Through Sunshine and Shadow by Debra Hicks

Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Page 5 | Page 6 | Page 7 | Page 8

Seventeen

"Why've we stopped?" Buck said impatiently.

Chris looked down the trail toward the small widening of the river path. They had ridden hard for three days and only now did he let two thoughts overtake him. What if they weren't here? What if they wouldn't come back? Buck moved up next to him on the wide trail. He could feel the questioning look the other man was giving him.

Glancing sideways, Chris frowned. "They may not want to come back."

Buck started just a little, opened his mouth to protest then closed it with a nod of understanding. "Yeah, wasn't exactly the best way to send them off."

Josiah added, "And there are only three of us, not five."

Uneasy silence claimed the group. It was finally Buck who said, "Well, reckon if they want to ride on, we... have a couple drinks and wish them the best."

The idea hurt. Saying goodbye the first time had been bad enough. Chris didn't want to do it again. He wouldn't do it again!

"No," Chris said firmly. "They are coming back. We just have to convince them."

"How we gonna do that, Chris?" Buck wondered. "The townsfolk..."

"The townsfolk," Chris snarled, "will learn if they want us, they take all of us, and all our sins."

He looked over at Buck, expecting argument. Buck was wearing a wide smile. Chris quirked a question at him. Buck laughed. "Hell, Chris, you get that tone ain't nothing and nobody gonna stop us."

"Amen, brother!" Josiah said cheerfully.

Chris suddenly found himself smiling. "Let's go."

They came into the small area, crossed the swallow river, took a bend and followed along the trail into a section that opened off the canyon. Nestled in the isolated open river area, just under the high walls was Vin's wagon. Ezra, in shirt sleeves, was packing, making Chris realize how close they had come to missing them. Vin was nowhere to be seen. They re-crossed the river.

Ezra whirled, gun coming out, eyes meeting Chris'. In the two heartbeats that followed, Chris saw more emotions flicker through the gambler's eyes than in most months. There was surprise, disbelief, worry, pleasure, and finally, wariness. The gun stayed pointed at Chris even as Ezra nodded to him and the other two.

"You plan on shooting me, Ezra?" Chris joked.

In a deadly tone, Ezra said, "If you intend to harm Vin, then yes, Mister Larabee, I will kill you."

The green eyes that smiled so often now held cold determination. Until that very moment, Chris had not realized how dangerous Ezra could be. This was a man protecting something important, something beyond anything most people would ever experience. This was a man who would kill to protect the man he loved.

It was Buck who recovered first. "Aw hell, Ezra, we ain't here to harm no one. We're here to take y'all back."

"Back?" Ezra said in disbelief.

The gun wavered slightly and Chris nudged his horse closer. "Yeah--"

"Boys," Vin's quiet voice drew their attention to the side of the wagon. The tracker was standing there, rifle resting across his right shoulder, brace of quail in his other hand. "What brings y'all way out here?"

Chris meet Vin's eyes, remembering the first time he'd done that and the change it had made in his life. This time Vin's eyes were wary, a sight that cut into Chris. The betrayal went deeper than any of the men would admit. But there was hope in Vin's expression too. He watched as Ezra slowly lowered his gun. Taking that as a good sign, Chris swung down off the horse.

The world exploded with gunfire! There was a cry of pain from Vin as he was thrown forward by the bullet that slammed into his back.

"Vin!" Ezra whirled, firing in the direction the shot had come from. Even as he fired, he was moving toward Vin. He took two strides before his leg was shot out from under him. Another bullet ripped into his arm before he went down, dropping his gun as he hit the rocky ground.

"Ambush!" Buck confirmed.

Chris' gun was already in his hand as he ran for the protection of the wagon. Buck spun his horse, trying to reach the rocks. Josiah dove off his horse into the thick reeds and high grass nearest the sand flat. The sound of bullets striking flesh filled the canyon. Buck was knocked off his horse to land face down in the river. In the same instant, Josiah fell, blood blossoming along his neck.

A bullet clipped the ground in from of Chris. "Stop!" a voice commanded from the opposite side of the river.

Chris took one more step, only to have the rocks around him shatter with several shots. Having no other option, he stopped, took a deep breath and raised his hands.

