Fandom:	Houston Knights
Series:	Other Authors
Rating:	NC-17
Pairing:	Joe/Levon
Archive:	Starwinder's
Title:	Cold
Author:	Glo
e-mail:	Goglow@mailcity.com
Standard Disclaimer: Houston Knights belongs to Jay Bernstein and Michael Butler and Columbia Pictures. No copyright infringement is intended. This is fan fiction, written out of love for the shows. I am making no money off this. I have no money so please don't sue me. Any original characters who may appear in these stories are the property of the author.

Cold
By Glo

Hunched down against the cold, Lundy and LaFiamma sat back to back. Lundy had his Stetson pulled down low over his eyes, LaFiamma's balaclava was tugged down over his ears and forehead. Lundy's sheepskin jacket was bundled tight around him, hands covered with matching lined leather gloves. LaFiamma's down-filled parka was zipped-up tight, his ski-gloves snugged into the sleeves.

Neither had spoken in some time, the air was so frigid that it was painful to inhale deeply. Both men were furious and barely controlling their tempers as they huddled together, each resentful of the other.

Heading north, up into the Rockies from Denver, both men had been anxious about the roads. LaFiamma, born and raised in Chicago, was better prepared to face the fierce winter winds but admitted that he didn't have any experience with mountain driving in the winter. Lundy, a native of Houston, Texas, had had to go out and buy winter clothes before they flew up to Denver from Houston. The very idea had offended him, but his partner, Joe LaFiamma had warned him that if he didn't get some warmer clothing, he'd suffer. And now, here he wuz, suffering anyway. Thanks to hiz pardner volunteerin' them fer scoutin' exercise when neither o'them knew a blessed thing about this part of the world.

All because of some polecat that had to be extradited from Vail of all places. It had sounded right nice, see all the snow, the skiers. Except the road had closed down in a blizzard that had howled out of the peaks unexpectedly. The traffic along the mountain road had slowed and finally ground to a halt. Their rental car was not up to the deep drifts now clogging the lanes and Joe had pulled them off the road. They weren't alone, but no one else was in any better shape.

LaFiamma fumed silently. Levon Lundy was just not ready for this kind of cold and he knew it but that didn't make it any easier either. They had been among the fittest of the stranded motorists and it had made sense to volunteer to hike down toward the nearest roadside rest and call for help. How could he know that an avalanche would cut them off from the road and everyone else? Now here they sat, in the snow cave he'd found, freezing their friggin' asses off and his partner was blaming him... as if he'd planned this for some maniacal reason.

Lundy turned his head toward the opening of their primitive shelter, no, the snow hadn't stopped yet neither. He hunched up his shoulders higher wishing fer a nice hot spell, Texas style. Mid- to upper 90s er, better yet, in the 100s. Yep, thet's where he belonged.

The ex-Chicago cop took another look at the storm, it looked to be blowing itself out. Hard to judge, he wasn't used to mountain storms, but it did seem to be easing up. He put his gloved hands under his armpits and squeezed them tight to his body. Can't stay here too long. No one will come looking for us, no heat, no food, no water. Well, they could use the snow, but he remembered that it wasn't healthy to try to just put snow in your mouth, better to melt it back into water first. No chance of doing that here.

Finally, Lundy felt as if he couldn't hold the anger any longer. It wuz foolish, enyhow. They could be in serious trouble here and there simply weren't time for actin' like a locoweed-sick steer. He swiveled on his butt, the coattail under him acting as a pivot. Sideways now to his partner, he tilted his head and spoke. "LaFiamma?"

Joe had felt the movement behind him. Looked like the man was ready to talk. About time. He slid about on the end of his parka, his shoulder ending up against Lundy's. He answered the one word question. "Yeah. Still here."

"What we gonna do now?"

Good, the man was thinking again. That display of temper earlier had been enough to shut them both down for a while. "We're gonna hafta get back to the road. Can't stay here."

