Secret No More
by Wyndewalker
Author's Email: wynde@wyndewalker.com
Vin groaned as the sound of a cell phone ringing penetrated his slumber. He briefly considered ignoring it. Whomever was calling at...Vin lifted his head to glance at the clock...7 in the morning better have a pretty good reason. Unless it was Maude. Then he would wait until Ezra's voicemail picked up and turn the damn thing off. Looking at the man sleeping beside him, he lifted a hand to gently caress the stubbled cheek. He smiled when the handsome face instinctively turned to nuzzle his hand, a contented sigh escaping the soft parted lips.
Eventually the cell phone stopped ringing so Vin chose to snuggle back down next to Ezra, pulling the sleeping Southerner tighter against him. Ezra wriggled a little bit, seeking a comfortable position. After a moment he settled with his face buried in the curve of Vin's neck.
"Who was it?" The muffled voice was only half-awake.
"Don't know. Your voicemail picked it up."
"If it's important they'll call again," Ezra sighed, nuzzling Vin's neck. He let his hand drift down beneath the covers to cup Vin's morning erection, his own pressed against Vin's hip. "Is this for me?"
Both men groaned when the cell phone started ringing again. Vin rolled out of Ezra's embrace and leaned over the side of the bed. His fingers just reached Ezra's jacket and he pulled it towards him. By the time he finally got the cell phone out of the pocket it had stopped ringing. Vin passed it over to Ezra anyway, figuring he'd want to at least see who it had been.
Ezra frowned at the name displayed.
"Something wrong, babe?" Vin asked, scooting up behind Ezra who'd sat up. He pressed a soft kiss to the back of the Southerner's neck.
"Mr. Dunne is the one calling me."
"Why would he be callin' so... You don't think?"
"I'm about to find out," Ezra answered, punching in the memory dial. A moment later JD's voice came on the line.
"Dunne here."
"It's Ezra, JD. Is everything alright? Is Buck okay?"
"Yeaaah," JD answered his confusion plain in his voice. "Why wouldn't everything be okay?"
"Because you called me at," Ezra glanced at the clock, "good Lord, 7 in the morning on a Saturday. Twice. That tends to make me think something is wrong."
"Actually I called four times. Tried your house first. And Ezra? It's just after 10."
"No, Mr. Dunne. I assure you it's 7 am. My watch, my cell phone," he grabbed Vin's wrist so he could see his watch, "my companion's watch all read 7 am."
"Can't be," JD answered. Ezra could hear the sound of the TV coming on. "Dammit! Buck! I'm gonna kill you!"
"Mr. Dunne. JD!" Ezra shouted regaining the young man's attention.
"I'm real sorry, Ezra. If I'd known how early it was I wouldn't have called."
"It's alright, JD. Why don't you just tell me why you called?" Ezra suggested. He arched his back and struggled not to moan as Vin continued to kiss his neck while his hands came up to pinch and roll Ezra's nipples.
"I was wondering... Hey, how come you didn't answer your house phone?"
"Did it ever occur to you that I'm not at home?" Ezra gasped when Vin's hand moved down to grasp his stiffening cock.
"You're not at... Oh, man, Ez, I'm so sorry."
"Yes, fine. Just tell me why you called."
"I wanted to go over the Haverson case again before Monday, but it can wait. I didn't mean to bother you."
"Of course not. Oh, dear Lord," Ezra gasped when Vin went down on him. "I'll see you at 9, Mr. Dunne."
At least Ezra hoped that's what he said as he disconnected the call and tossed the phone on the floor. He flopped back on the bed with a moan as his tracker licked his cock from base to tip in broad strokes.
Vin lifted his head long enough so that he could shift around to kneel between Ezra's legs. Grasping Ezra's hips to hold him still, he went back to torturing his beloved's cock. He loved the soft mewling sounds Ezra made and the way he would writhe about when he stroked his cock while licking the tip like it was a lollipop. He'd found he enjoyed when Ezra became the aggressor and would take him, but this morning he wanted to bury himself in Ezra. He wanted to feel his beloved's body clenching tightly around him when he came.
