Vin Tanner rode out of town for his usual morning patrol. Although, he was keenly aware of what was going on around him, Vin was mentally focused on a problem he’d been wrestling with for the past few days. Unconsciously, his right hand rose to pat his chest, reassuring himself that the key to his lover’s room was still there. It rested safely hidden beneath his shirt, securely hanging around his neck from a thin strip of rawhide, just as it had for the past three months.

It was so much more than just a key. Only three days after they had become lovers, Ezra Standish had given it to Vin. It was a genuine, tangible display of trust, love and affection. It gave Vin free access to Ezra’s room, to all that he possessed, and most importantly, to the man himself. That was something, which to Vin’s knowledge, no one else could actually lay claim to. Vin couldn’t help but see it as a symbol of Ezra’s feelings for him.

And there was more that Ezra had given him over the past few months. The wily cardsharp let him make use of his personal library, expanding Vin’s knowledge of the world, as well as giving him the opportunity to practice his hard won literacy. He trusted Vin to handle his books with the respect, and care, such beautiful volumes deserved. He shared his expensive, hard to come by, single malt scotch. He routinely handed out candy to the children he’d been teaching, but always made sure to save a piece or two for Vin, indulging the tracker’s infamous sweet tooth. He tolerantly provided Vin with stories of the places he’d been, never hesitating to regale the tracker with tales of places, and people Vin hadn’t even known existed until meeting Ezra.

Vin had returned the favor, sharing of himself with Ezra, the same way the gambler had with him. Vin had told him stories of his past, educating Ezra on the different tribes, their languages and customs. To his amazement, Ezra had listened with rapt attention, clearly interested in those stories, often drawing comparisons between the tribes and what he called, ‘aboriginal people of other countries and continents’. The tracker had shyly asked Mrs. Anders, the owner and cook at the restaurant, to have pies on hand, always aiming for Ezra’s favorite. He made a point of watching Ezra’s back while he played poker, ensuring this lover’s safety as well as he could.

But what was playing on Vin’s mind was that Ezra didn’t have a key, or more accurately, a token or symbol of Vin’s love, something he could touch, see, and hang on to when everything else faded to a dim memory. Since he’d gotten the key, Vin found himself playing with it, often using it as a center point. His fingers would run over it again and again, helping him balance his thoughts and emotions. Even when they were apart, Vin had this solid, immutable proof of their connection, their love. It was comforting, and reassuring, to a man who’d spent a fair amount of his life with little he could actually hold on to.

Vin’s mother had died when he was five, leaving him essentially alone in the world and on his own. He’d didn’t have much that he could call his own, always moving from place to place. Anything he couldn’t wear, or carry, often got left behind. Vin learned early in life that it was best not to become too attached to places or things. When he rode out of town each morning, every thing he needed to survive, and every thing he valued went with him. With the exception of his friends, especially Ezra, all else he left behind was unimportant, and could be easily replaced.

Ezra’s childhood, despite having a mother, or rather perhaps because of his mother, had been decidedly similar to Vin’s. The others might believe Ezra’s books, wardrobe, and fancy doodads were incredibly important to him, but Vin knew better. Yes, all those things mattered, and were valued, but Ezra could walk away from most of them without looking back or feeling regret. They could be replaced, and had been many times before.

Both men had things they routinely never went anywhere without, aside from their weaponry, there were items of profound sentimental importance. Vin’s knife was one. It had been a gift from a long time friend. For Ezra, it was the pocket watch he always wore. It had been belonged to comrade in arms who’d died saving Ezra’s life at the battle of Antietam.

The tracker knew without a doubt that Ezra would treasure a token of affection from him. And he wanted to give Ezra something. Something that would express how he felt, and would provide for Ezra the same sense of permanence and security that the key to Ezra’s room gave Vin.

There in lay the problem. He didn’t know what to give him. Vin wanted something that would suit Ezra. Something that struck the same chord for the gambler as it did for the tracker. They were sometimes so different, that Vin worried about misjudging what would make the right gift.

It shouldn’t matter, or have even been an issue that Vin debated internally for the past few days. But it did, and it had been. He knew Ezra would appreciate anything he gave him. Ezra didn’t honestly seem to expect Vin to give him any more than the pleasure of his company, his love and his time. And maybe that was why it did matter. Because Ezra gave so much, and expected so little, Vin wanted him to know it was appreciated. That if it was possible, he’d give Ezra the world. All the other man had to do was ask for it, and Vin would do his level best to get it. It never occurred to Vin that his willingness to do so was all Ezra wanted or needed.

The key suited Vin. It was such a simple thing, utilitarian and plain, but Vin had no intention of ever parting with it. Not even if Ezra moved, and it no longer served its original purpose of granting him access to Ezra’s sanctuary. It was his.

Vin sighed heavily. If Ezra were a woman, he could simply give him a ring. It was traditional. Something expected, and readily understood, a symbol nearly as old as the sacrament of marriage. ’Cept we ain’t really married. Well, not in the usual sense anyway. Think o’ us as married. Know Ez does too. ’Sides, Ez already has two rings. Can’t see him wantin’ another one.

Ezra always wore on one hand a plain, unadorned gold ring, which looked like it might have been a wedding band once, and on the other one, he wore a ring set with a square cut ruby. After they had gotten together as a couple, Vin had found himself wondering what had happened to Ezra’s wife, and what sort of woman had captured his heart. He knew something must have happened to her, because the gambler would never have gotten involved with him if the lady in question was still out there. Ezra took the promises he made seriously, and Vin couldn’t see the man ever cheating on a woman he’d promised to love forever. In moments of honest reflection, Vin wanted to know if he measured up to this mystery woman.

So, a few weeks ago, when they were alone in Ezra’s room, Vin screwed up his courage, and asked Ezra, "Ez…want happened to your wife?"

"Wife?" Ezra had raised both eyebrows, clearly confused by the question.

Vin tapped the gold band on his hand, his touch hesitant and wary. Ezra had just smiled, and shook his head, cupping Vin’s face with both hands. He placed a tender kiss on Vin’s forehead, before pulling away giving Vin a smile. The smile was soft, and warm, easing the nervousness Vin had felt. A man’s past was not something to be taken lightly or delved into without a certain amount of caution. Chris Larabee tended to waffle between violent and sullen whenever the subject of his deceased family came up. Vin had been worried that he might have unintentionally trespassed with Ezra by raising the issue.

"I was never married, Vin." Ezra’s tone was as soft and warm as his smile. Green eyes sent messages of reassurance as well. "The ring was ante in a poker game several years ago. It fit, and I kept it."

"Why?" Vin had asked. Ezra didn’t seem inclined to keep other items from the many poker games Vin had observed over the past year. He had wondered what made this ring worth hanging on to.

Ezra shrugged one shoulder, and waved a hand in a vague, meaningless gesture. "Because gold is always good currency, no matter what form it takes. Rings are easy to transport, and this one is unlikely to raise eyebrows, or garner much recognition the way a more distinctive piece of jewelry might."

Vin nodded, understanding Ezra’s logic. He’d seen barter used more often than not in this part of the world when paper money was sometimes suspect. Particularly right after the war. And Vin could readily understand getting rid of a more identifiable piece of jewelry. Not everything offered in a poker game came without a past that was suspect. It made sense for Ezra not to hang on to something that might be traced back to him or attract undo attention. His profession made enough enemies without adding to it.

Vin tapped the ruby ring, deciding since he was already committed to a course of action, he might as well go all the way. "And this one?"

"My inheritance." Ezra stated calmly.

"Your daddy?" Vin had asked, surprised. Ezra never mentioned his father.

"No." Ezra shook his head in firm denial. "My uncle Malcolm."

"The one who taught ya how to use a sling, and a bow? The guy who taught at West Point?" Vin remembered Ezra mentioning the man only once. It was one of the first pieces of Ezra’s past he’d been given.

"The one and the same." Ezra grinned, clearly pleased that Vin had remembered those details. "He left it to me in his will. Evidently, I made a rather favorable impression on the man in the brief time I stayed with him."

Vin shook his head, snapping back to the present when Peso shied at his own shadow. "Knock that off, ya knot head." Vin lightly slapped the horse’s neck in reprimand, easily preventing the gelding from shying any further.

Vin sighed. None of his earlier thoughts really got him any closer to finding a solution to his current problem. He’d considered asking Chris, but rejected the idea. Not that Chris might not have some good ideas. Vin was fairly certain his best friend would have something to offer. But the gunslinger had only courted women. And Vin had a feeling any suggestion his best friend might have simply wouldn’t apply where Ezra was concerned. Same held true for Buck Wilmington. The ladies man might now a great deal about what to give a woman when courting her favor, but somehow Vin didn’t think that would translate will to courting Ezra.

We’re not exactly courtin’ either. Might be easier if we was. Sort of did all that when we was getting ta be friends. Which is s’posed ta the whole point of courtin’ …getting ta know each other. I don’t think flowers or sweet words is what Ez would be wantin’ from me. Ain’t what I want from him, know that much. An’ ya can’t hold any o’ those things in yer hand.

Vin had idly wondered if a woman’s point of view might not be more helpful. Can’t hurt. He wasn’t too far from Nettie Welles’ ranch. Maybe she would have an idea of what he could do. Lord knows I’m not getting anywhere on my own. Jus’ have to find a way to ask that won’t let the cat outta the bag.

So far the only ones Vin and Ezra told about their relationship were Buck and Chris. They had decided early on that simply broadcasting their liaison was not a good idea. The reigning moral code, and Christian sensibility being what it was, neither man felt their romantic involvement would be readily accepted by the townspeople. And both men were aware that it would take just one of their fellow peacekeepers’ disgust, dismay, displeasure, or whatever negative emotion one might care to express, to create an irreparable rift among them. Vin and Ezra had agreed to behave in a sensible fashion toward one another when in public, and to honestly answer questions, if and when, they were asked. They were not going to live a lie, but they were not going to openly subject themselves to ridicule and persecution either. To date, only Chris and Buck had noticed anything sufficiently out of the ordinary to raise the question.

Chris had noticed almost immediately a new closeness between them. But his acceptance had started out as shaky, almost hesitant, and definitely conditional. And had stayed that way until two months ago, when he’d finally come to terms with them being a couple. While a lot of Vin’s anger at what Chris had to say initially had leaked through, Vin had been careful not to let his friend know just how disappointed he’d been. He was equally careful not to let on how pleased and gratified he was to finally receive unconditional acceptance.

Vin had chosen to respond calmly, knowing a matter-of-fact approach would be the best. The gunslinger had needed that time to come around, and realize Vin’s relationship with Ezra was really no different than the one Chris’ had with his wife, Sarah. Vin meant what he said to Chris; it didn’t matter how long he took to get there, just as long as he did. Their friendship remained sound throughout, and was as strong or stronger than it had ever been.

Buck, on the other hand, had been immediately comfortable with the whole situation, something that had amazed Vin. The tracker simply hadn’t expected a confirmed lover of woman to understand his and Ezra’s desire to be with each other. He had expected Buck to find the idea of two men in love with each to be as alien a concept as a man learning to fly. But the tall cowboy had been far more at ease, and more informed than Vin ever thought possible. Buck hadn’t been the least bit judgemental, and much to Vin’s embarrassment, Ezra’s prediction of the ladies man asking intimate questions had been accurate. Whenever Buck could catch Vin alone, he seemed to delight in teasing Vin about his sex life, always attempting to get a rise out of the laid back tracker. So far, Vin had succeeded in maintaining his composure and continued to hold the upper hand, in no small part because he realized Buck’s teasing signaled genuine acceptance.

As far as he knew, Buck had given up trying to get the better of Ezra. The gambler was just too sharp-tongued, and sharp-witted for Buck to ever really stand a chance. Vin couldn’t help but smile thinking there wasn’t anyone in town who really bested Ezra when it came to words.

Vin shook his head, bemused by the whole situation. He might be able to read people well most of the time, but there were still times when they left him completely mystified. Never can tell how people will react ta somethin’. Jus’ when ya think ya got ‘em pinned down they go and jump sideways on ya.

He bit his lip, wondering if he would be able to ask Nettie for her advice without actually telling her about being involved with Ezra. The old woman was special to him. And he respected her opinion. The last thing he wanted was for her to be disappointed in him, or to find fault with his choices. He didn’t think she would be, but there was only one way to know for certain.

Vin ran his thumb thoughtfully across his lower lip. She don’t always think too highly of Ez. But he’s a damn good man, with a lot o’ heart. An’ I think she’s beginin’ ta see that.

Nettie still referred to Ezra as ‘fancy man’. But the term no longer sounded derogatory. When she called him that now, it was almost a tease, closer to a nickname than an insult. Ezra, for his part, seemed to delight in aggravating her by treating her as the lady she claimed not to be, using an almost exaggerated courtesy at times just to get her wound up. He had told Vin once it was fun to see her eyes flash. Ezra said he could picture her as the fiery young woman she must have been. And Vin had to admit his lover wasn’t wrong. Nettie looked, and acted, a good twenty years younger than her age when she and Ezra were verbally sparring.

Know she likes him. Even if she don’t want to admit it. She might not ever see him the way I do, and I guess she ain’t really gotta.

He grinned suddenly thinking that he really didn’t want other people to see Ezra the same way he did. No one else got to see the gambler with his hair mussed up from fingers being run though it, curling wildly in abandon. Or with his clothes in disarray, jacket off and shirt half undone. No one else got to see Ezra’s eyes light up with joy, and passion, all his usual walls and shields temporarily down. Or see his expression so innocent when he slept, his whole body relaxed and at ease. Those were for Vin alone.

Vin forcefully redirected his thoughts. Even if Nettie thought the world o’ him don’t mean she’d be all that keen on my bein’ with a man. Can’t quite figure out how ta ask her what would make a good gift with out tellin’ her I want ta give it to Ezra. I already know I ain’t real good at lying. Maybe I shouldn’t ask her.

Vin sighed. He knew the best person to ask was Ezra, but that would sort of defeat the purpose. Ain’t a gift if ya got ta ask for it. And if I tell him I want to give him somethin’, I already know he’d tell me it weren’t necessary.

Nettie seemed like the easiest person to ask, but he’d never discussed with Ezra letting her know about them. He didn’t really think his lover would object. But Vin knew assuming things was a bad idea. It might be better to wait and talk to Ezra. See if the gambler minded him telling Nettie. But then he couldn’t exactly tell Ezra the truth about why he wanted to tell Nettie about them.

Vin snorted, disgusted with himself. Back to square one. Feel like a dog chasing my tail here. This would be a whole lot easier if I was a better liar.

Still undecided, Vin rode into the central yard of the Welles’ ranch. He smiled when Nettie stepped out on to the porch, her carbine rifle held ready. She was deadly with it, and just as capable as any man he knew. Her tough, unyielding nature was one of the things he liked about her. She was a survivor.

He stopped Peso just a few feet from the porch, and crossed his forearms, resting them on the pommel of his saddle horn. "Mornin’, Miss Nettie."

She smiled in response, setting her carbine down next to the door. "Well, Vin, good ta see ya boy." She waved a hand at him. "Get down, get down. Rest yer horse, and set a spell."

Nettie settled herself on the near by chair as Vin swung out of the saddle easily. He leaned carelessly against the porch pillar, and glanced around for Nettie’s niece, Casey. The teenage girl was usually popping up the minute he arrived, eager to hear about what was going on in town. Not that Vin ever said enough to appease her curiosity. Bet she loves it when Ezra stops by. He knows more’n anybody else what all is going on and don’t mind sharin’ information.

"Where’s Casey?"

Nettie rolled her eyes, and grimaced. It was an expression Vin knew was more for show than anything else. Nettie loved her niece dearly. "Finished her chores early so she could go off riding. Like as not she’ll be meeting up with JD."

Vin raised an eyebrow, noting an odd mixture of tolerant acceptance, and faint disapproval. He knew Nettie liked JD, and thought well of the young sheriff. But she just couldn’t bring herself to openly condone two younger people spending much unsupervised time together. Nettie seemed inclined to take the safety of her ward very seriously. She didn’t want the young lady to end up in the family way at too young an age, or become too serious too fast about the first boy who’d turned her fancy.

Not that JD would do anythin’ ta hurt Casey…but can’t really stop someone from worrying ‘bout their loved ones. Even if the worry ain’t got a basis in fact. Know that from jus’ worrying ‘bout Ez. He can take care o’ hisself, but that don’t me I don’t worry alla time ‘bout him.

"They’ll be fine." Vin said, knowing his statement was unnecessary, and likely to be unwelcome.

Nettie just looked at him, letting him know Casey damn well better be or there would be hell to pay. Her look changed swiftly to one of slightly embarrassed contrition. She waved a hand in dismissal. "I know JD’s on his way to being a good man, and he wouldn’t hurt Casey, but well, sometimes old habits die hard. Been lookin’ after that girl since she was in diapers. Forget sometimes she ain’t still in ‘em."

Vin grinned, not the least bit offended. "I know."

"So what brings you by?" Nettie leaned back in her chair, her blue eyes steadily regarding Vin.

"Peso." Vin hadn’t been able to resist the smart ass answer.

Nettie pointed a finger at him in warning, but her eyes were twinkling. "That’ll be enough of that, young man."

"Yes, ma’am." Vin tipped his head.

"Now then, why are ya here?"

Vin shrugged. "Ridin’ patrol. Was in the neighborhood. Figured I’d check on ya. Make sure everythin’ is all right here."

Nettie snorted. "I don’t need lookin’ after. Been takin’ care o’ myself since before you was born."

Vin smiled slightly, lips quirking upward. "Yes, Ma’am."

Nettie picked up a bowl of snapping beans that had been sitting next to her chair, and set to work on them. "Since yer here, ya might as well make yerself useful, and tell me what’s goin’ on in town."

It took several minutes to bring Nettie up to speed. It wasn’t that much happened in town on any given day, but she hadn’t been to town for a month or more. It was generally through conversation with the peacekeepers that she kept informed of what was going on. Vin was the one who stopped most often, but he seldom had time to stop every day.

Nettie eyed him sharply. "What’s bothering you?"

"Nothing."

Nettie raised both eyebrows. "Yer mind is somewhere else." She stated firmly, daring him to argue.

Vin shifted his weight slightly. He couldn’t lie to her so he just nodded once. "Been thinkin’ on somethin’."

She smiled gently, nodding her head in encouragement. "Something I can help with?"

"Don’t rightly know." Vin sighed.

"Well, why don’t you ask me, and we’ll go from there." Nettie offered, her ever practical nature shining through that statement.

Okay. Vin took a deep breath. Maybe this might be better to go at it in a round about way. "When you and your husband were courtin’….Did he ever give you any thing…a token of his affections?"

"You mean like flowers, candy and the like?"

"Yeah." Good a place as anywhere ta start.

Nettie smiled, eyes bright with mischief. "You sweet on someone, Vin Tanner?"

Vin looked away, and could feel the blush warming his face. He knew Nettie had seen it when she chuckled softly. Vin shook his head. Damn. Didn’t want ta do that.

"Ain’t nothin’ to be ashamed of Vin." She waited for him to look up, hard blue eyes pinning him in place. "Less’n she’s already promised ta someone else." There was a reprimand in her tone. Nettie knew about Charlotte Richmond, and she had let Vin know in her own terms how little she thought of his behavior during that whole incident. While she didn’t hold him totally at fault, she still thought his plan to run away with a married woman was foolhardy to say the least.

"Ain’t like that." Vin was quick to reassure her. Ezra isn’t anything like Charlotte. Not one bit. And he ain’t promised to anyone else.

"Good." Nettie nodded, satisfied with his answer. "So, you tryin’ ta figure out what ta give her? Let her know you’re sparkin’ on her?"

He shrugged one shoulder. Most of that is about right. "Somethin’ like that."

Nettie pursed her lips. "You know her well?"

After a moment of reflection on whether not he should correct Nettie’s assumption it was a woman, and deciding not to, Vin nodded.

Nettie paused for a second, eyes narrowed. She’d caught his hesitation, but didn’t call him on it. "So then you got an idea o’ what she likes?"

Vin nodded again. Got real good idea of what Ezra likes, but I don’t see how that’s gonna help. Already thought about all that this for last few days.

"Then all you have to do is give her something she likes. Every woman likes to feel special. And they all like getting pretty things. Flowers cover both bases. One o’ the reasons they are so popular."

Vin sighed. Can’t give Ezra flowers. "Want something more permanent than flowers. Flowers die, fade. Want something that lasts."

Nettie smiled. "You plannin’ on marrin’ her?"

"Would if I could." That slipped out before Vin had a chance to stop it.

Nettie’s eyes flashed, smile vanishing. "Thought you said she wasn’t promised to anyone else. You lie to me boy?" Her tone was sharp, demanding.

"No." Vin hung his head. "Not exactly."

Nettie waited, hands poised over the bowl of beans. When Vin didn’t say anything else, she sighed softly. "Why don’t you start at the beginning? I seem to be missin’ some pieces here."

Vin shifted restlessly, wishing fervently he’d just kept his mouth shut. Shoulda never even stopped here. Was a bad idea. Should a just talked to Ez.

"Ain’t a she." He finally mumbled, knowing he wouldn’t get away without answering Nettie.

"Speak up boy." She ordered calmly. "I didn’t hear that."

"I said, it ain’t a she. The one I’m sweet on." Vin braced himself for a negative reaction, but knowing he really couldn’t back away. "Ain’t a woman."

Nettie stared at him. "Excuse me?"

"It’s a man, Nettie."

Nettie pursed her lips giving him a hard look. "He know how you feel or you looking for a way to tell him?"

Vin blinked in surprise, caught off guard. That wasn’t the question he was expecting. "He knows."

"Well, you ain’t sportin’ any bruises or bullet holes, so I’m guessing he weren’t too upset."

"No, he wasn’t upset." Vin confirmed her assumption.

"He feel the same way then?" Nettie looked concerned, and that reassured Vin immensely. She wasn’t angry with him, and she didn’t look disgusted.

"Yeah." Vin grinned. "He feels the same way."

"Good." Nettie nodded, and relaxed in her chair. "Can’t tell how a man might react to find out something like that. You don’t need any trouble on that account. Got more than enough all on yer own."

"You ain’t…offended?" Vin asked, suddenly needing to know for certain that he hadn’t miss read her.

Nettie rolled her eyes. "You’d think after knowin’ me this long, you’d know by now that if I was offended, you sure as hell wouldn’t have to ask, you’d already know."

Vin hung his head again, contrite. "Sorry."

Nettie sighed. "Ain’t nothin’ to be sorry for. I know you just wanted ta be sure." She sent him a sly look. "Imagine this isn’t quite the reaction you were expecting."

"No, Ma’am." Not even close.

Nettie cackled. "Good. Hate to be actin’ like every other fool you meet."

Vin smiled. "Never thought you was a fool."

She nodded, accepting that statement, knowing he meant it. "So why don’t you ask me what you really wanted to ask earlier?"

"Weren’t all that far off really." Vin smiled slightly, feeling the tightness in his chest easing. Trust her not to get distracted for long. "I want ta give him something. Something real. Something he can hang on to when everything else fades away…you know?"

For a moment Nettie’s eyes took on a far away look "I know, son. I know exactly what you mean."

Encouraged by her statement, Vin continued speaking. "But it ain’t like courtin’ a woman." Vin waved a hand in frustration. "Don’t want to insult him. Don’t want him to think I really want him to be somethin’ he’s not. Need to give him something that would be right for him. And still let him know how I feel."

"Ah." Nettie nodded, her fingers still busy snapping beans. "Can see where that would be a mite difficult. Ain’t all that common for men ta give other men things, unless it’s a father to his son. Romance usually focuses on what a man is s’posed to be givin’ a woman."

She raised hand to rub her chin, pondering Vin’s problem. "So you thought what? Maybe ask me what I gave my husband, and see if it fit better?"

Vin nodded. "Wasn’t getting too far on my own. Thought a woman’s point o’ view might be better."

"Not a bad idea." Nettie commented after a moment of thought. She shrugged one shoulder, resuming her snapping. "Might help if you told me who he is."

"Can’t." Vin sighed softly, shaking his head with genuine regret. "We sort o’ decided not to tell people less’n they ask us. And I didn’t tell him I’d be talkin’ to you about this. Wouldn’t be right to tell you without talkin’ to him first." It was bad enough he felt like he was betraying Ezra by having this conversation. He wasn’t going to make it worse.

"He ashamed o’ being with you? That why he don’t want anyone to know?"

"No, he ain’t ashamed. I ain’t ashamed o’ him either." Vin stated fiercely. He straightened up, posture stiff. "Got a home here, a place we really belong for the first time in a long time. Don’t want ta lose that jus’ cause us bein’ together ain’t what most people think is normal. An’ like ya said before, got enough trouble in my life without borrowing more. We ain’t lying to anyone, we just ain’t advertisin’ the fact the we’s together."

Nettie held up a hand in a pacifying gesture, her expression one of understanding. "My mistake, Vin. I meant no insult."

Vin felt his face warm again for the second time in one day. "Sorry, Ma’am. Didn’t mean ta—", Vin stopped not exactly knowing just how to describe his out burst. He tried again. "I know ya didn’t mean anything bad. Know you was jus’ watchin’ out for me."

She smiled at him. "No harm done." Her expression turned rueful. "And it didn’t hurt for me to know that. Don’t want you getting involved with someone else who’s just gonna trample on yer feelings."

You and me both. Once was more than enough ta learn my lesson. Vin cocked his head to one side, studying his friend. "Ya don’t mind my sayin’, you seem to be taking all this in stride."

Nettie laughed lightly, a gleam in her eyes. "Vin Tanner, I learned a long time ago there is more to livin’ than just surviving. Havin’ someone share the burdens of life definitely falls on the livin’ side o’ things. An’ there’s no way ta tell which person is gonna be the right one ta share them with. Don’t think the Almighty really intended for it ta always about whether or not it was a man and a woman. Sometimes it’s jus’ about findin’ the one person who makes you want to keep going. Who makes getting up every morning a little less o’ a chore. Someone who brings out the sun on a cloudy day."

She casually shrugged one shoulder, a faint smile gracing her face. "I’ve seen all kinds come through this country. Only ones who really ever make it are the ones with someone they can count on, share with, talk to and laugh with. Life is hard out here. Worse when you’re alone."

She took a deep breath. "Me and my husband came here with nothing, and fought hard to make a go of it. Fought with the weather, the big cattlemen, the sheep herders, and the Indians. Sometimes fought each other too." Her eyes crinkled at the corners, amusement readily visible. There was no doubt that she still love the man she’d married so many years ago.

"If it weren’t for him…well, I’d have survived, don’t get me wrong." The statement wasn’t her bragging. It was a simple fact that Nettie Welles was not the sort to just lay down and wait for life to beat her. "But I wouldn’t have enjoyed the fight nearly as much. Probably wouldn’t have lasted this long either."

Vin looked at her in amazement. Never quite expected that. Damn. People always jumping sideways when ya least expect ‘em too.

Nettie put down her bowl, and rubbed her hands together. "Now then, you need ta give this man o’ yours something."

"Yes, Ma’am."

Nettie nodded and smiled warmly at him. "When I was a young girl, I had hair dark as a raven’s feather. Hung down to my waist. My husband loved playing with it." Her smiled became fondly reminiscent. "He even learned to braid it for me. Could do a better job of it than I could truth be told."

She flashed Vin a quick grin. "But then I was a better shot than he was, so I guess it all balanced out."

Vin grinned back. "Don’t have any trouble believin’ that."

"Anyway…whenever he had ta leave…go to town and such, said the thing he missed the most was my hair. So…I cut a lock off and braided it for him. He used to wear it all the time tied around his wrist. Had ta replace it a time or two, but he never went anywhere without it. Truth be told, he was buried with it. Said he wanted to have something ta hang on to while he waited for me ta join him in the hear after."

He considered her suggestion. It was something that hadn’t occurred to him. Ez likes my hair. Says he likes the way it feels running through his fingers. An’ I like havin’ him brush it.

"Know my hair’s longer’n most men’s, but don’t think it’s long enough ta do that, Miss Nettie. " Vin shook his head slightly. Ez ain’t a big man, and it probably wouldn’t take much ta make a braid long enough for him ta wear. But there’s somethin’ else ta think about here. "An’ not sure if he’d want ta wear somethin’ other people might see and ask about. We been real good ‘bout not showin’ too much in front o’ other people. "

Nettie shrugged. "Don’t have to be long enough ta circle his wrist. Could just braid a love knot for him. That can be pretty much any length or size ya want, and he could carry it anywhere."

