Story: Under Wraps
AU: Mopuro (info here)
Warnings: Slash!, language, eventual smut and M rating
Chapter Rating:M
Legal stuff: Don't own. No profit.

Previous/Continuing chapters found here
Comments/Questions very welcome! email me

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Chapter 13


It wasn't easy to pretend to be innocent when you felt like grinning the biggest, hopeful smile you could even fathom. The kind that stretched your face a mile wide and showed every intention you might be thinkin' - but Buck tried, he really did. Instead, he swallowed, raising his eyebrows innocently as he addressed the Mopuro on his bed.

"Here we are, safe and sound." he cooed, keeping his voice light and friendly.

"Thank you, Mr. Wilmington." Ezra began, scooting himself back on the bed toward the headboard. "I'm very much in your debt if you..." he froze as Buck flopped on the bed next to him, laid out in all his long glory, just waggling his eyebrows in a naughty manner at the half breed. "..what do you suppose you're doing?"

"Just visitin'." Buck shrugged, letting his eyes go large as he looked up at the sitting man. "Thought we could talk."

"What do you wish to converse about?" Ezra was suspicious. "And is it necessary for you to be lying on the bed in such a manner for a conversation to take place?"

"Let's talk about you." Buck offered cheerfully, ignoring the latter question as he wiggled closer to the Mopuro. "You can tell me something about yourself." Buck reached out, letting his fingers play with the fob on Ezra's watch casually, as if examining the craftsmanship.

Ezra's stomach tightened immediately from the closeness of the other man's fingers. His face seemed to almost be painted permanently with a suspicious and cautious image around Buck. Green eyes peered out of the corner at the recumbent man. Buck was up to something, Buck was always up to something. "What is it exactly that you wish me to divulge?"

"This is pretty, Ezra." Buck tried a new tactic, leaning over the other man's lap to examine his watch more closely. He brought his other hand into play, holding the watch with one, opening it with the other. "Where didja get it from?"

"I bought it," the half breed answered dryly. Looking down at his lap, seeing Buck less than an inch away with both hands poised and ready to grope had him wary. He half expected Buck to lunge but ignored the fact that he half wanted Buck to.

"I figured that." Buck just scoffed, letting his midnight blue eyes stare up now, meeting the half breed's gaze he held it there, smiling sweetly. No one could ever resist this look, he was sure it was going to work on Ezra too. He watched the Mopuro blink in realization, then blink twice more but he couldn't seem to break the hold. His cheeks tinted pink as his eyebrows danced on his forehead.

"Mule..." he half whispered, swallowing as if there had been a stone in his throat.

"What town did you get it in?" Buck sat up carefully, keeping their eyes locked until he was sitting next to the half breed. His height advantage had him higher than Ezra now, and he smiled in an even warmer manner down at him. The Mopuro seemed to almost shrink and melt back into the pillows.

"Ah...Ah got it in Dodge City." Ezra stammered, feeling his stomach hollow out. Buck kept one hand there, just fondling his watch in an appreciative manner. The half breed couldn't even scold Buck for this, besides the extreme closeness their positions put them in - sitting side by side on the bed, the other man wasn't generally misbehaving. It was all in his own reactions.

"Dodge City?" Buck quirked an eyebrow, leaning a bit closer, letting his breath hit Ezra's cheek as he spoke. "I been there once. That's a rough town." his fingers let the watch drop. It landed with a heavy thud on the Mopuro's lap, making him jolt and gasp slightly at the unexpected contact. Buck let his fingers walk idly up the other man's vest buttons, pausing to swirl the top one, his fingertip feeling the intricate design. "Did you get this vest there too?"

Ezra glanced down, trying to look anywhere but at that intense gaze on the other man's face. He wasn't even a Mopuro for God's sake, how did he get his eyes to look so intense like that? Ezra could feel his nostrils flaring as he attempted to calm his breathing, though that alone was a telltale sign. His ears twitched a top his head from the close contact, from the sweet warmth of Buck's breath on his cheek and the warmth he could feel radiating off the other man's hand. He stared down at the watch that sat on his thigh now, watching his hands bunch the blanket under himself involuntarily. "No Ah..." damn his accent, why did it always have to get so thick around the Mule?

"How about your red jacket?" Buck offered, not wanting the half breed to have a coherent thought in his head. It was best to interrupt him to get the desired effect. "You get that in Dodge?"

"No, it was..."

"And your hat?" Buck closed the distance, letting his lips barely graze the other man's cheek. He didn't kiss however, he inhaled loud and deep, letting Ezra know he was sniffing at him.

Ezra's hands shook at the action. He turned his head, confusion and arousal apparent on his face as he regarded Buck. With his face turned, the taller man easily brought their lips together. The kiss was sweet for a moment, until Buck let the need take him over. He deepened it then, letting his free hand cup the back of Ezra's head gently.

The half breed whimpered, not able to see how he fell right into the other man's trap. He gripped the blanket and kissed the Mule back hesitantly, secretly enjoying the way the moustache felt tickling his face. A few moments later, he let Buck's tongue push gently into his mouth.

Buck took his time, letting the kiss be lazy and exploring, wondering if this new tactic would help in his determined conquest to win Ezra's heart. The half breed seemed on the same page today, he softly suckled Buck's tongue, lashing his own against it with a very deep, very soft groan of appreciation. That gentle suction had Buck's groin on fire but he was determined to take it slow. Also, he knew the others would be inside looking for dinner very shortly, and an interruption was inevitable.

"I'll make you something good for dinner." Buck whispered before pushing his tongue wetly into Ezra's mouth, dragging it searchingly over the other man's palette as if to get the flavor of him. "Whatever you want, Peach."

