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Josiah straightened, pressing his hands into the small of his back and massaged the aching muscles a little, twisting right then left to work the knots out. He smiled. The body may fail, yet the willing spirit pushes on. In other words, I'm getting to be an old man. The ex-preacher shook his head then bent back down to his task, gathering a handful of nails, lining them up in his mouth, and knelt back over. He was repairing the small set of stairs that led out the side of the church. Three days ago he'd exited that way and had to walk several paces with a board stuck around his ankle before he'd worked it off again. Seems there was a little dry rot.As he worked he hummed tunelessly, thoughts coming back to focus on the one thing that had kept him occupied for some time now. The past few weeks he'd finally come to a conclusion about something that had been on his mind - a mystery he had been working to solve. Vin and Ezra. Ezra and Vin. He looked to his left, twisting a little to grab a board from the stack. He lined it up on the second riser frame and tapped a nail in place, then hammered it home with two accurate blows. As he continued working he ruminated on what he'd decided. The two men were lovers. The hammer came down again, driving in another nail. The big man reached into his mouth and plucked away one of the thin spikes being held there, holding it with his thumb and finger to pierce the wood with a few taps so he could then drive it in. A satisfied grunt passed between his clenched lips as he looked down on the even row of nails he'd secured the end of the stair with. He swiveled a little, repeating the process on the opposite side of the board.
What had finally decided it for him were the small things, the intricacies of intimacy that did not exist between people who were merely friends – even brothers as he´d always thought of the group as being. It was in the way they interacted, the small gestures that passed between them that had caught his attention. He smiled, thinking how shocked they´d no doubt be to find out he´d managed this conclusion based on his observations alone. They had been very careful, and if it wasn't something that Josiah was looking for specifically he'd never have seen it – and he was certain they knew that and were working hard to maintain it.
When two men were in love it paid to be doubly cautious, and the ex-preacher couldn´t fault them in their efforts – he´d just bettered them. After the wagon train he´d made special care to watch over the southerner, his usual one-step removed vigil over the he man becoming even more strenuous. That´s when the small hints had begun to capture his awareness, and he had started to look closer, keen eyes and open mind reading the signals that were there if someone took the time to piece it all together. The strained silence around the time of the wagon train; the steadily increasing air of contentment surrounding the pair as the time after had passed; the easy way they now had with each other, communicating more silently even then the tracker ever had with their leader. He chuckled, thinking about other, more obvious evidence.
Vin's not being able to look away from Ezra if the gambler laughed, the blue eyes darkening just enough to notice the difference as they gazed at the smiling mouth. The southerner's physical comfort he shared with the lean man that he knew with no one else, the ready way he allowed a pat on his shoulder or the few times Josiah had seen the younger man return one. All small things, trivial and insubstantial on their own. But it was enough to have him believing they'd finally gotten past the quietly seething emotions that had been about them like a shroud for almost the first year they'd been a team - and had found a way to put that passion to good use.
What had clinched it for him happened a few weeks ago. He, Chris and Vin were around the back of the livery, helping Yosemite to repair a hole that had been kicked in the wall by a rather fractious mount that had passed through with his equally disagreeable owner. During the process they´d been required to shuffle the horses around, and while doing such Vin had been knocked hard against the ground by one of the shifting animals. The tracker had remained sitting, head bent forward while he breathed though clenched teeth. He and Chris had come over to help instantly, knowing the sharpshooter´s curved spine would be especially sensitive, abused from such treatment. After a few probing questions from Chris without answer the Texan had finally gritted out to get Ezra, and Josiah had run in search of the gambler.
