Story: Under Wraps
AU: Mopuro (info here)
Warnings: Slash!, language, eventual smut and M rating
Chapter Rating:PG 13
Legal stuff: Don't own. No profit.

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

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Chapter 8


JD Dunne could smell the other Mopuro clearly. The man's scent was all over this area, but closer the last few days, he wanted to talk. Well, the young man stretched casually, resting his back againt a nearby tree, he'd talk to him, see what he wanted. It'd be good to befriend him, he might need help getting Ezra away from that horny Buck and he'd get Ezra away too, no matter what it took. Ezra was his friend and he wasn't about to leave him to a bunch of humans, not again!

The two had been friend's for a few years now and they hadn't met until after the incident but it was that incident that brought them together. JD had been mainly tribal for his whole life, spending time by his mother's side until she passed away. Feeling lost, the young Mopuro wandered westward, spending time with other tribes, trying to find a place to fit in. It happened one day he had been visiting with some elders and the scent hit him, like nothing he'd ever smelled before. It was Mopuro but not entirely, partially human but not like other humans he'd smelled either. This man smelled enticing. He followed the scent trail outside, right down the path to the well dressed half breed on his horse. JD remembered that moment clearly like it were yesterday.

He stood staring upward, jaw dropped slightly. He'd never met a half breed before! The Southerner gave him a tight little smile, his mouth looked pained but his eyes had been friendly enough. JD barely waited for the man to dismount before tackling him into the grass.

"Who are you?" the young man grinned widely. "I'm JD Dunne. Are you a half breed?"

Ezra was slightly startled. While he'd been used to Mopuro behavior, it was very rarely ever directed toward him, being only half as he was. He blinked the prettiest green eyes up at the boy, trying to find his voice.

"Hello Mr. Dunne," he drawled, raising a hand to tip his hat despite his position under the boy. "Yes, I am what you would call a half breed."

"What's your name?" JD sniffed at the other man's neck. "You smell hurt. What happened?"

"Ezra P. Standish, at your service." he let a little smirk show. "I've recently returned from a less than favorable sojourn in the hands of a few abhorrent human males. As much as I'd like to put the whole ordeal behind me, I find my body is not in agreement with my desire to heal quickly."

"Hey," JD's thick dark brows furrowed. "Your tooth." Without thinking, he'd moved his hands up, prodding his fingers into the other man's mouth to look. "You have a gold tooth, what happened to your fang?"

Ezra swallowed, coloring in embarrassment. Most Mopuro already found him slightly lower than themselves being a half breed and now that he only had one fang instead of two, he figured it might knock him down a few more rungs. "Yes, well," he pushed the boy up slightly, sitting himself up to brush off his coat. "It appears they figured my fang would serve a better purpose on display than in my mouth."

"They pulled out your fang?" JD looked affronted, getting to his feet with a hiss. "You show me where those men are and I'll show them a thing or two!" the boy unholstered his guns, giving them each a quick fancy spin.

Ezra sat a minute, watching the boy, watching how angry he looked over the whole ordeal and he couldn't help but bark out a laugh. JD stopped growling, looking down at the Southerner with a curious pout.

"JD, is it?" Ezra got to his feet, gesturing to his horse. "Perhaps you'd be so kind as to help me with my belongings?"

And that, JD thought, kicking his feet in the warm grass, is how his adventures with Ezra began. Every time he thought back to that moment or remembered Ezra's fang though... He growled now, his fingers itching reflexively by his side. He'd love to find the men that did that to Ezra and have a few minutes alone with them. Hell, forget his guns, he's use his claws and tear them apart!

"Hey, kid." the Texas twang had JD's attention immediately. He tipped his head back, eyes moving up the tree to the higher branches. There sat a feral Mopuro, crouched easily among the branches, smiling down at him.

"Finally caught up to me, huh?" JD grinned, wiggling a little in his spot. He was quick, and he took great pride in that.

"You sure are fast." Vin dropped to the ground easily, landing barely a foot away from the other Mopuro. Remaining crouched, Vin leaned forward, sniffing deeply at the other man.

JD leaned forward too, his nose almost touching Vin's neck as he did some sniffing of his own. "Fastest there is."

Satisfied with his investigation, Vin sat back, looking at the younger man, taking him in finally with his eyes. "What are you doin' all the way out here by your lonesome? This here is dangerous country."

