(no subject)

[honeyandvinegar]

Banner by aliensouldream

Title: Ezekiel's Way--9
Pairing/Characters: C/"E", OMCs, Mr. and Mrs. Connor
Rating: NC-17
Genre: AU period-piece, circa 1905
Author's Note: For my sweetheart, verangel, a lovely friend and confidant. :)
Disclaimer: Don't own!
Synopsis: Casey fights to help Ezekiel acclimate to his 'new world'.

Previous Parts



By the time coats were being sent for and the house was near-empty, Casey had had it. If HE was done and done, Ezekiel was ready to burst with frustration. He'd gone from calm yawning to almost growling and twitching when they had tried fighting to get into the house, only to be besieged by more ladies wanting just one more interaction with the young squire. Casey hadn't been able to hold back any longer, especially when Greta had tried her hand at kissing Ezekiel's cheek. “He's too tired, ladies, please let us pass. We need to leave for home, to rest,” Casey had firmly stated, making the girls back away, some muttering their apologies.

Now in the quiet parlor with just Stefan ambling around picking up empty glasses from every table, Ezekiel leaned back on the wall, eyes closed. “Thank you,” he murmured. “I can't do this anymore.”

“Seamus should be here soon with our coats, then he'll get the horses. No more is expected of you tonight,” Casey said. He dared to move closer, all to give Ezekiel a soft, slow rub with his hand to his arm. “You did fantastic, Ezekiel. Really.”

“Mmm... if it'd gone on one minute longer, I would have probably ended up jumping on tables, screeching and going mad,” Ezekiel replied with a tiny, tired smirk.

“Oh, that'd have been a sight,” Casey said, chuckling. Now he dared himself further with his hand moving to Ezekiel's cheek. “We're done now. We'll stay here and wait for my parents and Seamus.”

“Mmm.” Ezekiel hummed again while nuzzling his cheek against Casey's palm. The action made Casey dart his eyes over to Stefan, who thankfully was preoccupied with his tray full of breakables, all attention on not dropping them. When Casey looked back, he found Ezekiel's eyes open in slits, staring at him.

“What?” Casey asked.

Ezekiel shook his head in tiny motions then closed his eyes again, still nuzzling.

~*~

“The poor boy,” Mrs. Connor said with a fondness, eyes set on the slumped-over, sleeping Ezekiel. Knowing it didn't look strange that Ezekiel would be slumping over onto Casey, their sitting next to each other with him being so exhausted, Casey smiled, put his arm around him and patted his back.

“I told him he'd done wonderful tonight,” Casey said. “And he really did.”

“Yes. I was worried at some points, but he handled it fantastically,” Mr. Connor said. “And I'm sure he's in no rush to marry, getting assaulted by females as he did.”

The three of them chuckled lightly, causing Ezekiel to stir. “Shh,” Casey hissed lightly, pausing in his back-rubbing until Ezekiel settled down. Tired himself, Casey put his head back against the bumping-about carriage-wall. “I hope I don't need to carry him. I fear I may not make it to the front door before passing out.”

“Yes, it will be a day to sleep in, tomorrow. At least until our plans.” Mrs. Connor beamed at her husband, squeezing his hand. “What a surprise it'd been, seeing Betty and Gus!”

“Betty and Gus?” Casey echoed.

“Old friends, ones we haven't seen in years. Gus was a school chum of your father's, Betty was one of mine,” Mrs. Connor explained. “They were both without a sweetheart, so we.... well...”

“We set them up, expertly so,” Mr. Connor finished for her, wearing a playful grin. “Love at first sight. For years, we'd double-date together; it was so much fun. But when Gus' father died, he moved to Southampton to take over his fishery. They had a quick marriage before they left, so we could be part of it... and that'd been that, until now.”

“So... you made plans to go to Southampton?” Casey asked. Mr. Connor chuckled.

“No, no. They're staying in London for the week. The papers had covered Ezekiel's story all the way out west, and they dropped everything to come to the party,” he said. “Seeing as their son's taken over the fishery, giving Gus an early retirement, they said they planned on traveling and visiting more.”

“Oh. Well, that sounds like fun,” Casey said.

“Mmm. We'll probably leave before lunch and not be back until late. They might shanghai us, however, into spending the night in their suite,” Mrs. Connor said. “You should be all right for the day, and overnight.”

Casey blinked furiously. It wasn't often his parents were gone for an overnight; usually it was just one or the other out for the day. The idea of having the house to himself and Ezekiel... well... “Yes, that should be fine,” he said.

“I'd planned on giving both Dina AND Seamus the day off, but we can put that off so you're not too lonely,” Mr. Connor said. This perked Casey up.

“No, no-go ahead,” he said, hoping he didn't sound too eager. “Really, Ezekiel and I can take care of ourselves.”

“You're sure?” Mr. Connor asked. Casey nodded, and the man looked to Mrs. Connor with a smile. “I think they'd really like it. Seamus especially. The way he goes on about Dina...”

“Oh, she's not exactly shy about Seamus herself... with ME, anyway,” Mrs. Connor, giggling like a schoolgirl, said. “I have to say, it'd be wonderful to renovate Dina's small cottage out back for two. A 'wedding present', if I may be optimistic.”

“Now you're rushing things, darling,” Mr. Connor replied.

Casey watched the exchange, feeling excited, heart beating frantically. If all went right tomorrow, he and Ezekiel would have an entire day and possibly night to themselves. The playful conversation continued, until the carriage was sent around the last corner leading home. The Connor household never looked so inviting before; Casey let out a great yawn then looked down at the sleeping boy against him. “Ezekiel. We're just about home. Wake up,” he said, giving him a light shake. He'd figured he'd need much more than that, so he was surprised when Ezekiel's eyes snapped open and he sat up.

“Home?” he blearily asked. Mrs. Connor smiled and reached over to pat his knee.

“Yes, sweetheart. We're home.”

