"No! Absolutely no! I'm not doing it!"

"But it worked so well the last time!" Vin objected. The plan had sounded so good in his mind. It didn't fare quite as well on the outside, it seemed. Standing in the gambler's room above the saloon, he decided that he might as well try and convince the other man. He opened his mouth to speak. Ezra beat him to it.

"I'm not putting on a dress again!"

"But it's the only way! And this dress even has a veil..."

"A veil?" Ezra stopped and looked at Vin. "Just what the hell are you trying to get me into here!?"

"Well..." Vin looked away. "You see...it's sorta... It's a wedding dress."

"A wedding dress!" Green eyes got big. "Why on earth would I wear a wedding dress?"

"They only rob couples. Newly weds." Vin tried to look everywhere but at the Southerner. "And this way one of us get to go with you this time, so you won't be alone." Sneaking a look, he thought he could detect a smile.

"So..." Ezra's voice had softened considerably. "Who is to be the lucky man?"

"It was going to be Buck," Vin admitted. "But when he heard that he would have to play a groom, he took off and nobody's seen him since." He rubbed a hand through his hair. "It ended up being...well, me actually."

Now there definitely was a smile. Emerald eyes blinked coyly up at Vin.

"So you are the lucky man." He sidled up to the Texan. "Then you better start doing your duty."

Vin stared at him. Was Ezra asking him to...?

"What?"

"Well," Ezra smiled. "If I am to be your blushing bride, you better court me a little. When do I have to be dressed?"

"The stage's leaving tomorrow at noon," Vin slowly stated. "We're going to be the only passengers and Josiah's taking over for the driver. He followed the suddenly busy gambler with his eyes. "Ez, what..."

"I assume that you have set up a room at the hotel for the newly wedded couple," was his reply, "and that y'all have come up with some reason for you and me being away from town for the nearest days. We will meet in the hotel room tonight and you must bring the dress and accessories. And I do expect you to help me get dressed and ready, Mr. Tanner. Now you must leave," he shooed the befuddled Texan out the door. "You be downstairs in an hour. I have preparations to make."

"But..."

"If I am to put on a dress, a wedding dress no less, you certainly are going to play the part of the doting husband, Mr. Tanner. That includes to a very high degree tonight as well." Ezra gave him a sweet smile and then closed the door.

Shaking his head, Vin made his way down to the saloon.

"So, is he doing it?" Chris immediately asked when seeing the tracker.

"Yeah. He's doing it. And he's going to make sure we all know what a sacrifice he's making."

"I'll bet he is," Chris replied, smirking. "Did you tell him who is going to be playing his husband?"

"Yep." The befuddled look was back on Vin's face. "He told me he expected to be courted and then threw me out of his room.

Now Chris was laughing. "You better cancel any other plans you made this evening, Vin. `Cos our Ez is going to milk this for all it's worth."

True to his word, an hour later the Southerner was to be found in the saloon. Taking a seat next to Vin, he gave the tracker a broad smile. Not sure what to do, Vin stared back. Catching the teasing glint in the green eyes, he reluctantly smiled.

"Whiskey, Ez?"

"Please." Now the smile was smug.

Mumbling to himself Vin got up and walked over to the bar for a clean glass. In the mean time Buck turned to Ezra.

The gambler looked very innocent. "What? Mr. Tanner is just doing what any good husband should do."

The taller man toasted Ezra with his glass. "Life's never boring around you, Ez, I'll give you that. But I guess you deserve it, not many men would agree to wear a dress, two times no less."

Now the other man looked thoughtful. "Oh I don't know..." He caught sight of Vin returning and a small smile curved his lips. "It might just be worth it..."

"What are you up to now?" Buck inquired, "you look like the cat that ate the cream."

"Who, me?" Ezra smiled widely at Vin who was pouring him a shot of whiskey. "I don't know what you could possibly be meaning, Mr. Wilmington."

"That," Buck smiled, "I don't believe."

Vin sent them both a curious look. "What's going on?"

"Nothing, husband dearest," Ezra answered, taking the offered glass of Scotch. Vin's blush made him chuckle.

"So you'll be sharing a hotel room tonight?" Buck wore an evil grin.

"Indeed," Ezra replied.

Vin wasn't sure what he was supposed to think about it all. Part of him was thrilled to be able to spend a night with Ezra, rest of him was afraid that he was going to make a fool of himself not being able to hide his attraction for the handsome Southerner.

"You're not playing tonight, Ez?" Buck asked. The grin just refused to leave his face. "I guess you're anxious to get on with the wedding night." He winked at Vin. "You sure you're up to it, stud?"

Ezra, wearing the sweetest smile Vin had ever seen, reached over to pat Vin's hand and batted his eyes at the tracker.

"Why of course he is up to it! And I do think we'll retire early tonight." He smiled at Vin who couldn't help but to smile back. "My husband and I are going to enjoy a nice meal, served by you men to our room," he waved an arm to encompass the other five. "We wouldn't want anyone catching on to our plan, do we?"

"No, we don't. Vin and you are supposed to be leaving for Dry Creek this afternoon. You'll ride out to Chris' place and store the horses there. Then we'll smuggle you back to town and into the hotel after dark."

Ezra was positively beaming. "How wonderfully sneaky!"

"Thought you'd appreciate it," Josiah chuckled.

Vin remained quiet. Trying to focus on the mission that lay ahead of them it was hard to concentrate on anything but the fact that he was about to spend night in the hotel's wedding suite with Ezra. Quickly finishing his drink he decided to stop by the bathhouse to clean up before leaving for Chris' place. With a little luck the bathhouse would be empty so he could indulge in a fantasy or two. It was just something special about lying in the soapy, warm water, closing his eyes and conjure up images of his gambler. Preferably right there in the tub with him. Elegant and strong hands running over Vin's body, pinching his nipples into deliciously aching hardness before locking around his length and just torment him into a mind-blowing climax. His own very naked and very wet gambler. Sighing wistfully Vin came back to reality, feeling the familiar throbbing in his groin and knew he had to do something about it or go crazy.

