THREE

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

On the other hand, Nathan was concerned that the conman hadn't given any sign of returning to the land of the living yet. It really hadn't been that long, but Nathan didn't find that fact terribly reassuring. Head injuries were tricky.

Even the doctors he'd assisted during the war were never sure how a man would recover after one. Most of the time it wasn't cause for serious concern. The patient woke with a headache, some nausea, and usually lacking a clear memory of what had happened just prior to sustaining the injury. Nathan tried not to think about the more severe cases he'd seen where the patient never woke up at all, or failed to recover full use of his faculties.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Josiah, grab his legs." Nathan ordered, never looking back, confident he'd be obeyed, his focus remaining on Ezra. "Vin... hold that left shoulder. Don't want him moving while I do this." He waited for the others to position themselves. Then in one smooth move, he pulled the knife free, and swiftly moved the bandages to staunch the resulting blood flow.

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

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

Ezra still wasn't quite conscious, but Nathan took it as a good sign that he was hearing Vin, and responding to him. The gambler no long struggled against them.

[Don't know how long that will last, so better get it done.]

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

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

Between Vin and Josiah, the gambler was stripped out of his clothes in short order. Josiah took the time to make sure each article was folded or hung neatly.

Nathan rolled his eyes at that, but knew better than to comment aloud. He was sure neither of the other men would appreciate what he might say. [Ain't worth the bother. But Ezra sure does set a lot of store by his fancy things. No arguing that he takes good care of them. Man will be real upset if that jacket is ruined. Red one is his favorite.]

Nathan focused his attention back to the wounded man before him. He was pleased to note the shoulder wound was not as serious as he'd feared. The knife had punctured muscle, but hadn't hit any major blood vessels, or cut tendons. So, while painful, it wasn't debilitating, nor would it have any lasting impact on Ezra once it healed. [Man is mighty damn lucky.] Nathan nodded, relieved that it wasn't more serious. [Just need to keep it clean, and covered. Maybe wear a sling for a day or two. Will want to check on it for a few days to be on the safe side, but it should heal just fine without too much trouble.]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Damn."

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

Nathan nodded as he tied off his last stitch, and set aside his instruments. He took Ezra's chin in one hand. He turned gently turned the conman's face toward him, wanting to see the man's eyes. [Pupils ain't quite even.] Nathan held up two fingers. "Ezra... how many fingers do you see?"

Ezra's eyes moved from the fingers Nathan held in front of him to Nathan's face. His eyes widened slightly and then in a sudden, unexpected move, he reached out and captured Nathan's wrist. He tried to sit up, but Vin held him in place preventing him from moving far.

"Whoa there, Ez."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nathan stared at the conman, thinking through what he had said. [I remember him calling out...remember him shoving me... aw hell. I never even realized he got hurt because off that. Hell, the man's first concern was if I'd got hurt, and I don't even thank him. Nathan Jackson, you are an idiot.] Nathan lightly patted Ezra's arm, careful not to jar his injured shoulder. "Thank you, Ezra."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What really clinched it though was that Ezra called Vin 'cheri', 'mon ami', and used his first name. It all but screamed intimacy. Still, there was no way to know for certain without coming right out and asking. Nathan took a slow, deep breath, trying to squelch the uneasy feeling burning in his stomach. He remembered what Buck had said. "If you want to know, you're going to have to ask Vin or Ezra. And don't be surprised if you ask one that you'll end up talking to both."

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

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

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

Nathan cast a look toward Josiah, and the big man just shrugged his shoulders.

The healer wondered if his old friend had noticed the same thing he had. [Guess it don't matter. Have a feeling that even if he did know I'd still have to talk to Vin and Ezra.] He decided to just go with the flow for now. [If they're okay...I guess I'll leave it go at that.] Nathan had come to realize that allowing his patients some leeway was not always a bad thing. He was learning to pick his battles, choosing to fight those that really mattered. And right now what mattered was making sure his patient was comfortable.

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

Nathan was again struck by the familiarity of their position. In light of his recent thoughts, he could tell they were almost cuddling. They weren't obvious about it, but there was a lot of comfort being passed back and forth simply by the two of them being so close.

"Ezra...I want you to drink this." Nathan offered him the cup of tea. Ezra gave the cup a wary look, eyes narrowed in suspicion. "It'll help with your headache," the healer offered, trying to sway the indecision he could see on the gambler's face. [Must really be out o' sorts if I can read him that well. Normally, I'd have no idea what he was thinking.]

"C'mon, Ez. Jus' drink it, please." Vin added his voice to the argument. Ezra reached out and took the cup. He drank it with a grimace of distaste, handing the empty cup back to Nathan.

"Really, Mr. Jackson, I didn't think it possible, but that vile concoction gets worse each time."

Nathan smiled slightly, as he put the cup a way. "Well, if ya didn't keep getting yerself into situations like this, you wouldn't need it."

Ezra gave him a dirty look. "Making the cure less tolerable will not serve as inducement to avoiding the disease."

Nathan frowned trying to puzzle out that statement. He looked toward Josiah. The former preacher chuckled, before he obligingly translated. "He said making your tea taste bad won't keep him from getting hurt."

Nathan shook his head. He was about to reply to that when the door opened. Chris stepped though, long duster swirling behind him almost as if it had a life of its own. JD stepped in right behind him, concern clearly etched on his face.

Nathan wasn't surprised to see either of them. [JD worries whenever any o' us get hurt. Chris, too. But Chris knows enough ta give me some time ta work. Bet he rode herd on JD ta keep him from showin' up sooner.]

The tall gunslinger half smiled when he saw Ezra was awake. JD relaxed, breaking into a broad grin. The young sheriff stepped around Chris, and crouching down in front of Ezra and Vin, putting himself at eye level.

"Hey, Ez...you doin' all right?"

"Right as rain, Mr. Dunne" Ezra replied without hesitation.

Chris shook his head, clearly not willing to believe that statement. He looked askance toward Nathan. Nathan answered that look honestly. "Shoulder wound was minor. Gonna hurt for awhile, but it should heal fine. He'll need to be careful with it for a few days... wear a sling, no heavy lifting. He took a good shot ta the head, which means he's going to have a headache off and on for couple days. Might be bad enough we'll need ta watch that he don't start throwin' up, get confused, or lose his balance."

Chris nodded. Nathan knew the gunslinger had taken a few shots to the head, and was familiar with the symptoms and treatment. [Pretty normal to feel dizzy and need to throw up even days later. Knowin' Ezra, he won't say anything, probably not even to Vin, so that means watching him for any sign we might pick up.]

"No patrols then?"

"No. Not for the next few days."

Ezra rolled his eyes. "I am capable of performing my duties, Mr. Larabee."

"Yeah, well right now yer only duty is to rest up." Chris stated firmly. "Rest o' us can handle things for a day or two."

JD bobbed his agreement with that statement. He raised a hand to rub his own shoulder, where the younger man had been stabbed himself once. "Getting stabbed ain't fun, Ez."

"You don't say." Ezra's voice was as dry as the desert, but JD just grinned at him, unaffected by the tone.

