Disclaimer: I don't own Magnificent Seven.

A/N: The end, finally. I've really enjoyed writing this and I've appreciated all the feedback immensely. There is sex in this, as a warning.

Enjoy.

The box sat in the middle of the tray table, its contents glittering in the poor cabin light. It was amazing how much meaning such a small thing could hold. Ezra touched a finger to the cool metal not trying to even fight the well of emotion it brought up in his chest.

He had pressed, passive-aggressive as his mother had taught him and it had worked. It had gotten him a promise, the same one Chris had given his beloved, departed wife. And now, three weeks after Chris' unexpected arrival he was back on a plane to Denver.

Ezra had spent much of those three weeks after Chris' departure debating whether or not going back home was actually a good thing. He hadn't gotten to the point of actually writing a list of pros and cons, but it hadn't stopped him from making a mental list. The jeweler's box had never been far from his hands like a token for good luck.

"Beautiful."

He looked up to find one of the flight attendants standing over him, eyes riveted on the box. She seemed like a genuinely sweet girl but the last thing Ezra really wanted was her hovering over him. "Thank you."

She smiled brightly. "Getting engaged soon?"

Closing the lid Ezra slipped the box back into his pocket. "No. We seem to have skipped the engagement and gone straight to marriage." He smiled up at her, noting the blush spreading across her cheeks. "I don't suppose you would mind getting me a bottle of water dear? I would greatly appreciate it."

The flight attendant stammered a yes and disappeared. Smile fading away Ezra sank back into his seat, blowing out a breath. He hadn't totally convinced himself that returning to Denver was the answer, but he had made his decision, for better or for worse.

-----

Chris relaxed further into the armchair, eyes closed, enjoying the feel of the fire on his bare feet. He had half a glass of the scotch Ezra preferred on the table next to him, untouched despite the fact he had poured it nearly two hours ago.

The sound of tires on gravel caught his attention and he slumped further into the chair. It was probably just Buck coming to make sure he hadn't found the bottom of a bottle. Keys jingled in the lock and he shifted, still not making a move to get up. They all had keys to the ranch for one reason or another.

There was a scrape of the door opening and than closing followed by the quiet sound of tumblers falling into place again. The soft clunk of something heavy being set down on linoleum had his heart racing and he took a breath, fighting the urge to get up. His needs had nearly destroyed one of the few good things left in his life and he wasn't going to push it again.

A warm hand touched his cheek and Chris turned his face into the caress. "Didn't think you'd come back." The soft touch vanished and Chris opened his eyes.

Ezra was standing close, the edge of his long dark coat brushing against his pants. He had removed one black leather glove, and Chris felt something freeze when he didn't see the ring.

"I spent much of the flight debating whether or not coming back was the right thing to do. Even now I'm not sure this is what is best for me. My mother has been fond of telling me from a very young age I always wanted the things that would hurt me the most. It seems even with age I haven't outgrown that tendency." Ezra pulled his left glove off, the wide platinum band a rich copper colour in the firelight.

Feet dropping from the coffee table to the floor Chris caught Ezra's coat and tugged until Ezra was kneeling over him in the chair, knees pressed tight against the outside of his thighs. He touched his fingers to Ezra's cheek, brushing along the curve of jaw, the faint prickle of stubble making them tingle.

For a brief moment Chris paused when his fingers touched the wool collar of the coat under Ezra's chin. Hating his sudden hesitation he brought his other hand up and undid the top button, fingers dipping under the wool to touch the warmth of Ezra's throat. Another pause as a shiver ran through Ezra's body and Chris went back to the work on the buttons, touching the chest underneath as each button was undone.

Once the last button was pushed through the hole the coat dropped open, dark fabric framing Ezra's body. Chris curled his hands around Ezra's hips, eyes falling closed against the warmth searing his palms even through the cloth separating them. Hands curling further he slid them up Ezra's back until he touched the warm wool of Ezra's coat, pushing slightly.

He felt Ezra twist against him as he shed the coat, Ezra's stomach brushing against him and it was enough to make him freeze. Feeling the coat brush past his legs Chris pressed his forehead against Ezra's chest, arms tightening around the familiar body. Strong fingers slid into his hair and he groaned as they rubbed at the knot of tension at the base of his skull.

