Beginnings

by cobalt

The next day found the pair still in bed, the talk never having been shared. The first rays of sun were just starting to creep out over the far horizon, but it was enough to wake the tracker. He shifted a little in bed, stretching as carefully as he could so he didn´t disturb his companion. After a shuddering yawn he curled back in, moving his body around the more compact form snuggled against him, a warm smile of affection and appreciation teasing his lips. For a long time he lay, meditatively stroking the chestnut hair and gazing into the peaceful face of his handsome lover that was pillowed on his left arm. Whatever it is that´s happening here, I like it. Wanna have this every mornin´ from here on out iffen he´s agreeable. Think we could figure it out too…least I hope we can. Sometime during the night he´d decided to give up fighting, give up making excuses for staying on when there was no rational reason to do so. Each day that had dawned he´d told himself he was staying because it was cold out, or that the sleet would make Peso disagreeable. He´d even told himself that it was nice to have such a plush place to stay, and for free. He shook his head, smiling when he recalled the southerner´s own excuses for being able to remain, and how very thin they all were.

He was now willing to admit that he was staying just for the benefit of being near his green-eyed captor, and he was given hope that the other man felt the same, seeing as he too had remained for no other apparent impetus than to just be with Vin. He sighed heavily, in a way regretting how they´d come to this place, wishing it had started slower, that he hadn´t fooled himself into believing he only wanted to scratch an itch and Ezra seemed a likely candidate. He certainly wasn´t sorry they´d made love, and definitely wasn´t dissatisfied with Ezra as a lover – but feeling the way he did now, wanting so much more, he wished they´d talked along the way, that maybe even there was some history built between them to fall back on after they finally gave into reality and left this room. He shook his head, wondering why he´d ever believed this would just be a good one-nighter. Knew when those green eyes looked at me and melted me inside out with jus´ a glance, but stubborn fool that I am I thought ta ignore it, that it´d go away…maybe this is some kinda punishment fer always makin´ fun a ‘love at first sight,´ and never believing such things could be true.

That thought jarred the young man, for it brought about the swift realization that he was indeed in love, and that it had come almost literally at first sight. He traced the distinguished features near him with a gentle fingertip reverently, willing some of his love over, hoping it could sink into the other man and help him to feel the same. Ta be fair we both acted like this was jus´ gonna be fer a good time. Ain´t exactly like we´re two schoolgirls expectin´ a proposal. Can´t get angry or fight him iffen what I´m wanting now ain´t what he does – can´t help but thinking and wishing fer it though. Vin shook his head to clear it, pushing his doubts away for another time. He moved away from the sleeping form and walked about the room, gathering a few clothes to wear. His buckskins, a shirt, and his boots. As an afterthought he stuffed his had on his head then slipped out the door.

Vin crept down the back stairs silently then ducked out from around the saloon. He fairly ran to the bathhouse, eager to return before his lover woke up to find him gone. The tracker went inside and ordered hot water to be sent to their room, saying to leave the buckets outside the door. After the transaction was sealed he headed straight out again, hurrying across the main street to the restaurant that was just opening for breakfast. Here he waited for what he´d paid for, taking the full basket of food he´d ordered when he left, trotting across the street and back through the alley, up the narrow stairs, disappearing into the dark hallway. He stood at the closed door for a moment, breathing in and out, trying to quiet his heartbeat and calm down a little before entering. The Texan held the heavy basket in one hand and worked the lock open with the other. He opened the door very slowly, and said softly,

“Vin comin´ in.” The air in the room was redolent with the smell of sex, the odor witness to their repeated couplings over the past several days. The sight that greeted him made him grin from ear to ear. Ezra was sitting up in the middle of the large bed, bare chest exposed, thick hair rumpled and sticking out to the right side. His arm was raised, a Remington pistol leveled at the door. The longhaired man wasn´t the least bothered by the display. He just quirked a brow and held up the basket, the contents of which were already making themselves known as a savory aroma started to filter into the room. He turned long enough to flick the lock in place on the door, then spun on a heel to walk his edibles to the bed. Once there he set the basket down and opened it, spreading the vittles on the down comforter. Green eyes twinkled at him. A knock on the door interrupted the contented silence, and the green eyes shuttered and turned from him, the body again tensing. Vin just smiled and leaned down to plant a quick kiss on the frowning mouth, grabbing up a piece of bacon as he pulled away, munching happily as he strode across the plank floor to answer the hail. He opened the door so only the side of the room without the bed could be seen, letting the delivery boy set the buckets down right next to the entrance. After a short pause where the youth ran down then back up the stairs, four buckets of steaming liquid were in the room. He turned and grinned again.

