to the rug in front of the fire. Pulling back Vin ran a possessive eye over the body beneath him. Loving the way Ezra looked in the light of the fire. Lowering his head Vin licked and nipped at Ezra's nipples making his lover shudder and moan in response. Moving lower he did the same to his navel. Rubbing his nose along Ezra' shaft, he smiled as his lover strained trying to get closer to the soft touch.

Feeling hands in his hair Vin slowly inched his way up Ezra's body. Dropping kisses along the way until he reached Ezra's lips. Vin broke the mind blowing kiss and began to prepare Ezra. One, two, then three fingers were used to loosen the muscle and ease his way. Slipping the condom on Vin lifted Ezra's legs and in one long slow push entered heaven.

He wanted to a minute to catch his breath, but Ezra wouldn't allow it and clinched his inner muscles around him. Vin growled and clutched those lean hips and tried to regain control, but by then it was too late. His body demanded that he move. And move now. They moved in perfect unison with each other and quickly found their release. First Ezra, then Vin.

The next day found Vin outside looking around. He couldn't get over how much this place reminded him of home. Josiah would love it here. Hell, all of them would. With a smile he thought of all those hot tubs and knew they would have hell getting Buck to leave. Thinking about his brothers had him realizing just how much he missed them.

Coming around the side of the cabin and saw a truck parked beside his. With a frown on his face he went inside, but didn't see anyone. Hearing a noise he headed for the kitchen and froze as he saw a strange man standing just inside the door eying his lover, who was standing on the tip of his toes trying to get something off the top shelf of the cabinet. Stretching like his was caused Ezra's shirt to ride up his body revealing some flesh. Vin curbed the urge to snatch the bastard up by the throat and throw his ass out the window. No one looked at Ezra's flesh, but him. Stepping up behind him Vin whispered, "Sexy ani't he?" The man jumped in surprise. "That thick wavy hair. That body. Those eyes. And he don't even realize the affect he has on the unsuspecting," he continued. "And just look at that ass. That ass was made to be f*****," Vin told him a tight voice. The Texan saw red as the bastard licked his lips. Stepping closer Vin got right up in the man's face and coldly stated in a way that left no room for any misunderstandings, "That ass and everything that's attached to it belongs to me."

The man's face paled and he took a step back.

"Hey Vin," Ezra said with a smile as he joined them. "This Jack Granger. He fixed a leak in one of the upstairs bathrooms."

"Mr. Granger," Vin replied with a nod. "So you were just leaving then?" he asked even though him and this Granger bastard knew that it wasn't a question.

"Y..yeah," the man stammered.

"Well, you be careful," he said, then leaned over and kissed Ezra on the cheek.

"Let me walk you to the door," Ezra offered.

Not without me you ani't, Vin fumed and followed them. He stood there in the door until the bastard got in his truck and was leaving before closing the door. Turning he saw Ezra grinning at him. "What?" he asked and felt his face heat up.

"I never would have guessed you were the jealous type . . ."

"Jealous? Of that bastard? Never!" he declared. "So what were you doing poising for him?"

"Of course, not. I didn't know he was there," Ezra told him. "I only noticed him when I heard you talking. What did you tell him?"

"The bastard was eying you Ezra!" Vin growled. "I told him you were mine. Just like I'm yours."

Ezra's grin grew and said, "Come here."

"No," he told him. Vin didn't want Ezra to tell him he was being silly, because he already knew that. He knew that Ezra loved him and that he had no reason to be jealous. Or to act so possessive. But, dammit! Vin didn't want to hear that right now. It felt damned good to say the words out loud to someone other than Ezra or himself. Hell, he wanted to shout it to the world.

"Thank you."

Vin's head snapped up at that. "W..What?"

"Thank you," Ezra repeated. "I only wished I had heard you. I like people knowing that I belong to you."

Stepping closer to him Vin trailed one finger down his lover's beautiful face. "You are as much apart of me as the blood that pumps through my veins," he whispered. He shivered as Ezra's hands slipped inside his shirt and up his back.

"I love you," the Southerner said, resting his head on Vin's chest.

