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Learning to Improvise…
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Previous chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
The saga continues. If you haven’t read the previous chapters I recommend that you do so. It is not absolutely necessary, but events that occurred in chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 are heavily referred to. As always feed back is actively encouraged. Let me know what you liked or didn’t like. You may reach me at dragon00@chilitech.net.
Size: Approx 283K
Vin Tanner woke without moving. Lifelong habit had him sending out his senses to test his environment for danger, before he gave any obvious signal of having returned to awareness. The scent of lavender and sandalwood were duly noted, and cataloged. The light sound of another person breathing in a regular, restful rhythm was also noted. The feel of warm, smooth skin against his own was soothing, and added to the immeasurable sense of contentment that surrounded him. All these things were a part of his usual world, and combined to unconsciously establish a feeling of well being throughout the night allowing the tracker to sleep far deeper than he ever did on his own.Vin opened his eyes, searching for what was out of place, what it was that had awakened him from a sound sleep. He smiled slightly when he realized it was the breeze blowing through the open window, causing the curtains to flutter and dance. The air was cool enough to raise goose flesh on his uncovered arm. The temperature must have dropped during the night, heralding the approach of rain. Cocking his head slightly, Vin could now hear it falling lightly against the roof. Hmmm…musta just started a little bit ago.
He stretched, luxuriating in the feel of the soft feather mattress beneath him, careful not to wake his lover, Ezra Standish. The gambler murmured something unintelligible, and shifted to snuggle in closer. The tracker pulled the quilt up to cover his lover more completely and wrapped his arms securely around Ezra, wanting to ensure he was warm enough. Ez hates the cold. Don’t want him getting chilled.
Vin smiled, his expression warm with love and affection as he gazed on his lover’s sleeping face in the dim light of early morning. Looks like a little boy…sweet and oh so innocent. Vin’s smile grew thinking how glad he was that Ezra was far from innocent. Their earlier bout of lovemaking would not have been nearly as much fun otherwise.
He moved his hand to lightly rub Ezra’s belly. Ghosting over the hard muscles he could feel beneath the satin smooth skin, Vin was amazed by how solid and lean a man who never seemed to work could be. Know he does more than shuffle those cards o’ his, ‘cause there is no way jus’ pecking at his food would keep him this trim or give him muscles like these. Takes work fer that.
Ezra took great pains to ensure the others didn’t know he was far more active than they believed him to be. One more illusion, just another con, something to help maintain the image he wanted them to see: a refined gentleman gambler. Vin rolled his eyes, still somewhat disgusted by how easily they were all taken in.
Vin knew his lover would be embarrassed if anyone else were to find out he regularly engaged in activities that could be described as menial labor. Often they were simple things, unlikely to garner attention, overlooked by others. Things like helping the elderly widow Sands plant her garden, or assisting the working girls when they wanted to rearrange furniture in their rooms. Ezra helped close up the saloon, including washing the glasses and cleaning the floor. He also spent a lot of time training several of the young horses at the livery. It wouldn’t be long before Yosemite had a stable full of well-schooled mounts.
Vin grinned to himself, delighted with the fact he was privy to yet one more secret. Jus’ one more thing ‘bout Ez that goes ta show there’s more ta him than meets the eye. Don’t think the others got no idea jus’ how much work Ez really does. But then I didn’t really either until I started payin’ attention.
He continued to stroke Ezra’s belly, keeping his touch light enough to soothe, not arouse. Vin didn’t want to wake Ezra, but he just couldn’t resist the chance to indulge himself in being able to touch. He loved the way Ezra’s skin felt beneath his hand. It reminded him of the feel of wildflower petals…smooth, so soft, and sensual. Being able to touch was a delightful experience all by itself.
Vin shook his head, thinking of Ezra as something of an addiction. Never thought I’d ever get the chance. Now that I can, I jus’ can’t seem to get enough. Wish I could touch him any time, anywhere. Since I can’t do that, I’ll jus’ have ta get my fill when I can.
