Author's notes: this story originates in several chat session
between Mez and myself. We were, of course, discussing Ezra, and
suddenly there was a story. :)
Dedication: for Mez
BK

The club was packed as always on a Friday night. The group of six entered through the double doors, already feeling the heat coming from the bodies dancing and drinking in the spacious room. The interior was simple, a curved bar following the wall and corner on one side with hooded lamps on the wall above. The walls themselves were dark, in a dark grey, smokey colour. The tables were made from black metal as were the chairs. That left the dancefloor in the middle of the room, music pumping from several elevated loud speakers fastened high on the walls. A few black crates stood nearer the DJ's booth, the sound vibrating through the floor boards.

"Classy," Nathan commented, eyeing the seemingly dodgy club. Buck who had been standing next to him was already on his way to the bar, Chris in tow. At the fellow student's comment, he looked back over his shoulder.

"God, you're such a snob at times, Nate."

"I'm not a snob, just being practical," Nathan mumbled back. "Oh what the hell..." He followed his friends, not missing Josiah's smile and JD's big, excited eyes. The latter made him worry. The kid was too young to be here. He was a certified genious, intelligence tests scoring all over the place. Which was the reason why he was attending college when he really still should be in high school.

"Come on, Nathan." Josiah's deep voice shook him from his thoughts. "I think we're blocking the entrance."

"Oh."

Behind them Vin was still biding his time. Clubs usually weren't his venue, too many people in too little a place. But he went along, his friends' company more than outweighed the slight uncomfortable feeling he would get now and again. And besides, this wasn't too bad. Most of the people were centered in the area holding the tables and along the far end of the bar. At the end, just after the corner, there were plenty of places to sit down. Chris and Buck were already seated, having spared them all seats. JD bounced along, crawling up on a bar stool, Josiah and Nathan joined him while Vin preferred standing, leaning to the wooden bar top. Beers were ordered all around and Vin let his eyes sweep the establishment as he waited.

The music playing was something sweet and soft, with a heavy bass line pulsing underneath. The melody was as sharp as it was seductive, the male vocal sounding like thick caramel smoothing out the edgy corners. It all made Vin think of dark, warm places and smooth, supple leather. Titling his head to one side he suddenly stopped, eyes curiously taking in a specific form of the dancers on the floor.

He was in the middle of a group of four, but to Vin he might as well have been all alone. In the dark and flashing light Vin really couldn't see that much, except for the dark clothes and the shape of the body swaying with the music. Mesmerized by the catlike grace Vin almost missed the bar keep placing his mug of beer in front of him. Cradling one hand around the frosty glass he went back to watching his dancer. Letting his eyes adjust some more to the lack of light he made out an all black outfit, snug pants obviously made out of leather, a short sleeved shirt and something tight, dark and most intriguing around his neck. Never taking his eyes of the object of his fascination Vin lifted the beer and took a small sip. The cold liquid spiked his senses, doing nothing to quell the simmering heat that was building inside.

The song ended, and another one started. Something with pounding drums and shrieking guitars that jolted Vin right out of his observations. More people filled the dance floor and Vin felt a moment's panic as his graceful dancer became shielded from his view. He was so absorbed in this that he didn't notice the five others' mix of wondering looks and knowing smiles.

"See anything you like out there, Vin?" Buck was teasing him, having quickly figured out what was causing Vin's inattentiveness. Next to him JD was seconds away from climbing onto the bar to see what, or who, Vin was looking at. Only Chris' grip on the back of his coat kept him in his chair.

"What?" The younger man's voice cut easily through the music. Chris merely shook his head, a small smile playing around his mouth.

"So what was it that caught your attention in such a manner?" This was Josiah, quietly amused that the young Texan clad in black cowboy boots, jeans, a tight T-shirt and an ever-present leather coat didn't notice the attention he himself was getting. He merely pushed the shoulder length sienna curls out of the way and resumed staring the dancefloor.