Chris chuckled. They all knew the gambler could get a little pissy when he was hurt. They all could. And rather than be offended or insulted, it was reassuring to have him behave normally.

The gunslinger's attention shifted to Nathan again. "If you got a minute... that cowboy with a broken arm could use some tending."

Nathan sighed. "He with the Double T or Lazy S?"

"Double T. Why?"

"Didn't think any of Bantrim's cronies would let me fix 'em up."

"You'd be right about that." Chris nodded. "But then there is no accounting for a man's ability to be stupid just to spite himself."

Nathan chuckled. [Leave it to Chris. Man certainly puts an interesting spin on things.] He gathered up the supplies he thought he'd need.

"Josiah... you mind doing a walk through town? Wanna make sure everyone is settled down."

"A good idea, Chris." The big man nodded. "Some of our flock might need reassurance that their shepherds have once more beaten back the wolves."

"JD, go relieve Buck at the jail. Tell him I want him to go help Inez get the saloon back in order."

"Sure thing, Chris." The sheriff patted Ezra's arm, as he stood to follow Chris' order. He paused in the doorway to say, "Real glad you're okay, Ez."

Ezra smiled slightly, and tipped his head. "Thank you, Mr. Dunne."

"Vin...stay here with Ezra, and make sure he behaves himself."

"I am perfectly capable of looking after myself, Mr. Larabee. There is no need for Mr. Tanner to be assigned to the pointless task of observing me."

Ezra's protest came just as Nathan expected it to. Even though the words were right, the tone was a little off. [He wants Vin to stay. Jus' saying that for appearances 'cause it would be bound ta raise eyebrows if he didn't say something.]

"I'll keep an eye on him, Cowboy." Vin tipped his head slightly, acknowledging Chris' order, and totally ignoring Ezra's protest. "We'll stay right here."

"Good."

Josiah stepped forward, and moved into Ezra's line of sight. "You behave yourself now." Blue eyes twinkled slightly. "And don't give Vin any trouble."

Ezra smirked, before his features transformed themselves into an overly innocent expression, jade green eyes wide. "Trouble? Mr. Sanchez, really, I am no trouble."

The older man laughed lightly. "Uh-hunh. Best keep an eye on him, Vin." There was humor in that statement, but also a serious admonition. Josiah was letting Vin know he'd better take care of Ezra, or there would be hell to pay.

Blue eyes met blue. "I will."

Josiah nodded, and headed out. Chris waited impatiently near the door. When he saw Nathan was ready he tipped his head to Vin and Ezra before heading outside.

Nathan hesitated at the doorway. He looked back at Vin and Ezra. "Can I talk to you two later? Got a question I'd like to ask."

Vin shared a look with Ezra. A wealth of communication seemed to occur in that look. The gambler shrugged one shoulder. Vin nodded, but Nathan wasn't sure just what the tracker was agreeing to. When Ezra turned his attention back toward Nathan, his face had slipped into a cautiously neutral expression, eyes carefully shuttered, giving away nothing.

"Certainly, you may discuss anything you wish, Mr. Jackson."

Nathan bit his lower lip. While Ezra's words were a positive response, his body language and tone were not at all receptive. Nathan got the feeling they already knew what he was going to ask.

"Ya sure?"

Ezra nodded slowly. "I would not have said so otherwise."

"When?" Vin asked, his usual straightforward approach easier for Nathan to deal with.

"After dinner." [Will give me a chance to work things over in my mind. And the others will probably be back off and on to check on Ezra. Won't really have a chance to just be alone with them until then.]

"We shall await your pleasure." Ezra answered, some how making it sound like a dismissal at the same time.

[Mighty weird feeling being told in so many words ta leave my own place. Guess I deserved that.] Nathan sighed, and headed down the stairs. [Best get this cowboy's arm taken care of. Sooner I get that taken care of, sooner I'll have time to myself to think.]

Vin paced quietly, his steps slow and deliberate. He was careful to make certain that his movements didn't disturb his lightly dozing lover. Ezra had finally laid down a few minutes ago, getting comfortable on the narrow cot. His deep, even breathing was a clear signal he'd given into the earlier events of the day and was finally resting.

Vin glanced over at Ezra; pleased to see the faint signs of pain in his countenance that had been apparent since he'd come to earlier had finally faded. The gambler had stayed awake for the remainder of the afternoon. It had been necessary in order to deal with the steady parade of people who'd come to ensure he was, in fact, all right. Not just their fellow peacekeepers, but a number of townspeople as well.

All eight children that Ezra was teaching, and several of their mothers, made their way to the clinic door over the course of the afternoon. Vin had tried to shoo them away, but had been unable to withstand the earnest, teary-eyed looks from the children. They simply wouldn't believe Ezra was fine if they couldn't talk to him for themselves. The gambler had greeted each child graciously, putting his or her fears to rest, acting as if it were just another day, and his injuries no cause for concern.

[Sort o' wish he could keep right on sleepin'. Took a lot out o' him to act normal for the kids. He didn't want them to worry about him. Can't believe he was doing card tricks for them. Left handed even.] Vin smiled fondly at Ezra.

His lover had a big heart where children were concerned. He wouldn't have let Vin keep them outside even if the tracker had been able to.

[Made for a real long day though. And it ain't over. Nate is gonna be here soon. Should just tell Nate to wait until tomorrow, 'cept I don't think Ez would go for that. He wouldn't like putting it off.]

After Nate, JD, Josiah and Chris had left, Vin and Ezra had the opportunity to talk briefly about what Nate wanted to ask them. Buck had mentioned a few days ago, that the healer had noticed a few things, a new closeness between them, and would likely be asking them about it soon. The big-hearted cowboy had wanted them to know so they could be prepared.

Vin hadn't been this nervous with Chris, in part because he hadn't had time to sit and think about it. Chris had asked what was going on between him and Ezra, and Vin had taken him immediately to Ezra so they could answer the question together. He hadn't really even had time to consider the consequences before it was already done.

With Buck, there had been enough emotional turmoil at the time, that Vin's nervousness was lost in the shuffle. The question had caught him somewhat by surprise. He thought the ladies man might question their commitment, to find a male-male relationship incomprehensible, but he never should have doubted Buck would accept them. The ladies man was tenacious when it came to his friends, fiercely loyal when others would have long since walked away. His dogged determination to keep up with Chris Larabee, no matter what the other man might throw at him, was proof of that.

But Nathan wasn't Chris or Buck. His reaction might well prove to be more extreme than either of theirs had been. [We're friends, but not best friends. Hell, most of the time, Chris and I are so in tune we don't need ta talk, and he couldn't accept Ez and me right away. How the hell is Nate going to? It took Chris a month to come to terms with it, how long would it take Nate? What if he never does? What if he makes trouble? Know we could leave, but I don't really want to. Like it here, with Ez.] Vin sighed softly, and shook his head. [Sort o' wish we had more time ta prepare. Not sure how much time woulda been enough. After Buck said Nate was startin' ta notice stuff, I figured we'd have another couple of days, maybe a week at least. And we might have if Ez hadn't gotten hurt. Stupid. I was stupid. Gave away too much. Wasn't thinkin'. My fault. Shoulda paid more attention.]

