No one but you

Universe: ATF

Pairing:  E/V

Warnings



Vin sat on the couch watching a football game.  He was bored.  Well no, not bored, lonely.  He could go to Chris’ and watch the game but that wasn’t the kind of lonely he was feeling.

He began to peel the label from his beer bottle.  He was tired of being alone.  Why couldn’t he find the right person?  He just hadn’t met anyone lately that had caught his eye.  Mary’s friend, Charlotte was interested in him, he knew.  She didn’t try to hide it but she was married.  Maybe that’s what he needed.  Just a roll in the hay, something to settle the restless feeling he’d been having.

But he knew he wanted more.  Someone who loved him like he loved them.  Someone who shared his interests.  Somebody that made his heart skip a beat.  He grinned.  Now he sounded like some Hallmark commercial.  

He’d do it.  He’d ask Charlotte out and see what happened.

***

This was a mistake.  He had known it from the beginning of the evening and it had gone down hill since.  

He tried to concentrate.  Not on her, but on what he was suppose to be doing. He needed to get this over with. Finish what he had started and get the hell out.  He closed his eyes, blocking out the sight of her lying under him.  He could feel his erection wilting.  Suddenly a face popped into his head.  It shocked him to feel his dick coming back to life, hell, springing back to life.

He opened his eyes in surprise but that didn’t help.  Looking at Charlotte wasn’t having a positive effect on his performance.  He closed his eyes again.  He’d see where this vision led him.  He imagined that face again.  Lying under him, his hands caressing their body.  He felt his breath quicken and he began to move faster.

“Oh, Vin.”

Shit.  Why did she have to speak?  She was screwing with his fantasy.  He bent to kiss her, shutting her up and pretending it was another pair of lips he was kissing.  He felt hands stroking his back then gripping his ass, pulling him closer.  He felt his climax coming.

“Ez.”  He grunted.

He stiffened.  Had she heard him?  No, she didn’t seem too.  He rolled off her.  Where had that come from?  Why had Ezra’s face popped into his head and why the hell had it aroused him so?

“Vin, I’m so glad you called me.”  Charlotte turned over and ran a hand across his chest.

“Uh, yeah.”  Vin sat up. “Where’s the bathroom?”

Charlotte smiled.  “Down the hall, on the right.”

Vin got up, grabbing his pants as he headed out the door.  He closed the bathroom door, tossing the condom in the toilet.  He ran water in the sink, splashing some on his face.

He had to get out of there and fast.  He looked at his reflection in the mirror.  Why had he thought of Ezra?  What did it mean when he was trying to have sex with Charlotte, he had starting thinking of a man?  Had to be the alcohol.  Yeah, that was probably it.  Too much beer.  He dried off his face and put his pants on.  Time to get out of there.

“Vin, come back to bed.”  Charlotte said as Vin entered the bedroom.

“Can’t, Charlotte.  I gotta go.”

“Go?  What are you talking about?”  She sat up in bed as he searched around for his clothes.

He sat on a chair near the door and pulled on his boots.

“I gotta go.”

Charlotte crossed her arms and pouted.  He glanced at her as he buttoned up his shirt.

“Sorry, but...” he trailed off.

“You better call me.”

“I will,” he lied.

“At least give me a kiss goodnight.”

He moved to give her a quick kiss but she grabbed him and tried to pull him down on the bed.

“Charlotte”, he said as he broke off the kiss.

“Just wanted to make sure you didn’t forget me.”  She smiled

*****

Vin laid in bed later thinking about Ezra.  It was probably normal to have weird thoughts pop in your head.  You couldn’t control it.  He worked with Ezra every day, it didn’t mean anything.  Vin thought about his fantasy.  He closed his eyes, picturing Ezra’s face.  Those green eyes, the dimples when he smiled.  Vin let his fingers brush his nipples, the other hand on his cock. He could feel Ezra’s lips touching his skin.  Vin sighed. He imagined Ezra’s hands touching him, Ezra’s fingers stroking him.  He felt his climax building and he called out Ezra’s name as he came.

He laid there breathing hard.  Damn, he thought.  That was pretty good.  Better than earlier.  He cleaned himself off and rolled over, hugging a pillow.  He drifted off thinking of Ezra laying there with him.
*****


 Vin tried not to but he found himself watching Ezra at work.  He kept focusing on different things, storing them away for later.  Ezra’s voice, his laugh, his different smiles.  His hands were Vin’s favorite part.  He used these pictures for his night time fantasies.  Fantasies were healthy he told himself as he watched Ezra get up from his desk and walk to the copier.  Vin noticed the way Ezra’s pants showed off his ass as he bent down to fill the copier with paper.  Shit, he thought.  What a fine looking ass Ezra had.  He stood abruptly and went to the break room.  He needed some coffee.  Maybe that would clear his head – both of them.  He seemed to have a permanent hard on at work lately.

Ezra turned from the copier to see Vin stalking towards the break room.  He sighed.  He didn’t know what was wrong, but Vin had been avoiding him all week.  Ezra would sometimes catch Vin staring at him.  Each time he did, Vin would turn away, scowling.  Ezra glanced around.  Everyone was busy working.  He headed after Vin.

He stopped in the doorway.  Vin’s back was to the door, his coffee cup full on the counter.  Vin was staring at the sink.

“Vin,” Ezra said, softly.

He saw Vin’s back stiffen but he said nothing.

Ezra tried again.  “Mr. Tanner?”

Vin picked up his cup and turned around, heading for the door.

“Hey, Ezra”, he mumbled, looking at the floor.

Ezra didn’t move and Vin stopped, glancing up.  He saw the look of concern and hurt on Ezra’s face.

“Mr. Tanner”, he began again, “if I have done something to offend you, I apologize.”

“What?”

“You have been avoiding me all week, or scowling at me.  I wanted to apologize if I’ve done something.”

Vin felt like an ass.  He hadn’t thought Ezra would think he was mad at him.

“I haven’t been avoiding you”, he lied.

As soon as he said it he realized Ezra knew he was lying.  Shit.  He was making things worse.

“You haven’t done anything, Ez.”  He took a step forward suddenly wanting to touch him.  He pulled back his hand.

“Just been a bad week. Problem I’m working out.”

“If there is anything I can do?”  Ezra said.  The concern look back on his face.

“No.” Vin said a little too abruptly.  In a flash Ezra’s poker face was back.

“Of course”, Ezra said as he turned, “you have your friends for that.”

“Ezra”, Vin called but it was too late.  Ezra was gone.

*****

The week got progressively worse.  Vin had hoped letting his fantasies run wild would make them stop, but they just got more vivid.  Now he pictured himself grabbing Ezra at work and kissing him, making him listen.  Because now Ezra was avoiding him.

Friday night they all ended up at Inez’s as usual.  Vin was sitting at the bar watching Ezra, JD, Chris and Buck play pool and getting drunk.

“He’s good looking, isn’t he?”

Vin turned to the man who’d come up beside him.

“What?”

“The guy playing pool.  I noticed you watching him, too.  Like to get my hands on that.”  He nodded.

Vin turned to see what the man was indicating and saw Ezra leaning over the pool table.  His jeans were stretched tightly over his ass.

“Hmm Hmm”, the man said.

Vin turned, glaring at him.  “Back off”, he warned.

The man put his hands up.  “Don’t worry.  I can see you’ve staked a claim on him.”

“He ain’t like that and neither am I.”

The man grinned and walked away.

Vin downed his beer and motioned for another.  What was that guy talking about?  How did he know Vin was watching Ezra?  Was he that obvious?  No, he was just watching the guys play pool.

Ezra turned, laughing at something JD had said, and saw Vin looking at him.  A pissed look on his face.  His smile faded.  Now what had he done?

Vin kept an eye on the man who’d spoken to him.  Every time Vin caught him looking at Ezra, the man would wink and smile.  He sat at a table with some other men.  After a couple more beers, Vin went over.

“Can I ask you something?”

The man nodded and got up, following Vin back to the bar.

“What did you mean before”, Vin said, “about me staking a claim?”
“You’re interested in that guy with the reddish hair and green eyes, right?”

Vin glared at him again.


“You aren’t obvious if that’s what you’re worried about.  He knows your watching him, so I figure he must know you at least or he’d ask you what you were staring at.”

Vin nodded eyes on Ezra.

“Do you want him to know?”

Vin looked back at the guy.  “Know?”

“Do you want him to know you are interested in him?”

Vin looked around to see if anyone had heard him.

“Told you, it ain’t like that.”

“Like that, huh?”  The guy smiled.  “How about if I check it out for you?  No, I don’t mean that’, he smiled again at Vin’s fierce look. “Leave it to me.”

The man turned and went back to his table.  A few minutes later Ezra approached the bar to order a drink and the man got up.  He walked over to Ezra and began talking.  Vin tried not to star.  Ezra smiled, shook his head and walked back to the pool table.  Vin saw the guy look towards the restroom.  Vin headed that way.

The man glanced around to make sure no one else was inside before he spoke.

“Well, he didn’t punch me out, figure that’s a good sign.”

“What did you say?”

I asked if I could buy him a drink.  He said no, thank you.  He is very polite.  I said oh, are you here with your boyfriend and he said no.  I said well good that meant he was available.  He smiled; he’s got great dimples, and said no, he was flattered but not interested.”

“You think that’s a good sign?”  Vin tried not to sound too hopeful.

“Yes, I do.  He’s probably going to ask what you said to me.  I suggest you say I was asking directions or something.”

Vin didn’t say anything.

“Don’t come out and say you’re interested but throw a hint out.  I think you might be surprised.  He’s been watching you, too but he’s better at hiding it.  Good luck.”   He turned to leave.

“What’s your name?”

“Bryan.”

“Vin.  Thanks.”

“Good luck, Vin.”

*****


Ezra went back to playing pool but his mind wasn’t on the game.  He’d seen that man talking to Vin earlier.  Had he tried to pick Vin up?  Is that why Vin had looked mad?  He looked around and saw Vin talking to Josiah and Nathan, and then head back to the bar.  He waited till he finished his turn, and then went to stand by Vin.

“That man you were talking to earlier, what did he want?”

“You mean that guy over there?”  Vin nodded toward Bryan.

“Yes.”

“He was asking where the closest Chinese place was, why?”
Ezra cleared his throat.  “Oh, no reason.”

“He say something to you?”

“Well, he asked if he could buy me a drink and if I was available.  I thought he might have said something similar to you.”

Vin smiled and leaned closer.  “If you were mine, I’d have punched him out.”  

He touched Ezra’s arm.

“Night, Ez.”

He turned and left.  He smiled at Bryan as he passed the table, heading for the door.

Ezra stood there staring after Vin, his mouth hanging open.

*****

Ezra laid in bed later that night thinking over what Vin had said.  What had he meant?  Surely Vin didn’t mean what it sounded like.  Vin wasn’t interested in men.  But why had he said is Ezra was his?  He felt a flutter in his stomach thinking of how Vin said it, how Vin had been looking at him.

He didn’t get much sleep.  He looked at the clock for the hundredth time.  8 AM.  Vin should be up.  He needed to talk to him.  He sat up and picked up the phone.

“Hello?”

“Vin, Mr. Tanner...this is Ezra.”

“Yeah, Ezra.  Anything wrong?”

“No, why would you think that?”

“Well, its 8 in the morning and you usually ain’t up yet.”
“Yes, well, I was wondering...”  He paused.

“Yeah?”

“I wanted to ask you something and I was wondering if you wanted to meet for coffee or breakfast?”

Vin smiled into the phone.

“Sure, Ez.”  He said casually.  “How about I pick you up?”

“That isn’t necessary.”

“I can be there in about twenty minutes.  Is that all right?”

“Why, uh, sure.  That will be fine.”

“See ya then.”

Vin wanted to shout for joy.  Ezra wanted to talk.

Twenty minutes later he was not so confident.  Suppose Ezra was pissed over what Vin had said?  He hadn’t sounded pissed.  Vin pulled up in front of Ezra’s condo.  Well, at least he’d know one way or the other.  He got out, walked to the door and knocked.

Ezra smiled as he opened the door.  Vin looked as nervous as he felt.

“Mr. Tanner, right on time.  Where would you like to go?”

“Vin.  Was thinking since it’s nice out, we could go to that place by Starbucks.  Know you like the coffee.”

“Vin”, Ezra said, smiling. “That would be fine.”

Vin led the way to the jeep, trying to calm the butterflies in his stomach.  The combination of Ezra smiling at him and calling him Vin was making his stomach hurt.

They rode in silence to the restaurant.  They both got coffee at Starbucks, and then went next door to order breakfast.  They sat at the outdoor tables.  Not many people were out yet.

Ezra waited till they had ordered before he began.

“Vin, I wanted to ask you about what you said last night.”

“What was that?”

Ezra blushed.  “About if I was yours.”

“Oh, that.”  Vin smiled.

“What did you mean?”

Vin looked directly at Ezra.  “I meant that if you were mine, I’d have punched that guy out for trying to pick you up.”

Ezra felt his face flush, and then he had a thought.

“Is that why you’ve been avoiding me all week?  Because you think I’m gay?”

“No.”  Vin sat up straighter.  He looked at Ezra, then down at his coffee.

“Guess I should explain some.  I’ve been having these thoughts lately.  They’ve kinda taken on a life of their own.”

“Thoughts?”

It was Vin’s turn to blush.  “Yeah about you.  And me.”

Ezra stared at him blankly and then comprehension dawned.

“Oh.”

“I couldn’t seem to stop myself from watching you at work, so I tried avoiding ya.  Didn’t mean to make you think I was mad or nothing.  Then when we were at Inez’s last night, Bryan said something to me about you being my boyfriend.”

“Bryan?”

“That guy that tried to buy you a drink.  I’d had enough to drink that I asked him what he was talking about, well anyway he told me I should give ya a hint as to how I felt and see what you said.  If ya didn’t punch me first.”

Ezra felt his heart pounding.  Was Vin saying what he thought?  The waitress picked that moment to bring their food.

Vin felt his butterflies turn to bricks.  Ezra had a shocked look on his face.  This wasn’t turning out like he’d hoped. 

“Look, Ezra”, he said as soon as the waitress left, “I’m sorry if I’m outta line.  We can just drop this and pretend it never happened.”

Ezra shook his head.  “I just want to be sure I understand you.  Neither one of us is,” he paused.  “We’ve been with women.”

“I know.  I ain’t saying I want other men, Ezra.  I’m saying I want you.”

Ezra stared.  No one had ever said they wanted him.  Needed him for something, yes.  Used him, yes.  Wanted him, no.

“Are you sure?”

Vin smiled and reached out a hand to lightly touch Ezra’s.

“Yeah, I’m sure.  I know the whole idea is a shock, Ez.  If you wanna try, we can take it as slow as you want.  Or if you don’t, I understand.  I just wanted to let you know how I felt, why I’ve been acting like I have.”

Ezra nodded and they ate in silence.

“What about the others?”  Ezra said abruptly.

“What about ‘em?”

What would we do about them?”

“Don’t think we should tell ‘em anything right away.  It ain’t exactly something everybody would be too thrilled about I reckon.”

“No,” Ezra said toying with his food.

“I don’t mean us”, Vin said.  “I mean the whole gay thing.”  Vin nudged his leg under the table.

Ezra smiled.  “I don’t think too many people would be thrilled with your choice in men either.”

Vin smiled and winked.  “I’d been damn proud someone as fine as you picked me, Ez.”

Ezra grinned, looking down at his plate.  “I think you could do much better, Vin.”

“I don’t agree.  I don’t think there is anyone better than you, Ez.”

Ezra blushed again.

They finished their meal and started to leave when Ezra began to yawn.

“Didn’t sleep much?”

“No, I was thinking about what you had said, and I couldn’t sleep.”

Vin grinned.  “Look, how about I take you home and you get some sleep.  Call me later and maybe we could go see a movie or something?”

“How about I fixed something and we rent a movie?  That way we can talk more?”

“Good idea. “
Vin reached over and picked up Ezra’s hand as they got in the jeep.

“Been wanting to do this all week”, he said as he linked his fingers with Ezra’s.  He ran his thumb over Ezra’s.  

Ezra smiled and trapped Vin’s thumb.  Vin looked over at him and then grinned back as Ezra released him.

They rode back to Ezra’s condo, grinning like fools.  Vin wished he could drive without hands so he could touch Ezra.  Ezra tentatively ran his fingers along Vin’s arms, causing goose bumps.

Vin pulled up in front of the condo.

“Call me when ya want me to come back.”  He squeezed Ezra’s hand.

“I don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep.”

“Know what you mean.  I’ll see ya later.”

Ezra squeezed Vin’s hand in return and then got out of the jeep.  He waved and then turned to walk to the condo.  Vin waited until Ezra waved again as he opened the door and then drove off.  He tugged at his pants, adjusting himself.

*****

“Something smells good.”  Vin said as Ezra opened the door for him later that day.

“Baked spaghetti.  Hope you like it.”

“Love spaghetti; don’t think I’ve ever had it baked before.”

Vin headed into the kitchen carrying a bag.

“I brought a few things, brought some of that beer you like and some snacks.  Got some movies, wasn’t sure what you liked.”

He unloaded the bag on the small kitchen table.  Ezra took the beer and put it in the refrigerator, leaving out two for them.

“We still have about thirty minutes before it is ready.  Want to start a movie?”

“Sure.”  Vin grabbed the bag and headed back into the living room.  He sat on the couch and began pulling out movies.

“Got some old ones too.  Stuff I’ve been meaning to see.”

“I haven’t seen this but heard it was good.”  Ezra held up a movie.

“Lord of the Rings?  You haven’t seen it?”

“No, have you?”

“Yeah, I got all of ‘em in here.”

“We can watch something else.”

“No, I don’t mind seeing it again.  That’s why I got it.  This is great.  I think you’ll like it.”

Vin got up to load the DVD player while Ezra went to get the beers.  He sat them on the coffee table as Vin came to sit back on the couch.

“You ready?”

“Yes.”

