ATF Universe
Ezra Standish stood in front of the full length mirror that hung by the front door of his townhouse and muttered angrily to himself. "How the hell did I let myself get talked into this?" His eyes traveled slowly over his reflection, and he felt a shudder of embarrassment shake his slender frame at the thought of his friends seeing him in the outfit he now wore.Buck had chosen their costumes for the Halloween party at Inez's saloon and gotten the expected response from Ezra when he'd brought them home.
"It's finally happened, hasn't it? You've completely lost your mind." Ezra had stared at the tall, mustached agent as he had shaken his head in disbelief. "Aladdin?!"
Buck had pulled Ezra into his arms, brushed a light, promising kiss across the smaller man's mouth, and whispered, "And I'm gonna be your genie... better start thinkin' of what you want to wish for."
Ezra had reluctantly pushed the older man away and weakly tried to insist he wasn't going, but Buck had cheerfully reminded him that Chris had made it a mandatory function after receiving a personal request from Inez that they all attend. Ezra was certain that Buck had something to do with that request, but had yet to prove it. The only good part about it was that Chris had also arranged for them all to have the next day off so they didn't have to leave the party early.
And now here he stood, waiting for Buck, wearing a sleeveless purple silk vest, flowing white silk trousers that fit snugly at his waist and ankles, a wide red silk sash wound tightly around his hips, a pair of brown leather sandals, an engraved gold armlet that hugged his right bicep, and a small shiny gold hoop in his left ear. Buck had gone all out and made sure the costumes were authentic, so underneath the flimsy pants, he had been forced to wear a soft, linen breechclout instead of his usual pair of silk boxers. He'd tried to argue against it, but Buck had insisted, claiming it was necessary if Ezra was going to feel the part. Then he'd reminded the Southerner that he wouldn't get his treat if he didn't wear the whole costume as promised.
"Feel the part my ass... damn thing makes it feel like I'm wearin' a diaper," Ezra grumbled sourly as he tugged at the slightly bulky undergarment, trying one last time to get it settled comfortably between his legs.
His treat. Ezra looked out the front window, watching for Buck, and thought about the night two weeks ago when the treat had first been mentioned. It had been Ezra and Buck's first night together after a long, involved case which had had Ezra working undercover for six lonely weeks. They'd only been lovers for a couple of months, but their relationship had been intense right from the beginning, and as a result, both men were left for those long weeks that Ezra was gone with a deep yearning for a return of the blazing passion they'd experienced every time they'd had sex.
Ezra had always enjoyed his position as the team's undercover agent. The challenge of getting the information needed, of maintaining the false identity he'd invented for that particular case, kept him from missing his home and friends while he was in deep cover. But that was before Buck had accidentally discovered that his and Ezra's real sexual preferences were the same. He'd decided that he wanted the Southerner and had immediately turned the full force of his charm on him. It had only taken a week of gentle, unexpected touches, whispered promises of wild and passionate sex, and finally, one tender, soul-melting kiss for Buck to convince Ezra to give him a chance. And Ezra had never once regretted his decision.
The only drawback had come when he'd been forced to go under cover. Ezra had always enjoyed the opportunity to work on his own, welcomed the respite from his friends' constant attempts to get closer to him, but after Buck had wormed his way into his life, Ezra had found that the solitude he'd enjoyed before had changed into a painful loneliness that left him longing for the case to end so he could return to his new lover.
That night, Ezra had stood by the door, staring out the window just as he was now, and waited impatiently for Buck to arrive. Anticipation of what was to come had had every nerve in his body tingling and a pleasant warmth building in his belly which had quickly spread lower, causing his flaccid sex to twitch expectantly. By the time Buck had pulled into the driveway, Ezra had been hard and aching for his lover's touch.
Ezra smiled and shook his head as he remembered the way he'd practically attacked the older man the minute he'd walked through the door. Buck's blue eyes had widened in surprise when he'd found himself jerked into the house and thrown roughly against the wall as Ezra's hot, questing fingers had worked frantically to remove his clothing.
