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Learning to Improvise…
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Chris heard the report of Vin’s rifle. He knew Vin wouldn’t have fired if he didn’t have a clear shot and reason to do so. That fact worried him more than anything. From where he was he couldn’t tell what was going on inside the bank. Vin had a better view, and for him to shoot meant something was happening.He motioned to Buck who was peeking around the corner of the bank. Buck slide forward around the side. He moved into a crouched position close to the door. From there he might be able to at least hear, if not see, what was happening.
Realistically, Chris knew it hadn’t been that long since the children had been released. Less than half an hour really, but to him it felt interminable. He hated waiting. He was the sort who made things happen, not the type who just waited for events to engulf him.
Buck signaled a warning to him. The door was opening. "JD…Josiah…keep your eyes open."
Chris watched tensely, gun drawn and ready. Two men stepped out, their hands empty and raised to shoulder level. Chris shook his head, and felt a grin break loose when Nathan and Ezra stepped out behind them. Little bastard managed to do it again.
Chris came forward, as did Josiah, and JD. Buck straightened up from behind them. "Shoot, boys, you didn’t even let us join the party." Buck declared with a smile, startling the two strangers. He kept his gun trained on Cal and Jack. The fun loving ladies man shook his head in disgust. "I hung around special, jus’ ta get a chance to dance at this little soirée, and y’all went and left me out."
Ezra casually glanced over his shoulder. He winked at Buck. "Perhaps…next time. Hang on…to your…dance card."
Chris winced hearing Ezra speak. The dark bruises on his fair skin stood out in stark contrast. He easily recognized the marks as someone having tried to strangle the gambler. Chris narrowly eyed the two captives in front of him.
"What the hell happened to you?" Chris directed the question toward Ezra but never took his eyes off the two would be bank robbers. Josiah seemed to be just as anxious to hear the story as Chris was. The preacher kept sending concerned looks toward the gambler.
Nathan answered for Ezra giving them a run down of what had happened inside the bank. Chris noticed when Vin seemed to appear out of thin air. He hadn’t expected him to show up so quickly. Must have jumped off the roof rather than climb down ta get here so fast.
The tracker never took his eyes off Ezra. Chris was startled to hear a low growl come from his friend as Nathan finished telling how Otis had hit Ezra and then throttled him. He cast a speculative look at Vin.
"Otis dead?" Vin asked quietly. There was no disguising the deadly, murderous tone in that question. Chris got the distinct impression if Otis wasn’t dead yet he soon would be. Hell, if Vin doesn’t finish him off, Josiah will.
Ezra nodded an affirmative. He popped the derringer from his place in his sleeve, held it for a moment, and then returned it. Chris knew that little gun had proved it’s worth more than once. He found it hard to believe a gun that small could kill a man, but seeing is believing, and Ezra had made enough good use of it in the past to convince Chris that it was indeed a deadly fire arm despite its size.
A look passed between Ezra and Vin. Chris frowned. He hadn’t noticed that they seemed to be able to communicate without words. He realized that questions were being asked and assurances were given all with nothing more than a few subtle facial movements. Wonder when they started doing that.
Vin smiled ever so slightly. "Wasn’t one a yer better plans, Ez."
Ezra shrugged, and smirked. "Improvisation is…not an exact…science."
Vin frowned hearing Ezra speak. "Ya better let Nate look ya over, Ez."
Ezra rolled his eyes. He made an elegant hand gesture toward the two men still standing in front of him. Green eyes calmly looked at JD, and he raised an eyebrow. "Sheriff?"
JD started then blushed slightly. "Oh yeah, sorry Ez." JD waved his gun at the two men indicating they should head down the street. "You two come with me ta the jail. Got a cell jus’ waitin’ for ya."
"Buck go with him." Chris ordered. The lanky ladies man nodded, and headed with JD toward the jail.
"Josiah, see to the Lovitt and Neville. Make sure they’re okay. And then get Ben Johnson to come take care of Clem and Otis." Undertaker is gonna be busy today.
Josiah nodded. He raised a hand to pat Ezra on the shoulder as he walked by. "Ya did good, son."