In a few strides he was back to the bed, and he eased his frame onto the end so he could have his breakfast. He ate with care but didn´t linger over it, eager to help his lover clean himself. After he was sure the other man was finished he gathered the dishes and stacked them back into the basket, then stashed it outside the door. He´d already worked out with the restaurant owner to have it retrieved when dinner was delivered later that day. He walked to the bath that was part of the suite´s appointments then turned and faced the southerner and stripped, lifting a brow in flirtation. He licked the corner of his lips.

“C´mere.” The gambler didn´t need further enticement. The compact form exited the bed gracefully, and Vin admired the smooth skin encasing powerful muscles as bare feet padded silently towards him. Vin leaned down and gathered the man close for a long kiss then pulled away. He poured the hot water into the tub then stepped inside, lowering himself in with a happy sigh. The Texan extended a hand, and the green-eyed man took it, lifting a leg then the other. Vin reached up and caressed hips then pulled at them, seating the man between his long legs in the warm liquid. With a gentle touch he lathered up the scented soap he´d found on the dresser and washed his lover from head to toe, each inch of skin receiving a thoroughness that would have tried a saint. He felt Ezra relaxing under his touch, smiling at the thought that he had this power. When he´d finished he pushed at Ezra´s head gently, lowering the man into the bath to rinse his hair. Vin helped him back up and leaned him back against his chest again, then ran a finger down the stubbled jaw. He kissed the top of the wet head resting on him.

“Gotta do something about this.” He reached over the side of the tub and picked up the shaving kit that had been left last time they´d bathed, when he´d watched Ezra shave himself, thinking that he wanted to the chore for his lover. He worked the soap into a foam and spread in on the handsome face, then scraped the whiskers away with a gentle, steady hand. It spoke of the security between them that the southerner had no nervousness over the course of being shaved, that he trusted the other man so implicitly. Vin didn´t fail to notice, and he grinned at the idea. By the time he was finished with his job of cleaning the muscled form he was so hard it almost hurt, and his only thoughts were of getting Ezra out of the bath and into the bed. When he reached out to push the gambler out of the bath, it became clear the smaller man had other ideas.

Vin watched in an aroused haze as Ezra boosted up onto his knees then backed up as much as he could in the small tub, stopping so that his backside hovered over the tracker´s narrow hips. The southerner gripped the side of the tub and lowered himself slowly, tortuously, until he was fully seated on the bounty hunter´s cock. Vin let his head drop back and it dangled outside of the tub, his hands coming up to stroke his lover´s flanks. He waited for the delicious movement to begin, and then waited longer. When he tried to raise his hips the strong body above him prevented it. Finally when he was trembling and almost weak with need he rasped out,

“Fer god´s sake Ez, move…please.” The southerner complied, moving so that Vin was unsheathed completely before sitting back down again, all in that maddening slowness that was near to driving him crazy. After he was fully inside of Ezra the gambler stopped again and just waited. He begged again for the man to move – and he did, repeating the agonizing up and down as before, then stilling. Vin´s hips bucked in tiny, abortive movements, trying to find purchase. He desperately needed something, anything…finally he growled and sat up, reaching around to clamp the body joined with his close as he surged up onto his knees. He moved them quickly, positioning Ezra´s arms with his own to brace against the opposite end of the copper oval. With a grunt of satisfaction he started kissing and nipping the bony spine in front of him, pressing his feet into the arch of the tub behind him for leverage, then began to thrust. He gripped his lover´s hips in a firm hold and ground into the man, undulating his pelvis enough to work against the sweet spot he knew was deep inside his lover. A breathy gasp told him he´d found it. Vin held the hips tighter and just kept pounding, water splashing up and out of the tub in a small wave as he snapped back and forth almost violently, face in a grimace of complete rapture. Two more deep thrusts and he came, hard, body spasming its release deep into his mate. His head fell onto the back arching before him and he gasped for air.

