The last words Chris had directed at him before departing through the door was still ringing in Vin's ears.

"You have my permission to do everything you need to keep him quiet, keep him still and in one piece."

The 'him' in question, being Ezra Standish, was the reason for Chris' somewhat drastic words. It all went back to the day before, with an operation that quickly had gone astray. Three of the team's seven members had been undercover as a wealthy weapon buyer and his two bodyguards. Everything had gone down like a dream, until Ezra had ran into an old acquaintance. Neither was too happy to see the other again. And suddenly Chris and Vin weren't just posing as bodyguards anymore. The man, Gary Clarke, was one of the arms dealer's most trusted men. He wasted no time in revealing the true identity of the agents. Along with the fact that they were all wearing concealed wires.

Fortunelately for the team, the arms dealer was most interested in escaping and paid little attention to his men or the agents. He wouldn't have been able to make his escape if it hadn't been for Clarke going after their undercover agent, wanting to assure the fact that they would never come upon each other ever again. The Southerner had taken two bullets in his left shoulder.

That was yesterday. The same morning they had gotten information that the Mexican arms dealer was going to leave the country by plane, from an abandoned air strip outside of Denver. And now Vin found himself alone on Chris' ranch with a wounded and cranky man, who he secretly harboured strong feelings for. He still had to figure out if this was a blessing or if he'd manage to make a complete fool of himself.

"I assume that they have left?"

The slow, sulky voice startled Vin out of his thoughts. Turning, he found Ezra in the doorway, still shirtless and with white bandages covering most of his upper chest and left shoulder.

"That's right, they did." Blue eyes were fixed at the shorter man. "And just what the heck are you doing out of bed anyway? You oughta be resting." He was treated to the sight of a shrug of broad, bare shoulders.

"I believe I am as rested as I'll ever be."

"Oh no, you're not." Vin took a step closer. "You're going back into that bed if I have to throw you over my shoulder and carry you back myself."

Ezra crossed his arms over his chest, glaring back. "You will do no such thing, Mr. Tanner. And I cannot believe the audacity of Mr. Larabee, to leave me here while he and the others finish the job..."

Vin took another step closer. "The guy shot you, Ez. You're lucky to be alive and you're complaining about Chris not bringing you with him to take down Guerez?"

"Yes. It seems that I am."

Long, brown curls danced as Vin shook his head.

"Oh it doesn't matter. We're not arguing about this. You're going back in bed and you'll stay there."

"I most certainly will not!" Green eyes were burning. They had to lift just a little as Vin moved even closer.

"Yes, you will. I wasn't kidding when I said I'd carry you upstairs myself. You're staying in your bed if I so have to sit on you to keep you there."

After a brief glaring contest which he did not win, Ezra made a point out of sighing deeply. "At least they left me with you instead of Mr. Jackson. No doubt he'd be spending his time trying to force one of those vile concoctions he refers to as herbal teas into me."

Smiling brightly, Vin turned him towards the stairway. "That's the spirit. Now off you go."

Grumbling under his breath Ezra started to walk only to find Vin following close behind. He stopped.

"Mr. Tanner? I am actually capable of finding my way back to my room on my own."

"I know you are, Ez." Vin didn't move an inch. "I'm just making sure that you actually go to your room, that's all."

"Why, Mr. Tanner..." Turning halfway around, the other aimed innocent and clear green eyes at Vin. "Do you really think I would do something rash like say...climbing out a window and try and bring Clarke in myself? In my weakened, fragile state?"

The Westerner nudged him on. "I wouldn't put it past you, no." A long arm was reached out over Ezra's shoulder, the fabric of Vin's shirt tickling Ezra's skin. The fingers of the hand attached to the arm was pointing up the stairs. "Bed. Now."

Another deep sigh followed. "I have heard more tempting offers when it comes to returning to bed."

"Who knows. I might make it worthwhile for you. Now move."

At last he had the stubborn Southerner right where he wanted him. On his back, sprawled out in the middle of a large, inviting bed. Too bad that those expressive eyes were busy giving him an indignant glare along with a exquisite pout on full, sensual lips. Yet Vin found himself enjoying the scene immensly. He had been scared out of his mind when Ezra had been hit. The place of the bust had erupted into chaos as the remaining team members had moved in. Vin had to admit that it had been an organized form of chaos, which somehow seemed to have become a trademark for their team. Chris made sure to mention it every once in a while when the role of leadership threatened to remove the last piece of his sanity. It seemed that one of the were always in trouble. Luckily the level of seriousness varied greatly.

"Are you going to sit there and stare at me all afternoon?"