"Stop that." A soft drawl commanded, laced with just a hint of irritation, interrupting Vin's thoughts.

"What?" Vin stopped pacing to turn toward Ezra before he even realized he had done so. [Ah hell, I didn't mean to wake him.]

"Stop worrying." Ezra opened one eye, fixing Vin with his steady gaze. "It will not change matters one iota, and I believe if you persist in pacing you may well wear a groove in Nathan's floor."

Vin rolled his eyes. "Ain't gonna hurt the floor."

Ezra chuckled. "That remains to be seen." He took a deep breath, and slowly sat up. Vin immediately moved to his side, ready to help if Ezra needed it, knowing how hard simple things could be with one arm in a sling, not to mention that his head probably still hurt. The gambler patted his arm lightly, thanking him for his assistance.

Ezra eyed Vin for a moment. "I am tired of listening to you move in circles. Now, why don't you tell me what is the problem?"

Vin snorted. "You know what the problem is."

"No...I know what I think the problem is, not what you think it is. They may very well be two entirely different things." Ezra's tone was reasonable, encouraging.

Vin frowned as he sat down beside Ezra, pulling his lover into a loose one-armed hug without conscious thought, careful of the wounded shoulder. "It's my fault."

"Your fault?" Ezra raised one eyebrow. "How so?"

"He wouldn't be askin' if I hadn't been... If it weren't for the..." Vin sighed, and made a conscious effort to organize his thoughts into something he could voice. "If I'd kept my hands to myself today we wouldn't have to deal with this."

His only defense was that he'd been so scared he couldn't think straight, but he wasn't sure he wanted to admit to that. [O' course that assumes Ez doesn't already know. And knowin' Ez, I'd say it's a safe bet he does. Man knows me better than anyone else ever has.]

Ezra waved a hand in dismissal Vin's statement. "He most certainly would be asking." The gambler pulled away just enough to make eye contact. "Or have you forgotten Buck's mention of Nathan's question to him made only a few days prior."

"Haven't forgotten." Vin almost snarled, still upset with himself. "Just thought..."

Ezra waited a beat and then another. When Vin didn't say anything else, Ezra asked, "You thought... maybe he wouldn't? Or that maybe you'd be better prepared when he did?"

"Both." Vin admitted quietly, hanging his head. "Didn't mean ta snap at you."

"I know that." Ezra smiled softly, and placed a gentle kiss on Vin's temple. "Cheri, it is not your fault. If anything we are both at fault." Ezra raised a hand to tenderly caress his cheek. "Neither of us were terribly discreet. I was there, too, remember."

"Yeah, but you can't be blamed for that. You were hurt, and you were--"

"No." Ezra shook his head.

Vin raised both eyebrows, not used to Ezra interrupting. The gambler was generally more polite than that. "What'd'ya mean 'no'?"

"My being injured has nothing to do with this."

Vin scowled. He opened his mouth, prepared to vehemently disagree, but Ezra raised a finger, and pressed it to his lips. The gambler shook his head. He sighed heavily, his expression resigned. "Cheri, he was already discerning things we had done previously. Actions we had undertaken, or words spoken while both of us were of sound mind and body. Things neither of us were consciously aware of. Things neither of us even considered to be blatant indicators of the nature of our relationship, but that were obviously not as subtle as we believed them to be." Ezra's expression turned rueful. "What we did, or did not do today, likely made very little difference."

Vin sighed. [He's got a point. Don't mean I still don't feel guilty, but there isn't anythin' ta be done about that now.]

Vin raised a hand to capture the finger Ezra had placed against his lips, pulling Ezra's hand away slightly, and then placing a soft kiss in the palm. "Still wish we had more time."

"As do I." Ezra curled his fingers around Vin's.

The tracker was quick to note that Ezra's hand wasn't quite steady. He could feel Ezra's rapid pulse through that connection, and realized that the gambler wasn't anywhere near as calm as he looked. [Hell, he's probably just as worried as I am. Just hides it better.]. "It'll be okay, Ez." He tried to offer reassurance, but he knew his tone gave away he fact that he didn't entirely believe what he'd just said.

Ezra chuckled softly. "You are a lousy liar, Mr. Tanner."

Vin rolled his eyes at the use of his surname. "But you love me anyway, right?"

"Yes. Yes, I do." Ezra grinned, eyes bright with affection and humor. The conman took a deep breath, and seemed to center himself. "We will simply face this obstacle as we have others. Together."

"Together." Vin's answer came out as a promise. He never wanted Ezra to doubt that.

"And we have already demonstrated that united, we can conquer anything. This will be a walk in the park." Ezra smiled, but it wasn't a free or easy expression. His lover could lie with the best of them, but Vin was no slouch when it came to reading him.

Vin nodded, and smiled back. [If Ez can pretend to be confident, guess I can, too. Sort o' wish we had agreed ta let Buck and Chris stay, but it's probably jus' as well they aren't here.]

Both Buck and Chris had wanted to be there when Nathan confronted them, but neither Vin nor Ezra had thought it a good idea. Vin and Ezra wanted to give Nathan the chance to express his opinion honestly. Having an audience might prevent him from doing so. Both of them wanted to know up front if the healer wasn't going to be able to accept them as a couple.

[Chris can be down right intimidating when he wants ta be. Even with friends. And if he thought Nate was gonna be a problem, he'd be on him like stink on a skunk. Don't think Buck would be any better. Got a feeling he might take it personal if Nate can't accept us. Problem is that they could bully him inta not saying anything, but it wouldn't change how he felt, or what he thought. That could be trouble down the road.]

Vin winced thinking of what might happen if they'd tried to stay in Four Corners with the only healer secretly despising them. It was just too dangerous. Even minor injuries needed adequate attention. He sent a concerned glance toward the gambler, wondering if it might not prove to be a problem now. Ezra raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

"If Nate has trouble with us...." Vin hesitated for a moment, not quite sure how to voice his concern. "Yer still not one hundred percent, Ez."

Ezra shook his head. "Whatever else Mr. Jackson may be, he is a man of integrity, honor. He would not allow his personal bias to affect his duty as this town's closest equivalent to a medical professional."

"And in any event...if he does," Ezra took a breath, and swallowed hard, "We will likely not be staying long." His voice was little more than a whisper as he finished that statement.

Vin pulled him closer. "It'll be okay."

Ezra laid his head on Vin's shoulder, readily accepting the comfort Vin offered. Not for the first time did Vin wish that they could simply stay this way forever, safe in the circle of each other's arms. A soft knock at the door startled him, and Vin reluctantly pulled away, rising to his feet.

Ezra smoothed out imaginary wrinkles from his clothing, and composed himself. As many times as Vin had seen him do it, it still amazed him. That his lover could go from open and as easy to read as a child's primer, to completely shuttered, nearly indecipherable in mere seconds was something he never thought he'd get used to.

The gambler moved to stand. Vin shook his head, and held out a hand in a staying motion. "You're s'posed to be resting."

The gambler raised one eyebrow, smirking slightly. "And I am famous for my ability to always be doing as I am supposed to."