"I love you, too," Vin told him, pulling him closer.

The stood there a long time simply holding each other.

~*~*~*~*~

Over the next two days they went horse back riding, did a little skiing, had a couple of snow ball fights, and even built a snowman. Ezra had tackled Vin behind a snow drift and teased and played with him until the younger man came in his pants.

Vin had gotten him back the next day as he sat on the swing.

Ezra had his eyes closed and his head on the laying on the back of the swing when Vin suddenly crawled into his lap and immediately latched on to his exposed throat. Shifting Vin placed his knee between Ezra's legs and began rubbing against his straining flesh until he screamed out Vin's name as he erupted. "You're a wicked man," Ezra accused then laughed as Vin agreed with him.

He lost count of the number of times they made love in front of the fire. Either on the floor or the couch. In the shower. In the hot tub. And in the big spacious bed in their room.

Yet, as much fun they were having Ezra would catch a glimpse of something in Vin's blue eyes. That never stayed long enough for Ezra to identify it. Then suddenly he knew. Vin missed his family.

Ezra looked at his lover as he gazed into the fire and with a nod of his head, went into their bedroom and began packing. Once he had the bags packed he peeked out the door and when he saw that Vin wasn't there Ezra grabbed the bags and hurried to the truck. Going back inside he made sure everything was turned off and locked up. Ezra had just placed the screen in front of the dying fire when Vin walked back into the room.

Vin looked at him as if he wanted to say something, but then changed his mind.

Wanting to see how his lover would handle this, Ezra didn't say a word.

"Ezra?"

"Yes?"

"I love you."

"I love you, too," he smiled. Just say it, Ezra silently told him.

"Ezra?"

"Yes?"

"I really love it here," Vin told him. "But I . . . that is I . . ."

"Want to go home," Ezra helped him.

"Yes!" he sighed in relief. "What I mean is that . . ."

"It's okay, Vin," Ezra reassured him. "I understand. It's been a while since you've seen your brothers and you miss them."

"Thank you for understanding," Vin said. Then gave him a kiss. "I'll go pack our stuff."

Ezra grabbed his arm and told him, "It's already been taken care of. In fact, once this fire dies down then we can leave if you want."

Vin gave him a fierce hug. "You're the best."

They were on the road within the hour. It started snowing, turning a two hour trip into four. "Well, here we are," Ezra said as the finally made it to Vin's. They had just stepped from the truck when the front door opened. He gave Vin a gentle push as they saw it was Chris.

Ezra had to smile as Chris was given a none to gentle push from behind by a young lady. But apparently that all the blonde needed as he was suddenly standing in front of Vin.

"I'm so sorry, Vin," Chris said. "I didn't mean it. I swear I didn't."

Vin nodded and said, "I know."

"Welcome home, little brother," Chris told him with a smile.

Ezra watched as they hugged each other and found himself smiling. A shiver racked his body reminding him that it was snowing. Stepping up the two men he said, "Break it up boys and let's go inside. This Georgia boy doesn't like all this snow."

Vin stepped back and wrapped an arm around his shoulders then together they headed inside.

"VIN!" JD cried and threw himself at him.

Ezra smiled even though his teeth had begun to chatter. He began inching his way forward only to be forced to back a step as the other men surrounded Vin offering hugs and pats on the back. He was happy that they were reunited. Really, he was. But damn, it was cold. All he wanted was a little heat. Just a little. It wasn't too much to ask for. Was it? After all, he had just driven through a blizzard to bring their brother home to them. One would think they would be able to take a hint. Could they not hear the chattering of his teeth? Did they not notice that he was nearly frozen solid?

"E..Excuse me," he stuttered. Then wished he hadn't as they all turned to him and tried to subject him to greeting as Vin had received. Now Ezra may have been half frozen, but he still had his wits about him and as they stepped toward him Ezra saw his opening and plowed right through them.

Dropping their bags Ezra made a bee line for the fire and sighed at it's delicious heat. Once the heat hit his body he began to shiver and shake.

"Ezra?" Vin frowned and stood beside him. "You okay?"