Once he'd gotten over the shock of Ezra's enthusiastic welcome, Buck had managed to squirm out from under the smaller man's body and move out of reach of his grasping hands. "Whoa, pard! Easy there now... how 'bout at least sayin' hello first."
Ezra had stood back, panting softly, and stared hungrily at Buck. It was then that he'd noticed the items the other man was holding in his hands. A bottle of champagne and a small white box with a bright purple ribbon wrapped around it.
Buck had seen his questioning look at the objects and had blushed slightly before gesturing for Ezra to join him on the sofa. He'd talked slowly as they'd sat side by side, carefully watching the younger man for his reaction to what he had to say.
Ezra had been surprised when Buck had begun speaking about how things had changed for him... how he'd realized while Ezra was gone just how much he'd begun to care for him and that he wanted more from their relationship than just mind-blowing sex. Buck had told the soft-spoken Southerner that he wanted to slow things down and explore their feelings for each other... that he wanted to give what they had together a chance to develop into something more permanent.
Ezra had felt something stir in his heart at Buck's words, something new and unfamiliar... something he'd never experienced in his self-imposed lonely life, and the need to know what that feeling was had pushed him into finally agreeing to Buck's suggestion. He'd listened quietly as his lover had described what he had in mind and had laughed when Buck had told him that he wanted them to date for the next two weeks. As soon as he'd seen the flash of hurt in the older man's deep blue eyes, he'd apologized, and gently asked what exactly Buck had meant by dating.
It was Buck's turn to laugh when he'd seen the momentary flash of panic in Ezra's eyes as he'd explained that the dating would be carried out as if they were starting a fresh, new relationship... in other words, no sex.
That was when Ezra had first been promised his treat. Buck had leaned in to nuzzle softly at his neck, sending a shiver down the southern agent's spine, and then had whispered in his ear that if he cooperated fully, with no complaints, he would be rewarded at the end of the two weeks right after Inez's party. Buck had promised to make sure that Ezra had a Halloween he'd never forget, and that his 'trick or treating' would earn him something sweeter than any candy he'd ever had.
The dating had begun that night with the champagne and Ezra's welcome home present. He'd opened the small package slowly, complaining the whole time that it wasn't fair because he didn't have anything to give Buck. Buck had stopped Ezra's protests with a soft, tender kiss and assured him that his agreeing to the dating was a gift in itself.
Ezra had returned the kiss and then finished unwrapping the box. When he'd lifted the lid off and seen what lay nestled inside, he'd had to take a moment to swallow the lump that had suddenly risen in his throat. After glancing up at Buck, who had a hesitant, uncertain smile on his face, Ezra had slowly lifted the shiny gold piece of jewelry from the dark purple velvet lining. It was an inexpensive I.D. bracelet... the exact same kind love-struck teenagers used to give each other when they started going together. Buck told him he had to open it up, and Ezra had carefully unlatched the top to reveal the inscription hidden inside.
Buck & Ezra 4ever - 10/17/00
Ezra had chuckled softly, looked up at Buck, and had asked if this meant they were going steady. Buck had laughed then, relieved that the Southerner had understood the meaning of the gift, and bent to press his forehead lightly against Ezra's, assuring him that he didn't really expect him to wear it, he'd just wanted to use it to set the mood for their dating... to show that he wanted it to be a time of innocent exploration and discovery. But his expression had turned serious when Ezra had handed him the bracelet and then held his arm out expectantly.
Buck had hesitated, searching Ezra's handsome face for any sign that the younger man was joking, but once he saw the sincerity and affection in his steady green gaze, he'd pushed Ezra's sleeve up and carefully fastened the bracelet around his wrist.
The rest of the evening, their official first date, had been spent quietly at home snuggled together on the sofa... sipping champagne, talking and laughing, and revealing all the little things they hadn't known about each other.
For the next two weeks, they had taken turns planning their dates. Ezra had found himself actually enjoying the rodeo and the stock car races Buck had chosen, and didn't even mind the hot dog stands and hamburger joints they had dined at. As for Buck, he had been a bit bewildered by the art shows, the opera, and the menus from the fancy foreign restaurants at first, but had found Ezra to be an excellent teacher, and it hadn't been long before he was actually looking forward to sharing each of the younger man's interests with him.