Vin just gave him a hard look. Ezra pursed his lips in annoyance. He waved a hand, regally gesturing toward the door, as he settled back. "Fine. Have it your way."

Vin tipped his head, accepting his momentary victory. He opened the door, somewhat surprised to see Nathan. [Would have expect him ta jus' walk in. It's his place.]

Nathan looked hesitant, almost uncertain. "It okay for me ta come in?"

Vin silently gestured with one hand, indicating Nathan was welcome to enter. He wondered about the healer's attitude, and decided that he found it encouraging. [If he was ready to jump all over us, he wouldn't be like this. Not sure quite what he'd be like, but I'm pretty sure this wouldn't be it.]

Vin closed the door after Nathan entered, and made his way back to the cot. He didn't sit, just stood close enough to Ezra to offer support or protect him if need be. Vin's hand rested on the butt of his gun as he made himself comfortable, ready for anything. Ezra slanted a look at him, letting him know that the gambler was fully aware of what he was doing, but wasn't going to call him on it.

Nathan stood in front of them. He bit his lower lip, eyes directed toward the floor. The healer opened his mouth, and then closed it again. Nathan took a deep breath, looked up and then away again.

Ezra shook his head. "Mr. Jackson?"

Dark eyes snapped up to meet green.

"I believe you had a question."

"Yeah, I did...I mean I do. Thing is...I'm not rightly sure how to ask. Don't want to...well, if I'm wrong could just be insulting both of you, which I don't want to do. And if I'm right, well, truth is I haven't exactly worked out how I feel about it." Nathan sighed, and looked uncomfortable. "Don't exactly have a lot o' experience with this sort o' thing. And what I think is going on ain't anythin' like what I am familiar with."

Ezra raised an eyebrow. "Quite the dilemma." The gambler smiled slightly, trying to put the other man more at ease. "Why not simply ask, and let the pieces fall where they may? I can promise for my part to try to appreciate your situation, and attempt to take no insult at what you have to say." He looked askance at Vin. The lanky Texan nodded once signaling that he felt the same way.

Nathan cleared his throat. "Y'all mind if I sit?"

"It is your abode, Mr. Jackson." Ezra pointed out, his tone dry.

"Right." Nathan nodded seemingly unaware of the sarcasm in Ezra's statement. He moved to sit down, turning the chair to face them. He leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees. "Don't rightly know how to ask this, so I'm just gonna do it." He fixed dark eyes on Vin and then Ezra. "Just how long have the two o' you been more than friends?"

Vin was tempted to ask for clarification, finding he didn't care for the euphemism, but held his tongue. [I know what he means, and I know Ez does too. But it just seems like beatin' 'round the bush. Think I liked the way Buck phrased it better when he asked us how long we'd been lovers. Seems like that was a more direct question.]

"Approximately three months." Ezra answered, his voice calm, demeanor unruffled.

Vin was fairly certain no one else would have noticed what it cost the gambler to sound and act that way.

The healer frowned. "Three months? That's how long you been together?"

"Yes."

Ezra's simple, one word answer seemed to surprise Nathan. [Never let it be said Ez can't be brief when he wants ta be]. Vin hid the smirk that thought caused. Ezra could be verbose, but when it counted the man didn't bother to mince words. The gambler could be just as direct and to the point as Chris when he needed to be.

Nathan's eyes darted to Vin then back to Ezra. He took a deep breath before asking, "And this is somethin' you both wanted?"

Vin's eyes narrowed, not liking Nathan's tone, but not sure why.

"Meaning?"

"When I was a boy...working on the plantation, the master's brother, Eric..." Nathan frowned, and looked away. He pursed his lips, and seemed to be trying to decide if he should continue or not. Nathan cleared this throat. "Master's brother liked men the way a man usually likes women. Was married, but that didn't stop Eric from payin' a visit to the slave quarters couple o' times a week. Had him a favorite. Young man named David. Never did anything ta hurt him, leastwise nothing real obvious or would make it impossible for him ta work the field the next day. He made it clear that David wasn't gonna be allowed to say 'no'. Made damn sure the rest o' us couldn't do anything ta stop it. And it weren't like anyone would believe a bunch o' slaves if we said anything."

"And you want to know if the relationship between Mr. Tanner and myself is tainted a similar fashion." Ezra's tone was decidedly bland, but his eyes were like ice. "You are asking if I am using Vin to satisfy some base need, treating him as David was, some how coercing him into acting against his own nature."

Nathan winced, but squared his shoulders and nodded. "Guess that's 'bout the size of it, yeah."

Vin's hand tightened on his gun. [Did it ever occur ta him I might be using Ez? Or that I'd be man enough ta take care o' myself. Shit. Like I haven't been takin' care of myself since I was five years old. Was what Chris thought, too. Idiots, the both of them. Least Buck gave me more credit than that.]

"Did it occur to you that Vin might be using me?" Ezra coolly asked, one eyebrow arched, echoing Vin's thoughts uncannily.

Nathan shook his head. "He isn't the type to do that."

"Ah." Ezra nodded sagely. "But I am."

Vin glared at Nathan, offended on Ezra's behalf. "Ez doesn't use people like that." He declared flatly, daring Nathan to argue.

Ezra glanced over at him, eyes warming, a faint smile dancing about his lips. "I appreciate that sentiment, Vin, and your support. I do." He turned to focus on Nathan, once again carefully neutral in expression, and voice. "But it is what Mr. Jackson believes that is at issue at the moment."

The healer winced again, his fingers twisting around themselves betraying just how nervous he was. "Ezra, you aren't at all like I thought you were when we first met. Learned a lot about you since we started riding together, and most of the time, I think we get along pretty well."

Ezra tipped his head. "Most of the time we do."

Nathan smiled slightly, before his expression again became serious. "But...hell sometimes, it's the way you talk, how you do things...that's all it takes ta make me forget that you aren't who I thought you were, and remind me of someone else."

"I can see how that might occur." Ezra's voice had a strained quality.

Vin shivered, realizing Ezra had good reason to understand just where Nathan was coming from. It hadn't been all that long ago that Ezra had struggled with a similar association between himself and Josiah. [Damn shame Nate don't know that. Might just give them some common ground, but I can't see Ez wanting to hash all that out again].

Nathan smiled wanly, looking tired, and as old as Vin had ever seen him. "Sometimes I forget, and I get to thinkin' you might be like them. Memories I just can't shake, an' they override my better judgement." Nathan worried at his lower lip, white teeth bright against his dark skin. "I get to thinking o' you as a man used to being in a position better'n others, thinkin' of yourself as being better'n than most folks. And well, a man like that, tends to get whatever it might be that he's wanting, and sometimes loses sight of how what he does affects others."

"Every once in awhile, I forget how little you really know of me, Mr. Jackson." Ezra chuckled but there was no humor in it. His lips twisted in a wry smile. "You believe my upbringing, my social standing as it were, or perhaps my chosen profession predisposes me toward treating other people as simply a means to achieving my own selfish ends?"

This was not the first time Nathan had accused Ezra of something similar. Vin got the impression it hurt then, and it hurt now, to have someone Ezra considered a friend, someone he obviously respected, think so little of him. Vin would dearly love to slap the healer, but waited to see how the man would answer Ezra's question.

