WARNING: Only one - 'she/that woman' makes a very brief appearance. I'm sure you all know who 'she/that woman' is. If not, then shame, shame on you.

CHAPTER 1

Vin Tanner was finding it hard to concentrate on the upcoming raid Team 7 was assisting with. Right now the only thing on his mind was the heat that engulfed the whole right side of his body. Darting a glance to his right Vin studied the profile of the man sitting next to him. Nathan had called shotgun and sat in the front of the car with Chris. Leaving Josiah, me, and Ezra stuck in the back. JD and Buck were in the equipment van behind them. As if in a trance Vin turned his head and found himself staring at the man's lips. With a shake of head he dropped his gaze only to notice the man's hand resting just inches away from his own. So close, yet so far.

Running his eyes across each finger Vin finds himself staring at the strong thigh the hand rested on. His blue eyes traveled further up and he zeroed in on what was hidden beneath those jeans. Jeans? Oh God, he's wearing jeans. I love seeing his ass in jeans, Vin thought to himself. Swearing under his breath Vin quickly turned his head away only to swear again as he banged it against the window next to him.

"Are you okay?" the sexiest voice he'd ever heard asked him. Mumbling something he took a deep breath and almost groaned as his senses were assaulted by the man's aftershave. Shaking his head in disgust Vin laid his head on the seat behind him, closed his eyes, and thought about the man beside him. Ezra P. Standish.

Vin had liked the man from the start. Something about the arrogant Southerner called to him making Vin want to get to know him better. A lot better. Of course, Vin knew it wouldn't be easy, but he knew Ezra would be worth the effort. Ezra had come to them with a very large chip on his shoulder. With a smirk Vin corrected himself. Ezra had a whole damned forest resting on his shoulders. And for every tree you cut three more quickly spouted taking the other's place. Two years later him and the others were just starting to see some results. Ezra was more open and actually seemed to enjoy spending time with them.

It was only after Ezra had been shot that Vin had come to realize just how much the man had come to mean to him. From the rafters of a warehouse Vin watched in horror as a drugged out bastard shot Ezra at what seemed to be point blank range. Even now his heart gave a lurched as he remembered. Seeing the Southerner fall to the floor snapped Vin out of his daze and he quickly returned fire sending the shooter to his maker without remorse. Scrambling down to ground level Vin raced to Ezra expecting the worse and was pleasantly surprised to find him already sitting up. For once Ezra had worn his vest. Luckily he was shot with a small caliber gun so he only had some bruised ribs and a mild concussion.

Later that night as he sat with Josiah at the hospital Vin finally got the chance to fully examine his feelings. And discovered that over time his feelings of friendship had developed into an attraction. A strong attraction. When Ezra was released, a couple of days later Vin found out just how strong. They were all over at Ezra's and Vin had made a joke about something causing the Southerner to smile. Not one of his usual half-hearted efforts, but a real smile. The kind that lit up his face and made his green eyes dance making Vin's body immediately respond.

It was as they made to leave and Ezra held out his hand to thank them for coming that Vin realized that because Ezra was his friend that he knew he could not cross that line. He refused to risk what he did have for something he wasn't sure he was ready for. Besides, it wasn't as though Ezra had ever shown any interest in men. But then again, he hadn't shown much interest in women either, Vin's heart kept reminding him.

Vin had held strongly to those thoughts for as long as he could until one night when they'd all been over at Chris's. The sharpshooter happened to glance up and caught Ezra watching him with a heated gaze. At first, he brushed it off and told himself it was nothing. But he couldn't ignore what happened next. They'd just finished eating and Ezra was in the kitchen helping Josiah clean up. Vin burst through the door making straight for the refrigeration to get a beer and stepped on a forgotten french fry causing him to pitch forward. He would have fallen except Ezra had turned from the sink at that same moment and they collided. Vin bit his lip as he remembered what happened next.

The Texan's momentum brought his body flush with Ezra's as they stumbled back against the counter. Vin held tight to Ezra's shoulders as he regained his balance. "You all right Ez?" he asked and then felt the shiver that worked itself through the body beneath him. Feeling an identical reaction from each other's body's caused blue and green eyes to widen.

It was the sound of Josiah's voice that brought them both out of their trance. And try as he might Vin was unable to make eye contact with Ezra again that night. It was only as he drove home that he realized that he was headed straight for the Southerner's townhouse. Vin had never been more afraid than when he walked from his truck to Ezra's door. After knocking he held his breath waiting for it to open.

Vin swallowed hard as he saw Ezra standing in front of him with an unbuttoned shirt revealing his chest. Not a word was spoken as he stepped through the door. As he advanced Ezra backed away until the couch stopped him. Still silent Vin tentatively raised one hand and gently touched the smooth chest in front of him. Ezra placed his hand over Vin's and held it there. Looking into those green eyes Vin felt his breath quicken and he watched as Ezra leaned closer to him. They both sighed as their lips touched for the first time.

That kiss lead to Vin staying the rest of the weekend with Ezra. In the months that followed Ezra quickly became his world and that scared Vin. Terrified him actually. So much so that Vin did something he'd regretted ever since. Biting his lip Vin remembered all to well the look in Ezra's green eyes when he ... broke up with him.

"You're b..breaking up with me?" Ezra repeated as if in shock.

"No!" Vin cried then shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah."

"Why?"

"Th..things are moving to fast for me Ezra. We both agreed that there'd be no strings," he reminded him then took Ezra's cold hands in his. "Please don't think that any of this is your fault. It's all mine. All of it." The sharpshooter watched as Ezra tried to mask his pain at this unexpected turn in their relationship. But Vin could see his heartbreaking.

Ezra nodded his head and said, "I understand Vin. I don't like it, but I understand."

What the Southerner said next nearly shattered what was left of his already broken heart.

"Will ... will we still be ... friends?"

"Always," Vin reassured him then took Ezra in his arms and held him tight.

Two weeks later Vin met and made a fool of himself over Charlotte Richmond. She helped to distract him from the pain he'd caused Ezra. And how much Vin wanted him back. Charlotte used him to get back at her unfaithful husband. Then to make matters worse Ezra had been the only one to wish him luck with Charlotte. Vin closed his eyes as he remembered that conversation.

Vin was about to get in his jeep when he saw Ezra headed toward him and not wanting to hear how disappointed he was in him. He drew first blood. "Look whatever it is your gonna say save it! 'Cause I don't want to hear it!" Vin told him as he reached the jeep.

Ezra paused for a moment then said, "Vin ..."

"You know I don't want or need any one's approval. So just mind your own damned business!"

"I only wanted to wish you luck," the Southerner said in a rush.

Vin just looked at him in surprise.

"If she makes you ... happy then I'm happy for you," Ezra quietly told him then turned and walked away.

"Ezra wait," he said and took a step toward him. "I'm sorry I snapped at you. It's just that everyone else has ..."