"How?"

"Well, as soon as the wind let's up, we need to move. Looks like the snow is letting up, too."

"Nearly dark, ain't it?"

"That will actually help, if it clears off. We can navigate by the stars."

"You know how to do thet?"

"Yeah, I do."

Lundy considered this new information. There wuz so much he didn't know about his pardner, more'n what he did know. The man wuz a mystery in a lotta ways. "How much longer you figger?"

"Maybe two more hours."

"I'm gettin' a mite cold here."

Joe flashed a concerned glance at the man next to him. Levon NEVER admitted to pain or bother. For him to mention the cold that way meant he was really hurtin'. That sheepskin coat might look good down in Texas, but Joe knew that his down jacket, while plainer looking, was actually much warmer. Wouldn't do to let Lundy freeze, he needed the man alert and able when they started out going cross-country. "Take off your coat."

"Wait right there, son. I said I wuz cold, not hot!"

"Yeah, I know. Take off your coat and I'll trade with you for a while. I think I can get into yours, you bought a loose style jacket there."

"What's the good o'trading?" Lundy looked suspiciously over at LaFiamma. His new coat might fit the brunette but what was the point?

"Trust me here, Lundy." Joe was shrugging out of his jacket now, shoulders bent inward against the biting cold as his sweater layers were revealed. Even his inside wear was better suited to this clime than Lundy's. He had a silk turtleneck on under a thick woolen ski sweater.

Lundy had laughed at him earlier, saying he looked like a ski bum. But Lundy was dressed in flannel underwear (he'd said) and a heavy looking sweater, only it turned out to be hand-knitted by Mother Minnie and it was only partly wool. She had never intended to give him something too hot for Texas winters, Houston-style. Joe sighed as he remembered Lundy's offended look. It did no good bothering him about it now. It was the only sweater the man had, and he had refused to go out and buy another one just for this short trip north.

Lundy watched his pardner taking off the skimpy looking ski jacket. If Lundy was cold now, he couldn't imagine what he'd feel like in that. Must be his pardner wuz even colder. Well, guess he could help him out fer a bit. He let the sheepskin jacket drop off his shoulders and pulled his arms out. Gawd, it was cold. Shivering uncontrollably now, Lundy accepted the ski jacket from LaFiamma. It was big but he tugged it on. It felt warm from his pardner's body. Snuggling down inside it, Levon felt the heat growing now. Dang.

LaFiamma dragged on the snug-fitting (for him) sheepskin jacket. It still had residual warmth from Lundy, had his scent on it. Joe was suddenly feeling very hot, flushed and aroused. Damn. Since when did his partner get him excited? At least it made up for the lack of insulation in the western jacket. Warm, yeah, but it couldn't compare to the down that had been made for this kind of winter, not for fashion.

Shivering, the two sat side-by-side, watching the snowflakes diminish in size, begin to hesitate, coming down more sparsely, then, in a moment, none. The storm was over, for now. The wind dropped and stillness settled around them. Plop. Plop. Lundy could see thick clumps of snow dropping now from the bent branches of the nearby pines.

Outside, the pristine snowfall had covered their stumbling tracks. Unless they got out of here before another storm, they'd be snowbound, LaFiamma decided. They were not ready for that, Joe knew. The darkness was shutting down now. He waited. No point in moving until he could see the stars, providing the cloud cover had moved on. They had to hope something was going to go in their favor. He was feeling the cold now, the jacket really didn't offer too much protection, he hated to think how cold Lundy must have been. At least Joe had his sweater layers to insulate.

The hoot of an owl was the first sound they heard aside from snow dropping as evening turned in to night. It really wasn't all that dark, moon's out Lundy decided.

