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Learning to Improvise…
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JD waited nervously in the livery. He knew Vin had morning patrol. The tracker usually did. And he knew what time the other man showed up to saddle Peso. Generally speaking, no one else would be around the livery this time of day, giving him a golden opportunity to talk to Vin alone.JD scowled at the rain. He’d been trying to work up the courage to do this for the past few days. Now that he finally knew what he wanted to say, and when to do it, the weather was conspiring to keep him from acting.
"Damn, damn, damn." He cursed softly, pacing the length of the livery.
With the weather this ugly, Chris might decide to forgo having anyone ride patrol today. It would make sense to do so. Footing could get treacherous for a horse, risking both the animal and the rider if they went down in the wrong place, and flash floods were always possible in some areas.
He hoped that even if Chris decided against sending Vin on patrol, the tracker would stick with part of his morning routine and check on his mount. Vin was nearly as bad as Ezra when it came to doting on his horse. Chaucer and Peso are both spoiled rotten. It might pay off because I never saw one baulk no matter what Vin or Ez asked of them.
JD just about jumped out of his skin when he felt a hand lightly slap his shoulder. "Hey, JD. What are you doin’ here?"
He spun around, hands moving toward his guns before he even realized who had hit him, or recognized the voice. "Jesus, Vin." He punched the other man in the shoulder. He’d lost count of the number of times the tracker had startled him. "Scare a body half to death why don’t you. Would it kill you to make some noise?"
Vin’s lips quirked upward in a half smile, blue eyes twinkling. "Never know. Jus’ might."
JD rolled his eyes. He could never tell if Vin tried to scare him or if the tracker just honestly never thought about announcing his presence. The practical joker side of the lanky Texan seemed to suggest he routinely snuck up on his friends just to see them jump. The only one he failed to startle regularly was Ezra, but then the gambler could be just as sneaky as Vin, if not more so.
Vin raised an eyebrow. "Ya still didn’t answer me JD."
"Hunh?" JD stared, trying to recover his wayward thoughts.
Vin grinned at him. "What are ya doin’ here? Figured you’d still be in bed at this hour. ‘Specially with the rain an’ all."
Vin’s grin faded into a look of concern. "Somethin’ wrong?"
"No." JD answered hurriedly. "No, nothing is wrong. Well, not really. I…thing is…I just wanted to talk to you for a minute. If you’ve got time that is."
The Texan studied him, blue eyes raking over JD with a studied care that made the younger man feel like he had no secrets. Vin nodded slowly. "Not ridin’ out today. Chris said ta jus’ forget it until the rain lets up. So, I got time now, if you want?"
JD took a deep breath and nodded. Don’t do this now I might never do it. Just gotta remember what I decided to say. I can do this. Need to do this.
Vin moved to lean against Peso’s stall door, reaching out to scratch his mount behind the ears when Peso hung his head over the stall door. He waved a hand as though offering the floor to JD. "What’s on yer mind?"
JD unconsciously squared his shoulders, bracing himself just in case. He cleared his throat, dark eyes earnest. He spoke quickly, afraid if he didn’t he’d lose his nerve.
"I know you an’ Ezra have been together for awhile now. Reckon it’s been a few months anyway. Don’t have a problem with that. Not really any of my business."
JD rushed on to the rest, not wanting to be sidetracked or interrupted before he had the chance to speak his piece. Dark eyes firmly held blue, not backing down. "I wanna know if you’re serious. Because I think Ez really has some deep feelings for you. Pretty sure he might even be in love with you. And if you’re just playing, having a good time and not wanting anything more, then you need to tell him that. Wouldn’t be right otherwise. Don’t want to see Ezra get hurt, and if you’re just playin’, he will eventually."
JD didn’t really think Vin was the sort to play with another’s affections. But then there was that whole incident with Mrs. Charlotte Richmond. The tracker had intended to leave the seven for her. And while the young sheriff was relieved Vin hadn’t left, the usually unnoticed, rarely active cynical side of his nature wondered who’d been toying with whose emotions. That ‘on again, off again’ stuff won’t work with Ezra. He needs more than that. Deserves more than that. Don’t want to see him get hurt just because Vin can’t make up his mind.
"I figure someone has to stand up for Ezra. I got Buck, Josiah and Nate got each other, and we all know Chris would stand up for you. ‘Bout time one o’ us stood up for him and made sure he gets treated right."
Vin raised both eyebrows. He stood up straight, weight shifting so he was balanced on the balls of his feet. His posture wasn’t really threatening, but JD felt uneasy just the same. He forced himself to stay where he was and not back away. Doesn’t look mad, but then with Vin it’s hard to tell sometimes.
"Ya wanna maybe say all that a second time?" Vin cocked his head to one side. "Little slower."
JD hesitated, briefly wondered if he should be worried about offending Vin. Too late for that now. Some men don’t really take well to other people knowing they’re more interested in other men than they are women. Might be ashamed. The last thought brought JD’s chin up. Got no reason ta be ashamed. Isn’t like they are doing anything wrong…less’n he’s ashamed that I know he was with Ez. No call to be embarrassed by Ezra. Ez is a good man. He’s my friend. More than good enough for anybody…Man or woman.