Nathan looked apologetic and embarrassed, but resolute. "Wouldn't be the first white man I've run into that forgot to treat a man as a man. Or got so focused on what he wanted he didn't care about who he trampled on getting there."

"Ain't just white men from the south that seem prone ta sellin' other people short." Vin ground out his tone nearly as sharp as his knife. He could forgive Nathan his past, but not foisting it off on Ezra. [Ain't right.]

"I know that." Nathan shifted in his seat, looking guilty. "Told you I don't have a lot of experience with this."

"That's no excuse." Vin snarled. "We've been ridin' together for a year, and you can't judge us any better than that. An' in case ya missed it, Nate, I'm white, too." Vin waved a hand, physically venting some of his frustration and anger, using the motion to emphasis his point. "Ez is just some evil 'massa', and I'm some kind of weak-willed simpleton. That it? That what you really think?"

Nathan flinched, and hung his head. Vin snorted in disgust, not sure how to express the rest of what he was thinking without totally losing his temper. [Since when did I become some babe in arms? For crying out loud. Jus' cause I don't tell everyone about how often I get laid the way Buck does, or make eyes at women, everyone assumes I'm some kind of virgin. And for that matter, when did Ezra suddenly become some kind of villain? It's not like he's ever been the type ta treat someone as less than a person. Thought that whole issue with that Chinese girl woulda shown what kind o' man he was].

Ezra held up one hand, and sent a look toward Vin. It asked him to be patient. Vin nodded reluctantly. He'd hold his tongue. He hadn't meant to say as much as he had, and he knew giving into the urge to spew his anger wouldn't help the situation.

"The experience you have, Mr. Jackson, is far from stellar. And hardly representative of the whole range of possibilities." Ezra commented softly, understanding coloring his tone. "It is affecting your perception. And your thinking."

Nathan looked up, sending wary glances toward Vin. "Jus' wanted to be sure that it was something you both wanted. I mean, it seemed that way from what I'd been noticing lately. You two seemed ta be good for each other. It was like you were a couple, that it was something you both wanted, but I had ta know. Didn't want it to be like it was for David."

Ezra arched an eyebrow. "Did you honestly believe Vin lacked the wherewithal to terminate our current liaison if he wanted to do so?" One long fingered, elegant hand gestured toward the gun Vin had never let go of. "Or was without the means with which to enforce such a decision?"

Nathan shrugged one shoulder, and shifted uncomfortably. "Not really. But all I had to go on was what happened with David. He was just a kid. Probably only a little younger than JD when it started, and was about Vin's age when it ended." Ebony eyes flashed fire. "Master had him whipped when he walked in on David and his brother. Sold him down river the next day. Guess he figured it was David who done lead his brother astray." Nathan clenched his jaw. "No harm came to Eric. He jus' walked away scott free. Found himself another boy, and carried on like nothin' had happened."

Ezra took a breath. "I do understand how the past can color our view of the present. Far better than you might believe, Mr. Jackson." Ezra sighed softly, green eyes shuttered, face giving away nothing of his thoughts or emotions. "For the situation you have described as your only example...well, then it is hardly surprising that you might harbor a certain amount of suspicion toward my intentions, and hold my actions suspect. It is a noble ambition to attempt to protect someone you consider a friend."

Vin fought the urge to spit. [Might have been thinkin' of me, but Nate sure as hell wasn't thinking of Ez as his friend. Ain't any wonder Ez still thinks his place here isn't secure. Christ on a crutch! How long does he plan ta blame Ez for shit he didn't do?]

Nathan looked relieved, almost earnest. "It wasn't personal. I mean, it was...but I guess it wasn't about you, as much as it was about me, if that makes sense."

"It does." The gambler nodded, face still giving away nothing. "As I said before, I understand."

"I'm sorry." Nathan looked apologetic. "I know you ain't like that, but...well, I'm sorry."

Ezra smiled slightly, and tipped his head, accepting Nathan's apology. Vin followed suit, but he had every intention of remembering this moment, just as he was sure Ezra would. Forgiven, yes, forgotten, no.

Vin kept an eye on Ezra. He knew the gambler was tired, and quickly reaching the end of his rope. He also knew there was more to it than simply being physically wrung out. Nathan's words, no matter how innocent or honorable his intent, had done some damage. All the tracker really wanted to do right at this moment was hold Ezra and tell him it didn't matter what Nathan or anyone else thought.

[Ezra P. Standish is a good man. It's not his fault some people are too damn blind to see that.]

"You do understand, Mr. Jackson, what is between myself and Vin is not something nefarious or underhanded, yes?" Ezra cocked his head to one side, studying Nathan carefully, measuring the other man. "It is something we have come to openly, honestly, and by mutual agreement. No one is being coerced or blackmailed into anything."

"It sort of looked that way." Nathan nodded, breathing easier. "I'm real glad to hear it is the way it looked. Like I said...what I was seeing didn't match up with what I knew from before I met up with you guys, but I had to be sure."

"You don't have a problem with us then? With me and Ez being together?" Vin asked, point blank, wanting to be clear, wanting to move this along and get to the crux of the issue.

Nathan shifted in his seat again. "I don't know." The healer shrugged. "Still not sure what to think. Ain't exactly normal."

Vin rolled his eyes. "Like anything 'bout any of us is what other people call normal."

The healer chuckled. "There is that." He waited a beat. "What did Chris and Buck have to say?"

"And what leads you to believe they know?" Ezra asked softly, eyebrow arched.

Dark eyes steadily regard the conman for several seconds. "Figured that out at lunch the other day. Chris is Vin's best friend. No way he wouldn't notice the same stuff I did. And Buck told me ta talk to you when I asked what was going on. Said it wasn't his place to discuss another man's business, which means he knows. If he didn't know, he'd have come right out and said so."

Vin traded a look with Ezra. The gambler shrugged one shoulder before turning back to Nathan. "Mr. Larabee does not see any difficulty in our being together, provided it does not interfere with our peacekeeping duties. To date, it has not. Mr. Wilmington is a hopeless romantic. He believes love, no matter what form, should be encouraged and embraced wholeheartedly."

Nathan nodded slowly. He digested that for a moment. "So...who else knows?"

"Counting you...three."

"Three?!" Nathan stared. "You mean you haven't told the others already?"

"As yet, no."

"Why not?"

"Because we didn't know how they would take it." Vin stated casually, his tone making it clear he thought he was stating the obvious. "Said yerself, it ain't normal. Never know which way people might jump when they get faced with somethin' they don't care ta look at."

"It is not as if we intended to make some formal, public declaration, Mr. Jackson." Ezra smiled sardonically. "The personal aspects of our lives are not fodder for the masses."

"Yeah, I can see that." Nathan nodded slowly. "But the rest of the team... figured you would at least tell them."

"We decided that it would be a more prudent course of action to wait for our compatriots to raise the issue." Ezra made an elegant, meaningless gesture with one hand. "To offer information only when it was asked for. And allow each one to ask whatever question he deemed necessary to arrive at some satisfaction."

Nathan frowned. "Wouldn't it jus' be easier to come right out and tell us?"