Joe lurched to his feet, fighting off stiffness. Turned and held out a hand for Lundy. His partner accepted the help for once. Both standing, stamping their feet to return feeling, Joe eyed his partner's leather boots. Damn, his feet are probably freezing too. His own mukluks were felt lined, the sealskin exteriors tough and waterproof. He didn't think his liners would fit in Lundy's boots, but maybe his wool socks?

Lundy watched as LaFiamma sat back down and started taking off his boots. Now what?

"Lundy, I'm gonna give you my socks to put on. Those western boots of yours won't be much protection against the cold."

"What about you?"

"These boots have their own liner, I'll be fine." The dark haired detective was stripping his feet now of thick wool socks and holding them up to his partner. Lundy accepted them slowly, watching as LaFiamma held out one boot to show the thick felt liner.

Squatting, Lundy dropped on down to sit again and pulled off one boot. He hadn't wanted to say enythin' but his toes were right numb already. The warm woolen socks might help, and it looked like LaFiamma would be okay without'em. He couldn't feel the warmth on his feet and that worried him, but he didn't say enythin' to LaFiamma, nuthin' more to be done, no point in tellin' him.

Once they were both ready, LaFiamma led the way, slogging out into the deep snow, sinking down to his knees in the powdery white. Free of the overhang, he looked up and took a sighting on the polar star. Thought about where they were on the map, what direction they needed to go. First, just keep track as they circled the area of the avalanche. Lundy followed gamely in the trail broken by his partner.

Two cold hours later, LaFiamma was ready to swear. He knew that Lundy was in bad shape, he could hear the chattering of teeth behind him. Lundy hadn't said a word of complaint and probably wouldn't, knowing his partner. He'd just drop dead in silence. They HAD to find shelter soon. Joe had given up on a quick return to the road when he found the end of the avalanche met a deep chasm with no way to cross it. He'd tried going up and back but was blocked there by emerging cliffs. At this point, he was heading out toward where his rough memory told him another road crossed the wilderness, where settlements might exist.

Lundy simply trudged behind LaFiamma now, no longer even looking up. His arms were wrapped tight around him and he couldn't feel his feet at all. Tried not to think what that might mean.

When Joe spotted the dark, angular shape through the trees, he was so relieved he nearly shouted. But there was no light showing, so better to approach cautiously. As they got closer, it became a log cabin, tidy and small, tucked away among the tall pines. "Hello, the house!" Joe had to clear his throat to yell again. Repeated calling got no answer, but they were nearly in the clearing now.

Lundy was surprised to hear Joe calling out, looked up and felt a tiny ray of hope at the sight of the cabin in the woods. Thank god. He plowed on, close behind his partner, anxious to get out of the snow.

The door was not locked, but neither was anyone home. It was a ski cabin that was clear. Modern one, set up on a ski trail, there was no road or it was buried under the heavy snow. Stomping into the cabin, LaFiamma looked around quickly, assessing. He had to get Lundy undressed and out of those damn boots. Warmed up. The cabin had an open plan, and a big fireplace. He guided Lundy down to the floor in front of the fireplace. There was a fire ready to start in the big fireplace, all the kindling and large logs carefully arranged for when the owners returned. He found the starter matches on the mantle. Within minutes, they had a wonderful, heat-giving blaze.

Joe could see the rustic furniture better now, a loft above with what looked like a double bed. The kitchen alcove looked like it ran on a wood stove, too. No electricity up here. There were gas lanterns set on tables and candles. He pulled a heavy wool Hudson Bay blanket off the nearby couch and dropped it down beside the cowboy, then wasted no time. He began pulling off Lundy's boots first. The blue white skin of the long narrow feet was frightening, however, he could still see some response from the skin when he pressed it. Gulping down his fear, LaFiamma removed the rest of Lundy's clothing. The man was passive, sitting there letting Joe manhandle him. He was shaking badly, teeth still rattling. "Easy, partner, we'll get you warmed up soon." LaFiamma wrapped the thin, shivering body in the blanket. Started to rub the feet with his own chilled hands. Not frostbite, not yet. Much longer and it would have been.