Vin didn't need to answer, wasn't sure he could formulate one anyway, as he all of a sudden spotted the person moving towards the bar. His blue eyes lighting up, he shamelessly drank in the sight of the handsome stranger. Up close the collar-like band around a neck just perfect to nibble on and kiss, was even more intriguing. Auburn wavy hair framed a face dominated by a set of large, emerald green eyes. The vibrant eyes were accented by back eyeliner making them glow against the pale skin. There was just a hint of dark colour on the full lips as well, matching the clothes. Up close Vin admired the well built body, dressed in a pair of snug fitting leather pants, as anticipated, riding low on his hips and hugging parts of his anatomy that Vin wound't mind at all getting to know better. The shirt was made out of a nearly see-through material, the fabric woven tightly enough to just hint at the skin underneath and the silvery glints of what appeared to be a nipple ring. The outfit was completed with black boots and leather bracelets adorning both wrists.

Keeping from gulping down his beer in hope to cool off his suddenly rampant body, Vin looked up from his study of muscular thighs to meet an amused green gaze. In response a corner of his own mouth lifted as he met the stare head on. The stranger leaned against the bar next to Vin, ordering a beer from the bar keep. Vin nearly shivered as he heard the silky smooth Southern accent. It fitted perfectly with what he had seen so far. Now that they were this close he also had the pleasure of studying several piercing in the ear turned his way. One of them was a little star-shaped diamond stud reflecting the strobe lights in small bursts. As the bar keep nodded his affirmation to the order, the green eyed young man turned around, now with his back leaning to the bar, hands resting on the edge of the bar. A smile made its way over his face as he looked coyly up at the slightly taller Vin.

"Hi."

"Hi yourself," Vin replied, in the same flirty tone, smile reflecting on his own face again. "I saw you on the dance floor." He placed the beer down. "You looked good."

Long lashes fluttered over the large eyes.

"Thanks. I noticed you watching me. It was kinda hard not to."

"Really." Vin wasn't asking. Instead he leaned heavily against the bar top on one elbow, inclining his body subtly closer to the Southerner's. "Maybe I wanted you to notice."

"Oh I certainly did notice you alright."

The statement delievered in a honeyed drawl, along with the look in the green eyes did nothing for Vin's self control. His body was giving urgent signals that it wanted to be even closer to the shorter man's body. Licking his lips he watched the other's eyes darken just a little. A hand was reached out to let a finger trail the mesh shirt, feeling the contures of the piercing beneath.

"So what else have you got hidden under there?"

"Depends on what you're looking for."

"Oh by the looks of it," Vin smiled almost ferally. "I'd have to say... You." His hand moved upwards to hook in the collar of the black shirt and pull the other man closer. "Did I mention that I love your collar?" A thumb rubbed over the silver studs. "It suits you."

"Why thank you." The answer was sightly breathless, Vin's focus of attention on the tempting lips now mere inches from his own. Moving them together as one, he soon had the smaller man pressed up against the bar, efficientely trapping him.

"We ain't been properly introduced yet. I guess I should know your name before I kiss you... My name's Vin."

"Ezra."

"That's good enough," Vin nodded. "Now let's get down to business." Ignoring the fact that his friends were sitting just beside him and that most of the people in the club undoubtedly were staring at them, he bent his head and kissed the man in his arms.

The kiss was slow and wet, a maddening grind of lips and tongues, only fuelling both men's arousal. Encoraged by the light groan of appreciation Vin smiled victoriously, hands already starting to map out the body in front of him. The leather was warm as he stroked over a hip, finger tips darting up underneath the shirt to get the first feel of naked skin. Clever fingertips walked around to Ezra's back, dipping into the waistband of his pants. At the feel of hands finding their way into the back pockets of his jeans and pulling him closer Vin broke the kiss to look down at Ezra.