"It's okay, Vin. You don't have to explain. I understand," he said. Ezra hung his head for a moment then continued, "One cannot dictate where one's heart will lead them."

Vin saw the tears in Ezra's eyes just before he turned away. Without hesitating he stepped in front of shorter man and wrapped his arms around him. Then sighed as Ezra did the same. As Vin stood there, he realized how right it felt being in Ezra's arms again. How much he missed him. "Thank you," he whispered and lowered his head.

"Don't," Ezra whispered. "As much as I want you Vin. I won't share you with her. With anyone. You've made your choice ... and now I'll have to learn to live with it," he told him in a soft voice then stepped back.

Vin watched as one lone tear rolled down Ezra's cheek and went to brush it away only to have Ezra step further away from him. Ezra then stepped around him and hurried to his car. Vin felt tears sting his own eyes as he watched Ezra drive away and was overcome by the feeling that he'd lost something very precious.

And he had lost something very precious, Vin thought as he snapped back to the present. He'd lost Ezra. Three weeks into his failed relationship with Charlotte Vin realized just how much he loved Ezra. How he needed Ezra. In the space of two months Vin had lost the love his life and had made the worst mistake of his life.

Now here it was three months later and Vin still ached for Ezra and had yet to make a move to reconcile them. As afraid as he was of a commitment with Ezra, he was now more afraid that Ezra wouldn't want him back. That he had blown his one and only chance.

Feeling a finger tap him on the back of his hand made Vin jump and upon opening his eyes he saw that they had reached the warehouse. With a sigh he pushed thoughts of Ezra to the back of his mind.

After strapping on their vests and getting their weapons, the agents were soon in place.

Ezra sighed as he adjusted his protective vest for what seemed like the hundredth time.

"Quit fidgeting Ezra," Buck muttered under his breath.

"Yeah, all that moving about is causing a lot of static," JD fussed.

"My apologies, but this vest annoys the hell out of me," he replied.

"Well, you'll be fussing a lot more if you get shot and have to stay in the hospital," Nathan pointed out.

"Ezra don't you dare take that vest off," Chris warned him.

"But Chris ..."

"Don't you, but Chris him," Josiah's voice suddenly cut him off. "Don't make me come over there Ezra," he added his own warning.

"Josiah," Ezra whined.

"Ezra don't," Vin softly put in.

"Fine! Fine, I'll let this vest wrinkle my shirt and constrict my breathing ..."

"Would you please shut the hell up," a voice suddenly said across their headsets.

"Wilson, don't you talk to one of my men like that," Chris told him in tight voice.

"Thank you, Chris," Ezra said. "Now as I was saying ..."

"Shut the hell up Ezra," Chris snapped.

"But Chris ..."

"Now Ezra."

"But this vest ..."

"Not another word."

"Fine."

"Ezra ..."

"We have movement," Ezra said.

"Alright people you know what to do," Agent Wilson, the team leader for Team 3 said.

"Of course, with this vest constricting my movements I don't how much help I'll be," the Southerner added.

"Ezra ..."

"Shutting up now," Ezra said as he came up beside Josiah.

Josiah reached over and slapped the younger man on the back of the head then sent him a dirty look.

"Must you do that," he complained.

"If you don't behave yourself then I'm gonna do more than that," Josiah warned him.

"Just open the door old man," Ezra teased him.

"I'll show you an old man," the profiler said then kicked the door open with a little more force then what was necessary.

They both jumped back as the bullets started flying. The Southerner wiggled his eyebrows at Josiah then with a wide grin shouted, "ATF! DROP YOUR WEAPONS AND PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR!"

"Do you feel better now?" Josiah asked him with a grin of his own as they once again ducked hoping to miss the spray of bullets.

"You know one day we're going to say that and they're actually going to listen," Nathan said.

"Yeah, when pigs fly," Buck added.

"And the sanctified dead rise from the grave," Ezra put in.

"And Ezra starts doling out cash," Vin and JD threw in at the same time.

"Boys," Chris sighed. "Could you try and focus on the task at hand?"

"Hey Larabee? Are your boys always like this?" Agent Wilson asked.

"Hell, Wilson this nothing. You should hear them on a good day," the leader of Team 7 replied.

The others couldn't help, but grin as they heard a familiar southern voice say, "Gentlemen do you mind we're trying to concentrate on the task at hand."

"Ezra," Chris warned. "When we finish this mission you and I are going to have a long talk."

In no time at all they were given the okay to move in and they began rounding up the criminals. Vin heard a gun go off and the next thing he knew he was being slammed to the floor. Blinking his eyes he saw Ezra looking down at him with concern, saw his lips moving without hearing a sound, and as he felt Ezra's body pressing into his Vin forgot where he was. God, how he loved this man, Vin suddenly thought to himself.

Feeling Ezra's fingers on his cheek brought Vin out of his daze and he heard him ask, "Vin? Are you all right?"

Vin blinked a couple of times then nodded his head and began to push him away as sounds from the bust penetrated his foggy brain. "I'm fine. Now get off me," he muttered and moaned as Ezra did just that, but he wasn't sure if it was in relief or disappointment. Vin also missed the pain that flashed in those green eyes.

Once the bust was over and all the criminals were apprehended it dawned on Vin exactly what happened. His blood froze as he realized that Ezra would have taken that bullet for him. Ezra could have been k ... Vin couldn't even finish that thought as his temper quickly flared clouding his judgement and propelling him into action. Closing the distance between them Vin grabbed Ezra by the arm and jerked him around. "What the hell is your problem?"

Pulling his arm away Ezra replied with a frown, "I might ask the same of you."

"Do you have a death wish or something? Is that why to take all these chances?" Vin fired the questions at him. He was about to run a hand through his hair when he noticed the blood. "Are you hurt? Why didn't you say anything?"

"It's merely a scratch and you didn't give me a chance," Ezra told him. "Nathan was about to examine it when you rudely interrupted."

"You're lucky it's only a scratch. Don't ever do that again. Do you hear me Ezra?" Vin warned and jabbed a finger in his chest. "Answer me!" he demanded when the slightly shorter man remained silent.

"I hear you," the Southerner said in a quiet tone then slapped Vin's hand away. "Now you hear me. I'll do whatever I have to do in order to save any member of this team and if that means I have to step in front of a truck then ... that's exactly what I will do."

That comment just served to be the spark that fully ignited his temper and with a growl Vin opened his mouth to say something, but only swore as he saw what was left of everything he'd worked so hard to gain crumble.

"It's what friends do. Isn't it? I mean you would have done the same thing. Right?" Ezra asked.

"Of course, but ..."

"Then why do expect any different from me?"

"I don't expect anything from you Ezra," Vin snapped then swore at the look in those green eyes.

"I thought you were different."