~*~

Though Ezekiel had expressed some interest in staying awake for a little 'personal time' before bed, the moment he was in Casey's bedroom, he all but threw himself upon the mattress and closed his eyes. Casey sighed and smiled his way over to the dresser to get his nightclothes, choosing the freshly-washed white linen variety again. Glancing back to Ezekiel, Casey went into his room to collect sleeping-clothes for him, as well. He opened the top drawer of the dresser and looked inside.

'What a mess,' Casey thought with a wide grin. More differences between Ezekiel and English society were displayed through a lack of organization and folded-care with the clothing inside. Socks and stockings were mixed in with shirts, slacks and weskits piled together in a heap. Though they were folded, they were done so with a 'who cares?' attitude. They weren't wrinkled, but Casey vowed to help teach Ezekiel the proper way to treat clothing. Finally, after some digging, Casey found a pair of comfortable pajama pants and matching shirt. Though Ezekiel would protest that, of course, the offer would be made anyway.

Casey returned to the bedroom, finding Ezekiel in the same spot he'd left him in. “Poor thing,” Casey whispered as he sat next to the boy. “Ezekiel? Come now, let's get you ready for bed,” he said.

“Mmph...” Ezekiel grumbled into the blanket below. He squirmed a little and frowned. “Tired.”

“I know, darling, but sleeping in your clothes won't be--”

“M'fine.”

Casey made another long sigh and looked down at Ezekiel's feet. Seeing the shoes still there, he stood and began unlacing the ties to free Ezekiel's toes. The moment the shoes were off and on the floor, Ezekiel hummed pleasantly and stretched his feet, obviously glad to feel free. 'He's going to feel like hell tomorrow,' Casey thought as he stood up from the bed to get behind his dressing-screen and ready himself for bed. Tired as he was, he wasn't going to go Ezekiel's route, thus waking in wrinkled, uncomfortable clothes.

Finished and exhausted, the discarded clothing was brought to the hamper and Casey returned to the bed. It took some elaborate maneuvering to get Ezekiel under the covers with him, but after a few grunts and giggles they were settled in. Ezekiel resumed sleeping immediately, this time with warmth, comfort and pillows under his head. Casey turned to face him, brushing their noses together a moment before drifting off himself. The last thing he felt was Ezekiel's arm slinging over him to hold him close, sending him to sleep with a smile.

~*~

Casey groaned and covered his head, not liking the loud knocking on his door.

“Casey? Can I come in?”

The boy stilled at the sound of his mother's voice. He panicked a moment, not knowing what she'd think in finding both boys sharing the same bed. It wasn't that uncommon for a bed to have two residents, but in their being more 'friendly' than the others knew... Casey turned onto his back and found himself alone, however. He frowned as he fought to sit up onto his elbows. “Yes... mother,” he finally replied.

Mrs. Connor opened the door and poked her head in. “It's almost ten-thirty, sweetheart. You should probably get up,” she said.

“Oh. Doesn't feel like I had much sleep at all...” Casey said through a great yawn. His mother smiled.

“Well, Ezekiel went through MUCH more than you and he's already in the bath. Come on, now; up and at them,” she said. “Throw on your robe and see us off.”

THIS perked Casey up, most definitely. Mrs. Connor left him to it now, and Casey, still tired but excited, got out of bed to get his robe. Before heading downstairs, he knocked upon the shared bathroom's door. “Ezekiel?” he said, choosing to stick his head in without the 'come in' given. He looked to the tub and smiled, finding Ezekiel sitting in the water, scrubbing his toes. “Good morning,” Casey said.

Ezekiel shot his eyes up and made a small smile. “Good morning.”

God, he looked perfectly delicious. The wet hair dangling in his eyes, glistening skin of his shoulders and chest... “Mother and Father are leaving for the day. I'm going downstairs to see them off,” he said.

“Oh. All right,” Ezekiel replied, nodding slowly.

Hoping that gave enough of a hint, Casey winked, shut the door then left the bedroom. He plodded down the stairs, coming upon Seamus and Dina first. The pair looked excited and eager for their day-off together, confirming suspicions that they could make a wonderful couple. Dina looked to Casey first and beamed. “Hullo, Master Casey!” she said. “You're sure you'll be fine without us?”

“Hah, positive,” he replied.

“It was a nice surprise, most definitely. I, um... was wondering...” Seamus stepped forth to speak, looking unsure. “Dina and I, we wanted to know-Mr. Connor said I could take his horse, and... could Dina use yours? We'd love to take a ride together into town, perhaps even further out to visit my brother...?”

ANY-thing to get them out of the house... Casey smiled and nodded. “Perfectly all right. You've both been wonderful, go on,” he said.

“Oh, thank you, Casey!” Dina stepped to the boy and placed a kiss upon his cheek. Casey chuckled heartily.

“Be off with you, now,” he said. With that, Seamus held the door open for Dina and they made their exit, chattering excitedly on what they'd be up to today. Casey sighed and padded into the hall, just as Mr. Connor came out of the parlor.

“That was very nice of you, Son,” he told Casey, clapping him on the shoulder. “As we said last night... I don't think it will be very long before we're arranging a nuptial between those two.”

“They'd make a fine couple,” Casey said.

“Darling, have you seen my hat-the one with the big pink bows?”

Mrs. Connor's question yelled from upstairs made Mr. Connor groan. “Didn't you lend it out to Danielle last month for her cousin's wedding??” he called back.

“Oh, drat! All right, the lavender one will do...” Mrs. Connor grumpily replied. Casey chuckled.

“Mother and her hats...” he said.

“Hmm, a real love affair, that. So...” Mr. Connor leaned down to get eye-level with Casey. “...You boys will be all right, right?”

“Of course Father, stop your worrying. As if I've never made myself lunch before,” Casey replied, chuckling harder. “Really.”

“Just want to be sure. I'm glad Ezekiel got his rest up early enough to make his bed before we could even check in on him,” Mr. Connor said.

