Disclaimer: I don't own Magnificent Seven.

A/N: First off, Happy New Year. Second, this is actually only the beginning of the end. Nothing seemed to be going my way hence the length and the fact I didn't have this updated sooner. Hopefully I'll have the second half, and the end of the story up before the end of the month.

Enjoy

Lowering his book Ezra stared at the suite door. In theory, there shouldn't be anyone knocking on his door. No one knew where he was and he hadn't called room service. Even when he had left his townhouse a week ago he hadn't had any idea of where he was going, just knowing he had to get away from Denver. Chicago had been a spur of the moment decision.

Despite his reasons for leaving home, it had been good to get away. It was nice not having to worry about his phone ringing at some ungodly hour in the morning, not having to deal with the fear and adrenaline each time he was about to go under. He couldn't remember ever having a week that was so relaxing.

The insistent knocking on his door started again and Ezra set his book down and stood, ready to tell whoever was at the door to disappear. He jerked the door open, words dying on his lips.

Buck and Vin were standing in the hallway, Vin looking as relaxed as ever, Buck grinning broadly. Ezra rested his forehead against the door and closed his eyes, hoping the sudden appearance of his friends was a hallucination based on an unusual amount of stress free living. "I should have known you two would be the hounds Chris sent to return me to the fold."

"Actually Chris didn't send us. We decided we could use a weekend get away and Chicago seemed like a good enough place. The fact we've got some news about Chris and Mary to pass on doesn't figure into it all."

Ezra raised his head from the door, feeling suddenly lightheaded. The secret they had carefully guarded for two years was out. He stepped back and gestured for the other men to enter. If he was going to pass out it was better to do it in semi-privacy rather than being sprawled in the middle of the hallway

"Would you gentlemen care for something to drink?"

Looking around the posh room Vin smiled slightly at Ezra. "Coffee would be good Ez."

Ezra nodded as he started the coffee machine. "I'm afraid you'll have to submit your taste buds to real coffee Vin. I highly doubt I could find some of your Folgers instant sludge in a cup you usually indulge in."

Vin wandered over to the windows over looking Lake Michigan. "Doesn't matter what it is as long as there's caffeine in it."

Buck settled on the couch, eyes on Ezra. Their friend hadn't exactly been happy to see them and when he had mentioned Chris and Mary Ezra had gone pale and tensed up so fast Buck had been afraid he was going to pass out. He had to admit that Ezra looked more relaxed but there was a hollow look in his pale eyes.

Flipping the switch on the coffee maker Ezra turned back to look at Buck. "I take it by your comment that our esteemed leader has finally asked Mrs. Travis to become his wife." He dug his fingers into the counter the coffee maker sat on, ignoring the tightness in his chest. "I'm sure Mrs. Travis is ecstatic."

Ezra took a breath and closed his eyes. It hurt to say, but part of him had known it would happen. Of course Chris would chose the person he could be seen out in public, the person society wouldn't frown upon. He'd have to put in for a transfer as soon as possible assuming anyone would have him. Staying on the team wasn't an option if Chris and Mary were going to be getting married.

"You'll have to give my congratulations to the happy couple. I fear I will be unable to attend the nuptials."

Buck glanced from Ezra to his lover, frowning. Ezra had tensed up and looked pale again and Buck couldn't help but wonder what he had said to make his friend look so miserable. Casting his mind over everything he had said since Ezra since he had opened the door he realized exactly how his greeting had sound. He saw Vin smile slightly and knew his lover had caught his slip.

"Shit Ezra, sit down before you pass out. You misunderstood what I said about Chris and Mary. They aren't getting married. Chris broke it off with Mary last weekend." He paused for a moment. "We saw the letter Ezra."

Ezra dropped into one of the chairs, hands clenched on his knees to keep them from trembling. Two years of careful deception all gone in the time it took to read a page. He closed his eyes, not wanting to see either of the men.

Vin's voice was a low rasp barely heard above the soft sound of the coffee maker. "Believe it or not Ezra, but we aren't taken' either side in this, even if we do think Chris is in the wrong. Course, that don't mean we think what he did was right.

Ezra heard Buck's snort of derision and couldn't help but smile. It seemed Buck didn't agree with his lover when it came to taking sides.