"I know you and Ezra are involved." JD stated clearly, stopping there and waiting since Vin said to go slower.
"Meanin’ what, exactly?" Vin asked calmly, eyes studying JD carefully.
JD snorted. He knows what I mean. "You two are together the same way Buck is with his ladies. Same way Nate is with Rain." Opting for blunt, JD added, "Lovers."
Vin nodded once, expression thoughtful. "And you know this, how?"
"I’m not blind, you know. I know enough to pay attention to what I see and hear." JD bit out in frustration. They all think I’m some kid. That I don’t know anything. Well, except for Ezra. He treats me like I’m an adult. Always been fair with me, even when I haven’t always been fair to him. That’s why I wanna make sure Vin isn’t careless with him. Ez is a lot more breakable than he lets on.
JD raised a hand and started counting off on his fingers. "Saw you sneaking in and out of the saloon using the back steps. Figured it was a one-time thing, until I noticed you’ve been using the back stairs regularly. Know you don’t have anything to do with the saloon girls. Only leaves one person you’d be going ta visit, and that’s Ezra."
"I check everything on my rounds through town, including your wagon. Know you haven’t slept in it for a good two months. You take the chair next to Ezra, and you didn’t used to. Heard Mrs. Anders talking the other day ‘bout how you asked her to have pie on hand for him. You started doing with Ezra that thing you do with Chris, where you talk and don’t say a word. You watch his back in the saloon at night. When he got hurt in that brawl, you got real concerned…more than if you were just friends. You were holding him mighty close when I saw you with Ez in the clinic. And you’ve been watching him like a hawk ever since, making sure he wears the sling, rests like he’s s’posed to."
JD shook his head, realizing he was leaving out what he’d noticed about the gambler. "And Ezra…he was downright scary when you got shot in the leg. He probably thinks I never noticed how angry he looked, how scared, but I did. He shares his scotch with you. Doesn’t call the rest of us by our first names very often, but he uses yours. He always saves candy for you. Saw you reading one o’ his books just last week. Had to be one of his…leather bound, gold leaf. Rest o’ us don’t have anything near that nice. Ezra lets you put stuff on his tab at the general store." JD waved hand toward Vin. "Hell, you’re wearing his slicker right now!"
He took a breath, and continued in a quieter tone. "What really clinched it though, is that he lets you touch him, lets you get close. He shies away from almost everyone else, except for the kids. And he touches you. Nothing that isn’t polite and proper, but it sticks out when he does his best to keep his distance from damn near everyone else."
"You said our being together…me and Ez…that doesn’t bother you?"
"Not so long as you aren’t going to hurt him." JD squared his shoulders, instinctively straightening his spine in an effort to stand taller. "I mean that, Vin. He’s my friend. Not going to stand by and see him get hurt. Not if I can do somethin’ about it."
Vin smiled brightly, blue eyes warm. "Good."
JD regarded the older man warily. "Good?"
"Yep." The tracker resumed his casual lean against Peso’s stall door, raising a hand to lightly scratch Peso along his lower jaw. "Ez doesn’t have too many friends. Real glad to know you are one o’ them, JD. Man should have people he can count on ta stand up for him."
JD wasn’t sure what to make of what sounded like a compliment. Honestly, he hadn’t really known what to expect when he planned to confront Vin. JD really never got past the point of thinking through what it was he wanted to say, and why.
He knew what he hoped the outcome would be, for Vin to assure him that his relationship with Ezra was a good one. Something that was mutual, and enjoyed, and likely to last a long time. JD wanted to know that it wasn’t going to cause trouble between the seven. It’s gonna be a problem if Vin’s just fooling around. If Ezra feels as strongly for Vin as I think does, it won’t take long for that to come to a head.
JD frowned, and refocused his thoughts. "You still haven’t told me if you’re serious or not."
Vin pursed his lips. He reached into his pocket and offered a carrot to Peso. Peso snatched it up eagerly, the loud crunching of his teeth the only sound in the livery for several minutes. Vin sighed, and nodded, apparently coming to a decision. He shoved himself away from the stall door. "Lets go talk ta Ezra."
JD blinked. That wasn’t what he expected. "Now?"
Vin shrugged. "No time like the present."
"But he probably isn’t awake yet." JD argued. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to talk to Ezra; he just didn’t want to risk the gambler’s wrath. The man was infamous for being hostile when woken early.
"I know he ain’t awake." Vin confirmed with a small nod, managing to relay with that statement and gesture the impression that he knew this firsthand, and wasn’t merely assuming Ezra would be in bed because of the early morning hour. It further confirmed what JD knew; Vin wasn’t sleeping in his wagon, but in Ezra’s room.
"I think it’d be best if you talked ta both o’ us at one time." Vin shrugged. "Make it easier." The tracker hesitated a moment before continuing. "Besides, me and Ez have an agreement ‘bout this sort o’ thing."
"You have an agreement ‘bout this?" JD raised both eyebrows, wondering when he’d lost control of the conversation, or if he’d ever really had control.