Vin frowned. "Love knot?" Never heard o’ that one.

Nettie got up. "Let me get some string and I’ll show ya. Ain’t hard to do." Nettie stepped inside the house and returned a moment later. Her hands might be gnarled with age, and years of hard work, but her fingers were still adept enough to handle showing Vin how to tie knots. As she worked on it she explained the meaning of the knot.

"Ya can really make these outta anythin’. Girls used ta use ribbons off the flowers their fellas gave them. Saw a man with one made outta lace from his sweetheart’s weddin’ vail." She focused for a moment on the string she was working with, smoothing the line and making sure the tension was even, before she continued speaking.

"Used to be, you intertwined something of your loved one’s in with this. So it represented both of ya. Was meant to show a long life, and life long love."

Vin grinned, finding her explanation fitting, even as his fingers fumbled to master what she was showing him. Never woulda thought tying a knot would be so hard. Betcha Ez could do this in no time…them fingers o’ his can work magic.

"Some of the knots can be rather complicated." Nettie held up an elaborate knot that interwove and looped in on itself numerous times. It was beautiful, with a smooth, almost sensuous look to it. The stands connected so that there was no visible indication where one stopped and the other began, giving it a continuous, unbroken look.

"Sometimes, the more complicated, the better. You want it to show that your life, and that of your loved one, are now so intermixed, ya can’t tell where one quits and the other starts." She smiled. "When it’s all said and done, everybody’s knot is his own. Ain’t no two ever quite the same. Ya can add decorations to it, too. Knew of one that had a silver bell worked inta it. Traveling preacher man used it as a bookmark in his bible. He would shake the bible when he spoke and it jingled."

Vin looked at his own attempt sadly. It didn’t look anywhere near as nice as Nettie’s. "Gonna have to work on this a bit."

Nettie chuckled. "Well, Vin…like everything else, it takes some time to learn ta do it right."

Vin grinned. "Thanks, Nettie."

She nodded. "My pleasure."

Sharp eyes studied him. Vin resisted the urge to fidget under her gaze. "You tell me honestly…This man make you happy?"

"Yes, Ma’am." Vin’s eyes never left hers. He smiled, just thinking of how much better his life was with Ezra as a part of it, totally unaware of how his eyes suddenly lit up with joy and contentment. "Very happy."

"He treat you right?"

"Better’n anyone else ever has."

"Good. All I need to know then." She patted his arm. "When you talk to him, see if he don’t want to come by and talk to me. I’d like to meet him. Would be nice to know the man who captured your heart."

She stretched up and uncharacteristically kissed his cheek. "Now then, it’s high time you got back to doin’ your duty."

Vin offered her the string back, but she waved it off. "Keep that ta practice with." Vin nodded, and pocketed the string. He swung into the saddle, touching his fingers to the brim of his hat once he was settled.

"I’ll see you in a few days then, Miss Nettie."

"I’ll be here." The old woman confirmed, and waved her hand at him. "Off with ya now. Got work that needs doin’. Can’t be wastin’ my whole day with the likes of you."

Vin grinned, not the least insulted by her words or her tone. He rode out of her yard with a lighter heart and clearer mind than he’d rode in with. Asking Nettie was definitely a good idea.

*******

Nettie stood on the porch watching Vin ride away until he was no longer visible. She shook her head, smiling to herself, a bit bemused by their conversation. That boy. Never woulda guessed he’d be looking at another man that way. Wonder who it is?

She picked up her bowl of snapped beans, taking them inside, ready to start canning. As she worked at filling jars, her thoughts were drawn back to that the recent conversation. Really, I s’pose it don’t come as that big o’ surprise. Never saw him so much as look at a woman. Jus’ figured he was a mite shy is all.

Nettie snorted at her foolish thoughts. Human nature bein’ what it is…it don’t matter how shy a man is, he’ll find someway ta scratch that itch if he’s of mind to. Got a cat house in town where he could satisfy those urges if he had ‘em, and wanted a woman he didn’t have ta make conversation with. Know it weren’t him bein’ shy or even religion that kept ‘im from paying those ladies a visit.

Nettie was a rare breed of woman. She might not condone the way prostitutes made their living, but she didn’t necessarily find fault with it either. She had long ago come to terms with the idea that most people struggled to find their way in this world as best they could. It was not her place to judge someone for taking a different path. At least so long as they didn’t hurt anyone else doing it.

An’ him thinkin’ o’ runnin’ off with that Richmond woman! Bah. Knew that weren’t right. Weren’t all that surprised he didn’t go with her. An’ it wasn’t her bein’ married that decided it. No sir. If he’d a really loved that stupid, no account woman, he’d wouldn’t a let that stop him.

Nettie scowled. She vented some of her anger, picking up a jar and thumping the bottom harder than necessary, settling the beans so she could add more. Don’t think he really cared for her. Might a been what he thought he wanted, but his heart wasn’t in it. And if she’d a really cared for him, she wouldn’t a gone back to that good-for-nothing husband. She was just looking for some fun. Ought to be a male cat house for women like her. She coulda had her fun without hurtin’ anyone and then gone home ta her husband.

Nettie shook her head, as she put down a full jar, and picked up an empty one. She could never understand cheating on your spouse. Adultery didn’t bother her because the bible said it was a sin, it bothered her because it was just plain wrong to betray a loved one’s trust. To her way of thinking, if you promised forever, then by God, you should mean it. And if you couldn’t live up to that promise, the first person you should tell is the person you made the promise to. Anything else was just plain dishonest, and outright disrespectful. Owe it to someone you care about, even if you don’t care the same way any more, ta treat them the way you’d want ta be treated.

She had been decidedly pleased with Vin’s outburst when she’d asked if his male lover was ashamed of him. Good to know they ain’t hidin’ out of foolishness. Always heard discretion was the better part of valor. Looks like Vin and his friend might understand that to be the case here. Folks can be right stupid about someone being different. An’ all those good, upstandin’ folks think they got the right ta tell others what’s right for them, and God help ya if you don’t agree. Bah. Idiots. Can’t control who ya love and who ya don’t.

And the look on his face when she asked if he was happy put her mind at ease. Ain’t nobody look that happy if they ain’t. And if anybody deserves a little joy in his life, it’s him.

Nettie couldn’t help but wonder again just who’d captured Vin’s heart. Whoever it is…Vin’s definitely in love with him. Wouldn’t a sassed me if he wasn’t. Or been so worried about getting the right gift.

At first glance, Chris Larabee would have been a good guess. But Nettie knew better. Oh sure the two could talk without ever saying a word, shared similar views on a great many things, and were obviously good friends, but Nettie knew Chris wasn’t the sort to attract Vin on an intimate level. She just couldn’t see the two of them coming together that way.

She got the distinct impression that this relationship Vin was in was somewhat new. If it was Chris, Nettie didn’t think it would have taken them this long to get together. Those two got on a like a house afire since the minute they met. Vin wouldn’t be lookin’ ta me for advice on a gift if him and this feller had that same sort o’ history.

Nettie filled another jar. Always a good idea ta have extra preserves stored up. Never know when I’ll be getting ta town. Course, might be a good idea jus’ ta take a trip here in a few days. She grinned. See if I can’t spot this mystery man for myself.

*******

Nathan Jackson strolled leisurely down the clinic stairs. He stopped in the livery, out of habit checking to see whose horses were present. The horses were always a good indicator of who was in town and who wasn’t. He’d found that it saved time looking for someone if he knew whether or not they were actually around.

Lady, Abe, Prophet, Sable, and Chaucer were all in their usual stalls. He expected Peso to be missing, and the stall next to Chaucer was indeed empty. Vin’s on patrol. Won’t see him for another hour or two.

Nathan surprised to see JD’s horse, Toby, missing as well, until he recalled JD saying something last night about meeting up with Casey. Nathan couldn’t help chuckling thinking about them. He wondered how long it was going to take for the two of them to start acting like adults rather than kids. Bet JD will be trying to figure out how ta court her for real one o’ these days.

He walked outside, and spotted Josiah on the roof of the church. Nathan waved casually, hiding a grin. He’s been working on that roof for the past two weeks, and still can’t get all those leaks patched. Man should just give up and replace the whole roof. Only reason it ain’t leaking now is cause it hasn’t rained in the last week.

Nathan headed toward the saloon. It was for all intents and purposes the center of activity in town. If anything happened, the saloon was often where it started, and almost always where it ended. It was no accident that the peacekeepers could frequently be found lounging inside or on the front porch.

Nathan slid into a seat out front, after glancing inside to see if any of his coworkers were present. Ezra is probably still sleeping. Don’t usually see him until almost lunch time. Wonder where Buck and Chris are? He had expected to see one of them here, or sitting in front of the jail.

He shrugged. Don’t matter, I guess. I’ll see ‘em at lunch. The seven of them made a regular habit of getting together a meal times, discounting breakfast. Their schedules, and habits, made arranging to share the first meal of the day more of a chore than it was worth. Ezra was usually just turning in at that time having finished his shift as the sun rose. Chris and Vin were usually awake before anyone else and typically ate early. Depending on which lady friend he’d visited, Buck might not show up until ten or eleven, or he might put in an appearance at sunrise. One could never really tell with the ladies man.

Nathan slouched in his chair, watching the town pass by him. Adults were busy taking care of the usual day to day business. Several children ran by playing what looked like tag. Nathan smiled. He recognized several of them as being children Ezra taught for a few hours each afternoon.

Think he’s up ta eight now. Yeah…Michael Taylor just joined in a week ago, if I remember rightly. Kind a wonder when Mrs. Potter is gonna track down a real teacher. Almost be a shame when she does. Kids seem ta really like Ezra. Course there’s plenty o’ other little ones in town in need of some schooling. And I imagine their momma’s are waitin’ on a real teacher.

Nathan sighed. There was a time when he might have sided with those who thought it improper or just plain wrong for a gambler and a conman to be teaching children. But not any more. At least not really. He’d never come right out and said so, but after watching a few lessons, and seeing how well the children seemed to blossom under Ezra’s care, it was hard to hold on to any objections.

Nathan’s musings were interrupted when Mary Travis stopped in front of him. She smiled warmly at him. "Mr. Jackson, how are you today?"

He returned her smile. "Just fine, Ma’am. Just fine." He liked the pretty blonde widow. She was one of the few people in town to stand up for him when he nearly got lynched, and Nathan had not forgotten her efforts on his behalf.

"I was wondering if I might ask a favor?"

"Certainly, Mrs. Travis. What can I do for you?"

She handed him a copy of the local newspaper, The Clarion. "Would you please give that to Mr. Standish when you see him? I promised him an advanced copy, but I’m afraid I might not see him later."

Nathan took the paper. "I can do that. Will probably see him at lunch anyway." He raised an eyebrow. "Why ya givin’ him an advanced copy?"

She smiled. "I was running late last night, when Mr. Standish stopped by on his usual rounds. He was kind enough to proof read for me so that I could finish some much needed tasks around the house."

A faint blush rose in her cheeks, and she ducked her head slightly. "He found several errors. I am grateful that he caught them for me. It wouldn’t be right for the paper to go out with such gross mistakes."

Nathan nodded. He truly doubted that most people in town would have even noticed any errors. Probably the only ones who’d have even seen anything wrong are Ezra and Mrs. Travis.

Mary thanked him again, and started to move away. She stopped suddenly, and whirled around. "Oh…I almost forgot." She offered him an envelope. "This letter came for Mr. Standish on the stage yesterday. It was bundled up with mail for the paper, and I didn’t find it until this morning. Could you pass it along to him as well?"

"Sure thing, Ma’am." Nathan took the envelope.

"Thank you, Mr. Jackson."

"You’re very welcome, Ma’am."

Nathan waited until she walked away to actually look at the envelope she’d handed him. The handwriting was beautiful, elegant and bold. It clearly stated that it was intend for Ezra P. Standish, from Maude Standish.

Hunh. Knew he wrote to her sometimes. Didn’t know she wrote back. Nathan shrugged. It wasn’t his business. He’d just see to it that Ezra got his letter and his newspaper.

Don’t mean I can’t read his paper while I wait. Ain’t like its private. Well, not really. An’ if I finish it ‘fore Ezra gets up, it ain’t like he’d have to know. Nathan sighed, unhappy with himself and his thoughts. Trying to justify an action he knew wasn’t right, and it wasn’t like him. But, he really would like to read the paper.

Nathan tucked the letter in his shirt pocket. He unfolded the paper so he could clearly see the front page, telling himself that was all he would read. One page ain’t all that much. ‘Sides, it ain’t like it will even get messed up. Yeah…this will be fine.

Despite the reasonable price Mary set for the paper, Nathan usually didn’t buy one. The healer was saving his money, and studiously avoided buying ‘extras’ he didn’t really need, no matter how much he might want them. He planned to ask Rain to marry him, and he wanted to be able to provide for her. Lady like her don’t want to live in a room above the livery. Wouldn’t be right. She deserves ta have a house with a real kitchen and bedroom. Only way I’m gonna be able to give her that is by hanging on ta my money.

So, he typically ended up reading an old copy that got left lying in the saloon. Nathan figured it was still news, albeit old news, by the time he got to read it. It would be a nice change to be the first to know what was going on. It was a temptation he simply couldn’t resist.

Just over an hour later, he hadn’t quite finished reading the paper. Nathan was a slow, methodical reader. He learned the skill in secret as a slave, and reveled in the opportunity to be able to sit out in the open, and read. It was not something he’d ever thought he’d have the chance to experience. Once he started, he hadn’t been able to stop at the first page, but had continued to delve further into the paper.

His concentration was broken by the sound of a throat clearing. He glanced up, surprised to see Ezra standing nearby. The gambler was impeccable dressed as always, and leaned casually against one of the pillars. Nathan got the impression Ezra had been standing there for some time.

"Good day to you, Mr. Jackson. I trust this day finds you well."

"Oh yeah, I’m fine." Nathan folded the paper and offered it to Ezra, feeling decidedly sheepish. "Mrs. Travis asked me ta pass this along ta you."

Ezra raised one eyebrow, but didn’t comment on the fact that Nathan was reading his paper. "Any thing of interest?" There was just the faintest trace of amusement in the question. "You seemed rather deeply engrossed just a moment ago."

Nathan looked away, feeling his face warm and for once in his life was grateful for his darker complexion. He really should apologize, but he couldn’t seem to find the words. Was wrong ta read it. Know that. Ain’t like I need for him to rub it in.

Nathan couldn’t quite keep himself from thinking that if he hadn’t gotten so caught up in the paper, Ezra wouldn’t have caught him. He could have had it safely folded, neat and tidy. The gambler would never have known the difference.

Ezra smirked, and Nathan just knew the conman had no trouble reading his thoughts. Damn the man. Ain’t natural for someone ta be able to do that. It jus’ ain’t.

Ezra offered the paper back to Nathan. "It’s quite all right, Mr. Jackson. I’ve already read this issue."

Nathan glared at him, but didn’t refuse the paper. He hadn’t had the chance to finish it, and wasn’t going to pass on the chance to do so. He could probably read it several times over, always looking for something he might have missed, or just to have something to read. He rarely had anything that constituted ‘light’ reading. The only books he owned were a tattered bible, and one medical reference that was published shortly after the war.

"Mrs. Travis said ya proof read it last night." It wasn’t what he’d intended to say, but it was just the first thing to slip out. "Said she’d promised you an advanced copy."

Ezra shrugged one shoulder. "I told her it would not be necessary. Having read it once, there was no need for me to peruse it again. I did not find is sufficiently captivating to warrant reading a second time."

Nathan just nodded. He couldn’t help but envy Ezra’s casual regard for the paper. It was likely to be the only thing close to a story that Nathan had to read for some time. Don’t have any real books like Ezra’s got. Must be nice ta have a book to read any time ya want to. Stories ‘bout far away places, adventures and such. Bet he’s got some real good ones too.

The healer leaned back in his chair, and felt the letter in his pocket shift. Oops. Forgot ‘bout that. He pulled the letter free and offered it to Ezra. "Mrs. Travis gave this to me ta pass on to ya. Said it came yesterday on the stage. Figures it got bundled up in mail for the paper by mistake."

Ezra took the envelope, tipping his head toward Nathan. "Thank you, Mr. Jackson, for ensuring my correspondence was delivered to me."

Nathan watched as Ezra read the envelope, noting who it was from. If he hadn’t been paying attention he might have missed the slight stiffening of Ezra’s posture, or the way his mouth tightened just a fraction. Elegant hands deftly opened the letter, unfolding the paper with a simple, economy of motion. Ezra’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly as he read it.

Don’t know why but I got the feeling this could be a bad thing. "Problem?" Nathan asked quietly, uncertain if he should even inquire.

Green eyes, shuttered, and face blandly neutral; Ezra answered him with a shake of his head. "Of course not, Mr. Jackson. Merely an epistle from my dear mother."

"Didn’t know she wrote to you." Nathan offered. He and Ezra rarely made idle conversation, so he wasn’t sure what to say.

Ezra smiled, but there was little humor in his expression. "Your ignorance regarding the details of my life is nearly infinite, Mr. Jackson."

Nathan nodded slowly. Be hard to argue that point. Really isn’t a lot I do know about the man. Deciding it time to change that, Nathan spoke again. "Maybe it’s about time I did."

Ezra’s attention had returned to the letter he still held. He looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Did what, Mr. Jackson?"

Nathan resisted the urge to frown at Ezra. He didn’t really know if the man was being deliberately obtuse, or if his attention had been focused elsewhere. Nathan tipped his head slightly, and clarified his earlier statement. "Learned some things about you." Really learned things. More than just what I’ve been assuming by the way you act, the way you talk.

He smiled hesitantly. "We been workin’ together over a year, Ezra. You would think I’d know more about you by now."

Ezra chuckled dryly, green eyes bright with a quiet, inner amusement. "Yes, I suppose one would think that." He left unsaid, ‘but you would be wrong’. It wasn’t necessary. Nathan could hear it loud and clear in the silence he left.

The healer scowled. That’s what I get for trying to make nice with the man. Should know better. Man don’t give anything away if he can charge you for it.

Nathan mentally slapped himself. Man just gave me the paper, for crying out loud. I know better. Ain’t no wonder he don’t want to talk to me about stuff. I go jumpin’ ta conclusions like some sort of damn fool. Never gave the man a chance to even talk. And I don’t have any call to be upset with him. He didn’t say anything but the truth. Jus’ cause I didn’t like the way he said it, don’t make it any less true.

Ezra seemed totally unperturbed by Nathan’s lack of response. He neatly re-folded the letter, and put it inside his jacket. He turned slightly, and looked up the street. There was a sudden sharpness to Ezra’s gaze, and despite the fact that he still leaned casually against the pillar, there was an alertness about his posture now that had been absent before. It reminded Nathan of a cat that suddenly caught sight of something moving. The intensity of Ezra’s gaze made Nathan curious as to what had attracted his attention.

Hunh. Ain’t anything but Vin was riding in on Peso. Nathan frowned, and shook his head. He hadn’t forgotten the puzzle he’d been working on. He’d been turning it over in his mind for the better part of two months now. There was something going on between Vin and Ezra, but he had yet to figure out exactly what. The only reason he hadn’t pushed it was that whatever was going on didn’t seem to be a bad thing.

When they’re hurt, both o’ them are usually as hard to handle as a cornered mountain lion. But ‘round each other, they settle right down. Don’t hardly fuss at all. And Ez is usually real cold about anyone getting too close, but he don’t seem to mind Vin touching him. Jus’ plain odd that. Caught the two of them, jus’ the other day, doing that speaking thing with only their eyes. Thought it was only with Chris that Vin did that. An’ I noticed Ezra calls Vin by his first name on occasion too. Ain’t often, but more than he does with the rest o’ us.

Nathan watched as Vin rode closer. The tracker stopped Peso in front of the saloon. He touched the brim of his hat, nodding to both Nathan and Ezra, as he leaned forward, resting his arms on the pommel of his saddle.

"Nate. Ez."

"Vin." Nathan greeted.

Ezra tipped his head. "Mr. Tanner."

Such a simple greeting, but Nathan would swear that a great deal more passed between Vin and Ezra than those few words would indicate. The frustrating thing was that Nathan couldn’t even pin down what it was that made him so sure. Ezra’s face didn’t give away anything. Nor did Vin’s for that matter. By all rights, it should have been nothing more than a simple greeting between friends, but Nathan couldn’t shake the feeling that it was a great deal more.

Not for the first time did Nathan contemplate simply asking them. Don’t know if asking would do me any good or not. Ezra will probably give me an answer, but he’ll be usin’ five-dollar words so I won’t know any more than I did when I started. And Vin’s just as likely ta say nothing at all. Swear some times that man don’t use more than five words a day!

"Will you be joining us for our midday repast, Mr. Tanner?" Ezra asked, his drawl somehow making it an invitation, as well as just a simple question. There was an undercurrent in Ezra’s voice that hinted at more, but Nathan couldn’t quite interpret what exactly.

If Vin’s grin was anything to go by he didn’t have the same trouble reading it that Nathan had. He nodded once, answering Ezra’s question. "Jus’ need ta get Peso settled."

Ezra raised two fingers in his usual salute. "Very well then. We shall anticipate your arrival at the restaurant in due time."

Vin gently tugged Peso’s head around toward the stable. Ezra watched him ride away for a moment, before turning to look at Nathan. "Would you care to join me, Mr. Jackson?" Ezra waved one hand in the general direction of the restaurant.

"Might as well." Nathan levered himself out of his seat, carefully folding his paper. Oh yeah…still got to say thank you. "Thanks, Ez."

Ezra regarded him quizzically. "For what, Sir?"

Nathan held up the paper. "This."

Ezra smiled slightly. "Thinking nothing of it, Mr. Jackson."

Nathan shook his head. "I do think something of it, Ez. Means a lot to me to be able to read it. Don’t usually get to read the paper ‘fore other people." Nathan ducked his head as he stated the last bit. He really should apologize reading Ezra’s paper, but his last statement was as close as he seemed to be able to get.

Ezra lifted one shoulder in a move far to elegant and precise to really be called a shrug. "If such an inconsequential gesture on my part is sufficient to bring you pleasure, then, Mr. Jackson, you are most welcome." Green eyes twinkled for only a moment. "But rest assured, Sir, you should not become accustomed to such beneficence. Particularly, not from me."

Nathan felt his lips twitch in a half smile. "Of course not."

Together, they strolled down the boardwalk toward Mrs. Ander’s restaurant. Nathan glanced toward the church. He could see Josiah making his way down off the roof. Ezra must have noticed the direction of his gaze.

"I see, Mr. Sanchez, continues in his futile endeavor."

Nathan chuckled, glad he wasn’t the only one who thought Josiah might be wasting his time. "Wouldn’t tell him you think it’s futile." Don’t think he’d take kindly to hearing that. No matter how true it may be.

"Oh, far be it from me to rupture the fragile bubble of his illusion." Ezra grinned, dimples readily visible. "I’ll wager that will occur the moment our fair hamlet is inundated with its next precipitation event."

"Hunh?"
"The next time it rains." Ezra stated succinctly.

Why couldn’t he just say that the first time? Nathan sighed, and shook his head. "Don’t know why Josiah just don’t replace the roof? Would be a whole lot easier."

Ezra cocked his head to one side. "I believe, Mr. Sanchez, labors under the belief that by making the task harder, he will somehow incur the Almighty’s approval of his labors."

"You don’t agree?" Nathan’s curiosity was piqued when he heard a faint suggestion of disapproval in Ezra’s statement.

Ezra raised one eyebrow. "I find it difficult to believe, that a being who saw fit to grant us with sufficient intelligence, and ingenuity, would find pleasure in our consistent failure to make use of such largesse." Ezra shrugged. "There is a distinct possibility, that I am wrong in my presumption. The Almighty and I, and those who profess to know his divine rationale, are not generally on the best speaking terms."
Nathan wasn’t sure what to make of Ezra’s statement, so he opted to stay silent. Know he ain’t exactly on the up and up all the time, but I doubt that God is too upset with him. Not really. An’ there ain’t really anyone here in town who’s got cause ta find fault with him.

The former slave could readily appreciate the irony of his outlook. There was a time when he was sure the southern gambler would burn in hell. He had no doubts when he’d met the man, but now he wasn’t quite so certain. There were still times when his point of view seemed to slip, and Nathan lost sight of his changing attitude regarding the gambler, but it happened less frequently now than it had when they first met. Took me awhile to catch on, but he ain’t the man he pretends to be. There’s a lot more ta Ezra than meets the eye.

Ezra opened the door to the restaurant, and waved his hand offering to let Nathan precede him inside. Nathan couldn’t resist the small smile that blossomed. Ain’t every day a white man opens the door for me.

Buck was already seated at their usual table. He called out a greeting in his normal boisterous fashion, his voice carrying easily across the room. "Hey, Nate! Ez! ‘Bout time you some o’ the boys showed up. Was worried I’d have to eat all by my lonesome."

Ezra rolled his eyes. "Some decorum on your part would not be remiss, Mr. Wilmington."

The jovial ladies man snorted. "Decorum is for other people." Eyes bright with merriment, Buck winked at Ezra. "Ain’t much fun in acting all proper like."

Ezra shook his head, as he took a seat. "Mr. Wilmington, having fun is not the ultimate, singular goal of polite society."

Buck chuckled. "I know, and it’s a damn shame."

To Nathan’s surprise, Ezra flashed a quick smile. "Indeed."

Will never understand him. I swear, I will never understand him. Nathan took his seat, and resolved to give up trying to figure out what made the gambler tick.

A few minutes later, Vin sauntered in, and slid into the chair next to Ezra. For the second time that day, Nathan go the feeling there was more going on than he could see. Vin didn’t touch Ezra, nor did Ezra touch Vin that Nathan could see, but the connection between them was almost palpable.

Josiah was the next to arrive. The big ex-preacher greeted them all before taking a seat next to Nathan. There was a time when Josiah would have immediately taken the seat next to Ezra, but not any more.

Nathan hadn’t failed to notice that Josiah now took pains to leave space between himself and Ezra. And he no longer attempted to make physical contact with the gambler either. Used to be he be patting Ezra on the shoulder, or reachin’ out ta touch him. Ezra always told him ta knock it off, but until lately, Josiah ignored him. Don’t call him son anymore either.

Nathan frowned, thinking back, and realized it was about the time Vin got shot in the leg that Josiah started giving Ezra more room. Surprisingly enough, the new distance seemed to have strengthened the friendship between Josiah and Ezra. Nathan wasn’t sure if he should just chalk it up to another thing about Ezra he just failed to understand or if he should pursue it.

Chris strolled in, and took his usual seat at the head of the table. He greeted the others. The gunslinger frowned. "Where’s JD?"

Buck grinned. "Off ridin’ with Casey. Reckon he’ll be back later."

Chris nodded, a faint smile teasing about his lips. "He actually courtin’ her yet?"

Buck sighed heavily. "No." His disgust was clearly evident in his answer. Buck had voiced his opinion on the matter on more than one occasion, much to JD’s embarrassment. "You’d think by now that boy wake up and smell the coffee. But, no. Two o’ them still jus’ play like kids."

Ezra clucked his tongue. "Mr. Wilmington, it is not necessary for JD to proceed with Miss Welles at a break neck pace."

Buck stared at Ezra. "How is he ever goin’ get to the good part if he don’t move faster?"

Ezra raised one eyebrow. "Were I you, Mr. Wilmington, I would refrain from mentioning the ‘good part’ around the young Miss Welles’ guardian. She might well be inclined to disabuse your young protégé of such notions, rather forcefully. With say, the business end of her shotgun."

Vin smirked, blue eyes twinkling. "No doubt ‘bout that."

Buck scowled. "I’m jus’ staying—"

"I believe, brother, we are all aware of your feelings on the subject." Josiah intoned quietly, his deep voice resonating despite the low volume of his speech. "I suggest we leave that topic alone for the time being. A man has often regretted his words, but never his silence."

Chris seconded Josiah’s recommendation with a quick look toward Buck. The tall cowboy heaved a resigned sighed, but let it go without further comment. Nathan knew he’d be grilling JD the minute the younger man rode back into town. Just the way he is. Doesn’t mean anything buy it…and I know he didn’t mean any disrespect to Casey or Miss Nettie. Man just thinks everyone ought ta be part of a couple. Buck’s a romantic at heart.

Thinking that it might be better to steer the conversation toward an easier topic, Nathan grasped for something to say. Remembering Ezra’s letter, he asked. "So, Ezra, what did Maude have ta say?"

