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Learning to Improvise…
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Ezra smiled gently, green eyes bright with affection, as his eight young charges finished the day’s lesson, and skipped out Mrs. Potter’s storeroom. He spent a lot of time adapting and developing lessons, which would challenge the older children, without leaving the younger ones floundering. And given that their ages ranged from five to thirteen, it was no easy task to create an approach that addressed the needs and skill level of each child.Ezra enjoyed the time he spent with his young charges, delighting in the task of providing educational guidance to them, watching their young, agile minds expand and readily absorb all he had to offer. The children seemed to enjoy their lessons as well, always on time and eager to get started. It was not uncommon for the regularly scheduled two-hour sessions to start a little early and run a bit long.
Today, however, Ezra had made a point of finishing on time, and shooing his students on their way. He knew Vin was waiting in his room. The tracker was normally waiting there every afternoon, but Ezra knew that his lover was unlikely to be simply relaxing or reading as he usually did.
Ezra’s smiled turned wry as the thought about just what his lover might be doing. Vin will probably be wearing holes in the floor. His smile shifted into a grimace. Either that or sharpening his knife.
Vin and Ezra had left the restaurant together. Lately, it had become a habit for Vin to walk toward the general store with Ezra as far as the alley near the saloon. At the alley they would part company, with Ezra heading off to teach, and Vin sneaking up the back stairs to Ezra’s room. No one really thought to question Vin’s disappearance, assuming he had slipped away somewhere to grab a nap, or had left town to escape the confining feeling he said it gave him. Even before Ezra had gotten together with Vin, it was not uncommon for either man to simply disappear for hours at a time.
Ezra knew the lanky Texan wanted to talk about Maude and her letter. His lover had respected his earlier request to let the matter drop, but the issue was by no means settled. With a quiet sigh, Ezra softly asked him to wait until after he finished with the children before pursuing a more in depth discussion. He knew that it was unlikely what they had to talk about could be covered in just a few minutes. And the children were expecting him. Vin had simply nodded his agreement, and patted Ezra’s shoulder, before slipping down the alley.
Ezra had expected Vin’s anger when Nathan brought up Maude. I really wish Mr. Jackson had some forethought as to how his comment might be received. Of course, it isn’t entirely his fault. Without enlightening him as to the true nature of my upbringing, the man cannot be faulted for asking what would otherwise have been an innocent question. With a quiet sigh; Ezra realized there were definite drawbacks to having secrets. Of course, there was a time, when there wasn’t anyone whose reaction I really had to worry about either.
He knew his lover might be slow to anger, but once there, he tended to be equally slow about letting it go. I had hoped his hostility toward Mother would have cooled a bit by now. Ezra shook his head, trying to comprehend the intensity of Vin’s reaction. He had no real experience in dealing with people being angry on his behalf. It was new, and somewhat confusing territory for him.
Ezra sighed, moving to pick up the odds and ends the children left behind. Ordinarily, the children cleaned up the room. But today, Ezra had shooed them out, preferring to undertake the job himself. The simple task helped him settle his thoughts.
One can only hope that Vin and Mother do not encounter one another for some time to come. Had she actually been in town, I fear Mother would not long survive meeting with Vin. I have no desire be in the middle of that. Lord…I’d rather wrestle with a grizzly bear.
Ezra felt a brief flash of guilt, realizing his first loyalty should be to his mother, but it wasn’t. Vin was his heart and soul. If it came to choosing between the two, despite the fact that Maude was his mother, it would be Vin he chose. His mother may have given him life, but it was most definitely Vin who made it worth living.
Thinking over the reactions at lunch, Ezra was forced to admit what had honestly surprised him, was the anger displayed by Chris and Buck. He had assumed their anger, and outrage would be a fleeting thing, one that would fade as time wore on. Ezra unconsciously chewed on his lower lip, trying to work through their behavior, looking for the angles and reasons for it.
It is not as if Chris or Buck were personally wronged in some way. I would hardly have expected either one to hold a grudge on my behalf. It is not as if we were long time associates or…even good friends. Ezra was willing to allow that there was a level of camaraderie between them, a certain degree of understanding, but hardly enough to warrant the other men holding on to their anger for as long as they so obviously had.
Although, in Buck’s case, I suppose more than enough time has passed for him to feel some degree of loyalty. Ezra smiled, just a quick flash of amused affection that he allowed himself knowing there was no one to see it. Buck Wilmington was, without a doubt, the most loyal man he’d had the good fortune to meet. Thinking it over, he really should not have been surprised that the tall cowboy still felt some hostility toward Maude. His own mother must have been a truly remarkable woman to have raised him to be such a man as he is. Ezra felt a touch of envy thinking of the relationship Buck must have had with his mother.
Chris, on the other had, was still a puzzle. On most days, Ezra wasn’t sure where he stood with the gunslinger. At one time, Chris seemed inclined to do little more than glare at him. And Ezra knew for some time that the group’s dark clad leader did not trust him. In fact, there were times when he honestly doubted if he was trusted even now.
However, of late, things had been good between them. Oh, they might never be on the same footing as Chris was with Vin, or JD was with Buck, but they were certainly no longer directly at odds with one another. An improvement to be sure. Mr. Larabee and I might never be bosom buddies, but there is no reason we cannot regard each other as comrade in arms, worthy of a level of mutual respect. And since that whole incident with Josiah, we have made great strides toward finding common ground. Not something I ever truly expected, but am decidedly grateful for none the less.