After a few more minutes he´d gathered himself enough to rest back into the tub. Ezra didn´t follow him but instead stepped out, legs a little unsteady under him as he stood. Vin watched with heavy lids as his lover turned, the rampant erection revealed making him lick his lips. He fought off the gathering lassitude and moved to the side of the tub, reaching out to circle a long arm around the southerner´s waist, pulling the man close. He nuzzled into the flat belly, then down into the wet curls that housed the leaking member. He licked it once, grinning as a throaty moan escaped the gambler. He kissed one hip then the other before gently pushing Ezra away. He held onto the tub for support and stood, legs weak and threatening to buckle under again as he rose. Taking a minute to make sure he wasn´t going to fall on his face Vin stepped from the tub, gathering his lover close. As they kissed he backed them towards the bed, grabbing a few towels from a chair as they went. He threw one on the bed and lowered Ezra onto it, and with the other he dried the satiny skin with an eroticism not usually affiliated with the idea of drying. By the time he was finished the southerner was talking in little mumbles, eyes too heavy to open, skin flush and rosy with arousal and the warmth of the bathwater. He grinned lustily.

The bounty hunter maneuvered them so Ezra was lying in the center of the bed, gently tugging the towel loose and discarding it over a shoulder carelessly. He licked his way up legs then nibbled at sensitive inner thighs, bypassing the needy cock for now, wanting to taste more of the feast before him first. He licked and kissed along the muscle line at Ezra´s hips, then made his way up the stomach until he was teasing behind an ear – a surefire way he´d discovered to get the southerner´s juices flowing. He lifted himself onto his hands, supporting his weight so that he hovered a little above the body of his lover and smiled.

“So, ya like it slow, do ya?” One green eye opened a slit, and Vin could tell the other man was trying to work through the meaning of his words. He figured to just show him. The tracker walked back with his hands until he was sitting on his heels, then moved so he was straddling the southerner, lowering himself onto the hardness much in the way he´d just watched Ezra do to him. The gambler bit his lip and balled the sheets up in his fists as Vin came down inch by inch, knuckles white as he was finally completely seated. Instead of moving up and down he just rocked in very small circles, grinding with deliberateness over his lover. He shifted position enough so that the grinding found his pleasure nub inside, gasping a little each time his circle brought that starburst of pleasure. He did this for several minutes, then pushed it past what he´d thought he´d be able to withstand, watching his mate the entire time. His own arousal rejuvenated itself at the sight of a very blissed-out Ezra writhing underneath him. Finally he leaned forward onto his hands and kissed his lover, then moved away to whisper in an ear, “Don´t it make ya feel like returning the favor?” Breath hitched in the throat near his ear and then strong hands were gripping his waist, the man below him moving with surprising speed and strength.

Before he knew it Vin was lying on his back on the bed, Ezra pounding into him from above in a steady rhythm. The thrusts carried them across the mattress, and soon Vin´s head was falling back into empty air, until both of them had tumbled from the bed onto the floor. Even such the southerner didn´t give up his determined pursuit. Vin watched as Ezra dug his toes into the wood planks, one foot disappearing under the bed. He grasped the hands that sought his in an answering hold as his lover arched above him. He opened wider, inviting deeper thrusts, and that invitation was answered. His back made a slight squeaking noise as it rubbed against the floor, their harsh breathing the only other sound in the room. On and on Ezra moved in and out of him, then Vin flattened his feet and lifted his hips to meet the thrusts. The southerner pushed back, legs straightening with the force, their entwined arms shaking from exertion as they moved against one another in an ecstatic dance. With a final thrust Ezra buried his head against Vin´s shoulder and bit down to still his cry, and the tracker came as well, carried across without even being touched. They lay in a sweaty heap for a long time, Vin stroking up and down the heaving back in a soothing gesture as their heartbeats slowly returned to normal. The head on his shoulder turned and the tracker opened his mouth to receive the kiss he knew was coming. After Ezra pulled away he murmured,

“We shall need to dry ourselves again before getting back into the bed, I do believe.” Vin furrowed his brow and concentrated on his person, then discovered the reason why. They had traveled across the floor enough so that he was now mostly surrounded by the puddle of water that had escaped the bath earlier. He chuckled.