A moment of decidedly tense silence followed his question, surprising Nathan. He had thought it an innocent inquiry, nothing to get upset over. But he could almost feel a cool breeze emanating from Vin, Buck and Chris.

Thinking the reason for the sudden change must lie with Ezra, Nathan looked toward him first for an explanation. But he couldn’t read anything from Ezra. The gambler seemed his usual calm, unruffled self. He looked oblivious to the now charged atmosphere. The healer knew that had to be an illusion, because if anyone was aware of it, it was Ezra. Man don’t miss a trick.

Nathan’s eyes shifted warily to the others, hoping for some clue, trying to determine what it was he said that was so wrong. Vin’s eyes had changed from their normal sky blue to an almost silver white, and the tracker sat very still, his habitual slouch somehow more on edge than such a posture should be capable of. Chris’ expression had taken on a hardened, almost vicious look. And Buck’s habitual smile was gone, replaced by a look of wary alertness. Nathan recognized the look as being the same one Buck wore during a gunfight. A quick glance toward Josiah confirmed that the big man was curious more than mystified by the sudden change at their table.

"Maude’s here?" Vin asked in a quiet tone that did little to disguise the hard, unyielding quality in his voice.

"No." Nathan was quick to offer an answer, wanting to defuse whatever he seemed to have unintentionally initiated with such a simple question. "She just sent Ezra a letter."

Vin turned to look at Ezra. "A letter?"

Ezra held his gaze for a moment, and then nodded once. "My mother does occasionally correspond with me, Vin." His voice was gentle, almost apologetic.

Having gotten used to hearing Ezra typically address them by their surnames, the use of Vin’s first name seemed almost intimate to Nathan. The healer idly wondered when the gambler would consent to calling the rest of them by their first names. He only does it once in awhile with Vin that I’ve noticed, and hardly ever does with anyone else. ‘Less, o’ course, it’s an emergency. Nathan shook off such thoughts. They would have to wait until later.

Josiah frowned. He looked ready to speak up, but Nathan stopped him with a swift, and none-too gentle kick to the shins. When Josiah shot a glare his way, Nathan simply shook his head, and tried to convey with his eyes that he thought it best for Josiah to stay quiet. Really don’t think now is a good time for him ta say anything. Don’t know why, but it just isn’t.

"What did she have to say?" Chris drawled.

Ezra waved a hand in a vague, meaningless gesture. "Nothing of consequence, Mr. Larabee. There is no need to concern yourself with such trifles."

"Ezra." Chris emphasized each syllable of his name, making it a not too subtle warning.

The gambler sighed. He shifted in his seat in an uncharacteristically restless movement. Vin laid a hand on Ezra’s arm, and Nathan was sure an entire conversation took place when the two made eye contact. Would give my eye-teeth to know what they’re sayin’ to each other.

Ezra’s gaze flickered to Chris. "My mother typically writes to me for only two reasons, Mr. Larabee."

"And those would be?" Chris arched an eyebrow, clearly determined to get an answer.

"She needs my ‘God-given talents’ to assist her in some new enterprise. Or she is in trouble of some kind, and needs me to extricate her from whatever quagmire in which she has become immersed."

"Which was it this time?" Buck asked, leaning forward slightly in his chair.

Ezra sighed, and looked away. "The former."

Vin patted Ezra’s arm, redirecting Ezra’s attention before he spoke. "What kind o’ enterprise?"

The soft tone of Vin’s voice made Nathan shiver. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Maude might actually be in danger from Vin, although, he had no idea why. Josiah’s eyes narrowed as he looked toward Vin. Guess I ain’t the only one who thinks Vin might be threatening Maude somehow. Don’t look like Chris and Buck are bothered by it though.

Ezra smiled. It was little more than a bearing of his teeth. "Mother does not put what might amount to incriminating details in her epistles, so I am afraid, I cannot honestly answer that, Mr. Tanner."

"But you could guess?" Vin’s question came out as more of a statement.

Ezra shrugged one shoulder. "From what little she saw fit to say…yes, I could hazard a guess."

"And your guess would be?" Josiah spoke, his voice even, tone neutral, but his jaw was tight.

Nathan couldn’t decide if the big man was angry or not. It was his indecision on the matter that kept him from kicking the big man a second time. Everyone knew he was rather taken with Maude, so it was possible that the Josiah took a dim view of the sudden hostility the mere use of her name inspired. Nathan frowned. Pretty sure he ain’t upset at them being mad at Maude. Well, not too upset anyway. So maybe he knows why they’s mad. Damn. That means I’m the only one at this table that don’t know. One more mystery.

Ezra cocked his head to one side, green eyes appraising the ex-preacher. "Based on what little detail Mother saw fit to provide, I would surmise her latest con involves mining, or at the very least, mineral rights of some kind."

"Does she want your help?" Josiah’s question was decidedly hesitant, as if he were unsure of how much he was allowed to ask.

"Naturally, Mr. Sanchez." Ezra smirked. "As I have already stated, she would not have bothered to write to me otherwise."

"Don’t that woman jus’ beat all!" Buck slapped the table. He sent a sharp look toward Ezra. "What are ya gonna tell her?"

Ezra smiled, this time with genuine amusement. "The same thing I always tell her, Mr. Wilmington."

"And that would be?" Chris asked, all but demanding a straight answer. An attitude Nathan readily seconded, although, he was smart enough not to state his opinion out loud. He got the distinct impression Vin was also waiting for that answer.

"I have obligations to fulfill here in Four Corners." Ezra dipped his head to Chris, somehow making the abbreviated motion seem like a gesture of respect and deference. Ezra flashed a genuine smile toward Vin, one that was far more open and honest than what he usually gave the others. Nathan couldn’t be sure but he thought the gambler might have winked as well.

Ezra shrugged one shoulder. "Mother will simply have to muddle through without me. As she has not doubt managed to do in the past when I was otherwise unavailable."

Buck chuckled. "Bet she don’t like hearing that."

Ezra rolled his eyes. "Mr. Wilmington, you have no idea." The gambler shook his head, and heaved a dramatic sigh. "Now then, if you gentlemen are satisfied that the matter of my filial relationship has been adequately addressed, perhaps we could focus our attention on some other topic. I am certain that there is something worth discussing that is far more noteworthy."

Nathan knew Ezra wasn’t asking. He was almost always polite about such things, but if the man didn’t want to discuss something, he wasn’t going to. Oh, Ezra will talk all right. Use lots and lots o’ words, but he won’t actually say anythin’. And ya come away wishin’ ya had just did like he wanted, and talked about somethin’ else.

Nathan knew he wasn’t the only one of their number aware that the subject was closed. But he was honestly surprised when Chris, of all people, picked up the conversation, and redirected it by asking Vin about his patrol. This day is just full o’ surprises.

Nathan sighed silently. He regretted having ever brought up Maude’s letter. It had not bee his intention to cause trouble, and he was honestly glad to see the whole situation defuse so quickly.

With anyone else, askin’ about their kin is jus’ part o’ the normal conversation. Ain’t no big deal. Course, Ezra ain’t like most folks. Neither is Maude. Jus’ have to remember not to bring her name up around the others. Wouldn’t mind knowing what it is they rest o’ them know. Ain’t like Vin to be hostile toward a woman. Buck either. Chris just plain don’t like Maude, so I don’t imagine it would take anything special ta set him off. Sorta thought Josiah might try to defend her…woulda made a mess o’ things if he had though. Might be he knows that.

The healer let the conversation flow around him, intent on focusing more on the mysteries he’d noticed. He was certain they were connected somehow. Nathan felt like he was trying to put together a puzzle when he’d never seen what the picture was supposed to be. It’s like I got all the numbers, but I can’t make them add up to something that means anything.

Nathan surfaced from his thoughts long enough order his lunch. The others also ordered. The healer was vaguely amused at how such a simple, every day action, seemed to bring about the usual atmosphere of friendly camaraderie. The earlier disruption appeared to have been momentarily forgotten.

Nathan decided the only real solution to his dilemma was to ask someone to fill in what he was missing. He’d already ruled out Vin and Ezra earlier. Although, Nathan was fully aware, that they would be the most logical ones to go to. He just wasn’t sure if he’d be able to get a straight answer from either of them.

That leaves me with Chris, Buck or Josiah. Nathan frowned slightly as he considered those options, weighing them carefully in his mind. Don’t think Josiah knows it all. Seems ta me, that he’d have been as angry as the others if he knew as much as they did. Man is real taken with Maude, but he’s a damn sight more fond o’ Ezra than he is o’ her. I’m guessin’ that he don’t know everythin’, or Josiah woulda been just as angry as Vin. Well, maybe not as angry as Vin…Don’t think any one else was as that angry. When Vin’s eyes get that color, the man is downright dangerous. Gotta feeling that ties into whatever is going on ‘tween Vin and Ezra.

Nathan nodded to himself, pleased with having figured out that much. He absently noted that the conversation had drifted from Vin’s patrol, to Josiah’s work on the church. No one seemed to notice that he wasn’t actually participating, which suited Nathan just fine.

Nathan glanced toward Buck and Chris. The two old friends were likely his best bet. But which one do I ask? Nathan pursed his lips. In all honesty, he couldn’t see Chris saying much. Man has a lot a respect for other people’s privacy. Could just see him tellin’ me ta ask Ezra or Vin. Buck, on the other hand, is a bit more apt ta fill me in. Ain’t like he’s a gossip. It’s more like he jus’ can’t help himself.

Decision made, Nathan just needed an opportunity to act on it. Buck usually had afternoon patrol. He’d be heading for the livery after lunch. Can just walk with him. See if I can ask then.

*******

Buck pushed his plate away with a satisfied sigh. Nothing like a good meal. He could never understand how Ezra managed to get by on eating so little. Ain’t no wonder he ain’t any bigger than he is.

The ladies man had kept a discrete eye on the gambler during lunch. He knew Chris and Vin had as well. If Ezra had picked at his meal, they would have known the whole incident with that letter from Maude had bothered him more than he let on. Buck was relieved to see his friend eat as much as he ever did. Which still ain’t much. Boy really should eat a full meal. And leave them greens alone. It’s meat and taters that stick ta yer ribs, not them veggies.

Some part of Buck wondered about what Maude had actually said in her letter. Damn meddling woman! Ain’t natural that a man’s ma should be so damn cold. I mean, she leaves him as a kid ta get the crap beat outta him so often he almost can’t stand ta let people get close to him, and then she expects him ta just drop everythin’ and run ta her.

Buck shook his head. Most of the time he understood people, women in particular, or thought he did. But Maude was in a class by herself. Was real glad ta hear Ez say he wasn’t going to go. Know Vin was too.

The tall cowboy was pretty sure a private conversation would ensue between Vin and Ezra at the first opportunity. He hadn’t missed the smile Ezra gave Vin. Buck knew it was meant to reassure and calm Vin, but Buck wouldn’t be surprised if it wasn’t entirely successful. That look in his eyes…Whooee!! That boy went from all easy going ta ready ta kill in two seconds flat. Knowing Ez, he’ll wanna make sure Vin ain’t ready to run off and kill Maude. Not that the boy ain’t got more than ample reason ta make her suffer, but I can see where Ez wouldn’t want him ta do anything to his ma. She might not be any better mother than an alley cat, but hell, she’s still his ma.

Buck had noticed that Nathan seemed a bit subdued shortly after the whole issue was politely, but forcibly, put to rest. He felt bad for the healer, and hoped the other man wasn’t thinking he did something wrong in asking about Maude’s letter. Buck realized their reaction to his initial question might well have led to that assumption.

Weren’t his fault he don’t know how poorly she raised Ezra. He wasn’t there when Ezra told me, Chris, and Josiah ‘bout his lousy father figures an’ how Maude ignored what was going on. Ez didn’t tell Josiah any more than he had ta. Don’t think Josiah really wanted ta hear any more than he did. Only reason I got to know more was ‘cause I was dumb enough ta ask after Josiah left, and Ezra felt like he had ta give me an answer. Guess he thought his damn near shootin’ Josiah meant he owed both of us as many answers as we wanted. Can’t see him volunteering more information ta Nathan or JD. An’ Ez wouldn’t say anything if they don’t know enough ta ask. He’s like that with almost everything.

Buck figured Nathan must have realized there was no blame to place when he joined in their conversation as the meal progressed. Gotta admit, I like us eatin’ together. Don’t recall who’s idea it was for us ta do this regular like, but real glad we do. Their eating together reminded Buck of where he lived growing up. All the ladies made time to sit down together, and talk. It was a great way to stay connected when so much of their lives seemed to be lived in isolation.

Buck pushed his chair away from the table. "Time for me ta get ta work. I’ll be seein’ you boys later."

Chris and Vin simply nodded to him. Josiah gave his usual, ‘be careful, brother’. Ezra smiled slightly, and bid Mr. Wilmington a good day. Buck shook his head at that. Wonder sometimes if that boy is ever gonna call me Buck. He calls Chris by his first name a bit more often now, but not too often. And I’ve heard him call Vin by his first name. Mostly when it’s just the four o’ us though. He don’t do it too often in public otherwise. Still it seems way too damn formal. If he’d lighten up, and call us all by our first names, nobody would think anythin’ of him usin’ Vin’s. Might have ta say something to him ‘bout using my first name. Ain’t like we’s strangers for crying out loud.

Nathan also pushed his chair back from the table. "Got some stuff ta do in the clinic." He looked askance at Buck. "Ya mind if I walk along with ya?"

Buck grinned. "More the merrier."

They left the restaurant together, heading for the livery. Buck tipped his hat to several of the ladies they past, smiling and greeting them as usual. He glanced at Nathan. The man seemed deeply in thought about something.

"Nate?"

"Yeah, Buck?"

"Ya got something heavy weighin’ on your mind." He observed. "You ain’t fretting over that letter thing are ya now?"

Nathan shrugged one shoulder. "Was thinking may I should apologize to Ezra for bringing it up." The black man looked at Buck, his expression uncertain. "I didn’t think it would cause any trouble."

Buck waved a hand in dismissal. "I wouldn’t worry about it, Nate. And I don’t think Ezra’s mad at ya. If he were, you’d be the first ta know." Ol’ Ez might be polite, and all gentlemen like, but won’t hesitate ta let a body know when he’s over stepped his bounds.

Nathan sighed. "What I don’t understand is why the rest of you were so mad."

"We weren’t mad." Buck stated quickly. "Least wise, not at you, Nate." Buck’s innate sense of honesty forced him to add. Blind man could tell Vin was upset.

Nathan gave him a hard look. "Buck, I know angry when I see it. Hell, Chris looked ready ta chew nails and spit tacks." The healer shivered. "And Vin….Lord, but I’m sure he was ready to hurt her."

Nathan shook his head. "But I just don’t understand why." He sent a quizzical look toward Buck. "I mean, Maude’s last visit weren’t so great, but I don’t remember her doin’ anything ta warrant that reaction. I know she brought some trouble with her, but a woman like her always brings some trouble."

More than you know, Nathan. More than you know. Buck sighed, realizing that might well be the heart of the problem right there. Nathan didn’t know what the rest of them did. Buck debated the dilemma in his head for a moment. Ain’t my place ta say. Had enough trouble with Chris when I opened my big mouth when I shouldn’t have. Can’t see Ez being any more forgiving.

Buck shook his head, as he headed into the shadowed confines of the livery, Nathan still walking beside him. "Thing is, Nate, it ain’t my place ta say." He moved toward Lady’s stall, laying a blanket across her back, smoothing it with his hands, before turning to face the healer. "Ya wanna know? Then it would be best ta talk to Ez."

Nathan made a face. "I don’t think he’d give me a straight answer. Man just weasels his way around things."

Buck immediately clamped down on his initial reaction. He knew there was some bad blood in the past between the healer and the gambler, but he honestly thought they were working their way past it. At times like these, he had to remind himself that they were not all the way there yet. He took a deep breath, and forced himself to think before he spoke.

Patience. Lord, just give me a little. "Nathan," Buck said quietly, his attention focused on the other man, trying very hard not to reveal too much irritation. "Ezra answers every question ya ask. But only the question you ask. Figure out what it is you want to know before you ask the question. And if you don’t understand what he’s saying, then ask again."

Nathan scowled. "He doesn’t have to make it hard." The healer sounded a bit like a petulant child.

Buck rolled his eyes. "And he don’t have to make it easy either, Nate. Bein’ pushy about a man’s past is just asking for trouble. Don’t matter who the man is. You know that."

Buck picked up his saddle and set it in place, before turning to look at Nathan again, pinning him in place with a hard look. "Ezra has never asked you about your past. Never forced you to tell him anything you didn’t want to, or talk about stuff you’d rather leave alone. Would be best if you returned the favor."

Nathan sighed, his expression turning apologetic. "I don’t mean…." Nathan took a breath and tried again. "Buck, I just don’t want to make the same mistake twice. If I don’t even know what I did wrong this time, how am I supposed ta keep from doing it again?"

Good point. "Ask Ezra." It was really the only advice he had to give.

"Can I ask him about what’s going on between him and Vin too?"

Buck froze in the act of tightening his cinch. Well, I guess if I noticed something, then someone else was bound to at some point. Kind o’ surprised no else has noticed ‘fore now.

Buck nodded slowly, and resumed securing his saddle. "That would probably be for the best, Nate. Could ask Vin if you’d rather not talk to Ezra. But it’ll have to be one o’ them."

Wonder if I should give the boys a heads up. Probably ought to. Don’t think Nate added things up the way I did, but don’t know that for sure. Hard ta say how he’ll handle it when he finally knows the whole story.

Buck sent a silent prayer heavenward that Nathan wouldn’t be one of those prejudiced types who thought love could only happen between a man and a woman. Would make things pretty damn rough ‘round here if he is. Almost a damn shame that Ezra agreed not ta lie when someone asks. Can see why sometimes it would be easier. A lot easier.

Buck sighed silently, and mentally slapped himself. No point in borrowing trouble. I know better. Hell, if Chris can handle it, no reason ta think Nate can’t.

Nathan handed Lady’s bridle to Buck. "You sure you can’t just tell me?"

Buck chuckled. He could sympathize, knowing that he’d chosen to go to Chris first rather than jump right in with Vin or Ezra. But he’d made a promise, and he had no intention of breaking it.

"Sorry, Nate. There are some things ya just have to suck up and be a man about. And this is one o’ them."

Buck swung into the saddle. He smiled at Nathan and tipped his hat. "Don’t be too surprised when ya go to ask one, that you end up talkin’ ta both." He didn’t think that little warning was out of line. Man ought to know what he’s gonna face if he decides to take this on.

Nathan nodded. "Sort of figured that might be the case."

Buck gently touched his heels to Lady’s sides. He ducked his head as he rode out of the livery. Well, if nothing else, I’ll have something to think on while I’m riding patrol.

*******

Ezra smiled gently, green eyes bright with affection, as his eight young charges finished the day’s lesson, and skipped out Mrs. Potter’s storeroom. He spent a lot of time adapting and developing lessons, which would challenge the older children, without leaving the younger ones floundering. And given that their ages ranged from five to thirteen, it was no easy task to create an approach that addressed the needs and skill level of each child.

Ezra enjoyed the time he spent with his young charges, delighting in the task of providing educational guidance to them, watching their young, agile minds expand and readily absorb all he had to offer. The children seemed to enjoy their lessons as well, always on time and eager to get started. It was not uncommon for the regularly scheduled two-hour sessions to start a little early and run a bit long.

Today, however, Ezra had made a point of finishing on time, and shooing his students on their way. He knew Vin was waiting in his room. The tracker was normally waiting there every afternoon, but Ezra knew that his lover was unlikely to be simply relaxing or reading as he usually did.

Ezra’s smiled turned wry as the thought about just what his lover might be doing. Vin will probably be wearing holes in the floor. His smile shifted into a grimace. Either that or sharpening his knife.

Vin and Ezra had left the restaurant together. Lately, it had become a habit for Vin to walk toward the general store with Ezra as far as the alley near the saloon. At the alley they would part company, with Ezra heading off to teach, and Vin sneaking up the back stairs to Ezra’s room. No one really thought to question Vin’s disappearance, assuming he had slipped away somewhere to grab a nap, or had left town to escape the confining feeling he said it gave him. Even before Ezra had gotten together with Vin, it was not uncommon for either man to simply disappear for hours at a time.

Ezra knew the lanky Texan wanted to talk about Maude and her letter. His lover had respected his earlier request to let the matter drop, but the issue was by no means settled. With a quiet sigh, Ezra softly asked him to wait until after he finished with the children before pursuing a more in depth discussion. He knew that it was unlikely what they had to talk about could be covered in just a few minutes. And the children were expecting him. Vin had simply nodded his agreement, and patted Ezra’s shoulder, before slipping down the alley.

Ezra had expected Vin’s anger when Nathan brought up Maude. I really wish Mr. Jackson had some forethought as to how his comment might be received. Of course, it isn’t entirely his fault. Without enlightening him as to the true nature of my upbringing, the man cannot be faulted for asking what would otherwise have been an innocent question. With a quiet sigh; Ezra realized there were definite drawbacks to having secrets. Of course, there was a time, when there wasn’t anyone whose reaction I really had to worry about either.

He knew his lover might be slow to anger, but once there, he tended to be equally slow about letting it go. I had hoped his hostility toward Mother would have cooled a bit by now. Ezra shook his head, trying to comprehend the intensity of Vin’s reaction. He had no real experience in dealing with people being angry on his behalf. It was new, and somewhat confusing territory for him.

Ezra sighed, moving to pick up the odds and ends the children left behind. Ordinarily, the children cleaned up the room. But today, Ezra had shooed them out, preferring to undertake the job himself. The simple task helped him settle his thoughts.

One can only hope that Vin and Mother do not encounter one another for some time to come. Had she actually been in town, I fear Mother would not long survive meeting with Vin. I have no desire be in the middle of that. Lord…I’d rather wrestle with a grizzly bear.

Ezra felt a brief flash of guilt, realizing his first loyalty should be to his mother, but it wasn’t. Vin was his heart and soul. If it came to choosing between the two, despite the fact that Maude was his mother, it would be Vin he chose. His mother may have given him life, but it was most definitely Vin who made it worth living.

Thinking over the reactions at lunch, Ezra was forced to admit what had honestly surprised him, was the anger displayed by Chris and Buck. He had assumed their anger, and outrage would be a fleeting thing, one that would fade as time wore on. Ezra unconsciously chewed on his lower lip, trying to work through their behavior, looking for the angles and reasons for it.

It is not as if Chris or Buck were personally wronged in some way. I would hardly have expected either one to hold a grudge on my behalf. It is not as if we were long time associates or…even good friends. Ezra was willing to allow that there was a level of camaraderie between them, a certain degree of understanding, but hardly enough to warrant the other men holding on to their anger for as long as they so obviously had.

Although, in Buck’s case, I suppose more than enough time has passed for him to feel some degree of loyalty. Ezra smiled, just a quick flash of amused affection that he allowed himself knowing there was no one to see it. Buck Wilmington was, without a doubt, the most loyal man he’d had the good fortune to meet. Thinking it over, he really should not have been surprised that the tall cowboy still felt some hostility toward Maude. His own mother must have been a truly remarkable woman to have raised him to be such a man as he is. Ezra felt a touch of envy thinking of the relationship Buck must have had with his mother.

Chris, on the other had, was still a puzzle. On most days, Ezra wasn’t sure where he stood with the gunslinger. At one time, Chris seemed inclined to do little more than glare at him. And Ezra knew for some time that the group’s dark clad leader did not trust him. In fact, there were times when he honestly doubted if he was trusted even now.

However, of late, things had been good between them. Oh, they might never be on the same footing as Chris was with Vin, or JD was with Buck, but they were certainly no longer directly at odds with one another. An improvement to be sure. Mr. Larabee and I might never be bosom buddies, but there is no reason we cannot regard each other as comrade in arms, worthy of a level of mutual respect. And since that whole incident with Josiah, we have made great strides toward finding common ground. Not something I ever truly expected, but am decidedly grateful for none the less.

Chris had been an unlooked for ally during that incident. Ezra had been outright amazed to find the gunslinger as his defender. But the gambler was wary of placing too much trust in anyone. He’d been burned too often in the past, and feared putting himself in a position of relying on others lest that support be pulled away when he needed it most.

Mentally, Ezra chastised himself. Mr. Larabee is an honorable, upstanding man. There is no reason to believe he will abandon me during an hour of need. Ezra sighed. He still had doubts. Trusting in others was not something he did readily. It is best not to expect allies, only to find you have none.

Ezra shrugged, finding it difficult to keep his thoughts from running in circles. He put away the children’s things and left over supplies on the shelf Mrs. Potter had reserved for their use, and decided to let it go for now. The reasons for their anger do not matter, at least not as much as the issue of how to deal with it does. Ezra’s lips twisted into a wry grin. Preferably without any bloodshed.

Ezra straightened his clothes; deftly smooth the fabric, before stepping out of the storeroom. He closed the door behind him. Mrs. Potter looked up from where she was working at the store’s counter, smiled at him.

"Done early today, Mr. Standish?"

Ezra tipped his head toward her. "Yes, my dear lady. It would seem that for once time has not escaped our grasp, and we have completed our designated tasks in the time allotted."

The older woman chuckled. "Oh, but the children don’t seem to mind when you stay a bit longer." She gave him a knowing look. "That is a true testament of their enjoyment."

Ezra’s lips quirked upward in a half smile, and he ducked his head suddenly feeling shy in the face of her subtle praise. He rarely received compliments of any kind. "I suppose one could look at it that way."

She held a small bag out to him. He raised one eyebrow in question, and Mrs. Potter shrugged her one shoulder. "I thought you might need to replenish your supply of candy."

Ezra quickly delved into his pocket seeking the right coin to pay for the candy. Mrs. Potter clucked her tongue at him, and shook her head. She wrapped his free hand around the bag, and released it with a small pat.

"There’s no need to pay me, Mr. Standish." She stopped his protest with no more than a firm look. "I know you give most of it to the children anyway, or spoil that horse of yours with it. And it isn’t as if I am not amply rewarded for the time you have taken to teach Josh and CeCe."

"But, Mrs. Potter, you already supply a fee for my services." Ezra hadn’t asked for much in the way of pay, knowing full well that the mother’s of the children he taught could not afford much. And it was something he enjoyed doing. Being paid for teaching was simply gratis, not the reason he did it.

She snorted in an unladylike manner, before rolling her eyes. "The pittance you receive is hardly enough to compensate for you time, Mr. Standish." She patted his hand again. "We both know that."

Ezra tried once more to hand to her the coin he’d freed from his pocket. It wasn’t right to accept things from her. She had a business to run, and a family to support.

"Really, Mrs. Potter—". The gambler sighed, and stopped speaking when she gave him ‘that look’. Ezra had seen her use it to good effect on her children, but hadn’t considered that it would work just as well on him.

He shook his head. There will be no winning this argument. The only polite thing to do is to simply accept it courteously. "Very well then, Madam. I defer to your wishes in this matter."

"Thank you." She replied, her gracious manner off set only slightly by the twinkle of good humor in her eyes, and a small smirk.

Ezra captured her hand, and raised it, bowing slightly so he could place a kiss on her knuckles. "Until tomorrow, Fair Lady."

Mrs. Potter blushed, and made a shooing motion with her hand. "Off with you. I’m sure you have somewhere you need to be."

Indeed I do. Ezra tipped his hat, and headed outside. Vin is waiting. That thought usually inspired an eager anticipation. Today, his anticipation was tempered with uncertainty. He wasn’t sure just what Vin would have to say when he arrived. And he couldn’t even judge the possible outcomes. The unknown made Ezra nervous. He hated walking into any situation blind.

Ezra ducked into nearby alley, and made is way to the saloon using the back street. He didn’t care to speak to anyone, and had learned early in his stay at Four Corners, very few people felt the need to utilize the side streets. Ezra realized the ability to avoid people when he wanted to do so was another thing he and Vin had in common.

Ezra slipped silently up the back stairs to his room. He deftly picked the lock in only a few seconds, but did not enter immediately. Instead, Ezra tapped quietly on the door, using two taps, a pause, and then two more, to let his lover know it was him. Both of them knew it was a bad idea to surprise the other. Ezra chuckled softly. Yet another thing he and I have in common.