"Vin may not be taking sides, but I certainly am. Chris may be my oldest friend but he's been a right ass about this whole situation. If it wasn't for that hole in him he would have been bleeding on the floor again. I'm siding with Ezra on this."

Warmth pooled in the pit of his stomach and some of Ezra's tension drained away. Even after four years with the team there were still times he doubted his value, wondered whether or not they actually liked him or if he was merely tolerated for his skills. However, if Buck was willing to take his side against his oldest friend it was a sure sign that Buck considered him part of the family they had created.

Opening his eyes to find Buck ready to continue Ezra raised his hand to cut him off. "While I appreciate your anger on my part Buck, I must ask that you cease slandering your best friend. I am as much to blame for this situation as Chris is. I am an adult and as such bear the responsibility for my actions. I could have told Chris the truth as soon as I realized it, could have given him an ultimatum in dealing with Mrs. Travis, could have broken it off. Instead I chose to stay, unable to give up the one thing causing me the most pain in my life. My heartache is of my own doing."

Not giving either of his friends a chance to say anything Ezra got up and poured three cups of coffee. "Let us drink gentlemen, and then I shall take you out to dinner."

-----

Buck parked his truck and got out, moving to join Chris who was standing by the nearest pasture fence watching the horses. He leaned against the high fence, emulating his friend's position, arms folded across the top rail, left foot resting on the bottom rail. A smile tugged at his lips as his mount moved between irritating Chris and Vin's mounts, enjoying the attention from the two blacks.

Ezra's own horse was lingering near Chris', the fractious black unusually accepting of the chestnut's presence. Looking back on everything he knew, it was easy to see how Chris and Ezra had much of the same relationship when in public. Chris could easily ignore Ezra unless the undercover agent was trying to push him and in return when quiet Chris seemed to welcome Ezra's presence.

Buck canted his head slightly, seeing the tension in Chris' shoulders, his smile widening. He knew Chris wanted to ask about Ezra but wouldn't, not wanting anyone to know how much Ezra actually meant to him. It had become a defense mechanism after the fire, to not let anyone seem to close, for fear of losing them too.

Looking back to the horses Buck let the silence sit for several moments before breaking it. "Talked to Ezra on Saturday. He looks good, more relaxed than I think I've ever seen him before, physically at least. Mentally and emotionally I'm not so sure. He's got bags under his eyes and he looks kind of haunted."

Chris shifted next to him and Buck knew it was in discomfort. While Chris seemed like an uncaring bastard to the outside world the truth was that Chris felt strongly for the few people he actually let through his barriers. After the fire those barriers had been closed tightly for years and had only started to reopen, even to him, with the creation of Team Seven. And Ezra had managed to get even further than any of the rest of them.

"He doesn't blame you Chris, not entirely. Told us he blamed himself just as much as you. I think you could get him to come back, to the team and you, but it won't be easy. This hurt him bad and I can't say I blame him for being skittish about it."

He wasn't surprised when Chris didn't say anything. Words had never come easily to Chris, except when he was drunk, the times he wasn't sullen and silent. Even now, in the face of losing Ezra the words weren't forthcoming.

Straightening up with a groan as his spine popped Buck rested a hand on Chris' shoulder, squeezing. "Everything will work out."

-----

Chris slid into the bed, the sheets cool against his damp skin. Reaching out he turned off the bedside lamp, plunging the room into darkness. Unbidden the image of Ezra appeared in his mind as they had last been together, but it was his bed he saw Ezra in, a place he had never been.

The thought of Ezra sprawled in his bed, smooth pale skin against dark sheets was arousing and Chris closed his eyes, thumbing a nipple as he did so, shivering against the arrow of pleasure shooting down his spine.

His other hand drifted lower, fingers brushing over curls, tracing the length of his cock. He touched a finger to the head and gathered the drop of fluid there, rubbing it between finger and thumb. Another light touch to his nipple had him shifting against the sheets, circling his fingers around the head of his cock.

Eyes closed he continued touching himself, wishing it was Ezra with him. Hand sliding across his stomach as he approached the brink all Chris could remember was the way Ezra had been the last time together.

Head back, flush painting his face and upper chest, thighs trembling as he'd worked to get them off, hand hard on his cock. The only sounds in the room had been of their breathing and the soft, almost whimpering moans spilling from Ezra's swollen lips.