"Consider for the moment what the outcome would be if even one of our little troupe was of the opinion that our affaire d'amour were an abomination, or voiced disgust, distrust, or even some minor level of condemnation." Ezra shook his head. "It is unlikely that our current working relationship would continue."

Nathan's frown deepened. "Why?"

"If Vin and I had chosen to make some sort of declaration to the entire group, it would likely have created a difficult situation. Some finding no cause for concern, and others unwilling or unable to accept us. Such a situation would be untenable in our existing work environment. We routinely encounter dangerous predicaments that do not allow for the seven of us to work as anything less than a cohesive unit. Our very survival depends upon our doing so."

"What?"

"Simply put, we must be able to work well together, or we die. We may weather small disagreements, but larger ones could prove to be fatal," Ezra clarified with the self-deprecating smile Vin hated. "Further cause for concern is how the townspeople would react to even a minor dissention in our ranks. They might not know the reason for it, but there are those who would likely desire to take advantage of such a rift, placing us all in further jeopardy."

Presenting a united front had, on one more than one occasion, been the reason for their succeeding when there were long odds against them. And not everyone in Four Corners was happy with their unconventional law enforcement. More than one person had expressed dissatisfaction at not having a traditional sheriff, finding the idea of the peace being kept by such a motley crew to be less than ideal, no matter how well they did the job.

"So if I had said that I thought you two shouldn't be doing what you're doing?" Nathan offered hesitantly, as though thinking through each word. "That it was wrong, unnatural?"

"We'd leave." Vin answered, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

"Leave?" Nathan looked startled. "Wouldn't be reason for you to do that. Town needs seven men. You could just call it off 'tween you, and---"

"No." Both Vin and Ezra forcefully interjected, halting Nathan's words.

The healer blinked. "You're that serious?"

"Yes." Again they answered in unison.

Nathan sat back, stunned. He looked from Vin to Ezra and back again. "You're not just foolin' around like Buck does with his ladies?"

Vin shook his head. "Means more than that, Nate. A lot more. Me and Ez got something special, and we aim ta hang on to it."

"Okay...let me work through this." Nathan rubbed both hands over his face, sitting back in his chair. "You're happy, right?"

"Yes."

"Quite."

"And you both want this?"

Vin and Ezra nodded together.

"Chris and Buck are okay with it?"

"Yes." Ezra let Vin answer that one. The tracker suspected he did it because Nathan would be more inclined to believe him than the gambler. That suspicion just added to the anger Vin still felt toward Nathan for his earlier transgression.

Nathan paused, clearly thinking things over. He took a breath, and then another.

"Okay."

"Okay?" Vin gave Nathan a hard look. "Okay what?"

"I'm agreeing with Chris on this. As long you two being together doesn't get in the way of doing the job, I've got no real reason to object. Don't interfere with anyone else's personal life, and by all right I got no call to be messin' around with yours either." Nathan sighed heavily. "Was partly why I wasn't sure if I should even ask. A man should be entitled to some privacy. Never ask Buck about his ladies. 'Course with him, he usually tells ya before you have a chance to ask. And I don't get involved with JD and Casey. Never bothered Chris about Mary." The healer straightened, and faced them both. "You're both adults, and as Ezra pointed out, more than able ta make your own decisions. If this is something you both want, then it ain't my place to interfere. And honestly...most of what I've noticed, you seem good for each other. You've been together for three months, and I haven't seen where it's affected anything. Well, other than making my job easier that is." Nathan smiled warmly. "First thing I noticed was that you behave better for each other than you ever did for me."

Vin and Ezra exchanged a look, and a shrug. [Pretty sure that ain't all that gave us away. Have to remember to ask Chris and Buck ta keep an eye on us so we don't slip up somewhere else.]

Nathan took a breath. "So what happens now?"

"We continue as we have." Ezra said. "The only difference is that you are now privy to the fact that Vin and I are engaged in a romantic relationship."

"And you keep this conversation 'tween us." Vin wanted Nathan to be clear on that point. "Just like Buck and Chris have. This ain't something anyone else needs to know about less'n they ask us."

Nathan nodded. "I can do that. Not sure I'd know quite what to say anyway."

"Your word, Mr. Jackson?" Ezra held out hand.

Nathan rose, and stepped forward. He shook Ezra's hand. "My word on it." He offered his hand to Vin, and the tracker took it after hesitating for a moment. Whatever differences might still lie between them, Vin trusted Nathan to keep his word. [Ez was right when he said Nate was an honorable man. Don't mean I'm not still pissed with him for being stupid, but I trust him ta keep his mouth shut.]

"Now that we have settled this issue, I would like to return to the comfort of my own domicile. I find myself in need of a long communion with my feather bed."

Ezra shifted his weight, and stood. Vin was quick to offer support when Ezra swayed slightly before regaining his balance.

"You okay, Ezra?" Nathan asked, already moving to check for fever, and looking at Ezra's eyes. "Headache worse? That shoulder bothering you?"

Vin felt some of his resentment and anger toward Nathan lift bit at the healer's quick response. [Guess Ez was right about that too. Got a feeling Nate is just so inta helpin' people he can't ignore someone in need. Even though he doesn't always have his head on straight where Ez is concerned, I never should have doubted he'd do right by him when he's hurt.]

Ezra was not as pleased with the attention. He batted away Nathan's hand with a frown of annoyance. "I am fine, Mr. Jackson. It has been a trying day, and I would like to retire for the evening."

"You sure you're feeling okay?"

Ezra sent him an exasperated look. "Did I not just say as much?"

Nathan rolled his eyes. "You'd say you were fine if you were missing a limb. I just want ta make sure you are all right 'fore you leave. Now, tell me what I want to know, please. I'm just trying to help."

Ezra sighed. "My shoulder hurts, but not excessively so. I have consented to wear this detestable sling just as you insisted."

"And your headache?"

"Nothing a good night's sleep will not cure." Ezra waved a hand in a dismissive gesture.

Nathan nodded. He looked toward Vin. "If that shoulder wound starts bleeding, or if he gets to feeling worse, you come get me." The last came out as more of a request than an order.

Vin nodded, pleased that the healer was starting to realize he'd get further by asking than ordering. "If he needs ya, Nate, I'll make sure I come get ya."

Nathan smiled, and turned his attention back to Ezra. "I'll stop by tomorrow morning to take a look at you. Wanna make sure that shoulder heals clean, and check on those stitches."

Ezra grimaced. "Please do not bestir yourself too early in the morn on my account. I would like to allow the rising sun to occur without my being able to personally testify to observance of Helios' ascension."

Nathan looked confused for a moment. "You sayin' you don't want me to show up at sunrise?"

"Yes, Mr. Jackson, that would be exactly what I said." Ezra answered, his voice betraying some of the fatigue he was feeling, as he moved toward the door. Vin was at his side, ready to assist if need be.