He stepped in the room, closing the door quietly behind him. He was not at all put off to find Vin sitting comfortably on his bed, pointing his mare’s leg toward the door. Even knowing he’d announced himself, Ezra knew Vin would still be cautious. It was an attitude Ezra found heartening. He wanted his lover to be around a long, long time. And Ezra firmly believed the only way a man could guarantee his survival was to be cautious, and to never assume.

He grinned at the tracker, gold pre-molar glinting in the afternoon light. "Expecting someone else?" His voice was light, teasing, as he raised one hand in a graceful move to point toward Vin’s gun.

Vin half-smiled, his expression just a bit sheepish. "Sorry, Ez. Know I should quit doin’ that."

"No." Ezra said firmly. "You should not."

Vin lowered his gun to the floor, with a faintly startled look. "I shouldn’t?"

Ezra stepped further into the room. "It is always best to be prepared. I may not have been alone. Or, it may not have been me at all."

Vin nodded, but still looked a bit uncertain. "Don’t seem right to be pointing a gun at you. ‘Specially you."

Ezra felt a nice warm glow flow through him hearing Vin’s words. He smiled gently. "Were you planning on shooting me?"

Vin looked appalled, horrified. "I wasn’t gonna shoot you!"

"I know." Ezra said gently. He made a point of making eye contact, holding Vin’s sky blue eyes with his jade green counterparts. "Knowing that, is why seeing your gun pointed in my direction, does not bother me."

Ezra casually tossed his hat on the dresser, and removed his jacket. He continued speaking as he undid the derringer rig that encircled his right forearm, and placed it next to his hat. "I would rather have you be ready for trouble than to see you caught unawares. A habit of a lifetime, one that ensures your life proves to be a long one, is not something I would ask you to alter. Nor is it one I would ever be offended by."

Vin shook his head, a crooked smile warming his features. "Have I told you that you aren’t like anyone else?"

Ezra raised a hand to rub thoughtfully at his chin. "I do believe variations of that particular sentiment have been bandied about many times." He grinned, dimples flashing. "But really, if one is going to be like everyone else, why bother getting out of bed? You would just see yourself coming and going."

Vin laughed quietly. It was a sound Ezra loved to hear. Vin held out a hand, and Ezra moved forward to take it. His lover pulled him down to sit on the bed, and then leaned in for a kiss.

"Love you, Ez." Vin whispered against his lips before kissing him leisurely, tongues dueling for supremacy. Ezra let Vin win, enjoying the contact, allowing the kiss to deepen. He was always amazed by how soft and warm Vin’s lips were. He was convinced that there was magic in the quiet man’s touch.

Vin pulled away, blue eyes searching Ezra’s face, a touch of worry in his expression. He raised a hand to gently caress Ezra’s cheek. "You okay?"

Ezra knew Vin was asking about Maude’s letter. He sighed softly, rubbing his cheek against Vin’s hand, grateful that this conversation was starting at a place he could handle. I should have known that would be his first concern.

"Yes. I’m fine." He smiled wanly, knowing such a simple answer would not satisfy his lover. Ezra sighed again, and sat back slightly so he could face Vin easily. "It is not the first such missive she has sent to me. And I am not naïve enough to believe it will be the last."

Vin frowned. "She send…missives to you a lot?"

Ezra smiled slightly at Vin’s hesitation over the word ‘missive’. Another word I am certain he will not forget. "No. She has never written much." Ezra shrugged one shoulder. "Counting this letter, Mother has written to me just four times since my stay in Four Corners."

Ezra thought about what he had just said. Hmm…Four times in a little over a year. It should break down to one letter every four months or so. Except that this is the first one in nearly six months. Of course, that does not include her two disastrous visits to this humble little hamlet. Funny thing…I’ve seen and heard from her more in the past year than I did any other year in my life.

Ezra frowned, eyebrows pulling together as he considered that thought. A truly sad state of affairs…I cannot seem to determine if such frequent communication with my mother is a good thing or not. It should be such an easy thing to assess. I mean, a man should not dread contact with his mother. But then most men do not have the pleasure of a mother like mine.

For a moment, the earlier feeling of envy regarding Buck’s mother was back. Ezra had no doubts that the fun-loving cowboy would give his right arm to spend one more day with his mother. As would JD, and I suspect, so would Vin. Truly, most of our group speaks highly of their mothers. It is indeed ironic, as the only member of our little band with a my mother still among the living, that I should feel so ambivalent about receiving attention from her.

He felt Vin shake his shoulder. The tracker’s expression was faintly anxious. "You still with me, Ez?"

"I’m here." Ezra shook his head, trying to dispel his thoughts. He hadn’t meant to worry Vin by being quiet for so long. "Just gathering wool."

Vin still looked concerned. "There more to what she wrote than you said at lunch? Somethin’ you ain’t telling me?"

"Not really."

Vin raised an eyebrow. "Not really? Ain’t the same as saying no, Ez."

Ezra snorted and gave his lover a reproving look. "You know, there are days when I regret ever telling you that I have never lied to you. You pay far more attention to what I say and how I say it."

Vin smiled slightly. "I know." He lightly caressed Ezra’s cheek. "But I always listened ta ya. Even ‘fore then." Vin leaned in again, and placed a chaste kiss on Ezra’s lips. He pulled away before Ezra had the chance to make more of that kiss.

"Just didn’t always hear what ya said. Leastwise not like I do now. I’m sorry ‘bout that."

The honest sincerity in Vin’s apology amazed Ezra. Unbelievable. The man actually apologized for letting me mislead him!! Truly, Vin Tanner is one of a kind.

"There is no reason for you to be sorry, Vin." Ezra reached out and hugged his lover fiercely to him. "I should not continue to be so evasive. The habit of a lifetime takes some effort to undo." The last bit was the only excuse he had to offer. He didn’t mean to dance around answering Vin’s questions.

Vin held him tightly, hands moving in a soothing gesture down Ezra’s back. He whispered in Ezra’s ear. "Figure you’re habit with words is a bit like me with my gun."

Vin patted the gambler’s back lightly, easily communicating that no harm had been done. "If it keeps ya safe, I don’t mind. And I know you ain’t lying. Yer just makin’ me work a little harder for the answers."

Ezra couldn’t help but laugh. He pulled back enough to rest his forehead against Vin’s. "You are like no one else. A genuine, rare treasure."

Vin grinned, a brief flash of amusement. "What was it you said ‘bout bein’ like everybody else?" His expression turned sly. "Ya figure this means I can keep getting outta bed?"

"Oh most definitely." Ezra laughed again. "Most definitely."

Vin watched Ezra for a moment. "So what else did she have ta say?"

Like a dog with a bone. Not that I expected any less. It is time I break this habit of mine. Vin deserves better. Ezra sighed softly. "She included her usual recriminations about wasting my talents in this, and I quote, ‘god-forsaken duty excuse of a town’."

He was careful to keep his voice neutral. There was no reason for Vin to know how much it hurt that is mother thought so little of what he did here. She repeatedly belittled his working as a peacekeeper, finding the idea of her son masquerading as a law-abiding citizen positively ludicrous. And she spoke about the men he worked with in much the same way. Definitely not something that bears repeating. Telling Vin would merely add fuel to the fire.

"She also went on at length about why I should leave here, and head for greener pastures."

Vin pursed his lips, blue eyes readily giving away the fact that he was angry. "She think she’s got greener pastures ta offer ya?" Despite the softness of Vin’s voice it easily relayed his harsh disbelief.

Ezra smiled tightly. "Not for me, necessarily. My benefiting from any endeavor on her part would simply be a side bonus as far as Mother is concerned." Ezra chuckled, but the sound lacked real humor.

He smiled wryly. "You must understand, Vin, Mother has always had designs on living a better life. One of wealth and influence, position and power. I am fairly certain that since she desires such things so strongly, she believes promising me the same, would provide more than ample inducement for me to follow her."

Ezra looked away, ashamed of what he was about to admit to, but feeling the need to come clean with Vin just the same. He cleared his throat. "There was a time when she might well have been right."

"I doubt that was ever the case." Vin said quietly. He placed a knuckle under Ezra’s chin, and gently forced Ezra to look at him. Blue eyes were warm, and offered easily visible acceptance. "And even if it was, I know it ain’t any more."

It wasn’t really a question, but Ezra felt the need to affirm Vin’s statement. "No. Not any longer." He smiled. "I have found something far more valuable."

Vin smiled as well, and nodded, apparently satisfied. "Good." Vin took a breath, and bit his lower lip. "You said at lunch ya plan ta tell her no."

That also wasn’t really a question, but Ezra nodded anyway. "I will be issuing my negative response to her request as soon as possible. Although, my reply may take awhile to reach her, given her current location."

"Which is where?"

Ezra raised an eyebrow, momentarily caught off guard by the tone in Vin’s voice. It wasn’t hostile, more wary and concerned than anything else, but definitely insistent. It was as close as Vin had ever come to outright demanding a straight answer. Ezra knew when Vin shifted slightly, and looked uncomfortable, that Vin must have read more in his hesitation than Ezra intended.

"Ain’t plannin’ ta hunt her down if that what yer thinkin’." Although, Vin really hadn’t moved much, Ezra was aware that his lover was on the defensive. To a man who made his living reading other people, Vin’s barely imperceptible shift in weight, and expression, all but screamed his current state of mind.

Ezra placed one finger against Vin’s lips when the other man would have spoken again halting his words before he could even begin. Ezra smiled gently. "Rest assured, I do not fear your leaving to extract retribution. You are a better man than that, Vin Tanner. You are not the sort who would commit cold-blooded murder, or inflict harm on another with malicious aforethought. About that, I have never had a doubt."

Vin flushed, dropping his gaze, and looking endearing like a little boy. Ezra grasped he was not the only one who was unused to receiving compliments. He shook his head, realizing that thought was for another time. He refocused his thoughts on the issue at hand.

"And while I confess I have worried as to the outcome, should you and my mother ever encounter one another unexpectedly, I know you too well to think you would ‘hunt her down’. My hesitation was not due to thinking you might wish to cause her harm." He removed his finger, letting it caress Vin’s lower lip before traveling upward across his cheekbone, still smiling gently, trying to convey his feelings of love and trust, in case his words had failed to do so.

Ezra decided an explanation was in order. He didn’t want Vin to think he’d been trying to evade his question. "I was, simply put, caught off guard by your question. That does not mean I doubted you or intended to refuse to answer. I needed a moment to collect myself, nothing more."

Ezra took a deep breath and let it out slowly before speaking again, organizing his thoughts. He regarded Vin steadily. "Now then, since it is firmly established that you do not wish to engage in a destructive rampage, why don’t you tell me why you wanted to ascertain her whereabouts? It is obviously important to you." I’ll get to where she is after we’ve cleared up this little misunderstanding. One thing at a time.

"I was jus’….well… thing is…" Vin sighed, and tried again. "I figure if she’s gonna show up any time soon it would be best to be prepared."

Ezra nodded, readily understanding where Vin was coming from. Maude’s earlier visits had been disruptive to say the least. And given what the Vin and the others now knew of his upbringing, Ezra could easily see another visit by her being even more unsettling. The only problem with this line of reasoning is that I have yet to determine how one should prepare for a visit from my mother.

"Yes, I suppose battening down the hatches would be a wise course of action." He murmured, speaking more to himself than Vin, silently likening a visit from Maude to riding out a hurricane. He considered another option, unaware that he spoke it aloud. "Either that or make a run for the hills."

Vin captured both of Ezra’s wrists, his grip tight, blue eyes fierce. "You wanna go, you let me know first. Won’t take me five minutes ta be ready. You don’t run without me. Ya hear?" Vin shook him, emphasizing his point.

Damn. I really must remember to maintain a tighter rein on my tongue in the future. "I wouldn’t dream of leaving without you." Ezra answered honestly. He had no intention of willingly leaving Vin, now or ever.

Ezra’s voice was solemn as he continued, making it clear he meant what he said. "You have my word, Vin. I will not flee without waiting for you to join me."

"Good." Vin squeezed his wrists once before letting go, and relaxing back against the headboard. Vin still looked a bit pensive. "Ya think she’ll come here when ya tell her no? I don’t want her hurtin’ you again. Harder for her ta do that from a distance."

Ezra recognized Vin’s worry for him as the heart of the matter. The earlier warm glow Ezra had experienced was back. Amazing. I wonder if I will ever get used to this. I sincerely hope not. Having someone care about my well-being is not something I intend to ever take for granted.

Ezra paused as he gave Vin’s question and concern serious thought, wanting to give the matter the attention it deserved. He ran his tongue over his lower lip as he thought through the possible alternatives, weighing the odds carefully. "For the moment, I do not think Mother will be gracing us with her presence."

"Ya sure?"

Ezra shrugged, his expression rueful. "With Mother one can never be certain of anything. But from the tone of her letter, I expect she is already firmly embroiled in her latest con. Far too engaged with it to pay Four Corners a visit any time soon. Particularly when one considers the distance between here and Denver."

Vin frowned, brows pulling together slightly. "Denver? Hunh." He was clearly not entirely pleased with what Ezra had said. "Still too damn close if ya ask me."

"Perhaps." Ezra kept himself from smiling. I have the feeling Vin might well think anywhere west of the Mississippi is too close. Still it would be best to assure him that Denver is more than far enough.

"Getting here would be an arduous undertaking, one that I seriously doubt Mother would consider. Certainly, not without being in dire straits." Ezra honestly couldn’t envision Maude making a pilgrimage to Four Corners for anything less. He sent a silently plea heaven ward that his Mother not be in such a position any time soon. In part because he did care for her and about her, and in part, because he still thought time might help cool Vin’s anger.

"Dire?" Vin raised both eyebrows. "That means what ‘xactly?"

"Very bad. Terrible." Ezra clarified. "In Mother’s case, that might well translate into mortal peril."

Vin nodded as he moved a hand to entwine his fingers with Ezra’s. His thumb caressed Ezra’s palm. Ezra felt himself relaxing under Vin’s touch. He hadn’t even realized he was tense until Vin began his gentle massage.

"So…as long as everything she’s plannin’ goes okay, you don’t think she’ll come here?"

"That is my best guess." He turned his free hand palm up as though weighing something, trying to envision all the options he’d considered, balancing one against another. "Based on past experience, she would have no reason to otherwise." Ezra paused, before admitting, "Not that I’ve ever truly understood the reasons for anything she does. Nor have I been entirely accurate in predicting her behavior in the past."

"An’ she’ll take no for an answer?" Vin looked up from their joined hands when he asked this.

Ezra shrugged, with nonchalance that was only slightly forced. "She will simply have to." He smiled, dimples appearing, feeling his mood lighten considerably even as he thought about his next words. "I know longer dance to her tune." Nor will I ever again. For better or worse, I am my own man now. Or rather, I am Vin’s.

"Yeah?" Vin grinned.

"Oh most definitely." Ezra winked at Vin, leaning in closer. He let his body language and eyes speak for him, subtly altering the mood as he did so. "I much prefer the music you and I make."

Ezra captured Vin’s lips in kiss. He started out light, almost teasing, tracing Vin’s lower lip with his tongue, nibbling gently, asking for permission to enter. Vin granted him entry with a soft sigh, and Ezra delved deeply into that well loved grotto, tracing over familiar territory. Vin had not relinquished his hold on right Ezra’s hand, but that didn’t keep the gambler from using his free hand to cup the growing hardness between Vin’s legs. Ezra kept his touch gentle; knowing that feather-light, teasing contact would arouse Vin faster than anything else.

Vin arched into his touch, and sighed. Ezra delighted in that soft sound of pleasure his touch elicited from Vin. Vin was never loud, but he was definitely vocal. Ezra had made a point of using the soft sighs, moans, whimpers, and nearly silent pleas as a definitive guide for ensuring his lover’s pleasure. It made him feel good to make Vin feel good.

Vin released his hand and wrapped both arms around Ezra, pulling him closer. With a hard thrust of his hips and smooth roll, Vin moved to pin Ezra under him. The tracker pulled his lips away, blue eyes dancing as they met green.

"You gonna give me another lesson, Teach?"

Ezra chucked at the use of that name. When they had first become lovers, Vin had possessed very little experience in the physical aspect of a relationship. His innate shy nature made it difficult for Vin to capitalize on his good looks, despite the many offers that had come his way. So while not entirely an innocent, Vin was by no means what one would call an accomplished lover, and he had absolutely no experience when it came to men. Ezra had been only too happy to share the knowledge and experience he’d garnered, taking the time to introduce his lover to the all the pleasures to be had. Those lessons were something both men enjoyed immensely.

Ezra started to respond, only to have his breath escaped in a gasp of pleasure when Vin lowered his head to nibble at Ezra’s neck. Ezra closed his eyes, and tilted his head back to give Vin greater access. Vin took advantage of Ezra’s move to work his way further down his neck. Lips, tongue, and teeth worked together, making it hard for Ezra to concentrate on anything other than the feel of his lover.

Ezra took a deep breath, and tried again to speak. "I believe you may…have something to…teach me, Vin." He shivered when Vin’s tongue traced a path along the tendon at the side of his neck, not stopping until he was just beneath Ezra’s ear. Ezra couldn’t contain the soft moan of pleasure when Vin sucked on his ear lobe, and then blew across it.

Vin’s hands were busy with the buttons of Ezra’s shirt. Ezra tried to return the favor and undo Vin’s shirt, but Vin kept distracting him with his tongue, or slapping his hands away. The tracker seemed determined to strip Ezra first. He decided it didn’t matter who lost their clothing first, just as long as they were both naked and soon.

Vin unbuckled his shoulder harness, and Ezra sat up enough to make removing the rig easier. He tried not to wear his gun belt when teaching the children, preferring to wear the less visible guns he owned. He didn’t want to bring such a blatant indicator of violence with him into the classroom. The children were exposed to it enough just living in Four Corners. And despite knowing it was foolish to think simply not wearing a gun belt would be sufficient, Ezra still wanted to foster the illusion that the classroom was a place of safety.

Vin shifted his weight, reaching to hang Ezra’s gun from the bedpost where it could be easily reached if needed. Ezra took advantage of Vin’s movement and swiftly undid the buttons of his lover’s shirt, shoving it of his shoulders, and trapping his hands. Ezra grinned wickedly when Vin shot him a dirty look.

"My turn." Ezra leaned forward to flick his tongue across one of Vin’s already hardened nipples. Vin shuddered, whispering Ezra’s name in one long sigh. Ezra divided his attention between first one and then the other, teasing Vin with little licks, and the gentle application of his teeth, while his hands caressed Vin’s back.

Vin freed his hands, throwing his shirt behind him, and pushed Ezra down on the bed with throaty growl. The tracker captured his lips in a kiss that was almost bruising in its passion. He ran his fingers through Ezra’s hair, tilting his head for a better angle, and making the gambler want to purr in response to his touch.

If asked about it later, Ezra was sure he couldn’t really answer just how they came to lose all their clothing so quickly. It didn’t seem possible they could actually undress since neither of them were willing to let go of the other for very long. He was vaguely aware of skin being revealed, and having much attention paid to each inch as it became visible. But he was far too lost in the sensations, both those he felt and the ones he wanted to create, to really pay any more attention. Ezra didn’t care that his clothing was scattered around the room, or left lying in a heap on the floor. Blessedly naked, skin-to-skin, made how they came to be that way an unimportant detail.

Ezra’s hands skimmed over Vin’s back, enjoying the feel of his skin. For someone who led such a rough, unsheltered life, Vin’s skin was amazingly soft and smooth. It reminded Ezra of the feel of satin. Full body contact was wonderful even when they did nothing more than sleep cuddled up with one another.

As usual, in moments like these, Ezra found himself murmuring in French. Much of what he said was simply words of endearment. Nonsense really, not even full sentences, but because he utilized words to express himself so often, he couldn’t seem to stay silent. His lover on the other hand, while vocal, rarely spoke, expressing his feelings of love and passion easily with his actions. Despite their different modes of expression, or perhaps because of them, both understood the other.

Ezra wiggled, trying to reach the bedside stand, and the tin of lubricant that it held. Vin captured his hand, long fingers encircling his wrist, and moved it to where he could hold it trapped above Ezra’s head. He caught Ezra’s other wrist as well, pinning it with the first.

Vin shook his head at Ezra. "My turn, Teach."

Ezra could have broken Vin’s grip if he wanted to. Vin wasn’t really holding him tightly, his fingers only loosely wrapped around Ezra’s wrists. The gambler looked up at his lover, green eyes bright with love, and trust. He’d already decided earlier to let Vin lead, willing to follow wherever he chose to take them.

"Your turn." He agreed, his voice a hoarse whisper.

Vin dropped his head to nuzzle the spot where Ezra’s shoulder and neck joined. He drifted lower, until he found a spot above Ezra’s heart. Vin sucked hard, and applied his teeth with enough force to leave a light bruise. Ezra arched his back, welcoming that brand. The tracker made a point of marking him where no one else could see, and Ezra always sported at least one love bite. The gambler didn’t mind. He liked wearing Vin’s mark.

Vin released his hold on Ezra’s wrists, his hands moving to cup Ezra’s face. His gaze was so direct and intense, Ezra found it hard to breath. The love shining in those beloved blue eyes took his breath away.

Vin kissed him deeply, sweetly. Ezra basked in the emotions it conveyed. Before meeting Vin, he had never been aware of just how expressive one man could be without ever saying a single word. Even after three months, Ezra still found it an awe-inspiring thing.

Vin’s eyes met his again. "I want you ta take me."

Ezra felt his eyes widened in surprise. Until now, he hadn’t broached that issue, not wanting to force his lover into anything he didn’t want to do. He had introduced Vin to the pleasure that could be had using just his fingers. And had tried to convey just how much he enjoyed being on the receiving end of Vin’s hard thrusts, how much he delighted in being filled by Vin. But he had planned not to push Vin to reciprocate. He was willing to wait for Vin to ask for more, and perfectly content with their relationship as it stood if Vin never asked.  Well, the man has asked. Ezra licked his lips, and swallowed hard.

"Sure?"

"Positive." Vin answered, a small half-smile on his face, blue eyes warm. "Been wantin’ ta know."

"Know?" Ezra shook his head, dismayed by his inability to speak more than one word at a time. At this rate he’d be completely speechless in short order. Focus, Ezra. Focus.

"Yeah." Vin sighed softly, using his knuckle to caress Ezra’s cheekbone. "Wanna know how it feels." A faint blush rose to color Vin’s cheeks. "You always seem ta like it."

Ezra smiled. "I do indeed." He did not want Vin to have any doubts on that score. "I more than like it. I love it."

"Good." Vin nodded, grinning. "Then it’s about damn time I find out fer myself what its like."

Ezra captured Vin’s lips with his own, wanting to taste his smile. He cupped Vin’s face with both hands, tilting his head before placing a kiss on his forehead. The gesture was almost one of benediction.

Ezra was struck again by the beauty of the man before him, and just how lucky he was to be given the opportunity to be a part of his life. He opened his mouth to speak, but struggled to find the words. Trying again, he finally managed to get out, "We need to change positions a bit."

The tracker nodded eagerly, and rolled off Ezra. His expression was one of excited anticipation. Ezra was reminded anew that Vin really wasn’t much older than JD. He conveniently over looked the fact that his own age wasn’t that far off either.

"Roll over."

Vin frowned. "Why?"

"It will be easier that way." Ezra said gently.

Vin raised an eyebrow. "But when I…when you…" Vin shook his head, his blush deeper than before. He looked away and then back, expression resolute. "Always take you face ta face." He finally managed to get out.

"I know." Ezra could feel the faint leer that tugged at his lips. "But that way requires a certain amount of…flexibility. Not too mention familiarity with one’s limits."

"I wanna see yer face." Vin insisted, a faint, but definite pout forming around his mouth.

Ezra shook his head. He would not give in on this no matter how cute his lover looked at the moment. "Next time. I don’t want to hurt you, Cheri." Ezra had recently taken to using the endearment as something of a pet name for Vin when they were alone.

Vin sighed, understanding that Ezra would not back down. He rolled over, rising up on his hands and knees. He looked over his shoulder, and wiggled his ass invitingly. Ezra took a shaky breath, and struggled to control himself. He lightly spanked Vin’s ass. "Behave."

Vin chuckled, and tossed him a saucy wink over his shoulder. "Make me."

Ezra shook his head, smiling a little at Vin’s taunt. I may well make you before I’m done. He reached for the tin he tried to grasp earlier. He used his fingers to gently prepare Vin, trying not to be rushed or distracted by Vin’s occasional whimper of pleasure or the little shimmy his lover did each time he withdrew. He kept his movements slow, drawing out Vin’s pleasure, refusing to let his lover hurry the pace, and making him wait.

"Please…God, Ez…please." Vin bowed his head, his arms shaking, breathe coming in harsh pants. His cock was so hard it was touching his belly, leaving trails of pre-come with every move he made. He rocked himself back on Ezra’s fingers, but each time he tried to speed things along, Ezra simply stopped moving.

"God…Please, Ez…yes." Vin’s last word came out in one long sigh as Ezra used his middle finger to brush Vin’s prostate just enough to enhance his pleasure but not enough to let him come.

Figuring he’d teased Vin enough that his lover was more than ready, Ezra slid in behind him, having already coated his dick with lube. He took a deep breath, and then another, shaking with the effort to not let go and just nail Vin to the mattress. Control yourself. You are not some mindless animal in heat. He wanted this to be good for Vin, that meant taking his time, and not shooting off too soon.

He breached Vin’s opening, and forced himself to hold still, when he heard Vin’s gasp, and felt him tense. His hands roamed soothingly over Vin’s back, before moving to caress his chest and belly. "Easy. Easy. It is all right. Relax, Sweetheart." He murmured, and then shook his head realizing he was not speaking English.

Ezra spoke again, making sure he was understood this time. "It’s okay. Just…take your time. Relax. That’s it. Easy now."

"I’m…okay." Vin panted.

Ezra still waited, almost trembling with the effort it took to remain still. He briefly considered pulling out. Unsure of his ability to control himself, Ezra whispered hoarsely "Don’t want to hurt you, Vin. Please…don’t let me hurt you."

Vin reached up, grabbed Ezra’s forearm, holding it against his chest, keeping Ezra from withdrawing. He moved back slightly, wiggling just a bit. "More. Want more. I’m ready."

Ezra rolled his hips forward, entering his lover a little bit at a time, pausing to let Vin adjust until he was all the way in. Ezra took a shuddering breath, and clung to Vin, arms wrapped around him, holding tightly. God…so good…so warm…tight. Sweet Jesus…never thought it would be this good. Never even dreamed it could be.

"You okay?" He had to know. It wasn’t enough for it just to be good for him. It meant nothing if Vin wasn’t sharing in his pleasure.

Vin moaned softly, still breathing hard, but he was no longer tense. "Didn’t know it…would feel…this good. Ya never said it would…be so…right…God…Ez, I ain’t got words." Vin pulled Ezra’s hand to his lips and placed a warm, tender kiss in his palm, conveying with that action all the things he couldn’t say.

Ezra smiled, and kissed one shoulder, heartened by Vin’s answer. "It will be better." He whispered a soft promise as he nuzzled Vin’s ear.

Ezra began to thrust, slowly after first, barely moving. His free hand was busy caressing Vin’s wonderfully sensitive nipples, rolling them between his fingers, smiling when Vin sighed out his enjoyment making it sound like a rumbling purr. Ezra nibbled at Vin’s ear before moving to the back of his neck, seeking that spot that always made his lover weak in the knees. Vin’s quiver let him know he’d found it.

Ezra increased the speed and depth of his stroke. Vin released Ezra’s hand to brace himself on the headboard, sitting back more, heightening the pleasure for both of them when he did. Ezra let one hand ghost down Vin’s chest and abdomen, reaching for his rock hard cock. He began to jack it in time with his thrusts.

Vin began to rock up and down, using his thighs to help him ride Ezra, effortlessly matching each move Ezra made. The gambler could feel himself spiraling higher. He closed his eyes, and breathed in Vin’s intoxicating scent. He’d never been able to totally define it, but Vin’s scent reminded him of wind that blew off the orchard his Uncle Malcolm had planted near his house. The air was always fresh, almost sweet, tasting of the promise of good things to come.

He let himself revel in the feel of Vin’s skin against his. Ezra felt like all his nerve endings were responding to the briefest contact, making his skin tingle. He couldn’t help responding to the wonderful sensations, sighing softly, and tightening his hold on Vin, trying to get even closer.

So lost was he in his own building climax, Ezra almost missed the slight tremors and hitch in his breathing that heralded Vin’s. Vin shifted his weight back until he was all but sitting in Ezra’s lap. The tracker groaned, and tipped his head back to rest it on Ezra’s shoulder, his whole body tensing so hard he was almost vibrating. The corresponding internal contractions brought Ezra to completion only seconds after Vin.

