For Erika, who made mention of Ezra possibly being involved with one of Maude's ex's. I sat down to continue work on something else, but Ezra would not be dissuaded, so here we are.

"Oh, wow!"

"Oh wow what kid?"

"That's him."

"Him who?" Buck asked.

"Michael Brandt."

"The Author?"

"Yes, the author, why do you think I'm so excited?"

"Don't know. With you it could be anything from a sugar high to hormones."

"Very Funny Buck. I wish I could meet him. Maybe get him to autograph my book."

"Looks like you just might get your chance. Looks like he's headed this way."

During Buck and JD's conversation, Ezra was trying to sort out his thoughts. Michael Brandt had been with his mother when Ezra was twenty. He was the one of the longer survivors in Maude's string of usually abysmal relationships. He was a good man. He was twelve years older than Ezra. He was still quite handsome.

Ezra remembered sitting out back on the patio. The sun was setting and the colors on the trees were brilliant. Their fall foliage blazing in the remnants of the day. Ezra had begun to look inside himself as he faced the fact that he found himself attracted by the male form more so than the female one. He was confused and curious. It was not like he had someone he could talk to. Maude would likely have a fit. She liked being the manipulator in any given situation. Things which didn't fit into her scheme of things wouldn't be well received. He could just imagine it. 'Mother. Yes dear. The next time you have your sights set on a man, you best make sure he has a son instead of a daughter. I won't be introducing you to anyone through any girls I might get to know, because I'd rather get to know the guys.' Yes, if I say something like that to Maude, I'd best have my bags packed at the very least. I don't think, I'd be in need of a headstone, but then again when Maude was angry... With that the door opened, startling him. Michael.

"I just thought I'd say good bye. I enjoyed knowing you, even if it was only for a while. Bye."

"Michael." Ezra said softly.

"Yes."

"Could we talk for a minute?"

"Yes, are you ok?"

"I am. I've just been thinking and I was wondering if I could ask you - never mind."

"No Ezra, go on what were you thinking of asking me?"

"Well you see I heard you and Mother talking and I've been having these feelings and I don't know.."

"You heard Maude and I talking about the fact that I'm bi?" at Ezra's nod he continued. "And the feelings you're trying to sort out are of a sexual nature?" another nod. "And the things you're feeling are in relation to guys instead of girls and it has you confused." Ezra was becoming good at nodding by this point.

"Let's talk." And they did. And when they were done Ezra, while not completely sure, did feel better.

"I've got to go." 'Wouldn't Maude just love it if she came home and found me making out with her son? That was where things would be headed if they continued to talk and Ezra let him demonstrate.'

"I know."

"Perhaps our paths will cross again someday." 'And maybe by then you will know where your attractions lie and how comfortable you are with them and then maybe.'

"Time will tell. Thank you for listening. It's helped. Bye again."

"Bye.

It had taken some time but Ezra had sorted things out. He had even worked through the feelings that were stirred up when he admitted to himself that he had a crush on Michael. When he first realized that he was attracted to someone his mother had been with he was very uncomfortable with what he felt. The marriage had made it almost a whole year. It took him a while, but he was finally able to look back and think of Michael by himself, as the person he was separate from his mother. In doing so he came to be at peace with himself as far as Michael was concerned.

Now here they both were nine years down the road. Michael was headed his way. He found he was curious as to whether they could connect in ways they couldn't during those distant fall days. How to introduce him? If he said Michael was an ex of Maude's and then the team found Michael and himself together - he could only imagine the fallout. Ok then, introduce him as an old friend and hope Michael didn't offer up a more detailed past.

green eyes green eyes green eyes green eyes green eyes green

Michael had been having lunch with Judge Travis. It seemed Team seven as well as some of the other teams were in need of a media relations person. Michael spoke as well as he wrote. The Judge had asked him if he'd be willing to be on call and work as needed. Michael accepted.

They finished eating and the Judge spotted Team 7 through the patio window. He offered to introduce Michael when the waiter told him he had a courtesy call. Michael told him that he thought he recognized one of the seven and said he would go ahead and introduce himself while the Judge took his call.

He couldn't believe it. After all these years their paths had finally crossed again. His first thoughts at glimpsing Ezra were that the young man who had been very good looking was truly handsome. He wondered if Ezra still used his intelligence and sharp whit to mask the warm and caring person he was. He was scared and excited to see Ezra again. How would he react? Had he figured out the answers to the questions he'd been seeking? Did he find that he was attracted to men and if so did his friends know? Michael hoped that Ezra would be happy to see him again; at least that and maybe more. Maybe more.

