This was part of Erika's title challenge. Therefore, I must thank an anonymous person for this torment. We'll soon find out who is responsible. Not really that spicy. I also thank Lumina~ for the beta. Any mistakes are mine though.

In this universe, the team are archaeologist/anthropologists.

Orin - Director of Antiquities, Bibliotecha Ormond.

Chris - Director of Operations, holds a Ph.D. in Field Archaeology, M.S. in Linguistics

Vin - Art Forger, now Manuscript Copiest, pursuing M.A. in Medieval Art

Josiah - Forensics, holds a Ph.D. in Forensic Archaeology; M.S. in Anthropology

Buck - Research Specialist, holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology, and M.S. in Library Sciences

JD - Research Intern, M.S. Anthropology. Doctoral candidate in Forensic Archaelogy.

Nathan - Linguistic Specialist, Ph.D in Linquistics; M.S. in Anthropology

Ezra - Cartographer. M.S. Linguistics; M.A. Medieval Literature; Doctoral Candidate in Historic Cartography

"Ez, are you coming?" Buck Wilmington asked as he entered the cartographer's office.

Without looking up, Ezra spoke softly. "No. I know I'm on to something here, if I can just--Hey!" Ezra protested as the map was pulled away.

"It's 9 o'clock and you been here since 10. I think that's enough research for one day."

Ezra grimaced as Buck carefully put the map in the protective casing and placed it in the drawer.

"Dr.--"

Buck stepped closer to Ezra and stood but a breath away from him. "I thought we were past the 'Dr'." Buck leaned over Ezra. "Well past." He placed a ghost of a kiss on Ezra's lips.

Ezra smiled. "Buck."

Buck chuckled.

"I suppose a break could perhaps be beneficial."

"Yeah, it could. Come on." Buck grabbed Ezra's jacket and tossed it to the younger man.

Ezra caught the jacket and immediately put it on. He checked the pocket for his keys. Then he picked a small object off of his desk and put it in his inside pocket. Satisfied that all was in order, Ezra stepped up beside Buck and brazenly caressed the older man's butt. When Buck looked at him in fake shock, Ezra merely winked then stepped forward. "Well, are you coming... Stud?"

Buck laughed and walked out into the hallway with Ezra. Then he locked the office behind him.

"I realize that I am devoting a large portion of my time to this dissertation."

"A large portion? Hell, Ez, you ain't done nothin' just for the fun of it in the last month."

"Yes, well, you might keep in mind that I do not have my Ph.D. as yet, and my grant expires in two months."

Buck stopped and looked at Ezra. "Don't worry. Ezra, you have plenty for that dissertation of yours."

"I want to decode that map."

Buck just grinned. "You can do that after you got your doctorate, kiddo."

Ezra rolled his eyes. "I --"

"Hate it when I call you that. I know. But no more talk about maps. Tonight, well tonight is about us."

Ezra smiled at Buck before opening the door of the Bibliotecha Ormond and leading him outside. Buck and Ezra had only walked a few steps when both stopped. Things were not what they were supposed to be. As one, they turned back towards the building they had just exited.

It was not there.

"Um, Ez--"

"Don't say it, Buck," Ezra muttered.

"Right."

Both men stood still for a few moments, taking in the new surroundings. Nothing looked familiar. No campus; no students; no cars.

Buck pulled Ezra to him. "Don't know what happened, Ez. But we'll figure it out. I promise."

Ezra just nodded. He held onto Buck. It was uncharacteristic of him to allow such displays when not at home--either his or Buck's. But right now, Buck was his only link back to home. Buck felt the same way. Neither man wanted to risk losing that connection.

"In the meantime," Ezra said, his voice only slightly betraying his unease, "I suggest we locate shelter while we try to determine where we are--and how to get back."

Buck nodded. "That sounds like a plan, Poodle."

Poodle?! Ezra looked at him in shock. Buck had a glint of humor in his eyes. "Why, thank you--Bunnykins," Ezra replied calmly.

Buck laughed, a deep rich laugh. "That's why I love you kiddo."