Waiting for the attackers to make their appearance, Chris looked around. Vin lay twenty feet to his right, face down, unmoving, blood drenching his back. Ezra was in front of him and slightly left, shifting in pain, nearly unconscious. Chris could see blood startlingly bright on the white shirt, while the leg wound darkened the tan pants leg. A slight turn of his head to the left showed him Buck floating, face down in the river, drifting toward the bend. Daring to move his head around, Chris spotted Josiah lying on his back, though he couldn't see any blood. In that instant he realized how desperate things were; in less than a minute, four of his men had been taken down.

"Drop the gun," the same voice ordered from much closer behind him.

Gritting his teeth, Chris tossed the gun a few feet in front of him. The thump of the weapon landing stirred Ezra.

+ + + + + + +

Pain was the only thing in his world. Ezra blinked back tears, trying to gather enough thoughts to know why he hurt. A voice sounded off in the distance, not one that he knew. Reality came back with a wave of agony stronger than that from his wounds--where was Vin? Ezra somehow got his eyes open. A foot from his face lay Chris' bone- handled Colt. A dozen feet past that, he could see the bottom of the distinctive black duster. Just coming across the river were two horses. Their riders dropped to the ground next to Josiah, who was lying within a few feet of the water, arms outstretched as if on a cross. Ezra flinched away from the image. The ambushers ignored the big man, running toward Larabee. He saw no sign of Buck.

Ezra shifted very slowly, partially out of pain and partially to avoid drawing attention to himself. A dozen feet away, Ezra could see Vin lying face down on the rocky ground. There was no mistaking the dark liquid that ran along his back and colored the dirt. Everything in Ezra demanded that he get to Vin, that he crawl across the impossibly long distance. He needed to determine if his life was still in one piece or if his reason for continuing was gone. He moaned very quietly as he fought against the urge to move. Years of training and control kept him still.

There was a slight shuffle in front of him. Again Ezra moved by slow degrees, rolling his head enough to look up toward Chris, to see what was happening. The two men had Chris by the arms and had turned him around to face the trail across the river. They were waiting for someone. Ezra knew who it was.

Blinking against the pain, Ezra refused to think about the condition of the others. He refused to consider that Vin was dead, refused to think of life without him. Ezra closed his eyes and concentrated on fighting the pain away, on gathering his strength. The others were wounded or worse; Chris was captured. He was the only one who was remotely mobile and the bushwhackers were ignoring him. If the pain would have let him, he would have smiled.

He was their wild card.

+ + + + + + +

Chris knew. Before the echo of the first shot had died, he knew who was behind it. Worse still, he knew he had been led like a sheep to slaughter. And he had brought his friends into the trap; he was the cause of their lying in the bloody sand around him. What Ella had in mind for him, he no longer cared.

A horse came around the bend at a dangerously fast lope, splashed across the cold river and came to a sliding stop, spraying sand in a wide arch.

"Chris! My love!" Ella leapt off the big animal and threw herself into Chris' arms.

She grabbed his head between her hands and held him, took his mouth in a travesty of a kiss. Despite knowing it was her behind it, despite thinking he was ready to face her Chris reacted, giving into his rage and hate.

Jerking, he tried to swing, tried to lunge. "Goddamn bitch! I'm going to kill you!"

The two bigger men held on to him with determined strength, letting him wear himself out. Survival instincts kicked in and Chris stopped struggling, forced himself to be calm. He had faced men meaner, faster, and bigger, and come out the winner each time by holding onto his icy control. He knew now was not the time to let anger rule him. He looked down into her light blue eyes, remembering the love he thought he had seen there. There was only madness and cunning there now. A chill went down Chris' back. Of all the men he had faced, none had been as dangerous as the woman standing in front of him.

As if she had not heard the curses he shouted, she smiled and threw herself at him again, once more trying to kiss him. He stayed still, controlling his reaction. Pressing his lips together while fighting the urge to be sick, he waited for her to give up trying to push her tongue into his mouth. When she broke the embrace it was only to stand back a few inches and run her hands through his hair.

"I have missed you so much," she whispered, tears forming in her eyes.

Now that his anger was under a tight rein, Chris dispassionately went through the situation. Buck was dead; Vin, Josiah, Ezra, unknown; he was unarmed. If the other three were still alive, he had to get her away from them. Cold, sick dread went through him. He would have to go with her, bide his time, and wait for the moment to kill her.

Ella leaned her face into his chest. "I was so afraid you'd be hurt by those men who lied and said they were your friends." Batting at the two men holding him, she ordered, "Let go of him."