Ezra neatly sidestepped his reach. He raised two fingers to the brim of his hat in acknowledgement of Josiah’s compliment. Ezra holstered his colt, and brushed a hand down the sleeve of his jacket, and adjusted the front lapels to again conceal the weapon.
"Nathan, take Ezra ta the clinic and look him over."
Ezra opened his mouth to protest, but Vin laid a hand on his arm. Vin shook his head. "Don’t argue, Ez."
Ezra looked at Vin for a moment. Unlike Josiah, Ezra didn’t moved to avoid the tracker’s touch, nor did he attempt to shake him off. Chris wondered about that. Normally the gambler went out of his way to avoid contact. Touchy as an angry rattlesnake most o’ the time.
Ezra took a breath, and nodded resignedly. Vin smiled. "Cowboy, I’ll go with Ez and Nate."
Chris knew that wasn’t really a suggestion, and that Vin would go with Ezra and Nate even if he did voice an objection. So Chris just waved a hand motioning them toward the clinic. He caught Vin’s eye before the young man moved away. They would talk about this.
Something was definitely going on between Vin and Ezra. It was something more than just Ezra teaching Vin to read. He couldn’t be absolutely certain, but Chris knew it was a recent development. Most likely it was something that happened on the trip to Bitter Creek and back. Chris didn’t like mysteries. Not one damn bit.
+ + + + + + +
Nathan was pleased that Ezra didn’t put up a fight about coming to the clinic. He really did just want to help, and it always bothered him when one of the others shied away from him. In his darker moments, he assumed they did so because he really wasn’t a doctor, or in Ezra’s case, because he was colored. He had come to realize their reluctance had little to do with him, and everything to do with their desire to stay in control. Too independent and stubborn ta know what’s good for ‘em.
Nathan opened the door to the clinic, with Vin and Ezra trailing in behind him. He had been somewhat surprised by Vin choosing to come along, but had long since given up trying to figure out what motivated the quiet tracker. Nathan waved a hand toward the chair.
"Ezra, go ahead and sit down. Need for you ta removed yer jacket, and open your shirt."
Ezra shrugged out of his jacket in a neat, elegant move that Nathan envied. He had to admit that the gambler did nearly everything with a certain flare and style. Ezra hung his jacket carefully on the chair before he sat down. Nimble fingers unbuttoned his vest, and then the first few buttons of his shirt.
He sat down. Green eyes warily watched Nathan. Nathan smiled. "I ain’t gonna hurt ya, Ez."
The raising of one eyebrow was a blatant sign of disbelief. From where he slouched in a seemingly boneless lean against the wall near the door, Vin watched him with an intensity that made Nathan nervous. The only time Vin had ever watched him that closely before was when Chris had been hurt.
Nathan offered a small reassuring smile to the tracker before moving to stand before Ezra. He placed a hand on Ezra’s chin and gently turned his head to one side and then the other. Nathan pursed his lips. The bruising was extensive, looking worse as time passed and more bruises rose to the surface, but he didn’t think Ezra had suffered any permanent damage.
He felt Ezra tense a bit under his hand, and let go. "Does it hurt for you to talk?" Has to or he’d have been saying a hell of a lot more than he has been.
Ezra shrugged one shoulder. "Some." Nathan was pleased to note that even though Ezra’s voice was still raspy, it didn’t sound as bad as it had right after Otis had attacked him. It was starting to sound more like he was suffering from a severe cold than that he’d nearly been strangled to death.
"You have any trouble breathing?"
"No."
"Hurt to swallow?"
Ezra nodded. He raised a hand to rub at his throat, but Nathan intercepted him. "Leave it be, Ez. Will just make it worse."
Green eyes narrowed, but Ezra lowered his hand. Nathan moved to boil some water. He usually kept the fire burning and water in the kettle at all times, just in case. "I’ve got something that should help ease the soreness a bit."
Ezra grimaced. "Vile concoctions."
Nathan chuckled. "Not this time. Trust me."
"I do."
Nathan froze for a moment. That simple statement caught him off guard. He was not expecting any sort of declaration, and certainly not from Ezra. Nathan thought back to what Ezra had said in the bank.