"Dinner?" Ezra stammered back, not even sure if what he said was a word in the English language. His blood was on fire from this slow, languid kissing. His cock ached in his pants, throbbing each time Buck curled their tongues together. Where on earth did the other man learn to kiss like this?

"Mmm hmm," Buck hummed his affirmation, carefully suckling on the half breed's lower lip, letting his teeth graze gently before his tongue ventured into the other man's open mouth. He enjoyed that Ezra accepted his tongue and let it flutter in and out gently. "I'm makin' it just for you."

Ezra didn't direct his hands, they moved on their own accord. His arms encircled Buck, wrapping tight around the tall man's warm frame. One hand snaked up, gripping a gentle fistful of hair, trying to direct Buck closer by tugging it. He whimpered and squirmed in frustration when Buck refused to kiss him deeper. He tried to increase his suction to trap the other man's tongue but that didn't work either. "Mule..."

"You gotta tell me what you want." Buck tried not to grin into the kiss, tilting his head in different angles to let his tongue lavish over the half breed's inner cheeks. He wanted to taste every centimeter of Ezra's mouth. His tongue then snaked its way up, slipping in between his upper teeth and cheek, gliding smoothly over that top row of teeth. The act might seem invasive if Ezra thought about it any other time, but having it performed had his hips jolting on the bed. Buck's tongue was everywhere and it excited him.

He gripped Buck's side tight, wanting more of that tongue when it teased him yet again, going back to fluttering in and out of his mouth gently with the barest of touches. He tried to follow it, leaning closer to Buck who kept one step ahead, leaning back to keep the distance the same. Ezra stayed persistent, sighing largely through his nose, trying to catch that damn teasing tongue with a slight nip but it was too slippery to hold on to. "Mule!" he groused, a little more force in his voice.

It was incredibly hard for Buck not to give in. His own cock was aching hard in his pants and he wanted nothing more than to throw Ezra down and devour him properly but something in the back of his mind kept reminding him they'd be interrupted. No doubt JD could sense their naughtiness and was probably already on his way inside to get between them. "I can make that stew you're so fond of," he offered, trying to ease Ezra back a little by pushing on his forearms. He gave the half breed's upper lip a good suckle first though. "With the dumplings?"

Ezra had enough at this point. His blood was boiling and his senses were going crazy. His Mopuro side growled hungrily inside of him, demanding action and satisfaction. With a snarl, he pounced. Ezra literally threw himself at Buck, pinning the taller man to the pillows and the wall. Now on top of his intended, Ezra shifted slightly, pulling himself up a bit to reach Buck's mouth. He crushed his mouth to Buck's, pushing his own tongue past the other man's startled lips.

Buck hadn't really expected that. Now he had an armful of Ezra and a mouthful of a hot, curious little Mopuro tongue. The half breed drilled his mouth a moment in a very suggestive manner, making Buck's thought process not only screech to a halt, it abruptly dropped below his belt and throbbed heatedly between his legs. He let his arms wrap about the hot, squirming half breed and promptly shoved his tongue into the other man's mouth.

"Muuule." Ezra attempted to moan in delight around the tongue in his mouth, using all his suction now on the intruder. He suckled hard, lashing their tongues together as he ground his painful erection into Buck's hip. Damn Mule, he couldn't just start kissing like that and not finish - and this is where Ezra's brain would have argued with itself had it been functioning.

Buck slipped his hands down the other man's back, letting both come to rest on that perky little rear. He gripped a well-muscled cheek in each hand, pulling Ezra's body closer by his hold - he pulled until Ezra was fully on top of him, until their groins were lined up and then urged Ezra's hips to hump harder. It was very apparent the half breed wanted Buck to fuck his mouth with his tongue and Buck wasn't one to disappoint. While it was harder to do on his back he drilled his tongue in and out for a moment, before letting it hungrily explore its new favorite place to play.

Ezra wasn't even aware how delirious he was. He ground himself into Buck's groin, arching his back and trying to push his rear harder into Buck's tight grip. He didn't realize he was whining for it, whining for Buck but he was very aware he was leaking for it. The excited arousal seemed to burn its way from the tip of his highly engorged cock and he thought for a minute how uncouth it was to get that all over his pants. Suddenly though, Buck's hands were kneading his ass and the thought of uncouthness and of messes flew out the window.

I wasn't enough for either man but the ability to think to further it had long sense passed. Buck's body reacted naturally for him; he flipped Ezra easily onto his back getting no protest but a soft, disappointed sigh when those hands left his rear. Now on top, Buck was able to delve his tongue deeper. He tried to cram it right down Ezra's throat as his hands were a flurry of movement between them.

Ezra let his hands grip and claw at Buck's back, trying to pull his warmth closer. Buck was so very warm and the friction of their crotches grinding continuously warmed his veins so wonderfully. Then there was cold air on his lap and he cried out rather girlishly he hated to admit. It only broke the kiss for a second but the feel of the cool air there wasn't enough to make Ezra want to let Buck's tongue go. He claimed his possession of it with a hungry suckle not even a moment later.

Buck's hands had been busy; he'd managed to undo his pants and now had Ezra's undone. It took a bit of fumbling but suddenly he had Ezra's hard cock in his hand and lined it up with his own. Another fumble and shift and he had both cocks gripped in his fist. His hips shot forward at that, trying to fuck his own hand as much as he was trying to hump against Ezra's cock. He melted and leaked against himself at the dirty noise Ezra made in the back of his throat. At the way those green eyes popped open but were so unfocused they saw nothing in their bliss.