Chris gave the two hired guns credit for knowing their mistress was over the edge. They held tight. "Missus Larabee," one started, "he's still--"

"Let go of him," she hissed.

With reluctant looks the two men obeyed, releasing his arms and stepping back. They drew their guns, though, and kept them leveled at him. Ella didn't seem to notice. She ran her hand along his arm, smiling.

"I'm so glad I was able to find you. I know that the last time, the letter I sent with that charming Missus Standish, made it sound like I had taken complete charge, but I knew that you would want to look at the new ranch before we decided on the house."

Chris blinked. How could someone so crazy be so smart? Forcing his arm to move, he reached out and touched her waist. She immediately moved into his embrace. One of the gunmen shoved a pistol into his ribs, silently warning him not to do anything threatening.

"How did you find me?" he asked, forcing himself to stroke her soft hair.

Pushing away from him, she walked toward where Vin lay. Chris watched her progress carefully, every muscle in his body tightening as she neared his friend. The only thing that kept him still was the fact that she had no weapon. Kneeling beside the downed Texan, she stroked Van's long hair.

"I knew you'd want revenge on this one for shooting at me," she said firmly.

She stood, dismissing Vin without a backward look. Pointing to Ezra, she added, "And I knew you'd want to kill that pervert for smearing your name by riding with you."

Striding back into his embrace, she scolded, "Really, Chris, you're going to have to be more careful about picking our men."

A low laugh sounded loud and strange in the area. Ella turned in his arms, leaning back against him. Startled, Chris watched Ezra struggling to his feet. Chris shook his head, trying to tell the gambler to stay down, to play 'possum, otherwise they would only shoot him again. Ezra, as usual, ignored him.

Ezra's gaze caught his; the usually vivid green eyes were dulled with pain but conveyed assurance. A sliver of hope flared in Chris' mind. Despite the fact that he could barely stand, Ezra had a plan.

Once Ezra had gained his feet, it took a minute for him to gain his breath. When he finally straightened, it was to look directly at Ella and smile. "Is that what you truly believe, madam? That Mister Larabee came to harm Vin and I?

His plans for me might have included harm. But not for Mister Tanner." If Ella were going to attempt an answer, she wasn't given a chance as Ezra continued by saying, "Why don't you ask Mister Larabee his real intentions towards Mister Tanner? Ask him about the nights the two of them shared on the mesa of the Seminole encampment? Ask him of his willingness to take on a Federal Marshall to see Vin safe?"

Staring at him, Chris tried to find the angle. What good would it do to convince Ella that he and Vin were lovers? Ezra straightened with another laugh, and Chris felt Ella go rigid against him.

"Madam, if I'm a pervert, then I suggest you ask Mister Larabee--"

Ella screamed in rage and launched herself at the unsteady gambler, raising her hand to strike him. "How dare you!"

Chris moved, knowing what was about to happen. Even knowing didn't prepare him for Ezra's surprising speed. Grabbing Ella's upraised hand, Ezra jerked her around; the spring loaded derringer engaged, and he pressed it to her head.

Slamming his elbow into one bushwhacker's stomach, Chris brought his left arm up to connect solidly with the second one's nose. There was a satisfying crunch, a scream of pain, and the man dropped his gun, following it to the ground. Chris swung around, doubling the second man over by driving both fists into his stomach. The man went to his knees while Chris grabbed his gun hand and wrenched the weapon free.

Ezra had his arm around Ella's neck and dragged her until his back was against the rocks. Chris started backing toward them, gun aimed up toward the surrounding rocks.

"Gentlemen-- "

Ezra screamed in pain. Chris spun around in time to see Ella straightening from where she had kicked Ezra's wounded leg. She twisted, grabbing the arm holding the derringer. Ezra was taller and heavier, but madness gave her strength while his wounds drew his away. The small gun was aimed at his face when she pulled the trigger. Blood splattered the cold granite and Ezra dropped without a sound.

Chris brought his gun up as Ella turned. She was still holding the derringer. Looking from Chris to the derringer, she gave it a distasteful frown before dropping it. Chris' weapon stayed level with her face. Around him, in the rocks, he could hear the rest of her hired help, could hear the men behind him moving, unsure of what to do.

Over the cold black steel, Chris stared at Ella. This was the person who had taken everything from him six years before, who had driven him to despair and near madness. Now, she was responsible for the blood that was soaking into the sand from his wounded friends.

