Partners, Friends and Lovers
Chapter 13 Part 2
By Katherine Lehman

Joe studied the photos in front of him. Since Levon had given him the camera four months ago, Joe had more or less carried it with him constantly. He'd added to his collection of lenses and filters as well, enjoying having a chance to experiment with different options. He'd contemplated signing up for a class that would teach him how to develop his own film being offered next semester.

Joe pursed his lips. He wondered how much it would take to create a dark room at the ranch. The guest bathroom would work with a few renovations, assuming Levon was agreeable to it.

Joe smiled. He really couldn't see his lover objecting. The contrary blond might have difficulty indulging himself, but Levon didn't have the same hang up when it came to spoiling Joe. Joe knew all he really had to do was ask and Levon would already be considering how to make the necessary alterations.

Levon's easy acceptance and encouragement of his interest in this hobby were just more proof of his love for Joe. The blond had not only bought he camera to get him started, he'd even gone along with Joe when he went looking for additional lenses and pointing out several photography classes that Joe could take at the local university. The classes were offered only one night a week in a three hour block, making it relatively easy for them to arrange their work schedule to accommodate it. They'd even managed to work out reimbursement from the department since Joe could rightfully claim it would help improve his surveillance technique and ability.

In hindsight Joe realized it shouldn't have been surprised by Levon introducing him to his new hobby. His lover knew him better than anyone else. The blond understood his passion for capturing moments in time, his love of art, and his need to have something to keep him busy when they weren't working.

He grinned as he opened the last batch of photos. The telephoto lens had definitely been a good investment. He'd caught a number of candid shots of Levon without his lover being made to feel uncomfortable with the attention. Joe hadn't figured out how to get Levon to actually pose for him, but he was working on it.

His breath caught as he studied several shots he'd taken the previous weekend. Levon had been working in the barn, doing what Joe really couldn't say, but it had been slightly hotter than hell that day. Joe had left the comfort of the cool confines of the house to make sure his lover was getting enough to drink when he had to go back inside to retrieve his camera.

Joe had quietly focused on his lover, taking several shots. Levon was leaning against the fence, shirt undone to expose his chest, no doubt seeking some cooling effect from the slight breeze blowing. His hat was off, head tipped back to face the sun exposing the long column of his throat. The lighting was perfect adding a slight glow to Levon, highlight blond curls and adding color rather than bleaching it the way bright sun was some times apt to do. Joe couldn't believe how beautiful Levon looked, enjoying the sun in spite of the heat, sweat beading on his skin.

His favorite picture was when Levon opened his eyes, head turning slightly to look at whatever had caught attention. Levon's gaze had been drawn away from Joe, the angle accentuated his profile, highlight the clean, sharp line of his jaw and cheekbone. Joe reached out with one finger to lightly caress the photo, finger tracing his lover's features. He'd love to blow up this photo and hang it in the house, but he didn't think Levon would go for it.

Joe smiled slyly. This photo, as well as the other, might well be the ideal proof he needed to get a valid 'second opinion' on Levon's perfection. And Joe was pretty sure he knew just how to get that opinion. His latest photography class didn't have a final as such. The professor wanted a group showing of their work, one that was open to the public.

Joe nodded to himself, decision made. He'd blow up these two shots of Levon, mat and frame them for the exhibition. He'd have to pick a few others, but he knew for sure these shots of his lover would be going. He might even try to catch a few more before the show.

Joe started sorting through the pictures actively seeking those he thought Levon might agree to having hung in the bedroom. The skyline shots of Houston turned out reasonably well, but Joe didn't think Levon would care to see it mounted on the wall in their bedroom. And as pleased as he was with how they'd turned out, Joe wasn't sure he wanted them there either.

He studied them for a moment. The night time shot appealed more to him than those he'd captured during the day. He selected the one he liked the best and placed it under the two of Levon, his pile of definite entries for the class showing. The others he left in the possible pile.

He had a few that made him shake his head. Joe couldn't be quite sure what had gone wrong. Some were overexposed, others underexposed. Some were not sufficiently in focus, lacking a sharpness he preferred. In some he'd been experimenting with new filters and instead of enhancing the color they ended up washing it out.

Joe grimaced at an entire package of prints he decided had no redeeming value. He hadn't realized that the light meter needed to be adjusted when he switched lenses. Several rolls of film were a lost cause before he'd figured out what he was doing wrong. Joe tossed them into a nearby garbage can with no more than a cursory glance.

He smiled as he opened the next pack. Levon had convinced him they should go deep sea fishing, going out into the gulf for a weekend on a boat owned by an old friend of the blond's. Joe didn't care for fishing but he had enjoyed the time spent on the water. And he'd gotten some spectacular shots of the sunset while they were out. Joe's favorite was a lucky shot of several dolphins that had come along side the boat to play. He added it to the definite pile for the class showing, and put the double on a pile for Levon's review for the bedroom.

He had several shots of the horses. Joe had wanted to capture that sense of power and motion, dabbling with a variety of shutter speeds. He wasn't convinced he'd gotten it quite right, but he was sure he was getting better. When he started, the first roll only had a picture or two that was too blurry to even make out what he'd been trying to shoot. The second roll he'd managed to convey the sense of motion, capturing the flying manes and tales, blurring the background and keeping Fooler and Gabriel in sharp focus. There were definitely a few he was sure Levon would appreciate.

He added to that pile a number of pictures he'd taken when he and Levon had attended a local rodeo. Joe had gone mostly to cheer on his lover in the cutting competition. Although, Joe hadn't had a clue at the time what 'cutting' entailed. It had definitely been an education.

Joe smiled at the shots he'd gotten of some of the younger competitors. Gap toothed smiles stared back at him from a pair of freckle-faced, red-headed twins with braids peeking out from under matching cowboy hats. The little girls had been delighted when he'd asked if he could take their picture.

The teenager he'd taken shots of was less sure of himself, his expression an interesting blend of shy bravado that readily conveyed the youth and inexperience his nearly grown frame belied. Joe had no trouble imagining Levon looking a lot like that young man when he was about the same age. He could easily picture Levon having the same smile that was one part cocky confidence and one part determination not to show any insecurity.

Joe enjoyed the roping events even though he wasn't entirely sure what the goal was. He could readily admire the skill involved. He was pleased he managed to capture a few moments that showcased the physical ability and focus needed to accurately toss a lasso. The shots were rather quintessentially 'Texas' and Joe placed them in the pile for the class showing.

He smiled, lightly fingering those he'd gotten of Levon during the cutting competition. His partner had given him a thumbnail explanation of the event so he had at least a basic understanding of the objective; separate one cow from the others and get it through a gate at the other end of the corral. He understood just enough about horsemanship to appreciate just how difficult it was to control a horse for such fancy, rapid maneuvers.

Having seen several competitors remove the bridles of their mounts Joe wasn't surprised to see Levon do the same. Although, he kept a wary eye on Fooler until he was sure Levon was still completely in control. He hadn't quite figured out how Levon was in control, but it was obvious Fooler was moving under his guidance.

He'd had more trouble trying to anticipate the action, so very few of the shots he got were good enough in his opinion. Joe studied the one he thought was the best. He'd managed to catch Fooler in the midst of changing direction, both front legs extended far to one side, muscles bunching to recover her balance and thrust her in the opposite direction. Levon held his seat easily, moving with Fooler like he was a part of her.

Joe had been truly impressed at the time. Hell, he was still impressed. Having seen others perform, he was able to recognize just how skilled his lover was at this. Levon was maybe not the best there, but certainly above average. No one made anything look that easy without being very good at it.

He put one shot of Levon and Fooler in the possible pile for his class. He placed the double in the pile for Levon to consider hanging in the house. His lover might not want it in the bedroom, but it wouldn't look at all out of place on his photo wall in the living room.

Joe was eager to take a look at the last two packages of photos. He'd been playing with the automatic feature, allowing him to get candid shots of him and Levon together. Joe had just set the camera up on the tripod when they were on the porch making dinner on the grill.

Joe unconsciously found himself grinning back the shots of the two of them hamming it up for the camera, goofing off like little kids. Some of them were definitely keepers for the album he'd been putting together since the fire. His family had sent him duplicates of most of the pictures he'd lost all in albums arranged very closely to what he'd had originally. Aunt Rosa had sent an empty one with a little note that had read, "for new memories." It hadn't taken him long to start filling it.

His breath caught when he found the photo of the two of them sharing a kiss. He had always been conscious of what a turn on it was to do, but had never realized how erotic it would look. Lord. Joe shifted to adjust himself, somewhat amused by his reaction to the photo.

He shook his head. That was one he knew for certain Levon would appreciate. He was equally confident that it wouldn't be displayed anywhere anyone else might get a chance to see it.