‘Surely, you were aware before this moment that not all Whites from the North view Negros with esteem or respect. Not all the boys who fought for the South were from the South.’ Guess the opposite o’ that is also true. Not all Whites from the south think colored folks is beneath them. Shaking his head, Nathan put the kettle on, and stoked the flames a bit. He turned back toward Ezra.
"Now, while we wait for that ta boil, why don’t you let me take a look at your other bruises."
"Not necessary." Ezra shook his head firmly.
Nathan rolled his eyes. "C’mon, Ezra. I know he hit ya pretty hard. Just want ta make sure nothin’ is broken."
"Nothing is…broken." Ezra stated.
Nathan ignored that, and stepped forward determined to see for himself. Should have checked everything ‘fore he got his back up. Knew him behaving was too good to last.
Ezra stiffened. His jaw tightened, and shifted in the chair, ready to get to his feet. He would have lunged away from Nathan if Vin hadn’t come forward. Vin placed his hand on Ezra shoulder, gently holding him in place. He rubbed lightly, like he was soothing a skittish colt.
The look Vin sent Nathan kept the healer from moving any closer. Nathan watched quiet Texan with some trepidation. The look he’d gotten clearly stated he would keep Nathan at a distance, by force if necessary.
"Ya sure nothin’ is broken?" Vin asked quietly.
Ezra took a breath and nodded. "Been hit…before. Know what broken…feels like." Ezra kept a watchful eye on Nathan. "Just sore…will be stiff tomorrow."
Vin nodded, and patted his shoulder reassuringly. He shook his head at Nathan. Nathan sighed in annoyance. He gave Ezra a hard look.
"I thought you said you trusted me."
Ezra stared at him, jade green eyes unwavering. Nathan found it unnerving to be the focus of that flat, assessing gaze. It bothered him that he felt like he’d just been judged and found wanting.
"Trust you." Ezra smirked. "You do not…trust me. You question…my judgement."
"Just about your health, Ezra. You aren’t always the best judge of that." Nathan offered, keeping his tone reasonable. "About everything else, you are usually right on the money."
Green eyes widened slightly. It was the only indication that Ezra was surprised by what Nathan had said. He looked toward Vin. Nathan wasn’t sure what passed between them, but Ezra nodded.
"You may…continue with…your examination."
Vin stepped back, and Nathan breathed easier. He was quick, and kept his touch gentle. He opened another button or two, and ran his fingers lightly down both sides of Ezra’s torso. Ezra flinched when Nathan tapped his abdomen where a dark bruise shaped like a gun stock was forming. Nathan was relieved to not that muscles were not swollen or unyielding, indicating no sign of internal bleeding.
He frowned when he noticed a faint bruise mark further up on Ezra’s chest, almost directly over his heart. Looking at it, Nathan realized it was a passion mark, not a bruise. He’d seen enough of them to know.
Hell, I’ll bet Buck is usually sportin’ half a dozen on any given day, but I don’t remember seein’ Ezra with a woman lately. Course, he was gone most of the week. Mighta found himself a lady friend in Bitter Creek. No matter.
Nathan continued with his examination. Ezra flinched again when Nathan ran his hand down his back. The bruise there matched the size and dimensions of the shotgun barrel. That one would likely be present for several days.
Nathan nodded. "You were right, nothing is broken. But you should probably not be on patrol tonight."
"I am capable…of performing…my duties…as assigned, Mr. Jackson."
Nathan sighed. The gambler was a mess of contradictions. Normally he’d be looking for a way to get out of doing his job. Now that he’s got a good reason ta just take it easy, he fights me. I will never understand this man.
"Mr. Larabee—"
"I’ll talk ta Chris. He can find someone else ta take your shift."
Ezra frowned. He opened his mouth to say something else, but Vin’s hand on his shoulder effectively silenced him. Nathan was beginning to think it might be useful to have Vin around every time he had to treat Ezra. Wonder if Ezra will have the same affect on Vin. He can be the worst of the lot when it comes to being patched up. Even Chris can’t keep him totally in line.
