Hazel '03: Cake

Chris glanced at the clock on his computer.

Oh yeah. He still had plenty of time.

He rounded his back more, letting his hands drift further apart on the desktop.

His head fell forward. Chris braced his legs.

After a moment he remembered to grunt encouragingly.

Taking the cue strong hands gripped into his hips all the more. Then the pace of their thrusting increased. Chris grinned and took it, enjoying the hard ride he was being given.

It wasn't long before the pistoning action of his lover grew erratic, hands convulsing, strangled noises locked in a tightened throat as they crested the brink.

Sensations of heat filled Chris. Then a sweaty forehead dropped onto him where his neck met his back. Once insistent hands fell away from his hips, now useless, dangling on the end of long arms.

Chris rolled his hips. A short intake of gasped breath was his reward. He smiled and did it again.

His fourth roll and a drawl sounded in his ear.

"Shit, Larabee, ya trying to kill me?"

He shook his head, low chuckle leaving his chest. They uncoupled, slow and sure, then he spun and winked.

"Naw. Then who would fuck me?" His grin just grew.

Keen eyes appraised him. Chris blanded himself out, putting the right measure of tease and need tinged with I really mean it into his hazels.

Blues capitulated. Vin laughed huskily and shook his head in return.

Hands once again capable drew Chris in for a sound kiss. He allowed it; even enjoyed it. When fingers strayed to his straining arousal Chris kissed harder, taking the lead. He wrapped his hands around Vin's, maneuvering them away from his erection.

No need to waste it. Especially considering Vin taking care of him would ruin his plans.

On cue Chris' phone rang shrilly, breaking the sultry mood and the kiss.

Chris pulled away, letting his tongue snap in regret. He raised a brow and shook his head then sighed. He kept both of Vin's hands in his, the other pulling loose so he could answer the phone.

No one was there, of course. Not really. He'd asked the floor office manager to schedule him a reminder call. So his phone rang at the appointed time, just as he'd wanted.

Chris tightened his jaw, listening to the electronic beep. Then he said, "Fine. I'll be right there." He hung up the phone. Another sigh.

Blue eyes sighed with him.

Chris leaned forward and kissed Vin. It was brief, just a brush across the face, landing somewhere against upper lip and nose. He stuffed himself back into his pants - still mostly hard. He tsked ruefully.

"I have to go," he said in tones that were enough to suggest he didn't want to but were quick enough to keep Vin from asking him where. "Later," he said, warming his voice, making the word be more.

Vin nodded. "Yeah."

Chris flicked a finger across Vin's chest, the buttons of the flannel shirt undone, skin drying from its shimmer of sweat. He lifted the finger to his mouth and tasted.

Blue eyes darkened, just as Chris knew they would. He evaded seeking hands, let his eyes cast regretful because he had to go, that this couldn't be finished. Three determined steps and Chris was out the door and striding for the elevator.

His gait was a bit off - widening to the right in a bit of a circle as he worked not to overly constrict his cock, now seething with anticipation in his jeans. The ride down was uneventful. He stayed to the side, hands neatly folded across his front. When he stepped out into the parking level, no one was the wiser he'd been busy concealing a demanding hard on.

Chris ducked out into the garage, eyes searching. He heard the dull thud of a door. Watched Ezra stand up from the back seat, briefcase in hand. His lips curled in a hungry smile. Chris backtracked and made his way to the elevator bay.

It wasn't long then Ezra was entering as well.

Chris took one look at him and growled. "Late again, Standish. Just where the hell have you been?" he asked ruthlessly.

Green eyes flashed at him. "At home." The tone registered an 'of course,' brimming with disinterested insubordination.

Their exchange had a witness - the doors had opened from the elevators and had deposited Giles of Team Two. He looked ready to try and get back into the elevator, despite the doors being firmly sealed shut.

Chris growled and grabbed Ezra by the arm, yanking him into the stairwell, sending signals of already having met his limit even though the discussion had just begun. He tossed a glare back at Giles, full of warning. He knew the bastard would go right back upstairs and tell the first person encountered what had transpired.

He was counting on it.

No one messed with Larabee when he was trying to discipline the wayward, arrogant Standish. Partly because so many thought Ezra deserved it; partly because no one dared get in Chris' way.

As they entered he kicked at one of the few metal folding chairs kept down here, the sound clattering all through the narrow, vertical confines. The noise was to great effect, though it died soon enough.

The door shushed closed, the now quiet and relative dark of the bottom of the stairs ensconcing them. Chris kept hold of Ezra's arm, walking him to the back wall, the position that afforded the best concealment.

The briefcase was easily dropped. Their lips met in a heated kiss - rough and demanding, teeth clattering, tongues dueling. Chris used his height to an advantage, curling down over Ezra, gaining dominance so he could lead them.