"My friend is hurt, holed up in that Ranch. I gotta stay til I can get him out. I might need to save him."

"The half breed, Ezra?" Vin nodded, well, he'd figured the two were friends.

"Yeah he's a half breed," JD's eyes turned dark. "So what of it?"

"Easy, kid." Vin turned and sat casually next to him, hiding a smile. "I didn't mean nothin' by it."

"You better not." JD frowned, but settled back against the tree. "Ezra's just as good as any full blood, hell, better than two combined!"

Vin grinned now at the youth, cocking his head. Alright then. "Name's Vin. Vin Tanner."

"JD Dunne." he replied, pursing his lips. "How'd you know Ezra's name?"

"You know the older man at the Ranch, Josiah?" Vin scanned the distant tree line, letting out a sigh. "He told me. You can trust Josiah, kid, he's a good man."

"He knows Mopuro?" JD scrambled to his feet, leaning toward the older Mopuro. "He won't let them hurt Ez, right? If that tall oafish one tried somethin'?"

"Your friend is safe," Vin's voice was a little rough from lack of use, he wasn't much of a talker. "For now. Reckon you seen those tracks. I know you been all around here for some days, you seen anyone?"

JD frowned, slumping back against the tree. "I seen the tracks but I ain't seen anybody. I don't know what to make of it. You think," he looked suddenly alarmed. "You think they're after Ezra?"

"Don't know, maybe him, maybe you, hell even maybe me. Could be here for the Ranch too. I been trackin' 'im but he's smart an' I reckon he knows I'm around."

Silence washed over the two a moment. JD couldn't wrap his head around this, he couldn't smell another Mopuro, and anyways, one wouldn't leave such an obvious trail. That means whoever was on the horse had to be a man. But did he know about Mopuro? Did he know about Ezra, laid up in there like he was? Or was it merely a coincidence. Maybe someone was lookin' to cause trouble for those other four men.

"I don't like the smell of it." Vin frowned. "Smells wrong."

"You think they know we're here? I mean, us Mopuro?"

"They know about Mopuro alright, you can bet on that. Not sure if they know about us three, but I intend to find 'im and find out." Vin turned and regarded the young man. "Wanted to meet up with you first. What do you say JD? You wanna help me do some scoutin'?"

"Hell yeah, I do!" JD was to his feet faster than Vin could blink. Finally, this was more like it. Now he could be of some use. If what Vin said was to be trusted, and JD always trusted other Mopuro, Josiah wouldn't let anything bad happen to Ezra. And well, as much as he hated to admit it, aside from being horny and trying to paw Ezra, Buck hadn't tried to hurt the half breed at all. It was probably safe to go off with Vin and do some investigating. Besides, how proud would Ezra be of him if he were to discover the mystery of the tracks? His tail bushed slightly at the thought, Ezra would be so pleased with him. Trotting off for a few hours was definitely worth the risk of letting Buck get a few kisses in. We'll just see who gets the kisses when I save the day! JD scampered happily after the feral Mopuro, grinning all the while.




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Vin Tanner was cautious by nature - as were many feral Mopuro. He had an almost unnatural patience though, the ability to calmly assess situations before jumping in head first only to make it worse. If a situation arose he wouldn't hesitate to help, almost always he was prepared, and almost always he knew everything going on around him. He'd smelled Ezra the second he wandered on to his land, then JD soon after. That wasn't a surprise.

As far as the Ranch was concerned, Vin was well aware of the daily activity. He knew the two men that owned the Ranch, Chris and Buck. He knew Nathan the healer that lived with his friend Josiah. Four men in all, he knew their scents and habits just from casual observation. Chris seemed to be in charge, a no nonsense type who worked hard every day. Then again, all of the men worked hard. Nathan and Josiah usually did their chores together; discussing everything from religion to medicine and sometimes Vin would listen and try to make sense of it all. Buck seemed to be the most laid back of the four, he'd be ambling along between his chores, smiling or singing to himself - the feral Mopuro usually found himself smiling when watching Buck.

Now though, with these strange tracks on his land, Vin was uneasy. The appearance of Ezra and JD laced his blood with caution, causing his hair to stand up when he thought too hard about it. Scouting around with the kid hadn't turned up much new evidence, though JD was young and eager, his senses were strong and he'd proved useful. Also, the kid seemed to like to talk, and Vin learned a bit more about him and the half breed while they'd been searching.

