Through Sunshine and Shadow by Debra Hicks

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Vin pulled his horse to a stop in front of the jail, squinting through the growing dusk to see who was inside. Next to him, Chris caught his eye, giving him a disgusted frown. Just as they went to dismount, Nathan and Ezra stepped from the warm jail. Ezra was still pale but he was moving easily, the limp barely visible.

"You boys okay?" Nathan questioned first.

Chris climbed down. "Fine."

Ezra's gaze caught Vin and he smiled slightly, letting his feelings show only in his eyes. The gambler's attention moved to the man Chris was hauling off a dark bay gelding.

"One villain?" His question carried its normal sarcasm.

Vin nearly smiled upon hearing it. Several things kept him from enjoying the moment; his own exhaustion, Chris' temper, and the other men watching him. Dismounting with a sigh, he said, "Not now."

"One," JD said in disgust. "We would have had all of them if that so-called posse had done its job."

"Now, kid," Buck said with surprising good nature. "Not everyone can be as good as us. They--"

"Gosh Buck, I don't know about you, but I think riding around in the cold just to catch...."

Vin glanced sideways at Chris, saw the faint smile at Buck and JD behind them. With a hard jerk, their leader moved the man past them into the jail. Vin stopped in front of Ezra, trying hard not to smile too much.

"How you feeling?" he asked softly.

"Fine, thank you, Mister Tanner," Ezra said off-handedly.

"Any trouble in the town?"

Nathan answered this time. "Quiet as a church mouse."

Nodding, Vin moved by him, brushing a little closer to Ezra than he needed to, and joined Chris in the jail. Slamming the outer door, Chris turned back to them. The man they had brought in scowled at them from the cell.

Ezra closed the outside door, giving a shiver from the cold. "And who would our guest be?"

"Spivek's second in command. Name's Carver," Chris said shortly.

"I take it the rest of the gang escaped owing to an error on the posse's part."

"Yeah," Vin agreed. "One of 'em jumped the gun, got hisself killed, and warned the gang."

"What now?" Nathan wondered.

"I'm gonna telegraph the judge," Chris said. "If this guy was involved in that stage holdup, he'll want to know."

Vin watched as Chris quietly took command. "Ezra, Nathan, you two keep an eye on the prisoner. The rest of us are going to get some food, a bath, and a bed. Tomorrow, we step up the patrols."

"Still worried about two weeks ago?" Josiah questioned.

Chris gave him a crooked smile. "I wasn't till you mentioned it. I figure Spivek may want this bastard back. We double the patrols and extend them out as far as my place west and Swinson's east. We'll circle between the two places, north and south, then here to switch out."

"I'll take the eastern route," Vin volunteered. "Go out first light."

"No," Nathan cut him off. "You'll go out at noon and take Ezra with you."

Fighting the shock away at having what he wanted so neatly handed to him, Vin asked, "Why Ezra?"

"You object to my company, Mister Tanner?" Ezra questioned in such a neutral voice that Vin wondered for a moment at whether he had upset the other man. He looked up from under the slouch hat to see the very slightly raised eyebrow.

"Nah, just wondering about that wound is all."

Before Ezra could say anything, Nathan again spoke up. "That wound ain't all he's gonna have to worry 'bout if he don't quit whining and moping 'round here."

"I was merely expressing my dismay at not being able to participate in the normal duties of guarding our little borough."

It was a sign of how tired they were that no one even protested Ezra's obviously fake explanation. Vin sighed. "Okay, I'll take him."

"Enough jawing," Buck complained. "Let's get some grub, a nice hot bath and nice bed."

"Sleep?" JD questioned, smiling. "All you've been talking about was Angela and how...."

"Bed, JD. Did I say anything 'bout sleeping?" Buck kidded.

Buck led the way out, then JD and Josiah, Vin following. Just before he closed the door, Vin heard Chris warn Ezra and Nathan to be careful.

Four

Dropping his tack just inside the door, Ezra slipped his hat off, untying the wool scarf that covered his ears and neck. The small cabin was hardly some place he would have normally looked forward to visiting. The room was smaller than Chris' cabin, barely sixteen by twelve, with two hide-covered windows and no porch. It did, however, offer three very attractive things: strong walls against the building wind, a sturdy fireplace and a night with Vin. He turned as Vin threw the wooden latch across the door, tossing his pack to the floor. The wind whistled around the thin hides and Ezra shivered slightly.

Vin smiled at him as he stepped closer. "You get the fire going and I'll tack our saddle blankets over those." He leaned in and kissed Ezra's neck. "Be warm and toasty in no time."

"There are times," Ezra noted with a smile, "when you sound remarkably like Mister Wilmington."

Vin smiled, reaching for the blankets. "Well, if you're gonna learn, do it from the best."

Ezra returned the smile, but it was filled with nervousness, fear and hope. He moved closer to Vin, slowly, gently wrapped his arms around the taller man's narrow waist. "If that is the case, will you teach me, Vin?"

Puzzled, endearing blue eyes stared down at him, Vin still holding the saddle blanket as he tried to figure out what Ezra meant. "What can I teach you?"

Hesitantly, Ezra leaned closer and kissed along Vin's mouth. "Teach me how to love you."

A crooked smile lightened the tanned face. "You already love me, Ezra. Ain't nothing I can you teach 'cept how to share this fire with me."

"Fire?" Ezra questioned. He felt the passion in Vin's touch, felt a stirring in his own blood.

Vin's expression turned the slightest bit thoughtful and he looked down for just a moment, then shyly back up. Slowly, he said,

"How can this fire be started by
a look from green eyes?
And once started,
you make it flare higher with
the way you sit your horse,
the way you laugh.
The flames build with the
smoothness of your voice
and the quickness of your hands.
Share the fire with me,
let it burn us both like the
prairie blazes out of control."

Ezra was so lost in the beauty of Vin's voice and expression that for a moment he couldn't speak. Finally, clearing his throat, he said, "I don't recall reading that particular poem to you."

Vin tilted his head, looked sideways from under his hat. "I... it's mine."

Since the night Ezra had apologized for laughing at Vin's request, there had been no mention of his poetry. Ezra had desperately wanted to ask him about it, but had been too afraid of bringing back that upsetting episode. Now, staring up at the man he had somehow come to treasure more than life, he felt absurd tears threaten his always-in- place composure.

Swallowing hard, he said quietly, "Thank you, Vin, that was truly wonderful."

Vin smiled shyly at him, like a child given a lollipop. "You liked it?"

"Very much," Ezra said, smiling back, joy at such a simple thing spreading warmth along his chest. "Do you have more you would be willing to share with me?"

The smile remained, but Vin's voice lowered, took on a dangerously seductive quality that sent chills down Ezra's back. "Got lots more poems," he said. "But I'd rather share something else tonight."

It was too much to resist. The loose hold Ezra had around Vin's waist suddenly tightened as he pulled the taller man to him, lips sealing over Vin's, pressing hard, desperately. Vin chuckled, the sound felt as much as heard. Still unsure, Ezra's tongue slipped into hot welcome, into wet velvet, into a heat he had never known. He moaned as the heat from Vin's mouth claimed his whole body. Vin moved away, laughing.

"Damn, Ezra, it's freezing in here. Let's get settled in first."

Ezra found himself nearly panting. Fighting his composure back into place was far more difficult than it had ever been. "Uh, yes, yes, of course. Fire.... I'll get a fire going while you gather some wood."

"And supper," Vin reminded him. "I'm hungrier than a three- legged pig."

It was too much, Ezra started laughing. "Vin, you are far too practical."

The fire was burning over a nice bed of coals by the time they finished eating and had their bedrolls settled on the rough wood floor. Vin stretched out his legs, leaning back against the saddle set well away from the cold wood wall. They had removed their coats, hats, guns, and boots, but nothing else. Ezra sat cross-legged opposite Vin. The passion had eased during the quiet meal, leaving nervousness that he couldn't get past. A thousand things ran through his mind about what Nathan had said, about what Vin might be expecting.

Clearing his throat, he said, "Vin, I spoke to Nathan about... what happened. About... not being able to perform."

Vin slid closer, taking Ezra's chin in his hand and kissing him gently. "I don't care, remember?"

"Yes, but I do."

His firm answer gave Vin pause and after a minute of watching Ezra's expression, he asked, "What did he say?"

