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Middles |
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Vin looked out into the distance and sighed. This was not going at all as he´d planned. When word came down that a few of Four Corners´ peacekeepers were needed to deliver a prisoner to nearby Lone Pine he´d jumped at the opportunity. He´d gone to Chris and asked that the blond send him along with Ezra, mentioning something about needing to talk with the southerner, and this would make a good opportunity. The leader of the seven had agreed, narrowing sharp eyes as he studied the tracker, stating that the palpable rift needed attending. Vin had been relieved at how easy the set up had been – unfortunately, nothing else had proved to be that way.The trip out was silent not counting their forced companion, the two men ignoring the complaints and endless chattering of their prisoner. It was a two-day ride to Lone Pine, and they made certain they got there in that time. They´d turned around right away, Ezra waving a dismissive hand at the sharpshooter´s offer to stay a night in town. Now Vin was hoping to take it a little slower back, stretch it to three. He gritted his teeth. From the looks of it they would make it in two. The sun was just starting to set, and Four Corners was only a few hours away at best.
Maybe it didn´t matter anyway – they were no closer to reconciliation, no words passing between them to even ease their togetherness much less bring about the change he was hoping for. It was probably best they couldn´t stop. Vin was on the edge as it was, each day being so close to Ezra, watching him, wanting him, but not being able to have what was just within reach. All told he was quite frustrated – in more ways than one. The tracker brought Peso to a stop, scanning the horizon for some reason for them to stop and make camp here in spite of himself. He breathed a sigh of relief when it came, thanking mother nature for her kind intervention. Off to the right gunpowder green/black clouds were churning, and the Texan knew he and Ezra would be battered by the swiftly moving storm as it and they intersected on their paths leading to Four Corners. He turned his head and looked back a little so he could see the gambler.
“Best ta make camp here – no use fighting our way through that mess. It´ll miss us here, but we won´t get around it if we keep going.” He pointed at the threatening skies, watching as green eyes quickly took in the situation. The southerner nodded.
“Very well. I shall see about some firewood.” Vin sighed, biting his tongue to stop a thoughtless curse from escaping. The hotel room was so easy – hell, we didn´t even hafta talk. Why´s this so different…why´s Ez so hard ta read? He moved about helping the other man set up the camp, arranging a few pieces of wood for them to sit on around the fire, laying out his bedroll – carefully at the opposite side of the stone circle as Ezra´s. The past nights had been exquisite torture: indulging in being so near his love as the man slept, able to watch the fine details he´d kept close to his heart the past two years; painful to feel how many fathoms apart they were still. Though it ain´t quite the way I had in mind fer this trip I´m glad we´re sleeping together, nice ta be this close ta him uninterrupted. He watched as the southerner laid out and lit the fire, setting the coffee pot to perk at the edge of the licking orange flames. Dinner was made and consumed in the sharp silence. After accepting another cup of coffee Vin sucked up his courage enough to speak.
“So, how ya been Ez?” He shut his eyes briefly, resisting the urge to groan. Real good, Tanner. Great place ta start. The gambler drawled without looking at him,
“Some days are better than others, obviously. But overall I cannot complain.” The silence returned, and with it the furious barrage of questions that Vin had wanted to ask ever since laying eyes on Ezra again. He tried again.
“Ya like Four Corners?” This time he shifted in place to cover his groan. Christ – ya don´t see the man you´ve been in love with fer two years, and now ya finally got him ta yerself and all ya can think ta ask about is the weather? The next answer was even shorter than the first.
“It is acceptable, thank you.” Vin sighed. Great…now he´s being polite. Jus´ perfect. He´d wanted to have them talk about how to fix things, figure out how they could spend the night in each other´s arms instead of trying to ignore one another as they drifted off restlessly. He watched the green-eyed man, desire flaring at handsome features gilded with firelight, pink tongue reaching out just before full lips closed around the rim of his tin mug. The tracker licked his own lips, wanting to lean over for a taste. Those emerald eyes flitted over and locked with his. Vin managed to stutter out,
“Think ya might stay on a spell?” Ezra set the cup down with deliberate precision. He turned back towards the fire and answered,
“We shall see.”