When he´d found the younger man he didn´t miss the flash in green eyes, a mix of fear and great concern turning them to a brilliant emerald. Ezra had hid it quickly, but Josiah was already paying close attention to the two men, and the intense flare in those normally passive eyes didn´t get by his notice. The southerner had easily abandoned the game he was playing with a few of the locals, offering a honey-smooth apology that had both men nodding their heads, but the ex-preacher could hear the strain in that voice. The shorter man had actually forced Josiah to lengthen his long strides just so he could keep pace as they walked to the livery, and the conman was at Vin´s side before the older man had even made it around the building. What he saw made him raise a brow. The southerner was holding the Texan about the chest with an arm, helping the lean man to lie on the ground, face down. Nimble hands had probed up and down the sharpshooter´s back, little murmured questions that Josiah had been unable to decipher. He´d listened as the now soft drawl instructed Vin to breathe in deeply, and when that breath was let out again the gambler pounced, hands fanned out on the tracker´s back, heels planted on either side of the curved spine. A series of resounding ‘cracks´ split the air as the cardsharp repeated the process a few times, and then for a moment everything was still. He and Chris had shared a worried look, thinking perhaps the gambler had harmed the other man somehow. But presently there was a relieved sigh, and Vin was moving with an ease the ex-preacher hadn´t seen before. Ezra just smiled and stood, helping the blue-eyed man come up with him.
The tracker had moved close and smiled back, reaching out with a hand towards the gambler. There was a distinct crackle in the air between them, and Josiah had been convinced the other man had forgotten just for a moment his surroundings and was about to draw Ezra close for a hug, or perhaps more. After less than a second the hand found new, acceptable purpose and had efficiently flicked dirt away from the southerner´s elbow where it had collected when the green-eyed man had shifted the sharpshooter´s position to lie flat on the ground. They had stood a moment more before Vin had patted Ezra on the shoulder, saying a quiet thanks, then the Texan was back to work. The southerner had simply lifted his fingers in his familiar salute and had headed back to the saloon again. He´d watched as Chris had smiled faintly, nodding with satisfaction as he too went back to their task. Josiah added to his growing mental list: ‘the boss knows.´
Josiah tipped back so he was sitting on his heels, reaching behind to grab another board. For a moment he studied it, callused fingers running along the grain that he'd followed as the sandpaper had rasped over the wood again and again. He raised the lumber to his face, small smile cropping up as he enjoyed the fresh scent. After another moment of reflection he leaned forward again, going about the same method with this stair as he'd followed with the previous two. Then it would be time to plank the small deck he'd framed out as an addition to the stairs, making it more of a walkout landing then just a staircase. He'd imagined it would provide a fine place to sit and read in the mornings, feet propped on the rail he had to carve, back against the rough white wall as he enjoyed the rising sun. Footsteps crunched in the dirt behind him, and Josiah smiled when a familiar drawl called out to ask,
“My dear Mr Sanchez, whatever would impel you to choose now to engage in such a chore? Certainly it could be just as easily accomplished without the heat of the midday sun at your back.” The ex-preacher shut his eyes a moment, feeling the sweat that had beaded in his eyebrows run away to puddle at the corners of the closed lids. He took in a deep breath and then squared his shoulders. Now is as good a time as any…especially as he has chosen to seek you out, with the midday sun at his back. Josiah turned and boosted himself to sit on the just finished stair, wide grin on his face. He gestured for Ezra to come closer.
“Brother Ezra! I have found that there is no time for me to wait for such tasks. Were I to remain passive until such a time as conditions were perfect, I would surely accomplish nothing at all.” Green eyes studied him, then the southerner was nodding.
“Ah yes. And what with all the necessary attention and care this fine building will require before it is restored to its full glory, I can see where time is a luxury you would feel without the benefit of.” Josiah licked his lips, reaching up to mop the sweat from his brow up under his hat with his sleeve. The slight breeze felt good against the exposed flesh, so he left the hat on his knee for a time. The gambler´s words made him think about a way to approach the subject, a way to signal his fostered son that he was accepting and approving of the relationship. He held both hands out in front of him, palms facing, about five inches apart.