Ezra turned in his hold easily, acquiescing with a hunger rivaling Chris'. Pale hands splayed on the cinderblock wall, chestnut curls tickling the white dress shirt collar when his head lowered back.

Chris stepped forward, knocking his toe into Ezra's instep. Muscular legs spread further. He chuckled his approval. It didn't take long before belt, pants and silk boxers were a puddle around Ezra's legs.

He massaged into the firm globes, seeking up under the charcoal gray suit jacket and soft shirt to feel over twitching skin. Chris laughed as his nails grazed sensitive nipples, held tight with an arm when Ezra squirmed as his other hand fisted the already leaking erection.

Chris leaned away, leaving his arm to keep Ezra close, the other circling round himself to reach into his back pocket. He handed the condom packet to Ezra and waited. Tearing paper met his ears, almost eclipsed by their breath, rasping and harsh. A shaking hand passed it back to him, flat and ready and still in the foil, one side lifted back in presentation.

He tilted his head in, locking his teeth around the corded muscle that spanned from Ezra's shoulder up into his neck. Chris let go with his arm then rolled the condom on. His finger found Ezra's hidden opening and he grinned around his bite. The clenching aperture was slick and receptive.

How he loved a man with such a good sense of punctuality and strict attention to detail when orders were being followed.

Chris buried deep in one sure push. Ezra's caught gasp echoed in the small space. Fingers clawed into cinderblock and into warm flesh. Hips bucked, asking for more.

Chris gave.

They surged with abandon, Chris hopped from being so wonderfully fucked by Vin moments ago, Ezra zinging with the danger and expectation that had started last night when Larabee's voice had ordered him in exacting terms just when to show up Monday morning and what condition to be in.

He pushed, faster and harder, the two knocking and grinding, already so close. Chris let go of a hip and gripped Ezra's arousal again. He opened his fingers, his forceful movements causing Ezra to fuck his hand.

A low and drawled Dear God hit his ears at almost the same instant Ezra's release hit the wall.

Chris returned his grip and slammed into Ezra for all he was worth. The channel housing him spasmed in reaction to Ezra's orgasm, making it even sweeter. Two more bracketing heaves and wicked heat roiled through Chris. He came, complete and so good.

It took them a few moments to gather themselves enough to even move afterwards. Chris pulled out, taking care of the condom. Ezra's briefcase was snapped open - a plastic grocery bag was handed up to him. Chris grinned and took it, depositing the used rubber. A green eye winked then the man uncoiled to stand against him. They met for a kiss, sensitized groins pressing close, hands locking around one another as they devoured.

From above - a few floors at least - came the metallic snick of a door being opened. Chris looked up, hazel eyes mischievous.

"I fuckin' hope you understand me, Standish." There was sneer in his voice, his impatience filtering its way to the eavesdropper.

Chris winked then got himself resituated and dressed. He gripped the plastic bag tighter and left the stairwell without a backward glance. It was stuffed into the trashcan that sat between the elevators. He rolled back onto his heels and waited.

Ezra joined him soon after, looking perfect and cool, though the rosy glow on his skin and the luster in green eyes had no cure. They rode up the elevator in knowing, purposeful silence, the faint funk clinging to them both clouding the cool air. The briefcase snapped again. Ezra produced waterless cleanser with a sly grin. Chris took a gob and lathered it into his hands until it disappeared. Ezra had apparently already done the same. A dash of the southerner's chosen cologne and it was, for the most part, concealed.

The cologne could be explained from the elevator ride. The funk... well, it would fade.

Chris held the office door open for Ezra and gestured in. He made a tiny kiss motion with his lips, hazels smoldering. Greens leapt fire in response, dulling to contented friendliness when they trained into the office to greet the others for the morning.

Chris walked back to his desk, kicking at the door but making sure it stayed ajar. Vin had waited for him. He quirked a smile, catching Vin's approach by cupping his hands around the now redressed shoulders. He pecked a quick kiss on the bronze forehead then jerked his head towards the bullpen.

"Party's over, Sunshine. Back to work." He knew his voice would be heard outside. It was playful, chiding. Nothing nearing the intimate promises of what to come later that danced in his eyes.

Vin nodded, huffing for show as he exited the interior office with a roll of sparkling blues. Chris watched Vin and Ezra greet one another for the morning, noting each carried a pleased, jaunty flush - and yet neither had any idea what had caused it in the other.

It should be a great week, especially if all held to plan as flawlessly as his Monday morning had.

Chris grinned and nodded to himself... ooh damn he felt good. He whistled tunelessly as he rounded his desk and settled in.

