Waiting for you

Author: Willow
Universe: Old West
Main characters: Ezra/Vin  Chris/Buck - Slash  but no graphic sex scenes.
I took the liberty in fixing some �wrongs� done in other episodes!
Disclaimer:  I do not own Magnificent characters or profit from them.  Mean people who took them off the air do!
Ramblings:  I got inspired for this story from reading Calf Killer by Cobalt and another story I cannot remember the name, where Vin was showing Ezra how to track.  I didn�t think I would be able to do an OW story but here goes.  I know nothing about tracking so I tried to use common sense.  I got the information on the Schofield gun from the internet.  All errors are mine as I don�t have a Beta.

June 2004

Feedback: Please [email protected]


Vin couldn�t believe his luck or rather lack of it.  What had started out as a search for another missing army wagon had ended badly.  He�d found the wagon all right.  He had been paid $7 for this one. He had been out about a week in his search for the AWOL soldiers who had run off with a wagon full of weapons.  He decided to stop at Cedar Pass on the way back to Four Corners to get a drink and a few supplies. And wouldn�t you know it.  Two bounty hunters that had been in the saloon recognized him.  He had tried to ease out the back but they were hot on his trail and had chased him out of town.  A shot to the shoulder had knocked him off his horse and to make matters worse, he�d been near a ravine.  Which is how he�d come to be lying at the bottom.  His ankle felt busted but he wasn�t sure.  The bullet to his shoulder had gone in and out, he had some use of his arm but not much.

The only piece of good luck was that the men chasing him hadn�t seen him fall and had passed him by.  He hoped they kept going.  He could see Peso at the top of the ravine looking down at him.  He wondered if he could coax that ornery mule down here.  Not that he saw an easy way.  He felt sweat rolling down his forehead and raised his arm to wipe it away.  Hell, not sweat, blood.




Ezra sat on the boardwalk in front of the saloon.  He had his feet on the railing, his chair tipped back on two legs.  He lazily shuffled a deck of cards.  To the casual observer he was idly spending time.  But he frequently checked the road leading into town.  Where was Vin?  He had been due back yesterday.  Vin had sent a cable from Cedar Pass saying he was heading back the next day.

He turned his head as he heard spurs clicking down the boardwalk towards him. 

�Mr. Larabee.�

�Ezra.�

�Any word from Mr. Tanner?�

�Not yet.�

Ezra paused in his shuffling and looked up at him.

�I wouldn�t worry Ezra.  No need to concern yourself.�

�Indeed.�




Vin woke a few hours later.  He drug himself into the shade of some trees near the base of the ravine.  He thought he could hear water but he wasn�t sure, he felt lightheaded and his ears rang.  He looked up but couldn�t see Peso.  He raised a hand to his head.  It was still sticky and wet but wasn�t bleeding like before.  He groaned as he shifted into a sitting position.  His shoulder was still bleeding some.  He removed his bandanna and pressed it hard to the wound.  He hissed in pain.  He leaned back against the cliff face.  He wasn�t worried about being found.  He knew Ezra would find him.  It was just a matter if he could last till then or if the men hunting him found him first. 




Night had fallen and still no sign of Vin.  Ezra decided it was time for someone to do something.  He wasn�t going to wait until daylight.  It was at least a day�s ride to Cedar Pass if he rode hard. 

�Sorry Gentlemen, last hand.�  The other four men at the table protested.

�Now, now.  All good things must come to an end.�

Ezra gathered his money.  He poured a last drink from the bottle of whiskey he had purchased earlier. 

�You gentlemen are welcome to finish this amongst yourself since I am departing early.�  

The other men exchanged looks but stopped their grumbling.  Ezra stood and tipped his hat.

�Good evening.�

Chris was surprised to see Ezra call it a night so early, especially since he was winning.  But who knew what to expect when it came to Ezra Standish.

Ezra entered his room and began to pack.  He had an emergency bag of rations stored in his closet, in case a quick exit was needed.  He grabbed that and a few clothes.  He also had a kit of some medical supplies that came in handy on the trail.  He was ready to leave in about ten minutes.  He sat on the bed and wrote out a short note.  He slipped out the door quietly; pinning the note to his door.  He decided not to inform the others he was leaving.  He wasn�t sure why but knew they would argue with him.  The note was merely to keep Chris Larabee from accusing him of running out again.  Though technically he hadn�t run out before.  Running out implied leaving, where he had come back.




Vin woke shivering.  It was dark now.  No moon tonight, which was good for him in a way.  Made being spotted harder for those men hunting him.  He could hear the water better now.  His head felt clearer.  He decided to try and reach it.  He stretched back to the wall behind him and pushed himself up with his good arm.  Shit!  He couldn�t put any weight on his busted ankle.  Luckily he had found a good size branch earlier.  He leaned over and grabbed it, using it as a crutch.  He didn�t know if it was lucky or not that his wounded shoulder was opposite his injured leg.  He wasn�t sure he could say he�d had any good luck yet.  Though he guessed he could have broken his neck when he fell.  He grimaced.  He�d take any luck he could.  He hobbled forward until he came to a small stream.  He hadn�t been able to see it in the daylight; it was down a gradual incline, which he navigated without too much trouble.  He lowered himself painfully to the ground.  The water was cool and refreshing going down his throat.  Damn he wished he had his canteen.  But that was on Peso.  He still had his mare�s leg.  That was one good thing. 
Wonder when the others will come looking for me?  He looked up at the stars, bright on this moonless night.  Going on 2 am. 

He thought about Ezra again.  Funny how often Ezra had been on his mind since he�d left Four Corners.  He realized how much he enjoyed Ezra�s company since he�d been gone.  He missed the time they had spent out on patrol or out showing Ezra how to track.  He laughed thinking how that had come about.  Him and Ezra had been out on patrol together one evening.  He often volunteered to go out with Ezra, though he didn�t explain why to Chris, who raised an eyebrow every time he did.  He liked the Southern.  He enjoyed talking to him when the others weren�t around.  Ezra didn�t put up that front when they were alone.  Ezra had asked him how he had gotten into bounty hunting and Vin had been telling him a story about a man he�d been after for three months.  That had led to questions about tracking.  And that had led to their arrangement.  Vin taught Ezra how to track and Ezra taught him how to read and write.   Vin was sure he had gotten the better end of that deal.  Sometimes though, if he played his cards right; he laughed at that, he could get Ezra to just read to him.  He�d never admit it to Ezra, but he loved listening to him talk.  And the way he read stories, damn he felt he was there in those pages, not sitting on the side of some trail or if he was fortunate, up in Ezra�s room sipping some of Ezra�s smooth whiskey.

He sighed.  He wished he was in Ezra�s room right now.  Listening to Ezra read some of that poetry book he had ordered.  Ezra had apologized to Vin for making fun of him about writing a poem and to make it up to him, Ezra had ordered a book of poems and read them to him.  He would also write Vin�s down in a special book he�d made.  Just thinkin� on that made him feel warm inside.  He shook himself and took another long drink then struggled back to his feet.  He made it back to the ravine wall, mesquite grew there and he crawled under and pulled his body into a ball.  Next time he took a tumble off his horse, he planned on grabbing a blanket on the way down.




Ezra rode hard through the night.  He apologized to Royal Flush as he rode. 

�Sorry old friend but we must make haste.�   He knew the faster he got to Cedar Pass, the faster he could pick up Vin�s trail.  Vin had told him the colder a trail got, the harder it was to follow.  Fate had smiled on him, as it hadn�t rained in the last few days.  He thanked whatever gods there might be that Vin had been teaching him to track.  He would have never guessed his first big test would be searching for Vin.   Not that he hadn�t tracked Vin before.  Part of Vin�s instruction to him on tracking had him looking for Vin.  They would be out on patrol and Vin would turn a sly smile to him. 

�Time for a lesson Ez.�

Vin would make Ezra dismount and wait for a specific amount of time and then come look for him.  In all different types of circumstances - rain, wind, hell during a thunderstorm once.  At first it had taken him what seemed like days to find Vin.  In fact they had been late returning from taking a prisoner to Eagle Bend once and Chris had berated Ezra as soon as they came back.  Vin had been about to explain but Ezra had stopped him.  He couldn�t quite say why but he didn�t want the others to know what went on between him and Vin when they were alone.  Vin had still defended him though, saying it wasn�t Ezra�s fault they were late.  Chris couldn�t hide the look of surprise at the harsh words from Vin or the way he stormed passed him after delivering them.  Even thinking of it now made Ezra smile.  No one had ever defended him before; no one took up for him.  It was after that he had gotten the blank book for Vin�s poems.

Ezra slowed his horse down letting him rest some.  He smiled again thinking of when he had given Vin that book. 

�Vin, I have something for you.�  Ezra had been sitting in his rocking chair; Vin was propped up on the bed.  He knew Vin wouldn�t admit how much he liked Ezra�s feather bed.  He claimed he liked sleeping in that wagon of his.

Vin had gotten a child-like look of wonder on his face when Ezra handed him the wrapped present.  And he had given Ezra a beautiful smile when he opened it and Ezra had explained what it was for.   Ezra took secret pleasure in being the keeper of Vin�s poems.  No one would suspect from looking at the dusty tracker that the man was a natural poet.  He was always startled at the beauty of the words and visions the simple man evoked.  Whenever Ezra tried to tell Vin how wonderful his poems were, Vin would just duck his head and blush.

�Ain�t no poet Ez.�

Ezra had read through the book every night since Vin had been gone.  He was surprised to find how much he missed Vin.  Ezra the loner, missing someone.  He snorted.  Wouldn�t his mother love to hear that?   But reading the poems, invoking Vin�s voice, helped ease that loneliness.   He had also volunteered for more patrols, explaining at Chris� wary look, that they were short handed with Vin gone.  Which was partly true.  All the truth Chris needed to know.  Ezra felt closer to Vin out on the trail.   He replayed all their talks.  What was wrong with him?   You�d think Vin had been gone months.  It just felt that way.

Now he replayed every tracking lesson he�d had.  He wasn�t about to let Vin down.




Vin woke again at first light. The morning was cool and misty. He made it down to the stream again and drank deeply. He sat back on the sandy bank. His foot felt numb.  He knew better than to try and take the boot off.  He thought about soaking it in the stream but didn�t know if getting the leather boot wet would make it better or worse. He turned to look back up the rocky cliff, still no sign of Peso.  Maybe he was on his way back to Four Corners.  His stomach growled loudly.  It was foggy here down by the creek.  He thought he might risk a small fire.   He hobbled to some rocks that were in the stream and leaned out across the water.  A nice fish would make a good breakfast.   Time to tickle him a trout.





�Seen Ezra?�

  Josiah came in through the bat wing doors of the saloon.  Buck, JD and Nathan sat at their usual table having breakfast.

�Little early for him don�t cha think?�   Buck sipped his coffee.

�Ezra hasn�t been sleeping late for awhile.  Guess you haven�t noticed.�   Josiah smiled as Inez brought him a cup.

Buck frowned.  Now that Josiah mentioned it he had noticed Ezra up earlier lately.  

�Yeah Buck.  Don�t you notice nothing?�   JD gave him a playful punch, he moved his mug of mill as Buck took a swing at him.

�Noticed he went upstairs early last night.  Wondered what he�s up to?�  Nathan frowned looking upstairs as if to see what Ezra might be doing up there.

�Think I�ll go see if he is okay.�  Josiah took a drink from his cup and gave his order to Inez and he headed up the steps. 

He could see something tacked to Ezra�s door as he walked around the corner towards his room.  It was his turn to frown as he removed the paper and headed downstairs.

�Whatcha got there Josiah?�   JD looked curiously as Josiah came back down the steps a minute later, paper in hand.

Chris walked through the doors at that time.  He nodded to Inez and he headed toward the table, Buck pushed a chair out for him with his foot.


Josiah finished reading the note for the second time as he sat down.

�Ezra�s gone looking for Vin.  Says here he left last night, headed for Cedar Pass.�

�Left?   What�s Ezra think he�s gonna be able to do?�   Nathan�s voice was full of doubt.

�I told him it wasn�t any of his concern.�  Chris glared at no one in particular, taking the note and reading it.

�Obviously he thought it was.�  Josiah stated simply. 

�Damn man�s gonna get his self lost and then we�re gonna have to go lookin� for him.  Why can�t he stay out of trouble?�  Nathan grumbled.

�I think Ezra�s is more resourceful than any of you give him credit.�  Josiah said knowingly.   The others looked at him but he would say no more.

Josiah knew there was more going on between Ezra and Vin than the others were aware of.  They only saw what they wanted to when it came to Ezra.  Josiah himself didn�t know how or why, but Ezra held a special place in his heart.  He�d almost lost the trust he had built up with Ezra after that fiasco with the $10,000 and Long-range Lucius Stutz.  He had tried to explain to Ezra later his own temptation for that money and the reason for his harsh treatment of him when Ezra had come to him seeking reassurance.  It had taken awhile before Ezra had fully forgiven him.  Josiah had still not forgiven himself. 

Josiah ate his meal in silence.  He sent out silent prayers that both Ezra and Vin were safe and would return home soon.



Ezra arrived in Cedar Pass not long after daylight.  He and his horse were tired.  He left the horse at the livery for some well-deserved food and rest while he headed for the sheriff�s office.  The sheriff had remembered Vin, he had stopped in to pick up some new wanted posters to take back to Four Corners.  He recalled Vin saying he was headed out that day � two days ago.
Ezra thanked him and headed for the saloon.

The Rapid Saloon as it was called was not busy at that time of morning.  The town restaurant was not open until lunch but they served a passable breakfast.  Ezra ate little but drank plenty of coffee.  He didn�t plan on taking time to sleep.   He asked the waitress if she remembered Vin.  She smiled as Ezra described Vin.

�Oh yes,� she said smiling widely.  �I remember seein� him.�  

Ezra smiled to himself.  Vin didn�t acknowledge it but the ladies found him quite handsome with his long curly brown hair and deep blue eyes. 

�Did you see Mr. Tanner leave?�

She frowned in thought.  �Come to think on it I did.  He was at the bar and I noticed him heading out the back.  I got the idea he was trying to avoid somebody.�

�Did you see who by chance?�

She wrinkled her brow some more in thought.  �Nope.  Can�t say that I did.  Just a feeling I had.�

�Thank you for your time Miss.�

She smiled and left.  

Well that gave him some clue as to what might have happened and a starting place.  What Mr. Tanner have you gotten yourself into?



Vin had him a di-lemma, he thought that was the right word.  He�d have to remember to ask Ezra.  He couldn�t make up his mind if he should stay put or try and make his way back to Cedar Pass.  He knew he had told Ezra it was best to stay put if possible but he figured with two men huntin� him it might be best if he made himself scarce.   He didn�t see any clear way up that crevasse but he figured if he moved up stream he might find a way.  He leaned on his crutch and hobbled up stream, the opposite way he had been headed.

Going was slow.  Between the pain in his ankle and pain in his head, pain in his shoulder and now the pain of the damn branch under his arm he could hardly concentrate.  He didn�t think there was one gawd damn spot on him that wasn�t hurting.  He kept near the stream even though the soil was soft and made walking difficult, he didn�t want to be without water.  He still had some of his fish from breakfast.  He managed to catch a nice fat trout.  He smiled.  He�d have to teach that trick to Ezra next.  He shook his head.  There Ezra was again, creeping in his thoughts.  He chuckled.  Bet Chris would be a mite miffed to find he hadn�t thought on him once.  Well except to think that Chris would be pissed to find him in this situation.  Chris wasn�t too tolerant a man.  That thought wiped the grin off his face.  No, Chris wasn�t tolerant of anyone�s mistakes.  Hadn�t he been quick to find fault with almost every one of them over something?  He hadn�t defended JD when he accidentally shot that woman at the bank. He still couldn�t believe Chris had practically let that Pinkerton man railroad Josiah.  But Ezra was blamed most of all.  Yeah thinking on that pissed him off.  If there was ever someone that all the others were quick to blame that was old Ez.  Ezra couldn�t do nothing right in Chris� mind.  Vin smiled.  Well Ezra was gonna show them a thing or two.  He had no doubt Ezra would find him.  He was proud of the progress Ezra had made.  He snickered thinking on the first time they had gone out tracking. 

�Okay Ez.  You wait here about an hour and then come looking for me.�

�An hour?  Don�t you think that is a quite a long time?�

�No.  You sit right here.  Close your eyes.�

Ezra rolled his eyes at him.

�Close your eyes Ezra.  No cheatin�.�   Vin grinned as Ezra closed his eyes and placed his hands over them.

�How is that Mr. Tanner?  Shall I count to 100 also?�  Ezra said sarcastically.

�Don�t think countin� will help. But if ya wanna that�s fine by me.� 

Ezra shot him a dirty look.

�Eyes closed!�

It had taken Ezra two hours to find him and he was only a few miles away.  He had made his trail as evident as possible.  Ezra was mad at himself when he finally found Vin but Vin assured him he had done well.  They had backtracked over Vin�s route and he had pointed out things to Ezra that he had missed.  Ezra hadn�t made a single mistake twice.  Once Vin pointed out something to him, Ezra committed it to memory.  He suspected that is what made Ezra so good at cards.  Subtle things rarely escaped his attention once he was aware of them. 

He looked up.  Almost noon.  He wondered where Ezra was?  Had he become worried yet that he wasn�t back?   He knew the others were use to him being out on his own, he didn�t like crowds and sometimes things got too close for him in town.  But he had included a private message to Ezra in his cable.  Something no one else would have understood, or would think it was a mistake from whoever took it down.  But he had made the man repeat it and double-checked that he�d included it in his wire.  IBBS   It stood for �I�ll be back soon�   It was a little code they had made, in case one of them got tied up before a lesson.  If Ezra couldn�t make it back to his room on time for Vin�s reading session or Vin was going to be late heading out, a note was tacked to either Ezra�s door or Peso�s stall.  Anyone else seeing it would have no clue what it meant.   He had hesitated before including it in his cable.  But he wanted to let Ezra know he was on his way and that he was thinking of him.  He didn�t know why.  It was probably stupid.  But it had made him feel better doing it.



Ezra ran across Peso later that morning.  Peso�s reins had become entangled in a shrub off the road.  He wouldn�t have noticed him if Royal hadn�t nickered.  He had picked up Vin�s sign a little ways out of town.  He had moved slowly after that, afraid he would miss something important.  He�d found Peso�s hoof print where he had crossed a good size puddle.  The puddle was considerably smaller now, which made the print easier to find.    As he was heading through a small patch of trees Royal had thrown up his head and whinnied.   An answering whinny had Ezra alert.  He gave Royal his head and they found Vin�s horse a short distance away.   He felt a stab in his heart at the sight of Peso alone.  Then he saw the blood on the saddle.  Aww Hell.  Where was Vin?