As promised, there had been only heavy, breath-stealing, petting sessions... long, deep, heart-pounding kisses... and, what both men were surprised to find they enjoyed the most, tender touches and gentle hugs.
And now the two weeks were over, and Ezra was, in spite of the embarrassing costume, looking forward to their final date and whatever it was Buck had planned for them afterward.
Finally he saw headlights turn in at the end of the driveway and immediately recognized the familiar outline of his lover's truck. Ezra caught a brief glimpse of Buck's smiling face and was surprised to find his stomach fluttering nervously. Then he noticed that his palms were sweaty, his heart was racing, and he was having a little trouble catching his breath. What in the world was wrong with him?
The truck pulled up at the end of the walkway, and when Buck stepped out onto the pavement and stood in the glow of the amber security lights, Ezra suddenly knew what was happening. Good Lord... I'm in love with him.
Ezra was still struggling with his startling discovery when Buck knocked once and walked through the door.
"Damn, it's freezin' out there! Better grab a--" Buck's words died in his throat as he turned away from closing the door and got his first look at Ezra.
Ezra swore he could feel the heat from Buck's hungry gaze as the other man stood silently staring at him. Ducking his head in embarrassment, Ezra turned and pulled a coat out of the closet, but before he could slip into it and cover himself up, the taller man stopped him.
"Don't... please." Buck moved closer and gently tugged the long coat out of Ezra's hands. His eyes darkened with desire as he continued to stare at the Southerner... at the tantalizing glimpse of satiny smooth chest and taut, hard stomach left exposed by the open vest, and at the silk trousers that hugged his hips, softly outlining the gentle curve of his buttocks before billowing out around his strong, muscular legs. "God... Ezra..."
Ezra flushed hotly under his lover's scrutiny and tried to retrieve his coat, but stopped when Buck finally finished his sensual perusal and brought his gaze back up to stare tenderly into Ezra's eyes. His hand cupped the younger man's cheek as he leaned in and pressed a feather-light kiss to his mouth, and then whispered softly, "You... are so... damn... beautiful."
Ezra's breath caught at the worshipful tone of Buck's voice, and he felt himself lean into the larger man's touch. He closed his eyes for a second, trying to get his emotions under control and finally murmured hopefully, "Unless you've decided we can forego the party tonight, I would suggest you put a little distance between us."
Buck nibbled lightly at Ezra's lush lower lip and then with a sigh, pulled back and grinned wistfully at the Southerner. "There is nothin' more I'd rather do right now than to drag you into that bedroom, throw you on the bed, and ravish that glorious body of yours... but Chris made it an order, an' we promised Inez we'd show up." He caressed Ezra's cheek and then let his fingers trail slowly down the smaller man's slender neck. "Besides, there is nothin'... absolutely nothin'... that's gonna interfere with my plans for you tonight."
Ezra felt an involuntary shudder ripple through him at Buck's promise and his gentle touches. Retrieving his overcoat from the older agent's hand, Ezra stepped regretfully out of his reach. He had just shoved one arm into a sleeve and was starting on the other, when he looked at Buck and finally noticed the odd slippers and the bottom of a pair of pale blue silk trousers. Anxious now to see the rest of the other man's costume, Ezra gestured at the coat Buck was wearing. "Your turn. Kindly open up and let me see what the well-dressed genie is wearin' this year."
Buck quickly grabbed the edges of his coat, pulling them together and blocking Ezra's view. "Uh-uh, buddy. You can wait and enjoy the unveiling along with everyone else." He grinned at the frustrated look on his partner's face and gave him a lascivious wink. "Don't worry, lover... I guarantee you it'll be worth the wait."
Ezra shook his head in disbelief as he finished buttoning up his coat. "Your lack of modesty simply amazes me, Mr. Wilmington."
"Just bein' honest, Ezra," Buck laughed as he slapped Ezra lightly on the back and opened the door. "You are drivin' tonight, aren't ya?"