"Joe? I cain't feel'em." There was a soft quiet protest from Lundy.

"Don't worry, Levon, you will. But when you do, you're gonna wish you didn't."

Joe pulled off the sheepskin coat now and dropped it with the rest of their garments. His first concern had to be Lundy right now. Levon whimpered softly and edged closer to the fire. Joe grabbed hold and drew him back. "Not too close, cowboy, you'll get singed. Here, just sit with me." He draped an arm over the blanket-clad figure and hugged him close. With his free hand, he continued to work on Lundy's feet, now sticking out of from under the blonde's crossed-legged position.

After a few minutes, Joe looked up at the blonde. Tears were slowly crawling down his face, the brown eyes half shut in pain. "Levon?"

"Hurts, Joe. Mah feet."

That was bound to happen, as circulation returned, LaFiamma knew. It would be very painful for a while. He continued to rub, shifting now to kneel beside Lundy so he could work both feet at once. Gradually, Lundy's shaking eased and his feet took on a bright pink look. Joe pulled the ends of the big blanket down around Lundy's feet and tucked it in.

Need to get in more wood, must be a woodpile outside, he thought as he looked at the fire, still strong, but already consuming the wood within. There was a stack beside the fireplace, but it wouldn't last forever.

LaFiamma got up and went to explore the kitchen area. He was relieved to find the larder well stocked with canned food. Taking down a kettle, he pumped water from the sink and put it on the stove. Now, how do I start this thing? Prodding and testing, he finally had it lit and the water was heating. He'd found instant coffee and tea bags, even cocoa mix. There was some brandy, too. While he waited for the water to boil, he walked back over to check on Lundy. The cowboy was actually dozing now, still huddled under the blanket. Let him rest, Joe decided, and headed up the ladder to check out the loft.

There he found a real bonanza - clothes! Whoever used this place had it ready for just about anything. He picked out long-johns for Lundy, thick dry socks, some jeans that would hang on him, but give him some added warmth, a ski sweater. The sweater was peat colored and somehow Joe knew that it would set off the blonde's coloring beautifully. He smiled, then caught himself. What was he thinking?

Back downstairs he heard the kettle whistling. He got the mugs of cocoa ready, doctored with brandy. Switched the kettle for a pot into which he poured a couple of cans of pork and beans, no point in wasting the heat while he had it going. He opened some crackers to go with the beans, left them on the counter and took the mugs into the front of the room, and over to Lundy.

Sitting down carefully next to the cowboy, both hands full of mugs, Joe nudged his sleeping partner. "Lundy, wake up, buddy. How about something warm for inside of you?"

Levon woke to the wonderful smell of hot chocolate and brandy. He tried to reach out and take the mug that was being offered but his hands were still shaking. Joe put both o' them around the mug and his own hands on top. Guided it to Levon's mouth. "Careful. Hot."

Levon sipped and felt heaven slide down his throat and warm his belly from within. It seemed quite natural to lean tiredly up against Joe. The boy had stamina, no lie. He was able to hold on now, and LaFiamma released his hands to take up a mug also. After a moment, Joe put his own mug down in front of him on the floor so that he could shift even closer to Lundy and put his arm around the narrow shoulders. Levon's head fell on to Joe's shoulder and his eyes began to close again. Joe caught the tipping mug, almost empty now and set it down on the floor. He reached across Levon and adjusted the heavy blanket around Lundy. Then he let his chin rest on the blonde's tangled curly head, and stared in to the fire.

