Nathan glanced at Ezra again. The gambler hadn't said two words to him since he'd met up with Nathan on his way back to Four Corners and informed him he was needed elsewhere. Ezra's silence worried him. The man was never quiet. Nathan found himself wondering if things were worse than Ezra had told him.

From Ezra's brief description of things, it sounded like Buck, Chris and Vin might have taken on more than they could handle. [Damn fools don't know any better than ta wait for help. Seven ta three. What the hell were they thinking?]

Nathan was grateful that only one of them had been wounded. He hated spending time patching up his friends. He didn't like them being hurt. Nathan knew it was one of the hazards of the job, but that didn't mean he had to like it. His skills had improved dramatically over the past year, but he couldn't help wishing he didn't have to practice them quite so frequently.

They pulled up near the mouth of the canyon, slowing their horses to a walk. Dandy danced slightly, bobbing his head in annoyance, stepping high and pulling at the bit, still eager to keep moving. Nathan scowled as Dandy bumped into Abe, shoving his mount and forcing Nathan to adjust his balance.

[Damn horse. Chaucer might try ta bite ya, but at least he doesn't dance around like that.] "Don't know why ya picked him, Ezra. Damn horse fidgets worse than a kid with ants in his pants." Nathan all but snarled.

Ezra raised an eyebrow. "Dandy is young, Mr. Jackson, it is expected that he 'fidget'. His inability to be still is the reason I selected him."

Nathan bit back a retort. He knew he was just anxious about Chris and Vin. There was no reason to take it out on Ezra. Once he had a chance to see just what he was dealing with he'd be able to settle down. The unknown made him edgy.

He only had minimal supplies on hand at the moment, and he had no way of knowing if that would be enough. Ezra had said Buck would be bringing additional supplies that he'd gathered from the clinic. Unfortunately, Nathan didn't know what Buck had or when he would arrive. He hated the idea that he would have come to help, only to be unable to do anything to ease a friend's pain and suffering, simply because he was unprepared.

They found Vin and Chris, half way into the canyon, relaxing in shade. Vin was reclining against a scraggly looking tree. Chris sat just off to one side, keeping an eye on a man Nathan assumed was the injured rustler. The rustler didn't look like he'd be causing trouble any time soon.

Chris rose smoothly to his feet when they approached. "About time you got here." He growled slightly. Nathan noticed that there was no more than Chris' usual level of impatience in that statement. The gunslinger didn't seem too worried or upset.

Nathan dismounted. He was surprised to note that Ezra was already out of the saddle and headed for Vin. Ezra crouched down next to the tracker, near enough to touch. Nathan got the distinct impression Ezra was holding himself back, keeping himself from touching Vin even though he was in a position to do so easily. Ezra's green eyes were roving over Vin, cataloging every detail.

"Are you all right?" When Ezra asked that question, Nathan was surprised by just how much concern he could hear in the conman's voice. [Huh. Knew they were friends, but normally Ez doesn't show it much.]

Vin smiled slightly. "Jus' a scratch, Ez."

Nathan's eyes flicked toward Chris briefly, seeking confirmation of that. Vin wasn't always the best judge of his own health. [Man refuses to admit he's hurt most o' the time. I'm pretty sure he could be bleedin' ta death and he'd still say it was just a scratch.]

Chris nodded once, agreeing with Vin's assessment. Nathan relaxed a bit. The dark clad leader would have been demanding assistance if he felt Vin needed swift and immediate attention. Instead he'd kept his attention on their prisoner, casually greeting Nathan and Ezra with a brief two-finger salute.

Vin held out a hand that Ezra immediately took. Chris looked pointedly at Nathan, almost as if he was asking the healer to give them privacy. Nathan was baffled as to why Chris would want him to, but did his best not to stare.

The lean gunslinger approached Nathan, partially blocking his view of Vin and Ezra. Chris nodded toward their prisoner. "Ya might wanna take a look at him, Nate."

Nathan raised his eyebrows at that. Normally anyone and everyone took second place behind treating one of their own. He curbed his natural urge to jump right into checking on Vin's injury because the look Chris sent him made it clear his earlier statement had been an order, not a request. [Vin is awake, and aware, and his injury doesn't look life threatening, so I guess he can wait a minute, even if I don't know why Chris wants him to.]

He glanced over his shoulder and caught a glimpse of Vin squeezing Ezra's hand once. Vin was still smiling. "Honest, Ez. Ain't that bad."

Ezra raised an eyebrow and looked at Vin's leg. Vin shrugged. "The bleeding stopped. It looks worse than it is."

Nathan paid attention to what Vin had to say even as he focused on the prisoner in front of him. He was relieved to hear that the bleeding had stopped. He would be glad when he could get a look for himself. But right now he would help the man in front of him.

At some point Chris must have bound the man's bullet wound. The bullet had passed through the man's left bicep. It was a minor flesh wound, painful but not life threatening, or debilitating. He wouldn't be finding it easy to use that arm for a while though. The broken left leg was a clean break and wouldn't take much to set. Nathan was pretty sure that it had to hurt like hell. The man was quiet though. He kept sending fearful looks toward Chris.

[Chris probably put the fear of God into 'im. Hell, I like the man, and sometimes he scares me too.] Nathan looked up, meeting Chris' cool gaze. "We'll wait ta set it until Buck gets here ta set the leg. For now he should be all right. Looks like ya did a good job wrapping up his arm."

Chris nodded. He looked toward Vin and Ezra. Nathan didn't know what he was looking for, but whatever it was, he must have found it, because he waved a hand toward them, giving Nathan permission to check on Vin. [Finally.]

Ezra looked away from Vin as Nathan approached. "Perhaps a professional opinion on your health is needed, Mr. Tanner. Mr. Jackson, if you would be so kind." He waved a hand toward Vin's injured left leg, inviting Nathan to take a look.

Nathan stepped forward, more than ready to help. "Ezra, I need you ta give me some more room here."

Ezra shifted his weight. "Certainly, Mr. Jackson." He moved to step away, but Vin's hold on his hand kept him from moving to far.

"Stay close."

Ezra smiled slightly. "As you wish." Vin let go, when Ezra settled himself on the ground next to him. Far enough away not to interfere with Nathan's examination, but close enough that Vin could reach out and touch him if he wanted to.

Nathan looked over the rough bandage that had been applied. "You cleaned this first?"

"Yep. Chris had whiskey with 'im."

Nathan nodded. Whiskey was usually the best thing they had on hand at any point in time. Nathan was fairly certain the rotgut that Chris drank could kill damn near anything. He was pretty sure that it would some day be the death of Chris, as well.

He shifted the bandage slightly so he could get a better look at the wound. The hole was neat and clean where the bullet entered. It was bigger and raw looking where the bullet had exited. There was no way to really stitch a puncture wound like this. And as long as the bleeding had stopped, and it stayed clean, Nathan was fairly certain it would heal just fine.

He nodded. "Looks okay. I'll wanna clean it again when Buck gets here, but ya should heal up just fine. You'll have ta stay off your feet for a bit, but then I don't imagine you're gonna walk much on it for at least a few days."

Ezra raised a hand to rub his eyes. Nathan was surprised to see that Ezra's fingers were trembling slightly. He pursed his lips in concern when he realized that the gambler looked relieved and very tired at the same time. More than tired, the man looked exhausted. Ezra's normally fair complexion was decidedly pale at the moment. [If he weren't sitting down, I'm pretty sure the man would fall down.]

JD had asked Nathan if he thought Ezra might be working too hard before the gambler had joined them for lunch. He'd scoffed at the idea of the shiftless conman doing too much of anything that resembled work. Looking at the man now, Nathan wondered if JD might not have noticed something he'd missed. He knew that Ezra had double duty while Vin, Chris and Buck were gone, but he hadn't really thought much of it. He'd been more focused on his own responsibilities. And it wasn't like JD and Josiah weren't also working just as hard.

[He didn't eat much for lunch. But it ain't like he ever eats that much. Still he was off his feed enough today for me to notice it. That's a bit odd right there. Unless he's bleeding or unconscious it's damn near impossible ta tell if there's somethin' wrong. An' him lettin' Vin touch him is weird too. So's Vin wanting ta touch. He ain't the sort to get touchy feely when he's been hurt. Man's more inclined to hide somewhere like a wounded wolf. Chris is acting a little off as well. Wanting me ta check on that rustler 'fore I look at Vin just isn't normal.]

Nathan shook his head. None of these thoughts made any sense and served no purpose. They'd just make him crazy, and from the looks of it there was enough craziness to go around with out him adding to it.

"You feeling all right, Ezra?" Nathan asked, eyeing the man carefully.

The gambler looked at him mildly. Nathan wasn't sure how he did it, but Ezra didn't look like he had just a moment ago. Almost all traces of his earlier exhaustion were gone. It was like someone had erased a blackboard leaving a clean slate behind.

"I assure you, Mr. Jackson, I am fine."

Vin's eyes narrowed. "Ez?" Evidently he'd seen the same thing Nathan had because there was an astonishing amount of unease in that softly voiced, one word question.

Ezra shared a look with Vin. Nathan expected Ezra to repeat his earlier statement that he was fine. Instead, Ezra dipped his head slightly. "I'm tired, Vin. That's all. I've not yet been to bed."

"You worked last night?"

Ezra nodded. "And this morning."

"You took my patrol?"

"Yes."

Vin's jaw tightened. "An' how long you been workin' double shifts back ta back?"