“Yup, seems that we do.” He rocked a little as Ezra pulled away, lying in exhaustion on the floor as he listened to the other man move about. Strong arms helped him up then dried him efficiently and they tumbled into the bed, wrapping around one another instantly. Vin was vaguely aware of being covered up, and he worked to return the brief kiss that graced his lips before his mate snuggled in closer. It wasn´t long before both men were fast asleep.

+ + + + + + +

Vin came to lazily, and not feeling warmth right against his skin he reached out for Ezra. When his hand landed on an empty mattress it was as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over him. He sat up in a jerking motion, heart beating in his throat, dread pooling in his belly. His breath came in hitches through his nose as he fought to control it, his eyes scanning the room. All signs of his lover were gone. Without care or heed of his nakedness he flung the soft blankets away, cursing at them and shaking his legs angrily as they twisted about him, trying to keep him from standing. He stalked from one end of the generous room to the other, futilely searching for even a trace of his missing companion. Strong hands upended a table, pulled drawers from the wide dresser against the wall, wadded the covers from the bed and threw them in a heap into the corner of the room. He opened the closet and almost bit his tongue out at the emptiness he found inside, staring back as if it was mocking him. After a few more furious paces he finally stopped in the middle of the room and clenched his jaw, letting his head fall back, eyes screwed shut and fists balled tightly at his hips. For many minutes he stood like that, fighting not to howl out in frustration. When at last he´d calmed he relaxed his body enough to right his head and open his eyes again, he looked around the battered room, and the frantic desperation turned to rage.

Blood started to boil as it pounded in his ear, his eyes narrowing to dangerous slits. Fine! Fine. That´s how he wants ta have it? Ta hell with him. Don´t need him anyway…not some uppity goddamn priss of a man who probably ain´t never had ta do anything hard in his life. He sneered, lips curling over white teeth. Maybe I should track him, teach that fancy man a lesson in how ta treat people. The lean man swiveled slightly, the large copper bath catching his eye. Flashes of what they´d done there teased and warmed him, and the sudden anger died as quickly as it had found life. Strong shoulders drooped and he let his head fall forward, long hair coming about like a protective curtain around his face. He sucked in a hiccupping breath. I won´t cry. I won´t. The burn and sting of tears grew and he just squeezed his lids harder, willing the weakening feelings to go away. Stupid, ignorant cuss, Tanner. What were ya thinkin´ anyway? What would a man like that need with a no- count like you? Foolish fer thinkin´ otherwise, foolish fer believing something about ya might make him wanna stay, when ya knew better all along. He shook his head almost violently. It wasn´t as if he didn´t know Ezra P Standish had no place in his life for a scruffy bounty hunter. But in the safe cocoon of their room these past few days it had been easy to forget that reality he knew so well when they´d first walked in together, so much easier to pretend they would ride off together, instead of stealing away in the night undetected. Least I didn´t admit I loved him, saved myself that bit o´ humiliation if nothing else.