"I like the way you're thinking, green eyes." Before he swooped in for another kiss, causing them to tumble back, bodies flush together. Seeing the fresh mug of beer on the bardisk Vin took hold of, moving to lick at Ezra's ear, placing ittle nips to the tender flesh. Fisting his hand in Ezra's hair he made the other lean his head back, allowing Vin to pour a generous amount of beer on his throat. Rewarded with another moan and the green eyes fluttering close at the feel of the cold liquid meeting warm skin, Vin went in for a taste. He took his time, licking every last drop of the beer away, laving the skin with kisses and caresses. It was a delightful shock as he felt Ezra's hands on his naked back, his shirt having been worked free of his jeans without him even noticing.

"You boys might wanna take it to a room or something."

Buck's voice made it through the lust-induced hazyness in Vin's mind. He was quite happy where he was, working on the buttons of Ezra's shirt so he could taste the skin underneath as well. Buck's words were immediately followed by Nathan's voice.

"Don't encourage him, Buck! He doesn't even know the guy...Vin, are you sure you know what you're doing?"

"I'd say he knows what he's doing." There was a unmistakable teasing quality to Chris' voice. "Lighten up, Nate. Vin's a big boy."

"Indeed you are," a voice purred into Vin's ear, a strong leg innocently brushing against his groin. In retaliation Vin grabbed both of Ezra's hands, practically bending him backwards over the bar top.

"I wish I could turn you around and take you right here," he said, heart beating faster over the widened eyes and small 'oh'. "Bend you over the bar and fuck you senseless right where we are standing."

Their bodies were still pressed closely together, Vin's shirt hanging loose and Ezra's half undone. One steamy kiss later Vin straightened, pulling Ezra with him. Looking up the Texan met Buck's eyes and winked.

"Reckon we'll be leaving you guys now."

Buck toasted him with his beer. "Have fun, cowboy."

Vin grinned, allowing Ezra to lead him away from the bar towards the back rooms of the bar. "I will."

His friend merely shook his head, smiling. Nathan wasn't quite as happy, staring after the two. "You think we should let Vin do that? Neither of us knows that kid...he looked like some goth freak..."

"Hey!" JD protested, smoothing down his own black leather coat with a hurt look. A lower lip, complete with a frail silver hoop, portruded in a pout.

"Of course I didn't mean you!" Nathan tried. JD still stared at him. "I know you, ok?"

Josiah decided to help his friend before he dug himself further into a hole. "He didn't mean it that way, JD. You know Nathan's a pathological worrier. Vin could be going with the Pope himself and Nate would worry about the old man's intentions."

That prompted a horrified look from Buck and: "Thank you, Josiah, that was just the mental mage I needed!" Still muttering, he turned to Chris who patted him sympathetically on the back, trying his best to keep from laughing.

In the meantime Ezra and Vin had reached the back door, tumbling through it as neither were willing to break the kiss they were currently in the middle of.

"I get the feeling you have been here before," Vin murmured around Ezra's mouth, fingers still fumbling with the buttons.

"I have," the reply came. "Never done this here before though."

"Gotta be a first time for everything."

The music from the club followed them, muffled to a rhytmic pulse as the door swung shut behind them. The silver-white moon along with a myriad of scattered stars illuminated the backyard and parking lot. Nobody was around. Vin recognized the car next to them and smiled. Just what he needed for what he had in mind. In a fluid movement he picked the smaller man up and placed him down on the hood of the car. Standing between Ezra's legs, he smiled as the Southerner wrapped his legs around Vin's waist. Standling like this Vin had to bend just a little to drag Ezra close to him and initiate a new kiss. Ezra's hands tangled in his hair, keeping them close together as they kissed. Needing to place his mark on his new lover, Vin moved down to the arched neck offered him. Sucking on a spot he let his teeth grace the porcelain skin, creating a red mark. Slowly he let his hands push the mesh shirt off Ezra's shoulders, leaving it hanging from his upper arms. In the moonlight the silver ring on Ezra's chest was shining. Hooking his hands underneath Ezra's knees he pulled, leaving the other laying on his back on the hood.