Ezra let a small smile slip out. "He said I just needed time and the right woman."

The answer brought a huge smile to Vin's face, lit the blue eyes with a sparkle that rivaled the fire's glow. "Can't speak for the woman part, but you got plenty of the other."

Raising his hands to gesture around the room, Ezra asked, "So, Mister Tanner, do you find the temperature in the room to be at an acceptable level?"

Playing along with the deadpan delivery, Vin asked, "Acceptable for what, Mister Standish?"

Ezra's nimble fingers moved to the front of Vin's red flannel shirt. "Removing a few of these clothes."

"A few?" Vin returned. "I was kinda thinking 'bout all of them."

"I think that would be...."

His agreement was cut off as Vin pushed him over onto his back, reaching for the cravat. "Let me," the tracker said huskily. "Don't get many presents. Like the unwrapping."

Ezra lay back, overwhelmed with the lust in Vin's expression, with the soft kisses that were laid on his exposed neck. The vest fell open and Ezra sat up so Vin could ease it and the suspenders off his shoulders. With a quick snap, the suspenders came free of his pants. He paid no attention when both items were tossed to the side of the blankets. Vin glanced up at him as he eased the fine cotton shirt open, laying light kisses down each revealed inch of skin. The white garment landed near the other items. Ezra was squirming now, eager for each touch. Vin stopped.

Pushing up on his elbows, Ezra demanded hoarsely, "What?"

"You are one handsome man, Ezra." Vin's hand traced a slow, maddening pattern down Ezra's chest. The smile faded, though, as Vin asked, "Ezra, tell me something."

Knowing what was coming, knowing that Vin deserved the truth, Ezra took a deep breath and said, "What do you wish to know?"

"How did you hide the scars from Big Lester?" Vin smirked.

Taken completely by surprise at the question, Ezra blinked. "What?"

"How'd you strip nekkid in front of Big Lester without being seen?"

The silliness of the question and the twinkle in Vin's sapphire eyes suddenly caught Ezra. He flopped back with a sigh and a laugh. "Mister Tanner, I was waiting for a very serious question, something about how I received the damage, and all you wish to know is how I managed in that godforsaken poker game."

Laughing too, Vin slipped one hand up Ezra's ribs and gave him a quick tickle, which turned the merriment into giggles. "Wasn't a bad game for me, seein' as how I got to see you without your shirt."

"Stop!" Ezra ordered.

Vin obeyed, stretching out and kissing him instead. A touch of seriousness and concern filled Vin's handsome face. "You'll tell me the other when you're good and ready."

"May I ask you a personal question?" Ezra ventured.

Smiling, Vin leaned in and kissed him again. "Well," he drawled, "considering that I plan to make you plumb speechless with wanting me, I guess a personal question is okay."

Ezra returned his smile, but not his teasing, looking very serious. "I have wondered about.... I have two questions really, both concerning... uh, you and Mister Larabee. I know that you have a strong friendship...."

Vin responded easily. "I love Chris, but it ain't the same as I love you. And no, I never wanted Chris like I do you." He tilted his head down, forced Ezra to meet his gaze. "Ezra, you ain't my second choice."

The understanding on the handsome face took Ezra's breath away. Sliding his hand into the long, soft brown hair, he pulled Vin into a deep, slow kiss. When they broke apart they were both smiling. Ezra watched, entranced, as Vin kissed and licked his way down Ezra's chest, barely touching over the hard nipples. Gasping, Ezra reached for the snaps on Vin's shirt. He hesitated for an instant.

Vin's hand covered his, guided his fingers down the snapped shirtfront, encouraging Ezra to ease open the shirt and drop it to the floor. The talented fingers continued down, started to unbutton the tan pants. Ezra took a sharp breath, gave an involuntary start. Vin looked up at him.

"My apologies, Vin," Ezra said softly, ashamed of his reaction. "Truly, it's not you."

Vin sat up in silence; his reaction filled Ezra's stomach with cold. He reached for Vin's hand, only to have the sensuous mouth claim his in a kiss that took his breath. When Vin leaned away all Ezra could see was the love shining in the azure eyes. Vin's fingers flicked over one nipple, bringing a gasp from Ezra.

"Slow and easy, Ezra, I promise," Vin whispered. "Take 'em off for me."

A little ashamed of his momentary panic, Ezra ran his finger lightly over the tracker's soft lips. "Only if you will return the favor and remove your own."

"My pleasure, Ezra." Vin sat back, watching. "So, how'd you fool Big Lester?"

Recognizing the distraction even as he reached for the buttons, Ezra smiled. "To be honest, Vin, he was so busy distracting me to keep his own infirmity hidden that...."

Vin's hand touched his cheek and he looked up. "It ain't an infirmity. You're every bit the man of any of us. More'n most."

Ezra stared at the hard, serious expression in the crystal eyes. Vin's mouth curled slightly on the left side. "'Sides, ain't no one perfect."

Before Ezra could reply, Vin stood up and in fast moves, shed the last of his clothes. Ezra took a deep breath at the beauty revealed to him. He came to his knees, reached out and trailed a single finger down Vin's hip.

"Not perfect? How can you say that and then show me this?" Ezra said huskily.

Vin turned around and gestured over his shoulder. "Look."

Ezra cast his eyes down the square shoulders, over the smooth golden skin and full muscles. The firelight gave shadows and highlights to the fine form in front of him, inviting his touch. With a great deal more control than he thought he had, Ezra continued to try to find the imperfection that Vin seemed to feel was there. His new lover's hips were narrow, leading to long legs with muscles hard from riding. All Ezra saw was.... He stopped, looking closer. Slowly, he reached out and touched Vin's right knee. Cocking his head, he looked up into Vin's soft eyes.

"Crooked," Vin admitted. "Born with it. It's why I lean a little."

Ezra closed, leaned in and kissed along the back of the knee. He was answered by a soft moan from Vin. Encouraged, Ezra continued up the strong leg, stopping for only a second before kissing over the tight ass. He felt the smooth flesh under his mouth, felt the shiver that ran up the slender body. Vin pulled Ezra up into another deep kiss. Twin moans filled the warm cabin.

Vin's cock prodded Ezra's hip. "Ya still got clothes on, Ezra."

Despite the smile he managed to maintain, there was still a tremble to Ezra's hands as he reached for the last button. He slid the pants and long johns off in one move, afraid that taking too long would allow his nerve to desert him. Taking another deep breath, he looked over at Vin. It was one thing to be seen as a patient, quite another as a lover. Vin was smiling, that beautiful wide smile that made his eyes crinkle and his head tilt sideways. At that moment, Ezra knew he would gladly spend the rest of his life making Vin smile like that.

Vin reached out, ran his hand gently down Ezra's arm, like he was touching something infinitely precious. The touch alone put his fears to rest.

"You're real handsome," Vin whispered. The rough voice caressed him like the callused hand.

Ezra didn't know he could still blush, but he felt the heat rise in his cheeks, listened to Vin chuckle at his predicament. For once, though, words deserted him at the way Vin was looking at him. He leaned forward, taking Vin's mouth, making the gentle smile his own. Ezra released the soft lips, kissed down the long throat to the slightly bony shoulders, sucking on the raised collarbone. But when he tried to inch lower, Vin's strong hands on his arms stopped him.

"Lay down," Vin ordered.

Ezra's hand brushed Vin's stomach, started toward his straining cock. "I had thought I might...."

Holding him by the arms, Vin said, "Trust me."

A tremble went through Ezra at the permission and possession in the smooth words. Here was what he had always feared and dreamed of, what he had always wanted, always avoided, here was someone to hold and cherish him if he only had the courage to offer the same in return.

Looking deep into those sapphire eyes, he said in whispered benediction, "With my heart."

Vin swallowed and to Ezra's everlasting amazement a mist of tears filled his eyes. The kiss Vin pulled him up to started slow and gentle, strong hands holding him lightly, then Vin's tongue demanded entry at the same time as he pulled Ezra into a tight, near painful hold. Somewhere in the back of his mind Ezra congratulated himself on saying the right thing and meaning it. It seemed in that instant of perfect, silent communication that Vin needed someone as much as Ezra did. How long had Vin wanted this?

When the kiss ended, they were on their knees and any questions Ezra had vanished in the heat of Vin's exploring hands. "Lay back," Vin ordered again, helping it along by easing Ezra down. "Let me love you."