"I'll meet you in the livery," he told Ezra who looked up at Vin and nodded.

"Alright, darling. And don't be late."

Slinking over to the door, making sure his coat was securely closed in the front of him Vin headed over the street and aimed for the bathhouse. The sleepy looking clerk merely nodded him past after seeing the necessary money on the counter. Five minutes later Vin was leaning back in a secluded booth in the back of the house. This early there wasn't anyone else there, except the clerk all the way in the front. Vin exhaled deeply, his arms resting on the side of the metal tub. Eyes closed he rested his head back, wet curls falling in a mess of ringlets.

Everything was silent, the water gently lapping around his body every time he moved. As always his mind was more than helpful supplying him with images, even memories with a little extra added. Keeping his head back and one ear open for anyone entering; Vin slowly slid one hand down the centre of his chest. He didn't have much time, not that he thought he was going to last long after the teasing in the saloon.

The heated water felt heavenly. Enjoying the sensation of his own calloused fingers Vin wondered what the smooth fingers of the Southerner would feel like around his erection. He tightened the grip and moved his hand, giving a soft moan at the sensation. Pleasure tingled up his spine, sending warmth coursing through his limbs. Flicking his thumb over the head, his hips moved of their own violation, pushing himself deeper into his grip. Vin pictured smiling green eyes and the gambler's coy smile and immediately a spike of heat made his body tremble. Giving into what his body needed, his hand moved in a sure rhythm and very soon he felt the impending climax slam into him. Arching his back the water sloshed out of the tub and onto the floor. White lights pricked behind his eyes and Vin let out a breath he hadn't realised he had been holding. He slumped bonelessly back against the side of the tub, feeling drowsy and satisfied for now.

"Christ..." he whispered, eyes directed at the wooden ceiling. Rubbing a hand over his face he smiled and stretched a little. Quickly washing up, Vin got out of the tub and reached for the white towel, the smile still lingering around his lips. Too late he remembered that he hadn't brought a fresh change of clothes and settled for just shaking out the ones he had been wearing. Vigorously towelling his hair Vin ran both hands through it afterward, trying to tame it into some resemblance of order. He put on the buckskin coat and brushed away what dust he could see. "Right," he thought, "guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

He left for the livery and found Ezra and Chris already there. The blond gave him a wondering look.

"Where did you disappear off to, Vin?"

"Nowhere," the tracker mumbled back, busying himself with saddling his horse.

Chris pulled lightly on a still wet curl. "I see."

"Can't a man just want to be clean?" Vin hissed, peeking over his shoulder to make sure Ezra hadn't heard. He brushed past Chris and started getting Peso ready.

Ezra looked up from fastening the saddle on Chaucer's back. "Are you alright, Mr. Tanner? You look a bit..." Eyebrows drew together. "Flushed..."

"I'm fine!" Vin ducked his head.

"If you say so." Ezra gave him another look and went back to saddling his horse.

The ride out to Chris' property was uneventful. They rode double with Josiah and Buck back to town and were smuggled in through the hotel's back entrance. Hurriedly ushering them both into the suite, JD was waiting with two trays filled with food and two accompanying bottles of local made wine.

"Have fun, boys," he smiled broadly before letting himself out and locking the doors securely behind him.

The room lapsed into silence.

"Uh..." Vin started. "You wanna see the dress now?" The dress and headpiece with veils had already been packed and delivered to the room before they arrived.

"Not now." Ezra toed out of his boots and with a grand flourish he let himself fall back on the bed. The double bed was standing against the back wall, looking inviting and nice with down pillows and thick comforters and blankets.

Vin quirked a smile. "You comfortable?"

"Yeah..." Ezra smiled back. He beckoned Vin down to him with a finger. "Come here."

Storing that smile and glittering green eyes in his memory for later use, Vin answered the calling. Carefully arranging himself next to Ezra in the bed, he stretched out.

"You're right," he commented." It is comfy."

"Compared to that wagon of yours I expect everything feels comfortable," Ezra sighed. Glancing up at Vin he stopped himself. "I'm sorry, that was rude... You like living in your wagon."

"It's ok." Vin rolled over to his back. "Guess if I had a bed like this, I'd never get out of it."

"I know what you mean." Next to him Ezra had moved to his side, watching Vin. A naughty smile made its way over his features. "So let's not leave it. Bring the food over here and we'll eat in bed."

"Sure." The smile proved to be infectious. Making his way out of the bed Vin removed his coat and boots before returning to the bed, balancing the treys of food and bottles of wine. He frowned. "They forgot to bring us forks and stuff."

Ezra had taken off his coat as well. "We'll just have to use our hands then."

"But we'll make a mess!"

"That's ok," Ezra assured him. "I like messes."

"You do, huh? Well, you do create your fair share of them."

"I'll have you know that I do not! It's the rest of you behemoths that constantly get me into trouble," Ezra objected. He dipped a finger in the gravy and brought it to his mouth for tasting. One eyebrow lifted.

"Very nice." Dipping his finger back in the gravy he held it up for Vin. "Care for a taste?"

"Absolutely." Vin captured the offered digit with his lips, thoroughly cleaning the gravy away. Reluctantly letting go he smiled. "Very nice," he repeated. He was really talking about the taste of Ezra's finger in his mouth and not the food, but he couldn't actually say that out loud.

Dividing the steaks with the use of their fingers, they stayed curled up in the bed, drinking wine from the bottles and feeding each other pieces of food.

"I think I'm starting to get slightly inebriated," Ezra giggled, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand after a drink from the wine bottle. Studying the label with a suspicious look he worried his lower lip with his teeth. Vin was mesmerized.

