Before you read be warned this a Slash Fiction, M/M, gay! Adam's gay in this story! So if you find that offensive please stay away.

Ok that aside this is a "What Happens Next" fic for the episode Broken Ballad. It's not essential that you've seen the episode to follow the story but it helps. Constructive criticism is welcome. This is my first work of fiction in a very long time and my frist ever Bonanza fic. So I hope you enjoy!

Adam strummed the strings of Ed's guitar as Sally rode off in her carriage. He tried his hardest to focus on the melody he was humming and the strings and frets at his finger tips. The sound that came out of the guitar was stilted and forced. There was no mistaking the smile that came over Ed's face after Sally's kiss. Adam felt his heart sink. Everything had occurred unplanned ever since the day old man Cass threatened to starve out Ed Payson. Adam only wanted to help the man start over. He thought it was only fair that a man should be given a second chance. Adam knew what it was like to kill in self-defense. He knew right away that Ed was not the type of man who enjoyed killing. In the weeks the two men had spent together Adam felt a comfort and happiness with Ed he had never felt before. His attraction to men was nothing new, but this was different. Adam was truly happy in the company of Ed. He had been looking forward to coming back and having dinner with him that evening the two could talk for hours. Adam had convinced himself that his affections were not one sided. Now seeing the boyish smirk that Sally's kiss produced on Ed's face, Adam knew that it was more than contentment that he felt with Ed, it was love. He knew because he could now feel his heart breaking.

"What do you make of that?" Ed asked.

"Well if you don't know I'll never be able to explain it to you." Adam said tossing the guitar back to Ed.

Ed followed Adam into the cabin. "It seems strange don't you think Adam? I mean Sally sure is a pretty girl and she's real nice to—"

"Listen Ed I just remembered I told Hoss I would help him with some fencing, so I won't be able to join you for dinner." Adam had to get out of the cabin he couldn't bear to listen to Ed fawn over Sally at the moment. Adam grabbed his hat and headed for the door. Ed hurried over to him and grabbed him by the forearm stopping him before his foot could reach the threshold. "I hate to see you run off so quick Adam. I fixed up some fine eats and I was really looking forward to sharing 'em with you."

"I'm sorry Ed, but I just can't stay right now."

Ed tightened his grip on Adam's arm. "Ya know that Sally she's a real nice girl and all, but I just don't think it will work out. I've already got my heart settled on another."

Adam turned back to Ed and looked him in the eye. Ed let go of Adam's arm letting his hands fall by his side.

"Is that so?" Adam asked.

"Adam you've shown me more kindness and compassion then anyone in my entire life."

"Well Ed, gratitude is a fine thing." Adam said turning to walk out the door once again.

"This isn't about gratitude Adam. I mean I am grateful, but it's more than that." He grabbed Adam by both shoulders turning him around to face him. "Adam I— " Ed cut off his own words by pressing his lips up against Adam's. The kiss was forceful and rough and when Ed pulled away the smile on his face was mixed with apprehension.

Adams lips curled up into a grin. Without saying anther word her grabbed Ed by the back of the neck and pulled him in for another kiss. Adam's kiss began gently, but passionately. One taste of Ed's lips and Adam began trying to make up for all the other times he had wanted to kiss him. The two men begin to let weeks worth of built up lust flow out of their bodies and onto each other. Adam quickly began unbuttoning Ed's shirt as he forced him back onto the little cot. Soon Adam's gun belt hit the ground along with the rest of the clothes the two men had on.

Afterward Ed was lying back in Adam's arms staring out at the night sky from the little window of the cabin. The Nevada sky was drenched in a million twinkling stars and there was a cool breeze wafting into the cabin. Adam would have happily laid there forever. His hand rested on top of Ed's chest as it rose and fell from his even breathing. Only a few minutes before both men had been struggling to regain a steady breath. Their intense pleasure had led way to absolute contentment. "Did you really thinking I was sweet on Sally?" Ed asked

Adam chuckled. "Well what was I supposed to think she kissed you and you had a look on your face like some school boy with his first crush."

Ed laughed. "Well like I said she's a sweet girl and I was surprised and flattered that was it."

"What are you going to do about Sally anyway? It does seem as if she has fallen for you."

"Well I'll probably court her for a bit. Just so as not raise any suspicion."

Adam sat up, causing Ed to get up as well. "What? Are you going to marry her too?"

"Now listen you are the only person that I want, but we've got to be careful. Do you know what they would do to us if they found out?"

"Who's they?"

"Anyone and everyone! The world, your Pa, those men at that shop. I've seen what happens to men like us Adam, a bullet or hanging would be a blessing. When I was eighteen I was beaten and left for dead after the man who kissed me decided he'd only been drunk. I'm not going to let that happen to me again and I sure as hell am not going to let that happen to you."

"I've done a pretty good job taking care of myself."

"I know that Adam. If I court Sally it takes any suspicion off of both of us."

Adam sighed. "I understand." He said it with a smile to reassure Ed. Adam really did understand, but he had a fear that messing with Sally would cause trouble. Of all the women in Virginia City why did it have to be the sister of a man Ed had killed. Adam shook his unease there was no time for that he wanted to enjoy his night with Ed. "I'm starving. Are you going to whip me up another batch of those biscuits?"

Ed laughed. "Are you sure you want me to do that? You do remember what happened last night?"

"Oh you're right." Adam said. "Maybe I'll just have seconds of you instead." He gently pushed Ed back on the bed and climbed on top of him kissing him first on the shoulders and neck until he made it up to his lips.

"I love you Adam." Ed said.

"I love you too" Adam said with a smile.