Author:  Willow
Universe:  ATF
Main characters: Ezra/Vin
Pre-slash
Disclaimer:  I wish I owned them, then they would still be on!
Warnings � none.  Just some mutual attraction and smooching.  Nothing too serious!  Some violence.

JUNE 2004

Feedback � Welcome!  [email protected]     This is my first attempt at slash so any feedback would be appreciated.  No Beta so any mistakes are mine!  I own �em!



What is love, really?




I�m not gay.  Oh sure I�ve noticed if men are dressed nice, are handsome.  But that doesn�t make me gay. 
And yes I�ve enjoyed a man�s company.  Guys hang out all the time.

He was snapped out of his musings as Vin walked by his desk.  Vin in his worn jeans that hung low on his firm, flat � STOP IT!

Ezra looked back at his computer screen.  His report that he had started an hour ago still just contained the date and the title.   What was wrong with him?  You didn�t just turn gay did you?  Something that snuck up on you and grabbed you overnight?  

He shook his head smiling ruefully to himself.  He glance up and saw Vin walking back down the hall and when Vin saw him smile, he smiled that half smile of his back at Ezra.  Ezra felt his stomach dropped and his heart speed up.  He felt the blush crawl up his face as he quickly looked back at his computer screen.

What are you thinking Ezra?  What is the matter with you? Get a grip man!   Hmm a grip.  Yes he�d like to grip Vin�s - Ezra leaped out of his chair and headed for the break room.

Vin and Chris were leaning against the counter, coffee cups in hand.  Vin was laughing at something Chris had just said, Chris grinning broadly.  Ezra felt a rush of jealously and a desire to tell Chris to get the hell away from his man!  He forced himself to smile and said,

�Afternoon gentlemen.  Don�t let me interrupt. Just needed some caffeine to assist me in my report.�   

Ezra headed for the coffeepot, not looking at either man.
�Don�t hurry off Ez.�  Vin said in his soft Texan drawl.  �Chris here was just telling me about his run in with some drunk that wandered in on a bust he was making.�

�Carry on,� Ezra said, filling his cup and hurrying to the door.  �I have a report to get back to.�

Vin watched Ezra leave with a wistful look on his face and then turned back to Chris as he resumed his story.

Ezra forced himself to focus on his report.  He was doing all right until he heard Vin�s quiet voice behind him. 

�Hey Ez, it�s almost lunch.  Care to head down to Inez�s with me? �

Ezra felt his heart speeding up.  Lunch with Vin?  Should he? 

�Why sure Mr. Tanner, that would be fine.�   He saved his report and stood up to grab his coat.  Vin was standing behind him with a wide smile on his face.  Full wattage shining right at Ezra.  He stopped, paused and then looked down as he retrieved his coat from the rack.  Maybe this wasn�t so smart.  But he was a con man wasn�t he?  Use to hiding his feelings and playing a part?

�I�ll drive if you don�t mind Ezra.�  Vin said as he headed for the elevator.  �You don�t mind the jeep do you?�

�Certainly not.�  Ezra quickly said.  He hated that jeep.  Well not the jeep itself.  It�s dilapidated appearance yes.  But it was Vin�s so how could he say no?

Vin grinned shyly.  �I know it ain�t much.  But it�s mine and I�m comfortable in it.�

Ezra smiled back at him.  �That�s what is important Mr. Tanner.�   He clapped his hand on Vin�s shoulder and felt a shock as he touched him.  He could feel the warmth of Vin�s skin through his flannel shirt.  He quickly pulled his hand back. 

The ride to Inez�s Saloon was quiet which wasn�t surprising since Vin hardly spoke.  But Ezra didn�t mind.  He used the time to give himself a pep talk.  He was really letting this, infatuation, get out of hand.  That is all it was.  A stray thought that had taken a life of it�s own.  All he needed to do was take control of his mind.   Stop this insane line of thought.

�Ezra?� 

Ezra turned to look at Vin.  He hadn�t realized he was speaking to him.  �Yes?�

�Where were ya?�  Vin asked with a smile.  �I asked you twice about that movie you were talking about seeing?  Have ya gone yet?�

�Oh, no Mr. Tanner I haven�t.�  Ezra pulled himself back to the present.  �I haven�t made the time.�

�Well,� Vin glanced from the road to look quickly at Ezra and then away.  �How about we go together?  I�ve been thinking on it and would like to see it.�

Ezra�s mouth fell open and he snapped it shut.  A date with Vin?   No, he told himself, not a date!   But him and Vin out together all alone?

�Why that would be lovely.�  Ezra said.

�Great, Vin said smiling broadly.  �It�s a date.�

Ezra�s heart started to pound loudly.

They soon arrived at the saloon, which was crowded for lunch.  Inez knew the entire Laramie team and usually tried to keep a booth open for them.  They were in luck today as it was still open.  Ezra sat on one side of the U shaped booth and Vin on the other.  As they looked at the menu�s they heard a familiar voice.

�Lookie here fellas!   Vin and Ezra have saved us a table!�   Ezra groaned as he heard Buck Wilmington�s booming voice across the room.  He looked up to see Buck, J.D, Nathan and Josiah heading straight for them.  So much for his quiet lunch alone with Vin.  The guys started crowding into the booth from both sides and they were forced to the middle where � Ezra was now sitting closely beside Vin. 

�Sorry.�  Ezra said as he was squashed up close to Vin.

�Fine by me.�  Vin said, again smiling that little half smile Ezra had come to love.

What?   What did you just say Ezra Standish?  Love?   Ezra was beginning to wonder if he was going to just up and have a heart attack.  All these heart palpitations.  They couldn�t be healthy.  Maybe he needed to ask Nathan about that.

Lunch was a blur.  Ezra was only aware of eating because he saw his hands moving towards his mouth.  The only thing he was aware of was the heat from Vin�s thigh were it pressed against his and the tightness he felt in his pants. 

�Ready to go Ez?�  Vin said placing a hand on Ezra�s arm.  He jumped. 

�Huh?  Oh yes Mr. Tanner I am ready to depart.�   He scooted toward the end of the booth, Vin still right beside him. 

The ride back was also a blur.  He could still feel the warmth of Vin sitting beside him.  He was positive it radiated from across the bucket seats. 

Later that afternoon Ezra was beginning to compose himself when he felt a warm breath in his ear.

�Ezra, could you help me with this Excel file?  You know I�m all thumbs when it comes to reports.�   Vin leaned over Ezra�s shoulder.

Ezra almost fell out of the chair but luckily Vin was standing so close the chair didn�t tip.

�Sorry pard didn�t mean to startle you.�  Vin was now chuckling in his ear.

�Not at all Mr. Tanner.�  He leaped from his chair and followed Vin back to his desk.  He started to stand behind Vin�s chair but he could smell Vin�s cologne,  Quorum, the Christmas present he had given Vin when they drew names.  He hastily grabbed a chair and pulled it up beside Vin.  He spent an hour helping showing Vin the short cuts around the Excel program, their hands brushing occasionally.   Ezra felt sick with adrenaline when he finally stood up.

�There, well I hope that helps some Mr. Tanner.�

�Vin.�

�What?�

�Why don�t you try calling me Vin?�  Vin smiled a lazy smile at him.   Ezra could feel his stomach flip.

�Uh, why sure Mr., uh well Vin.�   Ezra flashed a quick grimace.  �If you�ll excuse me.�  And he dashed down the hall to the men�s room.


He splashed water on his face and looked at himself in the mirror.

�Ezra I am disappointed in you.�  He tried out his mother�s voice on himself.  A sure cure to snap him out of this stupor.   But it didn�t help. He glanced at his watch.  4pm.  Only one hour left.  Hell he could do two hours.  No problem.

He glanced out of the restroom door.  No one in sight.  He eased down the hall and to his desk.  Coast was clear.     Maybe he�d see if Chris would let him leave a little early.  He printed up his report and headed for Chris� office.   He could hear the rest of the guys in the break room.  Chris dead ahead in his office. 

�Mr. Larabee, here is that report I promised.�  Ezra knocked as he entered.  Chris looked up with a slight frown but held out his hand for the report.

�Thanks Ezra.�   He looked back down towards his desk.

�Mr. Larabee?�

�Yes?�   Chris looked up again.   He was mildly concerned at the look on Ezra�s face.  He looked pale. 

�You alright?�

�Why yes Mr. Larabee I was just wondering if would be allowable for me to leave a few minutes early this evening.�  Ezra looked at Chris and then inspected his shoes.

Hmm Chris thought.  Something isn�t right.  But he knew prying didn�t work on Ezra. 

�Sure.  Head on out.  And don�t bother being on time in the morning.�  Chris smirked at Ezra.  Ezra was never on time.  

�Thank you, sir.�  He mumbled and headed toward the door.

Sir?  Now Chris knew something was wrong.  Ezra didn�t �sir� anyone.  He watched Ezra hurry back to his desk.

Ezra had just turned off his computer and was pulling on his coat when Vin walked up.

�Leaving early?� 

�Why yes Mr. Tanner, I�ve feeling a bit indisposed.�

�You okay?�

�I�m fine, perhaps something I had at lunch.�  Perhaps an overdose of nerves?

�Hope you feel better Ez.  Looking forward to that movie.�  He grinned shyly.

�As I am Mr. Tanner.�  Ezra mumbled gave his signature gesture of tipping his hat and left.

     Vin sighed.  What was wrong with him?  He�d developed this powerful urge to be around Ezra.  He liked Ezra, sure but it was different.  He found himself unconsciously following Ezra around.  It was he was a magnet and Vin was metal shavings.  And when Ezra wasn�t around Vin thought of things to tell him or he�d see something and think Ezra would like that.  And when Ezra turned those green eyes on him and gave him that dimpled smile Vin�s stomach lurched and other�other parts stirred.  Vin blushed.  But he wasn�t that way!

�Vin!�

Vin jumped.  He turned from his desk.
�We�re heading for Inez�s.  You ready?�  Buck stood with his coat in his hand.

�Yeah.  I�m coming.�


*******

Vin was on his fourth beer.  He sat gloomily at the table.  JD, Buck, Chris and Nathan were playing pool.  Josiah was at the bar talking to Inez.  Vin glanced around at all the people laughing and drinking, while he sat wishing Ezra was here and worrying that he did.  Sure he noticed good-looking men before but he�d never been interested.  Was he interested in Ezra?  Just thinking that made butterflies flutter in his stomach.

�You okay Vin?�  Josiah pulled out a chair.

�Thinking.�

�Can I help?�

Vin looked at him and back at his beer.  He liked Josiah.  He was easy to talk to and never was one to judge a man.

�Thinking about love.�

�Love.�  Josiah said in his deep rumbling voice and sighed wistfully.

�Powerful thing.  Wars have started over it, ships sunk, people died.  When it�s right it is the most wonderful thing.  Make you able to move mountains.�  He smiled widely at Vin.

�And when it ain�t?�  Vin kept his eyes on his beer.

Josiah looked at Vin.  He wasn�t a profiler for nothing.  He studied people.  He�d noticed Vin seeking out Ezra�s company and he�d seen the looks both gave each other when they thought no one else noticed.  Hell he didn�t think they noticed.

�Love is a beautiful thing Vin.  If it�s true and pure how can it be wrong?  What is love Vin?�

Vin glanced up at him.

Josiah continued, �Love is caring for someone.  Wanting the best for him.  Thinking of them before yourself or anyone else.�

Vin nodded.  �Josiah�..�

�Vin.  Josiah!  Come over here and watch this.�  JD ran up to the table.
�Sure JD.�  Josiah smiled.

�Josiah..Thanks.�  Vin said as he got up.

�Anytime son.  Anytime.�

* * * * * *

Chris pulled into the garage and stopped.  He looked at his watch.  He looked at the clock in his truck.  7:00 AM.   So what the hell was Ezra Standish going here?

�Ezra.�

�Good morning Mr. Larabee.�  Ezra sat at his desk, a venti mocha in hand. 

�Something you wanna talk about?�

�Me?  Why no.  Just want to catch up on some work.�

Chris eyed him suspiciously.  He could see the dark smudges under those green eyes.  Eyes that showed nothing as usual.

�Doors always open.�

�Thank you�Chris.�  He turned back to his computer.

Chris headed for the break room to make coffee.  Something was up and he planned to get to the bottom of it.


The rest of the team wandered in as usual.  Josiah glanced over at Ezra, hard at work at his desk.  He stopped beside him.

�We missed you last night Ezra.�

�Thank you for saying so Josiah.�  

Josiah patted him on the shoulder and headed for his own desk.

�Hey Ez.  Feeling better?�  Vin noticed the dark circles under Ezra�s eyes too.

�I�m fine Mr. Tanner.  Thank you for asking.�

�Glad to hear it.�  He smiled and laid his hand on Ezra�s back. 

* * * * * *
Later Ezra noticed Josiah head for the break room.   He paused then followed.

�Ezra.  Join me in a cup of coffee?�

�That depends on who made it.�

Josiah smiled.  �I did.�

�Then by all means.�  He smiled too and poured himself a cup.

�Mr. Sanchez.�  Ezra stopped wondering exactly he wanted to ask.  Do I look gay?

�Yes Brother Ezra?�

�How.�  He stopped again.  �How do you know if you care for someone?�  

Josiah smiled slightly to himself.  Finally he thought. 

�Well, you get a warm feeling when think about them.  You want to be near them.�

Ezra was silent, nodding slightly.  �And if they care for you?�

�Sometimes it�s a look.  A smile.  Of course they want to be near you too.�

�But how do you know?�  Ezra gave him a stricken look. 

�You have to have faith Ezra and take a chance.�

Ezra smiled weakly.  �Thank you Josiah.�

The rest of the day past uneventful.  Ezra kept glancing at the clock then at him watch.  Vin had spent most of the day in meetings with Chris over a new case that was developing.  Finally at around 3:30 PM Vin was back at his desk.

�Mr. Tanner?�

Vin looked up from the file he was studying. 

�I, I was wondering if you would like to accompany me to that movie tonight?�  Shit, was he blushing?  Please God NO.

Vin broke into a wide smile.  �Yeah.�

�Good.�  Ezra smiled.  �Perhaps dinner afterward?�

�Yeah.�  Geez couldn�t he say anything but yeah?  �I mean I�d like that a lot.� 
�Fine.  I�ll check the times.�  Ezra smiled again and headed for the break room to find the newspaper.

A date.  Vin thought.  He was going on a date with Ezra. 

A date Ezra thought.  He had asked Vin on a date.

Even if he doesn�t know it, they both thought.

* * * * * *

It was a few minutes till 5.

�The movie starts at 6 Mr. Tanner if that is acceptable.�

�That�s fine Ez.  I�m ready.�

�You fellas heading for the saloon?�  Buck had stuck his head around the corner.

�Nah we�re going to a movie.�

�A movie?�  Buck sounded interested.  Both men groaned silently to themselves. 

�Are you ready Buck?�  Josiah had appeared behind him.  �You owe me a game of pool.�

�That�s right!  I beat your butt last night preacher man!�

And I plan to do the same to you Brother Buck.�

Ezra and Vin sent a grateful smile to Josiah.

* * * * * *

�How about some refreshments Mr. Tanner?�   Ezra stood in front of the snack bar.

�Vin.�

�Vin.�  Ezra smiled.     Vin�s stomach lurched.  That dimpled smile directed at him and Ezra saying his name. 

Vin was sprawled out in his seat, his knee touching Ezra�s.  He swore he could feel the heat up his leg and to his groin.  Should he move?

Ezra hadn�t moved his leg.  He guessed that was a good sign.