Chris rubbed at Ezra's shoulders when he felt him shift and couldn't help but acknowledge the fact that Buck had been right, as he usually was when it came to relationships. He had been attracted to Ezra the moment he had me the man for the first time. Irritation had always led to attraction with him and Ezra had been irritating from day one.

Somehow, for that first year with Ezra he had managed to avoid the growing emotion he felt and could see with crystal clarity in Ezra's pale eyes. That moment, in the kitchen of Ezra's townhouse nine months ago, had been what had pushed him towards Mary. He knew if he thought about it enough he would be able to recall the slight flicker of hurt he had seen in Ezra's eyes that morning and the thought of that was almost enough to make him feel sick.

Involving her had been a mistake. While he could admit she was attractive and not as insipid as many of the other women he had met since Sarah's death, even that hadn't been enough. She had been a minor nuisance, always prying for information she didn't have any business knowing and then pushing for more nights together. And even the comfort she had given had been transitory at best. Despite the fact nothing sexual had ever happened between them he always left her house feeling guilty.

Inhaling deeply, the scent of Ezra, expensive soap, cologne and skin inundated him with predictable results. The smell of his lover and the warm weight against his body was enough to have his cock twitch and start swelling, wanting more of Ezra. Wanting more was impossible to ignore, when Ezra was pressed against him and wearing his ring. He had gotten the same thrill seeing the gold wedding band on Sarah's slim finger, the tangible proof that she had chosen him when she could have done so much better.

Chris leaned back, smiling slightly as the fingers in his hair tightened, tugging just the slightest bit. It seemed Ezra was just as reluctant to let go. Hand sliding up he cupped the back of Ezra's neck and pulled slightly. Ezra moved with the touch until their lips were barely touching, breath mingling.

Between one breath and the next they were kissing hard and hungry. Ezra's fingers were tight in his hair, holding his head in place and it was a heady feeling, Ezra above him, with all the leverage and control.

Ezra's mouth slid from his, lips brushing against the corner and along his jaw, teeth catching his ear for a moment before pulling back. He shifted against Chris, erection brushing against his stomach, a soft groan escaping. Filled with a sudden need for skin Chris raised his hands to Ezra's shirt, fingers smoothing over the fabric.

He pressed his nose into the hollow at the base of Ezra's throat, fingers working the buttons of the fine shirt with ease. Jerking it from his lover's pants Chris pushed it back and laced his fingers together at the small of Ezra's back, feeling content like he hadn't felt in years. Lips skimming along the sharp edge of a collar bone he bit lightly where it ended just above Ezra's arm.

Fingers rubbed at the underside of his jaw and he lifted his head. A soft brush of lips before Ezra kissed him, easy and sweet, hand of his free hand stroking over his cheek. He fought the urge to tighten his grip as Ezra pulled away and moved around the coffee table.

The shirt dropped to the coffee table and Ezra's hands dropped to his belt, nimble fingers easily dealing this the buckle. It followed the shirt to the table and as Ezra's hands dropped back to the waistband of his pants the firelight caught the ring.

Chris was on his feet in a flash and he pulled Ezra back against him, lips falling to catch Ezra's mouth, nipping once before his tongue teased at the inside of Ezra's upper lip. He hadn't forgotten how much he enjoyed being with Ezra, the overwhelming need he felt when they were together.

His hand stayed on Ezra's shoulder as the man twisted from his arms to grab the quilt off the back of the couch and spread it over the sheepskin rug in front of the fire. The moment the blanket was down Chris stepped behind Ezra and slid his hand across warm skin, undoing button and zipper.

Hand sliding over tented silk and across a strong thigh he nuzzled at the fine dark hairs at the nape of Ezra's neck. With one hand he managed to the rest of Ezra's clothing off though Ezra helped with a wicked shimmy of his hips that had brushed against his cock, sending a jolt up his spine.

