Always

"Take 'em away." Chris said as the two suspects were hauled into a police vehicle.

"Thank the Lord that this is over." Ezra sighed as he holstered his gun.

"Yeah." Buck agreed. "They'll be in jail for a long time."

Team 7 had just arrested Carl Anderson & Tim Webber, both suspected for armed robbery. The two had robbed three banks and Team 7 had been watching them for some time. They had finally managed to arrest the two men while they were attempting to rob another bank. Josiah, Nathan and Vin rode with the police to the police station to leave their statements. Buck and JD got into one of the two cars that Team 7 had driven. Left outside the bank was Ezra and Chris just staring at the crime scene.

"What d'ya say we get out of here?" Chris said.

"Lovely idea, I could use a long bath." Ezra said.v "Yup." Chris said shooting a glance at Ezra. "Let's go."

The two men got into the black BMW, Chris put the key into the ignition and the two drove off. They sat in silence, Ezra staring out the window obviously deep in thought.

20 minutes later Chris came to a stop in front of Ezra's apartment, Chris looked over at the well-dressed agent who didn't move an inch.

"Ezra?" Chris attempted to get Ezra's attention. "Ezra? Ezra!"

"Huh?" Ezra said looking over at Chris.

"You're home. Go up and take that long bath now." Chris said with a small grin.

"Yes… Yes, I will certainly do that." Ezra said.

"What's wrong, Ezra?" Chris asked.

"Nothing, Mr. Larabee, nothing." Ezra said opening the car door but not getting out.

"Liar." Chris sighed just loud enough for Ezra to hear it.

"Excuse me?!" Ezra said shooting a glance in Chris' direction.

"Liar." Chris said again staring back at Ezra.

"What are you suggesting? That I'm a liar?" Ezra said.

"Yep." Chris said.

"Why?" Ezra asked.

"You say nothing's wrong, but you're sure as hell not okay." Chris answered.

"Okay, okay, okay." Ezra sighed. "I'm not okay, but it's nothing important."

"For you to be that distracted it has to be important." Chris said putting a hand on Ezra's shoulder, making the agent jerk at the touch. "Jeez, What's wrong, Ezra?"

"Nothing." Ezra said again. "I'm going home now."

"I'm going with you." Chris said and got out of the car as well, locking it behind him.

"Why are you coming with me?" Ezra said.

"I want to know What's wrong." Chris said.

"But, Chris…" Ezra started.

"Not buts, Ezra, I'm coming with you." Chris said.

"Alright." Ezra sighed as the two went up to Ezra's apartment.

Ezra unlocked the door and he opened it. As they both had entered the apartment Ezra locked the door and put the keys on the table. Chris stood in the kitchen leaning against the sink, studying Ezra. Ezra sighed quietly and opened the fridge retrieving two beers, handing one to Chris. After that Ezra went to the livingroom sitting down in the plush chair and Chris sitting down in the couch.

"Now… Tell me." Chris said.

"Mr Larabee, I've already said that…" Ezra said but Chris interrupted him.

"That's an order!"

"Chris…" Ezra sighed shaking his head.

"Ezra…" Chris voice softened "Tell me, please."

"Okay." Ezra said after a while. "Okay I will tell you."

"Good. You make me worried when you act like this." Chris said.

"Okay… Several years ago I was involved with someone, we were together for about a year. Four days ago I found out that this person had died.

"Oh… I'm so sorry, Ezra." Chris said.

"That's not all." Ezra said. "This person died of AIDS."

"Of AIDS… So you could… " Chris didn't even mouth the question.

"Yes, I tested myself two days ago."

"So when will you know?"

"The doctor said he'd call on Thursday." Ezra said. "It's killing me."

"I understand that." Chris said. "You want a couple of days off?"

"No. I need work to keep myself busy." Ezra said.

"So how come you didn't know she had AIDS."

"He never told me." Ezra said studying Chris' face.

"What? He never told you… Wait a second, HE?" Chris said looking at Ezra in shock.

"Yes, he. His name was Martin Lawson, we didn't part on the best of terms." Ezra said. "I guess that's why he didn't tell me."

"So you're… gay?" Chris asked the question hesitantly.

"Yes, I am." Ezra said. "You okay with that?"

"Of course I am, Ezra, of course." Chris smiled.

"Good." Ezra breathed a sigh of relief. "I was worried how you would react."

"Why haven't you told me before?" Chris said moving to the edge of the couch reaching out and touching Ezra's hand.