"Yep." Vin nodded firmly once. "Agreed at the beginning, iffen someone asks about us, we talk ta whoever it is together."
JD felt better hearing that. He wasn’t sure why exactly. But it sounded promising that Vin and Ezra had talked about being confronted. Least I know they talk. Means they’re doing more than just bumping boots. Course, I sort o’ figured that was the case when I saw Vin with Ezra’s book, and Vin making sure there was pie for Ez. Doing the little extras means you really care. Buck is mighty nice to his ladies, but I don’t ever see him doing special things for them. I think if it was just about sex, Vin and Ezra would have found a saloon girl, and not bothered with trying to make each other happy. Think so anyway. Don’t know for sure.
Vin gave Peso a final pat, and headed for the door. "You coming?" He tossed back over his shoulder as he headed back out into the rain.
It seemed the only way he was going to get an answer was to follow, so JD quickly moved to keep pace with the tracker. He sidestepped the bigger puddles, just as Vin did. JD managed to make it to the back of the saloon without getting completely soaked, but only just barely. It was an accomplishment JD thought was pretty big considering the amount of rain and mud he had to move through to get there.
He eyed the borrowed slicker Vin wore with a touch of envy. The only thing wet on Vin was his hat and boots. Wish I had me a slicker as nice as Ezra’s. Was nice of him to loan it to Vin. Being on patrol in this weather would have been awful without one.
Vin slipped silently up the stairs, leaving JD to follow. JD smirked to himself when Vin neatly avoided the fourth stair that creaked, and the loose floorboard at the top of the steps. Knew he was using these stairs. Bet he don’t even know what he just did.
He watched in confusion as Vin reached for something under his shirt. JD understood once he saw a key. He expected Vin to just use it and open the door, but to his surprise the tracker tapped lightly on the Ezra’s door first. It didn’t seem loud enough to wake someone as sound a sleeper as he believed Ezra to be.
Probably a good idea to announce ourselves first. Buck is always saying it isn’t wise to surprise a man. Not if you want to live a long time. And Ezra’s pretty damn fast with that gun of his. Bullet holes in the door frame attest to that. Maybe I ought to knock again…louder. Don’t want to get shot.
It was too late for him to act on that thought. Vin had opened the door, and slipped in. He motioned for JD to step in behind him before he closed the door again. JD stopped just inside the door, hand well clear of his guns, not entirely surprised to see a sleep rumpled Ezra, sitting up in bed and pointing his Remington in JD’s general direction.
JD stayed still, and tried his best to look harmless. Sort of expected him to not be real happy about this. Should have told Vin it could wait.
Ezra raised one eyebrow, green eyes wary and alert despite obviously having awoken only a moment ago. Huh…guess Vin’s knock was loud enough. Maybe Ez isn’t as deep a sleeper as I thought.
"Mr. Dunne, to what do I owe this early morning visit?"
JD tipped his head toward Vin. "Vin thought it would be best for me to talk to both of you." Realizing that what he said really didn’t explain much, JD opened is mouth to add more, but Ezra held up one hand stopping him.
"Vin?" Ezra’s attention shifted toward the former bounty hunter.
Vin looked apologetic, but not uneasy or concerned. "JD met me in the stable. Said he knew about us being together. Had some questions. Figured it was best if he talked ta both o’ us, like we agreed."
"Trouble?" The question was directed at Vin, but Ezra’s narrowed, sharp-eyed gaze assessed JD, making the younger man feel exposed. It was similar to the studied look he’d gotten from Vin earlier. Not for the first time did JD wished he knew how it was they did that.
Vin shook his head. "Shouldn’t be. Still need ta talk though."
Ezra sighed heavily and nodded. He slipped his gun back into the holster hanging from the bedpost. The gambler rubbed tiredly at his eyes, hand rising to run through his sleep ruffled curls, before waving a hand toward the rocking chair. "Please, Mr. Dunne, make yourself comfortable."
Ezra’s bare torso suggested he was naked under the covers, and JD wasn’t sure it fell within the bounds of decency to stay. "We don’t have to do this now, Ez." JD offered, slightly uncomfortable.
Ezra smirked. "You have already forded the breech, Mr. Dunne, retreat is not an option. Even if it were, doing so would only serve to delay the inevitable."
Ezra grabbed a second pillow and shoved it behind him, relaxing against the headboard with a yawn. "And please remove your jacket." The gambler made a face. "You’re dripping."
Vin had already started to slip out of Ezra’s slicker. He turned and hung it on the hook on the back of the door. With a resigned sigh, JD took off his jacket, handing to Vin to hang as well. Looks like we’re gonna do this now.
He blinked in surprise when Vin toed out of his boots, wondering if he should do the same. JD didn’t think it proper to take his shoes off in someone else’s home. And Ezra’s room was most definitely his home. The sheriff had never really spent any time in it before, and he was somewhat surprised to find it comfortable, neat, and clean. There was no disguising that most of Ezra’s visible possessions were of better quality than any the rest of their group could lay claim to, but the room didn’t make JD feel nervous the way the wealthy house his mother worked in used to.