"Much better," Vin mumbled, placing both hands, palm down, on Ezra's chest, feeling the rapidly beating heart. The skin was silky to touch and he felt the slight arch up into his hands. A ragged breath sounded as he experimentally toyed with the nipple ring. Siding his hands up Vin let his lips take over the action, teeth tugging gently on the piece of silver.

A distinctly Southern: "Gawd..." floated his way.

"You liked that, did you?" Vin absentmindly asked, rubbing his fingers over the other nipple, eager to feel as much of his partner as possible.

"Yeah..." The voice was breathless as the owner squirmed under Vin's touch. His hands were still in Vin's hair, tangled so profoundly that Vin was getting worried that he would get stuck. But, he mused, that really wouldn't be a problem. He fitted his hands in under Ezra's back, running his hands down until they met with the leather fabric of the pants. With him leaning forward, it aligned their groins together, pressure altering all the time. For every move Ezra made it caused him to grind against Vin, skyrocketing the Texan's desire along with the mewls and whimpers as Vin explored the Southerner's body. One hand deftly opening the buttons of Ezra's pants Vin wasn't really surprised of the lack of underwear he encountered. The raised eyebrow earned him a quick explanation.

"Makes lines underneath the leather, doesn't look good, better to go without..."

"Easier access," Vin agreed. "And yeah, this definitely looks good." The rest of the buttons followed the first. "Let's get you out of these, shall we?" Ezra's answer was to kick off his boots, and they hit the grown with a thump. Deliberatedly avoiding touching skin Vin agonizingly slow pulled the pants off, dropping them carelessly to the ground to join the boots. After a second thought he shrugged out of his own shirt as well, delighting in the small, appreciative sound coming from Ezra. Straightening up, Vin took a moment to just look and felt his heart skip a bit. The light of the moon gave Ezra's flawless skin a warm glow, making it appear golden. All the clothes he had on now was the shirt half way pushed down his arms, the studded leather collar and the bracelets. At Vin's hungry stare he blushed a little, the colour spreading over his body. The sight made Vin growl, before claiming the open mouth in a possessive kiss. Not satisfied with only tasting Ezra's lips he moved South, lips trailing over an exposed neck, biting at the curve of a collar bone, all while his hands were sliding down unclothed flanks. In a sudden move Vin captured Ezra's hands and pinned them over his head. Tossing back damp curls he met Ezra's eyes, not able to supress a moan when seeing the emotions mirrored back at him in the green depths. Slowly, he inserted his leg between Ezra's, letting the rouch demin brush against Ezra's naked skin. One of Ezra's legs folded around his waist, the other was braced against the car. foot firmly placed on the front bumper. Keeping both of Ezra's wrists in one hand, Vin let his fingers draw the contours of Ezra's mouth before slipping two fingers past his lips and into the warm, moist cavern of his mouth. The feeling of his lover sucking on his fingers and a clever tongue wrapping around them almost became his undoing. Keeping up the pressure with his legs, letting his body brush against Ezra's, he kept himself firmly in check.

Using his wet fingers to trail down Ezra's chest, he felt the smaller man shudder as the nightly breeze cooled his skin from the heat of Vin's hand. His name was murmured, almost begging.

"You need to be patient, darlin'," he teased, keeping Ezra down as he tried to increase the amount of touching. "But I do love to hear my name in that pretty accent of yours..." He had to laugh as he saw the pout. "Awe, baby, I'll make it worthwhile for you, just you wait and see..." One still wet fingers ran down the center of the Southerner's arousal, making him give a noise between a startled yelp and a deep moan. "You're one gorgeous little Reb, I could just watch you all night..."

"That is not an option!"