As the heat penetrated, Joe felt the temperature in the cabin begin to rise. It would actually get hot in here if he didn't watch it. Freeing one hand, he took a moment to gently smooth away blond hair from his partner's face. Lundy was sound asleep, exhausted from their exertions and his bout with the freezing cold. Joe set aside his own tiredness. Time to get Levon into those long johns and socks, the rest could wait until morning. He eased the cowboy down onto the Flokati rug they'd been sitting on in front of the fire. Opened the blanket. Caught his breath, it was like opening a Christmas present, just right for him. His partner, blonde hair tousled around his composed, sleeping face, skin rosy with the heat now, slender form, glowing in the firelight. Even his pubic hair was light, a soft golden brown, it curled around his flaccid genitals, a cluster of pinkish violet shapes, rounded and plump. It was all Joe could do to keep his hands off. With a firm lecture to himself to behave, he unfolded the long johns.

Well, they were long all right. Whoever lived here was a tall fellow, Joe decided. He grinned to himself as he rolled them and threaded Lundy's feet through the ankle openings. Then he unrolled the clothing up the lean, firm legs. One hand under the small of Levon's back to lift and he continued the fabric up over buttocks, hips, and groin. Lowering Levon's body, Joe got a new purchase on him, behind his shoulders, unrolling the form-fitting innerwear on up the torso. Then he was easing first one arm, then the other through armholes and the upper portion came together over the blonde's shoulders. Letting Levon back down on the rug, Joe pulled the sleeves down, then had to fold up the ends so hands were not covered. He looked down, then went to Levon's feet where he repeated his folding up of cuffs for ankles this time. While he was down there, he pulled on the heavy socks, rubbing gently over the slim feet. Joe sat back on his heels. Glorious! Levon lay in the bright red long johns, his fair complexion highlighted by the fire, blonde hair tangled among the long strands of white Flokati rug. With great care, Joe started on the lowest buttons, closing them one at a time as he worked his way up the front of Levon's new outfit, gently tucking in his genitals, pulling the warm flannel tight over high standing pinkish tan nipples and soft downy blonde chest hair, so light that unless you looked close, Levon appeared to be hairless there.

Joe crouched up on his feet so he could rise, then gathered the man in his arms and stood. He carried Levon over to the couch and lowered him onto the overstuffed piece. Put the blanket on top. Time to go check on the beans, then, find a change of clothing for himself.

Lundy couldn't ever remember being so comfortably warm and safe. Didn't want to open his eyes and wake up, this was too good. Nothin' awake wuz gonna be this good. Then he smelled the beans. His stomach rumbled. Well, mebbe gettin' up wuz a good idea after all. He stretched mightily. Yawned grandly. Blinked open his eyes to see a burning fire in a flagstone fireplace. Nice. Now where?

"Yo, Lundy, you awake, partner?"

Oh, gawd. The snowstorm, the freezing...

"Levon?" LaFiamma's voice sounded less casual, more concerned now.

"I'm awake. Just rememberin'," Levon shuddered. Tipped up to a sitting position in front of the fire. Twisted to look back toward LaFiamma's voice. "How'd'ja find this place, enyway?"

"Angels, Lundy, angels. We were guarded by angels."

Lundy would have laughed if LaFiamma hadn't sounded so serious. Mebbe the boy's right, it wuz lookin' pretty hopeless there at the end.

Joe spoke again, "Ready for some food? I've got pork and beans heating up here, some crackers. Not too fancy, but it's food."

"There a toilet indoors here?" Lundy was suddenly conscious of a pressing need.

"Yeah. Good thing, too, or we'd be making frozen rainbows in the snow. Right through the only door down here." Joe walked over to a corner of the cabin that bulged inward, swung open a narrow door.

Levon stood and dropped the blanket. Looked down and froze in shock. "When did I git dressed in these?"

Joe felt his face flush but ignored it. "I found'em up in the sleeping loft. Had to get you outta your cold clothes, so I put you in that. Speakin' of which," Joe hurried on, to divert Lundy's attention, "I'm going to crawl back up there and change outta these things into something else too."

The cowboy padded over to the open door and slipped through. Joe handed in a lit candle on a single candlestick. Lundy put it on the small sink, and looked around. Toilet, sink, small cabinet. Guess they don't run to showers here. It took him a moment to realize the sink had a pump handle instead of faucets. We are out a ways, I guess.

