Rowan '03: Recuperation

Ezra blinked his eyes.

At least, he tried to blink his eyes.

They were heavy and closed. Tired. Even with the lids down they felt fatigued, in need of more rest.

The gentle nudging came again and he made himself concentrate on his eyes. One lid first he focused on, sighing with relief when it fluttered open after a long moment of untrammeled command. The light shot inside, piercing his brain and he shut it again.

Ezra moaned softly.

"C'mon darlin'. Open those pretty perfect greens for me. C'mon."

The warm voice coaxed again and he drew in a long breath, holding it in his chest before letting it out just as slowly. Ezra lifted both lids this time, ready for the shock of light, peering through a bare slit at the person rousing him. He smiled without even thinking about it.

Buck.

"Ah...there ya are honey. Knew you were in there."

The rangy man's head tilted, looking up at him through the tiny allowance he'd permitted. The blue eyes sparkled happily, welcoming smile on the handsome face. Though the face was crinkled with the smile it was also carrying signs of wear. Concern, worry. Fatigue that paced his own. Ezra's brows furrowed.

Buck laughed. "Ain't ya glad to see me?" It was a tease that was laced with fear. Apprehension like a wraith trailing the forcibly cajoling tones.

Ezra relaxed his face, eyes opening a bit further. He smiled back. "My apologies – it was not in reaction to your beloved apparition, I assure you."

The blue eyes mellowed, losing the tight glint. Buck swallowed once, nodding slowly. The hand holding his – the hand he'd not even noticed, had just accepted as given fact – gripped closer.

"What is it then?"

The southerner shook his head. He groaned again, laughing at the idea that the incremental side-to-side would send him reeling. "I'm tired." His voice was dry, but not from intent. It was rough with disuse, gritty as his eyes still felt.

The hand holding his left promptly, working under his head with tender fingers, cupping into his curls with a light touch, holding his head up for a drink of water. It was glorious and cold.

Ezra grinned, turning into the secure hand. He shot a coy glance at his lover. "I can think of means in your power for me to be completely refreshed." Dark lashes flirted with the green eyes glowing for the man making the dent in the mattress next to him.

Buck's tongue shot out, licking full lips before the mustached man was leaning close, the needy grunt eloquent promise of all Ezra meant to him.

The kiss was reassuring, loving, gentle. Tongues played slowly, tasting and reaffirming. The free hand dusted up his chest then a long finger stroked down his cheek. The slow sweetness ended, Buck's forehead dropping to rest on his own, his head again nested in the pillow.

A husky murmur tickled over him.

"Came to see if ya wanted to go and get a bath."

Ezra chuckled. "I thought Mr Jackson forbade me from traipsing about. Not even unnecessarily – from doing it at all."

Soft kisses pressed into his brow, Buck's hand smoothing over his cheek, cupping around his neck. Warm breath fanned down his face.

"Nate left me in charge of ya. He had to see about Carver's leg fighting the gangrene. Won't be back for a few days." The man drew away again, azure eyes sparkling. "The first thing I thought of for taking care of ya was getting ya into a nice, hot bath." Dark brows waggled. "What do ya say?"

The gambler laughed. "I say very good thinking."

Another drink was gifted then, coupled with a husky chuckle. Ezra indulged in the dueling sensations – the cold of the water he could feel as it entered his parched body; the heat rippling through him from that caressing laugh. The cup was pulled away, replaced with soft lips pressing to his own, a scratching mustache tickling his nose. His lips and chin were laved, a tongue lifting the stray droplets of water that had escaped the cup, enlivened from his shaking hand that had lifted automatically to grip the tin. The kiss deepened, spills now addressed. He closed his eyes to enjoy.

They blinked open again when Buck moved away, the blue eyes glowing at him in the dim interior of Nathan's clinic and home. His hand was gripped tighter a beat then let go, his lover nodding and standing to come to lean over him. Ezra was lifted with strong, sure hands, his feet swung over so shoes could be put on. The lothario knelt then, slipping his feet one after the other into his dress shoes. Hands skipped up his legs, massaging lightly as they traveled, stopping around his waist. Blue eyes asked and he answered with a small nod, a trusting smile. The dizziness had subsided from sitting up. He was ready to stand.