Joe knew the next one was definitely a keeper as well. The camera had caught the aftermath of the kiss, when they'd simply rested their foreheads together, eyes focused exclusively on each other. Joe shivered, remembering the intensity of that moment.

He found himself smiling again at the next photo. It had been taken just after he'd set up the camera. Levon had been lounging at the swing, a beer loosely held in one hand as he watched Joe fight with the settings, trying to get it to work right. The blond had been decidedly amused by Joe's frustrated mutterings, a grin lighting his features, brown eyes sparkling.

Joe bit his lip to keep from laughing at the shot of Levon laughing. He hadn't been amused at the time, but the memory of his lover's peals of laughter made it easy to see the humor of the moment. Levon's laugher was infectious and Joe loved to hear it, even if it was at his occasionally at his expense.

The shot of the two of them on the swing, his arm across Levon's shoulder in a casual gesture of friendship and affection, both of them smiling for the camera, relaxed and happy was definitely a keeper. That one would be going up on the picture wall for sure.

Joe glanced up when the back door slide open. He smiled at his partner. "Hey."

"Hey yourself." Levon smiled back at him. He toed out of his boots and hung the old baseball cap he'd worn that morning in lieu of his usual Stetson on the small hook near the door.

"What are ya doing?" Levon eyed the pictures scattered all of the coffee table, eyebrows rising a bit as he took in the number of them.

Joe shrugged. "Have to sort them out and decide what to use in the show I told you about. Figured I might as well look through them for what to hanging in the bedroom while I was at it."

Levon nodded. "You find anything you want to blow up and frame?"

"Got a couple I'd like you to look at." Joe admitted.

"Okay." Levon stepped further into the room. "I need a drink first. Hotter than hell out there."

Joe grinned. "Thought you didn't mind the heat?"

"Said I don't mind it as much as you do. Never said I didn't mind it at all." Brown eyes sparkled with good humor. "You want anythin'?"

Joe nodded. "Glass of lemonade. Should be some in the fridge."

"Be back in a minute." Levon strolled through the house, and Joe couldn't help watching him walk away, eyes drifting naturally to that tight ass. He was definitely going to have to get a picture of that view some day. No doubt about it.

Once that tempting backside was out of view in the kitchen, Joe quickly placed the photos for the show in one envelope and off to the side. He wanted an honest reaction from his lover when Levon saw them at the show. Levon had agreed to go, seemed eager to tag along and see what there was to see, but Joe suspected his lover might baulk when he found out something a bit dresser than jeans was required. Joe saw nothing wrong with stacking the deck in his favor.

Levon came back into the living room carrying two glasses. He offered the lemonade to Joe, keeping the tea for himself. Levon sat down on the couch next to Joe, close enough to be comfortable but not so close as to crowd him.

Levon sipped his tea. "So... show me what you got."

Joe chuckled, forcing himself not to run with the possible innuendo in that directive. Levon lightly slapped his arm. Joe gave him a dirty look.

"I didn't say anything."

"Ya were thinkin' it loud enough for me ta hear, boy." Levon grinned. "And we can get ta that later."

Joe laughed. He leaned over and gave his lover a quick kiss on the cheek. "Right. Work first, play later."

"Don't think this is gonna be as much work as puttin' the bedroom together." Levon snickered and leaned in closer so his shoulder rested against Joe.

"Well, not for you." Joe grinned. "I did all the work, you just have to make the final decision."

"Right." Levon drawled. "Easy part." He rolled his eyes. "Just pick out one masterpiece out o' a whole bunch a outstanding stuff. Nothin' to it."

Joe felt a warm rush of pleasure to have Levon describe his work as good. Biased or not, it was still good to hear. He patted Levon's thigh and reached for the stack of photos he thought his lover would agree to putting up in the bedroom. He'd save the more personal, definitely-for-their-eyes-only photos for later.

"I was thinking these might work in the bedroom."

Levon took them easily, long fingers framing the edges. He put his drink down on the coaster on the end table before wiping his slightly damp fingers on his pants. His mouth dropped open slightly as he looked at the shots of the horses.

"Damn, Joe." Levon looked up, awe in his voice and expression. "Those are amazing."

Joe could feel his face warming. He hadn't quite anticipated that reaction. "Thank you."

Levon grinned in delight at the dolphin shot. "Thought you were gonna fall overboard trying to get that one."

Joe chuckled. "That would explain why you kept hanging on to me."

Levon gave him a sly look. "Not gonna lose the best thing in my life." The tease in his tone blended nicely with sincerity, and Joe could feel himself blushing again.

Levon studied the shots of the Houston skyline for a moment, head cocked to one side. "Don't get me wrong, Joe, I like the shot, but it's not the sort o' thing I'd really care to hang on the wall."

Brown eyes met blue, Levon's expression pensive, clearly worried he was going to hurt Joe's feelings and was picking his words with care. "If you want ta hang 'em I don't mind–"

"Not my favorite shots either, Cowboy." Joe interrupted smoothly. He wanted something on the walls they both liked and enjoyed. "We've got plenty to pick and choose from."

"Okay." Levon nodded. "Jus' never been all that big on buildings and such."

Joe smiled. "I know." He remembered their trip to the art museum. His lover favored landscapes, people and animals to any man made structure.

Levon held up the sunset shot Joe had taken while they were on the gulf. Joe could almost feel his lover relax as he looked at it. They'd been just hanging out on the deck together watching the sun set when he shot it, so Joe couldn't say for sure if it was the picture or the memory of that day, but there seemed to be a feeling of calm to it.

"This is nice."

Joe nodded. "One of my favorites."

"Think that one's a keeper." Levon grinned.

Joe smiled. It was easier to reach an agreement on one picture than he'd expected. Why he thought they'd have more discussion he wasn't quite sure. In spite of their different preferences and tastes, they always managed to reach an agreement with little fuss or fanfare. Joe mentally snorted; fuss and fanfare being relative. It had taken them more than a week to agree on the color for the bedroom. And he'd had his doubts right up until he saw it dry on the walls.

"And the horses on the other wall?" He suggested knowing it was obviously Levon's favorite.

"I'd like that." Levon smiled warmly. He pointed casually to the other piles of photos on the table. "Those the rejects?"

"Not exactly." Joe smiles. "Just not what I thought you'd care to have on the wall in the bedroom."

"That mean I don't get to look?"

Curious as a cat, Joe thought fondly. He grinned. "Of course you can look. I have some ideas for them, but I want to hear what you think first."

"Gimme." Levon commanded eagerly, eyes lighting up with interest and enthusiasm.

Joe took the first set he'd give Levon and offered him a new pile to look through. Levon looked surprised to see shots of himself from the rodeo. The blond studied the photos, a slight frown forming between his brows.

"Something wrong, Levon?"

"No." Levon shook his head. "Seen other people durin' a competition, but never seen myself 'fore." He gave Joe a rueful look. "Sort o' weird lookin' at myself, ya know?"

"I can understand that."

Levon held up the shot Joe had studied earlier; Fooler with forelegs thrust to one side, muscles bunching to change direction, Levon maintaining his seat with an ease that was not nearly as effortless as it looked. "Can I put this one on the picture wall?"

Joe smiled, pleased to know his lover's thoughts on the photo mirrored his own. "Sure." He squeezed Levon's thigh. "Thought it would look good there myself."

Levon grinned. He set that one aside as he continued to go through the others. He held up one Joe shot of a barrel racer. "Should give this one to Mrs. Andrews. Know she'd love to have this shot of Angie."

"I got duplicates of just about everything." Joe looked at the picture. "You really think she'd want it?"

"Know she would." Levon assured easily. "Angie is due ta head off ta college this fall."

Joe nodded. Given his own family's fondness for pictures he should really have expected that. Every mother liked having pictures of her children.

"Shame we didn't get a picture of you at the rodeo ta send to yer family." Levon grinned. "Thinkin' they'd want proof of you going native."

Joe snorted. "I am not going native."

"Right." Levon laughed. "Getting closer all the time, boy. Course, the conversion won't be official 'til I get you a Stetson o' your own."

"It'll be a cold day in hell when that happens." Joe shook his head. He knew the sparkle in Levon's eyes meant his lover took that as a challenge. He wondered just how long it would take before Levon managed to actually talk him into a hat.

"Speaking of shots of me–" Joe reached for the stack of candid photos he'd sorted out earlier.

Levon took them, passing the set he held back to Joe. He grinned at a few of them, the same way Joe had earlier. He held up one of the two of them together on the swing, Joe's arm around Levon's shoulders. "Would look good on the picture wall."

"Yes, it would." Joe agreed, secretly tickled that they'd both thought the same thing about that shot.

Levon flipped through a few more candid shots, giving the pictures of himself a cursory glance, but not commenting on them. Unable to resist, Joe tapped the one of Levon laughing. "Can I put this one up on the wall?"

