Partners, Friends and Lovers
Chapter 13 Part 1
By Katherine LehmanJoe nodded to himself, satisfied with how well the color turned out. He'd had his doubts when Levon suggested it, but he had to admit, it did look very good. They'd painted the lower portion of the wall a dark blue, and the upper half was a slate gray. The chair rail border Joe had picked out after they'd decided on the colors was a lighter blue with a dark gray geometric design.
He grinned. The bedroom no longer looked like it solely belonged to Levon. It was now something uniquely theirs.
"You done admiring our handiwork yet?" Levon asked as he leaned over Joe's shoulder.
Joe chuckled. "It does look good, doesn't it?"
"Told ya it would."
"Yeah, you did." He turned and kissed Levon soundly. "I should have known you wouldn't steer me wrong."
"I gotta live here too, boy." Levon smiled, resting his forehead against Joe's. "And I let you have free rein the living room."
Joe had been rather surprised by that. He hadn't expected Levon to agree to let him paint the living room a deep burgundy, but the blond hadn't quibbled. It worked well with the light variable pink and brown shades of the native field stone fire place and the dark wood moldings.
Unable to talk his lover into buying new furniture, he was able convince him that slip covers would update the sofa and chairs and give the whole room new life. The soft cream color matched the off white throw rug that they'd placed in the center of the room. Two simple black lacquered table lamps they'd rescued from Joe's apartment were updated with new shades that were the same off white color with burgundy accents and now found a home on the end tables.
"You sure you're okay with all this?" Joe had asked that same question at least once a day when Levon had suggested replacing his old bedroom set with the one he'd refinished for Joe and the idea has snowballed from there.
"I'm okay with it, Joe." Levon kissed the tip of his nose. "You know me well enough by now that I'd tell you if I wasn't."
Joe nodded, lips curling in a wry smile. "Guess I can stop asking that question, hunh?"
"Yep." Levon chuckled. He pulled back. "You figure out how you want to arrange the furniture in here? Stuff's heavy and I only want to move it once." Levon rolled his right shoulder, wincing slightly as he did.
"You okay, Cowboy?"
"Yeah." Brown eyes met blue easily. "Jus' sore from painting."
Joe nodded. His own shoulders were a bit sore. Painting wasn't hard but the repetitive nature of it was still a workout. He'd offer Levon a massage after they were done.
Joe laid out how he wanted to arrange the furniture, stepping off the general area for each piece. The king size bed certainly would take up far more of the room than the queen had. The room was still large enough that they'd have sufficient space to get everything in without making the bedroom seem overly crowded or cramped. Joe had measured everything just to be sure it would fit easily and still allow for comfortable access.
Levon nodded as Joe indicated the placement and location of both dressers, the bed and the nightstands. There was still room enough for Levon's bookshelf. It was the only piece from the previous bedroom set up that was staying. They both liked to read, albeit decidedly different subject matter most of the time; it just made sense to keep the bookshelf.
The Texan had donated the rest of his old bedroom suite to one of the local goodwill stores. It was still in good condition, and Joe had thought he might want to keep it. When he'd said as much, Levon had just shaken his head. "No room for it here, Joe. Would rather someone was makin' use of it than have it taking up space in the barn."
It had been left over from his marriage, and Joe knew it was petty, but he was not really sorry to see it go. He liked knowing his lover didn't have any special, sentimental attachment to that furniture. And he really liked the idea of them starting something new.
The bedroom suite Levon had restored no longer seemed like it belonged exclusively to Joe. The new stain and finish made it seem original, something that managed to appeal to both of them rather than just one or the other. They'd picked a mattress to do the same.
It had taken Levon six months to complete the refinish job. But neither of them were really in a hurry. In some ways, to Joe, it was symbolic of their relationship. Good things took time, and they were both in it for the long haul. They could take their time to make sure they got it right.
"You ready to do this thing?" Levon asked.
"Yeah." Joe was eager to actually see the room come together, to see if it worked as well he thought it would.
"Well, lets get it to it then." Levon nodded.
Together they headed for the barn. Joe was damn glad they didn't have any stairs to navigate. Getting everything down his old spiral staircase wasn't something he ever wanted to do again. Without Chicken's help they'd likely never have managed it. When he'd paid the movers that had moved him in, he'd thought they'd charged an exorbitant sum, but Joe now realized they probably hadn't charged him nearly as much as they wanted to.
"You wanna start with the dressers?" Levon asked.
"Yeah." Joe nodded. "Be easier to get them in without the bed taking up so much of the room."
"Let's take the highboy first then." Levon pointed to the taller of the two dressers. "Ya wanted that one against the far wall, right?"
Joe nodded. It would be the piece they had to move the farthest, even if only by a few feet. And it was also be nicely out of the way once in the room.
Even with all the drawers out the solid oak dressers were still heavy, but nothing the two of them couldn't handle without too much difficulty. It was more the bulk than the weight that made them difficult to maneuver. Joe was grateful neither of them had to walk backward with anything until they were actually in the house.
They were especially careful winding their way thru the house, not wanting to mar the new finish by accidentally bumping against one of the door jambs or walls. Levon had put a lot of work into the furniture, and Joe wanted it to look this good for a long time to come. He still couldn't believe what a beautiful job Levon had done with it. He knew he shouldn't have been surprised; the set in the spare bedroom was just as beautiful and Levon was never the sort to do anything half way.
With the highboy placed, Joe double checked to make sure it fit and looked the way he thought it would. Last thing he wanted was to move everything in only to find he'd made a mistake and it wouldn't fit. Levon patted his shoulder, giving it a light squeeze.
"Quit worrying, Joe." The blond smiled at him, expression affectionately exasperated. "And don't go changing your mind now. I told you I'm only movin' this stuff once."