"Naturally. You don't honestly think I want to ride around in that rollin' garbage heap of yours, do you?" Ezra gave the battered red Chevy a disparaging look as he stepped outside, and then noticed the large canvas-covered mound in the bed of the truck. "Please don't tell me that your surprise for me is a campin' trip in this frigid weather," he asked as he started down the walk toward the battered vehicle. Buck grabbed the smaller man's elbow and quickly steered him away from the truck, leading him instead over to the sleek black Jaguar parked in the driveway. He pushed Ezra into the driver's seat and firmly closed the door. Climbing quickly in the other side, he grinned at the young agent. "Don't worry, it's not campin' gear, but it is part of your surprise. Now will you get this hi-tech toy movin'? After all, the sooner we get to this party, the sooner we can leave... and then you'll finally get to enjoy your treat."
Ezra was slipping the key into the switch when Buck laughed softly and pointed at his wrist.
"Um... I don't think they had I.D. bracelets back in Aladdin's time, pard." Buck's expression turned serious as he regretfully added, "Besides, you probably don't want to have to explain where it came from when one of the others notices it."
Ezra glanced down at his wrist in surprise. He'd gotten so used to the bracelet being there, that he'd completely forgotten about it. Normally it was tucked safely out of sight beneath his shirt sleeve, but with the revealing outfit he had on tonight, it would be impossible to miss. He reluctantly unfastened it and dropped it in his coat pocket before starting the car and backing out of the driveway. After one last curious glance at the pickup and its mysterious cargo, he slowly drove away.
+ + + + + + +
Ezra shivered and grumbled loudly about Buck's choice of costumes as they hurried across the windswept parking lot. Both men heaved a huge sigh of relief when they finally stepped into the welcoming warmth of the Saloon, and looking around, quickly spotted the others sitting at their usual table. It was the biggest table in the bar and was tucked away in a corner by itself... far enough away from prying eyes and ears to make it the perfect place to hash over cases or personal conflicts.
The undercover agent was so busy complaining as they approached their friends, that he forgot about his costume and pulled his coat off, casually dropping it over the back of an empty chair. His tirade continued until he suddenly noticed the smirk on Buck's handsome face and the silence that had befallen the men sitting behind him.
Ezra heaved a huge sigh as his chin dropped to his chest, and grimaced when he heard the soft chuckles and the one low whistle of appreciation that he knew came from Vin... his friend... his good buddy.
Buck struggled to hold back his laughter while he wrapped a long arm around his slightly mortified companion and turned him around to face the others. "Come on, pard... you definitely ain't got nothin' to be ashamed of. Turn around here an' give 'em the full effect of that costume of yours."
Buck saw the promise of a painful reprisal in Ezra's eyes before the younger man finally took a deep breath and turned his gaze on the others.
When he saw the way they all were staring at him, Ezra blushed and tried to tug the edges of his vest together. "Enjoying the view, gentlemen?" he asked dryly when they continued their amazed inspection of his scantily clad body.
"Damn, Ezra... who would've known that was hiding under those fancy suits all this time." Nathan laughed as he waved a hand at Ezra's surprisingly well-developed body.
Josiah nodded his agreement. "Looks like our Southern friend isn't quite as averse to manual labor as he claims to be."
Chris let them have their fun for a bit and then decided to help his undercover agent out before Ezra decided he needed to dole out an appropriate punishment for their teasing. The last time he'd felt the need for retribution, he'd started a practical joke war at the office that they had all barely survived.
"Well, come on, Buck... don't just stand there and let Ezra take all the heat for your strange taste in costumes... let's see what you've got on." Chris gave Ezra a small nod when he saw the look of thanks the younger man shot him. Personally, he gave him a lot of credit for putting himself on display like that just to make Buck happy. Ezra was a very private person, and Chris knew exactly what it had taken for him to go through with it. He sincerely hoped Buck realized it, too.
"Strange taste?!" Buck squawked indignantly. "Hell, Chris... at least we got in the spirit of things an' dressed up like Inez wanted!"
Josiah stared down at his clothes and then looked around the table at his friends. "What's wrong with our costumes, Buck? They seem fine to me."
