Reed '03: Distraction

Ezra was breathless - it was all he could do to suck in tight gasps of air at this point. His waist hurt so much it was starting to cramp the rest of his being. His left arm tingled, affected by the restriction about his middle. His eyes burned; he was constantly blinking now, trying to rid his eyes of the caustic mud created from the makeup pigments and dust and sweat.

He was a tangle of the most putrid violet and black lace he'd ever laid eyes upon. He was hot and scratchy and felt vile and violated. The treatment he'd received since being spirited away from Wickstown hadn't helped his condition.

Vin had swooped into the 'saloon tent,' blue eyes intense, almost furious. As soon as Ezra had been spotted he'd been grabbed close and hustled out the back. Peso and Chaucer were waiting.

There hadn't been any words from Vin. No 'good job.' No 'glad you're okay.' Not even a softening of those beautiful blues when they were a safe distance from the melee unleashed back at the pleasure camp. Just gritted teeth and white knuckles, cheeks stained with displeasure and merciless riding away and away.

The last of Ezra's feelings of accomplished satisfaction crumbled to nothing as the silence wore on. He couldn't prevent clenching his jaw in answer, nor how his shoulders snapped to a firm line, his spine ramrod straight and unforgiving. It was a posture of self-preserving defiance, one he'd armed himself many times within the past. It came back to him with familiar ease.

Their brisk, determined pace ensured the ride wasn't a long one. Soon both mounts were being steered through a gap in the bracken, bringing them to emerge within a sequestered half circle of rocky earth nestled against a vaulting rock face. The seven had used it as a campsite before. Would certainly use it again. It was sheltered and not immediately visible from the trail. That was about as safe as it got out here.

Vin was off Peso and to Ezra's side in a few long strides. Ezra would have knocked Vin away, protested the strong hands that gripped his waist to help him off Chaucer, but he had to concede needing the assistance. It would have required him taking a header to get dismounted otherwise.

As soon as his booted feet crunched dirt he wrenched away. Ezra felt ridiculous. Beyond ridiculous. It was humiliation and anger and need for reprisal. A cutting hurt that bruised far deeper than any of the rest - this treatment from Vin he couldn't understand but left him flustered, his mortification redoubled. Which of course only furthered his ire, for Ezra wasn't one to easily allow others to influence his shame.

The once proud feathers that had adorned the miserable, scratching wig hung wilted against his cheek. They tickled into his ear and nose as he moved blindly away from Vin. With a leashed bark of frustration he grabbed at them and ripped them from the black hair. Ezra threw them to the ground, the abused fronds floating with remnants of their delicate dignity to land gently on the rocks about him. He growled then stomped on them for good measure.

The wig was now half off as well. It was a bulky annoyance rattling on top of his head, shifting with awkward heaviness one way then the other as he moved. Ezra's fingers dug into the false curls and he ripped at them, movements sped and jerky from his unbalance at the whole damnable situation. Hot tears speared behind his eyes as he continued to tug.

Ezra knew there had to be a better way but he couldn't face waiting, so he just dug in further and kept pulling. He heard his own hair rip as well, his taut skin burning in protest as the last of the securing pins held fast, but he didn't care. He just had to be out of the thing. At last it gave, the black, tangled mass falling into his hands. He threw it down to join the feathers.

He wrapped his fingers around his ears and uncoupled the swaying jewels from his lobes. Two angry red marks were left as a reminder of having worn them, his ears throbbing dully in aftermath. The earrings were tossed onto the wig.

Ezra started on the wretched dress next.

He bunched the hem into his fists and yanked with all his might. In the back of his mind a small, rational voice was cautioning him to temper his reactions, that this would do him no good. Ezra was too far gone to listen.

The first tug did nothing. Neither did the second. His third attempt at getting free produced a great rip in the fabric, but satisfying as doing harm to the accursed frock was, it got him no further along.

Suddenly something very cold and very purposeful pressed into the skin of his neck. Instantly Ezra stilled. He sensed more than purpose from the glint of metal - a tremor of danger accompanied the gesture.

Ezra curbed his frustration and did his best to bring his breathing back into check. His hands shook at his sides and he closed his eyes, trying to get his fingers to uncurl from the cinched violence they clutched at the purple and lace with.