He couldn't get a good enough grip with one hand, so he brought his other hand down to help. Now he gripped their cocks together with both hands, trying to hold his head up to continue the kiss as both their hips fucked into his very happy hands.

Ezra grunted in his throat, thinking that did not become him but not caring as much with the tight grip those big hands had on him. He was close, he wanted to cum so very badly and he was determined to do so, hell, Buck was going to see to that he was sure. "Mule," his voice panted out, betraying him. He took the break in the kiss, letting their tongues lash and play wetly outside their mouths, slurping hotly over one another’s chins as if they couldn't get enough. "H-harder Mule."

"Like this?" Buck teased, tightening his grip on them slowly, trying to gauge the other man's comfort level.

"Oooh Buck..." Ezra's eyes fluttered and twitched in their sockets as a shudder washed over the suddenly still Mopuro. The increased tightness of the grip and the friction of Buck's cock had all his hair on end. Before he could warn the other man his body jerked up hard, almost freeze framing when the orgasm took him.

Buck cried out in happy surprise, watching the Mopuro wrack through a powerful orgasm. He delighted in the feel of it on his hand, against his cock, the slickness made it easier for him to glide into his fist against the other man's sensitive, still spurting cock. Buck gave in, dropping his weight onto Ezra, burying his panting breath in the man's shoulder. He squeezed them together and rocked his hips faster until eventually his own orgasm caught up with him. He released on the man below him, surprised he didn't get a complaint, not that he could help it. Finally, he let his hands go lax and his full, limp weight dropped onto Ezra.

Rightly, Ezra should be angry; he should scold the Mule for that. He promised to behave but the words came flooding back as Ezra lay very satisfied on the bed. Buck had been kissing him, teasing and slow sure but it was he who threw himself onto the other man. It was he who demanded deeper tongue fucking kisses and it was he who began to hump himself against him. How could he scold Buck now?

"Buck," he tried to think of something feeling thoroughly embarrassed by their actions and yet too wonderful in the afterglow to care.

"So stew and dumplins good for you?" Buck offered as an out, thankful for every moment like this he got with the half breed.

"Mmm," Ezra drawled trying to wet his throat. "That would be lovely, perhaps some fresh milk to accompany it, a refresher for my palette."

"Tryin' to get the taste of me out of your mouth, Ez?" Buck teased easily but didn't notice how the half breed blushed.

"No!" he answered defensively, running his tongue over the spots in his mouth Buck's tongue had just been. He wasn't going to admit it, that no matter how selfish it sounded - even if they formed no sexual relationship at all in the end, he'd make sure Buck was aware that he'd be allowed to kiss him. Buck was always allowed to kiss Ezra by the half breed's standards, anytime, anywhere. "I believe I just," he cleared his throat, attempting to push Buck off of him so he could clean up. "Worked up a thirst, so to speak."

"Feel better now?" Buck cooed, squirming on top of the other man a moment.

"I'll feel better when I can clean myself of this mess and compose myself. Get off of me you great oaf, before someone comes in and sees us." Ezra was blushing, feeling guilty now that the deed had been done.

"Just hold on and I'll clean you right up." Buck sat up and stuffed himself back into his pants, not really carrying about the mess at the moment; he could clean himself up in a little while. He wasn't about to waste the opportunity now that he had Ezra exposed, relaxed and looking deliciously disheveled.

He smiled down at the Mopuro, enjoying the swimmy dazed look in those pretty green eyes - the way his lips were swollen and slightly red from their kissing. Ezra's clothes were messed and wrinkled, his shirt untucked, stomach exposed with his pants wide open. They were tugged partway down his thighs, showing Buck everything he wanted to see. Pretty chestnut curls teased him, glistening with the after effect of their shared climax. He couldn't help but wet his lips, staring at the other man's now soft cock.

Ezra sat up on his elbows slightly, trying to focus on the Mule who was sitting up, staring down at his crotch with the most lecherous look on his face. "Mule," he frowned. "A towel please, if you will?"

Buck snapped from his lust filled day dream and shook his head, offering Ezra a sideways smile. "Sure, Peach." And with that, he leaned down, pushing his face to the other man's stomach. Tongue extended, Buck let it touch the Mopuro's hip, trailing it right through the sticky mess.

"Mule!" Ezra jolted on the bed as if he'd been electrocuted, trying to pull himself away, looking absolutely scandalized at the other man. "Don't you dare!"

Buck just chuckled to himself, taking another lap. "Hush now."

"I mean it, don't you dare!" Ezra gripped tight fistfuls of Buck's hair, using his hold to keep the other man's head away from his stomach.

"I said I'd clean ya." Buck strained his neck, trying to reach with his tongue extended but Ezra kept him at bay. He frowned up at the other man, finally trying to pry those hands from his hair.

"Get me a towel, you heathen." Ezra drawled, slapping Buck's hands away, not caring that he was pulling rather hard on the taller man's hair.

Suddenly Ezra had a mouthful of Buck tongue. He wasn't even sure how the other man had moved from his position so quickly into his embrace, or how he'd managed to pry his lips apart and insert his tongue but here they were. Buck pinned the half breed to the bed, working his tongue hotly in and out in a deep, steady rhythm. Ezra was so startled he didn't even fight or register the twinge of arousal that coursed through his blood.

"M-Mule..." he breathed, feeling himself blush.

"Don't tug my hair like that, Peach. It riles me up." Buck explained, gnawing on the other man's lower lip. "Unless you want to go again?"