“Oh.” Casey went still a moment and worried at his lip. He managed a smirk and shrug. “He'd all but passed out in MY bed last night.”

“Oh? Well, I suppose that's not that strange. Poor lad was a mess,” Mr. Connor said, then paused to frown a little. “Does he spend every night in your room? It's either that or he's a master at bed-making. It's as if he hasn't slept one night in there.”

It was best to be honest; and again, there were perfectly reasonable reasons for Ezekiel's choosing Casey's bed to sleep in. “He feels very alone here, I'm sure you know... he told me he'd always slept with his mother to keep warm and feel safe. I suppose... hah, I'm her replacement,” Casey explained. He tried looking casual with another shrug. “I'm sure once he becomes more used to our ways, he'll move on.”

“No, it's fine. I'm glad you've been understanding and willing to share space like that,” Mr. Connor said with a fond smile as he patted Casey's arm. “You've always been a very cordial, understanding young man. I'm grateful for that.”

A small pang of guilt found Casey, hearing this, but he kept his smile on. 'They don't need to know every-thing...' he thought, just as Mrs. Connor came down the stairs.

“Well, I'm ready!” she said.

“Good, good. The Andersons should be here any-ah!” Mr. Connor exclaimed after looking through the window by the door to see the grand-looking coach pulling into the front drive. “Wonderful.”

“Now, I've left the Andersons' address and phone number by the telephone. If you need us to come home, for whatever reason, don't hesitate to call,” Mrs. Connor told Casey.

“No worries, Mother; you have a wonderful time,” Casey said.

“Come on now, Meredith.” Mr. Connor waved her way as he opened the door. She gave Casey a quick kiss and squeeze to the hand; Mr. Connor nodded Casey's way. “You and Ezekiel have a fun day.”

“We will,” Casey replied, adding, 'More than you'll know,' in his mind as the pair made their exit. The door was shut behind them, leaving Casey to stare at it a few moments before looking back to the stairs.

'We're alone...' he thought as he dared to wander back up to the second floor. However excited he was to be left with their own devices ('Oh, god...' he thought further, even giggling at the double-entendre) he was nervous. Going by how excitable Ezekiel had been that fateful night-Casey wasn't sure as to how he wanted this to go. Just because they didn't have to hide or silence themselves didn't mean Casey necessarily wanted to take things TOO far... or did he? Unsure of everything, Casey walked back into his room; he stopped dead at the sight of Ezekiel, who was sitting on his bed with a towel around his waist, another towel being rubbed into his hair. “Hello,” Casey said; oh, he was blushing already, wasn't he? His cheeks felt painfully hot as Ezekiel looked to him, blank-faced.

“Hello. Are... are your parents going out today?” he asked.

“Yes. They made plans with long-lost friends who'd come to the party last night.”

“Oh.”

Casey bit his lip as he went over to the dresser. He made his movements slow as he rifled through the drawers. “Dina and Seamus-they're out today, too. They'll probably come back announcing a wedding-date, the way they've gone on the last few--”

The pair of arms going around Casey to his front was so sudden, Casey gasped. He stopped everything to stare ahead into the small mirror on the bureau; Ezekiel's eyes were looking into it as well, the rest of his face hidden behind Casey's shoulder. “Alone?” Ezekiel asked in a low murmur.

“Yes. We're... alone,” Casey nervously replied. He felt Ezekiel's jaw shudder, teeth clacking lightly as he growled into Casey's skin. Casey closed his eyes and fought for reason. “Don't get too wild, n-now...” he went to say, but again stopped cold when one hand dragged down his front to the hem of his nightshirt. The cloth was then brought up in a slow, smooth movement, while Ezekiel's other hand worked at the ties at the shirt's neck. Casey was being undone, entirely, breaths getting stammered out in halted jerks. Now exposed from the collarbone down, Ezekiel fisted the loosened collar and hem in one hand, the other placed over Casey's chest to rub in slow, pressing circles.

“Do you want to be... alone with me, Casey?” he asked.

All Casey could do for a moment was swallow, words getting caught in his throat. They couldn't seem to leave his lips: careful... we shouldn't... let's take things easy... he tried shaking all caution away. They were here, no one around to interrupt them, interrupt anything at all... “Yes,” he finally whispered his reply. He put a hand over Ezekiel's wandering one to roam with it, not holding him back.

“Please don't stop me this time. Please.”

He was growling, deep in his chest; Casey could feel it upon his back, being pressed-up together as they were. “I can't,” he spat.

“Can't...”

“Can't stop you.”

Ezekiel's stare went dark in the mirror and his mouth opened to take a light suck at the crook of Casey's neck and shoulder. The boy gasped and reached to the young man's head to hold him there, the action clearly stating, 'Yes. Please.' Even if Ezekiel's inexperience made him sloppy, it was unlike anything Casey had ever experienced himself; opened lips dragged over Casey's shoulder and neck, Ezekiel's tongue smoothing out to wet the goose-fleshed skin. Casey put his head back and felt his eyes cross, especially when both their hands went between his legs. Halted gasps escaped Casey's mouth as Ezekiel wrapped his fingers around his hardening cock. Instead of starting a desperate jerking, Ezekiel moaned lightly into Casey's ear as he danced his fingers up and down the shaft-exploring, he was, fingertips dipping down lower to brush again the sensitive sac. His other hand let go of the fabric to let it drape back down, though he began working Casey's body with both hands now, each one going underneath the nightshirt. Casey pressed his ass back against Ezekiel's towel-covered groin; feeling the terrycloth there was maddening. With a hard sniff, he let go of Ezekiel's massaging hand to reach back and pull the towel free. He heard it fall to the floor and felt Ezekiel's own excitement in full. The long, thick ridge of the young man's dick was pressed against his lower back now; it seemed ridiculous to have a stitch of clothing on at this point. Casey sniffed again, took the hem of his nightshirt and tossed it off of himself. It was sent carelessly to the floor and he turned to face Ezekiel, whose eyes traveled up and down Casey's body. Casey looked down between them and cooed as their groins met. “It's been... a long time...” Casey murmured, feeling hypnotized at the sight of their cocks rubbing together.

