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Learning to Improvise…
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Vin was tempted to ask for clarification, finding he didn’t care for the euphemism, but held his tongue. I know what he means, and I know Ez does too. But it just seems like beatin’ ‘round the bush. Think I liked the way Buck phrased it better when he asked us how long we’d been lovers. Seems like that was a more direct question."Approximately three months." Ezra answered, his voice calm, demeanor unruffled. Vin was fairly certain no one else would have noticed what it cost the gambler to sound and act that way.
The healer frowned. "Three months? That’s how long you been together?"
"Yes."
Ezra’s simple, one word answer seemed to surprise Nathan. Never let it be said Ez can’t be brief when he wants ta be. Vin hid the smirk that thought caused. Ezra could be verbose, but when it counted the man didn’t bother to mince words. The gambler could be just as direct and to the point as Chris when he needed to be.
Nathan’s eyes darted to Vin then back to Ezra. He took a deep breath before asking, "And this is somethin’ you both wanted?"
Vin’s eyes narrowed, not liking Nathan’s tone, but not sure why. "Meaning?"
"When I was a boy…working on the plantation, the master’s brother, Eric…" Nathan frowned, and looked away. He pursed his lips, and seemed to be trying to decide if he should continue or not.
Nathan cleared this throat. "Master’s brother liked men the way a man usually likes woman. Was married, but that didn’t stop Eric from payin’ a visit to the slave quarters couple o’ times a week. Had him a favorite. Young man named David. Never did anything ta hurt him, leastwise nothing real obvious or would make it impossible for him ta work the field the next day. He made it clear that David wasn’t gonna be allowed to say ‘no’. Made damn sure the rest o’ us couldn’t do anything ta stop it. And it weren’t like anyone would believe a bunch o’ slaves if we said anything."
"And you want to know if the relationship between Mr. Tanner and myself is tainted a similar fashion." Ezra’s tone was decidedly bland, but his eyes were like ice. "You are asking if I am using Vin to satisfy some base need, treating him as David was, some how coercing him into acting against his own nature."
Nathan winced, but squared his shoulders and nodded. "Guess that’s ‘bout the size of it, yeah."
Vin’s hand tightened on his gun. Did it ever occur ta him I might be using Ez? Or that I’d be man enough ta take care o’ myself. Shit. Like I haven’t been takin’ care of myself since I was five years old. Was what Chris thought to. Idiots the both of them. Least Buck gave me more credit than that.
"Did it occur to you that Vin might be using me?" Ezra coolly asked, one eyebrow arched, echoing Vin’s thoughts uncannily.
Nathan shook his head. "He isn’t the type to do that."
"Ah." Ezra nodded sagely. "But I am."
Vin glared at Nathan, offended on Ezra’s behalf. "Ez doesn’t use people like that." He declared flatly, daring Nathan to argue.
Ezra glanced over at him, eyes warming, a faint smile dancing about his lips. "I appreciate that sentiment, Vin, and your support. I do." He turned to focus on Nathan, once again carefully neutral in expression, and voice. "But it is what Mr. Jackson believes that is at issue at the moment."
The healer winced again, his fingers twisting around themselves betraying just how nervous he was. "Ezra, you aren’t at all like I thought you were when we first met. Learned a lot about you since we started riding together, and most of the time, I think we get along pretty well."
Ezra tipped his head. "Most of the time we do."
Nathan smiled slightly, before his expression again became serious. "But…hell sometimes, it’s the way you talk, how you do things…that’s all it takes ta make me forget that you aren’t who I thought you were, and remind me of someone else."
"I can see how that might occur." Ezra’s voice had a strained quality.
Vin shivered, realizing Ezra had good reason to understand just where Nathan was coming from. It hadn’t been all that long ago that Ezra had struggled a similar association between himself and Josiah. Damn shame Nate don’t know that. Might just give them some common ground, but I can’t see Ez wanting to hash all that out again.
Nathan smiled wanly, looking tired, and as old as Vin had ever seen him. "Sometimes I forget, and I get to thinkin’ you might be like them. Memories I just can’t shake, an’ they override my better judgement."
Nathan worried at his lower lip, white teeth bright against his dark skin. "I get to thinking o’ you as a man used to being in a position better’n others, thinkin’ of yourself as being better’n than most folks. And well, a man like that, tends to get whatever it might be that he’s wanting, and sometimes looses sight of how what he does affects others."