Levon shrugged. "Sure." He lightly captured Joe's hand, placing a quick kiss on his knuckles. "You can hang anything you want. You know that right?"

Joe smiled sheepishly. "Just wanted to make sure you were okay with it."

For years the only photos that had been there were people of significance to Levon. Even though the blond had encouraged him to add photos at will, Joe was still a bit wary of overstepping his bounds. He loved having their pictures mingled together, enjoyed what it represented, but wasn't sure Levon would want to see a picture of himself on the wall. There were only a few pictures that include Levon at all, and none of them were just him alone.

Levon smiled affectionately at him, leaning in to kiss his cheek. "You are such an idiot, Joseph LaFiamma." He managed to sound a lot like Joe's aunt Rosa when he said that, his tone one of fond exasperation. "It's not jus' my wall any more... it's our wall. I like havin' your picture up there, makes sense you'd like havin' one of me there too."

Joe chuckled, even as he felt his face warm a bit. "I know, I know... I just–"

"Yeah, I get that." Levon lightly caressed the nape of his neck. "It's okay."

Joe nodded. It was nice not having to try and explain himself, especially when he wasn't quite sure what to say. They didn't always mesh but they managed to more times than not, and he was grateful for that.

Levon set aside the picture of himself, laying it on top of the one of the two of them together. Joe held his breath as Levon went back to flipping through the ones he still held. He waited for Levon's reaction to the shot of the two of them kissing.

Joe knew when he saw it. He could see his pupils dilate, eyes darkening as the tip of his tongue darting out to moisten his lips, skin flushing to a warmer hue. Joe took a deep breath and tried to control his instinctive reaction to Levon's response to the photo.

"Damn." Levon's whisper was nearly reverent. "That's... man... that's–"

"Yeah, it is." Joe agreed, with a knowing smile.

Levon cleared his throat. "Don't think... ah... don't think we'll be hanging that on the wall."

"No." Joe's smile broadened. "Was thinking something more private for that one."

"Definitely." Levon reached for his tea. Joe was fascinated, watching the long column of the blond's throat work as he swallowed.

"Might have to let you set that camera up again." Joe nearly groaned when Levon licked his lips again. "Maybe somethin' a bit more... explicit."

Joe blinked, surprised by Levon's suggestion. His mind almost immediately began thinking about where he'd like to put the camera and the sort of pictures he'd capture. Joe shook his head, forcibly reining in his imagination. "Not sure we could get those shots developed."

Levon's raspy chuckled ghosted over his skin raising goosebumps along the way. "Know you been thinkin' on learning how to develop yer own shots. Might be just the time ta look into getting us a darkroom."

Some how he'd always envisioned it would take more convincing. Not about the darkroom, but to get his lover to agree to allow him to take shots of him naked. He frowned, a furrow forming between his brows. "But you always said no to my suggestion about taking pictures of you in the shower."

"Not interested in pictures o' me, Joe." Levon smiled warmly. "Pictures o' us... now that is a whole 'nother ball game."

Joe tapped the photo, once more drawing Levon's attention back to it. "We do make a good looking couple."

"Not too shabby." Levon agreed easily.

"Study in contrasts."

Levon looked at him quizzically. Joe grinned pointing to himself. "Dark" He pointed to Levon. "Light."

Levon nodded. He cocked his head to one side. "Wonder how it'd look in black and white."

Joe raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. He hadn't really done much in black and white photography. "They have a class that focuses on black and white. Might be worth looking into."

Levon smiled. "Can add it ta the list."

Joe laughed. "List keeps getting longer all the time."

"Nothing wrong with that." Levon shrugged one shoulder. "Hobbies tend at grow."

"Like weeds." Joe snickered. His hobby was rapidly taking over if Levon was seriously willing to consider remodeling to add a darkroom and pose for more photos. He couldn't bring himself to see it as a bad thing.

"You're really okay with this?" Joe asked, knowing Levon would understand the question.

"Well, I'm not saying I want anyone else takin' a gander at shots o' us," Levon answered with a smile. Joe understood that sentiment. If they did set up the camera again, those shots were going to be strictly personal.

"But given how well some o' these turned out," Levon held up the photos he still held and nodded to the ones Joe had laid on the coffee table, "I don't mind indulging you." He waggled his eyebrows. "I'm always willin' ta take one for the team."

"Damn generous of you, Cowboy." Joe laughed.

"Just the kind o' guy I am." Levon grinned, false modesty ringing pleasantly in his tone.

Joe rolled his eyes. "Right. Silly of me to have forgotten that."

Levon nodded, adopting an overly serious expression, brown eyes sparkling. "Don't forget again."

Joe gave his lover a sly look. "Might need you to help make sure I don't. Maybe... something physical, just to make the memory indelible." He knew Levon had gotten his not too subtle hint when a faint blush rose to color his cheeks.

"Was thinking I needed a shower." Levon's lips quirked upward in the barest suggestion of a smile, as he looked at Joe coyly from under his lashes. "You wanna join me?"

"Have I ever said no to that?"

"Not that I can recall." Levon shifted to slide forward on the couch, placing the photos on the table. He smiled over his shoulder as he stood up. "But then, you ain't the only one who might need a little reminding from time to time."

Joe laughed. He stood up to follow his lover, as Levon backed away with a teasing smile. He gave chase when the blond darted away and down the hall. Once close enough, Joe reached to unerringly find that ticklish spot along Levon's midriff, pinning the lean blond against the wall as he tried to wiggle away, helpless laughter bubbling out of him.

Joe loved tickling Levon. Loved hearing that uncontrollable laughter, seeing his face flushed, eyes bright, his breath ragged as he tried to squirm away from Joe's fingers. He knew not to do it for too long, having scared himself half to death when Levon actually quit breathing once. It hadn't seemed to bother the blond much, but Joe wasn't going to risk that again.

Levon was gasping for breath, tears leaking from the corners of his eyes, when Joe relented. Joe had been laughing along with him, unable to resist the infections nature of his lover's laugh. He wiped at his eyes before raising a hand to lightly use his thumbs to do the same for Levon.

"Yer a mean man, Joe."

"You love me anyway."

Levon smiled. "Yeah, I do."

"Think you'd said something about a shower?"

Levon poked him in the chest. "Since you attacked me, I'm thinkin' maybe I'd be safer getting cleaned up on my own."

"Safer, yeah." Joe smirked. "But not nearly as much fun."

"True." Levon gave him a quick kiss. "One smooth talker you are, Joe. C'mon, boy, let's go get naked."

Joe grinned. He didn't have any trouble following that order. None at all.

---

Levon sighed. He gave Joe a dirty look. "I hate dressing up."

"You promised you'd be there."

Levon grimaced. He refused to look at his lover, knowing all too well the wounded disappointed look that Joe would be wearing. He knew Levon never went back on his word if he could help it.

He sighed. "Now I know why you didn't say anythin' 'bout me having to get spiffed up until after you made me promise I'd go."

"My mother didn't raise any fools, Cowboy."

Levon sighed again. He smiled when he felt Joe's arms wrap around him as the Chicago native nuzzled his neck. "You don't have to wear a tux, just something nice." A soft kiss at the nape of his neck made him tip his head forward in a mute request for more. He loved the feel of those soft lips against his skin, the warm breath comforting in its familiarity.

Joe nibbled his neck, voice soft and cajoling. "One of the silk shirts I got you, those black slacks you got or the gray ones, your good boots." A soft huff of laughter escaped Levon when Joe muttered, "Scares me that I can actually tell what qualify as good boots now." Another soft kiss. "You'll look good and still be comfortable. Can wear your hat if you want." The last was a huge concession on Joe's part.

Dressing up wasn't really the main reason he was hesitating. He had clothes to wear, as Joe had just pointed out, but dressing up implied a more affluent, knowledgeable crowd of people. It meant there would be more than just curious sorts and other students wandering around.

"I don't gotta say anythin', right?" Levon asked quietly. "Even though you've been taking me ta the art museum regular like, and those gallery shows, you know I don't know enough about art ta fill a coffee cup."

Joe pulled him closer, enveloping him in a warm hug. "You can pretend to be mute if you want." Levon could hear Joe's smile in his voice even though he couldn't see it. "I just want you there to see my stuff, you don't have to critique anything there or delve into lengthy conversation."

"These are pictures I haven't seen?" He looked over his shoulder, turning in the circle of Joe's arms.

"No, you haven't seen them." Joe grinned, clearly knowing he'd won. Not that there was ever really much doubt on that score.

This was important to Joe, and his lover knew what was important to him became important to Levon default. He could handle feeling a bit out of his depth for one night. Wasn't like Joe hadn't done the same for him once or twice. And he'd already given his word.