He was glad they would be spending the night in Ezra's room. There wasn't room on the narrow cot for both of them. And he wasn't sure how willing Nathan would be to allowing him to sleep curled up with Ezra. Vin was in no mood to quietly accept such a restriction. [Nate said he's okay with us as long as it don't affect the job. Don't mean he's as open and acceptin' as Buck. Even if he was okay with it, he'd probably get all bent outta shape about me holdin' Ez close, what with his shoulder an' all. Wouldn't do anything ta cause Ez pain. Ever. Jus' need ta work my way through bein' scared ta death that he might have... no, no point in thinkin' on the might have beens. Just want to focus on what is. Ezra is gonna be okay. He's alive, and still here with me.]

Together, he and Ezra made their way down the stairs. Chris stepped out of the dark livery, as silent as a shadow, meeting up with them at the foot of the stairs. Vin wasn't surprised to see him. [Sort o' figured it'd be him or Buck hangin' around here wantin' to make sure things went okay. Buck probably has the saloon staked out so they've got the bases covered. Know we'd show up at one or the other no matter what. Kinda nice ta have them ready ta back us up even though we didn't ask 'em to, or need it. ]

Ezra offered a two-fingered salute to Chris. "Mr. Larabee."

"Ezra." Chris tipped his head toward the gambler in acknowledgement before his eyes shifted to Vin. He lifted an eyebrow, clearly asking if everything had gone all right.

Through the look they traded, Vin let him know everything was fine. They could discuss it in greater detail tomorrow. Right now, it was more important to let Ezra get some rest. The blond gunslinger half smiled, and nodded. He pointed toward the saloon with his chin, and Vin nodded.

Ezra rolled his eyes at their wordless communication. "Honestly, one might think you two were mute."

Chris looked amused before he gave the gambler a once over. "Go get some rest, Ez. You look like you could use it."

Commenting on Ezra's appearance, no matter how minor, almost guaranteed a response. Ezra opened his mouth to offer what would likely have been some sharp riposte, but was interrupted by a wide yawn. At Chris' pointed 'I told you so' look, Ezra licked one finger and made a movement like he was marking an invisible tally sheet.

"Vin, take him ta his room, and get him settled in." Chris ordered, his voice a mixture of mild concern and amusement. Concern that Ezra hadn't argued the way he usually did, and amused that he'd finally got one up on the wily conman.

Vin had only moved a step away, following his lover's move toward the saloon, when Chris called out again. "And Vin?"

"Yeah, Cowboy?" The tracker stopped, looking over his shoulder. Ezra also stopped, half turning toward Chris.

"Buck volunteered ta take your patrol shift tomorrow. No need for you to be up early."

Vin grinned. [Leave it to Buck ta know we need some time together. It'll be real nice ta spend the morning wallowin' in that feather bed watchin' Ez sleep. Maybe do more than sleep if he's feelin' better by then.]

"Tell him thanks for me."

"Will do."

Vin and Ezra slipped into the alley, aiming for the back stairs. They were safely settled into Ezra's room a few moments later, a locked door shutting out the rest of the world, at least for the moment.

Ezra took a deep breath, and reveled in the moment of well-being that followed. He could feel the smooth skin of Vin's chest against his cheek, strong arms and legs wrapped around him supplying comfortable warmth that kept the morning chill at bay. He could hear the steady beat of Vin's heart. He took another breath, and enjoyed the scent of his lover. When Vin's fingers began to run through his hair, Ezra released the breath he'd just taken, in one long purr like sigh.

"You awake?" Vin's voice was whisper soft.

"No." Ezra answered, snuggling in a little closer. Being awake meant getting up and he wasn't ready to. He could hear, as well as feel, the rumbling chuckle that was Vin's response.

"Sure sounds like yer awake."

"An illusion." Ezra rubbed his cheek against Vin's chest; placing a soft kiss near the heart he heard beating. "A dream, perhaps."

"A good dream then." Ezra felt Vin placed a kiss in his hair. He could hear the smile in Vin's voice even though he couldn't see it. "My very own green-eyed gambler. Naked. In a feather bed. I should have me dreams like this more often."

Ezra smiled. He raised his head to see sky blue eyes sparkling with good humor looking back at him. Vin gently cupped Ezra's face, fingertips brushing against the laceration Nathan stitched the day before. The gambler was fairly certain the bruise that went with it must look rather colorful by now. Vin's eyes darkened with concern.

"I'm fine." Ezra stated before Vin could ask the question Ezra saw in his expression. "It doesn't hurt as bad as yesterday."

"But it still hurts?"

"Some." Ezra half smiled. "Less than a truly horrendous hangover. Nothing I can not handle, Cheri."

"You let me know if it gets worse."

Ezra smirked. "You could kiss it, and make it better."

Vin's lips quirked upward as he fought an answering smile. "I could, could I?"

Ezra pouted, lower lip out enticingly. "You have a gift. A natural talent."

Vin raised an eyebrow. "Kiss it an' make it all better, hunh? Might just have ta test that out." Vin very carefully placed a tender kiss against Ezra's bruised temple. He pulled back enough to make eye contact."Better?"

Ezra smiled, dimples showing themselves. "Much."

"You got any other hurts you need me to fix?"

Ezra slanted a teasing look from under his lashes. He raised one hand to brush delicately across his lips. "Here."

Vin leaned in and kissed him warmly, thoroughly. Eager tongues challenged each other for dominance, exploring and tasting as they went. Only the need to breathe broke them apart. Vin growled low in his throat, dropping his head to nuzzle Ezra's throat. Ezra tilted his head to give his lover better access. He shuddered when Vin nibbled on his ear lobe.

He moved his hands to roam over the expanse of skin available to him, eager to touch and explore again that warm silken flesh he delighted in. Ezra hissed in pain when an unwise move reminded him of being stabbed in the right shoulder. He immediately regretted not being able to stifle that instinctive reaction, because Vin stopped doing what he'd been doing.

"Ez? You okay?" Vin pulled away, blue eyes worried. "Hell, I'm sorry. I didn't mean ta--"

"No reason to be sorry, Cheri." Ezra was quick to assure his lover cutting of his apology. "Not your fault. Mine."

Vin snorted. "Like I'm gonna believe that."

Ezra sighed, and lightly slapped Vin's chest. "I simply forgot my shoulder was not up to our usual activities. My imperfect memory, and foolish actions, are hardly your fault."

Vin rolled them over so Ezra was on his back, careful not to jar his injured shoulder when he executed that maneuver. The tracker supported his weight on his elbows, holding himself up and off of Ezra. Sharp eyes scanned his face, before moving to examine his shoulder wound. The bandage showed no fresh blood.

Ezra cupped Vin's face with both hands, redirecting his attention. "I'm fine. Truly. No harm has been done."

"Ya sure?" Vin frowned. "Never wanna hurt you, Ez."

"You didn't." Ezra insisted, touched by Vin's concern, and angry with himself for causing it in the first place. [Stupid, Ezra. You should have known better.] He wanted his playful lover back. He wanted to share that physical connection, to touch and be touched. To express his love, and receive it in turn.

Hitting on an idea, Ezra gave Vin a sly, sultry look. His fingers delicately traced Vin's features, and he let his voice drop an octave when he spoke, coming out husky, needy. "I believe we have successfully located a spot for your lips to work their magic."

Vin swallowed hard. Ezra could read the hesitation, desire warring with indecision. He nibbled at the hollow of Vin's throat, and began lazily moving his hips, rubbing against Vin, trying to tip the scale in his favor.