Michael approached the table. Ezra stood up. He extended his hand, taking Michael's as he said.

"Michael. It's good to see you again. Let me introduce you. Gentlemen this is Michael Brandt a friend of mine from a number of years ago. Michael these are the men I work with, Christopher Larabee, Josiah Sanchez, Nathan Jackson, Vin Tanner, JD Dunne, and Buck Wilmington."

'A friend from a number of years ago. So that's how we're going to play things for now. Ok. I can do that.' "It's nice to meet you all."

"Can I have your autograph?" With that Buck lightly cuffed JD on the back of the head.

"Of course." Michael said smiling indulgently at JD.

Just then Judge Travis made his way to the group.

"Well, were you right when you said you thought you knew one of these guys."

"Yes, Ezra and I crossed paths a number of years ago."

"So you know our undercover man, eh? The Judge said, having no clue what images those five little syllables in two words could possibly conjure in the heads of two grown men.

"Yes." both men replied at the same time.

"Michael's just agreed to be our media relations person, so you'll be seeing a lot more of him."

'More than you'll ever know, I hope.' thought Ezra.

"Hey Ez, what's got ya grinnin like a Cheshire cat there?" Buck queried.

"Just something I was thinking about."

"Well jeez Ez, I figured that part out all by my lonesome."

"I am greatly relieved to see that your cognitive powers are working with such efficiency."

"Ha, ha, now what were you thinking?"

"Why, I don't believe I wish to tell you."

"You don't believe you wish to tell me?"

"Why, Mr. Wilmington, there appears to be an echo of sorts in here."

"I'm going to give you an echo."

With a practiced ease Chris glared at one then the other as he said, "Buck. Ezra. That's enough." and just like that both men visibly stood down from their friendly little battle of words.

Michael was amazed. Ezra was relaxed with this group of men. He'd been surprised when the Judge mentioned Ezra being the team's undercover person. He could see that Ezra trusted these men. That must be why some of his walls were down. Some, but not all. Ezra was still the master of creating a mask with his words which deflected a person's focus from whatever he deemed needed hiding. Michael had seen parts of Ezra unmasked. It was like viewing puzzle pieces. He found himself wanting to put the pieces together and view this man in his entirety, not just physically, but emotionally as well.

They all talked for a while longer. He suggested that he and Ezra get together for dinner to talk over old times. Ezra readily agreed, inviting Michael over to his place for a late dinner. The rest of the guys were done eating and got up to head back to the office. Chris extended an invitation for Michael to join them for poker on Saturday night out at the ranch. Everything was set and they all headed out.

Ezra went home and changed out of his work clothes into jeans and a favorite sweater, which set off his eyes. Then he headed into the kitchen and set about preparing dinner. He'd decided on a salad, a nice piece of London broil, with a lemon butter sauce, rice, and corn on the cob.

Michael arrived at 7:30 bearing a bottle of wine. He wore jeans and a tee shirt. He was lean and tan, his blue eyes twinkling. He'd developed a touch of grey here and there which only served to increase the handsomeness of his appearance. Ezra let him in and they made their way to the kitchen. They took everything to the table and sat down to eat. They enjoyed the food and talked about Mike's new job and his recent book, as well as the one he was working on. They cleaned up and headed into the living room where they each settled with a beer.

"It came as quite a surprise to find you with the ATF. Last I heard you were with the FBI. What happened?"

"Maude."

"Maude, now why doesn't that surprise me? Oops. Sorry. I know she's your Mother.."

"It's ok Mike. She's my Mother and I love her, but I don't have her up on a pedestal. She makes mistakes and choices that lead one to believe her conscience is the smallest flicker of light, barely holding its own amid the inner realm that is Maude. Sometimes I catch a glimpse of it within her, and its very existence amazes me. However, the light doesn't often come to the surface and then while I may love her, I don't like my Mother very much. She often does things without considering the ripple effect of her actions or simply with no concern whatsoever to others. Such was the case in the events leading to my becoming an ATF agent. What happened was..."

Michael sat there as Ezra told his story and he believed Ezra, because he could see Maude doing what she did. He wasn't quite as sure as Ezra that she meant no harm, had just not thought things through as she claimed. He'd not be the one to tell Ezra just what Maude was capable of, when she claimed to actually have thought things through. He thought to himself if he got involved with Ezra, he would eventually see Maude again. Looking at the gorgeous man sitting next to him, and listening to his story, Michael decided what he felt was more than lust or the remnants of old feelings. Maude be damned, before tonight was over, he was going to see if Ezra would consider dating him. Maybe he'd even kiss those full moist lips, and see if they'd part to allow him a more intimate taste.