* * * * * *

�That shoot out was bogus.�

�It was a movie Vin.�

�I know but two guys shooting it out with all those bad guys and not one scratch.�

�That one did get hit over the head.�

�Kinda reminded me of Buck and JD>�

�You mean all the bickering?�  Ezra laughed.  �Yes that did sound like our Mr. Wilmington.�

�Hey Ez, want to head over to the saloon?  Grab a beer?�

�That sounds like a plan Mr., uh Vin.�

Ezra smiled as they left the restaurant and headed toward his jag.  This had been a delightful evening.

Vin grinned as he led the way to the car.  This date was going great.

�Hey!�  Buck yelled.  �Look who it is.�

�What movie did you see?�  JD waved to Inez to bring more beer.

�Bad Boys II.�  Vin said grinning.

�Bad boy, bad boys.  Whatcha gonna do?  Whatcha gonna do when they come for you?�  Buck and JD sang.

�I told you.�  Vin grinned looking over at Ezra.

�Yes you were quite right Mr. Tanner.�

�What?�  JD and Buck said together and everyone laughed. 

�Mr. Tanner remarked how you and Mr. Wilmington could play the lead parts in that movie.�

�Yeah,� Buck smiled.  �And I�m Mike Lawry, the ladies man.�

�Nah, I�m the young single guy.�  JD piped up.  �You are the old married guy!�

* * * * * *
�How�s that Ez?�

�I think you have it Vin.  Bank it lightly off that side.�

Vin grinned to himself.  He liked it when Ezra called him Vin.  Especially when they were alone.  Made it more special.

�Wait till I try that move on Josiah.  He won�t know what hit him.� 

Ezra smiled and clapped a hand on Vin�s back.  �I assure you the game will be yours.�

He lightly rubbed his hand along the flannel of Vin�s shirt.  Who would have thought that the feel of flannel would be so provocative.   Shirt?

�I almost forgot.�  Ezra exclaimed.  �I left the packages we got in the car.�   They had spent Saturday afternoon shopping.

�Hurry back Ez� Vin flashed him a brilliant smile.

Ezra blushed and gave his salute.

* * * * * *

Bubba and his cronies shared a look.  They�d seen these two in here last night.  Sashaying around.  Seen them flirting and blushing like schoolgirls.  It just won�t right.  Bubba smiled and nodded and they headed outside.

Ezra leaned into the back seat.  Where was that bag?

�Hey fellas.  Whadda we have here?� 

Ezra groaned.  Just what he needed.  Drunks.

�May I help you gentleman?�

�Listen to that Bubba.  Sounds like a fairy.�

�We don�t like homos around here fairy boy.�

The other snickered.

�I�ll be sure to pass that along if I see any.�  Ezra closed the door to the car and prepared himself.

They laughed.  �We�ll give you the message first.�

Two of them grabbed Ezra by the arms.  Bubba hit him in the stomach, knocking all the air out of him.  Ezra managed to kick one of them before he was pinned against the car.

�Let�s take our party out back.�  With an uppercut to Ezra�s jaw the four men then drug him to the alley behind the bar.

Ezra knew the beating didn�t take days but it sure as hell felt like it.  Someone smashed a bottle upside his head.  He uttered not a word during the deliberate pounding, only an occasional grunt.  His attackers unfortunately were not silent.  He wanted to tell them to shut up and get on with it but his split lip made talking difficult. 

�Your girlfriend won�t think you�re so purty now.�  They laughed.  �With that long hair he sure looks like a girl.  And if you tell anyone who did this we�ll do the same to him.  Might even take him out and get to know him real good.�

As Ezra felt himself blacking out his final thought was it was about damn time.

* * * * * *

�Vin.�  JD hollered as the team all came in.

Vin turned around.  He had been concentrating so hard on practicing his pool shots that he hadn�t realized how much time had passed.  He glanced at the clock over the bar.  About 20 minutes had gone by since Ezra went outside.

�Hey did you see Ezra outside?�

The guys exchanged looks. 

�No.� Buck said.

�I saw his car, in his usual spot.�  Nathan smiled.

�He went out about 20 minutes ago to get something.  He didn�t have a coat on.�

�Let�s go.�  Chris led the way.

From a distance everything looked fine.  Ezra liked to park on the far end of the lot.  A utility pole sat to the left of the car.  As they got closer they noticed the shattered windshield.  The headlights had been knocked out.  The driver�s side door was dented, the paint scratched.  Three tires had been slashed.

�What the hell?  JD sounded scared.

�Where�s Ez?�  Vin�s voice was soft.

The men quickly looked around the outside of the car.  The doors were locked. 

�I see blood.�  Nathan pointed near the driver�s door.

�Spread out.�  Chris barked.

Buck was heading towards the back for the bar when he heard a moan. 

�Over here!�  He yelled and moved towards the dumpsters.  He saw feet sticking out from behind the dumpster.

�Call an ambulance!   Ez?�  He said softly.  �It�s okay pard.  We�re here.�   He squeezed his long body behind the dumpster.  He could see Ezra covered in blood and trash from the little light.  He started tossing the trash aside as the others ran up.

�Oh my god!�  JD froze.

Vin tried to reach Ezra but his body was wedged between the dumpster and the wall.  Buck was straddling him.

�Guys help me move this.�  Josiah grabbed one corner. Chris, JD and Vin moved to help.   Nathan moved behind it with Buck. 

�Anybody got a light?�

�Got one in my car Nate.�  Josiah ran back to get it.

�Ezra?�  Vin reached out a hand to touch Ezra�s face.  He moaned and stirred.

Suddenly Ezra was illuminated and they all gasped.  Ezra�s face and chest were covered with blood.  One eye was swollen completely shut, the other half way.  His lip was split.  Numerous cuts and bruises covered his face, making him almost unrecognizable.

�Oh Ez.�  Vin�s voice was just a whisper.

�Hang in there son.�  Josiah�s voice rumbled, fear and anger making it tight.


Soon the area was lit by red and blue lights.  Vin rode in the ambulance with Ezra.  Chris stayed to talk to the police.  He sent Buck back to the bar to see if anyone had seen anything.  The rest rode in Josiah�s car to the hospital.

They found Vin in the waiting room.  A familiar place for Team Seven. 

�Any word?�  Nathan led the others.  Vin looked up, worry and fear etched on his face.  He opened his mouth but then shook his head.  He lowered his face back into his hands.
Josiah laid a hand on Vin�s shoulder.  �He�ll be fine Vin.�

A half-hour later found the waiting room crowded with six prowling men.  They took turns pacing and sitting.

Nathan looked up as a doctor approached.

Dr. Mitchell was very familiar with the six men in front of him.  He could tell in a glance they were all on edge and wanted the news short and sweet.

�He�s going to be fine.  He has a concussion.  Several broke ribs.  His jaw is fractured; we�ve wired it. He�s still unconscious.� 

�How long?�  Nathan was the only one to speak so far.  Being their medical expert, most from lots of experience on his teammates, they let him do the talking.

�Six weeks.�

�Can we see him?�  Chris had stepped forward.

�Yes, they are moving him to room 320.�

The familiar ritual began.  Extra chairs were brought into the room.  The men paced and places shifted.  Each took a turn sitting by Ezra.  Quiet voices whispered for Ezra to come back to them.

Vin was sitting by Ezra a few hours later when the first signs showed that their seventh was returning.  Vin heard a soft moan.

�Ez?�

Everyone gathered around the head of the bed.

�We�re all here son.�  Josiah reached out and placed a hand on Ezra�s leg.

Ezra could hear voices.  He knew something was wrong.  What was it?  There was something he was supposed to remember.  He felt a hand touch him.  Pain.  He remembered pain.

�No.�  He murmured.  �Stop.�  He jerked his leg away.

�It�s okay Ez.  We�re here.  You�re okay.�  Vin leaned closer.

Ezra knew that voice.  But something nagged at him.  Something � wrong.

�Rest Ezra.�  Chris moved closer to the bed.  �We�ve got your back.�

Mr. Larabee.  Ezra knew that voice too and knew it was safe.  He fell back into the black.

* * * * * *

�Are you back with us Brother?�

Ezra�s eyes fluttered.  He could only open one eye.  He tried to turn his head and grunted.  Josiah�s face came into view above him.

�Let me tell the others you are back.�

�No.�  Ezra mumbled.  Why couldn�t he talk?  His face hurt, his jaw was killing him.

Josiah leaned back over the bed.  �Your jaw is broken, its wired shut.  You have a concussion, some broken ribs.�  He leaned closer.  �Lots of contusions. What happened son?� 
Josiah placed his hand on Ezra�s arm.  He was surprised to see a tear run down his cheek.  He rubbed his thumb lightly across Ezra�s face.

�I�m here.�

The door burst opened.

�Hey Josiah.  Is he awake yet?�  JD came in followed by Buck.

Josiah saw Ezra�s poker face slip back into place.

�JD keep it down.�  Nathan came in behind him, followed by the rest.  Josiah smiled down at Ezra and patted his arm again.

�Ez you�re awake.�  Vin smiled.

�What happened Ezra?�  Chris moved closer to the bed.

�Fight.�  Ezra mumbled.   Josiah gave him a small drink of water.

Chris grinned slightly.  �We figured that one out Ez.�

�Car.  Said I was in his spot.�

Chris glanced at Josiah and then back to the others.

�Someone beat you up because they said you parked in their spot?�  Chris spoke slowly.

Ezra nodded and then winced.

�Need something for pain Ezra?�  Nathan had stepped closer to the bed.

Ezra said �yes� so softly that they had to read his lips.

Nathan nodded and stepped out into the hall. 

�Hey pard you just rest.  We�ll stay with you.�  Buck moved over to pat his leg.

�I�ll stay.  Y�all can go on home.�  Vin moved to stand where Ezra could see him.

�No!�  Ezra tried to sit up and groaned.  The room started to spin.

�Ez?�

�Don�t want you here.�  He tried to speak plainly, which was tough with his jaw shut.
�Everyone leave.�

�No.�  Vin looked at Ezra then to Chris.  �No, I want to stay.�

Ezra glared at him.  �Can�t you do damn thing I ask?�  Ezra slurred.

The nurse came in at that point, needle in hand.

�Mr. Standish needs his rest.�  She injected something into his IV.

�Everyone out.�  Chris herded them all towards the door.  �You too Vin.�

�Josiah?�  Ezra called softly. 

Chris looked back at Josiah and nodded as he closed the door.

�I�m right here son.�  He sat back down and pulled his chair close.  He held Ezra�s hand in his.

Ezra sighed.  Some damn good drugs.  He felt light and tingly.  He sighed again.  If he could only feel this way forever.

�Favor?�

�Anything.�  Josiah said.

�Between us.�

�Consider it a confessional.�  Josiah smiled. 

Ezra tried to smile past his swollen lips.  Part of his brain told him to shut up, but the drug filled part wouldn�t listen.  And he told Josiah everything.  He stopped frequently.  Josiah giving him sips of water.  Part was physical pain, part emotional and the drugs were taking his under.  Josiah held his hand tightly.

�Don�t want Vin near me.�  Ezra finally said.  His eye almost closed.  �Not hurt.�

Vin can take care of himself and we can take care of both of you.�

�No.�  Ezra said.  He was fading fast.  �Fool.�

�Rest now Ezra.  I�ll be here when you wake up.�

And Ezra was gone.

* * * * * *

If there was one thing that Chris wasn�t � that was stupid.  He knew that lame story Ezra came up with was a bold face lie.  He figured Ezra would have done better if he�d had a chance to think on it some but luckily they had been there when he woke up.

�Buck?�

�Nothing.  Inez said she thought she saw some fellas leave after Ezra but she ain�t sure.  No body there say anything.�

�Let�s head back and double check.  I want to know what the hell happened tonight.�

The men divided between Josiah�s car and Chris� truck.   Vin rode with Chris.  More quiet than usual.  Chris knew something more was going on but he didn�t know what.

�Vin?�

�I don�t know Chris.  We got there around 4.  Played some pool.  Ezra was showing me some pool shots.  Then he remembered he�d left a bag in his car.  We�d been out shopping.  He went to get it.�  He stopped.

�It�s all my fault!  I should have gone out with him.  I should have checked on him sooner.�

�It�s not your fault.  Ezra�s a big boy.  Not that he can�t find trouble blind folded.�

�It�s not his fault!�   Chris was surprised by the anger in Vin�s voice. 

�Take it easy Vin.  I was just kidding.  You know how Ezra is.�

Vin fumed.  �I ain�t takin it easy.  You�re always blamin him for shit that ain�t his fault.�

Vin stared out the passenger window.  Chris glanced at him and shook his head.  This night just got better and better.
* * * * * * *

Chris sent everyone else home and headed back inside the bar.  It was almost closing time anyway.  Then it hit him.  Why hadn�t he thought of it before?  Only a few months ago Ezra had talked Inez into getting a video security system.  But the cameras weren�t noticeable and he had forgotten all about it.

�Senor Chris?  How is Ezra?�

�He�s going to be fine Inez.  Busted up some.  Hey did you have the security system going tonight?�

Her eyes widened and she brought her hand to her mouth.  �I forgot.  Yes, I changed the tape every shift as Ezra suggested.  I did not think of it when Senor Buck came in.�

Senor Chris.  Senor Buck.  Chris thought.  She sounds just like Ezra.  Like adding Mister kept a man at a distance.  He blinked.  Was that it?  He had just figured part of Ezra calling them Mister was his fancy ways and part to annoy them.  But was he really just keeping them at arm�s length?  He knew it was hard to get close to Ezra but he hadn�t thought of this aspect.

�Senor Chris?�

�What?�  Chris came back from his thoughts.

�I said I will get you the tape for tonight.�  And she disappeared back into the office.

Chris was left with his pondering.  If this was due to someone who knew Ezra then they probably either knew or had seen the rest of the team.  And if it was someone who just saw Ezra that night, as unlikely as that was, it still might be smarter to get someone else to help out. 

�Here you are Senor Chris.�  Inez handed a videocassette across the bar.  � I hope this helps.  Tell Ezra I hope he feels better soon.�

�I will.�  He held up the tape.  �And thanks.�

Chris headed back out to his truck and pulled out his cell phone.  He knew it was late but he knew his friend from Team 5 would still be awake.  He had just sat in the driver�s seat when the phone was answered.

�What�s up Chris?�

Chris hesitated and then grinned.  Damn caller ID.  Was he the only one who didn�t look at it?

�Tony, how�s it going?�

�No complaints.�

�Got a little undercover work I need help with.�

�Work?�

�Nope.�

�Go on.�  Tony leaned back in his recliner, clicking the television to mute.

Chris quickly explained the evening and his suspicions on his men being made.

�Want me to kick some ass?�

�Not yet,� Chris said laughing. �I�m gonna have some possible photos. I was hoping you could stop by Inez�s tomorrow, sniff around some.�

�No problem Chris.  You know I like that southern S.O.B.�

�He has that effect on people.�  Chris laughed again.  �I�ll call you tomorrow and let you know about those pictures.�

* * * * * * *


Vin walked over to the tow truck that was hooking up Ezra�s car. 

�Hey.�  He nodded to the driver.  �I need to get the personal effects out before you take off.�

The driver looked like he was going to refuse and Vin dug out his wallet and flashed his ATF ID. 

�Go ahead.�  The man handed him the keys.

Vin opened the driver�s door.  Ezra didn�t keep much in his car but Vin wanted to get the shopping bag of things they had gotten that afternoon.  He found it under the passenger seat where he had put it.  He checked inside and saw everything was there.  Then he grabbed Ezra�s Starbuck thermal mug and his extra pair of sunglasses.  He looked in the glove compartment but there was nothing inside but manuals and maps.  He glanced in the back.  Nothing.
He popped the trunk.  He grabbed the bag and closed the driver�s door as he got out.  He opened the trunk but again saw nothing he needed to take.   He pulled Ezra�s spare keys off the ring and handed the car key back to the tow truck driver.  