He hadn't been able to let go, his hands curled tight around Ezra's hips, thumbs tracing circles on the delicate skin with each up thrust of his hips. Ezra had come first and continued to move, shudders wracking his body as each thrust had stimulated his prostate further.

Breath catching in his throat Chris came, the image of Ezra above him fading away like a ghost.

-----

Stepping into Chris' office Buck reacted automatically to grab the black box before it hit his face. Fingers wrapping around it he lowered it and crossed to Chris' desk, leaning a hip against it. "Better ways to try and kill me."

Buck grinned at the dark look Chris gave him, fingers absently rubbing over the top of the box. It took him a moment to realize it was covered in fine velvet like jewelry boxes and only a second longer to come to the conclusion that was exactly what he held. Flipping it open he stared at the contents for a moment before finding his voice. "You know, that's twice now you've asked me and I'll have to say no again."

He saw the same flicker of amusement he had seen in hazel eyes so many years ago the last time he had made that joke upon being presented with a jeweler's box. The humour in hazel eyes died and he swallowed. "Are you sure this is the way to go?"

Chris was staring out his office windows, seemingly mesmerized by Denver's fall weather. "Yeah. This last year has definitely not been one of the finer ones in my life, starting with right after the fire. She wouldn't be impressed with the way I've handled this whole thing with Ezra. I know that the box isn't going to solve anything but I hope it will help matters."

"You made a good choice. Ezra needs to hear the words, which you happen to suck at. Luckily this should get the point across nicely." Buck handed the box back to Chris. "I take it you're heading out tonight?"

Fingers rubbing over the box Chris nodded. "Bag is in the Ram. Flight leaves at eight. I don't suppose you and Vin would mind taking care of the horses for the next week?"

Buck shook his head. "No. We'll crash in the guest room. It'll be a lot easier than running back and forth. What should we tell the others?"

"Tell them personal business. It'll be enough to keep them thinking."

-----

Ezra stared at the door, unable to believe what was happening. Twice in a week someone was knocking on his door, and much like the last time, he didn't think the insistent knocking was from a hotel employee. Book in hand he got up and opened the door, feeling time stop. "Chris."

Standing there in black jeans and a dark grey shirt, hip length black leather jacket hanging open, hair turned tawny by the low lighting of the hallway was Chris and Ezra was tempted to simply slam the door shut, appearances be damned.

Hand tight on the doorknob Ezra stared at Chris, having a hard time believing that the man had actually taken the time off the work he was notoriously driven about. It had to mean something that Chris had willingly taken the time off. But as much as he wanted to believe it he couldn't.

"And so the shepherd comes to return the wayward sheep to the flock when the hounds have failed."

He watched as Chris shifted, a subtle movement of the lean body, the man's only concession when it came to fidgeting. He knew Chris was waiting for an invitation in and because of that he was intent on keeping him out, not willing to give up the safety that came with controlling the door.

Chris frowned and Ezra could tell he was feeling frustrated. While Chris was inscrutable to many people he made his life on being able to read the criminals he worked with and Chris had nothing on some of the criminals Ezra had gone up against.

"You know as well as I do that Buck and Vin came up here to see you of their own free will. I don't push any of my men to come back early unless something serious comes up. You going to let me in?"

Book tucked under his arm Ezra made to shut the door. "I think not. There is really no reason for us to talk."

A booted foot slid into the gap between door and frame, Chris following until he was pressed against the door. Ezra had to tilt his head back to meet Chris' eyes and shivered against the thrill it sent down his spine. "A gentleman doesn't push."

Chris leaned in, long fingers wrapping around the door near the knob. "I've lost track of how many times you've said none of us are gentlemen. And if you're not going to let me in I'm going to talk through the door and irritate your neighbors and we'll be the next hot couple arguing on COPS."

Ezra canted his head, mask of bland neutrality firmly in place. "Couple." He drawled the word, dragging it out as if he was trying to make a connection. "Not a word I would have thought of using when describing our barely existent relationship."

Chris' fingers twitched at his words, brushing against the back of his hand. "Why are you here?"

Chris wrapped his other hand around the doorframe. "I came to make an attempt to start getting everything between us back to normal but you're making it difficult."