Ezra buttoned up his shirt, and vest. With a few smoothing hand gestures he again had his clothing in order. Nathan rolled his eyes, thinking Ezra spent more time worrying about his appearance than anyone else he’d ever met.
The teakettle whistled shrilly. Nathan moved to get it. He poured a cup and added some tea, letting it steep for several minutes. Once it had steeped long enough, Nathan used a strainer to remove most of the leaves. He added honey and a little lemon before he offered the cup to Ezra.
Ezra sniffed it carefully. He raised an eyebrow before cautiously taking a sip. He smiled in surprise, dimples showing. "This is good."
Nathan grinned. "Told ya it wouldn’t be bad."
"What…is it?" Ezra took another sip.
"Chamomile, with honey and lemon. It’s good for sore throats." Nathan had watched to make sure Ezra wasn’t having trouble swallowing the liquid before he had answered.
"Indeed. Very good." Ezra saluted him with the cup.
"I want you to drink all of that. And you should have another cup in a few hours. No whiskey." Nathan caught a flicker in Ezra’s eyes. "No scotch either. Will just make your throat worse."
Ezra sighed, and waved a hand in an elegant gesture of submission. He finished the cup of tea and offered it to Nathan. He stood and grabbed his jacket. He slipped into it with the same style and grace that he’d used to remove it.
"Ezra?" Ezra turned and looked at Nathan, his expression one of inquiry. "Jus’ wanted ta say thanks for savin’ my life when we were the bank."
"You already…thanked me."
"The first time, yeah, but not for the second. You were right. If I had lost my temper I coulda got us all killed."
"It was understandable. Otis’ remarks…were inflammatory." Ezra shook his head. His voice was a little better, but it obviously pained him to speak. "It was not…right for you…to have to…suffer such…insults…or to allow them…to go unanswered…but circumstances dictated that you do…so. You handled…yourself…and the situation…well."
Nathan felt his face warm at hearing Ezra’s compliment. He wasn’t so sure he’d agree with Ezra’s assessment that he handled himself well. "Thanks, just the same."
"You are welcome."
"An’ you did a good job getting those children out safely. Don’t’ think any o’ the rest of us could have done it as quick or as smooth as you did."
Ezra made a dismissive gesture. "They would…never have…been endangered…were it not for me." He turned away and headed for the door.
Nathan knew better than to push the issue. He got the feeling it was an argument Ezra wasn’t going to hang around long enough to let him win. "Vin, why don’t you take Ezra to his room and see if you can convince him to lay down for a bit. A little rest would probably do him good, and he don’t need to be talking any more than necessary."
Vin smiled, and raised a finger to the brim of his hat. "Will do, Nate."
Nathan followed them out to the landing. "I’ll bring by another cup of tea for ya, Ezra, in an hour or so."
Ezra gave him a two finger salute, and continued down the stairs with Vin following. Nathan sighed and went back inside. Never know quite what a day will bring ‘round here. Sure does keep it interesting.
+ + + + + + +
Vin followed Ezra down the stairs. When Ezra paused at the bottom, Vin placed a hand at the small of his back. Ezra cast a sly look over his shoulder at Vin, and a small smile, but didn’t say anything.
Vin wasn’t entirely convinced that Ezra was all right. Nathan didn’t seem to think there was anything serious wrong, and he usually trusted the healer’s judgement, but this was Ezra, and he wanted to be absolutely certain. "You okay?"
"Fine." Green eyes met his. "Honestly."
Vin nodded. "Okay. Lets go get ya settled in yer room. Ya can take a nap like Nate said."
Ezra gave a raspy chuckle. "I have not…napped in the…afternoon since…I was a child."
"Well, then I guess yer due."
Ezra grinned at him, and Vin caught his breath, once more stunned by how beautiful the man was when he let his emotions show. The sparkle in his eyes, the open expression of amusement and joy were treasures that Vin never expected to be given to him. Ezra reached out to touch his arm. He looked concerned. "You okay?"
Vin shook himself. "Yeah, yeah. Fine."
Ezra gave him a hard look. "You were not…injured?"