He regarded his boots, coated with a thick layer of mud. Keep ‘em on and I’m going to track mud everywhere. No point in pissing off Ezra by dirtying up his room. Shrugging to himself, JD toed out of his boots as well, leaving them next to Vin’s, near the door. Still feeling a bit hesitant, JD made his way to the rocking chair.
"No patrol then, Vin?" Ezra drawled softly.
"Nope." Vin glanced toward the window from where he still stood near the door. Rain beat steadily against the glass. "Chris said to wait for the weather ta let up."
Ezra nodded. "A most judicious decision."
Vin smirked. "I’ll be sure ta tell ‘im ya said so."
Ezra rolled his eyes. "As if my opinion matters to our illustrious leader."
As JD positioned the rocker so he could face Ezra, he was struck by how normal their conversation sounded. He found it heartening that they seemed as at ease with each other in private as they did when the group was together in the saloon. The sheriff raised his eyebrows when Vin stepped forward and casually joined Ezra on the bed. He sat so he was shoulder to shoulder with the gambler, partially sharing the pillows Ezra had placed behind him. Vin reached out and captured one of Ezra’s hands, lacing their fingers together.
Ezra seemed totally unperturbed by Vin’s action. He glanced toward JD and waved his free hand toward the younger man. "I believe you had questions, Mr. Dunne."
JD shook his head, finding the formal address wrong given their current setting. Just isn’t right for him to keep calling me ‘mister’. We are friends for crying out loud! ‘Sides, the man is in bed…naked as the day he was born. Leastwise, I think he doesn’t have anythin’ on. Not that it’s important. I mean, it doesn’t seem to bother him any to have me here and him not being, well, dressed to receive visitors. And he’s sitting there, holding Vin’s hand, like he does it every day. I’d have thought that would be more than enough to stop being so formal.
JD cleared his throat. "Ez, you think since I’m in your room…given that your, ah…look, could you please just call me JD?"
Even though Vin ducked his head, JD was sure the tracker was smiling. Ezra studied him for a moment, looking honestly surprised by JD’s request. "Very well. JD, you had questions? Something Vin felt you should discuss with both of us, I believe.’
JD nodded. He bit his lower lip trying to figure out where to start. In the livery he’d just blurted out what he wanted to say, without weighing the possible outcomes. He didn’t really want to do that again. He didn’t want to sound like a kid. Not in front of Ezra.
"Jus’ tell ‘im what you told me, JD." Vin offered quietly, encouraging. The tracker’s trademark half-smile appeared. "Jus’ take yer time."
JD considered that advice. Good starting point as any. And if I don’t get all rushed, I should be able to sound like an adult and not some know-nothing kid. He cleared his throat again. "I know the two o’ you are…involved. Lovers."
"Yes, I believe Vin indicated as much when you entered." Ezra arched one eyebrow. "You arrived at this conclusion…how?"
JD reiterated the things he told Vin earlier, albeit slower than he had before, keeping his tone neutral and even. He also added, "Vin’s got the key to your room. And you don’t seem to object to him," JD waved a hand toward where they sat shoulder to shoulder, "making himself right at home."
The gambler’s lips quirked upward slightly, green eyes bright with inner amusement. "Most astute, JD. I must congratulate you on your powers of observation, and deductive reasoning."
JD flushed hearing that genuine compliment. "Geez, Ez, I’m just paying attention to what I see."
Ezra chuckled. "Exactly." The gambler sobered, gaze firmly fixed on JD holding his eyes. "Just so I am certain of no misunderstanding…you have no objection to Vin and I engaging in a relationship of a romantic nature?"
"I don’t have a problem with you being together. Not really any of my business. Figure it isn’t my place to interfere." JD sent a hard look toward Vin. "Long as Vin isn’t just playing around."
Seeing them together…sure seem like a real couple. And I don’t honestly have too many doubts about him being serious anymore. Don’t think he’d have been so casual ‘bout inviting me here if he was just fooling around. Don’t think he’d have just made himself at home there on Ezra’s bed either. But Vin needs to know I still intend to make sure Ezra doesn’t get hurt.
Vin nodded once, almost as though deferring to JD, accepting his position. Ezra looked from Vin to JD. He frowned. "Gentlemen, I appear to be missing something. Something rather important."
JD shifted his attention to the gambler. "If he’s just making nice like Buck does with every woman he meets, or looking to, well, scratch an itch…I figure he owes it to you to say so. Wouldn’t be right for him to toy with your feelings that way."
Ezra cocked his head to one side, expression thoughtful, measuring. "But you do not feel I might be doing the same thing to Vin?"
"I know you are head over heels for him. You wouldn’t hurt someone you care about. I know that." JD never had any doubts regarding the conman’s willingness to sacrifice himself for someone else. He’d seen Ezra risk himself more than once to keep someone else out of harm’s way. JD was astonished to see a touch of color dust Ezra’s cheeks. Damn. Never thought I’d see him blush.