Vin pushed play and sat back on the couch.  He picked up his beer and took a drink, then sat it back on the coffee table.  He picked up Ezra’s hand and ran his other hand up Ezra’s arm.  He laughed.

“What’s funny?”

“Just thinking how soft your skin feels.”  He ran his hand over Ezra’s arm again, causing goose bumps.

Vin smiled.  “Glad I ain’t the only one that gets those when you touch me.”

Ezra smiled back, running his hand up Vin’s arm and was rewarding with goose bumps.  

“We match then.”

Ezra kicked his shoes off and propped his feet up.  Vin did the same.  This was better than he imagined.  Sitting here close to Ezra, holding his hand.  He could feel the heat where Ezra’s body touched his.  They both lightly ran their hands over the others arm.  The sound of a buzzer made them both jump.

“Dinner is ready.”  Ezra said as he got up.  “Do you want to eat in here?”

“Yeah.”  Vin paused the movie and followed Ezra into the kitchen.  Ezra handed him two wooden TV tables.  Vin took them into the living room and set them up.  

Ezra set the spaghetti out on the table and pulled two salads out of the refrigerator.  He put several slices of garlic toast in the toaster oven.  

“This will only take a couple of minutes.”

They fixed their plates and took them back into the living room.  The toaster popped and Ezra brought them out in a basket along with parmesan cheese.

“This looks good.  How do you make it?”

“You fix the spaghetti as usual and then put it in a casserole dish and bake it with cheese on top.”

Once they were ready, Vin turned the movie back on.  They sat there eating and watching the movie.  Vin got up later to get seconds.

“Shall I pause it for you?” 
“No, go ahead.  I won’t be long.  Want another beer while I’m in here?”

“Yes, please.”

Vin smiled to himself as he got another helping and returned with the beers.

“Goose bumps again?”  Ezra said as Vin sat back down.

“What?”

“You’re smiling.”

Vin laughed.  “No, just thinking how happy I am.  How much I’m enjoying being here with you.”

“Me too.”  

After they had eaten, they again sat as close as possible, holding hands.  Vin wanted desperately to kiss Ezra but he planed on waiting until Ezra made the first move.

The telephone rang later and Vin paused the movie.  

“Hello?”

“Good evening, Chris.  Vin?”

He looked over and Vin who nodded.

“Yes, he’s right here.  Do you wish to speak to him?”

“Are we coming tomorrow?”  He looked at Vin.

Vin shrugged.

“Yes, we’ll be there.  Okay.  Okay.  Goodbye.”

“Chris tried to call you, he was wondering if we were coming to the cookout.”

“We can stay for a little while.  If you want.”

Ezra shrugged.  “I don’t mind.  But we should bring something.” 

“We could buy something.”

“I had thought about making potato salad.”

“You make potato salad?”

Ezra laughed.  “Yes, my aunt, well she wasn’t really my aunt, taught me.  Do you want to help?”

“Now?”

“Yes, we can start the potatoes.  It won’t take long.  Unless you’d rather buy something?”

Vin smiled.  “And miss the chance to make potato salad with you?  Hell, no.”

Ezra led the way laughing to the kitchen where they peeled potatoes and put them on the stove to boil.  Then they returned to the movie while they waited for them to cook.  Ezra settled close to Vin again as Vin started the movie.  

“We won’t be able to do this tomorrow.”  Ezra raised their clasped hands.

“Yeah, was thinking about that.  Think we can last that long?”
He grinned over at Ezra.

“It will be a hardship, but I think we are up to the challenge.”

Vin raised their hands to his lips and kissed Ezra’s knuckle.  He felt a shock of electricity shoot straight to his groin and Ezra’s hand tighten against his.

“Guess we are.”

Vin tried to concentrate on the rest of the movie but his cock had other ideas.  Kissing Ezra’s hand had been a bad idea.  That was all he could think about.  He could still feel Ezra’s skin again his lips.  He wished he had tasted it.  He licked his lips.  His eyes strayed to their hands.  They lay between them.  He could see the outline of Ezra’s own erection through his jeans.  Shit.  Thank god the movie was almost over.  He wanted to reach out and touch Ezra.  His hand involuntarily tightened.

Ezra looked over at him, smiling, and then it faded.  Their eyes locked.  Vin was fighting the urge to lean over, take Ezra in his arms.  

The phone rang.  They jumped again.

“Shit.”  Vin said before he realized it.  

Ezra chuckled nervously as he got up to answer the phone.

“Hello?  Yes, JD, Chris got in touch with Mr. Tanner and me.  Okay.  I will remind him.  Goodnight.”

“JD wanted to remind you of the Xbox game you were going to loan him?”

“Oh yeah.  Forgot he wanted that.” 

The buzzer went off in the kitchen.  Ezra rinsed the potatoes as Vin began to cut the other ingredients.  Ezra put some eggs in the boiling water.

“Eggs?”  Vin said.

“You don’t like eggs in potato salad?”

“Don’t think I’ve had it that way.”

“It’s a southern recipe.”  Ezra said, grinning.
“Well, I’m partial to southern things.”  Vin said, looking at Ezra’s mouth and reaching out to touch him.

“I think you need something to do with those hands, Mr. Tanner.”

He moved the bowl of warm potatoes between them.

“Ain’t what I was thinking of but they are warm,” Vin said and he winked.

Ezra laughed as they began to cut up the potatoes up.  Soon everything was ready and mixed.

“Is that it?”

“That’s it.  Now we just let it set in the refrigerator until tomorrow.  It gets better the longer it sets.”

Vin glanced at his watch and then at the movie as they headed back into the living room.

“I’m gonna go ahead and go, Ez.  Movie is almost over.  You want me to pick up you tomorrow?”  He headed for the door.

“That’s fine.  What time?”  Ezra said following him.

“Around 10?”

“All right.”

Vin stopped with his hand on the knob.  

“Ez”, he said as he turned back, “do you think, could I kiss you?”

He saw the color creep up Ezra’s neck.  He gripped the knob tighter.

“Yes.”  Ezra said breathlessly.

Vin released his death grip on the doorknob and turned facing Ezra.  He saw the uncertainty in Ezra’s eyes.  Vin took a step closer and slowly lowered his head towards Ezra.  He closed his eyes as their lips brushed softly.  He moved closer, pressing his mouth to Ezra’s.  His hands moved on their own around Ezra’s shoulders, pulling him closer.

Ezra sighed as their lips touched.  He could hear his heart pounding in his ears.  He felt Vin’s arms around him and he moved so their bodies touched.  He could feel the heat of Vin all along the front of his body.  He put his arms around Vin’s waist.  

Vin tried to control himself as he felt Ezra’s arms encircle him.  He kissed him softly but did not open his mouth.  He knew if he tasted Ezra there would be no stopping.  He drew back, panting.  He tightened his arms around Ezra, pulling him close.  He could hear Ezra’s ragged breath in his ear.  It sent tingles down his spine.

“I had to stop before I couldn’t,” Vin said in Ezra’s ear.  He felt a shudder go through Ezra’s body and he held him tighter.

“I’m glad one of us is still thinking.”  Ezra said, chuckling slightly.  

It was Vin’s turn to shudder; he ran his hands down Ezra’s back.  He heard Ezra sigh.  He pushed him away.

“I gotta go, Ez.  Don’t think I got that much will power.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Ezra said as Vin opened the door.

“Yeah.”  Vin said. 

 He turned back to look at Ezra. Ezra’s face was still flushed but with passion this time.  His lips slightly parted.  Vin couldn’t resist.  He leaned in and kissed Ezra lightly once more before pulling back.

“Night,” Vin said.

“Good night, Vin.”

*****


Vin drove home in a daze.  He’d kissed Ezra.  He’d felt Ezra’s body touching his, had run his hands down Ezra’s back.  His dick was trying to rip its way out of his pants.  He knew if he touched himself it was all over.  He took deep breaths.  God, touching Ezra was 100 times better than he’d imagined.  

Damn.  He’d have to spend the day at Chris’.  Once again close to Ezra but unable to touch him.  He thought about how it had felt sitting by Ezra, stroking his skin.  He laughed.  If anyone had told him before that sitting on the couch with some guy, watching a movie would give him a raging hard on he’d have punched them out.  Now that’s all he wanted to do.  Spend the day sitting by Ezra, touching him.  Kissing him.  He sighed.  It was going to be a long day tomorrow but how the hell was he going to sleep?

*****

Ezra watched the last few minutes of the movie but he was distracted.  He found himself reaching out for Vin’s hand.  The thought of Vin’s fingers touching him renewed the hard on he’d had all night.  He closed his eyes, thinking of Vin’s lips touching his.  Vin’s hands caressing his back.  He let his hand drift down to stroke himself through his jeans.  What would it feel like to have Vin touch like this?  Ezra let his head fall back, his imagination taking over.  Vin’s mouth on his, Vin’s hand moving across his body.  His own hand unbuttoned his jeans but it was Vin’s hand that touched his heated flesh.  Vin’s hand that brought him to completion as he moaned Vin’s name.

*****

Vin caught himself grinning like an idiot on his way to Ezra’s.  Can’t be doing that at Chris’ he told himself.  But he grinned anyway.  He’d dreamed of Ezra last night.  Ezra calling his name.  He felt his cock twitch.

“You behave yourself today.”  He told his crotch.

He pulled up outside of Ezra’s condo and headed for the door.  He knocked and waited for Ezra to answer.

“Vin,” Ezra said, smiling as he opened the door.  

Vin had thought to kiss Ezra again when he got there but now seeing him, he was nervous.  He smiled, shyly.

“Morning, Ez.  You ready?”

“Yes, I packed a cooler with the potato salad and the rest of our beer.”

Vin found himself grinning like an ass over Ezra’s use of the word “our”.  

“Okay, let’s go then.”

Vin led the way out, Ezra carrying the cooler.  Ezra put it in the back and got in.  Vin reached over to grab his hand after they had put their seatbelts on.

“Wanna do this as much as possible till we get there.”  Vin said as he squeezed Ezra’s hand.

They chatted as Vin drove but he was aware of the heat from Ezra’s hand in his.  Each time he had to let go as he shifted gears he felt the loss of that warmth.  

“Sure is a beautiful day.”  Vin said as they neared Chris’.  The mountains were closer and the sky was clear blue.

“Yes, it is.  And we are going to be stuck inside.”

“Not all day though.”  Vin said, glancing at Ezra.  

The wind was whipping Ezra’s curls around and Vin wondered what it would feel like to run his fingers through it.  He looked back at the road.

A few minutes later Ezra squeezed his hand.

“Think we could pull over for a few minutes?”

Vin pulled off the road.  It was mostly country out here.  Hardly any cars had passed.

“Anything wrong, Ez?”  He turned to face him.

“No, I was thinking how it is a lovely day and soon I would have to share you with all the others.  I thought maybe we could sit here for a few minutes?”

Vin ran a hand up Ezra’s arm, smiling.

“Great idea, as usual, Ez.”  He released his seat belt so he could move closer.

They sat close, just touching when Ezra shifted towards him.

“Vin?”

“Yeah?”

“Would you kiss me?”

Vin raised a hand to caress Ezra’s face.  “My pleasure,” he said as he brushed his thumb along Ezra’s lower lip.

He had planned on a chaste kiss until he felt Ezra open his mouth, then Ezra’s tongue touched his.  A bolt of longing shot straight through him.  He wrapped his arms around Ezra, pulling his close.  He felt Ezra shift in the seat and then suddenly Ezra was pulling him back until his body was flush with Ezra’s.  He didn’t protest.  

Vin ran his fingers through Ezra’s hair.  It felt like silk.  He deepened the kiss, reveling in the taste of Ezra.  He groaned as he felt Ezra’s hands rubbing his back and then kneading his ass.

When Ezra moved his legs, cradling Vin’s body between them, Vin broke off the kiss.

“Ez.”  He panted as Ezra started kissing his neck.

“Yes?”  Ezra murmured through kisses.

“We gotta stop.”

“Why?”

“Because we’re on a public road.”

Ezra stopped his sucking on Vin’s neck and laughed.

“Oh.  I kind of forgot where we were.”

“You know Ez, if I’m the one with control we’re in serious trouble.”  He grinned down at Ezra.

Ezra lazily ran his hands up and down Vin’s back.

“I guess we better get to Chris’ where you’ll be safe.”

Vin raise up and looked down at Ezra.

“Safe?”

“Yes, you’ll have all those men to protect you.”

Vin laughed and kissed Ezra again deeply before getting up.

“I don’t think I’ll be safe even with them around.  All you gotta do, Ez is look at me and I’m lost.”

Vin moved back behind the wheel and redid his seat belt.  He looked at Ezra and smiled.  Ezra leaned over to give him another kiss before hooking his own seat belt.  He took Vin’s hand in his.  

“I think we’re both found, Vin.”

*****

Vin gave Ezra’s hand a final squeeze as the parked in front of Chris’ ranch.  

“Let me know when you are ready to leave, Ez.”

“We just got here.”

Vin smiled as he got out of the jeep, grabbing the cooler from the back.

“Yeah, I know that.  Got other things on my mind besides hanging out with these guys.  Rather hang out with another man I know.”

Ezra smiled back as they walked up to the door.  

“I think that can be arranged later, Mr. Tanner.”

“Hey, look who’s finally here.”  Buck yelled as they came in.

“We miss anything, Buck?”

“Nah, Vin.  We were just worried JD would try and eat all the food before you got here.”  Buck waved a handful of pretzels as he spoke.

“Buck’s been banned from the kitchen.”  JD informed them as he entered the den.  “He keeps trying to sample stuff.”

“Where’s Chris?”

“Him and Josiah are trying to start the grill.  Nathan is supervising.”

Vin and Ezra both groaned as they headed into the kitchen.  Vin got a couple of beers out, handing one to Ezra.  He held Ezra’s eyes as their hands touched.

“Behave yourself, Ez.”

Ezra’s dimples flashed briefly.  “I’ll try, but I cannot promise anything.”

“Is Vin here?”

Chris’ voice came in from the open back door.  Vin turned from Ezra and headed out the back.

“Any luck yet, Nathan?”  

Nathan turned from where he sat on the back steps, watching Chris and Josiah fighting with the grill.

“No.  Why don’t they just get a gas grill?”

“Because charcoal adds flavor.”  Chris and Josiah said in unison.

Nathan and Vin laughed.  It was the same thing they always said.

“You  bring Ezra with you?”  Chris said as he came to get a beer from the cool by the porch.

“He’s inside talking to JD and Buck.”

“Everything okay?”

Vin smiled.  “Yeah, everything is fine.”

All the men of Team Seven had noticed the tension between Vin and Ezra.  Chris had asked and Vin said he’d work it out.  

“You gonna tell us what he did to piss you off?”  Nathan said.

Vin turned, frowning.

“I told ya, it wasn’t nothing he did.  It was me.”

“Yeah, right, Vin.  We know how aggravating he is.  I’m surprised someone hasn’t taken a swing at him yet.”

Vin took a step forward and Chris put a hand out.

“He ain’t aggravating.  And he didn’t do a fucking thing.  Lay off, Nathan.”

Nathan looked up in surprise.  Vin wasn’t one to get angry.  Vin shrugged off Chris’ hand and as he turned he saw Ezra standing at the back door.  No one had seen him yet.  Vin could tell from the look on his face he’d heard what Nathan said.  Ezra turned and disappeared.

“I’m going inside.”

Vin looked in the kitchen but Ezra wasn’t there.  He found him in the den watching TV with Buck and JD.  Ezra looked up when he came in.  He shrugged as Vin came in, sitting in the recliner beside him.

“Okay?” Vin asked quietly.

“Fine.”  Ezra said.

Vin knew he wasn’t fine.  Damn, Nathan.  In two minutes he managed to had ruined a perfectly good day.

“They got it lit yet, Vin?”

“Not yet, JD.  I expect they’ll be breaking out the lighter fluid next.”

“Damn it.  Everything tasted like it last time.  Guess it’s time for Buck to the rescue.”  Buck groaned as he unfolded his long frame from the couch.  

“I better save you from them two.”  JD said laughing as he jumped up to follow Buck.

“Don’t pay him no mind, Ez.  You know how he is.”

“Yes, I believe I know Mr. Jackson’s opinion of me quite well by now.”

“We ain’t letting him spoil our day, Ez.”  He reached out to grasp Ezra’s hand.
Ezra smiled as he rubbed his thumb along Vin’s, then glanced toward the kitchen.

“No, we won’t let him spoil our day.”  

He released Vin’s hand and reached for his beer.  He drained half of it before setting it back down.

“We won’t stay long.  If they don’t get that damn grill lit, we’ll leave before the food is ready.”

“I wouldn’t want to let Mr. Jackson think he ran me off.”  

Vin didn’t like the look that glittered in Ezra’s eyes.  He knew Nathan underestimated Ezra.  He just hadn’t pushed Ezra far enough yet and Vin sincerely hoped this wasn’t the day.

They heard the screen door slam and then Josiah entered the den.  He carried two beers.  One he drained before he sat down on the couch. 

“I do believe that charcoal is made by Satan himself.  He is testing me today.”

“It seems Josiah that we are all being tested today.”  Ezra chuckled as he tilted his beer up again.

Josiah looked inquiringly at Vin, who nodded his head.  Josiah sighed.

“I think I will leave the lighting of the grill to younger men today.  I think between JD and Buck there should be an inferno soon.”

Vin laughed.  “Let’s hope they don’t set the place on fire.”

“Maybe I should go out and lend my assistance?”

“No, Ezra.  Why don’t you sit here with us for awhile?”  Vin reached out to seize Ezra’s wrist but he pulled his arm away as he stood.

“I haven’t even greeted our guest of honor yet.  Where are my manners?  Maude would be appalled.”

Ezra headed for the kitchen as Josiah turned to Vin.

“He heard what Nathan said.”  Vin said quickly as got up.  “He was standing inside the door.”

Josiah groaned as he got up to follow Vin.

Ezra had just reached the back door with a fresh beer in hand when Vin came up behind him.