Vin lunged at Ezra, the last bit of his control finally snapping with the southerner's terse words. His mouth instantly covered the smaller man's, and he grunted with satisfaction when it opened under him, welcoming with a slight gasp. The tracker pulled the compact form tight against his own, banding his arms around his love with almost suffocating pressure. He drug at Ezra until the gambler was lying on his back in the dust, the fallen limb he'd been using at as seat now above his head, flipping the black hat off to the side. The passion found life between them immediately; bodies, souls remembering not as if it were two years, but two days...two seconds. Vin reached up and tangled a hand through the silky locks, angling the head for better access. All at once his emotions pummeled him unchecked - all the want, the need, the unanswered longing finally finding answer, and he sobbed into the mouth kissing his own. A hand gentled along his back, then up under his coat. He pulled away enough for the heavy length to be eased from his body, then his arms were tight about his love again. It was just as he'd remembered, just as he'd fantasized about all these years, and oh so very right - nothing could convince him otherwise of how very right this was.
Vin tore at the clothing with desperate longing, needing to see, anxious to feel. Unconsciously he ground his arousal into a muscled thigh, grunting again when he felt an answering hardness trapped between them. He broke the kiss and pushed up onto his knees, shoving his long hands under the red jacket and forced it off shoulders until he could pull it out from behind, then let it fall to his side. With shaking, almost frenzied hands he started to work at the buttons on the dress shirt, then abandoned the effort, and with a strangled yell he ripped the fabric straight down from the collar. He moved the tatters aside, spreading his hands on the pale flesh, eyes closing at finally being allowed this intimacy.
The Texan leaned down, mouth and tongue moving rapidly and without focus, just wanting to be everywhere, anywhere, as long as it was tasting Ezra. He kept on thrusting with his hips, ramming his erection again and again against the firm leg he'd trapped between his own. He traveled up the muscled chest to briefly nuzzle behind the gambler's ear, hand shoving down into the front of his heart's pants, fingers seeking then finding the leaking cock housed inside. He heard a ragged moan, his blood peaking with fire at the sound, and he swooped down on those open lips. The kiss was bruising, heated. A few more strong pulls and he felt Ezra tense, heard the grunt in the chest below his own, then felt the warm wet spasm into his hand. His pelvis jerked up and down rapidly, and he came seconds after.
For a moment Vin lay, forehead resting against the southerner's, sharing each other's breath as they gasped for oxygen. Ezra shifted under him, the thigh pushing into his sensitized groin, and the ardor barely in check within the Texan flared immediately to new life. He kissed the conman once, hard, then withdrew his hand, taking a moment to undo the black trousers before flipping the man over with an arm. With a fumbling hand he worked his belt and fastenings loose, until he could push his buckskins down far enough to free his already hardening cock, the supple fabric falling unheeded about his knees. He wrapped his arm around the taut belly, pulling Ezra onto all fours and back against him. He plunged his hand into the crease pressed between them, and with the moisture still in his palm from his spirit's earlier release he wet the tight hole there, preparing it quickly. One finger, two fingers, then three – all in rapid succession, and he felt for and found that little nub, brushing it powerfully again and again until Ezra pushed back against him. Vin cupped his free hand around Ezra´s shoulder, arm against the pale back arching in front of him. With the other he guided his renewed erection into the rosy pucker, fighting to keep control and penetrate with some care.
Immediately Ezra groaned then forced himself back, pushing with hands flat against the timber at his head, elbows locking as he reared into the sharpshooter. Vin wrapped one hand around his mate's hip, and in tandem with the one still about a shoulder he pushed and pulled, adding force to his beginning thrusts. Their loving was intense, almost savage - raw in its need. He heard Ezra cry out, and it shuddered along his aroused senses; vocalization was a luxury not afforded them in that hotel room, but here there weren´t such strictures to worry about. Vin leaned forward, eyes clamped tightly shut, and let out a yell of his own, turning to bite the sweaty flesh straining under him. When he saw Ezra lift a hand he growled, letting go of the shoulder long enough to bat it back down, a warning against the other man finishing himself off. He rasped,
"Mine...all mine." The chestnut curls nodded, and he heard gasped back,
"Yes, always." The words quickened his pace, stoking further the insatiable fire that had consumed him fully at first touch of his lover's skin. He could feel a tingle at the base of his spine, knew that his climax was inevitable and bit his lip, trying to hold it off. Too soon...want it...last... In the end he couldn't stop the rushing tide, and with three hard slams of his pelvis deepening himself into the warm heat encasing him he came, shuddering and calling his heart's name in a howl.