Ezra wanted to protest, wanted to do everything for Vin. He knew that while Vin's shaft was hard and ready, his own cock was still limp. Words, long his main weapon, seemed to have deserted him whenever it concerned Vin. He lay still, letting his eyes drift shut as Vin's hands and mouth started a slow seduction along his body. Yet even as he tried to let the pleasure carry him away, the shadows intruded, tightening his muscles. Vin stopped and Ezra's eyes snapped open, afraid of what he would find.

Vin's gentle blue eyes smiled down at him. "Wrong way, I reckon."

Ezra waited, knowing with complete certainty that Vin would not abandon him for his past. The tracker sat up, leaned back against the blanket-covered saddle, opening his arms out for Ezra. Still a little confused, Ezra went willingly, resting against the firm, warm body. Vin nuzzled into Ezra's brown hair.

"Your turn," Vin said, kissing along his throat. "Recite to me."

Once again his friend managed to startle Ezra. He pulled back, looking into shining azure eyes. "What?" he stammered.

"Tell me a poem," Vin insisted, his hands moving slowly over Ezra's shoulders.

Ezra could refuse the handsome tracker nothing, so he closed his eyes, trying to think, a process made all the more difficult by Vin's knowledgeable hands gliding down his back.

"I can only recall one," Ezra muttered, leaning back into the kneading hands. "It is, unfortunately, not of the romantic variety." Indeed, he recalled, it was inspired by a recent war.

A soft chuckle sounded near his ear, sent a shiver down his spine. "I'll take care of the romantic part, Ezra."

Clearing his throat, he started to speak, only to gasp as Vin sucked on the junction of his neck and shoulder, hot tongue licking over his collarbone. His own hands moved, one stroking down Vin's flank, the other tangling in the wheat colored hair. It took another couple of breaths to find his voice.

"Rifleman, shoot me a fancy shot
Straight at the heart of yon prowling vidette;
Ring me a ball in the glittering spot
That shines on his breast like an amulet!"

Vin's hand pressed hard down the length of his spine, kneaded at the very base, igniting nerves Ezra didn't know he had. He faltered for an instant, kissing along the sinewy shoulder and moaning softly.

"Ah, Captain! here goes for a fine-drawn bead
There 's music around when my barrel 's in tune!"
Crack! went the rifle, the messenger sped,
And dead from his horse fell the ringing dragoon."

Vin's lips slipped over his throat, up his chin, and along his cheek. He tilted his head, trying to take Vin's mouth, only to have the man continue the butterfly-light kisses over his face. The fire that had simmered in his blood even when the memories chilled him now returned, searing his skin, making him writhe under the slender body, making every touch like a brand. Breathing hard, he forced his brain and mouth to continue,

"Now, Rifleman, steal... through the bushes and snatch
From your victim some trinket to hansel first blood-
A button, a ...loop, or that luminous patch
That gleams in the moon...like a diamond stud...."

Ezra gasped as the hands on his thigh gently moved over his leg, back up, almost tickling as they eased over his groin. He moaned at the touch, not with memories, but with desire. The fire was doing odd things now, making him thrust up, grind into Vin's narrow hip. Ezra's hand moved to Vin's light brown nipples, flicking over them. He was rewarded with a moan that settled into his groin. Smoothing over Vin's strong stomach, he brushed lower to feel the tip of the hard cock. Reaching to take the solid shaft, he felt Vin grip his wrist, move him away from the temptation.

"Soon," Vin uttered vaguely.

Ezra swallowed hard, spoke again,

"Oh, Captain! I staggered, and sunk on my track,
When... I gazed on the face of that fallen vidette;
For he looked... so like you as he lay on his back..."

Vin's mouth took his nipple and the fire blazed into an inferno that took his breath. "Vin...." he pleaded.

"Perfect," Vin muttered, tongue flicking lightly over the hard bud.

"Yes, please, Vin," Ezra begged.

His request was answered by Vin's hot mouth pressing around the erotic spot, sucking hard, nipping lightly. The sensation shot straight down Ezra's body, and he felt his cock twitch in response. Vin switched nipples, tightening the suction on the left one, and Ezra arched up, cock hardening.

"Oh, dear lord, Vin...." Ezra was lost, was burning up, needing Vin's touch, needing to touch.

Vin's strong hand brushed over his cock, felt the physical evidence of his passion. The pressure on his nipple eased, became soft licks, a warm breath. He forced his eyes open, looked down into a smug smile on Vin's lips. He returned the smile, running his hand through the long hair, thinking how appropriate the poem's next line.

"That my heart rose upon me, and masters me yet," he whispered.

"Look at me," Vin ordered quietly.

Ezra met the sparkling blue eyes, felt the love overwhelm the lust. He wanted this man, wanted to spend forever with him, wanted to share the fire burning through him, wanted to share body and soul.

Vin took Ezra's hand off his chest, lowered it to his swollen cock. "See what you do to me."

At the same time as Ezra's hand wrapped around Vin's cock, Vin's callused hand eased over his. Ezra gasped at the heat encircling him. There were no demons here, there was only love and passion and need. He let his hand glide hesitantly up the velvet covered steel. His act seemed awkward compared to the ease of Vin's movements.

"Vin, I've never...."

The answer was two fold: Vin's hand began to move in a hard, knowledgeable rhythm, fist holding Ezra tight, begging a response, and he was claimed in a kiss, Vin's tongue moving to duel with his, to suck on it like a tiny cock. That single image roared through him like a wind-driven forest fire, wiping anything else from his body and mind. The pleasure tightened his stomach, driving the breath from his lungs. He arched up, crying out and pumping his seed over Vin's hand.

He dropped back, panting, trying to think, and felt Vin's wet hand cover his own. Looking first down at their hands joined over Vin's cock, then up into Vin's pleasure-flushed face, he concentrated on the rhythm and tightness, on what Vin liked, on how incredibly beautiful he was as the flames built in his blood. The cock in his hand swelled a little more and he watched Vin's eyes squeeze shut, the hair falling around him like a halo, firelight sparkling on the damp face. The strong, lean body tightened, muscles standing out in sharp relief. With a hoarse cry and soft groan Vin came, splattering white fluid over their hands. Vin stayed still for a moment, then slowly sprawled at Ezra's side. The blue eyes opened, hazy and sated, filled with love and pride.

Ezra released the softening cock, raising his hand and very slowly tasting the liquid that was still dripping down his fingers. The texture was not pleasant but he didn't care, sucking slowly on each finger, eyes never leaving Vin's.

"Damn, Ezra," Vin whispered. "You're gonna get me hard again."

The reality of what had just happened swamped him. To his horror he could feel the tears come to his eyes. He watched concern and confusion take Vin's expression. A warm hand was laid on his cheek. Thankfully the tears remained under control, staying only as mist in his eyes.

"Hey," Vin said, thumb moving over his cheekbone. "You okay? Did I do something wrong?"

"Wrong?" Ezra exclaimed. "God, it couldn't have been more right. I've never...." He stammered to an embarrassed stop, then took a deep breath, knowing he could tell Vin anything. "Vin, I've only had one lover and that was before I was injured."

Frowning, Vin unconsciously repeated Nathan's question, "How old were you?"

"Seventeen."

Sorrow touched Vin's eyes. "Damn...."

Ezra sighed as Vin took him in soft, gentle kiss. When the tracker pulled back he was smiling widely. "Well, that's over now," Vin declared. "You got me and it appears to me that everything works just fine."

The wide grin and wink were contagious, and Ezra smiled back. "Yes, it does seem that you have managed to raise the dead, Mister Tanner."

Vin grabbed him, settling them both down under the warm blankets. "You know what this means?"

Noting the teasing tone, Ezra asked innocently, "No, what?"

"You got to remember some more poems."

Ezra laughed, snuggling closer to his lover. "I don't believe a recitation before each incredible session of lovemaking will be necessary."

Yawning, Vin asked, "You gonna finish the one you started?"

Like the smile, the yawn was contagious and after finishing his own Ezra said, "No, I don't believe so. It's a sad poem and I'm not feeling especially melancholy at the moment."

Vin kissed his ear, his voice sounding drowsy. "How do you feel?"

Kissing the cheek nearest his, Ezra said, "Like a man in love and happy."

"Can't beat that with four aces."