Ezra sided with his partner and gave the group of them a disparaging look. "Please tell me you're kidding, Mr. Sanchez." He stared at their outfits and shook his head. The only things different about what Nathan and Josiah had on were the stethoscope hanging around the ex-medic's neck and the Bible carried by the missionary's son. And the others were no better. Vin wore his usual fringed jacket and his old, scuffed boots... Chris had on his long, black duster and the black cowboy hat he always wore when he went riding... and JD was decked out in a black leather jacket and pants and had his helmet sitting on the floor beside him... in other words, his normal biking gear. "I would hardly call the addition of one or two little accoutrements to your every day attire a proper Halloween costume."
"You tell 'em, Aladdin." Buck slapped Ezra on the back and gave the others a triumphant look. Then, squaring his shoulders and folding his arms across his chest and pasting a threatening glare on his usually jovial features, he asked, "Ya want me to give 'em one of my nods an' put 'em in some real costumes like ours, boss?"
Ezra turned and grinned up at his partner. "Be my guest, oh great genie of the lamp!"
"Hold it there, genie... before ya go winking us out of our clothes, do like I told ya and give us a look at your getup." Chris leaned back and sipped at his beer as he waited for Buck to disrobe.
"Okay, fellas... but brace yourselves... us genies can sometimes have an over-powering effect on you mere mortals." Buck grinned at the loud catcalls that greeted his boastful warning and winked at Ezra.
Vin and JD began humming some bump and grind music, and Buck obligingly turned the simple removal of his coat into a tantalizing striptease... undulating his hips seductively as he ran his hands slowly over his body.
Ezra had just pulled his chair away from the table and was about to sit down, when Buck started his little show. He felt his mouth go dry and his heart skip a beat, and was forced to grip the back of the chair for support as his eyes latched onto his partner's long, agile fingers as they slowly started working the buttons through the holes. When Ezra got his first glimpse of the naked chest that was being uncovered, he tried to arrange his features into a semblance of mild boredom, but after one quick look at Buck's face, he knew he was failing miserably. And with every new patch of skin revealed and every little twist of his companion's hips, the young Southerner found it even harder to maintain the facade of indifference he was going for and became increasingly grateful that he had his back to the others.
Buck was watching Ezra out of the corner of his eye and slowed his movements even more, letting his fingers stroke teasingly through the light coating of hair that covered his chest before starting on another button. He had to hide a grin of satisfaction as he saw Ezra struggling against his growing arousal and figured the younger man was probably thankful now for the added protection of the baggy breechclout under the flimsy silk material of his trousers. But as Buck finished off the final button and let the coat slide slowly down his arms, he realized his mistake in taunting his sensitive lover. The look of hungry wanting on Ezra's face sent a thrill of desire racing through Buck's own body that had him also appreciating the soft, concealing folds of the costume's undergarment.
"Hot damn, Buck!"
"I think this mere mortal is falling under your spell, Brother Buck. You best keep back... I'm not sure I can control myself."
"I'll bet Inez won't even be able to hold out against that get up!"
Ezra's passion fogged mind barely registered the teasing remarks being shouted out as he continued to feast on the vision of male beauty standing before him. He started with the satin slippers which were a soft cream color with delicately embroidered gold trim. They even had the traditional curled toes that Ezra thought should have looked ridiculous, but which actually served to enhance the overall erotic nature of Buck's outfit.
Slowly he let his eyes drift upwards over the rest of the skimpy costume. The pale blue silk trousers that clung enticingly to Buck's long legs, the deep purple sash wrapped tightly around his slender waist, and lastly, a pair of wide gold wristbands that had some type of ancient writing engraved in them. Other than that, it was all Buck.
Ezra's fingers twitched as he fought against the urge to reach out and explore the rest of Buck's costume. His long, muscular arms... his broad, lightly furred chest... his hard, flat stomach... his strong, supple back. All that gloriously naked skin and Ezra couldn't even touch it. Suddenly, he noticed Buck trying to signal him with his eyes and realized that someone was speaking to him.