"I am. I didn't mean that the way it sounded," he said. Vin knew that he'd just proven to Ezra that he wasn't any different from all those other people in his life that had told him one thing and meant another. It'll be okay. He told himself over and over again. Ezra was a reasonable man ... What the hell was he thinking? Ezra wasn't reasonable. Vin was in deep shit and he knew it.

"What the hell's going on here?" Chris demanded as he stepped between the two men. When no one answered he grabbed Ezra and said, "I asked you a question."

"Ask him."

"I'm asking you. What did you do?"

Ezra's head jerked up and he squared his shoulders. "Me? Oh, that's right! I'm always the fall guy. It's always my fault," he snapped causing both men to flinch. "I didn't do anything except save his ungrateful life."

Vin stepped closer and since he didn't know how to make it right he snapped, "Well no one asked you to!"

"How stupid of me not to have realized that the oh-so-great Vin Tanner doesn't need anyone ..."

"That's rich coming from you!" Taking another step closer Vin trapped Chris between them. Shut up, his mind screamed, before you say something you'll regret or won't be able to take back. "If I did need help, I wouldn't want yours."

Ezra flinched and rushed the other man and would have taken Chris with him, but Josiah's quick reflexes saved them. The older man grabbed him and with Buck's help was able to hold him. Then just as suddenly as it started it ended. Ezra went still and pulled away. "I guess you're no different after all," he said as he turned and walked away.

"Ezra," Vin whispered in a pain filled voice and jumped as he heard Chris bellow the Southerner's name.

"Ezra don't you dare walk away from me!"

The Southerner paused and slowly turned around to face them. "Or what? You'll fire me?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. "Well, let me save you the trouble," he said as he pulled his badge out of his pocket and with a flick of his wrist he tossed it to the floor. "You'll have my resignation on your desk by the end of the day," Ezra told him then headed for the door with Josiah right on his heels.

The rest of Team Seven looked at each other in shock before turning their attention to Vin. Who flinched away from them. "What the hell is going on here Vin?" Chris asked in a tight voice.

What have I done? Vin silently asked himself and closed in on himself shutting the others out. It was only the sound of Chris shouting his name that prevented a complete shutdown.

"What happened?"

"He scared me," the Texan finally managed to say.

"Scared you? Why?" Chris snapped. "This isn't the first time he's taken a chance."

"I know. I know," Vin mumbled, "but this time was different."

"Different? How? Why? What was so different?"

Everything! his mind screamed. I didn't know I loved him before. "I don't know. It just was."

"Don't give me that shit!" the blonde team leader warned.

"Well that's all you're gonna get," Vin snapped as his defenses kicked in. Turning his back on his friends he slammed out of the warehouse intent on running as far and as fast as he could, but seeing Ezra climbing into a cab stopped him cold. With a vicious curse Vin savagely kicked a near by crate and when that didn't help his raging emotions he started throwing anything he could get his hands on.

Suddenly he was grabbed and pushed up against the wall. Looking up into Josiah's blue eyes Vin swallowed hard and felt his anger drain away.

"I don't know what your problem is, but feeling sorry for yourself isn't going to help," Josiah told him in a tight voice. "It's going to take a group effort if we're going to have even a chance in hell of getting him to stay. A group that includes you."

Vin nodded and slid to the ground as he was released.

CHAPTER 2

Ezra could hear someone behind him but didn't bother turning around. "Go away Josiah."

"Ezra, you don't have to do this," the older man said as he followed him. "You can't."

"Why not?" he asked finally coming to a stop and turned to face him. "I'm tired of it. I shouldn't have to work like this. No job is worth this much pain and aggravation." I can't stand being around Vin any more and not be able to touch him, Ezra silently added.

"I agree with you Ezra," Josiah told him. "But you can't leave."

Running a weary hand through his hair the Southerner looked at the older man and said, "Just once I want to be given the benefit of the doubt. Just once I want to be innocent until proven guilty. And if after all this time you people don't trust me then you never will."

"We do trust you Ezra. All of us."

"When why does Chris automatically assumed that I'm the one in the wrong ..."

"Because trouble seems to follow you like a shadow. But that doesn't mean he doesn't trust you."

"It doesn't matter any more Josiah," Ezra told him in a defeated tone. He was fast losing control and didn't want Josiah to see it.

"It does matter! Dammit Ezra, you can't give up now," Josiah pleaded with him. "There has to be a reason Vin reacted the way he did."

Sure there was, Ezra silently agreed. Vin didn't want to be his friend anymore. "I give up. I'm tired of fighting a losing battle. Tired of dragging the line between doing my job, trust, and friendship," he told him. "That's one line I never should have crossed." Ezra held up his hand to stop Josiah from speaking then turned on his heel and started walking away. Upon reaching the corner he hailed a cab. Turning back he spotted Vin coming out of the warehouse and spared his ex-friend/lover one last look before climbing in.

A little later Ezra paid the cabby then entered the Federal Building and made his way up to their offices. Sitting at his desk he opened a drawer and pulled a out a disk, placed it in the computer, and opened an already typed letter of resignation. It was a letter he'd written after his first month here. Hanging his head. With a humorless smirk Ezra realized his reason for not turning it in then was the same reason he was turning it in now. Vin Tanner.

The long-haired Texan had badgered and pushed him for some kind of reaction. A real reaction. Ezra's usual tricks weren't working. He remembered sitting right here when Vin made some remark about Chris that struck him as funny and he could not keep the laughter from erupting. The sharpshooter had a look of pure joy on his face at finally succeeding.

"Why?" he whispered to himself. They were made for each other or so he thought. Ezra didn't understand. He never should have allowed himself to fall for the unkempt man. The undercover agent felt the blood drain from his face and he felt like he might pass out as he realized just how far he had fallen. Maybe that was it. Maybe he had given himself away. He must have made some unconscious act of affection. "No strings," he whispered to himself. That's what Vin had said after their first night together. "No wonder he hates me," Ezra told himself. "No wonder he ... dumped me."

With unsteady hands he made the necessary changes then printed out two copies. One he placed in an envelope to be given to Judge Travis and the other he laid on Chris's desk. One unnoticed tear rolled down his cheek as he heard the elevator doors open and his soon-to-be ex-team members returned.

Gripping the envelope in his hands Ezra reached the office doors just as Vin did and they both froze. "Excuse me," he said without looking at him.

"Ezra ..."

Ezra jerked away from the hand that reached for him and pushed his way through the door trying to get away from him.

"I'm so sorry, Ezra. I ... I didn't mean it," Vin said with a catch in his voice.

The Southerner refused to be swayed in any way. "Apology accepted, Agent Tanner," he replied in a flat neutral tone. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to see the Judge."

"Ezra, wait!" Chris said blocking his path. "Don't do anything hasty. Take a couple of days and think about this."

"Hasty?" Ezra repeated with a shake of his head. "I assure you Agent Larabee that there was nothing hasty in my decision. This has been a long time in coming."

"I won't accept it."

"You don't have to."

"You promised you wouldn't ever run out on me again," the team leader reminded him.