“When something is very important, such as the church is to me and this growing community, then for me the time invested is neither a luxury or a burden. I enjoy all the work I must do to make this building come into her own – the good and the bad, sunny or stormy. For me the process is a comfort, knowing what I will have in the end will be worth it, like a gift or great treasure.” Ezra´s brow arched over an eye. Josiah decided to press it a little further. “All men find that one thing in their lives they are willing to toil in the midday sun for, something that means more to them then comfort or ease of way. For me, it is repairing some of the wrongs I have leveled within my lifetime, and I have chosen to do that through the physical repair of this church.” He stared hard at the younger man. “Not everyone´s is a sacrifice as I have found mine within – some find it in their work, a particular hobby, and the luckiest of us find it in love.” He leaned a little closer, brows raised, nodding a little with a half smile. The southerner pursed his lips and shifted his stance.
“Indeed, Mr Sanchez. A most admirable calling you have chosen to pursue. Not a day goes by that I don´t marvel at your unwavering dedication to turning this depilated heap into a place worthy of whatever God you would choose to exalt.” Josiah nodded, wondering if his message had been received. He took in a breath and said with a quiet, steady voice,
“What I admire, Ezra, are those men who choose to move forward despite what seems unbeatable odds – that they do not let setbacks or disappointments keep them from what it is they have set their hearts on. Especially when that thing they are wanting is right and good. I am a soul much gladdened when bereaved hearts find their true paths.” He smiled warmly. The gambler´s eyes were a little narrow, brows drawn together. If not for those small changes in his appearance it would be impossible to tell if he were even listening, much less if he´d gotten the big man´s clear message. The cardsharp remembered his manners quickly, not letting the silence stretch very long between them. With a slight bow he said,
“A sound and not foolish yet sentimental notion, Mr Sanchez. I admire you that.” He smiled faintly, and the ex-preacher could tell it was genuine. Then the southerner continued. “And though I should enjoy further discourse with you on such compelling subjects as this, I fear that I had time only to deliver a message to you, then I must be away to take over my scheduled duty at the jail.” Josiah stood, coming to stand closer to the smaller man. He patted the red-coated shoulder and shook his head.
“Forgive me for keeping you, Brother.” A green eye winked at him and the southerner flashed a gold-flecked grin.
“Nothing to forgive, Mr Sanchez. Your unique views on this world that we inhabit are always to my interest, and I found them even more such today.” The gambler paused very briefly, giving his last statement gravity with the sight emphasis, then continued. “Mr Larabee has asked that you kindly take the morning patrol tomorrow as Mr Tanner will be needed elsewhere.” Josiah found himself agreeing without even thinking about it. It was easy to trade favors between his brothers in this way. The southerner´s smile grew, the infectious grin that almost no one could resist warming his handsome features. The older man found himself grinning back. He nodded.
“The next time I see Chris I will let him know that Vin is free for that task that has been deemed above the importance of our daily chores.” He watched as green eyes opened for a moment, the flash of delight and anticipation in the emerald depths almost taking his breath away. With the careful control the younger man usually kept his emotions reined in with it was easy to forget how expressive those eyes could be. Josiah couldn´t help reaching out to cup the shoulder with his hand again, squeezing it once in a firm grip. Ezra inclined his head and answered,
“Thank you. Now, I shall not keep you longer – besides, it is no doubt Mr Dunne is quite ready for his luncheon repast at this time.” To the ex-preacher´s surprise a strong hand came up and clasped around his upper arm, returning the squeezing gesture with ease. Ezra winked at him. “I imagine you are most anxious to return to your found passion; gritty, hot and uncomfortable as it might be.” Josiah laughed, a deep chuckle that rumbled in his chest. He pushed the younger man away gently, the contact between them breaking amicably. He nodded towards the jail, then looked back at the southerner meaningfully.