Turning around, Ezra was embarrassed to find Vin flashing a knowing grin at him. "You had a question, Mr. Tanner?"
"Yeah... where's Buck's genie lamp?" Vin's smile widened at the look of confusion that appeared on the Southern agent's face.
"I don't believe the costume came with that particular prop." Ezra's eyes narrowed suspiciously. He was well-acquainted with Vin's wicked sense of humor and had been the brunt of it on numerous occasions. Ezra was sure the Texan was up to something now, but he just wasn't sure what.
Vin glanced at the others before continuing. "Well, if ya ain't got a lamp... what do ya rub when ya wanna make a wish?"
Ezra saw everyone look immediately at Buck's crotch just before they erupted into wild peels of laughter, and felt another blush burn its way across his skin.
"Now, now, boys... that's strictly between Aladdin and his genie." Buck was chuckling himself as he threw an arm around Ezra's shoulders and gave the others a lascivious wink. "But I gotta tell ya... this Aladdin sure knows how to get his wishes granted... lamp or no lamp."
Everyone roared with laughter when JD reacted to Buck's lewd comments by spraying a huge mouthful of beer all over himself and the table. Quickly taking advantage of the timely distraction, Ezra grabbed Buck's arm and pulled him toward the bar.
"Come along, Mr. Wilmington... I believe you owe Mr. Dunne another beer after that." Ezra gave him a none-to-gentle poke in the ribs and growled under his breath, "and I know you owe me one."
After they finished helping JD mop up the mess he'd made, Josiah and Nathan wandered over to the dart board for a game or two and were soon joined by Buck and Ezra.
Vin and Chris watched the friendly competition for awhile, enjoying the comfortable banter that went on almost constantly between Ezra and Buck as they amicably bickered over who was the better player. Both of them knew about the slowly developing relationship between their two friends... had even given advice when it had been requested... and were pleased to see how well things were going for them.
JD was also watching the two men, a puzzled expression on his young face. "I wonder why Buck came to the party with Ezra? I thought for sure he'd bring whoever it is he's been dating every night for the last two weeks."
"Maybe they were busy tonight, kid," Vin suggested, and then tried to change the subject. "Speakin' of which, how come ya didn't bring Casey with ya?"
"Oh, she had to--" JD's words slowly trailed off and his look of puzzlement turned into one of shock as he watched Buck lean in to whisper something in Ezra's ear as his hand drifted down off the smaller man's shoulder and began slowly rubbing gentle circles across his lower back. He tried to tell himself that it wasn't what it seemed, but then he saw Ezra say something to Buck and then glance guiltily around the room as Buck's arm dropped quickly back down to his side. JD gasped as he saw their fingers intertwine, give a gentle squeeze, and then slowly release before the two men moved a discreet distance apart.
"Did you guys see that?" JD turned back to look at Vin and Chris and found them staring at Buck and Ezra with satisfied grins on their faces.
Chris nodded at him, hoping for Buck's sake that JD took his and Ezra's relationship well. "Sure did... nice to see 'em lookin' so happy, isn't it?"
JD gaped at them and stammered, "But... but it's Buck and... and Ezra for God's sake!"
"Yeah, kid... Buck an' Ezra... our friends." Vin nudged Chris and nodded toward the dart game again. This time it was Ezra who was forgetting where they were, leaning lightly back against Buck as he laughed at Nathan and Josiah arguing over whose dart was closest to the bull's-eye.
Chris grinned and looked down at his watch. "How much longer do ya think they'll last? I say half an hour and they're out of here."
Vin shook his head, fished around in his shirt pocket, and finally tossed a five dollar bill down on the table. "No way, pard... ten minutes tops. Look at Buck's face."
Chris and JD both turned their attention back to their two friends and saw immediately what Vin was referring to. Buck was making no move to push Ezra away, and was instead, staring down at him with a look of tender longing as his hand again started gently massaging the other man's back.
Vin glanced at JD and saw the confusion in his dark eyes. "You okay, kid?"