“I've never,” Ezekiel replied.

Casey looked up to Ezekiel's blank expression. Thinking, 'oh good fuck, he's a virgin,' felt ridiculous; of COURSE he was. It just seemed so odd... someone this beautiful didn't stay 'pure' for very long in this world. But this world was a virgin to Ezekiel, as well. That needed to change. Casey licked his lips and looked to Ezekiel's chest; two sweet, flushed-pink nipples were there, reminding Casey of rose-flavored candies. He leaned forward, one hand moving to the left while he placed his lips over its twin. Ezekiel's muscles tightened when Casey opened his mouth to let his tongue take a small taste of the soft, pliant flesh, a sure button-of-excitement. Casey turned his eyes up to watch Ezekiel's expression; his jaw was set tight, countless swallows rolling down the tanned column of his throat... “Do you like this?” Casey asked, voice hollow as he enveloped the nub with hot breath and darting tongue.

“Yes. I like it,” Ezekiel, his voice straining, replied.

Casey smiled devilishly before wrapping his lips around the hardening nipple tight, all to give it a firm suck. Ezekiel growled again and took the back of Casey's head to hold him in close, fingers lacing painfully-tight in Casey's hair. 'We're alone...' Casey thought again, which allowed him to reach his hands around Ezekiel to his backside. He splayed his fingers over each side, feeling the immeasurable strength of its firm, muscled form. Ezekiel, virgin as he was, had enough strength in just this to bring Casey a ridiculous amount of pleasure. “God...” Casey said aloud as he put his head up to look at the young man. Ezekiel, looking somewhat overcome, put his head down to place their lips an inch apart.

“Kiss. Practice,” he said before diving in to start his first real 'attempt'. Though he was definitely awkward, Casey enjoyed the inexperienced-feel to it. There was no posturing or showing-off, just Ezekiel trying to bring pleasure through his mouth. Casey forced it into an open-mouthed kiss, latching on to lash his tongue inside. Ezekiel pulled away but for only a moment before crushing their mouths together as much as they could. The force of it sent Casey's head back, Ezekiel following to show how hungry he was... starving, really. Before Casey could worry that he was about to fall backwards in a heap, Ezekiel swooped an arm behind his shoulders and took hold of Casey's hair to hold him steady. As mind-blowing and exciting as this was, Ezekiel's body was crushing into Casey's, thus crushing Casey into the edge of his dresser. Casey pulled away, putting good force behind it to escape Ezekiel's bruising hold.

“E... Ezekiel...” Casey couldn't help a gasping chuckle. “The bed. Please.”

Ezekiel blinked furiously but stepped back. “Both of us?” he asked.

Smiling, Casey moved to him and made him take the few steps backwards, until the back of his knees met the bed. “Sit,” Casey whispered up at him. “I want to show you something.”

“Show me...?” Ezekiel asked, but followed orders. Casey stayed standing a moment, all to open the young man's thighs with his. With a wicked grin, Casey slid down until his knees were on the rug below. He parted Ezekiel's legs open wider to gaze between them; the sight of Ezekiel's large, perfect cock cradled in a nest of dark hair made Casey's mouth water and move forward.

A hollow, guttural moan rumbled deep within Ezekiel's chest as Casey dragged his tongue from the tip to root, wetting the gorgeous shaft while staring up at Ezekiel's face. The corners of his lips quirked up, watching his lover's face contort to an expression of desire and want. Casey went in for more, this time holding the base and balls in a gentle hold to raise the long shaft straight up; he started at the tip again, pulling back the skin to reveal the rosy, sensitive head. The tiny pearl of come he found there made him hum then lick it clean, burying the tip of his tongue into the slit. “OH... oh...” Ezekiel gasped out. His knees trembled forcefully, shaking against Casey's arms. Casey stilled one with his free hand, rubbing the soft inside of it as he opened his mouth fully to take in the cock's entire length.

Ezekiel began breathing fast, each exhalation coming out a shaky grunt and growl. The shaft tickled the back of Casey's throat a moment before he pulled away-but he was pushed back down, forcefully, by Ezekiel's hand which grabbed the back of Casey's head. It made Casey clench, stiffen then jerk away. A long line of spit hung between them as Casey turned his face up to Ezekiel. “Careful, Ezekiel... don't choke me,” he said with a shaky smile.

A hard sniff came from Ezekiel but he stayed still, until he took one of Casey's wrists to bring him up into his lap. Casey took the invitation, crawling over the strong thighs to rest upon. His cock pressed into Ezekiel's belly when Ezekiel put his arms around Casey's waist in a tight hold. Casey's mouth went into an O as Ezekiel trailed his nose around Casey's chest, taking quick sniffs along the skin. An experimental lick came, placed upon Casey's nipple. “Oh,” Casey gasped at the action, which was followed by another, then another, until Ezekiel was lapping around it with a flattened, eager tongue. Casey rocked back and forth, enjoying the friction against his cock and the sweet moistness of Ezekiel's mouth.

When Ezekiel sneaked a hand to Casey's ass, the boy almost jerked away. Ezekiel was making an obvious search, eventually dipping his fingers past Casey's cleft to his anus. Casey turned his knees inward, fighting his uncertainty away in his head. 'Give it to him, let him... oh god, I don't know, yes-yes, let him...' he argued inside, his silence and lack of moving away egging Ezekiel on into pushing a finger past the tight ring of muscle.

“It's so warm...”

Casey couldn't help a nervous giggle. “Have... haven't you ever felt your own?” he asked.

“Yes, but...” Ezekiel paused to swallow. He now looked insecure, something Casey didn't want. He settled back down against Ezekiel's thighs to put their foreheads together. As the finger slipped out to massage around the sensitive skin, Casey sighed.