�Thanks.� 

�You ready Vin?�  Nathan came up to the car.

�Yeah I got everything.  Thanks for the ride home Nate.� 

�No trouble.�

They headed back to Nathan�s car.  Vin was lost in his own guilt as the drove to Purgatory.   Nathan pulled up in front of Vin�s building.

�It�s a good thing you weren�t there Vin.�

Vin�s head snapped up.  �What?�

�Good thing you weren�t involved in whatever trouble Ezra was in.�

�You think this was Ezra�s fault?�  Vin�s voice when angry got quieter and his voice now was almost a whisper.

�Well you know how he is.�  Nathan looked surprised.  He didn�t understand the animosity he felt coming from Vin.

�Yeah I know how he is.�  Vin opened the door.  He leaned back in as he stood by the curb.  �Obviously you don�t.�  He slammed the door and stalked to his apartment.

Nathan shook his head and drove off.

* * * * * * *

Ezra woke with a start.  He glanced around and at first didn�t know where he was, and then he could see he was in a hospital room.  He�d been having a nightmare of the beating but in the dream the men had Vin too and Vin had pleaded with him to help.  He had jerked awake as they drug Vin off.

Ezra glanced to his left and instantly regretted it.  His neck muscles felt as tight as piano wire.  Thank God that eye was the one not swollen shut.  But he didn�t really have to look.  He recognized the snores echoing through the room as belonging to Josiah Sanchez.  He tried to grin but it hurt too much.  His head pounded someone was trying to bash his brains out with a sledgehammer.  But that pain was vying for first place with his jaw.  The rest of his body shouted out their views on pain too.

He felt around with his hands and found the call button with his right one.  Sure he thought.  Put it on the side I can�t see out of.  He pressed the button and waited.

A strip of light appeared as the door opened.  The nurse quietly came to the side of the bed.  Josiah was stretched out in 2 chairs near the foot.

�Are you okay Mr. Standish?�

�Pain.�  Ezra mumbled.

�I�ll be right back.�  She turned to leave but Ezra put out a hand.

�Water?�

She smiled and poured some water in a cup from the bedside pitcher.  She tilted the plastic straw and held it to Ezra�s mouth.  He took a few deep drinks.

�Let me move this tray up for you.�  She added more water to the cup and placed it on the tray.  She moved it to the left side of the bed and raised it so he could easily reach it.

�I�ll go get that pain medicine for you.�  She hurried out.

Ezra raised the head of his bed a little more and reached for the water.  His hand shook but he was able to get a drink without spilling it.  He placed it back on the tray and moved it a little further down.

He couldn�t believe the way this night had transpired.  24 hours ago he had been having a wonderful evening with Vin.  Vin.  He sighed.  He should have known everything he touched turned to shit.  Hadn�t Maude told him that often enough?  If anything happened to Vin he would never forgive himself.  He doubted anything would have become of this � what?  Hope?  Dream?  If by some slim chance would ever be attracted to men, he doubted it would be him, Ezra Standish.  Vin had a closer relationship with Chris.  He would just have to stay away from Vin.  Who knew what those lunatics would do?  He would find those men himself.

The nurse came back in.  Josiah still snored from his chair.  She looked over at him as she injected the medicine into the IV bag.

�How can you sleep through that?�

�Drugs.�

She smiled and patted his arm.  Pleasant dreams.�

Ezra closed his eyes.  He was hoping he wouldn�t dream.

* * * * * * *

Vin hadn�t slept at all.  He headed into the hospital at 7 AM.  He headed first to the coffee shop on the first floor and then up to Ezra�s room.  He heard Josiah�s snores before he got to the door and softly pushed it open.   He grinned.  He hoped Ezra had managed to get some sleep.

He placed the coffee carrier with two paper cups and Ezra�s mug on the tray.  He nudged Josiah�s leg. 

Josiah gave a grunt and opened his eyes.

�Morning Josiah.�  Vin said quietly.  �Brought you some coffee.�

Josiah smiled and stood up.  He stretched his long body and could feel the bones pop back into place.

�You are a good man Vin.�  He took the coffee Vin handed him.

�I�ll stay with Ez if you wanna get somethin� to eat.�

Josiah glanced at Ezra.  He was still sleeping peacefully.

�Vin, Ezra�s been through a lot.  Be patient with him.�

Vin smiled shyly.  �Plan to.�

Josiah raised his cup.  �Think I�ll go find some breakfast to go with this.�

�Thanks Josiah.�

Vin pulled a chair up by the head of Ezra�s bed.  He frowned looking down at him.  Ezra�s face was more discolored and swollen.  One eye completely closed and the other also puffy.  His lip was swollen and split.  He reached out and took Ezra�s hand in his.  He rubbed his thumb along Ezra�s knuckles.  Very little bruising.  So Ezra hadn�t been able to fight back much. 
Vin blinked back tears.  If only he had gone with him or went to check on him.  Damn it they had been having such a great time.  He looked up at Ezra as he heard a soft moan.

�Ez?  You awake?�

Ezra blinked his eye several times trying to focus.

�Vun?�

Vin squeezed his hand.  �Yeah it�s me.�

Ezra tried to sit up but groaned.

�Wait.  Let me raise the bed some.�  Vin reached over and pushed the bed control, raising the head of the bed.

�Better?�

Ezra nodded.

�Ez.  Ezra.  I�m sorry.  I should have gone out with you.�  He took hold of Ezra�s hand again.  �I�m sorry.�

Ezra waved his other hand.  �Not fault.�   Jesus this drove him crazy.  How can a man whose life is about words now be reduced to syllables?  And how was he to think when Vin was holding his hand?

�Well we can talk about that later. I got your stuff out of the car.  It�s at my place.  I brought you cup, stopped and got you coffee.�   He reached over and pointed to the cups on the tray.

Ezra was confused.  Why had Vin removed his stuff from his car?

�Why?�

�The wrecker had to take your car.  Didn�t you know?�

Ezra closed his eye.  Shit not his car.   He loved that car!

�I�m sorry, I thought you knew.�

Ezra waved his hand again.  �Don�t tell.�

�How about some coffee?�

Ezra smiled and Vin grabbed the thermal cup.  He moved it towards Ezra�s mouth and Ezra reached his right hand up to steady it.  His left still firmly held in Vin�s left hand.  Their hands touched as Ezra took a drink.  He looked up into Vin�s smiling face and bright blue eyes.

And the door opened as Josiah�s voice drifted in.

�Shit.�  Vin muttered as he let go of Ezra�s hand.  Ezra squeezed the hand the still held on to the cup.

�Brother Ezra.  I hope you�re awake as a mob is following me.�

�Hey pard!�  Buck�s voice boomed across the room.  �God, you look like shit!  Least your car made it out better than you.�

Chris and Vin shot a warning look at Buck who frowned.

�Yeah good thing Vin won�t with you with the trouble you get yourself in.�

Ezra dropped his hand from the coffee cup.  �Yes.  Good.�

�I told you, you ain�t got on cause to be blaming Ezra for what happened.�  Vin stood up and glared at Nathan, slamming the cup on the table.

Ezra put out his hand and lightly touched Vin�s.  Vin turned toward him and paused looking at him.

�No, I ain�t shuttin� up.  I�m tired of folks piling shit on you.�

�Enough.�  Chris� calm voice cut through the tension.

Ezra reached out for the coffee and Vin turned back towards him.

�Here, let me get that.�  He raised the bed a fraction more and handed the cup to Ezra. 

Ezra mouthed �thanks� to him as he took it.  Vin could see the pain on Ezra�s face and he knew it wasn�t just physical.

�I�ll go get the nurse to bring you something.�  He headed towards the door not looking at the others.

�See if you can find JD.�  Buck said exasperated.  �He was right behind me.�  He smiled.  �He�s got something for ya Ezra.�

Vin stormed down the hall and saw JD getting off the elevator.

�Vin.  Ezra awake?�  Vin nodded.  �Good, I stopped and got him a card in the gift shop.  You coming back?�

�Yeah JD, gonna find the nurse.�  He continued down the hall. 

JD frowned wondering what Vin was mad about and then headed the opposite way down the hall to Ezra�s room.

Vin found the nurse and told her Ezra need some pain medicine.  She smiled and nodded.  Vin walked further down the hall towards the window.  God he was pissed.  He ran his hands through his hair trying to calm down.  He had never really noticed before how often Ezra was blamed.  Anyone else in Ezra�s shoes and the guys would be all supportive and sympathetic.  But one mention of Ezra�s name and it was �oh well he brings it on himself.�  He clenched his fists.  And Ezra telling him to calm down.  Like it was okay for Nathan to say that crap about Ezra getting him in trouble.

He paused.  But Ezra hadn�t said anything.   Funny but I knew exactly what he meant.  All he did was touch me and that look on his face and in that puffy slit of an eye.  He smiled.  Yeah he had flashes of understanding with Chris; people were always ragging them about it, but not with Ezra.  Ezra kept that poker face on and walled up.  Well, well.  Mr. Standish had a crack in that wall.   And feeling better he headed back to the room.

* * * * * * *

�Come on kid, give Ezra his present.�

�I�m waiting on Vin.�  JD protested as Buck tried to grab the bag.

The nurse came in at that moment sending a look of displeasure at the antics of Buck and JD.

�Ezra here�s that lovely nurse of yours.�  Buck flashed her a big smile as he knocked JD�s hat off. 

Ezra tried not to smile since it made his mouth hurt and his lip crack open. 

�Ready for some pain medicine Mr. Standish?� 

He nodded and leaned over to reach his coffee before she moved the tray out of her way.  He winced as he leaned too far. 

�I�ll get that son.�  Josiah moved from his spot beside the bathroom door. 

�Thanks.�  Ezra said as he took the cup from Josiah. 

�You�re welcome.�  He patted his leg. 

As the nurse left Vin came back in the door.  He glanced around but said nothing and headed back to the chair by Ezra�s bed.  He sat down, stretching his long legs out in front of him.  He looked at Ezra and winked.

�Well Vin�s back kid.  Let�s have at it.�

JD gave Buck a playful push as he headed to the bed.  He placed a decorative bag beside Ezra.

�We got you a little something Ezra.  Figured it would come in handy.  Hope you like it.�

They were all watching Ezra and were taken aback by the look of surprise on his face, which he quickly hid.  He reached inside the bag and pulled a flat wrapped present, no thicker than a pad of paper and a card.

Vin saw his fingers tremble slightly as he opened the card.  He made to grab the package on pretense it was shifting and lightly touched Ezra�s leg.  Ezra�s eye flicked to him and Vin smiled reassuringly.  He saw a slight twitch to Ezra�s mouth.  He opened the card and read then tried not to laugh.  He handed the card to Vin.

The outside read  �Remember the number 1 hospital rule �

Inside said, �Bottoms up!�  with a picture of a man face down on a hospital bed, wearing a gown with a large thermometer stuck in his butt.

Vin laughed and passed it around.  �Hell Ez you got the gown part down.�  He looked at Ezra with a twinkle in his eye. 

�Go ahead,� Buck said.  �Open it up.�

Ezra looked at him smiling.  Buck was a big a kid as JD was.  He tore off the paper.
Inside was something he had never seen before.  It looked a legal pad, same size too but no paper.  It had a transparent sheet on top.  Underneath looked like, well he didn�t know what it looked like.  It was black and thick. One the top of the pad was a sort of pen held in place by Velcro.   Vin, who had closer view, gasped.

�Hey, I ain�t seen one of those in a long time.�

Ezra turned a questioning gaze to him.

�I don�t know what you call it but ya write on it.  Look.�

He took it from Ezra and pulled the pen loose.  He wrote �Vin� on it.  The pen rubbed the surface of the film making black marks in the layer below which showed through.

�See?�  He turned the pad back to Ezra.  �And ya erase it like this.�  He grabbed the film at the bottom and pulled it up easily.  And when he let it go the word was gone.

Ezra had such a look of child like wonder on his face they all laughed.  Vin handed him the pen and Ezra wrote �

�Thanks, this is a wonderful invention JD.�  And held it up for them all to see.
JD grinned.  �I thought that would be easier on you Ezra than trying to talk.�

Ezra ripped the sheet up and wrote.

�Damn he even writes long.�  Chris moaned and everyone laughed again.

Ezra held up � �You are quite astute JD.  This marvelous instrument will come in most handy.�

�Oh no.�  Buck said.  �Now we gotta read those $5 words too!�

Ezra was scribbling again and when he held up the pad there was a  L with Boo Hoo written beside it. 

�Ezra.�  Chris� tone was business like and he saw Ezra look up warily.

�Do you remember any more from last night?�

�No.�

�How many were there?�

�3?�

Ezra ripped the pad again.  �When can I do home?�

�Doc says a couple of days.�

Rip.  �I am FINE.�

Chris shook his head.  �You are staying here.  End of argument.

Rip.  L with it�s tongue sticking out.

�You know.�  Chris smiled that sly evil grin of his.  �I could get use to this.�

�Ha Ha�  Ezra mumbled.

Ezra�s eye was drooping and he tried not to yawn.  He settle back on the bed and lowered the head a little.  Chris could see the meds were starting to take effect.

�Come on.  Let�s go.  Ezra needs to rest.�

Everyone said good bye as they left.  Ezra held up � �Thanks.  Bye!�

Vin stood by the bed as the others filed out. 
�Need anything?�

Ezra flicked his eye up and then down.  He flushed slightly.  He wrote �

�Help to the bathroom?�

�Think I can handle that.�   He put the pad on the table and helped Ezra sit up on the side of the bed.  Ezra swayed.

�Easy there Ez.�  Take a deep breath.�  He held one hand on Ezra�s shoulder as he reached over the bed to pull the IV pole to that side.

�Ready?� 

Ezra nodded.

�OK.  Stand slow and then get your balance.  I�ve got you.�  Vin put both hands under Ezra�s elbows.  Ezra�s hands were on Vin�s upper arms.

Ezra stood shakily.

�There ya go.�  Vin beamed.  �You�re up!�

Ezra tried to roll his eye but it hurt too much so he settled for a snort.

�Little steps Ez.  Here.  Hold on ta the IV pole.�  He put his arm around Ezra�s back and Ezra gripped Vin�s left arm tightly.  They shuffled towards the bathroom.

Vin kicked the door open with the toe of his boot and they headed inside.

�Need help?�  He grinned.   Ezra frowned at him.

�OK!  Hold on to this handle.  I�ll crack the door and you let me know when you�re done.�

Vin smiled as he stepped out the door.  Ezra�s gown was wide open in the back and he had a nice view of his backside.  Yep he thought.  Looks better outta those fancy pants.

He heard the toilet flush.

�Vun.�

�You ready?�  He peaked back in the door to see Ezra glaring at him, one hand clutching the gown closed behind him.  Vin raised an eyebrow.

�Ass!�  Ezra mumbled narrowing his eye and pointing behind him.

�Yep, and ya got a nice one Ez.�  He laughed as he reached to put his arm around Ezra�s back.  He enjoyed the feel of Ezra�s skin on his arm.  �How about I stop by your place and pick you up some clothes?�

Ezra was concentrating too much on staying upright and moving to answer.  He was shaky as Vin helped him back to bed.  The combination of walking and the medicine left him exhausted.  He picked up the pad as he layed back in the bed. 