“Mr. Larabee.  I hear you are looking for assistance in lighting that contrary grill.”

“Hey, Ezra.  Come out and watch Buck and JD set themselves on fire.”  Chris said as he waved a hand at Buck and JD.

“What are they doing?”

Buck and JD had removed all the charcoal from the grill and were arguing over where each piece was to be placed.

“It’s a science, Ezra.  I went to that fire fighting seminar, remember?”
Buck said over his shoulder.

“Thought you spent that weekend chasing that lady fire fighter?”  Vin moved so he was between Ezra and Nathan.

Buck laughed.  “Well, yeah Vin.  But she taught me a thing or two about starting a fire.”

“You must have missed something, Buck cause you ain’t got the charcoal stacked right.  I keep telling ya, it has to get air all around.”  JD reached a hand out to move a briquette. 

Buck smacked his hand.  “Kid, I was lighting charcoal when you were still wearing diapers.”

“Yeah, I bet you still haven’t gotten ‘em lit yet doing it like that.”

“Just light the damn thing.”  Chris growled.  “We want to eat today.”

After a few more minutes Buck finally got out the matches.

“I give you, fire.”

He stuck a match and tossed it on the charcoal.  Everyone held their breath until the match went out.

“Damn it.  Told you it was stacked wrong.”

“Gentlemen, if I may be of assistance?” 

Ezra hand his beer to Vin and winked.  He smiled at Nathan’s doubtful look.  He went to Chris’ shed and rummaged around till he found what he was looking for.  He returned to the grill.  He moved the briquettes around, pouring starter fluid as he went.  Then he piled more into a pyramid shape.  

“That stuff don’t work, Ezra.  Ya need to use lighter fluid.”  

“Patience, Chris.  You had your turn.”  

Ezra went back to get his beer from Vin.  He saw Nathan watching him out of the corner of his eye.  He was tempted to kiss Vin right there and see what Nathan had to say about that.  Vin must have read some of it on his face because he took a step back, holding the beer out.

Ezra smiled and took the beer, again drinking half.  Then he handed the bottle back and took the matches from Buck.

He lit several, sticking them in different spots along the pyramid.  Suddenly it caught and the flames rose up.

“Knew you could do it, Ez.”  Vin called.

Buck and JD groaned but joined Josiah in clapping.
“Probably learned that setting stuff on fire for insurance scams.”  Nathan said.

Ezra was in his face in two seconds.

“What was that?”

“Just kidding, Ezra.  Can’t you take a joke.”

Nathan tried to push past him but Ezra stepped in front of him.  Vin moved up beside him.

“I’ve had enough of your snide comments, Mr. Jackson.  You will desist or I will be forced to make you.”

Nathan moved to shove Ezra aside but Ezra grabbed his arm.  Nathan looked down and tried not to wince at the force Ezra applied to him arm.

“Have I made myself clear?”  Ezra’s voice was low.

“Yeah, I hear ya.”  

“Ezra.”  Chris said.  

Ezra paid no attention until Vin touched him lightly on the arm.

“It’s okay, Ez.”

Ezra nodded and let go of Nathan’s arm.  Nathan unconsciously rubbed it as he went to get a beer.

“Chris, where is the metal grill part?  I think this charcoal is about ready.”  Buck said, trying to break the tension.

“Here it is, Buck.”  JD called.  

“I’ll get the steaks”, Josiah said as he turned to go back into the kitchen.

“You got onions, pard?  You know I like grilled onions on my steak.”

“You want ‘em, you gotta cut ‘em, Buck.”

“Damn sissy.”  Buck fussed as he went back inside.  He patted Ezra on the back as he went past.

“We’ll help, Buck.  Ez and I got lots of chopping practice last night making the potato salad.”

Buck stopped and turned.  

“You made the potato salad?”

Vin blushed.  “I helped Ezra make it.”

“Is it edible?”

“Yes, damn it.”

Buck laughed.  “We’ll see about that.  Come on. I think it’s safe to let you chop.”

Vin nudged Ezra towards the house.  Ezra was still staring at Nathan, who was avoiding looking at him.  He allowed Vin to lead him into the house.

Buck searched under the cabinet until he found the bag of onions.  He got a bowl and some knives and set them on the table.

“Come on you two.  I know you liked grilled onions, too so we better cut a lot.”

They sat in silence a few minutes.  Ezra got up to get another beer, handing one to Vin.  He briefly grazed Vin’s hand.  Vin looked up and smiled.

*****

“What are you sitting over there for, Vin?”  Chris called from the recliner across the room.

“I’m talking to Ezra.”

He and Ezra sat on the love seat, feet propped on an ottoman.

“You always sit over here.”  

Vin sighed and looked at Ezra.  

“Sorry.”  He whispered.

“It doesn’t matter.  We don’t want to act out of the normal.”

“It does matter, Ez.  I’ll be back.”

He grabbed his beer as he got up.

“I didn’t know I had to sit by you and keep ya company, Chris.  Maybe I need to get you a teddy bear to hold.”

Everyone laughed and Chris kicked his leg as he walked by.  Vin plopped boneless into the other recliner and sighed.  He glanced over at Ezra, who winked at him and then turned back to the football game.  Well at least this way he could stare at Ezra without anyone noticing.

*****

“Food’s ready, Ez.”

Vin came to stand behind Ezra who was on the front porch.  He pressed his body against Ezra’s for a moment and then moved aside.  He heard Ezra sigh.

“It’s still a beautiful day.”

“Yeah, it is.  Let’s eat and get out of here.  Okay?”

Ezra turned back towards the house and allowed his fingers to brush against Vin’s.

“I’m ready to go when you are.”

“Eat fast then.”  Vin said, grinning.

JD was setting up TV trays as they came back into the house.  Buck and Chris came in with plates stacked high.

“Damn good potato salad, Ezra.”  Buck said, with a fork in this mouth.  “You sure Vin helped you make it?”

“Yes, he was an instrumental part in its creation.”  Ezra laughed.

*****

“You sure you gotta go already?”

“Yeah, Chris.”

“Take some food back with you.  There’s plenty of everything.  Mind leaving some of that potato salad, Ezra?”

“You can keep it, just return the bowl.”

“Hell, no.  I want some more of that, Ez.”  Vin said as he dished some out into a bowl.

They said their goodbyes and were soon heading down the drive.  Vin held Ezra’s hand as soon as they cleared the driveway.

“You okay?”

“Yes.  I’m sorry if I over reacted earlier, Vin.”

“You got the patience of a saint, Ez.  I would have punched him out long before now.”

“That wouldn’t contribute to the team getting along.”
“No, but he deserves it.”

Vin raised their hands rubbing the back of Ezra’s across his lips.  He smiled as he heard Ezra sigh and saw him lean back in the seat.

“Been wanting to do this all day.”  Vin said as he continued.

He placed small open mouthed kisses along Ezra’s hand, tasting his skin.

“You taste pretty good,” he said smiling over at Ezra.  

Ezra had his eyes closed, he was smiling too.

“I bet you taste even better”, he drawled. 

“We’re gonna have to wait to find that out.”  Vin warned.  “Or we’ll never make it home tonight.”

Ezra leaned over, running a hand up Vin’s leg to his crotch.  Vin jumped.

“Ezra, I’m trying to drive.”

“Go ahead, I’m just exploring.”  

Vin grabbed his hand and knocked it away.

“Somebody might see.”

Ezra turned to look at him.  

“Who is going to see?  We’re out here in the middle of no where?”

“Doesn’t matter.”  Vin huffed.

Ezra waited awhile and tried again.  He caressed Vin’s leg, placing kisses on his neck.

“Would you cut that out?  We’re in public.

“All right.”  Ezra sat back on his side, arms crossed.   

He waited until they pulled up in front of his condo.  Vin followed Ezra to the door, Ezra staggered slightly.  Ezra fumbled with the key and when Vin moved to help him, he rubbed Vin’s ass. 

“Ezra.”  Vin warned.

Vin took the cooler into the kitchen, unloading the food.  He brought back two beers.  Ezra was stretched out on the couch.

Ezra patted the couch beside him.  

“The movie is in.  There is plenty of room.”

Vin sat down beside him.  

“We aren’t in the public eye any more,” Ezra purred and he pulled Vin close for a kiss.

Ezra maneuvered so Vin was under him.  He kissed his way down Vin’s neck, one hand worked under Vin’s shirt so he could stroke his nipples.  He slowly moved his hips back and forth.

“Ezra.”  Vin said, grabbing Ezra’s hips to hold them still.

Ezra looked down at Vin, then leaned in to kiss him.  They kissed slowly, deeply and Ezra began to move his hips again, rubbing their groins together.

Vin broke off the kiss, breathing hard.  “Ezra, please.”

“I think we need to move where we have more room then.”

Vin stopped and looked at Ezra, gazing into those green eyes.  

“Ah, you sure?”

“I’m sure,”  Ezra said, as he kissed Vin softly again and then got up.  

He stood beside the couch and held out a hand to Vin.  Vin sat there looking at him.  The time had come, his fantasies were about to be fulfilled.  But did he want that?  Fantasies were one thing but this – this was having sex, with a man.  

“Vin?”

“Uh, Ezra.”

“Is something wrong?”

“Well, you know...”  Vin looked everywhere but at Ezra.  “I don’t think...”

“Have you changed your mind?”

“Well...yes, I mean no, well...”  Vin grabbed his drink and chugged the rest.

“This is different than what I imagined.”

“And what did you imagine?”

Vin felt himself flush.  

“Oh, stuff.”

“What kind of stuff?”

“You know, kissing and such but...”

Ezra looked at him, eyebrow raised.

“Are you embarrassed about what we did or are about to do?  Do you regret it?”

“No.”  Vin said softly.

“Ez, no, I’m not embarrassed about us kissing.  Hell, I’ve been thinking about it for weeks, it’s just...”

“But you don’t want to go further?  That’s fine, we can take things as slow as you’d like.  I’m sorry if I went too fast.”

“It ain’t that.”  How the hell could he explain it, he thought.  His fantasy hadn’t gone to him doing the deed.  

“I know you told me we could go slow, I just thought you were ready.  I’m sorry, Vin.”

This had been his damn idea anyway, Vin thought.  Why was Ezra making him feel worse by being understanding?  

“I don’t think I wanna go further, hell it’s one thing to have it done to ya but doing it....”  Vin mumbled.

Ezra felt his heart hammering, he took a deep breath.

“Oh, I see.  Maybe you should have thought this through further before you approached me.”

Vin felt his temper rising.  He stood up.

“Didn’t really think you’d take me up on it, did I?  I didn’t know you’d be so quick to get on your knees.”

Ezra took a step back, he felt he’d been punched.

“Get the hell out.”

“Shit.”  Vin said.  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that.”

“Get the hell out before I throw you out, Mr. Tanner.”

Ezra took a step forward.  His eyes that moments before were soft and filled with lust were now cold, and glittery.

Vin put his beer on the table.  

“Ezra,” he began.

“I will not repeat myself again.” 

Vin ran a hand through his hair.  He’d fucked this up good.  

“I’m going, but this ain’t over, Ez.  I wanna talk when we’re both calm.”

Ezra stood there staring at him.  Vin could see patches of red on his white face.  His mouth was an angry slash.  He grabbed  his keys from the coffee table and left.


*****

Vin sat out in his jeep.  What had he done?  Here he was finally about to get his wish, something he’d been dreaming about and he’d froze.  He glanced toward Ezra’s.  So what should he do?  He thought of the look on Ezra’s face.  No, he’d try and talk to him later.

Ezra stared at the door as it slammed shut.  What had happened?  Earlier that day everything had been fine.  Had Vin simply been nervous or had he changed his mind?  Ezra got up and started to pace.  Why had Vin approached him if he wasn’t sure?  Why had he allowed himself to fall so quickly?  Damn it.  Vin had awakened feeling he thought had died long ago.  He hadn’t allowed himself to get close to anyone, to care about anyone.  He smashed a fist into the wall.  Damn it, Vin had make him feel.

*****


Vin kept checking the clock.  Ezra was late, even for him.  He glanced at Chris’ office.  He was surprised that Chris hadn’t said anything.  Maybe he knew something?  He started for the office and stopped as the elevator binged.

“Ez, what happened?”

Ezra brushed past him, right arm in a sling.  He headed towards his desk.

“Ezra, what happened to you?”  Nathan said as he and Josiah came from the break room.

“I believe that is obvious.”

“Can see your arm is hurt, not what happened.”

“I fell.”

Nathan, Josiah and Vin exchanged glances but said nothing.  Chris came out of his office.

“Meeting room everyone, now.”

*****

Vin ground his teeth.  It had been two weeks and he still hadn’t been able to talk to Ezra.  Ezra had avoided him at every turn.  He had even stopped going to Inez’s after work.  How was he suppose to talk to him?  But he still didn’t know what he meant to say.  He knew he missed Ezra.  Missed what they had shared.  

“Hey, you ready to go?”

Vin looked up from where he had been staring at his computer screen.  He was suppose to be finishing up a report.

“Naw, Buck.  I got a few more minutes.”

“You coming to the saloon?”

“Yeah, I’ll meet you there.”

*****

Ezra sat at the bar sipping his drink.  He hadn’t planned on being there this evening but he was tired of going home, being alone.  He looked around.  He was glad to see Vin wasn’t there.

“Buy you a drink?”

Ezra turned.  There stood the man who had offered to buy him a drink a few weeks ago.

“Or are you waiting for someone?”

Ezra smiled.  “No, I’m not.”

“You aren’t meeting your friend, Vin?”

Ezra’s smiled vanished.  

“As I said before, I’m not waiting for anyone.”

Bryan smiled.  “Can I buy you that drink?”

Ezra smiled again.  “Sure, I’d like that.”

Bryan picked up Ezra’s glass and nodded to the bartender.  He turned to Ezra.

“Join me at my table?”

Why not?  Ezra thought.  “Sure.”

Bryan carried their drinks to his table, sitting them down.

“What happened to your hand?”  he nodded to Ezra’s cast.

Ezra hesitated then answered.  “An unyielding wall.”

Bryan winced.  “Ow.  I hate when that happens.”

Ezra laughed.

Bryan leaned back.  “So I take it Vin approached you?  You turn him down?”

Ezra’s smiled dimmed again.

“No,” he hesitated again.  He knew Vin had talked to this man, that he knew about them.  He needed someone to talk to about this.  “Mr. Tanner approached me and I said yes.  He.. he changed his mind.”

Bryan shook his head, frowning.  Can’t see how that can be.”

Ezra sighed.  “Well, it’s true.  I guess I wasn’t.....good enough,” he mumbled, toying with his drink.

Bryan sat up and leaned forward.  He grasped Ezra’s good hand briefly.

“That isn’t true.  If Vin got cold feet it wasn’t because of you.  It’s him.”

Ezra blushed slightly and smiled again.  “Thank you.  Bryan, isn’t it?”

Bryan grinned and held out his left hand, Ezra took it.

“Bryan,” he said, holding Ezra’s hand a few seconds longer than necessary.

“Ezra.”

Bryan rubbed his thumb along the back of Ezra’s hand before letting it go.

The waitress came over then, setting down their drinks.

“Inez wants to know if you need some ice for your hand, Mr. Standish?”

“Tell her, no thank you, Donna.”

Donna glanced at his swollen hand.

“Then prop it up, Mr. Standish.”  She turned to the bar where Inez stood, holding a small pillow.  She tossed it to Donna.

“All right.”  Ezra said, lifting up his hand.

Donna slid the pillow under it and left.  Ezra blushed again at the look Bryan was giving him.

“Sorry, Inez can be a mother hen at times.”

“She’s right.”  He reached his hand out to touch Ezra’s but stopped.  “Is it broken?”

Ezra’s fingers twitched involuntarily.  “Yes,” he sighed.  “Cracked in a couple of places.  Drywall.”  He finished his first drink.

“Can I be honest with you, Ezra?”

Ezra nodded.

“I’ve been attracted to you since I first say you.  I noticed your friend was also interested so I backed off.  But I’d like the chance to get to know you.”

Ezra felt his face grow hot.  “Well, huh, Bryan,” he began.

“First time?”  Bryan said softly.

Ezra cleared his throat.  “Mr. Tanner is the only one I’ve been attracted to.”

Bryan smiled again.  “I understand.  As I said, I’d like the chance to get to know you.”

The front door opened and Ezra’s head turned.  Vin came in, glancing around.  He’d seen Ezra’s Jag outside so knew he was here.  Their eyes locked and then Vin noticed Ezra was at a table with someone.  He stopped.  What was Ezra doing sitting with Bryan?

“Vin, don’t stop so sudden.”  Charlotte said as she bumped into the back of him.

Vin saw the frown cross Ezra’s face as he spotted Charlotte.  Damn it, why did she have to pick tonight to be waiting for him outside the bar?  Vin threw a glare at Bryan and then stalked to the bar.  Charlotte right behind him.

“Who is that?”  Bryan asked.

“Vin’s paramour.”  Ezra said quietly.

“Oh, I see.”

“I should be going.”

Bryan put a hand out, touching Ezra’s.  “Are you going to let him run you off?  I know you haven’t been here for a few weeks.  I’ve been here hoping to run into you.  Stay.  Have dinner with me?”

Ezra looked down to Bryan’s hand on his.  Why should he leave?  Vin had made his feeling clear and bringing Charlotte here, well that settled it, didn’t it?  And here was someone who was interested in him.  What harm was it to have dinner?  Did he want to go home and be alone again?

“I’d like that.”

Bryan’s smile widened.  “Great.  Let me get some menus.”

Vin looked over to see Bryan touching Ezra’s hand.  What the hell was he doing, touching Ezra like that in public?  He looked around but no one seemed to notice but him.  Chris and the others were at their usual table.

“You gonna buy me a drink, Vin?”

Vin turned to glare at Charlotte.  

“What are you doing here?”

“I was hoping to see you.  You haven’t called.”

“You’re married, Charlotte, or have you forgotten?”

“That didn’t stop you before,” Charlotte snapped.