"The only way I'm going to get to see these is ta go to this shindig."

Even though it wasn't a question, Joe answered him anyway. "Yes."

Levon nodded. "Okay. Dressed up it is then."

"Thanks, Levon." Joe gave him a quick kiss, one that promised more to come when they had time. He patted Levon's ass as he left the room. "Now get dressed. Or we'll be late."

Levon sighed, shrugging out of his robe. He'd showered after work, wanted to get rid of the grungy feeling of a day spent sweating in the heat and humidity of Houston while trapped in the Jimmy. The stakeout hadn't been a total waste of time, but Levon wasn't convinced it had been worth several hours of discomfort.

Joe had showered while Levon had been in the barn taking care of the usual chores. He was disappointed to find Joe already dressed when he got back in, hoping they might get to have a little fun before heading out. Although, given Joe's building nervousness as the day progressed, Levon figured they wouldn't get to more than a little necking.

Levon hadn't really thought about what Joe was wearing, since the brunette routinely dressed like a GQ model. He noticed Joe looked good---always noticed that, but hadn't realized until Joe told him he'd have to wear something nicer than jeans that he made the connection. The tailored jacket and matching slacks, the crisp white shirt and silk tie, obscenely expensive Italian leather loafers---this was more than Joe's usual casually dressy attire.

Levon sighed. "Better get yerself dressed, boy, or he'll be back in here tryin' to hurry you along." Levon muttered to himself. "Don't know what he's got to be nervous about. Not like his stuff isn't good."

Levon pulled the green silk shirt Joe had gotten for him when his family had come to visit. Joe told him it looked good on him, and he trusted the other man's fashion sense far more than his own. He liked the feel of it, enjoying the softness of the fabric against his skin, and liked knowing his lover bought it with him in mind.

He slid into a pair of boxer briefs before donning a pair of black dress slacks. On the one and only joint shopping trip he and Joe had gone on, Joe had insisted he buy them. Going so far as to threaten to get them for Levon himself if the blond wouldn't spend the money.

Levon shook his head remembering his lover's insistence. When pressed for a reason why he'd been so adamant, Joe had blushed. "They do great things for your ass, okay. Stop being so damn stubborn and just buy them already."

Levon chuckled at the memory. He couldn't really say he was all that sorry to know Joe had a thing for his ass. Found it reassuring to know that even after a few months shy of two years together as a couple, and work partners for even longer, that he was still able to tempt his lover.

He tucked in his shirt, smoothing the silk into place. Levon deftly threaded his black leather belt through the loops, opting for a plain silver belt buckle that Sam, the same artist who'd crafted Joe's pendant and Levon's bracelet, had made. He pulled a pair of custom made hand tooled black leather boots from the closet and tucked his stocking feet into them easily.

He pursed his lips, studying his reflection. Not bad. Joe was wearing a tie though, so maybe he should too, except that he didn't have any that would go well with the shirt, and he hated wearing a tie. He always thought there was something wrong with willingly tying a small bit of cloth tightly around his neck.

Nodding to himself, Levon opened the small cedar box and withdrew a bolo tie. It was a simple bit of green turquoise set in silver on a braided black leather cord tipped with silver accents. It would do just fine---dressy but not likely to strangle him.

He ran a brush though his still faintly damp curls. He never bothered to style his hair, having never really seen the point on spending much time on it. Keeping the curls in line was an exercise in futility. His Stetson kept them more or less contained most days. It was one of the reasons he wore it.

Joe had said he could wear his hat, but Levon was betting his lover would prefer he didn't. He rolled his eyes at his reflection. Not only did Joe have a thing for his ass, he liked his curls too. Wasn't a bad thing since Levon enjoyed having Joe play with his hair as much as his lover enjoyed playing with it.

Going without his Stetson wasn't really a hardship. It felt weird to consider leaving the house without it, the ingrained habit of a lifetime making him aware of its absence more than its presence. "Not like the whole evening ain't gonna feel a little weird, so what's a little more on top o'that?" He asked his reflection.

Shrugging one shoulder, Levon left the bedroom to seek out Joe. He smiled when he found him pacing in the living room. Levon placed himself in front of his lover, halting his next pass through the room.

"Would you jus' relax." Levon cupped Joe's face and gave him a quick kiss. "Haven't seen you this nervous since yer family came ta visit."

"I'm not nervous."

"Riiiiight." Levon pursed his lips. "That's why yer wearing a hole in the carpet."

Joe glared at him. "Shaddup."

"Like that has ever worked." Levon rolled his eyes. "Ya knew going into it you'd have to participate in this show. Hell, you were all excited about that part when ya found out. So what's the matter now?"

Joe opened his mouth, and then snapped it shut, hands moving in a frustrated gesture. Levon waited for him to find the words, knowing he wouldn't have to wait long. "I'm not nervous." He finally stated. "I'm just... a little... anxious. It's one thing to think about it–"

"Another to actually do it." Levon finished for him with a smile.

"Something like that." Joe smiled wanly. "Not ashamed or embarrassed by my stuff... Know it's good... I like it. You like it."

"But now you get to find out if strangers will like it."

"Yeah."

"Does it matter?" Levon asked quietly. He kissed Joe on the cheek, lightly patting his chest. "Who gives a rat's ass if those people don't like your stuff. You like it. I like it. S'all that matters, right?"

Joe grinned. "When did you get to be so damn smart?"

"Always been smart." Levon laughed. "Now get yer game face on. Got some stuff for me to see, and I don't want ta be late." He gave his lover a sly look. "Sure there'll be a crowd. Should probably bring my night stick so I can beat 'em back and make sure I get a good view."

Joe snorted. "Hordes."

"Legion o' fans." Levon chuckled.

Joe leaned in and kissed him, thoroughly, leaving him breathless. "Only fan that ever mattered is you, Cowboy."

"Then you got nothin' ta worry about." Levon smiled warmly.

Joe nodded. He took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. "You ready then?"

"Sort of think that should be my question." Levon chuckled. "Yeah, I'm ready ta go."

Joe blinked. "No hat?"

"Jus' for you." Levon smiled. "Don't get used to it."

Joe laughed. "A one time thing?"

Levon gave him a suggestive look. "You can work on how to come up with ways ta make me do it more often, if you think you can." He knew it was a challenge his lover couldn't and wouldn't turn down.

Joe's eyes lit up. Levon loved the way his eyes took on that glow. He knew he'd no doubt be agreeing to some other shindig in the future, something that likely would require dressing up more than he was right now. But he still found himself looking forward to whatever reasons, argument or outright begging Joe would use in an effort to convince him to do it.

"We takin' your car?"

Joe nodded. "Think the Cobra is a better choice for tonight than the Jimmy."

Levon expected that. The minute he realized he wasn't going to be wearing jeans, he knew he wouldn't be driving either. He didn't mind.

The drive to the studio didn't take long. Levon was somewhat surprised to learn the show hadn't been set up at the university, but somewhere nearby. Joe had told him that being above an existing gallery helped to draw in more of the public, often coordinating shows for local artists as well as the students. It helped to generate joint publicity.

Joe hadn't told any of their coworkers about the show. While most of them were aware of his taking classes and photography as a burgeoning hobby, none of them knew how much effort he devoted to it. Levon figured it was up to Joe to make them aware, that if he wanted them to know he'd tell them when he was ready.

Given how much of their lives involved the people they worked with, it was nice to have something that only the two of them shared. Course, only Beaumont and Anne knew they were a couple but Levon didn't count that. Their being together was something intimate, and should be private, in his opinion. Having something they could do together, in a public setting, was another.

None of their coworkers knew he'd gotten Joe to attend a rodeo either. Chicken knew, and had enjoyed giving Joe some good natured ribbing about it. The big black man was delighted to see Joe finally taking some pleasure in what Houston had to offer rather than constantly comparing it to Chicago. He thought Joe moving in with Levon had been a good decision, and he was the only one who hadn't asked Levon if he regretted making the offer yet.

Levon wondered if his long time friend might realize they were a couple and just hadn't asked about it. It was possible. Having regularly tended bar, before buying a place of his own Chicken knew as much, if not more, about people than most shrinks. And it would be like him to wait for Levon or Joe to tell him rather than question them.

None of that really mattered right now. Levon smiled as he reached over and captured Joe's hand. What mattered was making sure Joe didn't get himself all tied in knots.

Joe smiled at him, squeezing his hand lightly. "Thanks, Cowboy."

Levon raised an eyebrow. "Didn't do anythin', Joe."

"Yeah, you did." Joe raised their clasped hands to place a kiss on Levon's knuckles.

Levon ducked his head, feeling his cheeks warm. Sometimes he forgot Joe understood him so well. It was nice to be reminded.