Ezra turned in his arms as he kicked his clothing aside, one hand drawing him close. He was dimly aware of Ezra's hands sliding under his shirt, pushing it up and he broke away so he could pull it over his head. It dropped to the floor unheeded as those same hands curled around the waistband of his sweatpants, tugging. One slipped beneath, gently cupping his cock as the worn fabric was tugged down, and squeezed once. He jerked into the light touch, arm sliding around broad shoulders as he leaned in again for another kiss.

Once the pants were down Chris pressed down with his arm and they went to their knees, pressed together. Ezra's cock was hard against his hip and he slid his hand between their bodies, thumb tracing over the damp head as he pushed Ezra back, following him until he was sprawled out on the floor.

"I'm glad you came back." Not the words that really needed to be said but in the way Ezra smiled, a slow twist of mobile lips made him think that Ezra understood what he was really trying to say.

Ezra shifted, legs parting around him, eyes hooded and sultry. A tube of lubrication appeared and was pressed into his hand. He couldn't help but grin, a look that Ezra returned. Of course Ezra would use his sleight of hand for something like that. Pressing kisses to forehead, cheeks and parted lips he dropped the tube by Ezra's hip, palms itching with the sudden need to touch.

Kneeling between Ezra's parted legs Chris slid his hands over smooth skin. His fingers moved along the curve of pectoral from where arms joined torso, thumbs brushing nipples into hardness.

He followed his right hand with his nose, sweat, clean skin and the smell of Ezra's soap serving to push his arousal higher. His hands skimmed down Ezra's flanks before cupping them around the flare of hips, tracing circles over arched bone and impossibly soft skin.

He kissed his way down his lover's torso, nose following to Ezra's navel. Always a sensitive spot he kissed and nipped at the shallow indents, feeling the muscles tighten and the hard bar of Ezra's cock against his throat and chin.

Tracing his tongue around a last time Chris slid lower until he could feel Ezra's manhood against his cheek, hot and breathtaking. He stayed that way for long minutes, acutely aware of the hand in his hair and the fingers tangled with his on Ezra's left hip.

A deep breath and he shifted, pressing a kiss to the flushed head, tongue darting out to taste the pearl of fluid. The hand in his hair tightened and he slipped his hand off Ezra's right hip, reaching for the lubrication. He fumbled the lid open one handed and squeezed some on to his fingers, mouth never breaking from Ezra's cock.

Chris moved his hand, the inside of his wrist brushing against Ezra's testicles and with a stuttered moan Ezra's right leg bent. Foot flat on the floor opened him further and Chris brushed slick fingers over the exposed entrance in before pushing in with one finger.

Another finger and it brushed over Ezra's prostate. Ezra jerked, a sound akin to a whimper falling from parted lips. He withdrew his fingers, tracing his fingers around soft skin before pushing in again with a third finger. Ezra's hips flexed again, pushing his cock further into Chris' mouth.

Drawing back until just the head was in his mouth Chris pressed his fingers against his lover's prostate again before easing back, intent on driving Ezra to the edge. He alternated stimulating Ezra's prostate with sucking at the head of his cock until Ezra was rocking between fingers and mouth, breathless pants filling the air.

Ezra's body tightened and Chris drew back, depriving Ezra of his touch entirely. Grabbing the lubrication he spread it over his cock, eyes drifting over Ezra. His eyes were closed, lips parted, a flush suffusing his face and neck. He was alluring and brilliant in a way Chris would never be able to give voice to but he would have to find a way to tell Ezra.

Fingers dropping down he spread more lubrication on Ezra's entrance before moving forward, manhood hinting at penetration. "Good?"

A nod and Chris pressed forward, one long slide until they were pressed together. Arms looped around his shoulders and a leg curled around his hip as Ezra pushed up against him. Lips touched his ear, a thick voice telling him to move.

The low husk touched something inside him and he moved, the unrelenting words driving him. He fought to keep it slow, wanting to use the physical gentleness in the hopes that Ezra would understand that the feeling spread to emotional aspects of their life too, but it was impossible with the words in his ear and the fingers digging into his back.

Chris came first, breath hissing out between clenched teeth. Taking a minute to gather himself together he batted Ezra's hand away, fingers curling around the still hard cock. It was quick, he lost track of the strokes, caught up in watching Ezra when he came.