"I didn't know how you would react." Ezra said not moving an inch, just enjoying Chris' hand touching his.

"I wish you'd told me sooner." Chris said.

"Why is that, Mr Larabee?"

"Because then I could have told you…" Chris faded out.

"Told me what?" Ezra asked.

"I'm gay." Chris said quickly.

"What?" Ezra wasn't sure he'd heard Chris correctly. "Did you just say that you're gay?"

"Yes. Yes I did. I mean I am." Chris said.

"You are?" Ezra was in shock.

"I am." Chris said relived to have told someone.

"So you're not interested in women?"

"No, not in that way. And I'm not really interested in men either." Chris said.

"But I thought you said you were gay?" Ezra was confused.

"I am but I'm only interested in one man." Chris said carefully rubbing his thumb over Ezra's hand.

"One… man… Me?" Ezra asked and Chris nodded. "I must be dreaming."

"Why?"

"This is unreal, you interested in me, that's my dream." Ezra said.

"Your dream, you mean you…" Chris started but he was interrupted.

"I love you." Ezra blurted out quickly.

"You do?"

"I do."

"I love you too, Ezra." Chris said smiling slightly pulling Ezra over into his own lap.

"We shouldn't…" Ezra started. "I could have…"

"Oh shut up! I can't get AIDS by kissing you." Chris said and claimed Ezra's soft lips, kissing the gambler deeply.

"Chris… What if I have…?" Ezra said leaving the word unsaid.

"I don't care. I will be here every second of every day." Chris said wrapping his arms around Ezra's waist. "Whatever the outcome will be."

"Thank you." Ezra sighed leaning his head against Chris' shoulder.

"Now weren't you supposed to take a long bath?" Chris asked.

"You know what, I feel like going to sleep now. Care to join me?"

"I'd love to." Chris smiled rising to his feet while keeping Ezra in his arms.

"My my, you're strong." Ezra smiled as Chris carried Ezra towards the bed.

"Of course I am." Chris said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Chris gently placed Ezra on the bed and then lay down beside him. Ezra kicked off his shoes and Chris took off his boots. The two agents remained dressed and Ezra turned to face Chris. The two lay, staring at each other in silence, Ezra leaned in and kissed Chris.

Chris put his arm around Ezra pulling him close, softly kissing his forehead, and shortly after that Chris heard Ezra's breathing get deeper.

Chris smiled to himself, greatful that he had forced his way into Ezra's apartment and getting Ezra to talk to him. Chris' smile soon disappeared from his lips when he thought of Ezra possibly having AIDS.

"I'll be here for you, Ez, forever." Chris quietly whispered before closing his eyes and falling asleep.

The next morning Chris woke early as usual, finding Ezra asleep, resting on his chest. Chris made his way quietly out of bed, not wanting to wake Ezra. After he had made it out of bed he stopped dead in his tracks because Ezra started to stir, but he didn't wake up. Then Chris headed out into the kitchen, fixing breakfast for the both of them. Just before the coffee was ready Ezra came out into the kitchen, looking quite tired but still with a smile on his face. Chris opened his arms and Ezra snaked his arms around Chris' waist, hugging him tightly.

"Goodmorning." Ezra said.

"Mornin'" Chris said hugging Ezra back.

"When I woke and found the bed empty I thought I had dreamed up the events of last night. But then I smelled the coffee…"

"I didn't want to leave for work before fixing you breakfast." Chris smiled receiving a soft kiss from the agent in his arms.

"Good." Ezra said.

After they had eaten breakfast Ezra took a quick shower and changed clothes. Then the two headed out to the BMW and drove home to Chris, where he showered and changed clothes. After that they drove to the ATF building, parked the car and took the elevator up to their floor. As they exited the elevator they were greeted by Vin.

"Morning. I was getting worried." Vin said.

"Morning, worried? Why?" Chris asked.

"You're always here before me and today you weren't. Why?" Vin was curious.

"Mr Larabee was kind enough to pick me up this morning since my car broke down." Ezra said.

"Okay." Vin said apparently happy with that answer.

"Now… Ezra can I see you in my office." Chris said.

"Certainly, Mr Larabee." Ezra said following the older agent into his office.

When Chris had closed the door behind them Ezra received a long hug from Chris. They stood, hugging each other, for a long time, no one wanting to let go. After a while Chris cupped Ezra's face with his hands and kissed him deeply.