For a moment all was black, and Vin had to fight not to succumb to the dark, blinking his eyes rapidly against the beckoning haze. His chest was heaving, his body still joined to the sweaty one curled under him. Gently he pulled away, then he reached around, supporting Ezra so he could roll him onto his back. He shuffled forward, eyeing the erect penis with intense blue eyes. He reached down and fumbled with his boot, finally getting it loose and falling forward onto a hand as he flung it to the side, then shook his leg out of the buckskins. That´s all he had patience for as far as undressing was concerned. Vin went down on the southerner, taking that flushed crown into his mouth, using his hands to push the pants down as far as they would go, the needy gasps and moans urging him on. He lifted off with a slurp, leaving behind some spittle, then moved so he was straddling the trim waist. He wanted to feel Ezra inside of him - tight, filling, and right now, so he didn't even make to prepare himself. Before he could lower even an inch strong hands wrapped about his hips and he grunted impatiently, feeling a spike of frustration at not being able to achieve his goal.
The hands held fast, and he opened his eyes to watch as Ezra scrabbled into a sitting position, then he was quickly lowered so he was lying in the dirt. One hand wrapped around his naked ankle, raising his leg so it caught around a fabric-covered shoulder. He watched as the other was pushed into Ezra´s mouth, all four fingers at once, the pink tongue working over them, loading them with salvia. Vin pressed his hands into the rocky earth at his sides, forcing his hips off the ground as much as he could, begging with his eyes that the man take him soon. Slick fingers pressed into his cleft then wiggled into his tight opening, and Vin let his head fall back, shoulders moving restlessly as he waited to be filled, completed. He groaned at the sparking of his passion spot, pelvis twitching involuntarily at the sensation. Another minute went by and he sucked in a breath, letting it back out to beg harshly,
"Now, Ez. Do it now." The smooth head of his lover's cock pressed against his entrance and he pounced, pushing again with his hands, gripping with his heel against the strong shoulder, impaling himself as much as he was able. He let out a ragged sigh and paused, the moved his hips. "Hard, Ez. Please...need ya...need it now." This was the hardness he desired, the firm pounding that matched the frenzy of his need, the movement against and into him not harsh, but abandoned. He bit his lip then let it away again, letting the wild call loose from his throat. Wet heat closed against his aroused cock, and Vin bucked up into it, torn between the length filling him and the pleasure stroking around him. He reached out and pulled at Ezra´s flanks, fingernails digging into muscled flesh, urging it harder. He pushed flat onto the booted foot against the ground, angling up and adding his own force to the thrusts. The hardness deep inside starting brushing without end against his nub and soon after he came, body thrashing into the one above him, hearing the southerner´s answering cry as it shivered up his raw nerves.
He reached down and clawed at Ezra, grabbing at the thick hair, dragging the man close. He tasted himself in that kiss - that searing, shattering kiss. It couldn't last long, for both men were in desperate need of air, but when the southerner pulled away to breathe Vin kept a strong arm around him, making him stay close. They heaved against each other, sweat slicked bodies nestling close as they each found their way back to earth after the potent union. Vin kept his arms tight, holding his lover to his fluttering heart, not ever wanting to let go again. He murmured into the sweaty hair tickling his face, hand seeking and finding one of the southerner´s to clasp. He whispered softly,
“So good Ez…still so good…” In minutes he fell into a deep, sated sleep.
+ + + + + + +
Ezra came to and blinked a few times, trying to get his bearings. It was very dark now; the pinpricks of light overhead from the stars the only illumination on this moonless night. He wrinkled a brow, wondering why the fire hadn´t been maintained. With the thought in mind of seeing to it he shifted, and with him shifted the warmth covering his body. Ezra froze completely still.