Chris' words echoed in his head and Ezra did the best he could to pay no heed to sudden increase in his heart rate the words had provoked. Just because Chris had said the words he had most hoped to hear it didn't mean it was time for him to simply give in. He wasn't above making Chris prove his intentions.

"I have never been accused of being easy in any aspect of my life Chris, but since you seem resolute on this course of action then I suppose I shall have to give you a chance. Be at my door at seven-thirty this evening and we shall go out to dinner."

Ezra froze when Chris' hand lifted from the doorframe and fingers brushed over his cheek before Chris withdrew.

-----

Lifting his wineglass Ezra looked at his companion. He had been surprised when Chris had shown up at his door wearing an obviously expensive black suit with a dark maroon shirt, the top two buttons undone. They had taken a taxi to the restaurant and Chris had continued to be courteous the entire night.

Ezra reached for the folder containing the bill, prepared to pay for the meal. He hadn't chosen the most expensive restaurant in the city, but it was upscale even compared to when he went out in Denver. Just before his fingers touched the leather, Chris picked the folder up and slid his credit card in without looking.

"Chris."

Chris set the folder on the edge of the table and picked up his scotch before leaning back, a faint wicked grin tugging at his mouth. "Isn't that part of picking the right partner, making sure they can provide for you in the fashion to which you have become accustomed?"

Not wanting Chris to get the upper hand Ezra waited until the waiter had picked up the folder before speaking. "Does that mean you'll be purchasing my next Jaguar?"

"I wouldn't go that far." Chris drained the rest of his scotch and stood, accepting the receipt from the waiter and signing it before slipping the copy into his pocket fast enough that Ezra didn't get a chance to look at it. "How far back to the hotel?"

Standing Ezra shrugged his coat on and made his way through the tables, aware of the warmth of Chris' hand where it hovered over the small of his back. It sent a shiver down his spine, to know that if he and Chris wanted to they could touch without their secret getting back to anyone who mattered.

For a brief moment he was tempted to do just that, to stop and push back against the hand so near his back, to feel the familiar strength. As quickly as the urge had risen he pushed it back down. While they were safe in Chicago, not having to worry who might see he wouldn't do it. They were both intensely private when in public and there was no reason to change that simply because they weren't home.

"Eight blocks." Ezra drew the collar of his coat up against the chill wind blowing through the tall buildings. "I take your inquiry to mean that you would like to walk back?"

Chris nodded and did up the buttons of his jacket. "There is a reason I live so far out of town."

By the end of the first block they had fallen into step together as had become habit after four years working together. They were close enough that their arms touched with each step and Ezra found himself fighting against the urge to reach out and catch Chris' hand, if even for a minute.

Shaking his head, shocked at how desperate he was feeling to touch Chris he stuffed his hands in the pockets on his coat. It had been months since he had last touched Chris with any sexual intent and now that the man was here and had declared his intentions, as vague as they had been, it was irritating how badly he wanted to reach out and touch Chris, to assure himself that the man wasn't simply a hallucination brought on by a lack of stress.

"Buck was pissed when he picked me up from your place. Would have hit me if I had been able to walk without limping."

"I can imagine so. His dander was very much still up when he was here."

Ezra glanced at Chris. His voice was softer than usual and he didn't seem to be holding his body with the rigidity he was so used to from the office, things he usually only saw when they were alone, when Chris could relax enough to let go even a little bit.

As they turned onto the street that would eventually lead back to the hotel Ezra moved closer to Chris, left hand sliding out of his pocket. Not giving his courage a chance to leave he reached out, fingers skimming over the warm skin on the back of Chris' hand before sliding around until their palms were touching.

Before he could react strong fingers were twining with his, squeezing once before pulling away as another couple came towards them.

Hand drifting back to his pocket Ezra spared another look at Chris, not prepared for the soft, heart wrenching smile tugging at the corners of Chris' mouth.

After meeting Chris for the first time, had anyone ever told Ezra that the man was capable of such a fragile, soft smile he would have laughed at them. But now, faced with it he felt heat curling in the pit of his stomach and he fought the urge to reach out again. He had never been weak in his convictions and he wasn't going to give in because of a smile.

"What where you planning on doing tomorrow?"

Stepping into the hotel as Chris held the door open Ezra lead the way to the elevators. "I had thought to take in some more of the Chicago culture, perhaps visit several museums. Why?"