***

Strobed light flashed, then the barn shook from the intensity of the answering thunderclap. The horses nickered, dancing with a tremor of apprehension as the storm raged on outside.

Chris was oblivious to it all.

He was perched on a hay bale that had been hastily covered with a flannel, but the bite of the golden, hollow tubes itched him as he moved.

Vin was looking down at him, his long legs locked at the ankles, hooked at the small of the Texan's back. Vin was buried to the hilt within him.

They surged at a rapid pace, filled with fire and lust and a bit of the tempest that surrounded them.

Chris tightened his hold on Vin's cock, watching blue eyes roll then close. He rippled higher and higher with his hips, gritting his teeth, hands spreading wide to plant around the opposite ends of the bale.

It didn't take much more coaxing on his part to have Vin surrendering.

Bucking throes were his answer, handsome face locked in concentration and pleasure, the arms braced at either side of his head shaking with effort and weakness from orgasm.

Vin oozed onto him. Chris opened the hold he had with his legs, lifting with his spine.

Vin sunk deeper.

Both men groaned.

When eventually Vin had naturally loosened and slipped away, Chris angled himself. He grabbed his erection and gave it a few hard tugs. He came quickly but not satisfactorily.

"Damn... I'd have done that for ya, Chris." Vin's drawl was disappointed, regretful and a touch sheepish.

Chris smiled, leaning in for a kiss. "No, you have enough to worry about." His smile turned devilish, "Besides, you did me so good and had me wound so tight I was nearly there anyway. It didn't take much at all."

He lifted a brow, seeking wandering blue eyes. When they met his again he nodded. "Right?"

Vin thought it over then chuckled, eyes still traced with a few shadows but mostly appeased. "Yeah, you could say that."

Chris kissed him again. "Damn right I can." He wriggled his hips, their cooling bodies knocking together, bursts of their spent fire working to catch life again.

He was still wound tight. But that was the idea. However... wasting it in here with Vin wasn't...

Chris pulled a regretful expression, letting his fingers wander over Vin's skin. It reacted to his touch in perks and twitches. He leant in and licked at the bronze offering, nipping his teeth up Vin's neck as he whispered.

"We should get back inside. Don't think it's going to get any better out... and the boys are probably worried about us..." He let his tones linger as he kissed and bit, proving himself more wanting to stay out here even as he was voicing they attend reality.

Hands gripped around him in answer, pulling him into a close embrace. After a moment Vin nodded and levered away.

"You're right." Vin sighed then winked. "'Sides, the rain will be handy for explaining why we're all messed."

Chris smiled broadly and nodded back.

He had been worried getting Vin inside would be more difficult; had used the guilt of their concerned friends to its expected, and quite effective, use.

With a last kiss he moved away and set about getting dressed. Vin easily followed his lead.

It was a typical Friday gone atypical. The team was over at the ranch, ready for a long night of poker and too much food and alcohol. They'd decided to go for a quick ride before dinner, wanting to soak up the fresh spring air after being cooped up in the office for so long.

Halfway into their ride skies that had been turquoise serenity bruised angry and black, heavy clouds looming in ready threat over them as they hastened back to the barn. They'd just made it - Chris pushing the others to run for the house while there was still time as the first fat droplets began to unleash, that he and Vin would see to the horses, wait for a break in the rain and make a run for it themselves.

Then all hell had opened up above, marooning him with Vin - just as had been his intent.

They had bedded the horses down for the night, certainly. But that chore had been handled with quick efficiency. It hadn't been long before they were grappling against the back wall of the barn, hands and mouths furious over one another as they tore at each other's clothes.

The whole ride Chris had been flirting with Vin; subtle, private leads that only Vin would see to follow. The Texan hadn't disappointed him and by the time they were to the barn once more Vin looked almost ready to fuck him in front of the others.

Chris hid a grin and ducked his face.

Time to see to the fruits of the other half of his day's labor.

He didn't check on Vin, just made for the side door and leapt out into the pummeling rain. It wasn't long before he was completely soaked, feet bursting through puddles as he ran, thunder and lightning chasing him inside.

Chris stood, breathless and exhilarated, hazel eyes searching.

He grinned. Ezra was right there, waiting. He leaned close and murmured, "Come help me get dry and warm..." then he righted and walked away.

Vin was just entering as he was leaving the kitchen for his room; he threw a pointed wave and wink over his shoulder, eyes intent. Mildly he called, "Hit the shower in the guest room, Vin. There's plenty of hot water for both of us."

Blues flared but Vin only bobbed his head in answer.

Chris was through with his shower, stepping out into the cool of his room when hands took the towel he'd been scrubbing through his hair. It was hastily tossed aside. He chuckled knowingly and opened his mouth in answer to the lips trying to devour him whole.