This had happened once after Vin - he'd awakened to find a stranger in bed with him, someone with blue eyes that had almost been enough to allow him to see his lost love when he looked into them. At first his sleepy brain only registered wonderful heat so near his flesh, hair against his shoulder. But when he'd looked down to gaze at his perfect embodiment of love he'd felt sick panic, not knowing he man he was with, barely recognizing him from the brandy-hazed night before. He´d pushed away from the sleeping form, grabbed his clothing and fled - his own hotel room, the town he'd made a small fortune off of - and all to get away from that one night. The truth was it was more like he was trying to outrun a memory, one that could not be shaken. For days he had pushed Chaucer so hard that the animal had actually refused to travel further, and Ezra had finally relinquished the saddle and his desperate roaming.
He´d ended up in a small, dirty burg with a single saloon that acted as the boarding house and hotel. He´d walked straight to the desk and paid for a month in advance. Thereafter he´d remained in his rented room, the tiny, dingy confines suiting his misery. He had stared blankly at the wall, for the most part having energy to do nothing more than lie on his side. He´d wished then that he still knew how to cry, that Maude hadn´t beaten it out of him at so young an age – it was a release he´d have gladly welcomed. That had been the first time he'd lain with another since Vin, and it was the last. He simply couldn't bear to have that happen again - not the waking up having met a physical need, but waking up to believe he was finally in the tracker's arms again. When that month had ended he´d finally ridden on, in search of more distraction to fill the emptiness that never abated. He was several pounds underweight, eyes haggard and distant, the whole of him nothing near the spirited gambler he´d once been, not even able to maintain that façade any longer as he drifted along. And drift he did, not even the promise of a winning game drawing his interest anymore, nameless towns with anonymous strangers he´d dealt to and empty hotel rooms his only companions beyond Chaucer. Four Corners was the first place he´d stayed for longer than a few months, and he was glad that it had become somewhere for him to call home that wasn´t all because of Vin, or lack thereof – his duty as a lawman, however ludicrous it may have at first seemed, did finally manage to warm some of the desolation he´d known after losing the sharpshooter.
This time the fantasy of waking with his treasured love was realized, but it was cold comfort to the southerner. He closed his eyes and sighed, clamping his eyes shut against the sudden rush of tears mixed with terrible anger that threatened. Whatever was I thinking? But he knew, he knew what he'd felt: how right it was to be with Vin that way, how hungry and empty he felt inside, and how that was replaced with warmth and completeness within the tracker's embrace. He was too weak not to take what was offered, even if it was a coarse tumble in the dirt, an anonymous setting out of the bounds of their real life back at Four Corners. With a heavy heart he moved carefully away, ignoring the part of him that urged to stay next to the lean body clamped around his own.
Ezra stumbled to his feet and looked down at the ruins of himself, face twisted in a disparaging smile. His knees were scraped and filthy; his pants and underwear in a strange twisted bunch around his ankles; his expensive shirt had been rendered mere rags with one severe tug from his lover's hand. He hadn't even taken his shoes off. The southerner bent down and gathered his pants, grimacing a little as his muscles stretched, still tender from the fervent attentions they'd received, but not painful. He held the pants up and walked gingerly to his saddlebags, drawing out a washcloth, a small jar of salve, and a new shirt. These items he took to the small line of water that tenaciously clung to the desert floor, a valiant attempt at a creek that had been the impetus to camp at this place.
The southerner stripped and washed himself completely, rubbing salve into his ragged knees. Then he dressed in the fresh shirt, brushing the pants down before donning them again. As he made his way back to the campsite he gathered some wood for the dying fire. Once that was lit again he walked on silent feet to Vin´s side, kneeling down next to the sleeping man, heart flip-flopping at the small, cat-like smile that curled those beloved lips. It was an expression he remembered well, one that he'd gazed upon many long hours in that hotel room. That was the only thing that he wanted to see remain on the lean tracker for the rest of the long night.
He carefully removed the remaining boot, pulling down the buckskins and underwear with a light touch. He´d brought water back with him, and used the washcloth to wipe away the dirt from the back of his lover's legs and buttocks. The shirt he righted - the buttons were twisted so they marched down Vin´s flank under his arm, the collar turned the opposite direction. He stood and shook out the leather pants, then leaned back down and dressed the Texan, finally replacing the boots. A few times during this process the sharpshooter had shifted and murmured, and Ezra had quietly spoken that all was well and to return to sleep. The sound of his voice seemed to comfort the sleeping man, and he did as he was bade. When all of this was accomplished he just sat, stroking the sienna locks while he studied the handsome face, for once able to get his fill without the other man knowing. After a long while he stood, then brought back the tracker's bedroll and coaxed the lean form inside. He stood abruptly when lips searched for a kiss, stumbling away from the warm fire to sit on a rock several paces away, finally allowing the a few of the hot tears that had pricked his eyelids while attending Vin to stream silently down his cheeks.