"Uhh," Ezra exhaled shakily, trying to laugh the action off, trying not to let on how aroused he was becoming again. Having Buck pin him and thrust his tongue in deeply, having his pants open, feeling the material of Buck's pants drag against his naked groin and tasting the faint trace of Buck's and his own release on the other man's tongue had his toes curling. "Ah didn't want to 'go' the first time." he tried, using Buck's own vernacular.

"Could have fooled me." Buck replied, lazily kissing at his Mopuro now. He rocked himself gently against Ezra's body, not hard again himself yet, just liking the motion. The half breed felt exceptional beneath him, all warm skin and hard muscles and Buck wished they could be naked for this, so he could feel all of Ezra.

"You sir, are a vulgar, lascivious, indecent, oafish..." Ezra furrowed his brows, trying to look serious and stern as he glared at the rocking, writhing man above him. "Lewd..."

"Mmm hmm," Buck suckled Ezra's tongue now, trying to tease. "Tell me more." He let his hand wander between them, searching between their bodies until he found Ezra's cock. Gripping it, he began to stroke softly, teasingly - like a gentle petting. He watched as Ezra's eyes seemed to roll back and twitch at the action.

"I-immoral..." Words failed him once again. Silver tongued devil? Hardly, Buck had the ability to reduce him to a babbling idiot. He quickly forgot what they were even discussing when Buck began to press wet, urgent kisses all over his face.

"Naughty?" Buck offered after a minute, enjoying the way he could stop the man midsentence like that.

"Yes n-naughty." Ezra wrapped his arms around him, trying to pull him closer. Wasn't he supposed to be fighting this? Wasn't he supposed to be discouraging Buck from making such advances? He dug his nails into Buck's shoulders instead, arching into that big warm hand. No need to scold yourself, he rationed, it's hard to think when all the blood is rushing from your head and pooling in your groin. Buck is truly an enticer, luring you with the sweet siren song of temptation and you are just powerless to resist it, especially in your condition.

"You sure you don't want me to do anything for you?" Buck teased, feeling Ezra's cock begin to stiffen in his hand. So who was the horny one here? He was impressed by the recovery time, impressed and turned on. Hell, they really didn't have time for this; it had to be time for dinner by now. Not that he was going to pull himself away, especially not when he felt Ezra try and spread his legs in search of more touch. He delved his tongue in deeper, massaging the roof of Ezra's mouth in a sensual manner. Damn but he wanted to devour the Mopuro instead of dinner.

"Ah th-thought we agreed to be friends?" Ezra wondered why his human rationale was being so uncharacteristically silent.

"Sure we did." Buck bit his lip down at the shorter man while tugging his pants down his thighs a little further. "Isn't this friendly?"

Ezra sighed in relief, spreading his legs further, arching his hips up hard to press himself into Buck's palm. He'd somehow gone from not needing the touch of another for years to melting into a pile of goo any time Buck's hands were on him. A pliant pile of goo that the Mule seemed to know just how to manipulate. The thought had his eyes narrowing; he glared at Buck suspiciously but suckled his tongue anyways.

"Friends play cards together," Ezra informed him. "They drink whiskey or smoke cigars together."

"We can play after," Buck shrugged, hungrily enveloping the other man's mouth with his own. "I'll let you win." he devoured Ezra's mouth now, damning the others. He wanted this man and wanted him now. Wanted to strip Ezra naked and play with him until the sun rose the next morning. He wanted to taste him all over and drive himself deep into that hot little body. If he didn't get to right this minute he was sure he'd burst.

Ezra barked a laugh at Buck's statement which turned into a confused groan at the way the kiss turned so dominant. He had to get ahold of himself or Buck was going to get out of hand. He hadn't even meant for their first little indiscretion to take place but it felt so good and happened so fast...

"No, no Mule." Ezra felt his cheeks tint pink, feeling suddenly exposed in his situation. He squirmed to escape, unable to help the deep guttural moan that escaped when Buck started to suck on his neck. "Please..."

At the sound of the man's sincere pleading Buck pulled back, he stared down at the Mopuro, his hand slowing but not stopping. He regarded the confusion in those green eyes for a moment before swallowing hard. Hell, he couldn't, not when Ezra said please.

"Alright," he whispered after a minute, slowing his hand, giving Ezra a few more strokes. He smiled sweetly, watching how the action had the other man's eyes glazing over. This time, they'd get interrupted anyways - he knew it. "But you won't be so lucky next time." he looked down, watching as he helped tuck Ezra back into his pants.

"Ah won't?" Ezra seemed relieved and disappointed. He really needed to get ahold of himself and if he couldn't? He needed to get away from Buck.

"Next time," Buck gave him a little wink, pressing their lips together in a wet, suctioning kiss. "Next time I'm eatin' you." he pulled himself away forcefully, knowing if he didn't know he'd just help himself. It wouldn't be like forcin' Ezra, he knew the other man really liked the affection but he'd rather wait until he was beggin' for it and not pleading in his confusion. Without looking back, he stood up and squirmed in his spot, trying to shift himself in his pants to the most comfortable position. Damn, Ezra got him all hard again. "I'll make dinner." he said, frowning when his voice cracked. Now he hurried from the room to clean himself up before Chris came in to scold him.

Ezra lay on the bed, cursing the throbbing ache that pounded through his cock. He cursed the situation, cursed his hormones, and cursed his Mopuro blood. He cursed the fact that he suddenly felt very cold without Buck, that he wanted to call the other man back and cuddle up next to his body. He scolded himself for thinking such thoughts, for thinking he'd rather be laying here, kissing the Mule, letting Buck's big hand touch and fondle his most intimate area instead of eating. He wasn't even hungry.