When he came out, he found LaFiamma climbing down a ladder to the side, now dressed in similar long johns, only these were a kind of tweedy gray color, like it had been mixed with oatmeal. On him they were snug fitting, looking almost skin-tight. His athletic, muscular form was outlined to perfection. Lundy gulped, feeling himself go hard in an instant. Somehow he wasn't all that surprised when LaFiamma turned away from the ladder sporting a hard on of his own. The Italian took one look at Lundy and grinned, dropping his head to look down at himself ruefully. "You think we should tell the 'fellers' here that there ain't no ladies in the house?"

Levon chuckled in spite of himself. "Jest so glad to be alive, right now, guess enythin'd look good."

Joe looked back up, eyes wide, blue, and stormy. "Yeah." He breathed out the single word as he strode the few steps it took to be close beside Lundy. Looking down at Levon now, Joe put his hands with great deliberation on the Texan's shoulders. "You look good."

Levon blushed now, flaming red. He looked up into those intent, deep blue eyes, framed in the darkest, thickest lashes he'd ever seen on a feller. Felt like a moth drawn to the light. Leaned in, feeling those strong hands squeeze his shoulders, then tug gently, suggestively. He had no difficulty understanding, just let himself lean forward, hands ending up on LaFiamma's sturdy, slim hips. Felt them rock beneath his hands. Felt Joe thrusting toward him.

"Joe?" Levon was asking permission and asking somethin', he didn't know quite what.

"I figure I saved your life tonight, Lundy," LaFiamma paused. "That makes me responsible for you now. Makes you mine."

Levon didn't bother to question this rather strange logic. They'd saved each other a number of times in the past, line of duty, but Joe wuz right, this wuz different. "Yours, huh?"

"Yeah." LaFiamma was nuzzling into Levon's sideburn now, into his ear. Starting to lick it, circle the lobe with his questing tongue, hot, wet, and rough.

Levon shivered, but this time it was not from the cold.

They'd clung there together in the small doorway for several minutes. Then the smell of the beans, beginning to burn permeated the room and LaFiamma broke free with an exclamation of frustration.

After that, they ate the simple dinner that Joe had rescued, sitting close together in front of the lowering flames. The cabin was shut up tight, Joe decided to let the fire die down. It hadn't been that cold inside here when they got here, the place must be really tight. Even the water in the well pipe was still flowing, not froze up. They'd been lucky there, able to use the hand pumps at the sinks instead of having to go outside and gather snow to melt.

Joe let Levon lounge in front of the embers while he cleaned the plates and pot in the small kitchen sink. Tidying up the kitchen, Joe brought two tumblers back to Lundy's side. He'd put a small amount of brandy in the bottom of each. Handing one to Levon, Joe sank down into the soft fur rug and up against his partner. The embers' glow did wonderful things to the amber liquid in their simple squat glasses. Like holding fire in your hand, Joe thought. Then he looked over at Levon, like holding flames in my hands. Wonder what fire tastes like? He thought. Without hesitation, the brunette put his glass on the hearth with one hand while he supported himself on the other, leaning in close to the shy blonde cowboy who sat before him, a dish waiting to be tasted. Consumed.

Joe sniffed the smell of mothballs and warm flannel, damp hair, fresh soap, and brandy. All combined with Lundy's naturally musky scent to create an exotic, siren call for LaFiamma. Hard to resist. Why resist? Joe looked directly into Levon's wide, glowing brown eyes, eyes that shown with shimmering bits of the flame embedded in them. He silently asked permission now in his turn. Lundy wet his lower lip with his tongue, nervous and hungry. He let his lips part as a granting of permission, an invitation. Joe moved closer, so close now that their noses touched then slid to the sides and mouths met.