He may have been weak tonight, but it wouldn't happen again - he wasn't going to allow it. Except for the rough invitation he´d received in the village Vin hadn´t expressed this level of interest, never in town or among their compatriots had he even hinted at wanting this. He hadn´t even been friendly, much less impassioned with barely checked ardor. The moments when he´d been pressed against that adobe hut when they´d first seen each other again might as well never have occurred considering the neutrality that followed. Ezra drew the conclusion that what happened between them tonight was only allowable because they were apart from their usual environs. Just like that hotel room, this place for them here in the desert night stood out of time, cold witness that the tracker's heart was not truly his to hold. Bile rose in his throat at the thought of the next time Tanner convinced Chris to send just the two of them on an errand, the expectations the tracker would hold for the return trip. Neither had been aware he´d seen the setup, had figured out that he was going on this duty at the Texan´s behest – but he´d known. And from the start he´d wondered why the lean man wanted them to have time for themselves, a part of him clinging to the vain hope that it was to begin forging an understanding. I suppose I do know the answer now – once a pretty lay, always a pretty lay. He clenched his fists in anger, allowing it to mask the raw hurt seething inside.
If Vin had needs then the scruffy Texan could visit a saloon girl, or travel to Purgatory and flip a quarter into the alley to be sucked off. But it wasn't going to be him again - he wasn't here to service the man, wouldn't allow that debasement, that infraction to his dignity. Nor do I want the pain that it brings. He sighed sharply. When the tracker had lunged at him, blue eyes flashing with need, lust and fire, it had flared to life all the deep longings Ezra had kept within, the bare embers roaring to life at the first touch of those talented lips and hands. He´d surrendered easily, wanted what they'd done so badly that he'd ignored the warning claxons going off in his head, had allowed his heart to lead as his body eagerly followed. And then when it was over, and the tracker had pulled him close and hadn´t let go, Ezra felt a surge of hope – one that was quickly dashed at the softly drawled words that escaped as the Texan was falling asleep. “Still so good…” I should be gratified that I can still perform. The southerner snorted derisively.
The furious sex had felt so right, the time that had stood between them melting away into nothingness as their passion overcame it. He didn't stop it because he wanted it, didn't end it because some twisted part of him enjoyed it, even with all that he so longed for being lacking from the fiery coupling. He chuckled soundlessly, mocking himself and his weakness. The southerner closed his eyes and indulged again in the sensations they had shared, allowed himself to remember the feel, the taste, the smell that had been inside of him just hours ago. When he´d replayed the whole of it a few times he brought it to an end, shutting it away and locking it deep inside. Then systematically he began to build a wall around those phantom emotions, sealing them and his heart behind an icy curtain, preparing himself to face the coming day. He would not fall victim ever again.
+ + + + + + +
Vin woke slowly and stretched, a contented smile easily curling his lips. He turned on his side and reached out, thinking to gather Ez close and cuddle awhile before getting up. When he reached around empty air he opened a single eye, searching for his absent lover. The first moment of that loss hit him hard, the panic that he´d first known when in their hotel room stirring itself to new life, a painful stabbing in his gut that stole his breath. He sat up in a jerk, body bending around awkwardly in search of his missing spirit. He heard a whinny and looked over, the tightness he´d been holding in his chest releasing at the sight of Chaucer shifting to lean against Peso for a moment before turning away again to continue cropping the leaves off a small bush. The tracker closed his eyes and let his head fall forward, feeling slightly dizzy from the abrupt careening of his emotions. He breathed in, then out, then in again very slowly before opening his eyes again. His gaze rested on the neat pile in front of him: his coat, crisply folded; saddlebags just beside; hat resting on the coat. Even his canteen was leaning against the little collection. He quirked another smile. Ez musta needed ta get up...that's 'k. I´ll jus' go find him. He stretched again and shoved the blanket back, affection welling up that he'd been so well taken care of, smirking a little at the idea of waking up in the state he'd fallen asleep in last night. He was warmed completely picturing his lover going to that trouble for him. He strolled around the little campsite, then caught a movement. He grinned again. Ez.