"Yeah, yeah." Joe laughed. "I know you'd move it a dozen times if I asked you to."
Levon sighed, golden brown eyes warm. "Probably." He gave Joe the once over with a look that always made the Chicago native's gut tighten in anticipation. "We get this room set up, I think we're gonna need to christen it proper."
"You think that, do you?" Joe patted his lover's ass, pleased with how well Levon's cheek fit his hand.
"I do." Levon grinned, and leaned in to give him a kiss that was all too brief in Joe's opinion. He reached to pull Levon back in but the blond neatly avoid him.
"Uh-hunh." Levon shook his head. "Work first. Then we can play."
"You know this practical, responsible streak you have really sucks some days."
Levon just laughed as he headed back out to the barn, his voice drifting back down the hall. "You should be grateful... carpet burn hurts like a son of a bitch."
Joe chuckled. It was hard to argue with that. He shook his head ruefully. At least now he had incentive to get the bedroom finished.
He followed Levon back out to the barn. They got the second dresser in with no difficulty. Being the smaller of the two, Levon had already volunteered to use it and leave the highboy for Joe. Joe knew full well his lover would likely only take up half the drawers and he'd be using those as well.
The bed was the easiest piece to move. Joe still couldn't believe how well it turned out. He'd been secretly thrilled when Levon asked if he'd mind if he added a new detail. Curious as to what that entailed, but trusting Levon not to do anything he couldn't live with Joe had acquiesced without batting an eye. The headboard now sported a pair of scripted, interlocking 'L's that matched the ones on his pendant and Levon's bracelet.
The carving looked like it had been part of the original suite. Joe had trouble picturing the headboard without it. As they leaned it against the wall, Joe found himself tracing the 'L's, marveling anew at his lover's talent.
Levon smiled capturing his hand in a gentle hold. "Turned out pretty good."
Joe raised their joined hands to his mouth to place a kiss on Levon's knuckles. "You missed your calling, Cowboy."
Levon snorted, but Joe could tell he was pleased with his assessment. "I like chasin' bad guys. This is just a nice hobby."
The blond grinned, squeezing his hand. "When I get old and slow, it would do to keep me out of trouble."
Joe grinned. "I'm thinking it'll take more than just a hobby to keep you out of trouble."
"S'why you'll still be here." Levon laughed lightly, pulling away. "Let's get this baby put together."
The rails slide into place with a little judicious use of force. Levon deftly hammered them home with a solid tap from a dead blow hammer. Joe was coming to appreciate the advantage of living with someone who had tools.
The box springs and mattress had been delivered yesterday. Joe smiled thinking about their trip to pick them out. His partner wasn't much of a shopper, but when the man made up his mind to go buy something, he was determined to get exactly what he wanted. Joe thought the salesman was going to come completely unglued by the time Levon had 'test driven' nearly every make, model and style in the place.
Joe had whispered to Levon that maybe he should just pick something already and give the salesman a break. The blond had given him an affronted look. "Not spendin' money on something that ain't worth it. Not like I'm makin' him hang around, Joe. He could leave us alone ta look for ourselves."
Levon gave him a wicked grin, waggling his eyebrows. "Sides, I'm already giving him a break by not snugglin' up with you and really raisin' his blood pressure."
His partner might be more frugal than he was, but Joe wasn't surprised to find that price wasn't the Levon's main criteria. In this case it was definitely something they both placed primary emphasis on comfort and durability. They opted for a top of the line mattress with just the right amount of cushion and resistance.
They set the box springs in place easily. Levon chuckled as he patted the springs. "Those have got to be the lightest things we've lifted all day."
Joe nodded. He smiled. "We're almost done though."
Together they wrestled the king sized mattress from the living room into the bedroom. Joe was again very glad there were no stairs and that the hallway didn't have any odd angles. The mattress wasn't heavy, but it was unwieldy. Getting it in place wasn't as easy as the box springs, but they managed.
Joe grinned. "Finished."
Levon shook his head. "Still gotta make the bed."
Joe frowned. "We're just going to mess it up."
"Don't start pouting." Levon snickered. "Not asking for hospital corners here, but I'm thinking those damned expensive sheets you insisted we had to have and that new comforter should oughta be on the bed."
Joe sighed. It was hard to argue with that. Particularly since he knew just how good thousand thread count sheets would feel against bare skin. And the down comforter was sinfully soft. He knew Levon would want something to curl up under, especially when Joe was sure they weren't leaving the bed before the sun came up tomorrow, never mind that it was only the middle of the afternoon.
The sheets had been washed and hung out on the line to give them the sun-dried, fresh scent that Joe loved. He'd always known there was something better about Levon's linens but hadn't realized line drying was what made them so much nicer to sleep on until he moved in. It was just one more thing he liked about living at the ranch.
Joe pulled the fitted sheet from the laundry basket where he'd folded it and placed it earlier. He lightly tossed the pillow cases to Levon. They'd gotten new pillows as well. It just seemed appropriate.
Levon laid the pillow cases on the nightstand. "Thinkin' that sheet be easier ta handle if we do it together."
Joe grinned. "Why do you think I always let the maid make my bed?"
"Always just figured you were lazy." Levon shook his head.
"Efficient." Joe countered as he shook out the sheet.
"Lazy."
"Smart." Joe insisted with a smile.
"Lazy." Levon ducked his head and Joe knew he was hiding a smile of his own as they worked to fit the sheet to the bed.
"Resourceful."
Levon arched an eyebrow, snorting delicately. "Wasteful is more like it."
"Wasteful?" Joe smoothed out the sheet, enjoying the feel of the fabric against his skin. "How do you figure?"
"Ya paid her ta do a job ya could have done yourself." Levon pointed out with a smile. "Waste o' money."