The half breed curled on his side, reaching down to cover himself with the large white blanket. He snuggled deep against the bed, biting his tongue not to yell out for Buck. He could do it, all he had to do was open his mouth and say the other man's name. Buck would run right back in here, he knew he would. What would he say then? I changed my mind? Please continue to touch me? Touch me now but please excuse the fact that this situation terrifies me beyond all reason and I might not be able to resist the urge to flee in the middle of the night? Touch me though I say I can't trust you fully and yet I do?

Closing his eyes, Ezra scrubbed his hand over his face. This was a ridiculous situation. He couldn't even begin to believe how everything had transpired. If only he had ignored the Mule at the Trading Post that evening. If only he'd gone straight to bed. If only he'd slapped Buck's face the moment he tried anything remotely sexual. But he hadn't. He'd let Buck, rather willingly. Lord, he was beginning to feel like a conflicted virgin girl with an over amorous paramour. Don't touch me like that sir, I love it too much.

Buck. Buck. Buck. Ezra chanted the name in his head, trying to pull the blanket tighter to his body for warmth. It wasn't cold outside so why did he suddenly have goose flesh? Why did his body ache like he'd been standing hours in the snow? He tried to will the Mule back into the room, not sure why. He didn't really want to see Buck, did he? He was just being selfish. His body was just a body after all, human or Mopuro alike, the right touch still felt good; a body craved touches. It was natural.

"Hey Peach?" Buck's voice startled the half breed who had been facing the wall, too lost in his thoughts to have heard him approach.

He sat up happily, eyes large and hopeful. "Mule?!"

Buck was startled to see the happy, longing smile on the half breed's face. His lower lip drooped as his mouth dropped open in surprise. Ezra had been shivering on the bed when he walked in, curled in a tight ball. He'd almost forgotten why he had come back in. "I brought you that fresh milk you wanted." he held the glass up a moment to show it off, and then set it on the night table. "You alright?"

Ezra eyed the milk, surprised by the generous action. He'd forgotten he asked for it. "Ah," he exhaled, shaking his head to clear it. "Ah'm fine, just cold."

Buck let his gaze go to the window, recalling the rather pleasurable weather outside. The air of the room didn't feel cold to him at all but he'd seen the Mopuro shaking. Wasn't that a sign of infection or sickness? Maybe his ankle wasn't healing properly? A panic flashed through his veins at that, a hot acid starting from his heart and pouring outward. "I'll get Nathan." he was already turned and heading to the door when Ezra's voice stopped him.

"Whatever for?"

"You're shiverin', it ain't cold. Somethin's wrong."

"No Ah," Ezra fumbled, if Nathan came in, he'd make him drink one of those God awful green remedies, though he didn't really want to say the real reason for the shivering. He stopped after a moment, giving Buck a pained, helpless look.

"Okay." Buck nodded, determined he was right about Ezra ailing. He headed for the door again, it was his fault and if Ezra got seriously sick because of this...

"Mule," Ezra spoke up again weighing his pride versus the taste of the medicine. "Ah'm shiverin' because you got up and left." He frowned and scoffed at the smirk that lit up Buck's face at the revelation. "Damn you sir."

"Well hell, Ezra!" Buck ambled back to the bed, pouring himself onto it, wrapping the Mopuro in a big hug. "Let me warm you up a little."

"Unhand me!" Ezra squawked, trying to crawl away but Buck was too strong for him. "Don't you have dinner to prepare?" he ignored the fact that his body instantly stopped shivering and a warmth spread through him from the contact. Lord help him, why was his body so responsive to the Mule? Just turn around and slap the fool, damnit Ezra. He scolded himself and squirmed, working his way around until he was face to face with Buck, who only held him tighter now.

"I got time to warm ya." Buck grinned, a big, wide, goofy smile that made the Mopuro want to slap him and kiss him at the same time.

"What the hell, Buck." JD's serious voice had both men turning toward the door. The younger Mopuro stood there glaring at the scene before him. Of course he'd walk in when Ezra was squirming to get free and telling Buck to unhand him. Of course. So it'd look like Buck was forcin' himself.

Buck wasn't alarmed; he was expecting JD to come in over fifteen minutes ago and was rather surprised it took the Mopuro this long. "Calm down, kid. Ezra here was shiverin' and I was tryin' to warm him up."

"Light a fire then, there's no reason to put your big, hairy face on him." JD stalked to the bed, grabbing Buck's arm trying to yank the taller man up by it.

"Big hairy face?" Buck looked unamused as he let Ezra go, temporarily forgetting about the half breed being challenged by JD. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"It means get off him before I make you get off."

"Ok," Buck threw down his hat, jumping to his feet. "That's it. I'm going to..."

"Mule." Ezra interrupted, giving the tall man a firm glare.

"But he started it!" Buck whined a little, why is it that he had to be the one to stand down when JD kept startin' it? He was trying to behave himself but the kid was pushing his buttons on purpose. "Do you just wait outside for the worst possible moment to strike and then jump in here?"

"No, but I can if you want me to." JD grinned triumphantly before climbing onto the bed next to Ezra. He curled closer to his friend, wrapping the half breed in a huge hug.

Buck glared, a pout on his face when Ezra easily wrapped the kid in a returned hug, thinking nothing of it. How come JD got hugs so easily and Buck got kicked away half the time?

"Aren't you gonna cook somethin'?" JD made his voice sound innocent, but he nuzzled into Ezra's neck, smiling evilly at the tall, flabbergasted man. Look how flustered Buck was getting! He should have thought of this before. With an impish smile of delight, JD began to pet Ezra's ears.

Buck's moustache wavered, his jaw dropping open slightly. That damn kid was pettin' his Mopuro! And Ez just closed his eyes and smiled, nudging the kid gently in a sign of affection. Oh he didn't like this, didn't like it at all!