Ezra nodded, wanting nothing more than to have Vin wrap him in his strong arms and hold him tight. Vin must have been thinking the same thing and reached for him, only to stop mid-reach. Looking up he saw Sarah watching them and ducked his head. After being used to being able to touch and be touched in return Ezra knew these next few days would be hell. But since this wasn't his house he would them the proper respect and keep his hands to himself. Until they were alone in Vin's room.

"My w..warm G..Georgia blood isn't u..used to the c..cold," he said to break the tension.

"How long have you been in the area?" Rain asked.

"I r..relocated back in the s..summer."

"Here Ezra drink this," Nathan said handing him a cup.

Ezra backed away from it. "W..What is it?"

"It'll warm you up and keep you from catching a cold."

"T..That's good to know, b..but that doesn't tell me what it is," he pointed out.

"It's herbal tea," Nathan told him.

"Home brewed," Vin added with a smile that wavered as he was handed his own cup.

"Like c..corn liquor . . ."

"Corn liquor?" Josiah repeated with a laugh.

"You know moon shine . . ."

"Yeah, I know," Josiah said. "What do you know about it?"

"P..Plenty," Ezra told him with a big smile. "Only there's this j..judge that says I'm not s..suppose to." He had to bit his lip to keep from laughing as they all looked at him as if trying to decide if he was telling the truth. After a minute and no one said anything he shook his head and winked at Vin before saying, "I'm kidding." They all laughed.

"You two best drink that before it gets cold," Nathan told them.

"After you," Ezra told Vin.

"Did ya put sugar is it?"

"Yes."

"Lots of sugar?"

"Yes. In both of them. Now drink it!"

"Have you has this before?"

Vin shuddered and said, "Yes. It's God awful, but works. Go figure." He shrugged.

"God awful," Ezra repeated. "Even with lots of sugar?" Vin nodded. Ezra sighed and took several deep breaths then took the cup from Nathan and quickly down it. "Good, Lord," he muttered, "that was the most nastiest tasting stuff I've ever had." He smiled as Vin swallowed all of his and reached for him wanting to hold him only to stop as he remembered that he couldn't. Ezra saw the understanding his those blue eyes, but it didn't help. Turning he laid his arm on the mantel he rested his on his arm and reminded himself that this wasn't his house. He smiled as he felt Vin's fingers touch his, as he too laid his arm on the mantel. Granted it wasn't much contact, but it was enough. For now.

~*~*~*~*~

Chris thought that Sarah telling him she loved him was his one miracle of the season until he looked out the window earlier and saw Vin's truck. His brother was home. But Chris knew that even though him and Vin were now on speaking terms, he still had a lot to make up for. He also, knew that he owed Ezra a word of thanks.

Looking at them now Chris felt a pang of regret as he watched Vin reach for Ezra only to stop midway. Glancing at Sarah he saw her frown and he took the fact that she didn't leave the room as a good sign. Chris saw a flash of longing on Ezra's face before it was hidden behind a patient mask.

He had to laugh as Ezra fussed about the tea. Nathan forced that shit on them every winter and he'd be damned if any of them had gotten any thing more serious than the sniffles. Chris nodded in approval as Ezra quickly finished his off. For as bad as it tasted hot, it tasted even worse cold. He grimaced right along with the Southerner.

That pang of regret worsened as he saw Ezra reach to lay a comforting hand on Vin only to stop. Seeing Vin brush his fingers against Ezra's had Chris getting to his feet. He opened his mouth to tell them that it was okay when Vin suddenly whirled around and told them all.

"Look I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable . . ."

"Vin . . ."

"No, Ezra," Vin said, turning to face him. "I love you and I should be able to hold your hand, just like Buck is Inez's . . ."

"Who said you couldn't?" Chris questioned. "Hold his hand. Hug him. Hell, kiss him, we don't care!"

"Oh, yeah!" Vin argued. "Then why the hell are ya staring at us?"

"We didn't mean to stare," JD apologized.

"It's just that you've never brought anyone home before," Nathan explained.