"It's a touch strong," the Texan admitted, taking a generous swallow. "But it's good though."

"Yep."

And that set them both giggling.

"I can't believe I said that!" Ezra covered his mouth, wide eyed. "Mr. Tanner, you seem to be a bad influence on me."

"Glad to be of service." Vin smiled. Reaching out he trailed a finger over Ezra's cheek. "Food," he declared. Licking his finger, he nodded. "Good. They should serve this down in the restaurant."

"Mr. Tanner?" Ezra looked seriously up at him. "Does this mean that you wish to eat me?"

Vin's mouth opened, then it closed. He blinked. An image of himself licking the smaller man clean of something sweet, like honey, presented itself in his mind. Or he didn't even need honey; he'd be just as happy licking and nibbling his way all over Ezra's body. He rolled quickly to his stomach.

"I never viewed myself as eatable," Ezra continued. "Anyway..." He shifted, nearly planting an elbow in his plate. "Maybe we should get rid of these." Crawling out of bed he set the trays back on the counter, but left the bottles. The lamps were turned down low.

"What time is it?"

"Don't know. After midnight, I think."

Taking a detour by the window, Ezra looked outside briefly. "It's dark out. And quiet. It must be late. It's a little strange," he added, coming to the bed again. "Even if I do retire early to my own room, there's always some noise from the saloon. It's never completely quiet."

"I know what you mean." Vin made room for the gambler. The soft light of the lamps turned the room different, draping it with shadows.

Laying side by side both men felt pleasantly sleepy. Ezra fell asleep first, providing Vin with a chance to study the Southerner, imprinting every little detail of his face in his mind. Ezra always looked younger in sleep, open and more approachable. Risking a stolen caress over the slightly stubbled cheek and lightly parted lips, Vin settled down for the night. Still watching his sleeping friend.

Some time during the night he fell asleep also. And woke to find a warm weight draped across his body. Cracking one blue eye open, he was met with the sight of auburn hair when he looked down on his chest. At one point during their sleep they had turned to each other, and snuggled up tightly. Now Ezra was comfortably resting in Vin's arms, head pillowed on the Texan's chest.

"Oh dear," Vin mumbled. The sunlight streaming in through the curtains told him that morning had long since arisen.

"Ez!" he whispered, gently shaking the sleeping man's shoulder. All that resulted in was that Ezra moved away from him and buried his face in a pillow. Regretting the loss of contact, Vin leaned over Ezra.

"Ezra? We gotta get up. The stage's leaving at noon and we have to get you ready."

No response.

"Ez? You in there?"

Very slowly the gambler rolled over and stared up at Vin with an affronted look.

"Mr. Tanner, why are you waking me at this ungodly hour?"

"To see your sunny countenance?" Vin quipped. "No, we have to get ready. It's going to take a while getting you into that dress."

"Ah yes...the dress." Ezra sat up and raked a hand through his tousled hair. "I had almost forgotten about that. Let me just clean up a little and I'll be all yours."

"Take your time," Vin tried not to think of the double meaning of the Southerner's words. He got out of bed and stretched. "Sheesh, I haven't slept this long in ages. That wine must really have done a number on us."

"This long?" Ezra asked incredulously from the water basin. Scooping up some water he splashed it in his face. "Dear Lord...!"

Vin chuckled. "I'll go get the clothes." He got a wave from the gambler who looked like he was contemplating dusking his whole head under water.

The dress was packed in a large box. Opening the box Vin laid the white wedding dress out on the bed. Ezra came to stand next to him.

Eyeing the dress the Southerner took a step back. "This is the dress?" The white garment took up most of the bed. "It's... It's..."

"It's huge," Vin finished for him, standing next to Ezra.

"I'll say." Ezra held it up in front of him. "Vin, this is not going to fit me at all. It's much too long, for starters."

"We'll fix that later on." Vin looked him over. Ezra was fussing over the dress and didn't notice the tracker's blue eyes on him.

"You better go down to the saloon and bring us some whiskey," Ezra decided. "This is going to take some help. Really, Mr. Tanner, you could have picked something a little more flattering, I am going to look dreadful in this...!"

Vin knew when he had lost and went in search of alcohol.

"Just make sure no one sees you!" Ezra called after him.

"How are you two doing up there?" Josiah inquired as he found the Texan standing next to the bar in the empty saloon.

Vin held up the bottle and two glasses. "Ezra's working his way into both the dress and a hissy fit, and I'm here to get whiskey."

The large preacher smiled. "Better take the whole bottle then, son."

Vin agreed. Tucking the bottle under one arm, he trudged back outside and headed for the hotel. He had to admit though, that it was proving to be quite entertaining to help Ezra get dressed.

Ezra was still eyeing the dress critically when Vin returned to the room. A headpiece complete with veils attached to the front and a richly laced back was placed on the night stand. Ezra was going to be covered head to toes, Vin did think that that was kind of a shame.

"At least you won't be needing a corset in this one," he stated. "It's already too big."

Looking up at the taller man from underneath his lashes, Ezra smiled. "What makes you so sure I wore one the last time?"

Vin remembered a small waist. "You didn't? Looked that way to me."

"No corsets. There are limits to what I am going to put myself through for the sake of this town."

That sounded fair to Vin. He couldn't help but to ask what the gambler planned to wear underneath the wedding dress.

"Not much. Here," The dress was unceremoniously dropped into Vin's arms. "Hold this while I undress."

"Undress?" Vin all but squeaked.

"Of course." Ezra looked at him with a questioning expression. "You didn't think that I was going to put the dress on over my own clothes, did you?" he stated while pulling off his coat and hanging it up before starting to unbutton his vest and shirt.