Five

Chris found himself leaning back against the bar, scanning the street, even though he knew Vin and JD were stationed at either end of town. The trial of Spivek's gang member was due to start tomorrow, and judging by the witnesses brought in, as well as the gunman's own arrogance, would end on the same day. The hanging would follow the next day. Which gave the notorious outlaw only thirty-six hours to try something.

Ezra stepped up to the bar, uncharacteristically leaving his poker game. Instead of turning toward Larabee, he remained facing the mirror. "Mister Larabee," he said quietly, "one of the gentlemen participating in my little game of chance has been inquiring on a Mister Cletus Fowler."

It took a lot of will for Chris not to react to this news. It had been almost a year since the murderer of his wife and child had died. During that time there had been no lead on who had hired him to do the deed. Flicking his eyes in the direction of the poker table, Chris asked quietly, "Which one?"

"The gentleman in the blue shirt to my left," Ezra said.

Shifting his gaze back to the floor, Chris turned and picked up his glass from the bar. "Is he winning enough to stay interested until I can get Vin?"

"Not at the moment."

"Maybe he should," Chris suggested.

From the mirror on the wall Ezra's green eyes met his. The gambler gave him a wry look, though he was smiling. "Why is it, Mister Larabee, that your ideas frequently cost me money?"

The smile caught Chris by surprise and he once more wondered at what had happened recently to put the gambler in such a good mood. Despite the nightly patrols Ezra had been smiling and laughing a lot more often. Shoving the thoughts away in favor of darker ones, Chris once more met the jade gaze through the dirty glass.

"Keep 'em busy for another ten minutes, then close the game."

Ezra gave him a quick tip of his head and went back to the table.

"Mister Garner," Ezra drawled slowly as the other poker players moved away from the table. "Perhaps you would like to stay and share a drink?"

The man was tall, almost as tall as Josiah, though thinner and with a noticeable limp. Ezra put his age at somewhere slightly past sixty, though he knew the harsh living of the west sometimes made people appear older then their real years. There were traces in the old man's posture that spoke to Ezra of breeding and perhaps money. The man had vivid blue eyes, which now regarded Ezra with suspicion. There was something in the man's eyes though that Ezra had seen before, a hint of something that had aged him more than the harsh life.

"Why?" the stranger questioned.

"Because," Chris' voice carried from near the door. "We want to talk to you about Fowler."

Ezra didn't turn toward the two regulators that had just come in, instead letting all his attention remain on the man near him. He could see hatred darken the man's face and knew without a doubt that here was a man who shared Larabee's obsession. Risking a look at Chris and Vin, Ezra saw that his astute leader had not missed the man's reaction.

Garner stood still, looking from the black clad gunslinger to the younger man beside him, then to Ezra. Finally, in a less menacing tone, he asked, "You know him?"

Chris smiled, the kind of smile that even now sent a chill down Ezra's back. "I was about to ask you the same question."

The man might not have been a good poker player but he knew danger when he saw it. Sitting down slowly, he motioned to the open chairs. A quick look passed between Chris and Vin, then they both sat. Appointing himself host, Ezra rose and retrieved three more glasses, pouring drinks all around. It was only after everyone had relaxed a little over the first sip that Garner started talking. It wasn't a long story or a new one.

"Four years ago, Fowler killed my son," he said bluntly. "I've been after him since then."

"Why'd he kill him?" Chris asked bluntly.

Garner shook his head. "I don't know. Paul was a nice boy, everyone liked him, had a successful mining company, had married a beautiful woman. He had come out of his office when Fowler just rode up and shot him."

Ezra watched the silent exchange between the silent tracker and Chris, knew that Vin was communicating the same thing he was thinking. The killing would have been only a little earlier than the murder of Chris' family and with as little explanation. He now knew where he had seen Garner's haunted look before--in Chris' cold green eyes when they had first been brought together.

Chris took a sharp breath. "Fowler's dead. He was killed in a shoot- out over a year ago."

A strange combination of relief and regret passed over the man's face. "You sure it was him?"

"I'm sure," Chris said. "There's something else you need to know. Fowler was nothing but hired help. Someone paid him to kill my family. I'm thinking it was probably the same--"

"I know," Garner cut him off. "That's one of the reasons I wanted him, to find out who was really behind it."

"Could there possibly be a connection between the two?' Ezra asked.

Chris gave a small shrug. "Seems kind of unlikely."

"Perhaps an exchange of information might be best for everyone," Ezra suggested.

"I'll get you some paper," Vin volunteered.

For an hour each man went over all the details of the family they had lost, what had happened before and after. Ezra wrote calmly, noting the differences in the two men's voices as they described the actual murders; Garner's became distant and choked, Larabee's turned icy. By the end of an hour they had half a page of information--and nothing to connect the two incidents.

Finally, with both men talked out, Garner and Chris stood. The older man extended his hand to the gunslinger. "Well, Mister Larabee, I can't say I'm happy that Fowler died without talking but at least the bastard got what he deserved."

"Yeah," Chris agreed. "Maybe 'tween the two of us we can figure this out."

"I'm riding back to Red Fork tomorrow. I'll start checking up on a few things. You'll be the first to know if I find anything."

Garner nodded to Vin and Ezra then started to the door. Vin and Chris followed, leaving Ezra to stare at the sheet of paper with the neatly written notes. He glanced up at the swinging doors. Rubbing his thumb across his chin, he wondered how he could contact both Judge Travis and a certain one-legged gambler that owed him a favor.

+ + + + + + +

"You cain't sleep in that wagon, Vin," Nathan said firmly.

Vin adjusted the sling Nathan had given him. He didn't like wearing it, but couldn't deny that it cut the pain from his cracked ribs. It had only been four days since a horse had slammed him into a hitching rail during the Spivek gang's breakout of one of their members. It would be a couple of weeks before he was up to riding patrol.

It could be worse, he knew, his thoughts turning to JD. The younger man would be convalescing for a long time after being shot by one of the lady bounty hunters. It was a miracle, and testimony to Nathan's skill that he had survived at all.

His thought were jarred back by Nathan touching his arm. "Vin, wagon -"

"I ain't got much choice, Nathan," Vin returned with a sigh. "The boarding house and the hotel are both full up with folks come in for the hanging. Chris' is too far out case there's trouble and I ain't about...."

"Gentlemen," ; Ezra stepped out of the saloon in time to hear part of the argument. "What seems to be the problem?"

"This idiot thinks he can sleep in that wagon with those cracked ribs," Nathan complained, gesturing broadly toward the tracker's wrapped shoulder. "I told him he'd need to prop that arm up to keep them from paining him."

With an exasperated sigh, Vin said, "Nathan, it's either the wagon or the livery." He dropped his gaze a little, looked up knowingly at Ezra. Vin had to contain his smile. "'Less, a course, some friend were to offer me his bed tonight."

Nathan grinned and Ezra looked startled, so startled that Vin knew it wasn't faked. He felt like kicking himself as he realized that Ezra's fear over being caught had surfaced with a vengeance. With everything that had happened, from his own broken ribs during Spivek's attack to JD's shooting, it seemed like a good way to spend some time alone with Ezra. His new lover was obviously terrified by the idea.

"Mister Tanner, I'm sure..."

"Ezra, I didn't mean it had to be you," he said, offering apology.

"Why not?" Nathan demanded. "He can share his room for a week or so, just till those cracks set up a little."

"There's always Buck. Or since JD's gonna be a while longer in your place, I could stay in his room," Vin said hopefully, trying to get Nathan away from the idea.

He looked up into green eyes slightly narrowed with indecision. As he watched, a sly, mischievous grin touched the soft lips as Ezra smiled. It wasn't his real smile, it wasn't the one that only a few people had ever seen, but it was there and it covered some of the fear.

With a convincing shudder, Ezra said, "Heaven forbid that a hurt man, or anyone with a nose, enter into that olfactory disaster that JD deems home."

"Guess we're back to you then, Ezra," Nathan said.

With his usual confidence, Ezra returned, "Never let it be said that Ezra Standish was a man to desert a friend in need. I would be happy to share my humble dwelling with Mister Tanner for a few days." Vin watched Ezra cut his eyes toward Nathan and add with his usual sarcasm, "I'm sure sleeping on the hard floor will do wonders for my back." Vin smiled, ducking his head a little, hoping he was managing to look embarrassed.

The dark healer merely glared at Ezra. "Make sure he sleeps flat on his back and props that arm up on some pillows or something, keep it level with his shoulder."