He and Ezra spun across the carpet, feet almost tripping as they clamored towards the bed. They fell onto it without notice, the sharp change in position not slowing them at all.

Chris uncoiled himself from Ezra, lengthening so he could lower back down over the compact form.

"I do like casual Fridays," Chris teased huskily, lapping at Ezra's pale skin.

Ezra laughed back but otherwise didn't respond. Nothing more was said between them.

The storm acted as barrier again for Chris - sharp moans and guttural groans neatly concealed by the constant hammer of rain as it fell on the roof, their mutual noises of urgency further obscured by the violence of the lightning and thunder.

Chris filled Ezra easily, sheathing himself with a long, smooth thrust. He let his eyes close, savoring the clinging heat that now encased him. They rolled, Ezra moving to top him. He let his arms drop open, hands falling back onto the bed, fingers curling in and out in tiny spasms as Ezra undulated above him.

The ride was hard and fast, the bed kept from too much excess noise because of how they lay on it, across its narrow. Chris pushed against his feet, widening his legs so he could get better thrust. His hands found Ezra - one gripping into sodden hair, the other gripping around Ezra's hard arousal.

With a broken intake of breath that could have been a curse Ezra came, the climax and aftershocks massaging Chris so elementally and intimately. He skittered over the brink a second later.

Chris breathed, pulling in long draughts of air, fingers now trailing over Ezra's body where it had collapsed atop him. Much as he'd have enjoyed indulging in staying longer, seeing what else they could do, he knew they shouldn't. His quick shower had already taken too long anyway.

"Cowboy?" Vin's voice threaded into his room from the other side of the door. It wasn't pulled tight; a single touch would send it sweeping gently open.

Ezra tensed. Chris just laughed.

"I'll be there in a minute. Tell everybody to just keep their shirts on." He chuckled again, dipping his pelvis up and down.

Ezra's hands bunched against him, tight cry lodged in his throat.

Chris grinned. "Go and get dinner on the table. That'll give you mother hens something to do."

"Yeah, yeah," came the exasperated, affectionate answer.

He held onto Ezra's hips and pulled out then scooted away. Chris kissed one eyelid then another. "You'd better get. They'll be looking for you to put the knives and forks where they belong."

Green eyes opened, sparkling but drowsy. Ezra hummed. "Indeed." He cast a look down Chris' body. "Shame."

Chris smiled then mimicked, "Indeed."

Ezra leaned down and kissed him then stretched and rolled to a stand. Chris watched with no small appreciation as the pale form was stuffed back into clothes, feeling lazy and giving into it for the moment. Ezra's arrival would put off them wondering where he was.

A small wave then Ezra was gone. Chris flopped onto his back again, the completely satisfied smile denied Vin now gracing his lips and warming his eyes.

By the time he'd cleaned off again and made his way downstairs dinner was tabled and ready to go. He grinned at the candles flickering between all the place settings, asking whose idea it was to have a romantic dinner. Blue eyes brushed his in answer; green glittered with hidden, secretive amusement.

The teasing conversation moved along at its usual fast clip among the seven and soon the team was all settling down into their seats. Chris took his place at the head, one bare foot tangling under the table with Vin's, the other inviting Ezra's to come and play in his lap.

***

Chris fell onto the bed, chest heaving, head spinning, heart racing. Vin was next to him, blue eyes sealed shut, body in no better condition than he was. He lifted a hand and wiped the sweat off his forehead. His ass ached in the best way; straddling Vin and humping for all he was worth wasn't the worst way to wake up on a Sunday.

The mattress sagged in the middle. Chris and Vin naturally dipped towards one another. It made it a bit more of a challenge to not find himself within the clinging grasp that Vin often sought after a good fuck.

"You have got to get a better bed," Chris grumbled lightly.

Blue eyes slid open. A brow shot up. "Nothing wrong with it." To prove his point Vin wriggled closer, the sag now cradling both their long bodies, tucking them close. He rocked up and down then grinned, the bed groaning in protest. "'Course, after all the abuse we've been giving it lately, might just up and quit on me and I'll hafta get a new one."

Chris smiled absently. "That'd be good," he replied, mind already thinking about a shower then grabbing something to eat before heading out.

Things hadn't quite gone to plan but he couldn't complain. After spending Saturday playing with Ezra he'd disentangled himself to make good on vague dinner plans Vin had pounced on earlier in the week. They'd enjoyed a few too many beers, taken the rickety sofa for a test drive, pounded their way up the carpet in the hallway and had fallen asleep in an exhausted tumble on Vin's questionable bed. He'd woken up and felt in the mood so he'd taken what was always so willingly offered.

But now Chris was ready to go.