Vin smiled. "No." He supposed his sudden stop and stupid look might have been cause for concern. Vin felt a blush warm his cheeks. "Jus’ kind o’ gets to me when you smile."
Ezra shyly dipped his head, and Vin was delighted to see a faint blush on Ezra’s cheeks too. Oh we’ve got it so bad. Vin shook himself, and gestured for Ezra to continue down the boardwalk. Together they headed toward the saloon, and Ezra’s room.
They made it as far as the Potter’s store before being stopped. Seven anxious little faces were waiting there for them. "Mr. Ezra…Mr. Ezra…Mr. Ezra…Are you okay?"
Ezra smiled, and crouched down in front of the children. "Yes. I’m fine. There is…no cause…for alarm."
Cecilia Potter looked doubtful when she heard him speak, as did the other children. Her blue eyes shot worried glances to where the bruises around Ezra’s throat were visible above the collar of his shirt. She looked toward Vin. "Mr. Vin?"
Vin smiled at her, touched by the children’s obvious concern for Ezra. "Jus’ some bruises is all CeCe. Nathan says Ez will be fine. Says he’s not s’posed to talk too much for awhile."
Danny and David nodded in unison. "Mr. Ezra, you sound like Danny did when he had a bad cold. Momma said he’d be fine in a few days." David grinned. "And he was."
"Momma g-g-g-"
Ezra held up a hand, and stopped Danny’s efforts to speak. He made eye contact with the little boy, and held it for a moment. Danny took a breath, and smiled.
"Momma gave me lemon drops. She said they would help."
Vin was amazed to hear the little boy speak clearly. Must a been somethin’ Ez taught him. Vin was proud of Ezra for finding away to help Danny. He knew how easy it would be for the other children to make fun of Danny’s speech impediment. Kids, hell even adults, tend ta make fun of anyone who’s different. Glad Danny ain’t gotta suffer with that.
Danny looked from Ezra to Vin. "Do you think l-l-lemon d-drops would help Mr. Ezra?"
Vin shrugged. "Can’t think they’d do any harm."
Josh tugged on Ezra’s hand. "C’mon, Mr. Ezra, I bet Momma has some." The children eagerly pulled Ezra toward the door.
Ezra followed them in only to be swept up in a fierce hug by Mrs. Potter. "Thank you, Mr. Standish. Thank you. I knew you would take care of my babies. I knew you would."
Ezra, caught off guard, looked to Vin for help, but Vin simply held up both hands palms up. He winked at Ezra when Ezra threw him a disgusted look. With a silent sigh, Ezra returned her hug, and then made gentle, but firm efforts to pull away. He raised one finger to carefully wipe the tears away from Mrs. Potter’s face.
"There…there….It’s all right." He soothed trying to calm her down.
Jenny tugged at Ezra’s sleeve and offered him a handkerchief. Vin recognized it as one of Ezra’s own fine linen ones that he normally carried. Ezra in turn offered the handkerchief to Mrs. Potter. Mrs. Potter dabbed at her eyes, blushing furiously, clearly embarrassed by her loss of control.
She straightened, and patted Ezra’s arm. "My apologies, Mr. Standish, for subjecting you to my most undignified display."
Ezra smiled slightly. "Quite all right." He lightly rubbed her arm in simple gesture of consolation and understanding.
She took a closer look at him. "Oh my….what happened?"
Vin jumped in before Ezra could answer, mindful of what Nathan had said about not letting Ezra talk more than he had to. "One of the robbers tried to choke ‘im, Ma’am."
David piped up. "His throat hurts, and we thought some lemon drops might help."
Mrs. Potter nodded. "Yes, yes, of course. I’m sure I still have some in stock. It won’t take me but a moment to get them. Wait right here."
She bustled off quickly. In no time she had returned with a small sack. She offered it to Ezra. When he took the candy, she wrapped her hand around his. "Now if you need more, you let me know."
Ezra tipped his head. He reached into his pocket to pay her, but Mrs. Potter shook her head. "For looking after the little ones." She squeezed the hand she still held. "I know it isn’t much, but please, let me offer this as thanks. You took good care of them, and I want you to know I am grateful for that."
Ezra nodded, and bent to please a quick kiss on her cheek. "Thank you."