Sighing, Vin complained, "It ain't like I hurt my ears, Nathan, I can hear you."

"Yeah but you ain't gonna pay no mind to it," Nathan returned.

"And you think Ezra's gonna?" Vin asked.

Nathan turned toward Ezra. "More he makes you behave, sooner he gets his bed back."

Vin shook his head, realizing he had been caught up in his own plan. Ezra and Nathan both laughed at his expression. Ezra put a hand under his good arm. "Come along, Mister Tanner. Let us retrieve enough of your belongings to see you through the night."

Vin took a sharp breath, waking with a jolt and feeling the pain rip through his ribs. Gritting his teeth, he fought to remain quiet, not sure where he was. Slowly, the memories came back. Ezra's room. After the long night of death and life, Ezra had brought him upstairs, laid him down, propped his arm up--and Vin had promptly fallen asleep. Groaning at his plans gone wrong, Vin lay still, letting the relief of JD's survival bring a smile to his face.

"Vin?" A warm hand touched his arm. "Are you all right?"

The concern and love in Ezra's soft voice carried through the dark. "Just moved wrong."

The hand moved up to his cheek, stroked softly. "Go back to sleep. JD is fine. The town is safe. Mister Larabee has decided that we deserve a slight vacation."

Vin leaned into the soft hand, silently begging for more. "Ezra, why are you sleeping on the floor?"

A slight sigh sounded in the pre-dawn dark. "Because I refuse to increase your pain by trying to squeeze into a bed too undersized."

"Who said anything 'bout sleepin'?" Vin whispered, reaching for Ezra's hand, holding it tight against his cheek.

Through the darkness, Vin could feel Ezra's hesitation. There was movement in the room, then soft lips covered his, tongue barely floating over his mouth. "Vin," Ezra's silky voice whispered to him. "That would not be a prudent move. I do not want to cause you any additional pain."

"Didn't say we had to roll around like Buck and his ladies," Vin replied. "I'm awake. You're awake. It's too early to do anything else."

"We could go back to sleep," Ezra suggested.

Deciding direct action was required, Vin moved Ezra's hand from his cheek to his rising cock. "Sleep better afterwards," he hinted.

The easy chuckle let him know he had won. Ezra moved away and a moment later a single lamp filled the night with golden light. Vin smiled up at his lover. Ezra was wearing his nightshirt as well as long johns. It was fast coming on summer, but the floor was drafty, and Vin had learned that the southerner chilled easily. Vin was lying under two blankets with nothing between him and soft cotton sheets. When Ezra went down on his knees and reached for the covers, Vin held them down with his right hand. Ezra looked at him in confusion.

"Take off them clothes," Vin urged.

Vin had always found the confusion in Ezra's lovely eyes to be charming, now it was even more so, highlighted as it was by the soft lamplight. "Vin, my love, I am more than--"

"Say that again," Vin urged quietly, kissing the hand he still held.

A shy, endearing smile touched Ezra's face. He pushed carefully up on the edge of the bed and leaned in, brushing his lips over Vin's. "My love."

"I like that," Vin purred.

"So do I." Ezra kissed him again.

Vin opened his mouth, sucking Ezra's tongue in, swirling around it. Ezra moaned and pulled away. "Mister Tanner, I refuse to be taken in by your considerable charms. I will not do anything that might even remotely cause you discomfort. That includes letting you try to offer me pleasure."

The determination in Ezra's words and the twinge from his ribs convinced Vin that if he insisted on going further it was going to be a one-sided affair. An image came to him and he felt his cock rise at the mere idea. His eyes must have reflected the idea because he saw Ezra's expression become an odd combination of hesitation and excitement.

"Vin, what are you considering?" Ezra asked cautiously.

With a careful move, Vin once more took Ezra's hand, only this time he held it to the gambler's groin. "Do yourself while you do me," he suggested.

"What?" Ezra stammered, jerking his hand away.

Vin nearly laughed at Ezra's surprised look. Instead, he brought Ezra's hand to his lips again. "Can learn a lot just by watching. Let me see what you like, Ezra."

To his horror, Ezra's eyes flooded with revulsion and shame. "I haven't indulged in that activity very often."

"Why?" Vin asked gently.

"I don't think it necessary to go into the sordid details. Suffice to say, after the injury it was many months before the pain became manageable," Ezra admitted, not meeting Vin's gaze. "And... it reminds me."

The smooth southern voice faded out but Vin could hear the rest of it, could hear the desperation that drove Ezra to relieve himself despite the hatred of what had been done to him, or the scars that were constant reminders. Vin tugged on the hand in his strong grip.

"Get up here and kiss me," he ordered.

Ezra moved carefully to sit on the bed, taking Vin in a slow, deep kiss. Vin smiled under the kiss; Ezra sitting on the bed made things a lot easier. He broke the kiss and eased his good hand down to stroke Ezra through the loose wool long johns. There was the slightest twitch from the limp cock.

"Ezra," Vin said carefully. "Don't be mad at me, but you know what I thought, first time I touched you?"

Swallowing hard, Ezra shook his head. "No."

"I liked it," Vin said honestly.

Once more he had left his partner stunned. "You... what? Why?" Ezra was honestly confused.

"It's different," Vin said with a smile. "I don't have the bad memories to go with it. All I could think of was how much fun it was gonna be to tease along those ridges, lick those little lumps where the skin is loose."

His short speech had exactly the effect he was hoping for, Ezra grew hard under his hand. Moving his good hand up into Ezra's hair, he urged him down into another kiss. When they both needed to breathe, he let Ezra move away just enough so that his voice whispered across the other man's smooth cheek.

"Other thing I thought 'bout was how good it would feel when you took me."

Ezra gasped at the mere words, reaching for his cock through the woolen under garment. Only Vin stopped him. "Take 'em off, Ezra, want to see all of you."

There was no argument or hesitation this time. Ezra stood up, jerked the nightshirt off and slipped the long johns down with one quick move. Then he settled carefully back on the bed, leaned down and started licking his way down Vin's chest. This took Vin a little by surprise. Ezra had responded their first time but there was a new need, a desire to show Vin how much his words were doing. Vin smiled, amazed at the change in their personalities. Outside it was Ezra who wielded words like fine swords but in here, in the dark of night and the heat of passion, it was Vin who controlled the stubborn gambler.

Vin's eyes drifted shut as the pleasure took him but he was very conscious of the fact that Ezra had yet to touch himself. Letting his mind remember the feel of Ezra's cock, he started talking again, low and soft.

"Go on, Ezra, do it for me," he whispered. "Ain't nothing to be worried on."

There was the slightest break from the hot mouth moving down his stomach. Vin opened his eyes. Ezra's eyes were closed as his hand drifted down his own stomach. There was hesitation there that Vin wanted to see lost for tonight. He had no illusions that one or two sessions of loving could destroy a near lifetime of misery and denial, but he was prepared to work on it for the rest of their lives.

Running his good hand down Ezra's neck, he said, "Thought about those ridges and bumps a lot that first night, Ezra, when I was holding you in my hand. Thought about how good they're gonna feel sliding into my ass."

"God, Vin..." Ezra whispered, letting his hand take his cock. "You'd let me do that?"

"Let you?" Vin said in surprise. "Want you to."

He watched the almost tentative touch Ezra was using. He could see the lust in those beautiful eyes, could see how much his words and promise had fired the smaller man. "I know you ain't never had anyone that way, Ezra. It's way past anything I can give words to. Tight. Hot."

Ezra's hand tightened in response to Vin's quiet images. As Vin paused to decide on his next words though, Ezra's natural sensuality took over. With one hand moving slowly on his cock, he let the other trail down Vin's stomach.

"You are the most incredibly sensual being I have ever seen," Ezra whispered.

Before Vin could reply, Ezra licked down the underside of his cock and Vin arched up with a cry of pleasure that almost covered the cry of pain. Ezra backed off.

"Don't stop!" Vin demanded.

"I will if you don't control yourself," Ezra said firmly. "You must hold still, Vin, or you'll hurt those ribs again."

"Hold still? How the hell...?" Ezra's mouth descended down his shaft in one long slow torturous move. "Ezra... God...."