The next few moments were spent in the exploration of each other's mouths, lips, tongues, teeth. Tasting, licking, kissing, sucking, blowing, breathing, touching. Levon felt like his lips were burning, fever hot with the intensity of this contact. Joe couldn't get enough, was practically crawling down Levon's throat, moaning his pleasure now, the occasional word breaking free, "Mine. All. Mine. Now. Love. You." The last went directly to Levon's soul. Love, he'd not been loved by enyone in a long time. He wrapped his arms tightly around the bigger man, hauling them together, almost desperate in his haste to link them.

"Yes, yours." Lundy was past all thought now, well into arousal, he wanted to finish this against his partner, lover. Joe. Lovely man, beautiful man. Mine too.

Joe lay back down now on the white fur rug, looking up with his wonderful jewel-like blue eyes, twin sapphires blinking lazily in the face of a rugged predator, a lion, all shaggy and muscles. Levon fell on top of him, scooted up the solid ribcage and rested his head against the curve under LaFiamma's chin. Two powerful arms came around to hold him tightly. Then Levon started to move, to slide up and down, to rub his now hard rod against Joe's equally stiff member. Even through their clothing, both felt the agonizing heat flash in incendiary sparks off their flesh. Cried out together, cumming together, calling each other's names.

Lundy sagged down against Joe. He could feel the dampness of both their clothes. So much fer long johns Lundy thought smugly. Guess we'll jest have to keep each other warm t'night. Joe's large capable hands came up around him, one flat on Levon's back, rubbing in slow circles, the other cupping his head, pressing Levon's face down against Joe's rising chest. Levon could hear Joe's heart beating strong and regular beneath him. Closed his eyes and drifted off, safe in his lover's arms.

Joe held his precious love close, comforted by the warm weight of Lundy on him. Mind full of wonder and delight at this incredible change. From crusty companion to fiery lover, true partners now, in ways never contemplated before, or, if they were, so quickly suppressed that they only surfaced as dreams unfulfilled. Until now. I am NOT going to wake up from this one, Joe assured himself. This is real, this is now, and Levon is mine. He hugged tighter. There was a tiny squeak from Lundy, like Joe'd compressed the air outta his lungs. LaFiamma relaxed his hold a little, but did not release his prize. Tucking in his chin, he raised his head enough to place tender kisses on the blonde head resting on his chest so trustingly. Trust me, Levon, with your life, your love.

It was much later, both had slept unmoving, too tired, too spent to even shift about. Levon woke first this time, bringing his hands up to play with the dark swirl of hair so close. LaFiamma's eyes opened and locked on his partner's, silently confirming their agreement that this new understanding would last, would continue. Then Joe was sitting up, keeping close hold on Levon so that the blonde ended up on his back in Joe's lap, still fast in LaFiamma's arms. And Joe was kissing him, long and deep. Drinking from his soul. Levon snagged the dark head and sipped the nectar on those bruising lips, plunging in, both arms wrapping around Joe's head now, dragging them into a tangle that was neither Joe nor Levon and was both Joe and Levon.

In a night they hoped might never end, they pulled apart long enough to strip each other of their impeding long johns, and then Joe took Levon's hand and led him to the ladder, half lifting him upward. The brunette looked up in the soft remaining firelight to admire the dark red, gently swinging sack that hung down, double-weighted, between the pale, firm thighs as Lundy climbed the ladder above him. Joe followed quickly, capturing the blonde at the top of the ladder and sweeping him across the loft and into the double bed, beneath a wonderfully thick down comforter.

Melting together into the down pillows and soft mattress, surrounded by more down, and skin against skin, Levon felt warm through and through. Like a Texas summer, hot to the bone. He smiled at the thought and licked a convenient bit of Joe. The Italian moaned, sliding down and pulling Levon with him. Eyes closing even as they continued to pet and snuggle, yawns escaping, they both fell into sleep without ever knowing the moment of crossing to Morpheus.

--Finis--