Ezra made a sound of contentment, arching ever so slightly into Vin’s touch, reminding the tracker of stroking a cat. Sometimes he was sure that Ezra had been starved for signs of genuine affection, actions taken for no other purpose than to please him. It hurt him to think of his beloved not knowing the simple pleasure of such things. Course, it ain’t like I knew much ‘bout it either. But at least I had my ma for a while, so it ain’t like I never got a hug. Still remember what that was like.
Vin chuckled softly, realizing for the first time that being hugged by Ezra had felt similar to the way his mother’s hugs had felt. Oh not exactly the same, but it engendered many of the same feelings: safety, security, contentment, and love. They were all there when Ezra held him. He could only hope that his touch did the same for Ezra. Ain’t right for Ez ta go most of his life not knowing stuff like that. Jus’ isn’t.
Vin moved his head to place a tender kiss on Ezra’s shoulder, mindful of the still-healing knife wound. Two days ago, they’d broken up a barroom brawl, and Ezra had been stabbed in the right shoulder. He’d also taken a hefty blow to the temple, rendering him unconscious for several minutes, and opening a gash along his scalp that needed several stitches to close.
Seeing Ezra collapse in the saloon had scared the hell out of Vin. He’d very nearly lost it at that moment. It had taken everything he had to aim for a wounding shot, instead of killing the bastard outright.
Vin shuddered at the memory. Ezra stirred restlessly, as though he sensed Vin’s unease. Vin took a deep breath to calm himself. Don’t want to wake him. He just got ta sleep a couple o’ hours ago.
The gambler was a night owl by nature. Normally, Chris took advantage of that and assigned Ezra the late shift, midnight to morning, finding the gambler to be the best one suited for it. But until Nathan deemed Ezra fit for duty, he was officially off the roster. Unfortunately, Ezra’s innate tendencies prevented him from taking advantage of that fact, and getting more sleep.
The conman didn’t quit the saloon until after midnight, joining Vin in his room a little after that to partake in some extended loving. He’d sleep for a few hours, wake to say good-bye to Vin when the tracker left for his morning patrol, and then sleep until mid-morning. Vin still thought of going to bed with the rising sun as odd, but it worked for Ezra.
Ezra’s breathing didn’t change, but Vin could feel tautness in muscles that had been lax only a moment ago. The gambler had the same habit Vin did; he checked the room with every sense before he gave any obvious sign he was awake. Vin cursed silently. Damn. Damn. Woke him up.
Green eyes opened, and searched the room before meeting Vin’s blue counterparts. "Cheri?" Ezra’s voice was blurred slightly with sleep. "What’s wrong?"
"Nothing’s wrong, Ez." Vin patted Ezra’s chest. "Go back to sleep."
Ezra shifted, moving away so he could lie on his back and make eye contact more easily. He raised an eyebrow. "Care to try again?" There was a wry humor in Ezra’s voice, but also enough steel in his question to let Vin know his lover was not going to be put off. Ezra was wide-awake, and would stay that way until he got an honest answer.
Vin sighed. "Woke up with the rain."
Ezra mimicked Vin’s earlier head tilt, nodding as he heard the rain drumming against the roof. The intensity had increased slightly since Vin first noticed it. "The amount of precipitation is not sufficient to worry you unduly, or prevent your return to slumber." He made a gesture with his hand, indicating Vin should continue.
Vin shrugged, raising himself up on one elbow. He hadn’t really expected Ezra to accept that it was just the rain, but he’d figured it was worth a shot. "Got to thinkin’."
Ezra frowned slightly. "About what?"
"You."
"Me?" Ezra raised both eyebrows. "Have I done something to distress you?" There was genuine concern in Ezra’s voice, and the earlier tautness Vin felt when Ezra awoke had intensified. "Have I insulted, or offended in some fashion? I didn’t mean do or say anything that might be construed—"
Vin leaned in to place a soft kiss on Ezra’s lips, halting the needless apology the tracker was certain Ezra had been about to make. It bothered Vin that Ezra seemed prone to assuming he’d done something wrong. Would like to find whoever it was that made him believe it’s always his fault that he’s made a mistake somewhere, and beat the livin’ shit out of ‘em.