�Sorry.  Tired.�

�Ain�t nothing to be sorry for.  You rest. I�ll sit with you till you fall asleep then go pack a few things for ya.�

�Bring presents later?�

�Sure.�  He took the pad from Ezra�s hand.  He poured him a glass of water.

�Here.  Have a drink.�

Ezra drank deeply.  He mouth hurt and seemed to be always dry.  He guessed it was a side effect of the medicine.

Vin sat the glass back down and lowered the head of the bed some more.  He pulled the chair up and took Ezra�s hand in both of his.

�You rest now.�

Ezra squeezed Vin�s hand and closed his eyes.  He hated being in hospitals.  Hated being alone in a strange place and the drugs made him feel out of control.  Like he would float away and become lost.   He squeezed Vin�s hand again and Vin squeezed his back.  Vin lightly rubbed his finers up and down the skin of Ezra�s arm.  He enjoyed the feel of him,  soft and satiny.  Ezra sighed deeply, eyes still close and Vin smiled.   Ezra felt safe and Vin�s hand kept him firmly anchored as he drifted off to sleep.

* * * * * * *

Chris and Buck sat behind Inez�s bar.  Chris glanced at his watch.  10 till 12.  Tony should be there soon.  They had been by the office and had one of the video guys print out pictures for them.  They could have gotten JD to do it but they didn�t want anyone else in on this until they knew what �this� was. 

Chris looked up as a black Chevy S-10 truck pulled into the back parking lot.  Chris couldn�t suppress a smile.  Tony liked to tell him he got a black truck so he could be just like Chris.  Tony backed in beside Chris� Ford and got out.  He leaned back against his passenger door.

�Larabee.  Buck.�

�Hey Tony.  How�s it hanging?�  Buck grinned over at him.

Can�t complain Buck.

�Got some photos for you.�  Chris reached behind the seat for a manila envelope.  �Not sure these are the ones but they left right after Ezra.�

Tony opend the folder and flipped through the pictures.   �Okay.  I�ll see what I can find out.�

�Give me a call later?�

�No problem Chris.�

�Thanks Tony.  I owe you.�

�Shit Chris.  You don�t owe me for this.  I told you, I like that southern fried bastard.�  He grinned and headed around to the front of the bar.

�Whadda ya think?�

Chris rested his hands on the steering wheel.  He glanced over at the dumpster where they had found Ezra.  His hands tightened, his knuckles white.

�I don�t know Buck.  This has personnal written all over it.  I think Ezra remembers more than he�s saying.  I�m gonna help him whether he likes it or not.�

Buck smiled widely and pulled at his mustache.  �Hell Chris, that�s what family is about.�

*******

Ezra jerked awake.  Damn nightmare again.  Just how many times did he have to relive it?  But this nightmare kept growing.  Vin had been added to it.  Now after being beaten he was forced to watch them do the same to Vin.  Vin called his name asking why?

He rubbed his hand over his face.  What time was it?  He could see it was still daylight.  He looked to his tray.  No lunch.  Shit.  He needed to go to the bathroom.  Could he get up?  Hell he was a grown man.  He could go to the bathroom himself.  He sat up.  God his stomach muscles hurt.  He moved the IV stand around to the left side of the bed.  He felt light headed as he sat up on the side.  He took some deep breathes.  You can do this.  He took a firm grip on the IV pole.

�What the hell are you doing?�

Ezra looked up.  There  stood Vin in the doorway.  Bags in hand.

�Bath-room.�

�Not by yourself ya ain�t.�

Vin put the bags down near the bed.  Ezra sat hunched on the side of the bed, willing his muscles to stop quivering.

�What am I gonna do with ya?�  Vin moved the IV stand to Ezra�s right side and put his right arm around Ezra�s back.

�Ready?�

Ezra nodded.  He put his left arm around Vin�s waist and stood up.   Head rush!

�Wait.�  He gripped Vin tightly.

�Want to sit back down?� 

Ezra shook his head.  He took a few deep breaths and then lessened his hold.  He nodded again.

�OK.�  Vin looked down.  �Damn Ez, we forgot your slippers.�

Ezra shook his head again. 

�Ok, but it�s gonna make shuffling harder.�  Vin laughed.

�Ha, Ha.�  Ezra walked slowly, feeling like he was 90.

They go to the door which Vin opened and helped Ezra in.

�Ass?�

�Yep, still there.�  Vin laughed and closed the door.


�Barrassing.�  Ezra stepped into his silk pajama bottoms that Vin had brought.  His hand were on Vin�s shoulders.  Vin was bent over holding them.

�Ain�t nothing to be embarrassed about.�  He moved the bottoms up Ezra�s legs and hips. 

�I like helping ya.  Glad ya trust me to.�  He looked into Ezra�s eyes. 

Ezra held his gaze and then looked down and started to pull off the gown. 

�God Ezra.�  Vin�s voice was shocked.

Ezra�s chest and stomach were covered with deep purple bruises.  Finger and hand shaped bruises were on his upper arms.  Ezra was surprised himself.  He hadn�t seen what he looked like.  He avoided the mirrow in the bathroom.  He reached to the bed and grabbed his shirt.

�Nothing.�

Vin grabbed the shirt from him.  �It ain�t nothing. I�m gonna find those fellas.  Wish you trusted me enough to tell me what happened.�

Ezra looked up to Vin�s face.  His blue eyes were blazing.  Unconsciously Ezra took a step back.

Vin was stunned to see the look of fear cross Ezra�s face.

�Ez, Ez I�m sorry.�  He reached up to touch Ezra�s face.

The door opened and the dietary people came in with the lunch tray.

�Damn it.�  Vin muttered.  He helped Ezra put his shirt on and started buttoning it. 

�Ez, I�m sorry.�  He murmered as the lady placed the tray on the table.  Ezra patted his hand as Vin helped him get  settled back in the bed.

�Let�s see what they brought ya.�  Vin turned to uncover the tray.  A liquid lunch lay underneath.  Bouillion. Juice,coffee and jello.

�Yum, yum.�     Ezra wished he could roll his eyes.

�Ain�t that bad.�  Vin smiled at him.  �Just gotta use your �magination.�

�No.�

�Whadda ya mean, no?�

Ezra grabbed his pad.  �I am not eating that swill.�

�Yes ya are.  You don�t eat.  You don�t go home.�

Ezra scowled.

�How about a trade?�

Ezra raised an eyebrow.

�You eat some lunch, ya get a reward.�

Ezra crossed his arms.

�Whadda ya want?�

Ezra thought on that one.  What did he want?  Had to be something he could have.  He glanced over at Vin.  Well he couldn�t have that.  Food.  He wanted something to eat.  The lack of being able to chew narrowed that list down considerably. 
He grabbed his pad and wrote, then handed it to Vin.

Vin smiled slowly.  �I think that could be arranged.�

*******

�Ya did good Ez.�

Ezra had finished all the vile bouillion and the juice.  He couldn�t quite figure out what to do with the jello.  He refused to try to suck it through his teeth, besides his jaw muscles hurt too much for that. 

The nurse came in.  �I need to check your vitals.� 

�I�ll go get that iced mocha for ya.�   Ezra smiled as Vin left.

Vin flipped open his phone as he got into the hall.

�Larabee.�

�Any news cowboy?�

Chris paused.  �Nothing concrete.  Got some feelers out.�

�How can these guy just disappear Chris?�

�We�ll find them Vin.�

�Or I will.�

�Vin, we�re in this together.  Ezra say anything.�

�Nothing yet.  Can you get everyone over here around 5?�

�Yeah, what�s up?�

�Ezra�s got something for ya.  And can you bring him some milkshakes?�

�Milkshakes?�

�Yeah, he hates the liquid diet the hospital has him on.  He wants a variety of shakes.  Not too thick.�

Chris chuckled.  �No problem cowboy.  See ya at 5.�

*******

�Larabee.�

�Hey Chris.�

�Tony, got something for me?�

�Yeah can we meet?�

�Sure, where?�

�Time to walk on the wild side.  Meet me at Gianetto�s.  30 minutes?�

�Ok Marconi.  I�ll be there.�

*******

Chris walked into Gianetto�s, a little pub in the old part of the city.  Team 5�s favorite hangout.  A big wooden bar lined the left side of the wall and Chris saw booths to the right.  Further back the room opened up and was littered with tables and along the back wall were dart boards.  He saw another room off to the right with pool tables.  Tony waved him over from a table near the back wall.  As Chris approached, Tony stood up and put out his hand.

�Chris, welcome to the intersanctum of Team 5.�

�I�m honored.�  He shook Tony�s hand and sat down.  Tony raised a hand to the waitress and she brought over a cold mug.  He nodded to the pitcher.  �Help yourself.�

Chris poured a beer and leaned back in his chair.

�Any trouble?�

�Nah.  Man I�m made for this undercover stuff.  In fact I�m too good.  Plus these assholes are stupid.�

Chris grinned.

�I saw a couple of them there from the pictures you gave me.  I played a little pool with them, bought some beer.  Then I said I heard there was some excitement there Saturday night.  They hemmed and hawed then said they heard some fairy got beat up.�

�Fairy?�

�That�s what they said.  Seems they saw 2 fairys and I�m using their words, flitting around and it offended them.  They saw one go out and followed him to show him their displeasure.  They said they told him if he ID�d them they�d come back and take care of his boyfriend.  His long haired boyfriend.�

Chris sipped his beer.  This was one scenario he hadn�t thought of.  And he guessed he knew why Ezra wouldn�t talk.
*******

Chris opened the door to Ezra�s room.  Vin had his feet propped up on the railing of bed.  His chair at the head.  He was laughing and looking at a piece of paper.

�Hey Cowboy.�  

Vin and Ezra both looked over as Chris came in.  He noticed they were both smiling.

�Feeling better Ezra?�

Ezra nodded and wrote � T.L.C

Vin smiled over at him.  Ezra looked at him and raised an eyebrow.

Vin looked over at Chris.  �You bring the milkshakes?� 

�Damn.  I left the cooler in the truck.  You mind getting it?�  Chris pulled his keys out of his pocket and tossed them to Vin.

Vin caught them and stood up.  �Yeah, I need to stretch my legs.  Be right back.�   He smiled over at Ezra and headed out.

Chris walked over to the bed and Ezra was suddenly on alert.  Something in Chris� look told him trouble was coming.  Chris stopped near the bed.

�Since you can�t remember anything from the other night, I�ve been doing some checking.�

Ezra glared and started writing.

�Found out some things.  Not all, yet.�

My business!

�When someone beats up a friend of mine, I make it my business.  And you are my friend as well as a member of my team.�

That stopped Ezra for a minute.  Well he thought.  I hadn�t expected that.

I will handle it.

�And we will help.  For now we are just looking for four guys who beat you up.  The details stay with us.  But I think you should tell Vin.

So.  He knew.

No.

�It�s up to you but�..�

Vin came through the door, cooler in hand.  Ezra turned to the wall, struggling to get his composure back. 

�Hey Ez, wait till you see what Chris got ya.�

Vin hesitated as he came in.  He could feel the tension in the air, hell you could cut it with a knife.  He looked at Chris who smiled, his look saying everything was fine.
Ezra looke back at Vin, poker face in place and motioned him over.  Just what the hell had happened while he was gone?  Damn it had only been 5 minutes.  He shot Chris a glance that said we�ll discuss this later.

Ezra picked up his pad.  What delicacies did Mr. Larabee bring?

Vin looked at him searching his face for some sign of the problem but Ezra was unreadable again.  He placed the cooler down by the bed and removed the lid.

�We got chocolate, vanilla..�

�Chocolate.�

�My personal favorite.�  Vin smiled and handed him the shake and grabbed the straw from the glass of water.  He popped the straw in the lid.

Ezra�s smile was tight.  He took a few sips and wrote then held up the pad.

Thank you Mr. Larabee.

�I�m always here to help you Ezra.�   Chris gave him a meaningful glare.

Luckily for all three men the door opened at that point and in came the rest of Team Seven.

�Ezra, how are you feeling?�  Nathan led the way in.

Ezra waved a hand indicating he was fine.

Buck laughed.  �Course he�s fine Nate.  Don�t he look it.�    JD punched him.  Buck had his hands full with another cooler and had to settle for giving JD a playful kick.

�Watch out kid.  Carrying medical supplies here.�

JD rolled his eyes.  �We heard about the milkshakes Ezra.  We brought you some and brought dry ice.�

Thank you JD, Mr. Wilmington.   Ezra wrote.

�Nate and I will take the next shake run.  If you�d write down what you like son.�  Josiah pulled up a chair by Nathan.

Ezra smiled at them all and bent to write and then handed the pad to Vin, who had sat in his chair by the bed.

Would you do the honors Mr. Tanner?

Mr Tanner again was it.  He shot another look at Chris.

�Sure thing Ez.  Well fellas we did a little shopping the other day and then Ez here added his own special touch.�  He gave Ezra a warm smile that made Ezra�s stomach hurt.  These past few days had been the best and the worst.  Even though he had gotten the shit beat out of him he�d love having this time alone with Vin.  It made him ache for what he knew couldn�t be and that it was tiem to end it.  He smiled weakly back.  Vin put his hand out to touch his but Ezra moved his, reaching for his milkshake.

Vin frowned.  He intended to get to the bottom of this as soon as everyone left.  He reached into the shopping bag and then to the stacks of paper on the foot of the bed.

�JD.�  He handed something to JD from the bag.

JD took it and held it up.  It was a black T shirt with Bad Boys written across the front.  Then he took the paper that Vin handed to him.  It was a characture of JD in a scene from the movie.  He was drawn shooting it out back to back with Buck.

�Hey this is great!  Did you draw this Ezra?�  Ezra nodded.

Vin handed out T shirts and drawings to wach man.  Ezra had done a remarkable job of drawing each man.  They each expressed their thanks to Vin and Ezra.

Ezra was happy they had each enjoyed  their present.  Part of giving them each a shirt was he wanted to share his pleasure of the night he and Vin had gone out.  Of course now the sight of those shirts was bittersweet.  His head was starting to split.  He�d put off taking his pain medicine so he would be alert when the guys showed up.  He had a feeling Vin was going to insist on hanging around after the rest left and he wasn�t up for that tonight.  He pressed his call button.

The nurse arrived a few minutes later.  �Do you need your pain medicine Mr. Standish? � 

He nodded.

� Do you need anything else?�

He handed her the pad.  She read it and nodded.   �I�ll be right back.�

JD and Buck were telling them all about Buck�s latest date which JD had unknowingly interrupted when the nurse returned.    She eased through the laughing men and injected the medicine into Ezra�s IV.

�It�s time for you gentlemen to leave.�  She stated firmly and began to take Ezra�s vital.  �Mr. Standish has pushed himself too much this afternoon.�   She shook her head as she read the thermometer.   �He needs his rest.�

Chris nodded to her.  �You heard the lady.  Time for us to go.�

Everyone wished Ezra a good night as Chris followed them to the door.  He stood with his hand on the handle as he looked back at Vin. 

�Good night Ez.  You take it easy.�  He reached out and gentlely patted his leg.  Ezra gave him a tired smile.

Chris stood waiting for Vin to go through the door.  �Night Ezra.�  And he closed the door after him.

�Thank you.�  Ezra said to the nurse.

�It�s quite alright Mr. Standish.  You rest.�

Ezra nodded and closed his eyes.  He had asked the nurse to discretely get the others out.  He didn�t want to be questioned anymore.  He didn�t have answers to his own questions.  He wanted oblivion.  But his mind didn�t care.  Just what the hell was he going to do?  What was Chris thinking?  Did Chris believe he was gay because the rednecks who accosted him thought so?  What about Vin?   He pushed that question aside.  The only thing he could do until those lunatics were caught was to distance himself from Vin.  If they didn�t see them together maybe Ezra would be able to track them down first.  With that thought he fell asleep.