JD tore his eyes away from Buck and gave the Texan a little shrug. "I... think so... I mean, I haven't got anything against that kind of thing... it's just that... Buck?" He shook his head as his eyes were again drawn to the two men across the room. "What about the woman he's been dating--" His head whipped around as he suddenly understood. "Ezra?!"
Vin chuckled and nodded at the young agent.
JD thought over the last few months and looked up at Chris with dawning wonder in his eyes. "And before that last case? Before Ezra went undercover... were they... were they together then?"
"It wasn't serious like it apparently is now, but... yeah, they sort of found each other about a month or so before the Barlow case." Chris gave him a stern look. "Just remember, JD... this is nobody's business but theirs. If you've got questions that'll help you understand and accept their relationship, then either come to us, or better yet, talk to Buck and Ezra. But absolutely no one else... not even Casey. Got it?"
"Sure, Chris. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about it all yet, but I do know I wouldn't want to do anything that would hurt Buck or Ezra." He glanced over at their four friends and then looked quizzically back at Chris. "What about Josiah and Nathan? Do they know?"
"We ain't sure, pard. Neither one of 'em has said anything 'bout it. Buck and Ezra decided that till they do, we're jus' gonna assume they ain't figgered it out yet." Vin turned and gave Chris a wide grin as he slapped his hand down over the money lying on the table. "Check your watch, cowboy... ten minutes exactly."
Chris looked up just as Buck and Ezra reached the table. He smiled at his two agents and nodded toward Josiah and Nathan who had moved over to the pool table. "Who won?"
Ezra gave them a satisfied smirk and waved a small bundle of dollar bills at them before reaching down and stuffing them into his coat pocket. "Very worthy opponents, but they were no match for my partner, the dart king."
Buck took a quick bow and then grinned as he held his arm up and fingered the gold band on his wrist. "I think it had somethin' to do with these fancy gold bracelets."
Vin gave him a suspicious look. "Ya sure ya didn't use none of your genie magic on them darts?"
Buck solemnly shook his head. "That'd be cheatin' an' that's not allowed under the Genie Code of Conduct... I could get kicked outta the union for that." Buck was relieved to see JD laughing along with everyone else at his explanation. He'd seen the way the boy had looked at them as they'd walked up and knew he'd figured things out, and had been worried about how he was taking it. But if the smile on JD's face now was any indication, he was at least willing to give it a chance. Buck would get Ezra to go back to the apartment with him in the morning, and they'd sit him down and answer any questions he might have for them.
Buck watched JD joking with the others and prayed everything would work out all right. It would kill him if he lost the boy's respect because of what had happened between he and Ezra. But smiling down at the smaller man beside him, Buck knew that there was absolutely no way he could ever give up what they had found together... not even for JD.
"Uh... Chris? Ezra here's got a little bit of a headache, so I'm gonna run him on home." Buck blushed when he saw the grins on the others' faces and occupied himself with helping Ezra into his coat.
"Sorry to hear that, Ezra... hope ya feel better tomorrow." Chris let the blatant lie go, but Vin couldn't resist a little teasing.
"Why've you gotta leave, Bucklin? I thought Ezra drove? I'd be glad t' give ya a ride home if ya wanted t' stay longer."
Buck scowled at the long-haired Texan and growled, "'Cause his headache could get worse, an' I don't want 'im drivin' just in case it does."
Vin nodded and his grin widened at the two men's obvious discomfort. "Uh-huh... well, that makes sense I guess. Mighty nice of ya t' be that considerate, Buck." He switched his unwanted attention to the undercover agent and winked at him. "You take it easy there, Ezra, an' make sure ol' Buck gets ya tucked in all nice an' cozy like."
"Shut up, Vin," Buck mumbled before turning hesitantly to the youngest member of their group. "Um... JD... I..."
JD blushed slightly and gave Buck a small nod to indicate he understood. "I'll talk to ya in the morning. You just take care of Ezra an' make sure he's okay."
Ezra gave the younger man a small smile of gratitude, asked Chris and Vin to offer Inez their apologies for leaving the party early, and turned and headed for the door.
"Thanks, JD." Buck laid his hand on JD's shoulder and squeezed it lightly before following after Ezra.