They parted ways a little while ago and Vin thought to check on the four humans of the Ranch. Josiah swore that they could be trusted, and Vin trusted Josiah - but he wasn't about to jump into anything without checking all the angles first. No matter what the Preacher thought, the Mopuro still needed to sniff around and see for himself.

It didn't take long to track down the first two men. Nathan and Josiah were together, working on a fence that needed mending. That wasn't strange in itself; while the cattle were free range there were still fences to keep them in a certain area, away from the ravine that lay not far off. The wind and the weather, along with the cattle themselves kept fence mending a constant concern for the Ranchers. Vin got close enough to hear the men and smell what was going on. Josiah smelled calm as usual, Nathan was peaceful but the man always seemed to have a layer of apprehension deep within him. From what the Mopuro heard of slaves in the South, he reckoned that made sense.

"He seemed like he was breakin' a fever," Nathan was saying, using a length of twine to secure one of the posts. "He was actin' a little strange though. Had me worried."

Josiah was hammering in the nails, but he paused his actions to speak. "I think Brother Buck may have had a hand in our ailing friend's behavior."

Nathan chuckled at that. "I don't know what concerns me more, them tracks or what Buck is going to do when Ezra leaves. He's gonna be mopin' around like a lost puppy."

Vin recalled what Josiah said about Buck then, about him being smitten by the half breed. That made him anxious to go find the taller man but he held on, just a little while longer to watch Nathan and Josiah. The two men talked a little more about the tracks, but neither knew anything more about them. Vin could smell their confusion and concern, he knew now at least these two had nothing to do with it. Not that he ever suspected Josiah. Vin would trust Josiah with his life, though he hadn't voiced that exactly to the Preacher yet.

It took the feral Mopuro a little longer to find Buck, not that he had to guess to pinpoint the man's whereabouts but he had to cautiously approach since he was so close to the Ranch. Vin watched from his position, seeing Ezra on the porch in the wicker rocking chair. He was too far away to get a good look at the half breed but he knew it was him alright. Ezra was wrapped in a white blanket, a black gamblers hat perched on his head while he seemed to be shuffling cards. Then there was Buck. Vin chuckled to himself, seeing the tall man hiding around the corner of the porch. He was pressed flat to the wall, seeming to be thinking, plotting something. Vin could smell the nervousness, the giddiness and arousal from here. Yeah, Buck had it bad alright.

Buck peered around the corner, looking longingly at Ezra, and then pulled his head back quickly before he was caught. Repeating the action a few more times, finally did he saunter out casually like he hadn't been standing there the last ten minutes trying to devise a plan.

"Well hey, Ezra!" Buck grinned and waved, acting as if he were surprised to see him.

"Good afternoon, Mule." Ezra drawled back easily, though he stiffened in his chair remembering the events at the dinner table last night.

Mule? Vin furrowed his brows but then sniffed a little harder to assess the change in the half breed. Ezra was nervous now, his breathing became more labored, and his heart beat faster just watching Buck approach. It startled him at first, pulling a growl from his throat until Buck stepped onto the porch, a foot away from the half breed and smiled down at him. Ezra's heart skipped a beat, his cheeks flushing as he recalled the way Buck's foot insistently massaged his groin. Vin sneezed gently when the spark of desire shot through Ezra's entire being and pooled heatedly in his lap.

"You feelin' a little better today, pard? Ya had me worried last night." Buck squatted down to put himself level, he tried to reach out and press the back of his hand to Ezra's cheek, to feel for a fever but the half breed squawked a protest and started to slap at his hands.

"I'm fine." he replied, setting his cards on his lap when Buck's hands started to slap back.

"Stop bein' a baby and let me see if you have a fever." Buck argued.

The two men proceeded to engage in a hands slappy fight for a few moments. Vin gruffed a laugh, shaking his head at their actions. Finally Buck won, pushing Ezra's hands to the side, throwing a hand up to feel his neck and cheek. The contact had Ezra jolting, tilting his head to trap Buck's hand between his neck and shoulder on instinct to stop the action.

"What are you so jumpy for?" Buck cooed and stroked Ezra's skin slightly, giving the half breed another of those smiles that seemed to light his blood on fire. Vin could smell another shot of it flowing through the other Mopuro. "You do feel a little hot to the touch, how about I bring you some tea?"