Vin just chuckled, drawing back to open the first few buttons of his jeans. Then he stopped, ignored Ezra's frustrated groan. Leaving his jeans Vin resumed the light touches and nibbles and kisses and licks, knowing that neither of them would be enough to bring his partner over the top. Still he was very much enjoying administering them. And bringing Ezra to utter incoherence, pleading with Vin in more than one language to :"Do something, damnit!"

"I will, I will," Vin soothed him, kissing his way up to a inviting looking belly button. Dipping the tip of his tongue inside briefly he continued up. "You ever thought about getting your belly button pierced? I like that. It's sexy."

"You think so?"

"Absolutely." Vin's hand were touching him at last, but only lightly and teasingly. "But you're damn sexy as it is...makes me wanna lick you all over and never stop."

"Oh..." The flustered reply made Vin chuckle. After placing a quick kiss to an upturned nose, he pressed his lips to Ezra's chest, making a path of kisses downwards. Reaching the nipple ring he gave it a tug, causing Ezra to arch up into his touch. He was kept from moving too much by Vin's hands on his hips, keeping him pinned to the car. He went even lower, a sharp nip just below the belly button made Ezra jump. He walked his fingers down Ezra's his, continuing down his thigh, arranging the leg over his shoulder. He still wasn't touching, just being close enough for the other to feel his breath on his skin.

"Vi-in!" Ezra begged, writhing restlessly. "Just..."

"What?" Vin innocently asked, sitting back. "You want me to stop?"

"No! I want you to... I want you..." The words came to a sudden stop as Vin leaned in to lick an excrutiatingly slow caress over him.

"Yes?"

"I want you to keep doing that... I want to feel your mouth on me..." There was a husky tone in Ezra's voice that set Vin's blood on fire. He nipped shortly at Ezra's inner thigh then soothed the mark with his tongue. Adjusting the grip he had on the slender hips he set about to pleasure his sweet, Southern lover. The taste was something he could get addicted to very quickly, the same went for the soft sounds of pleasure he was causing. With all the teasing he had done earlier he knew that Ezra wasn't going to last long and soon felt the other's body tense up underneath him. he could hear Ezra say his name in a sort of half-growl, hands scrabbling to gain purchase on the slick car. Vin kept placing little kisses on the heated flesh as he waited for his partner to wound down again. Then, with a wicked, little grin he licked one finger. Making sure it was sufficiently wet and slick he brushed it over the sensitive opening and felt Ezra draw a deep breath.

"Ok?" he asked concerned. "I won't do this if you don't want to."

"I do." The answer seemed a little rushed. "I do want this."

Entering him slowly, Vin let his movements follow the ones of Ezra, eventually increasing the number of fingers up to three. His own arousal was getting steadily harder to ignore and he was certain that keeping this up he was going to come in his pants without even touching himself. Using one hand to draw his coat closer he fished around in one of the pockets for the condom he knew was in there somewhere. Locating the small foil wrapped package he breathed a sigh of relief.

Preparing himself wasn't easy, and it didn't help that Ezra seemed more than willing to help him too, with busy hands. But in the end he was finally ready, the two of them as close together as humanly possible. Gazing into Ezra's eyes Vin checked one more time. Reading the question in those blue eyes, Ezra nodded before reaching up to take Vin's mouth in a deep kiss. They were still linked in the kiss as Vin slowly and gently moved, letting their bodies be joined. All the way inside he paused for a moment, reveling in the feel of the tight, smooth heat and the feel of Ezra's body entwined with his. Again his eyes met Ezra's, both of them breathing hard, holding each other tightly.