When Vin pulled away, he cupped Ezra’s face with both hands. He smiled as he caressed Ezra’s cheek, trying to offer assurances with physical contact in case his words weren’t enough. "You didn’t do anything you need ta apologize for."
Ezra looked puzzled. "Then why—"
Vin placed a finger against Ezra’s lips, again halting his words. "I was just thinking about how good you feel. How solid ya are. How ya manage ta stay that way."
Vin looked away, unable to maintain eye contact. "Then I got to thinkin’ about how ya got hurt," He swallowed hard, his hand moving to ghost over the bruise visible on Ezra’s temple, stitches still in place on the healing gash, "and how close I came ta losin’ ya."
Vin took a breath, eyes shifting back to Ezra, his expression turning contrite. "Didn’t mean ta wake ya up."
Ezra tilted his head, and leaned into Vin’s lightly caressing fingers. "It doesn’t matter. Not your fault." His soft drawl offered a gentle reassurance.
Vin gave Ezra a hard look. If it weren’t for him Ezra would still be sleeping. Can’t see how that’s not my fault. "Care to try again?"
Ezra chuckled, his expression rueful. He sighed, smiling slightly. "I felt you move…felt your," He waved a hand as though searching for the right word, "agitation. I thought, perhaps, there was some physical danger present."
Vin smiled, once again pleased, and more than a little impressed with just how in tune they were with each other. "Well, there ain’t anythin’ dangerous. Jus’ me bein’ foolish thinkin’ on what coulda happened and not what did."
"It’s not foolish." Ezra stated definitely. "At least no more so than what I have done on occasions when our positions were reversed."
"Quite a pair, ain’t we?" Vin shook his head, not really surprised to find his lover had played the what if game just as he had.
"A matched set." Ezra agreed with a small smile. He hugged Vin. "I am very sorry to have worried you, Cheri."
Vin wrapped his arms around Ezra, cradling him in a warm embrace, and returning the hug in equal measure. "Ya didn’t do it on purpose. I know that. Got nothin’ ta be sorry for. If you hadn’t a done what ya did, Nate coulda been killed."
Ezra nodded his head, rubbing his cheek against Vin’s shoulder. "It would not do to allow a comrade in arms to suffer such a cowardly attack. I could not allow him to befall some injury when I was able to prevent it."
Vin snorted. "Might a been good for him if ya had let him get hurt a mite." He muttered, still pissed at Nathan for his attitude when the healer had asked to know what was going on between them. You’d think that after workin’ with Ez for the past year, he’d have a better understandin’ o’ what kind o’ man he is. Ez isn’t anythin’ like the slave owners I’ve met. Pretty damn sure he really ain’t all that much like the ones Nate knew either.
Ezra lightly slapped Vin’s chest, pulling away, making eye contact. "The man is entitled to his opinions, and his doubts Vin. He can’t help that his past affects his perception of me."
"The hell he can’t." Vin scowled. In all honesty, he was angry and worried about more than just Nathan’s perceptions. If the man couldn’t accept Ezra, see the gambler as the man he was, how would he ever come to accept the two of them as a couple?
Don’t want us being together to make the rift ‘tween the seven o’ us. Nate said he was okay with us as long as it didn’t affect getting the job done. Not ‘xactly what ya’d call ‘unconditional acceptance’. Really ain’t much different than what we got from Chris when he found out. He thought Ez was using me too. Not the same as Nate thinking Ez was like his master’s brother. Not the same, but pretty damn close. Damn fools the lot of ‘em.
Vin pursed his lips in annoyance, brows pulling together. Chris had come around in time as far as their being together went, but his attitude toward Ezra had been changing even before that. Vin wasn’t sure how much time Nathan would need. They had been working together for a year already. He wasn’t sure if his patience would hold out for as long as Nathan might need.