"You promised me it would be different," Ezra returned. "It's only out of common courtesy that I haven't just quit."

"Give us another chance?" Josiah asked.

"How many chances do you require?" Ezra wanted to know.

"Just one more," Vin threw in. "Don't punish the team because I lost my temper and said a lot of things I didn't mean."

If Ezra was honest with himself, which he rarely was, he would admit that he didn't want to go. He was just starting to find his niche within the group and he wasn't ready to give that up. But. Why is there always a but? he asked himself. Because of situations like this that's why, he reminded himself.

"How about we compromise?" he offered. "I'll stay for as long as it takes to finish this current case and make my final decision then."

"Deal," Chris said holding out his hand.

Ezra shook the offered hand then without a word continued down the hall. "You won't regret this Ezra," he heard Josiah say, but didn't bother turning around.

CHAPTER 3

It had been two days since the incident at the warehouse and Vin had yet to corner Ezra. With a sigh he watched as his lover left the room and snapped the pencil he was holding in two. Dammit, he swore in frustration and flung the broken pencil across his desk. Vin was tired of fighting. He just wanted his friend and lover back. No, no ... he needed his friend and lover back. He missed Ezra so much he ached from it.

As soon as Ezra walked back in the room Vin felt his frustration turn into anger and he jumped to his feet surprising everyone, especially himself. "All right Ezra I'm tired of walking around on egg shells," he said. "I'm sorry for what I said. And if you don't want to be my friend anymore ... then ... then I don't want to be yours either."

"Fine."

"Fine?" Vin repeated in disbelief. "After everything we've been through. All you can say is fine!" he bellowed. "Why you ... I ought ta ... Of all the ..." he sputtered. "Dammit Ezra! All right, then fine. You want to be difficult ... well, so can I," Vin growled and sat back down at his desk. He sat there all of ten seconds then jumped to his feet and stormed from the office.

Ezra watched him leave with mixed emotions. He didn't know what to think. All he knew right now was that he'd been hurt one to many times by those claiming to love him and his so-called-friends. Vin never claimed to love you, a little voice reminded him. I am well aware of that fact. He silently told the voice in a snide tone.

The Southerner was still feeling the pain from his breakup with Vin. Ezra had never hurt so bad in his life. It was only by the sheer force of his will and his mother's teachings that he was even been able to cope. Hell, to even function. And he was barely doing that.

Ezra shook his head. He didn't know what more Vin wanted from him. Hell, the man had broken his heart ... berated him in front of the others ... and now expects forgiveness. No. Ezra Standish had only so many cheeks to turn.

The others watched Ezra like a hawk over the next two weeks looking for anything that might indicate that he was going to bolt. But Ezra had his defensives well fortified. It was as if they were starting over again. Except this time they didn't have Vin cutting them a path. They lived in fear that one day he would just up and leave without a word.

Leaning against the counter in the break room Vin waited for the fresh pot of coffee, he'd just made, to finish brewing. Closing his eyes he could still see the light dying in Ezra's eyes. Releasing a deep sigh Vin opened his eyes and held his breath as Ezra walked in. Don't run. He silently pleaded. Seeing him hesitate Vin didn't move a muscle for fear he'd bolt. As Ezra moved further into the room, he breathed a small sigh of relief. He watched Ezra's lean fingers as they rinsed out his cup. And longed for their touch. Lifting his eyes Vin ran them across his profile, he noticed the circles under Ezra's eyes and had to clinch his fist to keep from touching him. Wanting so badly to comfort him Vin took an unconscious step closer and sighed, "Ezra." Then instantly regretted it as the Southerner jumped back and would have bolted for the door except Vin grabbed him by the arm.

"Ezra ... Ezra I know I hurt you. I know that I lost all the ground I fought so hard to gain," he quickly told him. "Have you ever said something in a fit of temper that you knew wasn't true and instantly regretted it?" he asked.

"Yes ..."

"That's what I did and I'm so sorry," Vin said. "I didn't mean it! You scared me taking that chance like ya did. I do need you and your help ... very badly," he told him then took Ezra's face in his hands. Lowering his head until he could taste him Vin whispered, "I made a mistake Ezra and I ... I want you back. If you'll have me."

Ezra shook his head and pulled away. "It's to late ..."

"No! Please don't say that. It can't be," he pleaded and tried to take him in his arms again, but Ezra back further away from him. "Ezra wait!" he cried then sank to the floor when Ezra kept going. Laying his head on his knees Vin cursed and called himself every kind of fool. Running a hand through his hair, he swore again at the loss of his long hair. Vin had been visiting a neighbor of his when the lady's son, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren showed up. He'd only stayed a few minutes and was only once he returned to his lonely silent apartment that he noticed that one of the children had gotten gum in his hair. A big wad of gum. Luckily it was still early so he was able to get to the barber shop before it closed, but there was nothing to be done except cut it. So he did. All of it. Well, not all of it. Instead of stretching past his shoulders, it barely reached his collar.

You could have heard a pin drop the next day when the others saw him. Vin had ignored the teasing from Buck and JD as he waited for Ezra's arrival. The undercover man stopped in his tracks and whispered, "Your hair." Then with a nod said, "I like it. It suits you."

Vin had relived that moment in his head over the last three days. That was the first time Ezra had spoken directly to him since this whole thing started.

"Vin?" a voice said from the door.

"Yeah," came a muffled reply.

"You okay?"

"No." Vin pushed himself to his feet and pour himself a cup of coffee before turning to look at his friend. "I had the one thing that he's never given anyone and in a fit of anger I pissed it all away. He was my friend, but now he won't even stay in the same room with me for more than five minutes," he told Chris. "He doesn't say more than two words to me at a time. Hell, he even sits on the other side of Josiah at the conference table so he won't have to see me," Vin ranted in frustration.

"It'll work out, Vin. You'll see," Chris stated.

The sharpshooter felt tears sting his eyes because Chris had no idea just how wrong he was, but he refused to let them fall. "I hope so," he whispered. "I miss 'im. He never laughs anymore and very rarely smiles. I dragged us both off the line of friendship and don't know how to put it right."

"Don't give up on him, Vin."

"I don't know what to do."

"Give him time. He's hurting and the cause was from the one person he thought would never ..."

"I didn't mean it!"

"I know that, Vin. But this is Ezra we're talking about. He's probably shared more with you than you even realize. And what did you do?"

Chris had no idea just what Ezra had shared with him, Vin thought to himself. Ezra shared his body, bed, and ... heart. It had all been there just for him. But Vin had set the rules. No strings. So Ezra never said what his eyes and body told Vin. And ... then he threw it all away. "Don't say it," Vin whispered.

"You did what everyone else has done all this life and pushed him away," the team leader continued.

"I know."

"Come on," Chris said after a moment then slapped him on the back. "Let's go get a beer. It'll work out. You'll see," he told him repeating his earlier words.