Ezra smiled slightly and waved a hand in dismissal. His smile was warm, an open, honest expression that was directed solely toward Vin. It was one Nathan could not remember having seen before. It made him wonder just how good of friends Vin and Ezra had become.

"It is not important."

"Yeah. It is." Vin was insistent.

"It was necessary for someone to cover the shifts the three of you normally work." Ezra pointed out reasonably. "We were short handed."

Vin didn't look convinced. "Who got Chris and Buck's shifts?"

Ezra rolled his eyes. "Mr. Dunne and Mr. Sanchez. I am not the only one who worked extra duty. We've all had to pitch in."

"Yer the only one who worked 'em back ta back."

Ezra sighed. "Someone would have gotten the short straw, Mr. Tanner. It was inevitable."

Nathan watched in surprise when Vin sent a venomous look toward Chris. He knew Vin and Chris had disagreements in the past, but usually Vin sided with Chris whenever it came down to something serious. The two of them tended to share similar views on almost everything. [Maybe not everything. Vin tends ta take care of his friends. And he is most definitely claiming Ezra as a friend. So if he thinks Chris is wrong...well, he wouldn't hesitate ta say so.]

"It ain't always gotta be you, Ez." Vin stated softly, and with conviction. Chris arched an eyebrow, but didn't say anything.

Ezra reached out and placed a hand on Vin's shoulder. When Vin redirected his gaze to Ezra, the gambler's green eyes were bright with an emotion Nathan wasn't sure he could name. He felt like he was intruding on a very private moment, but found himself unable to look away.

"It isn't always me, Vin."

Nathan blinked at Ezra's use of Vin's first name. It was usually only in times of great stress that Ezra forgot himself and used any of their first names. In a weird way, Nathan had found Ezra's continued reference to him as Mr. Jackson to be a sign of his respect. Or at the very least, a sign that he regarded Nathan as no less than the others since he routinely referred to them by their surnames as well. [Man must be real tired to have let that slip out.]

"Better not be you the next time." Vin said firmly. Even with out looking at Chris, Vin managed to somehow include him in that statement.

Ezra hesitated for a moment and then nodded. "Unless the situation requires it."

Vin rolled his eyes. "You always hedge your bets?"

Ezra grinned, dimples flashing briefly. "Only when I feel it may be prudent to do so. As you are well aware, I abhor gambling."

Further conversation was interrupted by Buck's arrival. The jovial ladies man grinned as he pulled up. "Y'all ready ta go home?"

"More than ready." Chris replied.

"Got some stuff here for ya, Nate." Buck called out as he jumped down.

Nathan headed for the wagon to retrieve whatever supplies Buck had brought with him. He offered laudanum to Vin before attempting to remove the existing bandage and clean his wound again. Nathan knew the ride home would likely be unpleasant for Vin. Being bounced around in a wagon over rough terrain could be hard on even a healthy man. The laudanum would take the edge off. He expected Vin to refuse, knowing how much he hated to take anything that robbed him of complete control. But a hard look from Ezra and the tracker quietly drank a mouth full of the potent drug.

He was at his heart an essentially practical man. So even though he didn't know how or why Ezra managed to convince Vin to take the medicine, Nathan wouldn't question too closely anything that made his job easier, and helped his patient. Mysteries could wait for another time.

Nathan deftly cleaned and rebound Vin's leg. "Chris, help Ezra get Vin loaded up in the wagon. Would be best if he laid down for the trip home."

Nathan fully expected the tracker to object, and was only mildly surprised when he didn't. He recalled how a month ago Vin had gotten Ezra to come to the clinic with little fuss, and submit to an examination. [Must be a day for firsts. He drank the laudanum, and is going to ride home in the wagon without raising a fuss. Might be a good idea ta remember ta treat Vin with Ezra around. And Ezra with Vin around. Vin sure seemed ta keep Ezra cooperative last month.]

"Buck, help me set this guy's leg." Nathan ordered. When it came to treating injuries, he was in charge, so no one objected to being ordered about.

Buck helped him set and splint the rustler's leg. Nathan offered the man some laudanum as well. Not entirely because he wanted to ease the man's pain, but because he knew a large enough dose would guarantee the man stayed quiet the whole way back to Four Corners. [Last thing I need is for this damn fool to decide to try and escape. At best he'd only hurt himself more, and at worse he'd hurt one o' us.]

Between Buck and Nathan, they managed to get the man loaded as well. Vin was lying near the front of the wagon. His head was pillowed on Ezra's lap, eyes closed, and his feet were raised slightly resting on extra bedroll. The tracker looked comfortable.

Nathan had expected Chris to be the one to ride with Vin. [Maybe Vin's still mad at him over Ezra working double shifts.] When Nathan raised an eyebrow in surprise, the gambler shrugged.

"Mr. Tanner indicated he would be more comfortable this way." Ezra smiled slightly. Nathan figured if Chris had any objections he would have voiced them, so he might as well just go with it.

Ezra nodded toward the rustler they'd just helped into the wagon. "And from here, I will be able to easily observe our remaining miscreant." The smile remained in place, but there was something hard and unforgiving in Ezra's eyes. "He will cause no trouble on the way back to Four Corners."

Nathan nodded. [Way Ezra looks, that man so much as twitches and Ezra will shoot 'im.] Nathan didn't entirely understand the gambler's animosity, but decided it probably was related to the other mysteries he'd already encountered today.

Mentally Nathan shrugged. [Don't matter if Ezra rides in the wagon. Probably won't hurt him none to relax for a bit, rather than ta ride home.] He hadn't forgotten just how pale Ezra had been just a little while ago, or how tired he'd looked. He made a promise to himself to pay more attention to his friends in the future.

[Never should have brushed off JD's concerns. If he noticed something, then by God I should have too. Ain't much of a healer if I can't do that. Been workin' with Ezra long enough that I ought ta be able ta tell when he's not at his best. Don't care how good a conman he is. Can't be that good if JD noticed. Means it's my fault, not his, that I didn't see that something wasn't right.]

Chris tied Dandy and Peso to the wagon, and swung up on Sable. Buck settled himself in the driver's seat. He gathered up the reins before twisting in the seat so he could look toward Vin and Ezra. If the ladies man thought it odd that Ezra was riding with Vin and not Chris he didn't show it. He'd known Chris the longest, so maybe he'd learned not to question the man's occasionally odd behavior.

"You two just make yourselves comfortable, and leave the drivin' ta ol' Buck. I'll get ya home safe and sound."

"Of that, I have no doubt, Mr. Wilmington. I would appreciate as smooth a ride as you can manage. And I'm sure Mr. Tanner would as well."

Buck chuckled. "I'll do my best, Ez."

Nathan swung up on Abe. He fell in line on the right side of the wagon. Chris was on the left. Nathan would feel better once they were all back in Four Corners where they belonged. Then he'd have time to ponder some of the mysteries this trip had brought to his attention.

Chris kept a watchful eye on Vin. The wound wasn't serious, but Vin was still his best friend, and he couldn't help but worry about the younger man. Every once in awhile, the wagon would hit a particularly rough spot, eliciting a low moan from their prisoner. Nathan looked at him from time to time, but there wasn't anything he could do for them man that he hadn't already done.

Vin, on the other hand, was quiet. Chris could tell the tracker was sleeping soundly. That surprised him. He knew Vin hadn't been sleeping well since they left Four Corners. With the rough ride, and his injury, Chris expected Vin to still be awake. He glanced at Ezra and wondered if the gambler might not have something to do with how well Vin was resting. [Could just be the laudanum too.] But Chris didn't think so.

Cool green eyes met his gaze. Ezra raised an eyebrow in inquiry. Chris nodded toward Vin. Ezra looked down. Chris watched in amazement as the normally unconcerned, neutral expression gave way for a moment to something incredibly warm and tender. It wasn't a look anyone else saw. Buck was driving, and Nathan's attention was temporarily focused on their prisoner.

The gambler raised a hand to gently brush back Vin's hair. When Vin muttered in his sleep, Ezra leaned forward slightly. To Chris' surprise the gambler murmured something in French. Whatever he said made Vin smile slightly and settle again.

"He is resting comfortably, Mr. Larabee." Ezra looked up to meet Chris' gaze, his poker face was again firmly in place. "There is no cause for concern."

Chris nodded and looked away. [Didn't know Vin spoke French. But then I get the feeling there's a lot about both of them I don't know anymore. Maybe I never did. It isn't like any of us talk much about the past.]

With a start, Chris realized that all he really knew about Vin's past was the man was wanted for a murder he didn't commit, he'd spent some time with different tribes over the years, and his mother had died when he was little. Even when he'd known nothing about the man, Chris had trusted Vin implicitly. They had worked together like they'd known each other their entire lives. He felt so connected to the younger man, Chris hadn't thought the details of his past mattered. [Didn't matter before...then I guess, after everything we've been through, they shouldn't matter now.]

He knew even less about Ezra than he did about Vin. Finding out the man's mother was still alive had stunned him. Somehow he'd been sure that Ezra was alone in the world. But then, Ezra was constantly surprising him. Every time he thought he had the gambler neatly pegged, Ezra went and did something unexpected. [Funny thing is, I'm sure if I asked him, he'd tell me. It's worked before. Haven't really thought to try doing it since then.]

He found himself thinking about the conversation he'd had with Vin that morning. He couldn't help but wonder if Ezra's answer would match Vin's. Chris suspected they would. The language would be more eloquent, flowery even, but the sentiment would undoubtedly be the same.