Chris had been an unlooked for ally during that incident. Ezra had been outright amazed to find the gunslinger as his defender. But the gambler was wary of placing too much trust in anyone. He’d been burned too often in the past, and feared putting himself in a position of relying on others lest that support be pulled away when he needed it most.
Mentally, Ezra chastised himself. Mr. Larabee is an honorable, upstanding man. There is no reason to believe he will abandon me during an hour of need. Ezra sighed. He still had doubts. Trusting in others was not something he did readily. It is best not to expect allies, only to find you have none.
Ezra shrugged, finding it difficult to keep his thoughts from running in circles. He put away the children’s things and left over supplies on the shelf Mrs. Potter had reserved for their use, and decided to let it go for now. The reasons for their anger do not matter, at least not as much as the issue of how to deal with it does. Ezra’s lips twisted into a wry grin. Preferably without any bloodshed.
Ezra straightened his clothes; deftly smooth the fabric, before stepping out of the storeroom. He closed the door behind him. Mrs. Potter looked up from where she was working at the store’s counter, smiled at him.
"Done early today, Mr. Standish?"
Ezra tipped his head toward her. "Yes, my dear lady. It would seem that for once time has not escaped our grasp, and we have completed our designated tasks in the time allotted."
The older woman chuckled. "Oh, but the children don’t seem to mind when you stay a bit longer." She gave him a knowing look. "That is a true testament of their enjoyment."
Ezra’s lips quirked upward in a half smile, and he ducked his head suddenly feeling shy in the face of her subtle praise. He rarely received compliments of any kind. "I suppose one could look at it that way."
She held a small bag out to him. He raised one eyebrow in question, and Mrs. Potter shrugged her one shoulder. "I thought you might need to replenish your supply of candy."
Ezra quickly delved into his pocket seeking the right coin to pay for the candy. Mrs. Potter clucked her tongue at him, and shook her head. She wrapped his free hand around the bag, and released it with a small pat.
"There’s no need to pay me, Mr. Standish." She stopped his protest with no more than a firm look. "I know you give most of it to the children anyway, or spoil that horse of yours with it. And it isn’t as if I am not amply rewarded for the time you have taken to teach Josh and CeCe."
"But, Mrs. Potter, you already supply a fee for my services." Ezra hadn’t asked for much in the way of pay, knowing full well that the mother’s of the children he taught could not afford much. And it was something he enjoyed doing. Being paid for teaching was simply gratis, not the reason he did it.
She snorted in an unladylike manner, before rolling her eyes. "The pittance you receive is hardly enough to compensate for you time, Mr. Standish." She patted his hand again. "We both know that."
Ezra tried once more to hand to her the coin he’d freed from his pocket. It wasn’t right to accept things from her. She had a business to run, and a family to support.
"Really, Mrs. Potter—". The gambler sighed, and stopped speaking when she gave him ‘that look’. Ezra had seen her use it to good effect on her children, but hadn’t considered that it would work just as well on him.
He shook his head. There will be no winning this argument. The only polite thing to do is to simply accept it courteously. "Very well then, Madam. I defer to your wishes in this matter."
"Thank you." She replied, her gracious manner off set only slightly by the twinkle of good humor in her eyes, and a small smirk.
Ezra captured her hand, and raised it, bowing slightly so he could place a kiss on her knuckles. "Until tomorrow, Fair Lady."
Mrs. Potter blushed, and made a shooing motion with her hand. "Off with you. I’m sure you have somewhere you need to be."
Indeed I do. Ezra tipped his hat, and headed outside. Vin is waiting. That thought usually inspired an eager anticipation. Today, his anticipation was tempered with uncertainty. He wasn’t sure just what Vin would have to say when he arrived. And he couldn’t even judge the possible outcomes. The unknown made Ezra nervous. He hated walking into any situation blind.
Ezra ducked into nearby alley, and made is way to the saloon using the back street. He didn’t care to speak to anyone, and had learned early in his stay at Four Corners, very few people felt the need to utilize the side streets. Ezra realized the ability to avoid people when he wanted to do so was another thing he and Vin had in common.
Ezra slipped silently up the back stairs to his room. He deftly picked the lock in only a few seconds, but did not enter immediately. Instead, Ezra tapped quietly on the door, using two taps, a pause, and then two more, to let his lover know it was him. Both of them knew it was a bad idea to surprise the other. Ezra chuckled softly. Yet another thing he and I have in common.
He stepped in the room, closing the door quietly behind him. He was not at all put off to find Vin sitting comfortably on his bed, pointing his mare’s leg toward the door. Even knowing he’d announced himself, Ezra knew Vin would still be cautious. It was an attitude Ezra found heartening. He wanted his lover to be around a long, long time. And Ezra firmly believed the only way a man could guarantee his survival was to be cautious, and to never assume.
He grinned at the tracker, gold pre-molar glinting in the afternoon light. "Expecting someone else?" His voice was light, teasing, as he raised one hand in a graceful move to point toward Vin’s gun.
Vin half-smiled, his expression just a bit sheepish. "Sorry, Ez. Know I should quit doin’ that."
"No." Ezra said firmly. "You should not."
Vin lowered his gun to the floor, with a faintly startled look. "I shouldn’t?"
Ezra stepped further into the room. "It is always best to be prepared. I may not have been alone. Or, it may not have been me at all."