Ezra had been only vaguely aware of Vin’s clenched jaw as his lover did his best not to howl out in ecstasy, releasing it as a hiss through clenched teeth. The gambler, for his part, had bitten Vin’s shoulder trying to contain his own cries, knowing it was important that they not be heard. He was sure his effort to remain silent would leave a mark.

It took several minutes for Ezra to get his breathing back under control. He felt weightless, and incredibly heavy at the same time. His thoughts seemed to free float, like a butterfly, fluttering aimlessly. He just felt too good to really work up the effort to concentrate.

Vin’s soft sigh broke Ezra from his reverie. He tilted his head to rest it against Vin’s. "You okay, Cheri?" He asked quietly.

"Hmm? Oh…yeah." Vin turned his head to nuzzle Ezra’s temple. His breathing still a bit unsteady, his words were barely audible, little more than a throaty whisper. "Never felt better in my life."

Ezra chuckled, pleased to know Vin felt the same way he did. "Good."

Vin shifted, pulling away. Ezra’s now lax member slipped free, and he felt a moment of loss, already missing being so connected to his lover. Vin stretched, almost catlike in his graceful movements. The tracker lay down with the same fluid grace with which he did most everything, curling up on his side almost immediately.

Ezra smiled, pleased that Vin didn’t seem to be suffering from any ill affects from their recent activity. He cocked his head to one side, studying his lover. Vin’s eyes were heavy lidded, barely open. Ezra knew if left on his own, the former bounty hunter would be asleep soon.

Vin held out a hand, offering it to Ezra. "C’mon, Ez. Lay down." Vin sighed. "Don’t wanna take a nap by myself. Hate sleepin’ alone."

Ezra held his hand, bringing it to his lips, kissing Vin’s knuckles. "Let me just clean us up a bit. Otherwise we might end up stuck together permanently."

"Wouldn’t be a bad thing." Vin murmured, a half smile blossoming on his face.

Ezra laughed, suddenly imagining what a stir that would cause in Four Corners. "Perhaps. However, I do not think this town would survive the gossip such an event would likely cause."

He released Vin’s hand, and slid out of bed. After such a mind-blowing orgasm, it took him a moment to find his balance. Lord. I feel as uncoordinated as a newborn foal.

Once he was steady on his feet, he retrieved the hand towel from the washstand and cleaned them both up. Vin’s hooded eyes followed his every move. Ezra had no doubt that his lover was staying awake, waiting until he joined him, before giving into the overwhelming lassitude he had to be feeling. Ezra snuggled in next to Vin, throwing the towel in the general areas of where it came from. I’ll take care of that later.

Because neither of them were likely to be missed until suppertime, it wasn’t uncommon for Vin and Ezra to wile away the afternoons together. Ezra sighed as Vin pulled him closer, relaxing into that warm, comforting hold. Many an afternoon was spent just like this…wrapped up in each other, sometimes napping after a bout of love making, sometimes just curled up while Ezra read aloud to Vin. Other days they rode out of town, Vin teaching Ezra a bit about tracking, or showing him a bit about the beauty of the area.

Ezra would be awake in an hour or two. Time enough to clean himself up, and be presentable, so that he could play poker until his shift started around midnight. Vin would be up in the same amount of time, or less. He would spend several hours discretely watching Ezra’s back before returning to spend the rest of the night in Ezra’s bed. For the moment, both men were content to just enjoy being close to one another.

"Love you, Ez."

"And I you, Vin."

*******

Vin tried to wait patiently, something he normally had little trouble doing. But today, it wasn’t nearly as easy. Today, he had finally finished the love knot he’d made for Ezra, and he was waiting for Ezra to finish with the children so that he could give it to him.

He had spent two days working with the string Nettie had given him. It had taken him that long to master the technique of weaving it together, and to create the design he wanted. Once he had that part figured out, the next had been to decide what to make the knot from.

Vin had already decided on a lock of his hair. He’d waited until today to actually cut it. Ezra loved his hair, and would be observant enough to notice a piece was missing. So Vin had put off cutting it until the last possible moment, not wanting to try and explain why he’d done it until he had the knot completed and ready to offer.

However, he wanted to have the knot be more than just his hair. He remembered what Nettie had said about the knot being a representation of their lives intertwined, and he wanted something of Ezra’s to be woven into the knot as well. He striped the lace from cuff of one of Ezra’s shirts. The shirt was one of several that the gambler claimed had been ruined beyond redemption, but that he kept in case of an emergency, like the need for makeshift bandages. The lace was incredibly soft, and very fine. The quality of it only served to confirm what Vin already knew; Ezra liked to wear well-made, first-rate clothing.

In the course of his wonderings, Vin had occasionally come across small items he liked, and made a point of hanging on to. One such personal treasure was a small number of turquoise beads. The most common color was a soft blue. But Vin had one unique oval shaped bead that one half was blue, the other half was green. Thinking the colors would also serve to symbolically represent them, he worked bead into the center of the knot.

Vin held the end result in one hand. A small blue and green bead, framed by the intricately woven network of hair and lace covered the center of his palm. He was still somewhat surprised by just how well it turned out. The cream colored lace, with it’s delicate loops and folds seemed to mirror in small detail of the main knot, while drawing attention to the turquoise bead. His hair provided a darker contrast, with the sun bleached strands adding a faint glimmer reminiscent of gold.

Vin took a deep breath. Hope Ez thinks it’s okay. Don’t matter what I think. Well, it does…cause I wouldn’t give something I didn’t think was worthwhile, but it ain’t really my opinion that…Oh for crying out loud, Vin Tanner, get a grip on yourself.

He shook his head trying to shake off his thoughts at the same time. Vin tried to relax, but found himself pacing the room with slow, measured steps instead. The faint sound of Ezra picking the lock, and then his usual knock interrupted Vin’s movements.

Vin had his gun held ready, but managed to keep himself from actually pointing it at the door. Really ain’t right to be pointing it at him. Know he said he didn’t mind, but it still just ain’t right.

Ezra slipped in, quietly closing the door behind him. He raised an eyebrow at seeing Vin standing in the center of the room. Vin usually lounged on the bed or sat in the rocker. Finding him in the center of the room was bound to seem a bit odd.

"Something wrong?"

Vin shook his head. "Nah. Jus’ couldn’t seem ta sit still."

Ezra’s sharp eyes studied him for a moment. "Perhaps, a foray into the wilderness would a better use of our afternoon than remaining indoors."

Whenever he got restless, Vin would feel the need to just ride out of town, and spend some time away from people. Ezra accepted that need for peace and quiet as just part of Vin’s nature. The gambler seemed to hesitate for a moment, suddenly still, his expression slipping from warm and open to blandly neutral. He offered quietly, "I will understand if you did not wish for me to accompany you. I realize that being constantly in each others company may be a bit wearing on your nerves."

"What?" Vin stared at him. Ezra was good at reading people, and there was no way he could have missed Vin’s brief, almost measured silence, and his obvious nervousness. Unfortunately, it had led Ezra to believe Vin was searching for away to tell him he wanted to be alone, that Ezra’s company would be unwelcome.

"No. Ez, no." Vin stepped forward, closing the distance between them. "I want you with me." Never want ya to think otherwise. Christ. This is not how I planned this.

He quickly shoved his gun in its holster, and pulled Ezra to him in a fierce hug. "Ya don’t wear on my nerves, ya damn fool." He got more than enough solitude to satisfy his needs when riding patrol, or waiting in Ezra’s room. In truth, aside from Chris, Ezra was the only other person who never seemed to get on his nerves or crowd him.

Vin pulled away enough to make eye contact. "Want you with me."

Ezra nodded once, smiling slightly, his stance relaxing into something more at ease. "Shall we partake of mother nature’s bounty, then? Spend this afternoon indulging ourselves in remote untamed landscape she has so graciously provided?"

It took Vin a moment to decipher those questions. Love the way he talks even if I don’t understand everything he says. Vin shook his head. "Not just yet."

Ezra frowned, eyebrows pulling together slightly. "Something is wrong."

"No. Not wrong." Vin contradicted Ezra’s statement. "Jus’ well…truth is…" Vin sighed, once again regretting that he simply didn’t have the same way with words his lover did. "Don’t rightly know how ta…look will you sit down, please?"

Ezra cocked his head to one side, and then shrugged. He stepped over to the bed and sat down. He made a graceful gesture indicating he Vin had the floor, and he was willing to wait for him to speak.

Vin took a deep breath. He reached for the key that hung around his neck, holding it so Ezra could see it. "You remember giving this to me?"

"I remember." Ezra answered, his attention totally focused on Vin.

"Meant a lot to me when gave it to me." Vin wrapped his fingers around the key. "Not sure if I can even explain it to ya, but it’s more than just a way for me ta get in here." Vin sighed, and released his hold on the key, tucking it back into his shirt. He bit his lower lip, brow furrowed as he tried to find the right words to explain himself.

"Havin’ it means ya trust me." Vin made eye contact. "Ya got all yer stuff in here, and you didn’t even think twice about givin’ me the right ta come and go. Didn’t seem at all worried that ya gotta pick the lock jus’ ta get in yer own room. First time in my life that someone was willin’ ta go out o’ their way for me. Do somethin’ they didn’t have ta jus’ for me."

Ezra’s eyes widened. He opened his mouth to speak, but Vin held up a hand, keeping him quiet, needing to finish. "See, the other thing is…well, I know this is gonna sound stupid, but…having it is jus’ kinda like havin’ proof that ya love me."

"You had doubts?" Ezra asked quietly, eyes troubled, his tone of voice uncertain.

"No." Vin answered firmly, wanting to offer reassurances to his lover, not liking the way he sounded or looked when he’d asked that question. "Never had any doubts. It was just something I could hold on to whenever I was by myself. Something real, so I’d know that everything ‘tween us wasn’t just something I dreamed up."

Ezra’s smile was like a ray of sunshine, warm and bright, and full of understanding. When he spoke his voice was hesitant, almost shy. "I, too, on occasion, have sometimes found myself uncertain as to whether this was all a wonderful flight of fancy, or genuine reality."

Vin chuckled, his earlier nervousness vanishing. "Quite a pair, ain’t we?"

Ezra’s dimpled grin clearly showed he shared Vin’s humor. "Indeed we are. A matched set."

Vin hesitated, enjoying the moment before continuing. "Thing is…I wanted to give you something that would work for you the way the key works for me."

Ezra immediately tried to protest. "Vin…that isn’t necessary. Really—"

Vin stopped Ezra’s words by moving forward to crouch in front of him blue eyes level with green. "Know it ain’t necessary. Don’t HAVE to give you anything, any more than you had ta give me the key. I WANT to."

Ezra nodded slowly. "As long as this is your choice, and not done from some misplaced sense of obligation." He raised a hand, using the back of it to lightly caress Vin’s cheekbone, his expression tender. "I’ve already received far more from you, Cheri, than I ever imagined."

Reckoned right ‘bout what he’d say. Guess that means I am really getting to know him. Vin smiled. "Then a little more won’t hurt, will it?"

Ezra grinned, dimples readily visible, gold pre-molar glinting. "Touché."

"That mean ya agree with me?"

Dimples made another appearance. "More or less." Something in Vin’s expression elicited more of an answer from Ezra. "Specifically, it means you made a point…one I cannot effectively argue against. So while, I may not agree, I really have no grounds to disagree."

Vin shook his head in amazement. Never get a simple answer. "Ya couldn’t just say yes?"

Ezra shrugged one shoulder. "Certainly." Green eyes sparkled with good humor. "I choose not to."

Vin chuckled. "You are something else, Ezra P. Standish."

Ezra tipped his head, somehow managing to convey a bow in that abbreviated gesture. "Thank you."

Deciding that now was likely to be the best time, before he lost his courage or got nervous again, Vin held out his hand. The knot rested in the center of his palm. He silently offered it to Ezra. The cardsharp hesitantly reached out to touch one finger to the knot, delicately tracing the intricate design.

"It’s a love knot." Vin said, relieved his voice was steady, and didn’t betray how anxious he was.

Wide green eyes rose to meet Vin’s blue ones. "You made this?"

Vin nodded, struck speechless by the awed, almost reverent tone of Ezra’s voice.

"You made this…for me?"

Vin nodded again, his nervousness back in spades. Must be somethin’ bad ta make him repeat himself. This was a bad idea. Shoulda thought of somethin’ else. His attempt to withdraw the knot, and hide it from view, was thwarted by Ezra simply plucking it out of his hand.

"I have seen such remembrances before." Ezra’s fingers again delicately caressed the token. "But…I never expected to…be so lucky as to receive one. Never really considered the possibility another might find me worthy of such an honest and heartfelt gift."

Vin quickly stifled his anger at hearing his lover think he might be unworthy of anything. He doesn’t need my anger. Needs ta know I what I think. "Don’t know anyone more worthy than you, Ez."

"Your hair." Ezra traced the knot once more. The gambler’s sharp eyes assessed Vin. One hand reached out and unerringly located the shorn lock.

"It’ll grow back, Ez." Vin wasn’t entirely certain if Ezra was upset that he cut his hair or not. Don’t look upset. Looks more surprised than anything else.

"The lace?" Ezra raised an eyebrow.

"From the cuff o’ one yer old shirts." Vin bit his lip. "Was one ya said was ruined." Vin hastened to assure his lover. Don’t want him thinkin’ I’d destroyed somethin’ o’ his.

Ezra smiled slightly. His eyes were warm with an emotion Vin couldn’t quite name, but the tracker would love to see more of whatever it was. Never seen his eyes look so green ‘fore. Reminds me o’ the same green ya see at a spring after crossin’ the desert. A word Ezra had used once came to mind. Vibrant. Yeah. That’s it.

"If I remember correctly, love knots are meant to show life and love intertwined." Ezra’s voice was so soft he all but whispered. "You included something of you, and something of me, yes?"

Vin nodded, and breathed easier, relieved that Ezra understood. Shoulda figured he’d know what it meant. Smartest man I know…ain’t real surprisin’ he’d know about this too.

"The bead represents us both then." Ezra’s smile deepened. "Two separate," Ezra’s fingertip traced Vin’s hair and then the lace, "becoming one." He lightly stroked the bi-colored turquoise bead. "Still unique and distinct, but no longer autonomous."

"Yep." Vin felt himself smile in response. Wasn’t quite what I was thinking, but it’s close enough. He jus’ put it a bit better than I did is all. Man sure has a way with words.

"This is exquisite, Vin."

"That good?" Gotta know for sure.

Ezra smiled warmly at him, erasing the last shadow of doubt. "More than good, Cheri. Far more than good. It is exceptional, extraordinary. A treasure, to be sure."

Vin shook his head; bemused by Ezra’s praise, and not certain his gift was worth all that. "Just some hair, a little lace and a bead, Ez."

Ezra lightly tapped Vin’s chest, hitting the spot where the key resided. "And that is just a key."

Vin smiled ruefully. "Touché."

Ezra laughed. It was a sound of open, honest delight, something the former bounty hunter never got tired of hearing. Wish I could find a way ta make him do that more often.

Ezra leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on Vin’s lips. It was sweet, gentle. "Thank you." He whispered, a faint puff of air that ghosted across Vin’s moistened lips, making the tracker shiver slightly in response.

"Yer welcome." Vin managed to get out after a moment.

Ezra pulled back, and looked at the knot he still held in his hand. He studied it and then nodded to himself. He leaned sideways, toward the bedside table, and opened the drawer. Ezra withdrew a small roll of leather that Vin had never noticed before. Course, isn’t not like I’ve gone through is things, so I s’pose there’s probably a lot o’ stuff I haven’t seen.

Ezra pulled the string, and opened the roll on the bed next to him. Vin blinked, surprised to glint of gold and silver. The gambler had revealed a small collection of jewelry. Vin studied the pieces as Ezra deftly sorted through them.

He frowned. There were several pendants, a few chains, what had to be a pair of ladies earrings, and a couple of rings. Vin didn’t know much about jewelry, but he had no doubts each piece was of better than average quality, and probably worth a pretty penny. Never saw him wear any o’ that. Course most of it ain’t really his style, but still…would have thought I’d have seen some of it at one time or ‘nother.

"Ez, what is all this stuff?"

"Currency, when I have nothing else to offer." Ezra answered calmly, eyes still on the bundle before him. "Easily transported, and hidden. Acceptable anywhere."

Vin pursed his lips. For the first time, he wondered just how much his lover had squirreled away. Not because he was interested in the amount, but more the reason for it. Vin was beginning to understand that it wasn’t about greed. Had it been about greed, Ezra would never have revealed this stash to him at all.

It’s almost like he’s scared not ta have ready cash on him. Like he’s gotta have it hidden in different places so no one will ever be able ta take all of it, and leave him high and dry. Kinda makes sense given what his mother put him through. Sellin’ him ta pay off a debt. Stealin’ his saloon. What kind o’ mother would kill her child’s dream? That no good bitch! Vin took a deep breath. Best not ta think on her right now. Don’t want to spoil the day.

Ezra gave a small sound of satisfaction. He pulled one chain free of the collection. It was a twisted rope of gold. Vin watched as his lover threaded the chain delicately through the knot, careful to make certain it was secure, without altering the integrity of the knot. Ezra then held it up for Vin to see. The knot now hung suspended from the chain, reminding Vin of broaches he’d seen a few women in town wear.

Ezra held it out to him, and Vin took it. The gambler then removed his cravat, and undid the first two buttons of his shirt, turning slightly away from Vin. He made a gesture that Vin correctly interpreted as an invitation. The tracker rose to stand behind Ezra, and hooked the chain around his neck.

Ezra turned to face Vin again. The love knot hung just below the hollow of his throat, seeming to be so much a part of the man Vin loved, that it might well have always been there. With his collar buttoned no one else will be able to see it.

Vin grinned. "Looks good."

Ezra winked at him, that saucy look suddenly making it hard for Vin to breath. "How could it appear any other way, Mr. Tanner?"

He knew Ezra was teasing him by using his surname. A playful Ezra wasn’t something Vin intended to let pass up. "Could look a bit better though." Vin stated, his voice light enough to let his lover know he wanted to play.

"Really?" Ezra raised an eyebrow, and pursed his lips slightly. "How so?"

Vin started undoing the rest of Ezra’s buttons. "Need ta open this a bit more." He undid all the buttons, taking time to apply teasing, arousing touches to his lover’s chest as he did so. "Maybe take it off all together." He nodded as though giving that thought real consideration. "Yeah. I think that might just be best. Need to get a big picture view here."

Ezra looked at him from under his lashes, a look that was blatantly provocative. "But what about our sojourn into the wilderness?" Ezra’s question was coy, and Vin knew it.

"That can wait." Vin’s answer was decisive. He was enjoying what he was doing right now, and looking forward to what came next. Wanna spend the rest of the afternoon right here. "We’ll go tomorrow."

The lanky tracker was delighted when Ezra laughed. That was twice in one day he got to hear that wonderful sound. Gonna be a good day after all.

*******

Chris Larabee made his way to the saloon as he normally did each evening. He took his usual seat, and made a casual study of the patrons. It looked like quite a few of the local ranch hands were in town tonight, making the saloon a more crowded than usual. They were drinking, but didn’t look to be getting rowdy just yet.

Might bear watching though. Could be trouble. ‘Specially since there are hands from the Lazy S, and the Double T here tonight. Don’t know what the bad blood between those two spreads is all about, and I don’t care. As long as they keep their noses clean while they’re in Four Corners, that’s all that matters. Probably just wishful thinking. Dumb bastards always seem bound and determined to spend at least one night in jail when ever they come to town.

Chris looked up, hearing the sound of someone walking down the stairs. The step was light, and Chris knew before he looked who it had to be. He watched Ezra descend, and make his way over to the table where he typically held court, as Chris liked to think of it. The gunslinger cocked his head, studying the younger man. He’s definitely in a good mood. With a small smile Chris realized progress was being made. Was time I couldn’t read anything from him at all.

Vin appeared a moment letter, slipping silently into the seat next to Chris. The dark clad gunslinger noted Vin seemed to be in just as good a mood as Ezra. He found it oddly gratifying to know things were still good between the two of them. He’d had his doubt about their relationship initially, but had none now.

Would have never thought the two of them would make a couple. Let alone be this good for one another. Chris shook his head. Just goes ta show I don’t know a thing about matchmaking.

"You two have a good afternoon?" Chris couldn’t resist asking, giving Vin a sly look as he did.

"Yep." Vin’s lips quirked upward in a small half-smile, blue eyes twinkling.

Chris rolled his eyes. Didn’t really expect more of an answer than that. Should know better. Chris couldn’t help thinking that having one friend eager to share intimate details was more than enough. Sort o’ glad Vin isn’t like Buck. Not sure I could handle getting any more blow-by-blow stories.

Chris motioned to Inez to bring him a bottle. She sauntered over, neatly avoiding a tipsy cowboy’s reach, and weaving her way through the crowd. The raven-haired bar maid placed a bottle and two glasses down on the table with a small smile.

Chris returned it with a slight nod. "Gracias."

"De nada, Senor." She replied softly

"Any o’ these boys givin’ you trouble, Ma’am?" Vin asked softly, his eyes indicating the cowboys that filled the room. Chris was pretty sure the tracker had already noticed the same things he had, and was looking for where trouble might blossom.

"Nothing I can not handle." Inez replied, winking at him.

Chris and Vin shared a look, and the gunslinger knew his friend was thinking the same thing he was. Said nothing she couldn’t handle…which means they’ve been difficult, but not too bad yet. Was right thinking they need watching.

Chris sipped the drink he poured, eyes roving around the room again. He noticed that Vin’s eyes strayed to the table where Ezra was playing poker. The game seemed to be the same as usual. A few men had evidently been waiting for Ezra to show up.

Chris frowned thinking that the ones who’d been waiting were fools. You’d think they’d know by now that they aren’t ever gonna get the better of Ezra when it comes to cards. The gunslinger was honestly surprised that more trouble didn’t start at the gambler’s table.

Would assume it to be the natural starting place. Nobody likes loosing their money, and there was a time I figured that any trouble in the saloon just had to start with Ezra and his gambling. Real damn disgusted with myself. It took way to long for me to figure out that I could count on one hand the number of times things actually got out of control at Ezra’s table. Just didn’t trust him not to be a problem, and I let that cloud my judgement. Was just plain stupid.

Chris pursed his lips wondering if the lack of trouble emanating from the gambling table might not have something to do with Ezra. He had spent several days just watching the gambler with newly opened eyes, and Chris realized that Ezra seemed capable of maintaining control of his playmates almost as well as he did the cards he dealt. The conman had managed to talk his way out of trouble more than once, deftly avoiding situations that would have gotten others killed. And it certainly didn’t hurt that Ezra didn’t like playing with drunks.

Ezra had told him once, shortly after the seven had taken over protecting Four Corners, that playing with drunks was always a poor bet. Chris had scoffed. "Would think a man would be easy to win against when he isn’t thinking straight. Hell, they’ll never be able to tell that you’re cheating."

"I don’t cheat." Ezra had stated calmly, before smirking, eyes bright with inner amusement. "And in any case, if I did, drunk or sober, my opponents would never be able to determine that fact for certain." Ezra shook his head, his expression suddenly sober. "Mr. Larabee, a drunk man, can be the most dangerous of foes."

Curious, Chris couldn’t resist asking, "Why?"

"Because, one can never accurately determine precisely how a drunk man will react. It leaves far too much to chance. The only thing more dangerous than playing a drunk, is to be playing while inebriated. Poker is a game of wit and skill, Mr. Larabee. It is far less a gamble than the untrained perceive it to be."

At the time, Chris hadn’t really taken Ezra seriously. But after watching the younger man, he finally realized that the cardsharp had shared something of himself in that moment. Something of his outlook, and habits. The gambler seldom drank to excess, or sat for long at a table with drunks for opponents.

Chris smiled tightly remembering the first time he’d seen Ezra. The cowboys Ezra had held off with his peashooter had been drinking, to be sure, but they weren’t all the way gone. Them still being sober is probably the only reason his bluff worked at all. Don’t think a drunk would have had enough sense to realize that little pop gun of his could be deadly. Wonder what Ezra would have done if the idiots had called his bluff. Chris shook his head, knowing the conman probably had a back up plan of some kind. He usually does.

Vin’s eyes continued to wonder around the room, returning to Ezra’s table after each sweep. Chris knew that even before they’d become a couple, the former bounty hunter had made a habit of watching the cardsharp’s back. The gunslinger had never guessed that there was more to Vin’s caution than simply looking out for one of their number.

Kind of wonder how I survived this long not being able to see what was right in front of me. Chris snorted, disgusted by his own short-sightedness. Vin raised an eyebrow.

Chris waved a hand, letting him know it was nothing. At least not anything I care to explain. He shot Vin a dirty look, when his friend smirked, blue eyes dancing with mischief. Got the feeling he already knows anyway.

"Where’s Buck?" Vin asked, after several minutes of companionable silence.

Chris half smiled, more or less expecting the question. The seven usually got together in the evenings, and lately is was Buck who had been joining Chris first, with Vin showing up later. Chris didn’t begrudge the extra time Vin spent with Ezra. And in some ways, he was honestly grateful for the chance to renew his friendship with Buck. In burying himself in his grief over the death of his family, and doing his level best to isolate himself from the world, he had forgotten just how much he liked the gregarious, fun loving cowboy.

"New lady friend." Chris answered with a suggestive look.

Vin rolled his eyes. "Sure hope this one ain’t married."

"Me too." Chris loved Buck like a brother, but he knew as well as any of them just how much trouble Buck’s penchant after chasing after married women could be. Still am amazed some jealous husband hasn’t killed him. Man has almost as much luck as Ezra. Come to think of it…Buck just might have more.

"Nathan and Josiah should be wandering in shortly." Chris added after taking a sip of his drink. Josiah had offered to help Nathan gather more herbs for his supplies. Chris had seen them both ride into town less than an hour ago. He expected them to stroll in at any time.

JD was still on duty at the jail. His shift wouldn’t end until Ezra’s began, but the youngest member of their little band would still make an appearance each evening, just to touch base if nothing else. It was no coincidence that Chris assigned JD the shift when the majority of the others were in town. He wanted the young man to have as much back up as possible, while still allowing him to enforce his authority as sheriff, and be treated as a competent member of their peacekeeping force.

The gunslinger was sure the others knew what he’d done. Don’t want JD to think I’m treating him different, but I want him to live to be my age too. Means we just keep a closer watch on him. Maybe not as obvious about it as Buck, but I am doin’ my best to keep JD from getting hurt.

Josiah and Nathan sauntered in, both looking very pleased with themselves. The ex-preacher, and the healer, made their way to the bar. Chris expected them to pick up a beer, before joining them.

The gunslinger tensed when one of the cowboys from the Lazy S, Nick Bantrim, blocked Nathan’s path. Bantrim had made no secret of his thoughts regarding Blacks, Indians and the Chinese. The man was almost pathological in his dislike of non-Aryan races. His attitude was not shared by any of the townspeople, but that hadn’t kept Bantrim from voicing his opinion, loudly, every time he came to Four Corners.

Chris’ eyes narrowed as he observed Bantrim. The gunslinger had agreed with JD, when the young sheriff pointed out the fact that voicing one’s opinion, no matter how insulting, was not against the law. And until Bantrim actually did more than just mouth off, they really didn’t have grounds to arrest him.

Not that I don’t want ta just hold him down and beat the shit out of him any way. Just on general principle. But JD was right. We’re the law here…much as I hate letting him spew that garbage, we have to apply the law equally or not at all.

Nathan moved to step around Bantrim. But the cowboy continued to block his path. "You ain’t welcome here." Bantrim growled, poking his finger into the center of Nathan’s chest.

Chris could almost feel Vin’s attention focus on Nathan and Bantrim. Both of them had shifted in their seats, hands falling to their weapons ready to act should Bantrim decide to do more than just mouth off. He wouldn’t allow Nathan to be attacked by a loud-mouthed bigot. Chris had claimed him as one of his own, and would go to great lengths to defend what was his. But he also didn’t want to undermine Nathan’s ability to deal with the situation peacefully. Since signing on as a peacekeeper, the healer had shown himself to be more than capable of handling people like Bantrim, often without even having to raise his voice, or resort to violence.

