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Learning to Improvise…
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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 jus 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 of 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 to 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 is 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 shaper 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 loosing 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 ever 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 short 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 would 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.
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