Ezra hid a smile, knowing very well what his young friend was up to. He could see the envious look cross the Mule's face and it made him want to laugh. Buck looked absolutely lost and distraught over the simple friendly action. Perhaps it was cruel of him, but that didn't change the fact that it was funny.

Fate had its own sense of humor. Chris appeared in the bedroom now, his face expressionless - damn but he was hard to read some times.

"Buck, JD." he spoke, getting the two men's attention. "We got a problem. The bottom rung fell off the turkey pen; we got turkeys runnin' all over. I'm gonna need you to patch it and round 'em up."

Buck slumped his shoulders. "Aww hell, that big tom got out didn't he? He's meaner than you with a hangover."

"Sure did," Chris smiled now. "Don't worry about dinner, Josiah's helpin' out tonight."

Ezra chuckled right out loud, watching Buck sink in his posture even more. "Well Mule, looks like you have an exciting evening planned."

Buck just grumbled. "At least the kid has to help me."

"I bet I can catch more turkeys than you." JD huffed, jumping to his feet, his tail bushing out behind him.

The half breed was dying inside, holding in his giggles. Oh this was far too amusing! Perhaps he was a bit of a sadist but watching Buck be so distraught and have to go through such things really was funny. That will teach him to be such a handsy lout.

To which fate dealt her second hand. Behind Chris, Nathan entered the room, a smile on his face and in his hand? A glass of the dreaded green remedy. Ezra's smile fell fast but it jumped quickly onto Buck's face. The man grinned a mile wide.

"Well Ezra," and now Buck wiggled on the spot, giving the half breed a tip of his hat. "Looks like you'll be enjoyin' your evenin' too."




~/~/~/~/~




The sunlight was not Ezra Standish's friend. While it's true it did warm him when he needed, it helped things live, therefore he lived and yet, it brought about morning. In the morning, the light touched almost everywhere, like demanding rays of truth, seeping into every facet of life, every nook and cranny - there was no hiding from the sun; so there was no hiding from the truth.

He'd been up most of the night, just sitting on the bed, shuffling his cards in his hand. The thoughts that assaulted him now annoyed him more than anything. Why on earth was he spending so much time thinking about any of this? Why did he let Buck get so carried away when they were alone together? What were those damn tracks? If not for those tracks, the thoughts that tormented him would have driven him to flee from the Ranch many nights ago - that much he knew. Though would he have been able to go? Once packed and ready, could he have really left without saying anything? It would be the most underhanded thing he'd ever done if so.

He'd been rather amorous with the Mule a few times now, nothing quite so intense or invasive; in fact, he'd known cowhands on the trail to have done as much as he and Buck had done together. A little mutual satisfaction as it were. Truth be told however, those cowhands usually did not kiss. He doubted very much any of them had reacted such as he had, wrapping their legs around another man, tugging his hair while suckling his probing tongue deep. The idea of it now sent a small spark of desire straight down his body to his groin.

In those moments, for a few seconds of them anyways, he'd liked it, he loved it. True, his body obviously was very happy with everything being played out in those intimate encounters but he had no control over that. Or at least, very little control. He'd chalked it up to Buck's experience. Buck was a man; he'd know what felt good so he could easily repeat the same ministrations on another man's body, that had to be why it felt so incredible. It hadn't felt like this any other time Ezra had been amorous, surely it must be the reason. That didn't explain why his chest seemed to hollow out, why his heart dropped down into the pit of his stomach when Buck kissed him so passionately but he stubbornly ignored that fact - for now.

It was just getting ridiculous; he was getting too carried away. Letting Buck get on him a second time and bring them off together, he shouldn't have allowed it once let alone a repeat performance. When he awoke in the sun and calm of the morning the ideas assaulted him viciously, causing him to blush in shame and embarrassment that he behaved in such a manner. The half breed prided himself on his ability to hide his emotions, a gambler must in order to win, he had control, perfect control of himself - he always had, until he met Buck.

Asking Buck not to show emotions was like telling water not to be wet. Even in the beginning, when he tried to hold himself back, to give the half breed his space and start out as friends he still had those eyes. Those damn expressive eyes. Ezra fell into them every time, deep pools of blue that spoke volumes of desire and passion without the man uttering a sound. Those eyes told the Mopuro their owners every intention, his every desire and feeling in one brief, penetrative stare. And what's worse? They seemed to read every feeling he'd been trying to hide in his own apprehensive gaze.

So like before he'd behaved childishly, ignoring Buck at dinner the previous evening, demanding to be left alone for the night, despite the guilty, hurt look he could see on the Mule's face. It hurt to cause such a look but it had to be done. If he couldn't get control of himself he'd simply put as much distance as he possibly could between himself and the other man. He hid in the bedroom while Buck slept on the couch - again. He watched the door, expecting the tall man to sneak in and check on him - not realizing he really wished he would, not noting the disappointment when he didn't.

Buck would be in with breakfast shortly, and Ezra could only wonder what was going on in the other man's mind. Did he understand, did he truly understand how Ezra felt? Hell, that'd be a stretch, the half breed scoffed; he didn't understand how he felt. He liked Buck, liked being touched by him and yet it embarrassed him, it felt like it should be a secret and not just for the fear of them both being men. There was something deep within him fighting this, ripping his mind apart, chasing him in dizzying circles of repetitive 'what ifs' and 'if onlys'. It was enough to make him scream, if a gentleman did such things that is.