�Well pard think we should head towards Cedar Pass?�

Buck sat out on the boardwalk with Chris.  Chris scowled. 

�Damn it, why can�t that man listen?  Why�d he have to go off on his own?�

�Guess he was worried.  Course like you said, Junior can take care of himself.�

�Since when does Ezra worry about anyone but Ezra?� 

Chris wasn�t about to admit it but he was feeling, well jealous.  Damn it Vin was his friend.  He had noticed Ezra and Vin spending more time together.  Now that he thought on it, they even made a point to sit together.  Sometime they would laugh over something and Chris had no clue what it was they were laughing about.   And why did Vin always volunteer to either go on patrol with Ezra or take Ezra with him if he had to make a trip?  Hell he knew it sounded childish and he sure wouldn�t admit that he was jealous but he and Vin had shared a silent understanding since they met.  And now it seemed someone else was horning in.  He threw a sidelong glance at Buck.  He had just had a thought.  Did Buck ever feel that way?  He and Buck had been friends forever and then after Sarah had died he�d pushed him away.  Then when they had run across each other again, Vin had taken the best friend role that Buck had filled.  He suddenly felt ashamed.  He�d never told Buck how grateful he had been for Buck�s friendship after Sarah died.  No matter how much Chris had raged, how abusive he�d been, Buck had always been there to pick up the pieces and help him heal.  And when Chris had started to heal he had thrown Buck aside.  He told himself that it hurt too much, that Buck reminded him of what he�d lost.  And that was partly true.  And part of it was he was afraid of losing someone else he cared for so he made sure no one was close to him.  Even if that meant losing his best friend.   And now that he had healed some, he had found a new best friend.  And once again Buck was pushed to the background, but Buck was a loyal friend and always there when he needed him.  Like now.

�What do you think Buck?  Should we go looking?�

Buck was quick to hide the surprise he felt.  Chris wasn�t one to ask his opinion anymore.  He leaned back, tilting his chair up on its two back legs.

�Guess it could wait to morning.  Maybe send a telegram to Cedar Pass in the meantime?�

Chris smiled.  �Good idea.  I�ll head over there now.  And thanks Buck.  I can always count on you.�

Buck smiled widely, his brown eyes twinking.  �Anytime pard.  You know I got your back.�



Ezra came to the cliff where Vin had taken a tumble.  He wasn�t certain at that point what had happened.  The edge was scattered with mesquite and he saw a bit of cloth stuck in one.  He looked over, about a 30-foot drop he guessed.  He didn�t see any one down there.  He got back on Royal, Peso�s reins tied to the horn and headed further to see if he could find a way down.  He had traveled about a mile when he found it.  He moved slowly down the steep incline.  He backtracked to the place he�d spotted from above.  He could see footprints near the water that led back to the ravine wall.  There he found Vin�s bandana tied to a small tree.  He felt a surge of relief.  Vin was alive. But that was tempered by the blood he saw on it.  Don�t panic Ezra. You saw footprints.  Wait, something about them was wrong.  He went back to the water�s edge.  He saw one footprint.  And something else, round, like a cane.  So Vin was using some sort of crutch.  He looked back up to the top of the ravine.  That was one hell of a fall.  He hoped nothing serious was wrong.  Ezra stuffed Vin�s bandana into the jacket of his tan coat.  He went back where he had found it and studied the area then smiled. Vin had left him something else.  Fish bones, in the shape of an arrow. Smart-ass.  He grabbed both reins and started to follow Vin�s trail along the streambed. 



Vin�s luck had taken another turn for the worse.  It had started to rain.  And he had found no damn way up that wall, not any way a man with one leg and one arm could make.  He looked around.  The ground here was soft and sandy.  He wasn�t sure how long or hard it would rain, or when Ezra would come through here.  He needed to leave some sign that would last.  He saw plenty of small stones and rocks lying around.  He grinned. He�d make a cairn.  Ezra had told him the proper name for it.  The Indians had taught him to make small pyramids of stones, to mark a trail.  He doubted anyone else would know what it meant.  Then he needed to find some shelter.  It would be dark soon.  He felt hot probably a damn fever.  Just what he needed.




�Chris, this cable just came back from Cedar Pass.�

JD came hurrying into the saloon.  Chris and Buck sat at their table.  Nathan and Josiah were down at the church.

Vin Tanner here, three days ago.  Stop
Ezra Standish here this morning.  Stop
No word left.  Stop

Chris rubbed a hand across his face.  Shit.  If Vin hadn�t headed back like he had said he was gonna he would have left word.  He�d refused to listen to Ezra because that would have meant he wasn�t in charge and knew what was going on.  After his time trapped in that prison camp, he�d made sure each man left word if he wasn�t coming back at a set time.  Not that he kept tabs on them; he just didn�t want what had happened to him to happen to anyone else. 

�If Ezra isn�t back tonight we�ll head out in the morning.�

Buck nodded.  He had a bad feeling but didn�t want to make Chris feel worse.  He knew his friend was kicking himself for not doing something sooner.  But he knew Vin and Ezra could handle themselves.



Damn it, the rain was pouring now.   Ezra looked up sourly at the dark sky.  He�d seen the clouds rolling in but silently hoped they would pass on by.  The trail he was following had disappeared.  The water pooled on the ground making tracks impossible for him to see.  He had no doubt Vin would have been able to read any as easy as he himself read cards.  This reminded him of their thunderstorm tracking lesson. 

�Now Ez, if the tracks were made when the ground was dry and dusty it�s gonna be near impossible to make sense of them.  Ya gotta look for other signs.  Course if they don�t wanna be found then its gonna be a mite harder.  Then ya gotta go on instinct.  Think what would you do?�

So Ezra thought.  What would he do if he were out here hoping Vin would find him?  Did Vin know he was looking for him?  He hoped so.  He willed Vin to know that he was near.  So what would he do?  He looked around and then smiled, dimples showing.  There he saw Vin�s cairn. 




Vin tried to get warm.  He�d found a small cave, back in some trees near the wall of this never-ending canyon.  He was soaked to the bone.  His hands were shaking and he was too tired to try and make a fire.  I�ll just lay here awhile and then try.  He wondered again where Ezra was.  He wished he was here to make a fire for him. He smiled thinking about the time he had taught Ezra to make a fire in the rain.  During their famous thunderstorm lesson as Ezra liked to call it.

�How the hell am I suppose to make a fire in this deluge? �

�Tell me what that is and I�ll tell ya how to make a fire.�  Vin grinned at him.  He had an idea what the word meant but wanted to make sure. 

�The Biblical rainfall of Noah�s time.  This, this.�  He looked up at the sky.  �This never ending rain!�

Vin laughed.  �Don�t think it�s gonna come to that Ez.  Ya gotta dig down to find something dry or at least drier.�  He went closer to the trees they were under.  �Try some leaves or moss.  Somethin� that will start and then ya can dry out bigger stuff as the fire gets going.�

Vin laughed out loud thinking about what had happened next.

�Ez,� he coughed, �what the hell ya trying to do? Send up smoke signals?�  Vin coughed again as the wind shifted bring the billowing white smoke in his face.

�Ah Mr. Tanner,� Ezra drawled lazily.  �Ah am starting a fire in the rain.�  He grinned widely.

Well Vin would take that smoky fire right about now.  He smiled thinking how proud Ezra had been to start a fire in the rain.  Ezra always seemed to be surprised at the faith Vin had in him, that he could do something.  No, Vin knew Ezra didn�t think he was stupid, but he didn�t think Ezra had had too many people believing in him.  Vin tried to ball himself up tighter.  Well he had faith in Ezra.  He knew without a single doubt that Ezra would find him. 




Ezra stopped.  It was twilight, the light at that point where objects were hard to make out.  He�d heard something.  He could see the horses had heard it too, their ears were pricked forward and were looking towards the ravine wall.  He waited, listening.  His eyes strained to make out something.  He closed them, shutting out that distraction.   His eyes snapped open.  There it was again!  What was it, a groan?  He quietly led the horses back towards the ravine wall.  Trees blocked the way and he moved as silently as he could.  He could see a darker area ahead, a cave?  He tied the horses and approached the cave opening, gun drawn.  He would really hate to disturb a sleeping mountain lion or bear about right now.  He stood at the entrance.  He breathed deeply.  No animal smells.  No fire.  He thought a moment and then turned back to his horse.  He rummaged in the saddlebags and then pulled out a small tin.  He smiled to himself as he headed back to the cave.
He pulled out one of the wooden matches from the waterproof container.  He had seen these advertised in Mary�s newspaper and ordered some for him and Vin.  He struck one and slowly entered the cave.  There he saw huddled in one corner was Vin Tanner, sound asleep.

�Well Mr. Tanner, I believe you are it.�

He laughed at the sound of Vin�s gun being cocked.




Ezra started a small fire in the cave with the few sticks he found scattered about.  After doing that, he went out and unsaddled the horses and hobbled them closer to the cave entrance.  He placed his saddle near the small fire and propped Vin�s leg up with the other.  He placed a blanket over him.

�No complaints until I�m done.�  Ezra silenced him before he could start. He handed Vin his canteen.

Ezra went back out and searched for some more firewood.  When he had gathered an armload he went back in.  Vin had lain back down with his foot propped up.  Ezra added some more wood to the fire and then opened his saddlebags.

�Knew ya would come.�  Vin mumbled from under the blanket. 

�And I have, baring gifts.�  Ezra tried to keep the pleasure out of his voice.  So Vin had known he was coming. 

�Is that coffee I smell?�  Vin sat up, groaning when his shoulder protested. 

�Yes, and I think it�s time I took a look at your injuries.�  Ezra opened the satchel of medical supplies he had brought. 

�Ain�t nothing, I�ll live.  That is after I have some of that hot coffee.�

�After I have attended to you.�  Ezra helped Vin take his wet coat off.  Vin hissed as Ezra tried to gently pry his shirt off.  �Through and through� Ezra muttered.  �Least I don�t have to dig a bullet out.�

�Yeah that�s a good thing.�  Vin said sarcastically.   �It hurts enough now!�

�Lucky for you Mr.Tanner I had a good teacher and am prepared.�  Ezra grinned as Vin groaned again as he cleaned the wound.  Ezra had stopped at Vin�s wagon on the way out of town and brought some extra clothes for him and some ammunition for his gun.

�Damn straight.�  Vin tried to smile.

Ezra helped him into a clean dry shirt and then frowned as he looked down at his leg.  Vin opened his eyes and saw where Ezra was looking.

�No.�

�It has to come off Mr. Tanner.�

�NO!� 

Ezra flicked open his knife.  �I will be gentle.�  He smiled wickedly.

�Ezra Standish you are NOT cutting my pants off!�

�Vin� he said quietly.  �I have to take your boot off and check that leg.  I�m only going to cut one leg.�

�I like these pants!�  Vin protested weakly.

Ezra laughed.  �We will get you another pair Mr. Tanner and I did bring you extra clothes.  I would not make you lie here naked.�  

Ezra pulled his flask out from his saddlebags.

�You may self medicate Mr. Tanner.�

Vin looked at him darkly.  He knew the boot needed to come off.  And he knew it was going to hurt like hell.  He took several big swigs from the flask then smiled at Ezra.  He had brought the good stuff.

�You are welcome Vin.�  Ezra answered to his silent thanks.

Both Ezra and Vin were correct.  Ezra tried to be gentle and it did hurt like hell.  Ezra had made a slit up the outside of Vin�s pants, Vin muttering all the while.  Ezra tried to ease the boot off but with the swelling it wasn�t easy.  The rain and cold had helped some but he finally had to yank.

�SHIT!�  Vin yelled as the boot popped off.  Ezra almost tumbled backwards with the release.

Vin�s ankle was black and blue.  Ezra softly felt around the cold, wrinkled skin.  He didn�t think it was broken, more likely badly strained.  He wrapped the ankle as best he could and then helped Vin out of the wet pants.  His skin was cold and clammy.  Ezra dried him off and helped him into dry clothes then bundled Vin under the blanket and brought him a hot cup of coffee.

�Here drink this while I make something to eat.�

Vin sighed and relaxed now that the worse was over.  He felt warm again.  He was still bone cold but the warm clothes and coffee helped.  He had a nice fire going in his stomach. 

They ate a quiet meal and then Ezra banked the fire.  Vin started to shiver some under the blanket.  Ezra felt his head and could tell a fever was starting. 

�Cold.�  Vin said shivering some more. 

Ezra tried to get as close as he could without hurting Vin further.  The only comfortable position Vin had been able to find was on his back.  Ezra slid closer to Vin�s side, careful of his injured leg.  He leaned over Vin, covering Vin�s chest with his, wrapping his arm around him, trying to give Vin some of his warmth.  He pulled the blankets up over both of them.  Vin sighed and buried his good arm under the covers, wrapping his arm around Ezra�s back and pulling him closer. 

�Waited fer ya.�  Vin said softly in Ezra�s ear.

�What?�

�Knew ya would find me, waited fer ya ta come.  Knew I�d be alright.�  He sighed.  �Made a poem fer ya.  Wanna hear?�

Vin rubbed his hand lazily up and down Ezra�s back.  Lord, Ezra thought.  How much did that man drank?

�Yes Mr. Tanner.�  Ezra tried to make his voice steady, which was difficult since Vin�s hand was traveling further up and down his back and it was making hot shivers run through him.  This is Vin Tanner you are laying on.  He told his body.  

The moon turned her back on me,
But I ain�t afraid.
I�m waiting on you to find me
Here lost in the dark.
I�ll hold on until then cause I know I ain�t alone
As long as you�re out there.
I�m waiting on you to find me
Here lost in the dark.
Thinking on you
I know I ain�t alone any more.

Ezra was silent as Vin�s voice trailed off. 

�Vin, that,� he paused.  �That was beautiful.�

He heard the smile in Vin�s voice.

�Ain�t nothing but a poem.�   �A love poem.� he said so softly that Ezra almost didn�t hear him as Vin fell asleep.




Five men were ready to leave at daybreak.  Chris was kicking himself for waiting.  Time for that later.

They rode towards Cedar Pass, each man lost in his own thoughts.  Even JD�s enthusiasm was dampened.  What would they find once they got there?  What had happened that had kept Vin from coming home?  Nathan mentally went over everything he brought with him.  He hoped he was prepared for any emergency.  Josiah sent out more prayers to his God and Kojay�s.  Buck worried.  JD fidgeted.  And Chris tried to stop his mind from wandering.


Ezra woke up snuggled up to Vin�s back.  He must have turned on his side during the night and Ezra had plainly moved with him.  Ezra�s arm was across Vin�s stomach, Vin�s good arm across his, their fingers clasped.  Ezra sighed.  Lord how natural and right this felt.  He had been alone his entire life.  Even when he was at the numerous places Maude had dumped him, he was always alone.  He knew this and lived his live accordingly.  He�d never had any friends until he met these other men.  And he kept them all at a distance, waiting for the enviable time when he would be forced to leave either on his own or by others.  Now this man had broken down that wall and made his life so much richer, he could hardly believe it.  He never knew having a friend could be like this.  He would do anything to keep Vin safe.  He wasn�t about to lose Vin�s friendship.  And he knew the surest way to do that was to remain in this position.  He knew some men weren�t too choosy on finding sexual release out in the wilds.  He had never been so inclined and had had to make that clear during his travels.  But last night, holding Vin as he recited his poem, he had felt things he�d never felt for anyone.  He tried to convince himself that it was hormones, loneliness, a natural reaction out of his control, but he knew deep down that none of those really applied.  And he didn�t want to hear that.  He eased his arms slowly from around Vin so as not to awaken him.  Vin mumbled in his sleep and tried to grab Ezra�s arm but Ezra managed to untangle himself.  He tucked the blanket back behind Vin and hurried to the mouth of the cave.  Air.  He thought.  Some fresh, mind clearing, cold, air.    He was thankful to see it had stopped raining.  There was a light mist and plenty of fog covering the surrounding area.  He checked on the horses.  He gave them some grain that he had brought and when he was sure they were settled and he thought he had his own emotions under control, he headed back inside.

Vin was still asleep.  Ezra stoked the fire and went down to the stream to get some water for coffee.  The clothes he had set near the fire the night before were dry.  He sat back against his saddle and gazed at Vin.  Not a good idea he told himself. But he knew this was probably the only time he would have to study Vin.  He looked so innocent asleep.  He had a slight smile on his face.  Ezra smiled too.  He wondered what Vin was dreaming about?  Would Vin remember last night?  He hoped Vin wouldn�t be uneasy at the thought of them sleeping together.  It was meant only to keep Vin warm.  He hadn�t had lubricious intents.  Those thoughts had come later.  Best not to dwell on them.

He got up and made poured a cup of coffee.  He was just settling back down when Vin spoke.

�Hope ya ain�t planning on drinking all that by yerself.�

�I thought you were going to sleep all day Mr. Tanner.�  Ezra smiled as he went to pour a cup for Vin.  He helped him sit up and handed it to him.

�Hell, since when have I slept all day?  Not less I�m knocked out.  Not that I won�t snug.�  He smiled quietly, not looking at Ezra.

And Ezra decided this was not the time to ask what that meant.  He made pretenses of checking the food supplies.

�Not much in the way of breakfast.�  He pulled some biscuits out of his pack that he had gotten in Cedar Pass.  Vin�s eyes lit up.

�Biscuits?  Butter n� jam?�

Ezra smiled as he handed Vin several biscuits.  �Yes, I remembered you liked lots of butter and jam Vin.�

They ate quietly, enjoying the hot coffee and biscuits.  Vin leaned back and patted his stomach.

�Good grub Ezra.  Ya make a good cook.�  Vin winked at him.

�Indeed.�   He grinned back and then looked seriously at Vin.  �How are you feeling this morning?  Are you capable of riding?�

Vin scowled.  �Feel fine Ez.  Sure I can sit a horse.�

Ezra noticed the flush to his skin.  He got up and placed a hand to Vin�s forehead, which Vin tried to knock aside.

�Said I was fine.�  He tried to sit up straighter and groaned slightly when he moved his injured shoulder.

�Yes, I can see you are fine Mr. Tanner.�  He poured them some more coffee.  �I would prefer you did not have to ride at this time but I do not think this cave is the best place for you.  Nor do I think we should wait around to see if those men following you come back.�

�Know about them?�

�Just that two men followed you out of town.� 

Vin smiled.  �Getting right good at tracking Ez.  Told ya.�

Ezra tried not to blush.  �As I said, I had an excellent teacher.�

�Noticed ya didn�t smoke us out of this cave too.�  He laughed at the look of outrage that crossed Ezra�s face before he saw that Vin was kidding him.

�Yes I think I have that lesson down.  Now back to those men following you?�

Vin filled him in on the two bounty hunters that had recognized him in town and their pursuit of him.