Grabbing the lube off the nightstand, he quickly set about preparing Ezra. Once he had Ezra reduced to begging incoherently, he rose up above him, bending one of Ezra's legs over his shoulder. He locked gazes with his beloved's passion-filled eyes and held it as he slowly buried himself in the tight sheath of Ezra's body. Vin paused giving Ezra time to adjust. Bending down he captured the already kiss-swollen lips, laving them with his tongue before dipping into that sweet mouth. He trailed soft kisses over the square jaw and down the arched neck until he reached the collarbone. Capturing a bit of skin, he sucked hard on it leaving a dark mark behind. Satisfied with his work, Vin raised his head to meet Ezra's green gaze again.
"Mine," he rumbled, half-growl, half-purr. "All mine."
"God, yes. Please," Ezra whimpered, thrusting his hips, trying to take Vin deeper. With a ragged groan Vin began to move, this time bending his head to lave and suckle on Ezra's hardened nipples.
Vin tried to keep the pace slow and steady, wanting to draw out the pleasure, but Ezra's needy moans and whimpers quickly had him thrusting harder and faster. Ezra's breaths came in gasping pants as his hands roamed over Vin's sweat-slicked body, touching and caressing his tracker wherever he could reach. Vin's hand wrapping around his straining erection had him crying out Vin's name and bucking beneath him as he came.
The feel of Ezra's tight channel squeezing and rippling around his cock pushed Vin over the edge. He barely heard Ezra crying out his name over the roaring in his ears as he emptied his seed into him.
Once he had the strength Vin gently rolled off Ezra, then pulled him into an embrace. He loved the way Ezra snuggled closer, twining their legs together. Vin shifted him a little, just enough to grab the sheets and pull them up over them. He sighed as Ezra pressed a soft kiss to his neck and they drifted off to sleep.
Their sleep was interrupted once again at 8 o'clock, this time by the alarm clock. Vin clicked it off then cuddled Ezra closer, never even opening his eyes. Ezra, however, was wide awake. He had an odd feeling in his gut, not unlike the one he'd get just before a bust was about to go bad. Only there was no reason for it that he could think of. He and Vin were going to help out with the kids at the Youth Center today. There was a basketball game for the older kids and some art students from the University were coming to work with the younger children. Then he remembered his conversation with JD earlier. He let out a harsh sigh. Vin's arm tightened around him as the sharpshooter asked, "Everythin' okay, Ez?"
"Hmm? Oh, yes, I just remembered that I told JD at 9 earlier."
"9?" Vin frowned. "We're supposed ta help out at the Youth Center."
"I know. However, I believe I wasn't thinking clearly at the particular moment since *someone* was distractin' me." Ezra raised himself up so he could grin down at his lover.
"Yeah? I don't recollect you complainin' none." Vin returned the grin, one hand slipping beneath the covers to cup and knead Ezra's backside.
"True. Very true," Ezra gasped, rocking against Vin's hip as his manhood began to stiffen again.
"So, why're we going to see JD?" Vin asked, bringing Ezra back to Earth.
"Not we, me. JD called me, remember? He wants to go over the Haverson case again. I hate to disappoint the little ones but..."
"It's the job. Yeah, I know," Vin sighed. He gently cupped his beloved's cheeks, thumb brushing over the full lower lip. Ezra turned his head so he could kiss the palm of Vin's hand.
"I really wanted to be there today. I'm positive those students from the University will be blown away by Rosa's work. I wanted to make sure she was properly introduced and that they took her seriously."
"I'll do it, Ez. I know how hard you've been working with her. Just tell me who I'm s'posed to introduce her to an' I'll see it gets done."
"Really?" Ezra smiled hopefully.
"Really," Vin confirmed, loving the way Ezra's whole face lit up with joy.
"Thank you so much, Vin. This is wonderful. Rosa really deserves the many opportunities this could open up for her. However can I repay you?"
Vin wanted to tell him that just to see him smile like that was payment enough, but Ezra wouldn't understand it. Instead he said, "Well, I've got some ideas. One of which includes us in the shower right now."
Ezra gave him a wicked grin before bouncing out of bed and heading towards the bathroom. "Your wish is my command."
Vin groaned, becoming hard again at the sight of muscles rippling and bunching in Ezra's perfect buttcheeks. Eagerly he scrambled out of bed to join his playful lover in the shower.