Vin nodded, but still looked a bit uncertain. "Don’t seem right to be pointing a gun at you. ‘Specially you."
Ezra felt a nice warm glow flow through him hearing Vin’s words. He smiled gently. "Were you planning on shooting me?"
Vin looked appalled, horrified. "I wasn’t gonna shoot you!"
"I know." Ezra said gently. He made a point of making eye contact, holding Vin’s sky blue eyes with his jade green counterparts. "Knowing that, is why seeing your gun pointed in my direction, does not bother me."
Ezra casually tossed his hat on the dresser, and removed his jacket. He continued speaking as he undid the derringer rig that encircled his right forearm, and placed it next to his hat. "I would rather have you be ready for trouble than to see you caught unawares. A habit of a lifetime, one that ensures your life proves to be a long one, is not something I would ask you to alter. Nor is it one I would ever be offended by."
Vin shook his head, a crooked smile warming his features. "Have I told you that you aren’t like anyone else?"
Ezra raised a hand to rub thoughtfully at his chin. "I do believe variations of that particular sentiment have been bandied about many times." He grinned, dimples flashing. "But really, if one is going to be like everyone else, why bother getting out of bed? You would just see yourself coming and going."
Vin laughed quietly. It was a sound Ezra loved to hear. Vin held out a hand, and Ezra moved forward to take it. His lover pulled him down to sit on the bed, and then leaned in for a kiss.
"Love you, Ez." Vin whispered against his lips before kissing him leisurely, tongues dueling for supremacy. Ezra let Vin win, enjoying the contact, allowing the kiss to deepen. He was always amazed by how soft and warm Vin’s lips were. He was convinced that there was magic in the quiet man’s touch.
Vin pulled away, blue eyes searching Ezra’s face, a touch of worry in his expression. He raised a hand to gently caress Ezra’s cheek. "You okay?"
Ezra knew Vin was asking about Maude’s letter. He sighed softly, rubbing his cheek against Vin’s hand, grateful that this conversation was starting at a place he could handle. I should have known that would be his first concern.
"Yes. I’m fine." He smiled wanly, knowing such a simple answer would not satisfy his lover. Ezra sighed again, and sat back slightly so he could face Vin easily. "It is not the first such missive she has sent to me. And I am not naïve enough to believe it will be the last."
Vin frowned. "She send…missives to you a lot?"
Ezra smiled slightly at Vin’s hesitation over the word ‘missive’. Another word I am certain he will not forget. "No. She has never written much." Ezra shrugged one shoulder. "Counting this letter, Mother has written to me just four times since my stay in Four Corners."
Ezra thought about what he had just said. Hmm…Four times in a little over a year. It should break down to one letter every four months or so. Except that this is the first one in nearly six months. Of course, that does not include her two disastrous visits to this humble little hamlet. Funny thing…I’ve seen and heard from her more in the past year than I did any other year in my life.
Ezra frowned, eyebrows pulling together as he considered that thought. A truly sad state of affairs…I cannot seem to determine if such frequent communication with my mother is a good thing or not. It should be such an easy thing to assess. I mean, a man should not dread contact with his mother. But then most men do not have the pleasure of a mother like mine.
For a moment, the earlier feeling of envy regarding Buck’s mother was back. Ezra had no doubts that the fun-loving cowboy would give his right arm to spend one more day with his mother. As would JD, and I suspect, so would Vin. Truly, most of our group speaks highly of their mothers. It is indeed ironic, as the only member of our little band with a my mother still among the living, that I should feel so ambivalent about receiving attention from her.
He felt Vin shake his shoulder. The tracker’s expression was faintly anxious. "You still with me, Ez?"
"I’m here." Ezra shook his head, trying to dispel his thoughts. He hadn’t meant to worry Vin by being quiet for so long. "Just gathering wool."
Vin still looked concerned. "There more to what she wrote than you said at lunch? Somethin’ you ain’t telling me?"
"Not really."
Vin raised an eyebrow. "Not really? Ain’t the same as saying no, Ez."
Ezra snorted and gave his lover a reproving look. "You know, there are days when I regret ever telling you that I have never lied to you. You pay far more attention to what I say and how I say it."
Vin smiled slightly. "I know." He lightly caressed Ezra’s cheek. "But I always listened ta ya. Even ‘fore then." Vin leaned in again, and placed a chaste kiss on Ezra’s lips. He pulled away before Ezra had the chance to make more of that kiss.
"Just didn’t always hear what ya said. Leastwise not like I do now. I’m sorry ‘bout that."
The honest sincerity in Vin’s apology amazed Ezra. Unbelievable. The man actually apologized for letting me mislead him!! Truly, Vin Tanner is one of a kind.
"There is no reason for you to be sorry, Vin." Ezra reached out and hugged his lover fiercely to him. "I should not continue to be so evasive. The habit of a lifetime takes some effort to undo." The last bit was the only excuse he had to offer. He didn’t mean to dance around answering Vin’s questions.
Vin held him tightly, hands moving in a soothing gesture down Ezra’s back. He whispered in Ezra’s ear. "Figure you’re habit with words is a bit like me with my gun."
Vin patted the gambler’s back lightly, easily communicating that no harm had been done. "If it keeps ya safe, I don’t mind. And I know you ain’t lying. Yer just makin’ me work a little harder for the answers."