"Every once in awhile, I forget how little you really know of me, Mr. Jackson." Ezra chuckled but there was no humor in it. His lips twisted in a wry smile. "You believe it is my upbringing, my social standing as it were, or perhaps my chosen profession predisposes me toward treating other people as simply a means to achieving my own selfish ends?"
This was not the first time Nathan had accused Ezra of something similar. Vin got the impression it hurt then, and it hurt now, to have someone Ezra considered a friend, someone he obviously respected, think so little of him. Vin would dearly love to slap the healer, but waited to see how the man would answer Ezra’s question.
Nathan looked apologetic and embarrassed, but resolute. "Wouldn’t be the first white man I’ve run into that forgot to treat a man as a man. Or got so focused on what he wanted he didn’t care about who he trampled on getting there."
"Ain’t just white men from the south that seem prone ta sellin’ other people short." Vin ground out his tone nearly as sharp as his knife. He could forgive Nathan his past, but not foisting it off on Ezra. Ain’t right.
"I know that." Nathan shifted in his seat, looking guilty. "Told you I don’t have a lot of experience with this."
"That’s no excuse." Vin snarled. "We’ve been ridin’ together for a year, and you can’t judge us any better than that. An’ in case ya missed it, Nate, I’m white too."
Vin waved a hand, physically venting some of his frustration and anger, using the motion to emphasis his point. "Ez is just some evil ‘massa’, and I’m some kind of weak-willed simpleton. That it? That what you really think?"
Nathan flinched, and hung his head. Vin snorted in disgust, not sure how to express the rest of what he was thinking without totally losing his temper. Since when did I become some babe in arms? For crying out loud. Jus’ cause I don’t tell everyone about how often I get laid the way Buck does, or make eyes at women, everyone assumes I’m some kind of virgin. And for that matter, when did Ezra suddenly become some kind of villain? It’s not like he’s ever been type ta treat someone as less than a person. Thought that whole issue with that Chinese girl woulda shown what kind o’ man he was.
Ezra held up one hand, and sent a look toward Vin. It asked him to be patient. Vin nodded reluctantly. He’d hold his tongue. He hadn’t meant to say as much as he had, and he knew giving into the urge to spew his anger wouldn’t help the situation.
"The experience you have, Mr. Jackson, is far from stellar. And hardly representative of the whole range of possibilities." Ezra commented softly, understanding coloring his tone. "It is affecting your perception. And your thinking."
Nathan looked up, sending wary glances toward Vin. "Jus’ wanted to be sure that it was something you both wanted. I mean, it seemed that way from what I’d been noticing lately. You two seemed ta be good for each other. It was like you were a couple, that it was something you both wanted, but I had ta know. Didn’t want it to be like it was for David."
Ezra arched an eyebrow. "Did you honestly believe Vin lacked the wherewithal to terminate our current liaison if he wanted to do so?" One long fingered, elegant hand gestured toward the gun Vin had never let go of. "Or was without the means with which to enforce such a decision?"
Nathan shrugged one shoulder, and shifted uncomfortably. "Not really. But all I had to go on was what happened with David. He was just a kid. Probably only a little younger than JD when it started, and was about Vin’s age when it ended."
Ebony eyes flashed fire. "Master had him whipped when he walked in on David and his brother. Sold him down river the next day. Guess he figured it was David who done lead his brother astray."
Nathan clenched his jaw. "No harm came to Eric. He jus’ walked away scott free. Found himself another boy, and carried on like nothin’ had happened."
Ezra took a breath. "I do understand how the past can color our view of the present. Far better than you might believe, Mr. Jackson."
Ezra sighed softly, green eyes shuddered, face giving away nothing of his thoughts or emotions. "For the situation you have described as your only example…well, then it is hardly surprising that you might harbor a certain amount of suspicion toward my intentions, and hold my actions suspect. It is a noble ambition to attempt to protect someone you consider a friend."
Vin fought the urge to spit. Might have been thinkin’ of me, but Nate sure as hell wasn’t thinking of Ez as his friend. Ain’t any wonder Ez still thinks his place here isn’t secure. Christ on a crutch! How long does he plan ta blame Ez for shit he didn’t do?