Suddenly happy to be covered by the dress' generous folds, Vin diverted his eyes to the ceiling. The Southerner didn't look like he noticed, just continued to remove his clothes. Once Ezra reached his pants, Vin was ready to bolt.

"Mr. Tanner?"

Reluctantly Vin peeled his gaze off the ceiling and met Ezra's amused eyes. Focusing very intensively on the green orbs, Vin did his best to ignore that all the smaller man was wearing was a pair of short undergarments, made of something soft and shiny looking.

"I need shoes," Ezra said, looking down on his toes.

"Okay... What?"

"Shoes, Mr. Tanner, preferably white ones. I highly doubt that my own boots are going to look natural underneath the dress."

Pushing the dress back at Ezra, Vin back pedalled. "Right. Shoes. I'll go get some." Not stopping before his back hit the door, he turned and fled. Striding purposefully down to the other five, he stated: "He needs shoes." Clarifying, he added: "Woman shoes. White ones."

At first he was met with silence. Then with half suppressed snickers. They quickly escalated into full blown laughter.

"I'm sorry, Vin," JD gasped, trying to get himself under control. "But if you could have seen your face...oh my Lord..."

"Anyone know a lady with big feet?" Josiah wondered, and JD nearly fell off his chair.

"Ezra doesn't have big feet!" Vin argued. "Well, they're bigger than most ladies' feet of course, but they're... They're... They're just right!" He glared at the other five. "Well?"

Buck got to his feet, doing his very best to remain serious. "I'll fix it. Esmeralda's shoes should fit Ez pretty good. And she won't ask too many questions either."

That roused Nathan's curiosity. "You often go about borrowing the ladies' shoes, Buck?"

"What? No!" Buck glared at the healer. Still grumbling he went to find the lady in question and a suitable set of shoes.

Ten minutes later Vin was on his way back to the hotel, shoes hidden underneath his coat and a blush that just wouldn't go away. Forcing himself to walk casually, he was never happier to see the entrance of the hotel. Seeing Mrs. Travis walking towards him on the board walk, he panicked. He fled into the large building and scrambled up the stairs. Not bothering to knock, he tore the door open and closed it securely behind him.

Ezra gave him a wondering look. During Vin's absence he had stepped into the skirt, gathering the dress around his waist. "You find a pair of shoes?"

"I did." Vin lifted the white, elegant boots, suddenly unsure.

"I'm going to need some assistance with putting on the shoes, Mr. Tanner."

"Alright..." Vin knelt down on one knee in front of Ezra who was sitting on the bed, halfway inside the white dress.

"Why, Mr. Tanner... I'm already in my wedding dress. Don't you think it's a bit too late for the proposal?"

Blushing, Vin knelt down on both knees. "Shut up, Ez, and give me your foot," he grumbled.

White satin skirts were lifted and an elegantly shaped foot was placed in his lap. Sighing, Vin lifted the small, white boot. "These may be a bit small, but it's not like you're going to do much walking anyway."

"Then you will just have to carry me," Ezra cheerfully stated, telling Vin that the gambler was enjoying this far too much.

Sighing again, Vin fitted the shoe on Ezra's foot and started to do up the laces. "They actually fit right nice on you."

Ezra pulled the skirts higher up to check out the shoes.

"Hmm, I believe you're right." One pointy white shoe pointed at Vin. "Now finish the laces."

"Demanding, aren't ya?" Vin good-naturedly grumbled. "Give it here then."

Folding his fingers around Ezra's ankle he slid his hand upwards. "Yep. These fit you real nice. Shame no one's gonna see them." He glanced up at Ezra and met smoky green eyes.

"You're seeing them."

"That I do," Vin stated. "Now let's get you into the rest of that dress before I get ideas." He got to his feet and helped Ezra up as well.

"Turn around and I'll do up the buttons."

Obediently Ezra turned, letting Vin help him pull the long sleeves up and over his arms and shoulders. Leaning over him, Vin smoothed out any wrinkles.

"It's good that the front's made up with all those laces and pearls and stuff. No one's going to notice that you lack some womanly features."

"You're saying that I don't have what it takes?"

Vin pulled the edges of the dress tighter together, making Ezra stumble back against him. "Oh you got it, alright." Letting his hands slide slowly down to the small of Ezra's back, he kept the smaller man close.

"You're going to be wrapped up good in this thing."

"Is that a bad thing?" Ezra sounded just a little breathless.

"Guess it's not," Vin replied, "don't want anyone getting any ideas." Doing up the buttons one by one he made sure to let his fingers ghost over the smooth and warm skin underneath.

A knock on the door startled them both.

"You boys ready to go?" JD's voice hollered. "The stage'll be here soon."

"We'll be down in a little while," Vin hollered back.

"How do I look?" Ezra gazed up at Vin.

"Perfect!" the taller man answered. Grabbing the headpiece, he arranged the veils. "There you go," he smiled at Ezra's chuckle. "Let's go."

Ezra lifted the veil and stared at him. "Not like that, you're not." He wrinkled his nose in a dissatisfied expression. "I would never marry someone wearing that outfit... We must get you into a suit."

Vin froze in horror. "A suit!?"

"Yeah." Ezra gave him a wide smile. "Oh, do relax, Mr. Tanner. I could have asked you to cut your hair." Frowning he reached up and tucked an errant curl behind Vin's ear. "We'll just go for a ponytail, I think. I'm sure one of the boys has procured a suitable set of garments for you."

The veils were dropped back and while Vin was having a distinct feeling of having been conned, Ezra proceeded to walk straight into the wall.

"Ow," he stated, rubbing his forehead. "This veil is rather thick." He looped his arm through Vin's. "Now, Mr. Tanner, I expect you to deliver your blushing bride safe and sound downstairs." Vin was for the moment mesmerized by the sight of elegant, white-gloved hands on his arm and forgot to answer.