A soft whispering sigh met his ears. At first Ezra wasn't sure what the sound was from, but realization came quickly. The dress loosened from his body, shucking from him. He didn't even have to step out of it - the single cut Vin had rendered though it from neck to hem made such action unnecessary.

Ezra flopped his arms a few times then the dress was unlatched. He watched the ruined confection of damask and silk puddle in front of him. It spread and slithered as it landed, oozing in billows until the last gust of air worked out from under it. He would have kicked it further away but was prevented when the ties holding the corset biting to him were tugged sharply.

He staggered backwards a few paces, his lungs forcibly expelling the tiny bit of oxygen they could capably hold within the corset's strangle. The small heel of the boots he was wearing weren't meant for such treatment and his ankle wobbled then collapsed. Ezra cursed through a grimace when rippling pain shot up his leg. A steadying arm wrapped around his waist for a brief moment then was gone.

The hand that had held around his ribs spread and traveled over the corset, across Ezra's chest then rounded his shoulder. Down the intricately woven seam in the restricting garment it bumped until it snagged in the ties at the small of his back. Again they were pulled and Ezra's mouth gaped open in silent, stammering response. He had no more air to give.

Next strong fingers pushed up under the bottom edge, the nails scraping against his skin. They wriggled in until buried to the knuckle. Ezra swayed to the side and his eyes closed. A tiny, near-whimper escaped him as his solar plexus was forced to cope with being housed within the corset all the tighter.

Just when he was certain his lungs, then stomach, then head would explode - if he didn't pass out first - sublime relief delivered him.

Ezra doubled over when he sucked down his first truly full breath in hours. It surprised him how much it hurt to no longer be restricted, that he'd grown horribly accustomed to taking in tiny gasps and the ceaseless pressure that had banded his midsection.

He coughed and spluttered then was smacked with an intense wave of vertigo. Ezra's eyes rolled and he listed forward the rest of the way to land on his knees. His chest kept expanding, his body now greedy for more and demanding he give in to that want. The hands that had so effectively cut him loose spanned over his back, massaging with deep, encouraging circles over his indented skin.

Ezra wasn't given a long respite.

As soon as he'd managed a long draught of air without choking on it his shoulders were pushed until he was sitting on the ground. Vin circled around him, long bowie knife and blue eyes gleaming with unwavering intent.

The size-too-small boots were split efficiently. Two long cuts were all that was required, the knife dancing capably into and out of the dusty black leather from Ezra's instep all the way to their tops where his calf began to flare. He never worried for a moment that blade might nick him instead. Silken stockings, now plastered to his feet, were peeled free and tossed aside.

Ezra grunted then moaned with unadulterated relief and appreciation when at last his tortured feet were able to curl to their natural length and span. He bit his lip when blood found his toes again, rushing to fill the banished appendages with warmth and stinging prickles.

It felt so good.

He leaned back on his hands, both palms pressed into the earth behind him, elbows locked. His head sagged forward onto his chest, his eyes heavy and closed. Ezra gloried in the normalcy of body functions performing at a rhythm he'd always taken for granted, his breaths slow and deep and even, his heart not fluttering stridently into his throat.

Ezra figured a bit of gratitude was in order. When he opened his eyes to find Vin he had to let his head fall backwards so he could gaze up at the man now looming over him. Ezra's brows knit in question and traces of annoyance. The handsome face wasn't as grim but it was still set, the blue eyes still distant.

The wordless, determined handling continued. Vin bent close then levered away again, hauling Ezra to his feet. A hand furrowed into his hair to hold him then one of Vin's bandanas was being scrubbed across his face. It was wet and cooling and smelled of the soap they shared. Ezra's mouth relaxed into a faint smile.

The cloth was lowered a few times so Vin could examine Ezra's face. Blue eyes would flash and narrow and the soft fabric would continue its chore, pushed along by Vin's gentle but firm thumb. Finally Vin nodded when Ezra's face was revealed for the fifth time. The bandana was tucked into a pocket. Vin retreated.

The only concession Ezra had not made to dressing the part of a woman was trading his summer knickers for petticoats. The thin, silky stockings had been unavoidable - his feet would never have slid into the boots otherwise. Wearing the corset for the shape it would help give him and his ruse was far as Ezra would go. He'd asserted the outer appearance was in no way marred by his keeping his usual undergarments intact. No one had dared argue that point.