With resolution he straightened his long frame, pursed lips the only indication of his inner turmoil. There was no point in remaining now, so he may as well gather his few things and get back on the trail. As he passed the bed the glint of something shiny flashed up at him, and he stilled, crouching down to investigate. What he found restored his earlier ire. Money. He clenched his fist around the few coins he´d picked up, the thin circles biting into his flesh, but he didn´t care. Money. Goddamn him – like I´m a fuckin´ whore or something, is that what? Like it made it easier ta leave? Fuck that. Fuck him! He stood and flung the silver as hard as he could, wishing there were more satisfaction in the action, watching with a hollow heart as they plunked against the far wall and bounced back towards him, landing without pattern on the wood floor, each spinning in place before finally stilling flat. The Texan looked down to see if there was anything else, nudging the table to the side with his foot. Blue eyes widened at the generous stack of bills. He smiled grimly. Well, old fancy man musta thought I was a good ride at least, if that´s anything ta go by. He snorted in self-depreciation. Least there was something about me he couldn´t deny. He reached down and snatched up the bills, mind whirring with thoughts of what do to about it. Long fingers flipped one end of the stack, watching as they shuffled by. In the middle of the stack was a flash of white that shifted and fluttered loose. He watched as two pieces of paper drifted in back-forth patterns until they landed on the floor.

With shaking fingers he retrieved the leafs, feeling behind him with a hand so he could sit down on the bed. His legs suddenly felt too weak to support him, his whole body almost dizzy. The first note made him close his eyes and clamp down hard, the peak of hope and longing so intense that it almost suffocated him. He looked down at it again, tracing the figure on the white sheet, for the first time since waking feeling some of the warmth and contentment that had pervaded his every thought these past few days finding foothold again. Least this one I can figure. It was an intricately drawn heart, with scallops and scrolls around the edges and a simple pattern inside. It was the most beautiful drawing he´d ever seen. He held onto it with his left hand, opening the other folded piece of paper with his right. His heart fell – it was a letter. He cursed again his inability to read, wishing fervently that he could know at least some of what was written there. At the bottom was another drawing, but this he recognized as a map. Something perked up inside him. Might not know my letters, but sure as hell know the land. Iffen I work at it, betcha I can find this spot, betcha I can get there. And he hoped when he did that Ezra would be waiting.

He admonished his restless body to patience, studying the map with determination. There were letters on a dot at one side of the map, and he closed his eyes and pictured the way the saloon looked out front, pictured the letters on the sign. He was certain they matched, certain this was the name of the town he was in spelled out there. At the top of the map was a single scribble next to an arrow. He looked and looked at it, wondering what that character was. A memory from the war seeped back into him, something about always finding the arrow on the map with the ‘N´ next to it, and that would be north. Though he couldn´t be sure, he was willing to bet that the unknown letter was that N. Having established that the rest of the map coalesced in his mind, and he knew almost exactly where he needed to go.

With a renewed spirit he got dressed hurriedly and threw his things in his saddlebags. He only took care to ensure that both notes were safely tucked close to his heart in a hidden pocket he´d sewn into his coat. The money he picked up and spread out over his person, then dashed down the steps and out the saloon. The bright morning light made him squint, and he felt like spreading his arms and yelling that the rest of the town should wake to see the glorious dawn. He breathed in deeply, the crisp air tickling his lungs and making him feel alive. The Texan made for the livery and saddled Peso efficiently, and he mounted up barely clear of the building, pausing long enough to throw a coin in the box outside. He pushed his hat firmly onto his head and buttoned the top of his coat shut, then urged his horse into a trot, heading out of town, anxious to reunite with his lover.

+ + + + + + +

Ezra rode to the spot he had indicated, hoping against hope the Vin would be there, or would arrive soon, and then they could be together again. He dismounted and quickly removed his saddle, then let Chaucer wander. He knew the horse would not stray far without him. He then made his way up the small climb to the calm, spring fed pool hidden amongst the rocks and tall shrub that grew in the area. It was a favorite campsite of his, one he always made the point of stopping at when traveling anywhere nearby. As far as he was aware no one else knew about it – and he was eager to share it with his lover. Just the thought of the longhaired man made him shudder, and Ezra had to stop a moment, closing his eyes, focusing on one of the many things he´d cataloged to be replayed while it was necessary that they were apart. The idea of them being apart had him shaking his head and he started walking again, disgust over what he´d had to do instead of remaining with the lean man breaking his memories.