*******

�Just what the hell happened in there cowboy?�

Vin and Chris stood in the hospital parking lot by Chris� truck.

�Nothing.  I was asking Ezra about those men, what he remembered.�

�Don�t bullshit me.  More than that went on.  Ezra looked like he was caught in a bear trap and about to chew his leg off.�

Chris tried not to grin at that image.  It was a perfect description of Ezra when he felt cornered.

�I told him I was looking into what happened and had heard a few rumors.�

�Like what?�

Shit.  Chris thought.  He wasn�t about to betray his word to Ezra but what could he say that would satisfy Vin?

�Told him I had heard it was 4 guys.  Not regulars.  They�d taken some dislike to Ezra and when they saw him go out they followed.  All I know so far.�

Vin nodded.  Some of that sounded about right.  He knew a couple of men could never take advantage of Ezra.  The man know how to take care of himself.  Knew several martial arts.  And ezra had a way of pissin� some people off without trying.  Add alcohol to the mix and it was possible.  But why was Ezra so upset and why wouldn�t he say what exactly had happened?

�What else?  He was pretty upset when I came back.�

Chris raised an eyebrow.  Saying Ezra was acting pretty upset was like saying Nuns were exhibitionist.  Ezra rarely showed any emotion.  He�d seen Ezra flick that switch when Vin came in the room.  Yes Ezra had been very upset � right before Vin came back.  But Ezra had put on the mask of his and looked normal.  Not happy like he�d been when Chris got there but neutral.

�Guess I pushed him about remembering.�  Chris lied.

Vin looked at him hard.  Obviously Chris wasn�t going to say anymore.

�I plan on doin� some nosing around myself.  Should be able to find these guys.�

�No.�  Chris said too quickly.  �I mean let�s do this together but give Ezra a few more days to remember.�

�Alright.�  Vin said slowly.
*******

It was dark.  Where was he?  Damn.  Hospital room.  He looked and could see the line of light under the door.  He felt trapped.  He could feel his heart still racing from the nightmare.  He was sick of this place.  It was time to do what Ezra P. Standish did best when threatened.  Retreat.

He turned the IV off and pulled the needle out. It took awhile to get dressed.  Luckily Vin had brought clothes for him to change into once he was discharged.  He stuffed his pajamas in the overnight bag.  He was sweaty and light headed.  He took a milkshake out of the cooler Chris had brought.  Those were still soft enough to drink.  He picked up the phone and called a cab, asking that the driver meet him in his room.

20 minutes later there was a knock at his door.  In walked a man from City Cab.

�You call a taxi?�

Ezra nodded.  He held out his pad.

I need your assistance.  Is there a wheel chair outside?

�Yeah, saw one down the hall.�

Ezra nodded.  Rip.

Could you get it please?

The man looked at him puzzled.  Most people he picked up at the hospital waited out front and didn�t call at 1 am.  He frowned.

Ezra wrote again.   I will pay extra for any inconvenience.

The man nodded and stepped out into the hall.  He was back in a couple of minutes.  He helped Ezra into the chair and Ezra pointed to the cooler that Buck had brought.   The cab driver picked it up and placed it in Ezra�s lap.  Ezra grabbed the overnight bag.

�Check hall.�

The cab driver sighed deeply.  He glanced out but saw no one.  He guessed no one knew this guy was checking himself out.  None of his business as long as he got paid.   He looked back at Ezra. 

�Wait here.�   He moved quietly out the door and down to the elevators.  He pushed the button and then went back to the room.

�Okay, let�s go.�  He pushed the wheelchair out of  the room, both him and Ezra scanning the hallways.  Luckily since it was so late the elevator door was opening as they arrived. 
Surprisingly they made it to the cab without being questioned.  Ezra wrote his address on the pad and showed it to the driver.  30 minutes later they pulled up in front of Ezra�s condo.  The driver helped him to the door, Ezra leaning heavily on him.  Between the two of them they got the door open and Ezra inside to the couch.  The driver reached over and turned on a table lamp then went out to get Ezra�s things. 

�$22.50.� He said as he set the cooler down by the coffee table.

Ezra had an emergency stash of money in the side pocket of his overnight bag.  He pulled out two twentys and a ten and gave it to the driver.

The man pocketed it without counting.  �Thanks.  You gonna be ok?�

Ezra tried to smile reassuringly. 

The guy wasn�t convienced .  �Ok, you take it easy buddy.�

Ezra sighed as the door closed.  Home.  He felt a little better just being here.  He also felt like passing out.  He had some pain pills in the bathroom but wondered if he would make it that far.  The liquor cabinet was closer.

He eased off the couch, holding onto furniture as he made his way to the bar.  He grabbed a bottle of Jack Daniels and took a slug.  It burned the cuts in his mouth and a blaze to his stomach.  He worked his way back to the couch, bottle in hand.  This was as good a place as any to sleep.  His bed was too far away. He had a few more long pulls from the bottle and layed down.

*******

The phone rang shrilly, waking him from a deep sleep.  His hand groped out searching for it, not bothering to turn the light on. 

�Larabee.�  His voice was gruff.

�WHAT?�  He sat up and looked at the clock.  2:30 AM.  He clicked the light on. 

�He�s gone?  When?�  Chris cursed.

�No.  I�ll be right there.�

Damn no good sneaky bastard.  Ezra had disappeared from the hospital.  He thought about calling the others but changed his mind.  He didn�t think Ezra could get too far.  He got dressed and jumped in his truck.  He called a few cab companies on his way.  Thank god for directory assistance.  He found a company that had taken a call to the hospital at 1 AM.  After yelling, cussing and threatening the man had give him the address the cab had gone to.  Ezra�s.

Chris went to the nurse�s desk and soothed everyone down.  He promised his would be back in the morning to sign any papers.  Yes, he knew all the legalities about patients checking themselves out AMA.  He told them he expected prescriptions to be ready for Ezra when he came back.  He went to Ezra�s room and picked up the cooler he had left behind.  He was sorely tempted to go to Ezra�s and  drag the man back but he knew that wouldn�t accomplish anything.  As he was leaving Ezra�s nurse appeared.

�Here Mr Larabee.�  She said handing him a bottle of liquid.  �There is enough pain medicine to last Mr. Standish until you can get his prescription filled.�

�Thanks Cathy.�

She nodded.  She was well acquainted with all of the members of Team 7 and their aversions to hospitals.

Chris decided to go check on Ezra  next.  He wanted to make sure he was alright and now about to skip town.  He had keys to all the men�s places for emergencies.  He saw a light on when he pulled up.  He found Ezra laying on the couch, the bottle of Jack on the coffee table.  He shook his head.

�Come on Ezra.�  He pulled the man up.

�Huh?�

�We are going to bed.�  Chris walked him slowly to the bedroom.  Ezra didn�t protest so Chris figured the alcohol must be doing it�s job.  He sat Ezra on the bed and helped him lie down.  Ezra groaned.  Chris went to the kitchen and got a spoon.  He got the medicine out of his coat pocket and measured some out.

�Here.�  He propped Ezra�s head up a little.  �Swallow this.� 

Ezra did as he was told.  Chris layed him back down and removed his shoes.  Vin had picked sweat pants and shirt for Ezra to leave the hospital in and he figured that was okay for him to sleep in.  He pulled the covers up.

�You stay put.�  Chris went back out to the living room and made himself comfortable on the couch. 

*******

Ezra smelled coffee.   He guessed his alarm would be going off any minute.  He rolled over to see what time it was and pain shot through his stomach.  Shit.  Now he remembered.  He had left the hospital.  How did he get to bed?  Chris?  Nah,  he was sure he had dreamed that.  He groaned as he tired to sit up.  That wasn�t going to work.  He rolled to his side and pushed himself up.  Dizzy but better.  He stood up slowly, gripping the table by his bed.    Again holding onto furniture he made it to the bedroom door.  Opening it the fragrance of coffee was stronger.  Ah.  He thought.  Nector of the gods.  He inched his way down the hall.  There in his kitchen stood Chris Larabee.  He turned as he heard Ezra shuffle in.

�Mornin� Ezra.�

Ezra tried rolling his one open eye.  Chris grinned at him.

�Sit down before you fall down.�

Ezra grunted as he sat at his small kitchen table.   Chris poured Ezra a cup of coffee and sat it down in front of him.

�I would ask how you feel but I figure that�s pointless.

�Hurt.�

Chris nodded and picked up the bottle of pain medicen from the counter.  He got a spoon from the drawer and squeezed the dose in.

�Open wide.�  Chris grinned widely at him.

�Vury funny.�

Chris held the spoon for Ezra as his hands shook.

�So.�  Chris said as he tossed the spoon in the sink and picked up his own cup of coffee.

So what.  Ezra thought.  He took a sip of coffee to wash the taste of the medicine down.

�Decided you had enough of the hospital?�

Obviously.  Ezra thought again.  And how the hell did you find out so quick?   Ezra mimed writing.

Chris went back into the living room where he had seen Ezra�s bag.  Inside was his pad from JD.  He brought it back and laid it by Ezra.

Ezra rubbed his hand over his forehead.  His head was pounding.  Damn concussion.  He wanted some of those kick ass drugs that went in the IV.  What had Chris asked him?
He looked up at Chris and frowned.

Chris sighed.  �I�m taking you back to the ranch.  You need someone to look after you, unless�, he paused looking at Ezra who was starting to write a protest, �you plan on letting me take you back to the hospital.�

Rip.  No.  Ezra traced the letters over and over.  Want time alone.

Chris nodded.  �Medical leave is in order.  Can�t go undercover looking like that.�

Ezra tried a feeble smile.

�No one needs to knkow where you are exactly.  But I think you should talk to Vin.  He is worried about you.�

Ezra shook his head.

�Those guys threatened him too Ezra.  Don�t you think it would be better if he was prepared?�

Ezra refused to look at him.

�Fine.  I�ll pack your stuff for you.�

*******

�Chris.�  Vin spoke before Chris had a chance to answer the phone.

�Ezra is gone.  I�m at the hospital now.� 

�Calm down Vin, he�s fine.�

�Fine?  How can he be fine when he ain�t here?�  He paused.  �You know where he is?�

�He�s on medical leave.  Said he needed some time alone.�

�Alone?  Damn Chris he needs looking after.  He�s hurt.�

�He promised to check in.�

�Check in?�  Vin�s voice was rising.

�Vin, he is okay.  I�ll see you at work.�   And he hung up.


Chris was headed back to town.  He�d gotten Ezra settled in the spare room with his promise to rest and behave.  He hoped he wouldn�t have to handcuff him to the bed, but he had assured Ezra he would if necessary.
*******

Vin paced the office.  No one was there yet which suited him fine.  How could he have been so stupid?  It was his fault Ezra had bolted.  He�d been crowding him, acting like a love struck girl.  Shit,  Stupid!   Now he had no idea where he was.  Vin had tried his condo.  He found signs he�d been there, some of his stuff was gone.  But where was he?  It had been 3 days. 

He�d made coffee but he couldn�t sit still.  So he wandered the office cup in hand as he had started doing every morning since Ezra left the hospital.  He was nearing the elevator again when it opened.

�Any word?�

�I told you cowboy, he is fine.�

�But WHERE is he?�

Vin looked at Chris.  He wasn�t acting normal.  Chris should be tearing up the town by now, which is what he wanted to do.

�You know where he is.�  Vin stated plainly.

Chris started for the breakroom.

�Chris I need to talk to him.�

�The man wants to be alone.  I promised him.  Why do you need to talk to him so bad?

�Ain�t none of your business.  Ezra is upset and it�s my fault.�

Chris finished pouring his coffee.  He couldn�t understand why Vin was so worried.

�Why do you think it�s your fault?�

�Somethin� I need to talk with him, it�s  �tween us.�

******

�Cowboy I�m headin� out.�

Chris gave him a look  and nodded.  �Go slow.  If he runs again it�s your ass.�

Vin smiled and gave him Ezra�s two finger salute.


�You�re lookin� better�

Ezra leaped up, the ice pack flew off and the hammock would have flipped if Vin hadn�t grabbed it.

�You scared the shit out of me!�  Ezra made himself understood though the words were slurred.

Vin laughed.  �Sorry Ez.  Didn�t mean to scare ya.�  He leaned down and picke up the ice pack, brushing it off.  He handed it back to him along with the pad he had brought from the house.

How did you find me?

�I�m was a bounty hunter Ez.� 

Exra rolled his eye and Ving grinned again.  Damn it was a weight off him just seeing Ezra again.  He knew he must be okay if Chris said so but he had to see for himself.  Who was he fooling?  He had to see Ezra.  He�d been a wreck since Ezra had disappeared.

�Need to talk to ya.�  He helped Ezra up and back to the front porch.  He sat Ezra down on the glider.

�Sit here a minute.�    Vin went into the house.

Shit, what was Vin doing here?  His heart was still thumping wildly and not just from being surprised by Vin.  Hell, he had missed him.  Just seeing him standing there smiling was wonderful.   But he wasn�t suppose to be here!  He hadn�t decided what he was suppose to do yet. 

Vin came back out with a foot stool for Ezra to prop his feet on and a milkshake.  Vin smiled shyly.  �Missed taking care of ya.�

Ezra�s stomach clenched.  He closed his eyes. 
�Want to apologize to ya.�  He held up his hand to Ezra when he started to speak.   Vin started to pace up and down the wooden porch.  �Don�t know how to say this or how to start.  Guess I�ll just spit it out.�

Ezra nodded.

�Care a lot about ya Ezra.  Got feeling I don�t know what to do with.  I know I got carried away when you were hurt.  Honest Ez, I didn�t mean to crowd ya.�  He looked at Ezra at that point and saw shock on his face.  Ezra had gone pale.

�I�m sorry.  I know ya don�t feel the same and ya probably want to knock the shit out of me right about now.�  Vin looked down at his boots.  �Don�t wanna lose your friendship Ezra but I felt I needed ta explain.�  Vin�s Texas drawl had become thicker and his voice softer.

Ezra held up and hand and wrote Wait.

He looked at Vin sharply.  Could this be true?  I thought I imagined that he could, might be interested.  Just wishful thinking.  He glanced around then back at Vin.  He looks sincere.  Can�t think why he would just say all of this if it wasn�t true but could he trust this?

Vin meanwhile was studying Ezra.  He saw hope, doubt, confusion and fear all cross his face. 

Could this be?  Ezra thought.  But what if it is true?  Hell that was scarier.  Rejection he ws use too.  Could handle that.  But could he try and then handle the inevitable hurt?

Vin could see the battle going on within Ezra.  But he wasn�t sure if he should say anything yet.  He was about to when Ezra started writing.  Then he handed it to Vin.

Don�t know what to say.  Hard to write what I feel.  Think I feel the same but don�t know if something should act on.

Ezra was watching Vin now.  He was nervous and his gut was churning again.  Damn he could use a big dose of pain something!

Vin looked up stunned.  �You feel the same?�

Ezra nodded and blushed.  But then it hit him.  What the hell was he doing?  Shit Vin hadn�t been here five minutes and he had forgotten he was suppose to be staying away from him, protecting him.

Vin had been watching him, excited to find out Ezra felt the same way he didn�t but then he saw panic cross Erza�s face and he unconsciously touched his face.  The he looked back guilt-ridden.
�Wait a minute.�  Vin said slowly.  �Did you get beat up cause of me?�

Ezra shook his head a little too quickly.