Ezra couldn’t help but laugh. He pulled back enough to rest his forehead against Vin’s. "You are like no one else. A genuine, rare treasure."
Vin grinned, a brief flash of amusement. "What was it you said ‘bout bein’ like everybody else?" His expression turned sly. "Ya figure this means I can keep getting outta bed?"
"Oh most definitely." Ezra laughed again. "Most definitely."
Vin watched Ezra for a moment. "So what else did she have ta say?"
Like a dog with a bone. Not that I expected any less. It is time I break this habit of mine. Vin deserves better. Ezra sighed softly. "She included her usual recriminations about wasting my talents in this, and I quote, ‘god-forsaken duty excuse of a town’."
He was careful to keep his voice neutral. There was no reason for Vin to know how much it hurt that is mother thought so little of what he did here. She repeatedly belittled his working as a peacekeeper, finding the idea of her son masquerading as a law-abiding citizen positively ludicrous. And she spoke about the men he worked with in much the same way. Definitely not something that bears repeating. Telling Vin would merely add fuel to the fire.
"She also went on at length about why I should leave here, and head for greener pastures."
Vin pursed his lips, blue eyes readily giving away the fact that he was angry. "She think she’s got greener pastures ta offer ya?" Despite the softness of Vin’s voice it easily relayed his harsh disbelief.
Ezra smiled tightly. "Not for me, necessarily. My benefiting from any endeavor on her part would simply be a side bonus as far as Mother is concerned." Ezra chuckled, but the sound lacked real humor.
He smiled wryly. "You must understand, Vin, Mother has always had designs on living a better life. One of wealth and influence, position and power. I am fairly certain that since she desires such things so strongly, she believes promising me the same, would provide more than ample inducement for me to follow her."
Ezra looked away, ashamed of what he was about to admit to, but feeling the need to come clean with Vin just the same. He cleared his throat. "There was a time when she might well have been right."
"I doubt that was ever the case." Vin said quietly. He placed a knuckle under Ezra’s chin, and gently forced Ezra to look at him. Blue eyes were warm, and offered easily visible acceptance. "And even if it was, I know it ain’t any more."
It wasn’t really a question, but Ezra felt the need to affirm Vin’s statement. "No. Not any longer." He smiled. "I have found something far more valuable."
Vin smiled as well, and nodded, apparently satisfied. "Good." Vin took a breath, and bit his lower lip. "You said at lunch ya plan ta tell her no."
That also wasn’t really a question, but Ezra nodded anyway. "I will be issuing my negative response to her request as soon as possible. Although, my reply may take awhile to reach her, given her current location."
"Which is where?"
Ezra raised an eyebrow, momentarily caught off guard by the tone in Vin’s voice. It wasn’t hostile, more wary and concerned than anything else, but definitely insistent. It was as close as Vin had ever come to outright demanding a straight answer. Ezra knew when Vin shifted slightly, and looked uncomfortable, that Vin must have read more in his hesitation than Ezra intended.
"Ain’t plannin’ ta hunt her down if that what yer thinkin’." Although, Vin really hadn’t moved much, Ezra was aware that his lover was on the defensive. To a man who made his living reading other people, Vin’s barely imperceptible shift in weight, and expression, all but screamed his current state of mind.
Ezra placed one finger against Vin’s lips when the other man would have spoken again halting his words before he could even begin. Ezra smiled gently. "Rest assured, I do not fear your leaving to extract retribution. You are a better man than that, Vin Tanner. You are not the sort who would commit cold-blooded murder, or inflict harm on another with malicious aforethought. About that, I have never had a doubt."
Vin flushed, dropping his gaze, and looking endearing like a little boy. Ezra grasped he was not the only one who was unused to receiving compliments. He shook his head, realizing that thought was for another time. He refocused his thoughts on the issue at hand.
"And while I confess I have worried as to the outcome, should you and my mother ever encounter one another unexpectedly, I know you too well to think you would ‘hunt her down’. My hesitation was not due to thinking you might wish to cause her harm." He removed his finger, letting it caress Vin’s lower lip before traveling upward across his cheekbone, still smiling gently, trying to convey his feelings of love and trust, in case his words had failed to do so.
Ezra decided an explanation was in order. He didn’t want Vin to think he’d been trying to evade his question. "I was, simply put, caught off guard by your question. That does not mean I doubted you or intended to refuse to answer. I needed a moment to collect myself, nothing more."
Ezra took a deep breath and let it out slowly before speaking again, organizing his thoughts. He regarded Vin steadily. "Now then, since it is firmly established that you do not wish to engage in a destructive rampage, why don’t you tell me why you wanted to ascertain her whereabouts? It is obviously important to you." I’ll get to where she is after we’ve cleared up this little misunderstanding. One thing at a time.
"I was jus’….well… thing is…" Vin sighed, and tried again. "I figure if she’s gonna show up any time soon it would be best to be prepared."
Ezra nodded, readily understanding where Vin was coming from. Maude’s earlier visits had been disruptive to say the least. And given what the Vin and the others now knew of his upbringing, Ezra could easily see another visit by her being even more unsettling. The only problem with this line of reasoning is that I have yet to determine how one should prepare for a visit from my mother.
"Yes, I suppose battening down the hatches would be a wise course of action." He murmured, speaking more to himself than Vin, silently likening a visit from Maude to riding out a hurricane. He considered another option, unaware that he spoke it aloud. "Either that or make a run for the hills."