“Tell me... did you ever pleasure yourself in the wild?” he asked.

Ezekiel glanced down between them then blushed. “Yes.”

“Tell me about it.”

“Mmm...” Ezekiel raised his eyes to Casey's again. “I had a favorite spot... by the falls. It was safe, by the spray. You had to swim there. I would lie on the large stone and give my body pleasure.”

Imagining the scene was enough to make Casey's head spin. Ezekiel, naked and wet, spending himself wide open to the world... “What would you think about?”

“Think?”

“Yes.”

A pause followed until Ezekiel shrugged and said, “I'd stare at the sky. The clouds. I felt free,” he said.

“Mmm,” Casey hummed. Perhaps the young man didn't have any 'fantasy material' to go with, being alone in his kind. “When I've done it... I've thought about someone like you.”

Ezekiel blinked slowly. “Me?”

“A man... in general. But with your dark hair, your smile.” Casey brushed their noses together as he chuckled. “A fantasy-boy. Having you here makes the fantasy real.”

“Fantasy. Thinking.”

“Mmhmm. I'd think my hand someone else's, touching me...” Casey choked on whatever else he planned on saying when Ezekiel reached between them to start massaging Casey's cock. “Ungh, yes-l-like that,” Casey said with a nervous chuckle.

“Can I kiss it?” Ezekiel asked.

A heavy, happy sigh came from Casey as he slid away from Ezekiel's lap to get his back on the bed. “Yes. A thousand times,” he said in a coo. He put an arm above him, the other's hand going to his belly. Ezekiel snarled a little as he curled his body around, moved down onto his side and rested his head on Casey's inner thigh. He stayed there staring a few moments, letting a finger trail along the head of Casey's dick. Casey closed his eyes, hissed in a breath and let it out in a light, airy chuckle. “And you call ME a te-oh.” he stopped dead when Ezekiel took him in hand and brought the shaft to his closed lips. They pursed lightly upon the velvet skin, opening up at the tip to deliver light, excruciating sucks. He stared up at Casey's face the whole time, searching his blissful expression.

“What did your fantasy do to you?” he asked in a throaty voice.

“He... he licked me, all around...” Casey said, finishing with yet another moan as Ezekiel dragged his tongue all around cock and sac, pulling the former to the side to allow him room. His mouth went everywhere, wetting the organ and surrounding flesh with both saliva and hot breath. Before Casey could say anything, Ezekiel moved away, turned Casey onto his hip then pushed his leg up by the knee. Frowning, Casey looked down. “What-wait-“ he went to say, but was jerked to reality when Ezekiel flattened his tongue in, straight to the pouting hole past the fold. Casey jerked, shock filling him. Never had anyone ever suggested such a... and with the crowd he'd run around in? “E-Ezekiel, wait...” he said, but the boy didn't stop. All reason left Casey now as he stopped fighting the pleasure away, enjoying it instead through Ezekiel's hungry, wet mouth. It traveled along Casey's most sensitive, secret spot; he felt the shuddering growl Ezekiel made, felt a rough hand fall on his ass to open him up even more. Casey's whole body gave in to it, slumping forward until he was almost on his stomach. Ezekiel followed his movements, turning his head to allow his mouth more room, more access to his goal. Casey panted heavily, feeling as if he'd lost it, then and there. Never in his life had he imagined this... it was pure nirvana, every erogenous zone going mad and tingling. He felt heat grow in his underarms, his nipples harder than he'd ever felt them, the blood in his ears pounding and pounding...

It came to a screeching halt when Ezekiel moved away. He stayed close, Casey feeling his breath fall on the cooling spit he'd left behind. A finger now replaced Ezekiel's mouth, tracing the wet around and around. “I love it,” Ezekiel murmured then kissed the small of Casey's back.

“Y-Yes, I... loved it, too. Wouldn't c-complain if you did it... again,” Casey said through numerous swallows.

“You liked that?”

“Um... yes??”

Ezekiel hummed out a few chuckles then moved up and away, now hovering over Casey's body. “I want to... go in,” he said. He sounded more forceful now as he pulled at Casey's hip. “Sit up.”

“Sit...?” Casey, confused, fought down the delirium to get up again. He went to settle on his heels but Ezekiel moved against him, pressing his stomach against Casey's back until Casey was against the wall and headboard. Ezekiel flattened himself against Casey and hummed out shaky, grunting breaths into his ear.

“Please let me in,” he said. He slid a hand up Casey's arm and stopped at the wrist; his fingers wrapped around it and held it tight. “I want to go inside of you.”

Casey swooned a little then fought for clarity as he turned his face to Ezekiel's. He nuzzled his nose against the line of the young man's jaw, whispering, “There're many words for that.”

Ezekiel sniffed, hard. “Tell me.”

Pushing his ass back to run it along Ezekiel's cock, Casey smiled. “Tell me how much you want to fuck me,” he said.

The word did many things, to many people-some good, some not good at all. As if Ezekiel had heard the word before, he moaned and took hold of Casey's throat, tight but gentle at the same time. “I want to fuck you,” he said.

“Then fuck me.”

That was all it took for Ezekiel to make a louder, heavier growl, position and start edging his way inside. Casey's chest hitched and stayed tight as he was pushed up against the wall, Ezekiel pushing on until his body was straight, tight like a bowstring, cock buried deep. He stayed still a moment, all to take greedy sniffs by Casey's ear and hair. “Fuck you,” he said in a voice Casey barely recognized, its sound so deep and angry. Casey swallowed and stayed still as Ezekiel moved back then forth, back, forth, until he acquired a solid, perfect rhythm with their bodies. Each grunt and growl he made was music, making Casey smile wide and move his knees apart further. Ezekiel made one hard, long thrust, making Casey meet the wall with his hands, cheek and chest-the rhythm then shifted, going more frenetic and fast-paced. Casey groaned and offered resistance in grabbing the headboard tight with both hands, going solid for Ezekiel to find perfect balance. One hand reached around from under Casey's arm to his opposite shoulder, while the other slid down to Casey's cock. He didn't waste time now, jerking him off in a steady, mind-blowing pace. Just the idea that he was concerned for Casey's pleasure, instead of his and his only, was enough to bring Casey to the edge.