No one else might have noticed, but Vin could tell just how hard it was for Ezra to maintain his composure. He knew Ezra didn’t normally have trouble being the center of attention. Hell he all but dresses just to attract attention.
But this situation was different. This sort of focus wasn’t the type Ezra usually found himself in the middle of. He wasn’t used to people thanking him. First Nathan, and now Mrs. Potter.
Vin stepped forward. ’Bout time I got him outta here. He cleared his throat slightly trying to get their attention away from Ezra and focused on him. "Now, I know y’all were worried ‘bout Ezra, but he’s gonna be fine. Nathan said so. Said he needs ta just take it easy for a bit. "
He carefully maneuvered himself between small bodies so he could stand next to Ezra, trying to offer support just by being close. "You kids, need at run along and get ta where ever yer s’posed to be, cause I’m sure yer Momma’s are all frettin’ ‘bout you, jus’ like you was about Ezra. Ya can talk ta Ez tomorrow."
Mrs. Potter nodded, once again firmly back in control of herself. "Quite right. I’m sure your parents want to know that all of you are all safe and sound."
The children all managed to hug Ezra in one fashion or another before bolting out the door. Josh and Cecilia headed for the back room, where Vin suspected they had chores of some kind to finish. Vin shook his head slightly wondering if he’d been that resilient at their ages. At their ages I was already on my own, so I guess I must have been.
Mrs. Potter let go of Ezra’s hand. "Now, you take it easy like, Mr. Jackson says. If you need anything, just let me know."
"Will do, Ma’am." Vin raised a finger to the brim of his hat, and he saw Ezra do the same. Together they headed out of the store and toward the saloon. Or at least Vin had intended to, but Ezra pointed toward the alley.
"Back way." Ezra shuddered. "No more well…wishers."
Vin chuckled. "Okay." He knew the shudder had been more for affect than anything else. And he didn’t have a problem with going up to Ezra’s room the back way. He suspected Chris and the others would be hanging out in the main room. They usually met up there once things calmed down. Longer I avoid him, longer I can come up with what the hell I’m gonna say when he starts askin’ questions. And I know he will start askin’. Look he gave me was pretty clear ‘bout that.
Vin breathed a sigh of relief when they made it to Ezra’s room without running into anyone else, or being seen. Not that he didn’t have a legitimate excuse to see Ezra to his room it was just better not to have to explain it. And if no one saw him enter, then no one would know how long he’d been there. And Vin didn’t plan to leave any time soon.
Once inside, with the door securely locked, Vin pulled Ezra into a tight hug. He’d wanted to do that ever since he’d seen Ezra’s salute through the window. He wanted to hold him close and never let go. Hardest thing he’d ever done was to simply stand by and wait for them to be alone.
"God, Ez…you scared me half ta death." Vin whispered.
Ezra hugged him just as hard as Vin was hugging him. "Scared…myself."
Vin rested his head on Ezra’s shoulder, breathing in the gambler’s scent. He couldn’t believe it was just that morning that he had been lying in bed reveling in that same fragrance. How can so much happen in one day?
Vin wanted to feel all of Ezra against him, to know that he was safe and sound. Needed to reassure himself that his lover was indeed alive and well. He’d only just gotten the chance to be with him, and he wasn’t ready go back to being on his own. I’ll never be ready for that.
"Was so scared when I heard that shot from the bank. Knew you were there. Knew you were there. Thought you went and got yerself killed."
He could feel Ezra’s hands moving up and down his back trying to sooth him. Vin placed a kiss on the side Ezra’s neck. He could feel Ezra’s heart beat strong and steady against his lips. He pulled away enough to kiss Ezra’s lips. He had meant to keep the kiss gentle, but it ended up hungry, deep, hard, wet and demanding. He wanted to map every aspect of Ezra’s mouth. Vin wanted to memorize every detail.
He raised his hands to cup Ezra’s face. Blue eyes met green. "Don’t do that again."
"I shall…try not to."
Vin nodded, knowing that given what they did for a living, that was as good a promise as he was going to get. Vin threw off his hat, and shrugged carelessly out of his buffalo coat. He needed to reconnect with Ezra. Needed this now.