"Unless you have something else planned...yeah." Vin leaned back. "Come on, Ez. I know you worry about them. So do I. But that doesn't change the fact that we're going to stay right here. Chris and the others are going to do just fine. And I also know that you wanted to bring Gary Clarke in yourself." Blue eyes met green. "It wouldn't have been safe. It wasn't worth the risk."

"Shouldn't I have been the one to determine that?"

There was a slight change in the tone of Ezra's voice now.

"No. No, you shouldn't." Slowly Vin got out of the chair and sat down on the bed instead. "If we left that up to you, we would have lost you a long time ago."

There was a pause, then Ezra looked away from Vin. "Do tell me, Mr. Tanner. Why are you the one here babysitting me?"

"Because I volunteered." Vin's voice was soft and humourous. "And I wouldn't call it 'babysitting' either. I have never come across a baby with a temper like a rattler with a stepped-on tail when it comes to being told what to do."

"Charming image."

"It's all you."

"How very nice of you. Remind me to repay the compliment."

"By all means."

Waiting for Ezra's answer, Vin couldn't help himself. "And?"

"Hush. I'm thinking. I haven't decided what kind of unfortunate creature that resembles you in the most. And when I do I probably should keep it to myself. I simply couldn't do something like that to an innocent being."

"Cute. Have you gotten that out of your system then?"

"I haven't even started, Mr. Tanner, let me assure you of that."

Vin was starting to find that pout and insulted look irresistible. Before he could stop himself, he leaned in and touched his lips to Ezra's in a sudden kiss. The velvety sweetness sent a powerful surge of desire through him. Hesitating to break contact, he let the tip of his tongue trace the smaller man's lower lip before catching it lightly between his teeth. Letting go he brushed his lips over Ezra's again, slowly parting them. Having gained access he daringly explored the hot moistness of a receptive mouth.

As they parted Vin couldn't help but to let a small smile slip through. He looked up to meet the largest pair of green eyes he had ever encountered.

"You...!" Ezra had to stop to draw a deep breath. "You kissed me!"

"Glad you noticed," Vin chuckled.

"But... You... Why?"

"I seem to have reduced you to utter incoherency," Vin mused. "Should I be proud or worried?"

The teasing words made Ezra forcefully regain his composure. "I repeat my question, Mr. Tanner. Why?"

Vin was quiet for a second, trying to determine what Ezra's feelings about the kiss were. Then he thoughtfully replied. "Just something Chris said earlier..."

If possible the green eyes got even wider. "What do you mean? Chris told you to do this?"

Realising what he had said, Vin shook his head. "No, he didn't actually tell me to kiss you, but he did say that I could do whatever I needed to keep you still, quiet and safe."

"And you felt the best way to accomplish that was to try and fry my brain?" The question was delievered in a mix between anger and amusement. "Well, I guess I should be glad Mr. Larabee didn't tell you to make use of his usual threat in situations like these and just tie me to the bed."

"Now there's an idea," the Texan thought. "Better file that one away for later use." He was fairly sure Ezra wasn't as mad as he let on. And he was also fairly sure that the chestnuthaired man had enjoyed the kiss as much as he had.

"Oh, Chris knows that I wouldn't have to resort to that. Unless...you wanted me to..."

Now Ezra looked scandalized. "Mr. Tanner...!"

"I just kissed you, Ez," Vin informed him. "I think you can call me Vin by now."

"I could call you a lot of things, but I don't think you want to hear them."

Climbing into the bed, Vin moved up until he was facing Ezra. With a gentle push of his hand he made the other lay down against the pillows. Resting one hand on each side of Ezra's shoulders, he smiled down at the Southerner.

An uncertain look had made its way over the greeneyed man's handsome features. "Vin, what are you doing?"

Careful to not apply pressure to the injured areas of Ezra's body, Vin settled down at his side. "You finally said my name," he quietly said, reaching up to brush his fingers through redbrown hair. Not waiting for an answer he brought their lips close together, his hand remaining in Ezra's short hair. The kiss was sweet, slow and hot, feeling the other succumb to him sent additional flares of passion through the Westerner's lean body. The light touch of a hand on his side made him deepen the kiss, pulling the shorter man closer.

The need for oxygen made them part, if only by a little. "I have wanted to do that to you for a long time," Vin confessed. Butterflies were doing aerobic excercises in his stomach. "When you got hurt yesterday...I knew I had to do something with what I'm feeling."

"And what exactly are you feeling, Mr. Tan... Vin."

Very gently Vin cupped the other's face in his hands. "I love you. Have done for a long time. Just never figured that I stood a chance."