"Yeah, so you can't blame us for being curious," Buck added.

"We want to know how you treat Ezra and how he treats you," Josiah said. Then with a smile continued, "Which I suppose is stupid I mean, because look at the two of you . . . I've never seen you happier, Vin . . ."

"And I know first hand that Ezra can take care of himself." Chris touched the bruise on his jaw as proof.

"Ok, ok," Vin held up his hands. "I over reacted and I'm sorry."

Placing his hands on lean hips Chris said, "Now I know it's Christmas, but that's enough of that mushy shit." Everyone agreed with a laugh.

"You two hungry?" Josiah asked. "We had some hamburgers patties left. It won't take long to warm them up."

Chris watched as Vin and Ezra looked at each other. The Southerner's expression never changed that Chris saw anyway, but Vin must have seen something in those green eyes because he grinned and relaxed a little. Then hand in hand Vin and Ezra followed Josiah to the kitchen. As the couple passed him Chris heard Ezra ask Vin, "These 'patties' are made with real meat, right? It's not like that nauseous concoction Nathan gave us is it?"

Vin winked at him and said, "Yeah, it's real meat. It's just home grown."

The blonde had to bit his lip and saw the others doing the same as Ezra stopped and gave Vin a strange look. "Home grown? You mean you eat your own cows? Like from the pasture?"

"Sure. Why not?" Vin shrugged. "It's the same as with a vegetable garden . . ."

Ezra was shaking his head in protest. "No! You . . . you don't slaughter vegetables before you eat them," he pointed out.

"No, but you can eat them straight from the ground . . ."

The disgusted look on Ezra's face had all of them clutching there sides to keep from laughing. The Southerner pulled away from Vin and hurried into the kitchen. They roared with laughter as they heard Ezra say to Josiah, "I don't want a hamburger. I'd rather have soup. From a can."

Vin took several deep breaths trying to control his laughter. "Oh God, I'm going to pay for that later," he told them with a huge grin on his face.

~*~*~*~*~

Ezra heard them laughing and knew that Vin had been teasing him. Had, in fact, known it all along.

"Those boys picking on you?" Josiah asked.

"No, just Vin," he replied.

Josiah shook his head and smiled at him. "Do you still want soup?"

"No, I'll eat the hamburger," Ezra told him. He was just reaching for a plate when Vin and the others stepped into the room. "That's wasn't very nice," he pointed out.

"I know."

Ezra shook his head, because Vin certainly didn't look as if he regretted it. "Need I remind you that it's Christmas Eve?"

"No . . ."

"And that Santa is watching you."

"And what's my green-eyed Santa gonna do?" Vin asked with a grin.

Before Ezra to say anything, Josiah did. "Make you sleep alone."

The Southerner was pleased to see that, that wiped the grin right off Vin's face.

"He don't need 'your' help," Vin glared at his older brother. "Besides, that will never happen, at least not here."

"Why not?" Buck asked.

"Because we don't have an electric blanket . . ."

"What?" Ezra cried. "Not even one?"

Vin shook his head, no.

"He's teasing, right?" he asked looking at Josiah for the truth.

Josiah hung his head and shook it, no.

"Good Lord, what's wrong with you people," Ezra swore. He could hardly believe it. He just didn't understand how someone could survive without an electric blanket.

"Don't worry, Ez, I'll keep you warm," Vin assured him.

"Santa wouldn't let him off that easy, Ez," Chris pointed out.

Ezra had to smile as Vin gave Chris a hard look and said, "No one calls him Ez, but me."

"Rest assured, Chris, that Santa knows how to deal with naughty little boys," Ezra grinned.

"What's that mean?" Vin wanted to know.

Ezra just continued to grin at him then laughed as Vin poked him in the ribs. Quickly capturing those maddening fingers he said, "Behave. You're in enough trouble." Ezra then watched as his lover lowered his head and just as their lips were about to touch he stepped away from Vin causing the younger man to stumble a bit and told him in an exaggerated southern drawl, "Please, dear, not in front of the children."