Chris watched JD carefully as the two men left. "You gonna be all right, kid?"
JD thought a minute and nodded. "Yeah, I'm okay with it. I've got a few questions I think I might need to ask Buck, but it's nothin' that's gonna change how I feel about him or Ezra." He stared down at his mug of beer, idly tracing patterns in the moisture on the side of the glass as he thought about his two friends. He finally looked back up at Chris and Vin, and blushing slightly, said, "They kind of looked like... um... like they might be in... love... didn't they?"
Vin shrugged. "They sure as hell looked happy, but whether or not they're actually in love is somethin' only they could tell ya."
JD frowned and shook his head. "One thing I don't understand... why Ezra of all people? I mean... yeah, he's good lookin'..." JD blushed again as he saw them grinning at him. "Well, he is! You gotta admit that!"
Vin had to laugh at JD's defensive attitude. "Ain't no arguin' that Ezra's a right fine lookin' man, kid. So why wouldn't Buck be attracted to 'im?"
"Because they're complete opposites. Buck's outgoing and never shuts up, and Ezra's... well, you know how hard we've had to work to even get him to let us be his friend. He hardly ever talks about his past... or what he feels about stuff..." JD's face was filled with confusion again. "I just can't see Buck wantin' to be with someone who keeps himself so closed off like that."
Chris nodded. "I couldn't see him wantin' to be with Ezra either if that was really what he was like, but I don't think Buck sees the same man that we do."
JD struggled to understand. "You mean Ezra lets Buck see that part of him that he keeps hidden from us?"
Chris heaved a sigh and scrubbed one hand over his face. He really wasn't used to all this talking and philosophizing, but if it would help JD deal with this whole thing and keep the close relationship he and Buck shared intact, then he had to keep going.
"Okay, JD... you know how much I hate discussin' someone's private life, an' normally I would send you to one of them with your questions, but I'm gonna make an exception just this once," Chris stared hard at the younger man to impress the importance of what he was doing, "because I honestly don't think Buck or Ezra realize just what has drawn the two of them together. And just remember that this is just my theory on the whole situation, an' I sure as hell could be totally off base with it."
Chris glanced at Vin to see if he wanted to join in and help on this one, but he just leaned back in his chair and gestured for the older man to go ahead. "Well, the way I see it, is that Buck's got so much love to give, that sometimes he just overwhelms whoever he focuses it on and scares them away. Then there's Ezra who, thanks to his dear mother and her twisted ideas of motherhood and teaching a boy how to be a man, has built barriers around his heart that are so solid and firmly set in place, that he's just not strong enough now to break out of them. And that leaves Ezra with a need to be loved that is so big, it's almost impossible to fill."
He looked at JD to see if he was following him and was relieved to see comprehension dawning in his eyes. "So I think Ezra's spent his whole life lookin' for someone who could tear those damn protective walls down for him, and..."
"...Buck's that someone." JD smiled as he finally understood.
Chris nodded. "I think Buck has managed to break through to the real Ezra Standish an' that's who he's attracted to. I just hope they can get past each other's insecurities an' make this thing work, because from what I've seen so far, they really seem to be good for each other."
Vin shook his head and laughed softly. "Ya been hangin' 'round Josiah too long, Chris... you're startin' t' sound jus' like 'im."
"Tell me about it." Chris grinned and drained what was left of his beer, then shoved his empty glass toward Vin. "How 'bout grabbin' us a couple of refills? My throat's all dried out after all that talkin'."
Vin laughed, and after gathering up their mugs, headed for the bar.
JD stared after him for a minute and then looked shyly back at Chris. "Thanks for takin' the time to explain all that, Chris. I know ya hated talkin' behind their backs like that."
"Did it help?" Chris was relieved by the quick nod JD gave him.
"Yeah, it did... a lot."
"Well, that's what matters then." Chris glanced up and saw Nathan and Josiah following Vin back to the table carrying a couple of platters of snacks and two pitchers of beer. "Looks like it's time to change the subject, kid... I think we're about to get down to some serious partying now."
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