Nuzzling Ezra's cheek Chris slowly pulled out and shifted just enough to grab the box of tissues off the coffee table. He cleaned them both up, knowing a wet rag would be better but not having the energy to get up to get one precluded him doing it.

Chris caught the edge of the blanket and pulled it over, pleasantly surprised when Ezra curled against his side, an arm over his chest. He turned his head, kissing the damp chestnut curls.

Within minutes of settling in Ezra was asleep, his breathing deep and even. Chris stroked a hand down Ezra's back, fingers rubbing at the base of his spine. He was too old to be sleeping on the floor and was going to be sore as hell when he woke up but the pain would be worth it because Ezra was back.

-----

Hearing Buck's laughter JD looked up from his computer, unable to keep from smiling at the sight before him. Ezra was talking to Buck, emphasizing his points with subtle hand gestures. Relaxing into his chair he watched the two men, glad that Ezra was back with them.

The month and a half Ezra hadn't been in the office had been hell. Everyone had been on edge, Buck and Vin doing their best to run interference between Chris and the rest of the team. Their leader had been unusually ill-tempered and nearly impossible to deal with.

And then he had disappeared for a week. Buck and Vin had said he was off taking care of some personal business and when Chris had come back he had been more relaxed, the edge gone, though the tension was still there.

Three weeks later Ezra had come back and everything seemed to be back to normal. They all went out to the Saloon on Friday nights and were back out at the ranch on Sundays, just like it had been for almost the last four years.

A flash of light caught his eye and before he knew what he was doing JD was up on his feet, reaching out to catch Ezra's hand. He yanked the hand towards his face, eyes riveted on the simple platinum band on Ezra's left ring finger. It wasn't the ring that was surprising. He had seen Ezra wear various rings in the nearly four years he had known the man, though they had always been more elaborate.

"Mr. Dunne, might I enquire as to your sudden fascination with my hand?"

Slanting a look at the man JD continued his examination of the ring, trying to figure out how it fit into everything. Like the others he had noticed Ezra's slight withdrawal, but hadn't really thought too much about it. They all had their off days. He hadn't realized how upset Ezra was until the man had taken his leave. A month and a half later and he was back, happy again and with a ring on his finger that JD could only assume had something to do with his happiness.

"Did you go and get married while you were away Ezra?"

Ignoring Buck's laugh at his words JD stared at Ezra. Ezra was smiling, the little partial curl of his lips that usually meant he was hiding something and had no intention of letting anyone in on the secret. "I suppose you could call it that, for lack of a better term."

Buck laughed at the shocked look on JD's face. "Don't be so surprised kid. You can't honestly tell me that you thought a fine looking man like Ezra was going to remain single forever." He winked at Vin, knowing his lover was trying desperately not to laugh.

His gaze wandered to the door of Chris' office where his friend was standing, unnoticed, watching everything. He could see the affection in hazel eyes, the slight smile easing some of the lines time and pain had put on the well known face. Chris met his eyes and he smiled, inclining his head towards the ring, bright against Chris' dark clothing.

Chris' gaze skittered to Ezra who was laughing as he fielded questions about who was wearing the other ring.

Buck nodded, understanding even though no words had passed. Chris had done the same thing with Sarah shortly before they had gotten engaged. There had been a fight about something that had somehow gotten blown totally out of proportion and they had avoided each other for nearly a week. After they had gotten everything resolved (with some help from him) Chris had done what ever he could to make Sarah happy and it seemed he was willing to do the same thing with Ezra.

"So Ezra, when are we going to get to meet your paramour?" Josiah grinned at Ezra.

Ezra leaned back against the desk. "Gentlemen, I would not introduce you to my blind, deaf grandmother for fear one of you would find some way to offend her. So no, I will not be inflicting the six of you on my lover."

"I realize it's a Friday afternoon boys, but I'm tired of watching you stand around wasting my tax money." Chris couldn't help but smirk when Josiah, Nathan and JD jumped, all of them oblivious to the fact he had been watching the whole encounter.