"I love you so much, Ezra." Chris whispered.

"I love you back." Ezra breathed, kissing Chris again.

"So two days left…" Chris said after a while.

"Yes." Ezra sighed.

"You okay?"

"Yes, I am quite fine, Chris. I mean why not, you're here."

"So what do you say to taking Thursday and Friday off?" Chris said.

"I said I needed to focus on work." Ezra said.

"I mean taking two days off and spend them with me." Chris smiled.

"That would be great." Ezra said. "But how are you going to explain that to the others?"

"I'll give them two days off as well." Chris grinned.

"You're wonderful." Ezra smiled and hugged Chris.

The next day, Wednesday, Team 7 were seated in the office, all doing paperwork. Ezra felt preoccupied as he sat trying to type out the report. After a while JD came over and sat down on the edge of Ezra's desk.

"Hey, Ez."

"Mr. Dunne, what can I help you with?" Ezra drawled without looking up from his computer.

"Nothing." JD said.

"What?" Ezra said looking up at JD.

"Congratulations." JD said.

"What?"

"You've met someone."

"What?" Ezra said again, not able to say anything else.

"I can see you're in love." JD said. "And I know who's the lucky man."

"Man?" Ezra tried to look and sound shocked.

"Yep, I know you're gay." JD said lowering his voice slightly. "I'm assuming none of the others know, except Chris."

"Huh?"

"You're involved with Chris." JD said.

"Eh?" Ezra shook his head trying to clear it. "Whatever do you mean?"

"I saw you kissing Chris last night." JD said quietly.

"You did?"

"Yeah, outside your apartment." JD smiled. "I came over to check something about the case."

"Okay…" Ezra said feeling relieved that JD also knew and seemed to be fine with it.

"I think it's great. You deserve to be happy, Ez." JD said with a smile.

"Thank you, JD." Ezra said. "What was it about the case you wanted to talk to me about?"

"Yeah, I was wonder…" JD started but he was interrupted.

"Boys, listen up!" Chris stood leaning against the doorframe of his office.

"What's up Chris?" Buck asked as everyone's attention was focused on their black clad leader.

"Good news, all of you get two days off. Tomorrow and Friday." Chris said.

"Excuse me?" Nathan said.

"Yup, two days off enjoy it!" Chris said as he went into his office again.

"Chris must have lost his mind." Buck smiled. "Not that I mind!"

"Me neither." JD smiled turning towards Ezra. "I'm assuming you are to thank for this."

"Me? No. I didn't know anything about this." Ezra lied.

"Right." JD didn't believe him.

A few hours later Josiah, Nathan, JD and Buck left the ATF offices. Vin stood talking to Chris while Ezra finished up the report he was typing. As Ezra switched off his computer he looked at Chris who were occupied with Vin, discussing something about their latest case. Ezra bid the men goodbye exchanging a quick glance with Chris, knowing that he would come by later that evening.

As Ezra came into his apartment he threw his keys on the table by the door and then he poured himself a glass of juice. Then he headed to the bathroom and ran a bath. As the water was filling up the tub he went to the bedroom, Ezra removed his dark green jacket, white shirt and trousers. After that he went back to the bathroom where he removed his black silky boxers. He got in the tub and sank down, sighing contently as the warm water wrapped itself around his muscular, tired body. As he had turned off the water, he leaned back closing his eyes just enjoying the water surrounding him.

Two hours later the water had started getting cold so Ezra drained it and rose from the tub. He wrapped a dark blue towel around his waist and grabbed another towel and dried his hair. After he had finished drying himself off he shaved quickly, put on some of his favorite after-shave. Since he knew Chris was coming over in a couple of hours he wanted to feel fresh. Ezra dressed in a pair of black slacks and a dark red shirt. Then he headed out from the bedroom, into the living room. There he stopped dead in his tracks.

The whole living room was filled with candles, all lit, and leaning against balcony door, Chris stood holding two glasses of red wine. Ezra stared at him speechless, he marvelled at how gorgeous Chris looked with moonlight flooding in, almost surrounding him.

Chris smiled slightly and walked up to Ezra, handing him a wine glass. Chris sneaked a hand behind Ezra's neck pulling him close and he kissed him passionately.

As they came up for air Ezra smiled looking into Chris' blue eyes.

"Hi." Chris whispered.

"Hi." Ezra sighed happily.

"I thought I should surprise you." Chris smiled as the two made their way to the couch.