"I--"

"Yeah, I know."

The two men looked around. There were a few structures, all looked abandoned, most were dilapidated. They found a fairly sturdy building and walked in.

It was rather late; it had been when they were leaving the university, but now it was even later. The building was too dark to really investigate, so the men simply settled in. Buck sat down, his back to the rear wall. Ezra sat next to him, and leaned against him.

"I'm glad you're here with me," Ezra whispered, looking up.

Buck placed a kiss on Ezra's forehead. "Me too."

Eventually, Ezra settled in, resting fitfully against Buck. Buck kept watch. Without knowing where they were, Buck couldn't sleep. He ran his fingers through Ezra's dark hair, loving its soft feel. He sang softly and smiled as Ezra snuggled closer.

In the three months since Buck and Ezra had gotten together, Buck had been amazed to find out that Ezra liked to snuggle. And Ezra rested easier whenever Buck sang.

Buck still didn't know what caused some of his love's insecurities. Ezra was bright and very compassionate. He was also passionate. Buck felt younger just being near the cartographer.

Morning came, and sunlight streamed into the room. Ezra woke up and looked to Buck, who was standing near the table. "Buck, you should have woke me."

Buck shook his head. "Nah, I love watchin' you sleep."

"Did you determine where we are?"

"No. But I found this. It's missing a chunk." Buck handed Ezra a stone object covered in intricate carvings. "These make any sense to you?"

Ezra took the object and turned it over. It looked to be a chart. "Not yet. Do these symbols look familiar to you?"

Buck shook his head.

"Well, they do to me. These symbols were on that map I've been studying." Ezra shook his head.

"You're tellin' me that we've stumbled into a city that disappeared 2000 years ago?"

"I don't know. All I know is that these symbols are on that map." He stared at it. "Something is not right."

Buck looked at him in blatant disbelief. "Ezra, that has to be the understatement of the year."

Ezra snorted. "Yes, well. I've a gift for understatement."

"You got lots of gifts. Let's just hope one of em can figure out how to get us home," Buck whispered. He forced Ezra to look at him. "I believe in ya. You try to figure that out, and I'll go see if I can find us something to eat and drink. Maybe you'll have it all figured out by the time I get back."

"Be careful Buck."

"You know me," Buck said.

"Yes. I do. That's why I told you to be careful."

Buck just laughed.

Ezra stared at the object, then he reached into his pocket and pulled out the artifact he picked off of his desk just before they had found themselves here. Ezra placed them near one another, and raised one eyebrow. Could it really be that simple?

Ezra waited. After what seemed like forever, he heard Buck's cheerful whistling. He smiled. Buck was good for him. Buck could brighten his day just by being there.

"Buck, I believe I have something."

"Really? Because I just found us a couple of oranges. Better than nothin' of course." Buck set the fruit on the table. "Whatcha got?"

"This," Ezra held up the larger object, "is what you found. You noted the missing piece. With the map I was studying, I found a carved piece of stone. I put it in my pocket last evening, just as we were leaving. I wanted to take it down to be carbon dated when I came in, and thought it would save time to just have it with me. Anyway. Look at the shape." Ezra held up the second, smaller object.

"Looks like it would fit there."

"Indeed. I don't know if it will do anything, but--"

Buck nodded. He pulled Ezra to him. "If nothing else, you'll get to explore a town that don't exist no more."

"It was an exotic retreat with the love of my life."

Buck kissed Ezra. "You say the sweetest things. Now. Put the puzzle together."

Ezra nodded. He pushed the two pieces together. They fit perfectly. Both men watched as nothing happened.

Ezra rested his forehead against Buck's chest in disappointment.

"Let's just go outside, Ez. Get away from it. Maybe the answer isn't even here."

Ezra nodded. Buck led the younger man outside.

They had only walked a few steps when they both stopped, and looked around.

Buck let out a loud whoop and picked Ezra up, spinning him. Ezra was so thrilled that he didn't protest. The two spun around, oblivious to the rest of the people looking at them like they were maniacs.

Somehow, they'd made it home.