Steady hazel eyes met his as the elevator doors closed, all traces of the tender smile gone. "Curious. Figured we might meet up at sometime, go out to dinner again and maybe do something else."

Ezra could only nod, powerless as always in the face of Chris' ever changing eyes.

----

"Stay."

The word caught Chris and he froze in place, hand having just closed around the doorknob. He looked over his shoulder. Ezra was in the middle of the living room, hands in the pockets of his slacks, looking casual and cool but Chris could tell he was just as surprised by the one word.

Ezra licked his lips and shifted, the slight movement betraying him. "I find two weeks in a city with no one I know not nearly as thrilling as I had assumed it would be." There was a brief pause. "For the night."

Hand dropping from the doorknob Chris turned. Only three nights with Ezra and already invited back into his bed. Unexpected and he knew it didn't mean everything was back to normal. For Ezra, the one perpetually left behind and lied to, his few words, no matter how heartfelt were not enough to make him believe everything was back to normal. Chris knew he would probably spend the rest of his life telling Ezra how much he wanted him.

Eyes never leaving Ezra he took his coat off and hung it on one of the hooks. He crossed to Ezra in three strides, hand coming up to cup his chin, stopping when a hand was pressed into his chest.

"Just because I asked you to stay, it does not entitle you to taking liberties with my body."

Chris completed the movement, thumb touching the middle of Ezra's lower lip. "Wasn't going to take any." He moved a little closer, thumb tracing the curve of Ezra's lip to the corner of his mouth.

Feeling some of Ezra's tension fade Chris bowed his head, lips brushing Ezra's in a touch that could barely be considered a kiss. Another brief touch, more of a kiss than the first one and Ezra was drawing back.

Hand flexing against Chris' chest Ezra inclined his head towards the bedroom door. "You may have first use of the facilities. I have one matter I need to attend to."

Before Chris could say anything Ezra had drawn away and disappeared into the dining area. Shaking his head at Ezra's sudden disappearance Chris toed his boots off and moved to the bedroom.

The King sized bed was neatly made, the pale linens almost silver in the moonlight. Chris flicked the bedside light on, opting to leave the overhead light off. Not having anything to sleep in since his own clothing was three floors down and he didn't want to risk Ezra not letting him back in he decided the worn T-Shirt he had on under his dress shirt and boxers would have to suffice.

There was an unopened toothbrush in the bathroom and he helped himself to Ezra's toothpaste. Standing in the bathroom door looking at the bed it was hard to imagine that he and Ezra were actually going to share a bed just to sleep. Two years together and they had only ever shared a bed after sex.

Feeling like an ass Chris slipped into the left side of the bed, the sheets cool against his skin. He relaxed into the bed, one arm across his stomach, the other tucked under the blankets. Eyes closed he listened as Ezra came into the room and the soft rustle of clothing being removed.

The bathroom door clicked and Chris rolled onto his side, head cradled on his bent arm. A faint sliver of light was visible at the bottom of the door and he watched as the light shifted with Ezra's movement.

Minutes later the door opened and Chris cursed himself for an idiot again as he looked at Ezra. Dark green silk pajama pants hung low on Ezra's hips and clung to his thighs, emphasizing the heavy muscle.

Eyes never leaving Ezra he shifted to turn off the light, plunging the room into darkness. Reaching over Chris flicked the blankets back in silent invitation, knowing Ezra was probably feeling as off balance as he was. He watched as Ezra shifted in the doorway before crossing to the bed.

Even across the distance separating them Chris could feel Ezra's warmth and without really thinking he reached out, fingers settling on warm skin. He felt Ezra tense and he shifted closer, his hand sliding higher until it was curled around the base of Ezra's neck, pulse beating strong against his fingers.

Elbow digging into the mattress Chris leaned over Ezra, fingers stroking over the strong beat. In the faint light from the moon he could see the tension in Ezra's body, the slight furrows across the high forehead and the frown tugging at his mouth.

Leaning down he pressed his lips to Ezra's cheek, needing a moment to gather his thoughts. "It was a mistake."

He felt Ezra tense and he cursed himself. Four years he had known Ezra, two of those in an intimate relationship and he still managed to upset the man on a regular basis. Dealing with Ezra was one of the few times he wished for a better ability with words but he had managed and would continue to.