"What about the…others?" Ezra was busy with his own clothes, not taking his usual care, but haphazardly discarding them as Vin pulled him toward the bed.
"What about them?" Vin toed out of his boots.
Ezra may have been uncharacteristically careless with his clothes, but he made sure the shoulder holster hung from the headboard within easy reach. And the derringer was carefully placed on the bedside table. "Won’t your absence…be noted?"
Vin shrugged. "Don’t know. Don’t care." He looked at Ezra. "Need this. Need you. Deal with them later."
Ezra smiled, green eyes bright with love and amusement. "A plan?"
Vin laughed lightly, shimmying quickly out of his pants. "I’m improvising."
He pulled Ezra on to the bed with him, sighing when warm, naked flesh met his. The weight of Ezra against him, alive and well, felt very satisfying. This is good. Vin let his hands roam freely over Ezra. Man has the most amazing skin. Never felt anything so good before.
Ezra sighed and relaxed under his touch. It reminded Vin of petting a cat. He nuzzled the spot under Ezra chin. He immediately felt Ezra tense and pull away. Damn. Forgot ‘bout the bruises.
"Sorry, Ez." Vin mentally slapped himself hard.
Ezra shook his head, and placed a finger against Vin’s lips. "It’s okay." Ezra moved his finger to place a gentle kiss against Vin’s lips. "It’s okay."
Vin nodded. Still gotta make it up to him. "How ‘bout I kiss it an’ make it better like my Ma used to?"
Ezra chuckled. "By all…means." The rough quality of Ezra’s voice was beginning to sound less like damage and more like passion.
Vin very carefully, tenderly, placed soft kisses on each finger shaped bruise. He rolled them over so he could place a kiss on Ezra’s abdomen. Just for good measure he laved Ezra’s nipples as well.
Ezra arched his back in response to his touch. "No bruises…there."
Vin grinned at him. "Well, now, I need to do a thorough examination, Ez. Nate might a missed somethin’."
"Can’t have that…now, can we?" Ezra waved his hand in a gesture of capitulation, smiling as he did so.
"No, we certainly can’t." Vin went back to work, carefully checking every inch of his lover, placing kisses as he went. Ezra tasted as good as he smelled. Vin idly wondered if that was his own natural flavor or a by-product of the soap he used. Have to ask him later. Much later.
Vin worked his way down Ezra’s torso toward his groin. He grinned up at Ezra as he wrapped his hand around Ezra’s leaking shaft, stroking lightly up and down. "Looks like ya got some swellin’ here, Ez. Reckon I oughta take care o’ that?"
Ezra took a shuddering breath. He opened eyes heavy lidded with passion, the pupils so large on a faint trace of green was visible. His answer came out in a long sigh of yes.
Vin loved seeing Ezra like this. His breathing ragged, his skin flushed, hair messed up, expression open and honest, eyes revealing everything. No one else got to see him this way. This was his Ezra.
Vin lowered his head, and took Ezra’s erection into his mouth. He tried to remember the things Ezra had done to him, all those things that felt so very good. Vin wanted this to be as good for Ezra as it had been for him.
His tongue ran over the head, tasting him. Hmmmm…salty, bit bitter…not bad though. Vin sucked gently. He moved a hand to play gently with Ezra’s balls, getting a rough moan in reply to his touch.
Little sighs, and whimpers let him know how much Ezra enjoyed what he was doing. He curled his tongue around one side and then the other, careful not to let his teeth do any damage. He hadn’t figured out how to take all of Ezra into his mouth without gagging, but Ezra didn’t seem to mind.
Vin increased his speed. He hummed lightly, remembering how intense that had felt when Ezra did it to him. Vin leaned more of his weight across Ezra’s hips keeping him from thrusting, letting Vin control the depth and pace.
He could feel Ezra shaking. He knew his lover was close. Just listening to those mewling sounds of pleasure, knowing he was the one who’d caused them had gotten him close as well.