He had done this before, had sighted over the steel and hesitated. Now his friends had paid for that mistake. He pulled the hammer back, heard its click answered by others around him. His hand tightened around the heavy gun.

If he pulled the trigger--

"Chris." She stepped toward him.

She was also the only person standing between him and death. If he pulled the trigger, Ella would die--and her men would kill him.

Chris pulled the trigger. Twice.

Blood splattered his clothes, spotting his gun and hand. He watched in savage satisfaction as Ella was thrown back, falling over Ezra's body, her face an unrecognizable mass of blood. Chris wondered if she had known he'd killed her. He hoped so.

The first bullet slammed into him and sent him staggering toward the two bodies already on the ground. Shots filled the canyon. To Chris' surprise, he was still alive, and not all the shots were coming down from the rocks. Chris spun around, another bullet nicking his leg--and saw Buck take out a man who had been aiming at his back.

"Buck!" Chris screamed a warning, gesturing toward a man high in the rocks.

Before either could fire the man dropped forward into the boulders, shot from the side. A familiar derby hat appeared over the ledge and JD yelled, "Left, Chris!"

Chris flattened against the rocks and brought his gun around, taking down another of the gunman. A ricochet showered him with shards of rock. He turned to the new threat, only to see the flash of a knife stop the man's attack. Nathan ran forward, snatching up his knife even as he fired into the rocks, taking out another killer. Buck sprinted by him, shooting up. Somewhere Chris heard JD yelling. A head appeared at the edge of the rocks above Chris and he fired with cold precision, a dying scream answering his bullet.

The shots from the rocks around them stopped. Silence, sharp and tangible, filled the area. He could hear the faraway sound of running horses; the few survivors making their getaway, signaling the end of the attack.

Chris leaned back against the cool rock, let it soothe the burning bullet wound in his upper arm. Looking down at Ella's body, he slowly sank to his knees in relief. It was over. After six years--

No, it wasn't over, he realized with a gasp of pain. His eyes went to Ezra, then Vin and Josiah. She could still win, could once more destroy everything he had.

Footsteps forced his gun back up, only to see Nathan running toward Vin, bag in hand. Using the rock as support, Chris inched his way to his feet. He took a step to Ezra, then one toward Vin, and looked toward Josiah. JD rushed up to kneel next to Ezra.

The younger man raised concerned dark eyes to Chris. "I got him, sir. Nathan needs help."

Buck walked unsteadily from the rocks toward Josiah, going to his knees next to the big preacher. Relief hit Chris as he saw Josiah's hand come up to his neck. Chris could see blood on the side of Buck's shirt but his old friend didn't seem to notice. Ignoring his own wound, Chris walked toward Nathan and Vin.

"Damn."

Chris heard the soft curse as he let himself sink into a sitting position next to the lean body. Vin was alive; he could tell that by the harsh, raspy breaths. Putting his hand on Vin's head, he looked down and saw why Nathan was cursing. Two bullet holes seeped blood steadily down Vin's sides and back.

Looking up, Chris asked quietly, "Nathan?"

Nathan didn't look up. He said sharply, "Raise him up. Put his arms over your shoulders and lean him against you. It'll help him breathe."

Between the two of them, they got Vin into Chris' gentle embrace. Chris put his arms around the narrow waist, holding his friend tight, ignoring the protest from his own shoulder. Once Vin was steady, Nathan cut the blood soaked shirt off. Chris shivered at the irregular breaths that tickled his neck. He looked down, trying to convince himself that it wasn't as bad as it seemed. There were two holes; one just at the upper edge of his shoulder blade and the other just at the bottom of his ribs. Chris flinched as Nathan pressed a finger into the lower of the two wounds.

The move was answered by a stirring from Vin. "Ezra?" the rough voice whispered.

Chris brought his good hand up and held Vin's head still, stroking through the sweat soaked hair. "It's Chris."

The nod Vin gave was only perceptible because Chris had his hand on the man's head. "Ezra?"

Understanding the question, Chris looked over to where JD was wrapping a bandanna around Ezra's leg. Ezra was stirring, struggling against the awkward ministrations of the too-young sheriff. Chris felt a little more of the weight lift from his heart. "He's alive, Vin."

Another nod and a deep ragged breath. "Else?"

"We're all alive, though we got a few holes 'tween us," Chris answered, forcing his words to sound light.