JD shrugged one shoulder, absentmindedly putting the rocker in motion with one foot as he did so. "But, I wasn’t so sure if Vin felt as deeply for you as you do for him. Figured that might be trouble. Usually is. Seen it happen before."
Vin and Ezra traded a look. The tracker smiled slightly, sky blue eyes bright with undisguised amusement. "Kid sure has a different way of looking at things, don’t he?"
Ezra tipped his head. "Indeed. A decidedly refreshing point of view."
"Kind o’ nice you ain’t the villain this time."
Ezra chuckled, his expression warm and tender. "Yes, it is."
JD realized that the two older men had once again seemed to forget his presence, and he wondered what they were referring to. Ezra a villain? Says who? He nearly gaped in amazement seeing Ezra’s expression. He’d never seen Ezra look so open before. Now don’t that just beat all. If I didn’t know he was in love before now, I would seeing him look like that at Vin.
Vin’s expression turned sly, and he bumped Ezra’s shoulder with his. "Think I make a good villain?"
"Oh without a doubt, Mr. Tanner." Ezra winked, his voice light, teasing, southern drawl more distinctive. "A truly evil man if ever there was one."
Vin laughed lightly. He pulled their clasped hands upward, and placed a kiss on Ezra’s knuckles. Ezra lowered his lashes, giving Vin a look that JD recognized as clearly flirtatious.
Just as he was beginning to wonder if he might have to remind them of his presence, Vin took a deep breath and tipped his head toward JD. "Nice ta know someone else is worried about ya."
The gambler’s free hand moved in a dismissive motion. "It is not necessary."
JD frowned at that, and so did Vin. JD was certain the tracker was thinking the same thing he was. Acts like he don’t matter. That’s just plain wrong. Ezra’s just as important as anyone else. Gotta find a way to make him see that.
Green eyes turned serious as they once again focused on JD. "While I am most gratified by your concern for my emotional well-being Mr. Dunne, I am somewhat at a loss as to why you have deemed me easier to ‘read’ than Vin. The very nature of my profession, and years of diligent practice, typically make my thoughts and emotions less manifest than most."
JD shook his head, frustrated at losing the chance to say something to make the conman understand that he mattered. He knew he lost his chance the minute Ezra changed the subject. There would be no going back now. Ezra can be polite about it but when he don’t want to talk about something, it just isn’t going to happen. JD was also disappointed at being once again addressed by his surname again.
"JD, Ezra." He ground out. "My name is JD."
"My apologies." Ezra somehow managed to nod his head in a way that suggested a bow. "Using your surname has become a habit I shall have to work at undoing."
"S’all right." Can’t really blame him for forgetting. Only asked him to call me JD a little bit ago.
"My question remains, JD." The gambler persisted, clearly determined to get an answer.
JD sighed. Wish I was as good with words as Ezra is. Just have to do the best I can here. "You’re good at not showing how you feel. Most of the time your face doesn’t give away anything. But, I noticed the stuff you’ve been doing lately."
Ezra raised both eyebrows, and made a ‘go on’ motion. JD gave him a dirty look, but figured the only way he’d really satisfy the gambler was if he kept talking. "You wouldn’t loan your books to just anyone. They are too nice, and I know they mean too much to you for that. You let Vin use your account at Potter’s store, but pitched a fit when Buck tried to use it a couple of months back. And you never save candy for the rest of us like you do for Vin."
JD flushed when he realized his last statement came out sounding petulant, very close to a whine. Undaunted, he continued. "You take care of Peso. Hell Ez, you spend almost as much time with him as you do with Chaucer. And other than Vin, you’re the only one who can get close to the ornery pain in the ass. You share your scotch with Vin. Oh not all the time, but I’ve seen you offer it more than once to him. And you gave him the key to your room. I know you don’t trust the rest of us with your stuff."
JD shrugged. "Probably not without good reason. I mean, Buck can be a bit like a bull in a china shop. I don’t let him in my room either. And I doubt any of the others would appreciate the quality of things you’ve got. Least not enough to treat it the way it deserves. But you don’t seem to have any worries with Vin."
He waved a hand toward where Ezra’s slicker hung, dripping, from the back of the door. "You even loaned him your slicker. Can’t see you loaning out clothes to anyone you didn’t care about."
Ezra chuckled quietly. He shared a telling look with Vin. "We really must do better in the future, Mr. Tanner."
"Don’t hafta." Vin rolled his eyes, and snorted. "Ain’t like anyone else has noticed all the stuff JD has. Doubt anyone else even knows."
"No one else knows!?" JD had been certain he was not the only one to have noticed something going on between Vin and Ezra. Most of the time he felt like he was the last to know about every thing.
"Chris, Buck and Nathan are the only ones, other than you, who’ve asked." Vin said calmly, unaffected by JD’s outburst. He shrugged one shoulder. "Me and Ez sort o’ agreed that we’d wait for someone ta ask ‘fore we said anythin’. Chris figured out something was going on almost as soon as me an’ Ez got together. Buck…about a month or so after that. An’ Nathan was jus’ the other day."