The southerner was at the leaning over the bare trickle of water, washing his hands. Vin wanted to run right over but he couldn't ignore his uncomfortable bladder any longer, so he hurried about the business of his necessity then trotted over to where the gambler still crouched. He licked his lips and squatted down himself, wrapping both arms around the muscled form and pulled it back, tight against him. His lover yelped a little, body stiffening, then a voice said dryly,
"Mr Tanner. I see you have awakened." Vin frowned, then said into the ear next to his face,
"What´s with the 'Mr Tanner,' Ez?" The conman replied evenly,
"Is that not your name?" The tracker's frown deepened.
"‘Course it is, Ez, and we both know it. I´m wondering why ya ain't using my other name - ya remember - Vin?" The trickle of apprehension grew to annoyance when Ezra asked in that same flat voice,
"Of course my capacities allow me to remember something as simple as your given name." Vin waited a few moments, but was clear that there was nothing more forthcoming. He tightened his arms and leaned down to nuzzle under Ezra´s ear. The form against him tensed even further. He kissed the hot spot gently, nipping it once then soothing with a lick.
"C'mon Ez. I can give ya a little incentive iffen yer wanting." He was doing his best to work past the cold exterior covering his love, ignoring the warnings that were clear in the rigid stance and unresponsive body next to his -he didn't understand this change that had affected the man, especially after last night. Isn´t what we did proof a how I feel, what I´m thinking? Mostly he just wanted to get back the man back who had shuddered in his arms last night, and was working to do what he knew to get him. Hands closed about his wrists, their grip firm, starting to pull his arms away from the body they were wrapped around. The southerner huffed a little as he asked,
"Mr Tanner, whatever do you want?" Vin squelched his sigh and just kept on, working to be warm and seductive, thinking maybe Ezra was just uncertain. That´s fair. He can be...fer now. Know how ta fix that though. He grinned, then pushed with his hips into the firm ass nestled against his groin, letting the other man feel his erection.
"Kinda thought that was obvious, Ez." When there was no reply he twisted his left arm enough to free it from the hold, bringing it to rest against the southerner's chest. The rapid heartbeat he felt there gave him confidence to continue. He slowly eased the hand down until it was past the waistband, working the fingers slowly over the fabric-covered bulge just starting to stir, then around and under. A sharp gasp made him demand gently,
“Didn´t hurt ya last night, did I?” His face warmed, but he made himself continue. “Was kinda…in a hurry.” Ezra´s only answer was to shake his head rapidly a few times. Vin sighed with relief. He smiled then continued his light fondling of the southerner and whispered huskily, "Good. Now…how's this fer incentive?" To his surprise the hand about his right wrist tightened, and suddenly Ezra was pushing up and away from him. The southerner stood with alarming speed then spun in place, lifting the arms so he passed under them, holding Vin´s in the twist caused by those actions and kept twisting until the tracker grunted in pain. Vin looked up into hard green eyes.
"I would ask you do not attempt such familiarities again. Do I make myself clear?" Vin shook his head, brow furrowed.
"Whacha mean, 'familiarities?' What are ya gettin' at here, Ez?" His voice rose a notch. "What´s going on - what the hell is the matter with ya?" His only answer was to have his arm twisted further. He grimaced and sucked in a breath.
"I´ll not be accosted - not now, and I certainly won´t stand for it once we have returned to Four Corners." The gambler let go of the captive arm, and Vin brought it close, massaging the tingling limb. Already the pain had let up, but he was surprised at the hint of violence that had come to life in his love. The southerner looked out in the distance. "I would suggest we depart soon. The storm caused us to be a day late as it is. I wouldn't want to be further negligent." The tracker stood, brushing his pants off in jerky motions. He was confused and hurt, not understanding at all what had happened. But instead of stopping there and telling the other man how he felt, he just let his anger surge to life, brandishing it like a protective shield to cocoon his battered feelings.
"Fine." he spat out. "I´ll be ready ta ride soon as you are." The gambler eyed him levelly.