After they finished eating they once again gathered in the livingroom. Ezra claimed the chair closest to the fire while Vin sat on the floor between his legs. He played with one of Vin's curls as they watched a video that JD rented. Or at least, he was trying to watch it. Ezra hid his yawn. The warmth from where Vin was pressed against his leg along with his full stomach had Ezra feeling very content and on the verge of sleep.

~*~*~*~*~

Josiah had to smile as he took in the cozy picture Vin and Ezra made. One was asleep in the chair while the other fought a losing battle with it. Glancing about Josiah saw that the couple had captured the others's attention as well. They all watched as Vin got to his feet and gave Ezra a non-too gentle shake and said, "Come on, Ez, let's go to bed."

When the Southerner didn't move Vin gave him another shake. "Stop it," Ezra growled without opening his eyes.

"Then come on," Vin told him.

"Can't."

"Why not?"

"Bed's cold."

"Ezra!" Vin swore.

"Is he always like this?" Nathan wondered.

"Like what?"

"This hard to wake up?"

Vin snorted, "Yeah." He then kicked Ezra's boot covered feet. "Come on, Ezra."

"Go warm the bed for me," Ezra said with a small smile playing around his lips and without opening his eyes.

"Like hell!" Vin swore. "All right Ezra that's it! I'm going to be without you." He started walking from the room. "And I'm keeping all the covers!" he hollered over his shoulders.

Josiah and the others laughed as Ezra all but jumped to his feet, ran over to Vin, and snatched him up in his arms.

"Night," Ezra said as him and a laughing Vin headed up the stairs.

"Damn," Buck grinned.

"You know I'm getting kinda sleepy myself," Casey suddenly said as she leaned heavily on JD.

JD got to his feet and said holding out his hand, "Well, then let's go to bed."

"Aren't you gonna carry me like Ezra did Vin?"

"What will I get if I do?" JD asked causing them both to blush. "I'm sorry . . ."

Casey jumped to her feet and slapped JD on the arm. "You know I'm on my . . . You know I can't!" she told him and ran up the stairs.

JD sighed. "You know there just might something to being gay," he suddenly said.

"What?"

"Well, Vin and Ezra don't ever have to worry about someone being on their . . . their monthly thing," JD explained as his face turned a bright red.

"Go to bed, JD," Chris told him. "You're enough trouble."

~*~*~*~*~

Vin stepped from the bathroom and frowned at seeing Ezra wearing pajama bottoms. "What the hell do you have on?"

"Pajamas."

"Why?

"There are women in the house . . ."

"So? There aren't any in here," Vin pointed out and reached for him only to have Ezra step away from him. "Ezra?"

"Naughty boys don't get presents on Christmas Eve," Ezra told him then crawled under the covers. "Damn, these sheets are cold," he shivered, pulling the covers up over his shoulders.

"Are you still upset about the cow thing?" he asked. "It was just a joke," he insisted as he crawled onto the bed and sat on Ezra's hip. Leaning down Vin kissed what he could see of Ezra's face. Not put off so easy Vin crawled under the covers, spooned up behind his lover, and nuzzled the back of his neck. "Don't you want to share a little Christmas cheer with your poor deprived lover?"

Ezra snorted. "Deprived my ass," he countered.

Vin smiled against Ezra's shoulder. "Your ass is the one thing that I never want to be deprived of," he told him as he slipped his hand inside Ezra's pajamas.

"Vin," the Southerner moaned.

Resting his chin on Ezra's shoulder Vin suddenly realized that he never thanked his lover for what he'd done. "Ezra . . ."

"Okay, okay, I'll take them off," Ezra interrupted him, "but you had better not steal the covers from me . . ."

"No, Ezra, I wanted to thank you for all this . . ."

"There's no need to thank me, Vin. Believe me I get as much pleasure from this as you do . . ."

"No! You crazy Southerner," Vin laughed and turned Ezra so he could see him. "I meant bringing me home . . ."

"I know what you meant," Ezra told him then gave him a kiss. "And you don't have to thank me," he repeated. "Seeing you happy makes me happy," he shrugged. "I know how important your family is to you. It's one of the many things I love about you."