Somehow he forced himself to hold still, knowing that if Ezra caused him pain it would upset his lover. Every muscle tightened as he gave into the fire starting through his nerves. It wasn't the best mouth job he'd ever had; Ezra was too careful, too conscious of Vin's injuries, too aware of his own inexperience. But when he forced his eyes open to met Ezra's gaze, the love there sent the fire higher than anything he could remember. Ezra must have known what he wanted, for he started moving faster. Vin whimpered, fighting the urge to arch up.

Vin took Ezra's other hand, settled it around the base of Ezra's own shaft. Ezra was a fast learner, immediately pumping and squeezing in time to the steady sucking. Vin forced himself away from the edge, shifted his gaze from the sight of Ezra's lips sliding down his shaft, to the way the gambler's fine hand moved on his own cock. Vin winced at the sight. While Ezra was moving with incredible gentleness and devotion to Vin's pleasure, for himself it seemed as if he only wanted to find release and be done with touching the scarred cock. For a moment Vin wanted to urge him to slow down, to enjoy it but he knew it was only time and love that would remove the memories that controlled Ezra.

He bumped the back of Ezra's throat, cried out. The pressure was building, the fire starting along his chest, moving down to tighten his balls, to fill his body with the need to thrust, to release himself into the wet velvet.

"Gonna come," he muttered in warning.

The suction increased and a low moan from Ezra trickled along Vin's overheated cock. He shifted his gaze to watch Ezra's cock fill, watched Ezra's hand tighten. Even as he flinched at Ezra's desperation, Vin was entranced by the sight of Ezra giving into his body's demands. The gambler's hip and leg were resting against Vin's, creating little ripples of heat as he moved. Ezra was breathing hard, his short hair scattered and standing up in places. Vin smiled, watched the fine muscles under the fair skin ripple as the same fire Vin had experienced started down the solid body.

"Ezra! God....!" Vin arched, shooting hot fluid down Ezra's throat.

The gambler swallowed, the sensation adding to the lick of flames taking Vin. Ezra coughed, spilling cum down his chin as he couldn't swallow all Vin had to offer. Another wave of flame went through Vin at the sight of white liquid dripping from Ezra's beautiful mouth. He groaned again, mindlessly pushing up. A sharp gasp answered his last move, was the last thing he heard for a few seconds as he sagged back, panting hard.

When he once more became aware, it was to the shaking of the bed, Ezra sitting on the edge, hand moving with almost savage intensity on his swollen cock. Ezra's hand stroked hard, up and down, fist squeezing the nearly purple head. The slender figure went completely still, body tightening, muscles locking with release as he moaned softly, the sound barely a breath of air. Vin watched a small amount of fluid pump over Ezra's fine hand.

Ezra looked up, slowly catching his breath. Vin smiled at the white flicks that decorated his chin and lips. He slipped his hand behind Ezra's head, urged him down into a kiss, licking the salty flakes off his mouth.

"It'll get better," Vin whispered. "I promise."

A soft smile lifted Ezra's lips. "I will make you happy as long as you will have me."

Vin glared at Ezra. "I don't know whether to kiss you or punch you! Damn, what is it gonna take...."

He was silenced with a soft kiss. When his eyes met the jade green there was contrition in their depths. "My apologies, Vin. My life has been a series of lonely encounters. I believe you. I know you love me."

"Damn straight," Vin growled.

The small, soft hands cupped his face as Ezra kissed him again. When they finally broke apart, Vin grinned his forgiveness. "Help me up," he ordered.

"Why would I want to do that? Better yet, why would you want to do that?" Ezra demanded.

"Almost dawn," Vin said. "Time to be getting up."

Outrage colored the gambler's face. "We are not on duty at the present time, Mister Tanner."

"I'm always up at dawn," Vin remarked.

A look of absolute horror colored Ezra's face and Vin laughed again. Ezra relented, moving to slide his hands under Vin's arms and raise him slowly into a sitting position. Vin sat for a minute, trying to ignore the complaints from his body on being vertical.

"Vin?"

"God, I wish I could stretch," Vin complained.

Vin let Ezra help him wash up and get dressed. All the while he was smiling at Ezra's muttering about getting up at some godforsaken hour. Once Vin was attired, he turned toward the door, only to find Ezra crawling into the bed.

"Ezra?"

A single green eye blinked sleepily up at him. "Mister Tanner, you might like rising with the roosters, but I spent the night on the drafty floor, then had a rather strenuous round of wonderful loving. Since you insist on leaving the bed, I see no reason I shouldn't make use of it until my usual time of waking."

"You mean," Vin offered, "that I'll see you at noon."

Ezra pulled the blanket up over his head but Vin could still hear the yawn. "Exactly."

Six

Trying hard to control his sigh, Ezra said patiently, "Mister Dunne, you are not throwing a sack of feed around the dance floor. That is the lovely Miss Wells in your arms, remember?" He wasn't quite sure how he got himself into these things.

JD stepped away from his dance partner, a young cowhand from the Triple B. "Hell, Ezra, even I ain't got that much imagination."

Ezra smiled at the young sheriff. "I would be only too happy to invite some of the fairer gender into this importune dance class, if only to save my toes, Mister Dunne. You are, however, the one who insisted that this class be held in secret, so as not to--"

"Ezra?"

Vin's voice cut him off and he looked toward the church door to find the Texan standing there with a piece of paper in hand and a slight smile on his handsome face. The heat was building outside and even the breeze through the church windows hadn't helped much. Ezra was surprised to see that Vin had stripped down to only a light blue shirt, forgoing even his lighter flannel and having lost the buckskin weeks before. For himself he had removed his coat and vest, dressing like all the others in the room, in only shirt, pants and hat.

"Can I help you, Mister Tanner, or have you come to join our little troupe?" Ezra joked.

The sapphire eyes gave him a deadly glare. Ezra ignored it. "Telegram came for you," he said blandly. "Kennedy sent it over, said to tell you he'd miss doing business with you. New guy wasn't sure which one you were till I mentioned something 'bout a peacock."

"Very amusing," Ezra said dryly.

"Hey, Vin," JD questioned. "Are you going to the dance? Who you taking?"

Moving toward Vin to retrieve the paper that was being held out, Ezra noted a blush cover the fair face. He took the paper and shoved it into his pants pocket.

"Mister Tanner," Ezra kidded lightly. "May I inquire as to the reason behind your blushing? Surely, you have a lady to escort to the dance Saturday?"

For just a second Ezra was uncertain about kidding his friend. Vin was shy about women. It was an aspect that Ezra found amazing; that Vin could be so knowledgeable and confident with him and so lost with the fairer sex.

Before he could say anything, Vin motioned around the cleared church floor and asked, "You giving dance lessons, Ezra?"

"I asked him," JD admitted.

"Nothing elaborate," Ezra said quickly. "A waltz and perhaps a reel. Enough to allow these young men a chance to impress at least two young ladies each."

"Well," Vin drawled. "I know how to reel but I ain't never waltzed before."

"Get in line," one of the dozen boys called from the shoved-aside church pews.

Ezra watched a slight smile tilt the soft mouth up. Then Vin looked at him and Ezra saw something dangerous in the sapphire gaze. He drew a deep breath and, like any good schoolmaster, clapped his hands.

"Now then, since most of you, including our newest pupil, have mastered the reel, let us do a quick review of that dance before we return to the waltz." He nodded towards an older man nearly hidden in the shadows in back. Picking up the fiddle, the man waited. "If you would be so kind, Mister Wiley."

Each of the boys grabbed the nearest partner, holding them awkwardly while looking to Ezra. "Tallest will be the lead for two rounds; we will then switch off."

The fiddler started a lively tune, which was immediately picked up by the young men. Ezra turned to meet the smiling blue eyes of his lover. "Mister Tanner, I do believe you are the taller here."

One strong hand came down on his waist, the other entwined the fingers of his right hard, raising it up. The touch was light, easy--and Ezra nearly gasped at the feel.

It had been nearly six weeks since he had felt the burn started by Vin's gentle hands. They had shared his room for a week. During that time, patrol and duty in the jail had taken Ezra out for four of those nights. Then Vin had moved back to his wagon, both knowing that people would wonder otherwise. Since then there had been no safe time to be together, no excuse for a two-man patrol.

The music stopped and Ezra shook himself to the present. "Very nice, gentlemen. Now, Mister Tanner, if you would be so kind as to assist me in demonstrating the beauty of the waltz."

"Lead on there, pard," Vin said lightly.