�I have not seen any sign of them.�  Ezra said frowning in concentration.  �I went about a mile past the point where you took flight,� he grinned at Vin, �before I could find a way down the embankment.  I was fortunate to find Peso before that.�

�Ya got Peso?  That�s great Ez.  I wondered if he�d made it back to town.�

�He seemed to be on his way back to Cedar Pass and became ensnared in some brush.  Royal found him actually.�

�Guess Royal learnt some trackin� too.�  Vin leaned back smiling.  His smile faded slightly.  �What about the others?�

Ezra stood up and walked toward the cave entrance pretending to check the weather.

�I don�t know Vin.  I approached Mr. Larabee a few days ago about your whereabouts but he told me it was none of my concern.  I left that night to look for you.  I am sorry I didn�t wait for them.�   Ezra tried not to show the hurt he felt that Vin had hoped the others were on their way too.

�That ain�t what I meant Ezra.  Didn�t mean ya needed to wait on them.  Just wondered if they made a fuss about your leavin�.  What�d Chris mean, ain�t your concern?�

Ezra turned and gave him a twisted smile.  �Mr. Larabee meant that it was not my place to worry about you.  I believe he reserves that right for himself.�  

�He ain�t got no right ta say that.�  Vin decided he needed to have a talk with Chris when he got back. 

�It is of no matter Mr. Tanner.�

Vin sighed softly.  Ezra had that �Mr. Tanner� tone in his voice again.  Not the playful one he usually had.

Ezra continued.  �We should be getting you back to town, your wounds need proper attention.�   Ezra started to pack up their things.

Vin shook his head.  He knew Chris had hurt Ezra�s feelings, made him think his opinion didn�t matter.  Well they mattered to him.  He could tell Ezra was feeling uncomfortable about last night.  He had been a little drunk or he would have waited to tell Ezra his poem.  It had come to him while he was lying in the cave waiting on Ezra.  His feelings for Ezra had also become clear that night.  He guessed they had been building for some time now.  It just took him being away and then being hurt and alone for him to realize he felt more than friendship for him.  He knew some men took their pleasure with other men, either just cause they were horny and no women were around or that was their natural way.  The Indians he had lived with were more open and relaxed about it.  Vin himself had never leaned that way.  He was shy enough around women.  Fucking Charlotte.  He thought.  She had about ruined it with him for women in general.  But Ezra.  He glanced up as him as he moved gracefully around the cave, packing their belongings.  Ezra was different.  When he had first met Ezra he never thought he would survive their fight at the Seminole village.  He had been surprised at the resourcefulness of the man.  The way he had gotten along with the kids and made them feel useful in protecting their village.  And over time he had gotten to know Ezra better and saw they had quite a bit in common.  No one would think so from looking at them.  Vin smiled at the picture Ezra presented even now.  Ezra had �dressed down� as he called it, to come look for him.  He had his tan coat on, not one of his fancy gamblin� ones.  But the man still oozed class.  The way he moved and handled himself.  Not stomping around like he did, all dusty and tattered. No, he and Ezra were alike down deep, where it mattered.  Vin knew he had been lucky to have the short time he did with his ma.  He knew what love was.  But he had been tossed around after she died, one orphanage after another until at 12 he had run away.  But Ezra had it worse.  He was surprised that Ezra hadn�t turned out like his good for nothing mother.  Ezra had told him a little on his childhood, how the woman had dumped him whenever possible. Even though Ezra tried to make it sound like it hadn�t mattered.  He couldn�t understand how the others fawned all over her whenever she came to town.  Hell they saw how she treated him right to their face!  Stealing his saloon he had saved to buy and then selling it to someone else.  And they had followed her around like lovesick calves.  That woman wasn�t fit to raise cotton in his mind.  He shook his head.  This line of thinking was only making him mad. 

No he and Ezra were both lost and lonely.  It had been chance or fate that had brought them together in that town.  He�d gotten to know Ezra and knew they both needed someone to believe in �em and love �em just like they were.  The good and the bad.   Now he needed to see if Ezra felt the same.  But there would be time for that when they were safely back in Four Corners.

Ezra could feel Vin�s eyes following his every move.  He was afraid to look over at him.  What was he thinking?  Was he angry?  Disgusted?  Or worse wondering when Chris Larabee was going to ride in and save the day?  That thought made him snort.  He shot a quick look over at Vin and saw a very angry expression on his face.  Shit.  He is angry.

�I believe I have everything packed Mr. Tanner.  I�ll saddle the horses and then come back to help you, if that is acceptable?�

�It�s Vin and that�s fine Ez.  I�m ready for us to get back some place civilized.�  He smiled over using Ezra�s words.

�Yes, I think that is a fine idea Vin.�   Ezra smiled shyly at him and tipped his hat.



�Well Vin, I think we can navigate this incline.�

Ezra looked back at Vin.  Vin was listing to one side of his horse.  Ezra had noticed him leaning from side to side.  He figured Vin was having difficulty finding his balance with an injured leg and arm.  But he hadn�t commented on Vin�s difficulties.  He knew him well enough to know he would deny it.

�Yeah, whatever ya say.�  Vin said distractedly.  Gawd he hurt like hell.  He was about to topple right off his blam� horse.

Ezra looked up the slope.  He thought if they went rather swiftly they could get up the cliff and then he would force Vin to ride with him.  It was either that or tie the man to his horse.

�All right Mr. Tanner.  You first.�

Vin glanced up.  What was Ezra talking about?  He looked up the incline that lead to the top of this gawd awful nightmare.  What?

�Hang on Mr. Tanner.�  And with that Ezra slapped Peso on the rump.

Vin instinctively gripped the saddle horn tighter.  Peso gathered his legs under him and took off up the slope.  In no time they were at the top and then Ezra followed them up.  Vin swayed once Peso had stopped.  Ezra dismounted and handed the reins to Vin.

�Hold this.� 

Vin looked stupidly at the reins.  Ezra removed Vin�s foot from the stirrup and then stepped up, settling himself behind Vin in the saddle.  Vin looked back.

�What the hell are ya doing Ez?�

Ezra tied Royal�s reins to the horn and gathered up Peso�s.  He gave Peso a slight nudge in the side.

�Trying to keep you from further harm Mr. Tanner.�

Peso set off heading in the direction of Cedar Pass.

�Whadda ya talkin� about?�  Vin tried to turn to look at him, sliding to the left.

Ezra tightened his arms around Vin�s waist.

�Vin please sit still.  It is apparent you are unable to maintain your balance hindered as you are.  I do not wish for you to be further injured.�

�What?� 

Vin�s head was starting to pound again and he was having a hard time concentrating.  Every piece of his body was throbbing. 

Ezra sighed.  �Relax Vin.  We will be back in Cedar Pass soon.�

Vin gave up trying to get his brain to wrap around Ezra�s words.  He sighed himself and leaned back against Ezra.  Hell, this was right comfy.  He settled himself a little more firmly against Ezra, shifting in the saddle.

Ezra stifled a groan.  Vin�s ass was snuggly set against Ezra�s groin.  And all that wiggling was NOT helping.  It was going to be a long ride back to town.




The sun had set by the time the five men arrived in Cedar Pass.  They had set a steady pace and had arrived ahead of schedule.  Chris told the other men he would meet them at the saloon and headed for the sheriff�s office.  He hadn�t expected any more news on Vin and Ezra, so he wasn�t really disappointed when the sheriff had nothing to add.   He wearily headed to the saloon.

The others had gotten a table and were nursing beers when Chris arrived.

�Any news?�  Buck pushed out a chair for him and slid a beer over.

�No.  Let�s ask around here, then get something to eat.  I want to head out at first light.�

�Working on that.�  Buck smiled, his dark brown mustache outlining his wide smile.  �Our pretty little waitress says she can help.�

Chris smiled.  Leave it to Buck to be mixing business with pleasure.

�Yes, Brother Buck has been hard at work looking for our lost compadres.�  Josiah laughed.

�Just my�.�

�Animal magnetism.�  Everyone finished for him and they all laughed.

�Shelly said ya wanted t�talk t�me?   A young black haired girl approached their table shyly.

�Yeah darlin�� Buck grinned at her.  �We�re lookin� for some friends of ours.  Came through here a few days ago.�

�They came through separately.�  Chris added.  �One had long hair, wore a Cavalry hat, buckskins.  The other has reddish hair, fancy dresser.  Black hat.�

Shelly blushed.  �Yeah I remember both of them.  That man with long hair sure was handsome.�  She ducked her head. 

Everyone shook their heads.  Vin might look scruffy to them but his quiet shy ways and boyish looks turned quite a few heads.

�That other man was here the other day, looking for the long haired one.�

�What did you tell him?�  Chris looked at her harshly.  

But while the rest of them were use to Chris� stern looks, the young girl became wary.

�I, I don�t remember.�  She didn�t know what these men wanted but she did not want to get the other men she had met in trouble.  They had seemed nice, where this one had a hard, mean look to him.

�Nothing to worry about ma�am.�  Josiah said in his low gentle voice.  �We are looking for our two friends that have gone missing.�

Shelly looked from Josiah to Chris, measuring his words.   �They�s friends of yours?�

�Yes darlin�� Buck spoke smiling up at her.  �We are trying to find �em.�   He shot a triumphed look at Chris, just who was the ladies man after all?

�Well, the second fella came in early this mornin�.  He was asking about the other�un.  Told him I saw him head out the back way a few nights ago, thought someone might be after him.�

She looked fearfully at Chris, as though she thought her words might anger him.

�Thank you ma�am.�  Chris said, giving her a rare smile.

She smiled back bashfully.  �Is that all?  I need ta get back ta work.�

�Thank you, you have been very helpful.�  Josiah gave her a nod.

She nodded back and left.

�Seems Vin found some trouble.�  Nathan said, sipping his beer.

�Think someone recognized him from his poster?�  JD was worried.

�Don�t know JD but it seems that way.  Let�s get something to eat and we�ll leave first thing tomorrow.�




�Mr. Tanner, it seems we have traveled further past town than I anticipated.�   Ezra tried to get his bearings.  He was not that familiar with the Cedar Pass area, and with traveling down by the stream, they seemed to have gone further away from the town.  Vin, who could navigate in heavy fog, had been too worn out to pay much attention.  His fever had risen and he dozed in the saddle.

�What Ez?�  Vin looked blearily around.  �Where are we?�

Ezra took a deep breath and let it out.

�I am not sure Vin.  I thing we are farther past the town.  We need to make camp for the night.�

He rode further off the trail they had been following.  He found a heavily wooded rise about a half-mile off the road.  He didn�t want anyone stumbling across them in the night.  He eased out of the saddle and then helped Vin down.  Vin stumbled slightly, trying to get his balance. 

�Here Vin, let me help you.� 

Ezra put an arm around Vin�s waist, he placed himself on Vin�s right, taking care of his bad ankle.  Together they made it to the top of the slight rise.  He settled Vin down on the ground and went back to unsaddle the horses.  As he had done the night before, he propped Vin�s leg up on his saddle.  Once he had Vin comfortable, he quickly started a fire and put some water on for coffee.  He rubbed down both horses, gave them grain and hobbled them near by.   Vin had fallen asleep, the blanket pulled up to his chin.  Ezra put a hand to his forehead, he was warm to the touch but not too hot.  Ezra threw coffee in the pot and sat down for a moment.  He was not helpless out in the wilderness.  He was not as proficient as Vin, but he did know how to take care of himself, though he did not let on to the others.  Vin had taught him quite a bit more about living off the land.  And, he smiled, he had brought supplies.   He fixed a small supper and woke Vin.

�Mr. Tanner?�

�Who?�

�It�s Ezra.�

Vin smiled wickedly.  �Who is this Mr. Tanner?�

Ezra shook his head.  �I do believe that is you.�

�Ain�t no Mr. Tanner here Ez.  Just you and me.�   Vin tried to sit up using his bad arm.

�Shit!�

�Can I assist you?�

�Don�t need no help.  I�m a grown man.�

Ezra hid a smile and he helped Vin set up straighter.   �That you are Vin.�

�Damn straight.�   Vin let out a soft groan.  �Hell, whatever I got hurts.  Got any more of that whiskey on ya?�

�Anything for you Mr. Tanner.�   He reached inside his coat and pulled out his flask and shook it.  He got up and went to his saddlebags and refilled the flask. 

�Here you are.  I have also made some coffee and something to eat, if you care for some?�   He handed Vin the flask.

Vin took several large drinks. 

�Do you think that is wise?�  

�Why yes I do Mr. Standish.�  Vin laughed loudly and took another drink.  He exhaled.   �I think that might do it, for now.�

Ezra shook his head chuckling.  �Yes indeed I think so too.  Care for something to eat?�

�I could eat.�  Vin said leaning back on the tree behind him. 

They spent the next few minutes eating quietly, Ezra ducked his head and smiled.  He had missed this while Vin was gone, quiet times together, just enjoying each other�s company.  He didn�t have this with anyone else.  Each of the others required something from him when they were together, either a game of cards or entertainment of some sort.  With Vin he could just be himself. 

�That was good Ez.�  Vin patted his stomach.  �Wish we had some more of those biscuits.�  He grinned at Ezra.

�Next time we are stranded in the wilderness I will make sure I pack more.�
He smiled back.

�Hell, let�s pack some steaks next time.�  Vin took another long pull from the flask.

�How about some coffee?�  Ezra got up and poured himself another cup and handed one to Vin.

�Yeah that sounds good Ez.�  Vin put the top back on the flask and sat it down by him.  He took the cup Ezra handed him.   �AH.  Ya make a good cup of coffee Ez.  Nice and strong.�

�Why thank you.�

Ezra felt his face flush.  It felt good being recognized for something he did right.  That wasn�t something he heard much.  He groaned inwardly.  Hell. That made him think of Maude.  Old bat.  Or Mr. Larabee.  That man couldn�t give a compliment if his life depended on it.  He glanced at Vin.  Or rather Chris couldn�t give a compliment to him.  Hell, Chris was going to find some way to blame all of this on him.  He knew it.  Vin was special to Chris.  Thinking that made Ezra suddenly furious.  He stood up abruptly.

�Gonna check the horses.�

He stomped off to where the horses stood dozing.  Where was this anger coming from?  He knew Chris favored Vin.  Knew that had a special relationship.  He ran his fingers through his hair.  Damn it, Vin was his.
Whoa!  He thought.  Where the hell had that come from?  Vin wasn�t his.  Yes, they had become better friends but he knew Chris was Vin�s best friend.  As JD was Buck�s.  Well, he guessed Chris really had two best friends, Vin and Buck.  Then there was Nathan and Josiah.  And then � him.
Yes, you.  Just you.  He thought, alone as usual.  For some reason this thought made his stomach feel hollow.  I want to be two.  I want to be an �and�.   

�Ezra?  Everything okay?�

Ezra took a deep steadying breath and turned back toward the fire.

�Fine Mr. Tanner.�   He came and sat back down, grabbing his whiskey bottle from his saddlebags.

They sat silently by the fire, both men drinking.  Ezra stared at the fire and Vin looked at him sidelong.

What was wrong with Ezra?  Everything had been fine and then he�d seen this look cross Ezra�s face, like he was angry about something.  Then he�d stalked off.  Now he just looked sad.  Vin sighed and took another drink.  His aches were starting to feel a mite better.  He laughed a little and Ezra looked at him quickly and then away. Vin guessed it seemed strange for him to be laughing but hell, he was happy.  He�d missed Ezra something awful while he was away and now they were together.  Plus he was feeling a mite drunk.  He chuckled again.

�Something funny Mr. Tanner?�  Ezra said sourly.

�Yep.  I�m feelin� purty good.�  Vin grinned broadly at him.

Ezra couldn�t help grin back.  �I see you are.�  Ezra got up and checked his ankle.  After removing Vin�s boot, he had replaced it with one of Vin�s moccasins that he carried in his saddlebags.  The foot was still swollen badly but was warm to the touch.  Vin jerked his foot.

�I�m sorry.  I didn�t mean to hurt you.�

�Ya didn�t.  Just tender.�   Vin stared into Ezra�s eyes until Ezra got up and walked away.

�I, I suppose we should turn in.�  Ezra went to bank the fire.

Vin smiled.  �Yeah, think that is a fine plan.�   He tried to scoot away from the tree and yelped.

�Are you alright?�

�Damn shoulder.�  Vin tried to move again. 

Ezra helped him move further back from the tree.  He took one of the bedrolls and gave it to Vin for a pillow.  He tossed the blanket over Vin and then turned to make his own bed on the other side of the fire.

�Where ya going?�

�I�m going to sleep.�

�Way over there?�

Ezra eyed him warily.

Vin patted the ground beside him.  �I feel a mite cold.  Think my fever is kickin� up.  Can�t ya sleep over here.�

Ezra mentally sighed.  This was not a good idea.  This was a STUPID idea.  Where Vin might have innocent intentions in mind, Ezra knew his libido did not. 

�I can give you an extra blanket.�

Vin cursed.  �Don�t want no damn extra blanket Ezra.  Can�t ya just get your ass over here?�

Ezra blinked.  Well.  Just what the hell was going on here?

�If you insist Mr. Tanner.�

Ezra moved over and laid his bedroll beside Vin. 

�Yeah I damn well insist.�

Vin grabbed Ezra�s blankets and pulled them up close to him.  Ezra laid down on Vin�s left.  Vin turned on his side and snuggled up behind Ezra.  He put his arm around Ezra�s waist and pulled him in closer.  He rested his bad ankle over Ezra�s leg.

�There.  That�s more like it.�  Vin nuzzled his face into Ezra�s neck and sighed.

Ezra�s heart was pounding.  Just how in the hell was he suppose to sleep like this?  Every part of Vin�s body that touched him had his skin on fire.  Even through the many layers of clothes.  Vin�s breath caressed the skin of his neck.  Lord!  He thought he just might spontaneously combust right there.

Vin reached over and grabbed Ezra�s hand.  He clasped his fingers in his, snuggling a little closer.

�Night Ez.�  He breathed into the nape of Ezra�s neck.

�Good night Vin.�   It was Ezra�s turn to sigh. 




Chris was the first to finish a hurried breakfast.  He had Pony almost saddled when the rest of the men arrived.  No one spoke much.  Their thoughts were on their two friends and what might have happened to them.  The first rays of daybreak were reaching the town when the five men rode out.  The sky deep pink and blue.




Vin had decided that they had gone further Southwest of the town in their search for a way out of the ravine.  Ezra and Vin had switched to Peso again when Ezra heard them, horses thundering down the road.  He wasn�t sure if they were the men until he heard a yell.

�That�s his horse.�

Ezra dropped Royal�s reins.  He grabbed Vin around the waist and heaved.

�Hey!�  Vin yelled as he was dumped unceremoniously from the saddle.

  He rolled down the side of the road and was instantly invisible in the tall grass.  Ezra spurred Peso hard and road South again, away from where Vin lay.  The two men turned and headed after Ezra.   Vin lay in the grass a few minutes, waiting till he could no longer hear horses.