Vin pulled him close and gave Ezra fierce kiss. "I thank you just the same," he told him. Vin wasn't sure if he should say what he was about to, but decided to do it anyway. "What about your family? Your mother? Your father?"

Ezra tensed and dropped his gaze. "I never knew my father. My mother refuses to talk about him," he shrugged then laid his hand on Vin's chest. "I think he abused her. Of course, Maude has never said that, but every once in a while when someone reaches out to touch her . . . she flinches. Or throws her arm up in defense," Ezra told him. "I learned a long time ago to keep my hands to myself."

"Ezra you don't have to . . ."

"You have right to know," he said. "Anyway, she always to told me that I was the master of my own destiny. That I, and only I, controlled my future. That for every action there was a reaction and that I had better be prepared if I made the wrong move. That I should never depend on someone else for my happiness, because if I wasn't happy with myself then I never would be truly happy." Ezra shook his head. "For a long time I took that to mean that I couldn't trust anyone. Or depend on anyone."

Vin could hear the pain in Ezra's voice and wanted to tell him to stop, but knew that he needed to finish what he started.

"I . . . I lived that way for a long time. People were only allowed so close," Ezra pulled out of his arms and sat up. "Living on the outside and looking in . . . makes for a very sad lonely existence," he confided. "That was me sad and lonely," he shrugged. Then with a sigh continued, "Looking back, I don't think she meant it quite the way I interpreted it. But then, who knows for sure with my mother. Either way, I know that there is very little that life can throw at me that I cannot handle because of it."

Leaning forward Vin placed a kiss on Ezra's lower back. "So what happened between the two of you?"

Ezra turned and smiled at him. "She tried to fix me up with some Frenchman," he said, "that was still in France! Wanted me to leave the job I had just started and just run off with her." Ezra shook his head. "What was so weird is that when I 'came out' to her, she acted as though she didn't hear me. Like I hadn't just made the announcement of my life. She kept talking about this cruise she was going on. Then six months later she waltzes back into my life, wanting me to just drop everything and go to France to meet the 'perfect' man for me."

Crawling into his lap, Vin sat between Ezra's legs, wrapped his legs around his waist, and pulled him close. Then began rubbing his arms and back.

"You weren't by some chance in Paris five years ago, were you?" Ezra asked him with a sexy little smile.

Vin laughed shook his head, no. "Sorry, love, but I've never been to Paris."

"Do you believe in fate?" Ezra whispered.

"Yeah. You?" Vin replied pressing their foreheads together.

"I didn't used to," the Southerner continued to whisper. "Until you . . ."

Vin felt tears sting his eyes, that was probably the nicest thing anyone had 'ever' said to him. Not being able to find his voice, he leaned forward and gave Ezra a kiss instead.

"I don't normally purchase fuel at that particular station, but feared I would not make to my regular one," Ezra smiled. "So you can imagine my surprise when I found the 'perfect' man for me at a gas station."

Vin smiled and opened his mouth to say that he had also met the 'perfect' man for him.

"You have no idea the jolt of desire that raced through my body when I pulled up to the pump and saw this long-legged, breathtakingly handsome man, with curly shoulder length ginger colored hair, that made my fingers itch to lose themselves in," he told him, then buried his fingers in Vin's hair. "Those tight faded jeans and white t-shirt were nearly my undoing."

He shivered at those silky words and the fingers that were in his hair. "It was the same for me," Vin whispered. "You stepped from your car and I just did stop my jaw from dropping opened. I had never seen a man as beautiful as you before. That wavy chestnut colored hair, those vibrant green eyes touched something deep within me that left me aching for more. And I didn't even know your name." Vin gently cupped Ezra's cheek in his hand, then traced his brow with a finger. "You had on a navy blue blazer, tan dockers, and white polo shirt."

As if pulled by magnets their heads lowered and they shared a slow sensual kiss. Planting kisses along Ezra's jaw Vin whispered, "There isn't a day that goes by that I don't thank God I locked my keys in the truck. We might not have met otherwise . . ."

Ezra pulled back and with a smile said, "Oh, we would have met . . ."