They arrived at the gallery in good time, traffic slowing them down but not as crazy as it usually was. Levon wondered sometimes when he got used to all the cars and people and general craziness of living in a city the size of Houston. It was worlds away from the small town he'd grown up in.

Levon didn't think his lover would ever want to really leave the city behind, at least not completely. Joe was a confirmed urbanite. Although, he did seem to enjoy being at the ranch far more than Levon had expected he would.

Joe found a parking spot less than a block away. Levon opened the door and stepped out. He waited for Joe to comment, knowing his lover would.

"Must be a red letter day." Joe chortled. "You dress up, no hat, and now you actually open the damn door."

"Don't get used to it." Levon cast a teasing look over his shoulder as he headed for the gallery door. He deliberately put a bit more sway in his step, knowing Joe's eyes would be drawn to his ass. "Pavlov's dog, boy... you are like Pavlov's dog." He grinned when Joe barked behind him before catching up to walk next to him.

Levon smiled when he noticed they were walking in step. He never got tired of finding himself in sync with his partner. On the job, at home, anywhere... it always felt good.

He stifled his innate unease as they entered the gallery. There were already more people present than he expected. Levon hated crowds. He tried not to let it show but he knew Joe was immediately aware of the onset of tension in his posture.

"You okay, Cowboy?"

"Yeah, I'm good." Levon smiled. He wasn't going to ruin Joe's night. It wasn't like he hadn't put up with close quarters before.

"You say the word when you've had enough." Joe told him seriously.

"Sure." Levon agreed easily. He had no intention of saying a thing, but there was no reason for Joe to know that.

Once through the door and the initial crowd of people, the room opened up considerably, much to Levon's relief. He half expected just one long room, but was pleasantly surprised to note the interior was actually comprised of several rooms. He scanned the lay out, making note of the vacant space and where people were gravitating. It wouldn't be hard to find a spot where he could be comfortable.

"You want something to drink?" Joe asked, nodding toward the buffet where a substantial number of people were already gathered.

"Think they'll have beer?"

Joe shrugged. "Might." He grinned. "This is still Houston after all."

"Will take a white wine if they don't have beer."

"Okay."

Levon headed for a quiet area that was still in easy view of the buffet. He cocked his head to one side as he studied the photos mounted on the wall. He tried not to look as confused by the subject matter as he felt. Who in their right mind took pictures of people's shoes?

Levon shrugged to himself, figuring there were likely to be a number of things on display he wouldn't quite understand. Art wasn't something he knew much about, in spite of Joe's efforts to educate him. He still tended to view things in terms of what he'd hang on his wall for enjoyment rather than necessarily looking for a statement being made.

He looked to see where Joe was. It looked like his lover had gotten caught in conversation with someone he knew while waiting for the bartender to get to him. Levon shrugged to himself before moving on to another display.

He liked the black and whites at this one. The shots of the beach that focused on patterns in the sand at the beach he preferred to those of what looked like historic buildings in the downtown area. He could appreciate the beauty of architecture, but it really wasn't his cup of tea.

"Levon?"

"Hmmm." He looked away from his study of the black and whites to see Joe offering him a beer. "Thanks."

"You like those?" Joe pointed to the beach shots.

"Yeah." Levon nodded, sipping his beer. He pulled the bottle away with a frown to read the label. Dark beer wasn't his usual, but with a shrug he took another sip.

"This guy one of your classmates?"

Joe nodded. "He's got a good eye for repeating pattern."

"Good at black and white too." Levon smiled. "Thinking you definitely need to dabble in that one o' these days."

Joe chuckled. "You know I might not do as well with it as he does."

Levon snorted. "Won't know until ya try, now will ya."

"You know this practical streak of yours is a real pain in the ass."

"So you've said." Levon smirked. "Many, many times."

They strolled on to the next display. Levon raised an eyebrow, cocking his head to one side. "I don't get it." He whispered to Joe.

"S'okay." Joe whispered back. "I don't either."

Levon chuckled. "Let's say we move on, eh?"

"Definitely."

They continued on to the next display. Levon stopped short when a dark haired gentlemen in a suit stepped in front of him. Gray eyes stared at Levon in frank appraisal and made him take an uneasy step backwards.

"It's you."

"Excuse me?" Levon raised an eyebrow.

"I can see why he picked you for the centerpiece of his work." The man rubbed his chin thoughtfully, gray eyes giving him the once over again.

Levon blinked, still unnerved by the open appreciation. He looked toward Joe hoping for some explanation. His lover moved to put himself between Levon and the stranger, a move the Texan appreciated.

"Levon, this is Carl Freisher. He owns the gallery." Joe gave him a quick reassuring glance. "Carl, this is Levon Lundy, my friend and partner."

Carl held out his hand which Levon took after only a moment's hesitation. Mother Minnie had ingrained good manners too deeply for him not to. He didn't bother to smile knowing it wouldn't ring true, he settled for a politely neutral expression.

"Pleasure to meet you, Sir."

"Oh the pleasure is all mine." Carl smiled warmly, evidently oblivious to how disconcerting Levon found his continued scrutiny. "I thought for a moment Joe might have doctored the photos in a dark room. It is so nice to see that he didn't need to." Carl nodded to himself. "You'll have to let me know if you are interested in modeling for anyone else."

"Doctored photos?" Levon murmured. "Modeling?" He shook his head, looking quizzically at Joe hoping he could explain this to him. His lover looked vaguely guilty, but didn't get a chance to answer before Carl started speaking again.

"I really must find Marta. I'm sure she would love to meet you, Levon." Carl smile widened as he looked past Joe, raising a hand to wave at someone behind them.

His gaze returned to them briefly. "I really do need to speak with Miguel... You'll be here for a while, yes?"

"Yes." Joe sounded far less decisive than he usually did. Levon's gaze narrowed. His lover looked more than guilty... he looked nervous.

"I'll find you again." Carl nodded decisively. "With any luck I'll have located Marta by then." He 'tsked' slightly. "She always gets so caught up in these things."

Levon waited until Carl had moved away to say hello to 'Miguel' before he squared off to face Joe. "I know I've never met Carl before, but he seems to recognize me. You wanna clue me in as to why that is?" Levon kept his voice low with difficulty, striving for an even tone.

Joe licked his lips and one hand strayed toward his pendant a sure sign he was anxious. "Well, you see... I used a couple of picturesofyouinmydiplay."

Levon raised both eyebrows. Joe had spit out the last bit so quickly it was almost one word. "How about we do that again... in English this time?"

Joe sighed. He fiddled with his pendant, fingers caressing it like a worry stone. "I used a couple of pictures of you in my display."

Levon blinked, mouth open slightly. He hadn't even realized Joe HAD taken pictures of him. The only ones he knew about---"You didn't use the one of us kissing?" He hissed, hand unconsciously reaching out to fist the fabric of Joe's jacket.

"No. God, no." Joe looked shocked that he'd even asked the question. "I wouldn't---" Joe ran a hand through his hair. "I have others. I used the telephoto lens. Candid shots."

It was almost a confession, Levon thought with an internal smile. He kept the smile off his face knowing full well what his sober expression would do to Joe. He waited. He knew he wouldn't have to wait long.

"Look... it's no big deal. Honest." Joe's tone was earnest, asking for understanding. "I just wanted pictures of you... maybe something more for the photo wall, you know. But they turned out so well... and I needed some more for the show... and I just... Don't be mad, okay---I mean I know I should have told you. I was going–"

"Joe." Levon held up his hand, releasing Joe's jacket. "I'm not mad. Surprised. A little caught of guard," he admitted. No point in lying about it. Joe already knew even if Carl hadn't registered his unease. He reached out to smooth the fabric he'd wrinkled. "Kind of disappointed you didn't show 'em to me first."

Joe hung his head. "I was afraid you wouldn't want me to use them."

Levon blinked. "You really thought I'd try to control what you did with your stuff?"

"Not with my stuff no... but shots of you are kind of," Joe made a helpless gesture, letting his hands take over when words failed. He sighed. "You might see that as sort of more your stuff than mine, you know? So I know I'm walking a line here."

Levon nodded, understanding the distinction and Joe's position. His lips curled upward in a small smile. "So you went with... it was easier to get forgiveness than ask for permission?"

Joe fiddled with his pendant, blue eyes less pensive than before. "Sort of... yeah."

He released the pendant to reach out to give Levon's cheek a quick caress with one knuckle. "The pictures aren't anything embarrassing, I swear. I wasn't sure you'd be okay with me using photos of you for this... but they turned out so well, and when I showed them to Marta, she was so impressed that I couldn't really leave them out."

Levon's smile faded into a faint frown. That was the second time that name had come up. "Who's Marta?"

"In addition to being Carl's wife, she's also my professor."