Now the feral Mopuro could only shrug to himself. Josiah was right, Buck was no threat to Ezra, and the desire coming off that man was thick enough to taste even this far away. If Buck found out Ezra's secret well, Vin didn't think that would change much. The half breed seemed content and unconcerned in Buck's presence, not fearful of his wellbeing but fearful of the desire that seemed to swell within him any time Buck got close. Damn, they were like a couple of teenagers in heat. You didn't need to be a Mopuro with a incredible sense of smell to gather Buck's intentions, that man wasn't hidin' any secrets, his head seemed so full of little happy Ezra's there was no way he was involved with the tracks. Another dead end.

The feral Mopuro smiled and hurried off to find the last remaining human, Chris Larabee. He was relieved so far to smell no sign of involvement from the men on the Ranch. Also, from what he smelled, Ezra and JD would be safe on the Ranch if something did happen. He had a feeling deep down this was going to escalate, that whatever this was couldn't simply be a coincidence. If it did start to get hairy, the Mopuro needed to know who he could trust.

Chris usually worked alone, he was the type of man that paid attention to detail, he'd be very involved in the task at hand and yet still be aware of everything going on around him. In fact, the first time Vin had approached the blonde to sniff around, Chris stopped his actions, stood tall and peered into the woods. Vin had been shocked, he froze, wondering if Chris had somehow heard him, but how could that be? It had intrigued him to this day and he always approached the blonde with an extra amount of caution now.

He was by the stable, brushing down his horse for the evening having finished his chores. Per usual, Vin approached cautiously, getting as close as he dared, hunkering down to let his senses speak to him. Unfortunately for him, Chris was alone; he wasn't having a discussion about the tracks or Ezra so it wasn't laid out as easy for the feral Mopuro. Larabee had always been a hard man for him to get a sense of, confusing to the extent that Vin had debated asking Josiah to tell him a bit more but never really found the right words to express his interest.

On the surface of things, Chris usually looked and smelled calm but there was something there, something deeper and darker Vin could sense but couldn't grasp. It drove him crazy. His nostrils flared, his hair stood on end and his blood seemed to heat. He shifted from foot to foot, growling a little. What was it about that smell that got the feral Mopuro going? It bothered him that he couldn't place it.

Chris smelled calm now, stroking a brush through the horse's mane firmly but with a gentle precision. He seemed oblivious to the world around him but Vin knew better, sometimes he still worried that Chris knew that he was watching but that he just chose to say nothing. Inhaling to catch more of the quiet man's scent, Vin dug his fingers and toes into the earth to fight the urges that smell caused within him. There was nothing new, nothing that seemed to suggest Chris knew Ezra's secret, that he was a threat or that the tracks could be related to him. To that extent, the men of the Ranch were clean on it.

Vin breathed a little easier, it was at least a little reassuring for now that he could prowl around and look without having to worry about Ezra or JD. Josiah wouldn't let anything happen to them anyways. JD was able enough and not about to be cornered. Ezra well, the half breed was strong and able too - aside from his injured ankle. That'd slow him up a bit if he needed to escape but he was a wily one, Vin could tell. His mind seemed to be constantly working and the feral Mopuro could sense the cleverness within. If Ezra was pinned anywhere he could probably fox his way out, then again, if Ezra were pinned anywhere it'd probably be under Buck and he'd probably be enjoying it.

Everyone was accounted for, no ulterior motives were detected. With a sigh, Vin stood and stretched, letting his eyes rove over Chris a moment longer. One day he'd figure out whatever it was that riled him up about the blonde but for now, he had some investigating to do.





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It had been well over a week, almost two, and his ankle was doing better. He'd been out of bed to stretch his muscles as Nathan suggested and gotten used to walking again. He had to limp slightly and he couldn't walk for long without his ankle beginning to hurt but it was progress none the less. Ezra was getting a little impatient. Not that the food, company and care giving was anything less than phenomenal, but he didn't want to become a burden to the men and also that Buck... he frowned slightly thinking about him now. It was obvious that Buck was very anxious to get his hat off and he could suspect the reason why. JD was right; it was getting far too dangerous to remain here much longer.