"How can you be so sure?"

"I wrote your licence plate's number down."

"Oh, Ezra," he sighed, gave him a final kiss, and pushed him down on the bed. Then said, "Let's get some sleep . . ."

"Sleep?"

"Yeah, I want this," Vin gently cupped Ezra's shaft in his hand, "to be the first present I receive on Christmas day."

"W..Well," Ezra sighed, "if you want to s..save it for tomorrow . . . then leave the ribbon alone."

Vin smiled against his shoulder and slowly removed his hand, then wrapped his arm around Ezra's waist. Giving the shoulder a kiss, he closed his eyes and was soon asleep.

~*~*~*~*~

Early the next morning Ezra sleepily blinked his eyes trying to figure out what had awakened him. Feeling nothing mattress beside him, Ezra figured it was Vin getting up that disturbed him. And the price of that disturbance would be Vin's share of the covers. Closing his eyes he went to bury himself in the covers, only to have his eyes pop open as he felt hands skimming up the sides of his legs.

Ezra sucked in a breath as a kiss was placed on his rapidly awakening flesh. Those same hands were now tugging his pajamas down. "Vin," he gasped and lifted the covers, only to be hit in the face with his own sleep wear. Removing the pants Ezra grinned as Vin's smiling face popped out from underneath the covers.

"It's just what I always wanted," Vin said, then darted back under the covers, licking and nipping along the way.

"Well, I've . . . enjoyed playing . . . yours . . . so I thought . . . you'd like one . . . of your . . . own," he panted and arched his back.

Again a smiling Vin popped out of the covers. "Mine's nothing like this. This is a one of a kind," he told him. And back under the covers he went.

The Southerner giggled at his lover's next words.

"Just wait until you see what I'm giving you for Christmas," Vin teased, as he once again emerged from the blankets.

Ezra's bucked his hips as he felt Vin envelop him in his mouth. Groaning loudly, he clutched the sheets in his fist as Vin toyed with him. Drawing him closer and closer to release only refusing to let him cross over. Ezra grabbed a pillow and stifled the scream that tore through him as pleasure rippled throughout his body.

Before he could catch his breath he felt fingers tease his opening then slowly enter him. Spreading his legs Ezra welcomed the invasion, but wanted more. He wanted it all. He wanted Vin. Now. Reaching down he grabbed Vin by his hair and gently pulled him up and into an electrifying kiss.

"Now," he panted against Vin's lips. "Now, Vin. I want my present now."

"Anything for you," Vin vowed.

Ezra watched as Vin slipped the condom on then smear it with lube. He bit his lip as his lover eased into him. Ezra loved the feeling of being joined with Vin. There was nothing like it in the world.

He gasped as Vin brushed against that sweet spot hidden deep within him. Ezra ran his hands up Vin's arms, across his shoulder, then skimmed them down his muscled chest and began playing with his nipples causing Vin to growl deep in his throat and lose control, which was Ezra wanted. Vin pounded into him driving them both over the edge.

They tensed at the same time and wordlessly screamed as wave after wave of exquisite pleasure shot from Vin's body and deep within Ezra. And Ezra's splattered between their chest. Leaving them spent and gasping for air.

"Thank you," Ezra managed to whisper several minutes later. "That was the best present I've ever had," he smiled as Vin started to laugh.

"God, I love you, Ezra," Vin told him, rising to his elbows. "You make everything better."

Pushing the hair away from Vin's face, Ezra allowed all he was feeling to show in his eyes. "I love you, too, Vin. More than you will probably ever know. Until you . . . there was no me."

They both jumped as someone knocked on the door. "You two had better get a move on before we open the presents without you!"

After quickly showering they dressed and headed down the stairs to join the others. Vin grabbed his hand and lead him to a free spot next to the fire and pulled him close. The gifts were opened almost as fast as they were handed out.

Ezra loved the monogrammed handkerchiefs, the day organizer, and the watch that Vin gave him. He got Vin a blue jacket, some cologne, and a new wallet. Leaning closer to his lover he said, "Thank you." Then reached across him and grabbed the box top that Vin's jacket came in and lifted it so that it hid them from the others and gave Vin a sweet lingering kiss.