He´d received the telegram from Maude the day Vin had come into the saloon – was sitting at the table thinking over the best course of action when he´d first spied the blue-eyed man. The busy cards and calm exterior gave nothing away as to the state of his preoccupation over his mother´s predicament. She had run a con and it had caught up with her, as had the law. She´d written imploring his aid so that she could be saved from the miserable fate of being jailed for her crimes, saying that only her dear boy could be relied upon to do so. He was about to go to his room and ready his departure when the tracker had walked in, and irrationally Ezra changed his plans, waiting to see if somehow the handsome man would notice him in the way he had immediately appreciated the stranger. He´d forgotten about Maude until the night he´d forced himself from Vin´s arms, knowing if he waited any longer then his mother would certainly have run out of time to plead her case or escape, and want his new lover as much as he did, the part of him still inexorably tied to his sire would not relent.

Ezra had sat on the edge of the bed and drawn the careful heart, thinking of no better way to express his feelings for the man than such a token. The other note he kept to the point, making it so it was neutral in its tone, precise in its instruction. He was apprehensive over Vin´s reading abilities – not sure how much the man did or did not know, so he wanted to make it as easy as possible for his love. The heart to clearly show his intentions, the note simple and brief – easy to read, and nothing telling if Vin required assistance. He prayed it would be enough, tucking it and some money on the nightstand before allowing himself a final kiss. A moment longer he lingered, staring from the open door at the serene face of his lover as the man slept, bathed in silvery moonlight. With determination he´d slipped away into the cold night, silently vowing they would be together again.

The southerner stepped the final distance to up the blunt plateau, then walked around the small pool so he could watch the path. He´d carried enough supplies to camp for several nights, thinking to give Vin time on either side of the appointed day to travel, allowing for delays and other such unforeseen obstacles. He busied himself with making a fire and setting up camp, then settled in to wait. Rescuing Maude had been fairly easy – they did an old trick that had served them well many times in the past. He´d ridden hard and made it to Kansas City in a day. Ezra showed up in town, playing the part of the frantic son in search of his ‘touched´ mother. He´d gently explained to the sheriff there that his mother wasn´t well in the head, had murmured his apologies and said that she had escaped from him, and he´d been so worried after her, and how relieved he was they´d taken such care with her. A few bills were passed along as well to ease the way, then ten miles out of town Ezra unceremoniously dumped Maude, stating simply that he´d met his obligation and now she was to find her own way again. He was unaffected by her complaints of having been abandoned in the town and awful little jail for so long, unanswering of her questions as to where he was and what kept him once her telegram had arrived. He hadn´t even turned around when she´d whined for money, ‘a small start,´ she´d said. The southerner didn´t hear it – he didn´t care. His sole thoughts were now of Vin, and of being with the man once again.

Ezra waited for seven days, the last two spent nibbling on a few biscuits and a rabbit he´d caught as food. The supplies he´d brought were dwindling as rapidly as his last remnants of hope. On the dawn of the eighth day he finally made himself give in. You expected different then? How could you…Vin is honest, sincere. He no doubt saw right away what kind of man you are, knew he couldn´t abide by it for the rest of his life, much less a few more days. Face it, Ezra – you were nothing more than a pretty lay. You have never been desired as a companion before – it is small wonder the same is true for you now. The moments they´d shared ensconced in his hotel room was out of time, moments not connected to reality – he scolded himself to remember that. No vows were made, no declarations. It was cold out and you were warm and available…nothing more. It would have done me well to recall that before I wrote to him, pleading to meet me again. Ah well…it is done, as are we apparently. At least I shall be spared the ignominy of having to ever face him again.

He tamped down his arguing heart, admonishing the weak emotions, working hard to kill the last vestiges of arguments and urgings to stay for just one more day, to believe in what he´d felt blossom to life between them. With a burdened spirit he listlessly gathered his things, then picked his way back down the rocky path, whistling through his teeth for Chaucer. He didn´t look back on the serene pool and its surroundings, even knowing he´d never be able to return. After saddling up and securing his gear he rode of towards the nearest town, thinking to strip as many people as possible with a vengeance of all they had.