He sighed internally. Blue eyes were sleepy and satisfied, long arms keeping him pressed tight. It was clear Vin figured for today to be spent right here, right like this.

Chris opened his mouth when Vin pushed up for a kiss. He let his tongue laze out, trailed his fingers all along the warm skin, an erection just stirring. This wasn't exactly a hardship either - he simply had a few other itches that neeeded scratching, another date he wouldn't be denied keeping.

"Hey Chris?"

He gritted his teeth, knowing what that tone meant. He didn't stop his hands from exploring, though, using his knowledge to his pleasure and advantage. Chris speared a finger down into Vin's sweaty cleft, toying with the virgin hole. The other he trailed around the front to drift over Vin's tired cock.

"Think..." Vin groaned, low and deep, shuddering.

Chris kept up with his work. "Think what, hmm?" he asked quietly.

Vin writhed restively. "Maybe... well... you've never... taken me... think we could... you could..." The question was incoherent at best, paced as it was with deep breaths and moans.

Chris let his hand rest fully against Vin's spent organ. "When you're ready," he said softly, kissing away the argument from blue eyes and swollen lips.

He knew Vin was ready. Had been for a while. But Chris had a different taste for where to stick it, and tempting and satisfying as Vin was, he just wasn't that place.

As they kissed Chris worked away, shimmying out from the dip onto the mattress' firmer edge. His hands had traveled to cup around Vin's face. A last sound kiss and he pulled back, winking before rolling right out of the bed.

Chris hit the shower and gave himself a good scrub. When the door opened he said conversationally, "I'm starved, Cowboy. Think there's anything we could scare up to eat?"

Vin took the cue.

"I'll see what I can find while ya finish up, Cowboy." The endearment was shot back at Chris, several degrees more sincere when roughened by the Texan drawl.

Chris lathered up twice then rinsed clean. He stepped out and dried off quickly, wrapping the other dry towel around his waist. He journeyed down the hall to the kitchen, gathering his clothing as he went. When there he accepted the mug of coffee handed his way, bringing it to his lips before Vin could work in for a kiss. He winked then set it on the small counter.

The towel dropped when his fingers flicked over the rolled knot. Chris dressed with no particular hurry, piece of toast that he'd snagged off the plate Vin was preparing in one hand, the other grappling with buttons and bands. Chris downed the rest of his coffee then let the cup clank back down on the counter.

Before Vin could protest his leaving he drew the man in quick and tight, walking until they slammed into the fridge. Chris kissed Vin long and hard. When he pulled back blue eyes took a moment to flutter open; they met his, slightly dazed.

Chris grinned. "Damn good weekend, lover," he purred, nipping another quick kiss then adding a soft "thanks." He shoved a piece of toast into his mouth and carried another on his way out the door.

It didn't take him long to drive to Ezra's condo.

A look at his watch had him smiling. Ezra would more likely than not still be in bed.

Perfect.

Chris let himself in with his key. He expertly tapped the security code into the alarm system then weaved through the furniture, his path familiar and without thought as he made his way to Ezra's bedroom. When he got to the mostly closed door he was already out of his shirt, shoes and socks.

He pushed inside with near silence. A quick stop at the side table produced what he'd need. Chris stood at the side of the bed, hazel eyes hungry, feasting on the pale expanse of skin laid out for his gaze.

Ezra was sleeping face down, sprawled across his expensive and definitely not sagging mattress, paisley silk boxers the only thing on him save for the bit of sheet wrapped around his left foot.

Chris opened the lubricant and stroked it over his growing arousal.

A deft touch saw Ezra's boxers slipped loose. Next Chris climbed onto the bed. He poised himself over Ezra then leaned in to investigate.

He pushed two slick fingers into Ezra, grunting approval at how easily the opening relaxed and expanded to accept them.

They were soon replaced with his needy erection.

Chris held Ezra in place, wanting his legs to surround Ezra's instead of the other way around. This position made the channel that much tighter, that much better. He gripped hips now dancing in reaction, lifting enough to slam further home. Chris' head fell back and he hissed.

"Oh yeah..." escaped his tight throat on a breath.

Ezra pushed up in answer, internal muscles playing over his length, hips wriggling in opposite direction to Chris' thrusts. Chris straightened his back and pushed harder and faster, his hand reaching around to bring Ezra off as quick as he could.

Ezra's breath broke first in a jagged sigh. Then he broke, tearing through climax with a powerful growl.

Chris bared his teeth with an urgent grimace, slamming once, twice more, then he shot his load. He listed forward, hips still pumping as he rode out the orgasm's waves, working any last remnant of pleasure loose to zing through him. When entirely spent, Chris surrendered, giving into the enticing lassitude calling for him.

They laid together, dozing in and out, Ezra still on his stomach, Chris on his side where he'd fallen onto the bed.