Nathan moved again and Vin gasped, breathing becoming even more difficult. Chris looked up at Nathan, begging silently. Their healer swallowed hard.

"One bullet," Nathan said shortly. "Hit the shoulder blade, skimmed under his ribs and come out down here."

Chris frowned; that didn't sound too bad. "Hear that Vin, Nathan--"

"Chris," Nathan said quietly. "The force of the bullet, it's collapsed his lung."

The words didn't register, made no more sense than Ella's ramblings earlier. Chris stared into Nathan's dark eyes. "Fix it."

"I ain't.... I'd have to plug the hole, then it'd come back on it's own but...," Nathan said. "He ain't gonna last...."

Vin gave a small cough, whimpering with the inability to get air. Chris closed his eyes. This couldn't be happening. He couldn't be sitting here with Vin dying in his arms. It was a nightmare, one he'd been through before when he'd knelt in front of his burned out farmhouse, screaming in agony.

"Ezra hurt?" Vin whispered, his pause for breath making the words stretch out.

"Yeah, some," Chris answered.

"... make Na...than... see to him," Vin requested.

"Vin," Nathan spoke up. He had his hand over a bandage, clamped hard over the hole leaking blood.

"Nathan... hates us," Vin continued, not hearing Nathan. "... you make him."

Chris heard the soft gasp from Nathan, looked over Vin's shoulder in time to see the shame fill Nathan's eyes. Chris pulled Vin's head closer to his, flinching at the painful gasps. "He will."

Vin was sagging more now, still trying to breathe but losing the fight. "Chris... take care... of Ez...ra... for me."

It took a minute for Chris to gain control of his voice. "I will," he swore.

"I've got an idea!" Nathan sprang to his feet. Grabbing one of his knives, he ran toward the stand of small trees on the edge of the clearing. "Keep him breathing, Chris. Just keep him breathing!"

"Hear that, pard," Chris said, letting the slight hope enter his voice. "Nathan's gonna fix you up. You just gotta fight a little longer."

+ + + + + + +

Vin! Where was Vin? Ezra struggled through the darkness and pain, more pain than before but he couldn't understand why. His leg--something was causing the agony to worsen. He reached down, swatted uselessly at whatever it was.

"Easy, Ezra, easy."

A voice. Someone he knew. Ezra forced his eyes to open but only swirling shadows claimed his vision. "Vin?"

"No, Chris is with Vin," JD said levelly. "It's JD."

JD? JD couldn't be here. JD had driven them out of town. Terror grabbed Ezra. "No, no...." He jerked away, falling back. "Don't!"

"Ezra," JD said. "I need to stop the bleed--"

Ezra dug his heels in, pushed away, bumping into something hard. An even more terrifying thought snaked through his darkness. JD was after Vin. Floundering blindly around, he reached for the other man, his hands hitting JD's shoulder.

Grabbing him by both arms, Ezra took a deep breath and tried to control his voice. It didn't work, the words came out as near tears. "Please, JD, please, don't hurt him. It was me. My fault. Don't hurt him."

"Hurt him?" JD stared at the wounded man. "Ezra, I wouldn't hurt...."

"It wasn't Vin," Ezra continued. "Was me. Please don't hurt him."

"Oh, God, Ezra," JD breathed quietly. "I wouldn't hurt Vin. He's my friend. Ezra, please, hold still. You're bleeding bad."

He stopped trying to hear what JD was saying. The buzzing in his ears was too loud, was making him dizzy.

Gentle hands held his face and in a tear-filled voice, JD said, "Ezra, I'm gonna help, not hurt."

Something reached through Ezra's terror, not the words exactly but the tone, the sorrow in the other man's voice. He stopped struggling. JD was here. Had he seen Chris?

"Vin?" he whispered. "I need Vin."

The voice he could make out sounded choked, filled with sorrow. Was JD crying? "If I get ya there, will you hold still?"

"Please, I need to be with Vin."

Had he said that out loud? The swirls blinding him were getting darker but his hearing seemed to clear.

More hands on his back. "We'll get you there, pard," Buck promised.

Buck? Buck would help him. "Thank you."

He tried to stand but nothing would obey his commands; his legs refused to hold him, flipping him over on his stomach. Four strong hands held him down.

"No," Buck said firmly. "Let us."