Vin captured both of Ezra’s wrists, his grip tight, blue eyes fierce. "You wanna go, you let me know first. Won’t take me five minutes ta be ready. You don’t run without me. Ya hear?" Vin shook him, emphasizing his point.
Damn. I really must remember to maintain a tighter rein on my tongue in the future. "I wouldn’t dream of leaving without you." Ezra answered honestly. He had no intention of willingly leaving Vin, now or ever.
Ezra’s voice was solemn as he continued, making it clear he meant what he said. "You have my word, Vin. I will not flee without waiting for you to join me."
"Good." Vin squeezed his wrists once before letting go, and relaxing back against the headboard. Vin still looked a bit pensive. "Ya think she’ll come here when ya tell her no? I don’t want her hurtin’ you again. Harder for her ta do that from a distance."
Ezra recognized Vin’s worry for him as the heart of the matter. The earlier warm glow Ezra had experienced was back. Amazing. I wonder if I will ever get used to this. I sincerely hope not. Having someone care about my well-being is not something I intend to ever take for granted.
Ezra paused as he gave Vin’s question and concern serious thought, wanting to give the matter the attention it deserved. He ran his tongue over his lower lip as he thought through the possible alternatives, weighing the odds carefully. "For the moment, I do not think Mother will be gracing us with her presence."
"Ya sure?"
Ezra shrugged, his expression rueful. "With Mother one can never be certain of anything. But from the tone of her letter, I expect she is already firmly embroiled in her latest con. Far too engaged with it to pay Four Corners a visit any time soon. Particularly when one considers the distance between here and Denver."
Vin frowned, brows pulling together slightly. "Denver? Hunh." He was clearly not entirely pleased with what Ezra had said. "Still too damn close if ya ask me."
"Perhaps." Ezra kept himself from smiling. I have the feeling Vin might well think anywhere west of the Mississippi is too close. Still it would be best to assure him that Denver is more than far enough.
"Getting here would be an arduous undertaking, one that I seriously doubt Mother would consider. Certainly, not without being in dire straits." Ezra honestly couldn’t envision Maude making a pilgrimage to Four Corners for anything less. He sent a silently plea heaven ward that his Mother not be in such a position any time soon. In part because he did care for her and about her, and in part, because he still thought time might help cool Vin’s anger.
"Dire?" Vin raised both eyebrows. "That means what ‘xactly?"
"Very bad. Terrible." Ezra clarified. "In Mother’s case, that might well translate into mortal peril."
Vin nodded as he moved a hand to entwine his fingers with Ezra’s. His thumb caressed Ezra’s palm. Ezra felt himself relaxing under Vin’s touch. He hadn’t even realized he was tense until Vin began his gentle massage.
"So…as long as everything she’s plannin’ goes okay, you don’t think she’ll come here?"
"That is my best guess." He turned his free hand palm up as though weighing something, trying to envision all the options he’d considered, balancing one against another. "Based on past experience, she would have no reason to otherwise." Ezra paused, before admitting, "Not that I’ve ever truly understood the reasons for anything she does. Nor have I been entirely accurate in predicting her behavior in the past."
"An’ she’ll take no for an answer?" Vin looked up from their joined hands when he asked this.
Ezra shrugged, with nonchalance that was only slightly forced. "She will simply have to." He smiled, dimples appearing, feeling his mood lighten considerably even as he thought about his next words. "I know longer dance to her tune." Nor will I ever again. For better or worse, I am my own man now. Or rather, I am Vin’s.
"Yeah?" Vin grinned.
"Oh most definitely." Ezra winked at Vin, leaning in closer. He let his body language and eyes speak for him, subtly altering the mood as he did so. "I much prefer the music you and I make."
Ezra captured Vin’s lips in kiss. He started out light, almost teasing, tracing Vin’s lower lip with his tongue, nibbling gently, asking for permission to enter. Vin granted him entry with a soft sigh, and Ezra delved deeply into that well loved grotto, tracing over familiar territory. Vin had not relinquished his hold on right Ezra’s hand, but that didn’t keep the gambler from using his free hand to cup the growing hardness between Vin’s legs. Ezra kept his touch gentle; knowing that feather-light, teasing contact would arouse Vin faster than anything else.
Vin arched into his touch, and sighed. Ezra delighted in that soft sound of pleasure his touch elicited from Vin. Vin was never loud, but he was definitely vocal. Ezra had made a point of using the soft sighs, moans, whimpers, and nearly silent pleas as a definitive guide for ensuring his lover’s pleasure. It made him feel good to make Vin feel good.
Vin released his hand and wrapped both arms around Ezra, pulling him closer. With a hard thrust of his hips and smooth roll, Vin moved to pin Ezra under him. The tracker pulled his lips away, blue eyes dancing as they met green.
"You gonna give me another lesson, Teach?"
Ezra chucked at the use of that name. When they had first become lovers, Vin had possessed very little experience in the physical aspect of a relationship. His innate shy nature made it difficult for Vin to capitalize on his good looks, despite the many offers that had come his way. So while not entirely an innocent, Vin was by no means what one would call an accomplished lover, and he had absolutely no experience when it came to men. Ezra had been only too happy to share the knowledge and experience he’d garnered, taking the time to introduce his lover to the all the pleasures to be had. Those lessons were something both men enjoyed immensely.