"And I know what she did to you as well."

"What? How?" 'He couldn't really know, could he?'

"I'm an undercover agent. I have my ways. I do know Mike. What she did was reprehensible, and inexcusable. I didn't speak to her for the longest while after our little heart to heart in which I made her fully aware that I was not a child who would simply adore and forgive, but an adult who no longer trusted her. She still makes appearances in my life now and then, but she can't pull the old stunts unless she really wants to tangle with Mr. Larabee and the rest of team."

"I don't think even Maude is that foolish. I am sorry though that you found out what she had done. I never wanted that." Michael said reaching out and resting his hand on top of Ezra's.

"Ezra I need to ask something. Would you consider dating me?"

"Yes, Mike I would."

"Do any of your teammates know?"

"That I'm gay." Mike nodded his head. "Buck does. He came into a bar on the outskirts of town. It has a variety of couples and is a great place to dance. Anyway I was dancing with a guy when Buck noticed me. He was surprised, but that's all."

"So you like to dance?"

"Yes."

"Would you be comfortable if Buck saw us dancing together?"

"I suppose so. May I ask as to why you're inquiring?"

"I was wondering if you'd like to go on a date next Friday, say dinner and then dancing?"

"Dinner at your place and dancing, hmm let me think." Ezra said with a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Yes."

"Um, Ezra, I don't have a place. Not yet anyway. I'm staying at the hotel."

"Michael, you can say no if you're not comfortable, but you're welcome to stay here. I'm often undercover, sometimes for long periods. There's an extra bedroom. If nothing else, you can stay till you find a place of your own."

"Can I think about it and get back to you tomorrow?"

"Of course."

"Guess I'd better call it a night. Walk me to the door?"

They got to the door and Mike turned back to Ezra.

"Thanks for a nice night." He said running a hand down Ezra's arm and taking his hand.

"You're welcome." Ezra replied, reaching with his other hand to draw Mike down for a good night kiss.

Their lips met, each enjoying the feel of the other. Then Ezra's tongue sought entrance into Mike's mouth. Mike could taste Ezra and welcomed the feel of Ezra's exploration. After a bit, Mike pulled back. He caressed the side of Ezra's face and said.

"Talk to you tomorrow. Sweet Dreams."

"Tomorrow then."

Michael moved into Ezra's townhouse and they fell into an easy routine. Chores were shared. They took turns fixing meals. They spent the evenings talking and cuddling. Last night they both lost their shirts, the need to see, feel, and taste a little skin was just too enticing. Ezra had been making his way across Mike's chest, when he pulled up short. Then he started backing away. Mike, who had closed his eyes while enjoying the feel of Ezra's lips and tongue kissing, nipping, and sucking across his chest, looked down in a look filled with dazed arousal and confusion. He gently encircled Ezra's retreating hand. Ezra looked up at him and simply asked.

"How can you even look at me? After what she did to you, how can you want to be my friend, let alone this?" Ezra indicated their present positions with his hand. "I look at this," Ezra said reaching out to touch the tattoo above Mike's heart. "and I want to just take Maude and infuse her with something that would let her feel the pain she causes others, then maybe she wouldn't be so self serving."

Tilting Ezra's head so the younger man could see the sincerity in his eyes when he spoke Michael said.

"Ezra, yes you are Maude's child. You are also your own person, your own man. I was often upset with Maude for the casual way she seemed to walk away from you unless she needed something. Looking back now, while I'm sorry for how much that must have hurt you as a child, I can honestly say I'm glad she didn't drag you everywhere with her. If she had done that, you may have ended up a vastly different man. She didn't though, and I care very much for you. What I missed nine years ago wasn't your fault. It was hers. I could never blame you or care for you any less because of what happened then. This tattoo doesn't remind me of the pain, but of the celebration of a life."

"How can you say that?"

"Because while he was alive, he truly lived. He would have liked you, you know."

"Really? Tell me about him."

"Alright, but could we go in your bedroom or mine. We can snuggle under the covers and you can hold me while I talk."

Hand in hand they made their way to Ezra's bedroom. Glad that Mike was sharing this with him, but knowing it would be hard in some ways, Ezra determined to be a caring haven for the other man. He pulled down the covers and they crawled under them. They each turned on their side, facing the other. Ezra wrapped an arm around Mike's waist and he talked. After a few tears and even more quiet smiles and chuckles, Mike was done. His head rested on Ezra's shoulder as he drifted off to sleep. Ezra carded his fingers through the soft hair, silently promising to make their lives a shared celebration.