That thought troubled the injured man as well. He paced the kitchen now, thankful for the change of scenery though he hadn't dared try to hobble down here during the day when everyone was up and about, they'd merely fuss over him. He came to it now in the dead of night, trying to strengthen his ankle in case he needed to make a break for it. He had to get away from Buck so his secret would remain safe, but the idea made him uncomfortable. He had gotten used to the Mule's cooking. He liked his company. He liked Josiah's company. Even the conversations at the dinner table the past few nights with Chris and Nathan had been a delight. Had he gotten so used to the company of others? He rolled his eyes and sat hard a moment, what would his mother say if she could see him now, getting too close to these men? Hell, he even enjoyed the little games and schemes the Mule came up with to try and get his hat off. He figured he'd enjoy them more if it hadn't meant an outing of a secret so valuable his life hung in the balance. That thought stopped his heart and filled him with a sickening dread. There was a chance, that if discovered these men would kill him, or worse. Buck...

He whimpered to himself, thinking of the events that had transpired between them. If he could be honest with himself, he'd admit to enjoying it. He loved the way the Mule got so worked up around him, how he couldn't seem to keep his hands off of him. In the tub, how he'd held him from behind and touched him all over. How he'd rubbed and caressed him. If discovered, would Buck be disgusted? He couldn't help but think of an appalled look on the man's face after seeing his ears and tail. It could be so bad, so very bad; but he could trust Buck, couldn't he? No he couldn't trust anybody. He had to leave, tonight, before something terrible happened.

He stood as quietly as he could manage, now that he planned to leave, to try and sneak away from here, his every small movement seemed so much louder in his own ears. He had to get back to the room, get dressed, gather his things and sneak out without anyone hearing. He was thankful Chris' room was on the opposite end of the house, that man could hear a mouse sneeze, Ezra surmised. The days lying recumbent had taken their toll, he hadn't the energy he had before and this trip was going to be most over taxing. The idea filled him with no great joy. It pained his heart to think of leaving Buck without saying goodbye, the man had taken great care of him, and then some, his brain teased. Maybe he'd leave a note.

Ezra worked his way down the hall silently, smiling to himself seeing the door to Buck's bedroom a few feet away. Almost there. Another step and he paused to listen, his blood freezing in his veins as a floor board creaked behind him. He was not moving, yet someone else was. He cursed leaving his derringer under the pillow, forgetting the dangers of the world having been safe in this Ranch for so long. He started, feeling a rather large hand grip his shoulder. With a gasp, he struggled, trying to break free of the hold.

"Whoa, whoa there, pard."

It was the Mule! Ezra stopped struggling, feeling his heartbeat slowly return to normal. "You must be attempting to make my heart give out on me; why else would you be so very intent on startling the living daylights from my very being?"

"Sorry, I saw you lurking around and thought you might need something." Buck peered through the darkness, frowning to see the man still had his hat on. Was it stapled to his damn head? He might think so if he hadn't seen it off his head that one time, two times, his memory corrected. Although the second time he'd been more intent on seeing the rest of Ezra's body.

"I was merely strengthening my ankle." Ezra swallowed, his gaze falling to his shoulder where Buck's hand still rested.

"Let me help you back to my bed," Buck smirked, his face coloring. "I mean, your bed. Well, it is my bed but you're using it. Not that I'm bringing you back to the couch where I've been holding up..."

"You've been sleeping on the couch while I occupy your heavenly feather bed?" Ezra chuckled, side stepping out of Buck's grasp. "Serves you right, I suppose."

"Hey now, haven't I more than made up for what happened? It being an accident and all?" Buck swallowed the lie that hung in his throat, attempting to get his arm around the gambler's broad shoulders. Maybe this way he could jolt his arm and knock that hat off?

"I am more than capable in getting myself back to the room, thank you." Ezra suddenly felt nervous in this small hallway with the big man. His hat could easily be removed in a numerous manner of methods that surely even the bumbling Buck could accomplish. Don't make this harder, just let me leave in peace. If I stay any longer... a chill swept over him and he knew it had nothing to do with the cool night air. Taking a step back, he rubbed the arm of his night shirt to warm himself.

"Are you cold?" Buck stepped forward, obliterating the distance Ezra had put between them. "You don't like the cold much, do you?"

"Are there many who prefer it?" Ezra took another step. "Good evening, Mr. Wilmington. I shall retire for the remainder of the night."