The hands around his hips locked and Ezra followed the pull, swaying like a novice, reaching back to find the steadying mattress. The fledgling attempt only lasted a moment, then he was wrapped close in comforting arms, hauled into a warm embrace filled with Buck's scent, Buck's heat, Buck's secure care. The southerner let his head nestle against the broad chest, eyes drooping shut again. He breathed deeply of his love, feeling more rested because of the proximity, the heartbeat thrumming steadily and the all-body hug then from the few days spent recuperating in the clinic.

Buck moved with him in a slow rock, making Ezra feel they were engaged in a romantic slow dance, the never-ending vertigo that had been his constant companion for once alleviated with the gentle movement.

Awhile later lips sought through his mussed hair to taste his temple.

"Ready to go again darlin'?"

He nodded against the hold, listening to the rasp of skin and material as they moved together, his head still heavy and bent against Buck. Ezra managed to look up and smile, leaning back in the circle of the stable arms. A pluck of a kiss teased his forehead, trailing down his nose to land on his waiting lips. The arms tightened as the kiss continued, then Buck was gentling the action until finally they pulled away. The gambler nodded and smiled, the smile growing when he was turned very slowly, the strong arms staying about him so they could walk together towards the door.

Capable hands massaged into his hips as he took weaving steps, the taller man's frame shadowing his own as they walked out onto the decking. Ezra tensed, stilling their journey towards the staircase. Buck's easy laugh sounded behind him. The barest hint of a kiss branded his neck.

"Whole town knows you're hurt Ez. No one will think on me helping ya."

Ezra swore he heard his lover's wink. The southerner took in a deep breath and nodded, observing the quiet town that had seemingly no interest in observing them. It was passing dusk now – a surprise to him. He'd lost all sense of time in that clinic. Always did. It was also wonderfully refreshing and cool, the breeze welcome movement from the stilted air of his infirmary. The hands on his hips trailed up to cup around his flanks then tucked under his arms. A small nudge and they were walking again, the taller man staying close as he bobbled down the stairs.

When all four of their feet were flat on the dusty road a hand tightened.

"You need a rest?"

He shook his head, knowing he'd have assistance, ready for his bath.

"Just take is slow darlin'. I'm right here."

"I know." He smiled, the words spiced with texture from the gesture his lover couldn't see.

"Well then, giddy-up."

Ezra chuckled, shaking his head slightly. He started into motion again, purposefully stopping after only two steps. Buck tumbled into him and he shimmied his backside into the taller man's groin then started off again, stifling his laughter at the series of noises. The startled oof; the murmured apology; the groan spiked with heat; the low curse.

Hands tickled him and the southerner squirmed, walking slowly as he fought to ignore the punishment for his tease. Eventually he conceded, sparkling laughs tripping from his tongue as they neared the bathhouse. At the door the fingers pulled at him, stilling his forward pursuit. Buck maneuvered around him, blue eyes telling him to wait – then the door was opened for him and blue eyes coaxed.

The establishment was deserted, one of the copper tubs filled with steaming water. Hands entwined with his, the taller man walking slowly, slowly backwards, leading him to the low stool that had been situated next to the basin. Ezra closed his eyes when he sunk down onto the seat, face angling up in request for a kiss. A low laugh tumbled over him, fingers starting at his nose to open and span across his face to then tangle loosely in his hair. Breath puffed against his lips then was eclipsed by wetness tracing the seam between his. He opened his mouth in response to the tongue, meeting the approaching lips for a long, languid kiss.

When Buck pulled away Ezra felt heavy and relaxed, noting with detached surprise that his shirt had been unbuttoned and removed and his pants were undone. He smiled fondly at his lover, again kneeling before him, this time to remove his shoes. The gambler was brought up into another stand, his pants lowered, a shoulder sturdy and strong curled at his hand so he could step out, one leg after the other. His underthings were wisped off next, then he was hauled close for a long hug, the tender of his neck suckled with wet thoroughness.

Ezra allowed himself to be turned, the ever-steady hands guiding him into the bath and he lowered into the blessedly hot water. A long sigh escaped him. His eyes were too heavy again and he let them fall closed. The only sounds were the water lapping around his body, the shifting of the other man next to him, their breathing in the steamy room.