Ezra and Michael made their way through the door. It had been a wonderful evening so far. They'd had dinner at a little caf, then gone dancing. Ezra and Michael had made quite the couple on the dance floor. Michael followed Ezra's lead through the songs with faster beats. Ezra was a tease, dancing sinfully close, without touching until he reached out with his hand to stroke down some part of Mike. Once he even stroked down the buttons of his shirt, till his fingertips grazed the top of his jeans. Then he ran his hand down the front of his own shirt the same way, peeked up with eyes filled with desire, and then twirled just out of reach. Michael decided a little payback was definitely in order. The beginnings to a slow, romantic song began and Michael stretched out his hand asking Ezra with his eyes to take it. Ezra put his hand in Michael's and the older man twirled him inwards, and encircled him in the warmth of his embrace as he began to move to the music. He held him close, but not so close that their hips made contact. He slowly caressed down Ezra's arms. Then he switched his attentions to Ezra's shoulders and back. He went slowly and thoroughly, almost like a massage. The song ended and Ezra's desire filled eyes met his own.

"Home?"

"Yes."

And now here they were. Michael bent down and kissed Ezra. When they finally broke the kiss, the need for each other was creating an energy that was almost tangible.

"I want to make love to you Ezra. May I?" Michael asked whispering with a rough voice into Ezra's ear.

"Yes."

"Your room or mine?"

"Ours." Ezra replied and led them back to the master bedroom.

Michael had finished undressing. Ezra was sitting on the edge of the bed pulling his jeans off. Michael crouched down and helped him. Then he shifted as he took Ezra into his mouth as he ran his hands lazily up and down the inside of Ezra's thighs and back towards his balls, so Ezra could feel his skin warming as the hands approached. He could even feel the warmth radiating from the hands themselves. The touch when it came though was as light as Mike's touch had been on his back when they were dancing. It was just enough to send him over the edge. So many stars were in his universe at that moment, that it was all he could do to lay back on the mattress. Within minutes he found a reserve of energy. He had to in order to meet Michael's loving thrusts. And he wanted to meet them, because he couldn't remember anything feeling so intense, but good. The intensity built and soon they were each coming. Ezra was resting along Michael's side.

"How are you doing love?"

"Mmm. Great. Didn't know there were so many stars or that they were such beautiful colors. Love you Mike. Goodnight."

"Goodnight love." Michael answered before his own eyes drifted shut.

Ezra was to be going undercover as a bartender in a little place called Jake's. They'd be working with another team who had started the case. They had just reached the point where they were ready for an undercover person to go in, when their man was hit head on in bad weather. He escaped with a broken arm, hence the need for Ezra.

Friday night Ezra and Michael decided to go dancing again. Vin, Chris, Nathan, and Josiah, decided to go out to eat. They were going to stay at the ranch, had plans to do some fence mending in the morning. They usually didn't go out in this direction, but someone Vin knew recommended the diner and it had a store nearby where they could pick up supplies for tomorrow. No sense in going in more than one direction if a body didn't need to. On the way back they noticed the lively club. Then Vin thought he spotted Buck's truck. They decided to stop, check, and join their friend if he was there. JD had found a napkin with the club's logo on it when he'd been looking for something earlier. It looked interesting, so since Buck wasn't at home and he had nothing better to do, he decided to check it out. As he was pulling in, he noticed most of the seven at what appeared to be Buck's truck. He parked and got out, joining them. There were some ladies heading into the club, and they followed along behind.

They entered and quickly noticed that this wasn't their usual club. While here and there guys and girls were dancing together, there were also girls with girls and guys with guys on the dance floor. Josiah couldn't believe he was back here again. An old buddy of his had wanted to check this place out without being hit on. Josiah was the perfect choice of a companion, straight, but physically imposing. They'd had a fun time and his buddy had come back later on his own. Vin, Chris, and Nathan each took in things in a matter of fact way. JD was a little wide eyed at the moment.

Then Vin spotted Buck. As they neared they noticed Buck seemed to be staring. They followed his line of vision and saw Michael. Mike was laying one hell of a kiss on someone. As he pulled away they saw who that someone was. EZRA! Well this was a surprise. Buck spotted the others and knowing what they just figured, decided he'd best be close at hand till he knew how his friends would react to this revelation.