"Tallest will again lead. The lady will place her arm like this." Ezra moved Vin's arm to the appropriate place. "You will put your left arm here and with your right take hers, thus. Now, this next part is very important. In polite society this is the correct distance between partners."

"However, if you are bolder than some would feel proper, you may opt for a closer embrace." Feeling partially terrified and partially bold, Ezra pulled Vin to him. Vin blushed and Ezra heard the others giggle. He smiled at his partner, enjoying even the brief contact. Stepping away from the slender body, he said calmly, "Since we don't want anyone accusing me of corrupting young minds, I suggest the original distance."

"Gentlemen, if you'd watch closely. Mister Riley."

Music again filled the small room and after taking a deep breath, Ezra moved, taking Vin with him. Vin fought the movement for a minute then his eyes connected with Ezra's and suddenly they were moving as one. Ezra returned the slight smile, lost in the music and joy on the tracker's handsome face. They made two rounds of the too-small area before Ezra forced himself to stop and step away. Riley's fiddle stopped and he heard the boys behind them laugh and applaud. Smiling at Vin, Ezra bowed gracefully. Vin blinked at him, confused.

"Curtsey to your .... love, Vin," Ezra encouraged.

Vin did, amid even more applause. Turning to business now, Ezra motioned Vin toward JD. "Now, Vin, you are the gentleman; JD, you follow Vin. Mister Robbins," Ezra pulled one of the smaller boys off the bench, "you are now my partner."

They kept it up for almost two hours; Ezra teaching them how to teach each other until they felt comfortable enough at least to ask one of the town's ladies to dance. As the boys were finishing what Ezra had declared would be their last round, Vin sat down next to him.

"How's the toes?" Vin asked. He had seen how often Ezra had been stepped on by the overly enthusiastic students.

"Painful," Ezra admitted as he watched the boys with a touch of pride that surprised him.

Vin said blandly, "Don't you think you'd better read that telegram."

Looking chagrined at having forgotten, Ezra dug into his pocket and scanned the short message. He looked at the paper thoughtfully. "The town's newly-acquired telegraph operator needs to improve his spelling skills."

Shrugging, Vin turned away, deciding that Ezra wasn't ready to share whatever it was about with him.

Feeling, more than seeing, Vin's reaction, Ezra nodded and confessed to his search. "It's from Big Lester. Since he is a fellow gambler and owes me a favor, I prevailed upon him to heed and pass on any information he might overhear about us or Messieurs Fowler or Garner."

"And?" Vin prompted.

"He was in Hartsville and overheard some unsavory gentlemen discussing a tough, obviously illegal job that they had been approached about. They further expressed the wish that Fowler was still leading them." Ezra glanced at the telegram. "Further inquiry revealed that the men were bound for Brunswick to rendezvous with their new employer. Big Lester is proceeding in that direction and will relay any more information as available."

Before they could speculate further on the message, JD asked, "Hey, Ezra, we gonna practice anymore?"

Ezra flinched, moving his toes in his boots. "Mister Dunne, I have done everything humanly possible to further the fine art of dance in this community. I pass the occupation to you."

JD watched him thoughtfully for a minute then smiled widely and turned to the others. "Let's get some grub and then come back."

There was a hardy round of agreement to his announcement and the boys started out, most coming over first to shake Ezra's hand and thank him. Ezra was a little shaken by the youthful enthusiasm. He saw Vin smile quietly, a touch of pride in his blue eyes that only highlighted the warmth the boys had given him.

Vin stood, stretched. "Gonna be a big dance. Most folks wouldn't miss a couple of boys slipping out after an hour or so."

Watching the slender body shamelessly displayed in front of him, Ezra swallowed. The meaning behind Vin's quiet words sank in, and heat that rivaled the day started along his nerves. "Yes... yes... it would seem that with everyone at the dance... uh, two people might be lost in the evening."

Vin took off his hat, ran a hand over his long hair. "Yeah, probably never even be noticed."

Turning, Vin nodded politely to Ezra and left without further comment. It was several minutes before Ezra found his composure to follow his pupils out into the hot afternoon.

+ + + + + + +

"No, Vin, no, not here," Ezra pleaded.

Vin started to argue, looked at the fear etched into Ezra's barely visible face. He stepped away from where he had pushed Ezra gently against the livery's back wall.

"Where?" he said with infinite patience.

His lover looked around the night-darkened streets. "My room?"

Shaking his head, Vin said, "Saloon's the one place folks'll still be."

"The dance will be in progress for a considerable time," Ezra said. "Perhaps the loft at the livery?"

Thinking through the idea, Vin smiled, slipped his hand under Ezra's arm and pointed them in that direction. "Ain't made out in the hay in a long time."

True to his prediction of two days before, once the dance was in full swung, no one missed the two of them quietly slipping off. Their absence would be noticed eventually, but they had agreed that walking patrol around the town would be their excuse. It was a viable one for Vin, but Ezra hadn't been so sure anyone would buy him going along. Still, it would do if anyone asked.

A thrill of anticipation shook Vin's frame as he led the way up the slat ladder. He'd been so impatient at the thought of Ezra in his arms that he had stolen a kiss in the alley, an action that had terrified Ezra. He had apologized but for the moment the heat was lost. Vin knew how to get it back.

Sliding into the sweet summer-cut hay, he laughed lightly. "This was a right good idea, Ezra."

Ezra sat down next to him, looking nervously around the nearly- black stable. Even in the dark, Vin could see the uncertainty. As much as he wanted to throw the man back in the hay and not leave until sunrise, he knew he wouldn't do it if it scared Ezra this much. He laid a hand over the smaller one and squeezed.

"Ezra, we don't have to do this," he whispered gently.

"I'm sorry, Vin, I..."

Vin grabbed his chin, a little more roughly than he intended, which caused Ezra's eyes to widen. "Don't ever, ever apologize for it. You think I wouldn't be scared after something like that happened to me? Any man would."

Ezra's hand came up, took his and kissed along his fingers. Vin watched the beautiful mouth move across his palm, lost in the sheer sensuality of Ezra's face. Before he could think of responding, he found himself flat on his back being thoroughly kissed. A minute later, Ezra leaned away, leaving Vin nearly breathless.

"I won't lie to you, Vin. I am terrified of being discovered up here. And I am uncertain as to how far we may get before my need for you is overtaken by the fear."

Vin raised his hand, stroked down Ezra's throat.

"The snows fell long and soft,
Shrouding the country, deadening sound.
I feared the snow, the haunting quiet,
The endless white.
Sunlight, bright, hot.
The white faded away,
Leaving flowers behind."

Ezra stared at him, then very slowly a smile covered his face, dimpled his cheeks and brought a glitter to his eyes. "You are indeed sunlight to me, Vin."

Pulling him down, Vin fitted their bodies together, loving the gambler's weight pressing him down into the green hay. "May take a piece, Ezra, but we'll melt that snow."

Vin tilted his head and claimed Ezra's mouth, running his tongue along the sensuous lips before sliding into the hot velvet. Their low moans were muffled by the hay. A second later their guns dropped into the soft nest. Easing away enough to see Ezra's smile, Vin drew the leather suspenders off his lover's square shoulders. They had both left their coats across the street at the dance. Quickly, Vin started opening the buttons on Ezra's gold brocade vest. He felt Ezra's nimble fingers start down the borrowed light blue shirt he was wearing. As soon as there was room, those same fingers brushed lightly over his already peaked nipples, bringing another moan from Vin's throat.

Ezra chuckled, leaning down and kissing Vin gently. "It still quite amazes me that I can cause such a reaction."

"It still amazes me that you'd want me," Vin whispered.

"What?" Ezra leaned away, shocked.

Puzzled by the reaction his statement had brought, Vin explained patiently, "Hell, you being so handsome, way you dress and all, you could have anybody in the territory. I ain't no prize, Ezra. I don't dress good, got no manners to speak of; hell, I cain't even read--"

A strong hand covered his mouth and he watched the glitter of lust in Ezra's eyes change over to anger. Leaning in close, face only inches away from Vin's, Ezra said firmly, "You will never, ever talk that way about yourself. You are the gentlest, kindest, most perceptive man I have ever had the privilege to know. Not to mention honest, caring, intelligent, handsome...." He once more leaned down to kiss Vin, slowly, deeply.