Ezra started to respond, only to have his breath escaped in a gasp of pleasure when Vin lowered his head to nibble at Ezra’s neck. Ezra closed his eyes, and tilted his head back to give Vin greater access. Vin took advantage of Ezra’s move to work his way further down his neck. Lips, tongue, and teeth worked together, making it hard for Ezra to concentrate on anything other than the feel of his lover.
Ezra took a deep breath, and tried again to speak. "I believe you may…have something to…teach me, Vin." He shivered when Vin’s tongue traced a path along the tendon at the side of his neck, not stopping until he was just beneath Ezra’s ear. Ezra couldn’t contain the soft moan of pleasure when Vin sucked on his ear lobe, and then blew across it.
Vin’s hands were busy with the buttons of Ezra’s shirt. Ezra tried to return the favor and undo Vin’s shirt, but Vin kept distracting him with his tongue, or slapping his hands away. The tracker seemed determined to strip Ezra first. He decided it didn’t matter who lost their clothing first, just as long as they were both naked and soon.
Vin unbuckled his shoulder harness, and Ezra sat up enough to make removing the rig easier. He tried not to wear his gun belt when teaching the children, preferring to wear the less visible guns he owned. He didn’t want to bring such a blatant indicator of violence with him into the classroom. The children were exposed to it enough just living in Four Corners. And despite knowing it was foolish to think simply not wearing a gun belt would be sufficient, Ezra still wanted to foster the illusion that the classroom was a place of safety.
Vin shifted his weight, reaching to hang Ezra’s gun from the bedpost where it could be easily reached if needed. Ezra took advantage of Vin’s movement and swiftly undid the buttons of his lover’s shirt, shoving it of his shoulders, and trapping his hands. Ezra grinned wickedly when Vin shot him a dirty look.
"My turn." Ezra leaned forward to flick his tongue across one of Vin’s already hardened nipples. Vin shuddered, whispering Ezra’s name in one long sigh. Ezra divided his attention between first one and then the other, teasing Vin with little licks, and the gentle application of his teeth, while his hands caressed Vin’s back.
Vin freed his hands, throwing his shirt behind him, and pushed Ezra down on the bed with throaty growl. The tracker captured his lips in a kiss that was almost bruising in its passion. He ran his fingers through Ezra’s hair, tilting his head for a better angle, and making the gambler want to purr in response to his touch.
If asked about it later, Ezra was sure he couldn’t really answer just how they came to lose all their clothing so quickly. It didn’t seem possible they could actually undress since neither of them were willing to let go of the other for very long. He was vaguely aware of skin being revealed, and having much attention paid to each inch as it became visible. But he was far too lost in the sensations, both those he felt and the ones he wanted to create, to really pay any more attention. Ezra didn’t care that his clothing was scattered around the room, or left lying in a heap on the floor. Blessedly naked, skin-to-skin, made how they came to be that way an unimportant detail.
Ezra’s hands skimmed over Vin’s back, enjoying the feel of his skin. For someone who led such a rough, unsheltered life, Vin’s skin was amazingly soft and smooth. It reminded Ezra of the feel of satin. Full body contact was wonderful even when they did nothing more than sleep cuddled up with one another.
As usual, in moments like these, Ezra found himself murmuring in French. Much of what he said was simply words of endearment. Nonsense really, not even full sentences, but because he utilized words to express himself so often, he couldn’t seem to stay silent. His lover on the other hand, while vocal, rarely spoke, expressing his feelings of love and passion easily with his actions. Despite their different modes of expression, or perhaps because of them, both understood the other.
Ezra wiggled, trying to reach the bedside stand, and the tin of lubricant that it held. Vin captured his hand, long fingers encircling his wrist, and moved it to where he could hold it trapped above Ezra’s head. He caught Ezra’s other wrist as well, pinning it with the first.
Vin shook his head at Ezra. "My turn, Teach."
Ezra could have broken Vin’s grip if he wanted to. Vin wasn’t really holding him tightly, his fingers only loosely wrapped around Ezra’s wrists. The gambler looked up at his lover, green eyes bright with love, and trust. He’d already decided earlier to let Vin lead, willing to follow wherever he chose to take them.
"Your turn." He agreed, his voice a hoarse whisper.
Vin dropped his head to nuzzle the spot where Ezra’s shoulder and neck joined. He drifted lower, until he found a spot above Ezra’s heart. Vin sucked hard, and applied his teeth with enough force to leave a light bruise. Ezra arched his back, welcoming that brand. The tracker made a point of marking him where no one else could see, and Ezra always sported at least one love bite. The gambler didn’t mind. He liked wearing Vin’s mark.
Vin released his hold on Ezra’s wrists, his hands moving to cup Ezra’s face. His gaze was so direct and intense, Ezra found it hard to breath. The love shining in those beloved blue eyes took his breath away.
Vin kissed him deeply, sweetly. Ezra basked in the emotions it conveyed. Before meeting Vin, he had never been aware of just how expressive one man could be without ever saying a single word. Even after three months, Ezra still found it an awe-inspiring thing.
Vin’s eyes met his again. "I want you ta take me."
Ezra felt his eyes widened in surprise. Until now, he hadn’t broached that issue, not wanting to force his lover into anything he didn’t want to do. He had introduced Vin to the pleasure that could be had using just his fingers. And had tried to convey just how much he enjoyed being on the receiving end of Vin’s hard thrusts, how much he delighted in being filled by Vin. But he had planned not to push Vin to reciprocate. He was willing to wait for Vin to ask for more, and perfectly content with their relationship as it stood, if Vin never asked.