�Don�t lie to me Ezra Standish. �  Vin was getting angry.  �I can see it on your face.  If you don�t tell me ya know I�ll find out myself.�

E zra sighed to himself.  Well he knew that was true enough.  Vin was one stubborn bastard.  Maybe Chris was right and it was better to warn Vin, so he would be prepared.  So he picked up the pad and began to write.  Vin stood behind him so he could read it.  His fists clenched and unclenched as Ezra wrote.  Finally he stalked away.

�Damn it!�  He yelled.  He stomped across the porch.  �Damn it we were havin� a good time.�

Ezra sighed again and nodded.  Vin had to laugh.  He saw the wistful look on Ezra�s face and found his anger evaporating.  Ezra looked up when he heard Vin laugh, looking puzzled.

�Least we agree on that.�

Ezra looked at Vin and saw the happiness there.  He felt himself flush and then Vin�s cell phone rang.

�Shit.�  Vin mumbled.  He looked at the phone and grinned.

�Yeah cowboy?�

�You there?�

�Yeah, I found him.�  Vin grinned over at Ezra.

�Everything okay?�

�He seems alright.�  Ezra laughed and headed inside in seach of his pain medicine. 

�Make sure he eats something.  I got soup and stuff.  I�ll be home later, if you wanna stay for dinner.�

�Ok.  And Chris�Thanks.�

Vin headed inside to the kitchen.

Ezra wandered into the kitchen a few minutes later.  He couldn�t get the damn top off this pain medicine.  Stupid child proof caps!  He smelled something cooking.  He saw Vin at the stove stirring a pot.  He saw his pad laying on the table.  Those two sights made him feel warm insdie.  It was nice being looked after. He hadn�t had much of that growing up.  Maude was not exactly the June Cleaver type.  He had missed his time with Vin that he�d had in the hospital.  Vin turned around and Ezra raised an eyebrow.

�Thought you might be hungry.�

�Chris say that?�  Ezra said through his teeth.

�Might have suggested it.�

�Man counts soup cans.�  Ezra grumbled as he stood in the doorway.   Vin laughed and poured soup into the bowl he had placed on the table.  Vin pulled out a chair and sat down.

�Come on Ez, you need to eat.�

Ezra took a deep breath and sat down.  Tomato soup.  Another sigh.  He sure would like a grilled cheese sandwich to go with it.

They sat silently while Ezra ate.  Vin got up and poured more soup when Ezra had finished the first bowl.  Ezra gave him a look but Vin just smiled.  Smart ass.  Ezra thought.

Ezra reached over and grabbed his pad.  After writing he pushed it towards Vin.

�Don�t know for sure what he knows.  He ain�t said nothing ta me.  I guessed where you were.  Figured since Chris wasn�t tearing up Denver he had ta know.�

Ezra chuckled at that.  He ripped the pad and started again, tilting it toward Vin when he was finished.

�Wonder how he found out myself.  He ain�t said nothing about  how he found out, said he�d heard rumors.�

�I want to go home.�   Ezra spoke slowly so he�d be understood.

�Ya still need looking after Ez.�   Ezra starte shaking his head.

�Yes you do.  Shit Ez you can hardly zsee.  How are ya gonna get around?  And when is your doctor�s appointment?�

�T�morrow.�

�How about I take ya?  I don�t live far from you or I could stay on the couch?� 

Ezra glanced over at him and then back at his soup.

�Think about it.� 

Ezra layed down his spoon.  His head was start to split in two.  He rubbed his forehead.  He heard Vin move and saw him reach across the table and grab the medicine bottle.  He opened it and measure out a dose.  Ezra smiled and held out his spoon. 

�Come on.  Ya need to get some rest.�  Vin took him by the arm and led him into the living room.  He sat Ezra on the couch and then sat down beside him. 

�Here. Stretch out awhile until ya feel better.�

He put one of the small sofa pillow on his lap and patted it.  He smiled.  Ezra slowly stretched out, and put his head on Vin�s lap, his feet up on the couch.  He close his eyes and groaned softly.  Vin lightly stroked his hair.  He was asleep in no time.  It was Vin�s turn to sigh.  He didn�t know why the simple act of taking care and being with Ezra made him so happy but it did.  And who was he to argue with that?

*******

Chris came in the door later.  He saw Vin dozing on the couch with Ezra lying on his lap, Vin�s arm was draped across Ezra�s chest, their hands clasp.  Well, he thought, obviously more was going on than Vin or Ezra had mentioned. 

�Hey Vin.�

Vin opened his eyes and looked toward the door.  �Hey yourself.�  He saw Chris look down at Ezra and then back up to him.  Vin smiled and then gently moved so Ezra was lying on the couch.  He followed Chris into the kitchen.  Chris pulled a couple of steadk out of the freezer.  He turned the grill on low and threw the steaks on.  He grabbed a couple of beers and motioned for Vin to follow him.  He handed a beer to Vin as he moved out on to the front porch and sat in one of the rockers.

Chris toyed with the label on his beer bottle.  He�d noticed Vin and Ezra spending more time together but he�d started to pick up different vibes while Ezra had been in the hospital.  But now�.

�Something I should know about?�

Vin looked off across the yard.  �Don�t know yet.  If I have my way about it, but��  He paused.

�It�s not any of my business but I am your friend.�  Chris looked at Vin and finally he met Chris� eyes.

�We got feelings to work out.  Planning on taking it slow, for now.  What with work and all.�

Damn.  Chris thought.  He hadn�t really expected this.  But hell he had asked hadn�t he?

�Sounds like a good idea.  You don�t wanna get talked into something you ain�t sure about.�

Vin�s anger, which was usually slow to ignited, flared up.

�How the hell ya know it ain�t me doing the talkin� in to?  I don�t care what anyone says, even you.  I�ll resign if I hafta.�   He stood up and glared down at Chris.

�Hold on.�  Chris held up a hand.  �Let�s not jump the gun here.� 

�I mean it Chris.  You got a problem with me and Ezra and I�ll have my letter on your desk tomorrow.�

Shit.  Chris thought.  This was going down hill fast.

�I don�t have a problem if you�re sure about it.  Long as it doesn�t  interfer with work.�

�What does that mean?  Ya don�t ask Buck who he dates?�

�No, but he isn�t dating someone on the team.  By interfer I mean what if it doesn�t work out or what if y�all are having a fight?�

Vin sat quietly for a few minutes.  �Can see your point on some of that.  It won�t in interfer.�

Chris figured it best to keep his mouth shut for now. 

�Gonna take Ez back to his place tonight.�

Chris glanced at him.  �Ezra needs looking after.�

Vin nodded.  �I plan on doing that.�

They sat drinking their beer until the door  creaked open.

�Whut sadist is cookin steaks?�

*******

Vin pulled up outside fo Ezra�s condo around 8 pm.  He got out and grabbed Ezra�s bag out of the back and then went around to help him to the door.  Ezra�s depth perception was still off from having one eye closed and the other half open.  He pointed to Vin which was the house key and Vin go the door open and Ezra settled on the couch.  He went back to get the cooler JD had given him with what was left of the milkshakes.  He tooke it into the kitchen and unloaded them.  One he took out and brought it in to Ezra.

�I�ll be back aournd 8:30 int the morning to take ya to your doctor�s appointment.  Need anything before I go?�

Ezra turned the milkshake around in his hands.  He wanted Vin to stay and was scared to ask.  What if he�d changed his mind.  What if he stayed?  He felt like he was on an emotional roller coaster.  He knew he was being stupid.

�You could stay,  if you want.�  He mumbled.

Vin�s stomach lurched.  Shit.  He�d hoped Ezra would say that.  He didn�t want to insist but he�d been hoping all night Ezra would let him stay.  He didn�t want to give him a chance to change his mind.

�I can sleep on the couch.�

�No.�  Ezra said.  �Guest room.�  He took a deep breath and got up.  Vin followed him down the hall to the guest bedroom.  Ezra turned on the light.  Inside was a double bed, dresser and half bath.  The bed was neatly made but there were no decorations or pictures.

�Not much.�

�It�s fine Ez.  I got a gym bag in my jeep.  I�ll go get it.�  Vin usually carried a change of clothes and some toiletries with him.  Never knew when you might have to go out on a case on short notice. 

Ezra wandered back into the living room as Vin left.  This all had to be a dream.  A weird sick twisted dream that was going to come crashing to an end.  But he figured he�d hang onto sleep until that rude awakening.

*******

�You look pretty good Mr. Standish, considering.�  Ezra and Vin sat in the examination room.  Vin had insisted in coming in with him.  �The x-rays look promising.  With luck and you taking care of yourself you may be released in less than 6 weeks.�

�Really?�  Ezra smiled and glanced at Vin.

�That�s great doc.�  Vin added.

�Make an appointment in 2 weeks and I�ll remove the stitches in your lip.  The swelling and bruising should be much better by then.  We still need to keep your ribs taped.  Take it easy.  No heavy lifting.�

Ezra and Vin both nodded.

�Okay, that�s it.�

�Thanks.�  They both said as they got up to leave.  Ezra went to make his appointment but Vin lagged behind.

�Doc can I speak with ya?�

*******

�Hey boys look what the cat drug in!�  Buck yelled as Vin and Ezra got off the elevator.

�Interesting colors ya got there pard.  But Junior must be taking good care of ya.�

�Plan to.�  Vin said looking at Ezra and smiling.  Ezra blushed which brought a laugh from Buck.

Nathan frowned as he came up the hall.  �Ezra staying with you?�

Vin heard the suspicion in Nathan�s voice.  �No, I�m checkin� in on him.�

�Conned you into taking care of him huh?  Leave it to Ezra to play this up.�  Nathan laughed but stopped at the look from Vin, Buck and JD.

�No�, Vin said taking a step in front of Ezra but before he finished Chris and Josiah came out of the break room.

�The prodigal son returns.�  Josiah said beaming at Ezra.  He went over and gave Ezra a big hug.  Ezra blushed again but gave Josiah a hug back.

�You�re looking better.�  Chris grinned at him.  �Judge Travis wants you to stop by.�  He smiled slyly at the look on Ezra�s face. 

�Relax.  He just wants to see for himself that you are okay.�

Ezra nodded and turned back toward the elevator.  He glanced over at Vin and smiled as he left.

*******

�Chris, how�s it going?�

Chris looked up to see Tony Marconi leaning in the door.

�No complaints.�  He grinned and motioned him in.  �What can I do for you?�

�Heard Ezra was here.  Wanted to say hi.  He left yet?�

�No, he went up to see Travis.  Should be back soon.  Want some coffee?�

�Depends.  Who made it?�  The both laughed.  Vin�s coffee was legendary in the ATF building.

�Josiah did.�

�Great.�

They were sitting in the office when Ezra returned.  Vin was at his desk working on gun report and looked up to see who was getting off the elevator.

�Ez.�

Tony got up when he heard Vin.  He started out of the office and froze when he saw Ezra.  He had been looking at Vin and shifted his eyes to see who had come out of Chris�.  He also froze at the look on Tony�s face.  For a moment he was afraid.  Tony stalked towards him and Ezra took a step back.  Vin, who had been watching Ezra, saw the fear on his face and stood up.  He crossed the room to Ezra�s side.  He saw Tony moving towards them, glaring at Ezra and then his face changed.

�Ezra.  I heard you�d been hurt.  How are ya?�

Vin could hear the concern in his voice and was confused by what he�d seen a second ago.
Ezra was confused too.  He blinked.  �I�m fine Mr. Marconi.�  He spoke slowly so he could be understood.

Ezra saw that look cross Tony�s face again before he spoke.

�Not so fine now Ezra but you will be.�  And with that he turned and went back into Chris� office and slammed the door.  Loud voices began issuing from it.

Vin touched Ezra on the arm.  �Ez, you ready to go?�

He looked at Vin, to the office and back.  Vin shrugged.  �Let�s go.�

They made their good-byes and left.

Vin was putting on his seat belt when Ezra handed him his pad.

Thought Tony was angry with me.  Think he knows something?

�Don�t know.  Want me to ask Chris?�

Ezra nodded.

�OK.  I�ll talk to him when I get back.  Oh, we need to stop at the store �fore I take ya home.�
*******


What are we getting?    Ezra waved the pad at Vin as he pushed the cart.

�Talked to the doctor.  He gave me some ideas for stuff for ya to eat and help ya heal quicker.�

Eat?

�Ya know what I mean.�  Vin headed for the fruit section.

�What do ya like?�

Ezra raised an eyebrow.

�Smoothies.�

�Oh.� 

The worked their way through the fruit section and then headed down another isle.

�Protein powder.�  Vin said as he looked around.  �And calcium supplements.  And no complaints.�  He looked pointedly at Ezra.  Ezra held his hands up in surrender.

Vin carried the groceries in while Ezra protested.

�Doc said don�t carry nothing heavy.  Now Ez,� he said as he put the bags on the kitchen counter.  You take it easy today.�

Ezra waved his hand.

�How about we rent some movies tonight?�  Vin was helping Ezra put stuff away.

�OK.�

�I�ll come get ya after work.�

*******

�Vin, you coming with us?�  Nathan stood by Vin�s desk.

  Nathan had been watching him all afternoon.  Vin wasn�t sure what his problem was but he could tell something was up.  He figured he�d go have a drink with them as usual.

�Right behind ya.�

Nathan nodded.  Something was up with Vin.  He didn�t know what but Vin had been acting strange lately.  He didn�t understand why Vin kept biting his head off.  And since when were he and Ezra such good friends?

�Ready cowboy?�  Chris was heading for the elevator.  Everyone else had already left.  Vin was shutting off his computer.

�Yeah.  Ezra wanted me ta ask ya something.�

Chris stopped and turned back.

�Does Tony know what happened ta Ezra?�

Chris paused considering.  �He knows he was beaten up.�

�But does he know why?�

Well, Chris thought, I guess Ezra took my advice.

�Do you?�

�Yeah, Ez told me out at the ranch.�

Chris nodded.  �Tony snooped around for me and found out some of the guys who did it.�

�So ya know who did this?�  Vin rose from his chair and felt his anger doing so too.

�Not all of them.  There were four.  We know of two of them.�

�What are we doing about it?�

�Let�s go get a drink and talk about it.  Don�t worry.�  He saw the look of panic on Vin�s face.  �No one else knows all the detail yet.  Except Buck.�
******
�We ready?�

Ezra nodded.  They headed out of the kitchen.  Ezra had a big smoothie in one hand and Vin�s beer in the other.  Vin had a bowl of popcorn.

They sat the things on the coffee table.  Ezra sitting on the left end of the couch so he could see. 

�Did ya pick which one ya wanna see first?�

Ezra held up a hand.  He wrote on his pad and handed it to Vin.   Vin glanced at him.  He could almost see Ezra�s entire green left eye now; the other one still swollen shut.  He said down on the other end.

�Yeah I talked to Chris.  He got Tony to do some poking around.  He found two of the fellas that beat you up.  The first names of the other two.  He also found out why they did it and that they threatened me.�

Ezra let out the breath he had been holding.  He rubbed a hand over his face.

�Nothing to worry about.  No one else knows but Buck.�

�Josiah.�  Ezra said.

�Josiah?�

�Told him in hospital.�

Vin nodded.  �I talked to him myself.�

Ezra looked puzzled.

Vin blushed.  He picked up his beer and started to peel the label off.  �Not about us exactly.  Asked him about � love.�

Ezra blushed himself.  �Me too.�

�Ya did?�  Vin looked over at him and laughed.  �Guess we should compare notes sometime.  Got that movie ready?�

Ezra shuffled through the DVDs  they had picked up and handed him one.

�Finding Nemo?�  Vin said reading the case.  He grinned at Ezra.