A few hours later they were seated at the table enjoying Christmas dinner. Everyone was laughing and having a grand time when they heard a buzzing sound.

"What is that?" JD frowned.

"Oh! That's my cell phone," Ezra cried with a smile and jumped to his feet. Hurrying over to where his coat hung by the door he grabbed the phone and clicked it on, but before he could say any thing the person on the other end did. Ezra felt the blood drain from his face as he whispered, "Mother."

Turning his back on the others Ezra then ran up the stairs, never noticing that the others had fallen silent or that Vin was right on his heels as he entered their room.

"What message . . . I don't know . . . Well, I never got . . . If you would just . . . What about Paris . . . No, mother . . . With Vin . . . No, Vin. V I N . . . No! No! He's my partner. My lover. Yes, I said lover! No! Fine! Fine! FINE!" Ezra flinched as the line suddenly went dead. He jumped as Vin touched his arm.

"She hung up on me," he mumbled, offering no resistance as Vin lead him over to the bed and pushed him down on it. "Apparently she called the penthouse and left a message. She wanted me to come to Paris for Christmas . . ."

"Don't cry," Vin whispered.

Ezra hadn't even realized that he was until Vin began kissing the tears away. They both jumped as the phone in his hand rang. "What?" he snapped, knowing it was his mother. "Yes, well . . . You what? No, I don't think I did hear you. Well, you should apologize. But it's doesn't really matter. This way I got to spent Thanksgiving with Vin and his family. No, Mother, unlike the men you date Vin has scruples. Vin loves me. Of course, I believe him! Because I love him, too! Excuse me? Yes, he's right here beside me. So soon? Yes, well, you run along and have fun in Paris. Pardon? Yes . . . Merry Christmas, to you too, Mother."

"Ezra?"

He barely noticed Vin taking the phone from him. "She apologized for Thanksgiving and told me she loved me," Ezra told him. Then shrugged, "Well, she wished me a Merry Christmas, which from her means the same thing."

"Are you all right?"

He sighed and nodded his head, yes. Turning he buried his face in Vin's neck and cried, heart wrenching sobs that shook his body. Ezra cried the tears he knew his mother never would. He cried for the little boy that hadn't been allowed to cry.

Ezra was ready to let go of the past. He was ready for his future with Vin. To begin their future together.

"You must think I'm a big baby," he mumbled in a watery voice, as his tears finally tapered off.

"No, Ezra, you're human just like the rest of us," Vin told him with a catch in his own voice. "You're brave. And strong. And you have a big tender heart." Tanner maneuvered them so that they now lay across the bed. "I love you, just as you are, Ezra. And I'm glad you trust me enough to share your tears with me. You have so much love to give. I'm grateful that you choose to give some of it to me . . ."

"All of it, Vin. All of my love is for you," Ezra vowed. "Only you." Laying his head on Vin's chest Ezra sighed and snuggled closer to his lover.

"Are you feeling better?"

"Yes, I am," he replied. And he was. Ezra hadn't felt this good in years and part of that was due to the man beside him. Sitting up he gave Vin a brief kiss and said, "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For listening." Ezra shrugged, "For caring. For being you."

Vin sat up and pushed Ezra back on the bed then crawled on top of him. "You don't have to thank me, Ez. Listening to your voice is something I'll never grow tired of. And caring about you . . . I'm just doing what comes natural to me," he told him, placing kisses along Ezra's jaw. "I can't really take all the credit for how I turned out . . . part of that goes to the good Lord, to my mother, another to Miss Stacy, and to my brothers."

Just then there was a knock on the door and they heard Josiah's voice. "Vin? Ezra? Is everything okay?"

"Everything's fine, Josiah," Ezra replied, smiling at Vin.

"Come on back down stairs and join the rest of the family," Josiah told them. "It ani't the same without you. Either of you."

"We'll be right there," Vin hollered. Then smiled and said, "Welcome to the family, Ezra."

The End