Ezra and Michael realized they had just outed themselves to the rest of Ezra's team. Buck offered his best wishes and ordered a pitcher of beer for the table. Vin, Chris and Nathan sat down at the table. JD and Josiah were still standing.

"Hey kid, snap out of it." Buck said as he settled in his seat.

"But I didn't know Ezra was gay."

"I do apologize for failing to properly notify you JD. It was very remiss of me." Ezra said and Michael could almost see the walls going up. He was grateful to know he'd be on the inside of those walls. Hopefully Ezra wouldn't have to choose, because so many had walked in and out of Ezra's life. Mike would be damned if he was walking back out again.

JD was still stupefied and the lack of engagement with his brain showed itself again as he opened his mouth and said.

"How long have you been gay? I mean when did you know?"

"Authenticity of my gayness was embossed in gold filagree on my nether cheeks as a babe. Perhaps you would like to see the certificate sometime?" Ezra said turning away. Feeling both foolish and bad for how he'd reacted JD said.

"Um, Ezra." as he was tapping the other man on his shoulder. His face wore a blush of embarrassment.

"this might not be the best time, but I want to apologize, for the way I just reacted. I have friends who are gay. I just didn't know you were one of them. I mean I know you're my friend or at least you were till I opened my big mouth and I'm hoping we can still be friends and Mike too..."

JD's face was red and he was going on as he did when he felt really bad about something.

'Dear Gawd, the kid's obviously feeling bad and is going to be apologizing to me till the sun comes up if I don't put an end to his rambling.'

"It's ok. I accept your apology."

"cause a person can't have too many friends in life and you're like my family and you accepted my apology?"

"I do believe I so stated." Ezra replied.

"Oh, good." JD felt relieved. He sat down and poured himself a beer.

That just left Josiah. It looked as though Ezra had built his walls while dealing with JD and was now turning his attention to the only one of them who hadn't said a word as of yet.

"You know this place hasn't changed to much since I was in here last."

"What!!?" came out of several mouths. JD's beer came spewing back out of his mouth. Josiah let out a hearty laugh.

"Let me tell you a story brothers..." Josiah said as he and Ezra took their seats.

Later that night Mike and Ezra shared a shower. They slowly washed each other, laying kisses and caresses as they went. They teased each other as they dried themselves off, then made their way to the bedroom for some loving. Ezra was feeling possessive in the wake of the night's events. Michael sensed this as he laid back, hooking his hands under the rim of the headboard. He looked at Ezra while spreading his legs wide and said.

"All yours love."

"Love you so much Mike."

"I know. Come take what is yours." and Ezra did.

The case was going well. It was heading to a close soon. Team 4 was bringing in some militia types. One broke loose, got hold of an agent's gun, and managed to fire off some shots. One of the bullets made its way through the top of Mike's shoulder. Nathan was leaving the elevator as it all unfolded and he made his way to Mike after seeing him go down. The guy firing the shots had been subdued. Nathan undid Mike's shirt and saw the tattoo. He gathered the shirt in a ball and used it to put pressure on the wound until the paramedics got there. After Mike was loaded, he called upstairs to let them know he was ok and that he would follow Mike to the hospital.

The nursing staff was in for a surprise as Mike's face was not one they associated with a T7 alert. They'd have a little respite while Ezra was under, but if Mike was still in the hospital when the case was done, they'd be getting a good dose of southern hospitality Ezra style.

Mike was patched up and resting in a room. He'd not be able to lift his left arm for a while. They'd medicated him for the pain and he was pretty out of it. Nathan quietly entered the room.

"Ezra. Don't tell. Can't distract him. Could get hurt."

Damn. The man had been shot and was laying in a hospital and his main concern was that Ezra not be told so he wouldn't be distracted and possibly endanger himself while under. Nathan told Mike that it had made the news and that there was no telling if Ezra saw it. Hoping to satisfy his curiosity and distract Mike at the same time Nathan said.

"Couldn't help but notice the tattoo Mike. JRB, those aren't your initials."

"You want to know?"

"Yeah."

"Are you curious, trying to distract me or do you really want to know?"

Nathan thought a moment.

"Little of each I guess."

"An honest answer at least. The initials stand for Joshua Ryan Brandt. He was my brother. He died about nine years ago."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to open old wounds."

"I know, you were just trying to distract me from my new ones and from worrying about Ezra. Any word?"

"Chris says things are expected to wrap up today or tomorrow."

"You think I might be out of here before he's done?"

"Not likely."