He growled in frustration. "It ain’t right for him ta foist his past off on you. Ain’t like you do that ta him."
"Not recently." Ezra winced. "But I did…insult him at our first meeting."
"Ya ain’t since then." Vin pointed out, not willing to concede. "Haven’t treated him any different than ya do everyone else. An’ all you said that time was you wouldn’t ride with the likes o’ him."
Vin paused for a moment, thinking it over. He didn’t treat anyone in the Indian village differently. Warmed right up ta the kids as I recall. Never treated anyone as bein’ less than him just cause o’ their skin color. Treated Li Pong like he woulda any other lady. Which was a damn sight better than most tend ta treat the Chinese.
Vin cocked his head, realizing that they had all assumed it was Ezra’s southern heritage that was the reason behind his initial distrust of Nathan, but no one had ever asked for the real reason. "Why didn’t you want to ride with Nathan?"
The smaller man gave him a sly look, green eyes sparkling with mischief. Vin knew whatever was coming was likely be more half jest than truth. Sometimes Ezra just had to spin a story, maybe for old-times sake, maybe just to see if Vin was paying attention. The tracker didn’t mind. Eventually he’d get the truth, and it was often worth it to hear the tales Ezra could spin.
"Word around town, at the time, was that Mr. Jackson was some kind of doctor. The color of his skin was sufficient for me to doubt the veracity of any medical knowledge or degree. A black man, even in the North, is not likely to be accepted into institutions of higher learning."
Ezra shrugged one shoulder, the faint rustle of rumpled fabric against skin almost lost in the louder drumming of falling rain. "However, in this dusty little hamlet, anyone with even rudimentary skills would likely be welcomed. A snake oil salesman with a bottle of miracle elixir is likely to be readily accepted by the naïve populace eager to believe in a cure for anything that ails them. It is an easy con to run, at least until someone dies."
Vin knew the truth of the last statement. Those boys were gonna hang Nate when their trail boss died o’ gangrene. Could see where anyone peddlin’ a cure-all might jus’ suffer the same treatment.
"It was not until Mr. Jackson so deftly fixed my dislocated shoulder that I realized he did indeed have a genuine claim to medical knowledge. However, at the time Chris so bluntly offered to include me in your attempt to protect the village, I was not aware of his skill." Ezra grinned, giving Vin a slow wink. "I believed him to be a charlatan, and…well, one conman in any group is more than sufficient."
Vin laughed. He found the image of the honest, and morally upright healer as a conman to be so incongruous he couldn’t help but let his humor out. Vin shook his head, unable to merge the idea conjured up in his mind. "You didn’t really think he was a conman?"
"No, I didn’t." Ezra grinned at him, green eyes bright with amusement. "But it does make for an interesting image. Does it not?"
Vin growled, not really angry, but wanting his lover to be certain he was serious. He was not going to be sidetracked from this. "The truth, Ez. I want the truth."
Ezra sighed softly, and looked away. "The truth is not nearly so amusing."
"Didn’t expect it ta be."
"The reason I provided is adequate." Ezra offered quietly, not really arguing, but clearly trying to avoid answering Vin’s question.
"It just wasn’t the truth, or at least not the real heart of it," Vin stated. Believe him when he said he didn’t trust Nathan ta be good at healin’ until he fixed his shoulder. But there’s more ta this than just that. He gave his lover a stern look, forcing him to make eye contact and hold it. "You told me you never lied to me."
"So I did." The gambler bit his lower lip, and nodded. "Very well. The truth is Mr. Jackson looks a great deal like a man I had the misfortune to meet during the war. He was a freed man fighting for the North. From what I was able to gather at the time, his unit was made up predominantly of former slaves – men with very personal reasons to be fighting against the South."
Ezra paused for a moment. Vin could almost see him gathering his thoughts. "During a brief engagement, they captured several men from my unit. I was charged with the task of trying to rescue them since by that time in the war we were short manpower, and could ill afford such a loss. The best time to do so would be while they were being taken to a train station, where they would most likely be sent to a prison facility."