Walking in the other room the first thing Vin noticed was that Ezra was gone. He stared at the empty desk and heard Chris tell the others to take the rest of day off. "What about Ezra?"

"We'll leave him a message."

Ten minutes later the loud group pushed the doors to Inez's saloon open and came to a collective stop as they noticed Ezra playing pool. Without a word Vin closed the distance between them. Vin Tanner was tired of running and by damned he at least wanted his friend back. So with a determined look in his eyes he stepped up to the table. "Ezra," he said in firm voice.

"What?" the undercover man snapped as he lined up to take a shot.

"N...nothing," Vin stammered and dropped down on a near by stool. Well that went well, he told himself.

"Hey Ezra! Can I play?" JD asked.

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because."

"Because why?"

"Because I said."

"Because you said why?"

"Because I said so you'd ask me why," Ezra said with a laugh.

Vin felt a surge of jealousy course through his veins at what JD had so easily achieved. Him and the others had watched the two of them argue like this several times and it usually ended with Ezra giving JD a few pointers. Hell, the Kid had even managed to beat the undercover man a couple of times. With a shake of his head Vin reached for Ezra's beer bottle and took a sip then froze as he realized what he'd done. Looking up he found Ezra's unreadable eyes on him, he didn't apologize, but he did almost drop the bottle as Ezra touched his fingers when he took it back.

"If you want a drink, Agent Tanner then I suggest you get your own," Ezra told him.

"But I want to share yours," Vin countered.

"Tough shit," Ezra said as he moved around the table to take another shot.

"Hey Ez, can I ask you something?" JD suddenly said.

"No."

"What would you do if you left?" JD asked him anyway.

The sharpshooter looked at JD in disbelief, but found that he very much wanted to know.

"You mean, when ..."

"Not when, Ezra. IF. If," Vin corrected him. Never when, he silently said.

"Whatever," he said with a shrug.

"Well, what would you do," JD pushed.

Ezra paused and finished off his beer then signaled the waitress to bring him another before answering. "I would do one of two things. I'd either go broke in Vegas or simply disappear," he finally replied.

Vin cursed JD and his stupid ass question. He knew that Ezra could easily do both, but he didn't even want to think about the second one.

"Show us one of your tricks Ezra," JD suddenly said.

Without a word Ezra walked around the table until he was standing directly in front of Vin. The Texan couldn't believe his luck as he watched Ezra bend over the table pulling his pants flush against his ass and the backs of his thighs. Swallowing hard Vin ran his eyes up Ezra's back where his shirt was pulled taunt across his board shoulders. The Southerner must have made his shot because he straightened and smiled at JD showing off his dimples.

"How many of those have you had?" he heard Josiah ask as the waitress brought him another beer.

"Since I'm still standing ... not nearly enough."

"I don't think you should have anymore," the older man told him.

"Sorry, but it's not open for discussion."

"Son ..."

"What are you going to do, Dad? Ground me? Take my car away?"

The Texan watched as Josiah looked away at Ezra's sarcasm. "Did anyone ever tell you that you're a mean drunk, Ezra?" Vin snapped.

"Did anyone ever tell you that I don't give a shit what you think?"

"Dammit Ezra, I hurt you not them. So quit taking it out on 'em," Vin told him getting to his feet. "I made a mistake and I'm sorry."

"You're not the only who made a mistake," he declared and picked up the eight ball up.

"What mistake did you make?"

"I TRUSTED YOU, DAMMIT! I THOUGHT YOU WERE MY FRIEND!" Ezra shouted then threw the eight ball on the table. "Do you have any idea what that means? Do you? I took a chance on you Vin and ..."

Vin quickly crossed the room and pushed Ezra up against the wall. "I am your friend and you can trust me Ezra. My fear got the better of me. I ... I never meant to hurt you," he could see the disbelief in those green eyes. But he also saw something else flare in those eyes for just a second. Something that lightened his heart and gave him hope.

"Get. Off. Me," Ezra said trying to get away.

Vin shivered as Ezra wiggled against him and fought the urge to press himself closer. Looking Ezra in the eye he allowed a bit of triumph to show along with his desire even as he reluctantly stepped back.

CHAPTER 4

Ezra watched as Vin backed away and cursed his body for betraying him. Seeing the triumph flash across those blue eyes had him shaking his head. Oh, no, that will never do, Ezra thought to himself, especially after the hell Vin had put him through the last few months. Hell, he was still reeling from their encounter in the break room. He had meant to rinse his cup and then get the hell out, but as he stood there Ezra found himself mesmerized by being that close to Vin again. Being able to smell him and feel the heat coming off his body. "You know Vin ... I really must thank you," the Southerner said as he pushed those dangerous thoughts away and resumed his game as if nothing had happened.

"What for?"

"For reminding me of Maude's golden rule."

"And that would be?"

"Never let them see you cry," Ezra said then shook his head. "Wait that's not right," he continued with the first real laugh they'd heard in awhile. "Now, I remember," he said with a smirk, "Never trust anyone. 'Cause they'll only betray you in the end." The Southerner felt an instant regret when Vin flinched, but that didn't stop his beer loosed tongue from saying, "I remember her saying ... Friends? Why do you want a friend Ezra? You're much better off without them Ezra. No one will ever like the real you Ezra. You must have gotten this sensitive streak from your father. Really, Ezra you must over come such weaknesses."

"For the love of God, shut up!" Vin bellowed as he surged forward again.

Ezra was ready for him this time and quickly pointed the pool cue at him in warning. "What's the matter Vin? Don't you want to learn about my colorful past? Oh, wait that's right it's against the rules," he said then finished another beer. Seeing the confusion in the others eyes Ezra realized that he'd just crossed yet another line. Setting the bottle down on the pool table and tossed the stick he was holding to Vin.

"I'm going home," he said to none in particular.

"I'll take you," Vin volunteered.

"Oh, no you won't!" Ezra exclaimed.

"Ezra either I take you home or you sleep here," the Texan warned him in a hard voice. "Those are your only choices."

Ezra eyed the dirty floor with distaste and figured that Vin was the lesser of the two evils. "Very well, but don't talk to me," he finally said in a childish manner.

"I don't want to argue with you anymore Ezra so that's works for me," Vin told him in a tired voice.

Buck watched them go with a frown on his face then all of a sudden his mouth dropped open as he realized just what all that underlining tension was between the two younger men. Their lovers, he silently said. Or were lovers; if he was reading the tension right. Looking at the others Buck shook his head. Poor things, they haven't the first clue about what's going on.

The ride home was done in complete silence. Vin shook his head as Ezra practically fell out of the car as soon as it came to a stop. After making sure both doors were locked the sharpshooter followed his staggering lover. His lover. Always. It didn't matter how long it took, Vin told himself, he was determined that Ezra would be his again. Ezra and him would always be together. Anything else was too painful to think about.