Vin snaked one arm around Ezra's waist, bracing himself against the hood for leverage. Ezra's arms were securely fastened around his neck. At Vin's first move, he gave a low moan, burying his face in Vin's neck, his hands slipping on Vin's sweat covered back. Vin kissed the shoulder in front of him, turning his head to nuzzle at the neck before biting slightly at an earlobe. He wanted to prolong it, make it last, but quickly realised that they were both too far gone. His lover was beyond words now, clinging to Vin as their bodies moved in synchronicity. Everything else had faded out, except the two of them and the feel of the other's body. The sharp sensation of pleasure cascaded down on Vin, spurring him to capture Ezra's lips in a greedy kiss. Only the need for oxygen made them break apart, the smaller man arching his back and clasping his legs around Vin's waist. Sinking his teeth in Ezra's shoulder Vin gave into his body's demand and followed Ezra over the edge and into the witches cauldron of bliss. For a long time they just held on to each other riding out the waves of pleasure.

The world returned slowly.

Lifting his head Vin's rested his forehead against Ezra's, his hands combing through the russet hair. "Wow," he breathed, not willing to break the connection between their bodies just yet.

"Yeah," Ezra willingly agreed. "Wow." He allowed Vin to place a finger underneath his chin and lift his face a little. They melted together in another kiss.

"So," Vin started, feeling a little nervous all of a sudden. "Will I be seeing you again?"

"If you want to." The promise in those words made Vin's stomach tighten, but not unpleasantly.

"Yeah," he hurried to reply. "Maybe... Maybe I could call you? And we could get together sometime?"

"I'd like that."

The sound of a door slamming made them both jump. Vin tightened his hold on Ezra. "I don't wanna go just yet," he complained. Now he wished they had made it back to his room at the dorm or something, where they could stay in bed and cuddle all night. Well, at least for a while before they could do all the stuff that lead to cuddling all over again.

The sound of voices followed the sound of the door and they reluctantly separated to find their clothes. The actual process of getting dressed was continously interrupted by giggles and kisses. "Guess the guys I came here with are looking for me," Ezra stated as he was properly dressed, sitting on the hood of the black car again to tie the laces on his boots. "I better go find them." Vin didn't look happy at the sound of that, which made Ezra smile.

"And you should go tell that tall, worrisome friend of yours that I didn't eat you alive or do similar unspeakable things to you... Although," one eyebrow raised as green eyes dropped to Vin's jeans. "I aim to fix that at a later date." Two seconds later Vin had pulled him close and was kissing him thoroughly. Pulling away a little after the kiss was over Ezra got out a black eyeliner pen and placed his hand against the white T-shirt Vin had on. Using the eyeliner he scribbled down a telephone number, all while Vin was squirming complaining that it tickled.

"There!" Ezra exclaimed. "All done." Raising himself up on his toes he pressed a sweet kiss to Vin's lips. "Bye." Then he was gone.

Leaving a very flustered Vin behind staring after him before staring down at his chest. A huge, happy smile formed on his face, then he whipped out his cell phone. Wandering back into the club again he dialled the number on his T-shirt. A few seconds later an already familiar Southern voice replied.

"I missed you!" Vin started as way of saying hello. Then he chuckled. "Yeah, already..."

The next day was a Satturday, the late autumn day filled with a reddish sun and lazy heat as the afternoon was slipping into night. Enjoying the day the five young men were lounging underneath a small patch of trees. Chris, Josiah, Nathan and JD were in different relaxed positions in the grass as Vin was leaning against one sturdy tree, wistfully checking his watch every few minutes. Ezra and he were going to have their first, official date tonight, going to the movies. Something Vin was looking forward to immensly. He did not miss the amused looks he was getting from his friends though.

"What?" he asked in the end.

"Nothing," Chris innocently replied. "It's just kinda cute, you know..." He smiled as Vin made a face at him. before he could reply a tall, lanky figure dropped down on the grass next to him.

"Hi guys."

"Buck," Chris greeted him, the rest of them following him. "What's up?"

"Oh nothing," Buck smiled mischievously. "I just ran into someone we know..." He turned to face Vin, smile growing. "I'd say you're in for a surprise, my friend."

"What?" Vin knew he was repeating himself. "Surprise? What do you mean?" Instead of replying Buck just inclined his head towards the figure that was strolling their way. Vin's mouth dropped open.

"The hell?"