Nathan looked relieved, almost earnest. "It wasn’t personal. I mean, it was…but I guess it wasn’t about you, as much as it was about me, if that makes sense."
"It does." The gambler nodded, face still giving away nothing. "As I said before, I understand."
"I’m sorry." Nathan looked apologetic. "I know you ain’t like that, but…well, I’m sorry."
Ezra smiled slightly, and tipped his head, accepting Nathan’s apology. Vin followed suit, but he had every intention of remembering this moment, just as he was sure Ezra would. Forgiven, yes, forgotten, no.
Vin kept an eye on Ezra. He knew the gambler was tired, and quickly reaching the end of his rope. He also knew there was more to it than simply being physically wrung out. Nathan’s words, no matter how innocent or honorable his intent, had done some damage. All the tracker really wanted to do right at this moment was hold Ezra and tell him it didn’t matter what Nathan or anyone else thought. Ezra P. Standish is a good man. It’s not his fault some people are too damn blind to see that.
"You do understand, Mr. Jackson, what is between myself and Vin is not something nefarious or underhanded, yes?" Ezra cocked his head to one side, studying Nathan carefully, measuring the other man. "It is something we have come to openly, honestly, and by mutual agreement. No one is being coerced or blackmailed into anything."
"It sort of looked that way." Nathan nodded, breathing easier. "I’m real glad to hear it is the way it looked. Like I said…what I was seeing didn’t match up with what I knew from before I met up with you guys, but I had to be sure."
"You don’t have a problem with us then? With me and Ez being together?" Vin asked, point blank, wanting to be clear, wanting to move this along and get to the crux of the issue.
Nathan shifted in his seat again. "I don’t know." The healer shrugged. "Still not sure what to think. Ain’t exactly normal."
Vin rolled his eyes. "Like anything ‘bout any of us is what other people call normal."
The healer chuckled. "There is that." He waited a beat. "What did Chris and Buck have to say?"
"And what leads you to believe they know?" Ezra asked softly, eyebrow arched.
Dark eyes steadily regard the conman for several seconds. "Figured that out at lunch the other day. Chris is Vin’s best friend. No way he wouldn’t notice the same stuff I did. And Buck told me ta talk to you when I asked what was going on. Said it wasn’t his place to discuss another man’s business, which means he knows. If he didn’t know, he’d have come right out and said so."
Vin traded a look with Ezra. The gambler shrugged one shoulder before turning back to Nathan. "Mr. Larabee does not see any difficulty in our being together provided it does not interfere with our peacekeeping duties. To date, it has not. Mr. Wilmington is a hopeless romantic. He believes love, no matter what form, should be encouraged and embraced wholeheartedly."
Nathan nodded slowly. He digested that for a moment. "So…who else knows?"
"Counting you…three."
"Three?!" Nathan stared. "You mean you haven’t told the others already?"
"As yet, no."
"Why not?"
"Because we didn’t know how they would take it." Vin stated casually, his tone making it clear he thought he was stating the obvious. "Said yerself, it ain’t normal. Never know which way people might jump when they get face with somethin’ they don’t care ta look at."
"It is not as if we intended to make some formal, public declaration, Mr. Jackson." Ezra smiled sardonically. "The personal aspects of our lives are not fodder for the masses."
"Yeah, I can see that." Nathan nodded slowly. "But the rest of the team…figured you would at least tell them."
"We decided that it would be a more prudent course of action to wait for our compatriots to raise the issue." Ezra made an elegant, meaningless gesture with one hand. "To offer information only when it was asked for. And allow each one to ask whatever question he deemed necessary to arrive at some satisfaction."
Nathan frowned. "Wouldn’t it jus’ be easier to come right out and tell us?"
"Consider for the moment what the outcome would be, if even one of our little troupe was of the opinion that our affaire d'amour were an abomination, or voiced disgust, distrust, or even some minor level of condemnation." Ezra shook his head. "It is unlikely that our current working relationship would continue."
Nathan’s frown deepened. "Why?"
"If Vin and I had chosen to make some sort of declaration to the entire group, it would likely have created a difficult situation. Some finding no cause for concern, and others unwilling or unable to accept us. Such a situation would untenable in our existing work environment. We routinely encounter dangerous predicaments that do not allow for the seven of us to work as anything less than a cohesive unit. Our very survival depends upon our doing so."