No, he thought.  It hadn’t.

“I ain’t interested.”

“Come on, Vin,”  she whined, running her hand up his arm.  “Caint’ we have some fun?”

“No.”  Vin shook her off his arm.  He turned to see Ezra leaving the table, heading towards the rest rooms.  He waited until Ezra was out of sight.

“What the fuck do you thing you’re doing?”

Bryan looked up from his menu to see Vin glaring down at him.

“I would think that’s plain.  I’m about to have dinner.”

“What are you doing with Ezra?”

Bryan smiled.  “Nothing, yet.”  He emphasized the last.  “We’re having dinner.”

“You stay away from him, he’s mine.”  Vin snarled.

Bryan shook his head.  “That isn’t what I hear, Vin.  I hear you dumped him, for that blonde at the bar?  It’s my turn now.”

Vin stepped closer, reaching out a hand to grab Bryan but stopped.

“I’m willing to fight for him,” Bryan said, “willing to let the others here know my intentions, are you?”

Vin looked around.  Chris and the others were watching, waiting for a signal from Vin if they should help out.

Bryan smiled again, leaning back in his chair.  

“I didn’t think so.”

Vin scowled and headed back to the bar.

“Anything wrong?”  Ezra said as he returned to the table.

“No, Vin was just expressing his displeasure at your choice of dinner companions.”

Ezra smiled, picking up his menu.  “I could say the same.”

Vin sat at the bar until he could no longer stand Charlotte’s constant jabbering.  He went to sit with the others.

“Trouble, Vin?”  Buck said,  nodded towards Bryan.

“Naw,  cain’t get Charlotte to leave me the hell alone though.”

Chris and Buck shared a look. 

“Let me see if I can distract her.”  Buck said, smiling.

“Yeah, Buck.  Turn on that animal magnet.”  JD said.

“Magnetism.”  The others chorused as Buck headed off.

“You okay?”  Chris said quietly as the rest got up to play pool.

“Fine,” Vin said, as he shot a glare at Ezra.

*****

Vin waited until Bryan left the table before he approached Ezra.

“Ez, I need ta talk to you,” he said quickly.  “Not here,” he said as Ezra opened his mouth.  “Meet me tomorrow at Starbuck’s?  Nine?  Please,” he said when Ezra hesitated.

“All right.”

“Good,” Vin said smiling.  “Tomorrow then.”  He went back to the table, threw some money down and left.

*****

Ezra was a few minutes early but he saw Vin was already sitting outside.  He went in to get his coffee and then joined him at the table.

“You came.”  Vin said, relief on his face.

“I said I would.”

“Yeah, you did.”

Vin sat a minute playing with his cup.  He had been rehearsing what he was going to say but now that Ezra wa here he couldn’t think.

“I’m sorry, Ez,” he began.  “Sorry for the way I acted before.”

Ezra said nothing.  Vin glanced up at him and then returned to looking at his cup.

“I didn’t mean it.” Vin looked up to meet Ezra’ eyes.  “Guess I got scared and I was too stupid to just say it.” He paused. “I’ve missed you.”

It was Ezra’s turn to stare at his cup.

“What do you want, Vin?”

“Another chance.  Please give me another chance.  I know I fucked up before.”

“Is this just because you saw me with Bryan last night?”

Vin tightened his grip on his cup.  “No, It ain’t because of him.  I’ve been trying ta talk to you but you’ve been avoiding me.  Not that I blame you,” Vin said quickly.

“What about Charlotte?”

“What about her?”

“You were out with her last night.”

“No, I wasn’t.”  Vin said angrily.  “She was waiting in the parking lot when I showed up.  Followed me in.  I ain’t interested in her.  I’m interested in you.”

Vin reached his hand out to touch Ezra’s.  Again he felt the shock of electricity between them.  Ezra looked up to met Vin’s eyes and Vin was thrilled to see the warmth still there but he saw wariness too.

“What about Bryan?”  Vin asked, not being able to stop himself.

“We just had dinner.”  Ezra said.

“But he’s interested in you.”  Vin stated.

Ezra met Vin’s eyes again.  

“Yes, he is.”

“And you?”

“No.”  Ezra said quietly.  “I’m not.”

Vin let out his breath.

“I don’t want ya to answer yet about giving me another chance.  Think on it.”

“Have you thought about it?”

Vin blushed, ducking his head.  “Yeah, Ez.  All I’ve been thinking about.”

“If you are ashamed in the least about being with me, Vin, then the answer is no.  I realize we might not want to tell the others but I will not be some dirty secret.”

“No, I don’t feel like that.  I ain’t ashamed of you or how I feel.”

Vin reached out to grasp Ezra’s hand and held it firmly.  Ezra pulled his hand back as the waitress headed towards their table.

“Can I get you anything?”

“We’re fine, thank you.”  Ezra said.

“Ez, take a drive with me.  So we can talk.”

Ezra sat a minute looking at Vin and then nodded.

They headed out of the city in Vin’s jeep, he reached over to take Ezra’s hand.

“I missed this.”  Vin squeezed his hand.  “Touching you.”

Ezra pulled his hand back.  “And me on my knees?  Did you miss that, too?”

“I told you, I didn’t mean that.  Hell, it just popped out.”

“But you said it.  Do you expect me to just forget that?  You compared me to a whore.”

“I’m sorry.  I didn’t even know what I was saying.  I panicked.”

“Panicked?  Why?  I would never force you to do anything.  I...” Ezra stopped.

“I know.”  Vin reached for Ezra’s hand again but stopped.

“What can I do it make it up to you?”

“I don’t know.  I can’t get it out get it out of my head.  I hear you saying it, that look on your face.”

“How about we concentrate on being friends then?  It’s been rough at work lately, not being able to talk to you.”

“I think that’s a good idea.”  Ezra gave Vin a small smile.  “I have missed your friendship.”

Vin smiled.  “We’ll start there, then.”

****

Ezra arrived at work Monday morning feeling a little anxious.  Would the others question him now about the tension in the office lately?  He’d noticed the looks the others gave him and Vin but no one had asked, well not him.  Would they ask now that they were speaking again?

As he got off the elevator he noticed JD, Buck and Josiah gathered around his desk.  He saw Vin leaning back in this chair.  They all turned to look at him.

“You got a present, Ezra.”  JD called.

“Did you open it for me?”

“No,”  JD said sounding hurt.

Buck laughed.  “He’s funning you.”

On Ezra’s desk was a small coffee maker and a bag of his favorite Starbuck’s coffee.  Beside that was a mug that stated “World’s Greatest ATF Agent”  the latter part written with a marker.

“Looks like you have a secret admirer.”  Josiah said.

Nathan snorted but said nothing as he sat at his desk.

“No card?”  Ezra turned to JD.

“We didn’t see one.  All this was on your desk when we got here.”

Ezra examined the mug, looking at Vin over the top.  A smile lifted one corner of Vin’s mouth as he picked up the coffee, sniffing it.

“Smells okay.  Guess you’ve got your own private pot now.”

“Yeah, Ezra.  No more complaining about that swill we drink.”  Buck said, putting on a southern accent.

“So it seems.”  Ezra smiled.  “I’d better make a pot then.”

“What’s in the bag?”  Vin said, innocently.

A brown paper bag also sat on the desk.  Ezra opened it, grinning.

“Looks like I’m all set.”  He pulled out filters, a measuring spoon and a Danish in a plastic container.

Ezra headed to the break room to get water while JD and Buck played with the coffee pot.  Vin picked up his mug an followed him.

“Thank you, but that wasn’t necessary.”  Ezra said as he filled the small pot with water.

Vin shrugged.  “Yeah, it was.  Wanted to say I’m sorry and glad we’re friends again.”

****

The next morning Ezra arrived to find a scone from his favorite baker sitting on his desk.  JD and Buck were on the edge of their desks waiting for him.

“Another present!”  JD said, excitedly.

“Some filly’s got her eye on you.”  Buck said, grinning and winking.

“You’d think if it was a woman, she’d bake something herself.”  Nathan said from his desk.

JD frowned at him.

“Maybe she can’t bake.”

“Yeah,” Buck said, “But it’d be nice if she sent enough for all of us.”

“I don’t believe she’s interested in impressing all of us.”  Josiah said.

“Who do you think it is, Ezra?”  JD asked.

“I have no idea.”

“Maybe it’s that new receptionist?”  Vin offered.  “She seems right friendly.”

“Yes, but she’s nice to everyone.”  Ezra said.

Chris interrupted them by calling a meeting.

*****

Thursday brought another present besides a pastry.  A CD sat on his desk.  On it was written “Songs instead of a kiss.”

“OOOh,” Buck said.  “Love songs.”

Ezra felt his face heat up.

“Seems like your secret admirer is wooing you.”  Josiah said, a wide smile on his face.

“Maybe it’s that guy he was at Inez’s with the other night.”  Nathan said chuckling.

“Jealous, Nathan?”  Ezra said.

“No.”  Nathan said, looking up finally.

“You know who’s leaving this stuff?”  Buck asked.

“No.”  Nathan said again.

“Then what’re you trying to say?”  Vin said quietly.

“I’m not saying anything.  Just throwing out suggestions.  Ezra is with somebody we don’t know and then he starts getting anonymous gifts.  That’s all.”

“That was a guy.”  JD said, slowly.  “Ezra isn’t getting presents from some guy.”

“Can’t you guys take a joke?”  Nathan said, standing up.  He went into the break room.

“I bet it’s that secretary in the filing room.”  Buck said.  “I’ve seen her check you out when you go down there.”

“That’s true.”  Vin said.  “I think it’s the suits.”

*****

“Hello?”  Ezra said as he answered his cell phone.

“It’s me.”

“Where are you calling from?”  Ezra looked around the office.

“I’m down the hall.”

“Is that necessary?”

“I wanted to see if you’d have lunch with me and I didn’t want the rest of the guys inviting themselves.”

Ezra laughed.

“Meet me at O’Toole’s?”

“Yes, that will be fine.”

*****

“You coming to Inez’s for lunch, Vin?”  Buck asked.

“Naw, got some errands to run.”

“Where’s Ezra?”

“He left a few minutes ago,”  Josiah said as he grabbed his coat.

“See ya later then.”

Vin waited a few minutes and then left.

Ezra already had a table when Vin arrived.

“I ordered iced tea for you.”

“Great.  Thanks.”

The waitress arrived with their drinks.

“Can we have a few minutes?”  Vin said.

She nodded and left.

“Thanks for the CD,”  Ezra said.  “I stared listening to it on the way over.”

“You’re welcome.”  Vin said, blushing.

“You don’t have to keep giving me things to say you’re sorry, though I am enjoying them.”

“I ain’t.”  Vin said, looking up from the menu.  “I’m courting ya.”

It was Ezra’s turn to blush.

“Oh.”

“You don’t mind, do ya?”

“No, not at all.”  Ezra assured him.  “I don’t believe I’ve ever been courted before.”

Vin smiled.  “Good.”

The waitress returned and took their orders.  After she left Ezra continued.

“What do you make of Mr. Jackson’s comments?”

“Nothing.  He’s just being pissy as usual.”

“But he has made two references as to the gender of my secret admirer.”

“Want me to bake something?”

Ezra laughed.  “No, I don’t that that is what I had in mind.”

“Then what?”

“I don’t know.  I guess there is no harm in his musings.”

“I wouldn’t let it worry ya none.”

Ezra leaned back in his chair.  “This is nice.”

“Yeah, this is a nice place.”

“I meant this is nice being here with you.”

“I know what ya mean.  If you’d like and you don’t already have planes, maybe we could go to a movie tomorrow after work?”

“I’d like that.”  Ezra fiddled with his silverware.

“Would you mind asking me again at work?”

“Asking you to a movie?”

“Yes, so..”  Ezra hesitated.  “So it doesn’t seem like we are sneaking around.”

“Sure, that’s no problem.  I just wanted to have lunch with you alone.”

“I understand but I’d rather not have to lie about where we are going.”

“That’s fine.  I don’t wanna lie either.  But if JD and Buck invite themselves...”

“Then we’ll double date.”  Ezra said, grinning.

*****

“A movie?”  JD said.  “You aren’t coming  to the saloon after work?”

“Maybe later, JD.”  Ezra said.

“We’re still trying to decide which one.”  Vin said.

“Don’t let Ezra talk you into one of those foreign ones.”  Buck warned.  “They all got that writing crap at the bottom.”

“I believe those are called subtitles, Buck.”  Ezra stifled a smile.

“Whatever.  Who wants to read a movie?”

“You coming to Inez’s later?”  Chris asked as he came down the hall.

“Yeah, Chris, we’ll probably stop by.”

Chris nodded.  “Bring me some of those little licorice pieces.  The cherry ones.  I like those.”

*****

“Ezra?”  Vin whispered as the movie started.

“Yes?”

“Can I hold your hand?”

Ezra smiled as he took Vin’s in his.

*****

“You didn’t warn me that had scary parts.”

“I didn’t realize you were so jumpy.  I thought you were going to break my other hand.”

Ezra and Vin were headed to Inez’s, Vin still held Ezra’s hand as he drove.

“I was startled, that’s all.”  He gave Ezra’s hand a little kiss.  “Nothing bruised, I hope?”

“I think I’ll survive.”

“That was fun.  I haven’ been on a date in a long time.”

“Neither have I.”  Ezra ran his thumb along Vin’s.

“Thank you.  This has been a very special week.  It’s meant a lot to me.”

“I’m glad.”  Vin squeezed Ezra’s hand.  “Wish I could hold your hand like this at Inez’s.”

“I don’t think that would go over very well.”

“Why do you think that is?  I never really thought about it before, but why would people be so against two men or two woman loving each other and showing how they feel?”

“I think it’s because it is something they aren’t use to seeing.  It use to be frowned on for couples of mixed race to be seen together.”

“Don’t seem right, though.”

“No, it doesn’t.  I would like to be able to hold your hand for everyone to see.”  Ezra squeezed his hand back.

“Well, maybe we’ll do that one day.”

*****

“So how was the movie, fellas?”

“You would have loved it, JD.  It was real scary.”

“Buck, we’ll have to go see it.”

“Okay, kid.”

Vin and Ezra sat at the table, Chris and Josiah were playing pool.

“Did you bring it?”

Vin held up a bag.

“We didn’t forget.”

“You know you can buy those at the store, Mr. Larabee?”

“It’s not the same.  They taste better from the movies.”

Chris waved to Inez to bring another pitcher of beer.

“You’re boyfriend was here earlier looking for you.”  Nathan said, smirking at Ezra.

“Did you run him off, Mr. Jackson?”

“Did you two have a fight?”

Inez brought the pitcher to the table and then whispered to Ezra.  He nodded and stood up.

“If you gentlemen would excuse me?”

“Why don’t you drop that crap, Nathan?”  Vin said.

“What’s the matter, Vin?  Ezra need you to take up for him?”

“That’s enough, Nathan.”  Chris said.  “Vin, want to play some pool?”

Ezra headed towards the payphones near the restrooms.

“Hello?”

“Ezra, it’s me, Bryan.”

“Hello, how are you?”

“I’m not disturbing you, am I?  I was there earlier and didn’t see you.  I thought I’d call and see if I could catch you there.”

“No, Vin and I just arrived.”

“Oh.  So does that mean you are back together?”

“We are working on being friends at the moment.”

“Good, then maybe I still have a chance.”  Bryan laughed.  “I won’t keep you, I didn’t have your number so I wanted to try and catch you and give you mine.  If you’d like to go out again, you could call.”

“I don’t have anything to write with at the moment.  Let me give you my cell number, you can call and leave your number.  And you can call too if you’d like.”

That would be great.  I mean it, Ezra.  I would like to get to know you.”

“I’d like that, Bryan.”  Ezra gave him his number and then hung up.

Ezra saw Nathan sitting at the table and had an idea.  He picked up a full drink from the bar and headed to the table.  Vin saw him coming and Ezra raised the glass, nodding towards Nathan.  Vin smiled and nodded.  He leaned over the pool table, moving the cue stick back towards Ezra.

“Oops!”  Ezra yelled as he stumbled and the drink flew right into Nathan’s lap.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Mr. Jackson.  I lost my balance.”

“You all right, Nate?”  Buck said, trying not to laugh as Nathan danced around, brushing ice out of his crotch.
“That can be dangerous, ice on a man’s private parts like that.” 

“Damn it, these are soaked.”

Ezra grabbed some napkins and acted like he was going blot Nathan’s lap.

“I can do it!”  Nathan yelled, knocking Ezra’s hand back.

Ezra smiled and handed Nathan the napkins.  Vin bit his lip to keep from laughing.

“Shit.  I’m going to go and get out of these.”  Nathan said, standing up.

“Good night.”  The men chorused as he left.

They all busted out laughing as soon as the door closed behind him.

“Good shot, Ezra.”  Buck said, laughing.

“Now Mr. Wilmington, you don’t think I did that on purpose, do you?”  Ezra said, green eyes twinkling.

“Course not, Ez.”  Vin said, trying not to smile.

“Your shot, Buck.”  Chris said between laughs.

Vin looked curiously at Ezra but said nothing.  When the others returned to the pool table Ezra said softly.

“That was Bryan on the phone.”

“Oh.”  Vin said, trying not to sound jealous.

“He had come by earlier as Mr. Jackson alluded.”

“Um.”

“I don’t want you to think I’m hiding anything from you.”

“Don’t really like him calling you but I guess it ain’t any of my business.”

Ezra smiled slightly.  “And you know who I am interested in.”

Vin smiled and winked as he went to take his turn at the table.

*****

“Ezra, JD and I are heading out if you want a ride back to your car.”

“I can take him, Buck.”

“It’s on our way.  You live in the opposite direction, Vin.”

“Thank you, Buck.  I am ready to go.”

Vin tried not to show his disappointment.  He had been hoping to give Ezra a good-night kiss.  Leave it to Buck to screw that up.

“Good-night, gentlemen.”  Ezra said as he followed Buck and JD out.

“So you two work things out?”

“What?”  Vin looked back at Chris, he had been watching Ezra leave.