"Spending money on things I don't NEED keeps the economy running."
"Uh-hunh." Levon shook his head. "You can't tell me that having your place cleaned by someone else was strictly a matter o' public service." The blond reached for the pillows, lightly tossing one to Joe along with a pillowcase.
Joe rolled his eyes, slipping the new pillow into the pillowcase, tugging it efficiently into place. He was secretly pleased to see Levon stroking the pillow the same way he had caressed the sheets earlier. The expense was worth it to know how much Levon liked the new linens. His lover deserved as much pampering he could get away with.
Levon lightly tossed the comforter across the foot of the bed. He gave Joe a wicked grin. "No reason to really go all out, now is there?"
Joe let his eyes run over the blond's lanky form. "No... no reason at all."
Levon stretched, several vertebrae popping softly. Joe winced. "I hate it when you do that."
"Feels good." Levon shrugged, unrepentant as ever. "Thinking a hot shower would feel better though." He waggled his eyebrows suggestively. "You... ah... wanna take one with me?"
Joe grinned. "Have I ever said no to that?"
"Not yet."
"Safe bet I'm not going to now."
Brown eyes raked over him with a glance that was nearly tangible in its intensity. "Good." Levon's normal tenor was a rough, husky growl that made it hard for Joe to swallow, his throat suddenly as dry as a desert. "Would hate ta have to shower alone."
Joe licked his lips and cleared his throat. "I... ah... understand completely."
"Sort of figured ya might." Levon smiled, eyes darkening as his pupils widened. His hand moved to undo the buttons of his shirt. Joe found himself staring hungrily as each bit of flesh was revealed.
Levon rarely did what Joe would call a deliberate strip tease--- tease implied he wouldn't follow through, and the blond never failed to do a damn sight more than tease him. But Levon's natural grace made watching him disrobe a pleasure, an erotic activity even when that wasn't the intent. Joe just barely managed to suppress a moan when his lover neatly shrugged out of his shirt, letting it fall carelessly to the floor.
Levon smiled, looking at him coyly from under ebony lashes. "You gonna shower with yer clothes on, Joe?"
"Hadn't planned on it." Joe chuckled and shook his head. The near painful tightness of his pants had been more than enough to remind him of his distressingly clothed state. He started striping out of his clothes, opting for speed over grace.
Levon bit his lower lip, white teeth a sharp contrast to the soft pink of his lips. "Slower." The order was quiet, the tone sending shivers down Joe's back. "I wanna watch."
Joe swallowed hard and nodded. He would have felt a little silly doing this exaggerated, excruciatingly slow disrobing if it weren't for the obvious effect it had on Levon. The Texan's breathing was ragged, eyes half hidden by heavy lidded passion, skin flushing as nipples tightened. Joe groaned when Levon licked his lips, hands drifting to rub his groin through his jeans.
"God... Cowboy." Joe ground out, his control sorely tested.
Levon smiled and made a come hither motion with one hand. Joe didn't hesitate to close the distance between them, crossing the room in a few long strides, eager to touch and taste. He captured Levon's mouth in a kiss that was nearly savage in its intensity. He forced his lover back, pinning him against the wall, knowing they'd both welcome the added support as he ravaged that tantalizing, wonderful mouth.
Talented hands managed to tease and arouse him even more making Joe moan softly into Levon's mouth. His hips were unconsciously grinding against his lover's in a rough, nearly desperate rhythm. He felt lightheaded and dizzy when Levon broke the kiss, both of them gasping for air.
Levon lowered his head to nuzzle the spot where Joe's neck and shoulder met, sucking lightly. Joe shivered, sighing deeply, head tipping automatically to give Levon as much access as he wanted. The blond nibbled up his neck to suck on the lobe of Joe's ear. Joe gasped, reflexively leaning into Levon, trying to get closer.
He forced himself to pull back when Levon squirmed. He wasn't sure if the wiggle was a reflection of rising passion or discomfort from being trapped. Blue eyes assessed Levon's face, gauging his intent. He was relieved when Levon smiled, and tipped his head back, baring his throat in open invitation.
Joe grinned evilly and ignored what was offered in favor of ducking down to lave one hard rosebud nipple. He loved the near purring sound of pleasure that always elicited. Levon's hands rose to run through his hair, his chest arching to encourage more attention.
Joe nipped and licked his way across Levon's smooth chest to lavish the same attention on the other nipple. He flicked his tongue rapidly as he sucked hard, delighted with the whimper his actions elicited. He continued until Levon's grip in his hair became almost painfully tight, pulling him away.
Joe sunk to his knees, hands trailing after, caressing Levon's chest on the way down. He undid Levon's belt. He loved how easy it was to undo button flies. The well worn, faded denim gave with so little effort.
Levon sighed, and shifted his stance to make it easier to get his pants down off his hips. Joe pushed them down to his feet, smiling as Levon rested a hand on his shoulder to brace himself as he stepped out of his remaining clothing. Joe eyes wandered over his now blessedly naked form.
"You are a feast for the eyes." He whispered, feeling far more reverent on his knees before Levon than he ever had at Church.
Levon blushed. He cupped Joe's face. "You... ah... plannin' on... jus' looking?"
Joe turned his head to kiss Levon's palm. "Not just looking, no."
Joe leaned in and nuzzled Levon's erection, licking it from root to tip. He sucked the tip, enjoying the slightly bitter flavor of pre-cum that coated his tongue. Joe ran a hand lightly up Levon's left leg, seeking that spot he'd found accidentally only a few weeks ago. That little spot slightly below his hip that made the blond shudder and whimper.
Joe had never quite mastered the deep throat technique, but he knew how to make that little detail unimportant. He'd had a fair amount of practice at this since he and Levon had gotten together. And he never got tired of it.