JD sat back, setting the rocker in motion again, thinking over what Vin had said. Okay… so Chris noticed stuff, and Buck, and Nate. He couldn’t help feeling a little bit smug that it sounded as if none of them had noticed, or at least hadn’t made reference to the same specific examples that JD had given. It was nice to feel as though he had one up on the older men he worked with. He frowned as he realized that each man, himself included, had been informed one at a time. Seems sort o’ like they were going about it the hard way. And why wait until someone asks? Guess I’m gonna have to ask to find that out. Only way to know something is to ask, or that’s what Ezra says.
"Why didn’t you just tell everyone all at once and be done with it?" His tone implied that would have been the easiest and simplest thing to do.
Vin and Ezra both gave him a look that let him know he’d just asked a particularly stupid question. JD found himself hoping that it was Ezra who would answer. The gambler was more likely exercise patience and understanding.
He doesn’t make me feel like an idiot. Told me once that being naïve was something a man grew out of, but ‘idiocy is generally a life long affliction’. And I sort of get the feeling he wouldn’t even bother explaining things to me if he thought it would be a waste of his time.
"Were it only that uncomplicated." Ezra spoke with a trace of amusement adding color to his drawl. He shook his head slightly. "I admire your faith in your fellow man, but do not share it. You must understand, JD, that while your own reaction to our relationship does you credit, it is far from what could be considered the norm. Not everyone would be nearly so accepting as you have been."
"Why?" JD asked, honestly curious and a bit confused. "It’s not like you are hurting anyone. And if you’re happy…that should be all there is to it." It seemed so simple to JD.
"True." Vin’s trademark half-smile appeared. "But people can be stupid about a lot o’ things. And this is jus’ one of them."
Ezra nodded, seconding Vin’s statement. "Many believe firmly that physical love should be expressed only between a man and a woman. They consider a romantic intimacy between those of the same gender to be an abomination, a contagion even, to be stamped out swiftly. They do not welcome or accept the idea that love can take many forms."
Ezra sighed, and his eyes darkened with an emotion JD couldn’t read. "The Bible makes mention of such liaisons as ours. And not in a positive light." His expression shifted toward sardonic as he continued speaking. "Such negative references provide ample fodder for narrow-minded individuals to justify their intolerance. It would not be out of the norm for the good, ethical Christians of this town to ride us both out on a rail. I have seen that, and worse, done in the name of moral decency."
JD grimaced when several people in town immediately came to mind. They were all outspoken, firm in their belief of what constituted right and wrong, and seemed to believe all of Four Corners was entitled to their opinions. It just caused more trouble than anything else. More often than not, the people in question were just hypocrites in JD’s opinion. He was bothered by the idea that Vin and Ezra might have lumped him with those people.
"I can see that about the town folks. Figure you’re probably right there. But…we’re friends. Right? I mean, you gotta know you coulda told me."
"Sure we’re friends." Vin answered immediately, easing the tightness in JD’s chest with that simple confirmation. "This ain’t about being friends, JD. Not really."
"Vin is correct, JD." Ezra stated quietly, green eyes unwavering when they met JD’s darker counterparts. "This situation is far from a simple matter of our being happy. It is just the sort of thing that can cause a rift between the most steadfast companions. It is difficult to predict how any of our fellow peacekeepers would have responded to being bluntly informed of our relationship. The best course of action seemed to be to wait for them to broach the subject first, and answer the questions honestly when asked."
Okay. Think I can see that. Guess it does sort of make sense. Still don’t really understand why people would get their knickers in a knot over it. Isn’t any of their business…but, hell, even I know that’s never stopped busybody know-it-alls before.
JD was suddenly curious about how his friends had reacted. "What did Chris, Buck and Nathan have to say?"
Vin grinned. "Chris was sort o’ cool toward the idea at first. Didn’t want it ta affect our doin’ the job. But he’s warmed up since then, and he’s okay with us being together, long as Ezra don’t hurt me." He gave Ezra a warm look, blue eyes all but giving him a visual caress. "Don’t figure you plan to."
"Never." Ezra’s firm response left little doubt of his intention. He shifted to rest his head on Vin’s shoulder. Vin rubbed his cheek against Ezra’s hair before he placed another soft kiss against his knuckles.
They look comfortable together. At ease. JD smiled slightly, realizing he couldn’t remember seeing either man so relaxed before. They are good for each other. Hope Chris saw that. Sounds like he did. Not real surprised he’d be worried about Vin getting hurt, what with them being best friends and all. Wonder if it was Chris that made Ezra out to be a villain?
"Buck was jus’ happy as hell to see us happy. Got no worries at all with him." The tracker gave JD a smile that was full of delighted amazement. He had obviously been very pleased and surprised with Buck’s reaction.
"A romantic at heart, our Mr. Wilmington." Ezra chuckled. "He seems firmly entrenched in the idea that love in any form is a good thing."
JD felt both eyebrows climb toward his hairline. Buck is so into the ladies, I would have thought he’d have been dumbfounded for sure by the idea of two men together. Hunh. Kinda wished I’d been there for that conversation.