It might have been foolish, holding so adamantly to staying in a pair of his underwear instead of the beribboned petticoat, but he hadn't cared. It was a final vestige and he'd be damned if he'd give it up.

Vin continued to stare and Ezra shifted. He was standing almost naked under the afternoon sun, his bare feet imprinting the dirt, all of him exposed save for the parts that were being clung to by his sweaty shorts. His face tingled from being so thoroughly cleaned and he still felt he was expanding to fit into his own skin again. But he withstood the inspection he was being leveled with. Ezra wasn't quite certain what was driving Vin but he felt it best not to push, that his answer would come in time. So he remained, open and at last himself again, the momentary disgruntled feelings towards Vin and his pitched state of humiliation and frustration relieved as well.

When Vin finally reacted he still didn't speak. What he did do was much better.

Blue eyes flashed again, but this time with a hunger and expectancy that were thrillingly familiar to Ezra. Short work was made of the distance between them then Vin's arms closed around Ezra and he was drawn tight against his lover's chest. His head tipped back and his eyes closed, his mouth drifting open. It was all the invitation that was required.

Vin's mouth covered his with voracious abandon, one hand spearing to tangle in his hair, the other slipping into his shorts so fingers could rest cupped against his nether cheek. Teeth knocked and bodies surged, the two swaying in place where they stood locked in their heated embrace.

Much later and with some of the raw need assuaged Vin eased away, his voice husky and sincere, the tone teasing Ezra's aroused senses.

"I'm so glad you're okay."

A trail of kisses was laid from the corner of Ezra's lips to earlobe. The tender flesh was sucked into Vin's mouth, the bruising from the earrings coaxed to healing by long swipes of his tongue.

Ezra shuddered in response, his fingers balling into tighter fists where they held onto Vin.

"You did real good, Ez," was breathed into the ear before Vin dived in for another kiss.

Ezra gave without hesitation.

Vin's hands roamed now, dusting with methodical intent all along Ezra's body, almost as if making sure. They spread and caressed, kneading over and into all the places he ached from enduring the disguise, curing them all. When finally they slowed to allow time for breathing they continued to kiss and nibble, the two bent close, aware of nothing but one another.

Fingers fanned across Ezra's crown and he allowed himself to be led, gratefully coming to rest against Vin's chest. His whole body sighed with content and reestablished equilibrium. He toyed with the buttons on Vin's shirt, his other hand stroking a continuous line up and down a curved spine.

At last he pulled away. He smiled wryly. "I take it you did not appreciate my comely display?" He tried not to sound worried or disappointed.

Vin blushed, his hand moving to cup Ezra's jaw. He shook his head. "Just like this so much better," he said simply.

Ezra managed a quiet, "Oh."

Blue eyes teased with loving humor. "I could say I also knew how damn uncomfortable you were by the time we got here, wanted to keep you from going out of your mind trying to get loose of that thing," the word was stressed, almost spat from Vin's lips, "but that'd only be part of the truth. Mostly I just needed you again. Bad."

Ezra nodded. His face warmed with an affectionate smile and his hands patted reassuringly against Vin. "I know the sentiment completely," he said, breaking into a full grin.

They laughed and shared another lingering kiss.

"You know Ez, you make a damn ugly woman." Vin's tone wasn't harsh or unkind, the continued kisses taking the rest of the bite from the statement.

Ezra feigned affrontery. "Why how dare you," he accused. He scowled, green eyes laughingly giving him away. He poked a finger into the chest cradling him. "It was your damn idea."

Vin grinned, completely unabashed. "No one else coulda pulled it off. You know it, I know it. Imagine making the offer to Chris or Nate." A brow arched.

Ezra nodded his head. "Hmm," he intoned noncommittally.

"Buck would never have been believable as a woman - or at least not the kind interested in attention from men." Blue eyes waggled and Vin's smile grew wicked.

Ezra tried to hold in a snort.

"JD might have worked, what with his long lashes and being younger and all… but he don't have a conning bone in his body."

"Indeed. He'd have been eaten alive," Ezra agreed.

Blue eyes glowed. "And just try and picture Josiah in a dress. I dare ya."

Ezra couldn't quite suppress his shudder. He closed his eyes with a sharp exhalation, ridding his mind of the image. With it gone he opened them again to pin Vin in place with a hard look.

"Why not you then?" Ezra twirled a finger into Vin's hair, one of the silken locks coiling around it. His brow rose in question.