"Huh? Oh yeah, sure." A small smile spread over his features. "You really can't see a thing underneath there, can you, Ez?"

"I'll see enough to know if you have changed or not, Mr. Tanner. Now, shall we?"

"I should let you fall down the stairs just for that," Vin complained. "Why do I have to wear a damn suit?"

"Because nobody is going to believe that we're a wealthy couple worth robbing if you insist on wearing that dreadful coat of yours..."

"What's wrong with my coat!?"

"Nothing... If you want to give everyone the impression that you ordered me through the mail."

"Wha...? Oh alright! I'll wear a suit."

"Thank you." Vin could just hear the smile in Ezra's voice. Before he knew it he was whisked away and handed a pile of clothes along with Ezra's black hat by Buck.

"You're having way too much fun with this, Bucklin," Vin sighed, looking at the clothes.

"Yeah," Buck thought about it. "Probably." He left Vin alone to get dressed, something the tracker did without much enthusiasm. Not only didn't the clothes feel as soft and comfortable as his own, they also made him feel terribly self conscious. He nearly forgot to fix his hair. Pulling the long curls back he secured them tightly with a band, tucking any errant locks behind his ear. Ezra's low crowned black hat made the transformation complete. He almost didn't recognize his own reflection.

"My, you do clean up quite nicely," Ezra smiled, having lifted the veils yet again to get a proper look at the Texan when he entered the room again.

"So you're not regretting you married me?" Vin teased back, feeling instantly better about the whole thing.

"Oh not at all," Ezra assured him. "Let's depart on our honeymoon then, shall we?" Letting Nathan arrange the veils so nobody could see underneath, Vin gave Ezra his arm.

"Ready?"

"I'm ready."

Chris came up to stand in front of them and gave Vin a stern look.

"You be careful, boys, you hear me? Josiah's already on the stage coach, he's been driving it since Eagle Bend. We expect the robbers to hit some miles out of town, we'll be following the stage when it leaves town. Ez, your guns are hidden underneath the seats, Vin's wearing his. All you have to do now is play the happy couple."

Buck who had only made an appearance in the hotel after being sure he wasn't getting cast as the groom, snickered. "I must say, you're made a good choice, Vin. Why, he looks right pretty in that get-up."

Ezra was hindered from glaring at Buck by Nathan's fussing.

"Very funny, Mr. Wilmington. I'll be sure to remember that the next time we play poker."

"You can argue later," Chris cut in. "Vin and Ez have to be going."

Making a face at Buck, Vin straightened and then Ezra and he made their way out of the room. With his hair slicked back in a pony tail and Ezra's hat pulled down low over his face, the Texan looked nothing like himself.

"Think they'll pull it off?" Buck asked, coming to stand at Chris' side.

"If anyone can, it's the two of them," Chris sighed. "Come on, let's go get ready."

"You sure I can't take this thing off?" Ezra sounded most pitiful. "I can't see anything. I don't like it."

Feeling sorry for his friend, Vin took one of Ezra's gloved hands into his lap and twined their fingers together.

"Not yet, Ez. We may be watched. I'll take care of you." Realising what he had just said, Vin was happy for the fact that Ezra couldn't see him as he could just feel the blush on his face.

"At least tell me where we are?"

"Not too far from town," Vin replied, studying the scenery outside of the stage coach. "I'm..." He stopped suddenly. "Wait, can you hear that? Horses. Approaching fast." Leaning over he took a look out the window. "And I bet my hat that it ain't our boys."

The sound of hooves came closer and then the stage came to an abrupt stop. Something hit the ground outside and then they were moving again. Fast.

"Somehow I don't think Mr. Sanchez is in control of the vehicle anymore," Ezra murmured, after nearly being thrown to the floor after a narrow turn. "I do hope he's alright." Vin was bracing himself against the wall.

"Think so. Probably just knocked him out. Nathan's not gonna be far away, he'll take care of him."

The large wagon screeched to a stop, resulting in that Vin and Ezra were thrown together and landed in a tangle on the floor. Hurriedly sorting out the wide skirts, the gambler climbed back in his seat, trusting Vin to fill him in on what was happening when he couldn't see it for himself.

"Someone's coming," Vin whispered. "Let me do the talking, ok, Ez?"

"By all means."

Clem Digget was not and had never been an honest man. Now in his forties he had some money stashed away and a nice little place to retreat to when he decided to give up robbing stage coaches. But for now he was having too much fun. Preferring to rob newly wedded couples, he claimed it was the romantic in him, but he admitted that the fact they usually carried a lot of money and valuables on them helped too. He flung the door open to the couch and met with a pair of icy blue eyes.

"Now, son," Clem stated. "Why don't you join us out here?" His trusty revolver followed the young man as he climbed outside. "Hand over your guns and you and the wifey's not going to get hurt."

Reluctantly Vin handed over his guns. Quickly scanning the area he counted five other men, three still on their horses, two besides the leader standing. Turning back to the lanky, dirty blond man in front of him, his eyes narrowed a he discovered that the man was staring past him and into the stage.

The bandit pushed his hat up using his gun and spat a brown stain of tobacco juice. "Let's see the gal then. She's sure wrapped up a lot."

"You ain't touching hi...her!" Vin growled.

"You don't got nothing to say, boy!" the leader pointed the gun at Vin. "Now you move out of the way before I shoot you." The revolver was poking into his ribs and Vin caught movement inside the wagon.

"Stay put, Ez," he hissed.

"Not a chance!" was hissed back. Then a flurry of white moved past him, followed by an ominous ripping sound.

"Oh no!" Vin thought, just before he was treated to the sight of white boots on the ground and most of the skirt still inside the wagon.

"Oops."

Closing his eyes, Vin carefully opened them again to find the robbers staring at a pair of legs barely covered in the remains of the skirts, coming now only mid-thigh.