“When you return to yours I hope you enjoy it as well.” For a moment it seemed the cardsharp was uncertain of what to say, the idea tickling the older man´s fancy. It wasn´t often the quick-witted conman was left slack-jawed, even if such a state for the gambler was to be only temporarily without a sure retort. The smaller man grinned and winked again.
“You can be assured that I will, Mr Sanchez.” He tipped his hat at the ex-preacher, stepping away to walk towards the jail. Josiah watched him with contented fondness, so glad to know that his chosen son had finally found his way, the happiness that he deserved. With a deep sigh he leaned down to retrieve the hat that had popped off his knee when he´d stood, knocking it a few times to rid it of the newly added dirt. He fitted it back onto his head, the tune that had been weaving though his mind while he´d been working coming out on a low hum. The big man gathered the stack of boards that was to be the planking on the small deck, loading his mouth again with a line of nails and set about to finishing this small portion of his life´s work.
+ + + + + + +
Vin raced up the stairs to his lover´s room, heart beating madly, fingers shaking a little. When he got to the closed door he stopped, willing his breathing to slow, reaching up to smooth his hair before knocking on the wood panel. He looked down at himself and bit his lip. Hope this´ll do. He´d had a bath and shaved, and was now wearing his best buckskins, the leather a supple golden cream color. Into them he´d tucked one of his better shirts – a lapis blue linen that Ezra had spotted and purchased for him one time when their duties had brought them to Eagle Bend. Over that he´d tied the soft blue kerchief with the small pattern of interlaced circles on it that he thought matched nicely. He´d shined his boots and carried his hat, not wanting it to mess his hair just yet. Never be close ta what Ez can look like, but still wanted ta try my best. There were times when he still marveled over the idea that the refined southern gentleman had chosen him to share his bed, his days, his life. He hadn´t had much opportunity or reason to indulge in dressing for an occasion, and reaching this benchmark with his lover was one of the most important things he believed he´d achieved in his life, so he´d made his appearance the best he´d been able.
When there was no answer to his hail he tried again, shifting a little. He was certain the southerner had told him yesterday to come to his room, that there would be something waiting for him. Finally he tried the knob, turning it slowly, wincing a little as he did so. He trusted Ezra more than just about anyone else in his life, and knew the same was true for the cardsharp – but he still hated to invade his mate´s privacy, and felt he was doing such by coming in without direct permission. He called softly, hoping to get a response before the door opened further. All that greeted him was silence. He furrowed his brows. Hunh. Wonder what he´s up to. With a deep breath Vin pushed the door the rest of the way open, standing in the frame, mouth agape.
Gone. Everything. The whole room was empty, not a trace remaining to show evidence a man had lived here for nearly two years. Dryness filled his mouth then panicked saliva, and he swallowed rapidly, heart beating into his throat. He took a hesitant step forward, the whole of him filled with dread. God…not again…please…not again. The Texan closed his eyes and tried to get a handle on himself, willing the frenzied emotions to abate, trying to reassure himself there was a reasonable explanation. After a few long pulls of air he opened his eyes again, and almost gave in to a small sob that bubbled up in his chest. There was a knock on the doorframe and he turned abruptly, hand reaching for his mare´s leg. He looked into sparkling blue eyes, Buck grinning, hands raised a little.
“Woah, hold on there Junior. Don´t mean ya no harm.” The ladies man winked. “Awful sorry – I´m a little late. Or maybe it´s because ya were in such a damn hurry ya didn´t hear me calling to ya.” Vin wrinkled his brow, making the rogue chuckle a little before he continued. “Nope – not even a word.” He tilted his head, motioning behind him with a gesture, holding out a piece of paper with the other. “Your directions are here, Sir.” The last word was emphasized, and Vin knew the ladies man was alluding to his lover with his phrasing. The tracker started himself moving again, taking a few steps so he could take the folded sheaf, his heart finding rhythm again. Just before he grabbed it Buck pulled it back, pinning the younger man in place with a serious expression. “So you know – you hurt him, I hurt you. Get me?” Vin shook his head, staring at the taller man just as seriously.