When he'd fallen for Sarah, Chris remembered not wanting to be more than a few feet away from her. He'd done all sorts of stupid things just to make her laugh. He worked his ass off to give her everything and anything she wanted. Even though he'd always been a reserved sort, not willing to show much affection in public, he held her hand when they went places together, or would place a kiss on her cheek when they had to part company in town. He controlled his temper for her. He didn't drink as much because she didn't like it. He smiled more around her, and it was painfully obvious to anyone that he was in love with Sarah.

Maybe he doubted the depth of Vin and Ezra's feelings because they weren't putting them on display the way he'd expected them to. Oh he knew they had to be careful in town. And he knew why. Even agreed with the reasons. But he also knew first hand that love made you feel like you could take on the world. It had a tendency to make people careless, and prone to being stupid.

There were little things. Like Vin offering Ezra his hand earlier, or the look on Ezra's face a moment ago. But for the most part there was nothing blatant. Nearly everything could be explained away as just being good friends. Their relationship hadn't gotten in the way of performing their duties. If it weren't for the fact that he already knew they were now a couple, he would have no reason to suspect it from their recent behavior. For all intents and purposes very little in their day to day activities had changed much. Both of them had been careful not to say or do anything in public that would blatantly suggest they were together.

Chris hadn't realized, until Vin asked, that he'd assigned double duty to Ezra with back to back shifts. He had simply picked the man he thought could handle the job. He hadn't wanted JD out of town, on his own, where he might encounter more trouble than the young sheriff could handle. Nathan had his other obligations to the town, which required him to stay close. That left Ezra or Josiah. The gambler hadn't complained or objected when Chris had handed out the duty assignments before they left.

For the first time Chris wondered if the man felt like he couldn't object. Chris had made his acceptance of their relationship conditional on their ability to continue to do their jobs. Chris realized with some surprise that Ezra took giving his word just as seriously as Vin did. Both of them rarely gave it, but when they did, there was no doubt they would follow through. And Ezra had promised that his involvement with Vin would not interfere with his duties as a peacekeeper.

Chris found himself wondering just how much Ezra would be willing to take to keep his word. He realized it wasn't just his word that Ezra was determined to keep. [He wants Vin. And for them to stay together in Four Corners...that means he has to put up with a lot. Hell, they both do. Have to be constantly on their guard. Skulking around, and hiding how they feel.]

Remembering the early days with Sarah, Chris decided that was a shitty situation. And it might well be one he might have contributed to. Chris sighed silently. He realized that he could have assigned Vin's patrol to Ezra unconsciously as a test. If he had, then it was petty. He was better than that. And, as a friend, he owed them more than that.

He looked toward Vin again. [Man is your best friend, Larabee. Be happy that he's happy even if it isn't what you would have wanted for yourself.] He glanced at Ezra. [You've had your differences in the past, but when push came to shove the man has always been there for you. Least you can do is the same for him.]

Chris nodded to himself. His mind on the matter made up. In the past month he had no reason to doubt them, and it was about time he accepted them, unconditionally. As soon as he had a moment alone with them, he'd let them know that.

Vin didn't remember much of the trip back to town. He had quietly insisted that Ezra ride in the wagon with him when Chris and Ezra had helped him get settled in. After spending four days away from his lover, Vin wanted him close. Even if they couldn't really do anything, he still wanted to be near Ezra. Wanted to be able to touch and be touched.

Despite the nagging ache from the hole in his leg, Vin hadn't been so content since he'd hugged Ezra good-bye. He felt safe with Ezra on guard. He knew the gambler would keep watch for him. It wasn't that he didn't trust Chris or Buck to do it. Not really. He just felt better knowing it was Ezra. And he could smell the faint trace of lavender and sandalwood that seemed to have been permanently imprinted on his soul. It was a fragrance that had come to signify that all was right with his world.

Between the feeling of contentment and the laudanum, Vin was asleep almost as soon had he laid his head in Ezra's lap. Vin vaguely remembered stirring once or twice, but each time he did Ezra would run fingers through his hair and murmur something in French. Vin was beginning to recognize some of the phrases that Ezra used, but he didn't really understand all of what was said. It was more the tone than the words that settled him. Ezra frequently spoke words of love and affection in French, making it something of a language just for the two of them.

Buck had stopped the wagon next to the jail. The tall man jumped down in one easy move. And moved around to the back of the wagon. JD was quick to join him, all but launching himself off the boardwalk.

"You're back." JD stated with obvious enthusiasm.

"Yeah, Kid we're back." Buck punched him lightly on the arm. "Ya miss us?"

JD shrugged. "Not really." His grin belied that statement. "You have any trouble?"

"Nah. Josiah get back?"

"Not yet. He should be here soon though."

Vin woke fully when the wagon had come to a halt. He heard Buck and JD talking. Vin blinked slowly, and raised his head. "We home?"

Ezra smiled slightly. "Yes."

"Now you just stay put, Vin." Nathan admonished Vin as he dismounted, even though Vin hadn't done anything more than raise his head.

Buck wagged a finger at him in a 'shame on you motion', grinning broadly as he did so. "Ya can just sit tight for a minute. Figure we'll off load this feller first." Buck nodded toward their prisoner. "With that leg o' his, he ain't gonna wanna walk to far, and I sure as hell don't want ta carry im."

JD moved to assist Buck. "This guy one o' the rustlers?"

Buck gave him a pointed look, and heaved a tired, long-suffering sigh. "Who else did ya think it would be, Kid? Somebody we just picked up on the way ta town?"

JD slapped him on the arm. "I was just askin', Buck."

Vin sat up slowly ignoring Nathan's order to stay put. He felt Ezra shift slightly to support his back, letting Vin lean against him. Vin sighed, and rubbed a hand over his face. He hated laudanum. It always made him feel slightly disconnected when he woke. He felt like he was trying to move through water.

Nathan shot a hard look at Vin. "Don't be getting any ideas about moving around. We'll get you up to the clinic once they get him settled."

"I ain't going ta the clinic." Vin stated firmly. He had just spent the last four days sleeping alone. He sure as hell wasn't going to spend another night without Ezra. There was no way they'd be able to be together in the clinic. [That damn cot is too small fer both o' us. Never mind the fact that Nate don't know about me an' Ez. An' this sure as hell isn't how I plan ta tell him.]

Nathan paused in helping Buck and JD with the wounded rustler, carefully maneuvering the splinted leg. "You can't sleep in that wagon o' yours."

Vin scowled. He didn't like being ordered around. There was nothing wrong with his wagon. It had been a perfectly serviceable shelter before he came to Four Corners. Besides it wasn't like he'd slept in it for over a month or that he planned to sleep there tonight either.

"And I need ta keep an eye on that leg ta make sure it don't get infected." Nathan added that argument when he'd seen Vin's expression.

"No." Vin said even more firmly. He was not going to give way on this. Not this time. "I ain't stayin' in the clinic, Nate."

Nathan frowned. "I know you don't like it, but--"

"No."

Nathan sighed, exasperated. "Vin--"

"No."

Ezra placed a hand on Vin's shoulder. "Gentlemen, please. It is unseemly to argue in a public thoroughfare. Perhaps an agreement can be reached. A compromise that will satisfy both your needs."

Nathan frowned. "Compromise?" The healer wasn't used to having to settle. He rarely had to give way where the well being of a wounded friend was concerned.

Vin looked at Ezra. He figured Ezra wasn't any more inclined to sleep alone than he was. [Can't really suggest his room though without raisin' a few eyebrows. But he's got to have an idea. He usually does.]

"What ya got in mind, Ez?" Vin asked, hoping his lover would have something convincing to say that would satisfy Nathan and still let them sleep together.

Chris spoke up for the first time, casually interrupting what Ezra had been about to say. "Vin can stay in my room at the boarding house." Vin and Nathan both looked at him in surprise. "It's on the first floor so Vin won't have to deal with stairs. And it's better than his wagon.".

Nathan opened his mouth to protest but Chris silenced him with a hard look. "You can keep just as good an eye on him there as you can in the clinic. And if it makes Vin comfortable enough ta rest, I don't see where it will hurt."

Vin pursed his lips, and considered Chris' offer. He shared a look with Chris. He wasn't sure what had happened on the ride home, but somewhere along the line Chris seemed to have finally, and fully, accepted his relationship with Ezra. He wouldn't have made the offer of his room if he hadn't. [Chris knows how much bein' with Ez means ta me. Knows we'll be sharin' that bed.]

Ezra raised an eyebrow, and regard Chris quizzically. A look passed between them and Ezra smiled slightly. He tipped his head, and raised two fingers to the brim of his hat. Vin knew Ezra rarely had a problem reading Chris. The gambler had to have seen the same degree of approval and acceptance in Chris' offer that Vin had.

"Where you plan on sleepin' then, Chris?" Buck asked. Buck winked, and waggled his eyebrows. "Got me a lady friend who'd put ya up for the night if ya need a place."

Chris rolled his eyes. "Don't worry about it, Buck." He turned Sable so he could reach to untie Peso and Dandy. With his back to Nathan, Buck and JD, Chris sent a sly look toward Vin and Ezra. "I'm sure I'll be able ta find a place."

Vin chuckled. "Ya can use my wagon." He offered, knowing full well Chris planned to be sleeping in Ezra's room, in Ezra's feather bed. [I know just how comfortable that bed is. Lot better'n my wagon, that's for sure.]

JD piped up. "Ain't gotta sleep in Vin's wagon, Chris. Ya can use my room if ya want. For tonight anyway. I've got the late shift so I won't be needing it."

Nathan looked at JD in surprise. "That's Ezra's shift."