"Well, I'll say," the leader breathed. "That's a nice set of legs."

"That's it!" Vin heard a familiar drawl. Then the veils went flying. Not up to fighting with them, the gambler merely ripped them away from the headpiece. "Much better," he sighed.

Now the leader seemed even more infatuated.

"Such pretty eyes...!"

"Ez?" Vin whispered.

"Yes, Mr. Tanner?"

"If I have to tell Chris that you've been abducted by some lowlife with a thing about legs, I'm gonna be really mad."

"Don't worry, he's not taking me anywhere."

"And you plan on running away from him in those shoes?"

"I won't need to run." Ezra fished around for something inside the dress folds. Vin watched with interest.

"I just need this!" Ezra whipped up his revolver.

"The gal's got some spunk!" the leader of the gang of robbers crowed. "Why don't you let me handle that gun, it's much too big for a little lady like yourself."

"Oh I think I'll manage," Ezra quickly replied. "Tell you what, why don't you hand over your gun? I'm sure my husband would like a better look."

Now Vin was getting the once-over. "This scrawny fella doesn't look like he's anything for a feisty, young thing like you," Clem stated. "You come with me and I'll show you what a real man can do." He placed a hand on his groin for emphasis.

Ezra's smile was positively wicked.

"Oh but I can assure you that my Vin is all man! I have no need to go look for elsewhere for...let's call it entertainment, shall we? Now you gentlemen, and I do use the term loosely, are keeping my husband and me from our wedding night. Please give up your guns quietly and this will be over shortly."

"Uh... Ez?" Vin asked quietly.

"Work with me here," the reply came.

"You gonna let her talk to you like that, Clem?" a tall, skinny and rough featured man in the back spoke. "Just get their stuff and let's be on our way!"

"Yeah, yeah..." Clem stopped him with a raised hand. "But the little lady's coming with me."

"You know he is going to be in for quite a surprise if he keeps this up," Vin commented.

"That's not funny, Vin," Ezra replied. "What the hell is keeping Mr. Larabee and the others?"

"They're coming," Vin calmed him, knowing from the use of his first name that Ezra was starting to feel uneasy. "Don't worry. They're not taking you anywhere."

Ezra gave him a quick smile. "I know." He reached out and took hold of Vin's hand. "I'm not that worried for me, it's your safety that I fear for."

Vin's hand tightened around his. "It's not going to come to that. Heck, there's only six of them and you got your gun. And when Chris and the boys show up, we'll just sit back and relax."

His words made Ezra nod. "I just wish that they would hurry up and get here." He looked down on his naked legs. "I'm feeling a bit on display here."

"You ain't got some other clothes with you?"

"No, I was never meant to leave the wagon, remember?"

"I do." Vin was not happy with the idea of the gambler being ogled by the robbers. Shrugging out of his long coat he draped it around Ezra's shoulder. Due to the height difference between them the coat covered the smaller man down to his knees. The thankful smile Vin received in return, did strange things to his heart rhythm.

Clem wasn't too happy about the coat covering the assumed lady from his view. The three that had been sitting on their horses had by now demounted, realising that this was going to take a while. The forest around them was filled with sunlight streaming down and being filtered through the corpses of trees and birds' singing sounded throughout the area.

All in all, Vin was thinking to himself, it was a nice day. Of course it would have been even better if he had been alone with Ezra and not bothered by some lovesick lawless and his band of scruffy men.

Then as on cue, a single shot rang out, sending the gang of robbers scurrying to their horses. Breathing a sigh of relief Vin saw the familiar riders circling the small open area, surrounding the robbers. The six men were easily apprehended and rounded together for transport to the Four Corners jailhouse. Vin took the moment to remove the band from his hair and run his hand through his hair. He chuckled over his friends' reaction to Ezra's appearance. The small gambler took everything in stride and walked over to the preacher, making sure the older man was ok.

"I'm fine," Josiah assured him, with a sheepish grin. In contrast to his words, a nasty looking bruise was forming on his temple. "I believe they got me with a sling shot. Just stunned me for a little while and knocked me off the driver's seat when they spooked the horses. I was up and about before Chris and the others caught up."

"You sure took your time," Vin complained to Chris who just smiled.

"Sorry, Vin. But it was just too entertaining to break up. Can't believe that guy couldn't see that Ez is a man."

"Well," Nathan, much to Ezra's surprise, cut in. "With the headpiece still on you can't see that his hair is short and with the dress coming up over his throat...he does look right pretty."

Suddenly the object of six stares and agreeing nods, Ezra gathered Vin's coat closer around him.

"If you gentlemen don't mind, I'd like to get out of this dress now. I assume you brought me a change of clothes?"

"I'll go get them," JD offered. Retrieving a shirt, pants and a pair of boots from his saddle bags, he was interrupted by Vin who plucked the items out of JD's hands.

"Come on, Ez," the tracker told the Southerner. "I'll help you out of the dress."

"Figured as much," was JD's reply. "I'll go arrange to get the bad guys back to town and in jail," he motioned to the robbers. "Buck, you wanna come with me and break the news to Clem about who his `little lady' really is?"

"Wouldn't miss it," Buck smiled and followed the younger man. That left Josiah, Nathan and Chris. Vin and Ezra had moved behind a small crop of trees for some privacy. The preacher who sported a large, painful looking bruise on his right temple after the stage coach was hijacked, had been checked over by Nathan already, but the healer still wasn't quite satisfied.

"We should be getting back," Nathan stated. "How's the lovebirds doing?"

"Think they're doing fine, and just don't let them hear you calling them that." Chris smiled in spite of his words.

In the mean time, Ezra had kicked off the white shoes and gave a contented sigh.

"How do women wear these shoes? They're most uncomfortable." He wiggled his toes.