�Damn Southern cuss.�   Vin looked around and spotted Royal not far away.  He gave a whistle and the gelding trotted over to him.  He managed to stand and pulled himself painfully into the saddle mostly by using his good arm.

Shit.  Now what was he to do?  He knew Ezra had been right to dump him.  There was no way they could outrun the other men with them both on the same horse.  And he wasn�t fit enough to take off after them.  He could barely keep his balance.  What if somethin� happens to him?   Only thing he could do was head for town and hope he could find some help.




Vin kept an eye out for any sign of Ezra.  It had been two hours since he�d ridden out.  The sun hadn�t been up long.  They had broken camp before daylight.  Hoping to make it to Cedar Pass that morning.  He stopped and turned Royal from the road.  He heard voices.  Whoever it was weren�t bothered about being heard.  He could hear laughing.  Wait a minute.  That sounded like Buck.  And wasn�t that JD cussing him?   He moved Royal forward, he was still in the trees but had a better view of the road.  He smiled. He waited till they were almost directly across from him.

�Look what we got here.  Cowboys by the smell of �em.�  Vin grinned broadly as five guns were quickly drawn and pointed at him.  He touched his hat.

�Mornin� fellas.�

�VIN!�  JD yelled.  He twirled his gun before holstering it.

�Hey there Junior.  We�re here to rescue ya!�  Buck smiled widely.

Chris had a broad smile on his face as he holstered his gun. 

�You alright Vin?�  Nathan had noticed his injured shoulder.

�Been better.�

Nathan stepped off his horse and went to him.  �What happened?�

They were all surprised when Vin laughed.

�Hell, what ain�t happened.  Y�all didn�t see Ezra did ya?�

  Vin didn�t protest as Nathan helped him off his horse.  The others dismounted. 

�We thought he might have found you by now?�  Great, Chris thought, I knew he shouldn�t have gone off on his own.

�What�d I tell you?�  Nathan laughed as he quickly checked Vin�s shoulder and then went to look at his ankle.  �Damn fool done gone and got his self lost.�

Vin stiffened.  

�He ain�t lost.�  Vin said angrily.  He quickly filled them in on what had happened.

�He rode off with them hot on his trail a couple of hours ago.  I�d hoped he�d shook �em by now and was heading ta town.  That was where we were going.�

The other men exchanged looks.  Ezra?  Since when could Ezra survive outside the saloon?  They knew he could handle himself in a gunfight but they also knew how much he complained when they were out on the trail.

�Nathan, why don�t you take Vin back to town?  We can go after Ezra.�

�NO!�  Vin protested.  �I ain�t leavin� him out here.�

�Vin,� Nathan tried to sooth him.  �You can barely sit a horse.  Let me take ya back.�

Vin glowered at them.  He knew they were right.  Hell he could hardly stay upright.  But Ezra was out there with those men chasing him and it was all his fault. 

�I�ll go back long enough for ya to patch me up.  If y�all ain�t found him by then, then I am headin� out.�

Chris nodded.  He didn�t think it would be too hard to find Ezra. 




How the hell did he get himself into this mess?  Ezra looked across the campfire at his captors.  He had managed to stay ahead of his pursers until one had decided he had tired of the chase and shot him out of the saddle.  He guessed he was lucky the man had poor aim or that Ezra had moved at just the right moment.  Instead of being shot in the back, the bullet had hit him in the right shoulder.  Ezra had been turning to look back and the momentum of the turn and the bullet had knocked him out of the saddle.  They had realized they had the wrong man when they approached him, but at that point they didn�t care.  They figured he might be worth something.

So here he sat, tied up.  They have removed his guns.  His hands were tied behind his back and his feet bound.  He hoped Vin had made it to town and that he hadn�t been hurt further from his tumble.  He grinned to himself and had to bite his lip to keep from laughing.  The look on Vin�s face when he went flying out of the saddle!

�Whadda we do with this �un Jack?�  

The two bounty hunters sat around the fire.  They had tied up this fancy dressed man and tossed him over his horse.  They had traveled further South until evening.  They didn�t know how he had ended up with Vin�s horse, he hadn�t said.  Even though they had asked him, nicely.

�Hell if I know Sam.  He still might be worth somethun.  Iffen he ain�t got no bounty on him we can sell him cross the border.  Even bruised up like he is.�  

They both laughed and looked over at Ezra.

Well that can�t be good.  Ezra thought from where he laid.  He groaned as he tried to sift positions.  To think last night at this time he�d been sleeping with Vin lying close behind him.  Now he was tied up like a hog. 




�Whadda ya mean ya can�t find him?�

Vin tried to get up from the bed he had been lying in.  Nathan had gotten a room for him at the hotel and bandaged him up.  He had given Vin some concoction of his and he had slept most of the day.  He awoke when the others came in to say they hadn�t found Ezra.

�Now Vin, take it easy.�  Buck tried to calm him.  �We�ll find him.�

�Knew I shoulda gone with ya.� 

�Relax Vin.  Ezra can take care of himself.�

Vin felt his anger surge.  �That what ya told Ezra when he wanted to come look for me?  If Chris Larabee ain�t worried then nobody else gotta right to be?�

Everyone looked at Vin.  He was the easiest going of all the men.  He rarely got mad and not at Chris.

�Now Vin,� Buck tried to defuse the situation.  �Ya know that ain�t what Chris is saying.�

Vin turned his glare on Buck.  �What the hell ya talkin� about Bucklin?  That�s exactly what he just said.�

Chris ran a hand through his hair.  He knew Vin was hurting so he was trying not to get angry.

�Vin, we will go out tomorrow and find him.  He can�t be that hard to find.�

Vin laughed humorously.  �Yeah ya ain�t found him yet have ya?  Didn�t take him no time to track me down.  And there are five of ya lookin�.�

The five men wondered that very thing later in the Rapids saloon.  How had Ezra found Vin so quickly?

�How did he do it?�  Nathan looked skeptical. 

�As I said before,� Josiah took a sip of his beer, �Ezra is more resourceful than you give him credit for.� 

�Resourceful for having a card up his sleeve.  But how did he find Vin so quick?�  

Josiah frowned at Nathan.  Nathan and Ezra had gotten off to a bad start.  He thought they had gotten past that but times like these made him see it was still an obstacle they had to overcome. 

�Vin�s been teaching him to track.�

Everyone turned to stare at JD.

�What?�   He looked at them.  �Ezra told me awhile back.  Thought you knew.�

�Why was Vin teaching him to track?�   Chris was stunned.  How long had this been going on?  And why didn�t he know?

�Ezra asked him to.�  JD said as if this explained everything.




Vin laid in bed wishing he could fall asleep but then not wanting to.  Nathan had left him a sleeping tonic.  He desperately wanted to take it but felt guilty for even thinking about it.  Here he was safe and sound and Ezra was out there alone.  Or worse, with those men who had been hunting him.  All my fault.  If I wasn�t wanted, if Ezra hadn�t come lookin� for me.  His mind kept circling around the same thoughts.  The past two days had been great.  He had finally put a finger on what he had been feeling and he knew Ezra felt the same.  And then his past came crashing down and ruined it.  He still couldn�t believe how quickly Ezra had reacted when they realized the bounty hunters had returned.  Who was he foolin�?  He hadn�t even known who was after them before Ezra had dumped him off the horse.  He�d been too engrossed in the feel of Ezra sitting behind him, arms around his waist. 
Damn it was as bad as the time those hired killers had snuck up on him and Charlotte.  He groaned.  He didn�t want that hussy roaming around in his head.  He eyed the tonic.  If he planned on not being left behind in the morning then he better get some sleep.  He threw back the tonic and grimaced.   Hell that stuff was foul!




Purgatorio.  Ezra hadn�t really wanted to ever see this dusty town again.  And entering it with his arms tied behind his back did not help in the least.
He was somewhat surprised to see the amount of activity in the streets at this early hour.  He would have figured everyone would be passed out or dead at this hour.  And he would have preferred the latter.  He chuckled to himself and his captures turned and frowned.

�Won�t be laughin� long.�  Jack smiled, his blackened teeth showing through his tobacco stained beard. 

�Yeah won�t be laughin� no more.�  Sam snickered. 

Jack gave him a dirty look.  �Shut up.�

Sam scowled at him behind his back.  Who the hell was he tellin� to shut up? 

They rode in silence to the cantina.   Jack dismounted and turned to Sam.  �Stay here.  Make sure he don�t go no wheres.�

Jack entered the cantina and looked around.  There at a back table was the man he was looking for.  He took a deep breath.  He tried to settle his nerves.  Didn�t want to show fear around this man, he could smell it like a dog. 




Vin did his best to study the tracks from Royal�s back.  It was faster than trying to dismount and walk.  Nathan had tried to help him the first few times but at that rate it would be weeks before he ever picked up the trail.

He took a deep breath and let it out slow.  He couldn�t get flustered, couldn�t let the helplessness he felt overwhelm him.  Ezra was countin� on him and he wasn�t gonna fail him.

He found where they had over taken Ezra.  He saw the blood on the ground but it didn�t look too bad.  By mid morning he�d found were they had bed down that night.  He got down then and Nathan helped him walk around.  They all looked at him as he started laughing. 

He found where Ezra had lain that night.  Ezra had left him a note.  Vin assumed the men who had taken Ezra couldn�t read because the note wasn�t in any code.  Behind a large rock Ezra had written, apparently with his finger �

2 men
1 Ezra
2 purgtory
= trouble

He could see where Ezra had scooted over to the rock to leave this message, apparently while the men were asleep.  Then he had scooted away far enough from the boulder that the message wouldn�t be stepped on or noticed.

�Damn Ez ya did good as usual.�  Vin said aloud smiling.

Chris looked at Buck and then back at Vin.  He still found it difficult to believe that Vin had been teaching Ezra to track and he never knew it.  But that Ezra had become good at it surprised him more and he wasn�t sure why.  He also wasn�t sure why it all made him angry, like he had been lied to.    

�Guess we are heading for Purgatorio.�  He said gruffly and mounted up.

�Way t�go Ezra!�  JD said laughing.

�Ya can�t keep that wily gambler down.�  Buck said, slapping JD on the back. 

Buck could tell Chris was mad and he was trying to keep the others from noticing.  Especially Vin.  He had a feeling he knew why Chris was acting like he was, though he didn�t know if Chris did.    And he didn�t want Vin to get wind of it until Ezra was found.




Can this day get any better?  Ezra wondered.  He now was lying in what had to be an old root cellar.  He had been thrown down there earlier that morning, after Jack had come out of the cantina.  It worried him that Jack had looked scared when he came out.  He wasn�t sure what it would take to frighten the man but he was sure he didn�t want to know.  Especially if it involved him.  Jack and Sam had led him to this root cellar, where they had tossed him down the steps.  Sam had set a water bucket at the bottom of the steps and then they had closed the trap door and left him.  Gradually his eyes had become accustomed to the semidarkness.  At least I am alone down here.   He didn�t see any thing living down there, man or beast.  So Mr. Tanner, what are your thoughts on escaping this?




Vin kept a hard pace to Purgatorio.   Chris had tried to get him to stop and rest several times but Vin kept going.  He had made Nathan strap him to the saddle.  He didn�t want to have to worry about falling off.  He couldn�t put any weight on his injured ankle and had a hard time balancing.  He�d tied a slipknot so he could untie himself quickly if necessary.  Vin figured the only bit of luck he�d had so far is that they were only going as far as Purgatorio.  If they got there before they left�.   He left the rest of that thought.

They reached the Mexican bandit town after dark.  Nothing seemed to have changed from the last time they were there.  Men wandered the streets, drinking and fighting.  Gunshots split the night. 

�Vin, let me and Buck go in first.  I�ll see if I can find Maria, see if she has seen anything.�

Vin thought a moment and nodded. 

�Alright.  Buck, you come with me.  The rest of you wait up here.�

�Hurry up.  I ain�t waitin� long.�

Chris glanced back at Vin but didn�t answer.  He and Buck headed out.

�Come on Vin.  Let me help ya down.  Ya need to rest.�

�I�ll rest when Ez is back.�  But he didn�t argue as Nathan helped him off Royal.  Vin patted the horse.

�Don�t worry, Ez will be back soon.� 

Royal threw his head up and JD chuckled.

�Think he�s agreeing with ya Vin.�

�Yes Vin, Royal knows no one wins playing against Ezra.�  Josiah said.

Vin smiled as Nathan helped him sit.  �That�s right.  No one can beat ol Ez.�




�Yes, Senor Chris.  I remember your friend.�  Maria poured Chris a drink in her room.   She lowered her voice.  �I see him this morning.�

�You did?�  Chris threw back the whiskey and looked at Buck.  �Where did you see him?�

�Outside the cantina.  He is with two very bad men.� She lowered her voice some more. �Bounty hunters.�

�See where they went?�

�No Senor.  But I can ask, if you like?�  Maria smiled seductively.  She liked when Chris came to visit.  She didn�t care if he usually angry and sometimes mean.  She knew how to handle him and he paid her well.

�Be careful darlin�� Buck said as she slipped out into the night.

He poured himself a drink and sat down at the small table in Maria�s room.

�You okay pard?�  Buck looked at his glass and not at Chris.

�What�s that suppose to mean?�  Chris bristled.

Buck took a deep breath.  �You been meaner than a rattler since Ezra took off.�

�Damn fool.  Why couldn�t he have let us handle this?�  Chris stood up pacing the small room.

�Think Ezra�s capable of handlin� things.  He found Vin.�

�Yeah and look where that got him!�  Chris stopped his pacing, banging a fist on the table.  �I could have found Vin fine.  He�s my�� Chris stopped himself. 

�He�s Ezra�s friend, and our friend too pard.�  Buck said softly.

�I know.�  Chris mumbled and began his pacing again.

Buck sighed to himself.  He didn�t know if Chris would ever admit it, but he hung on tight to things he considered his.  It had started after he lost Sarah and Adam.  Chris clung tightly until he decided it was time to pull away.  It would be his decision from now on what he lost and what he held on to.




After shuffling across the floor on his butt, Ezra had made a cursory inspection of his current hellhole.  I must compliment the builder of this fine root cellar.   He moved closer to the bucket left at the foot of the stairs.  It had in a previous life been a bucket.  Now it was a bent, rusty metal harbinger of who know what maladies.  Just look at the ragged, rusty edge.  Ezra looked inside at the water.  He could see some oily sheen on the surface.  Who knew what THAT was?  Wait a minute?  Ragged edge?  
Ezra moved backwards so the ropes binding his hands were pressed against the bucket.  He lifted his arms and tried to saw the ropes.

�Aw hell!�  

He had knocked the bucket over and now he was sitting in a mud puddle, the water soaking into his favorite casual pants.

�The things I do for you Mr. Tanner.�

He didn�t know how long it took him to cut through the ropes on his wrists.  He had cut himself several times on the sharp surface.  He started to untie his feet when he heard footsteps on the boards above him.  Dust fell in accord with the steps.  Ezra hurried untied his feet and stood warily as the trapdoor creaked open.  He saw legs descending down the steps.

�Why Mr. Larabee, so nice of you visit me in my new abode.�

�Ezra?�  Chris and Buck said at the same time.

�And Mr. Wilmington!  How delightful.�

�You alright Ez?�  Buck looked around Chris and they came to the bottom of the steps.  Buck held up a small lantern that threw little light.

�I have just now effected my emancipation.�  He grinned up at them and then looked serious.

�You found Mr. Tanner?�

�Yes, he�s outside of town with the others.�  Chris said brusquely.  �Let�s get out of here.�

�Did you perchance stumble upon my firearms?�

Ezra followed them up the steps, he glanced around the barn the root cellar was set in.

�Nah Ez but I don�t think the guard we knocked out won�t mind if ya borrow his.�  Buck laughed as he pointed to the large heap by the door. 

Ezra quickly grabbed the man�s gun belt that held two Smith & Wesson Schofield guns. 

�Now where did you acquire these my notorious friend?�  Ezra mumbled as he strapped the guns on.  He also took the man�s serape.




Vin was glad he still had his spyglass.  He kept scanning the town, looking for any sight of Ezra.  He had seen Chris and Buck earlier but could not tell where they were now.  Suddenly he heard gunfire.  He swung the glass around, searching for signs of disturbance.   He spotted Peso first.  At first he did not recognize the man astride him.  He wore a Mexican serape but the hat looked familiar.  The man was riding hell-bent, he had the reins in his teeth and both guns were blazing. 

�YEEEHAAAWWWW!�  Vin yelled as he recognized Ezra pounding out of town, Chris and Buck at his side.




The seven men made camp far from Purgatorio.  They doubted they were pursued but kept watch anyway.  Vin was propped up near the fire, he still had a fever and Nathan had made him one of his famous tonics.  Ezra was still grumbling over the scrubbing that Nathan had applied to the cuts on his hands and arms, he hadn�t mentioned his shoulder wound.  Ezra sat on the opposite side of the fire, where he could keep an eye on Vin.  Chris sat close beside Vin, helping him with his meal and checking that his leg was elevated.  Vin kept a watch on Ezra and every time he caught his eye he smiled.

�So Ez,� Vin called across the fire.  �Where�d ya learn that fancy riding from?�  He smiled broadly.

�Well Mr. Tanner in my extensive travels I have met a number of men from various backgrounds.  A man I met in Missouri showed me that rather effective method of horsemanship.�  Ezra grinned sheepishly. 

�Damn fine riding Ez.  Like those guns too.  Can I see �em?�

Ezra looked pointedly at him.  He made to stand up but Chris beat him to it.  Chris walked over and stood in front of Ezra, his hand held out.  The smile dimmed on Ezra�s face but he handed one of the guns to Chris, who turned and walked back towards Vin.   Vin and Ezra exchanged a look and Ezra shrugged.

�Hey Ez, those are the same type guns Frank James used.  Maybe they�re his.�  Buck laughed, trying to break the tension.

�Really?�  JD�s voice rose.  �Can I see the other one Ezra?�

�Of course JD, these are very fine firearms.  I do hope the gentleman I acquired them from is not too upset.�  

Everyone chuckled as Ezra rose to sit by JD, showing him the gun. 

�These are Smith and Wesson Schofield guns Mr. Dunne.�  Ezra said as he handed the weapon to JD.  �They were named for General Schofield of the 10th Cavalry due to modifications he requested.  Reloading is faster due to the barrel latch here,� Ezra pointed.  �And Mr. Wilmington is correct, quite a few men prefer this gun, Frank and Jessie James, Buffalo Bill and Pat Garret to name but a few.�

The other men stared at Ezra in some amazement.  Just how did he know so much about guns?

�What were they gonna do with ya Ezra?�

�Well JD, I heard them mention some bandit named Mad Dog Hollins.  Seems he sells people across the border.�

�Good thing we got there when we did Ez.�  Vin said softly.