“Dammit Bucklin, how long you know about this?” First Chris, now Buck. Wonder if there´s anyone else out there onto our little ‘secret.´ The mustached man grinned, poking his finger into the tracker´s chest.
“You two have been prancing around each other from the start like a coupla frothin´ studs. I´d have bet good money on that you´d met before – and either had something real good that ended bad, or something bad ya didn´t want to end that way.” He narrowed his blue gaze and shifted a little. “From the way you two were acting there, I figured it for the first.” He paused, reaching out to pat the sharpshooter on the shoulder. “Don´t get me wrong, Vin – I don´t mind at all this is where you two have found your happiness. I´m certainly not one to start pushing morals, and it isn´t like I haven´t seen it before. Just glad you boys finally stopped tripping over each other long enough to get it right.” He leaned close and winked. “Was afraid I might have to step in there for a little while, get you both on the right track with a little of my magic.” The Texan laughed in spite of himself. He snatched the piece of paper from Buck´s inattentive hand, waggling a brow at the unhappy grunt and slight frown the action brought. His expression sobered again.
“Ain´t planning on doing nothing ta Ez except treating him like he deserves. I love him, and don´t see that stopping, ever. Glad ya don´t have a problem with it, but ta be fair even if ya did I could care less.” To his surprise the lanky man whooped quietly and grinned, drawing him close for a quick hug.
“Damnation boy! That´s exactly what old Buck likes to hear.” Vin grinned back, feeling a warm flush creep up his chest and dust his cheeks. It had been quite a rush to be able to admit out loud that he loved Ezra, and always would. The ladies man pushed at him, turning him a little. “You get on now, Junior. Don´t want to make your man wait.” The tracker looked over his shoulder and glared, making the rogue´s smile grow wider. Another push and the longhaired man was off, calling his thanks over his shoulder. He could feel Buck watching him as he hurried down the stairs, knew the goofy grin never left the mustached face as he bounded back down and out the batwing doors.
The little map brought him less than a mile out of town, and he slowed Peso as he approached the only building out this way. It had been owned by an entrepreneur who was just a bit too much ahead of his time for the business to last. Mr Smithe had built a generous two- storied structure that was to be used as a boarding house, offering breakfast to its tenants as part of the service. The small, pot- bellied man had imagined travelers might want a quieter setting to enjoy, an easy distance from town but still under the shelter of several shading trees and open sky. Unfortunately for the enthusiastic man, Four Corners was not yet ready for such a development, and the business had failed soon after it had opened. Vin had shook his head with the easy way Smithe accepted the turn in events, putting the building up for sale and trotting off to San Francisco, thinking to try the idea out there.
Chaucer was in a paddock to the right of the building, the chestnut standing under a large tree, efficiently cropping grass to a bare nub. Vin grinned. He rode Peso close and dismounted, unsaddling the animal and letting him run into the pen, listening to the whinnies and greetings shared by the horses. The Texan threw his tack over a shoulder and walked the distance to the house, stowing his gear in the small shed, finding Ezra´s there as well. He came around to the front, pausing long enough to pull at his clothes and swipe at his hair. He frowned. Now I´m all mussed. Damn. Had ta ride ta get here though…jus´ hope I look mostly decent. The tracker would never know how handsome he appeared to his lover, face flushed from exertion and the cool air, hair windblown and wild about his shoulders, eyes bright and alive. He licked his lips and knocked on the door. In stark contrast to before the door was opened immediately, his grinning mate on the other side. Vin smiled happily back, a whoosh of contentment and excitement stealing over him at the sight. After a moment the gambler laughed, reaching out to pull him inside. They shared a long and satisfying kiss, and when they pulled away he heard murmured,
“Happy anniversary, Love – welcome home.” Vin moved away a little, eyes questioning. When the gambler merely gestured out with his hands the tracker spun slowly, taking in the interior. His heart did a small flip-flop, his gut in hot pursuit at what he saw. The large parlor/sitting room they were standing in was completely furnished, and he smiled when his gaze landed on his lover´s rocking chair. It had been pulled to sit in the corner in front of the large window that looked out over the deck that wrapped around the building´s front and side. There was a generous fireplace with two chairs placed in front of it, and tables with groupings of benches and more chairs punctuated the room. Some of his things from his wagon were here; his favorite blanket folded neatly over the tall back of one of the long benches, the two sparkling halves of a geode he´d found winking at each other on a table, a length of his handmade rope in a coil decorating the wall. He looked back at Ezra, his breath completely taken away. The southerner smiled and took his hand, leading them down the hall.