JD shrugged. "Was his shift. I offered ta switch with him. Got bored doing the same stuff all the time. Asked Ez this morning if he'd switch with me, and he said yes."

Chris nodded. "Then it's settled. Buck, you and JD get this idiot settled in the jail. Nathan, why don't you take the wagon over ta the boarding house. Ezra can help you get Vin settled while I take care of the horses."

Vin relaxed. He hadn't expected it to be that easy. Or to have an entire night with Ezra. Vin had been fairly certain that Ezra would have to leave at midnight. He shot a hard look at his lover as Nathan got into the driver's seat and headed the wagon toward the boarding house.

"Ya didn't say you had the night off." Vin accused quietly.

Ezra smiled slightly. A faint blush dusted his cheeks. "Would you believe me if I said I had forgotten?"

"Yeah." Vin nodded. "I would." It had been a long day. Had it been Ezra who'd been wounded, Vin knew without a doubt, he'd have forgotten nearly everything else as well. ['Sides, the man is tired. Won't hurt him any ta not have ta work tonight. Have ta remember ta say thank you to JD for offerin' ta take the late shift for Ez. Pretty damn sure the kid didn't offer jus' cause he was bored. Kid is sharper than they think.]

Nathan pulled up beside the boarding house. Ezra helped Vin to the edge of the wagon. Vin took a breath. His leg went from being a dull ache to a throbbing, intense pain when he started moving. He had dealt with worse in his life. The nap he'd gotten on the trip back had helped a lot.

Ezra slid to the ground. Not wanting to wait for Nathan, Vin hopped off the wagon, balancing his weight on one leg, while using Ezra as a crutch. The slight differences in their respective heights made it natural, rather than awkward, for Vin to lean into Ezra. His arm across Ezra's shoulders made it surprisingly easy for him to maintain his balance, and upright stance. He kept his wounded leg straight, finding the act of bending it just a bit more than he could handle at the moment.

"Are you okay?" Ezra's voice was laced with concern.

"Yeah. Yeah. Just give me a second here."

"Take all the time you need." Ezra tightened the arm he'd wrapped around Vin's waist.

Nathan moved to stand on Vin's right, offering additional, if unnecessary support. "You could have waited for me." Nathan reproved gently.

Vin rolled his eyes. "I coulda. Didn't wanna." He really wasn't in the mood to be mothered. He was never really in the mood for that. All he really wanted was to be alone with Ezra, and the sooner he got settled in Chris' room the sooner he could have what he wanted. [Course the rest of 'em will be by as some point ta check on me, I'm sure. So jus' getting rid of Nate won't really get us alone any faster.]

Ezra shared a knowing look with Nathan. "You must excuse Mr. Tanner's poor disposition, Mr. Jackson."

"Yeah, I know." Nathan sighed. "He always gets a bit snippy when he's hurt."

[Snippy!!] "I don't get snippy." Vin growled in protest.

"Of course." Ezra replied. He flashed a quick grin at Vin, green eyes bright with inner amusement. "You merely state your feelings in a more forthright manner than usual." Ezra tightened his hold for just a moment, letting Vin know he understood, and was only teasing.

Nathan, on the other hand, seemed unwilling to make eye contact with Vin. Vin realized his earlier determination to not stay in the clinic, and his unwillingness to wait for Nathan might have been construed as an insult by the healer. [Aw hell, I didn't mean ta hurt his feelings.] He reached out and patted Nathan's arm. "Sorry, Nate."

Nathan smiled, dark eyes warm with understanding turned to meet Vin's blue ones. "No problem. I know you don't mean ta get short with me. Nobody is ever pleasant ta be around when they're in pain. Let's get you settled in."

It didn't take long to reach Chris' room. There was little in the room to suggest it was occupied regularly. Chris kept anything of importance to him at his ranch. This room was just somewhere he slept when he needed to. The lack of personal items patently revealed the fact that this room wasn't home to him.

Vin relaxed on the bed with a sigh of relief, fervently glad he hadn't had to navigate a flight of stairs. Even though he'd rested a lot of his weight on Ezra, the little bit he'd used his wounded leg had made him tighten his jaw against the pain. He hadn't wanted to worry Ezra by letting him know how much it hurt. The look Ezra sent him once Vin lay down told him it was a wasted effort. [Man's worried anyway.]

Nathan swiftly and carefully removed the earlier bandage. He frowned slightly. The wound was bleeding again. But not badly. It had opened slightly in response to Vin's use of it getting to Chris' room. The faint trickle wasn't cause for alarm. It was more of a nuisance as far as Vin was concerned.

Nathan examined the wound, and then looked up at Vin. "Might as well get your pants off. Be easier that way ta clean this, and bind it."

"Yer gonna clean it again?" Vin didn't like the sound of that. Somehow he just knew that was going to hurt like hell. Now that they were back in town Nathan would probably cook up something that stung a lot more than whiskey.

"It's a puncture wound." Nathan pointed out calmly. "Deep wounds like that get infected real easy. Gotta make sure that it's clean all the way through. You don't want to have to worry about losing the leg. Now do you?"

Vin paled slightly at that thought. Ezra laid a reassuring hand on his shoulder, and squeezed. "Not to worry, Mr. Tanner. That is only a possible outcome." He locked eyes with Nathan. "One that Mr. Jackson has every intention of preventing."

Nathan nodded firmly. "Now let's get you undressed, Vin."

"Ya sure we can't jus' leave my clothes on?" Vin wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea of being undressed with anyone other than Ezra. He liked being naked, skin to skin with Ezra, but that was private. Personal. The idea of being unclothed where anyone else could see just didn't fit Vin's definition of a good thing. He fought Nathan over the issue before.

Nathan raised his eyebrows. "It will be easier in the long run."

"The others are gonna stop by, Nate. Ya know they will. I don't wanna be undressed when they show up. Ain't decent." Vin tried really hard not to sound like he was whining.

"We could just cut the pant leg off." Nathan offered as an alternative.

"No." Vin didn't care for that option either. He liked these pants. He'd just gotten them broken in. [Can patch the hole, and the blood ought ta come out easy enough. An' I don't mind the stain if it don't.]

Ezra raised a hand to halt any other forthcoming arguments. "I have something I believe Mr. Tanner could wear that should satisfy his need for modesty, and your need, Mr. Jackson, for easy accessibility."

"Another compromise?" Vin raised an eyebrow wondering what his lover was going to suggest.

"Indeed." Ezra inclined his head. "I have several pair of summer underwear."

"Long johns?" Nathan looked at him, incredulous. "Hell, Ezra, those wouldn't be any better than what he's wearing right now. Would still be in the way."

Ezra sighed. "I did not say long johns, Mr. Jackson." Ezra's tone was similar to the one Vin heard him use when he patiently corrected one of the children he gave lessons to.

"These are silk underwear. Similar to short pants, if you like. They stop at mid-thigh." Ezra gestured toward his own thigh, showing just where the underwear stopped. "A length I believe will be suitable, will it not?" Ezra raised an eyebrow.

Nathan pursed his lips thinking about it. "Should work."

Vin had seen Ezra's underwear on him. Loved the way it felt when he stroked Ezra's ass when he was stripping him out of his clothes. That thin, wonderfully smooth fabric felt so much like Ezra's skin it was hard to tell with his eyes closed where the underwear stopped and Ezra began. Vin swallowed hard against the thought of wearing something of Ezra's that was so intimate. He tried to imagine what they would feel like on him, lovingly caress him the same way Ezra's hands did. Vin tried to block out the images that thought immediately brought to mind.

"Vin? Vin?"

"Hunh?" He looked dazedly at Nathan.

"Would that be okay with you?"

Vin took a deep breath. [Would what be okay? Oh...] "Sure. That'll be fine, Nate."

Nathan put a hand to Vin's forehead. "You're a bit flushed, but I don't feel a fever."

Vin batted his hand away. "I'm fine." [I have got to not think about Ezra like that. Leastwise not 'til me and Ez are alone.]

There was a soft knock at the door. Chris stepped through a moment later. He looked at Vin. "You doin' okay, Cowboy?"

"I'm fine."

Nathan shook his head, but didn't offer an argument to that statement. He loosely rebound Vin's leg. "Chris, will ya do me a favor and keep an eye on him while I run over ta the clinic and get some stuff?" He looked toward Ezra. "Ya can go get them fancy shorts o' yours... that way, we'll have everything here when I get back."

Ezra nodded. He patted Vin's shoulder before he moved away. That simple gesture held a wealth of information for Vin. He reveled in that communication. Ezra was reluctant to leave, but he would be back as fast as he could.

[Won't be near fast enough. Would rather he didn't leave at all. Jus' gotta be patient a little while longer.]

Chris pulled up a chair and sat down facing Vin. He waited until Ezra and Nathan had left before asking Vin a second time, "You okay?"

Vin rolled his eyes. "Fine. Nathan frets too much."

Chris gave him an understanding look. "Can't say we haven't given the man good reason to over the past year."

Vin sighed. "Yeah, I know." Vin shifted slightly, suddenly feeling shy. "Thanks."

"For?"

Vin waved a hand to encompass the room. "This."

Chris smiled. "Least I could do." Chris looked out the window, his eyes distant, seeing something other than what lay just outside. "When Sarah and I first got together, it was hard ta spend more than a minute away from her. Got easier the longer we were together, but I missed her like crazy whenever I had to leave. Still miss her."