"You think, maybe, I could see these photos now?" Levon smiled hesitantly. He was still a bit uncertain of how he felt about being on display but he trusted Joe when he said the shots weren't anything embarrassing. And his curiosity had been piqued by Carl's earlier reaction to him.

"Yes." Joe grinned. "Of course." He caught Levon's elbow and lead him past several other exhibits and into one of the other rooms.

Levon immediately recognized Joe's photos. He'd become familiar with his lover's style, knowing Joe's work no matter what the subject matter. He took his time studying each shot.

Like the other artist, Joe's space had been limited, allowing for a finite number of photos to be displayed. Joe had nine in all. Levon immediately recognized the shots from the rodeo they'd attended even though the shots themselves were new to him. He smiled at the red-headed little girls and the young cowboy. He remembered them.

He recognized the shots of the Houston skyline at night. Levon cocked his head to one side, picking out familiar landmarks, surprised to realize how beautiful the city he called home could be. He smirked remembering Mother Minnie saying 'darkness could hide a multitude of sins'.

He could feel Joe fidgeting behind him. Levon refused to hurry. He'd gotten blindsided by this whole thing---starting with having to dress up and ending with Carl. Joe could be patient while he took his time to peruse the photos in the order he'd opted on, deliberately leaving those he knew Joe wanted him to look at last.

He remembered Joe taking the shots of the ocean, but didn't recognize the ones his lover had included in the display. Levon pursed his lips as he studied them. He liked the one in their bedroom better, but these were nice. He would definitely have to convince Joe to seriously consider black and white.

Levon sipped his beer, knowing full well his silence and actions only prolonged Joe's agony. His lover wasn't known for his ability to wait. Will do him good to practice a little, Levon thought with a small mental smile.

He took a deep breath and braced himself for his first look at the photos his lover's not so subtle nervousness urged him to look at and comment on. He told himself he was being silly. Joe said they hadn't been anything embarrassing. And Levon was fully aware of what he looked like so he wasn't really expecting to be surprised or overly impressed by them, no matter what Carl had said earlier.

He could almost feel his mouth drop open in astonishment as he stared at the first picture. It was surreal to be standing in front of a picture of himself and having to double check to confirm that it really was him. It was him all right... but Levon never would have guessed he could look like... like... god he didn't even know how to describe it.

The picture showed him leaning back against what had to be the corral fence. His shirt was open to expose his chest, head tilted back with his eyes closed. The sun created a soft glow around him that almost made it seem as if Levon was the light source. Beads of sweat on his lightly tanned skin glittered like tiny jewels and added a vaguely ethereal quality to his image.

"Damn." Levon whispered in awe, wide eyes turning to look at Joe. "No wonder Carl thought you messed with it in the dark room."

"Would like to be able to say I planned that, but truth is it was just dumb luck." Joe admitted sheepishly.

The second shot was similar to the first, except that instead of looking up, Levon was looking at something outside the frame, his profile presented for view. The tendon in his neck stood out in sharp relief, accentuating the long column of his throat and clean line of his jaw. He was smiling, small lines around his mouth and eyes bespoke of good humor and experience more than age.

The last shot was with his back was to the camera, his shirt off as he stretched, arms extended over his head as though he were reaching for the sky. The play of toned muscle flexing under smooth skin was stunningly attractive. Levon hadn't even realized it was him until he spotted the familiar belt.

Levon shook his head slightly. "Made me look pretty good there Joe."

"I didn't make you look good." Joe countered. "I didn't do anything but get lucky enough to catch you on film."

Levon chuckled, eyes dropping shyly. "Makes me sound like some sort of elusive wild critter."

"One that was worth the hunt." Joe said quietly, his tone rich with love and affection. "Got a trophy to mount on my wall, and warm my bed."

Levon could feel his face warm. He cleared his throat and tried not to let his reaction to the compliment and innuendo get the better of him. He opened his mouth to say something but shut it abruptly when a woman headed directly for them, calling out Joe's name.

Levon guessed her to age to be ten, maybe fifteen years older than he was. She was pleasantly plump, having all the full curves god meant for a woman to have, moving with a natural grace Levon associated with his grandmother when she was younger. Her smile was open and friendly.

"Hello, Marta." Joe greeted her, bending down to give her a quick kiss on the cheek.

Levon tried not to be immediately on guard. He expected her reaction to him to be like her husband's, and just thinking about that made him want to back up a few steps. He held his ground though, refusing to be intimidated by a woman who clearly posed no threat.

"You must be Levon." She held out her hand to him. "Carl mentioned Joe had brought his muse."

Levon arched an eyebrow, amused by that characterization. He shook her hand, keeping his hold gentle but firm. "Ma'am, I'm jus' Joe's friend and partner... not sure I qualify as anything so grand as bein' a muse."

She laughed. "Nonsense." Marta patted Levon's arm, nodding toward the shots of him. "You can't tell me he wasn't inspired." She gave him a wicked little smile, dark eyes assessing him much the way her husband's had earlier. "How could he not be?"

Levon wondered if he was going to spend his entire time at the gallery blushing. Lord. He tried not to fidget and resisted the urge to clear his throat.

"Joe's just got a real good eye for this stuff." Levon tried to dismiss her comment and focus attention on anything other than him. "He could make jus' about anythin' or anyone look good."

"Oh, Joe has a true eye for beauty. There is no mistaking that." Marta smiled brightly. "But I've been doing this for years and I've seen thousands of photos... trust me when I tell you, he didn't make you look good, honey." She patted his arm again. "You look good all on your own. Joe was just able to capture it."

She sighed and shook her head. "I wish the rest of my students were as astute." Marta gave Joe a pointed glance. "Do not try to dismiss your ability as just timing and dumb luck. That's just foolishness. Talent is needed to recognize a good shot when you see it and to then be able to repeat it. And talent you clearly possess. "

She gestured gracefully to Joe's pictures. "Proof is in the pudding."

Someone called Marta's name, the tone imperious enough to grate on Levon's nerves. He knew he wasn't the only one it had that effect on when he saw Marta role her eyes. She sighed, lips pursed in annoyance.

"Excuse me, please." Marta glanced toward the speaker and waved weakly, her smile far less warm than the one she'd bestowed on him and Joe only a few minutes ago. "Duty calls, gentlemen."

Her next comment Levon was fairly certain she hadn't intended for them to overhear. "I wish Carl hadn't invited that insufferable bastard. I don't care how much money he has."

She glanced over her shoulder, smiling at them once more. "Hopefully we'll see each other again before the night is over."

"Looking forward to it, Ma'am." Levon's fingers moved instinctively to touch the brim of the hat he wasn't wearing. Joe seconded that comment.

"Think she's got yer number, Joe." Levon said with a grin once Marta was out of earshot. "I'm not the only one who things you do good work."

Joe grinned back at him. "Not the only one she pegged there, Cowboy." Joe sipped his drink. "She thinks you're beautiful, too."

Levon rolled his eyes. "Wouldn't read too much inta that."

"Carl thought so too." Joe pointed out. "Not just me who thinks you are breathtaking."

Levon sighed, tying not to blush again. He still wasn't sure he agreed, but there was no denying his lover had a point. He chuckled as bits and pieces of an earlier conversation from months ago came back to him. "You did this," he pointed to the shots of himself, "jus' ta get a second opinion, didn't ya?"

"Not just." Joe countered, smiling broadly. "But it does have that nice side benefit."

"Sneaky bastard." There was more admiration than heat in Levon's statement.

Joe laughed. "I prefer clever."

"Sneaky."

"Intelligent."

Levon snorted, stifling his grin with difficulty. "Sneaky."

"Creative." Joe's eyes twinkled.

"Sneaky." Levon returned, biting his lower lip.

"Ingenious." Joe grinned. "Give it up, Cowboy." He bumped Levon's shoulder with his. "Just admit I'm right."

Levon pursed his lips, brown eyes once more shifting to study the photos of himself. His initial reaction came back to him, before he'd recognized himself in the pictures. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully before he glanced over to Joe.

"You not totally off base," Levon smiled slyly, unwilling to completely admit defeat, "but I still think yer biased."

"You are so damn stubborn." Joe frowned but his eyes twinkled.

"Yeah, well, you love me anyway." Levon whispered, winking at Joe.

"True." Joe laughed lightly. He reached out to pull Levon in a friendly, half-hug, one arm across his shoulders. "You realize I'm going to keep working on this."

"I ain't the only stubborn one in this partnership." Levon snickered. He never expected Joe to give up. Egging him on was just part of the fun.

"Not the only smart one either." Joe grinned. "We are an unbeatable team–we're both intelligent and pretty."

Levon just smiled, but didn't acknowledge Joe's statement. He shrugged out of Joe's loose hold. "Let's go see what other stuff they got for this show."