Out of habit Vin stepped up behind Ezra and wrapped one arm around his waist then pulled him taut against his body while he unlocked the door. Pushing them both through the opening Vin kicked the door closed, locked it, and then tossed Ezra's keys on a near by table. Still holding the Southerner's warm body against his Vin sighed in contentment and felt his body come alive. But he wasn't going to make matters worse by adding another complication to it. Resigned to his fate Vin propelled them both forward to Ezra's room.

Leaning his green eyed siren against the door Vin quickly turned down the covers then laid Ezra on the bed and began removing his clothes. His shoes and socks were easy, but the shirt and pants almost proved to be his undoing. Vin rested his forehead on Ezra's inner thigh as he fought to bring his Ezra-starved body back under control. He shivered as he felt fingers in his hair. Unable to resist Vin allowed himself to be drawn up until he was poised over the sprawled figure beneath him.

With his heart hammering in his chest Vin watched as those green eyes fill with tears. Vin fought his own tears as he witnessed the enormity of the damaged he caused this precious man. "I'm so sorry Ezra. I ... didn't mean to hurt you," he whispered in a watery voice. "I'll go," he offered and made to get up, but stopped as two hands grabbed his waist and pulled him closer.

"No! Please," Ezra spoke for the first time. "Stay. Just hold me ... one last time," he went on to whisper.

Vin had to swallow the lump in his throat before saying, "Forever, Ezra. Not just one last time. I'll hold you forever." After pressing a kiss to his forehead Vin looked down and saw that Ezra had fallen asleep. Pulling back he had to smile as Ezra tightened his hold on him. "I'm not going anywhere. I just want to make us more comfortable." Vin then pulled Ezra to his feet and then pushed him under the covers. Once he was sure the Southerner was comfortable Vin quickly undressed then crawled over to his side of the bed and spooned up behind his better half and was asleep within minutes.

Sometime later that night Vin jerked awake and looked at the man sleeping next to him in wonder. Then without giving himself time to think he eased away from Ezra and then gently turned him over onto his back. Vin let his hungry eyes drink in what he could see of his lover in the moonlight. With a trembling hand he reached out to trace Ezra's eyebrows with the tip of his finger then down his nose and as the finger skimmed across his lips they opened and drew him in. Vin watched and shivered as Ezra sucked and nibbled on his finger. Wide blue eyes met green in a small sliver of moonlight and with a groan he replaced his finger with his lips and slowly reacquainted himself with his better half.

There were several reasons why Vin knew he shouldn't do this. One was that Ezra was drunk and probably didn't even realize what he was doing. Another was that this would only complicate matters. But as Ezra's tongue dueled with his, strong arms wrapped around him and pulled him closer; the sharpshooter didn't care about any of that. Then Ezra spread his legs and began thrusting up against him all rational thought deserted him.

Grinding against each other, they soon exploded with pleasure. Vin trembled as Ezra tightened his arms around him and they buried their faces in the other's neck before falling asleep.

CHAPTER 5

The sound of a door closing woke Vin the next morning. With a groan he turned over reaching for Ezra even though he knew his lover wouldn't be there. Opening his eyes he looked around then pulled Ezra's pillow closer so he could inhale his scent. "Ezra?" he called out then sat up as he realized how quiet the place was. He's gone. Vin finally admitted to himself and felt tears sting his eyes. Getting out of bed he padded into the bathroom to relieve himself before taking a shower. Walking back into the room Vin opened a drawer that Ezra had cleaned out just for him. After getting dressed, he made the bed and placed his dirty clothes in with Ezra's then headed for the door.

Stepping into the hall Vin sighed as he smelled freshly brewed coffee and followed his nose. He was pleasantly surprised to see Ezra sitting at the kitchen table.

"Are you going to stand there all day? Are do you plan on joining me?" Ezra asked as he took a sip of his coffee. He remembered all to well what happened last night. What him and Vin had shared. Ezra watched Vin as he moved about the kitchen. When Vin sat down across from him, Ezra found himself reaching for one of his hands.

"Vin ..."

"I'm sorry Ezra. I shouldn't have touched you. I know I stepped over the line," Vin told him.

That wasn't what Ezra wanted to hear and he when he made to release Vin's hand the sharpshooter tightened his hold.

"No, Ezra, I'm not sorry it happened. I'm just sorry I took advantage of you ..."

"You didn't take advantage of me," he told him. "I could have stopped you, but I didn't want to."

"Ezra ..."

"You lied to me Vin. You told me we'd always be friends ..."

"We will!" Vin cried. "I know that hasn't been true the last few weeks, but I know in my heart that you were only a phone call away if I needed you. And I know you would have done the same for me."

Ezra nodded his head because he knew that to be true. It always had been and it always would be. He tensed as Vin got to his feet and walked around the table and sat in the chair next to him.

"Give me another chance Ezra. Give us another chance," he said.

"I don't know ..."

"I know I hurt you and Charlotte only made it worse," Vin told him. "But it took her to make me realized just how much I do ... need you in my life. To realize how much ... I c..care for you. It took Charlotte for me to realize just what I had ... thrown away," he said with the last words coming in a harsh whisper. "Ezra, it took Charlotte for me to know how much I lo...."

The Southerner reached over and placed his fingers over Vin's lips, preventing him from saying the words. Pushing his chair back Ezra got to his feet and paced over to the other side of the table and when he turned to pace back to the other side he ran into Vin, who had followed him. Ezra pushed his hands into the pockets of his jeans to keep from touching him. After clearing his throat he stepped back and tried to put some distance between them, but Vin moved with him causing Ezra to bump into him again. "Why are you following me?"

"I don't want to lose you," Vin told him. "I'd follow you through hell if I had to Ezra."

Ezra ignored that for now. "Vin when we first started our ..." he struggled to find a word that best described their situation finally he shrugged his shoulders and just said, "our ... whatever we ... "

"Relationship, Ezra," Vin corrected him.

The Southerner snorted and said, "When people are in a relationship they share more than their bodies and beds. They share their hearts and dreams and ... fears." Ezra saw Vin flinch and couldn't stop himself from reaching for him. "Vin I'm not saying this to hurt you, but you know it's true," he told him as he took Vin's hands in his. "No strings. That's what we agreed to. Remember?"

"I know. It was a stupid rule, but I didn't want either of us rushing into something we weren't ready for."

Ezra hung his head for a few seconds then raised it and said, "I'm sorry I broke that rule Vin and ... and scared you ..."

"No! Ezra it's wasn't what I saw in your eyes that scared me," Vin told. "It was me. I had never fallen so fast or so hard for anyone before and wasn't sure how to handle it."

He wanted so badly to believe Vin, but wasn't sure if he could.

"Give us another chance Ezra. Please?"

"I want to, but I don't want to get hurt again."

"I wish I could promise to never hurt you again, Ezra, but I can't. But," Vin stopped to swallow the lump in his throat, "but hurting you hurts me even more."