“You and Ezra.  You’re talking again.  Get everything worked out?”

“Yeah, just a misunderstanding.  You know we’re both stubborn bastards.”

Chris and Josiah laughed.

“That you are.”  Chris stood up.  “Gonna hit the can before I head out.”

Vin worked on finishing his beer.

“I’m here if you ever need to talk.”  Josiah said softly as Chris left the table.

“Talk?”

“Yes, if you need someone to talk to.  You know I care about you and Ezra and I want you two to be happy.”

“What?”

Josiah smiled as Inez came to clear the table off.

*****

“Hello?”  

“Hey, Ez.  Wondered if you wanted to go eat, that is if you haven’t already?”

“No, I haven’t.  Where would you like me to meet you?”

“How about I just pick you up?  I can be there in about 20 minutes?”

“Okay.”

Twenty minutes later they were headed for downtown Denver.

“Did you have a place in mind?”  Ezra asked as they drove into the downtown area.

“Yeah, heard about this place but never tried it.  Goodfriends Restaurant on Colfax.”

“I’ve heard good things about it.”

They were enjoying a wonderful breakfast when Vin’s cell phone rang.

“Damn,” he said as he looked at the readout.  “It’s Chris.  I forgot I told him I was coming by today.  Hello?”

“Yeah.  No, I’m not on the way.  Ezra and I are eating.  I know I said I would.”

Ezra motioned to him.

“Hold on, Chris.”

“If you’ve made plans that is okay, Vin.  Just drop me off at home.”

“I told Chris I’d help him and Buck around the ranch.  Why don’t you come too?”

Ezra raised his sling.

“I don’t think I would be much good.”

Vin held up a hand to Ezra as he heard Chris calling his name.

“Yeah.  That’s what I said.  Okay.  Yeah.  We’ll be there in about half an hour.  Okay.”

Vin hung up as Ezra started speaking.

“What do you mean we?”

“Chris said to bring you.  He said he’d fine someway to make you earn your keep.”  Vin laughed.

“I guess I’m outnumbered then.”

“You don’t mind going, do you?”

“No, I’ll enjoy watching the three of you work.  It is just the three of you, right?”

Ezra didn’t say it but Vin knew he was referring to Nathan.

“Just us.  I think everyone else had plans this weekend.”

*****

“Vin’s coming out, he’s bringing Ezra with him.”

“So I heard.”  Buck leaned back in his chair and propped his feet up on the porch.

“Don’t you think that’s strange?”

“What?”

“Vin and Ezra have been acting strange.  First their buddies, then they aren’t speaking, now they’re hanging out together again.”

“What is strange about that?  People get pissed at each other.  Hell we fight more than married folks.”

“That’s different.”

Buck blew across his coffee cup.

“How is it different?”

“Well,’’ Chris said, looking away, “What about what Nathan said.”

“Said about what?  You think some guy is sending Ezra presents?”

“Maybe he told Vin about it and they had a fight.”

“Then obviously Vin is okay with it now.  Not that I would believe Nathan.  You know those two don’t get along.”

“That guy was at Inez’s last night.”

“What guy?”

“The one Ezra was with the other night.”  Chris said angrily.  “Damn it, Buck, don’t you pay attention to anything?”

“I don’t pay attention to things that aren’t my business.”

“So what if Ezra is gay?”

“So?”

“What do you mean, so?”

Buck took his feet off the railing and turned to look at Chris.

“What if he is?  Does that change anything?  He’s still our friend.”

“Yeah,” Chris said sheepishly, “I didn’t mean it that way, it’s just I didn’t think Ezra looked like he was.”

“Damn it, Chris, you don’t know shit.  You are jumping to conclusions over some crap Nathan said.  I hope you don’t plan on saying anything to Ezra or Vin.”

“No, of course I wouldn’t.”

“Good.”

*****

“Where did Ezra wander off to?”  Chris stood wiping sweat from his forehead.

“Don’t know,”  Vin said as he slowly worked the kinks out of  his spine.

“Maybe his hand is bothering him.”

Chris turned to Buck.  “Anyone know how he hurt his hand?”

Buck shrugged.

“Don’t think he’s said.”  Vin leaned backwards, hand on his lower back.

“Don’t you think that’s strange?”

“What?  You know Ezra ain’t one to complain.”

“He’s been acting weird.”  Chris stated.

Buck groaned.

Vin looked at Chris and then at Buck.

“What’s this about?  Don[‘t you trust him?”  Vin glared at Chris.

“Yeah, I trust him, it ain’t about that.”

“Then what is it?”

Chris looked away.

“Chris had been listening to Nathan.”

“What?”  Vin looked between them again.

“I have not.”  Chris said but he didn’t sound convincing.

“So you believe that crap Nathan’s been saying?”

“I didn’t say I believed it, I just said he’s been acting differently lately.”

“Different how?”

“Gentlemen, I come bearing gifts.”

They turned at the sound of Ezra’s voice.  He came across the pasture, carrying a cooler.  His wide smile faltered slightly at the looks on Chris and Vin’s face.  Ezra looked at each man, his gaze resting on Vin.  Vin shook his head.

“Whatcha got there, pard?”  Buck called.   He dropped his hammer and went to help him with the cooler.  “Let me help ya with that.”

“It’s fine, Buck.  I have it.”  Ezra sat the cooler down.  “I thought you might be thirsty so I brought some beverages.”

Buck knelt down and opened it.  “What’s your pleasure, boys?”

Chris took a Gatorade, tossing down his hammer.

“Thanks,”  he nodded toward Ezra.

Ezra gave Vin another searching look.  Vin smiled and took a bottle of water.

“Thanks, Ez.  Getting hot out here.”

“Are you taking a break soon?”

“Why?  You bored?”  Chris snapped.

Ezra frowned but his face revealed nothing.

“No, Mr. Larabee.  I was preparing something for lunch, it requires another twenty minutes.  If you’ll excuse me.”  He turned and headed back to the house.

“Ezra,” Chris called but he kept walking.

“Real nice, Chris.”  Vin said heading toward the house.

“Yeah, smooth move there, pard.”

“Shut up, Buck.”

“I thought it didn’t matter?  And it isn’t even any of your business.”

“I know,”  Chris said wearily.  “It’s, well I feel like he’s been lying to me.”

“So ask him if it’s true.”

“I can’t do that.”

“Well, you better do something.”

“It really wouldn’t bother you if he is gay and never told us?”

“No, it wouldn’t.  Doesn’t seem like it would be too easy to start telling folks that, especially in our line of work.  All that macho shit.”

“But we’re family.”

“Yeah, your oozing the loving, family stuff right now.”

“All right.  You’re right.  I’m being a prick.”

*****

“What is Mr. Larabee’s problem?”  Ezra said when Vin caught up to him.

“Nathan.”

Ezra stopped.  “Nathan?  What, he believes that stuff he’s been saying?”

Vin shrugged.  “He didn’t come out and say it but says you’ve been acting different.”

“Me?  He thinks I’ve been acting different?  Did he mention you?”

“No.”  Vin mumbled.

“Of course,”  Ezra started back to the house.  “Nathan accuses me of something and it’s true.  I always seem to be the guilty party.”

“Ez,”  Vin said hurrying to catch up.  “Don’t let this bother you.”

“Bother me?  Chris is treating me like,” he waved a hand, “like I don’t know what, believing whatever swill  comes out of Mr. Jackson’s mouth and I’m suppose to lie down and take it?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“What did you say?”  Ezra turned suddenly.  “When Chris said I’d been acting different.”

“I asked him if he believed that crap Nathan said and he said not really but you’d been acting different.  I asked how but that’s when you showed up.”

“I see.”  Ezra headed toward the back of the house.

As they came around the back, Vin could see Ezra had started the grill and had hamburgers and hot dogs ready to cook.  Ezra didn’t stop though.  He headed into the kitchen.

“I’m going back to town.  Can I borrow the jeep?”

“What?  No, don’t leave.”

“Fine, I’ll call a taxi then.”

Ezra picked up his wallet and cell phone from the table.

“Don’t go.  Stay here and talk to Chris.”

“And tell him what?  I’m gay?  You’re gay?”

“No, I’m not –“  Vin said a little too quickly, then stopped.

Ezra stared at him a moment and then turned and left.

“What are you gonna do?  Walk back to Denver?”  Vin yelled as Ezra headed down the driveway.

“Damn stubborn bastard.”

*****

Ezra flipped his phone open and was about to call information when he saw he had a voice mail.  It was from Bryan.

“Hello?”

“Bryan, this is Ezra.”

“Hey, glad you called.”

“I was wondering if I could ask you a favor.”

“Sure, what is it?”

“I need a ride.”

*****


“Are you going to go get him?”

“Yeah.  I’m just letting him cool off some first.”

“You think letting Ezra walk back to town is going to cool him off?”

Vin looked at Buck.

“Now that you mention it, that probably isn’t a good idea.”

“No shit, Vin.”  Chris said, flipping the burgers.

“If you’d kept your damn mouth shut he wouldn’t be walking home.”   Vin spat back.

“Why don’t you go get him and maybe we can work things out?”  Buck said.

Vin nodded, grabbed a couple of beers and headed out.  Thirty minutes later he was back.

“Is he here?”

“No, you didn’t find him?”

“No, I drove all the way out to the main road.  There isn’t anyway he could have walked that far.”

“Maybe he got a ride?”  Buck said.

Vin plopped down on the steps.  “I guess.”

“He’d call if he needed us.”  Chris said, handing Vin a beer.

“I don’t think he would.  He was pretty made  when he left.”

“Did you check your phone?  Maybe he tried to call?”

Vin checked his pockets.  “Where is my phone?  Damn, I left it in the living room.”  He retrieved it and saw he had a message.  It was from Ezra.  All it said was he had gotten a ride.

“Well, he’s okay then.”  Buck said.

Vin shrugged.  Once again he’d managed to screw things up without trying.

*****

“I really appreciate this.”  Ezra said.

“I told you, it’s my pleasure.  I’m glad you called.”

“Lucky for me you weren’t far.”

“Can I ask what you were doing way out here?”

“I was at my employers home and found myself in need of a ride.  I was driven so I was without a car.”

“Okay,” Bryan said, smiling.  “I won’t pry.  How about dinner?  I know this great place right outside of town.  Have you eaten?”

“As a matter of fact, I haven’t.”

*****

Nathan couldn’t believe it.  He’d met some buddies for a few beers after a basketball game and as he was getting ready to leave in walked Ezra and his boyfriend.  He watched as they headed for a table in the back.

Look at them.  Nathan thought.  Out in public.  He looked around.  His friends had already left.

“Just look at that.”

“What?”

Nathan turned, not realizing he’d spoken out loud.

“Fags,” he said, a little drunk.  “Can’t go anywhere no more.”

“Fags?  In here?”  The guy looked around.  He was a big burly guy, thick arms and a shaved head.

Nathan nodded.  “Lease they’re hiding in the back.”

The guy looked where Nathan had indicated.

“Cocksuckers,” the man sneered.  “That’s just unnatural.”

“Yeah, and I have to work with one of ‘em.”

“You do?  Man, that ain’t right.”

Nathan nodded his head in agreement.  “He’s a real smartass too.  I’d like to go knock the shit out of him but then I’d be the one in trouble.”

The man motioned to the bartender who brought two more beers.

“Life sucks, man.”

*****

“You sure I can’t give you a ride home?  It’s no problem.”

“No, the taxi will be here soon.  It was nice of you to come and get me in the first place.”

“I told you it was my pleasure to come to your rescue.”  Bryan grinned.

“Thank you but I’ll be fine from here.”

“All right.  I enjoyed it.”  Bryan put a hand on Ezra’s elbow.  “Maybe we can do this again?”

“I’d like that.”

“Good night.”

“Good night.”

Bryan head around the back to the parking lot.

“Hey.”

Bryan turned.  Two men were leaning against the back of the restaurant.

“Gentlemen.”  Bryan headed towards his car.

“We don’t like fags hanging around our place.”

“Gives it a bad name.”

“Your friend don’t like ‘em either, especially working with ‘em.”

They began to follow Bryan.

I’m being stupid.  Ezra thought.  Why not let Bryan give him a ride home?  He’d offered.  He turned and headed to the back.  He arrived in time to see the first man swing a small bat, striking Bryan in the back.  He fell against the car.  The second man hit him in the kidneys.

Ezra ran.  He kicked the first guy, knocking him to the ground.  He moved to hit the second but his balance was off due to his sling and the guy hit him with a right cross.  

Bryan pulled himself up and managed to land a blow to Ezra’s assailant, giving Ezra a chance to pull his arm out of the sling.  He smashed  cast and all into number one’s jaw.  He felt pain sear up his arm.  Bryan had been knocked to the ground again, the second man had recovered his bat.  Ezra kicked him in the knee then cold cocked him.

“Are you all right?”  Ezra said as he knelt over Bryan.

Bryan had a nasty gash on his head.  He opened his eyes, trying to focus.

“I don’t think so.”

Ezra helped him up, searching his pockets for his keys.

“Not on the first date, Ezra.”  Bryan said, knocking Ezra’s hands away.

Ezra laughed as he opened the passenger door.  “I’m glad to see you have principles.  Now get in.  I’ll take you to the hospital.”

“I’m okay.”  Bryan protested as Ezra buckled him in and shut the door.

“Sure you are.”

Ezra dialed the police as he headed out of the parking lot.

*****


Ezra automatically answered his phone when it rang.

“Where are you?  I’ve been trying to reach you all night.”

“I’m at the hospital.”

“Hospital?  Are you okay?  What happened?”

Ezra sighed.  His hand gingerly touched the stitches on his forehead.  His new cast glared white.

“It’s a long story.”

“I’m coming to get you.”

“That isn’t necessary.”

“You stay put.”  Vin hung up.

Ezra clicked the phone shut.  His head and hand were killing him.

“Mr. Standish?  You can see your friend now.  And I’m having your pain meds filled.”

“Thanks, Nancy.”

Ezra headed to Bryan’s room.  He was propped up in bed, eyes closed.  Ezra went to stand by the bed, he put a hand out, touching Bryan’s.  His eyes opened.

“Hey.”

“Hey, yourself.  They want to keep you over night, for observation.”

“Are you okay?”

Ezra smiled.  “I have a hard head.”  He raised his new cast.  “And my cast took most of the damage.”

Bryan touched Ezra’s swollen fingers.

“Thank you.  I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t shown up.”

“It was my turn to rescue you.”

They both smiled.

“What did they want?”

“I don’t know.  They said they didn’t like fags and that my friend didn’t like working with them.”

“Did you recognize them?”

“No, I’ve never even been there before.”

Ezra reached out and took Bryan’s hand.  “Don’t worry about it.  I’ll look into it.”

“Don’t bother.  I’ll file a police report.”

“I’m sorry.”  Ezra said.

Bryan smiled.  “Nothing to be sorry about.  I’m still glad you called me.”

The nurse came in.  “Sorry, but it’s time for me to take Mr. Evans vitals.  I have your pain medicine, Mr. Standish.  I gave it to Mr. Tanner.  He’s in the waiting room.”

Bryan looked up at Ezra.

“I guess my ride is here.  You take it easy.  You’re in good hands with Nancy.”  Ezra gave Bryan’s hand a squeeze.  “I’ll check on you tomorrow.”

“Good night again, Ezra.”

*****

Vin stopped pacing the floor when he saw Ezra coming down the hall.  He rushed to him and stopped.  He light took Ezra’s face and turned his head so he could see the damage.

“Nancy said you were in a fight.”

“Nancy talks too much.”

“What happened?  Did Bryan hit you?”

“No.”  Ezra pushed past Vin.  He picked his bag of pills off the table.  He shook out two and headed for the water fountain.

“Then what happened?”

“Some guys tried to beat up Bryan in the parking lot and I tried to help.”

Ezra stared at the water fountain.  How as he suppose to hold his pills and push the button with one hand?  Vin moved around him and held the button down.  Ezra took the pills and drank.

“Thanks.”

Ezra turned to face Vin.  He smiled up at him.  What if he’d been out with Vin?  He thought.  What is some guy had beaten up Vin because he thought he was gay.  Ezra’s lip trembled.

Vin saw Ezra’s lip and saw his eyes fill with tears.  Before he knew it, Ezra pulled him into his arms.  

“It’s gonna be okay.”  Vin said as he patted Ezra on the back.

“What if it was you?”  Ezra mumbled, tighten his arms around Vin.  

They stood that way until Vin spotted Nancy coming up the hall.  He pushed Ezra back.

“Let me take you home before those drugs kick in.”

Ezra saw Vin looking passed him and turned to look.  He saw Nancy at the desk.  She waved.  He looked back at Vin and saw his face turn red with embarrassment.

“Let’s go.”  Vin said.

Ezra sighed.  He thought Vin had said he wasn’t ashamed to be around him but here he was practically shoving him out of the hospital because Ezra had hugged him.  Nancy knew them, knew Ezra had been in a fight.  What did Vin think she would say from seeing that?  He waited until they were in the jeep.

“Were you worried that Nancy would see me hug you?”

“What?  Of course not.”  Vin said quickly.

Ezra head the lie, saw Vin look at him guiltily.

“Do you think she thought you must be a fag to let me touch you?”

“Ezra, what are you talking about?  I just wanted to take you home.”  He made to take Ezra’s hand but Ezra moved it.

“It’s okay to touch me in private?  Is that it?”

“Damn it, if you hadn’t gotten all pissed and left then called him, none of this would have happened.”

“Now it’s my fault?  I should have been all right with Chris thinking I’m gay but not you?  That those gifts I thought you gave me because you cared about me were from someone else?”

“Just drop it, okay?”

“No, I’m not dropping it.  I thought we were starting fresh.  No more lying or pretending?”

“That doesn’t mean I’m gonna run around shouting about it.”

“About what?”

“You know what I’m talking about.”

“So say it.”

Vin glared at Ezra and then back at the road.

“If you don’t have a problem, say it.”

“I don’t have to.”