Buck hadn't slept much. He was pretty sure he dozed at some point, but if he had he'd been worrying then too, so it didn't feel like he slept at all. The tall man was cramped onto the couch, too long to fit, his legs dangling each way uncomfortably. It wasn't a whole lot of fun to sleep on the couch, he decided. Though he hadn't really noticed how uncomfortable it was until last night. He hadn't had trouble falling asleep on it before then either. It was dinner. It was Ezra. Something was different.

He hadn't meant to push; he was going to try taking it slow. It was pretty damn hard to go slow when you had someone cramming their tongue in your mouth and humpin' at you though, and while he couldn't exactly see to blame himself he still felt guilty for it. Of course, pushing Ezra away and denying him may have gone off worse than obliging him; and Buck wanted to oblige him, he did to the roots of his very soul. He wanted Ezra, wanted that Mopuro so bad he could taste it.

It wasn't like his time courting ladies, the thrill of the chase, of getting what he was after, spending a little time with such a unique and delicate woman, sharing in her secrets - he did treasure those times. Each and every one of them. Not that he would mention it in conversation, as it wasn't polite, but Buck could remember their names, he could remember all their names.

It felt different with Ezra. He didn't want to be let in and learn the man's secrets. He didn't want to share a brief moment in time they could look back on fondly for the rest of their lives. Goddamnit, he wanted in. Ezra had built a wall around himself, natural to his life style and Buck was searching for the door. He had every intention of throwing himself against it until the damn thing shattered and broke apart. He wanted to stand right in the center and be a part of Ezra's life, that much he knew. While it might seem rash to others, there's one thing that brought the truth of the situation down hard upon Buck. It wasn't thinking about all the fun they could have together, all the love makin' and gettin' along - it was the thought of what they'd never have if Ezra left.

The idea of waking up one morning and finding the Mopuro gone burned his heart. He hated to think about it and yet he did, throughout the day, off and on, like his mind was bullying him with the possibility. It was a threat and he hated it, but there was nothing he could do to make it go away. He just couldn't seem to calm Ezra down, the man was cautious and ashamed, and Buck just didn't know how to fix it.

Maybe if he could control himself, if he could keep himself away from Ezra physically it would help calm the Mopuro down? Jesus was it hard though. Ezra always looked so tempting, like a delicious forbidden fruit. A delicious, forbidden Peach, Buck's mind chimed in and he didn't realize that he licked his lips just thinking of kissing Ezra. Well, not being able to touch him and still see him was better than not having him around at all. Buck could handle that, he'd handled worse before.

It might be possible that Ezra just simply wasn't attracted to him and didn't know how to tell him. He'd been terrified about his Mopuro secret being revealed that any contact before or immediately after could have very well just been out of shock and relief. Also, it had been awhile for the half breed, since he'd let off a little steam, maybe Buck's hands and body were just there at the right moment? What if he was being a great fool and Ezra just simply wasn't interested but too much of a gentleman to say so? That thought hadn't really crossed his mind, not seriously anyways.

Buck sat up, furrowing his brows. Could it be? It's true; they were both men, though that hadn't seemed to even come up as an argument. Ezra did kiss him, but only when they were already so far gone there was no coming back. It could be just shock for some and the need for release on the others. He'd never really instigated, Buck always started it. So was that it? Was that what Ezra was feeling? He did pride himself on being a gentleman. If that were the truth he wouldn't force himself, he couldn't make Ezra like him, he'd just have to accept it as a fact and try to move on. With that in mind he steeled himself against the cooler air, slipping from under his blanket to start breakfast.






When the door opened, the half breed had been expecting it and yet he still lurched slightly on the bed. He'd been trying to think of what exactly he could say to the other man but nothing sounded good. He'd thought about it all night and still felt like it hadn't nearly been enough time. He felt absolutely no closer to an answer than he had hours ago. Where was his sharp wit? His inherit skill and ability to survive?

Buck came in with a tray of food, giving the man on the bed a curt, tight lipped smile. It was hard not to be too friendly, just seeing Ezra nestled in his blankets, the night shirt a bit too large on his smaller frame, his furry brown ears half flattened and wide, green eyes searching - it made him want to run to the Mopuro and give him a big hug. He wanted to smile and greet the man happily, ask him how he slept, give him a kiss good morning - but he didn't.

"Mornin'. Just some porridge and toast today, hope that suits you." Buck gave another tight lipped smile, setting the tray on the night table.

Ezra had no idea what to do. Buck had come into the room, just like every morning, carrying a tray, just like every morning, but this morning he did not smile. The half breed opened his mouth and breathed hard through it in despair, his heart thumping in an odd rhythm in his chest. He blinked up at the Mule, noting that the man didn't even look at him; he just fussed with the tray.

Every morning when Ezra woke up, Buck would bring him breakfast. Sometimes he'd come in before Ezra was even awake, sometimes after, but one thing remained true of all previous encounters - the moment Buck realized he had Ezra's attention he'd give him the widest, brightest smile filled with ridiculous heart aching contentment. Like Ezra was the best thing he'd ever seen in his life. Yes, it was foolish to think, but that is what the smile implied. That's how Ezra felt when he saw it.

"There's a little bit of fresh honey too." Buck was setting the silverware neatly on the tray, pulling the napkin out to hand to the Mopuro. "Or some berry jam if you prefer."

"Buck," Ezra still wasn't processing it. Maybe he was dreaming? But why would he dream something so simple and yet so horrible feeling? He couldn't think of what to say after that so he just stared harder at the other man. When Buck looked at him, standing perfectly still and neutral, Ezra knew he was waiting for him to finish his sentence. He fumbled, looking down at the blanket. "Jam would be lovely." his voice was harsh and raspy, his accent faltering.