He loved the way Levon would oh so lightly run fingers through his hair before moving to lightly clasp his head, encouraging the pace without forcing it. Joe let the soft sighs and moans guide his actions. Levon was never loud but he was definitely vocal.
Joe looked up when he felt Levon's hold tighten enough to become slightly restraining. Levon's thumb lightly stroked his cheekbone in a calming, reassuring gesture. "Jus' don't want... ya to forget... 'bout yerself, Joe."
Joe released his prize to smile. He held Levon's eyes as he lowered his hands to undo his pants. He sighed with relief as the restraining fabric was removed.
"Touch yerself." That command was more a request, hunger and lust laced Levon's tone, making Joe shiver in response. He couldn't resist even if he wanted to.
He stroked himself, deliberately picking a slow pace he knew would prolong this moment. Given how close they both were Joe knew delaying the inevitable wasn't going to be something either of them would be able to do for very long. When Levon reached to stroke himself Joe growled, and smacked his hand away.
"Mine."
Levon took a shaky breath and nodded his acceptance. He smiled slyly, sliding his hands up his abdomen to play with his nipples. Joe moaned in unison with Levon, unconsciously tightening the hold he had on himself and increasing the stroke.
He leaned forward to recapture the prize he'd released earlier. Joe sucked gently, letting his tongue tease the head and tip. He loved knowing Levon was holding himself back, not thrusting deeper or just latching on to him and fucking his mouth out of concern for hurting Joe.
Joe went deeper, taking in as much of Levon as he could. He was proud of how much better he'd gotten at this. Liked knowing he was pushing at Levon's control, pulling him over the edge so they could fall together.
Levon was saying something, but Joe couldn't understand him. It was more a steady stream of sound than real words, but he got the intent easily enough. Joe hummed, working his throat and swallowed greedily. Like some sort of feedback loop he'd long since grown used to, Joe could almost feel Levon's climax trigger his own.
Joe released his lover with a small sigh, licking his lips as both of them drew in ragged breaths. Joe was impressed Levon managed to continue standing. If he hadn't started out on his knees, Joe was fairly confident he'd have ended up on them by now.
"Damn boy." Levon panted. He ran a hand through Joe's hair, petting him gently. "Thought we were gonna shower?"
Joe shrugged, feeling very relaxed. He looked up, eyes dancing. "Nothing says we can't give it another go, Cowboy."
"Nothin' but age." Levon laughed lightly, still petting Joe's hair. "Spirit's willing, Joe, but I'm not sure this good ole boy could get the job done."
Joe grinned. He struggled to rise, his knees suddenly reminding him that they didn't appreciate what he'd done. Joe ignored them. The rest of his body was singing with that 'I got mine' feeling so he was putting this one in the win column.
Levon gave him a hand, helping him to his feet. The blond pulled him in for a kiss. Joe leaned into him, enjoying the lazy, relaxed calm that engulfed both of them. He loved being able to share this almost as much as he enjoyed everything that had come before.
Levon pulled back with a sigh, and rested his forehead against Joe's. "Least we didn't get carpet burn."
Joe laughed and hugged Levon to him. "Well, there is that."
"Strip outta the rest of yer clothes and let's go get that shower."
Joe shuffled back to get rid of his pants and boxers that had hindered his getting to his feet more than his aching knees had. He left them with Levon's jeans. They could clean up everything when they got around to it later.
He followed Levon into the bathroom, eyes invariably drawn to watching his lover's ass as he moved. Levon looked over his shoulder, giving Joe a knowing look. "You are so predictable."
Joe leered. "That a bad thing?"
"Not in this case." Levon waggled his eyebrows.
Joe smiled. They both might need more time to recover, but he was pretty sure they'd still be christening the bed before too long. His earlier expectation of spending the rest of the day in their new bed was still a definite possibility.
Levon turned on the shower, letting the water warm up before stepping in. Joe followed. Not long after they'd started spending most of their time together, Levon had installed a wide spray showerhead, one with variable settings. It was indicative of the number of times they'd showered together and Levon enjoyed it just as much Joe did.
Levon turned to let Joe under the spray. Joe's eyes closed and he sighed deeply as he felt Levon's hands on him. He was convinced there was magic in his lover's hands. There was just no other explanation for it. At least not any he'd care to explore.
The massage of his shoulders felt wonderful, easing stiffness from painting and lifting furniture. He moaned when Levon found a particular sore spot. Levon murmured an apology, gentling his touch.
"It's okay." Joe countered, turning to rest his cheek against Levon's. "Not your fault."
Joe sighed softly, just enjoying the contact for a moment. He reached for the soap to return the favor. He tried to ignore the hiss of near pain his massage of Levon's shoulders caused, knowing the right amount of force his lover needed to loosen the knots. Deep tissue hurt, but it also helped, and Joe learned how much pressure to use, careful to watch for signs he'd gone to far, not trusting Levon to tell him to stop. The relaxation he could feel, and the lighter set of the blond's shoulders let him know when it was okay to move on.
He finished as much as he could do in this position. A true massage would require Levon to be horizontal, but Joe knew it would do for now. He grabbed the shampoo, unwilling to forgo indulging them both in something they both enjoyed.
Levon sighed deeply. "I tell you lately that I love you?"
Joe grinned, enjoying the feel of Levon's wet, lathered hair running through his fingers. "Pretty sure you have."
"Good." Levon almost moaned that one word. "Wouldn't want ya to have any doubts."
Joe leaned in to kiss Levon's neck softly. "Haven't had any. Don't think I ever will, Cowboy."