"What, no Mule?" Buck mused, taking another step. It was now or never. He sensed the hesitation in the injured man for the past two days. He was getting ready to flee and Buck knew it. While he wanted to beg the man to stay, just for a little while, he felt he had no right. There was plenty to do around the Ranch though, Ezra could easily earn his meals. Hell, Buck would even let him keep the damn feather bed. Sleeping on the couch with Ezra nearby was better than sleeping in his bed with the man gone. Still, what could he do or say to make him stay? If nothing else, he'd never forgive himself if he didn't get that hat off and find those damn ears!

His hand shot out before he had the thought to direct it or the will to stop it. His fingers gently wrapped around Ezra's rather well muscled upper arm. The air grew thick between them and Buck wished his eyes were fully adjusted so he could see better in the darkness.

"What do you suppose you're doing?" Ezra's voice was deep and low, a hint of alarm and warning lacing through it.

Buck's mouth opened but no words came out, he tightened his grip a little, not enough to hurt but enough to restrain. "N-Nathan said you walked enough earlier, you're going to hinder your healing process. Let me help you back to bed."

"Let go." Ezra tried to shrug free.

"Relax or you'll hurt yourself more. Now just let me help you." Buck whispered, pulling gently on the arm he held, trying to coax the man toward him.

"I don't want your help, Buck." Ezra said, emphasizing his name. "Let me go." Great, it had only been a matter of time before the Mule resorted to his physical prowess. Ezra had misjudged the time it would take and found himself in a rather tricky predicament. His skin broke into a fine sweat as he curled his tail tighter around his waist, lest he get too excited in their struggling and Buck discover it. There was still a chance, a slight chance that he could get out of this unscathed.

"And you call me a mule?" Buck scoffed, swinging his other arm into play. "You're the stubborn one." he moved his hand blindly in the dark, attempting to loop it around Ezra, to swing the man into his own arms and carry him back to the room. Then he'd be helpless and that hat would be off faster than most ladies’ skirts in Buck's presence.

"I am not broken, despite your best efforts." Ezra shoved just as blindly, his hands pushing hard against Buck's chest pulling a muffled, forced puff of air from his lungs.

Buck frowned, pushing Ezra's hands away, giving the smaller man a shove in retaliation. "You aren't very appreciative of a helping hand."

Ezra glared, slapping at Buck's hands "Forgive me, where are my manners? Thank you most sincerely for injuring my ankle and putting me through a most pain filled experience. How I can ever repay such kindness, I may never know."

"That was an accident!"

"It assuredly was not." Ezra shoved Buck hard into the wall behind him; a picture frame jostled but luckily did not fall to the floor. "You threw those long, lumbering legs of yours into my path on purpose. To what ends I am not entirely certain but you..." before he could finish, Buck was off the wall with an annoyed growl. He swung his arms blindly in an attempt to shove Ezra. In all his planning he never considered such a simple method, and to his surprise he felt his wrist hit the hat's brim and heard Ezra gasp, a moment later, the soft thud of the hat hitting the floor hammered through his skull. The hat! The hat was off, the hat was off!

Giddiness rushed through him, a feeling of pride and accomplishment, his testosterone taking control of his thought process. His blood rushed south, tingling through his groin slightly as the satisfaction of his achievement was so closely related to pleasure for him. Ezra tried to duck to retrieve his hat but found large arms around him, pinning his arms to his sides.

Now here they stood, panting in the dark hallway; Ezra in a nightshirt and nothing more, arms pinned and heart hammering wildly while Buck held him a little too tightly against his body.

"My h-hat fell off, sir." Ezra tried, hoping maybe Buck would be a gentleman after all.

"So it did, let me get that for you." Buck offered, not letting the man go. His arms tightened their hold lest he try to escape.

"I can get it myself." Ezra whispered softly, his voice filled with defeat. This was it. Buck was going to find his ears. He debated yelling for JD, but that would wake Chris. Chris might shoot everyone simply because they woke him up. He sniffed hard at the air, hoping the boy might be around. If he were, he would undoubtedly be able to smell and sense the tension in Ezra's body. He might come running to his aid. All he could smell instead was Buck. The Mule's scent filled his nostrils and made him dizzy. It smelled clean and spicy, slightly of the aftershave Buck had used that morning, a bit of sweat, a lot of pride and... Ezra blushed, going slightly light headed. Arousal? This was arousing him?