"One of these days you are going to admit I'm right." Joe said as he followed after Levon.

"I admit yer right all the time." Levon pointed out.

Joe scowled. "That's on the job."

"Well, yeah, mostly." Levon chuckled. "But I said you were right about the hot water heater. And about redoing the living room." He glanced around before dropping his voice as he added. "And in the bedroom just yesterday morning."

Joe cleared his throat. "This mean I'll get you to agree to the hot tub?"

"Might." Levon grinned. He'd already looked into the cost. Not that he was going to admit to that to Joe just yet.

"I'll make it worth your while." Joe leaned forward over his shoulder to whisper.

Levon shivered. They rarely played like this in public. But then that stood to reason since more often than not being in public also meant being on the job. The 'no hanky-panky' on the job included verbal sparring. It had to.

Levon cleared his throat. "You always make it worth my while, Joe."

Joe grinned. "Good to know."

Levon arched an eyebrow. "You had doubts?"

"No. Hell, no." Joe laughed lightly. "But it never hurts to have confirmation."

Levon brought his beer bottle to his lips and made a highly suggestive movement with his tongue. He watched the way Joe's eyes darkened, knowing his lover hadn't missed his little display. "I'll... ah... be sure to give you all the confirmation ya need when we get home."

Joe looked away. "God, Cowboy–"

"S'okay." Levon patted his arm sympathetically. He realized he was pushing the line a little hard. "I'll be good." He could see Joe biting back his instinctive response to that statement, struggling not to say what he was thinking.

Levon smirked, amused in spite of himself, and made a mental mark in the win column. He resisted the urge to put any extra swing in his step as he walked away toward another exhibit. This was still a public setting and it wouldn't do to get too carried away.

Levon finished off his beer while staring at the next exhibit. He stared in amazement at the shot of a hummingbird. The little bird was crystal clear, hanging in mid-air. "What shutter speed do you think he had ta use to stop the wings like that?"

Joe frowned, blue eyes studying the photo. "Maybe... one thousandths of a second." He pointed to a few of the other shots. "Guessing he took a few slower ones."

"Pretty damn impressive." Levon smiled as he studied the others. Mother Minnie usually put out several hummingbird feeders every year. She loved watching the little birds.

"Hey... Joe... You know if any of these might be for sale?"

"Could be. Why?"

"Mother Minnie would love having one of these."

Joe pursed his lips, nodding. "Something for her birthday?"

"Yeah." Levon tried not to think about how few birthdays his grandmother might have left.

"Not all the artists being displayed tonight are students. Some of them are professional, or at least more experienced than I am so they might have a price list or something." Joe pointed to the artist's name. "Marta would know him and how to get in touch with him. Can't hurt to ask her."

Levon nodded. He instinctively reached for the pencil and paper he habitually kept in his breast pocket before he realized he didn't have them. Damn dress clothes he cursed mentally. He memorized the name. He knew Joe did the same thing, and they shared a quick smile.

They continued to browse through the displays. Levon made note of a few more of the artists. If the hummingbird shots weren't for sale there were one or two others he thought Mother Minnie might appreciate.

Levon spotted a nice shot of what had to be taken in one of the city parks in the fall that he thought would look good in the guest bedroom. He said as much to Joe. "Could maybe get a frame that worked with the furniture."

They'd done the same thing with the shots Joe had in their bedroom. Levon had enough stain left over from redoing the furniture to treat the frames Joe had picked out. They'd ended up a bit darker but nicely complimentary.

"That one would look good in the living room." Joe pointed to a large print of an old weathered barn. The almost silver color of the old wood was sharply contrasted by the deep green of a nearby pine tree and the reddish hues of the field stone wall.

Levon whistled silently in appreciation. "Nice. Very nice." Levon chuckled. "You know, rate we're going here, I think we're gonna spend a pretty penny."

"Well, we don't have to get them all at once, Cowboy."

"True." Levon grinned, knowing his next statement would no doubt surprise his lover. "But I want to, if we can."

Joe blinked, eyebrows going up. "You sure?"

"Yep." He seldom spent wildly or freely, hardly ever in fact, having learned to be frugal at Mother Minnie's knee. But he didn't object to buying something of quality he knew he'd enjoy for years. Joe hadn't always seen the distinction, but Levon knew he did now.

"You have that sort of cash with you?"

Levon sighed. "No."

Joe clearly hesitated for a moment before offering. "I... could put them on one of my credit cards."

Levon didn't like the idea of using credit to buy something he could pay cash for. Joe knew that... so while Levon appreciated the offer, he wasn't going to take him up on it. "Think we'd be okay just making a deposit? Pay in full when we pick 'em up later?"

"Should be." Joe shrugged. "We'll find out when we ask if they're for sale."

Levon nodded. "Not like we could fit them in the Cobra anyway."

"Point."

They continued to browse, idly discussing photos and artistic styles. Joe introduced him to several people as they moved through the gallery, most were fellow classmates. And Levon was glad none of them had reactions to him as extreme as Carl or Marta. He was surprised to find himself enjoying interacting with people who weren't cops or suspects.

Most of them, like Joe, had taken up photography as a hobby and took classes to improve their skill and technique. A few were looking into turning their hobby into a career option.

Levon belatedly covered a yawn. He sent Joe an apologetic glance, not wanting his lover to think he was bored. It had just been a long day, and a quick glance at his watch confirmed it was close to his usual bed time. Joe was the night owl, not him.

"Tired, Cowboy?" Joe leaned in to ask, his voice soft and warm.

"Yeah." No point in denying it.

Joe smiled. "We can go."

"S'okay." Levon shook his head, trying not to yawn again. "We can stay as long as you wanna."

"We already stayed longer than I expected to." Joe told him, still smiling. "Let's see if we can track down Marta and see about the prints we wanted."

Levon took a deep breath and tried not to feel too uneasy when they moved back through the gallery to where more people were gathered. At least the crowd had thinned out a bit from when they'd first entered. He stayed close to Joe, using his partner as a shield, knowing he wouldn't mind.

Joe caught Marta's attention, and motioned toward a quiet corner. She smiled and excused herself from the couple she was speaking with. Levon got the impression was glad to have a reason to get away from them.

"Thank you, Joe, for your timely intervention." Her smile broadened, patting his arm. "The Rosencranzs are a lovely people, but they can talk about nothing for hours. If their small talk got any smaller it would be damn near invisible. Lord."

Levon chuckled quietly. He knew people like that himself. "Glad we could help, Ma'am."

"So, what can I do to repay the favor gentlemen?"

"We were wondering if any of the stuff on display is for sale."

"A number of them." She beamed at him, clearly delighted. "Which artist were you interested in?"

"Actually there is more than one." Joe rattled off the names of the three artists, as well as the prints they'd been interested in.

"I rather like the hummingbirds myself." She nodded. "They are rather popular and to my knowledge Eric isn't planning to limit the number of prints so those are very reasonable."

Marta rubbed her chin. "Amy's park picture will likewise be widely available. I understand it's been selected for reproduction in a calendar. She's hoping that will help her establish a name for herself. "

She pursed her lips. "Richard's barn shot will be a limited. He is planning on only having two hundred available."

"What number do you have on display?" Joe asked.

"I have number ninety-eight on display." She gave him a slanted look. "But I also have number thirty-four, with an original signature."

Levon knew just enough about art to know the more limited the edition the more valuable the print would be. But he wasn't thinking of the picture as an investment. So the number was of little concern to him. And he didn't particularly care whether he got a lower number or a higher one, just as long as he got one.

"Signature makes a difference, Cowboy." Joe commented quietly. "Will be worth more."

Levon just shrugged. "Okay." He looked at Marta. "How much are we talking about?"

"The Hummingbird is, as I said, not going to be limited." Marta smiled. "The asking price is sixty-five."

Levon nodded. He had enough in his wallet to cover that easily. "And the park shot?"

"That one is even more reasonable. Amy is decidedly conservative about her estimations of what people are willing to pay for her work." Marta clucked her tongue. "I've been trying to convince her otherwise but so far with only minimal success. She is asking fifty for the park photo."

"And the barn?"

"Richard is far more knowledgeable about what the market will bear, and the quality of his work. But he also understands the need to be affordable or he'd starve." Marta smiled. "The signed print, matted and framed, is priced at two hundred and fifty. If you don't necessarily see this as an investment, and the signature is not really of importance to you, the unsigned print is priced at two hundred."

Levon looked at Joe, silently asking his opinion. Joe just smiled. "It's your money, Cowboy."

Levon nodded. "I'll take the one with the signature." Just because he didn't see the art as an investment didn't mean he didn't see the value in having a signed piece.

"Can we put a down payment tonight? Pick everything up tomorrow?" Levon smiled. "Joe's car doesn't really have 'nough room for more than a pack o' gum."