Eventually they stirred. A green eye pried open to meet Chris' waiting gaze.

"Miss me already?" Ezra's voice wasn't honey smooth. It was husky and somewhat labored, coy yet pleased.

Chris scooted in closer then lifted Ezra's leg, throwing it over his hip. He snugged in tight, letting his hand drop behind Ezra and between the spread legs so he could fist his cock. This time might take a bit more work, but the entrance hovering so invitingly where he'd positioned himself just begged for more - as did challenging green eyes. Chris didn't see any reason to deny either of them.

Several determined minutes later found him sliding up and in, Ezra's eyes drooping in response, pale body arching on the bed away from Chris' hold.

He worked his pelvis with quick up, down movements, toes curling against the mattress for better leverage.

"Hell yeah I missed this," Chris gritted out as he surged on.

***

Vin Tanner and Ezra Standish sat together, silent, lost in their own thoughts. Vin was holding a beer. The near empty bottle would soon join its brethren where they sat, a small line marching against the side of Ezra's couch. Ezra was done tossing back the brandy - now he was sipping on his third with a bit more care.

It wasn't normal for either of them to have so much to drink on a Wednesday night. But this wasn't exactly a normal Wednesday, so they'd decided it rated special consideration.

Chris was no longer leader of Team Seven. He'd agreed to a promotion. Would be leaving post haste for his new position as some higher up advisor type god-knows-what overpaid paper pusher.

The news had come as a complete surprise to Team Seven.

Though they had theories.

Something to do with Chris and Orrin having a "discussion" loud enough to be heard down the hall. A floor down.

Travis' newest secretary leaving the office in a fluster, disheveled and red faced soon after the AD's arrival.

The young, buxom brunette was now gone as well.

It wasn't the first argument the team leader and director had shared. It wasn't even the loudest or most heated. But it was clear Orrin had reached his fill and wasn't about to be having any more.

Certainly none about Chris boning his assistant on his just reupholstered leather settee. The indiscretion had added the final insult to killing injury.

Instead of outright busting Chris down, Orrin had offered the promotion. It would remove Larabee from his orbit while preserving Chris' career. A concession Travis was willing to make in return for the stellar record Team Seven had put in under Chris' leadership. Chris had snapped it up in a moment.

Buck had muttered darkly about it, saying he knew Chris was looking fit to be tied and that he should have offered drinks and loose women last weekend instead of waiting until the coming Thursday to bring it up.

JD, Josiah and Nathan had all taken it in their respective strides. JD rolling his eyes, the browns now totally dimmed of any remaining hero worship they once knew in regards to Christopher Larabee.

Josiah had nattered about youth being misspent on the young, then saying once again that he really was getting too old for all this.

Nathan hadn't looked pleased. To say the least. But he'd spared them a lecture, one meant for Chris anyway, tossing in his two cents as they all sat around in the Saloon commiserating on what had happened. They'd worked through it together over more than a few beers, holding one another up as they all reeled along, putting the pieces back so they fit without Chris.

Buck had been bumped up to team leader. They had all agreed unanimously that Wilmington should take the position. Well, all except for Buck's dissenting vote, but it was one the rest decided didn't count. They were still to be Team Seven - but Ezra was resigning as an undercover agent so he could be an active member of the team at all times. Assignments and duties would be about the same, all told.

When they'd broken up for the night - and the coming week, for Travis had given them leave until the next Monday - Ezra had invited Vin back to the condo and Vin had accepted.

They both had similar theories to what more had been driving Chris. Ones that coincided, having more than a little to do with one another.

The fact that they'd both been pulling away from Chris over the past weeks. That the very day Chris had played ride 'em cowboy in Orrin's office they'd both said a firm no to him when he'd whispered heated invitations to sneak away for 'something more.'

Despite Vin and Ezra's deeper understanding of Chris' motivations it was still a shock he would be leaving, that though they were still mostly intact the famed Team Seven had taken a mighty blow.

Of course, that wasn't anything compared to what had happened over the past weekend.

Vin had come to the end of his tether with chasing his thoughts around. He needed someone else to talk to, wanted another opinion on what exactly it was that he and Chris had. Or lacked.

He hadn't even needed to think about whom to go and discuss it with. Ezra had been the natural answer.

It was Sunday, midafternoon, so he'd seen no problem with simply heading over unannounced. Such behavior had never bothered Ezra before.

When he'd gotten there Vin had certainly realized part of his answer. Chris and Ezra had been fucking one another near blind, perched halfway up the stairs.

That hadn't been the first thing he'd seen. It had started small, clues escalating from there until Vin had given in and peeked in Ezra's window.