"Ya know, babe," Vin said as he stole yet another kiss while they dressed. "There's just somethin' about you that turns me on like nothin' and no one I've ever known. I swear, if we could I'd never let you outta bed."
Ezra widened his eyes in mock surprise. "You don't like doing it on the couch or the living room floor or in the shower or the kitchen table or against the front door or..."
Vin cut him off by capturing his lips in a passionate kiss.
"God, Ez," Vin gasped when they finally parted. "I swear you're trying ta kill me."
"No, darlin'. Just drive you to distraction." Ezra grinned.
"Well, it's workin', babe." Vin grinned holding Ezra tight against him.
"Mmm, as much as I'd like to continue with this line of thinking," Ezra said in between kisses, "we do have appointments to make."
"I s'pose," Vin murmured distractedly, nibbling on Ezra's neck.
"Vin," Ezra said sternly, trying to push Vin back. "Hey!" He yelped when Vin nipped him.
"Sorry," Vin grinned at him.
"No you're not," Ezra accused him, a grin on his own lips. "Uh-uh," Ezra moved back before Vin could start kissing him again. "We have to go."
"Spoilsport."
"I'm sorry."
Vin just shook his head as he followed Ezra into the main room of his apartment and scooped up his keys from the counter. He stole another quick kiss from Ezra before opening the door and letting him precede him into the hallway.
Reaching the front steps of his building, Vin wasn't surprised to find most of the kids waiting there for them. Standing off to the side a little, clutching her drawing pad to her, was Rosa, her bright eyes shining when she caught sight of Ezra.
"Senor Ezra! Look! I wore my bestest dress and I brought my book jus' like you said I should. Do you think they'll like my drawings? I really really hope they like them. Do you think..."
"They're going to be quite impressed with your artistic ability, my dear," Ezra reassured her, getting down on one knee to be at her level. "I wish I could be there..."
"What? But, Senor Ezra, you have to be there! You have to!"
"I'm sorry, sweetie, but I can't. I have to go to work, but I promise I'll try and get back as soon as possible," Ezra said, brushing at the tears starting to roll down her cheeks. "Senor Vin is going to go with you. He knows just what to say."
"But I want you to be there," she said with a sniff.
"I know, sweetie, I know. I wanted to be there too. I promise I'll try and be back as soon as I can. I know you're going to make me proud. Be good for Senor Vin, okay?"
Rosa nodded her head as she hugged him tightly. Finally Ezra pulled away.
"I'll be back soon. I promise." He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before rising to his feet. Ezra squeezed Vin's arm. "Thank you, Vin. I'll try and be back by 1."
"We'll see ya later," Vin said with a smile as he picked up Rosa and settled her on his hip. With one last smile Ezra headed down the steps and out to his car. The kids waved as he drove away.
*******
Ezra shook his head with a smile when JD opened the door of the apartment while shouting over his shoulder at Buck.
"It is too your turn to do this week's dishes, Buck. You're not weaselin' out of it. Hey, Ezra. C'mon in," JD said, stepping aside so he could walk past him. "I'm so sorry 'bout calling you so early this morning. *Someone* thought it would be funny to switch ahead all the clocks on me."
"It's quite alright, Mr. Dunne," Ezra assured him, amazed as always at the younger man's excessive energy as JD bounced on the balls of his feet. "My companion and I were not put out by the intrusion."
"So, what's her name, Ez?" Buck asked coming down the last few steps from his bedroom loft. "How long you been seein' her? We gonna meet her anytime soon or is this a one-nighter? Is she hot? Of course she's hot. She's gotta meet your lofty standards."
"All of that is none of your concern, Mr. Wilmington," Ezra answered with a dismissive gesture, moving towards the table where JD had already spread out his casefiles. "Though I am apalled that you would think I would participate in a one-night stand."
"Some of the best sex I've ever had were one-nighters. Not every woman's looking for a commitment," Buck answered, with a grin. "How long you two been seeing each other? Must not be too serious if you haven't even brought her around to meet us. Bet the sex is good though."
"Mr. Wilmington, I do not need the team's approval of who I date and the seriousness of the relationship is not determined by whether or not I have introduced h-her to you hooligans. Nor am I one to kiss and tell, so I suggest you drop the matter."
"Maybe not, but you do show," Buck said with a devilish grin, not at all put off by Ezra's evasive answers.