"What?"
"Simply put, we must be able to work well together, or we die. We may weather small disagreements, but larger ones could prove to be fatal." Ezra clarified with the self-deprecating smile Vin hated.
"Further cause for concern is how the townspeople would react to even a minor dissention in our ranks. They might not know the reason for it, but there are those who would likely desire to take advantage of such a rift, placing us all in further jeopardy."
Presenting a united front had, on one more than one occasion, been the reason for their succeeding when there were long odds against them. And not everyone in Four Corners was happy with their unconventional law enforcement. More than one person had expressed dissatisfaction at not having a traditional sheriff, finding the idea of the peace being kept by such a motley crew to be less than ideal, no matter how well they did the job.
"So if I had said that I thought you two shouldn’t be doing what you’re doing?" Nathan offered hesitantly, as though thinking through each word. "That it was wrong, unnatural?"
"We’d leave." Vin answered, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
"Leave?" Nathan looked startled. "Wouldn’t be reason for you to do that. Town needs seven men. You could just call it off ‘tween you, and---"
"No." Both Vin and Ezra forcefully interjected, halting Nathan’s words.
The healer blinked. "You’re that serious?"
"Yes." Again they answered in unison.
Nathan sat back, stunned. He looked from Vin to Ezra and back again. "You’re not just foolin’ around like Buck does with his ladies?"
Vin shook his head. "Means more than that, Nate. A lot more. Me and Ez got something special, and we aim ta hang on to it."
"Okay…let me work through this." Nathan rubbed both hands over his face, sitting back in his chair. "You’re happy, right?"
"Yes."
"Quite."
"And you both want this?"
Vin and Ezra nodded together.
"Chris and Buck are okay with it?"
"Yes." Ezra let Vin answer that one. The tracker suspected he did it because Nathan would be more inclined to believe him than the gambler. That suspicion just added to the anger Vin still felt toward Nathan for his earlier transgression.
Nathan paused, clearly thinking things over. He took a breath, and then another. "Okay."
"Okay?" Vin gave Nathan a hard look. "Okay what?"
"I’m agreeing with Chris on this. As long you two being together doesn’t get in the way of doing the job, I’ve got no real reason to object. Don’t interfere with anyone else’s personal life, and by all right I got no call to be messin’ around with yours either."
Nathan sighed heavily. "Was partly why I wasn’t sure if I should even ask. A man should be entitled to some privacy. Never ask Buck about his ladies. Course with him, he usually tells ya before you have a chance to ask. And I don’t get involved with JD and Casey. Never bothered Chris about Mary."
The healer straightened, and faced them both. "You’re both adults, and as Ezra pointed out, more than able ta make your own decisions. If this is something you both want, then it ain’t my place to interfere. And honestly…most of what I’ve noticed, you seem good for each other. You’ve been together for three months, and I haven’t seen where it’s affected anything. Well, other than making my job easier that is." Nathan smiled warmly. "First thing I noticed was that you behave better for each other than you ever did for me."
Vin and Ezra exchanged a look, and a shrug. Pretty sure that ain’t all that gave us away. Have to remember to ask Chris and Buck ta keep an eye on us so we don’t slip up somewhere else.
Nathan took a breath. "So what happens now?"
"We continue as we have." Ezra said. "The only difference is that you are now privy to the fact that Vin and I are engaged in a romantic relationship."
"And you keep this conversation ‘tween us." Vin wanted Nathan to be clear on that point. "Just like Buck and Chris have. This ain’t something anyone else needs to know about less’n they ask us."
Nathan nodded. "I can do that. Not sure I’d know quite what to say anyway."
"Your word, Mr. Jackson?" Ezra held out hand.
Nathan rose, and stepped forward. He shook Ezra’s hand. "My word on it."
He offered his hand to Vin, and the tracker took it after hesitating for a moment. Whatever differences might still lie between them, Vin trusted Nathan to keep his word. Ez was right when he said Nate was an honorable man. Don’t mean I’m not still pissed with him for being stupid, but I trust him ta keep his mouth shut.