He'd arrived in time to watch the scene unfold, sitting mouth agape, parked across the street from Ezra's condo.

First Chris loping from his truck to the front door, wide, anticipatory smile on his face. Then it was Ezra's greeting, warm and receptive. Vin was always warmly welcomed as well, that couldn't be argued - but Ezra had never grabbed him and hauled him inside.

He'd known from the suggestion in Chris' hips as they followed Ezra. Felt it in the vibrating lines of his lover's body, poised and so ready, just about to burst once the door closed them off from the world.

Long, angry strides had gotten him from his jeep to the house in moments. Then he'd stood there, unsure, his doubts grown tenfold with dozens more companions in tow.

He hadn't bothered with knocking. Part of him wanted the brutal truth of seeing them without the glass between them - another part wanted to scare them both shitless, catch them in the act. Vin had used his emergency key, pushed inside and let the door hang wide, standing there with his arms crossed over his chest while the alarm squawked.

They were still on the stairs and for a minute looked ready to topple over. Vin would have laughed if they had. His deceivers managed to catch themselves; Chris so he could saunter down the treads and stand in front of him, Ezra making short work of getting the alarm turned off and shutting the door.

Vin had been ready to rip into both of them when he'd seen it. Green eyes so stunned they didn't even look like Ezra any longer, fear and anger starting to mingle with the abject incredulity. Ezra had staggered back to the stairs then had fallen onto one, the shirt that had been hanging open now pulled closed with one hand, the other holding up his pants.

Ezra's reaction told Vin what he'd needed to know.

It was confirmed by Chris'.

Hazel eyes, smirking and unapologetic, meeting his evenly in calm unrepetantance.

Hell, the man had been standing there, lighting stroking his cock, exposed from the open V of his unbuttoned pants and split boxers. As if he was expecting Vin to say his piece, bob his head like usual and then turn around and leave the way he'd arrived.

It hadn't quite worked like that.

Ezra was far too keen an observer to miss Vin's answering shock and betrayal. There would be no going back from this moment for any of them - certainly no Vin leaving with a bob of his head and Chris and Ez picking up where they left off.

"Be reasonable."

That's what Chris had said.

"Be reasonable. I never said anything about exclusivity... we're all consenting adults... what's the big deal? Not like you haven't enjoyed yourselves..."

Vin knew what the big deal was. And in a way he hated himself for it. But in others he knew there was no fault to be found with his current state.

He'd started allowing himself more - mushy feelings about Chris that had started yearning for more, those beguiling emotions so much a part of his confusion.

Chris' callous, near indifferent reaction was more than Vin needed to figure out the rest of what had been going on, inside himself and between them. It explained the part of him he'd been inexplicably unwilling to let loose to trust; it explained why Chris was always there but never felt present.

While he'd stood trying to wrap his mind around everything, Ezra had sprung to life. The southerner's nonplussed state had not lasted long.

His famously cutting tongue had lashed right out, slicing Chris to tiny pieces right before Vin's eyes. The tirade - if it could be called that, for all its quiet and level coolness - had been brutal and to the point.

Chris was to get out, not to come back.

And would Vin be interested in a drink.

Still, Chris hadn't capitulated. There had been no apology; the man truly saw no need for one. He perceived lies by omission as not being lies at all. A position he found not shared by his two lovers.

He'd left Ezra's place easily enough. Hazel eyes confident as they appraised, looking smugly sure that both would be coming to their senses - and back to him - soon enough.

It hadn't happened. So Chris had spent a very frustrating three days of 'ring around the desk' with both of them, culminating in his arrogant, self provoked recklessness with Ms Bobbie Sims.

Vin shook his head, a bitter laugh escaping him. "Wanna know something funny?" he asked, tone dry, ensuring Ezra it wouldn't be humorous at all.

"Certainly. Do share," Ezra responded brittlely, any bit of patience the intonation may have had completely drained at the prospect of hearing another of Chris' self serving untruths.

"He never wanted to take me." Vin turned his head so he could look at Ezra. He sighed, blue eyes tight. "Thought it was lovin' and caring of him at first. Never been with a man before and he'd said we should take our time. Have it when I was ready." His mouth twisted wryly, an acrimonious grimace. "Thing is, he was the one who wasn't ready." Vin looked away. "More like uninterested," he muttered.

Ezra laughed. Vin knew it wasn't directed at him.

"Ah, well, he told me that he'd need his own time until I was to take him - though he assured me of his desire to see it happen." Ezra's tongue tsked. "He had the gall to tell me of a bad experience, no doubt completely fabricated, making it difficult for him to be on the receiving end." The drawl changed, becoming harsher. "I had the gall to believe him."

Vin sighed. "Lies. Jus' like everything else."

Ezra nodded in agreement and took another sip of his drink.