Well, the man has asked. Ezra licked his lips, and swallowed hard. "Sure?"
"Positive." Vin answered, a small half-smile on his face, blue eyes warm. "Been wantin’ ta know."
"Know?" Ezra shook his head, dismayed by his ability to speak more than one word at a time. At this rate he’d be completely speechless in short order. Focus, Ezra. Focus.
"Yeah." Vin sighed softly, using his knuckle to caress Ezra’s cheekbone. "Wanna know how it feels." A faint blush rose to color Vin’s cheeks. "You always seem ta like it."
Ezra smiled. "I do indeed." He did not want Vin to have any doubts on that score. "I more than like it. I love it."
"Good." Vin nodded, grinning. "Then it’s about damn time, I find out fer myself what its like."
Ezra captured Vin’s lips with his own, wanting to taste his smile. He cupped Vin’s face with both hands, tilting his head before placing a kiss on his forehead. The gesture was almost one of benediction.
Ezra was struck again by the beauty of the man before him, and just how lucky he was to be given the opportunity to be a part of his life. He opened his mouth to speak, but struggled to find the words. Trying again, he finally managed to get out, "We need to change positions a bit."
The tracker nodded eagerly, and rolled off Ezra. His expression was one of excited anticipation. Ezra was reminded anew that Vin really wasn’t much older than JD. He conveniently over looked the fact that his own age wasn’t that far off either.
"Roll over."
Vin frowned. "Why?"
"It will be easier that way." Ezra said gently.
Vin raised an eyebrow. "But when I…when you…" Vin shook his head, his blush deeper than before. He looked away and then back, expression resolute. "Always took you face ta face." He finally managed to get out.
"I know." Ezra could feel the faint leer that tugged at his lips. "But that way requires a certain amount of…flexibility. Not too mention familiarity with one’s limits."
"I wanna see yer face." Vin insisted, a faint, but definite pout forming around his mouth.
Ezra shook his head. He would not give in on this no matter how cute his lover looked at the moment. "Next time. I don’t want to hurt you, Cheri." Ezra had recently taken to using the endearment as something of a pet name for Vin when they were alone.
Vin sighed, understanding that Ezra would not back down. He rolled over, rising up on his hands and knees. He looked over his shoulder, and wiggled his ass invitingly. Ezra took a shaky breath, and struggled to control himself. He lightly spanked Vin’s ass. "Behave."
Vin chuckled, and tossed him a saucy wink over his shoulder. "Make me."
Ezra shook his head, smiling a little at Vin’s taunt. I may well make you before I’m done. He reached for the tin he tried to grasp earlier. He used his fingers to gently prepare Vin, trying not to be rushed or distracted by Vin’s occasional whimper of pleasure or the little shimmy his lover did each time he withdrew. He kept his movements slow, drawing out Vin’s pleasure, refusing to let his lover hurry the pace, and making him wait.
"Please…God, Ez…please." Vin bowed his head, his arms shaking, breathe coming in harsh pants. His cock was so hard it was touching his belly, leaving trails of pre-come with every move he made. He rocked himself back on Ezra’s fingers, but each time he tried to speed things along, Ezra simply stopped moving.
"God…Please, Ez…yes." Vin’s last word came out in one long sigh as Ezra used his middle finger to brush Vin’s prostate just enough to enhance his pleasure but not enough to let him come.
Figuring he’d teased Vin enough that his lover was more than ready, Ezra slid in behind him, having already coated his dick with lube. He took a deep breath, and then another, shaking with the effort to not let go and just nail Vin to the mattress. Control yourself. You are not some mindless animal in heat. He wanted this to be good for Vin, that meant taking his time, and not shooting off too soon.
He breached Vin’s opening, and forced himself to hold still, when he heard Vin’s gasp, and felt him tense. His hands roamed soothingly over Vin’s back, before moving to caress his chest and belly. "Easy. Easy. It is all right. Relax, Sweetheart." He murmured, and then shook his head realizing he was not speaking English.
Ezra spoke again, making sure he was understood this time. "It’s okay. Just…take your time. Relax. That’s it. Easy now."
"I’m…okay." Vin panted.
Ezra still waited, almost trembling with the effort it took to remain still. He briefly considered pulling out. Unsure of his ability to control himself, Ezra whispered hoarsely "Don’t want to hurt you, Vin. Please…don’t let me hurt you."
Vin reached up, grabbed Ezra’s forearm, holding it against his chest, and keeping Ezra from withdrawing. He moved back slightly, wiggling just a bit. "More. Want more. I’m ready."
Ezra rolled his hips forward, entering his lover a little bit at a time, pausing to let Vin adjust, until he was all the way in. Ezra took a shuddering breath, and clung to Vin, arms wrapped around him, holding tightly. God…so good…so warm…tight. Sweet Jesus…never thought it would be this good. Never even dreamed it could be.
"You okay?" He had to know. It wasn’t enough for it just to be good for him. It meant nothing if Vin wasn’t sharing in his pleasure.
Vin moaned softly, still breathing hard, but he was no longer tense. "Didn’t know it…would feel…this good. Ya never said it would…be so…right…God…Ez, I ain’t got words." Vin pulled Ezra’s hand to his lips and placed a warm, tender kiss in his palm, conveying with that action all the things he couldn’t say.