Ezra leaned his head back on the seat.  

“We’re back full circle already.”

“I thought we were being friends again?”

Ezra sighed.  “Yes, I guess that is back where we are.”

They rode the rest of the way to Ezra’s condo in silence.  Vin took off his seatbelt as he stopped the jeep.

“I can see myself to the door.  Thank you for the ride.”

“Let me help you, those drugs are probably working.”

“No.  I’m fine.”  Ezra opened the door, slamming it as he got out.

Vin waited till he entered then drove off.  Ezra watched out the window until Vin’s jeep disappeared.  He headed back out to his car.  The pain medicine hadn’t really stared to effect him yet.  He got in his Jag and headed back to the hospital.

“Ezra, did you forget something?”  Nancy looked up as the elevator opened.

“No, I just went to get my car.  I didn’t want my friend having to stay by himself.  Is it all right if I sit with him?”

She smiled.  “I know how you and your friends always keep each other company when you’re in the hospital.  It’s fine.  We have to monitor him for a concussion.”

Ezra nodded and headed into Bryan’s room.  He was asleep.  Ezra scooted two chairs closer to the bed.  He went to the other bed and pulled off the blanket.  He made sure Bryans was covered and then stretched out on the chairs.  He threw the extra blanket over his legs.  The drugs were working good now and he fell asleep.

****


“How long has he been here?”

“Almost two hours.  He said he didn’t want you having to stay alone.”

“Is he all right?”

Nancy smiled reassuringly.  “He’s fine.  He’s sensitive to pain meds.”

“It’s not polite to talk about someone when they are trying to sleep.”

“I didn’t mean to wake you.”  Bryan said as Nancy finished checking him.

“You didn’t.  This chair isn’t the most comfortable.”

“You can take the other bed, Ezra.  I won’t tell.”

“I’m fine.”

Nancy threw her hands up as she left.

“You didn’t have to come back.”

“I know, but I know how it is being in here alone.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

“Least I can do for getting you beaten up.”

“It wasn’t your fault.”

Ezra shrugged.

“It wasn’t.”  Bryan insisted.  He looked at Ezra sharply.

“But that’s what Vin said, isn’t it?”

“He’s right.”  Ezra said softly.

“The hell he is.  This wasn’t your fault.”

“If I hadn’t called you-“ Ezra began.

“Then I wouldn’t have had a wonderful evening getting to know you.”

Ezra snorted.  “I’d hardly call this wonderful.”

Bryan reached out a hand.  Ezra hesitated and then took it.  Bryan held it tight.

“I don’t care about the fight.  I don’t care that some assholes disapprove of who I am.  I got to spend time with you tonight.  Nothing can ruin that.”

Bryan squeezed Ezra’s hand until he looked up.  Bryan smiled.

Ezra smiled back weakly.  “I wish Vin felt that way.”

“I’m sure he does.”

Ezra laughed.  “No, that’s why I called you.  We had a fight and I wanted to go home but since he drove...”

“Everyone fights.”

“Yes, but we seem to be having the same one.  I should be talking to you about this.”

“Why not?”  He tugged at Ezra’s hand.  “Go on.”

Ezra leaned back in his chair and still holding Bryan’s hand, brought him up to speed.

“So,” he said finishing up, “he seems to be fine with us being together or whatever as long as we are alone.  But the moment he thinks someone else might think he’s interested in a man, he pushes me away.”

“I think it’s good you’re friends again.  Maybe you should just leave it there until Vin figures out what he wants.”

“That’s pretty much what I decided tonight.  Funny thing is I had never thought of being with a man until Vin said it, then it seemed the most natural thing, to be with him.”  Ezra smiled ruefully.

“That’s kind of callous for me to say to you, isn’t it.”

“I told you I wanted to get to know you, Ezra.  If I was just looking to jump into someone’s pants, I know where to go for that.  I’d like us to be friends and then later maybe I’ll be twice as lucky.”  He winked broadly.

Ezra laughed, stifling a yawn.

“Close your eyes.  I think these drugs are working on me, too.  Maybe we can get  a little sleep until Nurse Racket comes back.”

They feel asleep, still holding hands.

*****

Ezra woke with his head on the bed.  His cast was propped up on Bryan’s chest, their hands still clasped.  He looked at his watch.  6 am.  There was no way he was going to try and work today.  He quietly moved off the bed.  Bryan stirred but didn’t wake.  He went into the hall, pulling his cell phone out of his jacket.

“Larabee.”

“Mr. Larabee, this is Ezra.”

Chris glanced at the clock.

“What’s wrong?”

Ezra chuckled.  I’m calling to let you know I will not be in today.  I was in a bit of an accident last night.”

“Are you okay?  Where are you?”

“Just a few bruises and I’m afraid I’ve re-injured my hand but I’ll be fine.”

“Where are you?”  Chris repeated.


“I’m at the hospital now but will be going home shortly.”

“I’ll come get you.”

“That isn’t necessary, I have my car.”

“I thought you said you were in an accident?”

“Yes, but not that kind.  I’ll be back at work tomorrow.”  Ezra hung up.

Chris stared at the phone.  What the hell was that all about?  He dialed Vin’s number.

“Yeah, Chris?”

“What’s Ezra doing in the hospital?” Chris said bluntly.

“He’s not in the hospital, he’s at home.”

“I thought you knew.” Chris apologized. “He just called me from there.”

“I took him home last night.  He was fine when I left.”

“That’s all I know.  He said he was going home soon.  Why was he there last night?”

Vin hesitated.  Ezra obviously hadn’t told Chris what happened.

“Some guys jumped a friend of his a parking lot and Ezra tried to help.”

“With his arm in a cast?”

“You know Ezra.  He didn’t do too bad actually.  But he ended up hurting his hand more.”

“But you said you took him home?”

“Yeah, I did.  Maybe he went back this morning to check on his friend.”

“All right.  Sorry to call so early and worry you.”

“That’s okay.  Thanks for letting me know.”

Vin hung up the phone.  Why was Ezra back at the hospital?  Had he been feeling worse?  He must have driven himself back.  Was Ezra pissed at him?  He knew he shouldn’t have pushed Ezra away at the hospital.  He had obviously been upset.  But damn it, Nancy had been coming down the hall.  He didn’t want her to think – Vin stopped.  Didn’t want her to think he was gay?  That’s what Ezra had said.  His first thought had been he didn’t want her to see him hugging some guy.  That just wasn’t manly.  But was that all?

*****

Ezra stopped at the nurse’s station.  “Do you know when they’ll release Mr. Evans?”

“The doctors usually make rounds around nine.”

“Thanks, Nancy.”

As Ezra headed for the room he saw David Stephens, the officer who had taken their statements last night.

“David, any news?”

“Ezra, you still here?  We got the other guy.  He came back to get his car.”  He laughed, motioning Ezra into the waiting room.  “Those guys have been running their mouths.  Said they were teaching some fag, their words, a lesson.  You say the word, me and the boys will tune ‘em up.”

Ezra shook his head, smiling.  “Thanks for the offer, David but that’s okay.”

“You say the word, Ezra.  We’re all family.”  He lowered his voice.  “Speaking of, I head something disturbing.  The guys said some man at the bar gave them the idea.  Said he words with Mr. Evans.  Did you see anyone you recognized?”

“No, not that I recall.”

“I came up to ask, I was in the ER with another case.  Is your friend awake?”

They went back into Bryan’s room just as the breakfast trays were being served.

“Mr. Evans, can I ask a couple more questions?”

“Sure, Officer?”

“Stephens.  We caught the other man who assaulted you.  They claim some man at the bar gave them the idea.  Said he worked with you.  Did you see anyone you knew?”

Bryan frowned in concentration.  “No, I didn’t see anyone I knew.  Wait, I did see someone I recognized.  Right before we left, he was heading out the door.”

“Who was he?”

“I don’t know his name.  He was at Inez’s, Ezra the day I met you.  He was sitting with those men you work with.”

Ezra felt his stomach sink.

“What did he look like?”

“Tall, black fellow.  Well dressed.”

Ezra turned to look at Stephens.  

“Nathan?”

David shrugged.  “I’ll show them a photo.”

“Thanks, Mr. Evans.  You’ve been a big help.”

“Thank you for following up so quickly.”

Ezra dropped into the seat as David left.

“Do you think this guy would do something like this?  Have me beaten up?”

“No,” Ezra said, shaking his head.  “I think those men got the wrong one.  I think they meant to target me.”

“Why, they don’t know you’re gay, do they?”

Ezra shook his head again.  “Mr. Jackson has been making comments to that effect.  V- Mr. Tanner had left a few,” he hesitated, “gifts on my desk and Nathan hinted that perhaps they were from the man I had had dinner with at Inez’s.”

“Oh, so you think when he saw us tonight, he decided to do what?  Make a point?”

“Well we had a confrontation the other day.  I think he was hoping to get back at me but his friends must have thought he was talking about you.  I’m sorry.”

”I told you, this wasn’t your fault.  Want some of this delicious breakfast?  I’ll share my juice.”  Bryan said, changing the subject.

“No, thank you.  I think I’ll go down the hall and get some coffee.  Would you like some?”

“I’d kill for a descent cup.”

*****

“What happened to you?  I heard you were in the hospital.”

“Just a misunderstanding.  I was out with a friend.”

“Some misunderstanding.”

Ezra came back into Bryan’s room to see a large man standing by the bed.  He stood about 6’3, with a shaved head.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“Come in.  Ezra, this is Frank.  Frank, Ezra.  Frank works with me.  He insisted on coming down to give me a ride home.”

Ezra sat the coffee carrier on the table and held out his hand.

“Please to meet you.”

Frank shook Ezra’s left hand, looking at Bryan.

“So this is Ezra, huh?  Well you didn’t lie.  He’s hot looking.”

Both Bryan and Ezra blushed.

“Shut up, Frank.”

“What?  I’m just agreeing with you.”

The doctor came in at that moment, saving them both.

“Mr. Evans, are you ready to go home?”

“Yes, I am.”

The doctor flipped open the chart.

“Bryan, I’m going to go ahead and leave now that you have a ride.”

“Thanks for staying with me.”

Frank shot a look at Bryan, then smiled.

Ezra nodded.  “I’ll call you later to see how you’re doing.”

“I’d like that.”

“Nice to meet you, Frank.”

“Oh, the pleasure was all mine.”

“Frank,”  Bryan warned.

Ezra laughed and left.

Ezra’s mind was in a daze on the way to his car.  Would Nathan really encourage someone to beat him up?  He decided to go by the office and check things out for himself.

*****

“Where is Ezra?”  Josiah asked as he sat down at his desk.

“Don’t know.”  Vin said.  Chris hadn’t told anyone yet so Vin didn’t volunteer any information.

“What the hell happened to you?”  Buck exclaimed as Ezra came off the elevator.

“Minor altercation.”

Josiah stopped in front of Ezra.  He took in the split lip, blackened eye and new cast.

“I hope the other guy looks worse.”

Ezra grinned around his injured mouth.

“As a matter of fact, they both do.”

Josiah patted him on the back, beaming.

“That’s my boy!”

“What happened?”  JD asked.

“I was leaving a restaurant after having dinner with a friend and two men jumped him in the parking lot.  Luckily I hadn’t left yet and I felt obliged to join in.”

Ezra had stood so he could see Nathan sitting at his desk.  Nathan looked up when Ezra announced his friend had been attacked but said nothing.

“Is your friend okay?”  Vin asked.

“Yes, they kept him in the hospital overnight but were releasing him this morning.”

“It’s good that you both weren’t hurt seriously.”  Josiah said.  “You need to go home and take it easy.”

“I am,” Ezra assured him.  “Just stopped by to speak to Mr. Larabee.”

“You need anything you let us know.”  Buck said and JD nodded.

“Anything at all.”  JD added.

“Thank you both.”

He turned and headed to Chris’ office.

Ezra had been thinking since his and Vin’s first disagreement.  He hadn’t entertained the idea of being with a man before Vin.  As much as he enjoyed Bryan’s company he wasn’t interested in anymore than friendship with him.  He knew now that Vin didn’t know what he wanted.  He had thought at first he would just be patient but Vin’s constant back and forth attitude was too much.  So even if Vin couldn’t make a choice, Ezra could make one for himself.

“Mr. Larabee, can I have a word with you?”

Chris turned from his computer screen.

“I thought you weren’t coming in?  Are you okay?”

“I’ll heal.”  Ezra smiled, shutting the door.  “I just came in to speak with you.”

“Have a seat.”

“No, thanks.  This won’t take long.  I just wanted to clear up a few misunderstandings.”  Ezra paused then continued.

“For the record, I am not gay.  The gifts I received were not from the man I had dinner with at Inez’s though he was the one I was having dinner with last night.  My friend was attacked as he was leaving because someone informed the attackers that we were gay.  Fortunately I hadn’t left yet and was able to stop them before they hurt him too badly.  I would like to think if you have concerns about me or my behavior that you would address me and not go to others.”

“I’m sorry, Ezra, you’re right.  I didn’t mean to make you mad.  I shouldn’t have listened to gossip.  Is your friend okay?  Did they catch who did it?”

“He will be, thank you.  They have some leads.  I’m going to go now.  I feel the need for some pain meds.”

“You take it easy.  Call if you need anything.”

*****

Ezra was headed downstairs when his cell phone rang.

“Mr. Standish.  This is Ruby.  Judge Travis would like to see you.”

“I’ll be right up.”

Ruby buzzed Ezra into the Judge’s office when he arrived.

“Ezra, have a seat.  I won’t keep you.  Chris told me of your injuries and since you won’t be able to do any undercover operations for awhile I was wondering if you could help me out?”

“What do you have in mind?”

“Team One is working on a big bust and they could use your expertise.  You won’t have to go out in the field.  It will be strictly behind the scenes but it would give you more to do than push paps until you’re feeling better.”

“Do you know for how long?”

“A few weeks.  We aren’t exactly sure on the time.”

“I’d be glad to help out, Judge.”

“Great.  I’ll call Chris and let him know.  Go on home, you can meet with them tomorrow if you’re up to it.”

“Thank you for thinking of me for this.”

“Thank you, Ezra.  You were my first choice.”

*****

Vin waited until later to ask Chris about Ezra.  Chris had stayed behind at lunch, working on some reports.

“Hey, Chris.  Ready to grab lunch?”

“You haven’t been?”

“Nah, had some stuff to do.”

“Yeah, how about Italian Delight?”

“Sounds good.”

They didn’t say much as they rode down the elevator.  Chris drove as usual.  Vin waited until they were seated at the booth and had ordered.

“Is Ez okay?  Was surprised to see him come in today.”

Chris grimaced.  “Yeah, he wanted to talk to me about what I said.  Told me he wasn’t gay and that those gifts weren’t from that guy from Inez’s.  Said I should ask him if I had a problem with him.  Sure put me in my place.”  Chris grinned.  “I don’t know why I listened to Nathan’s bull.”

“He didn’t say who that stuff was from?”

“Don’t think he knows.”

Vin nodded.  He didn’t know if this was good or bad.  He hadn’t expected that Ezra would announce he was gay but Vin thought it sounded final.

*****

Judge Travis had promised Ezra not to mention anything about the transfer until he was sure.  After meeting with Team One the next morning, Ezra knew he would enjoy working with them.  Travis was to tell Chris that afternoon.

Ezra came into the office a little before Travis was due.  He told the others he just wanted to get a few things.  He was seated at his desk Stephanie Moss, a bounty hunter from downstairs got off the elevator.

“Ezra, are you all right?  I heard you were in a fight.”

“I’m fine, Ms. Moss.  No permanent harm done.”

She glanced around at the other men who were pretending to work.  She handed him a card.

“I wanted to find a better way to tell you, but I was the one leaving you those presents.  I hope you don’t mind?”

Vin’s head snapped up.  He almost toppled out of his chair.  Stephanie frowned at him and he looked back at the report he was pretending to read.

“Why I am flattered, Stephanie.”  Ezra’s gold tooth sparkled.  “Perhaps we could have dinner sometime?”

“I’m free tonight.”

“Wonderful.  I’ll stop by your office on my way out to make arraignments.”

Stephanie bent down and gave him a small kiss on the cheek.  “I look forward to it.”

It was deadly silent until the elevator door closed.  

“Stephanie?  It was her?  I’ve been asking her out of weeks.”  Buck huffed.

“She’s real pretty, Ez.  With all that red hair.”  JD said.

Josiah patted Ezra on the back.  “She is a lovely woman.  Be sure to treat her right.”

Vin glared at Ezra but said nothing.

Judge Travis stepped off the elevator next.  He called greetings to the men as he went to Chris’ office.  Chris stepped out a few minutes later and waved them in.  They all crowded inside.

“The Judge has just informed me Ezra is going to be working with Team One until he’s healed, starting Monday.”

“What?”  Vin blurted, looking from Chris to Ezra.

“It’s just temporary.”  Travis assured them.  “They have a difficult case and could use Ezra’s help.”

“Just be sure they know it’s temporary.”  Josiah said in his low voice.

“Yeah.”  JD added, his voice going high.

Ezra chuckled.  “Don’t worry, JD.  I’ll be back.”

Vin tried to catch Ezra’s eye but Ezra wouldn’t look at him.  The meeting broke up and as Ezra headed for the elevator, Vin grabbed his arm.

“What was that all about?”

Ezra looked to where Vin’s hand gripped him and then back to Vin’s face.

“I thought the Judge made it clear.”

“I was talking about that lady.”

Ezra shrugged.  “I thought it was time for the secret admirer to be revealed.  And since you weren’t going to confess...”  Ezra trailed off.

Vin blushed.  “Ain’t no one’s business.  And what about that talk you had with Chris?”

Ezra sighed.  “Vin, I think we gave “us” a try and it just wasn’t going to work.  I am no longer interested in pursing that lifestyle.”

Ezra turned and left.

*****

Chris wasn’t sure what was wrong with Vin but something was eating him.  Ever since Ezra had gone to work with Team One, Vin had been short tempered and more quiet than usual.