Vin glanced at the wall clock. "Yeah, but it's a Friday at 4:45. We might as well call it a week and head over to the Saloon."

Grinning Buck threw an arm around Ezra's shoulder and dragged the smaller man to his chest. "Right. We haven't had ourselves a proper welcome back party for Ez."

Ezra ducked from underneath Buck's arm. "A welcome back party at the Saloon. Lucky me."

"Don't worry Ez, we'll do it right on Sunday out at the ranch. I'll even bring you some of those alcohol soaked olives you love so much." Buck glanced back at Chris. "Can we call it quits? I promise this will be the last time I ask."

Chris rolled his eyes. "That's an empty promise if I ever heard one. Get out of here, all of you. I'll meet you there but I have some reports I need to get finished before Monday morning."

Ezra settled at his desk pulling a file towards him. "I also have some paperwork to get done, so I shall be imposing upon Mr. Larabee for a ride to the Saloon as my car is currently at the garage."

He ignored the laughter from Buck and Vin's softer snicker, knowing they had seen through his lie. His car was safely at home. He had spent the night out at the ranch with Chris, the first time since their relationship had started. They had come into town together a calculated risk but one they had been willing to take. He had convinced Chris to not come in early and in turn he had been on time for maybe the third time since he had started working for the ATF.

They had run into Vin and Buck in the parking complex and since then Buck had been grinning like a moron all day. The others had been so surprised at his sudden return that they had all assumed Buck's grin was because he was back, not that he had spent the night with Chris.

Focusing on his paperwork he listened as the others closed up for the night, JD's happy chatter underscored by Josiah's voice. There was an indignant squawk from JD as Buck hauled him towards the elevator and then silence, something rare in the area where Team Seven worked.

The soft click of a door closing caught his attention and he looked up. Chris was watching him, eyes dark in the dimmed lighting. "Already got those reports done?"

"It was mostly just signing my name, something even Buck can accomplish. Done?"

Ezra shut his computer down and jammed the files into his top drawer. "Nothing that can't wait until sometime on Monday." Standing he retrieved his cashmere coat from the rack and shrugged it on. "I must say, I'm glad everyone assumed Buck's moronic grin had to do with me being back and not the fact he knew where I had spent the night."

Shrugging Chris pushed the call button. "Buck manages to be helpful without really intending too."

Ezra had to fight the urge to squirm when he felt Chris' hand against his lower back as they stepped into the elevator. It was different, to actually be touched by Chris in a way that could barely been seen as intimate, to be touched outside what had been normal for them for so long. They were quiet in the elevator, space between them to maintain the façade of separation between them.

The parking garage was empty and Chris reached out, his hand brushing Ezra's fingers. "Are you worried about telling the others?"

Ezra grinned as Chris unlocked the truck door. "Hardly. I have little doubt there is something you could teach the other five. I however, wouldn't mind waiting a little before we tell them. Despite what some of you think, and despite my choice of employment, I do not always enjoy being the center of attention."

-----

JD looked up from his beer, a warm feeling of contentment settling in his stomach. It was good to have everything back to normal. Even their seating arrangement was what it had always been. Chris was flanked by Ezra and Vin. Buck was sitting next to Vin, one arm draped over the back of his lover's chair. Josiah was sitting next to Ezra with Nathan on his other side.

The same way it had been from the very beginning and it was right and he didn't ever want it to change again.

Raucous laughter brought him back from his thoughts and he watched as Buck refilled all of their shot glasses with whisky, grinning broadly. He pulled his glass close, spilled whisky making it slippery. Spinning the glass in his hand he barely paid any attention to Buck's overblown, slightly drunken welcome back speech.

They all lifted their glasses in a toast, knowing Buck would be offended if they didn't go along with it. Just as he went to drink JD caught sight of a silver band on Chris' right hand, nearly identical to the one Ezra was wearing.

He barely managed to swallow the amber liquid, feeling it burn the back of his throat as he continued to stare at the simple ring. In four years the only adornment he had ever seen Chris wear was a watch, black leather and steel. The presence of the ring was jarring, upsetting the careful balance he'd managed to establish after seeing Ezra back this morning.