His head was tilted back and he let it fall, the warm water lifted and poured into his hair until it was wet. Fingers tunneled into his curls; the soap frothed and foamed, he could hear the dancing bubbles, the shifting hair. A low moan escaped him as the massaging deepened and continued, his scalp tingling when the attendants finally smoothed away, lathering down his neck to clean his shoulders. Cascading water was back, flowing over his head again and again until the soap was rinsed from his hair. A kiss to his forehead.

"Sit back up there darlin'."

Ezra hummed in compliance, oozing into the supporting hands helping him to sit up in the bath. He blinked several times, opening his eyes, smiling at his lover's face peering over the copper lip at him. Buck's fingers reached forward to tuck under his chin, the mustache twitching under an affectionate smile. They drifted away, lowering into the water, meeting their twin to twirl a washcloth over the surface, lifting the dripping fabric to be wrung, soap lathered into the nap.

The rough heat of the cloth was relieving pleasure, taking the paradoxical dry stickiness of sick and disuse from his person, the staleness that comes from staying in battered clothes and tight sheets for too long. The cloth shuttled over his pinked flesh, caressing into folds, scratching his weary skin and soothing over flat planes. His feet were enveloped, each toe rounded with the texture, the arch deeply massaged. Then the hands and the cloth traveled on.

Up his legs to nip into his groin, making his eyelids flutter at the sensation. Just enough to warm him, sending flashes singing through his veins. Not enough to get anything more started than could be accomplished in this place, in his state. He sighed dreamily, hips rocking loosely from side to side along the cloth held firm, smiling when a delighted laugh and a soft kiss was granted before the washing ascended to his torso.

Buck pronounced him clean, the voice edging with worry that even if it felt good he had to get out. The water was cooling. He opened his eyes again, lifting his hand to curl into the thick, silky hair, bringing the handsome face close. He tasted the beads of condensation that rested on the furrowed brow – steam that clung in the cheek hollows, the cleft in the chin. He nuzzled into his lover's face, pushing up for a quick kiss then he stirred.

Strong arms came about him immediately, helping him up. He was shaky from the relaxing and the exertion. One hand stayed cupped around his hip, the other raking along his limbs to lave the remainders of the scented bathwater that were standing in glowing drops on his skin. Then he was urged to move, lifting one leg then the other to plant on a folded towel, standing to have another wrapped about him.

"Feel better honey?"

"Oh my yes. Thank you." His drawl was long and breathy, sleepy and satisfied. He slanted his eyes at the taller man, smiling as he was scrubbed dry.

His head was enclosed with the towel, brisk rubbing drying his hair. Hands let it fall open, Buck's eyes humorous and warm, the clear blues closing as the man drew near. He opened willingly for the pressing mouth, the dancing tongue. Ezra panted when the intimately knowing lips left his, holding fast as the rest of him was dried.

A moment he stood, eyes closed, hovering on the towel as he waited, suspended. He could hear movement, something slick. Then warm hands covered his shoulders, swiping down, leaving lotion in their wake. The process was continued until the whole of him had been quenched with the crème, even the soles of his feet, nips and kisses cutting in when hands left pale skin idle.

Buck's gentle purr washed over him, his lover's warm voice a monologue as he was dressed.

"Lift your arms darlin'... there ya go. Here's an older shirt... soft now, more comfortable... gimmie your right arm. That's right. Now the left."

A short kiss was his reward, then the prattling murmur continued.

"One button... two buttons... on down to the best part."

He yelped when something else was kissed, fire spearing from the epicenter where the mustache was tickling out through his body. He swayed and groaned. Hands gripped his hips, surging against his flanks to steady him. A low, husky chuckle then the susurrus voice burred on.

"Hold onto my shoulder now... up with your shortpants. One leg now the other... there we go. Now with your slacks... keep holding hon... okay... almost finished."

The material whispered up his legs and the bottom of his shirt was spread so a fast, wet dart could lash against his navel. Then he watched the dark curls rise, Buck's long body uncoiling gracefully to stand hip to hip with him.

The blue eyes glinted with the devil, sensuous mouth pursed in a bowed smile. "Let's just get you all tucked in now sweets."