“Oh god...” Casey punched out, shutting his eyes tight. The wave he rode now began crashing down and filling every pore with wild, exploding lust. He cried out as he came, splattering strings of milky white over the wood and Ezekiel's hand. The feel of teeth baring into the back of his neck sent the last of his orgasm straight to his brain like a knife, cutting it with pure, undiluted pleasure. He fell limp now, allowing Ezekiel to do as he wanted without resistance. It was all growls and teeth, both hands grabbing onto Casey as if Ezekiel was about to fall to his death. Deep groaning, a string of “Ah-ha-haa...”s and Ezekiel followed Casey into bliss; Casey's insides felt fire-hot, sending his eyes wide-open to stare at the wall and their shadows moving over it. A loud howl was made into Casey's teeth-dented skin, followed by three hard, halted thrusts... until Ezekiel slumped against Casey, panting heavily. After a few moments of post-coital bliss, he swallowed audibly.

“I'm... sorry.”

Casey frowned, chuckled and turned to face him. “For what? I liked that... liked it a lot.”

Ezekiel blinked fast. “No, your... neck.” He gave a light touch to what had to be blushing-hot-red skin, going by the tingly, sore feel his gentle fingers gave it. Casey sighed and leaned back.

“I'll wear high-collared shirts,” he said in a breathy murmur while nuzzling his cheek against Ezekiel's shoulder.

~*~

Never before had Casey enjoyed preparing a late lunch this much. Having an hour-long afterglow full of chuckles, gentle caresses and more 'kissing-lessons'--which Ezekiel was proving himself a star student in, at this point-Casey's belly had rumbled from hungry at the same time Ezekiel's had, causing MORE chuckle-fits. After a quick bath together, Casey had ventured down to the kitchen, where he prepared a simple meal of peanut-butter and honey sandwiches, raw vegetables and glasses of wine. It wasn't long before Ezekiel joined him, his smile still warm and sweet. Casey jumped when his long, strong arms came around him to hold Casey from behind. “Ezekiel...”

“No one's here. We're alone,” Ezekiel whispered in Casey's ear, dotting it with small kisses. He paused and looked down at the platter Casey was just finishing up. “What... is that?” he asked, pointing to the still-open jar of peanut-butter.

“Oh, you'll love it, I'm sure. Have a taste.” Casey lifted up the butterknife he'd used to spread the butter; he chuckled when Ezekiel cocked an eyebrow and gave it a wary gaze. “Oh, stop. TRY it.”

Ezekiel clucked his tongue then indeed took a taste, extending that tongue to the dab at the end. While Casey stared at Ezekiel's mouth movements, Ezekiel hummed and shrugged. “Yes, it's all right,” he said. “Sticky.”

“Mmm, after what we did? You shouldn't have any complaints about 'sticky',” Casey playfully replied. It earned him a pinch to the ass, making him yelp. “Fresh!”

It was then that a knock came from the back door; both boys froze, Ezekiel moving away slowly. Casey straightened and frowned. “Who could...”

“Casey? Are you home?”

Leigh. “Oh-coming!” Casey snapped out of the haze and looked to Ezekiel. “It's Leigh, I'd told her to come over-I forgot.” He looked to the sandwiches. “There are enough to share; we can always make more. Ezekiel, carry the tray for me, please, I'll get the wine.”

Ezekiel nodded, placed the plate of vegetables next to the main course and picked it up. “You never got to talk to her last night, did you?” he asked.

“No. I told her to come today,” Casey said.

“I'd wondered what had bothered you so, when you'd come back to the parlor.”

“Nothing, as I'd told you. Now come on,” Casey said, hoping he'd dismissed the issue enough as he took the wine and three glasses up. He only hoped Leigh didn't mind talking about whatever issues she and Robert had in front of Ezekiel; it'd have to do. Putting the best smile he had on his face, Casey left the kitchen, turned to the back of the house and opened the door. His smile went stone-like in seeing not just Leigh, but Robert as well. “Oh. Hello,” he said.

“Hello, darling.” Leigh leaned in to kiss his cheek, her own smile stiff. She nodded to Ezekiel, who nodded back-even if his eyes were set on her husband. Leigh didn't seem to notice as she cooed at the sight of their prepared lunch. “Oh, I hadn't realized you didn't have your lunch yet. A bit late, isn't it?”

“Oh...” Casey felt like he was blushing, hard. “Well, my parents left for the day. I'm ashamed to say that we JUST got out of our nightclothes.”

Leigh made a musical laugh. “As if THAT hasn't happened before, you lazy boy!”

“Hah, well... there's more than enough, for all of us. Erm...” Casey went over to the dining table in the garden, set the wine down and waved Ezekiel over. He took the tray and asked, “Ezekiel, could you run back inside to get a glass for Robert?”

Ezekiel nodded, but Robert raised a hand. “If... you'd please bring something non-alcoholic out for Leigh, that would be wonderful,” he told Ezekiel.

“Certainly,” Ezekiel blandly replied before heading back into the house.

“Um, well! I'm glad you came by for a visit. It would've gotten dreadfully boring, sitting around as we were,” Casey lied, utterly. “What brings you both here on this fine day?”

Leigh's smile dimmed as Robert pulled a seat back for her. Settling in, she cleared her throat and said, “Robert knows that you'd asked me to come over today. I knew why you had, and so does he.”

Casey froze mid-plating their sandwiches and flicked his eyes between them. After the odd, scary confrontation he'd had with Robert, he didn't know what to expect. “Oh?” he said in a croak.

Nodding, Leigh sighed. Robert stayed quiet, sitting in the chair next to her as she went on. “I think-we should have been more upfront as to why we're back, living with my grandmother. Seeing as you and your family have always been close friends, we should have trusted you to know... things.”