They passed a narrow staircase, stopping at a small room opposite the flight. Vin poked his head in, grinning at what he saw. Ez always wanted a library… Two solid bookcases anchored the room on the left side, the wall opposite him broken by two large windows. The other wall had a smaller fireplace. There were two comfortable looking chairs in front of this hearth as well, the pair resting on a rug with a low table between them. They were backed against a desk, the flat expanse of oak floating in the middle of the room, a solid, simple chair pulled away from it at a slight angle. Ezra kissed his neck and Vin shivered, the tingles not ceasing when warm breath tickled as the cardsharp spoke.
“The desk is furnished with a full writing set. I thought you could employ it to pen your fine poems.” An arm reached around him to point at the bookcases. “The one to the right is mine,” Vin looked at it, eyes growing wide with how many volumes already occupied the floor-to-ceiling unit. “The one on the left is for you.” The tracker shook his head, smiling at the few books that were there, all of them having been gifts from his mate. His lover patted him on the back. “It will be filled in time, of that I´m certain. Come…there is more to see.” Vin grinned at the tone of his heart´s voice, the light, anticipatory vibration making his own pique raise higher. They walked until the hallway ended, spilling into a generous kitchen on the left, a dining area to the right, a wide door leading out to a tree-lined lawn opposite him. Something smelled wonderful, and he sniffed the air appreciatively. He turned and caught Ezra close to him.
“Hope whatever that is, it´s for dinner later. Smells good enough ta eat.” His answer was a happy grin coupled with a playful jab into his flank, a ticklish spot that always had him bending away from the intruding fingers. After a few breathless moments of teasing one another the gambler took his hands again, leading them back to the front of the house, stopping at the staircase. The southerner gestured up it, and Vin took the lead. The flight of stairs ended in the middle of the second floor, the rectangle sectioned off in four parts – two at the front of the house, two at the back. His lover motioned at the two rooms at the front.
“These are still empty. I had wanted to decide together how they could best be utilized.” The Texan smiled, glad that some part of the planning of their home could be his to share. He stopped at the thought, tilting his head so he could look at his lover.
“We gonna live here Ez?” A trace of apprehension flared then dimmed in emerald eyes, but it was enough for his keen senses to follow. He stepped close, gathering his spirit in a firm embrace. “Jus´ couldn´t believe it at first is all – it´s so big, and everything already done so nice…and being here with ya, seeing my own things mixed with yours – it already feels like home ta me. I guess I jus´ wanted ya ta tell me I wasn´t dreaming it.” Shoulders shook in his hold as the gambler chuckled softly. He loosened his hold enough for the smaller man to lean back, relaxing as sure fingertips trailed along his face and chest as his lover spoke.
“Mr Smithe came to me when he left, wanting to know if I had interest in becoming a partner with him for his new enterprise in San Francisco. As I was not, I offered instead to buy this property, thus giving him back some of his investment, granting him a workable sum to use as his stake when beginning his new undertaking.” Vin smiled affectionately, reaching out to rub at his mate´s cheek with his thumb.
“Ez…ya bought the place jus´ for us ta live in?” The southerner swallowed and nodded, a wry smile twisting his lips.