Ezra smiled, and kissed one shoulder, heartened by Vin’s answer. "It will be better." He whispered a soft promise as he nuzzled Vin’s ear.
Ezra began to thrust, slowly after first, barely moving. His free hand as busy caressing Vin’s wonderfully sensitive nipples, rolling them between his fingers, smiling when Vin sighed out his enjoyment making it sound like a rumbling purr. Ezra nibbled at Vin’s ear before moving to the back of his neck, seeking that spot that always made his lover weak in the knees. Vin’s quiver let him know he’d found it.
Ezra increased the speed and depth of his stroke. Vin released Ezra’s hand to brace himself on the headboard, sitting back more, heightening the pleasure for both of them when he did. Ezra let one hand ghost down Vin’s chest and abdomen, reaching for his rock hard cock. He began to jack it in time with his thrusts.
Vin began to rock up and down, using his thighs to help him ride Ezra, effortlessly matching each move Ezra made. The gambler could feel himself spiraling higher. He closed his eyes, and breathed in Vin’s intoxicating scent. He’d never been able to totally define it, but Vin’s scent reminded him of wind that blew off the orchard his Uncle Malcolm had planted near his house. The air was always fresh, almost sweet, tasting of the promise of good things to come.
He let himself revel in the feel of Vin’s skin against his. Ezra felt like all his nerve endings were responding to the briefest contact, making his skin tingle. He couldn’t help responding to the wonderful sensations, sighing softly, and tightening his hold on Vin, trying to get even closer.
So lost was he in his own building climax, Ezra almost missed the slight tremors, and hitch in his breathing that heralded Vin’s. Vin shifted his weight back until he was all but sitting in Ezra’s lap. The tracker groaned, and tipped his head back to rest it on Ezra’s shoulder, his whole body tensing so hard he was almost vibrating. The corresponding internal contractions brought Ezra to completion only seconds after Vin.
Ezra had been only vaguely aware of Vin’s clenched jaw as his lover did his best not to howl out in ecstasy, releasing it as a hiss through clenched teeth. The gambler, for his part, had bitten Vin’s shoulder trying to contain his own cries, knowing it was important that they not be heard. He was sure his effort to remain silent would leave a mark.
It took several minutes for Ezra to get his breathing back under control. He felt weightless, and incredibly heavy at the same time. His thoughts seemed to free float, like a butterfly, fluttering aimlessly. He just felt too good to really work up the effort to concentrate.
Vin’s soft sigh broke Ezra from his reverie. He tilted his head to rest it against Vin’s. "You okay, Cheri?" He asked quietly.
"Hmm? Oh…yeah." Vin turned his head to nuzzle Ezra’s temple. His breathing still a bit unsteady, his words were barely audible, little more than a throaty whisper. "Never felt better in my life."
Ezra chuckled, pleased to know Vin felt the same way he did. "Good."
Vin shifted, pulling away. Ezra’s now lax member slipped free, and he felt a moment of loss, already missing being so connected to his lover. Vin stretched, almost catlike in his graceful movements. The tracker lay down with the same fluid grace with which he did most everything, curling up on his side almost immediately.
Ezra smiled, pleased that Vin didn’t seem to be suffering from any ill affects from their recent activity. He cocked his head to one side, studying his lover. Vin’s eyes were heavy lidded, barely open. Ezra knew if left on his own, the former bounty hunter would be asleep soon.
Vin held out a hand, offering it to Ezra. "C’mon, Ez. Lay down." Vin sighed. "Don’t wanna take a nap by myself. Hate sleepin’ alone."
Ezra held his hand, bringing it to his lips, kissing Vin’s knuckles. "Let me just clean us up a bit. Otherwise we might end up stuck together permanently."
"Wouldn’t be a bad thing." Vin murmured, a half smile blossoming on his face.
Ezra laughed, suddenly imagining what a stir that would cause in Four Corners. "Perhaps. However, I do not think this town would survive the gossip such an event would likely cause."
He released Vin’s hand, and slid out of bed. After such a mind-blowing orgasm, it took him a moment to find his balance. Lord. I feel as uncoordinated as a newborn foal.
Once he was steady on his feet, he retrieved the hand towel from the washstand and cleaned them both up. Vin’s hooded eyes followed his every move. Ezra had no doubt that his lover was staying awake, waiting until he joined him, before giving into the overwhelming lassitude he had to be feeling. Ezra snuggled in next to Vin, throwing the towel in the general areas of where it came from. I’ll take care of that later.
Because neither of them were likely to be missed until suppertime, it wasn’t uncommon for Vin and Ezra to wile away the afternoons together. Ezra sighed as Vin pulled him closer, relaxing into that warm, comforting hold. Many an afternoon was spent just like this…wrapped up in each other, sometimes napping after a bout of love making, sometimes just curled up while Ezra read aloud to Vin. Other days they rode out of town, Vin teaching Ezra a bit about tracking, or showing him a bit about the beauty of the area.
Ezra would be awake in an hour or two. Time enough to clean himself up, and be presentable, so that he could play poker until his shift started around midnight. Vin would be up in the same amount of time, or less. He would spend several hours discretely watching Ezra’s back before returning to spend the rest of the night in Ezra’s bed. For the moment, both men were content to just enjoy being close to one another.
"Love you, Ez."
"And I you, Vin."
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