Brows waggled and hands burrowed into his pants, cupping around his ass and holding, the fingers spanning out and fanning back in again rhythmically. He was tugged, the inch between them negated, the hands pressing warmth against the soft of his underwear. He sagged into the strong body, letting his face crush against the wide chest, glorying in the feel of this again.

This at last.

This sweet heaven.

His haven.

The cocoon softly broke, Buck leaning back, hands trailing around the southerner's hips, tugging at the shirt as they circled. The pants were fastened then Ezra was being lowered onto the stool.

He grinned. "Third time's the charm, love."

Blue eyes twinkled up from the rangy man's kneel. "So I hear."

Hands worked efficiently, fixing socks into place then tying his shoes. His lover grunted in satisfaction then stood, bringing him along. They smiled at each other, then that worrisome hint of trouble chased itself through the cerulean pools. Ezra tilted his head, lifting his hand to stroke the man's face, wanting to drag that regret and needless guilt from his mate with the action.

The gambler's brow wrinkled. "I'm tired."

It was the first he had really noticed it, the bath so relaxing and redeeming that he'd felt restored in its warmth. But standing here in the cooling air of the bathhouse he felt drained, the fatigue reasserting.

Buck stepped away instantly, a hand turning him, staying about him to guide his steps as they paced in temperance for the door.

The deep voice was contrite. "Sorry darlin'. Didn't mean to wear ya out."

Ezra stifled a sigh, shaking his head slowly. Instead of only correcting the man he chose to say, "I believe I shall be so afflicted for at least another week. But it will doubtless be from any activity I choose to engage in. I sorely needed a bath and should have taken one anyway. Receiving one from your tender care was not only a delight, but it assuredly alleviated most of the weariness that taking such action on my own would have exacted." His tone was light but determined.

The hand supporting him, wrapped close around his torso squeezed, the tension he could feel radiating through the mustached man easing as they walked on.

The intimate purr was back. "Well if you're tired, I know a damn good place to take ya."

Ezra grinned, letting his head fall onto his lover's shoulder. It was dark and they were already down the narrow alley. Besides that it felt so good. The rounded the square corner, the arm pulling him so he fronted the tall body, hands sliding to rest on his hips again.

The ascension of the stairs was a snail's pace, patience and care all he felt from the man keenly observing his every step. When they reached the top he finally did something for himself, grasping the knob and opening the door to allow them entrance.

Buck's rumbling laugh thrilled him. "Don't overtax yourself sweets."

He scoffed without disdain, the bark burbling to betray his hidden laughter. The hands about his hips squeezed, letting him know the pale duplicity had been detected. Ezra wrapped his hand around the one resting on his left hip, holding it as they shuffled to his room.

Once there an arm encircled him, silver key glinting in his lover's hand. It was inserted into the lock by feel alone, the door opening easily, the two slipping inside. He stood on his own for a moment, taking in the sights and smells of their room. The southerner smiled. It was good to be back. His greens hunted blue, capturing and holding the beautiful gaze.

A summer sky winked then Buck came close, dipping the distinctive features to kiss him once on each eyelid, tasting in nibbles down his cheek, alighting all too briefly on his disappointed lips. The hands that had found his urged and he started forward, following the lazy spin, backing now so his legs hit the bed. He sat heavily, a whoosh – the remainder of his energy nearly spent.

Those beloved blues studied him, irises flitting to take in all his telling details. The give that was his drooping eyes; the clear sign in his peaked color; the undeniable truth of his slumping body, usually balanced with pristine posture. Fingers dusted his face then he was lowered back onto the bed, the two moving him so he was correctly oriented on the mattress. His eyes closed without his admonition when his head sunk into his pillow.

Ezra sighed deeply, smile playing on his lips when the mattress dipped further, loving the feel of his lover's body as it carefully climbed over his.

His shoes were removed. A clomp and a second as they hit the floor. Two more answering thuds – Buck's shoes. His feet were given a short massage, firm fingers traveling up his body as his mate curled down to lie with him. Strong arms drug him close, one cupping his head to bring his face to rest against the broad chest.