Levon chuckled, deep and raspy. It warmed Joe right down to his toes. Levon tilted his head to let the water wash the shampoo from his hair. Joe loved watching the white lather trace the contours of his lover's frame as it was washed away. He never got tired of being reminded of just how beautiful every square inch of his lover was.
"You know some day I'm going to convince you to let me take pictures of you in the shower." Joe murmured.
Levon looked at him, eyebrows arching upward. "What the hell for?" He cupped Joe's face. "Ya worried I'm not going to shower with you ever again?" He kissed Joe deeply. "Like this as much as you do, Joe."
"Love the way you look when you're all wet." Joe leaned his forehead against Levon's.
"You're the one who looks good wet." Levon smiled. "But then you look good dry, too."
Joe nodded, letting it go for now. He had yet to convince his lover he was beautiful. He wanted Levon to see himself as Joe saw him. He hadn't given up yet.
Levon reached to turn off the water. It was starting to cool. He sighed, regretfully. "We need a bigger water heater."
Joe grinned. Now that was progress of a sorts. "I seem to remember saying–"
"You were right." Levon held up a hand. "Happy?"
"Will be when you actually have the thing installed."
Levon snorted and reached for a towel, tossing it to Joe as he snagged one for himself. "Nag, nag, nag."
The grin Levon sported kept Joe from taking his mutterings personally. He just shook his head as he dried off. "Think we should get a hot tub while we're at it."
Levon sighed. "Just seems–"
"Frivolous." Joe reached out to cup Levon's cheek. "Sometimes doing something to please yourself is not all bad, Cowboy."
"I know." Levon turned to place a soft kiss in Joe's palm. "Just workin' up to it."
Joe chuckled. "Baby steps?"
"Somethin' like that." Levon shrugged. "Could say I was out o' practice at it."
Joe dropped a quick kiss on the tip of Levon's nose. "Lucky for you, I am never out of practice when it comes to that."
"You consider that luck, do ya?" Levon laughed lightly.
Joe laughed with him before forcing himself to adopt a serious expression. "I do."
"Uh-hunh." Levon shook his head. He hung up his towel, he cast an inviting look over his shoulder. "C'mon, 'Lucky', I believe there's a bed waitin' for us to break it in."
Joe shivered, watching what had to be the most perfect ass on the planet walk away. He dropped his towel. He could pick it up later.
Joe stared in open appreciation as he stepped into the bedroom. Levon was lying on the bed, directly beneath the scripted 'L's, pillows bunched up behind him. The dark blue sheets were a nice contrast to the blond's pale gold skin tone, his position on the bed serving to accentuating his lean form.
"Feast for the eyes." Joe whispered, still awed by the physical beauty of the man. His lover could tempt a saint to sin.
Levon smiled, brown eyes twinkling. "You gonna keep me waitin'?"
"No." Joe strode forward. "Not just no, hell no."
"Smart." Levon licked his lips, pink tongue drawing Joe's eyes like a moth to a flame. "Could be why you get lucky so often, boy."
"You might just be right about that, Cowboy." Joe leaned in, covering his lover's body with his own, breathing in the delightful fragrance of freshly showered skin and the musk of arousal. "You ready for round two?"
"More'n ready." Levon smiled.
Joe leaned in to taste that smile. He nibbled gently, asking permission, as always, thrilled when it was so swiftly and easily granted. He tasted thoroughly, sucking Levon's tongue into his mouth, dueling with his lover, not really caring which of them won.
The need to breathe finally broke them apart. Levon's eyes reminded him of dark chocolate, so rich and deep he could easily drown in them. Soft skin against his own, softer than the sinfully expensive sheets Levon hadn't really objected overly much to buying.
"You wanna go for a ride, Joe?" Levon's voice was rough, husky, raising goose bumps where it ghosted over his skin.
"I'd love to." Joe hesitated, brows pulling together. They'd brought in the furniture, but hadn't actually stocked anything.
Levon gave him a knowing look, before pointing to the nightstand. Joe glanced to where Levon directed, shaking his head torn between amazement and amusement.
"How did I miss that sitting there?"
Levon chuckled, hands playing over Joe's chest. "You were a mite distracted."
Joe sighed. "Hell of an understatement."
Levon grinned wickedly. "It's a gift."
Joe smiled, shaking his head. He reached for the lube, offering it to Levon. "You want to do the honors?" He looked at his lover coyly from under his lashes, rubbing his groin against Levon's at the same time.
"Hell, yes." Levon held out his hand. Joe squeezed a generous amount of lube onto Levon's fingers.
Joe leaned in for another kiss, sighing deeply as he felt Levon's slicked fingers rim his entrance, one and then another entering him. He rocked his hips, encouraging Levon to fuck him with his fingers. Joe never would have considered himself a 'bottom' before getting involved with Levon, but now he couldn't remember what his objection to this experience had been.
Joe reluctantly released Levon's delectable lips. He had long since acknowledged his addiction to the blond's mouth. He needed a kiss to start his day more than he needed a cup of coffee.
His hands were already busy stroking Levon's chest. He never tired of how responsive the blond was to his touch. Joe loved mapping his lover, rediscovering those personal erogenous zones, delighted with breathy sighs and soft moans that he always got in response.
Joe straddled Levon, positioning himself with a comfortable familiarity. He lightly stroked his lover's erection, slicking it with pre-cum. Lube would be better, but Joe liked the little bit of burn, the stretching sensation... not enough to actually be painful, but enough to know this was a conscious act, something he and Levon were making happen, participating in willingly. Neither was new to this so both knew just how much preparation was needed to satisfy each other.
Joe lowered himself slowly, breathing deeply as he took all of Levon into himself a little at a time. He sighed in satisfaction when his lover was fully sheathed, filling him. He smiled as he rocked slightly getting a shudder and moan from Levon.