Ezra shrugged one shoulder.  Vin chuckled as he put the movie in.  He sat back down on the couch and patted the seat beside him.  
�Ez why don�t you sit over here.  Prop your feet up.�

Vin put his feet on the coffee table.  Ezra eyes his feet.  Up on the coffee table.  The he looked at the spot on the couch beside Vin.  It looked inviting.  But close.  He wasn�t use to closeness.  Vin smiled his little half smile.  Well that settled it.  Ezra picked up his smoothie and slid over by Vin.  He groaned a little as he propped his feet up too. His stomach muscles were still sore from the pounding he had taken.  Vin put his left arm around Ezra�s shoulders and leaned his back against him.  Ezra sighed and Vin pushed play.

*******

Ezra looked wistfully at the banana pudding he and Vin had made.  Food.  Was he ever going to get to eat again?  He was making a list in his head of everything he wanted to eat as soon as his damn jaws were free.  He took a long, deep breath; inhaling the wonderful scent.

�Ya gonna marry that?�  Vin snickered as he came into the kitchen.

�Thinking about it.�

�Well don�t be drooling on it.  Don�t think Chris would appreciate it.�

Ezra snorted.  What did he care?  All he could thing about was food!  He watched Vin cover the pudding and pack up a bag of stuff to take to the ranch.  Maybe food wasn�t the only thing on his mind.  He thought about the other night and several since.  Vin had been stopping by after work to watch movies with him.  Stretched out on the couch with Vin had become one of his favorite things.  He hadn�t known closeness like that before.  Feeling the warmth of another person, lying so close but not sexual.  This was much more than sex.  This was comfortable, intimate in a way that went deeper.  Lying next to Vin, hearing his heart beating beneath his ear, feeling the rumble in his chest when he laughed.

Snap, snap.  Vin was clicking his fingers under Ezra�s nose.  �You ready?  Where�d ya go?�

Ezra gave Vin a little smirk and headed to the door.

*******

If I can�t eat, I�m drinking.  Ezra waved the pad at Vin.

�Okay, okay!  But watch it with the pain meds.�

Ezra waved a hand as he left the kitchen, beer clutched in his hand.

�Ya better hear me!�  Vin yelled after him.

Ezra was on his second beer when everyone else came into the living room.  He was sitting on the love seat, feet propped on a hassock.  He was feeling pretty good.  No food, some pain meds and alcohol.   Great combo.  He chuckled to himself.

Vin came in with a TV tray.  He set it by the love seat and then went back to get his food.  He sat down by Ezra and propped his own feet up.  Ezra patted his leg as he leaned over to move his tray.

Vin looked over at him.  Ezra�s one green eye was slightly dilated, a grin on his still puffy mouth.

�Feelin� good huh?�

Ezra nodded.  Vin shook his head smiling.

Nathan wasn�t smiling.  He saw Ezra put his hand on Vin�s leg and Vin smiling back at him.  He�d noticed they were spending more time together and the strange  way Vin had been acting.

�So Ezra, you ready to start back to work Monday?�

�Monday?�  Vin choked on his beer.

Yeah Vin.  If the doctor says okay.  Ezra has an appointment Monday morning, remember?�  Chris said.

Actually he hadn�t.  He had been enjoying spending time with Ezra so much he�d lost track of time. 

�I�m fine.�  Ezra said.  Vin rolled his eyes.  �I am!�

*******

�Ez!�  Vin grabbed Ezra�s hand from his thigh.  �Will you behave?�  He whispered to him. 

Ezra grinned at him, dimples showing.

�How much have you had to drink?�

Ezra held up 4 fingers.

�Damn.�  He reached behind him and grabbed the afghan off the back of the love seat.  He spread it over Ezra and covered part of his lap too.  Under the afghan he took hold of Ezra�s hand.  Ezra drained the last of his beer.  He tried to yawn, which was hard to do.  He leaned his head on Vin�s shoulder and was asleep in a few minutes.

Chris glanced over from the game to Vin.  He smiled at the site of Ezra asleep.

�Pain meds and beer.  Bad mix.�

Vin looked at Chris and laughed.  �Yeah, he insisted if he couldn�t eat, he was gonna drink.  Finally caught up with him.�  He smiled at Ezra dozing on his shoulder.  Under the afghan he still held his hand, Ezra�s other hand was on Vin�s arm.

As Vin turned back to Chris he caught Nathan looking at him and he didn�t like what he saw.  Vin�s eyes flicked to Chris, held and flicked back to Nathan.  Chris looked at Nathan and frowned.

�Maybe you should take Ezra home.  He won�t be able to rest here.�

�Uh oh.  Mother hen Larabee has spoken.�  Buck snickered.  Chris shot Buck a look, which he ignored.

�Yeah.�  JD piped up.  �Chris will kick your ass if you don�t.�

Everyone laughed.

*******

Ezra dozed most of the way home but woke up a few blocks away.  He was leaning on the passenger side window.  The glass felt cool against his face.  He still felt drunk.

�You awake?�

Ezra smiled as he slid across the seat.  Damn bucket seats.  He was belted in.  He reached his hand across and rubbed Vin�s thigh.  Vin sucked in a breath.

�Ez!�

�Hmmmm?�  Ezra ran his hand between Vin�s legs.  As his hand went closer to Vin�s crotch, Vin grabbed his hand.

�Do ya wanna make me wreck?�  Vin�s voice rose higher.

Ezra chuckled and intertwined his fingers with Vin�s.  He pulled Vin�s hand to his mouth and kissed his knuckles.

Vin groaned.  �No more alcohol for you.�

Vin managed to get Ezra into the condo without too much trouble.  Though Ezra seemed to have grown a few extra arms.  Ezra pinned him to the front door as soon as Vin closed it.  Ezra kissed him and roamed his hands over him.  He had one hand under Vin�s shirt and the other kneaded his ass.

�Ez.�  Vin tried to speak while gasping for air.

Ezra was trying to nibble his neck, which was difficult without teeth.

�Ezra!�  Vin pushed him back when Ezra reached a hand to rub his crotch.

�Vun.�  Ezra moaned.

�NO!�  Vin moved away towards the kitchen.

�We said we would wait until you are better.�  He got a spoon and measured some pain medicine.  �Here, ya probably need this.�

Ezra took the medicine without complaint.  Vin eyed him warily.  Ezra slumped down on the couch and put his head back.  He wouldn�t admit it but he ached.  The nice buzz he had, had worn off.  But his hands and lips tingled from touching Vin.  Damn if he hadn�t been wired up.  He sighed.

�Ya okay?� 

He opened his eyes to see Vin�s concerned gaze on him.  He smiled a little and nodded.  He patted the couch beside him.

Vin picked up a DVD and put it in.  He grabbed the remote and headed back to the couch.  He lifted up Ezra�s legs and put them on the couch.  Ezra scowled at him.  Vin chuckled and sat down beside him.  He shifted so Ezra�s back leaned against his chest.  He could see Ezra was in pain.  He lightly rubbed Ezra�s neck and shoulders, waiting for the medicine to take effect.  Ezra sighed loudly again and Vin could feel him relaxing.  He started the movie and wrapped an arm around Ezra�s waist.  He couldn�t think of a better way to spend an evening.

*******

�Something ain�t right Josiah�

�What are you talking about Nate?�

�Vin has been acting strange.  He�s been hovering around Ezra, acting like..�  Nathan paused and paced the break room.

Josiah held his breath.  From the way Nathan was acting he was guessing Nathan suspected Ezra and Vin were more than friend.  And it didn�t look like he was too supportive.

Nathan lowered his voice to a whisper.  �Like a boyfriend or something.�

�And?�

�Whadda ya mean �and�?  It�s not right.�  Nathan�s voice got louder.

�I don�t think it is any of our business, if it was true.�

�Well, I think it is.�  Nathan resumed his pacing.  �We depend on each other, and the ATF wouldn�t be too happy about it.�

�What does that have to do with anything?�  Josiah didn�t like how this was going.  �That wouldn�t change the fact that we rely on each other.�

�It�s not right.�  Nathan went back to his original argument.  �You should know what the bible says about that kind of stuff.  And if it got out..�  He paused.

Josiah moved closer to Nathan.  Nathan who had been leaning on the counter looked up.  Josiah was a big man and now towered over Nathan, his face grim.

�I think you should talk to Chris if you have a problem with anyone on this team.�  His voice was low and menacing

If Nathan could have stepped back he would.  Josiah had him cornered against the counter.  For a moment he felt fear.  He was glad Josiah was his friend though at the moment it didn�t feel like that.

Nathan didn�t hold Josiah�s gaze.  He looked down and mumbled, �Maybe I will.�


Ezra had been back almost a week.  Chris had given him deskwork to do.  Until his jaw and bruised healed he couldn�t very well go undercover.  Ezra didn�t complain � much, which let Chris know he still wasn�t feeling well.  Chris also knew something was up with Nathan.  Nathan had been keeping an awful close eye on Ezra.  And he also noticed angry looks on Josiah and Nathan as they came out of the break room.

He leaned back in his chair and started twirling the spur he kept on his desk.  He hoped Nathan didn�t have a problem with Vin and Ezra.  He didn�t.  He knew the ATF wasn�t too tolerant on same sex relationships but there wasn�t any problem he could see and he didn�t see where anyone would find out.  He knew Vin and Ezra would be discrete.  Sure Vin was a little over protective right now but they all were.  He hoped Nathan would adjust.
Finally it was Friday.  Ezra would never admit it but he was worn out.  Not that he had done anything more strenuous than type.  His job had been to type up everyone�s report and help with research on some upcoming cases, much to Buck�s delight.  Ezra thought Buck had deliberately made his handwriting illegible.  Buck barely contained his grin each time Ezra tried to ask him what some squiggle meant.
    
Ezra had also noticed Nathan kept a close eye on him.  At first he thought Nathan was just concerned for his health, which he was in part.  But he also noticed Nathan scowling at him whenever Vin was near him.  He had tried to talk to Vin about it but Vin had looked angry and told Ezra to ignore him.

�Larabee.� 

�Pizan!  Got some news for you�

�Whatcha got Tony?�  Chris thought Tony watched The Sopranos a little too much.

�Seems like our buddies are going to be at Inez�s tonight.  Thought we should pay them a visit.�

�Sounds like a plan.  Let me get back to you.�

�Ciao baby.�   

Or maybe Chris was thinking of Kojak.  He shook his head.

�Ezra, can you come here a minute?�

Chris closed the door after Ezra sat down.   �Tony says those guys are going to be at Inez�s.�  He noticed Ezra paled slightly.  �Thought we might check it out.  You don�t have to go.  Buck, Vin and I can handle it.�

Ezra took a shaky deep breath.  He surprised himself with the initial stab of fear he felt.  Part for him, part for being seen with Vin.  But he knew he needed to face this fear.  It�s not like he�d be alone this time.

�Do you have a plan?�   Ezra spoke slowly.

�Well let�s get Buck and Vin in here.�   He moved from the sitting on the edge of the desk and called Buck and Vin.

He brought them up to date on what Tony had said.  �So what should our plan be?�  He looked at them.  Buck was leaning on the door and Vin paced. 

�I don�t know cowboy.  I don�t think we should have Ez there.� 

�What?�  Ezra protested.

�I think Junior�s right Chris.  The rest of the guys don�t know why Ezra was beat up.  What if one of those yahoos say something?�

Ezra hadn�t thought of that.  But he refused to be left out.   �I�m going.�

Chris held up a hand.  �How about we tell the others?  It isn�t like those jackasses� opinions mean anything.  That way there are no surprises.�

Vin and Ezra exchanged looks.  What Chris said was right.  It wasn�t like they were admitting anything.  Ezra raised an eyebrow and Vin nodded.

�Okay.  We tell them what happened.  That�s all.�

�Okay.  Let�s call a meeting and plan how we want to handle this.�

*******

Nathan was drinking beer and not saying much.  Josiah kept an eye on him.  The plan was for Vin and Ezra to come in separately and play pool.  The rest would keep an eye on them and then after an hour they would leave and see if the four rednecks followed them.  The rest of Team Seven and Tony had already arrived.  Tony sat at the bar, Team Seven at their table.

Vin and Ezra came in right at 6:30pm as planned.  They had a pool table to themselves.  From the moment they arrived the four suspects went on point.  Bubba, whom Tony had never met, was staring at them and muttering to his buddies.  Tony had started a game with them earlier. 

�Problem?�  Tony asked casually.

�That�s them fairies we told you about.�  Jimmy said.  He was one that Tony had met earlier.  Bubba gave him a look.

�He�s okay Bubba.  We know him.�

�That fancy fella don�t look so fancy now does he.�  Bubba laughed and the rest joined in.    �Guess he don�t hear so well though.  Him and his butt buddy back in here prissing around.�   This brought more laughs from the other three and Tony tried to smile.

Team Seven kept an eye on them.  JD had been outraged over the reason Ezra had been beaten up.  Buck had a hard time keeping him in his seat once they got there.

�Why don�t we just go over there?  Bet they ain�t so brave now.�  JD glared at them.

�Calm down kid.  We don�t want them to know what�s what yet.�  Buck placed a hand on his arm.

�Who cares if they were gay or not.  Why do people get so worked up over something that ain�t none of their concern?�  JD was on a roll.

Josiah looked over at Nathan who was gripping his beer and not looking up. 

�I don�t know son.  Some people just aren�t very tolerant or things they don�t understand.�  

Nathan knew that was directed at him but he refused to rise to the bait. 

�Show about to start.�  Chris said quietly.  

Vin and Ezra had put up their pool sticks and Vin was paying the tab.  Ezra headed out first and Vin placed a hand on his back as they headed out the door.  Bubba and crew exchanged looks.  Bubba nodded and smiled. 

�Be right back.�  He said to Tony and they followed out the door.


The plan had been for Vin to park exactly where Ezra had parked.  Chris and the guys headed out the back door.

�Hey Tinkerbell.�    Bubba yelled across the parking lot.

Vin and Ezra hesitated.

�Yeah, I�m talking to you.  Don�t you remember me Tinkerbell?   Or did we scramble a few brain cells?�   The guys laughed as they spread out.

�You talking to us?�  Vin said softly.

�Yeah honey, we�re talking to you and your boyfriend.  Told him we wanted to meet ya if he brought you back.  Guess this is your lucky night.  Don�t think we are gonna leave you as purty as we left him. �

�You beat up Ezra?�  Vin clenched his hands, open and closed.

�Guess you don�t hear any better than your boyfriend there.  Yeah we kicked the shit out of his pansy ass.  But we are gonna have a little more fun with you.�

�I wouldn�t count on that.�  Chris said from behind them.

They turned and saw the other five members of Team Seven surrounding them.

�We don�t take kindly to someone beating up a friend of ours.�  Buck said moving a little closer.

�Yeah,� Vin said taking a step forward.  �We felt the need to explain how things were.�

�You can either leave here now and never come back to this bar again.�  Chris said quietly.  �Or we can take you out back and show you our, displeasure.�

Bubba glanced around at the seven men.  He didn�t like these odds one bit.  He looked at his friends and they shook their heads.  They didn�t like them any better.  Maybe this was time to get out in one piece.

�We ain�t got no problem with you.�  Bubba tried to sound like he wasn�t afraid.  �Ain�t no call for you getting riled up.�

�Fine, then I guess you�ll be leaving.�  Chris took another step forward.

Bubba and his friends slowly walked back to their cars and left.

*******

�Did you see them run?�  JD was in high spirits back inside the bar.  �We could have whipped them easy.�

�Yeah JD, but they would have pissed their pants first if Team Two had been here.�  Tony raised his mug.  �To the combined efforts of the ATF�s finest!�

�Here, here!�  They all said.   