Ezra sighed softly. "It took us a day to catch up, trailing them, staying hidden all the while, intent on rescuing our comrades. They had us outnumbered, and we were too close to the main Union army to risk a direct assault. So we had to wait for the right moment."
The conman looked away, eyes focused on something Vin couldn’t see, his face even more mask like than when he played an intense game of poker. "I suppose he had reason to hate, this former slave, this man who resembled Mr. Jackson. I imagine he had reason to desire revenge, to want to take advantage of his newly found position of authority. Although, I cannot honestly say if that justifies his actions, since nearly everyone in his unit must have felt the same way, but did not engage in the atrocities he committed. They did not attempt to interfere, but nor did they participate."
Vin frowned. He got an inkling what was coming was going to be bad, but once started, there was no going back. "What did he do?" He kept his voice pitched low, encouraging his lover to continue talking.
The cardsharp hesitated for a moment. When he spoke again it was a clipped recitation of facts. Little inflection colored his voice, leaving it painfully neutral, as telling a sign of the strength of Ezra’s emotions as if the conman were shouting.
"He tortured all of them. Striped them naked, branded them, flogged, and beat them. He brutally castrated one man the first night, leaving him to bleed to death. He strangled two others with the chains that had been used to bind them together. And he systematically broke nearly every bone in another man’s body. There was nothing I could do to stop him. Not. One. God. Damn. Thing."
Ezra swallowed hard, closing his eyes for a moment. He took a deep breath, and seemed to center himself. When he spoke again his voice was once more tightly controlled. "Of the six men captured, we managed to rescue only two."
Vin flinched, appalled by what he’d just heard. He’d seem some ugly things during the war, but nothing as deliberately cruel as what Ezra described. Jesus, Mary and Joseph! I have got to learn to stop askin’ questions about his past. I really do. Next time he tries ta avoid it, I’m gonna let him.
Ezra shook his head, consternation now easily readable on his face. The gambler shuddered once. "I really didn’t understand it then, nor do I now. They were men who were completely at his mercy. Unarmed. No longer a real threat to anyone. Most of them were just boys. The youngest was only fourteen. The oldest might have been eighteen. As prisoners of war they were entitled to some degree of decency. If he had simply shot them…that I might have been able to comprehend. But his actions went far beyond any vindictiveness I’ve ever had the misfortune to witness before or since."
Ezra took a deep breath, and then another. Vin could almost see Ezra reconnect with the present. The gambler opened his mouth to speak, then closed it. With a quiet sigh he tried again.
"When we first met, most of my attention was focused elsewhere. In the brief glance I had to register Mr. Jackson’s presence, I mistook him for that man. I was unwilling to ally myself with a man who might well cut my throat, or worse, for no more reason than my mode of speech and place of origin."
Green eyes met blue, open and honest. "I can not find fault with Mr. Jackson for seeing in me shadows of his past when I am guilty of the same crime. More than once, when one considers my reaction to Mr. Sanchez not all that long ago."
Vin snorted. "It ain’t the same an you know it. Josiah kept pushin’ long after ya told him to back off. Nate never said anythin’ to you. Jus’ lit into you whenever he got the chance. You went damn near a year makin’ nice with Josiah, tellin’ him ta stop touching you, callin’ you son. Nate never gave you even close ta that much."
Vin wanted to spit, but refrained. "You mistook him for someone else one time. Once ya realized ya made a mistake, ya didn’t think o’ him as that guy ever again, did ya?"
"No." Ezra frowned slightly, eyebrows pulled together. "I realized my error soon enough."
"Well, there ya go." Vin said firmly, feeling he’d proved his point. "Ain’t like you didn’t see him for who he was. Least he could do is try ta do the same for you."
"It may not be that easy for him." Ezra shifted his weight in an uncharacteristically restless move. Had he been dressed, Vin knew Ezra would likely have started adjusting his clothing, fingers moving in gestures he’d come to know well.
"His history is far more extensive than my own, Cheri. And I do not wish to resurrect negative memories for him. I have no desire to cause him distress."