"No that we have settled this issue, I would like to return to the comfort of my own domicile. I find myself in need of a long communion with my feather bed." Ezra shifted his weight, and stood. Vin was quick to offer support when Ezra swayed slightly before regaining his balance.
"You okay, Ezra?" Nathan asked, already moving to check for fever, and looking at Ezra’s eyes. "Headache worse? That shoulder bothering you?"
Vin felt some of his resentment and anger toward Nathan lift bit at the healer’s quick response. Guess Ez was right about that too. Got a feeling Nate is just so inta helpin’ people he can’t ignore someone in need. Even though he doesn’t always have his head on straight where Ez is concerned, I never should have doubted he’d do right by him when he’s hurt.
Ezra was not as pleased with the attention. He batted away Nathan’s hand with a frown of annoyance. "I am fine, Mr. Jackson. It has been a trying day, and I would like to retire for the evening."
"You sure you’re feeling okay?"
Ezra sent him an exasperated look. "Did I not just say as much?"
Nathan rolled his eyes. "You’d say you were fine if you were missing a limb. I just want ta make sure you are all right ‘fore you leave. Now, tell me what I want to know, please. I’m just trying to help."
Ezra sighed. "My shoulder hurts, but not excessively so. I have consented to wear this detestable sling just as you insisted."
"And your headache?"
"Nothing a good nights sleep will not cure." Ezra waved a hand in a dismissive gesture.
Nathan nodded. He looked toward Vin. "If that shoulder wound starts bleeding, or if he gets to feeling worse, you come get me." The last came out as more of a request than an order.
Vin nodded, pleased that the healer was starting to realize he’d get further by asking than ordering. "If he needs ya, Nate, I’ll make sure I come get ya."
Nathan smiled, and turned his attention back to Ezra. "I’ll stop by tomorrow morning to take a look at you. Wanna make sure that shoulder heals clean, and check on those stitches."
Ezra grimaced. "Please do not bestir yourself too early in the morn on my account. I would like to allow the rising sun to occur without my being able to personally testify to observance of Helios’ ascension."
Nathan looked confused for a moment. "You sayin’ you don’t want me to show up at sunrise?"
"Yes, Mr. Jackson, that would be exactly what I said." Ezra answered, his voice betraying some of the fatigue he was feeling, as he moved toward the door. Vin was at his side, ready to assist if need be.
He was glad they would be spending the night in Ezra’s room. There wasn’t room on the narrow cot for both of them. And he wasn’t sure how willing Nathan would be to allowing him to sleep curled up with Ezra. Vin was in no mood to quietly accept such a restriction.
Nate said he’s okay with us as long as it don’t affect the job. Don’t mean he’s as open and acceptin’ as Buck. Even if he was okay with it, he’d probably get all bent outta shape about me holdin’ Ez close, what with his shoulder an’ all. Wouldn’t do anything ta cause Ez pain. Ever. Jus’ need ta work my way through bein’ scared ta death that he might have…no, no point in thinkin’ on the might have beens. Just want to focus on what is. Ezra is gonna be okay. He’s alive, and still here with me.
Together, he and Ezra made their way down the stairs. Chris stepped out of the dark livery, as silent as a shadow, meeting up with them at the foot of the stairs. Vin wasn’t surprised to see him. Sort o’ figured it’d be him or Buck hangin’ around here wantin’ to make sure things went okay. Buck probably has the saloon staked out so they’ve got the bases covered. Know we’d show up at one or the other no matter what. Kinda nice ta have them ready ta back us up even though we didn’t ask ‘em to, or need it.
Ezra offered a two-fingered salute to Chris. "Mr. Larabee."
"Ezra." Chris tipped his head toward the gambler in acknowledgement before his eyes shifted to Vin. He lifted an eyebrow, clearly asking if everything had gone all right.
Through the look they traded, Vin let him know everything was fine. They could discuss it in greater detail tomorrow. Right now, it was more important to let Ezra get some rest. The blond gunslinger half smiled, and nodded. He pointed toward the saloon with his chin, and Vin nodded.
Ezra rolled his eyes at their wordless communication. "Honestly, one might think you two were mute."
Chris looked amused before he gave the gambler a once over. "Go get some rest, Ez. You look like you could use it."