Josiah noticed that Nathan was still being quiet.  He had come out to join them in the parking lot but was joining in the celebration.   He hoped that things would work out.

Ezra patted Tony on the back.  �Thanks.�  He slurred.  He had had several beers in celebration.  He got up from the table, Vin looked over at him.

�Bafroom.�  He slurred.   Vin smiled and nodded.

Nathan got up a few seconds after he did and followed him.


�Na-thun.�  Ezra said when he saw him come in the bathroom.  Ezra was at one of the urinals.

Nathan was scowling again he saw.  �Somethin wrong?�  He asked.

�As a matter of fact there is.  I see I was right.  I told you before it was good that Vin wasn�t with you, trouble seems to follow you around.  Now you got Vin buying into this con you got going, this perversion.  You care that you could ruin his career?  You don�t care �bout nothing but yourself.  Don�t matter if you got unnatural ways but to brain wash Vin into it, playing on his kindness cause you got what you deserved. Made him feel sorry for you.  Do us all a favor and leave him the hell alone Ezra.  He ain�t like you!�   

And with that Nathan stormed out of the bathroom.

Ezra felt like someone had sucker punched him.  He couldn�t breath.  He went to the sink and splashed water on his face.  Did they all feel this way?  It was his fault wasn�t it?  If he had never asked Vin to the movies none of this would have happened.  What about Vin?  Vin cared for him, didn�t he?   It wasn�t pity, was it?  Vin had pushed him away when he kissed him.  Told him to stop.  Ezra was the one who held his hand first.  Maybe he did feel sorry for him.  Shit.  He was so stupid.  Now they all knew.  SHIT.  They had probably seen him making an ass of himself at Chris�.  Acting like some drunken � what was the word?  Hell, he didn�t even know what he was!  Homo?  Fairy?  Fag? 

He splashed some more water on his face.  Now what was he gonna do?  Go out there and face them knowing how they felt?  Maybe they had sent Nathan in as their spokesman.   Damn it, Vin had driven him!  

*******

�Where the hell is Ezra?�  Vin looked around.  He and Chris had started playing doubles with Buck and JD after Ezra went to the restroom.

�He was in the bathroom when I came out.�  Nathan said, drinking his beer.

�He say anything?�  Josiah gave him a hard look.

�Nope.�

�I�d better go look.�  Vin laid down his stick.

�Vin, he�s a big boy.  I think he can go to the bathroom by himself.�  Nathan said testily.

�He�s been drinking Nate.   You know his pain medicine makes it worse.�  Why was he explaining this to Nathan? 

�You ain�t his mother Vin.  Why don�t you let him alone?�  Nathan was getting sick of seeing Vin act like, like some lovesick girl.

�He�s my friend Nathan.  And I�m going to make sure he is okay.�  Vin shot Nathan a hard look and left.

Vin found Ezra sitting in one of the stalls. 

�You alright?�

Ezra shook his head.  
�What�s the matter Ez?�  Vin knelt down in front of Ezra. 

�Nothing.�

�I think I can tell something is wrong.  Ya feel all right? �

No reply.

Vin knelt there trying to think.  Things had been great a few minutes ago.  Everyone was celebrating finding those rednecks that had hurt Ezra.  Then Ezra had come in here.  
Wait a minute.   Vin frowned.  Nathan had followed Ezra in here.  Nathan who had been giving them strange looks, and putting down Ezra whenever he had the opportunity.

�Nathan say somethin� to ya?�

Ezra stood up suddenly.  �No.�   He tried to get past Vin, but he wouldn�t move.

�What did he say?�  Vin demanded.

�Want to leave.�   Ezra stated slowly.  �Now.�

�Okay.�  Vin didn�t argue.  He figured once he got Ezra home he could get him to tell him what had happened.  �Let�s go get our stuff.�

�NO.�   Ezra paused.  �I, mean�� He trailed off.

Vin led the way to the door.  �I�ll get our stuff.  You can go out the back, wait for me at the jeep.�

Ezra nodded, he down.  Once Vin had opened the bathroom door, Ezra turned toward the back exit and was out the back.

*******

�Where�s Ezra?�  JD asked as soon as Vin returned.

�We�re leaving.�  Vin said angrily and grabbed his and Ezra�s coats.

�What�s wrong Vin?�   Chris who had been at the nearby pool table came over when he heard JD.

Vin turned and glared at Nathan.

�Ask him.� 

He came up close to Nathan, leaning down in his face.  �And if you have anything else to say, you better say it to my face.�

With that he turned on his heel and stormed out.

Every eye turned to Nathan, who was busy studying his beer.

�Did you say something to Ezra?�  Josiah said.

�What makes you say that?�  Nathan wouldn�t look at the other men at the table.

�Let�s see.  You follow Ezra to the bathroom and now he is leaving.  Makes sense to me.�

�How did Ezra�s mess get to be my fault?�  Nathan glowered at him.

�Ezra�s mess?  And just what is that?�  Chris said slowly.

�This!�  Nathan waved his hands.

�You trying to blame Ezra for what happened to him?�  Buck looked at him incredulously. 

�And who else�s fault is it?  You know the man can�t keep out of trouble, now he�s got Vin�.�  He stopped.

�Go on.�  Chris urged.  �What about Vin?�

Nathan was getting angry.  Why were they making this out to be his fault? 

�He�s got Vin conned, as usual.  I�ve seen the way he looks at Vin, some unnaturalness going on.  Now he�s got Vin following him around like some sick puppy.  It ain�t right.  I just said what needed to be said.�

Josiah stood up, knocking his chair back.  �If you hurt him, if you said some asinine thing to make him feel worse than he does, then you�ll have me to answer to.�  Josiah poked Nathan in the chest and stormed out.

�If I see any problems with my team, I will be the one to handle them, not you.�  Chris stood also.  �We will finish this conversation later.�   Chris downed the last of his beer and left.

Buck and JD exchanged looks. 

�Come on kid.  Let�s go home.� 

Neither man spoke as they left.

*******

Ezra was quite the entire ride back and Vin didn�t try and question him, yet.   Ezra opened the door and headed straight for the kitchen.  Vin could hear him in the refrigerator as he closed the door and followed him in.  He moved aside as Ezra came back into the living room, glass and whiskey bottle in hand.  He sat in the recliner and poured a drink, sitting the bottle on the floor beside the chair.  Vin went and got another glass of ice and sat on the couch.  He leaned over and picked up the bottle.  He poured a small amount and put the bottle on the table near him.   He let a few minutes pass as they sipped their drinks.

�So, ya gonna tell me what he said?�

Ezra swirled his drink, clinking the ice cubes.   What should he say?  Are we a perversion?  Are you brainwashed?  Do you feel pity for me?  Am I ruining your life?   He could see Vin looking at him.  Waiting for an answer.  But he didn�t have any.  All he had was questions.  So he might as well start there.

�Do you feel pity for me?�

Whatever Vin expected him to say, it wasn�t that.

�Pity?  What are ya talking about?  I don�t pity ya.�

�Do you, do you think�.what is between us, is an abomination?�

Ezra never looked up at Vin as he asked these questions.  He kept his eyes fixed on his glass.  He spoke deliberately so Vin would understand him.

But Vin didn�t understand.  Oh he knew what Ezra was saying, though at first he had to sound out abomination due to Ezra�s jaws.  But where the hell was this coming from?

�Ezra.  I don�t know what the hell you are talking about.  Where is this all coming from?�

He stopped, it suddenly dawned on him.  He moved and knelt down by the chair.

�Ez, look at me.  Is this what Nathan said to ya?   He said�.that I pitied ya and we were perverts?�

Ezra barely nodded his head but he refused to look at him.
�Gawd damn it!�   Vin got to his feet, running his hands through his hair.  �That man had no right to say those things.�

He sat on the edge of the chair and gently tilted Ezra�s chin up. 

�I love ya Ez.  Don�t feel sorry for ya.  I am sorry all this happened.  We got something wonderful between us.  Don�t you let that man�s poison spoil it.�

Ezra glanced at him but looked away. 

�I don�t want to ruin your life.�

Vin closed his eyes briefly.  It Nathan Jackson was there at that moment he swore he would have strangled him.

�Only thing that would do that is if ya left me.  And if you�re talking about my job, I don�t give a shit about that.  I can do anything, anywhere.  You and me Ez, we can do anything as long as we�re together.�

Ezra swirled his drink again.  Maybe what Vin was saying was true.  Did he want to risk pushing him away if he meant it?  No.  He�d had enough of being alone.  He figured it was time to fight for what he wanted, and to hell what anyone else said.   He leaned to the right and sat his glass on the floor.  As he straightened back up, slowly as his ribs still hurt, moved his left hand and grabbed Vin by the waist.  He tilted him back until Vin had sprawled backwards into his lap.  He pushed back so the chair reclined.  He wrapped his arms around Vin and pulled him close.

�I agree.� 

Vin shifted so more of his weight was off Ezra, who grunted and groaned as Vin hit sore spots. 

�Sorry Ez.�  He laughed quietly as he cuddled up to Ez.  �Don�t wanna damage ya anymore.�

And they sat that way for awhile, drinks and Nathan forgotten.

****


Nathan couldn�t sleep.  Why was everyone mad at him?   He�d only told the truth � right? 

He decided maybe he should look at it another way.  Why did he feel the way he did and the others didn�t?   He didn�t know.   Maybe, he thought, that was the way he imagined he was expected, as a man, to think.  And with that idea he began to pace. 


Josiah enjoyed getting up early.  He loved sitting on his porch, drinking coffee and watching the sunrise.   He had purchased a porch swing for just that reason.  He was surprised when he saw Nathan�s car coming down the road towards his house.  Not that he was visiting, but that he was there so early.  Maybe it�s about last night.

�Morning Nate.  Want some coffee?�

Nathan got out of this car and headed for the porch.

�Yeah, I could use a cup.  Didn�t get much sleep last night.�

�Have a seat.�

Josiah went inside and brought out another cup.  He handed it to Nathan and nodded to the carafe on the small table by the door.  Nathan poured some and sat in one of the rockers.  They sat gazing at the sunrise until Nathan spoke.


�Been doing some thinking Josiah.  Tried to figure why y�all didn�t have a problem with Ezra and Vin and I did.  Never thought of myself as being prejudice.  But I realized people I grew up with felt that way and I figured they must be right.  When I tried looking at it differently, I�I realized I was wrong.  You were right, ain�t none of my business and it doesn�t change who they are.  Or that they are my friends.�

Josiah felt like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.  He was afraid this would tear their team, hell their family apart.  He got up and patted Nathan on the back.

�I�m proud of you Nathan.  It takes courage to question your ideas, to see if they are yours or if they are outdated.�

Nathan smiled.  He and Josiah were old friends and he valued his opinion and friendship.  He didn�t like it when they argued.

�Guess I need to talk to Chris.   And apologize to Ezra and Vin.�

Josiah smiled.

�Yeah I think that is a good idea.�

****

The talk went well with Chris.  Nathan had a feeling that if he hadn�t had a change of heart that Chris might beat one into him.  He grinned at that thought.   He�d hate to be on the wrong end of an angry Chris.   He�d called Ezra�s condo when he was leaving the ranch and asked if he could come out.  Vin had answered and curtly replied okay.

Vin and Ezra sat on the couch when Nathan came in.  He could tell from their identical expressions that they were pissed with him and he didn�t blame them.

�Wanted to come apologize Ezra.  To you and Vin.  I had no right to say what I did.  Ain�t got no excuse, none that justifies what I said.  Just wanted to come say it and hope you�ll forgive me.  I�d hate to lose your friendship.�

Vin and Ezra exchanged glances.  This was not what they expected.  But they were delighted.

�Sure pard.  No hard feelings.  But I won�t be forgiving if ya hurt Ez again.�   Vin looked at him sternly.

�Don�t worry Vin. �

****



�Are ya nervous Ez?   Today�s the big day.�

A week had passed since Nathan�s apology and Ezra and Vin were on the way to the doctor�s.  If everything looked good, Ezra would finally be free.

Ezra shrugged.  He didn�t want to get his hopes up.   He was having a problem deciding what he wanted to do first.  Kiss Vin or eat something.  Maybe he could do both at the same time?

****

�Come on Ez.  We won�t stay long.  The fellas just wanna help celebrate ya got unwired.�

  Vin smiled at Ezra�s grumpy face.   They were headed to Inez�s where the rest of the team was gathered.   There were shouts of welcome as they entered.

�Hey Ez.  Let�s see ya open wide!�  Buck yelled as they walked in.

�Yeah, we haven�t seen that gold tooth in awhile.�  Chris said waving them over.

Ezra�s bad mood lifted partially.  He had wanted to take Vin straight home when the doctor had released him.  He had been planning just what he intended to with Vin once he had his mouth back. 

They all sat drinking and laughing, some time later Vin leaned over.

�Dance with me Ez.�

�What?�

�Dance with me.  Let me put on a song.�

Vin went to the jukebox and made his selection.  Santana�s  Smooth came on.  Vin started dancing back to the table, holding out a hand to Ezra.  Ezra shook his head.

Man it�s a hot one
Live seven inches from the midday sun

Vin danced up behind Ezra�s chair and leaned close.

I hear you whisper and the words melt everyone
But you stay so cool
My munequita, my Spanish Harlem Mona Lisa

You�re my reason for reason
The step in my groove

Ezra waved him away as Vin nibbled Ezra�s ear, moving against the back of Ezra�s chair.  Vin motioned to Buck and JD, who joined him in his dance.

And if you say this life ain�t good enough
I would give my world to lift you up
I could change my life to better suit your mood
Cause you�re so smooth

Vin went and tugged on Josiah�s arm.  He and Nathan got up and joined in.

And it�s just like the ocean under the moon
Well that�s the same emotion that I get from you
You got the kind of lovin that can be so smooth
Gimme your heart, make it real
Or else forget about it

Vin tried to get Chris to stand but he shook his head.  Ezra laughed at the thought of Chris dancing.

I�ll tell you one thing
If you would leave it would be a crying shame
In every breath and every word
I hear your name calling me out
Out from the barrio, you hear my rhythm from your radio
You feel the turning of the world so soft and slow
Turning you round and round

And if you say this life ain�t good enough
I would give my world to lift you up
I could change my life to better suit your mood
Cause you�re so smooth

Buck grabbed Chris� arm and pulled him up.  He held Chris by the hips and moved him around the table.  Ezra could help laughing as Chris shimmied about.  Well hell if Chris could do it.  Ezra got up and Vin placed his arms around his waist, pulling him close.

And it�s just like the ocean under the moon
Well that�s the same emotion that I get from you
You got the kind of lovin that can be so smooth
Gimme your heart, make it real
Or else forget about it


Chris couldn�t believe he was dancing with the guys from his team.  He noticed how nice Buck�s butt looked in his jeans as he gyrated across the room.  Wait a minute.  He wasn�t gay was he?  But man, he had a fine ass.

Ezra moved closer to Vin until there wasn�t a space between them. He placed his hands firmly on Vin�s butt.

�Mr. Tanner I think it�s about time we went home.�

�Yeah Ez, I was thinkin� the same thing.  Got a few ideas on stuff we could do.�

�No movie?�

�No Ez.�   He bent down and kissed Ezra�s neck lightly.  �Got anything else ya wanna do?�

�Why yes Mr. Tanner, I believe I do.�


And it�s just like the ocean under the moon
Well that�s the same emotion that I get from you
You got the kind of lovin that can be so smooth
Gimme your heart, make it real
Or else forget about it



THE END
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