Vin watched, and wondered if it was weird to be attracted to a man's toes. Trying to think of anything else to say than `my, those are pretty toes', he frowned.

"Maybe you oughta go barefoot for a while, Ez."

"Maybe I will. Would you mind undoing the buttons for me?"

"Not at all." The prospect of undressing the smaller man made Vin's fingers twitch with excitement. "Come over here and I'll undress you. Uh...that didn't come out right."

"It came out just fine," Ezra calmed him. He had gotten rid of the headpiece and leaned closer to Vin.

"You know," Vin started. "You did great today, so when we get back to town I think I'm going to so some extra courting. You deserve to be pampered a little."

"Absolutely," Ezra agreed, arching his back a little into Vin's massaging fingers. "That feels nice."

"I aim to please," Vin murmured. His fingers had moved on their own violation, kneading the strong muscles in the shorter man's shoulders and back.

The dress was hanging from Ezra's shoulders and Vin pushed it down until the whole garment lay in a pool of satin skirts at Ezra's feet. Leaving the gambler in nothing but the short pants and golden skin. The lack of obvious tan lines made Vin curious. Ezra was always dressed to a fault. The only time Vin had seen him less than appropriately, except in the bathhouse, was when he had played Big Lester Banks and lost. And ended up parading down Main Street in not much more than a table cloth. Needless to say, that image had stayed in Vin's fantasies for quite a while. This image beat the other one though, this time he was allowed to touch.

"How come you're so tan all over?" he blurted out, and was secretly pleased with the sudden flushed look of his friend. "Looks like you've been lying out in the sun all naked..." The image of that slammed full force into Vin's head and he swallowed heavily. His right hand was still on Ezra's side and he daringly pushed the waistband of the undergarment down a fraction. Smooth skin the colour of honey followed.

"Where?" he asked, voice going low and husky. Can I watch? was dangerously close to being the next question, but Vin managed to stop himself. The mere image of the con man all naked, stretched out on a supple stone, bathed with sunlight and looking sinfully sexy, did very little for Vin's self control.

"I found this little spring..." Ezra started to explain, a new husky quality to his voice as well. "Stumbled over it by accident, actually. It's very well hidden from view. The water gathers into a pond underneath a small waterfall. I like to spend a few hours there when the weather is nice."

Both hands on the shorter man's sides now, Vin had lost all sense of what he was supposed to be doing. Ezra was out of the dress and all the gambler had to do was reach for the shirt and pants that was slung on a low hanging branch nearby. But he never moved.

"Just like a cat," Vin mused, lifting a hand to trail a finger down Ezra's spine. "I can just picture you all stretched out in the sunlight like that..." His touch caused a rippling shudder in the other man. "All alone, where nobody can hear or see you, without any clothes at all...if it were me, I'd be getting some rather personal thoughts if you get my meaning. " He kept his voice a low purr, making sure they weren't overheard. "Guess you do too, huh?"

There was a brief pause, and then Ezra nodded his head, the blush deepening. Vin leant in closer, curving his hands around Ezra's arms and trailed downwards.

"What do you think about then?" Vin murmured into Ezra's ear. "What gets you going?"

Finally his hands reached Ezra's and he took firm hold of them. Bringing them in close to the gambler's chest, he pulled Ezra closer to him, careful to not let his hips make contact with the smaller man's body. He still wasn't quite sure of Ezra's intentions and wanted to leave him a way out if he wanted it. A thrill of joy fluttered through him as the gambler stayed perfectly still in his arms. Waiting for the answer Vin nuzzled his nose into the thick chestnut hair, enjoying the scent and softness.

"I usually close my eyes and pretend that there is someone else there...someone who is watching me," Ezra admitted. "Telling me where to touch myself, what to do..." His words changed into a gasp as Vin's lips descended on the sensitive skin on his neck. Shifting his hold so he had both of Ezra's hands in his one, Vin splayed his fingers against Ezra's stomach. Bringing them closer, he hissed at the feel of his arousal meeting with the very object of his fantasies, only covered from him by a thing layer of fabric.

"So you like to be watched, do you?" Vin stated more than he asked. "Well, I do like to watch, myself. And I bet you look all nice and golden underneath this..." His thumb hooked into the waistband of the only piece of clothing left on the Southerner's body. Very slowly he moved it down. By now Ezra was leaning heavily into him, breath quickening.

"Should we be doing this here?" Ezra had half the mind to ask. "Chris and the others..."

"Nathan's too busy fussing over `Siah's head and Chris won't disturb us," Vin calmed him. Flicking his wrist he moved his hand underneath the waistband instead. His fingers met hot, hard flesh and he swallowed Ezra's groan of pleasure in their first kiss. Hand moving surely and teasingly he explored the Southerner's mouth, enjoying the wiggling and back arching immensely. Vin's only regret was that they weren't both naked, but that was something he aimed to fix at a later date. Right now he intended to focus on the man in his arms.

His hands being held against his chest and Vin's hand driving him towards completion, Ezra had no other choice but to lean back against Vin and let the tracker take possession of his mouth, something Vin did gladly.

Feeling his own pleasure building, Vin deepened the kiss, nearly devouring the smaller man's mouth. Apparently Ezra was a very vocal man in every aspect, if judging by the amount of noises muffled by the intense kiss. Vin looked very much forward to hearing those noises, and even more to causing them, when they were alone again. Increasing the rhythm of his hand he soon felt Ezra's body stiffen, heartbeat wildly thrumming. His name was gasped in an almost reverent tone, then Vin was lost in his own climax, burying his face in Ezra's neck to keep from crying out. Slumped against each other they held on, both trembling and panting.

Vin smiled, giving a deep satisfied sigh. "How was that for starters on our wedding night?" He got a throaty chuckle in return.