"You managed that… very well I might say." Ezra said and sat down beside Chris on the couch.

"I thought you'd never get out the bath." Chris said.

"Have you been waiting for a long time?"

"About 30 minutes or so."

"Why didn't you say that you were here?"

"And ruin the surprise and miss that wonderful look on your face. Trust me it was worth the wait." Chris smiled putting an arm around Ezra's shoulders.

"I loved the surprise." Ezra said leaning towards Chris.

"Dark Blue." Chris suddenly said.

"What?"

"You're wearing 'Dark Blue' aren't you?"

"Oh! You mean after - shave. Yes it's 'Hugo Dark Blue.'" Ezra said. "Do you like it?"

"Yes, I love it, I've always longed to really smell you." Chris said.

"You're funny." Ezra laughed. "You always wanted to smell me?"

"Yes, whenever you've walked by I've only caught a whiff of it."

"Chris…" Ezra was still laughing. "You're so cute!"

"What?! I was curious." Chris tried his best to poutl, but failed miserably.

"I love you." Ezra smiled, kissing his boyfriend deeply.

Later that evening Chris sat with his arms wrapped around Ezra, the two of them watching 'Playing by Heart' which was on TV. After the movie ended Chris turned off the TV. Suddenly he heard a low sob, Chris turned Ezra's face and he was met by Ezra's tearstained cheeks.

"." Chris said wiping the tears that continued to trickle down Ezra's cheeks.

"Chris…" Ezra whispered wrapping his arms around the older man's neck.

"I'm sorry I didn't know what the movie was about." Chris felt guilty.

"It's not your fault, I wanted to watch it." Ezra said looking up at Chris. "I don't want to end up like that guy in the hospital. Just waiting to die."

"You're not going to!" Chris said. "If it would turn out that you have AIDS, I will be there for you and I'm certain that the rest will be as well. You'll never be alone."

"It's just so…" Ezra started but fell silent.

"I know, Ezra, I know. You feel helpless. I'm sorry but there's nothing we can do except wait for the doctor to call tomorrow." Chris said hugging Ezra tightly.

"I know." Ezra sighed burying his head in Chris' neck.

"I will be here… Always." Chris said gently stroking Ezra's hair.

Chris sat there with Ezra in his arms letting him cry it all out. Chris continued whispering soothing words to the gambler, never letting him go.

About ten minutes later Ezra had fallen silent and after a while Chris realized that Ezra had fallen asleep. Chris carefully reached over and pulled a blanket over them both. Then he rested his chin against Ezra's head and just inhaled his smell. Chris knew that Ezra was feeling horrible and there was not a damn thing Chris could do. All he could do was to be there for Ezra, if he needed a shoulder to cry on. Chris was scared to death that it would turn out that Ezra had AIDS, but Chris was going to be there for Ezra whatever the outcome would be. About half an hour later Chris fell asleep, still with his arms wrapped tightly around the sleeping Ezra.

The next morning Chris woke to find himself all alone in the couch, the blanket covering his body. Chris sat up looking around, suddenly he heard movement in the kitchen. Smiling to himself he lay down again, knowing that Ezra would be out soon. And about 5 minutes later Ezra came out carrying a tray with breakfast for the two of them.

"You're awake." Ezra noted while putting the tray down.

"Yep." Chris said as the gambler sat down beside him, handing him a cup of hot coffee.

"Slept well?"

"Yes, very much. How about you?" Chris asked.

"Very well." Ezra smiled taking a sip of his coffee. "I'm sorry for yesterday, with the movie and that."

"Don't apologise, Ezra. It's normal to react like that. I know I would." Chris said.

A few hours later Chris sat out on the small balcony, enjoying the sunlight, when Ezra came out with a glass of iced tea, handing it to Chris. Ezra sat down beside Chris sipping his iced tea. After a while Ezra sighed heavily, which caused Chris to look over at him.

"You okay?" Chris asked.

"Yes, I suppose I am. I'm just nervous." Ezra said.

"It's okay to be nervous." Chris smiled slightly.

Suddenly the phone rang and both Chris & Ezra were on their feet within seconds rushing over to the phone on the livingroom table. Ezra picked it up and answered, while Chris stood with his arms wrapped around Ezra.

"Standish."

"Hello, Mr Standish, this is Dr. Joelson. I have your test result in my hand." The doctor said.

"Yes, dr Joelson?" Ezra said suddenly starting to shake uncontrollably.