Yeah, so you jus’ overlook how wrong he is. Overlook how uncomfortable him saying you reminded him of the Master makes you. You ain’t like that Ez. You’re not. And the man ain’t ever going to realize he’s wrong if he isn’t forced to face it.
Vin’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. The only time he’d seen his lover anywhere near Nathan recently was when the healer was checking on Ezra’s still healing wounds. He hadn’t questioned it until now. "You been avoiding Nate the past two days?"
Ezra sighed. "I simply thought he might appreciate more space between us."
Vin rolled his eyes. He knew there was a word for this. Ezra had used it before. "Semantics."
Ezra grinned, a sudden flash of white in the dimly lit room. "You have the most amazing memory."
"Flattery will get you nowhere, Ez." Despite his statement, Vin was pleased by Ezra’s compliment, and it showed in his voice. Focus, Tanner. Don’t be getting sidetracked.
"Admit it, Ez. You’ve been avoiding him."
"No more so than you have."
Vin had made a point of not being alone with Nathan. He needed to get a handle on his anger and resentment before he had too much contact with the healer. "I jus’ didn’t want to say or do somethin’ I might wish I hadn’t later on."
"We are indeed a pair." Ezra chuckled dryly.
"Maybe we ought ta tackle it together."
Ezra raised an eyebrow. "Together?"
The tracker nodded. "Always tell me there’s nothing we can’t handle together."
"True." Ezra’s expression turned wry. "This may well test that assumption far more than anything else we’ve encountered."
"Ya chicken?" Vin asked, smiling, teasing. He wanted to lighten the mood a bit if possible. He’d never meant for it to get so heavy in the first place.
Ezra rolled his eyes. "No." He measured Vin with a considering look. "You have a plan?"
"Not really." Vin shrugged. "Pretty sure we can make one up as we go. Seems ta me we been getting pretty good at it."
"Indeed." Ezra chuckled. He gave Vin another measuring look; head cocked slightly, green eyes narrow and thoughtful. "You have a place in mind to begin, don’t you?"
Vin nodded slowly, realizing his lover might just be right. He did have an idea or two. "For starters, you aren’t going to avoid him any more." He held up one hand, stopping Ezra before he could speak. "And neither am I. He’s never going to deal with it, and neither are we, if we aren’t around each other."
Ezra frowned. "It might not be wise to push—"
Vin shook his head, and placed a soft kiss on Ezra’s lips, halting his words. "I don’t give a rat’s ass that he might be uncomfortable. No reason why you should be the only one who bends." Vin whispered against Ezra’s lips when he pulled away enough to speak.
Vin sighed softly. He wanted Ezra to understand. He wasn’t dismissing Nathan’s history, or the man’s feelings outright. He just didn’t see the need for Ezra to be the only one to be accommodating and understanding.
"We all got ugliness in our past. Got things we’d rather not think on. People we’d rather not remember. Nate doesn’t have any more right to bein’ an ass than the rest of us. Even after a year, he hasn’t learned to see you, Ezra Standish, not some ghost from his past. It isn’t right."
He held Ezra’s eyes with his own. He meant every word. As far as he was concerned a man’s past was his own. If he chose to share it, fine. If he chose not to, fine. But no one should be held responsible for another’s crime. Being wanted for a murder he hadn’t committed gave Vin a uniquely personal perspective of that situation.
"Know the two o’ you were getting along better, maybe learnin’ ta be friends even, ‘fore he found out ‘bout us. Don’t see any reason to step backwards when you ought ta go forward."
"We had seemed to be establishing a rapport, developing a level of mutual understanding. Dare I say, respect even. At least so far as working with one another went." Ezra made a graceful gesture, far too precise and elegant to be considered a shrug. "I had rather hoped to continue to do so."
Vin could easily make out a wistful, almost sad note in Ezra’s voice. He hugged Ezra to him. Damn Nathan. Bet he never even thought he hurt Ez by what he said. Know he probably didn’t mean ta, but it’s still no excuse. Coulda apologized.