Ezra moved his hand up to cover one of Vin's. "Why didn't you ever say something? I'd..." The rest of his reply trailed off into silence. The crystal blue gaze of the team's sharp shooter had as much binding effect on him as any ropes. "I would have," he tried again. The feeling of being in a loss for words felt weird, after all he relied on his way with them in so many situations. But this time he didn't need the words to hide behind them or save him. This was a cliff he most happily would throw himself off. Providing he'd land just where he was, in Vin's arms. But the right words didn't come. Chewing on his lip as always when nervous, Ezra knew deep down what would be the perfect reply. Except that he was afraid to say it.

To his surprise Vin just smiled and placed a fond kiss on his forehead. "It's ok, Ez. We got time. I know this isn't easy for you, but if you just give me a sign that my feelings aren't unanswered...we'll take it from there, taking it as slow as we need to."

Something had to be working against him, Ezra decided. Because now he was't only missing his words, he was also missing his voice. Of course that could have something to do with the lump in his throat and the first stinging of tears in his eyes.

"Vin," he started, about to drown in clear blue eyes. "Your feelings are most certainly not unanswered."

"That's all I am asking for," Vin replied before kissing him again. Looking at each other again, they both smiled, both looking equally nervous. Making himself comfortable, Vin pulled Ezra as close as possible. The smaller man snuggled up to him, arranging his body next to Vin's to not aggrevate the wounds in his shoulder.

"I like this," Ezra shyly commented. "Feels nice."

Pressing a kiss into the auburn hair, Vin then rested his cheek against the silky locks. "Yeah. Very nice." He linked his hand with Ezra's. "Now, I want to hear... Just what had that guy Clarke so hoppin' mad when he laid eyes on you? I know for myself that you make a very pleasant picture to rest one's eyes upon." He could hear a little chuckle coming from the man in his arms.

"I might have put him in jail a time or two...or four. The odds usually don't work in his favour when we meet. In fact all the times we have met yet, he has ended up behind bars."

"Which is no doubt where he'll end up this time too." Vin fell quiet as the memories from the day before passed through his thoughts. If the rest of their team should by any chance let Clarke get away, Vin was going to track him down himself. And he'd get him to the prison too, in due time.

The hours passed, and the sun was about to melt into fire over the horizon. Goldenred light spilled into the bedroom. The sound of the front door being opened reached them from the first floor. Both men stayed still, fully aware of that they were both listening to hear if every voice was in place. Quick steps made it up the stairs and Chris appeared in the door.

"Hey guys, we're back. Everything ok...in...here...?" His voice became slower and slower as he took in the scene in front of him.

"Yes," Vin innocently replied. "Everything's fine, Chris."

"Very fine indeed, Mr. Larabee," Ezra piped up, resting comfortably against Vin's chest.

"I see." Then the tall, blond man smiled. "About damn time too. The guys and me have been waiting for you two to get together for ages." The matching set of blushes had the smile turning into laughter.

"Allright, gentlemen. I'll leave you to it now. Just remember, Ez, no strainous activities with that shoulder of yours. Vin, I trust you to take care of him."

"Will do," the brownhaired man promised. "And Chris? I trust you to not have the rest of them stampeeding up here to wish us the best of luck and all that? I want to spend some time alone with my man."

"I'll detain them until the morning," his friend obliged. "On that thought, I'd better be going downstairs before they tear the place apart." After saying goodnight, he left, closing the door behind him.

"You forgot to ask him if they got Clarke," Vin commented, stroking his hand up and down Ezra's arm. "They did, of course, or Chris would have said something."

"It suddenly didn't seem so important anymore," Ezra truthfully answered. "Would you believe I had nearly forgotten about the man all together?" Vin's warm, strong fingers were brushing through the fine hairs at his neck, straying to the smooth skin beneath the hairline. The caress made the shorter man shiver in the most pleasant way. "And if you keep doing what you're doing, I shall be hard pressed to remember much of anything else," he sighed.

"Oh I wouldn't want to do that to you," Vin teased, instead curving his hand around the back of Ezra's neck.

Ezra made a sound that sounded suspiciously like a snort. "Let me also mention that I shall be very offended should you stop." He gave a contented purr as Vin resumed the light caresses.

They lay in silence for a while, both enjoying the closeness and shared feelings of love. Outside the night was falling, draping soft shadows over the room. Wondering what time it was, Vin was amused to discover that he had an armful of sleeping Southerner. Which meant that he was in no way moving as much as a finger until Ezra woke up again. Encircling the sleeping man with both arms, Vin just rested back against the pillows and spent his time being quietly very, very happy.

The End