“It is a fine building, Vin. And having been just built all the accommodations are the newest and best available. And when combined with how sizable it is and the parcel of land I also worked into the arrangement, I´m certain I came out ahead – especially when compared to the cost of constructing this from scratch, buying the land for it to be built on, shipment of the hardware and accessories, labor involved – et al.” A green eye winked. “Mr Smithe was hardly in a position to negotiate. I´m afraid I quite took advantage of him.” Vin laughed softly, leaning down to kiss the gambler. He knew that wasn´t exactly true. Smithe came ta Ez wanting money, and Ez is smart enough ta never outright loan it…but this way he could give the man what he´d been needing, and get something for himself in return. Probably paid a lot more for alla this then he´d ever admit. He hugged the compact form close for a beat then pulled away, blue eyes lusty as he licked his lips. He drawled huskily,
“Where´s the bedroom?” The southerner twisted out of his loose embrace and gestured at the two shut doors at the back of the house. Vin quirked a brow, and the gambler smiled and strode over to the one on the right.
“This room is mine, and that one is yours.” The tracker growled a little. Gets us a whole big house like this jus´ for ourselves and still we can´t even share a room? He walked quickly to the other closed door, turning the knob and pushing it open. When he did he couldn´t help but laugh. To his right stood Ezra, the other door swinging away from the one Vin had just opened. There was no wall between them where one had originally stood. He nodded his head and nibbled at his lip before saying, “Good idea.” Dimples peeked out when his spirit grinned, and Vin let the door shut behind him, moving in for another long kiss. When they separated he looked around, surveying, keeping his arms about his lover in a loose embrace.
The room was bright and airy, a steady breeze traveling though it from all the open windows. It was lightly but comfortably furnished, and items he recognized as his own had been fitted into the décor, blending seamlessly with his lover´s personal effects, all of them looking like they belonged, had been planned that way from the start. On the left wall was the bed, the double mattresses pulled up under the large window. He smiled. Gonna like laying there with the wind coming in, and on days when it´s stormin´ out I can hold onta Ez and we can enjoy the show together. The wall opposite him had four smaller windows, and inbetween each pair was a small fireplace. The one farthest from the bed had a thick rug in front of it, and behind the rug were two large armchairs. They were angled to look at both the hearth and out the large window opposite the bed. Between the doors stood two dressers – one he recognized as Ezra´s, the other one he´d never seen before. He teased,
“Planning on expanding your wardrobe, Ez?” The southerner moved away to pull out a drawer and Vin came closer to inspect. He sucked in a breath and reached out with a hand, stroking the soft material in brilliant red that was folded there. Four brand new shirts lined the deep wooden well, and he knew they had been bought for him. The next drawer had a pair of buckskins and a pile of kerchiefs, and the other two were empty. He looked up and smiled, closing a hand around Ezra´s wrist to pull the man close. He leaned down and nibbled on the pale column of his lover´s neck, whispering softly, “Ez…thank you, so much. For everything.” For a long time they kissed, hands moving in slow caresses along one another´s bodies. When they pulled away for air Vin smiled, pulling the gambler so they could sit on the edge of the bed. He worried at his lip again, wondering how the gifts he´d selected could ever measure up. A gentle hand smoothed his furrowed brow and he looked up, green eyes affectionate and understanding.
“Nothing tangible you could ever give me would compare to your love, Vin. I require nothing else from you.” The gambler paused and licked his lips, moving a hand to take one of the tracker´s in a firm grip. “I had the means and opportunity to purchase this, a place we could make our home – but I did it from wanting of being with you. Now we have a safe place to exist without hiding, with neither of us skulking around like criminals, you ducking into my room above the saloon only when you are certain it is safe to do so, then stealing away again before it is light. It was not meant as a standard that must now be equaled.” Vin nodded.