A minute late clear green eyes regarded him humorously. "Hey, Vin," a Southern voice purred.

"Ez?" Vin snapped out of it. He couldn't stop staring. Instead of the leatherclad, little seducer from last night, in front of him stood nothing short of a vision in tan slacks and a white, shortsleeved shirt left untucked. No makeup and the auburn hair was perfectly coiffed. The look in those green eyes was of a very different character though. The Southerner's appearance may as well have been the perfect, proper gentleman if not for what shone through in the gaze that raked over Vin's body. The look was all that needed for Vin to feel the fiery passion from last night at the club to start pumping though his veins again.

"You look good."

"Thanks." Ezra smiled. "So do you. I like you in jeans."

"So," Vin knew he was about to make a fool of himself. "You're going to wear that, I mean you're wearing that when we're going, right?" There was something about the seemingly neat and proper appearance that drove him absolutely crazy, knowing what was hiding underneath. The only sign of his wild one from the club was the numerous ear piercings.

"Of course," Ezra obliged him. "I thought you may like it." He pulled something from his pocket. "But just to remind you, there's this..." It was the studded leather collar from last night, making Vin's mouth go dry. His heartbeat was raising furiously as Ezra came close to him and lifted the Texan's right hand. He expertly wrapped the collar twice around Vin's wrist before attaching the clasp.

"There. Suits you."

Vin lifted his eyes from his wrist. He already had visions of putting that collar back around Ezra's neck later the same night, where they were in bed, naked and hot. The vision of his lover wearing nothing but the slim piece of black leather around his neck was dangerously tempting. The knowledge of that they were going to spend the next hours in the darkness of a theathre, making out in the seats in the back didn't help. By the look of Ezra's face he knew exactly what Vin was thinking.

"So," Ezra asked innocently, leaning closer to Vin. "You ever had someone go down on you in a movie theatre before?"

A thoroughly stunned Vin at first couldn't form an answer. Then he reached out to grab hold of Ezra's hand.

"We're going," he told his friends. "Bye."

Ezra twisted a little being dragged away by Vin, so he could grin at the remaining five. "See y'all later. Oh and don't worry, Nathan, I'll take good care of him." He winked playfully at the older student, then turned back to Vin.

The look on Nathan's face nearly had Josiah in stitches. "Vin is certainly going to have his hands full with that one."

"Heck, he's already got Vin wrapped around his little finger," JD stated, looking smug. "But I like him. They make a great couple." Chris and Buck both agreed, while Nathan still wasn't over the teasing comment.

"I'm telling you, that guy is trouble," he informed them.

"Aren't we all?" Josiah mused.

Nathan was scandalized. "Not like that we aren't! I mean, neither of us would go and do something like that, on the hood of a car of all things..." His gaze landed on Buck. "Well, most of us, anyway..."

"Car?" Chris looked up. "Don't tell me that they..."

"They did," Nathan nodded. "Vin told me this morning. He was surprised that you hadn't noticed anything." A smile graced his face at the blond's incredulous look.

Buck chose that moment to pipe up with: "You know, your car sees more action than you do, Chris..." Hazel eyes immediatey turned his way.

"Excuse me?"

The brunet got to his feet and ran. Seconds later Chris was on his feet as well in hot pursuit.

"Well, that'll keep them busy for a while," Josiah sighed, laying back. "It's certainly is a fine day." JD stretched out next to him.

"It is."

Nathan stared at them both. "Oh why do I even bother?" he grumbled, the exasperation in his voice more for show than anything else.

"You know you love us," JD teased, blinking up at him with huge, dark eyes. "Just admit it, Nate. You'd go crazy without the lot of us to worry over."

"I'll go crazy, alright," Nathan responded, but he was smiling. Not far from them Chris had tackled Buck to the ground and was tickling him mercilessly. Their laughter drifted over to the three of them and Nathan leaned back with a contented sigh.

It was a nice day indeed.

The End