"I have to say that I was very impressed," Ezra drawled, accent thickened considerably. Bringing Vin's hand to his mouth he expertly licked the digits clean of any evidence of what they had been up to. "Most impressed..."

Adding a small nip to the other's neck, Vin laughed quietly. "If you keep that up, we're never going to get out of here. And I do aim to see you naked and golden underneath me before the day's over."

Reluctantly letting go of Vin's hand, Ezra turned around. Green eyes blinked shyly up at Vin.

"I like the sound of that plan, Mr. Tanner."

"So do I, Mrs. Tanner, so do I," Vin teased, drawing them closer together. Initiating another kiss he didn't really give a damn about getting back to town anymore. He'd just send Chris and the boys on their way back so Ezra and he could be alone. That way he could lay the Southerner out on the ground all naked and have his wicked way with him and be as loud as they both could possibly want.

That thought was efficiently shattered by JD's voice yelling: "Seems like you've got yourself an admirer for good here, Ez! Clem's plumb refusing to believe that you're anything but his `little lady'!"

With a groan Ezra dropped his forehead to Vin's shoulder. "Lordy, that man just doesn't quit!"

Vin had been busy exploring Ezra's body and cupped both hands around the shapely butt.

"Best get dressed then, lover, if he sees you like this I'm thinking he's liable to get some ideas."

"You and your ideas," Ezra smiled up at him. Gracefully stepping away from Vin he peered down at the underpants with a critical look.

"Well, there are all damp and unpleasant now, I think I'll just forego any underwear on the way back." Peeling off the pants he stuffed them into Vin's pocket with a wicked smile. "You just hold on to these, Mr. Tanner..."

Mouth gone dry and heart rate climbing to alarming heights; Vin took in the naked body in front of him, bathed in sunlight. Ezra was pretending not to notice the Texan's stunned look and moved on to get dressed, leaving the boots off to explore Vin's sudden interest for his toes.

Forcing his eyes to blink, Vin shook his head. "Jeez, Ez, that was not nice."

"Just to keep your interest up," Ezra purred, rising to his toes to kiss Vin on the cheek.

"Oh trust me, I'm up alright!" Vin replied, encircling Ezra's waist with one arm. The other hand had been entrusted with the pair of boots.

"Barefoot, I see?" Vin looked down. "Did I mention that I like your toes?"

"No, but I noticed..." Ezra bent his knee so he was able to let his naked toes slide down the back of Vin's leg. "If you behave yourself I might just let you play with them later on..." Giggling he was swept into a fiery kiss.

"Now now," Ezra gently chided, placing his hands against Vin's chest. "We really should be returning to out comrades and be on our way back to town. I'm sure Mr. Wilmington and young Mr. Dunne could use some assistance with transporting the prisoners back." He gave Vin an innocent look.

"You ain't going near those prisoners!" Vin growled. "You little tease," the tracker snorted, kissing Ezra on the tip of his nose. "You even think about running away from me and I'll chase you all the way back to Four Corners."

"Now we can't have that," Ezra decided. "You need to conserve your energy for later. I overheard Mr. Wilmington mention that they booked us the wedding suite one more night at the hotel, as a joke. I don't believe that the use we'll put it to was what they intended."

"I'll bet. So it'll just be you and me, a huge bed, thick walls and no one to bother us?"

Ezra nodded.

Vin nodded back, determined. "Let's go."

Chris looked up as the two returned.

"There you are." One sandy blond eyebrow rose. "You took your time...everything ok?"

"Very ok," Vin answered, following Ezra past Chris. The Southerner headed towards the coach.

"So," Chris started, watching Vin watch Ezra. "Then why's Ezra's shirt inside out?"

"Uh, I have no idea?" Vin sprinted away from Chris and joined Ezra in the stage coach. Nathan chose that time to appear at the tall gunslinger's side.

"Those two ok?"

"They're ok," Chris replied. Patting Nathan's shoulder, he steered the healer away from the coach. "Let's go home. I'll drive the stage coach back, you look after Josiah."

From the wagon Vin watched them turn away and leaned over to steal a kiss from Ezra.

"We forgot the dress," Ezra murmured against Vin's lips.

"We'll come back for it some other day," Vin assured him. "When you show me that secret hide-away of yours..."

"You've got a deal." Ezra sat back in his seat and placed a naked foot in Vin's lap. "In the mean time you will have to make do with this."

"Hmm..." Lifting the foot Vin placed a gentle kiss right above the toes that curled just a little. "Guess I can think of something to keep me entertained for a spell." Stroking Ezra's foot, he smiled suddenly. "Don't think there's a part of your body that I'm not crazy over, Ez." To his delight the gambler blushed.

"I can assure that I'm rather infatuated with your person too," Mr. Tanner. I look forward to seeing more of it as well."

"Tease," Vin berated lightly and tickled the sole of the other's man's foot.

"Always," Ezra promised him.

Neither of them noticed Chris approaching. "Hey boys," he greeted them, stepping up on the side ledge of the coach. "I'm going to drive this thing back." He suppressed a smile at the sight of Ezra's naked foot in Vin's lap. The Texan wore a look between guilty and blushing.

"His feet were cramped after wearing those shoes." Vin's blue eyes met Chris' hazel ones. "I'm just massaging them..."

Giving him the now familiar two fingered salute to the brim of his hat, Chris let the smile slip through. "You just go right ahead, pard." Pulling himself up on the driver's seat he could hear Ezra's laughter and Vin's remark.

"Awe, Ez...!"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Tanner...but the way you looked when he caught you..." Ezra's voice dropped a notch. "You have become quite the bad boy, Vin..."

"Oh yeah? You just get over here and I'll show you how bad I am."

Chris set the horses in motion and wondered if he should tell the two in the wagon that he heard every word of their conversation. Pulling his hat down low against the sun, he decided against it.