He didn't really know what else to say. Was very glad Ezra knew exactly how he felt. It wasn't as lonely or degrading to sit with Ezra as company, the two sharing mostly long spells of contemplative silences with confessionals interspersed. They knew all there was to know by now; how it had started with Chris, the things he'd told each of them, how they'd felt going in and how their feelings had been changing as their relationships had wound along.

They'd both been masterfully played. Chris had lied to them both on so many levels and about so many things. Let's keep it our secret... enjoy only us... he'd said in seductive, cherishing whispers. So they had. Someone might not understand, even our friends, and I can't bear to risk this... So they hadn't. And though both were angry and feeling suitably used and abused, neither were exactly heartbroken. They had enjoyed the sex with Chris; had coveted secret thoughts that one day it could become more. But neither had invested themselves wholly, body and soul. Vin had discovered Ezra was in nearly the same place as he'd come to exist. Confused, not wanting of just the hot, randy fucks anymore. That the rosy blush of new had faded from the bloom - and the spice of the forbidden wasn't even enough to sustain any longer.

Vin finished off his beer and let it drop loose from his fingers to fall onto the carpet. It clanked dully against the others.

To add to the strangeness of it all, after interrupting Chris and Ezra, there hadn't been any big confrontations. No moment where Vin could sink his teeth in and give Larabee what for - no chance for him to vent and no opportunity for Chris to atone. ...As if the man would... It was just dying away, his quasi-relationship with the man he'd thought of as closer than friend and had known as lover, their status as a whole team already finding new balance; even the awkwardness towards Ezra now feeling like an understanding haven.

It was the same for Ezra. Vin had made a point to ask.

Part of him hated Chris all the more for being able to get away with it, that no great havoc was wreaked in Chris' life for literally and figuratively fucking both him and Ezra over. Mostly, though, he was relieved, and there was no getting around that. He was allowing his own selfishness to flourish by accepting what had happened as best case scenario, all things considered. He wasn't going to lose his job because he'd decided to stop screwing the boss - he wasn't going to lose Ezra as a friend or teammate - and neither of them had to figure out how to avoid Chris in the future.

Sure, he'd be around. But being transferred to another building across town, perhaps further given time, was more than enough for Vin. People drifted for no reason or impetus at all. Letting go of Chris - and him doing the same - wouldn't prove to be that much of a challenge.

Vin was also jaded enough in the ways of the world to know that people like Chris rarely got exactly what the deserved. So now he'd decided to work on letting it go - no forgive and forget bullshit, but no wasting his hate on the bastard either.

"Can I get you another?" Ezra asked softly, breaking into Vin's thoughts.

He shook his head. Vin bit his lip and looked away. There was something on his mind to ask, something he wasn't sure should be. Something that he'd been thinking for a while now, long before he'd known about Chris' duplicity but long after he'd known just what bliss could come from another man. He sighed and made up his mind. He'd always felt close to Ezra, this disaster that had seen them both run through sharpening that feeling all the more - bringing to the fore a niggling want that could now be answered.

"Ez?" he said simply.

Vin waited until green eyes met his. When they did he nodded.

"Thing is, I still wanna know."

Ezra's brow creased. They'd both agreed there would never be any knowing about Chris' motives - beyond admitting a selfish streak miles wide and fathoms deep.

Vin shook his head. "Ain't about Chris." He took in a breath. "I wanna know what it feels like to be taken." Before he lost momentum he added, "I want for it to be you. Not just 'cause of this, either."

It was important to him that Ezra understand it wasn't mere curiosity or having made acquaintance with an itch he might not easily scratch without Chris around.

Green eyes widened, pale skin shocking whiter then flushing pink.

To Vin's amazement Ezra's hand inched across the small space separating them to take his.

"I believe I should like to know, too."

Vin thought about that a minute. He decided to take it as it sounded to him. "Would like that, having ya in me. Think I woulda even without Chris bein' such a prick."

He chuckled softly, not quite sure where that last bit had come from, but knowing it was the truth. It seemed this week wasn't ready to quit with its revelations.

Green eyes appraised him, wary and pleased, expectant and cautious - an honest mix.

Vin tightened his grip and nestled closer into the couch. "Good," he said firmly but quietly.

Ezra's fingers clasped back, then he too was settling further into the cushions. "Very good indeed." His voice was smooth again, but not to cover emotion or imperfections. It just sounded right. "When it's time," he drawled after a long bout of quiet.

Vin nodded, the aching clamp that had taken residence around his heart diminishing for the first time in what felt like ages. "Yeah," he agreed, tone a near whisper. "When it's time."

Silence surrounded them again, even and reassuring as the steady hold they kept with their tangled fingers.

End