Commenting on Ezra’s appearance, no matter how minor, almost guaranteed a response. Ezra opened his mouth to offer what would likely have been some sharp riposte, but was interrupted by a wide yawn. At Chris’ pointed ‘I told you so’ look, Ezra licked one finger and made a movement like he was marking an invisible tally sheet.
"Vin, take him ta his room, and get him settled in." Chris ordered, his voice a mixture of mild concern and amusement. Concern that Ezra hadn’t argued the way he usually did, and amused that he’d finally got one up on the wily conman.
Vin had only moved a step away, following his lover’s move toward the saloon, when Chris called out again. "And Vin?"
"Yeah, Cowboy?" The tracker stopped, looking over his shoulder. Ezra also stopped, half turning toward Chris.
"Buck volunteered ta take your patrol shift tomorrow. No need for you to be up early."
Vin grinned. Leave it to Buck ta know we need some time together. It’ll be real nice ta spend the morning wallowin’ in that feather bed watchin’ Ez sleep. Maybe do more than sleep if he’s feelin’ better by then.
"Tell him thanks for me."
"Will do."
Vin and Ezra slipped into the alley, aiming for the back stairs. They were safely settled into Ezra’s room a few moments later, a locked door shutting out the rest of the world, at least for the moment.
+ + + + + + +
Ezra took a deep breath, and reveled in the moment of well-being that followed. He could feel the smooth skin of Vin’s chest against his cheek, strong arms and legs wrapped around him supplying comfortable warmth that kept the morning chill at bay. He could hear the steady beat of Vin’s heart. He took another breath, and enjoyed the scent of his lover. When Vin’s fingers began to run through his hair, Ezra released the breathed he’d just taken, in one long purr like sigh.
"You awake?" Vin’s voice was whisper soft.
"No." Ezra answered, snuggling in a little closer. Being awake meant getting up and he wasn’t ready to. He could hear, as well as feel, the rumbling chuckled that was Vin’s response.
"Sure sounds like yer awake."
"An illusion." Ezra rubbed his cheek against Vin’s chest; placing a soft kiss near the heart he heard beating. "A dream, perhaps."
"A good dream then." Ezra felt Vin placed a kiss in his hair. He could hear the smile in Vin’s voice even though he couldn’t see it.
"My very own green-eyed gambler. Naked. In a feather bed. I should have me dreams like this more often."
Ezra smiled. He raised his head to see sky blue eyes sparkling with good humor looking back at him. Vin gently cupped Ezra’s face, fingertips brushing against the laceration Nathan stitched the day before. The gambler was fairly certain the bruise that went with it must look rather colorful by now. Vin’s eyes darkened with concern.
"I’m fine." Ezra stated before Vin could ask the question Ezra saw in his expression. "It doesn’t hurt as bad as yesterday."
"But it still hurts?"
"Some." Ezra half smiled. "Less than a truly horrendous hangover. Nothing I can not handle, Cheri."
"You let me know if it gets worse."
Ezra smirked. "You could kiss it, and make it better."
Vin’s lips quirked upward as he fought an answering smile. "I could, could I?"
Ezra pouted, lower lip out enticingly. "You have a gift. A natural talent."
Vin raised an eyebrow. "Kiss it an make it all better, hunh? Might just have ta test that out." Vin very carefully placed a tender kiss against Ezra’s bruised temple. He pulled back enough to make eye contact. "Better?"
Ezra smiled, dimples showing themselves. "Much."
"You got any other hurts you need me to fix?"
Ezra slanted a teasing look from under his lashes. He raised one hand to brush delicately across his lips. "Here."
Vin leaned in and kissed him warmly, thoroughly. Eager tongues challenged each other for dominance, exploring and tasting as they went. Only the need to breath broke them apart. Vin growled low in his throat, dropping his head to nuzzle Ezra’s throat. Ezra tilted his head to give his lover better access. He shuddered when Vin nibbled on his ear lobe.
He moved his hands to roam over the expanse of skin available to him, eager to touch and explore again that warm silken flesh he delighted in. Ezra hissed in pain when an unwise move reminded him of being stabbed in the right shoulder. He immediately regretted not being able to stifle that instinctive reaction, because Vin stopped doing what he’d been doing.
"Ez? You okay?" Vin pulled away, blue eyes worried. "Hell, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean ta--"
"No reason to be sorry, Cheri." Ezra was quick to assure his lover cutting of his apology. "Not your fault. Mine."