+ + + + + + +

Vin paced in the cell like a caged animal, his growling and irritation keeping the other occupants as far away from him as could be allowed in the small space. He could see dawn breaking, the barest of light filtering through the barred windows. Where the hell is that damn sheriff…said I could go at dawn. It´s dawn now, and I´m ready ta go. He was anxious to get riding again, having no idea when he was supposed to meet Ezra, only knowing where to go.

His initial plan had been to ride hard and fast to the spot on the map, but his rational instincts had won out. Instead of taking a straight line though the country, he´d stopped at a dusty berg between himself and his destination, intent on purchasing enough supplies to last at least a month, then ride on and wait his lover out. Unfortunately it hadn´t gone that smoothly. The ride had taken the expected few days, and once in town he´d been told that the next delivery would be in three days containing the balance of what he wanted to take with him. Vin had held his uncharacteristic surge of temper in check long enough to thank the man at the mercantile, and had gotten a room to wait out the time. Much as he wanted to go against his rules of survival he knew he shouldn´t, so he made himself wait the necessary items out. Three days passed in slow agony, each one going by having him worried that he´d miss Ezra. A few times he almost broke down and asked for help reading the note so he could just know and alleviate his anxiety, but he could never quite do it. As he couldn´t read it he had no idea what had been said, and he wasn´t sure he wanted the old lady who served him coffee in the mornings to tell him that his male lover was eagerly anticipating their reunion.

The third day came with news the supply wagon had been delayed, and by the time it arrived it was nightfall – the mercantile was closed, and Vin had to bide his time another day. When dawn finally showed itself he was about to burst, stalking up and down the boardwalk, waiting for the store to open so he could make his purchases and get on with things. Unfortunately, the wagon didn´t just bring supplies – it also carried two brothers of a man Vin had once trussed up and hauled into a town somewhere further west. They had remembered him, accusing him of being the cause for their brother being hanged. The Texan had dryly pointed out that no doubt the bank robbery and subsequent double murder was probably the most likely culprit for their kin´s stretched neck, but the two hadn´t seen any humor in it. Quite the opposite. The resulting brawl and gunfire was the reason he was now in jail, waiting impatiently to be let out. He cursed again and clenched his jaw. After another long hour he heard the jangle of keys, and the sheriff stepped in, barking to wake the deputy asleep on the desk. The man merely stood and rubbed his eyes, then stumbled out of the building in search of a little food before going to sleep in a real bed. The sheriff walked up to the cell and eyed Tanner.

“I know what ya said, know they started the fight. But we can´t have such unruliness go unpunished or it´ll become a habit, and that´s a habit I don´t rightly fancy. Now I don´t want any more trouble outta ya, understand me?” Vin bit his cheek and breathed in and out a few times, then nodded his head.

“Yessir. Won´t be no trouble. Fixing ta leave anyway, soon as I´m free a here.” The sheriff´s lips pursed with satisfaction. He unlocked the barred door and left it open, pointing at the Larson brothers and telling them it´d be best if they just slunk on outta town as well. One of them dared to threaten Vin that the score had yet to be settled, and so the Texan growled a little, letting them see all the pent up frustration and anger that had built over the last few days flare up in his blue eyes. It was enough to have them scampering out the door without another word. Vin stood and waited for his weapons to be returned, and once they had he walked to the door then paused, thinking about the note in his pocket. What the hell. Not like the man can think any less ‘a me. He looked back over his shoulder.

“Sheriff?” The man looked up. “You read?” The balding man nodded. Vin reached into his pocket and pulled out the note, fingering them carefully, making sure he got the one with the map. He unfolded it then folded it back again, covering the small drawing on the bottom. He held it out but didn´t let the lawman take it. After a moment the sheriff looked up.

“Some guy wants you to meet him ‘at the appointed place.´” Vin nodded, impatient.

“Does it say when?” A brow rose over gray eyes. The sheriff met his gaze dispassionately.