�Yes son.  I don�t think we could have afforded you.�  Josiah rumbled.

�No indeed Mr. Sanchez.�

Everyone burst out laughing.


Vin let out a soft sigh.  Here he was back with Ezra and he couldn�t get close enough to talk to him.  He turned and glared at where Chris had set up his bedroll next to him.  Chris was keeping a tighter eye on him than a boy out courtin� his daughter.  He still planned on having a talk with Chris but he figured it would keep until they got back to town.  He heard a soft rustle and looked up.

�Ez.�  He said softly and smiled.

�Mr. Tanner, I thought you might still be awake.�  Ezra sat down beside him.  �Would you like something for the pain?�  He smiled and held out his flask.

�Damn straight.�  Vin took a healthy drink.

�Ahhh.  Now that hits the spot.  Better�n that stuff Nathan�s got.�  He grinned at Ezra as he handed the flash back.

Ezra took a small sip and then handed it back to Vin. 

�I am glad to see you are alright�Vin.�   Ezra said quietly.

Vin chuckled.  �Can�t believe ya tossed me off my own horse.�

Ezra laughed softly.   �It seemed like the right thing to do at the moment.�

They both laughed.  Vin glanced around, all the other men were asleep, and Chris was now on patrol.

�Wish ya were over here, sleeping by me.  I...I�ve missed ya.�   Vin said as quietly as possible so no one else would hear.

Ezra looked at him carefully, trying to see how to take these words.  He could see no jesting on Vin�s part.  He took a deep breath.

�I wish that too Vin.�

Vin looked Ezra in the eyes and nodded. 

�Guess we got some things to talk about when we get back.�

�I suppose we do.�

Vin laid a hand on Ezra� leg.

�Lookin� forward to it Ez.  Mite even have another poem worked up.�  He smiled broadly.

Ezra smiled back and then made to leave. 

�Yes Mr. Tanner, that is if Mr. Larabee allows it.�   He touched his hat and stood. Then made a half turn and touched it again, in the direction that Chris stood, glaring at them both. Vin scowled.




�I ain�t going.�

The seven men had made it safely back to Four Corners.  Vin had insisted on going to the Saloon first.  They were all seated at their table, drinks in hand.

�Ya got too many damn steps Nathan, besides I don�t need to go to your clinic.  I�m fine I tell ya.�

�I think it would be unwise for Mr. Tanner to try and sleep in his wagon in his condition, I propose�.�

�Vin will stay in my room.�  Chris stated leaving no room for argument.

�I think that is a good idea.�  Nathan said, shaking his head in agreement.  �He�ll need tending to.�

�Don�t I get a say?�   Vin said angrily. 

Chris and Nathan ignored him.  Ezra kept his eyes on the cards he was shuffling.  He had been about to suggest Vin using his room before Chris had cut him off.

�Think I got somethin� that mite help ya get around Vin.  Stay here until I get back.�

Chris looked at Vin.  �You can�t get in and out of that wagon with a busted ankle cowboy.  Where else would you go?�

Vin willed himself not to look at Ezra.  He knew Ezra was about to suggest his room before Chris steam rolled him.  He took a deep breath.  Well he�d have a chance to speak to Chris in private this way.

�I reckon that�s all right.  Won�t be for long though.�

Chris nodded. 

�Gonna check with Mary, see if anything came up while we were gone.�  He glanced at Ezra at this point.  �I�ll be back in a few minutes.�

Josiah watched as Chris left.  He wondered if the man realized what a tight leash he was trying to put on Vin.  He wasn�t sure why Chris was still so angry now that everyone was back safe and sound but he had a feeling it had something to do with the growing friendship between Vin and Ezra.  He hadn�t been surprised to learn that Ezra had been learning to track.  He had seen him wandering around town, nose practically to the ground.  He had asked Ezra what he was doing and he�d replied �Looking for Vin.�

Buck stood up and stretched.  �Gonna head to the restaurant, grab somethin� to eat then get some sleep before patrol.�

�I�ll come too Buck.�   JD followed him out the batwing doors.
Vin rearranged his foot he�d propped in a chair.  Damn foot.  He hated feeling helpless. 

Ezra moved to sit beside Vin.  He patted him on the knee. 

�It won�t be long Mr. Tanner and you will be up and around again.�

Vin gave Ezra a wonderful smile.    �Yer right Ez, got everythin� I need right here.�  And he laid his hand briefly on Ezra�s.

Ezra smiled back at him and then gently removed his hand, glancing at Josiah. 

So, Josiah thought.  They have headed beyond mere friendship.  He smiled back at them both, he was happy as long as they were.  He�d traveled too much not to accept there were many types of love and who was he to argue with love?

�You two hungry?  I can pick you up something, I�m headin� over there.�

Both men smiled at him.

�Why thank you Josiah.  That would be most welcome.�

�Yeah thanks Josiah.  I�m starved.�

Josiah touched his hat and left.  He figured they might like a few minutes alone before Chris came back.

�Finally Ez, a moment alone.�  Vin laughed as he leaned forward to pour another drink.

�For the moment.�  Ezra reached the bottle for him and poured.

�Ez.�  Vin hesitated.  They hadn�t had a chance to really talk and he wasn�t sure how to begin.  �About before�.�

Ezra placed his poker face firmly in place.  He had feared this.  He knew their time out on their own, filled with danger and flight had probably contributed to Vin�s admission to feelings for him.  And he had thought once they were back that Vin would come to his senses but he had hoped he was wrong.  Well the least he could do was make it less painful for him.

�Mr. Tanner, there is no need for you to continue.  I understand you have not been yourself, with your fever and such.  Do not worry, I know things were probably said that you did not�..�

Chris strode through the door at that point.  He glanced around wondering where everyone else had gone.

�Wait a minute Ez��

�Nathan not back yet? �  Chris frowned.  �You ready to go to the boarding house?�

Vin was staring at Ezra.  He knew somehow Ezra had jumped to the wrong conclusions and he was trying to think how to fix it.   Why did Chris have to pick now to come back? 

�No, Josiah�s gone to get us somethin� ta eat.�

Vin glanced at Chris then and back to Ezra, silently pleading with Ezra to look at him.  But Ezra kept his eyes firmly fixed on his cards.  He had barely looked up when he heard Chris return.  Ezra felt numb.  He knew it would turn out this way, hell Chris had made it quite obvious that Vin was his and Vin must have realized that too.

�Excuse me gentlemen but I find I am not hungry, perhaps Mr. Larabee you can make use of my meal.�

Ezra did not wait for a reply but touched his hat, refusing to look at Vin.  He purposely did not hurry as he left the saloon but inside he was running.  His first thought was to head for the livery and leave town for awhile but he was tired.  All he wanted now was to hide himself in his room.  He glanced down at his clothes.  First thing he needed was a bath.  He refused to soil his nice feather bed with all the muck he had acquired from his ordeal.  He sighed.  And perhaps a hot bath would refresh his soul as well.


Vin�s first thought was to go after Ezra and he moved to get up but then a pain shot up his leg and he recognized that that wasn�t an option at this point.  He saw Chris looking at him sharply and he pretended that he was just rearranging his leg. 

�Damn leg is a bother.  Where is Nate?�

�Don�t know.  Need something for the pain?�

�Nah, just another drink.�

Chris smiled and sat down.  He poured himself and Vin some whiskey.

�You alright?�

�Yeah cowboy.  Just tired.�

Chris nodded.    Nathan came through the batwings smiling broadly.

�Look what I got for ya Vin.�  He held a cane in his hand.  �Thought I still had this.  Got it from a man riding through town.  Ought ta help ya get around until ya can put weight on that foot.  Here, let me show ya how.�

Nathan got Vin to stand and showed him how to put most of his weight on the cane.  After a few tries Vin got the hang of it.  His foot still was sore but at least he could get around and he didn�t have the added pain of something under his arm.

�Hey thanks Nate.  This�ll be fine.�   He smiled as he made his way slowly around the table.

�Now don�t overdo it Vin.  You still need ta take it easy.  And keep yer foot propped up.�

�I know, don�t nag Nathan.�  Vin laughed.   He sat back down and placed his foot back in the chair.

Josiah came back in, carrying a tray.  He glanced around when he saw Ezra wasn�t there.

�Where is Ezra?�  

He placed the tray on the table.

�He had other things to do.�  Chris said, cutting Vin off as he opened his mouth. 

Josiah looked at Vin who gave him an imploring look.  Josiah flicked his eyes up to Ezra�s room but Vin shook his head.  Josiah gave him a slight nod. 

�I think I�ll turn in.  I�m sure Chris and Nate can handle things.�

�Don�t worry Josiah.  Vin�s in good hands.�

Vin smiled slightly as Josiah left.  He felt a little better.  He knew Josiah would check up on Ezra.  He looked at the food he�d brought.  He had no appetite now but knew he had to eat something or have it forced on him.  He plastered a smile on his face and began to eat.  Chris started in on Ezra�s food.  Nathan went to order something from Inez.




Ezra laid back in the steaming hot bath.  He groaned in pleasure as he felt his muscles relax.  He hadn�t allowed Nathan to examine him.  He had few marks on his face but his torso and arms were covered in bruises. The wound to his shoulder wasn�t bad.  Jack and Sam had enjoyed beating him after they had discovered he was not the man they were after.  They had promised more later on but luckily he had escaped.   He shifted in the water.  He had no desire to think of that or what had transpired in the last few days.  No he wanted to forget that.  He wanted to push all thoughts of the hope he�d felt, hope he�d known in his heart wasn�t true.  He�d been a fool again.  He reached over the side of the tub for the bottle of whiskey he had brought with him.  He took a long drink and settled back into the water.  Perhaps it was time he considered moving on.  He�d stayed in this town longer than he had originally planned.  He really couldn�t say why he had stayed.  Leaving would serve another purpose, Maude wouldn�t know where he was and this time he did not intend to include a return address.




Josiah went to the livery first.  He was relieved to see Royal dozing in his stall.  At least Ezra had not left town.  He had not seen Ezra on the street on is way back from the restaurant.  Where could he have gone?  His eye caught the sign for the Bath House.

�Ezra, are you alright?�

Ezra heard the concern in Josiah�s voice.  He had his eyes closed, enjoying the heat and the feel of being clean.  He knew Josiah was referring to the bruises he saw but he chose to ignore that.

�I am fine Mr. Sanchez.  Just removing the filth of the past few days.�  And soothing my soul.  He refused to open his eyes.

�I brought your dinner, it�s in the Saloon.�

Ezra gave a sardonic smile.  �I am sure Mr. Larabee will make good use of it.  I, Mr. Sanchez, am drinking my supper.�  He looked at Josiah then and waved the bottle.

Josiah saw the pain and hurt in his eyes and he knew it wasn�t from the bruises he saw covering his body.  He wasn�t sure what had happened while he was gone but he hoped Ezra would allow him to help.

�Mind if I have a drink?�

�Why sure Josiah.  Join me in my decline into my baser side.�   He smiled sadly.




Chris helped Vin get settled into his room at the boarding house.  Chris kept it for times he wasn�t out at his cabin.  He sat in the chair near the bed. 

�Anything I can get ya?�

Vin settled back on the bed.  It felt good to be comfortable, warm and dry.  This wasn�t as nice as Ezra�s bed and he�d rather be laid up snug with Ezra out in the woods.  But he tried not to think about that right now.  Now he needed to talk to Chris and he hoped he�d get it right.

�Somethin� wrong cowboy?�  Vin looked at Chris holding his eyes.

Chris stiffened.  What was Vin asking him if something was wrong for?  Something was wrong Vin. 

�Yeah.  Wonderin why you been lying to me.�   The words came out harsher than Chris intended but right now he didn�t care.  How could Vin lay there looking like he�d done nothing wrong?

�Lying?�  Vin was surprised. 

Chris stood up, glaring down at Vin.  His voice grew loud. 

�Yeah whadda ya call it.  Why didn�t you tell me you were teaching Ezra to track?  Why do you always take patrol with him?   What is going on?�

Vin was getting angry.  He was usually slow to anger but how dare Chris accuse him of lying?

�Ain�t lied.  Don�t see where what I do on my time is any business of yours.  And I like Ez.  Ain�t no law against me going on patrol with him.�

�It is my business.  I�m in charge here.�    Chris was yelling now.

Vin�s face went white with anger, his mouth in a tight thin line.  He pushed his legs off the bed and grabbed his cane.

�Where the hell do you think you are going?  You�re staying here.�

Before Chris finished speaking Vin had his mare�s leg up and cocked.  It had hung on the bedpost by the head of the bed.

�Ya ain�t keepin� me here against my will.  Ya ain�t in charge of me, no matter what ya think.  I do what I want, with who I want.  You ain�t got no say in that.�

Chris realized he had said too much, overstepped his bounds. 

�Vin, I�m sorry.  I was just�.�

Vin shook his head.  He waved Chris aside with his gun.  Chris stepped away from the door and Vin opened it.

�Don�t try and stop me or force me to use this on ya, cause I will.�

Chris held up his hands in surrender.  He didn�t say anything as Vin left, closing the door behind him.




Ezra lay on his bed, trying to enjoy the feel of it.  If he thought of it objectively it did feel nice.  It was soft and smelled faintly of lavender.  He kept a lavender sachet under the mattress.  He tried not to think of how it had felt to lie beside Vin.  Either feeling Vin�s hard lean body wrapped around his or holding Vin tightly in his arms.  He sat up.  He was never going to get to sleep like this.  He got out of bed and staggered toward the dresser, where the whiskey bottle was.   He stopped halfway there.  He heard shuffled footsteps in the hall, coming toward his room.  He picked up his revolver, which he kept by the bed.  The steps came slowly and quietly towards his door then stopped.  There was a soft knock.  Ezra quietly cocked his gun.

�Who is it?�

�It�s me Ez.�

Ezra was stunned.  He opened the door.

�Mr. Tanner, how�?�

�Can I come in?�

Vin was leaning heavily on his cane.  His face flushed with the exertion of walking from the boarding house and up the back stairs to Ezra�s room.

�Why of course Mr. Tanner.�  Ezra reached out and helped him in.  Ezra settled him on the bed and picked up his legs so could lay back.

�Would you care of a drink Mr. Tanner?�

�Yeah and I�d care for ya to call me Vin.�

Ezra didn�t say anything.  He poured Vin a drink and one for himself too.  He handed it to Vin and then sat down in his rocking chair.  He had opened the window slightly and a soft breeze moved the curtains softly.  He watched as Vin took a sip and leaned back against the pillow.

�Missed this.�  Vin said softly, closing his eyes.  �Dreamed about this bed while I was chasing that wagon.  Thought about how I missed sitting up here with you, listening to ya read to me.  I could listen to ya talk all day Ez.� 

He smiled slightly but kept his eyes closed.   Ezra sat staring at him, his glass half way to his lips.

�Kept thinkin� about ya while I was gone.  Ya kept poppin� up in my mind, no matter what I was doin�.  I�d think, I need to tell Ez that, or I should show that to Ez or I�d just think on stuff we�d done together.�

He took another sip of his drink. 

�Didn�t know what t�think of it at first.  But after I got hurt and I knew ya would come lookin� for me, I realized how much I care for ya Ez.�

He opened his eyes and looked at Ezra as he said the last. 

�I know it ain�t right��

He saw the look on Ezra�s face and quickly continued.

�I don�t mean my feelings ain�t right, I mean that other people don�t think it�s so, but I don�t care Ez.   I�m not sure ya feel the same, I think ya do.  But I need ya to know that I, I love ya and I don�t say that lightly.�

Vin stopped and stared at Ezra.  He willed him to know his feelings were true.  Ezra stared back.  His glass still in his hand.  Then he blinked, he seemed to realize where he was all at once.  He glanced at his drink then threw it back.  He set the glass on the floor by chair.

�Mr�I mean Vin.�  He stopped then looked at his hands.  He took a deep breath and continued.

�What about Mr. Larabee?�

Vin shook his head.

�Chris?   What about him?�

�I know of your feelings for Mr. Larabee and his for you.�

Vin finished his drink and sat the glass down. 

�Ez what the hell are ya talkin� about?�

�Mr. Tanner you know quite well what I am talking about.�  Ezra rose from the chair, his voice hard.  �I think he made it was quite apparent how he felt while we were coming back to Four Corners.�

�Ez,� Vin smiled shyly.  �Chris is my friend, though after tonight I ain�t sure of that, but I ain�t got no feelings for him.  He�s pissed cause he thinks I can only have one friend and that�s him.�

�Vin, I mean�don�t you think that perhaps he feels more for you than friendship?�

Ezra didn�t know what was making him say these things.  He didn�t know why he was pushing Vin towards Chris.  He was shocked, excited and dumbfounded that Vin had said he loved him.  But he couldn�t believe it was true.  He felt this overwhelming desire to convince Vin of that too.

Vin frowned slightly.  Ezra didn�t realize he could see right through him.  It made him sad to think that Ezra didn�t believe him that Ezra thought he was confused and really cared for Chris.  He snorted which made Ezra frown.

Vin patted the bed beside him.  Ezra just looked at him.  Vin patted the bed again.

�Ezra.�

�Yes?�

�Don�t make me get up and come over there.�  Vin smiled at him.

Ezra stood up slowly.  He moved around the bed and sat on the corner near the foot.

Vin reached over and placed his gun belt over the bedpost.  He eased out of his jacket and tossed it on the floor.  Ezra watched as it floated past him but said nothing.  Vin scooted to the right side of the bed and leaned down to try and remove his boot.  Ezra moved then and helped him take off his boot and the moccasin.   When he moved to get off the bed Vin grabbed his arm and gently pulled him closer. 

�Kick off your boots Ez and lay down here beside me.  I�ve missed holding ya close.�

Ezra pulled his jacket off and tossed it over the end of the bed.  He toed out of his boots and lay down beside Vin, not touching him.  Vin moved closer, moving so he fit as close to Ezra�s back as he could get.  He put his arm around Ezra�s waist and pulled him in closer and put his bad leg up on Ezra�s.  He found Ezra�s hand and laced their fingers together.  He nuzzled his nose in the nape of Ezra�s neck and breathed deeply, taking in the scent of him.

�God Ez, I�ve been dreamin� of this.�

Ezra felt a tear fall down his cheek.  He didn�t move to wipe it away.  He moved back so he was closer to Vin, and Vin tightened his grip.

�So have I Vin, so have I.�

Vin smiled and nuzzled Ezra again.

�Night Ez.  Love ya.�

�I love you too.� 

And soon they were asleep, safe and content in each other�s arms.