"I am ready now, Mr Tanner.” The Texan set his jaw and bobbed his head once, then stalked off. He called over a shoulder.
“Then let´s go.”
+ + + + + + +
When they at last rode into sight of Four Corners Ezra breathed a deep sigh of relief. The ride had been several measures beyond strained, the two men barely speaking as they traveled across the open expanse of earth back to their shared home. The southerner had worked to further bury his hurt, had tried to make the coldness against the tracker even stronger. Even such a voice inside had asked what he had done, had demanded to know why he hadn´t been willing to take whatever was offered. It was that part of him that tortured the rest with watching the back of the tracker as he kept pace a little ahead of the gambler, that part which kept bringing to memory how it had felt last night no matter how much he tried to tamp the visions down. Chris was in the middle of the street, waiting for them. Instantly Ezra forced back his turmoil, mind instead on whatever had his leader keeping sentry. He and Vin pulled up next to the dark-clad man, a horse on each side of the standing figure. The blond nodded his head.
“Had a storm here last night – figured ya to be late cause of it.” It was his way of letting them know their absence wasn´t questioned. He poked a thumb over his shoulder. “Can´t let ya rest much though, sorry to say. We´re gonna be on babysitting duty starting in a few hours. I´d advise you get those horses as rested as possible, get whatever you need to travel for a few days, then get something to eat. We´ll all be leaving soon as you´re ready.” Vin cocked his head to the side.
“Babysittin´ what exactly?” The gunslinger pursed his lips.
“Wagon train.” Ezra stifled a groan. He admired the tenacity of the people who traveled across the dusty land in a rickety wagon to lay claim to a scrubby patch of land somewhere miles away from all that they knew, but he also easily tired of their zeal. There was a particular mindset, a way of looking at life with untrammeled optimism that he simply could not understand, nor suffer kindly. All the same it was going to be part of their duty, and he would go without complaint. He raised two fingers to his brim.
“Very good, Mr Larabee. I shall be ready presently.” The blond nodded, reaching out to pat him a few times on the boot. He didn´t raise a brow though he was quite tempted.
“That´s fine, Ez. Know where they are – won´t take too long getting to them. Just make sure ya see to what ya need.” Ezra nodded and started Chaucer off without another word. He would let the horse rest for two hours, and in that time he could be prepared and ready to ride. And though he wasn´t looking forward to minding the wagon train and its occupants, he was very glad to have the distraction, something that would take his – and the rest of the seven´s – mind off the present preoccupation of what exactly to do about him and Vin. He brushed his mount down, talking to him quietly in thanks for the ride that day, explaining they would soon have to go out again. The animal whinnied and churred back, occasionally nuzzling the southerner as he walked around the chestnut bay. He cut an apple in half and left it for Chaucer to enjoy, then set off towards his room. Vin was still astride Peso in the street, talking something over with Chris. Ezra was relieved they hadn´t had to share the confines of the livery together. Without looking over he strode to the saloon, taking the steps to his room two at a time. If he hurried he´d have time for a bath.
Exactly to his mental schedule he arrived astride Chaucer, pulling up alongside the cluster of men waiting in main street, nodding to their leader that he was ready to go. The group set out, an easy air between them that Ezra did his best to help maintain. The ride to the wagon train passed relatively easily, the buffer provided by the other men a welcome respite. Mostly the tracker kept to himself while Ezra patiently explained the contents of the latest book JD had borrowed from him – love sonnets of Shakespeare. The sheriff was still trying to find his way around sweet talking Miss Casey Wells, and had jumped at the offer to read love poetry. The southerner had hid his amusement over the younger man´s incredulity that the muddled words the author used were even harder to understand than the gambler was most days.
Every now and again throughout the ride he thought he felt himself being intently studied, but each time he turned towards the Texan for confirmation the other man seemed engrossed in the landscape around them, or one of his unique ‘conversations´ with Chris. He shrugged it off, thinking it was his overactive imagination paired with fatigue making him believe the tracker was keeping close watch over him. When they made it to the wagon train Ezra was glad to get down and walk around – and out of the immediate proximity from Vin. Immediately a woman with a most disagreeable looking child trailing behind exclaimed dramatically about her relief that they had finally arrived, and the gambler pasted a smile on his face, absently agreeing to assist her with whatever it was she´d just inquired about.
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