Vin realized his thoughts weren’t going to help. He’d just feed his anger, and that wasn’t what he wanted to do. So he forcefully redirected himself. "You wanna have a…rapport," Vin said the word slowly, not entirely certain what it meant, but it didn’t sound bad, "well, then we’ll just have ta make sure ya get one."
Ezra snuggled into his embrace, placing a warm kiss on Vin’s chest just above his heart. "That simple, Cheri?"
"That simple."
Vin could feel Ezra smile against his skin. "Only you, Vin Tanner, would view such an undertaking as simple."
Vin chuckled. "Can’t be any worse than taking on six men armed with some rope, rocks, and a few sticks of dynamite."
Ezra laughed lightly. "Oh, child’s play in comparison."
"You bet yer sweet ass." Vin stated with conviction.
Ezra looked up from under his lashes. "You think I have a sweet ass?" The question was coy, an open invitation.
Vin smiled, more than ready to take Ezra up on his blatant offer. He moved his hands to lightly caress Ezra’s sides, then south to cup the firm, round globes in question, squeezing gently once. He tilted his head, whispering against Ezra’s lips, his voice husky, rough. "Sweeter than honey."
Ezra raised his head just enough to capture Vin’s lips in a deep, passionate, almost devouring kiss. The gambler lifted his hands to cup Vin’s face, tilting it for better access, before moving to card through Vin’s long locks. Vin moaned, enjoying the feel of Ezra’s fingers in his hair, massaging and caressing as they went. He sighed when Ezra’s tongue started mapping his mouth, teasing and tasting as he did it. It never failed to amaze him just how good his lover tasted, how right being wrapped up in Ezra’s arms felt.
Vin delighted anew in the feel of satin smooth skin beneath his fingers, hands roaming freely trying to touch every square inch. He reveled in the feel of full body contact, and faint murmurings in French that Ezra whispered in response to being touched. He was vaguely aware of the rain increasing from a steady drizzle to outright downpour. It seemed to match their rising passion, almost as if Mother Nature were offering encouragement.
A few hours ago they had engaged in a languid, thorough exploration of one another, taking time to relish in each new discovery and sensation. They had ignited a fire that burned gradually from a small spark, to embers, to a raging inferno. Reaching the climax had been left both men limp, exhausted and totally sated.
However, right at the moment, Vin felt like they’d skipped over most of the early stages they’d taken time to investigate last night and had just leapt to the last phase. His cock was so hard it was almost painful. He was panting, finding it hard to breathe, and nearly desperate to touch, to feel, to just be as close as possible. God…no one ever got to me like he does. No one. All he’s got ta do is look at me, and I’m ready ta go.
Vin nibbled his way down Ezra’s neck, enjoying the small mewling sounds his lover made when he reached the point where neck and shoulder met. Vin grinned wickedly for a moment before moving to the hollow of Ezra’s throat, knowing it was a personal hot spot for his lover. Ezra arched his back trying to get even closer.
Cocks aligned, slick with pre-cum, hips began to grind against one another moving in a timeless, instinctive rhythm. Vin thought briefly about slowing down, making it last, but it just felt so damn good. Slowing down would have been like trying to stop a runaway train.
He shuddered, lost in the rising tide of pleasure, wrapping his arms around Ezra, holding him tightly. Ezra’s forehead rested on Vin’s shoulder, and the tracker could hear his harsh breathing matching his own uneven gasping rhythm. Ezra was whispering something in French between gasps, words Vin didn’t really understand, but the meaning was clear. Ezra was just as close as he was.
Vin came with a howl he knew wouldn’t be heard above the pounding rain. He was only vaguely aware of Ezra’s answering cry of completion. Both men clung to each other for several minutes trying to recover their breath, and bearings.
Vin sighed and stretched slowly, leisurely. He could feel Ezra’s hands moving in a soothing rhythm up and down his spine. He smiled slightly, thinking his lover did the same thing to settle the young horses he worked with. If it feels this good for them, ain’t no wonder why they work so well for him.