Ezra’s eyes sparkled as he studied JD. "You begin to understand how difficult predicting anyone’s reaction can be. Even for someone you think you know rather well."
"Yeah, I can see that." JD admitted ruefully. Buck was his best friend, and he still never would have guessed that his reaction to Vin and Ezra being together would be so accepting. Should have figured it though. Buck’s the most loyal guy I know. He’d just want them to be happy. He wants everybody to be happy.
"What about Nate?" JD asked.
Vin pursed his lips, and looked annoyed. Ezra sighed, and squeezed Vin’s hand. JD couldn’t tell if Ezra was offering reassurance or restraining Vin. He wondered if maybe he shouldn’t have asked. Before he had a chance to retract the question, Vin was speaking again.
"Nate." Vin growled, disgust readily apparent in his voice. Ezra raised his head from the tracker’s shoulder to give him a reproving look. Vin met his look with a fierce one of his own.
"What’s the matter?" JD was suddenly worried. He hoped Nathan hadn’t done something stupid.
"During the course of our conversation with Mr. Jackson, he said some things Vin found…objectionable." Vin scowled but remained silent, letting Ezra continue with his explanation. "He did not exactly welcome us with open arms. But to be fair, his response was really no worse than Mr. Larabee’s initial reaction." At that Vin snorted, and again Ezra sent him a quelling look. "Mr. Jackson has no firm objections, with the proviso that our relationship not affect the job."
JD knew there had to be more to it than that. Oh, he was sure that what Ezra had just said was essentially the truth. He’d learned some time ago that the gambler really didn’t lie. Might not lie, but he does leave stuff out. And Nathan had to have said or done something to piss Vin off. Mentally JD shrugged. If they don’t want to go into it, probably best to let it go. Pushing never works with either o’ them. Just have to keep my eyes open in the future.
Vin took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. JD could almost see his earlier agitation drain away, leaving him calm and relaxed again. "Way I see it…counting you," he tipped his head toward JD, "we got three clearly in our corner. And we got one almost there, but still need to work on that some. Damn sight better than we expected."
JD nodded slowly, putting the rocker in motion again. He opted to let the subject of Nathan drop. No point in upsetting Vin anymore. Don’t want him mad at me. Vin said they were working on it. If I keep my eyes open, and my mouth shut, I might be able to help.
He cleared his throat. "So, that leaves Josiah as the only one who doesn’t know?"
"Mr. Sanchez has not yet inquired." Ezra confirmed.
"You think, maybe, you should tell him? Seems wrong to keep him in the dark." It didn’t seem right to JD that Josiah should be left out. It would feel like they were keeping a secret from the former preacher, keeping him out of the loop. The sheriff baulked at the idea of isolating any one member, however marginally. He still felt that it was when they were together that they were invincible.
Ezra frowned, and shared a look with Vin. JD watched, fascinated by how the two men could seem to be carrying on an entire conversation while not saying a word. Gotta learn how to do that. Would come in real handy.
"We will consider enlightening Josiah. Once we have figured out exactly how to do so." Ezra stated carefully after a moment, his lips quirked upward in wry humor. "Our relationship is not exactly the sort of phenomenon one can easily work into normal, everyday conversation. Nor is it an issue that should be broached without significant forethought. Particularly given how important the outcome may be. "
"Hunh?"
"You must consider what might occur if Mr. Sanchez voices disapproval, and the possible outcome of such a response." Ezra restated. "We have been decidedly lucky so far. Of the four of you who know about us," Ezra raised the hand still linked with Vin’s adding emphasis to the ‘us’, "we have gotten both tentative, and immediate unconditional acceptance. However, only one vote of dissention, one voice of unreserved disapproval, may well prove to be all it takes to create an irreparable rift among our little troupe."
JD looked at Ezra in confusion. What the hell does that mean? Some days I really wish he would just speak English.
"Ez and me would leave, JD." Vin spelled it out. "Can’t work as a team if we got someone disgusted or upset ‘bout me and Ez being together. Would be too dangerous. Only choice would be ta split up, or to leave. Since we are gonna be stayin’ together, there really ain’t much choice." Vin smiled sadly, but there was no mistaking the determination in his voice, or its echoing sentiment visible on Ezra’s face.
JD paled slightly hearing that. On one hand he was gratified to hear just how serious they were. But on the other, he hadn’t really thought of what might happen if Josiah proved to be unable to accept them, even conditionally. He didn’t want to contemplate what might happen if Josiah were outright hostile. That could be ugly. Really ugly. Shit.
Ezra held up his free hand in a staying gesture, keeping JD from speaking, even though he really didn’t have plans to say anything. He honestly didn’t know what to say.
"There is every possibility that Mr. Sanchez will prove to be just as open and accepting as yourself and Mr. Wilmington have been. Or that he may offer the same sort of conditional acceptance as Mr. Larabee and Mr. Jackson. It pays to be prepared for the worst, but there is nothing wrong in hoping for the best at the same time. Your initial thought of bringing all of our coworkers…friends," Ezra hesitated a moment over the word, "into the fold, so to speak, may be well founded. Keeping secrets from only one member would likely not do much for group cohesion either."