Vin let go of Ezra’s balls, and grabbed himself, unable to ignore his own arousal any longer. Ezra moved a hand to cup his face, halting him. Vin looked up in surprise, wondering if he’d done something wrong. Ezra smiled at him, reassurance and an invitation.
"C’mere, Vin."
Vin obeyed, raising his head and releasing Ezra with one last, long lick like a child with a sucker. He moved to kiss Ezra. He moaned into Ezra’s mouth as Ezra’s hands went exploring.
"Want you to…come with me." Ezra panted. "Not just me. Both of us."
Vin nodded. He shifted so that their cocks aligned. He couldn’t keep himself from thrusting in response to that contact. Ezra’s hips rose to meet him. They kept moving together, both enjoying the friction being created between them.
"So good….Ez…so good."
He felt Ezra running his fingers through his hair. He shivered, and fisted his hands in the blanket. There was something about having Ezra play with his hair that got to him every time. He let go of the blanket to move his hands over Ezra again. He slid them down Ezra’s sides to cup Ezra’s ass, kneading those firm, beautiful spheres, encouraging him to thrust harder and faster.
Vin could feel his own orgasm building. It was like riding a wave, one he knew wouldn’t last but felt incredible while it did. He dropped his head to Ezra’s shoulder, biting his knuckles to keep from shouting as he came. No noise…no noise.
He felt Ezra go taut under him, his head tipped back, and whole body arching off the bed. His hands clenched in to fists in Vin’s hair. Ezra’s breath escaped in a hiss, coming out between tightly clenched teeth.
When his breathing and heart rate returned to normal, Vin raised his head from where he had let it rest on Ezra’s shoulder. He raised a hand to caresses Ezra’s cheek with the back of his fingers. Ezra opened his eyes, and grinned at him.
Vin kissed him before he got up to find something to clean them up with. Can’t leave us a sticky mess. He grinned at the thought, briefly wishing he could do just that. They really didn’t have enough time to enjoy the afterglow.
He handed Ezra his pants and shirt, then grabbed his own clothes, intent on getting dressed. Vin wasn’t sure when Nathan would be by with more tea, and he didn’t want to be caught naked. Last thing we need.
He slipped back into his pants. Vin could feel Ezra’s eyes on him as he did. He tried to ignore that intense look. He could literally feel Ezra’s eyes on his skin like a ghost of a caress. "Stop doin’ that." He growled.
Ezra sent him a look of complete innocence that would have been totally believable if Vin didn’t know Ezra as well as he did. "And don’t try that ‘butter wouldn’t melt in my mouth’ look on me Ezra P. Standish. You know ‘xactly what I’m talkin’ about."
Ezra sighed. "Spoilsport." Ezra had finished putting on his clothes, and checked his appearance in the mirror, running a brush through his messy hair bring the curls back in line. He looked like he was preparing to leave.
Vin shook his head. Stubborn. "Might as well lay back down. Yer s’posed to be resting. An’ I’m s’posed ta see to it that ya do."
Ezra sighed heavily sounding very put upon, and rolled his eyes. But he didn’t argue. Ezra moved back toward the bed and pulled the pillows from under the covers. He laid down on his side, facing Vin. "Will you…stay?"
Vin nodded. "Planned to." He wasn’t ready to leave yet.
"Good."
Vin opened the window slightly before joining Ezra on the bed. Ezra raised an eyebrow. "Don’t want Nate ta know what we was doin’. Figure some fresh air wouldn’t hurt."
Ezra chuckled, green eyes dancing with mischief. "Good idea."
Vin laid down. Ezra turned so he could rest his head on Vin’s shoulder, snuggling in close, one leg drawn up over Vin’s. To Vin this was the best part. This was the part where he got to be held, and to hold in return. There hadn’t been a lot of moments like these in his life. Moments of simple physical comfort, of knowing that you were cared for, that you cared about someone else as well. And from what Ezra had told him of his past there hadn’t been many in his life either. Nice. Very nice.
Vin raised a hand to cradle Ezra’s head, his fingers gently massaging Ezra’s scalp. He could feel Ezra going boneless against him, his breathing becoming slow, deep and even. It had been a taxing day for both of them. Vin closed his eyes and just let himself enjoy this.
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