Ezra woke with a heavy warm weight on his chest.  He opened his eyes.  He saw Vin�s curly brown hair.  Vin was sprawled across his chest, his head tucked under Ezra�s chin.  Vin�s knee was firmly tucked between his legs, up against Ezra�s balls.  His arms were curved around Vin�s back.  What a way to wake up.  Ezra took a shuttering breath.  He moved his hand along Vin�s back.   Vin�s shirt had come untucked from his pants.  He gently maneuvered his hand under it.  Vin�s skin was warm and smooth.  He slowly worked his hand up Vin�s back.  He froze as Vin sighed and moved slightly.  His hand continued its journey up Vin�s spine, slowly moving side to side.  Vin turned his head to look at Ezra.

�Mornin� Ez.�  He smiled sleepily.

�Morning Vin.�

They looked into each other�s eyes and then Vin leaned forward.  They touched lips, warm and soft.  They both opened their mouths slightly and felt the first shock as their tongues touched.  Their mouths widened, taking the first taste of each other, exploring unfamiliar territory.  Then the kiss deepened and they drew themselves closer, lost in this first wonderful kiss.  They finally pulled back, gasping for breath.

�Ez.�  Vin breathed. 

Ezra held him close, nodding his head in silent agreement.  Vin gazed into the sparking green eyes that he knew revealed the same love and amazement that he felt.  Ezra smiled up at him and drew him close for another kiss.  Ezra grew bolder in his touching of Vin, pulling him hungrily toward him, kneading his butt.  Vin moved his hand and grasped Ezra�s side.

�Ow!�  Ezra yelped and pulled back.

�Sorry Ez, did I hurt ya?�  Vin raised up to look at Ezra.  He pulled up Ezra�s shirt and noticed the deep blue bruises.

�Ez, you�re hurt.�   He tried to move over.

Ezra attempted to stop him, but Vin rolled over to his side.

�It is nothing.�

�Ain�t nothing.  What happened?�   Vin pulled Ezra�s shirt up further.

�The gentlemen who were pursing your were not pleased when they discovered it was me they were chasing.�  Ezra shrugged one shoulder and winced.  Vin noticed the bandage on his shoulder.

Vin looked at him, eyes full of sorrow for what he had caused.  He bent down and gently kissed Ezra�s chest.

�I�m sorry Ez.�  

Ezra reached up and placed a hand behind Vin�s neck and slowly drew him down for a long sensuous kiss.  They both sighed when they parted.

�I would risk anything for you Vin.�

Vin gave him his sweet half smile. 

�Me too Ez.  Me too.�

Ezra reached up and ran his fingers through the soft brown waves of Vin�s hair.  I�ve been dying to do that.   He smiled up at Vin. 

Vin smiled bashfully down at him.

�I, I ain�t never been...with a man before Ez.�   He looked away.

�Neither have I.�  Ezra said quietly.

�Good!� 

Ezra chucked.

�I mean, guess we�ll have to figure things out fer ourselves.�  Vin blushed. 

Damn it I don�t blush!

�Yes Mr. Tanner I guess we will.�   Ezra couldn�t keep the grin on his face from widening.   �But I think we had better get up for now.  The others will probably come looking for you soon.�

Vin nodded.   �Yeah guess we�d better.  But first�.�   He bent down and gave Ezra another long deep kiss, pulling him gently closer to him, mindful of his bruises and shoulder.

�So ya don�t forget me.�   He said as he came up for air.

Ezra ran his hands firmly down Vin�s back, gripping his ass tightly and began moving his hips slowly against Vin�s crotch.  Vin inhaled sharply and Ezra smiled seductively.

�I don�t want you to forget me either Mr. Tanner.�  

Vin grinned wickedly.

�Don�t think that is likely Mr. Standish.�  

Vin reluctantly eased himself up and off Ezra.  Damn pants are way too tight.   He gave Ezra a stern look.

�That won�t too nice of ya Ez.  Don�t think I�m gonna be able to walk right.�

Ezra laughed out loud.  Vin enjoyed the sound of Ezra�s unrestrained laughter.

�Well Vin you can just blame it on your bad leg.�  




The other five men were at their table having breakfast when they heard the sounds of boots and laughter up on the balcony.   They looked to see Ezra helping Vin down the steps, he came down in front of Vin, arms out incase Vin lost his balance. 

�I can make it down the steps Ez.�   Vin fussed though his voice was full of laughter.

�I know Mr. Tanner, but just in case I am here to catch you.�  Ezra chuckled as he held his hands out to lightly touch Vin around the waist.

They made their way safely to the table and Ezra made sure Vin was comfortable and his leg elevated in a chair before he sat down beside him.
Chris was surprised to see that Vin wasn�t wearing his guns. 

�Good morning Gentlemen.�  Ezra said brightly as he pulled his chair closer to the table.

�Mornin� fellas.�  Vin said smiling widely.   He nodded to Inez as she brought them both cups of coffee.

�Hey Vin, watch ya doing up in Ezra�s room?  Thought ya went to stay in Chris�?�   JD asked looking puzzled.

�Ezra�s got a softer bed.�  Vin mumbled as he tilted his head down to take a sip of coffee, trying to hide the blush that went up his neck and face.

DAMN IT.  I don�t blush!

�Oh yeah, bet that feather bed is right nice.�  JD said innocently.

�Yes JD it is quite comfortable.�  Ezra said as he pointedly looked anywhere but at Vin.

Josiah smiled knowingly.  He wasn�t surprised that Ezra and Vin had finally acknowledged their attraction and he was happy that they were.  He glanced at Chris who was looking grim.  He was not sure if Chris knew the extent of Ezra and Vin�s relationship but he could tell he was not happy with it so far.

Buck smiled widely.  He knew a thing or two about love and could see it shining from both their eyes.  He was positive Chris didn�t know how far their relationship had progressed.  And he hoped Chris would accept it once he did.

�How ya feeling this mornin� Vin?  Did ya sleep alright?�

He was surprised when Vin spit out the coffee he had been about to swallow.

�I�m fine Nate.  Mite sore still but I, I slept fine.�

Nathan glanced at Ezra, who was desperately trying to maintain his poker face while gently pounding on Vin�s back while he sputtered.

�That was right nice of you Ezra to let Vin have your bed.�

�It was my pleasure.�  Ezra said weakly.

Vin was happy to see he wasn�t the only one that blushed.

The rest of breakfast was spent listening to JD and Buck fuss back and forth.  Chris had yet to say anything but glanced at Vin often.  Vin refused to meet his eye. 

�Vin, ya need to stay off that foot as much as possible.  Won�t get better any faster iffen ya don�t.�

�Alright Nate.�   Vin didn�t argue.  He was trying to see where Ezra had disappeared.

Chris was also trying to see where Ezra had gone.  In a few minutes he reappeared smiling.

�Ezra, I was telling Vin he needs to stay off that foot.  He staying in your room?�

�Yes he is Mr. Jackson, I will see to it that he rests.�

Ezra smiled warmly at him and Vin felt his temperature rise.

�We�re still shorthanded Ezra.  You got watch at noon.�  Chris had finally spoken, he got up and pushed his chair back.  �Don�t be late this time.�
He turned and walked out.

Ezra touched his hat to the retreating form. 

�Shall we withdraw upstairs Mr. Tanner?�

�We shall.� 

Vin and the others all laughed as they headed upstairs.




Ezra helped Vin back into the room but instead of helping him onto the bed, he moved him to the rocking chair.  Ezra began to brush dirt from the bottom of the bed.

�Mr. Tanner, you need a bath.�

�I�m sorry Ez.  I didn�t mean to get your nice bed dirty.�

�That is quite alright, I have set to remedy that problem.�

�We headin� for the bathhouse?�

�No Vin, I have arraigned for it to come to you.�

�Ya have?�   Vin looked puzzled.

At that point there was a knock at the door.  Ezra opened it and two young boys entered carrying a large tub.

They came back several times carrying buckets of steaming water and poured them into the tub until it was half full.

�Thank you young men.  That will be fine.�  

Ezra handed them each a few coins and closed and locked the door.

Vin sat in the rocker, a stunned look on his face.

�Ez, ya didn�t have ta go to all this trouble.�

�Nonsense, it was no trouble at all.�  Ezra tried not to show how pleased he was that he had surprised Vin and by the look on his face it had made him happy.

�I, I thought you might like some privacy and I could help you with your bath.�   His voice grew quiet and soft at the end.

�Glad ta see I ain�t the only one that blushes.�   Vin grinned happily.

�No, I guess you aren�t.�

Ezra slowly walked toward him and they held each other�s eyes.  Ezra knelt down beside him and slowly removed his boots.  From where he was Ezra reached up to unbuttoned Vin�s shirt.  Ezra kept his eyes on his hands while Vin watched his face.  Ezra�s fingers fumbled slightly on the buttons.  Vin placed his hands on Ezra�s to stop him.  Ezra looked up surprised and Vin leaned forward to lightly kiss him.   Vin helped him remove his shirt and then Ezra supported him as he stood.   Ezra eased his pants off, careful of Vin�s injured foot and then helped him into the tub.

�Ahhh.�  Vin sighed as he lay back in the tub.

Ezra smiled as he stood and opened a dresser drawer.  He removed a bar of soap, wrapped in paper and a wash cloth.  He picked up a water pitcher and went to kneel by the tub.  He dipped the pitcher in and poured water languidly over Vin.  Vin leaned back in the tub and closed his eyes, enjoying the water running down his body.  Ezra tried not to stare but he couldn�t take his eyes from the strong lean shape of Vin.  He had tried to image what Vin looked like under all those clothes but his imagination hadn�t done Vin justice.  He was all sinewy muscles, long and lanky.  There was not an ounce of fat on him.  The parts of him that were exposed to the sun where golden brown, the other parts pale and chiseled reminding him of pictures he had seen of Michelangelo�s David but Vin�s form was much better.

Vin had his ankle up on the edge of the tub and Ezra urged him forward.  He tilted Vin�s head back and poured water over his hair.  Ezra had had a fantasy or two about Vin�s hair.  He wet it and gently lathered his hair, massaging his scalp as he worked the soap through the thick curls.  He had ordered this from St. Louis.  Cinnamon.  Vin moaned deep in his throat.  After he rinsed it he picked up the wash cloth and as he prepared to wash Vin�s back, Vin reached over and grabbed his hand.  His eyes were soft and full of passion.

�I think it�s time ya got in here with me Ez.�   His voice was low and rough.

And who was Ezra to argue with logic like that?




�I wanna show ya how to tickle trout.�  Vin said breathlessly.

Ezra looked up from where he had been busy applying a bite mark to the inside of Vin�s thigh.

�I trust that is not what you call what I am doing Mr. Tanner?�  

Vin chuckled.

�Nah but what you�re doing with yer hand reminded me of it.�

He groaned as Ezra moved his hand more.

�I see.  I think you are thinking too much.�

�Oh God.�  Vin moaned as Ezra moved from his bite mark to more pressing matters.

Ezra raised from his position between Vin�s legs.

�I take that to mean you approve?�   He smiled wickedly.

�Yesss.�  Vin hissed as Ezra continued.




Ezra returned to the saloon after his patrol.  A few people lingered there seeking a cooler spot than out in the hot sun.  Even at 4 pm it was still warm.  Hardly a breeze was stirring down the dusty streets.

Dusty indeed.   Ezra brushed at his coat.  He decided to take the time to make a stop at the bathhouse.  He turned and headed back out the batwing doors and almost ran into Buck.

�Where ya headin� pard?  Wanna play some cards?�

�No thank you Mr. Wilmington.  I�m going to the bathhouse.�   He touched his hat and left.

Another bath?  Buck thought as he sat down at what the men considered their table.  He�d seen the kids take the tub up to Ezra�s room earlier.  He grinned widely. 

Ezra slipped quietly into his room a while later.  Vin was lying naked on his side asleep, his back towards the door.  He had one pillow clutched to his chest and the other under his ankle.   Ezra put his revolver on the bedside table then hung his jacket on the end of the bed.   He removed his sleeve rig and laid it on the top of the dresser, then moved to lock the door.  He toed out of his boots and eased onto the bed.  He moved so he was close to Vin but not touching.  He ran his hand firmly but softly from Vin�s hip to shoulder.  Vin stirred slightly.  Ezra moved closer, molding himself to Vin�s back.  He reached around and lightly stroked Vin�s chest.  Vin moved back against him as he brushed his hand over his nipples.  Vin turned slightly to give him greater access.  Ezra smiled and kissed his shoulder as his hand trailed down Vin�s hard flat stomach. 

Vin groaned softly but kept his eyes closed.  Ezra shifted direction and ran his hand across Vin�s hip and down his thigh.

Tickling trout.  Just what the hell was that?  Ezra stifled a laugh. 

Vin turned toward him then, opening his eyes and gazing into Ezra�s smoky green ones.

�Missed ya.�   Vin said as he pulled Ezra into a soft deep kiss.  

Vin rolled on top of Ezra with a grunt and began to trail kisses down Ezra�s neck.

�Think ya got too many clothes on Ez.  Gonna have ta do somethin� about it.�

Ezra ran his hands down Vin�s naked back, feeling the strong hard muscles and the bones of his spine.  He followed that track down to Vin�s firm backside, which he squeezed.

�I am getting a bit flushed in all of this apparel.�  Ezra�s voice came out huskily as Vin drew Ezra�s Adam�s apple into his mouth.




Vin sat on the side of the bed trying to button his shirt.  Ezra had redressed into clean clothes.  He smiled as he watched Vin struggling with the buttons.  His shoulder was feeling better but his arm was still weak.  Just then Vin�s stomach growled loudly.  Ezra laughed.

�Did you get lunch Vin?�

�Yeah, ate with Josiah and Nathan.  Just worked up an appetite.�  He said then blushed profusely. 

Gotta stop this damn blushin�!

�I see.� 

Ezra tried not to blush himself.  He knelt down to help Vin button his shirt. 

�Let me help you.�

But instead of buttoning his shirt, Ezra moved his hands around Vin�s chest and ran them up and down his back.  Lord he loved the feel of this man.  He knew he was blushing again and pulled Vin towards him.   Vin wrapped his arms around Ezra and held him tight. 

�Can�t tell ya how happy I am Ez.�  He whispered in Ezra�s ear.

�Not just when we�re alone like now or when we�re tuckered out from lovin� each other fierce.  But when we�re out in public and I glance over at ya and I think to myself  �he�s mine�. �

He pushed back slightly so he could see into Ezra�s face.

�Am I makin� sense?�

�Perfectly.�  Ezra kissed him lightly.  �And I feel the same way.  In fact I would think the town is wondering why I have been grinning like � how did you say it?  �A possum eating shit?�

Vin threw back his head and laughed.   �Yeah that�s right Ez.�

He kissed Ezra soundly and then went back to work on his buttons. 

�Gotta get some food in me Ez.  I need ta keep up my strength.�

�More tickling trout?�  Ezra said raising an eyebrow.

Vin laughed again.  �Ain�t never gonna be able to say that again without thinkin� about ya.   I promise I�ll show ya what it really is.�

They both laughed as they headed out the door and down to saloon.




Chris entered the saloon after everyone else.  He glanced at Vin but Vin did not look up.  He figured Vin was still pissed.  He hadn�t seen him all day.  His eyes automatically went up to where Ezra�s room was.  He tried not to let his anger show as he sat down.

�There ya are pard.�  Buck said loudly.  �Inez is bring us some grub!�

Chris had to smile at Buck�s enthusiasm.  He knew Buck was trying to ease some of the tension that had filled the air when he arrived.

�Glad I got here before you could eat it all Buck.�  He playfully shoved Buck�s shoulder.

�Hell Chris, I would have left ya somethin.�  

�Don�t bet on that Chris.�  JD piped up.

Buck made to bat JD�s hat and laughed when he ducked.

�How ya feeling Vin?�   Chris said softly.

�Fine.�   Vin kept his eyes on his beer.

Josiah, Nathan and Buck exchanged looks.  No one knew what had happened between Chris and Vin but Vin obviously hadn�t forgiven him yet.

Chris nodded and sipped at the beer Josiah had handed him.

�I wanna take a look at ya later Vin.  See how that wound looks.�

Vin rolled his eyes.  �I�m fine Nate.�

Everyone chuckled. 

�That mite be so but I�m still lookin�.�

�Is there something stronger you could give him for pain?�

Vin shot Ezra a look, which Ezra ignored.

�Yeah got somethin� that mite help.  He ain�t sleepin� good?�

�No, and he is in some pain when he moves.�

�I am sittin� here ya know.�

Ezra turned a wide smile to him.  �Yes Mr. Tanner but since you are a man of few words I thought I would inform Mr. Jackson myself of your circumstances.�

Vin snorted and drank more of his beer.  

�Well Nate ya mite want to take a look at Ez�s shoulder.  He took bullet.�

Vin threw Ezra a triumphant smile as Nathan demanded he remove his jacket.



Josiah walked out onto the boardwalk.  It was cooler now that the sun had set.  A breeze moved tumbleweeds down the street.  He saw Chris sitting at the end of the building, smoking a cheroot.

�Chris.�

Chris nodded and gestured to the chair beside him.

Josiah sat down with a small groan.

�Been sanding pews again preacher man?�  Chris said with a grin.

�Idle hands Brother Chris.  Idle hands.�  Josiah said laughing.

They sat in silence for a few minutes.  Josiah was trying to find a way to bring up whatever was bothering Chris but Chris beat him to it.

�I think I messed up Josiah.�

�How is that?�

Chris drew in a deep breath.  He knew he wasn�t one to admit when he was wrong.  Sarah had been the only one able to call him on it.  He had a tendency to be� what was the word?  Hard headed?  Demanding? Arrogant? Bullheaded?   Yeah all of those.

�I said some things to Vin.  Stuff I had no business saying.  Now I don�t know how to make it right.�

�Why don�t you just tell him that?�

Chris snorted.  �Hell Josiah, you know Vin is as stubborn as I am.�

Josiah laughed softly.  �Yes but Vin is a fair man.  I�m sure he will give you a chance.�

Yes Chris had to agree with that.  But how was he going to get Vin alone to talk to him?  He wasn�t about to go up to Ezra�s room looking for him.  Just thinking of Vin up there started his blood boiling.  He had wanted to be the one to take care of Vin, Vin was his�..   Shit.  There he went again.

Josiah seemed to understand Chris� silence. 

�Why don�t I see if Vin would like to get some fresh air?  He is probably feeling cooped up.�

Chris turned and smiled at Josiah.  �Sounds like a good idea to me.  Thanks Josiah.�

Josiah patted him on the shoulder and headed back inside.  Ezra was playing cards with some cowboys that were passing through town and Vin was sitting at the next table, talking to Buck and JD.

�Vin?  Want to sit outside for awhile?  Get some fresh air?�

Vin looked up as Josiah approached the table.  He knew Josiah had been outside talking to Chris.  He had seen them outside through the windows.  He glanced over at Ezra.   Ezra appeared to be engrossed in his card game but he looked up and met Vin�s eyes.  He gave a small nod and then went back to his game.