“I get ya, Ez. Jus´ kinda overwhelmed by it all – never had a real home before, and certainly not somebody I wanted ta share it with the way I do you.” He grinned, turning the mood. “Awful glad I fell in with a rich dandy like yourself. Think it´ll make me a finely kept gentleman after all.” To his delight his lover laughed with him, their faces coming in for a kiss almost instinctively. He pulled away after a moment. “Ya won´t mind living outside a town like this?” His mate answered him evenly, with green eyes dancing happily,
“We are close enough that traveling there will only take a few minutes…yet we are out here, surrounded by plenty of land to satiate your restless nature.” He paused, tilting his head to study Vin, a slow smile gracing his handsome features. “Besides, you well know my secret affinity for the wilderness that Four Corners is nestled within. It won´t be a hardship to give up living in a single room with a steady stream of humanity and the noise of the saloon as neighbors.” The sharpshooter nodded – he figured that to be how his lover felt, but had wanted to certain. After another slow kiss he pulled away and stood, suddenly nervous. He held up a finger.
“Got something for ya too, but jus´ a minute – left it downstairs. Ya stay right here.” He leaned down for a quick peck then took off, running down the stairs to grab the two items, taking the treads two at a time on his way back up. He ducked back into the room, not bothering to shut the door all the way as he entered. Ezra grinned at him, the two men enjoying the freedom allowed by having a place to call their own. He held out both hands, palms down as one would to a child, making his lover choose which to select first. A sure finger tapped on his left knuckles. Vin smiled and turned his hand, opening his fist to reveal his first gift. He watched as Ezra unwrapped it carefully, almost reaching out to tear at the paper himself, not quite able to stand the suspense. Once it was open he wished it was concealed again. He held his breath and waited. After a long silence green eyes were looking up at him, and the southerner asked softly,
“Did you make this Vin?” He nodded. Nimble hands moved reverently around the frame he´d carved, taking in all the details he´d spent so much time on, making certain it was perfect. In the frame he´d mounted the heart Ezra had drawn for him those years ago, his poem scrawled under the tip. During the silence while his spirit studied the gift he could hardly breathe, heart pounding in his ears. Finally the gambler was looking back up at him, and gold flashed with a brilliant smile. “I haven´t the words, Love. It´s exquisite.” Vin felt like the earth started moving again, the agonizing stillness that had seized him while he was waiting now abated with his heart´s obvious pleasure in the gift. He nodded.
“Glad ya like it. Knew ya were thinking about getting something ta keep it safe in. Thought it´d make a good gift.” He grinned. “Was worried you would notice it was gone, even though I only framed it up yesterday.” He watched as Ezra stood, admiring the graceful movements as his mate strode across the room to the far fireplace. The southerner placed the picture on the mantle, centering it on the empty slab of wood. As he walked back Vin couldn´t help but return the happy smile. The cardsharp said,
“I had a few other matters occupying my attentions at the time, though any other day and I doubtless would have noted its absence.” Brows waggled over dancing green eyes. “You are a lucky man, Mr Tanner.” Vin licked his lips and answered seriously,
“I know it, Ez. Tell myself that everyday I wake up knowing I get ta see ya, have ya stand with me ta face this life together.” Green eyes softened, and the drawl said softly,
“Indeed – exact sentiments to those I express myself every night before I drift to sleep.” Vin tightened his fist and remembered his other gift. He grinned again.
“Want your other present now?” He laughed when Ezra took two quick steps forward, boosting onto his toes to plant a quick kiss against Vin´s lips. When he settled back the southerner replied,
“Was there ever a doubt?” The sharpshooter turned his other hand over, uncurling long fingers slowly. At the first glint of sliver he heard his lover gasp, and he couldn´t stop the lusty grin that stole across his face when his mate asked roughly, “We gonna put that to good use then?” Vin reached out and grabbed the smaller man close, leaning to whisper into an ear,
“Was there ever a doubt?”
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