Vin snorted. "Like I’m gonna believe that."
Ezra sighed, and lightly slapped Vin’s chest. "I simply forgot my shoulder was not up to our usual activities. My imperfect memory, and foolish actions, are hardly your fault."
Vin rolled them over so Ezra was on his back, careful not to jar his injured shoulder when he executed that maneuver. The tracker supported his weight on his elbows, holding himself up and off of Ezra. Sharp eyes scanned his face, before moving to examine his shoulder wound. The bandage showed no fresh blood.
Ezra cupped Vin’s face with both hands, redirecting his attention. "I’m fine. Truly. No harm has been done."
"Ya sure?" Vin frowned. "Never wanna hurt you, Ez."
"You didn’t." Ezra insisted, touched by Vin’s concern, and angry with himself for causing it in the first place. Stupid, Ezra. You should have known better. He wanted his playful lover back. He wanted to share that physical connection, to touch and be touched. To express his love, and receive it in turn.
Hitting on an idea, Ezra gave Vin a sly, sultry look. His fingers delicately traced Vin’s features, and he let his voice drop an octave when he spoke, coming out husky, needy. "I believe we have successfully located a spot for your lips to work their magic."
Vin swallowed hard. Ezra could read the hesitation, desire warring with indecision. He nibbled at the hollow of Vin’s throat, and began lazily moving his hips, rubbing against Vin, trying to tip the scale in his favor.
"I could just lay here." Ezra offered, voice still husky, hands moving to caress Vin’s chest. "Let you do all the work." He nipped the spot near where Vin’s shoulder met his neck, sucking gently. His finger tips delicately teased Vin’s sensitive nipples, eliciting a moan. "Let you have your wicked way with me."
Vin shuddered. He dove in for a soul-searing kiss, tongue darting in to Ezra’s mouth like he was trying to lick Ezra’s tonsils. Vin’s hands rose to tilt Ezra’s head, changing the angle, deepening the kiss, holding him still while Vin ravaged his mouth.
When they broke apart, both were breathing hard. "You are an evil man, Ezra Standish." Vin panted.
Ezra smiled softly. "Evil, no. Determined, yes."
Vin’s thumb gently traced Ezra’s lower lip, blue eyes focused on green. "Ya sure?"
For an answer, Ezra used the tip of his tongue to lave the pad of Vin’s thumb, sucking it into his mouth, smiled wickedly as he did it. Vin took a deep shuddering breath. The tracker groaned, eyes closing.
"Love me, Cheri." Ezra whispered after he released the digit he’d been sucking on. "Please."
Vin nodded, and opened his eyes. "But we do it my way, Teach."
Ezra grinned, arching an eyebrow. "Your way? And that would be what exactly?"
Vin grinned back, winking. "You let me have my wicked way with you."
Ezra laughed, a delighted peel of amusement. "Oh by all means." He waved one hand in a graceful, inviting gesture.
Vin set about touching and kissing every inch of Ezra’s body. Tongue, teeth, and hands left a trail of fire in their wake. The gambler savored the contact, loosing himself in that beloved touch. There is magic in this man. There has to be.
Ezra slipped into French as he murmured appreciation of what Vin was doing. Offering encouragement and direction even though he knew it wasn’t understood or needed. He was so hard from what Vin was doing that it was almost painful.
Some rational part of his mind spoke up, and reminded him that he wasn’t alone here. That Vin deserved to feel as good as he did at this moment. When he tried to move, to return the favor, Vin capture his hands and pinned the to the bed.
"No." Vin shook his head firmly. "You just be still. Let me love you, Ez."
"But, Cheri, it isn’t right." Ezra insisted.
"What isn’t right?" Vin frowned. He waggled his eyebrows, teasing. "I’m doin’ somethin’ you don’t like?"
"No…not that." Ezra shook his head. There wasn’t anything Vin had ever done that he didn’t enjoy, at least in the bedroom. "It should be pleasurable for both of us. I’m not so selfish that this should be solely about me."
Vin smiled, eyes bright with love and affection. He raised a hand to cup Ezra’s face, caressing his cheekbone. "Sometimes, it’s okay for it to be about you." Vin spoke softly, his voice reassuring and gentle. "Sometimes, it’s all right for you to be selfish. An’ this is one o’ those times."