Chris' eyes flickered back to Vin and away again. "I would never have been able to show the same restraint you and Ezra did today. After spending four days away from Sarah, I'd have swept her up in a hug, and tried to hold her so tight we'd be one person and never part again."

He sighed softly. "I can still remember what it felt like ta sleep with her next to me. Her skin...the sound of her breathing...the way her hair tickled sometimes...her perfume just strong enough for me to get a faint trace of it...the way she would snuggle into me when she was cold."

Chris shook himself slightly. His dark blue eyes refocused on Vin. "I know what its like to hold someone you love close to you at night. What it's like to reconnect after you've been separated." His smile was bittersweet. "No reason you shouldn't have the chance to have those same memories. Everyone deserves ta have that, and ta hold onto it as long as they can."

Chris' expression turned rueful. "I owe you an apology. Ezra too. I'm sorry it took me so long to appreciate that there isn't much difference between what you two have and what I had with Sarah. You just don't have the same opportunities to express it the way she and I did."

Vin smiled gently. "Long as you got there, Cowboy, it don't matter that you took some time to find yer way." Vin held out his right hand. He and Chris didn't shake hands, instead they clasped forearms in a warrior's grip.

Despite Chris' doubts about Vin's relationship with Ezra, Vin never doubted the strength of their friendship. It was still a huge relief to hear Chris finally say he really accepted it completely. The only thing Vin needed right at this moment for his life to be complete was for Ezra to be back at his side. Vin took a breath and tried to marshal his patience. [Just a little bit longer. That's all. Ya can hold out that long, Tanner.]

Josiah rode into town, saddle sore and weary. Spending long hours in the saddle was no longer as easy as it once was, but it was a task that needed doing. Someone had to check on the outlying ranches, and make sure the good people who lived there were safe and sound. He considered it part of his responsibility as a peacekeeper, and as a man of God, to undertake the duties assigned to him, and do them to the best of his ability. Josiah philosophically regarded it as penance. This was a task that he offered up to God as a means of making restitution for his past transgressions.

Still, Josiah was relieved to be back in town. He was hoping the others were back. He worried about them being out on their own. He knew that Buck, Chris and Vin were all grown men, but he just felt more comfortable, confident, when all of the seven were in one place. And he would really be glad to get back to his usual routine of working on the church more and riding less. He missed the simple joy of working with his hands.

Josiah headed for the livery. He planned to take care of Prophet first, and then check in with JD at the jail as he'd done every day for the past four. If there was news, JD would be one of the first to know, and he was without a doubt the easiest to track down.

Josiah had made a point of checking up on the young sheriff just to be sure he was all right. He suspected that JD was a bit lonely without Buck in town. They were usually together and it had to be hard on the younger man to not have his best friend around. [Those two could be brothers the way they act.]

Josiah caught a flash of red out of the corner of his eye as he rode past the saloon. [That's odd. Ezra's not normally awake yet this time o' day. Wonder if his session with the little ones ran long.]

Ezra was another reason Josiah would be glad to have the others back. Josiah hadn't seen much of the gambler the last few days, and that bothered him. He wasn't sure if Ezra's absence was due to the recent work schedule or if the cardsharp was avoiding him. Josiah suspected it might be the latter, but for the life of him he couldn't figure out what he might have done to offend the man. He'd hoped to have a chance to sit down and talk to him once the others got back.

Josiah feared waiting too long to fix whatever was wrong. It had been his experience that things left alone too long were likely to never truly be mended. [Maybe I'll be able to catch Ezra alone tonight, and see if I can find out what it was I did to upset him. Then I'll know what it is I need to apologize for.]

Josiah stepped out of the saddle with a sigh, one hand moving to rub at his lower back trying to ease the dull ache there. He led Prophet inside, and smiled when he saw Lady, Sable and Peso all munching away on hay in their usual stalls. [Thank you, Lord. They are home!]

Yosemite's son, Matthew, came forward from where he was cleaning stalls in the back. He smiled up at Josiah. "Hello, Mr. Sanchez."

"Good afternoon, Matt." Josiah handed the reins off the teenager. "When did the others get back?" Josiah tipped his head toward the three horses that'd been absent the past few days.

"Not too long ago, Sir. Less than an hour."

"They have any trouble?" Josiah asked, wanting to know immediately if everyone was okay.

Matt nodded seriously. "Mr. Wilmington come back earlier ta get a wagon jus' after lunch time. Mr. Standish went ta get Mr. Jackson since he was out at the Cavanaugh place. Said it would be easier ta bring him ta where Mr. Wilmington left Mr. Tanner and Mr. Larabee."

Josiah took a breath. [Oh please don't let anyone be dead, dear Lord. Please.] "Who was hurt?"

"Mr. Tanner got shot in the leg. Can't o' been too bad though cuz Mr. Jackson didn't take him ta the clinic."

Josiah breathed a bit easier. If it had been life threatening he was certain Nathan would have ensconced Vin in the clinic. [If Vin wasn't so seriously injured he had to stay in the clinic, then he would have insisted on riding home.] "Why did they need the wagon then?

Matt shrugged one shoulder. "Brought back a prisoner with 'em. Busted his leg is what I heard. Guess he weren't in any shape ta ride."

Josiah nodded. "No, Son, I don't imagine he would be." [A broken leg isn't something I'd want to ride with. Probably would be best to find one of the others and get the full story.]

He smiled at the boy. "You'll take good care of Prophet for me then?"

Matt grinned. "Sure thing, Mr. Sanchez."

"Thank you." Josiah headed for the jail. He considered the saloon, but decided against it. [Someone would have stayed with the prisoner, and this way I'll be able to get the story without interruptions or distractions.] He never thought of checking the clinic, expecting to find Nathan in the jail treating the wounded prisoner.

Josiah entered the jail, smiling slightly as he heard an ongoing argument between JD and Buck. [Kind o' weird to think all is right with the world when you hear two people arguing, but I guess that's just the way life goes.] He wasn't sure what they were arguing about this time, but it sounded as if Buck wanted to know the real reason behind something JD had done.

Josiah loudly cleared his throat, to get their attention. "Boys."

"Josiah!" JD greeted him with his usual youthful exuberance, argument with Buck apparently forgotten just that quickly. "When did you get back?"

"Just a little while ago." He nodded toward Buck. "I see you made it back."

"Yeah, just got in a little while ago myself."

"Matt tells me you had some trouble?"

Buck nodded. "Found our rustlers. Seven of 'em."

Josiah shook his head sadly. [Will they never learn?] "And you thought it would be better to take them on yourselves rather than wait for the rest of us?"

Buck chuckled. "Nah. Wasn't s'posed to work out that way." He shrugged, grinning widely. "But ya know how things jus' don't seem ta go accordin' ta plan."

"Heard Vin got shot." Josiah put the slightest reprimand in his voice when he said that. He liked the jovial ladies men a lot, but there was nothing funny or easily dismissed about one of their own being hurt.

Buck nodded, his expression more serious than it had been. "Wasn't bad, Josiah. Passed right through his thigh. Painful, but it ought to heal jus' fine. Nate's taking care o' him now."

Josiah frowned. "Matt said Vin wasn't in the clinic."

"Oh he ain't." JD stated. "He didn't want ta be there. Can't says I blame him. Getting up those stairs woulda been tough with a bum leg. Not ta mention the way Nathan nags."

JD shuddered. "And those teas o' his. You'd think he'd have found a way ta make it so they don't taste so bad. I mean, it shouldn't be that hard. Add some sugar or something. Honey, maybe."

"So where is he then?" Josiah interrupted quickly, trying to keep JD focused on the issue at hand. The young sheriff never failed to amaze him with how quickly he could jump from one thought to another.

"Chris' room at the boarding house."

Josiah nodded. [If anyone could keep Vin in line it would be Chris. Probably the only one who could.] "Chris is okay, then?"

"Oh yeah, he's fine." Buck's casual response reassured Josiah the way nothing else would have.

"And our prisoner?"

Buck jerked a thumb over his shoulder casually pointing to the man in a cell. The man was lying quietly on the cot. "Winged him, and he fell off his horse. Busted his leg in the process. Nate saw ta him 'fore we brought 'im back. Though, I reckon, ol' Nate will be in here when he finishes givin' Vin a stern talkin' to about restin' and stayin' put."

Buck slapped his forehead. "Aw hell, I forgot ta tell the undertaker we left some bodies lying out there." He grabbed JD's arm. "C'mon, Kid, ya can come with me, and then we'll go check on Vin."

"Don't somebody need ta stay and watch this guy?" JD asked, pointing toward the occupied cell.

"It ain't like he's gonna go anywhere, Kid. Man can't walk, and the cell is locked." Buck pointed out reasonably.

Josiah nodded. "Buck's right, JD. I think we can safely leave him here, alone, for the time being."

He really wanted to check on Vin as well, and couldn't honestly see the need for any of them to stay behind. It would be good for all of them to be together again, even if only for a moment. He'd missed having the others around. Josiah felt like this was the first time in days he could finally relax and quit worrying about the missing members of their little group.

"Okay." JD shrugged. "Ain't like he'll be here alone for long anyway. I'll be back jus' as soon as I know Vin's doin' all right."

Together the three of them headed toward the boarding house. They stopped just long enough to let the undertaker know about the six dead rustlers, and where the bodies could be found. Josiah shook his head sadly listening to the tale of lives lost. He was pragmatic enough to feel that if lives had to be lost it was better to be the rustlers and not one of his friends, but he still regretted the need for such violence. [They could have chosen other paths. A shame that they didn't.]