"Well, it's raspberry." Buck carried on, preparing the toast for him. "So I hope you like that."

Damn this was hard! Ezra looked entirely too adorable, sitting up with his hair a mess, his eyes still swimming slightly not seeming to be fully awake yet. That confusion really wasn't helping the issue. Buck just wanted to hop on the bed, kiss the other man awake, pet his hair and ears and ask about his night. But Ezra didn't want that, and that thought nailed both his feet to the floor, immediately killing the small smile that started to creep across his face.

This is what it should be like, Ezra thought rubbing the sleep from one eye with a slightly curled fist. This is better; this is what he wanted right? Maybe Buck had considered it, after yesterday, after being ignored at dinner and for the evening. Maybe now Buck knew how he felt? That they should just remain friends, it was better to be friends. Less complicated, less intimidating. There was nothing to think about when it came to being friends, no gut wrenching emotions or irreversible consequences.

"Chris has me out in the far pasture today, so I won't be around for lunch." Buck added casually, setting the tray on Ezra's waiting lap, stepping back quickly as if even being in the other man's space might somehow burn him physically. "Josiah or Nathan will bring you something to eat."

Ezra stared at the tray, feeling his appetite leave him. Nathan or Josiah bringing his lunch? He pouted largely, looking rather angry at the situation. He didn't want Nathan or Josiah to bring his lunch; he wanted the Mule to do it. He wanted Buck to make it and Buck to bring it to him. He thought to demand it, wondering if his command would be heeded or not.

"But you always prepare my nourishment." It wasn't really an argument but he presented it like one.

"I'll be far out," Buck explained, his voice soft and picking up a slight twang as he seemed to relax. Ezra realized now even the man's voice had sounded different this morning. He really didn't like it. Crossing his arms over his chest, Ezra turned his nose up and faced the wall.

Buck regarded the suddenly angry half breed with confusion. "Hell Ezra, my cookin' ain't that great." he paused, letting a little laugh come out as an idea dawned on him. "Oh don't you worry pard, Nathan's cookin' doesn't taste anything like those remedies!"

Ezra hadn't realized how just hearing someone laugh could put you so at ease. His ears perked in delight as he turned to look at Buck, seeing the man at least smiling slightly now. What a beautiful sight it was indeed. "Ah'd," the half breed swallowed, looking up with large innocent eyes now. "Ah'd like you to prepare it."

"You want me to ride all the way in from the far pasture to make you some lunch?" Buck cocked his head, his eyebrows dancing as his moustache wiggled. Ezra just blinked at him, as if saying, 'and why not'? No, he'd refuse. He was only working himself up this way. There's no reason Nathan or Josiah couldn't bring Ezra lunch once. Chris wouldn't mind, Buck had surely done enough to work off his debt of all the trouble he caused. "What about JD? Can the kid bring you some lunch?"

The Mopuro shook his head, sounding almost like a bratty child in that moment. "Ah want you to make it." he demanded, turning away from Buck again, looking at the wall as if to punish him.

Buck caved, like he knew he would. How the hell was he supposed to say no to Ezra? He adored the man. Maybe Ezra knew that and was usin' it against him, that'd be awful mean. "Alright, alright." he sighed largely. "I'll make your lunch."

Ezra grinned widely at the wall, clearing his throat and making his face stoic as he turned back to the tray, almost disinterested. "Good." he answered simply, offering no reason as to why he wanted Buck to make his food, just demanding, and it was enough. He moved his hands toward the tray, reaching for his spoon as Buck clicked his tongue.

"I can make something now and have one of them bring it to you later then."

The spoon fell, hitting the plate loudly with a clang. Green eyes darted to look at the other man, glaring through the soft yellow light of early morning. He couldn't think to word what he wanted to say, so he glared harder, his ears flattening almost to his skull.

"You want me to bring it too?" Buck looked incredulous but not surprised, like he assumed the other man would demand such a thing. "Fine. I'll bring it too."

Ezra settled a moment, waiting for Buck to add another hitch but he said nothing. His ears stayed against his skull, confusion still warring within him. He wanted things to be different but maybe not this different, not all at once. He knew how selfish that was but couldn't help how he felt about it.

Buck chuckled, feeling himself give in, kicking himself mentally as he reached out and pet the other man’s head. Ezra's ear popped up immediately, he closed his eyes and nuzzled his head against that large, warm hand. Buck smiled slightly, stroking those soft ears a moment. He couldn't go and work knowing Ezra was in here pouting with those ears all back, interested or not it was just too cruel and he couldn't do it. "Don't be so sour, Peach." he let the term slip on accident, his breath freezing slightly at the realization.

"Ah prefer your cooking, Mule." Ezra answered simply, letting a purr rumble from his throat at the petting. After a moment, he opened his eyes, seeing Buck smiling at him. Buck was smiling, really smiling now with both his eyes and his mouth. Ezra melted on the spot, suddenly feeling so warm he feared for a moment he'd set the mattress ablaze. He had to close his eyes a moment and bite his lip, fighting the soft groan that tried to sound. Oh, that felt good. It felt wonderful to be looked at in that manner.

"You're brattier than JD." Buck scoffed, not realizing what was happening with the half breed. He just shook his head, giving those ears a final, loving stroke before stepping back. "I got work to do or Chris will have my hide. See you at lunch, I guess." he gave the Mopuro a wink and did a little dance, shuffle back maneuver to turn around and stride out of the room.

Ezra stared after him a moment, his ears tingling and a warm, contented burn in his chest. Well that settled that, they could easily just be friends and nothing more; quite easily. Nothing could be simpler.


<-- Chapter 12 | Chapter 14 -->

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