Meanwhile, Ezra had heard the news. He was itching for something, anything to happen which would draw this case to its conclusion. Within twelve hours his wishes were answered. Everyone that could be arrested was. Chris had Josiah take Ezra directly to the hospital as soon as the most necessary paperwork was done. He knew Ezra was upset, and didn't want to see him driving like that.

Nathan met Josiah and Ezra at the entrance.

The nurses all saw this and one of them said.

"Think we best tag this one for T7 alert."

"But he's not on the team."

"Maybe not, but he's connected enough to have three team members here. Nathan's been here the most. I'm willing to bet they were on a case. It must be over. Where two or three are gathered, the rest will surely follow. Tag the file."

Later, the rest of the team filed in and out. The green eyed one, Ezra, was the one to stay. The one most likely to try and check out against doctor's orders was the one sitting in a chair, holding the hand of the man in the bed, watching over him with a tender gaze. Maybe for this one, Ezra would comply more easily the next time he ended up in a bed. The nurses could at least hope.

Vin was picking up some fresh clothes for Ezra. He was on his way out the door just as Maude pulled up. She asked what he was doing. When he told her he was getting clothes to take to the hospital for Ezra, she took off before he could tell her that her son wasn't hurt. To call or not to call, he decided not. A surprise always added some spice to the day. He hightailed it to the hospital, hoping to beat Maude, and to see the look on Ezra's face.

Vin arrived in time to catch the elevator up with the other guys who were coming back after lunch. They saw Maude open the door just as Ezra was pulling away from an intimate kiss with Michael. The sound that emanated from her could only be described as a choked up screech.

As the guys neared they heard Maude say.

"You, you and my son. How could you? How could you kiss my son! My God, we were married ! And you Ezra, were you sleeping with Michael then? Is that why you defended his humiliation of me the night of that charity dinner? Answer me!" She said shaking him.

Mike sat up in bed and made to get out of it to physically remove Maude's hands from Ezra. Good Lord, the woman still thought everything did or should revolve around her. Josiah tried to still his movements. That's when he realized they had an audience. Everyone filtered into the room. The look on their faces left no question as to how much they had heard. Chris and Vin were silently assessing. Josiah and Nathan were hovering over him with concern. JD seemed to be rendered speechless. And Buck. Buck just stared at Maude with an almost visible dislike.

Ezra stood his ground. He looked at his mother and said.

"Remove your hands from my person." Maude's hand dropped and Ezra took a step back.

"You want answers to your questions, mother, and you shall have them. And so shall all these witnesses."

Maude made to leave but Ezra had positioned himself while speaking so that she would have to push her way past him to exit.

"It amazes me how much Michael loves me or that he is even open to the possibility of loving anyone after being married to you."

Maude tried again to get past him.

"You do know it is quite rude to walk away in the middle of conversing with someone. Now where were we? Ah, yes. Michael and I were not lovers back then. We did not become so until recently. I defended him because what you did was worthy of more than the little bit of humiliation you experienced then. You were divorced from him. He agreed to take you to a social event where you could meet actors and artists, and an assortment of wealthy folk. You received a call that night informing you that Michael's brother, was being admitted to the hospital and that Michael should get there as soon as possible. You assumed it was his diabetes and chose not to listen further to the nurse or to tell Michael, so that you could have your evening of rubbing elbows with the rich and famous. But it wasn't a diabetic reaction this time. It was a car accident. I can't begin to imagine how Mike felt when he checked his messages. You deserved every word he uttered when he found out.

Josh was staying with a friend's family while his father was away on business. He'd been calling for his brother from the moment of the accident. There was internal hemorrhaging and by the time Mike got there Josh was only able to remain conscious for a few minutes. He was only fifteen mother! The time he laid there calling for Michael was lost to both of them because of you!"

"If you chose him, I will never call you son or see you again."

Ezra stood aside from the door.

"Thank you mother. That would be the nicest thing you've done for me in quite some time."

Maude glanced at the men in the room. They all offered her son their silent support as they met her eyes with looks of condemnation within their own. Maude left.

JD found his tongue and said, "Mike, I'm truly sorry about your brother."

Hearing the sincerity, Mike said, "Thank you."

Vin said, "I'm also glad you and Ezra got together. You're good for each other."

"We like to think so."

The others offered words of condolence and support. Then they left. The next day Ezra took Mike home. They made their way to the bedroom. Ezra helped Mike undress, mindful of his shoulder. The made love slowly and then fell asleep in each other's arms.

The End