"Certainly you can pick them up tomorrow." Marta laughed lightly. "And your word is sufficient to hold them."

She patted Joe's arm. "And you, my talented sir, should give some thought as to what price you'd like to put on your own work."

Joe blinked. "Excuse me?"

"I've gotten a few tentative inquiries this evening." Marta told him, eyes sparkling. "Nothing firm as yet, but I'm sure that will come in time."

"For which ones?" Joe asked, beating Levon to the question.

"The most interest by far as been in your shots of Levon."

Joe looked at Levon, wary, as though he expected Levon to object. Levon just shrugged and smiled. He couldn't understand why someone would want a picture of a total stranger on their wall, no matter how good they thought that person looked, but he wasn't going to tell Joe he couldn't sell his work. Or get upset that someone else saw his lover's talent. He was proud of Joe's talent, and pleased other people saw it admirable as well.

Marta leaned in, dropping her voice just a bit. "A lovely older woman thought it would be nice to send a picture of a good looking cowboy to her granddaughter in New York. She wants to show that Texas has some very handsome gentlemen and there was no need to go so far away if that was all she was looking for."

Levon found himself laughing at that. He waggled his eyebrows at Joe. "Sort of a civic service?"

Joe smiled broadly, but Levon could tell he wasn't just amused he was also relieved. Levon sighed silently. He really needed to express himself better and show his faith in Joe more often.

"Still got that night stick, Levon?"

Levon snickered. "Looks we both might be needin' one."

Joe shook his head, laughing softly. He bent down and gave Marta a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'll have to think about it. To be honest this was just a hobby for me, something for my own enjoyment. Never seriously thought about selling any of my photos."

"Well if you decide to market your photos, please keep me in mind." Marta nodded to where her husband was busy talking to another couple. "Carl is always looking for new talent to display regularly here at the gallery."

"I'll do that." Joe agreed easily before saying good night.

"Was a pleasure ta meet ya, Ma'am." Levon smiled warmly, gently taking the hand she offered before placing a soft kiss on her knuckles. He was delighted with the way she blushed and laughed softly.

"You are not just handsome, but charming as well." She declared with a smile. "If I were only fifteen years younger."

"If I were only five years older." Levon countered with a grin.

She waved a hand at them. "Shoo, both of you. Before I forget I am a happily married woman."

Levon raised two fingers to touch the brim of his hat before he remembered he wasn't wearing it. He turned the gesture into part of an abbreviated bow before he followed Joe out.

He took deep breath of the cool night air, glad to be outside. Joe lightly slapped his shoulder. "Why is it I never get any of those nice, gentlemanly gestures?" His lover's tone was teasing, so Levon knew he wasn't really upset.

Levon grinned slyly, letting his eyes rake over Joe in an obvious leer. "Because I don't want to be a gentleman around you, Joe. I got less... refined, polite interests in you."

Joe shivered, eyes darkening. "Glad to hear it, Levon."

"You wanna go home and... ah... maybe explore some of my interests."

Joe raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were tired."

"Not too tired for that." Levon grinned. He made a graceful 'after you' gesture, playing it up just a bit. He didn't want his lover to be able to honestly say he'd been slighted by a lack of gentlemanly gestures from now on, even if offered only in jest. Joe snickered, his expression showing he appreciated both the gesture and the humor before he rolled his eyes and headed for the Cobra.

Levon knew Joe was more eager than annoyed. He stretched his legs just a bit to make sure he got to the driver's side door before Joe did, opening it with a smile, enjoying having the chance to continue their game from earlier on. Joe smiled in return, giving him a coy look from under his lashes before sliding gracefully into the seat.

In the dark, Levon wasn't worried anyone would see his next move. He bent down and captured Joe's mouth in a breath stealing kiss, doing is best to locate the tonsils Joe said he'd had removed as a teenager. There was nothing gentlemanly about this gesture, none at all. Only the need to breathe made him pull back. He sighed, hands braced against the door holding him up while he struggled to get his legs to support him the way they were supposed to.

He resisted when Joe tried to pull him into the car and his lap. "Joe... this car is way too damn small... for anything you might have in mind."

"First time in my life... I miss that fucking truck of yours."

Levon laughed softly, giving Joe another searing kiss. "Well... my truck might... have a lot more room... but this car goes a whole lot faster."

Joe grinned. "That it does."

"Let's see just how fast she goes."

"Get in." Joe ordered, firing up the car. Levon didn't need to be told twice. He was around the car in and stepping over the door even as Joe was putting it in gear.

"Hit the lights." That would shave a good twenty minutes off their drive. And at this point Levon wasn't really concerned with legal details. No one was going to stop them and ask anyway.

Levon sent a prayer of gratitude to whatever deity cared to listen that traffic had thinned out considerably. They had no trouble racing through the nearly deserted streets heading for the ranch. He had a new appreciation for the sort of speeds the Cobra was capable of. It was invigorating, and nicely satisfying. He shared a grin with Joe, both of them laughing like a couple of teenagers out for a joyride.

Joe pulled into the drive, and Levon was up and moving almost before Joe had even turned off the car. He made a deliberate show of standing up to step over the door, making sure he held a balanced pose a second or two longer than he needed to. He knew it showcased his ass in a way his lover couldn't resist. It was probably one of the reasons he hated Levon stepping over the door in the first place... he couldn't act on those urges in public.

He danced out of reach when Joe made a grab for him, backing toward the front door. Joe growled and followed. He sometimes forgot how fast Joe could be, but he wasn't really surprised when Joe caught him at the door and pinned him against it with his body, capturing his mouth in a demanding, nearly brutal kiss.

He was glad the porch light blew out and he hadn't gotten around to replacing it yet. None of his neighbors were likely to still be up, but he loved knowing they could indulge each other without worrying about offending someone. There was something a little risque about making out on the porch just the same.

When Joe finally released his mouth, Levon panted for breath. He gasped as Joe nibbled his neck, shivering when his lover found that spot that made him week in the knees. He tried to push Joe away, struggling for control.

"Joe... we got a big ole bed... inside."

Joe grinned, teeth flashing brightly in the darkness. "You don't want to say out here?"

Levon chuckled. "We don't have any supplies out here, boy." He let his voice deepen, rough and needy. "And I want you ta fuck me. Hard." He licked his lips, hand moving to lightly ghost over Joe's chest. "Real hard."

Joe shuddered. His throat worked hard and Levon knew he was fighting to not just pin him against the door again and take him right there. It was such a rush to know he could have that effect on Joe.

"Could always christen the living room." Levon leaned in to whisper in Joe's hear. He'd been wanting to do that since they'd redecorated but some how they'd never gotten around to it. He nibbled the soft skin, teasing his lover. "It's a hell of a lot closer."

Joe's soft huff of laughter caressed his skin. "You planned this."

"You ain't the only sneaky one." He hadn't planned it. Not really. But Levon didn't see any reason to tell Joe that.

"Not the only beautiful one either." Joe responded, pulling Levon into a warm embrace.

Levon snickered, not surprised by his lover's assertion. "We are a team, after all."

"A matched set." Joe agreed, nuzzling Levon's neck.

"Let's take ourselves inside." Levon sighed and wiggled free of Joe's grasp. "We can spend some time on getting good at our team work."

"We're not good, Cowboy." Joe shook his head. "We're great."

"Nothin' wrong with your ego, boy." Levon opened the door. He held out a hand to Joe. "Gonna put your money where yer mouth is."

Joe squeezed his hand. "I'm going to put my mouth everywhere." He drew out the last word, making Levon shiver in anticipation.

He stepped inside, pulling Joe with him. He flicked on one of the lights so they wouldn't stumble over anything on their way to the living room. Levon did his best to ignore the way Joe caressed his ass every step of the way.

"You do yours." Levon instructed with a wicked grin. "I'll do mine." As much fun as undressing each other could be, it also took longer. And right now he was interested in getting naked as fast as possible.

Joe swallowed hard, and nodded. He licked his lips in a way that almost made Levon regret his decision to put getting naked ahead of touching. His fingers shook as he stripped out of his clothing. He forced himself to take care with the buttons, even though he simply wanted to rip off his shirt. The silk shirt had been a gift from Joe; he treated it with more care than he would have any other garment.

He beat Joe, not so much because he was faster as because he was wearing less to start with. Levon sat on the couch, lounging really as he watch his lover get rid of the rest of his clothing. He couldn't help but appreciate the view.

He gave his lover a heated look when Joe's blue eyes met his. Levon smiled, arching an eyebrow. "Everywhere?"

"Everywhere." Joe agreed with a nod.

Levon raised a finger to his lips. "Start here."

Joe's eyes seemed to glow in the low light. "My pleasure, Levon."