"Not us. I handled everything that happened badly but I never regretted what happened between us." Knowing his presence and the time they had spent together over the last three days had at least partially assured Ezra of his honesty in the whole situation.

Chris trailed his lips along the curve of Ezra's jaw to his chin, nibbling on his lover's lower lip before pulling back. Ezra's eyes opened dark in the moonlight and a hand came up, sliding into his hair, urging him close with gentle pressure.

Their lips touched and Chris had to close his eyes against the warmth spreading through his body. The only other time he had felt even nearly so complete had been with Sarah and he kept the kiss slow and easy, hoping that Ezra could feel how much he wanted him back in his life.

He eased back, breaking the kiss into softer, shorter touches of lips, fingers stroking Ezra's throat. With a last lingering touch he drew back, hand sliding off Ezra to rest on the blankets between them. "Go to sleep Ezra."

There was the faintest hint of a grin tugging at those mobile lips before Ezra was rolling away from him and snuggling into the bedding.

Chris pulled his pillow under his head and reached out, fingers barely brushing the curve of Ezra's back.

-----

Rolling over Chris brushed a kiss to Ezra's shoulder before resting his forehead against smooth skin. He settled his right hand on Ezra's hip, fingers moving from skin to silk. It was tempting to curl closer and simply doze, basking in the man's presence, but he had already slept in later than he was used to and his body was ready to get up and move.

A last fleeting kiss and he slid out of the bed, ducking into the bathroom before going into the living room to start the coffee maker. Once the pot had started Chris went to his coat and removed the jeweler's box from the pocket. Fingers rubbing over the top of the box he moved to the windows.

The early morning light reflected off the water, making the placid water look like a flawless mirror. There were several birds flying above the lake and he could just barely make out a large freighter on the edge of the horizon. Looking out the window, at the calm placidity of the lake and unable to see the streets below Chris could admit how much he had needed to get away from the office and Denver and he was doing his damned best to forget that he was here chasing down his errant lover.

He could almost pretend it was simply the two of them getting away from the stress.

Coffee cup in one hand, box in the other Chris reentered the bedroom, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Ezra had moved to the middle of the bed and curled on his side, blankets drawn up so only the top part of his forehead and hair were visible.

Moving slowly Chris climbed back on the bed and sat next to Ezra, thigh pressed tight against his back. He felt Ezra shift and setting the box down he switched the mug to his other hand. With his free hand he tugged the blankets lower, hand skimming up to curl around Ezra's bicep, feeling the latent strength under his fingers.

Ezra shifted again and Chris moved his thumb in long strokes over smooth skin. With a soft murmur Ezra drifted to a deeper level of sleep and Chris continued the soft touch.

Sometime later when Ezra began to stir again Chris' coffee cup had gone cold against his thigh. Stretching he set the mug on the bedside table before going back to touching Ezra's arm, his hand following as Ezra uncurled and stretched, body arching away before coming back, warm and familiar against his hip.

The blankets had slid down during Ezra's stretch, pooling around his knees. Chris dropped his hand to the man's thigh, fingers sliding between, palm flat against hard muscle.

Chris watched as Ezra reached for the box, apprehension suddenly flooding his system, making his muscles tighten. Taking a deep breath he shook his head and drew circles on Ezra's leg with his thumb. At forty-two years he was old enough to deal with anything that might be said in the coming minutes.

Long fingers opened the box and silence reigned for a moment before Ezra was twisting, box held in his hand. Chris shifted his weight onto his right hip as he waited for Ezra to settle back into the bed, fingers still pinned between his legs. Only a faint haze of sleep lingered in the pale eyes, barely hiding the sharp intensity usually only seen on a case.

"What is this supposed to mean?" Ezra's voice was silk, the tone used to draw criminals into his web.

Ignoring the hard edge under the soft drawl Chris leaned forward. "A promise. The same one I gave Sarah."

Ezra stiffened, eyes flaring and he moved to sit up. "Is that how you see me? A wife, subservient to you in every way?"

Rocking onto his knees Chris threw a leg over Ezra's thighs and planted a hand on either side of his head, keeping him pinned to the bed. He knew from previous experience that trying to confine Ezra was dangerous. Despite Ezra's fancy clothing and vocal complaints against manual labor he was an expert in unarmed combat and several martial arts. The team had learned early on with a number of bruises, that physical confining Ezra was dangerous.