Josiah let Buck rap his knuckles loudly against the door to the room Chris usually used. He wasn't surprised to find Chris opening the door a moment later. The dark clad gunslinger greeted them with a small nod, and motioned them to enter with a wave of his hand. [Man never was one to waste words.]

Josiah blinked mildly startled to see that it wasn't just Chris, Vin and Nathan in the room as he had expected. Ezra was also present. He was helping Nathan clean and bind the wound readily visible on Vin's left thigh.

[Could have sworn I just saw Ezra entering the saloon. Course, that was a good twenty minutes ago. Maybe more. Guess he just got here ahead of us.]

Josiah wasn't really surprised that Ezra would be there. They all tended to gravitate toward each other whenever one was wounded. He had just assumed the gambler had either already been there, or had planned to be by later.

Josiah knew that Ezra had worked last night and this morning. [Matt said Ezra rode out to the Cavanaugh place to get Nathan, and then met up with Buck, Chris and Vin. Boy has already put in a full day, and he's got to be as tired as I am, if not more so.]

He knew that Ezra had made it a habit, over the last few days, to take a nap when he finished with teaching the children, and before he took the late shift. He was also aware of the fact that those few hours might well be all the sleep the gambler got. Working double shifts while trying to maintain his normal schedule had undoubtedly left Ezra with fewer free hours in his day.

Josiah frowned thinking it was entirely possible that Ezra hadn't been to bed yet. He wasn't at all pleased by that prospect. Despite Ezra's repeated efforts to convince them he was an uncaring, self-centered bastard, Josiah knew that wasn't the case. [My boy cares a bit more than is good for him. Working double shifts, and he still found time ta teach the children. And instead of resting before his next shift, he's in here helping take care of Vin.]

The large man frowned, not quite sure what to make of the gambler playing nursemaid. It wasn't a task he'd ever seen the cardsharp do before, and one he'd have expected Chris to be performing, not Ezra. Ezra was surprisingly good at assisting Nathan. Those graceful, agile fingers that manipulated a deck of cards so effortlessly seemed to be equally adapt at handling the task they were currently being applied to. [Wonder where he learned to do that? Boy has an amazing array of talents.]

"Hey, Vin. You doin' all right?" Buck was the first to speak.

Vin rolled his eyes before shooting a disgusted look at the ladies man. "I'm the same as the last time ya saw me, Buck. Ain't nothin' changed in half an hour."

Buck laughed. "Oh, I don't know about that." Buck pointed toward the short pants Vin was currently wearing. "Looks like some things have changed."

Josiah noted that the pants were a light, smooth fabric, a pale blue in color. They seemed to fit Vin a bit snugly, but still gave easy access to the wound on his leg. The easy access, Josiah surmised, was the reason for them, but they were not at all something he would have expected the tracker to own, much less wear.

Oddly, Vin didn't seem the least bit embarrassed by his attire, or lack there off. That was something a bit unusual for the normally very shy tracker. Vin was notorious for his insistence on remaining fully clothed. Josiah had witnessed a number of rounds between Vin and Nathan over whether or not Vin needed to disrobe to have a wound treated. Vin rarely gave in gracefully.

[Wonder how Nate got him to agree to this much. Probably wouldn't take much razzing to make Vin self-conscious. And that certainly won't help Nathan to take care of him. Would be best to keep Buck from saying too much more.]

Before Josiah could say anything to Buck, Nathan had already sent a stern look toward the grinning ladies man, one that was seconded by Chris. "Buck, shut up. I had enough trouble with him today already pitching a fit about going to the clinic."

The black man shook a finger at Buck as a further reprimand. "Ain't no call for you to make it worse."

JD lightly slapped Buck on the arm, adding his two cents. "Yeah." The sheriff neatly dodged Buck's attempt to knock off his hat. "And quit doin' that, too."

Buck just laughed lightly. "Now, JD, that's the first time in days I made fun o' your sissy hat."

"It is the first time in days you've been present to do so, Mr. Wilmington." Ezra pointed out with a sly smile, not looking up from where he was helping Nathan finish securing the bandage to Vin's leg. "I have my doubts about self-restraint being something you can lay a genuine claim to in this particular situation."

Buck sent a wry look in Ezra's direction, the good humor in his eyes undiminished. "All right. All right. I can take a hint."

Ezra glanced up at him with one eyebrow raised, a ghost of a smile played about his lips. "I haven't observed subtlety worked well with you in the past...unless of course it was applied with a sledge hammer."

It was rare that any one ever got the better of Ezra when it came to words, so the best Buck could respond with was a universal hand gesture. It was meant to be an insult, but Ezra just raised one finger to his mouth, wet it, and made a motion like he was marking a score on an invisible tally sheet. "I believe you proved my point nicely, Mr. Wilmington."

Josiah hid his grin at that, and he noticed the slightest dip of Vin's head as he did the same. He'd missed this sort of by play over the past few days. [It is good to have the family all together again.]

Nathan pulled the blankets up and smoothed them over Vin's legs. He gave Vin a stern look. "You stay in this bed. Ya hear?"

Vin shot a rebellious look at Nathan. "How long I gotta stay?"

Chris spoke up before Nathan had the chance. "Until he tells you otherwise." Chris was clearly not in a mood to be argued with, but Josiah noted with a silent sigh that Vin seldom paid any attention to that.

"Ya got ta be kiddin'."

"Don't think he is, Vin." JD offered quietly, his tone clearly commiserating with Vin's predicament. Josiah thought of all of them, JD's youthful exuberance probably lent him the best chance of understanding Vin's reluctance to stay put. They all knew how Vin felt about being shut up indoors. The tracker chaffed under confinement of any kind.

Josiah was surprised when Ezra moved to open the window about half way. Nathan shot a quizzical look at him. The gambler leaned against the wall, and then shrugged one shoulder. "A little air movement lends the illusion that one isn't quite so confined."

"And a little fresh air never hurt anyone." Ezra grin flashed briefly as he looked toward Vin, "or so I've been told."

Vin grinned back. "Thanks, Ez. Like it better with the window open."

Josiah nodded, pleased that Ezra had thought to find a way to make Vin more comfortable. "Good thinking, Son."

Ezra flinched at his use of 'son', just barely, but it was enough Josiah saw it. "Mr. Sanchez, for the last time, we are not related. Please desist in attaching such an unwelcome moniker to my person."

Josiah frowned when he noticed there was just a bit more ice and steel in Ezra's voice than there had ever been before. The look on Chris' and Buck's faces told Josiah he wasn't the only one who'd noticed. The two old friends traded a look, but didn't speak. JD and Nathan both seemed oblivious to the undercurrent of tension in the room. [Or maybe they are just trying to look as though they are.]

Vin glanced toward Ezra. There was just a trace of concern evident in his face that told Josiah, Vin hadn't missed Ezra's reaction either. Something passed between the gambler and the tracker in that brief glance. Something Josiah didn't quite catch or fully understand. But when Vin looked at Josiah, the preacher was somewhat surprised to see the warning look being sent his way. He didn't know why, but Vin was most definitely telling him to watch his step.

Josiah knew Ezra didn't care to be called son, but he honestly didn't think about it. It was a simple gesture of affection to him, and he had been sure that eventually Ezra would come to understand that. [Might be a good idea for us to talk, and soon. Like tonight, so I can find out what is bothering him, and I can apologize. I've missed him as much as I've missed the others. Don't like us being at odds. 'Specially when I don't even know why we are.]

Nathan held out a cup of tea to Vin. The tracker eyed it suspiciously. "This the usual stuff?"

Nathan rolled his eyes. "Yes."

Vin made a face. "Can't I just skip it?"

"It's this, or laudanum. Choice is yours." Nathan's tone made it clear those were Vin's only choices.

Vin sighed and reluctantly took the cup. When he would have handed it back after taking just a sip, Nathan shook his head. "Drink all of it."

Vin sighed again, but drank it all. He shuddered, and handed the empty cup back. "That stuff tastes awful, Nate."

JD piped up from where he had moved to rest against the foot of the bed. "There's gotta be a way ta make that stuff taste better, Nate. I mean it doesn't have ta taste that bad. Some sugar or something wouldn't hurt."

"It's medicine." Nathan answered, his voice very matter-of-fact. "It's not supposed to taste good."

JD snorted. "Still think you could--"

Buck shoved JD playfully from behind. "He ain't gonna take your advice, Kid."

JD shoved him back. "I'm just saying--"

Chris cleared his throat, effectively cutting JD off before their argument could get too loud or involved. "I think it might be best for you boys ta let Vin get some rest. You can finish that discussion in the saloon over a drink."

Josiah smiled slightly thinking the first suggestion was something more in line with what Nathan usually said. The second though, was definitely all Chris. Josiah caught sight of Chris slyly winking at Vin.

[Chris always looks out for Vin. He knows our brother can only handle all of us in one room for so long. Truth is, he's not the only one.] None of them bore up well under the constant attention of their well-meaning friends.

Nathan shook his head as he gathered up his things. "Need ta check on our prisoner first. Gotta make sure his leg stayed set on the ride home."

"I'll go with ya, Nate." JD grinned as he made that offer. "My shift anyway."

Buck frowned slightly as he looked toward Ezra. "Yeah, and you'll be there all night."

Josiah didn't understand the last bit. [No, JD is just scheduled until midnight. Ezra will relieve him then. Or at least that WAS the plan. Obviously something has changed since this morning.]

The gambler hadn't moved from where he still leaned against the wall near the window. He raised an eyebrow at Buck's look, but didn't comment. JD rolled his eyes, and slapped Buck's arm. "Lay off. I'm a big boy, Buck. Ain't like I can't handle working two shifts back to back."