Chris didn’t like doing it, but he waited. He wanted to give Nathan the chance to handle it quietly before he moved to intervene. It had been Ezra who’d pointed out, months ago, that his shooting people like Bantrim, no matter how much he wanted to, would only serve to make people more afraid of Chris, and his lightening fast gun. It wouldn’t do anything to ensure that Nathan was treated with the respect he deserved. Nor would it allow them to see him as equally capable of handling trouble as the other six men hired to protect the town.

The gunslinger grimaced, realizing he and Vin weren’t the only ones focused on the possibly escalating confrontation. Some looked eager, anticipating the violence with an almost rabid excitement. Others looked wary, uncertain, but no one seemed inclined to walk away. For some reason it reminded Chris of the spectators who had come to see the first battle of Bull Run. There were always those who seemed drawn to participate in blood sports, just as there were always those who liked to watch. Shit. No way this isn’t going to get ugly. Just no way.

Chris cast a quick glance toward the poker table. He wanted to see if Ezra was also ready. The gambler was calmly gathering his cards, and putting them in his jacket, watching every move like a hawk as he did so. Sharp green eyes seemed to be weighing every person in the room, assessing each party. Ezra tipped his head toward Chris letting him know he was prepared to do his part, should the need arise.

"Is there a problem, brother?" Josiah asked Bantrim, his deep voice carrying through the now quiet room even though he didn’t speak loudly. "We simply wish to get a drink. No cause for trouble."

Bantrim scowled Josiah. "This don’t concern you, Preacher." His dark, beady eyes shifted back to Nathan. "I’m talkin’ ta the nigger."

Nathan’s jaw tightened at the racial slur. "I don’t think you have anything to say that I care to hear." Nathan’s tone was surprisingly mild, despite the fire in his eyes.

"Is that so?" Bantrim snarled.

Nathan managed to smile tightly. "I’ve heard it all before. No reason for you to repeat it. Just want to get my drink, and I’ll be on my way."

"Yeah, Bantrim. Jus’ shut the hell up, and let the man get his beer." Jack Cantrell piped up from where he was leaning casually on the end of the bar. Cantrell was ramrod for the Double T. Chris knew he hadn’t spoken up out of any fondness for Nathan, but out of spite for Bantrim.

"Darkie has as much right ta drink here as you do." Cantrell gave a derisive laugh. "Maybe more. Least he ain’t some half-bred mongrel like you."

Chris swore silently, getting to his feet. Goddamn, miserable bastards. They’re just looking for an excuse to start a fight. Just bound and determined to start trouble.

Chris saw Vin slid out of his chair, crouched and ready. Unfortunately, they weren’t the only ones moving. Every cowboy for both the Lazy S, and the Double T, had come to attention as well. Chris glared at those nearest to him, halting their actions and holding them in place, at least for the moment.

"I don’t want no damn uppity nigger stinkin’ up my saloon." Bantrim spat at Cantrell, squaring off to face the other cowboy, seeming to have forgotten Nathan entirely. "And I ain’t a half-breed, you son of a bitch!"

"Well, ya can go get yer drink somewhere else then! Ain’t yer saloon ya two bit rustler!" Cantrell stepped away from the bar. Several of his crew flanked him.

"It’s mine if I say it’s mine!" Bantrim roared, moving in to attack Cantrell. And just that quick the brawl was underway.

Chris hated brawls. They lacked style and finesse. He never knew what would set one off, or how long it would last. Brawls were like a whirlpool sucking in everyone in the room. Fists were flying, and furniture suddenly doubled as weapons as tables were knocked over, chairs broken.

Chris briefly wondered if he should be grateful or pissed that no guns had been drawn yet. Grateful in that it might actually keep serious injury to a minimum, but pissed since he couldn’t justify drawing his own when no one else had yet. Firing a shot into the ceiling won’t work with these clowns. Never has before.

Josiah and Nathan were so close to the epicenter, they had no choice but to join in full bore. The gunslinger worried for Nathan. He might not be the real reason for this dust up, but that didn’t mean he might not still be a target by those misguided idiots who believed him to be the cause.

Chris was confident that Josiah would do his level best to protect his friend. The former preacher was bigger than any man present, and managed to more than hold his own against the onslaught, dropping two cowboys almost immediately by banging their heads together. Nathan managed to stay close to Josiah, covering the big man’s back, while taking out another cowboy with a well-placed blow to the temple. The healer was no slouch when it came to fisticuffs, and seemed to be a match for anyone who came his way.

Chris started on the fringe, taking down any man knocked out of the fray, and making sure he stayed down. He kept trying to work inward toward the center in the hopes of reaching Josiah and Nathan. Vin moved to stay next to Chris, covering his back and right side. The lean tracker moved with a lethal grace and speed that made it difficult for anyone to land a blow, while he dealt out his own with surprising force.

A flash of red caught his eye, and Chris smiled. Ezra was on his left. As the shortest, and most dandified looking member of their group, it might be logical to think the gambler would be the least dangerous. In reality, the gambler was probably the most dangerous simply because no one really expected him to be, and he didn’t fight fair. Ezra didn’t hesitate to do what ever it took to win.

Damn glad the little shit is on our side. Chris grinned when Ezra hit his opponent below the belt, and then executed a neat upper cut to the jaw when the man bent over. The cowboy, who towered over Ezra by more than a foot, toppled like a felled tree.

Three cowboys from Double T stopped hitting opponents from the Lazy S long enough to gang up on Josiah, knocking the big man off balance. The ex-preacher stumbled back a step or two, moving away from Nathan, as he tried to hold them off and recover his balance at the same time. Nathan turned to pull one of them off Josiah, leaving his back exposed to the knot of men trading blows behind him.

Chris saw two of Bantrim’s cohorts, Smith and Saxton, were no longer fighting with cowboys from the Double T. Their focus was on Nathan’s undefended back. The faint flicker of light on steel was the only indication Chris had that Smith was holding a knife. Saxton was holding the leg of a chair, intent on using it as a bludgeon.

Ezra surged forward with a warning cry. "Nathan! Look out!"

Chris wasn’t certain how Ezra managed to cover the crowded floor so quickly, but the nimble cardsharp was there in time to give Nathan a hard shove, keeping the healer from getting a knife in the back. Unfortunately, Ezra was unable to evade the knife entirely. With an evil smile, Smith buried his knife in Ezra’s right shoulder. Not to be left out, Saxton used the chair leg he held to land a solid blow just above the gambler’s temple, opening his scalp at the hairline, and dropping the smaller man like a pole-axed steer.

Josiah made a sound like an enraged bull, attacking the three cowboys with renewed and deadly fury, trying to get to Ezra. Nathan, having recovered from Ezra’s shove, turned to help. But it was Vin’s reaction that proved to be the most effective.

The tracker pulled his mare’s leg with a blinding speed Chris hadn’t known he was capable of. Instead of firing it, Vin swung it with brutal force. He struck the cowboy in front of him, breaking the man’s forearm with a resounding snap, sending the cowboy to the floor with a loud scream.

That piercing scream was sufficient to halt almost everyone. Everyone but Saxton, who had raised the chair leg again, clearly intending to strike the fallen gambler a second time. Vin aimed and fired once. His shot reduced the leg to splinters, and left Saxton cradling a hand shredded by force of flying debris. Saxton sank to his knees, cradling his injured hand and crying. Suddenly, the only discernable noise in the room was Saxton’s whimpers, and the soft moans from the cowboy whose arm Vin had broken.

Chris had pulled his gun the minute Vin had pulled his, and he kept it pointed at the now subdued mob. "This. Party. Is. Over." He snarled, eyes daring someone to do something asinine.

He heard Inez cocking her shotgun behind the bar, using it to add weight to his order. Good girl. The pretty bar maid had ducked behind the bar once fists started flying, but Chris knew she had only done so with the intent of snagging the gun she now held. Inez has shown herself to be more than capable of handling trouble in the past.

Josiah had drawn his gun as well. Although, Chris was fairly certain the large man’s expression which promised horrible retribution was more of an effective deterrent than the gun. The gentle giant many thought Josiah to be was no longer in residence.

A demon prepared to vent the wrath of God might be a closer assessment of him at the moment. Attacking Ezra was the fastest way to get on that man’s bad side. God help Smith and Saxton if Ezra ain’t alright. Course they don’t really know it, but they got more reason to be afraid of Vin. Josiah might just beat them to death. Vin will make it so it takes days for them to die. Bastards would be begging for death by the time he finished with ‘em.

Chris’ own feelings on the subject were leaning the same way. He sent a dark look toward Saxton, feeling a moment of intense satisfaction at knowing the man was in a lot of pain. The amount of blood pouring from his hand made Chris wonder if he might not loose use of that hand permanently. Serves the son-of-a-bitch right. Almost sorry Vin didn’t kill him out right and be done with it. Kinda sorry he didn’t take Smith too.

Seeing Chris, Josiah and Inez had the room under control, Vin and Nathan both immediately moved forward to check on Ezra. The healer carefully moved Ezra from his side to his back. Chris could tell the lanky Texan was holding his breath as he waited for Nathan to place a gentle hand against Ezra’s neck, and check for a pulse. Vin took a shaky breath, as did Josiah, when Nathan nodded, letting them know the gambler was still among the living.

Despite his obvious focus on his fallen lover, Vin hadn’t holster his gun. He kept it steadily trained on Smith, even when his eyes were on Ezra. Once Nathan started to examine Ezra more closely, Vin rested his free hand lightly on the gambler’s chest, just above his heart. Chris knew he was verifying for himself that Ezra still lived and breathed. The gunslinger figured the action was subtle enough not to garner much attention.

Vin’s attention shifted to pin Smith in place with just a look. His blue eyes had paled to the color of glacial ice, and contained a raw fury that promised a lot of pain if Smith so much as moved the wrong way. The cowboy for his part stayed very still, keeping his hands up, and away from his body. Smith reminded Chris of a rabbit trapped by a hungry wolf.

JD stepped into the saloon, careful not to be framed in the doorway, moving to the left with his colts drawn. Buck slipped in behind JD, and moved to the right. They both had the room covered, and kept their backs to the wall. Chris was impressed with just how well the two of them worked as a team. Come along way from when Buck was always trying to push the kid behind him.

The ladies man looked around the room and gave a low whistle. Tables had been over turned, chairs smashed, and several men lay moaning on the floor. Remarkably the mirror had not been damaged, and surprisingly little glass was broken.

Buck shook his head. "Damn, boys, you shoulda waited for us."

"This little doe-see-doe wasn’t our idea, Buck." Chris glared at the now quiet, and immobile combatants. It pissed him off to see the amount of destruction they had left in their wake. Hard to believe all this was done in just a few minutes.

Glancing toward where Ezra lay silently on the floor. Chris winced. He expected the man to have moved by now. "Nate? He okay?"

The healer glanced up from where he knelt next to Ezra, pressing a handkerchief to the still bleeding scalp wound. "Should be. Will know more once he comes to." Nathan frowned. "I don’t want to pull that knife out until I got him in the clinic."

Chris nodded. He remembered, from his time in the army, wounds like that had a tendency to bleed profusely once the weapon was removed. Always a good idea ta have supplies on hand just in case. No reason for Ez to bleed anymore than he already has.

Chris’ eyes flickered from the ex-preacher to Ezra. "Josiah."

The big man holstered his weapon and moved forward. He laid a hand on Vin’s shoulder, silently asking the tracker move. Vin shifted, reluctantly making way for Josiah, and slowly relinquishing his contact with Ezra. Josiah crouched low, and with an astonishing amount of gentle care, tenderly gathered his friend into his arms. The big man was careful not to jostle the right shoulder. He rose smoothly to his feet, impressing Chris anew with how strong he was. Ez might be short, but he’s solid. Man’s got to be stronger than an ox to just lift him that way.

Nathan was already moving, pushing the door aside, and holding it open. Vin had risen to his feet as Josiah stood, ready to offer assistance should it be needed. His focus was now on Ezra’s face. The gambler looked decidedly pale.

"Vin, go with them." Chris ordered. He knew Vin had every intention of staying with Ezra, and he didn’t blame the tracker one bit for wanting to make sure his lover was going to be fine. By making it an order, no one would question Vin’s actions.

"Nate will probably need an extra man ta keep him in the clinic once he comes around." There. That should work as cover for having Vin go along too. Everyone in town knows how much Ezra hates being in the clinic. Hell, none of us like being there, but I think Ezra’s the worst of the bunch.

Josiah carried Ezra from the saloon, moving as if he holding something unbelievably fragile. Vin and Nathan were flanking him. With Ezra out of harm’s way, the rest of them were free to focus on the problem at hand. Like getting all these cowboys locked up.

Bantrim spoke up from where he lay on the floor, next to the bar. His right eye was swelling shut, and he sported a bloody lip as well. "What about him?" He asked, pointing toward Saxton.

Chris smiled nastily, eyes hard and unforgiving. "What ‘bout him?"

"Needs someone ta look at his hand."

"Closest thing to a doctor, in this town, is the ‘uppity nigger’ you didn’t want to drink with." Chris growled. "He ain’t good enough to be in YOUR saloon, doubt he’d be good enough to patch up your friend either. Or you suddenly change your mind ‘bout that?"

"No." Bantrim grimaced in distaste. "But he still needs tending to."

"Well, then I guess you better see to him." Chris stated, not giving an inch. "Cause no one else will."

When Bantrim moved suddenly, Chris stopped him with a small, warning wave of his gun. "Shuck your gun belt first. Nice and slow. Understand."

Bantrim nodded slowly, and unbuckled his gun belt carefully, letting it fall to the floor. "Good." Chris gave the rest of the combatants a hard look. "All of you…guns off. Nice and easy, or it will be the last thing ever you do. I guarantee it."

Cantrell cleared his throat, hesitantly getting Chris’ attention. "Tom’s arm is gonna need looked at. Don’t have a problem with Jackson taking care o’ it."

Chris nodded. Ranch hands on the Double T had good reason to respect Nathan’s ability as a healer, even if they might not necessarily like him. The former slave had saved their bosses life once, and had always been willing to treat whatever ailed them.

"Once he’s done with Standish, I’ll ask him to take care of your man."

Cantrell tipped his head in acknowledgement, apparently willing to accept that. Chris smiled tightly. Ain’t like he’s gonna get another option.

"Inez, if you would gather up their guns?" He considered asking Buck or JD but decided he’d rather have them keeping an eye on the cowboys. Wouldn’t put it passed them to be dumb enough to try something.

"Si, Senor." Inez made her way around the room collecting gunbelts, and placing them on the one table that remained up right. She kept her shotgun with her.

"Much obliged, Ma’am. We’ll be back for those once we get those once these sorry S-O-B’s settled in the jail."

Chris sent a glare around the room. "Ya got two choices…you get up and head for the jail in a quiet and orderly fashion. Or I shoot you and let the undertaker deal with your miserable hides."

He wasn’t the least bit surprised when they all opted to quietly get to their feet, some needing assistance from their friends, and shuffled meekly out the door, toward the jail.

*******

Nathan opened the door to the clinic, and held it open, giving Josiah easy access. The dark man frowned as he glanced at the gambler still lying unnaturally still in Josiah’s arms. On one hand, the healer was relieved that Ezra hadn’t started to come around yet. It meant getting him to the clinic, and treating his injuries would be a lot easier. He could stitch the scalp wound, and deal with the knife, without causing his patient any further pain if he did it while Ezra was still unconscious.

On the other hand, Nathan was concerned that the conman hadn’t given any sign of returning to the land of the living yet. It really hadn’t been that long, but Nathan didn’t find that fact terribly reassuring. Head injuries were tricky. Even the doctors he’d assisted during the war were never sure how a man would recover after one. Most of the time is wasn’t cause for serious concern. The patient woke with a headache, some nausea, and usually lacking a clear memory of what had happened just prior to sustaining the injury. Nathan tried not to think about the more severe cases he’d seen where the patient never woke up at all, or failed to recover full use of his facilities.

He took a deep breath. //No reason ta think he won’t wake up jus’ fine. Ain’t as bad as other hits to the head I’ve seen. Jus’ have to treat what I can and hope for the best. No point in borrowing trouble.//

Vin slipped in just behind the preacher, as silent as a shadow. Normally, the healer didn’t like having too many people crowed into the clinic when he was working. Too many bodies in the small room just got in the way, and made his job that much more difficult. But Nathan was actually glad to have Vin present. //Ezra is easier to work with when Vin’s around. Real glad Chris remember that and sent him along.//

"Get him settled on the bed, Josiah. Nice and easy."

The big man nodded, and moved to lay his burden down, using the same care with which he’d picked him up off the saloon floor. He was, again, very careful not to jar the right shoulder, or disturb the knife still buried to the hilt. Josiah looked pensive, his hand moving to almost touch the conman’s pale face once he had settled him on the narrow cot. The former preacher sighed softly, and then tenderly tilted Ezra’s face, positioning his head so that the gash above his temple was readily visible and easy for Nathan to reach. Josiah removed his hand with a look of regret and longing ghosting over his features. It was obvious the man wanted to prolong the contact, but he didn’t.

Nathan shook his head, finding Josiah’s behavior odd. //Wonder what that was about? Seems lately…last month or so, anyway, that he’s been real careful about not getting too close to Ezra. Didn’t seem to affect them bein’ friends though. If anything, they seem ta get along better now than they did ‘fore. Just plan odd that. Guess it don’t matter right now. Got more important things ta do at the moment.//

Nathan turned way to stoke the fire, and made sure the kettle had water in it. He checked his supply of clean bandages, his needles and thread, and nodded in satisfaction. The herbs, he and Josiah had collected earlier, would not be ready for use yet, but at least he didn’t have to worry about using his current supply sparingly. //Gonna want some willow bark tea for sure. Will help Ezra with the headache I know he’s gonna have.//

When Nathan turned back, ready to treat his patient, Vin had moved to crouch near the far side of the cot. Nathan hadn’t even heard or seen him move. //Ain’t natural for a man to be that quiet. Like some ghost.//

Unlike Josiah, the tracker didn’t seem at all hesitant about touching Ezra. Nathan was surprised by how swiftly Vin managed to undo Ezra’s jacket, vest and shirt. Long fingers moved with a deft, if slightly trembling touch, easily slipping tiny pearl buttons free. Vin gently pulled open Ezra’s clothing, exposing most of his chest, but he waited for Nathan before actually removing anything.

Nathan wondered why Vin might be shaking. He quickly checked him over for any wound he might have missed earlier. //Didn’t see him get hit. But it would be just like him not to say anythin’. Damn fool.//

The healer noticed Vin was a bit pale, and his jaw was clenched tightly, but other than that seemed to be in one piece. He frowned. //Might just be left over from the fight. Know some men get like that. Never known Vin ta get the shakes though. Always figured was the sort ta be rock steady no matter what. Guess you never can tell with people. Seem ta remember Ezra bein’ like that when Vin got hurt. Hmmm...might be they are better friends than I thought.//

Nathan raised both eyebrows when Vin moved a hand to barely touch the odd looking, yet beautiful pendant Ezra was wearing. Long fingers traced the interwoven components. Vin took a deep breath, and carefully moved the short chain Ezra was wearing. He placed it higher on Ezra’s throat, sliding the pendant around the back and out of Nathan’s way. //Handles that like it’s mighty damn important. Never saw Ezra with a necklace on ‘fore, but it sure looks like Vin might know somethin’ about it.//

Nathan decided he’d worry about the oddities he’d noticed later. He had a patient to attend to. Nathan bent over Ezra, clean cloth held in one hand. He moved the clean cloth under Ezra’s clothes, and positioned it close to where he could feel the knife. With his other hand he gripped the hilt.

"Josiah, grab his legs." Nathan ordered, never looking back, confident he’d be obeyed, his focus remaining on Ezra. "Vin…hold that left shoulder. Don’t want him moving while I do this."

He waited for the others to position themselves. Then in one smooth move, he pulled the knife free, and swiftly moved the bandages to staunch the resulting blood flow.

The gambler moaned softly, and tried to pull away, fighting against the hands working to restrain him.

Vin leaned into to speak to Ezra in a hushed, reassuring tone. "Easy, Ez. It’s okay. Gotta let Nate do his thing here. Know it hurts, but it won’t for long. Jus’ rest easy, and he’ll be done in no time."

Ezra still wasn’t quite conscious, but Nathan took it as a good sign that he was hearing Vin, and responding to him. The gambler no long struggled against them. //Don’t know how long that will last so better get it done.//

"Okay." Nathan took a breath, and sent a quick glance toward his assists. "You two think ya can get these clothes off? Will be easier to work with without all the layers he likes ta wear getting in the way."

Vin nodded, blue eyes never leaving Ezra’s face. Josiah answered with a soft, "Of course, brother." Nathan kept steady pressure on Ezra’s shoulder wound while they worked around him.

Between Vin, and Josiah, the gambler was stripped out of his clothes in short order. Josiah took the time to made sure each article was folded or hung neatly. Nathan rolled his eyes at that, but knew better than to comment aloud. He was sure neither of the other men would appreciate what he might say.

//Ain’t worth the bother. But Ezra sure does set a lot of store by his fancy things. No arguing that he takes good care of them. Man will be real upset if that jacket is ruined. Red one is his favorite.//

Nathan focused his attention back to the wounded man before him. He was pleased to note the shoulder wound was not as serious as he’d feared. The knife had punctured muscle, but hadn’t hit any major blood vessels, or cut tendons. So while, painful, it wasn’t debilitating, nor would it have any lasting impact on Ezra once it healed.

//Man is mighty damn lucky.// Nathan nodded, relieved that it wasn’t more serious. //Just need to keep it clean, and covered. Maybe wear a sling for a day or two. Will want to check on it for a few days to be on the safe side, but it should heal just fine without too much trouble.//

The scalp wound had bled a lot, as head injuries were prone to do. Nathan had learned not to be overly concerned by the amount of blood that flowed from a head wound. It could be disconcerting, but even minor cuts tended to bleed freely.

Nathan cleaned the wound, pleased to see it had stopped bleeding so quickly. //Few stitches is all is should take.// He threaded the sterile needle, and with quick, neat stitches set about repairing the damage. The bruising was already starting to come to the surface. //Gonna be have some real pretty colors for a day or two.//

Ezra moaned, and tried to turn his head away from Nathan’s touch. The healer simply moved with him, keeping his movements steady. He’d learned how to move with his patients over the years, not losing his steadiness or stopping, knowing the importance of maintaining his concentration at all times, speed was often vital. //Good skill to have, but I’m real sorry to have learned it working on friends.//

Ezra shifted again, his eyes fluttering open. //About time.// Nathan breathed a bit easier, feeling relieved that at last the gambler was waking.

Vin moved a hand to cup Ezra’s face, preventing any further movement so that Nathan could finish. "Easy, Ez. Nate is almost done."

Unfocused green eyes blinked again. Ezra stared blankly at Vin for a long moment. "Cheri?"

Nathan raised his eyebrows thinking that Ezra must be confused. He vaguely recognized the French word. On of the ladies who’d helped him escape to the North had a French maid. The woman was prone to intermixing French and English. Nathan had picked up a handful of words in the three weeks he’d stayed there. //Don’t think he would be calling one o’ us ‘sweetheart’. Kind o’ makes me wonder who he thinks he’s talkin’ to.//

But the tracker smiled warmly, clearly not bothered or worried by the endearment. His thumb moved to caress Ezra’s cheekbone. "You doin’ okay there, Pard?"

Ezra frowned slightly as if unsure why Vin would be asking him that. "Think so." The gambler answered hesitantly, his voice lacking its usual smooth, confident tone. He blinked again, and flinched as Nathan worked in another stitch.

Ezra sighed softly, and tried to move away from what had hurt him. A flash of panic appeared in his glassy eyes when he realized he couldn’t. Before he could act out of fear, and struggle against them, possibly hurting himself, Vin was offering words meant to soothe and keep him calm.

"It’s okay, Ez. It’s okay." Vin’s words were soft, almost a croon. "Just me an’ Josiah keepin’ ya still. We’ll let ya up as soon as he’s finished. Yer okay."

Nathan was pleased that it seemed to work. //Don’t know why Vin can keep him calm, just real glad he can. One more stitch and I’m done.//

Ezra’s eyes focused on Vin again. "Clinic?"

"Yeah." Vin nodded, his hand moving from Ezra’s face to pat his left shoulder. "You’re in the clinic."

"Damn."

The curse was soft, but emphatic. Josiah chuckled quietly from the foot of the cot where he was still firmly pinning Ezra’s lower body. The big man patted Ezra’s leg, clearly relieved. "Looks like our brother is on his way back to us."

Nathan nodded as he tied off his last stitch, and set aside his instruments. He took Ezra’s chin in one hand. He turned gently turned the conman’s face toward him, wanting to see the man’s eyes. //Pupils ain’t quite even.// Nathan held up two fingers. "Ezra…how many fingers do you see?"
Ezra’s eyes moved from the fingers Nathan held in front of him to Nathan’s face. His eyes widened slightly and then in a sudden, unexpected move, he reached out and captured Nathan’s wrist. He tried to sit up, but Vin held him in place preventing him from moving far.

"Whoa there, Ez."

"Mr. Jackson…you are uninjured?" Ezra looked concerned, eyes trying to maintain their focus on Nathan’s face.

Nathan looked at him in surprise. "I’m fine. Only one hurt was you."

Ezra closed his eyes, and relaxed back into the cot with a soft sigh. "Wasn’t certain if I…had managed to impede that cowardly miscreant’s plan to assault your unguarded flank."

Nathan smiled, pleased that Ezra seemed clear-headed, and coherent. //Least wise he’s as hard to understand as he usually is. Was worried there for a bit when he didn’t seem to know Vin.// "You can talk like that, I think you’re gonna be just fine."

Ezra’s eyes opened again, and sought Vin. "You are well, Mon Ami?"

Nathan frowned slightly at the way Ezra addressed Vin. The conman typically used words the rest of them didn’t quite comprehend but he seldom outright addressed them in a foreign language. //And it ain’t like him to not use a proper names. He never uses nicknames. Hell, he rarely uses our first names. Well, he uses Vin’s a bit more of late…and Chris once in a while. But he just called me Mr. Jackson, so why wouldn’t he be calling Vin, Vin or Mr. Tanner?//

Vin smiled. He didn’t seem at all bothered, by how Ezra addressed him. "Fine." The tracker’s smile slipped. "Scared the hell out o’ me when ya went down like that."

"Frightened me too, s…" Josiah cleared his throat, "Ezra." Josiah’s bass rumbled softly as he shifted his weight off the prone gambler. Josiah shook his head, blue eyes shadowed. "Thought for a moment you were dead."

"My apologies." Ezra sighed again, his contrition obvious in his tone. He squinted slightly as his gaze shifted from Josiah to Vin. "Believe me, Mr. Sanchez, it was not my desire to suffer impairment, or worry you unduly. I merely sought to prevent Mr. Jackson from being permanently incapacitated."

Faint lines of fatigue and pain bracketed his eyes, clear signs that he was not yet as fully recovered as his speech would seem to indicate. Ezra shrugged one shoulder. "Improvisation is not—"

"I know. I know." Vin interrupted, a small grin tugging at his lips, halting the flow of words that seemed to be taxing the gambler. "Improvisation is not an exact science."

Ezra smiled, gold premolar flashing in the dim light. He and Vin seemed to share the moment. "Precisely."

Nathan stared at the conman, thinking through what he had said. //I remember him calling out…remember him shoving me…aw hell. I never even realized he got hurt because off that. Hell, the man’s first concern was if I’d got hurt, and I don’t even thank him. Nathan Jackson, you are an idiot.//

Nathan lightly patted Ezra’s arm, careful not to jar his injured shoulder. "Thank you, Ezra."

Green eyes seemed to shift reluctantly from Vin to Nathan. Ezra frowned, eyebrows pulling together slightly. "For what…." Ezra started to say, apparently having lost track of the conversation. Then he nodded, wincing as he did so. "You are most welcome, Mr. Jackson."

Ezra took a breath, and seemed to collect himself. "Now then…if you are finished with your ministrations, Mr. Jackson, I would like to retire to my own domicile." He shifted his weight, and made an effort to sit up. If Vin and Josiah hadn’t been quick to catch him when he swayed, the smaller man might well have fallen out of the narrow cot. The conman lost what color he had regained, and looked almost green.

"Think maybe you need to stay put, Ez." Vin cautioned. He sent a worried glance toward Nathan. "For a little bit anyway."