"Sarah was never subservient to me and I sure as hell never expected it from her. And seeing as I can barely get you to listen to me at work, I sure as fuck don't expect anything different in our personal life."

Chris moved further and pressed his knee between Ezra's thighs until they parted, hands still framing his face as he hovered over the compact body. "Partners Ezra. That's what it means."

Touching Ezra's cheek Chris sat back. "As for the wife thing, I know you can barely cook any better than I can and I know you hire someone to clean your townhouse, so I'm better off cleaning the ranch myself. You have half an hour to get ready for lunch."

-----

Chris paused by the column near his flight gate and turned. He caught Ezra's shoulder and tugged him behind the fake marble, his bag dropping to the floor. The part of the terminal they were in was sparsely populated or else he wouldn't be taking the risk.

Ezra was surprisingly docile under his hands and moved forward when he tugged. Chris touched his thumb to the middle of Ezra's lips before kissing him, though it was little more than the briefest touch of lips.

Strong arms slid around his waist and he lowered his head, pressing his lips to the hair behind Ezra's ear. He wouldn't ask if and when Ezra was coming back, what he had said earlier to Ezra standing, he didn't interfere with the lives of his men unless they were in some kind of serious danger

"I should get going so I can get through security."

Chris ran his hand down Ezra's back as he drew back. He was bending down for a final parting kiss when the sound of children had them both taking a step away from each other.

Ezra's face was surprisingly open and Chris could almost let himself hope that maybe everything was going to work out. "Have a good flight Mr. Larabee."

-----

Duffle bag in hand Chris tiredly made his way down the tunnel that connected the plane to the terminal. It was late enough in the evening that the idea of simply spending the night at Ezra's townhouse was becoming more appealing when faced with making the long drive out to the ranch.

"Hell stud, you don't look like a man who spent a week with the second love of his life."

Chris stopped at the words and it took him a moment to realize that Buck had sidled up next to him and was trying to pull his bag away. He let his friend take the bag, rolling his shoulders against the loss. "You didn't honestly expect anything to happen did you?"

Buck shrugged as they made their way through the airport, perfectly in step. "You know Sarah always accused me of being an eternal optimist. But now it's obvious you've been getting some lovin' the last two years. You weren't nearly as cranky before you drove Ez away."

Any other time he would have reacted to Buck's dig but he was tired enough that coming up with something suitable was nearly impossible. "Why the hell are you here? I'm surprised Tanner let you loose in public unsupervised."

"He's at the ranch. I crashed at my place tonight so I could get a few hours. Figured you could use some company to keep you awake on the drive out there." Buck tossed Chris' bag into the back of the Ram.

Unlocking the doors with the remote Chris jerked his door open. "I could have just crashed at Ezra's place. Was going to until you announced your presence."

Buck climbed into the truck. "So, serious enough for him to give you a key but not enough for you to just want him."

Chris started the engine before glancing at Buck. "I'm not so attached to you that the thought of leaving your ass in the middle of nowhere doesn't appeal to me. Vin would eventually forgive me."

He wasn't surprised when Buck's only response was to grin. They'd known each other long enough that his threats had stopped being effective long before they had joined the ATF.

"So, what did Ezra say?"

Fingers flexing around the steering wheel Chris kept his eyes on the road. Buck knew when to keep his silence and when to push and would always push when a friend was involved. It was a minor miracle it had taken until the outskirts of town for him to finally speak up.

"Not a lot of talking happened. As you've told me many times, I suck at talking. I gave him the box and didn't push. You know as well as I do what happens when Ezra gets pushed."

Buck slumped in the seat. "Yeah. Guess we'll have to hope you got your point across."

-----

Pulling the carafe out Chris shoved his cup under, catching the last few dribbles from the machine before filling the mug. "You want to ask now or wait until we're outside?"

"Naw. Ain't gonna pry. One thing Buck hasn't managed to rub off on me yet. I figure you did what you could. Ez is still prickly and not gonna rush a choice like this. He'll be back when he's ready."

Vin stood and made his way towards the back bedroom that he and Buck stayed in when at the ranch. "I'm gonna get Buck up so we can work a couple of horses while you clean stalls."

Shaking his head Chris went into the mudroom to pull on the boots he wore in the barn. His friends were irritating at the best of times.