"Calm down." Chris whispered hugging Ezra tighter trying to calm him down.

"Your test results came back negative." The doctor said. "You have nothing to worry about, Mr Standish."

"Thank you very much, doctor." Ezra said calmly, then he hung up.

"Well..?" Chris looked anxiously at Ezra. "What did the doctor say?"

"The test results came back negative." Ezra whispered.

"That's great!" Chris exclaimed hugging Ezra even tighter.

"Is it?" Ezra was still in shock.

"Yes, you are fine, Ezra, you're fine."

"Am I really?"

"I promise." Chris said, kissing Ezra gently.

"Oh my God!" Ezra said finally starting to realize what the doctor had said. "I am okay! I'm okay!"

"You are!" Chris was practically giddy with joy.

"So now we can…" Ezra said letting the words hang in the air.

"Yes, we can." Chris said, the two meeting in a fiery kiss.

Chris and Ezra continued kissing passionately while Chris started to unbutton Ezra's white shirt while Ezra practically tore off Chris' t-shirt. They soon stood before each other while their clothes lay in a pile on the floor. Chris ran his hands up and down Ezra's chest, while Ezra's hands explored Chris' upper body.

"You're so beautiful." Chris whispered.

"So are you." The two kissed again, pressing themselves tightly together.

"I've been waiting for this." Chris said as he pushed Ezra down in the couch placing himself ontop of the aroused gambler.

"So have I." Ezra was breathing heavily as Chris rubbed himself against Ezra.

Chris started planting kisses everywhere on Ezra, he started on his neck, tracing the jawline, then moving down his chest, stomach until he reached Ezra's very erect manhood. Chris kissed the tip lightly and Ezra squirmed underneath him. Chris kept putting featherlight kisses up and down Ezra's cock while Ezra was moaning for more. Suddenly Ezra felt Chris' warm mouth surround him and he gasped, almost coming immediately. Chris almost took Ezra's entire length in his mouth, making Ezra even more aroused. Soon Ezra started shaking uncontrollably and he exploded in Chris' mouth, while Chris drank everything greedily.

"You okay?" Chris asked as he came up to meet Ezra in a passionate kiss.

"Yes, I think so." Ezra sighed. "Thank you."

"Oh no, thank you." Chris smiled and they kissed again.

Ezra pulled Chris down ontop of him pulling the blanket along, he covered the both of them. Chris kept nibbling and kissing Ezra's neck and soon Chris felt Ezra harden again. Chris looked at Ezra with a gleam in his eye. He rose pulling Ezra along, then he took Ezra's hand leading him to the bedroom, there he pushed Ezra down in the bed.

Chris placed himself on top Ezra kissing him deeply. Soon Chris felt Ezra's warm hand gripping Chris' cock, making the leader gasp. After a while Chris was feeling himself getting nearer to the edge so he stopped Ezra.

"Get on your hands and knees." Chris growled in Ezra's ear, the gambler quickly complied.

Chris grabbed the bottle of oil which Ezra apparently kept by his bedside. Chris quickly coated his member and then massaged some oil around Ezra's tight opening, carefully slipping one finger in, then two. Ezra moaned as he felt Chris' fingers enter him, gently preparing him for what was to come. When Chris removed his fingers Ezra whimpered at the loss. Chris positioned himself behind Ezra gently guiding his cock into Ezra's oil slick opening. Ezra gasped as he felt Chris enter him slowly, stretching him, filling him completely. As Chris pushed himself into Ezra he had to focus on anything besides the fact that Ezra was moaning loudly, pushing back into Chris.

"Am I hurting you?" Chris' voice was hoarse. "No. God no." Ezra moaned.

Chris started to move in and out slowly, moaning together with Ezra. After a while Chris snaked a hand around Ezra's waist grabbing Ezra rock hard member, caressing him. Chris increased the pace, pumping harder into the gambler, moaning loudly.

Soon Ezra started trembling, feeling himself getting closer to the edge. Ezra felt Chris pushing hard into him, moaning louder and louder.

"Ezra!"

"Chris!"

The two men came together, screaming each others name in unison.

Chris collapsed ontop of Ezra, both landing on the bed, Ezra welcomed the weight of his lover. Ezra was breathing heavily fighting the sleep that beckoned him. Chris rolled off Ezra, pulling the covers over them, wrapping his arms around Ezra, both falling asleep. Just before they both fell asleep Chris whispered:

"I will be here - always."

The End