�Alright.  Need ta stretch my legs a bit.�  

He picked up the cane he�d leaned against the table and stood up. He walked slowly to the batwing doors and outside.  He stood a minute allowing his eyes to adjust to the darkness.  He took a deep breath.  He could smell rain coming.  The breeze was cool and damp.  He turned and looked toward Chris.

Chris was surprised that Vin had agreed to come outside.  He moved a chair closer to the railing.  Vin hobbled over and moved it further from Chris and sat down.  He raised his leg and sat it on the railing.

�Ya gonna sit down Josiah?�

�No Vin, I think I�ll take a little stroll first.�  He nodded to the men and headed down the boardwalk towards the cigar shop.

Chris and Vin sat quietly for a few minutes.  Where before the silence between them was easy, this time it was strained.

�Vin, I said some things I had no business saying.�

�Yep.�

Chris mentally groaned.  Vin was not going to make things easier.

�I didn�t mean that you lied to me.  You�re right, I have no say in who your friends are or what you do.  It�s just�.�   Chris paused trying to think of the right words.

�It�ll sound stupid, but I was worried that you wouldn�t want me as a friend any more, that you�d replaced me.�   He said the last part quietly.

Vin sat there not saying anything.  He�d thought Chris had been thinking along those lines.  He didn�t know how Chris or the others would take it once they found out the true nature of his and Ezra�s friendship.  He had an idea that Josiah and Buck already knew and had no problem with it. 

�Ain�t tryin� ta trade ya in Chris.  Don�t see no reason why I can�t be better friends with Ez.�

Chris breathed a sigh of relief.  �No reason at all cowboy.�

Vin nodded.  That was settled, or he hoped so.  He wasn�t going to tolerate Chris� shabby treatment of Ezra anymore.  They sat there in a peaceful silence this time.  They heard boots and turned to see Nathan coming back.

�Got ya somethin� a little stronger, no it don�t taste bad so wipe that look off your face.�

Chris laughed and Vin looked doubtful.

�Ain�t tasted nothin� ya make that tastes good Nate.�

�Want me to take this upstairs for ya?�  Nathan held up a large brown bottle.

�Nah, just give it ta Ez.   I�m gonna sit out here awhile longer.�

Nathan nodded and headed inside.

Chris re-lit his cheroot and leaned back in his chair.  That went better than I thought.




�Everything okay Vin?�

Ezra came up to the room awhile later.  Vin was sitting on the bed, he had a piece of paper in his hand and was writing something.  He looked up and smiled as Ezra closed the door.

�Yeah, had a talk with Chris.  He apologized.�

Ezra raised both eyebrows and Vin laughed.

�Didn�t think he could do it either Ez.  But he did.�

�So everything is okay now?�

�Hope so.� 

He folded the paper he had been writing on and slipped it in his book of poems.  Ezra didn�t ask about it but took the book from him and placed it back in a dresser drawer.   He removed his jacket and hung it in the closet.
He placed the revolver back by the door and turned to lock that.  He went and opened the window a little wider.  A soft rain had started to fall and the breeze smelled fresh.  Ezra sat in the rocker leaning his head back and closed his eyes.

He felt deadened.  He had known Chris had wanted to talk to Vin and what it was about but it had worried him nonetheless.  They hadn�t spoken of telling the others about their growing commitment but he had been secretly afraid that it would come up.  And he knew what Mr. Larabee�s reaction to that would be.  He thought that Josiah and maybe Buck knew but he could pick up no abhorrence from either man. 

Vin stared at Ezra wondering what was wrong.  He thought Ezra would be happy that Chris was no longer mad. 

�Ez?�

�Yes?�   Ezra still did not open his eyes.

�Ya alright?�

Ezra sighed deeply, which worried Vin.  He sat there a few minutes longer before sighing again and getting up.

�I�m fine.�

Vin watched him closely as he walked back around the bed.  He removed his boots, placing them at the foot of the bed.  He slowly undressed, putting his clothes carefully away until all he wore was his cotton drawers.

Vin was already naked under the covers.  Nathan had helped him upstairs earlier and he had undressed while waiting for Ezra.  He moved over so Ezra could slide in.

Ezra laid on the edge of the bed, his back towards Vin.  He didn�t know why but he felt hollow inside, as if he had already lost Vin and was just waiting for him to disappear.  He squeezed his eyes tight forcing back the tears he felt building.

Ez darlin� emotions are for weak fools and we are never that.  He could hear his mother�s voice ringing in his head.  Tears are for powerless and we are always in control.   Well he didn�t feel in control now. 

Vin wasn�t sure what was the matter with Ezra but he knew Ezra would tell him sooner or later.  So in the meantime he would just show Ezra how much he loved him.   He moved so he was molded to Ezra�s back.  Ezra stiffened slightly but Vin slowly rubbed his hand up and down Ezra�s chest, whispering reassurances in his ear.  Slowly he felt him relax and he pulled Ezra closer to him.

�Love ya Ez.�  He whispered in his ear.

Ezra clutched Vin�s hand tightly.




Ezra couldn�t sleep.  He felt Vin relaxing behind him and he knew he had fallen asleep.  He had seen the bottle of tonic on the dresser and hoped Vin had taken some.  He wished he could sleep.  He wished he could stop these insane thoughts from chasing around in his head.  He figured he was being stupid, he prayed he was.  But he had no experience in relationships.  And relationships that everyone would be against and was against the law, how the hell did one handle that?   You love him.  A voice said in his head.
Well he knew he loved Vin.  What help was that?  He grumbled at the voice.
You just love him, for as long as possible.    He took a long breath.  He guessed that was good advice.  He would love Vin for as long as Vin would let him, fight for him if and when that time came and when Vin decided he no longer loved him, well he would deal with that when the time came.

He rolled over carefully.  Vin adjusted as he moved, so he was draped over Ezra�s chest.  Ezra ran his hands smoothly through Vin�s hair.  He loved the feel of it, long and silky.  Vin�s hand moved to pull Ezra closer and he made a small sound of contentment but did not wake up.  Ezra moved one hand to lazily stroke Vin�s back while the other played with his hair.  He hadn�t meant to wake Vin, but one sleepy blue eye opened to look at him.

�Mmmm?�  He said sleepily. 

�Go back to sleep Vin.�  He smiled reassuringly. 

Vin smiled back. 

�Got other things on my mind �sides sleep.� 

And he moved to kiss Ezra, softly at first but then hungrily as each man tried to pledge their love to the other without words.





�I�m sorry.�  Ezra said softly later.

Ezra now lay on Vin�s chest, he could hear his heart pounding loudly in his ear, just as he could feel his own heart thumping under his ribs.  They were both still breathless.

�Fer what?�  

Vin stroked Ezra�s back, his turn to enjoy the feel of hard muscles and satiny skin.  Ezra reminded him of velvet in a lot of ways.  He�d only felt it once but knew as soon as he touched Ezra that that was how his skin felt.  Velvety.

�For my earlier demeanor.�

�Wanna talk about it?�   Vin continued his slow caress.

�I was simply being�foolish.�

�Don�t know about that.  Iffen somethin�s bothin� ya, I�d like to know.  Can�t fix it iffen ya don�t tell me.�

Vin paused and then continued.

�Ya can always talk to me Ez.  Hope ya know that.  No matter what.�

Ezra closed his eyes and inhaled the earthy smell that was Vin.   He was right.  The quickest way to ruin something between them was silence. 

�I was concerned earlier about your talk with Chris.�

Ezra paused and Vin continued his caresses but made his touch firm and solid.

�At first I wondered if perhaps Mr. Larabee had guessed the nature of our, relationship, but as I heard no shouting I realized that assessment was wrong.�

Vin allowed himself a little chuckle.

Ezra smiled ruefully against Vin�s chest.

�Then I began to wonder what will happen when the others find out.  And I began to feel melancholy at the thought that I cannot show how much I love you for fear others would not approve.  And I began to wonder if that is fair to you.  You deserve a normal loving relationship Vin, a family.  I imagine that would be important to you.  Then I started thinking about when our relationship ends and how despondent I will be.�

Ezra was silent then.

Vin didn�t say anything.  He wasn�t sure what all the words meant that Ezra had said but he got the idea.

�Don�t care what the others think.  Ain�t their business nor no one else�s.  What we got is between us.  I�d like ta hold yer hand and kiss ya where everyone can see.  But as long as I have ya I don�t care if anyone else knows.  I figure as long as ya love me back that�s plenty fair.�

He moved so he could look Ezra in the face.

�We got a normal lovin� relationship Ez.  We�re the same down deep where it matters.  You�re all the family I want.  If the others wanna be part of our family then all the better.  And iffen I got a say in this we ain�t ending, not till we�re laid out, boots up.�

He smiled and rubbed his hand across Ezra�s cheek.  He could feel the stubble of his whiskers.

Ezra couldn�t believe he had ever thought Vin was a man of few words and probably not very articulate.  Vin constantly amazed him.  And he hoped he continued to amaze him for many years.

�Have I told you today Mr. Tanner how very much I love you?�

�Nope.�  Vin smiled that wide beautiful smile of his.  �I don�t think ya have.�

�Well I love you very much.  And you constantly amaze me.�

�Gotta keep ya on your toes Ez.�  

He captured Ezra�s lips in a passionate kiss.  As he rolled Ezra over onto his back he said,  �And I love ya too.�





Vin woke as the sun was rising.  He could see the top of Ezra�s head tucked under his chin.  They were lying in each other�s arms, arms and legs entangled.  Damn fine way to wake up.  He snuggled closer and tightened his arms around Ezra.   He thought about some of the things Ezra had said the night before.  He hoped the others accepted them being together, when they decided to tell them.  He thought Buck and Josiah might have figured it out.  He wasn�t worried about JD.  But he wasn�t sure how Chris and Nathan would react.  Neither man had high opinions of Ezra.

But that didn�t bother him.  It didn�t matter to him if they approved.  As long as Ezra loved him that was all he needed.  And if they had to leave town, well that didn�t bother him either. 

Ezra stirred and Vin eased his tense hold.  He settled closer to Ezra and fell back to sleep.




Ezra woke sometime later.  It had started to rain again.  The sky was darkening so he wasn�t sure what time it was.  He groaned to himself.  Chris had told him he had morning patrol after Vin had gone upstairs last night.  Normally Vin took this shift and since he had been gone, Chris had been taking it.  He hadn�t mentioned it to Vin but he did not think Chris� opinion of him had changed in light of his apology to Vin. 

He extricated himself from Vin�s arms, wishing he could lay here with him on this rainy morning.  He tried to quietly dress but Vin was a light sleeper.

�Where ya goin� Ez?   Come back ta bed.�

Ezra bent down and kissed him soundly, pulling back as Vin tried to draw him back to bed.

�I am afraid I can�t darlin�.   I have patrol this morning.�

Vin flushed with pleasure at the endearment from Ezra.  He didn�t think Ezra was aware he�d said it.  But then he frowned as he realized what else he had said.

�Whadda ya mean, patrol?   Ya never have mornin� patrol.�

�Never say never.�  

�You didn�t mention ya had patrol last night?�

Ezra shrugged. He decided not to worry with the sleeve rig this time.  He doubted many people would be foolish enough to be out in this weather.  He looked at the window as he heard the rain start to lash against it.  Wonderful.  He turned to smile at Vin.

�Go back to sleep.  I�ll be back later.�

He pulled on his jacket and then his rain slicker.  He buckled his gun belt on and then bent to give Vin another kiss.   Vin raised his hand to Ezra�s neck and tugged him back down for a long, deep kiss.

They both sighed.

�See ya later Ez.�

Ezra smiled, turned and left.




Vin threw off the covers as soon as he heard Ezra�s boots go down the hall.
Damn Chris ta hell.   He couldn�t believe he�d assigned Ezra the shift he knew Chris had been takin� since he�d been gone.  And he knew it was for spite.  Here he thought they had settled things and then he turns around and pulls this.   He got up and dressed as quickly as he could.  He didn�t want Ezra to catch him downstairs.  He glanced out the window and after a few minutes he saw Ezra splashing down the street on Royal.

He limped down the hall towards the steps.  There he saw Chris sitting at the table, drinking coffee.  Was that a smirk on his face?  He started down the steps and kept his eyes glued to Chris.  He was pleased to see a startled look cross Chris� face and then wariness.

�Morning Cowboy.  You feeling better?�  Chris asked nervously.  Vin looked like a wolf about to attack.  All he needed was a snarling lip.

�Why the hell did ya send Ez out this mornin�?�  Vin jumped right in. 

�Didn�t know I had to ask you first before I assigned patrol?�  

Chris had thought they had worked things out.  Now Vin was down here yelling at him.

�I know for a fact Chris that you have been takin� mornin� patrol so why the sudden change?�

Vin was happy to see the guilty look on Chris� face.  Just what he thought. 

�Thought we had things settled?  Thought ya said ya didn�t have a problem with me and Ez.� 

�I don�t.�  But Chris wouldn�t look at him.  He glared into his coffee cup.




Ezra was furious.  He hadn�t been too hopeful that things would get better soon between him and Chris but he hadn�t expected they would get worse.  He�d seen the smug look on Chris� face when Chris told him as he was heading to bed that he, Ezra would be taking morning patrol.  He�d smirked!
And Chris had been smirking this morning, waiting for him when he�d come down for breakfast.  Ezra pulled his hat lower over his face.  The rain was whipped in all directions by the blustering wind.  He should be in bed, wrapped warmly around Vin.  Visions of that brought a smile to his face.  But it didn�t last long.  Up ahead he could see the Little Creek, which was no longer little or a creek.  The water had come out of its bank several feet on each side and was choked with debris.  The normally tranquil creek was turbulent.  He brought Royal to a stop.  He shook his head.  He knew he should turn and go back.  There wasn�t a way around this.  The creek ran in a semi circle around the town, connecting with other creeks and streams.  But the thought of the look that Chris would give him if he came back early � well he knew it would be more than a look.  No, he wouldn�t give Chris Larabee that satisfaction.  Chris lived for the days he could belittle Ezra over something, anything.  And now lately, well Ezra didn�t think Chris was attracted to men but he sure acted like Vin was his property.

Ezra swung out of the saddle.  He wasn�t going to risk Royal to this rushing water.  He lightly held Royal�s reins and stepped into the water.  Even on the shallow edge he could feel the strength and power of the water grabbing at his boots.  He slowly made his way forward then suddenly stepped on a rock that was submerged under the water.  He tried to regain his balance by gripping Royal�s reins but the water was too swift.  He was knocked off his feet and carried swiftly down stream.  Royal lost his footing and also swept away.




Vin sat huddled on the boardwalk trying to stay dry and still see down the road.  The usually dusty street was now a giant mud puddle. The heavy rain had ended, Deluge Vin thought, now it was just a drizzle. Ezra had been due back an hour ago.  Josiah had tried to reassure him that Ezra was probably only delayed due to the weather and Vin had known that might be true.  But he had a terrible feeling inside that something was wrong.   He stood.  He saw a rider coming.  Hell too big for Ezra.  And the man was leading another horse.  Wait a minute.  That was Royal.  He could see now as they drew closer.  Yosemite, the man who worked at the livery was leading Royal who was limping.  Vin could see his front leg was wrapped with a bandage.  Vin moved to the edge of the boardwalk.

�Hey, where�d ya get Ezra�s horse?�

Yosemite drew the horses to a halt in front of the saloon. 

�Found him headin back ta town about 10 miles out.  He had a cut on his leg so I wrapped it.  No sign of Ezra.  I looked.�

No sign of Ezra.   The words kept echoing in his head. 

Chris had been keeping an eye on Vin through the batwing doors.  He had gotten up when he heard Vin yell to Yosemite so he heard the conversation.

Damn.  What had happened?  He knew Royal wouldn�t have left Ezra if he wasn�t forced to. 

Vin turned then and gave Chris such a look full of hate that Chris stepped back involuntarily.  Vin turned again and headed across the street towards the jail, picking his way painstakingly through the water and mud with his cane.

He found Buck and JD in the jail, playing a game of cards. 

�Yosemite found Ezra�s horse.  I�m heading out ta look if ya wanna come.  JD, would ya find Josiah and Nathan, ask them?�

Buck and JD froze at first at Vin�s words.  Then they sprang into action. 

�I�ll find Josiah and Nathan, JD you go to the livery and start saddling the horses.�

JD nodded and was out the door. Vin turned to leave.

�Don�t worry Vin, we�ll find him.�

�Thanks Buck.�




Chris watched as Vin made his way back across the street.  He saw Buck and JD heading towards the livery.

�Vin you stay here.  We�ll go out looking.�  He said as Vin came back inside the saloon.  Vin was wet and his moccasins were muddy.

�No.�

�Vin, there is no since in you going too.  We can handle it.�

�I said no.  I ain�t trustin� ya to find Ez.�

Chris was shocked.  Did Vin think he wouldn�t look?

�What is wrong with you Vin?  You�ve been acting strange lately.  Why are you so worried about Ezra all of a sudden?�

�Cause I love him that�s why.�  Vin shouted.  �Just like Buck loves you.�

He turned and headed up the stairs.

Chris stood there with his mouth hanging open.

What?  Vin and Ezra?  And what was that about Buck?  Buck didn�t love him.  Well not like Vin had implied that he loved Ezra.  Loved Ezra?  How long had that been going on?  That explained some things though.  Buck?
Buck was his oldest friend, he loved him like a brother, right?

Chris stood there lost in thought until Josiah came bursting through the batwings. 

�What is Ezra doing out on a day like this?

�He was on patrol.�

�Patrol?  You don�t ask us to go out in weather like this unless��

Josiah narrowed his eyes. 

�You made him go out didn�t you?�

When Chris wouldn�t answer he continued.

�Is Vin upstairs?�

Chris nodded. 

Josiah gave him another hard look and went up to Ezra�s room.

Ezra�s door was ajar but Josiah knocked lightly and opened it further.  Vin turned to see who it was. 

�Don�t try and talk me out of goin� Josiah.�

�I�m not.�

�Chris didn�t send ya?�

�No, I came to help you get ready.�

Vin smiled and nodded.

�Thanks Josiah.  I owe ya.�

�No you don�t Vin, I love him too.�

�Come on then, we�re burning daylight.�





Buck, JD and Nathan tied the horses in front of the saloon.  Josiah helped Vin mount and they all headed out of town.  Vin led the way.  He figured the fastest way to find Ezra was to follow the route he had taken.   An hour later they came to Little Creek, more swollen now from the rain and runoff.

Ezra would have turned back.  Must of missed something.

Vin turned Peso and then stopped.  There on the ground was Ezra�s hat.  He hadn�t noticed it at first because it was muddy and covered with leaves.   He dismounted and limped over to it.  Vin picked up the hat, turning it over in his hands.

Where are ya Ez?  What happened?   He didn�t want to believe that Ezra would have tried to cross the swollen creek.  But if he had turned around then chances were he�d have made it back to town.  But if he had tried to cross this creek. 