"How do you want it, Cowboy?" Joe pinched one pert nipple. "Hard and fast?" He did a sensuous roll of his hips, raising himself up the full length of Levon's shaft to lower himself again gradually in one smooth motion. "Or slow and easy?"
"God... Joe." Levon gasped, arms raised above his head to grip the headboard, fingers flexing. Brown eyes stared up at him, an interesting blend of lust, desperation and amusement in their dark depths.
Joe stroked the blond's chest, tracing a light pattern with a soothing touch that still managed to entice and arouse. He was drawn again to those sensitive spots, drawing little mewling noises from his lover. Joe liked the way lean muscle flexed and rippled under smooth skin.
"What'll it be, Levon?"
"I can't..." Levon shook his head, swallowing hard. "Joe... please, just move. Slow, fast... don't care, just... move."
Joe grinned wolfishly. He set a steady pace, moving in a rhythm he found easy to maintain and enjoyed. He loved the way Levon's hips rose to met him, encouraging his actions, adding to his pleasure but not forcing him to go any faster.
Joe bit his lip, head tipping back, eyes closed as one of Levon's long fingered, elegant hands released the grip he had on the headboard to stroke Joe's hard cock. He sucked in a breath, trembling when his lover tightened his grip, pad of his thumb caressing the head on each up stroke. Unconsciously, he started moving faster knowing Levon would follow.
He wanted to draw this out, to take his time, but Joe could already feel his control slipping. Their earlier encounter didn't take the edge off so much as it served to whet his appetite for more. He seemed incapable of ever getting enough.
Joe cursed quietly when Levon shifted, altering the angle and brushing his prostate repeatedly. He trembled, fighting to not let go just yet. He tried to slow down but was thwarted by Levon's increasing his stroke, pushing him to keep up.
Joe could feel that tingle starting at the base of his spine, sending warmth out along his limbs, a precursor to the approaching climax. He was pleased to absently note he could also feel little tremors from Levon. His lover was just as close as he was.
Joe panted harshly. He knew he was gasping out sounds of pleasure and encouragement. He suspected Levon was doing likewise but he couldn't hear him over the blood rushing in his ears, the thundering of his own pulse blocking out nearly everything else.
Joe trembled, muscles tightening involuntarily. He eyes rolled back, mouth agape as he felt the first wave of intense pleasure crest over him. Joe kept moving, riding his lover as he absorbed the next wave. He whispered Levon's name, his whole body vibrating as he came hard.
He struggled to keep moving, to not simply collapse on Levon's chest. His lover hadn't gotten to the edge yet, but he was so close. Joe could see it in his face, hear it in his ragged breathing.
"C'mon, baby. C'mon." He whispered, hands reaching unerringly to caress Levon's chest, bracing himself as he added to the inexorable pull of Levon's climax.
Levon's tremors escalated from faint to full body, muscles tensing. He arched his back, hips thrusting upward hard enough to nearly unseat Joe. Joe wrapped his arms around Levon, pulling him in tight as he keened out a wail of completion that bore only a vague resemblance to Joe's name.
Joe struggled to capture his breath. His hands were busy running over Levon, soothing the aftershocks that rippled through him. He sighed when Levon's lax member slid free, already missing that feeling of being so intimately connected.
Levon nuzzled his hair. "Damn... good ride, Joe."
Joe chuckled, raising his head. "That it was, Cowboy. That it was."
Joe kissed Levon gently, sweetly. He reluctantly moved to take his weight off his lover. His thighs objected a bit but nothing worse than a good workout would cause.
Levon sighed, eyes drifting closed as he snuggled into Joe. The Chicago native grimaced slightly as he realized they'd made a bit of a mess. Without opening his eyes, Levon reached to dig under the pillow pulling out a small hand towel.
Joe grinned as he took it and cleaned them up. "Think of everything, don't you?"
"Try to." Levon shifted, stretching under Joe's light touch. He reminded Joe of a cat settling in to sleep. And sleeping didn't seem like a bad idea.
Joe stretched his leg out, toes curling to grip the comforter that was still folded at the foot of the bed. Levon chuckled. "Yer part monkey."
Joe smirked. "You're just jealous." He pulled the comforter up so that he could reach it with his hand and spread it over the both of them.
Levon placed a soft kiss on Joe's chest as he snuggled in. Joe knew his partner would appreciate the down comforter just as much as he would the sheets. It was light, and yet more capable of providing adequate warmth.
Joe sighed deeply. The bed didn't quite feel right, not yet. That he knew would come in time. What did feel right was Levon drifting off, curled up against him, steady breathing deep and even. Joe smiled, placing a kiss in Levon's hair. His lover could sleep anywhere... Joe could too, as long as he was sleeping with Levon.
He blinked and shifted slightly to find a more comfortable position. Levon moved with him, mumbling something impossible to understand. The blond made a soothing motion down Joe's chest as though unconsciously trying to offer comfort.
Joe pulled him in closer, making sure the comforter covered Levon. He glanced around the room. They still had a lot to do. Everything from their old room, sans the furniture, was still cluttering the guest bedroom.
They still had to go through a lot of it. Figure out what to keep and what to get rid of. It'll keep, he thought drowsily. Not like there was any rush. He smiled. They already got the most important thing, the bed, set up. The rest could wait a bit. Not like it was going anywhere.
Levon eyed the full closet and shook his head. His partner was a clothes horse, no doubt about it. It was a good thing he didn't have the same penchant or there would be no room in the closet at all. Levon chuckled realizing that more than half of Joe's stuff was going to remain packed into the closet in the guest bedroom.
"Well, least some part of the room is getting used." He murmured philosophically to himself, not really upset about it.
"Talking to yourself, Cowboy?" Joe asked, carrying cardboard box.