The gambler sighed, and rubbed tiredly at his eyes. "But for the moment, we ask that you leave the decision of when to inform Mr. Sanchez, and how, up to us. And while we have no specific objections to you conversing with the others regarding what you’ve learned today, we would also ask that you refrain from openly discussing it might where you might be overheard."
"Didn’t plan to say anything." JD rolled his eyes, annoyed that Ezra felt the need to even tell him that. If I’d plan to do that, I’d have already done it. "I know better than to talk about other people’s business."
"Know you do, kid." Vin grinned, and winked at him. "Just want to make sure is all. Iffn it makes ya feel better we pretty much told the others ta keep their mouths shut too."
JD chuckled. That did make him feel better. He took a breath, suddenly feeling tired. Man, it’s been a busy morning. Got a lot to think about.
When Ezra belatedly covered a yawn with his hand, JD knew it was probably time to leave. He’d gotten his questions answered, and was comfortable with where things stood. Well, comfortable might be too strong a word, since I just got a whole new worry, but at least I know Vin and Ezra love each other. And that most of the others know it too. ‘Bout as good as I can really expect for the moment.
It was well before the hour that Ezra normally rose, and the gambler was obviously more than ready to go back to sleep. No point in wearing out my welcome. Was pretty lucky he didn’t shoot me when I walked in…so no point in pushing it any further. ‘Sides, the man’s tired. He levered himself up and out of the rocker.
"I should probably get going." JD moved to where he’d left is boots. Moving with his usual speed, he slipped into his boots and shrugged into his still dripping jacket, once more ready to brave the storm that had continued unabated while they talked.
"JD?"
"Yeah, Ez?" JD turned, his hand on the doorknob.
"It is gratifying to know that you were sufficiently concerned with my well being to confront Vin. It was the action of a friend, and I would be remiss if I did not show due consideration." Ezra spoke softly, expression sober and honest. "It means a great deal that you would act on my behalf, as does your willingness to accept Vin and I being together. Thank you." JD grinned, inordinately pleased with that declaration. He hadn’t been expecting it. He raised two fingers to the brim of his hat, mimicking Ezra’s trademark salute.
"You’re welcome, Ez." He tipped his head toward Vin, and got a small nod in return. He slipped out the door leaving the lovers alone. The young sheriff slipped down the back stairs. He hesitated under the porch, thinking over where he wanted to go before stepping back into the rain. Need a place to think for a bit. With a grin, JD headed back to the livery. Least with the weather, I know it will be quiet there.
+ + + + + + +
Nettie Wells glared at the drips falling from her ceiling. The storm continued unabated, just as it had since she woke earlier, oblivious to her ire. She fumed silently, knowing the steady drips would continue until the rain ceased. It was only luck that she had enough large containers to put under the leaks, catching the rain before it could soak the floor as well.
Damn roof. Won’t be able to fix it until it quits raining. And I have to go to town for supplies. Don’t have enough on hand to fix it. Will have ta wait a bit for the road to dry out otherwise wagon will just get bogged down. Only good thing about livin’ in the desert country…ground dries out mighty damn fast.
She sighed, unhappy with the delay, and the idea of having to confront one of her only fears, heights. She’d known for months that the roof was in need of repair, but had put it off, unwilling to climb a ladder and brave being off the ground until absolutely necessary. The steady drips and steadily filling pots were a clear sign it was definitely necessary.
Nettie pursed her lips in annoyance. She sat back in her chair and sipped her coffee, resigned to the fact that she was just going to have to come to terms with the way things were. Being angry at the weather is about as useful as tits on a boar. No point in wastin’ energy over something I can’t change.
She began making a list of the things she needed. Might as well get everything in one trip. Casey would appreciate the chance to go to town. Her niece was far more enamored of Four Corners than Nettie was. She had long since lost any interest in much of what went on in town. In her opinion, most of the people who lived there were only a little better than a lost cause, and a damn nuisance more often than not. Still, she understood the nature of progress, and figured the town and its growing population were just a part of it. As long as no one bothered her, Nettie really had no complaints.
She grinned to herself, realizing the trip might not be a complete waste of her time. Well now, I was planning a trip ta town anyway. Been meaning to head in ever since Vin stopped by a few days ago. Kind o’ wonder how the love knot turned out. And this might give me a chance ta find out who the boy has been sparkin’ on while I’m there.
She nodded, suddenly more pleased with the situation. If she played her cards right she might just be able to convince Vin to help with the roof. Not that she couldn’t handle the job by herself. She could, but some help would be appreciated. ’Sides, the damn fool doesn’t seem to be at all bothered by heights. Might be able ta keep my feet on the ground where they belong if I let him crawl around up there.
Nettie finished her coffee, and her list. She’d tell Casey they were going to town once the rain stopped. No point in sayin’ anything right now. Girl will just stare out the window waiting, and then bug me the minute it lets up ta git going. Better of with her doing her chores and then surprise her.
Nettie glanced out the window. From the looks of it, they might not leave until tomorrow anyway. She sighed and began emptying the pots again.
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