His gaze wandered to Ezra's left hand where it was resting on the table, the pale band of his ring glowing almost copper in the low light. Gaze darting back to Chris' ring he was struck with the irrational thought that if for some odd reason Chris and Ezra were to ever hold hands the rings would touch, rubbing and scrapping together.

Ezra stood, smiling. "Well, gentlemen, I think I shall be retiring for the night. Twelve hours with you after nearly a month and a half of absence is enough to drive any man insane, so I shall bid you all a good evening."

Pushing his chair back Chris stood. "I'll see about getting him home. Sunday, as usual."

Chris tossed some bills on the table before following Ezra through the close tables.

Hearing Buck laugh JD glanced at him. Buck was staring after Chris and Ezra, grinning like an idiot. A quick glance at Vin revealed he was grinning too, though he was much more subtle in watching the two men leave the bar.

JD frowned. There was something going on, something Buck and Vin knew about. He waited until the door had swung shut behind Chris and Ezra, counting to ten before he shot to his feet. "I just remembered there's something I need to ask Ezra."

"I'll be right back." Pushing back from the table he was on his feet and weaving through the tables, vaguely aware of the echoing sounds of two chairs scraping over the floor. He flung the door open, the cool air almost painful against his cheeks.

Rounding the corner of the building JD froze. The side parking lot was poorly lit, the only light coming from a streetlight at the corner. But even the watery, orange light was enough for him to see something he had never imagined.

Chris was leaning back against his truck, legs spread with Ezra between them. Ezra had his face pressed against Chris' throat, arms wrapped around the lean body. One of Chris' arms was around Ezra's shoulders, his other hand sweeping up and down his lover's back.

On the next upsweep Chris' hand slid into Ezra's hair gently tugging. JD watched as Ezra gave into the gentle touch, head falling back and Chris' head dipped, lips brushing across Ezra's mouth, sweet and tender.

A hand clamped down on his shoulder and he was jerked back and pressed against the Saloon wall, Buck's body hot against him. "What the hell is going on?"'

Vin was pressed against his left side, a finger raised to his lips. "Quiet for just a minute JD. "

The rumble of the Ram reached his ears and he watched as the truck pulled out of the parking lot. The moment it had disappeared from sight Buck eased back and leaned against the wall next to him, pulling Vin to stand between his legs. "Needless to say you weren't supposed to see that."

JD stared at his friends, his suspicions confirmed. They had known from the beginning what was going on and had kept it from the team. "You two knew all along didn't you? And this has something to do with why Ezra was gone, why Chris took a week off. How come no one told us?"

Vin jammed his hands in his pockets. "Wasn't our place to tell you JD. Still ain't. All that matters is Chris and Ezra have gotten through some stuff and the last thing they need is to worry about what the team thinks. They'll tell the others in their own time so just act like you haven't seen anythin', don't push."

Seeing the seriousness of the situation in two sets of blue eyes JD nodded. The team had become his family, was all he had left and he would do what he could to keep them all safe.

-----

Warm hands settled on his shoulders, tugging slightly and Ezra went with the movement. Lips brushed across his and he opened under the soft touch, feeling Chris press closer, cock half hard against his hip. He shifted, pressing back against Chris, a murmur of pleasure falling from his lips as the ridge of Chris' cock pressed against his, spreading warmth through his body.

Ezra felt Chris pull back, a kiss pressed against the corner of his mouth, cheek and forehead before his weight and warmth was gone. He rolled into the warm indentation Chris had left in the bedding, knowing his lover wouldn't be rejoining him. Once out of the bed it was nearly impossible to get Chris back. And especially not on a Sunday when they were going out with the team on an all day ride and the horses needed to be fed and watered.

The blanket was tugged up to cover his shoulders and he smiled into the pillow as Chris' hands rubbed lightly at his back for a moment before vanishing. He dozed as he listened to Chris move around the room. As much as he would have much preferred a day with just the two of them he recognized the importance of Sunday team rides.

Ezra heard the door close and burrowed deeper into the bed, Chris' sharp scent surrounding him. Life was good.