If he could get away and leave, well then at least for the rest of his life he could remember his time here fondly, without much regret. He knew he'd never forget Buck, the man was too extraordinary for that. While he wasn't the most refined gentleman Ezra had ever met, there was something about him that instantly relaxed a person. Buck was a warm home, soft feather bed and glass of whiskey; any time you returned to it, lost yourself in his presence, you never wanted to leave.

Suddenly, one hand left, though the other long arm kept him held firmly against Buck's body. That hand trailed up, gliding up his arm toward his neck. He was going for his ears, Ezra knew that. He started to squirm, to try to get away he assured himself and not from the wondrous feeling of that hand gently caressing a trail up his body.

"Please, Buck." he pleaded, his voice sincere. "Let me go, please."

Buck heard the desperation in the other man's voice and almost released him, almost. He didn't get this close to be denied and well, the part of his anatomy that began to harden and take a keen interest in the situation suddenly took control. If you let him go, his brain told him, he'll leave you forever.

Now Ezra began to squirm in earnest, trying to pull himself free though the Mule had a stubborn grip on him. Their bodies rocked together as the pinned man dug his nails into Buck's hand, trying to hurt him enough to make his grip release.

Buck could see now, his eyes focused on the pretty hair in front of him. It stuck up wildly from his lack of a hat and their struggling, he couldn't help but lean forward to inhale, burrowing his nose in gently. He almost chuckled at the scent, he smelled slightly like ginger and chestnuts. He better not tell Chris that.

"Please," Ezra repeated, swallowing hard. "Don't do this. Don't ruin it."

"Ruin it?" Buck was surprised at how lust filled his own voice sounded, though he was well aware of the hardness that was throbbing between his own legs. Could he help it if a little wrestlin' always made him horny? It's not like anyone who knew him should be surprised by this revelation. "Ezra, you hiding something from me?"

Ezra swallowed hard, he had expected Buck to reach up and grab his ears while the opportunity was presented but he hadn’t. He hesitated, he was speaking, communicating. Perhaps, maybe just perhaps he could get out of this still. It wasn't too late. Instead, Buck seemed more interested now in holding his body close and pressing what he could feel to be a rather large endowment into the back of his thigh.

"What are you hiding?" Buck whispered, rubbing his nose and moustache against the back of Ezra's neck. "What don't you want me to ruin?"

Ezra groaned softly, goose bumps breaking out along his flesh from the sensation. He felt warm in Buck's grip and wished with all his heart this wasn't about his ears; that he wasn't on the brink of being outed as a freak of nature and that Buck was being naturally being amorous with him. He panted for breath, attempting to struggle free half heartedly. Defeat washed through him again and he knew deep in his heart that Buck would discover his ears.

Buck's hand traveled up his neck, petting gently through his hair, rubbing up the side of his head, up further in a teasing caress. Ezra's mouth fell open as those fingers inched teasingly closer. He could feel his ears unflatten, coming up off his head almost welcoming the touch. He wanted to cry out, to yell for JD, to stomp his foot back onto Buck's foot or try and kick his leg up and injure that wonderfully hard erection that was grinding into him still. Leave it to the Mule to get aroused in this situation.

The Mule in question however was going crazy. Ezra smelled so good and was so warm and squirming in his arms. He squeezed him tight, so very tight, tighter than he ever dared squeeze a woman and that felt mighty fine. His heart, head and libido were pulling him in all directions. The soft pleading in that beautiful southern lilt demanded he let the man go, the curiosity that had been building over all this time demanded he feel for those ears and well his cock demanded he shift slightly to the left and let it rub its aching hardness between those nicely muscled cheeks that he teasingly felt through the thin cotton shirt. Which part would win?

Buck shifted slightly to the left before thought could direct him, the bulge in his pants, almost painful now found itself pressed hard against the pinned man's ass. He ground hard, barking out a soft puff of air from the sensation. Oh yeah, that felt perfect.

Now the fingers began their quest again. Just when Ezra gasped from the feel of that bugle insistently pressing to his rear, those long fingers finally slid up to the top of his head, curling through his hair slightly before grasping his soft, furry ear. Now Buck knew.



<-- Chapter 7 | Chapter 9 -->

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