"What on earth are you talking about?" Ezra demanded in exasperation.
Buck reached over and pushed Ezra's collar to the side. "Let's see. I count three love bites on your neck there. Bet you've got scratches on your back too, maybe bites in other places we can't see," Buck grinned at the flush creeping up Ezra's neck. "Yep, I'd say she's a real tiger in bed."
Grabbing Buck's wrist, Ezra put just enough pressure on it to make him wince. "I'm only going to say this once, so I suggest you listen carefully, Mr. Wilmington. My romatic relationships are none of your business. You are to make no further speculation as to the sexual prowess of my companion or as to how serious the relationship might be. When I want it to be your business I will let you know." Releasing Buck, he turned to JD. "Now, Mr. Dunne, I did have plans for today which I have rearranged so that we might go over this case again. However, I have a 1 o'clock appointment that I fully intend to keep. Let us get to work without further intrusion. Alright?"
"Yeah, sure, fine, Ezra. I've got everything all set out. I just want to make sure we didn't miss anything."
Buck watched from the kitchen as the two men settled in to work, absently rubbing his wrist. Yep, Ezra was in love. The question was, who was it?
*******
Buck glared at the two heads bent over paperwork at the kitchen table from his spot on the couch. "One of you two want to get the phone?"
"We're working, Buck."
"It's your phone, Mr. Wilmington."
"Yeah, but I'm older and I..."
"You're admitting to being old, Mr. Wilmington?"
"Hell, no I ain't old," Buck grumbled as he heaved himself to his feet. In two strides he reached the other couch and grabbed the portable from beneath a pillow. He thumbed the talk button as he held it to his ear. "Wilmington. Hey, Chris, what's...what?! Is... Did they say... How bad... Could they be anymore fucking worthless? What about... Hell, yeah we're on our way. We'll meet you there." Buck turned off the phone and tossed it back on the couch. "Grab your coats, boys. We gotta go."
"What's going on?" JD asked as he and Ezra rose to their feet to follow Buck to the door.
"There's been a drive-by shooting."
"I don't believe that's our jurisdiction," Ezra pointed out with a frown, the uneasy feeling in his gut deepening.
Buck paused to look at him, his expression serious. "It was in front of the Youth Center."
"Dear Lord," Ezra breathed, feeling like the ground had suddenly dropped out beneath him. Only years of skillfully hiding his emotions kept the panic from his face and voice. "What about Vin?"
"Don't know. The officer who called Chris didn't have any information other than there'd been a shooting."
Ezra nodded numbly, climbing into the cab of Buck's truck after JD. He wanted to cry and shout and demand answers. He needed to know that the man he loved more than anything was still alive. But he didn't. He remained quiet and calm. No one knew that Vin had become his whole world. Not even Vin.
Thanks to Buck's almost maniacal driving they made it to Purgatorio in record time. Yet it still seemed like an eternity for Ezra. All three of them stared in shocked silence at the scene before them when Buck pulled up t the end of Vin's block. There were people everywhere. The noise of the gathered onlookers couldn't drown out the cries of injured children and the wailing of grieving families. It looked like a war zone.
Before Buck had even put the truck in park Ezra flung open the door and jumped out, headed into the crow. "Vin!" he shouted, desperate to find his mate. "Vin!"
Buck and JD exchanged worried looks as they scrambled out of the truck to follow the frantic Southerner. They were family, true, but Buck expected this kind of behavior from Chris, not Ezra. JD trotted at Buck's heels, guilt eating at his heart. He knew Ezra was supposed to help Vin at the Youth Center today, but instead he'd gone to help JD. Maybe if he hadn't called him, Ezra would have been here and maybe it could have been avoided. Yet JD knew in his heart that had Ezra been here he could have been one of the injured as well. Or he could have... JD shook himself from the morbid thoughts at the sound of several young voices calling, "Senor Ezra! Senor Ezra!"
Ezra knelt down as a group of four children swarmed him. Without a second thought he opened his arms and gathered them to him in a hug. "Are you alright, little ones? Where is Senor Vin?"
They held onto him a moment longer then began pulling on his hands and clothes. Ezra let them lead him. His heart broke at the sight of five covered bodies, all too small to be his lover. Three were the size of older children or teenagers, while two were the size of small children no older than ten years old.