The others stayed back while Vin stood there thinking.  No one wanted to disturb him.  But they all wondered the same thing, had Ezra tried to cross and gotten swept downstream?

Vin nodded to himself turned back to Peso.  He tucked Ezra�s hat into his saddlebag then stepped back up into the saddle.  He nudged Peso and they headed downstream.




JD was the first to see the rain slicker.  He yelled to get Vin�s attention.

�Vin!   Ain�t that Ezra�s slicker, out in the water?�

Vin, who had been near the water�s edge, looked up.  There a few yards down from where they were, something was hung up on a rock.  Vin and the rest moved closer.

�Yeah,� Vin said softly  �That�s Ezra�s.�

They all started searching the bank. 




Ezra came to lying on the muddy bank.  He coughed and vomited half the Mississippi by his calculations.  He couldn�t tell if he was injured.  He was cold and stiff from the frigid water and cool temperatures.  He lay there a few minutes planning ways on dismembering Chris Larabee.  Since that pleasure would have to wait until he returned to town, he slowly got to his feet.  His head throbbed.  He rubbed the back of it and felt a large sore knot.  He pulled his hand away, blood.  Lovely.  Nothing seemed to be broken but his arm was sore.  He imagined he had more bruises to add to his collection.  And if he was correct, he was now on the opposite side of the stream. 

Another marvelous day.
He decided to head back upstream.  He figured Vin would start looking for him along the patrol route.  He looked around.  No sign of his hat or slicker.
Not that he could get much wetter than he was.  At least he still had his gun.
He turned and headed back the way he had come.




�Getting� dark.   Guess we better camp here.�

Vin wearily got out of the saddle.  He didn�t want to stop but was afraid he would miss something in the dark.  And if Ezra was unconscious or�..  He stopped his mind from carrying on with that thought.

The other men dismounted.  They hadn�t been able to travel far.  The flooded area was treacherous and they couldn�t move fast.  It was impossible to tell how deep the water that overflowed the bank was or what was underneath.  They were all frustrated that they hadn�t gotten farther downstream.  Just where was Ezra?




Ezra couldn�t walk any further.  He had a blinding headache and had to keep stopping to throw up.  He felt horrible.  He was alternately hot and cold.  Right now he was freezing and all his supplies were in his saddlebags.  He hoped Royal was all right.  He loved that horse.  He moved up further from the bank into a small grove of trees.  He huddled under some brush trying to get warm.  Couldn�t he ever get stranded somewhere warm?

He woke later in the night.  Or at least he thought he was awake.  Clouds obscured the moon, throwing strange shadows over the ground.  He was burning up.  Hot.  HOTHOTHOT.  How the hell had it gotten so hot?  He laughed at his own joke.  How the hell indeed!  He snickered.  He took his jacket off, tossing it down toward the stream.  Stream.  Maybe he should go down and cool off in the water?  No, the water was filthy.  He laughed out loud.  Don�t want to get any dirtier than I am.   He was thirsty.  Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink.  He threw back his head laughing again. 


JD was on watch.  He was sitting further downstream not far from camp.  He idly twirled his gun, holstering and drawing it.  He pretended he was in a gunfight.

�On the count of three�..one�.two�.�

He drew his gun.   �Bang!�

He grinned and twirled his guns.  He froze.  Had he heard something?   Laughter?    He slowly crept further from camp, listening hard.   Nothing.




Vin woke at dawn.  He went down to the stream to look around.  The water hadn�t receded, in fact he thought it might be higher.  He pulled out his spyglass to look around.  Nothing.  Where was Ezra?  He lowered the glass and was turning back to camp when something red caught his eye.  He placed the spyglass to his eye and searched the opposite bank.  There half way down the bank was Ezra�s red jacket. 

�Ezra!�  He shouted, moving the spyglass to check out the area.

�EZRA!�

The other men hurried to him.

�Do you see him Vin?�   Josiah looked out into the water.

Vin handed him the glass.

�I think that�s his jacket, there on the other side, halfway up the bank.�

Josiah nodded as he too searched the bank.  �I think your right.�

�Damn.�  Buck kicked at the ground.  �How the hell are we gonna get over there?�

�Can you see him?�  JD asked worriedly.  He squinted across the water but couldn�t see anything.
�What is that further up?�    Josiah handed the glass back to Vin.   �See that flash of white?   Under those trees.�

Vin frantically examined the area Josiah had pointed out.  He did see something white but it wasn�t moving.  He walked closer to the water and when he still couldn�t see, he walked into it until he was knee deep, he maneuvered farther downstream.

�Careful Vin.�  Nathan came behind him to steady him.  �That water is still moving fast.�

�I think it�s him.  He ain�t moving but I think it�s him.�

Chris pulled out a cheroot and lit it.  He scanned the bank on both sides, up and down stream.

�We ain�t getting across here.  We haven�t passed any spots that look any better.  I think some of us need to head further downstream.  See if there�s a easier way.�

They all nodded. 

�Half of us stay here, keep an eye on where we�ve spotted him.  The others will go and try to cross.�

�I�m going.�  Vin said quickly.

Chris nodded.  �Nathan, you and Josiah go too.  We�ll stay here so you�ll know where to look once you get to the other side.�




Ezra was too weak to get up.  In fact he didn�t care if he ever got up again.  He had thrown up until there was nothing left but still he heaved.  He was freezing.  He didn�t know where his coat was or what had happened to it.  He tried to open his eyes but the light was blinding, it shot daggers into his brain.   He thought lying there and dying was a good plan.  In fact didn�t he have his gun?  That would be quicker and maybe even warmer.  Yes a nice hot bullet, that might relieve the pressure in his head.  He was sure his brain had swollen.  He fumbled for his gun but couldn�t get the it out of the holster, the leather was wet from his being in the water.  Damn it to hell.
He was sure that would have helped him feel better.  He passed out again.




Vin cursed.  This whole thing was taking way too long.  They had been traveling downstream for two hours and had yet to come to a passable area.
He was ready to swim across if they didn�t find a place soon. 

�Vin, I think this spot looks good.�   Nathan called from up ahead.

Vin spurred Peso.  Nathan was at a wide section of the stream.  They could see rocks jutting out, the water was calmer here.

�Think so Nate.�  

Vin got ready to dismount.

�I don�t think so Vin.  You stay on Peso, we will lead you across.�  Josiah dismounted and seized Peso�s reins.

�I ain�t helpless.�  Vin fumed.

�We know that, but we�ll get across faster than you can on that ankle.�

Vin knew Nathan was right so said nothing but he felt stupid sitting on Peso while they walked.   Josiah and Nathan picked their way carefully across.  
Vin took a deep breath willing himself not to scream out his rage.

It took almost another two hours to work their way up the opposite back towards where they had left the others.  They were further inland on this side and were not sure if they had bypassed where they thought Ezra might be.  Vin pulled up Peso.

�Not sure how far we�ve come.  We need to signal the others, find out where we are.�

Josiah nodded in agreement.  Vin unsheathed his Winchester and fired off a round.  A few seconds later there was an answering shot.  It was to the left of them and slightly ahead.  They angled the horses towards the water.

Ezra thought he heard gunfire.  Where in God�s name am I?  Was he back in St. Louis?  That must be it.  He remembered his mother tossing him out of the wagon as they sped out of town.  The law was looking for two people, a man and a woman and she didn�t intend on getting caught.  He turned over and tried to get to his feet.  He must get off the road.

Vin caught a flash of white.  He urged Peso forward. 

�There, by those trees.  Is that him Josiah?�  

Vin tried to quickly dismount but Josiah and Nathan were quicker.  Nathan reached Ezra first. 

�He�s alive.  He�s burning up with fever.  Josiah get my canteen.�

Josiah grabbed the canteen and helped Vin to Ezra�s side.  The area was covered in brush.  Nathan lifted Ezra�s head.

�Ezra, drink this.�

Ezra mumbled and tried to push his hand away but drank some as Nathan poured some water into his mouth.

�Ez?  Can ya hear me?  It�s Vin.  Josiah and Nathan are here too.�

�Vin?�  Ezra said his voice weak.

  He tried to clear his throat but it was raw from vomiting.  Nathan gave him some more to drink.

�Yeah Ez, it�s me.�

�Vin�s not here.  He left and I�m not telling you were he is.�  Ezra said defiantly. 

Nathan shook his head at the look on Vin�s face. 
�I think he�ll be alright.  It�s the fever talking.  We need ta get him back to town.�

�IS HE ALL RIGHT?� 

Chris� voice floated over the water.  Josiah went down to the water�s edge.

�He has a fever and is out of it.  We need to get back to town.�  Josiah said, his booming voice easily crossing the water.

Chris nodded.  It would take too long for them to bring Ezra back the way they had gotten there. 

�I think if you head North you can cross the Twin Forks.  That�s usually a trickle this time of year.  Might not have flooded too bad.�

Josiah waved that he understood.

�We�ll meet you back in town.�




�I�m hot!�

Ezra was riding with Josiah.  He was slowly stripping out of his clothes and tossing them off the horse.  Nathan rode behind, stopping to pick up the discarded items.

�Son, you need to keep your clothes on!�  Josiah said firmly, trying to stop Ezra from pulling off his shirt.  Jacket and vest had already bit the dust, or mud as it was.

�It is HOT! - as hell, Hades and those other�.hot places.�

Vin tried not to laugh at the sight as the bear of a man struggled with Ezra, who was dwarfed in front of him.  Ezra seemed to have grown several extra arms.

�What are you laughing at?�  Josiah demanded.  He glared at Vin and Nathan.

�He�s right Vin.  We need ta keep him warm.  Not have him riding around nekked.�

Vin sighed and moved Peso closer to Josiah. 

�Hold him still a minute Josiah.�

Josiah wrapped his arms tightly around Ezra.

�I�m sorry Ezra.�  Vin said and then hit him with a right cross. 

Ezra was out like a light.

Josiah grinned down at Ezra�s still body.

�Nice shot Vin.�




Ezra knew he was dying.  But it was not going to be a quick painless death, or a heroic one.  No, that was not in the cards for Ezra P. Standish.  This was to be a slow, painful and humiliating death.  He made a quick grab for the metal basin and vomited. 

�Mr. Tanner, if you are indeed my friend you will end my suffering.�

Ezra called from inside the outhouse.

Vin smiled ruefully from where he leaned against the side.

�Sorry Ez, can�t do it.�

�Oh, you are perfectly capable of nearly knocking my head off but you cannot spare one bullet to end my misery?�

He threw up again loudly.  Ezra kicked the outhouse door open and slung the contents out.   He groaned as his guts cramped and twisted.

�Nate says you�ll be feelin� better soon.  It�s just that nasty water ya swallowed.�

�I believe that vile concoction he is forcing me to consume is made from the very same water.�

Vin chuckled. 

�I�m purty sure it ain�t Ez.  Just seems that way.�

�Just seems that way.�   Ezra muttered loudly from behind the now closed door.

Vin smirked good-naturedly.  Ezra kicked the door open, adjusting his clothes. 

�They really need better ventilation in there.  That place reeks of shit.�

Vin fell against the outhouse holding his sides, doubled over with laughter.  Ezra cocked an eyebrow at him.

�You find that funny?�




Vin cuddled close behind Ezra.  He lightly stroked Ezra�s stomach.  He had finally gotten Ezra to take some laudanum that Nathan had left to sooth his stomach and gut.  He nuzzled the back of Ezra�s neck.

�Glad ta have ya back here safe Ez.�  He pulled him closer.  �Feel like nothing can hurt us when we�re in here.�

Ezra rubbed his hand against Vin�s.  �I feel that way too.  Maybe we should just stay in here awhile.  Trouble seems to find us out there.�

They both chuckled.

�Sounds like a plan to me Ez.�




Chris sat out on the boardwalk, enjoying the quiet and coolness of the early morning.  He hadn�t gotten much sleep.  He had spent the night thinking of all Vin had said and of the last few days.  He knew he had overreacted and he wanted to make it up to both of them.  He had also been thinking about what Vin said regarding Buck.  Why would Vin say that Buck loved him?  Had Buck said something?  He had kept a close eye on Buck to see if he saw any signs of him feeling anything except friendship.  And what if he had?  How would he react if he knew that Buck had feelings for him?  He was surprised to find that the thought didn�t upset him like he would have imagined.  He had known Buck for over 10 years.  He�d known him before Sarah and they had remained close friends all during his marriage.  It was only after his family�s death that he had started to push Buck away.  He had been hurting so badly that he struck out at everyone and Buck was the perfect target.  He had been the one to cut all ties with Buck and he had been glad when they had finally met up again in Four Corners.  Buck knew him better than anyone alive and put up with all his moods.  And if he was truly honest he cared more for Buck than mere friendship.  Maybe he should do something about that.





�You told Mr. Larabee what?�

Ezra and Vin were sitting outside the Saloon.  Ezra still wasn�t able to keep much down and felt weak.  Vin�s shoulder was still sore and he had his ankle up on the railing.  They had decided they need a little fresh air.  Vin smiled shyly.

�Told him Buck loved him like I love you.�

Ezra shook his head.  �What on earth possessed you to say that Vin?�

Vin shrugged.  �Just came out.  Now that I think on it, I reckon it�s true.  Just somethin� I feel.�

Ezra smiled over at him and stroked his leg.  He glanced around but he didn�t think anyone had noticed.  Most people hurried to wherever they were going and didn�t pay them much attention.

�My little match maker.  You know Mr. Tanner, I would dearly love to manhandle you right now and kiss you senseless.�

Vin blushed profusely and beamed.

�Don�t make me get out of this chair Ez.�   He reached over and briefly squeezed Ezra�s hand.

�Hey Vin, Ezra you seen Buck?  I can�t find him no where?�  

JD came stomping down the boardwalk. 

�No JD, ain�t seen him in awhile.  Anything important?�

�Nah, well think I�ll head over and see Casey.  Her and Miss Nettie are over at the General Store.�    He turned and headed across the street.





Chris stared into liquid brown eyes, the color of chocolate.  Funny how he had never noticed that before.  He waited, looking for a sign either of violence or submission.  Suddenly he was seized by a pair of strong arms and slammed against the door of his room.  His mouth was captured in a hard searching kiss and he was the one to surrender.  His hands roamed to touch and explore every part of Buck that he could reach and Buck�s hands were not idle either.  Chris pulled Buck�s hips to his, grinding their groins together.  They both moaned their pleasure. Chris reached back and locked the door and then pushed Buck back, edging them to the bed where they both fell, Chris draped over Buck�s long hard body.  They wasted no time undressing each other.  Chris had the fleeting thought of how wonderful Buck�s mouth and mustache felt against his skin and then he was lost in the sensations.




�Good Lord.�

Ezra�s mouth hung open as he saw Chris and Buck enter the Saloon later. Vin glanced over at them and back at Ezra.

�What?�

� I swear I saw bite marks on Mr. Larabee and Mr. Wilmington�s necks!�

�What!?  Yer kiddin�?�

�I am most certainly not!  I have become quite proficient in the making of said marks and I know what they look like.�   Ezra grinned over at Vin who flushed red.

�Yeah ya do Ez.  And I sure ain�t complain�.� 

He reached over and quickly ran his hand up Ezra�s thigh to his crotch.  Ezra drew his breath in as a hiss.  Vin laughed.

�I think we better go look.�

�Indeed Mr. Tanner.�

They hobbled their way into the Saloon where Chris and Buck were now seated at what they all considered their table.  Vin walked up to the table grinning.  He stopped beside Chris and then tugged at the collar of his own shirt.   Chris threw him a blank look and then comprehension dawned on him.  He looked shocked, looked at Buck and then grabbed his own collar.  Buck busted out laughing and nodded.  They both quickly button their shirts all the way up.  Ezra helped Vin to get settled in a chair while they tried their best not to laugh.  Inez came over and brought two more beers. 

�What is the so funny Senors?�  She said smiling at them.

Ezra choked on his beer as he saw a blush creep up Chris� neck.  Mr. Larabee blushes?  Will wonders never cease?  He nudged Vin�s elbow and discreetly nodded his head in Chris� direction.  Vin�s smile grew even wider.

�Nothin� darlin�, Vin was just tellin� us one of JD�s terrible jokes.�

Inez nodded knowingly and headed back behind the bar.

Everyone was quiet after she left, all intent on studying their beers.

�Want to thank you Vin.�    Chris said quietly.  �If you hadn�t said something then Buck and I�� He paused and looked up at Buck. Buck grinned back at him.  �And I want to say I�m sorry Ezra, to you and Vin.  I had no right to act they way I did.�

�No need to apologize Mr. Larabee.� 

�What Ez means is we accept.�  Vin looked sternly at Ezra.

Chris did need to apologize and it wasn�t all right for the way he had acted.  Ezra smiled and inclined his head to Vin.  He discreetly placed a hand under the table and ran his hand up Vin�s leg.  Vin�s eyes turned dark and passionate.  Buck cleared his throat and they both jumped.

�Like Chris was saying, we wanna thank ya.  If you hadn�t said something to Chris, why then he would never have confronted me and�� It was Buck�s turn to look across at Chris and his face softened.  �Well thanks.�

�Glad to be of help pard.  Hope y�all are as happy as we are.�

�If there is some way we can thank you��  Chris began.

�Why yes there is Mr. Larabee.  How about no more morning patrols for myself or Mr. Tanner for awhile?�

All men laughed.  �I think that can be arranged Ezra.�

�Since that matter is settled, Mr. Tanner would you care to retire with me upstairs?�  Ezra held his arm out to Vin. 

�I�d be delighted Mr. Standish.�

Buck and Chris laughed as Ezra helped Vin up the steps.  Ezra leaned to whisper in Vin�s ear.

�After viewing Mr. Wilmington�s attempts at passion marks, I feel the need to practice.�

�MMmmmmm.  I think that is a mighty fine idea Ez.  Been thinking on some spots I ain�t tried out yet either.�

�Well Vin, it sounds like it is going to be a long and satisfying night.�

Vin gently shoved Ezra into the room as soon as the door was open.  Ezra reached around him to lock the door and wrestled Vin out of his buckskin coat, throwing it to the floor.  He placed his arms around Vin�s waist and taking the cane from his hand, tossed it to the floor.  He drew Vin closer nibbling his way down Vin�s neck and moving him slowly backward to the bed.  He undid Vin�s pants, shoving them down his legs, careful of his ankle. Vin pushed Ezra�s jacket off and began to unbutton his shirt as Ezra lowered him to the bed.  He moaned as Ezra marked his neck.  They were soon undressed and Ezra moved to straddle Vin.

�Ez.�  He groaned as Ezra�s hand traveled up his chest. 

�Yes?�   Ezra followed his hands with kisses.

�I think my luck just changed for the better.�

�Mine too Vin.�


The End?
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