JD waved a hand toward Ezra. "Ez has been doin' it all this week so far. One night ain't that bad."

Buck sent a quizzical look toward the cardsharp, clearly asking if that were true. Ezra smiled slightly and shrugged. "Someone had to, Mr. Wilmington. We were short handed with the three of you absent."

Buck scowled, and sent a hard look toward Chris. "All week? You didn't think ta plan a better schedule than that?"

"Well, it was kind of short notice, Buck." Chris answered mildly, his tone very dry.

Buck snorted, clearly disappointed in his old friend's answer. He smiled slightly when he looked back toward Ezra. His whole posture had shifted from faintly aggressive to apologetic. "Sorry, Ez."

"For what, Mr. Wilmington?" There was no mistaking the honest surprise in Ezra's voice.

"Thought ya conned the kid inta takin' yer shift."

Buck's protective nature where JD was concerned seemed to be as habitual for him as breathing. Josiah now better understood the half heard argument he'd walked in on in the jail earlier. Buck would naturally be upset on JD's behalf if he thought someone had taken advantage of his protege's good nature.

Josiah felt a stirring of anger that Buck had thought so little of Ezra as to jump to the conclusion that he'd take advantage of JD. [That just isn't right. Ezra would never do that, and Buck should know better than that by now. But to be fair, he did call Chris on how he'd set up our schedule. Buck has just as stong a sense o' fair play as JD. Might be where JD learned that.]

Josiah noted that Vin's blue eyes could have doubled for chips of ice as they raked the ladies man from head to toe. [If looks could kill, Buck would be nothing but ashes. Guess I'm not the only one angry with him for what he thought. And it don't look like Vin is going to let him off that easy over it.]

Ezra didn't seem the least bit surprised or offended by what Buck thought, only by his apology for thinking it. His green eyes were lit with an inner amusement. He smirked at JD.

"I believe it was I who was conned in this instance." Ezra clucked his tongue and pointed an accusing finger at JD. "Altruism, Mr. Dunne?"

JD blushed slightly. "Yeah, well...C'mon, Nate we got a prisoner ta see to."

Ezra chuckled softly at JD eagerness to depart. He moved to take the seat next to the bed that Nathan had just vacated. Josiah noticed that the gambler seemed to be preparing to settle in. [Odd. Know he and Vin are friends. Pretty good friends, but I would have thought he be eager to sit in on a poker game since he's got the night off. Would have expected him to be ready to leave by now.]

JD stopped in the doorway when Nathan did. The healer looked back at Vin. "I'll be back in a few hours ta check on ya."

Vin nodded. "Bring me somethin' ta eat when ya do?"

Nathan hesitated a moment, looking a bit concerned. "You hungry now?"

Vin shook his head. "No. Will be by then, I reckon."

"Okay." Nathan and JD left, closing the door quietly behind them. The room suddenly seemed a bit larger with two less people in it. [Definitely quieter anyway.]

Josiah noticed that Ezra had slumped in the chair. Ezra didn't normally slouch. He realized his earlier assessment was in error. Ezra hadn't settled in as much as he'd simply seemed to run out of the energy to stand. His earlier movements seemed to lack Ezra's usual grace and coordination.

[Boy looks about done in. Knew he was pushing himself hard, but I didn't realize he pushed that hard. Have to remember to thank JD for taking Ezra's shift. Was a nice thing he did.]

Ezra had closed his eyes, and by all rights, if left alone, he looked as if he might just fall asleep where he was. Josiah shook his head thinking Ezra might already be dozing. [Boy has about as much color as a sheet. He needs a good night's sleep. He won't get that by sleeping in a chair.]

Vin shot a concerned glance toward Ezra, evidently not liking what he saw any more than Josiah did. Vin and Chris shared a look. Josiah had long since given up trying to figure out what sort of communication passed between those two. They would tell him if it was something he needed to know.

[Well, if Ezra is going to sleep in his own bed, better get him up and moving. Too much longer, and it will take an act of God to get the boy out of that chair. Chris or Buck will likely hang around ta keep Vin company. They'll probably want that chair.]

Josiah stepped forward, intent on getting Ezra up and to his own room. He leaned down, and gently placed a hand on Ezra's shoulder. "Son, I think you should come with--"

Josiah never got a chance to finish. He jerked back, startled when Ezra launched himself out of the chair, tipping it over to crash loudly against the floor. The gambler had triggered the derringer mechanism and was pointing the little gun at Josiah, even as he stepped back. Ezra put his back against the wall, green eyes darted wildly around the room in a panic, but the small gun never wavered in its focus on Josiah.

It wasn't uncommon for Ezra to react to being startled by making his derringer suddenly appear. But this was different. Josiah raised his hands palm out, not entirely sure what to make of the situation. Ezra was more than startled. He looked almost feral.

Josiah took a step forward. "Son, I--"

"Stay away from me." Ezra ordered, his words forceful, green eyes icy. Josiah got the impression that Ezra wasn't seeing him. He wasn't sure who the gambler was seeing though. Whoever it was, Ezra definitely didn't feel kindly towards him.

"Not this time." Ezra's voice was soft, but it's lack of volume did nothing to disguise the conviction in his tone. No flowery words, no complicated sentences. That worried Josiah.

"This time it is my choice. I decide. Never again. Never. You hear me?"

"I hear you, Ezra." Josiah kept his voice calm not wanting to further upset the agitated man. From the corner of his eye, Josiah could see Chris and Buck shifting to cover both him and Ezra. He was somewhat reassured to note that neither man had drawn his gun yet. He didn't want this to end in bloodshed, and he knew, absolutely knew, it would if the others drew their weapons.

"I decide. My life is my own now." Ezra stated again, his voice shaky. Josiah could see faint tremors running through him. Despite the shakes, Ezra managed to hold his gun steady. "My choice, and I don't choose you. Don't belong to you anymore."

Josiah didn't know what to make of those statements. He kept his hands up, palms out, trying not to do anything that might be perceived as a threat. He waited, hoping the others had some idea of what to do because he didn't.

[Maybe I startled him more than I thought. Known people to do stuff like this coming out of nightmares. Done it myself once or twice, waking up not knowing where I was or what was real. Not quite the same, but close.]

Vin moved closer to the edge of the bed. The tracker looked very worried. Of all of them, he was the closest to Ezra, but he didn't make a move to reach out and touch the man. It had been a mistake to touch him earlier, Josiah realized. Somehow touching Ezra had been construed as a threat. Josiah was grateful Vin had better sense than he had.

"Careful, Vin." Chris whispered a warning. The gunslinger must have realized the same thing Josiah had. Touching Ezra was not a good idea, and there was no way to predict how he would react in his current state.

The tracker nodded, letting Chris now he'd heard his warning. "Don't think he'll hurt me, Cowboy."

Chris looked skeptical of that, but he stayed where he was, ready to intervene if it proved necessary. Buck kept quiet, but warily watched both Ezra and Chris. Josiah realized that the ladies man might have the best understanding of all of them of what was going on. [Man's probably faced off with Chris in situations similar to this one. Chris has had his share of waking nightmares, and I'm sure Buck's been there for more than one.]

Vin called out softly, like he was trying to calm a skittish horse. "It's okay, Ez. Talk to me. Tell me what's wrong." His voice was soft, barely loud enough to be heard.

"Ez?" Vin called out again when the gambler didn't respond. The tracker had sat upright and was on the edge of the bed. Vin held out his hand, offering it to the gambler, close enough to touch, but careful not to.

"It's okay, Ez. Honest." Vin's voice was almost a croon. "It's okay. You don't have to do anything you don't want to." Vin smiled gently. "Give ya my word. It's okay."

Green eyes met blue. Josiah would swear he could almost see a physical connection between them. The set of Ezra's shoulders relaxed slightly, and he lowered the gun.

Ezra blinked. "Vin?" His voice was so hesitant and shaky. It was so unlike Ezra's normally self-assured, smooth tenor, that if Josiah hadn't known it was Ezra, he'd have never guessed from the sound of his voice.

"Yeah, Ez. I'm here." Vin waited a beat. "You with me now?"

Ezra took a deep breath, and then another. He nodded slowly and seemed to settle into himself. Ezra was still pale, and a little shaky, but definitely back in the present. Where ever he had been, and who ever he'd been seeing in Josiah's place, the gambler seemed to be back with them now.

Josiah stepped forward. Ezra's attention snapped back to him, green eyes blazing with a rekindled fury. Josiah didn't understand. He thought the crisis was over, but that little gun once again pointed at him. For all the wild emotion in his eyes, when Ezra spoke his voice was precise, so controlled it was almost clipped instead of his usual drawl.

"No. You. Will. Not. Touch. Me. No more 'son'. " The last was a hiss of outrage and anger. "I will not tell you again. Understand?"

When Josiah didn't respond immediately, Ezra's finger tightened on the trigger. "Tell me you understand." There was no mistaking the command in Ezra's quietly icy tone, or his deadly intent.

For a moment, Josiah was stunned by the realization Ezra might very well shoot him. The amiable conman he thought he knew, and harbored paternal feelings toward, would never have pulled a gun on him with the intention of using it. He felt like he was staring at a stranger. Chris had tensed, and looked ready to go for his gun. Buck stopped him with a hand on his arm, and a small shake of his head. [Bless you, brother. One more gun we don't need.]

Josiah nodded slowly, deciding that it would be best to give Ezra what he asked for. "I understand, Ezra."