Nathan nodded in agreement. //Never thought he ought to leave. But I won’t get anywhere saying as much.// "Took a pretty good hit ta the head, Ezra." Nathan offered, trying to keep his tone reasonable. "You just sit still here for a bit. I’ll get something for your headache all right?"

Ezra nodded, and closed his eyes. It was a sure sign of how bad he was feeling that he didn’t argue. //Bet he’s got a headache from hell.// Nathan cast a quick glance toward the teakettle. //Should be boiling soon enough ta make a little willow bark tea for him.// Nathan knew better than to suggest laudanum. The gambler was adamant in his refusal of the powerful drug in the past. So much so, he’d fought like hell to avoid it. //No point in pushing things.//

Ezra shifted so that more of his weight rested against Vin. He shivered. The tracker raised a hand to Ezra’s forehead. He shook his head at Nathan’s questioning look. No fever.

"Are you cold, Ezra?" Josiah asked. They all knew the Southerner wore so many layers because he despised the cold. And blood loss, no matter how minor, tended to reduce a person’s ability to generate heat.

"It is a mite cool in here." Ezra drawled, his accent thicker than usual, making him nearly unintelligible.

"Vin, why don’t you help him lie back down?" Nathan suggested.

"No." Ezra’s eyes flickered open briefly. "I think remaining…stationary…for the moment would be better."

Nathan gave the gambler a hard look. "You feeling sick?"

Ezra swallowed hard, and made a faint sound of agreement. The healer nodded. //Expected he might. And it might be easier for him to be sitting up if he does need ta throw up.// "All right. You just sit still for a few minutes. If it gets worse, you tell me."

Nathan glanced toward Vin. The tracker was supporting most of Ezra’s upper body, arms curled enough to hold Ezra in what looked like a loose hug. He seemed comfortable enough. //Maybe too comfortable.//

The healer turned that thought over in his head. He added up the odd details he’d noticed lately. //Almost act like they’re lovers. No…That just isn’t…they aren’t like that!! They’re just good friends.//

Nathan pursed his lips, rethinking, trying to ignore his initial gut reaction. //Yeah, well, Vin and Chris are good friends, and Vin didn’t get pale and shaky when Chris got hurt. Vin can get Ezra to behave when no one else can…and Ezra can get Vin ta do the same. Like he did when Vin got shot in the leg a few months back. Never saw Vin get so angry for anyone else the way he does for Ezra…that bit with Maude’s letter, and today in the saloon…he’d have killed Smith if the man had moved wrong. Know he would have. And Ezra doesn’t let anyone else get as close as Vin…no matter how good a friend they are.//

What really clinched it though was that Ezra called Vin ‘cheri’, ‘mon ami’, and used his first name. It all but screamed intimacy. Still, there was no way to know for certain without coming right out and asking.

Nathan took a slow, deep breath, trying to squelch the uneasy feeling burning in his stomach. He remembered what Buck had said. "If you want to know you’re going to have to ask Vin or Ezra. And don’t be surprised if you ask one that you’ll end up talking to both."

//Right now ain’t the time for that though. Need to figure out what I think first…and I don’t know yet. Know better than to approach Ezra without thinking it through. He will just run circles around me otherwise. ‘Sides, Ezra’s still my patient…his health comes first. I’ll just figure out how to ask later. Maybe tonight, once he’s feelin’ better and I’ve had a chance to think some more.//

Nathan refocused his attention of Vin and Ezra. They both looked very comfortable, but he felt like he should ask anyway. "You okay there?"

Vin considered the question for a moment, lips quirking in a half smile, blue eyes bright with amusement. He answered for both of them. "No problem, Nate."

Nathan cast a look toward Josiah, and the big man just shrugged his shoulders. The healer wondered if his old friend had noticed the same thing he had. //Guess it don’t matter. Have a feeling that even if he did know I’d still have to talk to Vin and Ezra.//

He decided to just go with the flow for now. //If they’re okay…I guess I’ll leave it go at that.// Nathan had come to realize that allowing his patients some leeway was not always a bad thing. He was learning to pick his battles, choosing to fight those that really mattered. And right now what mattered was making sure his patient was comfortable.

Nathan’s eyes flickered from Josiah to the blanket at the foot of the cot, signaling his suggestion, while the healer went to work on getting a cup of tea ready. The preacher nodded, and unfolded the blanket. He and Vin managed to wrap the blanket around the gambler’s shoulders with little difficulty, making sure the smaller man’s weight was always supported. Ezra relaxed against Vin, resting his head on Vin’s shoulder with a soft sigh, and a barely audible ‘thank you’.

Nathan was again struck by the familiarity of their position. In light of his recent thoughts, he could tell they were almost cuddling. They weren’t obvious about it, but there was a lot of comfort being passed back and forth simply by the two of them being so close.

"Ezra…I want you to drink this." Nathan offered him the cup of tea. Ezra gave the cup a wary look, eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"It’ll help with your headache." The healer offered trying to sway the indecision he could see on the gambler’s face. //Must really be out o’ sorts if I can read him that well. Normally, I’d have no idea what he was thinking.//

"C’mon, Ez. Jus’ drink it, please." Vin added his voice to the argument. Ezra reached out and took the cup. He drank it with a grimace of distaste, handing the empty cup back to Nathan.

"Really, Mr. Jackson, I didn’t think it possible, but that vile concoction gets worse each time."

Nathan smiled slightly, as he put the cup a way. "Well, if ya didn’t keep getting yerself into situations like this, you wouldn’t need it."

Ezra gave him a dirty look. "Making the cure less tolerable will not serve as inducement to avoiding the disease."

Nathan frowned trying to puzzle out that statement. He looked toward Josiah. The former preacher chuckled, before he obligingly translated. "He said making your tea taste bad won’t keep him from getting hurt."

Nathan shook his head. He was about to reply to that when the door opened. Chris stepped though, long duster swirling behind him almost as if it had a life of its own. JD stepped in right behind him, concern clearly etched on his face.

Nathan wasn’t surprised to see either of them. //JD worries whenever any o’ us get hurt. Chris too. But Chris knows enough ta give me some time ta work. Bet he rode herd on JD ta keep him from showin’ up sooner.//

The tall gunslinger half smiled when he saw Ezra was awake. JD relaxed, breaking into a broad grin. The young sheriff stepped around Chris, and crouching down in front of Ezra and Vin, putting himself at eye level.

"Hey, Ez…you doin’ all right?"

"Right as rain, Mr. Dunne" Ezra replied without hesitation.

Chris shook his head, clearly not willing to believe that statement. He looked askance toward Nathan. Nathan answered that look honestly. "Shoulder wound was minor. Gonna hurt for awhile, but it should heal fine. He’ll need to be careful with it for a few days…wear a sling, no heavy lifting. He took a good shot ta the head, which means he’s going to have a headache off and on for couple days. Might be bad enough we’ll need ta watch that he don’t start throwin’ up, get confused, or lose his balance."

Chris nodded. Nathan knew the gunslinger had taken a few shots to the head, and was familiar with the symptoms and treatment. //Pretty normal to feel dizzy and need to throw up even days later. Knowin’ Ezra he won’t say anything, probably not even to Vin, so that means watching him for any sign we might pick up.//

"No patrols then?"

"No. Not for the next few days."

Ezra rolled his eyes. "I am capable of performing my duties, Mr. Larabee."

"Yeah, well right now yer only duty is to rest up." Chris stated firmly. "Rest o’ us can handle things for a day or two."

JD bobbed his agreement with that statement. He raised a hand to rub his own shoulder, where the younger man had been stabbed himself once. "Getting stabbed ain’t fun, Ez."

"You don’t say." Ezra’s voice was as dry as the desert, but JD just grinned at him, unaffected by the tone.

Chris chuckled. They all knew the gambler could get a little pissy when he was hurt. They all could. And rather than be offended or insulted, it was a reassuring to have him behave normally.

The gunslinger’s attention shifted to Nathan again. "If you got a minute…that cowboy with a broken arm could use some tending."

Nathan sighed. "He with the Double T or Lazy S?"

"Double T. Why?"

"Didn’t think any of Bantrim’s cronies would let me fix ‘em up."

"You’d be right about that." Chris nodded. "But then there is no accounting for a man’s ability to be stupid just to spite himself."

Nathan chuckled. //Leave it to Chris. Man certainly puts an interesting spin on things.// He gathered up the supplies he thought he’d need.

"Josiah… you mind doing a walk through town? Wanna make sure everyone is settled down."

"A good idea, Chris." The big man nodded. "Some of our flock might need reassurance that their shepherds have once more beaten back the wolves."

"JD, go relieve Buck at the jail. Tell him I want him to go help Inez get the saloon back in order."

"Sure thing, Chris." The sheriff patted Ezra’s arm, as he stood to follow Chris’ order. He paused in the doorway to say, "Real glad you’re okay, Ez."

Ezra smiled slightly, and tipped his head. "Thank you, Mr. Dunne."

"Vin…stay here with Ezra, and make sure he behaves himself."

"I am perfectly capable of looking after myself, Mr. Larabee. There is no need for Mr. Tanner to be assigned to the pointless task of observing me."

Ezra’s protest came just as Nathan expected it to. Even though the words were right, the tone was a little off. //He wants Vin to stay. Jus’ saying that for appearances ‘cause it would be bound ta raise eyebrows if he didn’t say something.//

"I’ll keep an eye on him, Cowboy." Vin tipped his head slightly, acknowledging Chris’ order, and totally ignoring Ezra’s protest. "We’ll stay right here."

"Good."

Josiah stepped forward, and moved into Ezra’s line of sight. "You behave yourself now." Blue eyes twinkled slightly. "And don’t give Vin any trouble."

Ezra smirked, before his features transformed themselves into an overly innocent expression, jade green eyes wide. "Trouble? Mr. Sanchez, really, I am no trouble."

The older man laughed lightly. "Uh-hunh. Best keep an eye on him, Vin." There was humor in that statement, but also a serious admonition. Josiah was letting Vin know he’d better take care of Ezra, or there would be hell to pay.

Blue eyes met blue. "I will."

Josiah nodded, and headed out. Chris waited impatiently near the door. When he saw Nathan was ready he tipped his head to Vin and Ezra before heading outside.

Nathan hesitated at the doorway. He looked back at Vin and Ezra. "Can I talk to you two later? Got a question I’d like to ask."

Vin shared a look with Ezra. A wealth of communication seemed to occur in that look. The gambler shrugged one shoulder. Vin nodded, but Nathan wasn’t sure just what the tracker was agreeing to.

When Ezra turned his attention back toward Nathan, his face had slipped into a cautiously, neutral expression, eyes carefully shuttered, giving away nothing. "Certainly, you may discuss anything you wish, Mr. Jackson."

Nathan bit his lower lip. While Ezra’s words were a positive response, his body language and tone were not at all receptive. Nathan got the feeling they already knew what he was going to ask.

"Ya sure?"

Ezra nodded slowly. "I would not have said so otherwise."

"When?" Vin asked, his usual straightforward approach easier for Nathan to deal with.

"After dinner." //Will give me a chance to work things over in my mind. And the others will probably be back off and on to check on Ezra. Won’t really have a chance to just be alone with them until then.//

"We shall await your pleasure." Ezra answered, some how making it sound like a dismissal at the same time.

//Mighty weird feeling being told in so many words ta leave my own place. Guess I deserved that.// Nathan sighed, and headed down the stairs. //Best get this cowboy’s arm taken care of. Sooner I get that taken care of, sooner I’ll have time to myself to think.//

*******

Vin paced quietly, his steps slow and deliberate. He was careful to make certain that his movements didn’t disturb his lightly dozing lover. Ezra had finally laid down a few minutes ago, getting comfortable on the narrow cot. His deep, even breathing was a clear signal he’d given into the earlier events of the day and was finally resting.

Vin glanced over at Ezra; pleased to see the faint signs of pain in his countenance that had been apparent since he’d come to earlier had finally faded. The gambler had stayed awake for the remainder of the afternoon. It had been necessary in order to deal with the steady parade of people who’d come to ensure he was, in fact, all right. Not just their fellow peacekeepers, but a number of townspeople as well.

All eight children that Ezra was teaching, and several of their mothers, made their way to the clinic door over the course of the afternoon. Vin had tried to shoo them away, but had been unable to withstand the earnest, teary-eyed looks from the children. They simply wouldn’t believe Ezra was fine if they couldn’t talk to him for themselves. The gambler had greeted each child graciously, putting his or her fears to rest, acting as if it were just another day, and his injuries no cause for concern.

//Sort o’ wish he could keep right on sleepin’. Took a lot out o’ him to act normal for the kids. He didn’t want them to worry about him. Can’t believe he was doing card tricks for them. Left handed even.// Vin smiled fondly at Ezra. His lover had a big heart where children were concerned. He wouldn’t have let Vin keep them outside even if the tracker had been able to.

//Made for a real long day though. And it ain’t over. Nate is gonna be here soon. Should just tell Nate to wait until tomorrow, ‘cept I don’t think Ez would go for that. He wouldn’t like putting it off.//

After Nate, JD, Josiah and Chris had left, Vin and Ezra had the opportunity to talk briefly about what Nate wanted to ask them. Buck had mentioned a few days ago, that the healer had noticed a few things, a new closeness between them, and would likely be asking them about it soon. The big-hearted cowboy had wanted them to know so they could be prepared.

Vin hadn’t been this nervous with Chris, in part because he hadn’t had time to sit and think about it. Chris had asked what was going on between him and Ezra, and Vin had taken him immediately to Ezra so they could answer the question together. He hadn’t really even had time to consider the consequences before it was already done.

With Buck, there had been than enough emotional turmoil at the time, Vin’s nervousness was lost in the shuffle. The question had caught him somewhat by surprise. He thought the ladies man might question their commitment, to find a male-male relationship incomprehensible, but he never should have doubted Buck would accept them. The ladies man was tenacious when it came to his friends, fiercely loyal when others would have long since walked away. His dogged determination to keep up with Chris Larabee, no matter what the other man might throw at him, was proof of that.

But Nathan wasn’t Chris or Buck. His reaction might well prove to be more extreme than either of theirs had been. //We’re friends, but not best friends. Hell, most of the time, Chris and I are so in tune we don’t need ta talk, and he couldn’t accept Ez and me right away. How the hell is Nate going to? It took Chris a month to come to terms with it, how long would it take Nate? What if he never does? What if he makes trouble? Know we could leave, but I don’t really want to. Like it here, with Ez.//

Vin sighed softly, and shook his head. //Sort o’ wish we had more time ta prepare. Not sure how much time woulda been enough. After Buck said Nate was startin’ ta notice stuff, I figured we’d have another couple of days, maybe a week at least. And we might have if Ez hadn’t gotten hurt. Stupid. I was stupid. Gave away too much. Wasn’t thinkin’. My fault. Shoulda paid more attention.//

"Stop that." A soft drawl commanded, laced with just a hint of irritation, interrupting Vin’s thoughts.

"What?" Vin stopped pacing to turn toward Ezra before he even realized he had done so. //Ah hell, I didn’t mean to wake him.//

"Stop worrying." Ezra opened one eye, fixing Vin with his steady gaze. "It will not change matters one iota, and I believe if you persist in pacing you may well wear a grove in Nathan’s floor."

Vin rolled his eyes. "Ain’t gonna hurt the floor."

Ezra chuckled. "That remains to be seen." He took a deep breath, and slowly sat up. Vin immediately moved to his side, ready to help if Ezra needed it, knowing how hard simple things could be with one arm in a sling, not to mention that his head probably still hurt. The gambler patted his arm lightly, thanking him for his assistance.

Ezra eyed Vin for a moment. "I am tired of listening to you move in circles. Now, why don’t you tell me what is the problem?"

Vin snorted. "You know what the problem is."

"No…I know what I think the problem is, not what you think it is. They may very well be two entirely different things." Ezra’s tone was reasonable, encouraging.

Vin frowned as he sat down beside Ezra, pulling his lover into a loose one-armed hug without conscious thought, careful of the wounded shoulder. "It’s my fault."

"Your fault?" Ezra raised one eyebrow. "How so?"

"He wouldn’t be askin’ if I hadn’t been…If it weren’t for the…" Vin sighed, and made a conscious effort to organize his thoughts into something he could voice. "If I’d kept my hands to myself today we wouldn’t have to deal with this."

His only defense was that he’d been so scared he couldn’t think straight, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to admit to that. //O’ course that assumes Ez doesn’t already know. And knowin’ Ez, I’d say it’s a safe bet he does. Man knows me better than anyone else ever has.//

Ezra waved a hand in dismissal Vin’s statement. "He most certainly would be asking." The gambler pulled away just enough to make eye contact. "Or have you forgotten Buck’s mention of Nathan’s question to him made only a few days prior."

"Haven’t forgotten." Vin almost snarled, still upset with himself. "Just thought…"

Ezra waited a beat and then another. When Vin didn’t say anything else, Ezra asked, "You thought…maybe he wouldn’t? Or that maybe you’d be better prepared when he did?"

"Both." Vin admitted quietly, hanging his head. "Didn’t mean ta snap at you."

"I know that." Ezra smiled softly, and placed a gentle kiss on Vin’s temple. "Cheri, it is not your fault. If anything we are both at fault." Ezra raised a hand to tenderly caress his cheek. "Neither of us were terribly discrete. I was there, too, remember."

"Yeah, but you can’t be blamed for that. You were hurt, and you were--"

"No." Ezra shook his head.

Vin raised both eyebrows, not used to Ezra interrupting. The gambler was generally more polite than that. "What’d mean ‘no’?"

"My being injured has nothing to do with this."

Vin scowled. He opened his mouth, prepared to vehemently disagree, but Ezra raised a finger, and pressed it to his lips. The gambler shook his head. He sighed heavily, his expression resigned.

"Cheri, he was already discerning things we had done previously. Actions we had undertaken, or words spoken while both of us were of sound mind and body. Things neither of us were consciously aware of. Things neither of us even considered to be blatant indicators of the nature of our relationship, but that were obviously not as subtle as we believed them to be."

Ezra’s expression turned rueful. "What we did, or did not do today, likely made very little difference."

Vin sighed. //He’s got a point. Don’t mean I still don’t feel guilty, but there isn’t anythin’ ta be done about that now.//

Vin raised a hand to capture the finger Ezra had placed against his lips, pulling Ezra’s hand away slightly, and then placing a soft kiss in the palm. "Still wish we had more time."

"As do I." Ezra curled his fingers around Vin’s.

The tracker was quick to note that Ezra’s hand wasn’t quite steady. He could feel Ezra’s rapid pulse through that connection, and realized that the gambler wasn’t anywhere near as calm as he looked. //Hell, he’s probably just as worried as I am. Just hides it better.//.

"It’ll be okay, Ez." He tried to offer reassurance, but he knew his tone gave away he fact that he didn’t entirely believe what he’d just said.

Ezra chuckled softly. "You are a lousy liar, Mr. Tanner."

Vin rolled his eyes at the use of his surname. "But you love me anyway, right?"

"Yes. Yes, I do." Ezra grinned, eyes bright with affection and humor. The conman took a deep breath, and seemed to center himself. "We will simply face this obstacle as we have others. Together."

"Together." Vin’s answer came out as a promise. He never wanted Ezra to doubt that.

"And we have already demonstrated that united, we can conquer anything. This will be a walk in the park." Ezra smiled, but it wasn’t a free or easy expression. His lover could lie with the best of them, but Vin was no slouch when it came to reading him.

Vin nodded, and smiled back. //If Ez can pretend to be confident, guess I can too. Sort o’ wish we had agreed ta let Buck and Chris stay, but it’s probably jus’ as well they aren’t here.//

Both Buck and Chris had wanted to be there when Nathan confronted them, but neither Vin nor Ezra had thought it a good idea. Vin and Ezra wanted to give Nathan the chance to express his opinion honestly. Having an audience might prevent him from doing so. Both of them wanted to know up front if the healer wasn’t going to be able to accept them as a couple.

//Chris can be down right intimidating when he wants ta be. Even with friends. And if he thought Nate was gonna be a problem, he’d be on him like stink on a skunk. Don’t think Buck would be any better. Got a feeling he might take it personal if Nate can’t accept us. Problem is that they could bully him inta not saying anything, but it wouldn’t change how he felt, or what he thought. That could be trouble down the road.//

Vin winced thinking of what might happen if they’d tried to stay in Four Corners with the only healer secretly despising them. It was just too dangerous. Even minor injuries needed adequate attention. He sent a concerned glance toward the gambler, wondering if it might not prove to be a problem now. Ezra raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

"If Nate has trouble with us…." Vin hesitated for a moment, not quite sure how to voice his concern. "Yer still not one hundred percent, Ez."

Ezra shook his head. "Whatever else, Mr. Jackson, may be, he is a man of integrity, honor. He would not allow his personal bias to affect his duty as this town’s closest equivalent to a medical professional."

"And in any event…if he does," Ezra took a breath, and swallowed hard, "We will likely not be staying long." His voice was little more than a whisper as he finished that statement.

Vin pulled him closer. "It’ll be okay."

Ezra laid his head on Vin’s shoulder, readily accepting the comfort Vin offered. Not for the first time did Vin wish that they could simply stay this way forever, safe in the circle of each other’s arms. A soft knock at the door startled him, and Vin reluctantly pulled away, rising to his feet.

Ezra smoothed out imaginary wrinkles from his clothing, and composed himself. As many times as Vin had seen him do it, it still amazed him. That his lover could go from open and as easy to read as a child’s primer, to completely shuttered, nearly indecipherable in mere seconds was something he never thought he’d get used to.

The gambler moved to stand. Vin shook his head, and held out a hand in a staying motion. "You’re s’posed to be resting."

The gambler raised one eyebrow, smirking slightly. "And I am famous for my ability to always be doing as I am supposed to."

Vin just gave him a hard look. Ezra pursed his lips in annoyance. He waved a hand, regally gesturing toward the door, as he settled back. "Fine. Have it your way."

Vin tipped his head, accepting his momentary victory. He opened the door, somewhat surprised to see Nathan. //Would have expect him ta jus’ walk in. It’s his place.//

Nathan looked hesitant, almost uncertain. "It okay for me ta come in?"

Vin silently gestured with one hand, indicating Nathan was welcome to enter. He wondered about the healer’s attitude, and decided that he found it encouraging. //If he was ready to jump all over us, he wouldn’t be like this. Not sure quite what he’d be like, but I’m pretty sure this wouldn’t be it.//

Vin closed the door after Nathan entered, and made his way back to the cot. He didn’t sit, just stood close enough to Ezra to offer support or protect him if need be. Vin’s hand rested on the butt of his gun as he made himself comfortable, ready for anything. Ezra slanted a look at him, letting him know that the gambler was fully aware of what he was doing, but wasn’t going to call him on it.

Nathan stood in front of them. He bit is lower lip, eyes directed toward the floor. The healer opened his mouth, and then closed it again. Nathan took a deep breath, looked up and then away again.

Ezra shook his head. "Mr. Jackson?" Dark eyes snapped up to meet green. "I believe you had a question."

"Yeah, I did…I mean I do. Thing is…I’m not rightly sure how to ask. Don’t want to…well, if I’m wrong could just be insulting both of you, which I don’t want to do. And if I’m right, well, truth is I haven’t exactly worked out how I feel about it."

Nathan sighed, and looked uncomfortable. "Don’t exactly have a lot o’ experience with this sort o’ thing. And what I think is going on ain’t anythin’ like what I am familiar with."

Ezra raised an eyebrow. "Quite the dilemma." The gambler smiled slightly, trying to put the other man more at ease. "Why not simply ask, and let the pieces fall where they may? I can promise for my part to try to appreciate your situation, and attempt to take no insult at what you have to say." He looked askance at Vin. The lanky Texan nodded once signaling that he felt the same way.

Nathan cleared his throat. "Y’all mind if I sit?"

"It is your abode, Mr. Jackson." Ezra pointed out, his tone dry.

"Right." Nathan nodded seemingly unaware of the sarcasm in Ezra’s statement. He moved to sit down, turning the chair to face them. He leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees. "Don’t rightly know how to ask this, so I’m just gonna do it." He fixed dark eyes on Vin and then Ezra. "Just how long have the two o’ you been more than friends?"

Vin was tempted to ask for clarification, finding he didn’t care for the euphemism, but held his tongue. I know what he means, and I know Ez does too. But it just seems like beatin’ ‘round the bush. Think I liked the way Buck phrased it better when he asked us how long we’d been lovers. Seems like that was a more direct question.

"Approximately three months." Ezra answered, his voice calm, demeanor unruffled. Vin was fairly certain no one else would have noticed what it cost the gambler to sound and act that way.

The healer frowned. "Three months? That’s how long you been together?"

"Yes."

Ezra’s simple, one word answer seemed to surprise Nathan. Never let it be said Ez can’t be brief when he wants ta be. Vin hid the smirk that thought caused. Ezra could be verbose, but when it counted the man didn’t bother to mince words. The gambler could be just as direct and to the point as Chris when he needed to be.

Nathan’s eyes darted to Vin then back to Ezra. He took a deep breath before asking, "And this is somethin’ you both wanted?"

Vin’s eyes narrowed, not liking Nathan’s tone, but not sure why. "Meaning?"

"When I was a boy…working on the plantation, the master’s brother, Eric…" Nathan frowned, and looked away. He pursed his lips, and seemed to be trying to decide if he should continue or not.

Nathan cleared this throat. "Master’s brother liked men the way a man usually likes woman. Was married, but that didn’t stop Eric from payin’ a visit to the slave quarters couple o’ times a week. Had him a favorite. Young man named David. Never did anything ta hurt him, leastwise nothing real obvious or would make it impossible for him ta work the field the next day. He made it clear that David wasn’t gonna be allowed to say ‘no’. Made damn sure the rest o’ us couldn’t do anything ta stop it. And it weren’t like anyone would believe a bunch o’ slaves if we said anything."

"And you want to know if the relationship between Mr. Tanner and myself is tainted a similar fashion." Ezra’s tone was decidedly bland, but his eyes were like ice. "You are asking if I am using Vin to satisfy some base need, treating him as David was, some how coercing him into acting against his own nature."

Nathan winced, but squared his shoulders and nodded. "Guess that’s ‘bout the size of it, yeah."

Vin’s hand tightened on his gun. Did it ever occur ta him I might be using Ez? Or that I’d be man enough ta take care o’ myself. Shit. Like I haven’t been takin’ care of myself since I was five years old. Was what Chris thought to. Idiots the both of them. Least Buck gave me more credit than that.

"Did it occur to you that Vin might be using me?" Ezra coolly asked, one eyebrow arched, echoing Vin’s thoughts uncannily.

Nathan shook his head. "He isn’t the type to do that."

"Ah." Ezra nodded sagely. "But I am."

Vin glared at Nathan, offended on Ezra’s behalf. "Ez doesn’t use people like that." He declared flatly, daring Nathan to argue.

Ezra glanced over at him, eyes warming, a faint smile dancing about his lips. "I appreciate that sentiment, Vin, and your support. I do." He turned to focus on Nathan, once again carefully neutral in expression, and voice. "But it is what Mr. Jackson believes that is at issue at the moment."

The healer winced again, his fingers twisting around themselves betraying just how nervous he was. "Ezra, you aren’t at all like I thought you were when we first met. Learned a lot about you since we started riding together, and most of the time, I think we get along pretty well."

Ezra tipped his head. "Most of the time we do."

Nathan smiled slightly, before his expression again became serious. "But…hell sometimes, it’s the way you talk, how you do things…that’s all it takes ta make me forget that you aren’t who I thought you were, and remind me of someone else."

"I can see how that might occur." Ezra’s voice had a strained quality.

Vin shivered, realizing Ezra had good reason to understand just where Nathan was coming from. It hadn’t been all that long ago that Ezra had struggled a similar association between himself and Josiah. Damn shame Nate don’t know that. Might just give them some common ground, but I can’t see Ez wanting to hash all that out again.

Nathan smiled wanly, looking tired, and as old as Vin had ever seen him. "Sometimes I forget, and I get to thinkin’ you might be like them. Memories I just can’t shake, an’ they override my better judgement."

Nathan worried at his lower lip, white teeth bright against his dark skin. "I get to thinking o’ you as a man used to being in a position better’n others, thinkin’ of yourself as being better’n than most folks. And well, a man like that, tends to get whatever it might be that he’s wanting, and sometimes looses sight of how what he does affects others."

"Every once in awhile, I forget how little you really know of me, Mr. Jackson." Ezra chuckled but there was no humor in it. His lips twisted in a wry smile. "You believe it is my upbringing, my social standing as it were, or perhaps my chosen profession predisposes me toward treating other people as simply a means to achieving my own selfish ends?"