"Vin ..."

Vin pressed a kiss to his lips and whispered, "I l..love you Ezra."

Ezra cupped Vin's face in his hands and said, "I need some time to think about all this Vin. Time to sort through my feelings."

"Fine, take as long as you need. I'll wait for however long it takes," Vin vowed then laid his head on Ezra's shoulder. He sighed as he felt Ezra wrap his arms around him. God, how he missed being in this man's arms. Being held by Ezra both excited and comforted him. Of course, just a look from Ezra excited him.

Pulling back Vin rubbed noses with him and said, "I don't want to but I'd better go before I give into the images in my head and make slow sweet love to you." He rested his head against Ezra and sighed as he felt Ezra shiver against him. "I remember the first time I felt you shiver against me like that," Vin whispered and suddenly stepped back. "Thank you, Ezra."

"For what?"

"For being you. For not throwing me out," he said. Then with tears in his eyes continued, "For not h..hating me."

"I could never hate you Vin. Never."

Vin stopped him from stepping closer. "No don't touch me," he pleaded, "or I'll take you right here. Right now."

Ezra sighed and stayed where he was.

"Will you be at Chris's tomorrow?"

"I don't know."

"Please?"

"Okay."

"Good. Then I'll see you then," Vin said then gave him a quick hard kiss then left.

Ezra watched him go with mixed feelings. Part of him wanted to run after Vin and give him everything and anything he wanted. But another part of him was afraid. He didn't want to be hurt again. But, what hurt worse? He found himself asking. Having Vin hurt him? Or trying to live without Vin?

No question about it. He hurt much more without Vin in his life. With or without strings. Ezra had fought damned hard not to fall in love with Vin, but it had all been in vain. He smiled as he remembered when he first knew his feelings had changed.

One Saturday Vin had been at Ezra's townhouse working on his motorcycle while Ezra worked on their taxes. In need of a break Ezra had stepped outside only to stop in his tracks as he spotted Vin bent over the bike wearing nothing but his jeans. Faded ripped jeans. Reaching in his glass of water he grabbed an ice cube and with a wicked grin on his face Ezra walked up behind Vin and kissed him on the back. Then slipped the piece of ice down the back of his pants making the younger man holler. Vin chased him around the yard vowing revenge. Ezra couldn't ever remember laughing so hard in his life. With tears in his eyes he found himself being tackled to the ground with a dirty sweaty Vin stretching out on top of him. At that moment the Southerner hadn't cared that his shirt would be ruined by both the dirt and the grass, all he cared about was Vin. Later that night as they lay in bed Ezra found himself mesmerized by the sight of Vin draped in a soft sliver of moonlight. And knew he could spend the rest of his life with this man.

With a sigh Ezra grabbed both coffee cups and placed then in the sink. At least, Vin cared enough to fight for him. That was something no one else had ever done.

It was close to noon the next day and still Ezra had not shown. Vin was beginning to get worried. He wanted to jump on his bike and race over to Ezra's and find out what was going on, but didn't. He didn't want to make matters worse. So instead, Vin paced back and forth from one end of the house to the other. Slowly driving the others crazy.

"Dammit Vin, would you stop!" Chris finally bellowed.

"I can't help it," he replied and to his horror felt tears fill his eyes.

"How long have you two been lovers?" Buck suddenly asked causing four men to stare at him in disbelief and the other to lose all his color.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Chris snapped. "Vin and Ezra aren't ... lovers," he said then looked at Vin and frowned then seemed to put two and two together and got the shock of his life. "You are! Aren't you?"

Vin swallowed hard and for one brief moment was glad that Ezra wasn't there. Looking at his friends he squared his shoulders and said, "Ezra and I ... saw each other four months."

"What about Charlotte?" JD asked.

"Charlotte happened after I'd ... b..broken up with Ezra."

"You broke up?"

"Is that why you said this time was different at the warehouse?" Josiah asked.

Vin nodded. "I love Ezra and am trying to get him back. Does that bother you?"

"Don't bother me none," JD quickly said. "I always thought there were sparks flying between you two."

"I say take love wherever you find it," Nathan told him with smile.

"Go for it," Buck said.

"Hell, I don't care what you guys do so long as you're happy," Chris assured him. "And that shit in the warehouse doesn't happen again," he went on to warn.

"I'm happy for the both of you Vin," Josiah said. "Just be careful with him ... he has a gentle soul that's easily bruised."

Vin nodded and then ran to the window as he heard a car. "He's here," he said then shot them a pleading look. "Don't say nothing! I don't know how he'll react. Okay?"

They all nodded.

Later that afternoon everyone except Ezra and Vin were laughing and joking just like always. Vin pushed his food around his plate. While Ezra just sat there as if lost in thought.

Ezra had stayed up all night thinking about Vin and it showed. The usually impeccably dressed Southern gentleman wore a slightly wrinkled untucked green t-shirt with faded blue jeans that had holes in the knees. His hair was mused as if he'd been running his fingers through it. The circles under eyes only added to his haggard appearance. Ezra was completely unaware of how sexy he looked in spite of all that.

He wanted to take another chance on Vin, but was afraid. Ezra thought about how lonely and unsure he'd felt since their breakup and knew he couldn't go on living like that. With a heartfelt sigh he pushed his plate away and rested his elbows on the table the buried his face in his hands. Ignoring the concern voices Ezra pushed everything and everyone except Vin from his mind and heart.

The one thing about Vin that had always attracted him was the spark in his blue eyes. A spark that had shown like a beacon during their brief time together. A spark that had been missing since their break up. A spark that hadn't surfaced once the entire time Vin had been with Charlotte. Ezra suddenly realized that Vin truly hadn't meant to hurt him. He had reacted out of fear. Much the same way that Ezra had reacted throughout his life. With sigh Ezra felt the despair he'd been living in lift and he knew what he had to do. Knew what he wanted to do.

Lowering his hands Ezra saw a worried Vin watching him. Then with a blinding smiling he nodded his head and said, "Yes."

"R..really?" Vin asked as if he was afraid he'd misunderstood.

"Really," Ezra reassured him. "I love you, Vin," he whispered. Then looked up in surprise as Vin jumped to his feet, climbed right up on the table knocking dishes over, and making a big mess before launching himself at Ezra causing the chair to tip over and the two of them hit the floor with a thud.

Vin planted kisses all over his face as he told him that he loved. "Oh, Ezra you won't regret this. I swear it!" he swore.

Ezra pulled him closer and claimed his lips in a deep sensual assault.

The others looked at each other and grinned. "It's about damn time," Buck said with a grin. After a few minutes when they didn't seem about to separate Buck looked at the others and laughed, never would he have believed that their two most reserved friends would ever put on such a public display. Getting to his feet he slapped Vin on the back. "Come on pal, you need to take this somewhere a little more private." Vin either didn't hear him or simply ignored him because he didn't move.