Vin glanced toward the window. The rain continued to fall in an unrelenting downpour. He was grateful that the wind hadn’t picked up or the rain would have begun blowing into the room, soaking the floor in the process. Vin pondered the idea of getting up and closing it. He’d rather just say where he was, cuddle Ezra close, and spend the day in bed.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t really an option. For one thing, they needed to clean up a bit, or they’d end up a sticky mess. And for another, in spite of the rain and general lack of sunlight, he knew it was nearly time for him to get up. Damn. Would rather jus’ stay here in bed with Ez. Gotta remember ta not do this when I ain’t got time ta cuddle afterward.
Reluctantly, Vin started to pull away. Ezra’s eyes opened, the question readily visible on his face. Vin kissed him lightly. "Got patrol."
"In this weather?" Ezra glanced toward the window, both eyebrows arched upward. "Surely, even the idiotic miscreants we normally encounter have better sense than to brave such heavy precipitation."
Vin shrugged. "Might not have ta leave town, but Chris is still expectin’ me ta show up at the jail."
Ezra frowned but nodded his understanding. They had made a promise to Chris about not letting their relationship interfere with the job, and so far it hadn’t. Days like today, though, Vin heartily wished he’d never made such an agreement.
The gambler patted Vin’s chest. "You have a slicker, Cheri?"
Having spent most of his time in drier climates, Vin never really saw the need for a long raincoat. And when it rained he’d usually just find somewhere dry to hole up and wait out the storm. "My capote will do just fine."
Ezra rolled his eyes. "That jacket will not be sufficient to keep you dry." He gestured toward the closet. "Use my slicker. I will not be needing it, as I have more than enough sense to stay in out of the rain." The last was said with a faint smirk and twinkling eye.
Vin growled at him, but it lacked any heat. He slid out of bed, searching for the hand towel Ezra usually kept nearby. He cleaned the mess they’d made off himself and Ezra, tucking his lover in when he was finished, making sure the southerner would be warm enough in his absence. For good measure he shut the window just in case the wind picked up or changed direction after he left.
Vin dressed quickly, pulling on the clothes he’d discarded the night before. He hesitated for a moment before opting to use Ezra’s slicker. Hate ta admit it, but he’s right. No way my capote is gonna keep me dry in this. ‘Specially not if Chris has me ride outta town.
Ezra’s slicker fit surprisingly well. The gambler’s build was more compact than Vin’s long, lanky frame, but his shoulders were as broad so his slicker didn’t bind or restrict Vin’s movements. The sleeves and the overall length were a hair short, but Vin didn’t care about that. It wasn’t the first time he’d made do with what was available, and it wasn’t likely to be the last. At least this way, he’d stay more or less dry.
He leaned to place a kiss on Ezra’s forehead, brushing an errant curl back as he did so. "You go back ta sleep now, ya hear?"
Heavy lidded green eyes smiled back at him. "I had planned to."
"I’ll see ya at lunch."
"You be careful," Ezra ordered softly around a yawn.
"I will."
"Love you." That came out as a sleepy murmur.
Vin smiled warmly. "Love you too."
He slipped quietly out of the room, making sure the door locked behind him before heading for the back stairs. Even though it was still very early, with very few people stirring anywhere in town, Vin was careful not to be seen. The last thing he wanted was to broadcast the fact that he no longer slept in his wagon. Can’t predict how friends are gonna act, so I ain’t got a snowball’s chance in hell of knowing how the town folks would take it. And if we’re careful, then they don’t ever have ta know.
Vin eyed the heavily falling rain warily. The dirt street was already turning to mud that would likely be knee deep before the day was over. Even with Ezra’s slicker he was probably going to end up wet somewhere. With a deep sigh, he stepped out from under the porch and headed for the jail. Foul weather not withstanding, he still had a job to do.
Vin chuckled quietly to himself. Rain or no rain, I feel pretty damn good. Was a nice way ta start the day. An’ any day that starts that way can’t be all bad.
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