Vin shook his head. " 'Cause I wouldn't have done as good a job… 'cause this way I could be sure to keep you safe and watch your back… 'cause I just wouldn't have been willing." Blue eyes dulled with hints of guilt and self-recrimination.

Ezra thunked the heel of his hand into Vin's shoulder. "Enough of that nonsense," he ordered.

Vin's eyes clouded and Ezra tsked.

"There is plenty I am unwilling to do that you perform with an unfaltering sense of duty."

He held Vin's gaze until the head bobbed in affirmation of his statement. Then he grinned evilly.

"Of course, I can't think of a one at this moment, but I'm sure there has to be something…" he trailed off with a put-upon sigh, looking off into the distance, face scrunching in a moue of concentration.

Vin harrumphed then he was roughly jostled, looking back in time to see the last bit of distance between them negated as his lover bore in for a heated kiss.

When that bout of passion was spent Vin whispered, "Well, all the same Ez, thank you."

Ezra knew too well than to tease at this one. He nodded his head against Vin's and answered with a quiet, "You are most welcome, Vin."

After another moment in loving contemplation the arms about him tightened then released. Vin moved away.

"Have a change of clothes for you in my saddlebags. Figure you might want them about now." A blue eye winked.

Ezra smiled. "Honestly, I hadn't noticed." His hips circled in a sensuous movement to once again reconnect with Vin's, one he wasn't entirely in control of.

Vin laughed then ducked his head, his lips pulling in an expression of hunger, blue eyes gleaming. A hard kiss followed then he tore himself away, grumbling the entire of the short walk to Peso's side.

Ezra dressed with care but didn't take his time over it. They were expected back in town - lingering here could cause undue worry, pleasant as it was.

"What should we do with this?"

He turned his head to regard Vin. His lover was standing over the tattered remains of the getup he'd worn.

"We certainly cannot return them to their owner," he sighed. He hadn't meant to destroy it all; he also wasn't overly concerned.

The attire had been borrowed from one of the girls that had escaped Wicks - one that he'd been tutoring in the fine art of etiquette. They'd been lucky Miss Amelia was a large woman. Nothing dainty would have fit Ezra's stocky, muscular build. Ezra was personally lucky Miss Amelia found him so charming. He was certain she wouldn't hold the ruination of an outfit against him.

"I suppose I shall have to furnish her with a replacement," Ezra said finally. He was more than willing to do such.

Vin's elbow teased into Ezra's side. "Yeah, that or her rich husband-to-be can."

Ezra shook his head with a smile. "Either way, I have no doubt Miss Amelia will be just fine." He eyed the distasteful bundle Vin was now holding. "I do believe we might have just considerably improved her lot in life."

They shared a dark chuckle then made for their mounts. Just before they rode out Vin leaned in and they kissed once more, this one shorter, almost chaste, but no less rewarding.

As they started on their way Ezra observed nonchalantly, "Chris might not have appreciated it if approached for this particular task, but I must confess to believing he'd pass muster if dressed like a woman."

Vin barked with surprised laughter. "Oh yeah? Why's that?""

Ezra opened his eyes and let his mouth hang slack for a second. He shook his head and said with the appropriate amount of amazement, "Have you not noticed the man's lips? And how could the fact that he's long and lean yet with a shapely backside have gotten past your attentions?"

Vin's eyes narrowed to mere slits and after a long, deliberate silence he allowed a terse, "I suppose that's true enough." His voice was threaded with obvious dislike.

Ezra bobbed his head and smiled. "Of course it is," he said, tone pleased and as if completely unaware of Vin's pique. He kept nodding. "Yes indeed. Chris would have looked just fine in a dress." He tapped a finger against his chin. "Of course, I do think it would have required him borrowing from Lydia instead."

Ezra couldn't help but giggle a bit.

With this Vin broke, giving into the humor, allowing the spark of jealousy and warning to subside.

They rode on in companionable silence, then Vin's hand reached and closed over Ezra's to pull on the reins, slowing their pace. Ezra turned and met a steely blue gaze.

"Just so long as you don't notice his ass too often," Vin nearly growled.

Ezra smiled slyly. "Only when yours isn't around." He winked lasciviously.

He turned away and dug into Chaucer's flank then gave a tight yell of encouragement, grinning when he heard Vin curse and give chase.