Vin’s hands moved to travel down Ezra’s chest, paying special attention to those little places that got to him every time. Ezra arched into his touch, unable to not respond. Vin lightly nipped the area near Ezra’s navel.
"Next time…next time it can be about me." Vin looked up, expression open and earnest, his voice still soft and reassuring. "Okay?"
Ezra’s lips quirked upward in a half-smile, and he was again stuck by what an amazing individual his lover was. I will not win this battle. Better to give in gracefully than to wage a pointless war. "If you insist."
"I do." Vin grinned. "No let me get back ta doin’ what I was doin’. You just lay there and enjoy yerself."
"Yes, sir." Ezra’s chuckle became a gasp when Vin lowered his head to engulf Ezra’s cock in his mouth. Vin licked and sucked, treating Ezra’s cock like he would his favorite candy stick. He rested just enough of his weight across Ezra’s hips to keep the gambler from thrusting upward, and gagging him.
Vin had become quite talented at the art of fellatio. And Ezra had every reason to appreciate his skill. The tracker brought him close to the brink once, and then again, backing off before Ezra actually reached his climax.
Ezra opened heavy lidded, dazed eyes, to watch Vin suck his own fingers, making them slick. He moaned, and shuddered. "Merci…now…do it now. Need you…please."
Vin carefully slid his fingers home, into Ezra’s tight, welcoming heat. Ezra slowly writhed, fucking himself on Vin’s fingers, head tipped back, exposing the long column of his throat. He had no idea at that moment just how sexy he looked.
Vin took a deep breath. "You are so beautiful." He breathed out in a harsh whisper, his tone almost reverent. "So incredibly beautiful."
Vin’s free hand had moved to fist himself, moving in time with Ezra hips as the gambler rode his fingers. The tracker tipped his head to let his hair tease Ezra with a feather light, all but insubstantial, yet still wonderful sensation. Vin ran his tongue over the head of Ezra’s cock, before again taking as much as he could.
Ezra let out a one long moan. He rocked back on Vin’s fingers, forcing them deeper inside. He felt Vin reach, and brush his prostate. Tremors of intense pleasure rippled through him like a wave. Vin kept doing it, making each wave more powerful than the last.
God…so…good. Can’t...oh my…oh please. Ezra tried to speak, to tell Vin how good it was, to not stop, to let him come this time, but he couldn’t seem to articulate anything more than whimpers and sighs. And then he was coming so hard he seeing stars.
Ezra had no idea how long it took for him to return to himself. He was floating, enjoying the feeling of being weightless and incredibly heavy at the same time. He was vaguely aware of Vin calling his name. Ezra opened his eyes and smiled into the warm blue eyes of his lover, looking down at him.
"Ezra?"
"Hmmm?" He blinked, sleepy-eyed.
"You okay?"
Okay? Oh my, I’d have to say yes to that. I haven’t felt his good since…well, since yesterday afternoon. Ezra laughed softly, pulling himself out of his thoughts enough to answer Vin’s question.
"Okay? Oh, Cheri, I am so much better than okay." He pulled Vin down for a kiss. "Thank you."
Vin smiled. "Your welcome."
Ezra stretched languidly. He shifted to snuggle into the mattress, more than content to go back to sleep. He held out a hand to Vin. "Would you care to rejoin me in slumber, Cheri? We have time."
"Sure, Ez." Vin hesitated for a moment. "But can we move over a bit?"
Ezra raised one eyebrow in askance. Vin blushed. "Kind a made a bit of a mess."
"Mess?" Ezra raised his head, and then smiled, understanding. His lover had climaxed with him. Good. With a little wiggle, Ezra moved over, making room for Vin to snuggle in close, and avoid the wet spot.
The lanky Texan curled in close, still careful of Ezra’s wounded shoulder. He regarded the bandage for a moment, brows pulled together. "Think I forgot to take care o’ that spot earlier." With an impish grin, Vin leaned in to place a quick kiss atop the bandage. "There…all better."
Ezra laughed again, delighted that Vin was still feeling playful. He hugged his lover to him with one arm, prepared to settle in until Nathan’s promised morning arrival forced him to do otherwise. "Oh indeed, Cheri, much, much better."
THE END
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