A few times they had seen Ezra at Inez’s with Stephanie and Vin would sit at the table getting drunk and making snide comments about her.  Finally Chris said something to Josiah.

“Josiah, what’s Vin’s problem?  I can’t get him to talk to me.”

“I’m not sure but let me give it a try.”

Vin was seated at their table, staring at his beer.  Ezra was not there tonight.

Josiah sat his beer down.  Vin looked up and then back at his glass.

“Anything I can do to help, Vin?”

“You can leave me alone.”

Josiah eased his long legs under the table.  

“Ever hear the old saying, Shit or get off the pot?”

Vin looked up.  “What?”

“You need to make a decision.  Either you want Ezra and are willing to stand up and say so or let him go.  You’re making everyone around you miserable.”

Vin sat there, his mouth hanging open.  “What?  How could-?”

Josiah smiled.  “I’ve been around the block a few times.  I know you’re interested in him and I thought he was too.  Want to tell me about it?”

“You’re okay with it?  You don’t mind that ...”

Josiah sighed.  “I see.  I’m guessing you’re having trouble with the whole gay thing?  Did Ezra approach you?”

“No.”  Vin mumbled and then he told Josiah the story.

“I don’t know, Josiah.  I can’t be girly.  I don’t want to be.  I’m a man.”

Josiah shook his head.  “Do you think one of you is required to be – what – the woman?”

“Well ya see those guys on TV.”

“Vin, that’s not all gay men.  Ezra’s friend doesn’t act like that does he?”

Vin glared at Josiah.

“Don’t mention that bastard.  He can’t wait to get his hands on Ezra.”

“So he’s made his intentions clear?”

“Yeah.”

“And you haven’t?”

“Well, yes and no.  I miss him.  When it’s just me and him, it’s wonderful.  I’ve never been happier.  Then the outside world starts crashing around.”

“And you don’t want people thinking you’re gay?”

“No.”

“Then I guess it’s best this way.  But you need to let Ezra go and control all this anger.”

“I don’t want to let him go.  That’s what I’ve been trying ta say.  My life sucks without him.”

Josiah sighed again.  “I don’t know what to tell you.  You can’t have it both ways.  Ezra is trying to make it easier for you.”

“How?”

“Why else do you think he got that woman to say she left him those gifts?  Or why he’s working with another team.  He’s trying to give you some space.”

“He is?  I thought he was just running and trying to let someone else take credit for what I did.”

“He’s trying to make sure no one became suspicious of you.  I probably shouldn’t tell you this but he told me it really scared him when those men jumped Bryan in that parking lot.  He kept saying what if that had been you.”

“Shit.”  Vin put his face in his hands.  “He said that to me at the hospital and I pushed him away.”

Josiah looked sternly at him.

“I saw Nancy coming down the hall and I didn’t want her to see us hugging.”

“You need to do some thinking, Vin.  Decide what you want.”

Vin nodded, staring at his beer again.

*****

”Do we have to come here?”

“Yes, we do.  This is where the poker game is.  Are you sure your hand is okay?”

Ezra flexed his fingers.  He had had the cast removed a few day before.

“It’s fine.”

“Your friends aren’t usually here on a Wednesday night are they?  And so what if they are, it’s not like we’re having a big gay orgy.”

That won Bryan a smile glinted with gold.

*****

Chris led the others into the Saloon.  It had been another long day.  They had decided to stop by and get a drink and unwind.

“Senors, are you here for the game?  It has already started.”

“What game?”  Nathan said as he filed in behind JD.

“All in Texas Hold ‘em.  There is a big game in the back room.”

The others got beers and wandered to the back.  Several tables had been set up, covered in green felt.  The room was crowded and smoky.

“Hey,” JD called, “There’s Ezra.”

All eyes turned to where JD pointed.  There sat Ezra, wearing a big smile with a bigger stack of chips in front of him.

“Wonder how much he’s cheated these folks out of.”  Nathan said quietly but they all heard.  

Chris opened his mouth but another voice spoke.

“All the winnings go to charities.”   Bryan said as he came up beside them.  “Winner’s choice.”

“That’s a great idea.”  Josiah said.

“Thank you.  Some of my friends and I came up with the idea.  Inez was kind enough to let us have it here.”

“You playing?”  Buck asked.

Bryan chuckled.  “Blackjack is about all I’m good at.  Anyone is welcome to play.  There are different games.”

Vin was glaring at Bryan but then Josiah caught his eye.  Vin shrugged and smiled.

“Come on, JD.  Let’s see if we can find a game.”  Buck grabbed JD and they headed off.

“What about you, Mr. Jackson isn’t it?  See anything here that interests you?”  Bryan said, stepping closer, his voice low.

Nathan took a couple of steps back.  “Think I’ll mingle.”

He took off as Bryan laughed.

“Have fun, gentleman.” He said as he left.

*****

Ezra pulled the pot towards him, smiling.  He looked up to see where Bryan was and saw Vin.  His smile faltered.  Vin was glaring at him.
Seems like old times he thought.

Vin waited until Ezra went to the restroom, then followed him.  He looked inside and waited till the other man left and then entered.  Ezra stood at the sink.

“Ezra.”

“Mr. Tanner.”

“Can I talk to ya?”

“We’ve been here before, we know how it ends.”

“I know I keep screwing up, give me another chance.”

“Let’s just forget you ever brought up the whole idea.  Let’s just be friends again.”

“I can’t.  I miss you.  Miss being with you.  I hate seeing you parading around with that woman and Bryan.”  He spat the last word out.

“Vin, you’ve made it clear you don’t want anyone to think you’re gay.  It’s quite impossible to be with me and not be gay, too.  I told you, I’m not interested in pursing that lifestyle.”

“What about Bryan?  Why are you with him?”

“We are friends, nothing more.”

“I’ve got eyes.  I can see he wants more than that.”

“He knows how I feel.”

“What about us?  You can’t tell me you don’t miss what we had, too?”

“There isn’t an ‘us’.”

Vin moved across the room, pushing Ezra against the wall.

“Tell me you don’t miss this.”

Vin molded his body to Ezra’s, kissing his hard.  Ezra hesitated only a moment and then opened his mouth, returning the kiss with equal passion.  Vin pulled him closer, deepening the kiss.  He pulled away reluctantly.

He looked into Ezra’s eyes, dilated with passion.  God, he wanted him now.  He didn’t think he’d ever wanted Ezra more.

“Tell me, Ezra, that you don’t want me, like I want you?”  He rubbed his erection against Ezra’s.

“Don’t.”  Ezra whispered.  “I can’t take this again.”

“I’m sorry.”  Vin whispered back. 

He held Ezra tight.  “I’m gonna make things right.  I’ll prove to you how I feel.”

Vin smiled, stepping back.  “But not here in the men’s room.”

He kissed Ezra lightly and left.

*****

Bryan saw Vin leave the men’s room smiling and then Ezra leave looking dazed.  So, he thought.  Vin was up to his old tricks again.  Well he wasn’t about to let Ezra go without a fight.

Ezra was finding it hard to concentrate on the game.  His mind kept drifting to that kiss.  He jumped slightly as he felt hands on his shoulders.

“Your mind isn’t on the game, Ezra,”  Bryan said in Ezra’s ear as he rubbed his shoulders.

Ezra felt the tension leaving him.  “No, I was distracted.”

Bryan gave his shoulders a few more rubs then stopped.

“Better?”

“Better.”  Ezra smiled.

Bryan moved off, throwing a smile at Vin.

Vin clenched his hands into fists.  He wasn’t going to let Bryan get to him.  He knew Ezra cared about him, not Bryan.

*****

“I think the evening was a success.”

“I hope so.  Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.”

Bryan pulled up in front of Ezra’s condo.

“I agree, and a lot of charities benefited.  It was a great idea.”

Bryan followed Ezra to the door, carrying the box of cards and chips.

“It was your idea, too.  We make a good team, Ezra.”

“Yes, we do.”

Ezra opened the door and Bryan set the box on the table.

“Well, I better go.

“Thanks for the ride.”

“My pleasure.”

“How are you feeling?”

Bryan shrugged.  “I’m feeling better.  Still a few aches and pains.”

They headed toward the door.  Bryan stopped and turned to face Ezra.

“Ezra,” he said softly, gazing into those green eyes that had enthralled him.  

He leaned closer.  Ezra hesitated a moment then moved nearer, closing his eyes.

Bryan felt his lips brush Ezra’s, warm and soft.  He moved closer, his tongue traced Ezra’s lips.  His heart raced as he felt Ezra’s lip open and then he was finally tasting him.  He moaned and moved his arms to encircle Ezra, pulling him closer.

Ezra’s arms went around Bryan.  He was a good kisser but his mind flashed to Vin.  He pulled back.

“Bryan..” he said.

“Better than I imagined.”  Bryan said, smiling.  He kissed Ezra again lightly, then again firmly.

“Bryan,” Ezra said again.  “I’ve told you, I’m not interested in being more than friends.”

“You can’t blame me for trying.  Just remember, I’m here.  If Vin continues to be a screw up, I’ll gladly take his place.”

“I’ll remember.”

“Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

*****


“Ezra, you’re still coming to the cookout, aren’t you?”

“Yes, Chris.  I told you that last night.”

“Just checking.”

Ezra heard Buck’s voice in the background, then Chris laughed.

“Buck wants to know if you’re bringing that potato salad?”

Ezra chuckled.  “Tell Buck that I toiled one handed to make potato salad just for him.”

Chris relayed the message and he heard Buck laugh.

“He says he’ll make sure he eats it all then.”

Ezra hung up, still laughing.  He removed two bowls of potato salad from the refrigerator and put them in a paper bag.  He hated driving the Jag, his hand was still a little weak but he didn’t want to ask for a ride.    He was reaching into the refrigerator when he heard a knock at the door.

“Hey, thought you might need a ride.”

There stood Vin, looking better than any man had a right to Ezra thought.  He worn a faded pair of jeans and a flannel shirt over a T-shirt.  Ezra thought Vin shouldn’t be allowed to wear flannel either.  It made his hands itch to touch him.

“I’m capable of driving myself.”

Vin grinned, looking down at Ezra’s hand, which was still slightly swollen.

“Know you are, also know you’re too damn stubborn to ask for a ride.”

Ezra smiled and opened the door.  Cocky bastard.

“What’s going?”  Vin asked as he moved toward the kitchen.

“That bag and I was going to take some beer.”  Ezra followed him.

Vin nodded and opened the refrigerator.  He pulled out two six-packs of Ezra’s favorite beer.

“Two, huh?  I hope you weren’t planning on drinking and driving?”

“Of course not, I am an officer of the law.”

Vin smirked.  “Got the cooler in my jeep.  I’ll take these out.  You might wanna take a jacket, it’s suppose to turn cooler.”

Ezra headed to the bedroom.  He wore jeans and a long sleeved shirt.  He’d take a sweatshirt and a jacket.  

“Stuff’s in the car.”

Ezra turned.  Vin was leaning again the door jam, arms crossed.
Vin wore that half smile Ezra loved.  He thought again of that kiss.  He shook himself.

“I’m ready then.”

“Good.”

Vin headed towards the front door, Ezra’s eyes watching his ass and how well they filled out those jeans.  ‘Get a grip on yourself, Ezra.’  He scolded.

Vin put a CD in as they headed for the ranch.  Ezra recognized it as the same one Vin had made for him.  Vin sang along with the songs but made no move to take Ezra’s hand.  Ezra found he was disappointed.

*****

Chris, Buck, JD and Casey were the only ones there when they arrived.  

“Hey, it’s Vin and Ezra.”  Buck yelled from the porch.  “Where’s that potato salad?”

“You made potato salad?”  Vin said.  “You should have called me, I would have helped.”  He sounded hurt.

Buck came to the jeep, check the cooler and then the bag.

“Here it is!”  He held the bag up.

“There is plenty, Buck, try not to eat it all.”

“One for me, one for everyone else.”  He headed into the house carrying the bag.

Vin laughed as he picked up the cooper and followed Buck and Ezra inside.

Chris, JD and Casey were in the backyard.  Chris was getting the grill ready.

“Need a hand with that, Mr. Larabee?”  Ezra said, walking out onto the back porch.

“Hey, Ez.”  JD called.

Vin followed him out, handing him a beer.

“Thanks, Vin.”

Vin smiled and nodded.

“Want to check it for me, Ezra?”  Chris said, waving towards the grill.

Ezra headed down the step and inspected Chris’ handiwork.

“Good job.  I think it’s ready to light.”

They all sat on the front porch laughing and talking when Josiah pulled up.

“Vin, give me a hand, will you?”

Vin left the porch and took the box Josiah handed him.

“Hope you’re taking my advice?”

Vin flushed.  “Trying to.”

Josiah gave him a broad smile and a wink.

“How are you feeling, Ezra?”  Josiah said as he climbed the steps.

“Much better after two of these.”  Ezra held up his beer bottle.

They all laughed.  Josiah and Vin came out a few minutes later.  

“Chris, your coals look about right.”

“Yeah, I was waiting on Nathan and Rain.”

Ezra gave a little groan that only Vin heard.

“Want me to beat him up for ya?”

Ezra laughed.  “I hope that isn’t necessary.”

They all moved to the back porch, watching as Chris and Buck put steaks on the grill.

“Anybody here?”  Nathan’s voice called from inside the kitchen.

He and Rain came out through the screen door.  Nathan looked over at Ezra, a slight frown on his face.  Vin frowned back at him.  He didn’t know what Nathan’s problem was.

Vin noticed Nathan kept throwing glanced at Ezra.  He had a bad feeling in his gut.  After a couple of beers, Nathan started.

“So, you didn’t bring your boyfriend with you?”

“Are you addressing me?”  Ezra drawled.

“Seen him with his hands on ya last night.  Why didn’t you bring him along, everyone else has their girlfriend with ‘em.”  Nathan sneered.

“Nathan.”  Rain said.

“That’s enough.”  Chris said.

“Why are you so interested in my personal business, Mr. Jackson?  Trying to find someone else to do your dirty work?”

“What are you talking about?”  Buck said.

“Shut up, Ezra.”  

“Not so talkative now?  But this isn’t a dark parking lot, is it?”

“What are you saying, Ez?

Ezra turned to Vin.  “Mr. Jackson was at the restaurant where Bryan and I were having dinner.”

“Shut up.”

“Seems like he was the one to tell those men we were fags, isn’t that the word you used?  He suggested something be done about it>”

“Nathan, is that true?”  Rain sounded appalled.

“You gonna believe some queer?  Flaunting his boyfriend all over town.  Sending him stuff at work.”

“Bryan ain’t his boyfriend.”  Vin said, standing up.

“Vin.”  Ezra said quietly.

Vin looked down at Ezra.  He took his hand.  “I’m his boyfriend.”

“What?”  JD said.

Josiah and Casey smiled.  Chris and Buck shared astonished looks.

“What did you do to him?”  Nathan said, staring at Ezra.  “Brainwash him?”  He nodded to Vin.

“It’s not any of your damn business but I asked him out.”

Ezra squeezed Vin’s hand.

“You’re gay?”  JD said, looking from Ezra to Vin and then to Buck.

Buck went to smack him but Casey beat him to it.  She punched him in the arm.

“Yes.”  Vin said.  He looked at Ezra.  “And I love Ezra.”

Ezra smiled.

“Love?”  Nathan spat.  “That ain’t love.  That’s unnatural.”

“Nathan.”  Chris, Josiah and Buck yelled at once.

“That was uncalled for.”  Rain said.

“You’re all okay with – “  he waved a hand at Ezra and Vin – “that?”

“We’re happy for them.”  Josiah said.

“Did you egg those men on to jump Ezra?”  Chris’ voice was low.

Nathan said nothing, he shook Rain’s hand off his arm.

“Did you?”  Buck moved to stand beside Chris.

“I didn’t tell them to do anything.”

“That’s not what we asked.”  Josiah said.

Vin moved to the edge of the porch.  Ezra stood beside him, a hand on his arm.

“Well?”  Vin said.

“Come on, Rain.  Let’s go.”

“No.  You go by yourself.”

“Fine.”  Nathan pushed past Vin and Ezra.  The heard him muttered ‘fags’ as he went by.  Ezra gripped Vin’s arm tighter.

“Chris, you better turn those steaks.”  Buck said nudging Chris.  “Try not to burn them again.”

“Again?  I’ve never burned steaks.”

“Never?”  Buck laughed.  “I don’t know about that.”

Buck as usual broke the tension.  Ezra ran his hand up Vin’s arm.

“You didn’t need to do that, but thanks.”

Vin shrugged and put his hand over Ezra’s.

“They needed to know.  Sorry we had to learn that about Nathan.  How long have you known?”

“For awhile.”

“Hey, Vin.  Grab that jar of seasoning for me.  It’s on the counter.”

“Sure, Chris.  Want another beer?” He said to Ezra.

“No, I’m fine.”

By the time the food was ready it had gotten cooler so they decide to eat inside.  Casey and Rain set the table while the guys brought in the food.

Josiah said grace before they began to eat.  Ezra sat staring at his steak.

“Isn’t it cooked right?”  Chris asked.

“It’s fine.  I’m just trying to figure out how to cut it.  My hand is still a little weak.”

“Just pick it up with your hands and eat it like a chicken wing.”  Buck laughed.

“Here, let me help.”  Vin reached over and began to cut the steak.

“You’re not gonna feed him too are you?”  Buck groaned.

Vin gave him a wicked smile.  “Just might.”

They all laughed and began to eat.

“I’m sorry about Nathan.”  Rain said looking around at the others and then back at her plate.

“You don’t need to apologize for him.”  Ezra said.

“I feel like I should.  I didn’t know he had done that.  I knew he didn’t like gays, he’s made comments before but I never thought he’d do that.”

“Mr. Jackson has never taken to me.”  Ezra smiled slightly.  Vin rubbed his leg under the table.

“That don’t make it right.”  Buck scowled.  “You’re one of use.  We take care of our own.”

“That’s right.”  Chris said.  “I’ll have a talk with him.”