“Yup. Yesterday.” The Texan felt like he´d been punched in the gut, and he fought against staggering. He nodded once and left without another word, tucking the note back into his pocket. He ran across the street to the mercantile and grabbed up the things he´d need then hightailed it back out again. He didn´t even wait for the grumbling man to ‘see to his horse´ after he´d barged into the livery, just saddled Peso as fast as his fingers would allow and he was off, riding low and hard, bent on making it, praying that Ezra would wait him out.

A full day and a half later he arrived at the spot on the map, Peso wet and disgruntled from the treatment. He dismounted and whispered his apologies, promising better treatment now that they had made it. He loosened the cinch and tied the animal to a nearby bush, watching for a moment as steam lifted off the black body into the cool morning air. Vin stepped in a wide circle around the formation of rocks that had been indicated on the map, wondering where exactly to go. He was almost all the way around when the trace of a footprint caught his attention. It was somewhat sheltered by an overhanging rock, and thereby preserved from the elements. It was smooth and had a distinct heel. His heart lurched. Ezra. Up the path he ran, heart pounding so loud and fast he was afraid it would use itself up with the effort. When he achieved the plateau he stopped, one hand on his mare´s leg, eyes alert and ready. There were no ready signs of his lover, or anyone else.

He walked slowly around the calm pool, not enjoying as he usually would the musical trickle of the spring as it fed the small watery body. With a boot he kicked at the remains of a fire, only knowing it because he was a tracker – Ezra had done well covering evidence of his having been here, enough so that he hadn´t even seen hoof prints or other indications anyone had been to this spot when he´d ridden in. Vin swallowed once and closed his eyes, fighting against the panic that was seeping into him. He opened his eyes again and tried to decide what to do. The Texan turned in a small circle, looking at the little grotto formed by the rocks that surrounded the pool. His mate had good taste – it was a spot he´d have chosen as well. A fluttering of something red flashed in the corner of his eye and Vin stilled, a desperate, consuming hope clawing his belly at the bare promise. He turned and with two long strides advanced to where he´d seen the movement, then he stopped completely, eyes closing as he reached out to finger the red scarf he´d admired on Ezra that first day in the saloon. It was wrapped around a branch in one of the bushes, but not tied. He figured it had been accidentally left behind, and the wind had tangled it there, leaving it to tease his tortured mind.

Suddenly the reality of the situation overwhelmed him and Vin lurched forward, retching once into the dirt at his feet. He remained crouched for several long moments, taking in deep breaths and trying to still his roiling stomach. Finally he turned and half crawled to the pool, dipping into the cold clearness with a hand to sip it down, working to wash away the taste of bile that was in his mouth. After a few long drinks and washing of his face he was able to stand again, and he walked to the bush and retrieved the scarf, tucking it into the pocket with the two notes left for him. Vin walked down the little path and back around to Peso, untying the horse and mounting up. He closed his eyes. I´m comin´ fer ya, Ezra P Standish – I´m comin´ and I´m gonna find ya. I ain´t givin´ up on us. Whatever it takes, whenever it comes…I´m still gonna want ya – ya better be waitin´. He urged the reluctant animal into an easy pace, thinking to head southwest, knowing he´d stop at every town along the way – knowing he´d never quit looking until he found his love again.

Two years later…

Vin sighed and took the broom outside the store. He didn´t mind the work, was never one opposed to putting in honest effort for his pay, but there was definitely something lacking about wearing an apron and sweeping up the morning´s dust from the boardwalk out front. A ruckus caught his attention and he stopped to watch, keen senses taking in the scene around him, his mind already formulating a plan as to how to derail the drunken men from their plan to lynch the town´s healer. He felt something and looked across the street into the face of a stranger, and knew right away that man was thinking the same as he. Without hesitation he agreed to help, taking off the apron and going back inside for the pretty rifle that had just been put up for sale. He´d need it.

+ + + + + + +

Vin met Larabee´s gaze and nodded, and they answered the woman in unison,

“Saloon.” He headed off, ready for a drink, interested in learning more about the dark-clad man. When he entered the barroom a familiar sensation creeped up his spine and held, and when a particular drawl floated to him he knew – knew without question that his long years of relentless searching could finally come to an end. Ezra.

the end

Continues in Middles

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