"Tell me." Ezra ordered him again.

The big man frowned not sure what he was supposed to say. Ezra's eyes narrowed. "Tell me what it is you understand." Ezra's voice was soft, but the threat was still there. "I don't want you to simply humor me, Mr. Sanchez. That would negate the whole point of this little exercise. The point being, I never want to have this conversation ever again. This will be the last time, I assure you, one way or another, this will be the very last time. So tell me, what is it you understand."

Josiah winced. [Guess he isn't going to get used to me calling him son like I thought he would.] "I'm not to call you son. I am not to touch you."

Josiah found that very difficult to say. He never thought Ezra was his son. He had never suffered from that particular self-delusion. But in a lot of ways the gambler was the closest to having a son that Josiah was likely to come. He felt as though he was verbally cutting the tentative tie between them. And however faint it had been, what he just did something irrevocable. Josiah didn't like it, but he had no choice, not if he wanted to live.

Ezra nodded, apparently satisfied, and sighed. He flexed his left hand, and for the first time Josiah realized Ezra had clenched that hand into a fist so tightly the knuckles bleached white. Very slowly, Ezra lowered his gun. He warily watched Buck and Chris, as he carefully offered the derringer to Vin. Neither man had moved, but it was painfully obvious that Chris wanted to. It was only Buck's restraining hand on Chris' arm that kept him in place.

The tracker carefully curled the fingers of his right hand around Ezra's wrist. Vin took the little gun with his left hand, and laid it on the bedside table, never letting go of the wrist he held. Josiah was surprised that Ezra allowed Vin to not just touch him, but to also maintain his hold. Ezra took a hesitant step close to the bed.

Ezra closed his eyes. "I'm sorry." The apology was directed toward Vin. Josiah frowned. He couldn't understand why Ezra was apologizing to the Texan. [Was me he pointed a gun at.]

"It's okay." Vin smiled gently. "Honest. No harm done."

Ezra shook his head. "About that I am not so certain." Ezra's expression turned remorseful. His eyes were incredibly sad, shoulders slumped with both defeat and exhaustion, as he turned to look at Josiah again.

"It should not have come to this. All you had to do was honor my request. A simple thing really." Ezra studied Josiah for a moment. Josiah felt like those green eyes were measuring him, and he'd been found wanting.

"You take so much on faith, Mr. Sanchez. But from me you must have reasons and elucidation. Is it because I didn't offer excuses or explanations that you found it so easy to ignore my stated preferences? Is that why you continued to overlook my abhorrence to being addressed as 'son'? Or was it because you think so little of me, disregard me so quickly as unimportant, as to not care what I want?"

Josiah swallowed hard. It had never occurred to him that Ezra might see things this way. He never thought of Ezra as unimportant, ever. Ezra's well being was more important to him than his own.

[I just thought he was being stubborn, or pernickety. Didn't think it hurt him, and he never said why....aw hell, I do act as though he should explain himself. I owe him an apology.] Josiah hung his head, contrite. "I'm sorry, Ezra, I didn't mean--"

"I know you didn't mean." Ezra arched an eyebrow, and smiled sadly. "No one ever does. Do they?" The last came out sounding not so much cynical, as resigned. Josiah recognized the question as being rhetorical, and wondered about the history it suggested.

Ezra sighed tiredly. He glanced toward Buck and Chris. Ezra squared his shoulders, and straightened his spine. Ezra's expression once again neutral, the poker face all of them knew far too well. His whole stance reminded Josiah of a soldier coming to attention. The little tremors running up and down his frame were mute testimony to just how difficult doing that was for Ezra. [Boy has just about run out of rope.]

Josiah expected him to shake off Vin's hold, but he didn't. [Pitches a fit when I touch him, but doesn't object to Vin.] Josiah clamped down on the feeling of envy that reared up inside him. Thinking it over, he realized to his shame, that Vin had waited for Ezra to come to him, not thoughtlessly invaded the man's personal space the way Josiah had done. Vin had let Ezra make the choice, something Josiah had consistently failed to do.

The preacher sighed silently. [What I can't figure out is why Vin hasn't let go. Ezra's calm now. Don't think we need to worry about him hurting anyone at the moment.]

Ezra's tongue nervously darted out to lick his lower lip, and he cleared his throat. He tipped his head slightly toward Buck and Chris. "My apologies, gentlemen. I fear I have disgraced myself, and caused you undue anxiety. I have no excuse to offer for my momentary lapse of reason."

Buck snorted. "Don't need an excuse, Ez. Jus' need ta know that you're okay." The concern was easy to read in the ladies man's voice and his face.

Ezra shot him a vaguely startled look. That was obviously not the reaction he was expecting. "I'm fine, Mr. Wilmington."

"You sure 'bout that?" Chris asked quietly. "Cause, I gotta tell ya Ezra, ya don't look okay."

Josiah had to agree with Chris' assessment. Ezra swallowed, and chuckled dryly. "Touché, Mr. Larabee."

Vin tugged gently on the wrist his hand still encircled. The tracker still looked concerned. "You need ta sit down, Ez." It was not a suggestion.

Ezra reached for the chair, but Vin shook his head. He slid over on the bed, tugging Ezra with him. That made Josiah raise his eyebrows, but he held his tongue. [Lost the right to question anything when I started this whole mess.]

Ezra sat gingerly on the edge of the bed. The tremors seemed to be lessening. His color was gradually improving, but he still looked wrung out.

Chris stepped forward, and righted the chair. He sat down, and leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees. Something about his posture and expression greatly lessened the dark aura of violence, and intimidation, that Chris seemed to wear like a cloak about him. He seemed approachable, something that Josiah had never associated with Chris before.

Chris made eye contact with Ezra, and held it. "After you get a chance to get some rest, I'm gonna want to know what all this was about." Chris didn't sound harsh or demanding. There was a wealth of empathy in his voice. It was obvious that Chris could relate to what had just happened, even if he didn't know why it had happened.

Ezra's lips curled into a wan smile, and he raised a hand to massage his temple. "Do I have a choice in the matter?"

Chris smiled gently. "Not really."

Ezra sighed tiredly. "I did not think so." He took a breath. "The whole story?"

Chris hesitated a moment, sending a quick glance toward Vin. Ezra tensed. Vin tightened his hold on Ezra's wrist, and just barely shook his head at Chris. Ezra opened his mouth, but Chris interrupted him before he could say anything. "At the very least, I need to know enough to make sure this doesn't happen again. I'll leave it up to you just how much that has to be."

Ezra relaxed slightly. Chris patted his leg. "And I don't need to know right now, Ezra. Like I said before, after you get some rest. I can wait."

Ezra nodded, looking faintly relieved, like a man granted a stay of execution. "As you wish, Mr. Larabee."

Josiah was surprised that Chris was willing to give Ezra the time he so obviously needed. [Sort of expected him to just demand an answer. Man isn't exactly known for his patience. I would kind of like to an answer myself. Sooner the better.]

Josiah realized that he might have misinterpreted Buck's restraining Chris earlier. Given his current behavior, it was possible that the gunslinger had not been planning to react to this crisis with violence. Since the only person Ezra had responded to was Vin, Buck might have understood that Chris' interference would do more harm than good, and acted to keep him from making the situation worse despite good intentions.

Chris looked at Vin again. Their eyes locked for a moment. "You gonna look after him?"

Josiah blinked at that. [Vin look after Ezra? Hell, Vin needs looking after too.]

Vin smirked slightly. He wore an expression similar to the one Buck routinely gave JD when he thought JD had asked a stupid question. "You can count on it, Cowboy."

Chris nodded. He stood up, and traded a look with Buck. Buck shrugged one shoulder, and tipped his head. Josiah wasn't sure just what it was Buck was answering to, but it was obvious that the rangy cowboy had agreed to something. He was letting Chris call the shots.

Chris motioned toward the door with his hand, more or less shooing them out of the room. Josiah frowned. "Chris?"

"Yeah?"

"Thought you wanted Ezra to get some rest?" Josiah was confused. [Chris seems to plan on leaving Ezra here with Vin. I realize that Vin was the one to connect with Ezra just a few minutes ago, but he got shot today. Don't really think he's up to taking care of someone else.]

Chris just raised an eyebrow in response to Josiah's question. Josiah sighed. "Well...shouldn't he be doing that in his own room? In his own bed?"

Chris pinned him with a hard look. "He'll rest better here." The tone made it clear that more questions would not be welcome.

Josiah ignored it. "What about Vin?"

"What about him?"

Josiah opened his mouth, and then closed it again, not sure what to say. Buck patted him on the arm, and pointed toward the door. "Think it would be best, Josiah, ta just leave it alone. Have a little faith."

Josiah managed not to wince when Buck said the last bit, reminded of Ezra's earlier accusation. He realized he really didn't have a choice, and reluctantly headed for the door. Buck followed him. Chris came last. The gunslinger quietly closed the door, and Josiah could hear the lock click as it slid into place.

Buck turned to look at Chris. "Buy me a drink?"

Chris half-smiled. "Sure." He patted Josiah on the arm. "I'll even buy you one."

"I'd rather have an explanation."

Chris pursed his lips, his hand curling around Josiah's bicep. That grip was gentle but firm, and encouraged him to move down the hall. "Well, that is just gonna have to wait. Might as well come have a drink in the mean time."

Josiah hadn't lived this long without being able to recognize a lost cause. He nodded, resigned to the fact that he would simply have to be patient. He offered up a quick prayer to God that he would be ready when the time came.

[Continue]