Ezra knew completeness then. Relaxation and contentment in totem. He sighed and snuggled in further, burrowing close. Again he was reminded of all he needed – all he loved – all he desired.

The scent. Horseflesh and manflesh, musk and soap, sweet outdoor air, just Buck himself.

The feel. Hard muscles and soft skin, long leanness taut to his answering compactness, heartbeat drumming under his ear.

That which lived underneath. The gentle wooing and fiery loving, the decadent heart and dedicated soul, the playful friend and passionate mate.

He sighed happily, knowing he'd met his once determined goal to find and achieve endless wealth. It was all here in his arms. He turned his cheek to rest on the exposed chest, glad the buttons had been mostly undone.

He held tight with his free arm, loving this drowsy meditation of his lover.

An answering sigh tripped his instincts. It wasn't mumbly and satisfied to echo his.

Ezra said quietly, "It was an accident love. I am fine... I'll only improve."

Buck's arms holding him close tightened further. The voice was rough. "I know. I never meant for it to happen..."

Ezra laughed, cutting the rest of the man's worry. "The very definition of an accident dearest." His tone was kindly reproving. "You've apologized so many times... I mean not to belittle but it's needless. I never held it against you. An apology wasn't even required."

The chin resting on his crown shifted, a kiss angling to meet his temple, then the head subsided back down again.

"I'm still apologizing because it still hurts inside of me Ez. Still fills me with chilling fear that something terrible had happened to ya. That I could have lost ya..." Here the gentle voice broke, the long form trembling with the thought.

He cooed and sushed. Promises he was fine; reassurances he'd do his best to remain that way so they could become blissfully useless in their dodage together. His hand ran the length of the familiar spine, searching to get below the barrier of fabric, easing his lover further when his fingers could press to warm skin. They resituated and then they kissed.

Deep and impassioned, more benediction than provocation. He invited the uncertain tongue to join his, wanting to soothe the still uncertain heart. A hand grafted up his chest, thumb hooking along his cheek, fingers breaking into his hair to tilt his head. On they kissed until he could no longer sustain, finally breaking apart only so far so the breaths they drug in felt like the same air.

Ezra nuzzled close, tucking himself against his lover.

"Better an accident with you to assist me back to town and Nathan's care than for it to have been an accident I suffered on my own."

The head over him nodded.

"I know darlin'. I know you're not angry. But you're also still not well, and when I see that it reminds me of what happened... makes me feel remorse that even if I unintentionally caused you this."

He sighed through a smile. "It could just as easily have happened to you from my hands. It wasn't you wrestling an unwilling, naked man on the slippery banks of our favorite swimming hole you know." He chuckled. "As I recall, I was the instigator of the contest."

Buck hummed, his lover's hands stroking all along his body in aimless patterns.

He nudged into his mate, tone sharpening. "It was a bad bump on the head. Bruises. Made me delirious and very tired...nothing seriously threatening." He purposefully deepened his voice, thickly drawled words redirecting, "Besides, I quite love the remedies you have concocted to see to my recuperation."

The warm laughter cheered him.

"Gotta do something to get ya back and well again. I miss ya."

One hand slipped into his trousers and briefs, fingers seeking to rest, bumped, just inside his cleft. The thumb fanned in and out against his nether cheek. He shivered, wishing he weren't still so sleepy. It had been three days. Three days was a damn long time.

He murmured hoarsely, "Let's see how I feel after a good night's sleep."

They both knew it would be his first since the accident. He could only let go so completely for deep rest nestled in his lover's arms, snuggled together in their bed. He was looking forward to the respite.

Buck's thumb continued the massage. "Sounds good to me. Now ya let yourself go hon. I'll be right here. Don't worry on it and stay awake to try and appease me. I'm not that worried... just a little worried."

He laughed softly, nodding with understanding. A kiss met his curls.

"Like ya said, I'm just glad you're okay. Glad I was there and you weren't alone." The tone warmed, telling the grin. "I like these methods of making ya well too. Just wait and see what I have planned to get your stamina back up."

Ezra tried to answer, but it came out as a jumbled noise of agreement and anticipation. Buck's gentle laughter and gentle touch were the last things he knew, then he floated away into sleep, held anchored in his lover's steady embrace.

End