This was not the first time Nathan had accused Ezra of something similar. Vin got the impression it hurt then, and it hurt now, to have someone Ezra considered a friend, someone he obviously respected, think so little of him. Vin would dearly love to slap the healer, but waited to see how the man would answer Ezra’s question.

Nathan looked apologetic and embarrassed, but resolute. "Wouldn’t be the first white man I’ve run into that forgot to treat a man as a man. Or got so focused on what he wanted he didn’t care about who he trampled on getting there."

"Ain’t just white men from the south that seem prone ta sellin’ other people short." Vin ground out his tone nearly as sharp as his knife. He could forgive Nathan his past, but not foisting it off on Ezra. Ain’t right.

"I know that." Nathan shifted in his seat, looking guilty. "Told you I don’t have a lot of experience with this."

"That’s no excuse." Vin snarled. "We’ve been ridin’ together for a year, and you can’t judge us any better than that. An’ in case ya missed it, Nate, I’m white too."

Vin waved a hand, physically venting some of his frustration and anger, using the motion to emphasis his point. "Ez is just some evil ‘massa’, and I’m some kind of weak-willed simpleton. That it? That what you really think?"

Nathan flinched, and hung his head. Vin snorted in disgust, not sure how to express the rest of what he was thinking without totally losing his temper. Since when did I become some babe in arms? For crying out loud. Jus’ cause I don’t tell everyone about how often I get laid the way Buck does, or make eyes at women, everyone assumes I’m some kind of virgin. And for that matter, when did Ezra suddenly become some kind of villain? It’s not like he’s ever been type ta treat someone as less than a person. Thought that whole issue with that Chinese girl woulda shown what kind o’ man he was.

Ezra held up one hand, and sent a look toward Vin. It asked him to be patient. Vin nodded reluctantly. He’d hold his tongue. He hadn’t meant to say as much as he had, and he knew giving into the urge to spew his anger wouldn’t help the situation.

"The experience you have, Mr. Jackson, is far from stellar. And hardly representative of the whole range of possibilities." Ezra commented softly, understanding coloring his tone. "It is affecting your perception. And your thinking."

Nathan looked up, sending wary glances toward Vin. "Jus’ wanted to be sure that it was something you both wanted. I mean, it seemed that way from what I’d been noticing lately. You two seemed ta be good for each other. It was like you were a couple, that it was something you both wanted, but I had ta know. Didn’t want it to be like it was for David."

Ezra arched an eyebrow. "Did you honestly believe Vin lacked the wherewithal to terminate our current liaison if he wanted to do so?" One long fingered, elegant hand gestured toward the gun Vin had never let go of. "Or was without the means with which to enforce such a decision?"

Nathan shrugged one shoulder, and shifted uncomfortably. "Not really. But all I had to go on was what happened with David. He was just a kid. Probably only a little younger than JD when it started, and was about Vin’s age when it ended."

Ebony eyes flashed fire. "Master had him whipped when he walked in on David and his brother. Sold him down river the next day. Guess he figured it was David who done lead his brother astray."

Nathan clenched his jaw. "No harm came to Eric. He jus’ walked away scott free. Found himself another boy, and carried on like nothin’ had happened."

Ezra took a breath. "I do understand how the past can color our view of the present. Far better than you might believe, Mr. Jackson."

Ezra sighed softly, green eyes shuddered, face giving away nothing of his thoughts or emotions. "For the situation you have described as your only example…well, then it is hardly surprising that you might harbor a certain amount of suspicion toward my intentions, and hold my actions suspect. It is a noble ambition to attempt to protect someone you consider a friend."

Vin fought the urge to spit. Might have been thinkin’ of me, but Nate sure as hell wasn’t thinking of Ez as his friend. Ain’t any wonder Ez still thinks his place here isn’t secure. Christ on a crutch! How long does he plan ta blame Ez for shit he didn’t do?

Nathan looked relieved, almost earnest. "It wasn’t personal. I mean, it was…but I guess it wasn’t about you, as much as it was about me, if that makes sense."

"It does." The gambler nodded, face still giving away nothing. "As I said before, I understand."

"I’m sorry." Nathan looked apologetic. "I know you ain’t like that, but…well, I’m sorry."

Ezra smiled slightly, and tipped his head, accepting Nathan’s apology. Vin followed suit, but he had every intention of remembering this moment, just as he was sure Ezra would. Forgiven, yes, forgotten, no.

Vin kept an eye on Ezra. He knew the gambler was tired, and quickly reaching the end of his rope. He also knew there was more to it than simply being physically wrung out. Nathan’s words, no matter how innocent or honorable his intent, had done some damage. All the tracker really wanted to do right at this moment was hold Ezra and tell him it didn’t matter what Nathan or anyone else thought. Ezra P. Standish is a good man. It’s not his fault some people are too damn blind to see that.

"You do understand, Mr. Jackson, what is between myself and Vin is not something nefarious or underhanded, yes?" Ezra cocked his head to one side, studying Nathan carefully, measuring the other man. "It is something we have come to openly, honestly, and by mutual agreement. No one is being coerced or blackmailed into anything."

"It sort of looked that way." Nathan nodded, breathing easier. "I’m real glad to hear it is the way it looked. Like I said…what I was seeing didn’t match up with what I knew from before I met up with you guys, but I had to be sure."

"You don’t have a problem with us then? With me and Ez being together?" Vin asked, point blank, wanting to be clear, wanting to move this along and get to the crux of the issue.

Nathan shifted in his seat again. "I don’t know." The healer shrugged. "Still not sure what to think. Ain’t exactly normal."

Vin rolled his eyes. "Like anything ‘bout any of us is what other people call normal."

The healer chuckled. "There is that." He waited a beat. "What did Chris and Buck have to say?"

"And what leads you to believe they know?" Ezra asked softly, eyebrow arched.

Dark eyes steadily regard the conman for several seconds. "Figured that out at lunch the other day. Chris is Vin’s best friend. No way he wouldn’t notice the same stuff I did. And Buck told me ta talk to you when I asked what was going on. Said it wasn’t his place to discuss another man’s business, which means he knows. If he didn’t know, he’d have come right out and said so."

Vin traded a look with Ezra. The gambler shrugged one shoulder before turning back to Nathan. "Mr. Larabee does not see any difficulty in our being together provided it does not interfere with our peacekeeping duties. To date, it has not. Mr. Wilmington is a hopeless romantic. He believes love, no matter what form, should be encouraged and embraced wholeheartedly."

Nathan nodded slowly. He digested that for a moment. "So…who else knows?"

"Counting you…three."

"Three?!" Nathan stared. "You mean you haven’t told the others already?"

"As yet, no."

"Why not?"

"Because we didn’t know how they would take it." Vin stated casually, his tone making it clear he thought he was stating the obvious. "Said yerself, it ain’t normal. Never know which way people might jump when they get face with somethin’ they don’t care ta look at."

"It is not as if we intended to make some formal, public declaration, Mr. Jackson." Ezra smiled sardonically. "The personal aspects of our lives are not fodder for the masses."

"Yeah, I can see that." Nathan nodded slowly. "But the rest of the team…figured you would at least tell them."

"We decided that it would be a more prudent course of action to wait for our compatriots to raise the issue." Ezra made an elegant, meaningless gesture with one hand. "To offer information only when it was asked for. And allow each one to ask whatever question he deemed necessary to arrive at some satisfaction."

Nathan frowned. "Wouldn’t it jus’ be easier to come right out and tell us?"

"Consider for the moment what the outcome would be, if even one of our little troupe was of the opinion that our affaire d'amour were an abomination, or voiced disgust, distrust, or even some minor level of condemnation." Ezra shook his head. "It is unlikely that our current working relationship would continue."

Nathan’s frown deepened. "Why?"

"If Vin and I had chosen to make some sort of declaration to the entire group, it would likely have created a difficult situation. Some finding no cause for concern, and others unwilling or unable to accept us. Such a situation would untenable in our existing work environment. We routinely encounter dangerous predicaments that do not allow for the seven of us to work as anything less than a cohesive unit. Our very survival depends upon our doing so."

"What?"

"Simply put, we must be able to work well together, or we die. We may weather small disagreements, but larger ones could prove to be fatal." Ezra clarified with the self-deprecating smile Vin hated.

"Further cause for concern is how the townspeople would react to even a minor dissention in our ranks. They might not know the reason for it, but there are those who would likely desire to take advantage of such a rift, placing us all in further jeopardy."

Presenting a united front had, on one more than one occasion, been the reason for their succeeding when there were long odds against them. And not everyone in Four Corners was happy with their unconventional law enforcement. More than one person had expressed dissatisfaction at not having a traditional sheriff, finding the idea of the peace being kept by such a motley crew to be less than ideal, no matter how well they did the job.

"So if I had said that I thought you two shouldn’t be doing what you’re doing?" Nathan offered hesitantly, as though thinking through each word. "That it was wrong, unnatural?"

"We’d leave." Vin answered, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

"Leave?" Nathan looked startled. "Wouldn’t be reason for you to do that. Town needs seven men. You could just call it off ‘tween you, and---"

"No." Both Vin and Ezra forcefully interjected, halting Nathan’s words.

The healer blinked. "You’re that serious?"

"Yes." Again they answered in unison.

Nathan sat back, stunned. He looked from Vin to Ezra and back again. "You’re not just foolin’ around like Buck does with his ladies?"

Vin shook his head. "Means more than that, Nate. A lot more. Me and Ez got something special, and we aim ta hang on to it."

"Okay…let me work through this." Nathan rubbed both hands over his face, sitting back in his chair. "You’re happy, right?"

"Yes."

"Quite."

"And you both want this?"

Vin and Ezra nodded together.

"Chris and Buck are okay with it?"

"Yes." Ezra let Vin answer that one. The tracker suspected he did it because Nathan would be more inclined to believe him than the gambler. That suspicion just added to the anger Vin still felt toward Nathan for his earlier transgression.

Nathan paused, clearly thinking things over. He took a breath, and then another. "Okay."

"Okay?" Vin gave Nathan a hard look. "Okay what?"

"I’m agreeing with Chris on this. As long you two being together doesn’t get in the way of doing the job, I’ve got no real reason to object. Don’t interfere with anyone else’s personal life, and by all right I got no call to be messin’ around with yours either."

Nathan sighed heavily. "Was partly why I wasn’t sure if I should even ask. A man should be entitled to some privacy. Never ask Buck about his ladies. Course with him, he usually tells ya before you have a chance to ask. And I don’t get involved with JD and Casey. Never bothered Chris about Mary."

The healer straightened, and faced them both. "You’re both adults, and as Ezra pointed out, more than able ta make your own decisions. If this is something you both want, then it ain’t my place to interfere. And honestly…most of what I’ve noticed, you seem good for each other. You’ve been together for three months, and I haven’t seen where it’s affected anything. Well, other than making my job easier that is." Nathan smiled warmly. "First thing I noticed was that you behave better for each other than you ever did for me."

Vin and Ezra exchanged a look, and a shrug. Pretty sure that ain’t all that gave us away. Have to remember to ask Chris and Buck ta keep an eye on us so we don’t slip up somewhere else.

Nathan took a breath. "So what happens now?"

"We continue as we have." Ezra said. "The only difference is that you are now privy to the fact that Vin and I are engaged in a romantic relationship."

"And you keep this conversation ‘tween us." Vin wanted Nathan to be clear on that point. "Just like Buck and Chris have. This ain’t something anyone else needs to know about less’n they ask us."

Nathan nodded. "I can do that. Not sure I’d know quite what to say anyway."

"Your word, Mr. Jackson?" Ezra held out hand.

Nathan rose, and stepped forward. He shook Ezra’s hand. "My word on it."

He offered his hand to Vin, and the tracker took it after hesitating for a moment. Whatever differences might still lie between them, Vin trusted Nathan to keep his word. Ez was right when he said Nate was an honorable man. Don’t mean I’m not still pissed with him for being stupid, but I trust him ta keep his mouth shut.

"No that we have settled this issue, I would like to return to the comfort of my own domicile. I find myself in need of a long communion with my feather bed." Ezra shifted his weight, and stood. Vin was quick to offer support when Ezra swayed slightly before regaining his balance.

"You okay, Ezra?" Nathan asked, already moving to check for fever, and looking at Ezra’s eyes. "Headache worse? That shoulder bothering you?"

Vin felt some of his resentment and anger toward Nathan lift bit at the healer’s quick response. Guess Ez was right about that too. Got a feeling Nate is just so inta helpin’ people he can’t ignore someone in need. Even though he doesn’t always have his head on straight where Ez is concerned, I never should have doubted he’d do right by him when he’s hurt.

Ezra was not as pleased with the attention. He batted away Nathan’s hand with a frown of annoyance. "I am fine, Mr. Jackson. It has been a trying day, and I would like to retire for the evening."

"You sure you’re feeling okay?"

Ezra sent him an exasperated look. "Did I not just say as much?"

Nathan rolled his eyes. "You’d say you were fine if you were missing a limb. I just want ta make sure you are all right ‘fore you leave. Now, tell me what I want to know, please. I’m just trying to help."

Ezra sighed. "My shoulder hurts, but not excessively so. I have consented to wear this detestable sling just as you insisted."

"And your headache?"

"Nothing a good nights sleep will not cure." Ezra waved a hand in a dismissive gesture.

Nathan nodded. He looked toward Vin. "If that shoulder wound starts bleeding, or if he gets to feeling worse, you come get me." The last came out as more of a request than an order.

Vin nodded, pleased that the healer was starting to realize he’d get further by asking than ordering. "If he needs ya, Nate, I’ll make sure I come get ya."

Nathan smiled, and turned his attention back to Ezra. "I’ll stop by tomorrow morning to take a look at you. Wanna make sure that shoulder heals clean, and check on those stitches."

Ezra grimaced. "Please do not bestir yourself too early in the morn on my account. I would like to allow the rising sun to occur without my being able to personally testify to observance of Helios’ ascension."

Nathan looked confused for a moment. "You sayin’ you don’t want me to show up at sunrise?"

"Yes, Mr. Jackson, that would be exactly what I said." Ezra answered, his voice betraying some of the fatigue he was feeling, as he moved toward the door. Vin was at his side, ready to assist if need be.

He was glad they would be spending the night in Ezra’s room. There wasn’t room on the narrow cot for both of them. And he wasn’t sure how willing Nathan would be to allowing him to sleep curled up with Ezra. Vin was in no mood to quietly accept such a restriction.

Nate said he’s okay with us as long as it don’t affect the job. Don’t mean he’s as open and acceptin’ as Buck. Even if he was okay with it, he’d probably get all bent outta shape about me holdin’ Ez close, what with his shoulder an’ all. Wouldn’t do anything ta cause Ez pain. Ever. Jus’ need ta work my way through bein’ scared ta death that he might have…no, no point in thinkin’ on the might have beens. Just want to focus on what is. Ezra is gonna be okay. He’s alive, and still here with me.

Together, he and Ezra made their way down the stairs. Chris stepped out of the dark livery, as silent as a shadow, meeting up with them at the foot of the stairs. Vin wasn’t surprised to see him. Sort o’ figured it’d be him or Buck hangin’ around here wantin’ to make sure things went okay. Buck probably has the saloon staked out so they’ve got the bases covered. Know we’d show up at one or the other no matter what. Kinda nice ta have them ready ta back us up even though we didn’t ask ‘em to, or need it.

Ezra offered a two-fingered salute to Chris. "Mr. Larabee."

"Ezra." Chris tipped his head toward the gambler in acknowledgement before his eyes shifted to Vin. He lifted an eyebrow, clearly asking if everything had gone all right.

Through the look they traded, Vin let him know everything was fine. They could discuss it in greater detail tomorrow. Right now, it was more important to let Ezra get some rest. The blond gunslinger half smiled, and nodded. He pointed toward the saloon with his chin, and Vin nodded.

Ezra rolled his eyes at their wordless communication. "Honestly, one might think you two were mute."

Chris looked amused before he gave the gambler a once over. "Go get some rest, Ez. You look like you could use it."

Commenting on Ezra’s appearance, no matter how minor, almost guaranteed a response. Ezra opened his mouth to offer what would likely have been some sharp riposte, but was interrupted by a wide yawn. At Chris’ pointed ‘I told you so’ look, Ezra licked one finger and made a movement like he was marking an invisible tally sheet.

"Vin, take him ta his room, and get him settled in." Chris ordered, his voice a mixture of mild concern and amusement. Concern that Ezra hadn’t argued the way he usually did, and amused that he’d finally got one up on the wily conman.

Vin had only moved a step away, following his lover’s move toward the saloon, when Chris called out again. "And Vin?"

"Yeah, Cowboy?" The tracker stopped, looking over his shoulder. Ezra also stopped, half turning toward Chris.

"Buck volunteered ta take your patrol shift tomorrow. No need for you to be up early."

Vin grinned. Leave it to Buck ta know we need some time together. It’ll be real nice ta spend the morning wallowin’ in that feather bed watchin’ Ez sleep. Maybe do more than sleep if he’s feelin’ better by then.

"Tell him thanks for me."

"Will do."

Vin and Ezra slipped into the alley, aiming for the back stairs. They were safely settled into Ezra’s room a few moments later, a locked door shutting out the rest of the world, at least for the moment.

*******

Ezra took a deep breath, and reveled in the moment of well-being that followed. He could feel the smooth skin of Vin’s chest against his cheek, strong arms and legs wrapped around him supplying comfortable warmth that kept the morning chill at bay. He could hear the steady beat of Vin’s heart. He took another breath, and enjoyed the scent of his lover. When Vin’s fingers began to run through his hair, Ezra released the breathed he’d just taken, in one long purr like sigh.

"You awake?" Vin’s voice was whisper soft.

"No." Ezra answered, snuggling in a little closer. Being awake meant getting up and he wasn’t ready to. He could hear, as well as feel, the rumbling chuckled that was Vin’s response.

"Sure sounds like yer awake."

"An illusion." Ezra rubbed his cheek against Vin’s chest; placing a soft kiss near the heart he heard beating. "A dream, perhaps."

"A good dream then." Ezra felt Vin placed a kiss in his hair. He could hear the smile in Vin’s voice even though he couldn’t see it.

"My very own green-eyed gambler. Naked. In a feather bed. I should have me dreams like this more often."

Ezra smiled. He raised his head to see sky blue eyes sparkling with good humor looking back at him. Vin gently cupped Ezra’s face, fingertips brushing against the laceration Nathan stitched the day before. The gambler was fairly certain the bruise that went with it must look rather colorful by now. Vin’s eyes darkened with concern.

"I’m fine." Ezra stated before Vin could ask the question Ezra saw in his expression. "It doesn’t hurt as bad as yesterday."

"But it still hurts?"

"Some." Ezra half smiled. "Less than a truly horrendous hangover. Nothing I can not handle, Cheri."

"You let me know if it gets worse."

Ezra smirked. "You could kiss it, and make it better."

Vin’s lips quirked upward as he fought an answering smile. "I could, could I?"

Ezra pouted, lower lip out enticingly. "You have a gift. A natural talent."

Vin raised an eyebrow. "Kiss it an make it all better, hunh? Might just have ta test that out." Vin very carefully placed a tender kiss against Ezra’s bruised temple. He pulled back enough to make eye contact. "Better?"

Ezra smiled, dimples showing themselves. "Much."

"You got any other hurts you need me to fix?"

Ezra slanted a teasing look from under his lashes. He raised one hand to brush delicately across his lips. "Here."

Vin leaned in and kissed him warmly, thoroughly. Eager tongues challenged each other for dominance, exploring and tasting as they went. Only the need to breath broke them apart. Vin growled low in his throat, dropping his head to nuzzle Ezra’s throat. Ezra tilted his head to give his lover better access. He shuddered when Vin nibbled on his ear lobe.

He moved his hands to roam over the expanse of skin available to him, eager to touch and explore again that warm silken flesh he delighted in. Ezra hissed in pain when an unwise move reminded him of being stabbed in the right shoulder. He immediately regretted not being able to stifle that instinctive reaction, because Vin stopped doing what he’d been doing.

"Ez? You okay?" Vin pulled away, blue eyes worried. "Hell, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean ta--"

"No reason to be sorry, Cheri." Ezra was quick to assure his lover cutting of his apology. "Not your fault. Mine."

Vin snorted. "Like I’m gonna believe that."

Ezra sighed, and lightly slapped Vin’s chest. "I simply forgot my shoulder was not up to our usual activities. My imperfect memory, and foolish actions, are hardly your fault."

Vin rolled them over so Ezra was on his back, careful not to jar his injured shoulder when he executed that maneuver. The tracker supported his weight on his elbows, holding himself up and off of Ezra. Sharp eyes scanned his face, before moving to examine his shoulder wound. The bandage showed no fresh blood.

Ezra cupped Vin’s face with both hands, redirecting his attention. "I’m fine. Truly. No harm has been done."

"Ya sure?" Vin frowned. "Never wanna hurt you, Ez."

"You didn’t." Ezra insisted, touched by Vin’s concern, and angry with himself for causing it in the first place. Stupid, Ezra. You should have known better. He wanted his playful lover back. He wanted to share that physical connection, to touch and be touched. To express his love, and receive it in turn.

Hitting on an idea, Ezra gave Vin a sly, sultry look. His fingers delicately traced Vin’s features, and he let his voice drop an octave when he spoke, coming out husky, needy. "I believe we have successfully located a spot for your lips to work their magic."

Vin swallowed hard. Ezra could read the hesitation, desire warring with indecision. He nibbled at the hollow of Vin’s throat, and began lazily moving his hips, rubbing against Vin, trying to tip the scale in his favor.

"I could just lay here." Ezra offered, voice still husky, hands moving to caress Vin’s chest. "Let you do all the work." He nipped the spot near where Vin’s shoulder met his neck, sucking gently. His finger tips delicately teased Vin’s sensitive nipples, eliciting a moan. "Let you have your wicked way with me."

Vin shuddered. He dove in for a soul-searing kiss, tongue darting in to Ezra’s mouth like he was trying to lick Ezra’s tonsils. Vin’s hands rose to tilt Ezra’s head, changing the angle, deepening the kiss, holding him still while Vin ravaged his mouth.

When they broke apart, both were breathing hard. "You are an evil man, Ezra Standish." Vin panted.

Ezra smiled softly. "Evil, no. Determined, yes."

Vin’s thumb gently traced Ezra’s lower lip, blue eyes focused on green. "Ya sure?"

For an answer, Ezra used the tip of his tongue to lave the pad of Vin’s thumb, sucking it into his mouth, smiled wickedly as he did it. Vin took a deep shuddering breath. The tracker groaned, eyes closing.

"Love me, Cheri." Ezra whispered after he released the digit he’d been sucking on. "Please."

Vin nodded, and opened his eyes. "But we do it my way, Teach."

Ezra grinned, arching an eyebrow. "Your way? And that would be what exactly?"

Vin grinned back, winking. "You let me have my wicked way with you."

Ezra laughed, a delighted peel of amusement. "Oh by all means." He waved one hand in a graceful, inviting gesture.

Vin set about touching and kissing every inch of Ezra’s body. Tongue, teeth, and hands left a trail of fire in their wake. The gambler savored the contact, loosing himself in that beloved touch. There is magic in this man. There has to be.

Ezra slipped into French as he murmured appreciation of what Vin was doing. Offering encouragement and direction even though he knew it wasn’t understood or needed. He was so hard from what Vin was doing that it was almost painful.

Some rational part of his mind spoke up, and reminded him that he wasn’t alone here. That Vin deserved to feel as good as he did at this moment. When he tried to move, to return the favor, Vin capture his hands and pinned the to the bed.

"No." Vin shook his head firmly. "You just be still. Let me love you, Ez."

"But, Cheri, it isn’t right." Ezra insisted.

"What isn’t right?" Vin frowned. He waggled his eyebrows, teasing. "I’m doin’ somethin’ you don’t like?"

"No…not that." Ezra shook his head. There wasn’t anything Vin had ever done that he didn’t enjoy, at least in the bedroom. "It should be pleasurable for both of us. I’m not so selfish that this should be solely about me."

Vin smiled, eyes bright with love and affection. He raised a hand to cup Ezra’s face, caressing his cheekbone. "Sometimes, it’s okay for it to be about you." Vin spoke softly, his voice reassuring and gentle. "Sometimes, it’s all right for you to be selfish. An’ this is one o’ those times."

Vin’s hands moved to travel down Ezra’s chest, paying special attention to those little places that got to him every time. Ezra arched into his touch, unable to not respond. Vin lightly nipped the area near Ezra’s navel.

"Next time…next time it can be about me." Vin looked up, expression open and earnest, his voice still soft and reassuring. "Okay?"

Ezra’s lips quirked upward in a half-smile, and he was again stuck by what an amazing individual his lover was. I will not win this battle. Better to give in gracefully than to wage a pointless war. "If you insist."

"I do." Vin grinned. "No let me get back ta doin’ what I was doin’. You just lay there and enjoy yerself."

"Yes, sir." Ezra’s chuckle became a gasp when Vin lowered his head to engulf Ezra’s cock in his mouth. Vin licked and sucked, treating Ezra’s cock like he would his favorite candy stick. He rested just enough of his weight across Ezra’s hips to keep the gambler from thrusting upward, and gagging him.

Vin had become quite talented at the art of fellatio. And Ezra had every reason to appreciate his skill. The tracker brought him close to the brink once, and then again, backing off before Ezra actually reached his climax.

Ezra opened heavy lidded, dazed eyes, to watch Vin suck his own fingers, making them slick. He moaned, and shuddered. "Merci…now…do it now. Need you…please."

Vin carefully slid his fingers home, into Ezra’s tight, welcoming heat. Ezra slowly writhed, fucking himself on Vin’s fingers, head tipped back, exposing the long column of his throat. He had no idea at that moment just how sexy he looked.

Vin took a deep breath. "You are so beautiful." He breathed out in a harsh whisper, his tone almost reverent. "So incredibly beautiful."

Vin’s free hand had moved to fist himself, moving in time with Ezra hips as the gambler rode his fingers. The tracker tipped his head to let his hair tease Ezra with a feather light, all but insubstantial, yet still wonderful sensation. Vin ran his tongue over the head of Ezra’s cock, before again taking as much as he could.

Ezra let out a one long moan. He rocked back on Vin’s fingers, forcing them deeper inside. He felt Vin reach, and brush his prostate. Tremors of intense pleasure rippled through him like a wave. Vin kept doing it, making each wave more powerful than the last.

God…so…good. Can’t...oh my…oh please. Ezra tried to speak, to tell Vin how good it was, to not stop, to let him come this time, but he couldn’t seem to articulate anything more than whimpers and sighs. And then he was coming so hard he seeing stars.

Ezra had no idea how long it took for him to return to himself. He was floating, enjoying the feeling of being weightless and incredibly heavy at the same time. He was vaguely aware of Vin calling his name. Ezra opened his eyes and smiled into the warm blue eyes of his lover, looking down at him.

"Ezra?"

"Hmmm?" He blinked, sleepy-eyed.

"You okay?"

Okay? Oh my, I’d have to say yes to that. I haven’t felt his good since…well, since yesterday afternoon. Ezra laughed softly, pulling himself out of his thoughts enough to answer Vin’s question.

"Okay? Oh, Cheri, I am so much better than okay." He pulled Vin down for a kiss. "Thank you."

Vin smiled. "Your welcome."

Ezra stretched languidly. He shifted to snuggle into the mattress, more than content to go back to sleep. He held out a hand to Vin. "Would you care to rejoin me in slumber, Cheri? We have time."

"Sure, Ez." Vin hesitated for a moment. "But can we move over a bit?"

Ezra raised one eyebrow in askance. Vin blushed. "Kind a made a bit of a mess."

"Mess?" Ezra raised his head, and then smiled, understanding. His lover had climaxed with him. Good. With a little wiggle, Ezra moved over, making room for Vin to snuggle in close, and avoid the wet spot.

The lanky Texan curled in close, still careful of Ezra’s wounded shoulder. He regarded the bandage for a moment, brows pulled together. "Think I forgot to take care o’ that spot earlier." With an impish grin, Vin leaned in to place a quick kiss atop the bandage. "There…all better."

Ezra laughed again, delighted that Vin was still feeling playful. He hugged his lover to him with one arm, prepared to settle in until Nathan’s promised morning arrival forced him to do otherwise. "Oh indeed, Cheri, much, much better."

*******The End*******