Vin could feel all his words in the kiss, all his love. Vin ran his fingers gently along Ezra's lips, amazed at how passionate the normally in-control conman could be in private. His hands moved inside the fine linen shirt, over the sharply-outlined muscles of Ezra's shoulders. With a soft moan, Ezra leaned down and took Vin's mouth again.

A shiver having nothing to do with the feel of Ezra's tongue on his lips, snaked through Vin. He urged Ezra back, tilted his head sideways.

"Vin?" There was puzzlement on Ezra's face.

"Something's wrong," Vin stated.

Ezra flipped over him, landing silently in the deep hay, near panic widening his eyes. "Someone...."

"No," Vin said. "Not here. The dance. The music's stopped."

For a moment he thought Ezra would argue with him, but he nodded, accepting Vin's assessment without question. With a frown, Ezra reminded him, "Everyone at the dance is unarmed."

"Shit," Vin muttered. Without discussing it, they both started down the ladder, straightening their clothes as they went.

The seven had argued over checking weapons at the door, but had finally agreed to it. It was actually Judge Travis who convinced them. The town had been quiet for most of the summer, except for the unfortunate incident with Spivak's gang. To show their appreciation, the townsfolk volunteered several guards at the edge of town. Chris hadn't really liked it but had given into the judge as any future in- law would. Now, Vin wondered if the whole couple of months hadn't been the calm before a big storm.

They moved across the street, both pulling their weapons. The church was deathly silent: no music, no laughter, no shuffling of dancing feet. Vin stared into the dark night, slowly scanning the whole area. Ezra's shoulder touched his in silent support. Easing them back further into the dark, Vin pointed around the area.

"There's one on the roof, two in each alley on the side of the church and one standin' front of the Clarion."

"Seven, how appropriate. None near the bank?" Ezra questioned. Vin shook his head. "Robbery, then, is not their intent. What are they after?"

"Judge, maybe?" Vin said. "Powerful man, lots of enemies."

"We need to proceed inside quickly, before they can harm the esteemed gentleman."

"I'm going to take the one near the paper, then get to the roof. I'll whistle when it's clear, you get over there after those other two."

Satisfied with the plan, Vin turned, only to be stopped by Ezra's strong hand.

"I may have a better plan."

Chris watched helplessly as one of the gunmen pulled JD roughly from the crowd, shoving him to his knees on the hard wooden floor. He took a step forward, only to be held back by Judge Travis. Likewise, Buck was stopped by Josiah. Mary stood behind them, worried, helpless. A thousand questions ran through Chris' mind, not the least of which being what the men were after? And what had happened to Vin and Ezra? The obvious leader of the men, a short, barrel-chested blond with long hair and hard blue eyes, drew his gun, pointing it at JD.

"No!" Several voices screamed in protest, including Buck's and Casey's.

The man smiled widely. "Don't get upset, Mister Larabee. We aren't here to hurt anyone. We just need a few men to come with us."

"If you needed help, you could have just asked for it," Judge Travis stated.

Ignoring him, the man continued, "We have someone who wants to have a nice long talk with..." He paused, reached into his pocket to retrieve a piece of paper and read, "Nathan Jackson, Josiah Sanchez, the good sheriff here, Vin Tanner..."

The reality of the situation hit Chris--they weren't after the Judge, they were after the seven lawmen.

"...Ezra Standish--"

The door was flung inward, making the three gunmen spin around, guns coming to bear on the intruder. Ezra stood just inside the door, leaning loosely on the jam, flask in one hand. He blinked drunkenly at the men in front of him then very slowly gave them a wide smile.

"Gentlemen," ; he slurred. "Did no one inform you that this dance is sans weapons?"

Chris stared at Ezra. He wasn't drunk; Chris knew that. What he didn't know was what the hell the other two men had going. Keeping his eyes on the gambler, he watched as Ezra staggered to the table holding the weapons and dropped his gun on top. As Ezra turned, his gaze, crystal clear, met with Chris' and he gave him the barest nod. Chris felt his body tense, ready for whatever was about to happen.

Looking at the gunmen, Ezra started in their direction, only to stop and stare at JD.

"JD, my dear boy, whatever are you doing in the floor?" Weaving, Ezra moved toward the young sheriff, only to trip at the last minute, nearly falling on him.

JD grabbed Ezra by the waist--and the next instant both of them whirled around, firing on the three gunmen; Ezra with his derringer and JD with Ezra's conversion. JD's shot took down his man but the derringer didn't have enough punch, wounding the man but giving him a chance to bring his gun up.

"Down!" Chris yelled, hoping the crowd had the sense to obey.

"JD!" Ezra, still on his knees, dove for JD.

Gunshots sounded from several places. Ezra gave a cry of surprise and landed on the floor in front of JD. While Chris watched helplessly, the remaining two gunmen were taken down, one by JD's shot and one from the door. Jerking his gaze in that direction, he found Vin surveying the room.

Silence claimed the small church for a heartbeat. Three gunmen lay dead on the floor. A moan brought all of Chris' attention to the peacekeeper sprawled on the floor.

JD grabbed Ezra's shoulder. "Ezra?"

"Ezra!" Vin shouted from the door.

"Please, Mister Tanner," Ezra pleaded, rolling over. "Don't shout."

"Ezra?" Chris ventured.

The gambler blinked up at them, then sat up. "Is everyone uninjured?"

Nathan and Vin came down on the floor next to Chris. From the corner of his eyes Chris saw Vin start to reach out only to stop as Nathan did the same. "Ezra?" Nathan asked calmly. "Where are you hit?"

Shaking his head, Ezra said, "I have not been wounded, Mister Jackson, merely shaken--"

"Then why is there blood on your shirt?" Nathan returned, relief in his voice.

The teasing tone and only slight amount of crimson on the white shirt told Chris that whatever the injury, it was minor. Standing, he patted both Nathan and Ezra on the shoulder. "Take care of him, Nathan."

Buck and Josiah were starting to usher folks out, having already thrown tablecloths over the dead bodies. As Chris moved away, followed closely by the judge, he heard Vin take his place at Ezra's side.

"Damn, Ezra," Vin started. "What the hell were you doing, shooting before I was ready! That weren't part of the plan."

"Vin, go away," Nathan ordered. "Ezra, hold still."

Judge Travis joined Chris. He lifted the cloth off the bodies. "Look familiar?" the judge questioned.

"No," Chris returned tightly.

"There's four more outside for you to look at," Vin drawled, joining them to escape Nathan's scowling.

"All dead?" Mary Travis asked, sounding a little peeved.

"Nope," Vin said. "Managed to leave two alive. Don't know how long they gonna stay that way."

"No, Nathan, not the shirt...."

There was the sound of cloth ripping and a heartfelt moan from Ezra. When Chris turned, Ezra was being helped to his feet by Nathan. The gambler was holding the derringer rig in his left hand, while part of his right shirt sleeve was wrapped around his right forearm. He was casting Nathan deadly glares while the healer just smiled.

"Nathan?" Chris asked, knowing he would not get a straight answer from Ezra.

"Nothing worth mentioning," Nathan said.

"If it was not worth mentioning, Mister Jackson, why was it worth the sacrifice of my new shirt?" Ezra demanded.

Ignoring him, Nathan told Chris, "Luck again. Bullet bounced off the derringer rig, metal cut him up some and he's gonna be bruised."

"Better'n he deserves after a stupid stunt like that," Vin snapped.

Not used to anger from his normally-easygoing friend, Chris turned toward the tracker. Ezra glared at the man, green eyes glittering dangerously.

"Mister Tanner, sometimes a plan has to be changed while in motion. They had pushed Mister Dunne to the floor. I had no way of knowing whether they intended to execute him immediately or not."

"Ezra...."

"Getting someone inside gave us more control over the situation," Ezra explained firmly. "I just had to come on stage a tad sooner that expected."

Vin started to argue but Chris put a hand on the tracker's shoulder. "Good plan, Ezra. You two did a good job."

Not sure if he'd done the right thing when Ezra gave Vin a smug look, Chris urged Vin toward the door, leaving Nathan to shepherd Ezra to the clinic.

"I still do not understand your preoccupation with destroying my apparel, Mister Jackson."

"Mister Standish." Judge Travis' voice made them all turn around. Grudgingly, but with just a hint of admiration, he said, "Send me the bill for your shirt."

A wide grin dimpled Ezra's cheeks. "You, sir, are a true gentleman."

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