Ezekiel returned now, holding another glass and pitcher of apple juice. Robert gave him a muted thanks then, surprisingly, filled both Leigh's and his glass with the drink. Now Casey was grateful he hadn't sent Ezekiel away for this 'talk'. “As you just said; we're friends. BEST friends, Leigh. You can trust us,” he said.

“I know.” Leigh's smile went away entirely now as she looked to her husband. “Robert?”

The man sat straighter then slumped down. A cigarette was brought out and lit; he looked solemn and defeated as he spoke. “Firstly... I am very sorry for my actions at the party, Casey. Very sorry. I was drunk and just... afraid, after seeing Mr. Ferst.”

“Your actions?”

The tone of Ezekiel's voice made Casey cringe. “Please, Ezekiel... it's all right,” he said, patting Ezekiel's arm. The young man turned stony eyes Casey's way.

“I'd like to know what he means by 'actions',” he said.

“I had-gotten rough with my questioning Casey, after running into him upstairs at his uncle's. I barely remember doing it at all,” Robert said. “I'm apologizing for it, greatly.”

“He'd just grabbed my arm-he was obviously upset,” Casey quickly filled in the blanks, but Ezekiel's expression only darkened.

“No one should grab anyone,” he said.

“And he's apologizing,” Casey said. “Please, Ezekiel; please.”

“It's all right to be angry about it. I just...” Robert took a deep breath before continuing on. “...It's why I'm here with Leigh today. You're owed explanations for my terrible behavior, and I didn't expect her to do it all for me.”

Casey nodded and poured out wine for he and Ezekiel, eyes set on Robert. “All right.”

“I... I've been a lot of trouble, sad to say, especially when it comes to Leigh. I'm surprised she hadn't confided in you, honestly, you being her best friend. I suppose it's due to some embarrassment... embarrassment of her husband, which is more than warranted,” Robert said. He took a hard puff from his cigarette and let it out with a hiss. “To be blunt, I've never been good with money, made too many bad decisions-been foolhardy when I should have thought better of it. It's always been with the best of intentions, of course. But... we're here, because...”

He couldn't seem to get it out; the conflict he wore in his face looked painful. Leigh sighed and showed him mercy in continuing on for him. “Robert has a very bad gambling problem, Casey. Very bad, especially after losing his job six months ago. We tried everything; we took out mortgage loans through our home, went to bank after bank, he searched for more work... it eventually brought us here.”

“Penniless. Penniless, with more debt than any reasonable person can handle,” Robert chimed in with a bitterness. He brought a hand to his forehead and rubbed at it. “We lost our home. I can't find work. And Leigh... is going to give birth to our child in less than two months...”

Getting the story was depressing; Casey shook his head. “I'm... so sorry,” he said.

“Hah, it's my fault. Perhaps if I'd spent more time looking for that job instead of bringing whatever coin we had to the races...” Robert stopped with a hiss, took a deep breath then shook his head. “...If Mr. Ferst hadn't said anything, I was worried because-the other reason we're here is to hide from those I owe money to. I simply don't have the funds they're owed, and I've been afraid... so afraid...”

“But... but I'm sure they'd be kind enough to work something out with you. Perhaps-they can take services, rather than cash...” Casey tried, but Leigh's shaking head stopped him cold.

“Casey, sweetheart... the debt is too high. Way too high,” she said. Casey blinked fast as he looked between them.

“What, how high?” he asked. The pause that followed made him uneasy. “It... hundreds? Th... thousands?”

“Close to two grand, yes,” Robert said in a spit.

“But how?”

“Casey-we already said, Robert... he has issues with gambling,” Leigh said with a pointed look.

Feeling deflated, Casey sank back against his chair. “I... I don't know what to say,” he said.

“Nothing TO say, Casey. After getting home with Leigh and... talking about this whole ordeal, we figured that it was best to be honest with you. Especially after what I'd done,” Robert said. He sounded honestly sorry; Casey nodded.

“I appreciate it, Robert. I really do,” he said. “Thank you for trusting us like this. I'm worried for you, of course, but knowing what's happening... at least I know.”

“Thank you-for taking my apology, Casey. I'm sorry, for everything. I know I've been a grumpy puss about everything lately...” Robert shot a quick glance to Leigh, who wore an all-knowing, almost-smile. “...I promise, I'm going to do my best to settle down and work things out.”

Casey nodded and bit his lip, thinking hard. “My... Uncle, he's the president of Barclay's. I'm sure, given references from me, perhaps even my father, he could--”

“No, Casey. No,” Leigh interrupted, shaking her head again. “We can't do that. Even if your uncle wanted to give loans out of kindness, there's no money coming to pay him back with. I'd rather not put your name on the line.”

“It was just an idea. This makes me so sad-I want to help,” Casey said.

“I know, sweetheart. You've always been a friend-the best there is.” Leigh reached across the table to squeeze his hand, her smile returning now. “I love you and that big heart you carry.”

Casey smiled and squeezed back. “I'm positive things will work out for you both. Wandsworth is a very understanding town; maybe a shop would be willing to hire you,” he told Robert, who gave him a blank look. “Mr. Danbury might be looking for help. He often talks about how he needs to hire someone, instead of working the fabric shop by himself.”

A wry expression came over Robert's face. “I know beggars can't be choosers... but I'd never make a quarter of the wages I did at Danbury's shop than I did at my old job,” he said.

“What are you making now?” Ezekiel chimed in to ask. Robert turned to look at him.

“What?”

“Ezekiel...” Casey said.

“I don't want to be... a confront, it's to say I would take whatever I could,” Ezekiel said.

Robert cocked an eyebrow. “I think you mean you don't want to be 'confrontational'.”

“Yes, that.”