"I could just lay here." Ezra offered, voice still husky, hands moving to caress Vin's chest. "Let you do all the work." He nipped the spot near where Vin's shoulder met his neck, sucking gently. His finger tips delicately teased Vin's sensitive nipples, eliciting a moan. "Let you have your wicked way with me."

Vin shuddered. He dove in for a soul-searing kiss, tongue darting in to Ezra's mouth like he was trying to lick Ezra's tonsils. Vin's hands rose to tilt Ezra's head, changing the angle, deepening the kiss, holding him still while Vin ravaged his mouth.

When they broke apart, both were breathing hard. "You are an evil man, Ezra Standish." Vin panted.

Ezra smiled softly. "Evil, no. Determined, yes."

Vin's thumb gently traced Ezra's lower lip, blue eyes focused on green. "Ya sure?"

For an answer, Ezra used the tip of his tongue to lave the pad of Vin's thumb, sucking it into his mouth, smiling wickedly as he did it. Vin took a deep shuddering breath. The tracker groaned, eyes closing.

"Love me, Cheri." Ezra whispered after he released the digit he'd been sucking on. "Please."

Vin nodded, and opened his eyes. "But we do it my way, Teach."

Ezra grinned, arching an eyebrow. "Your way? And that would be what exactly?"

Vin grinned back, winking. "You let me have my wicked way with you."

Ezra laughed, a delighted peel of amusement. "Oh by all means." He waved one hand in a graceful, inviting gesture.

Vin set about touching and kissing every inch of Ezra's body. Tongue, teeth, and hands left a trail of fire in their wake. The gambler savored the contact, losing himself in that beloved touch. [There is magic in this man. There has to be.]

Ezra slipped into French as he murmured appreciation of what Vin was doing. Offering encouragement and direction even though he knew it wasn't understood or needed. He was so hard from what Vin was doing that it was almost painful. Some rational part of his mind spoke up, and reminded him that he wasn't alone here. That Vin deserved to feel as good as he did at this moment. When he tried to move, to return the favor, Vin capture his hands and pinned the to the bed.

"No." Vin shook his head firmly. "You just be still. Let me love you, Ez."

"But, Cheri, it isn't right." Ezra insisted.

"What isn't right?" Vin frowned. He waggled his eyebrows, teasing. "I'm doin' somethin' you don't like?"

"No...not that." Ezra shook his head. There wasn't anything Vin had ever done that he didn't enjoy, at least in the bedroom. "It should be pleasurable for both of us. I'm not so selfish that this should be solely about me."

Vin smiled, eyes bright with love and affection. He raised a hand to cup Ezra's face, caressing his cheekbone. "Sometimes, it's okay for it to be about you." Vin spoke softly, his voice reassuring and gentle. "Sometimes, it's all right for you to be selfish. An' this is one o' those times."

Vin's hands moved to travel down Ezra's chest, paying special attention to those little places that got to him every time. Ezra arched into his touch, unable to not respond. Vin lightly nipped the area near Ezra's navel. "Next time...next time it can be about me." Vin looked up, expression open and earnest, his voice still soft and reassuring. "Okay?"

Ezra's lips quirked upward in a half-smile, and he was again stuck by what an amazing individual his lover was. [I will not win this battle. Better to give in gracefully than to wage a pointless war.] "If you insist."

"I do." Vin grinned. "Now, let me get back ta doin' what I was doin'. You just lay there and enjoy yerself."

"Yes, sir." Ezra's chuckle became a gasp when Vin lowered his head to engulf Ezra's cock in his mouth. Vin licked and sucked, treating Ezra's cock like he would his favorite candy stick. He rested just enough of his weight across Ezra's hips to keep the gambler from thrusting upward, and gagging him. Vin had become quite talented at the art of fellatio. And Ezra had every reason to appreciate his skill. The tracker brought him close to the brink once, and then again, backing off before Ezra actually reached his climax.

Ezra opened heavy lidded, dazed eyes, to watch Vin suck his own fingers, making them slick. He moaned, and shuddered. "Merci...now...do it now. Need you...please."

Vin carefully slid his fingers home, into Ezra's tight, welcoming heat. Ezra slowly writhed, fucking himself on Vin's fingers, head tipped back, exposing the long column of his throat. He had no idea at that moment just how sexy he looked.

Vin took a deep breath. "You are so beautiful." He breathed out in a harsh whisper, his tone almost reverent. "So incredibly beautiful."

Vin's free hand had moved to fist himself, moving in time with Ezra hips as the gambler rode his fingers. The tracker tipped his head to let his hair tease Ezra with a feather light, all but insubstantial, yet still wonderful sensation. Vin ran his tongue over the head of Ezra's cock, before again taking as much as he could.

Ezra let out a one long moan. He rocked back on Vin's fingers, forcing them deeper inside. He felt Vin reach, and brush his prostate. Tremors of intense pleasure rippled through him like a wave. Vin kept doing it, making each wave more powerful than the last.

[God...so...good. Can't...oh my...oh please.] Ezra tried to speak, to tell Vin how good it was, to not stop, to let him come this time, but he couldn't seem to articulate anything more than whimpers and sighs. And then he was coming so hard he seeing stars.

Ezra had no idea how long it took for him to return to himself. He was floating, enjoying the feeling of being weightless and incredibly heavy at the same time. He was vaguely aware of Vin calling his name. Ezra opened his eyes and smiled into the warm blue eyes of his lover, looking down at him.

"Ezra?"

"Hmmm?" He blinked, sleepy-eyed.

"You okay?"

[Okay? Oh my, I'd have to say yes to that. I haven't felt his good since...well, since yesterday afternoon.] Ezra laughed softly, pulling himself out of his thoughts enough to answer Vin's question.

"Okay? Oh, Cheri, I am so much better than okay." He pulled Vin down for a kiss. "Thank you."

Vin smiled. "You're welcome."

Ezra stretched languidly. He shifted to snuggle into the mattress, more than content to go back to sleep. He held out a hand to Vin. "Would you care to rejoin me in slumber, Cheri? We have time."

"Sure, Ez." Vin hesitated for a moment. "But can we move over a bit?"

Ezra raised one eyebrow in askance. Vin blushed. "Kind a made a bit of a mess."

"Mess?" Ezra raised his head, and then smiled, understanding. His lover had climaxed with him. [Good.] With a little wiggle, Ezra moved over, making room for Vin to snuggle in close, and avoid the wet spot.

The lanky Texan curled in close, still careful of Ezra's wounded shoulder. He regarded the bandage for a moment, brows pulled together. "Think I forgot to take care o' that spot earlier." With an impish grin, Vin leaned in to place a quick kiss atop the bandage. "There...all better."

Ezra laughed again, delighted that Vin was still feeling playful. He hugged his lover to him with one arm, prepared to settle in until Nathan's promised morning arrival forced him to do otherwise. "Oh indeed, Cheri, much, much better."

The End

(Well for now anyway. I am considering another chapter...Feel free to offer suggestions, comments, or ideas. ;-) I may not use them, but then again, I might.)

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