“I don’t want to disrupt the team.”

“It’s him that’s disrupting stuff, not us.”

“Don’t worry, Ezra.  I’ll handle things.”

“Please, no gunfire, Chris.”

“I promise.”  Chris laughed.

*****


Ezra was quiet on the way home.  Vin held his hand this time.  He ran his thumb along Ezra’s knuckles.  

“You all right?”

“Just thinking.”

“Good stuff?”

Ezra smiled.  “Thinking how much things can change in twenty four hours.”

“That’s good stuff then.”  He squeezed Ezra’s hand.  “We’re together, the guys know and everything’s fine.”

Ezra gave him a small smile.

“You ain’t worried about Nathan are you?”

“No.  I just hate being the cause of a rift in the team.”

“Like I said before, that’s his fault.  He’s never given you a chance.”

“Maybe if I’d tried harder.”

“What more could you do?  Clean his house?  Cook his meals?”

Ezra chuckled.  “That’s an idea.”

Vin raised Ezra’s hand to his lips, kissing the back of his hand.

“Don’t worry about that.  Worry about what I’ve got planned for you when we get home.”

“Oh? I should be worried?”

“Oh yeah.  And you’ve only got one good hand.”

“Oh, dear.”

*****

Vin carried the cooler into the kitchen.

“Want one?”  Vin asked.

“No, I want to take a pain pill.  I’ll just have water.”

“Your hand bothering you?”

“A little.”

Vin got ice and poured some water.  He sat it down on the coffee table.

“Wanna watch a movie?”

“You pick something.”  Ezra stifled a groan as he sat down.

Vin frowned.  “Hurts a little huh?  Why didn’t you take something earlier?”

“They make me sleepy.”

“So?  You weren’t driving.”

Ezra shrugged.

“Stubborn cuss.”  Vin mumbled as he put a DVD in.

“What was that?”  Ezra said grinning.

Vin sat by him on the couch.  He picked Ezra’s feet up, pulling of his shoes and sitting them on the coffee table.

“I said you were a stubborn S.O.B.”

“Yes, I am.”

Vin grinned.  “Agreeable too.”

“I try.”

They settled back on the couch.  Vin put his arm around Ezra’s shoulders.  After a few minutes Ezra laid his head on Vin’s shoulder.

“Ezra,” Vin said as he rubbed his hand up Ezra’s leg.

“Hmmm?”

“Want to know what my plans for you are?”

“Mmmm.”

Vin looked over.  Ezra was asleep.  Vin had to smiled.  Here he was finally ready to show Ezra how he felt and Ezra was passed out.  Vin shifted so they were laying on the couch and continued to watch the movie while Ezra slept.

When the movie as over Vin cut it off.  He helped Ezra up and led him into the bedroom.  Ezra protested sleepily.  Vin eased him on the bed and began to undress him.  He stopped when he was down to Ezra’s boxers.  He threw the sheet over him.  Now what?  Should he leave?  He didn’t want to.

“Vin?”  

“Go back to sleep, Ez.”

Ezra moved his hand across the bed.  Vin sat down, taking it.

“Stay.”

“You sure?”

Ezra squeezed his hand and smiled.

Well Vin didn’t need to be asked twice.  He toed out of his boots and tossed his jeans and shirt on a chair.  He got in bed behind Ezra and snuggled up close to him.  He molded his body to Ezra’s back, nuzzling his nose in the nape of Ezra’s neck.  Wrapping his arm around Ezra’s waist, he pulled him closer.

“Night, Ez.”

“Night.”

*****

Ezra woke later and felt a solid warmth behind him.  It took him a moment to remember it was Vin.  He lightly ran his hand along the arm that encircled his waist.  He couldn’t believe he was here with Vin.  He ran his hand over as much of Vin as he could reach.  He shifted slightly so he was on his back.  He lightly touched Vin’s chest.  He looked up to see blue eyes watching him.

“Getting started without me?”

“Never.”  Ezra grinned.

Vin bent down to kiss him.  The kiss started slow and deep.  Vin moved so he was over Ezra.  He pulled back.  He kissed his way along Ezra’s jaw.  He ran his tongue along the stubble, working his way down Ezra’s neck.  He felt Ezra’s fingers in his hair.

He ran his tongue around Ezra’s nipple then drew it into his mouth.  He heard Ezra gasp and raise up, his hand now on Vin’s neck.  Vin continued then, lavishing the other one.  Ezra moaned his name.

Vin worked his way down to Ezra’s stomach.  His mouth and hands admired the chiseled muscles.  He stopped to explore Ezra’s belly button and heard Ezra gasp again.  Vin smiled to himself, storing all the things Ezra liked away.  He ran his hands back up Ezra’s chest, rubbing his nipples as Vin’s tongue explored.

“Vin.”  Ezra gasped.

Vin ran his hands under Ezra’s back and down his sides, pulling Ezra up as his mouth moved to place a passion mark on his hip.

“Marked ya as mine, Ez.”

Before Ezra could gather a thought to respond he felt Vin’s tongue circle his cock.

“Jesus.”  Ezra cried as his hips moved on their own.

Vin placed an arm across Ezra’s hips and lowered his mouth.

Ezra had one hand in Vin’s hair and the other gripped the sheets.  He tired not to pull Vin’s hair but he was lost.  Lost in sensations he’d never felt.  He forced himself to open his eyes.  He must be dreaming he thought as he saw Vin laying between his legs.  Vin’s long hair tickling his stomach and thighs.  

“I love you, Vin.”  He said softly.

Vin stopped then and looked up.  Ezra could see his eyes dilated with passion.  Then his mouth began to work harder.

“Vin.”  Ezra tried to warm him.  “I can’t hold on.”

Vin moved his hand and began to fondle his balls and Ezra gave up the fight.  Vin heard him moan his name at his release.

Vin laid there a moment, catching his breath.  Ezra lay still, his breathing ragged.  Vin kissed his way back up.  He nibbled Ezra’s neck.

“You still with me?”

“I think I died and went to heaven.”  Ezra whispered.

Vin laughed, the vibrations rumbled in Ezra’s chest.

“Know what ya mean.”

Ezra opened his eyes, placing his hand along Vin’s face.

“Are you all right?”

“I’m fantastic.”  Vin was surprised to see fear and uncertainty on Ezra’s face.

“No regrets?”  

“No.”  Vin assured him, kissing him again.  “I don’t know why I got cold feet before.”

A wicked grin crossed Ezra’s face.  Vin felt his cock twitch.

“My turn then.”  Ezra smiled.  “On your stomach.”

“What?”  Vin’s voice a little higher than he meant.

“You trust me, don’t you?”

“Of course.”

“Then roll over.”

“Ezra, ya only got one good hand.”  Vin protested as he rolled onto his stomach.

He wasn’t sure later if that was good or bad.  He thought if Ezra had two hands he might be dead.

Ezra straddled him.  He rubbed his hands in long, firm strokes up and down Vin’s back.  Then he began to knead his shoulders.  One side, then the other.  Vin arched his neck as Ezra kneaded up his neck to the base of his skull and then his fingers massaged his scalp.  Vin moaned and groaned his pleasure.  He was sure he purred at one point.

Ezra began to kiss what his hand missed.  He kissed and kneaded his way back down Vin’s back.  Vin felt every bit of tension leave his  body.  Even the slightly curved part of his spine felt good.  He thought he could do cartwheels if his body wasn’t a big limp noodle.  Well, all except one part.  His cock twitched under him.

Ezra’s hand kneaded his ass and he gasped when he felt Ezra’s mouth bit and suck one cheek.  He was sure Ezra left a mark.  He heard Ezra chuckle in satisfaction.

Vin almost leaped off the bed as Ezra’s fingers then his tongue brushed down the middle of his cheeks.  Ezra hand massaged one thigh while his mouth tortured the other.  He gasped again when Ezra’s tongue brushed his balls, his legs moved wider without conscious thought.  He heard Ezra chuckle again.  

Ezra worked his way down one leg, massaging his foot and then he worked his way up the other side.  Again his tongue played across his balls and Vin moved his legs wider still.

“Okay, roll over.”

Vin did, his heart beating a mile a minute.  He wasn’t sure how much more of this he could take.

“Ezra.”

“Patience.”  

Ezra straddled Vin again, leaning down to take his mouth.  Their cocks rubbed together.   Vin grabbed Ezra’s ass, trying to bring him closer.  Ezra pulled back.

“Not yet.”

Vin groaned.

Ezra worked his way down Vin’s neck, drawing his Adam’s apple into his mouth.  He felt Vin’s moan on his tongue and smiled.  His tongue found first one nipple and then the other.  He was glad Vin enjoyed it as much as he had.  He worked his way further down, stopping too at Vin’s belly button.  Vin’s reaction was electric.  He practically leaped off the bed.

“Did I hurt you?”

“No.”  Vin exclaimed.  “God that was...god.”

“Liked it huh?”  Ezra smiled up at him.

“Jesus, Ez.”

Ezra continued more softly.  He moved to Vin’s inner thigh.  He nibbled and then sucked hard.  Vin gasped.  Ezra looked up.

“You’re mine, Vin.  No one else.”

“No one but you, Ez.” 

Their eyes met and then suddenly Ezra took him in his mouth.  The sight was out of one of his fantasies but this was real and so much more.

“Love you.”  Vin moaned.

Ezra glance up, meeting his eye again.  He hummed and Vin threw back his head.

“Jesus.”  He exclaimed.

Vin could feel Ezra’s arm pressing into his stomach as his hips tried to move.  Ezra’s mouth on this cock, his good hand fondled his balls, one finger toyed between his cheeks.

“Ezra.”

It was Vin’s turn to give a warning but it only made Ezra work harder.  Vin gripped the sheets, he glanced down again at Ezra.  The sight of Ezra sprawled between his legs was his undoing.  He let himself go and shouted his lover’s name.

Ezra lay were he was until Vin’s tremors stopped.  He slowly made his way back up Vin’s body, stopping here and there for a kiss.

“I think you broke my arm.”  Ezra said as he nuzzled Vin’s neck.

“I’m ruined.”  Vin said softly.

“What?”  Ezra looked into Vin’s blue eyes.

“You’ve ruined me, Ezra.”  Vin said sadly.  “There couldn’t ever be anyone but you.”

Ezra’s gold tooth gleamed.

“And that was one handed.”

Vin laughed and pulled him down for a kiss.  Vin reached over and shook out two pain pills, handing them to Ezra, then the glass of water.  Ezra snuggled up behind him as Vin set the glass on the table.  Vin pulled the sheet up over them.  Ezra rested his hand on Vin’s hip.

“Night, babe.”

“Night, Vin.”

*****

Vin woke up a little later.  Ezra was still snuggled up behind him.  Vin sighed.  It couldn’t get any better than this.  He didn’t want to get up but nature called.

He got up slowly so he wouldn’t wake Ezra.  He finished up quickly and then eased back into bed.  This time face to face with Ezra.  He inched closer and closer, trying not to wake him.  His skin tingled wherever it touched Ezra.  He eased his leg between Ezra’s, ignoring his own hard on.  Vin ran his hands along Ezra’s back, pulling him closer.  He dozed back off, breathing in the scent of Ezra’s hair.

*****

Ezra woke later, his hand hurting.  He flexed his fingers.  He could feel Vin’s body pressed tightly against him, his leg between his.  He smiled.  He didn’t think he could be much happier.  He ran his hand down Vin’s back to his ass.  His skin felt warm and soft.  Vin arched his back as Ezra’s hand traveled back up, his groin pressing into Ezra’s.  Ezra placed a kiss on Vin’s shoulder, his fingers threading through his hair.

“MMmmm.”  Vin murmured.

“Go back to sleep.”  Ezra whispered.

“Hell, no.”  Vin said as his hands roamed down Ezra’s back to his butt, pulling him in tight.  He kissed along Ezra’s temple, down his jaw.  Vin shifted to his back, pulling Ezra over with him.

“Damn, you got a fine ass, Ez.”

“Why thank you, Mr. Tanner.”

Ezra bent down to kiss him, drawing Vin’s tongue into his mouth.  Vin continued to rub Ezra’s ass as he began to move over Vin.  Ezra spread his legs, rubbing their erections together.  Ezra raised up on his arms, slowly moving his hips.

“God, Vin.”  He moaned as Vin’s fingers brushed his balls.

Vin raised up, teasing Ezra’s nipple with his tongue.  Ezra gasped, pushing down hard against Vin.  Vin rolled Ezra’s balls with one hand and ran his fingers up the crease of his cheeks.  Their movements slow and controlled at first, becoming more erratic along with their breathing.  Ezra bent to kiss Vin deeply then they both moaned as they came.  Ezra collapsed on top.  He went to move but Vin tightened his arms around him.

“Don’t move, babe.”  

“I’m heavy.”

“No, you feel good.”  Vin ran his hands up Ezra’s damp back.  “Jesus, you feel so good.”

Ezra kissed him slowly, exploring his mouth.

“I love you, Vin.  I never imagined feeling like this.”

“Love you too, babe.  Thanks for giving us another chance.”

“I did it for purely selfish reasons I assure you.”  Ezra grinned.

“I like it when your selfish.”  Vin pulled him down for another kiss.

*****

Vin woke much later Sunday morning.  Vin the first to wake.  He was tucked behind Ezra, which if he was forced to admit it, was his favorite.  He loved being curled around Ezra, holding him close.  He mentally kicked himself for almost ruining it.

He wished he could explain it, at least to himself, how happy he was and that is all had to do with this man beside him.  No one had ever made him feel as loved or as free to love as Ezra had.  Most people thought Ezra aloof and uncaring but he had allowed Vin a glimpse of the real Ezra and Vin had patiently for more.  He snorted.  Well maybe not patiently.  His gut clenched as he thought about Bryan.  What if he had continued to be a mule headed ass and Bryan had moved in on Ezra?  The though of another man touching Ezra made him sick.  Ezra was his.  They were meant to be and to hell with whatever Nathan or anyone else said.

He must have unconsciously tightened his arms because Ezra stirred.  Vin relaxed, placing soft kisses on Ezra’s shoulders.  Ezra sighed and relaxed.  Vin snuggled closer to Ezra.  This was how he wanted to wake up every morning.   He didn’t plan on letting anyone get in their way, not even himself.  Vin closed his eyes and let his hands play over Ezra’s skin.  He already had plans on how to spend the rest of the day in bed.

*****

A few days later – 

“Ezra, I don’t think I can wait any longer.  I need to address this problem with Nathan.”  

“Let me handle it, Chris.”

“I’m sorry, but you told me gunplay is not an opinion.  Neither is any other idea you’ve probably come up with.  He is a federal agent.”

Ezra’s tooth glinted from the light coming in the window of Chris’ office.

“Now Mr. Larabee.  When have I ever been crass?”

“Ezra.”  Chris said in a warning voice.

“Patience is a virtue.”  Ezra said as he left.


 The next morning – 

Buck was sitting at his desk, feet propped up.  He had a large cup of coffee in one hand and the ATF’s newsletter in the other.  As he turned the page he suddenly spit out a mouthful of coffee, spraying JD who sat across the desk from him.

“What the hell?”   Both Buck and JD yelled at the same time.

A wide grin crossed Buck’s face.

“Hey Nathan.  Looks like you’ve been busy.  You holding something back from the rest of us?”

Nathan looked  up from his desk.

“What are you talking about?”

Buck waved the paper and began to read loudly.

“A New form of questioning?”

“A visit to the local convience store turned out to be an eye opening experience for this reporter.  Agent Nathan Jackson, appearing to mediate between an arguing couple was suddenly grabbed by the man and bent over the counter.  The man, only identified as Frank, grabbed Agent Jackson and began to kiss him.  Offering what seemed to this reporter as little resistance, Agent Jackson was released a few moments later.  Frank was heard to say as he left the store, “Don’t try denying it any longer, Nate.” “

“And there’s a picture!”

Buck turned the paper around to where the other men had gathered.  Vin looked closely.  A large man, around 250 lbs with a bald head, had Nathan laid back over the counter.  Nathan’s leg was up to keep his balance but only made the picture more incriminating.  He smiled.

“Something you wanna tell us?”  Vin said, still grinning.

“Let me see that.”  Nathan snatched the paper from Buck.

“Very enlightening, Mr. Jackson.  Perhaps you could give Vin and I some pointers?”

Nathan balled the paper up and threw it on the floor.

“This is your fault.”  He yelled, taking a step towards Ezra.

“How do you see that?”  Chris said softly from behind them. 

They all turned to see him picking up the paper.

“Was Ezra there?”

Nathan said nothing.

Chris smoothed out the picture on Buck’s desk.  Josiah came closer and bent to look at it too.

“Looks like karma to me.”  Josiah stated after a few minutes.

At that moment the elevator opened an a delivery man stepped out.

“Nathan Jackson?”

“He’s right here!”  Buck said waving him over.

The man carried a dozen roses in a vase.  He handed it to Buck who held his hands out.  Buck snatched the card off, shoving the roses to JD.

“All it says is ‘Call me, Frank’ and there’s a number.”  He crowed.

Everyone fell out laughing.

“Fuck you all.”  Nathan said as he stormed down the hall.

“Wonder if he notices the extra copies hanging in the elevators?”  JD said as he tried to wipe coffee stains off his shirt.

“What?”

The others all turned to look at him.

JD shrugged.  “I got in a little early this morning.”

Chris patted him on the back.  “Good work, JD.  You too, Ezra.”

“Why, what ever do you mean, Mr. Larabee?  As you so admirably pointed out, I wasn’t there.  Though I wish I had been there to witness it for myself.”

The others all scoffed and followed Buck into the break room to get more coffee.

“You know that guy?”  Vin said after the others had left.

Ezra’s eyes twinkled.

“Dear Frank is a friend of Bryan’s.”

“Damn it.”  

“What’s the matter?”  Ezra frowned.

“Now I owe that bastard a favor.”

Ezra leaned over and placed a kiss on Vin’s cheek.

“You owe him more than one.”



The End






 
??

??

??

??




127