"Just thinkin out loud." Levon pointed toward the box. "That the last of it?"
"Yeah." Joe nodded, blue eyes glancing around the room. "Didn't take as long as I thought it would.
Levon hadn't really expected organizing the final details to take all that long. Outside of the furniture, everything else was relatively light. And the trips back and forth between rooms were short. With two of them moving things independently it had taken less than an hour to get everything in the room and in place.
The new lamps for the nightstands had been the first thing they'd brought in. The angular, slightly modern forms nicely echoed the square posts that made up the head and foot boards of the bed. And the brushed satin finish softened the silver metal so that it was only a bit brighter than the gray of the upper half of the walls, creating a nice complement. Blue accents on the shades and bases completed the coordinated look.
Levon's alarm clock was on the stand on 'his' side of the bed. Given that they usually ended up in the middle, wrapped around one another, whose side was whose was essentially meaningless. Levon preferred to be closer to the window and routinely got in and out on that side; he often gauged the hour of the day when he woke up by the amount of visible sunlight peeking in from under the shades. Getting up at the same time every day had made the alarm clock unnecessary for him, and Levon was secretly amused that even though he rarely used the clock, Joe had insisted it stay on Levon's side of the bed where it had been for years.
Knickknacks they both cherished found a home on the bookshelf. Belt buckle trophies from various rodeos were oddly compatible with Joe's tumbled rocks and seashells collected from family vacations. Levon figured it was like everything else in their lives–it fit even when it didn't seem like it should.
From the cardboard box Joe removed a small wooden box that looked like a miniature cedar chest. He handed it to Levon. The blond smiled, running his hands lovingly over the smooth surface. He'd had this box for a long time.
All the girls had been given the jewelry box when they graduated high school, a promotional gimmick, but better than most. Caroline hadn't liked it because like the cedar chest it mimicked it had no interior compartments. She'd given it to him when he'd expressed a fondness for the simplicity of the design. It housed little more than a few cherished mementos that meant far more to him than the box had; the box had become important by association.
He opened it, fingers lightly ghosting over the contents. The cufflinks and tie clip that belonged to his grandfather. His mother's wedding ring and his own after Caroline had been killed. Caroline's lucky four leaf clover pendent. A bolo tie or two he'd picked up over the years.
Levon sighed and closed it. He put it on the smaller dresser, just to the right of center, a place it had occupied since Caroline had given it him. He smiled when Joe placed is own valet box to the left.
Joe's had a black lacquered finish with a geometric inlay of redwood that formed a decorative detail on the outer edge of the lid. Levon knew it held three watches, several pairs of cufflinks, a few tie clips, as well as a ring or two that he'd never seen Joe wear. The style of them suggested they'd been made for a woman. Levon had wondered about them but had never asked.
Joe placed a small wooden bowl between the boxes. It resembled the same one in the bathroom that Levon put his bracelet in when he showered. This one they used to collect their wallets, badges and odds and ends from their pockets. Although, more often than not they were emptying their pockets long after their pants had been discarded in their haste to get naked and move on to other more interesting pursuits.
Joe pulled out a few picture frames that he placed on the high boy. One was an older wedding photo clearly of Joe's parents. Levon could easily see the resemblance. Another was what was likely the last family photo of Joe with is siblings and his parents.
Levon smiled when the photo he'd given Joe of him as a child with Mother Minnie was placed in the center. He knew the picture was important to Joe; it had been the first thing, the only thing, Joe had grabbed when his building was on fire.
He glanced around the room, noting the still bare walls. "Ya know... we should put something up the walls at some point."
Joe gave him a wry glance. "Just as soon as we figure out what."
Levon sighed, shrugging. "Never bothered hanging much up in here."
He preferred bare walls to the floral prints his wife had favored. They'd argued about them one night when both had more than a little to drink and Caroline had pulled them down in a fit of drunken rage and throwing them outside. The walls had been bare ever since.
He studied Joe for a moment. "You do real well with that camera I got you for your birthday."
Given Joe's fondness for photos, Levon had thought he might enjoy indulging in photography as a hobby. At the ranch, Levon had the horses, and until recently refinishing the furniture, but Joe didn't have much to play with in his free time. Levon wasn't surprised when he'd taken to photography like a duck to water. His partner had a good eye and had been getting better with all the recent practice he'd gotten.
"Could blow up some of those shots you got." Levon pointed toward the far wall. "Hanging 'em up in here."
"I don't think they are good enough–"
Levon snorted and shook his head. His lover was a bit of a perfectionist. Levon didn't care if Joe wasn't Ansel Adams.
He lightly bumped Joe's shoulder with his. "Not like were talking about an art gallery here, Joe. I like your stuff. You like it. Makes it more than good enough ta hang in here."
"You really want to hang some of my prints in here?"
"Wouldn't have suggested it if I didn't." Levon smiled. It took so little to make Joe happy some days. He loved the way Joe's eyes lit up.
"Might take me awhile to–"
"Pick out the right ones?" Levon chuckled. "Take yer time. Not like it didn't take me six months to get the furniture done."
"Don't mind that you took your time." Joe laughed lightly and gave him a quick kiss. "Wasn't it you who told me good things take time?"
"Could o' been me." Levon grinned. "Sounds like somethin' I'd have said."
"You want to get final approval?" Joe pointed to the walls. "Make sure you're okay with what I want to hang in here?"
Levon should have expected Joe would ask that. Caroline had never asked. She'd just gone ahead and decorated the house to suit herself. Most of the time what she chose suited both of them, but there had been notable exceptions like the floral prints.
"Don't think you'll put up anything I can't live with." Levon lightly caressed Joe's cheek. "But I wouldn't mind seeing what you pick out 'fore it goes up on the wall."
"You really don't mind?"