"You two need to breath," he tried again. "It's not like either of you is going anywhere."

The sharpshooter waved him away, never once breaking the kiss.

With an amused sigh Buck stepped back and motioned Josiah forward. The older man reached down and grabbed a hand full of Vin's jeans and bodily lifted him off of Ezra.

"Hey!" Vin exclaimed as he was forcibly removed from Ezra. "Put me down Josiah!"

"Come on Ezra, let me help ya up," Buck said and offered him a hand.

Josiah released Vin as soon as Ezra was on his feet. Then laughed as the two men were immediately back in each other's arms.

"What do ya say we get out of here?" Ezra suggested with a twinkle in his eye.

"Your place or mine?"

"Mine's closer ..."

"One vehicle or two? Wait I'm on my bike ..."

Ezra dug his keys out turned and tossed them to JD.

"Me?" JD questioned and stepped closer to him. "Y..you're gonna let me drive the Jag?"

"You might as well drive her to work in the morning as well," Ezra told him. "I'll ride in with Vin."

"On the Harley?" the others asked in disbelief.

"Okay, who the hell are you and what have you done to my boy Ezra?" Josiah asked with grin.

Ezra rolled his eyes and slapped the older man on the shoulder. "Since I'm in such a good mood I'm going to ignore that 'my boy' comment ... for now," he replied.

"Sounds like a plan to me," Vin said with a grin. Then grabbed Ezra's hand and headed out the door.

"Ezra wait!" JD called out then ran over to his bike, grabbed his helmet, and brought it over to him. "Here."

"Thanks JD," Ezra said and slipped the helmet on then fastened the straps.

The others watched in shock as Ezra and Vin rode off.

The two lovers had only gone a couple of miles before Vin was forced to pull over. Killing the engine he removed his helmet and pivoted to look at the man behind him.

"Is something wrong?" Ezra asked with a grin after lifting the visor on his helmet.

"Do you wanta make me wreck?"

"No ..."

"Then please don't hold me there while I'm driving," Vin pleaded with him. "Between your hand and the vibrating of the bike ... my eyes are threatening to roll back in my head."

"Sorry," Ezra said with grin. "I'll keep my hands to myself from now on."

"I didn't say that," Vin said and turned back around then reached behind him, grabbed Ezra's hands, and placed them on his waist. "I want your hands on me. Just not there."

"Okay."

The rest of the trip was made without incident. Pulling up in front of Ezra's townhouse, they jumped off the bike. Ezra stopped, tore off his helmet, and swore, "Dammit I gave JD my keys! I don't have my house key!"

"I still have the one you gave me," Vin told him as he unlocked the door. Stepping inside he kicked the door closed and locked it. With barely enough time to removed his helmet Vin found himself pressed up against the door. Almost frantic with need they both practically tore each others closes off trying, needing to get closer.

"Please. Please Ezra," Vin moaned into his mouth.

Ezra grabbed his hand and headed for the bedroom. He lay back on the bed and pulled Vin down on top of him only to have Vin quickly roll them over.

"Take me Ezra ..."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," Vin moaned. "I n..need ya in me. Filling me. Completing me. Claiming me. Making us one."

"Oh God, Vin," Ezra shuddered at the image those words produced. He reached for the lube and quickly prepared his lover's body. Lifting Vin's legs Ezra paused at his opening and said, "Look at me Vin." Gazing into those passion laden eyes he said, "I love you, Vin Tanner." Then made them one.

Vin gasped and wrapped his legs around him. "I love you too Ezra Standish."

Ezra pulled back almost to the point of withdrawing then slowly thrust back into Vin. He repeated that several times driving them both to the brink but refused to let them cross over.

"Oh, God, Ezra, please!" Vin begged.

"Please what?"

"M o v e," he panted in reply.

"How? Slow?" Ezra asked and slowed his pace even more. He heard Vin gasping in pleasure as he rotated his hips brushing against his lover's prostate. "Or fast?" he whispered as he started pounding into Vin. They both whimpered as Ezra came to an almost complete stop.

"E z r a," Vin gasped.

"Tell me what you want?"

"Fast and hard ..."

Ezra gasped as he felt Vin clinched around him. Leaning down he kissed Vin as he began thrusting faster and harder trying to get deeper and deeper into him. Neither of them felt the teeth that sank into each other's shoulders. Or the bruising grips as they both found their release at the same time. Ezra collapsed bonelessly onto Vin as everything went black.

A couple of minutes later Vin felt reality return and he rubbed his hands up and down Ezra's back. "Ezra," he whispered and placed a kiss on his head as he began to stir.

"Vin," Ezra sighed and snuggled closer to him.

"Damn, Ezra that was ... was ... mind blowing," Vin told him with a satisfied smile on his face. "It's never been like that before ... hell, you've never done that before ..." his voice trailed off as he felt his lover tense.

Ezra raised his head and bit his lip before saying, "You only ever wanted to be taken before, but never claimed."

Vin felt tears sting his eyes at the truth in those words. The hand he raised to cup Ezra's face with was captured and held in a tight reassuring grip. "I'm sorry ..."

"You don't have to apologize," he told him and placed a kissed in the center on his captured hand. "It's not your fault you weren't ready."

"Have I ..." Vin was almost afraid to ask. Every time he made love to Ezra it was mind blowing. At least, for him. But what about Ezra? Had he ever claimed him? Had Ezra even asked? Had he missed it? Vin knew that Ezra was his ... but did Ezra know that?

"It was that day in the yard," Ezra mumbled. "I asked. Silently, anyway. That ... that was the d..day I knew I was in love with you," he whispered. "It was after that ... that I allowed myself to hope that m..maybe you more than just c..cared for me."

"I r..remember that day," he whispered. "I knew then that I was f..falling in l..love with you ..." Vin had to stop and swallow the lump in his throat. "There was something different in your touch and in the way you looked at me after that. I wasn't ready for it then but I am now."

"Are you?"

"Yes."

"Do you want to be with me?"

"Yes."

"Forever?"

"And ever."

"Do ... do you love me?"

"More than life ..."

"Do you love me Vin?"

"Yes," Vin said with tears streaming down his face. "Yes, Ezra, I love you."

Ezra kissed his tears away and whispered, "That's all that matters."

After a moment Vin decided that needed those same answers from Ezra. "Are ready for me?" he cautiously asked.

"Yes."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Do you want to be with me?"

"Yes."

"Forever?"

"And ever."

"Do ... do you love me?"

"More than life ..."

"Do you love me Ezra?"

"Yes," Ezra said with a huge smile on his face that made his green eyes sparkle. "Yes, Vin, I love you."

Vin knew he would treasure this second chance he was being given. Reaching up he cupped Ezra's face in his hands and rose up to meet him then sealed their promises of love and forever with a kiss. Then tucked Ezra's head under his chin and sighed in contentment.

"Am I too heavy?"

"You're perfect."

THE END