Casey closed his eyes and sighed. “I... no one's eaten anything yet. Let's do so, before the sandwiches grow stale, yes?” he said. Luckily, everyone's attention turned to the food. Though it was a quiet meal, Casey figured it was better than a loud one.

~*~

“I don't trust him.”

It was the first thing Ezekiel had said after finishing lunch. Now in the kitchen getting a quick dessert of shortbread, Casey sighed. “I don't either, Ezekiel... but we can do nothing about it,” he said in a hushed voice. “We can only hope for the best.”

“What of Leigh?” Ezekiel asked pointedly.

“She's already decided to trust us, telling us their story. She knows now that if she needs to talk again, or... come to us in any way, she can,” Casey replied. Casey finished putting the biscuits on the tray then took it up. He turned to Ezekiel and bit his lip. “Don't misunderstand me; I'm not being flippant, I'm concerned as well. Leigh has been my friend for ages, and thinking about her being in trouble-especially if it's been put upon her by someone else...”

Ezekiel sniffed. “That's what Robert brings-trouble. He may have con... confi...”

“Confided?”

Rolling his eyes, Ezekiel looked away as if embarrassed. “He may have told us, being honest. But it feels more to move suspicion away from himself.”

“Casey?”

Both boys turned to the door, hearing Leigh calling out. Casey cleared his throat, gave Ezekiel a quick look of warning and exited. He found Leigh on the stoop of the back door, looking in. “Coming! And with something sweet, to boot,” he cheerfully replied.

“Actually, sweetheart, we're going to head back to my grandmother's,” Leigh said. She glanced back to look at Robert, who was stacking their dirty dishes and utensils back at the table. “I think Robert wants to sit and be by himself in the sitting room for a while.”

“Oh. Well... why don't you stay?” Casey asked.

Leigh smiled fondly. “Thank you, Casey, but... Bernice is spending the day at her mother's, so I'll be covering for her in the kitchen. Robert loves my cooking.”

Casey nodded slowly, though he felt odd. For a man who didn't want his wife to strain herself or eat sweets while pregnant, Robert didn't seem to mind putting her to work, pleasing him with food. Nonetheless, Casey smiled, if only for Leigh's sake. “I understand. Just...” He paused to check on Robert; with the man still distracted with the tableware, Casey leaned in to murmur, “Don't pause for a moment if you need someone to talk to. I'm here, if you need me.”

Leigh blinked furiously as she blushed and looked to her belly. She ran her hand over it, nodding. “I will, Casey. Thank you.” She looked up again and went in for a small, friendly hug. When she pulled away, she put her hand to the back of his neck and looked him in the eye. “And you heed your own words, as well. The attention your family's...”

Her sudden pause made Casey frown. “What? What is it?” he asked, but he froze when he felt her fingers rub against the exposed skin of his nape. It sent small shivers of pain...

“What... what happened?” she asked as she went to look. Casey darted away, chuckling nervously.

“It's nothing, nothing-I--I was bitten by a spider, and...”

It was too late. Pregnant or no, Leigh remained quick on her feet; she turned Casey halfway, tugged Casey's collar down a bit and hopped around to look. She gasped at what she found. “Casey, is that...”

“Hah, what goes on here?”

Robert's sudden appearance made both of them jump. “Oh!” Casey gasped and struggled to smile again. He knew how forced it looked, but Robert only smirked.

“Watch out now, Casey; I've never had issue with Leigh keeping another man as a friend, but...”

“Hah, no... no, darling, it's-Casey got himself a nasty insect bite, is all,” Leigh said while quickly covering it back up with the collar. “That's what he gets for rolling around in his mother's gardens like an excited child all the time.”

Robert nodded, shrugged then presented Leigh with her jacket. She slipped it on, all while staring at Casey with an intense gaze. “It... was a lovely luncheon, Casey. Thank you,” she said.

“You're welcome. Perhaps we can do it again-before it gets cold outside,” Casey replied, though he already felt a shiver go up and down his spine. He saw Leigh's eyes snap up to look over Casey's shoulders; Casey turned his head and found Ezekiel emerge from the kitchen.

“Yes. I'll call on you soon. Goodbye, Casey... Ezekiel,” Leigh said.

All Casey could do was give them each a nod; once they'd made their way through the gardens and to the trail leading to Mrs. Everett's, Casey sank against the doorway with a groan. “Oh... dear,” he said in a long, drawn-out sigh.

“What happened?” Ezekiel asked.

“She saw my neck... where you'd...” Casey sighed again and shook his head. “She knew what they were, and who gave them to me.”

All Ezekiel did for a few moments was blink wildly. “Does she know-about you?”

Casey sniffed then rubbed his nose, which had started to itch. “She was the first person I'd told,” he softly replied. Thinking back to that very day, he couldn't help from making a bittersweet smile. “We were only fifteen, sitting under the apple trees munching away. She decided to bring up a game; 'truth or dare'; if you choose truth, you're asked a question that you have to answer honestly, dare... well, you're dared to do something silly. I kept choosing truth-everyone does-and she asked me, 'If you could marry any woman, who would it be?' I froze up. I couldn't get anything out, couldn't lie. I started getting upset and just... broke down and told her.”

“What did she do?” Ezekiel asked, now standing against the other side of the doorway.

“She sat there staring at me for a bit, then... gave me a hug,” Casey replied. His smile broadened. “I'd always known that I could trust her, and that she wouldn't shame me for being who I was. Since that day, she'd come to me for honest opinions when it came to suitors... mostly having to do with how good-looking or not they were.”

Ezekiel chuckled a little. “That sounds nice,” he said.

“Yes.” Casey looked to the woods, his smile dying down. “I'd told her that Robert was good-looking enough... but didn't honestly like him. Too fond of drink, cold...”

“We can hope... as you said,” Ezekiel replied.

Casey nodded, looked to Ezekiel and sighed. He moved to the tall, lean young man and embraced him, arms going around the young man tight. They stayed like that for a while, with Ezekiel nuzzling his cheek against the top of Casey's head.

~*~