"I really don't mind." Levon answered.
"Okay." Joe took a deep breath and grinned. "This could be fun."
"Could be?" Levon laughed. "If yer gonna stress about this, I could always just get a velvet Elvis and hang it up."
Joe snickered, expression incredulous. "Velvet Elvis?"
"A real treasure." Levon nodded, struggling to maintain a straight face. "Understand they are getting rare at flea markets and such. But I'm sure if we hurry we can get one 'fore they're all gone."
Joe gave him a hard look, before releasing a huff of laughter and socking him in the arm. "No... not just no, hell no."
"Okay then." Levon nodded, brown eyes twinkling. "Guess I'll wait to see what you come up with."
Glad to have that settled, Levon turned to unfold Rosa's quilt from where they'd left it at the foot of the bed. The colorful star pattern made for a nice bright contrast to the rest of the room, adding a beautiful focal point. It was just large enough to cover the top of the bed.
Joe caught him from behind, arms wrapping around him in a gentle sure hold. The Chicago native nuzzled his neck, place a soft kiss at his nape. "I tell you lately how much I love you?"
Levon sighed, and leaned back into Joe's hold, tipping his head back to rest on Joe's shoulder, exposing his throat. "Think you might have mumbled something earlier."
"Mumbled?" Joe nibbled the side of his neck, busy hands already roving over Levon's chest, undoing buttons. Levon shivered when Joe sucked on that spot just below his ear. "Maybe... hmmm... maybe I should make sure I'm clear this time?"
Levon smiled. "Think that would be a good idea." He gasped when Joe's hands found their way to bare skin, teasing his nipples. "Wouldn't... want there to be any... misunderstanding."
"No." Joe murmured against his ear, licking the outer shell. "Misunderstanding would be bad."
Making the bed and keeping it made had so far proved to be the most difficult task since Joe had moved in. Levon couldn't really bring himself to see it as a problem. Leaving the bed a mess was starting to seem expedient, normal even.
He rubbed his ass against Joe's groin. "You gonna be... all talk and no action?"
Joe growled, pulling him in closer. "I'll show you action, Cowboy."
"Good." Levon moaned when Joe's hands moved to caress his chest again, drifting south to undo his belt.
At some point he was going to have to convince Joe they needed to properly christen the remodeled living room. Not that he expected to take much effort to get Joe to agree. But it would probably take them a while to finish up with the bedroom. Rest of the day, at least.
Levon grinned. This could become habit forming. But as habits went, Levon figured this one wasn't a bad one to cultivate.
He shrugged out of his shirt, moaning softly when Joe placed a kiss between his shoulders. He shivered when Joe sucked hard, applying his teeth before soothing away that brief flash of pain with lips and tongue. Levon already sported a number of marks on his chest and abdomen. He'd returned the favor, putting a number of marks on Joe as well.
He smiled when he felt Joe placing kisses down his back. "You countin' all my vertebrae?"
Levon loved feeling that huff of laughter against his skin. "Not hard to do, Cowboy."
"That yer way of sayin' I'm too skinny?" Levon sighed deeply as Joe's hands once more went roaming up and down his chest.
"Too skinny?" Joe nuzzled the back of his neck again, pulling him in close. "No... not really. Think you are just right." He placed a soft kiss on Levon's pulse point. "Perfect."
"Think you might be biased." Levon tilted his head to give Joe better access.
"Biased?" Joe nipped him. "I'm not biased, Cowboy."
Levon chuckled. "If you say so."
"I say so."
"Might help to get a second opinion on that." Levon grinned.
Joe loosened his hold enough for Levon to turn in his arms, blue eyes bright with amusement and affection as they met brown. "And just whose opinion did you have in mind?"
Levon shrugged, wrapping his arms around Joe. He gave Joe a coy look from under his lashes. "Could always ask Rosa? She knows you better'n anyone here, other than me o' course."
"That's just about my being biased." Joe placed a quick kiss on Levon's nose. "Doesn't exactly address the status of your perfection."
Levon chuckled. "Well she's seen me... met me... figure she'd have an opinion."
"She thinks you are good for me." Joe smiled, tilting his head to nibble on Levon's jaw. "Thinks you are a wonderful man." Joe continued to work his way done Levon's throat. "She likes you, Levon... or she'd have never sent the quilt."
Levon sighed, reacting to Joe's touch as much as his words. He knew Rosa liked him. Knew she thought he was good for Joe because she'd said as much to him, but he was fairly confident she wouldn't consider him perfect.
He smiled slightly, he couldn't resist pointing out, "Notice you ain't said anythin' yet on her sayin' I was perfect."
Joe pulled back enough to make eye contact. "Trust me, Cowboy, she'll agree with me."
Levon leaned in to place his cheek against Joe's. "I trust you. With everything."
Joe hugged him hard. Levon made a mental note to make sure he let his lover know that more often. He might argue and disagree, but he trusted Joe with his life, his love, heart and soul.
Wouldn't hurt to say something now. Levon whispered in Joe's ear, "Heart–"
"And Soul." Joe finished for him, releasing his tight hold to kiss him gently, sweetly. "Me too." Another deep kiss, tongues engaging each other in a back and forth play that resembled a far more intimate act.
Levon sighed when the kiss broke off, his whole body humming with anticipation. "I think we need... need ta table that... ah... whole perfection thing."
"For a later time." Joe stated, clearly not willing to give up the discussion permanently, nuzzling Levon's neck, nipping lightly. "Think we've got more important things to focus on."
"Oh, hell yes." Levon agreed, tipping his head to the side to give Joe even more access, shivering when his lover sucked hard just below his ear. He figured they wouldn't be making the bed yet again today. At the moment he didn't give a damn about that. Maybe tomorrow they'd get around to it.