Ezra felt himself being held up but it was odd, like he was floating. They moved a few feet or a few miles, he couldn't tell. Then he was being lowered. Again, he forced his eyes open, desperately needing to see Vin. Two gray figures were in front of him. He reached out, only to have his hand hit the dirt as he missed.

"I got it, Ezra," Buck choked.

Why was Buck crying? He tried to grab the question, but the only thing that seemed important was to touch Vin. A strong callused hand took his and put it on a warm, muscled leg. Ezra hoped he smiled; he couldn't tell. He knew what the darkness was now, knew he was dying. He didn't care, though he knew it would hurt Vin. But he was with Vin, and that was really all that mattered.

+ + + + + + +

Chris turned his head from where it was resting against Vin's shoulder. Josiah staggered slowly toward where Buck and JD were trying to help Ezra up. A gentle push from Buck sent him toward Chris instead. Josiah nodded his understanding. A minute later, he sank down behind Chris.

"Brother Chris," Josiah said with a flinch at his own voice. "Why don't we get your wound taken care of."

"How bad?" Chris questioned.

"Ezra...?'

"You," Chris cut off. He could see the blood running down Josiah's back.

"My head is too hard to be hurt by one little bullet," Josiah argued.

Chris gasped as Josiah's large, strong hand pressed a pad of cloth against the slow-bleeding wound in his arm. He watched as Buck and JD lowered Ezra next to them, close to Vin's side, each of them propping him up. Both of the men had tears in their eyes, and one look at Ezra told him why. The head wound was bad, bloody bone visible through the broken skin. It was bleeding heavily, spilling the thick liquid into Ezra's eyes and down his face and neck. Ezra's eyes were open but it was obvious he couldn't see, his gaze vacant and wandering. Chris had watched helplessly as Ezra had tried to fight JD off, leaving them both covered in blood and dirt.

When his hand touched Vin's leg though, Ezra smiled. "Vin?"

There was no movement from Vin only a slight catch in his painful breathing. Chris knew all his energy was concentrated on keeping the unsteady movement going, on breathing, on obeying Chris. Before Chris could answer, Nathan ran back and threw himself in behind Vin, working to get past Ezra.

Buck pulled the gambler back. Ezra struggled forward. "No! No!"

"Ezra," Buck said in a low, gentle voice. "Nathan needs to get to Vin. He's hurt."

"Hurt?" Ezra blinked, trying to see, to understand.

"Nathan?" Chris questioned. Behind him, Josiah's deep voice was muttering a prayer.

"This'll work, this'll work," Nathan chanted to himself. "Just give it a minute. Just keep him breathing."

Vin shifted in his arms. In a weak whisper, he said, "Ezra knew, Chris. Said... y'all'd... not want... us... 'round.... He knew."

Once more Chris didn't get a chance to answer, as Ezra suddenly lunged away from Buck. "No, no, no."

"Ezra!" Nathan snapped.

"No, Vin," Ezra said.

JD started to reach for the smaller man.

"Leave him." Chris' voice, commanding.

JD held onto Ezra's arm, helping him find Vin's hand. Ezra leaned forward, rested his forehead against Vin's shoulder, his blood flowing into Vin's. "They came. They .... They came for us. You were right, Vin."

Vin tried to move his head, tried to follow the voice he loved, but Chris held him still, not wanting him to see how seriously Ezra was wounded.

"Ezra?" Vin questioned.

Ezra didn't answer, so Chris did. He eased Vin's hand off his shoulder, put it on Ezra's shoulder. "He's right here."

But his words were lost as Vin gave a gasp of pain, took a deep breath and went limp in Chris' arms.

"Vin?" Chris whispered, afraid to move.

"Vin?" Ezra pleaded.

"Easy, easy," Nathan said firmly to both of them. "It's okay. Vin's alive, and he's gonna stay that way."

Chris snapped his attention to the healer. "Nathan?"

"Lung's working again," Nathan said with just a touch of pride and disbelief. "I plugged the hole with a bandage soaked in pine sap. Sealed it up. It'll keep till I can sew him up."

Chris had been steeling himself for Vin's loss; now that he could feel the steadying breaths against his throat, the relief was almost painful. His eyes closed against the tears that he refused to let fall. He leaned his head to Vin's shoulder, next to where Ezra was still resting.

Wiping the errant moisture from his eyes on Vin's bare shoulder, he said quietly, "Scared me there, cowboy."

"Damn, Nathan, that's a miracle," Josiah said in awe.

"Nah, just an desperate idea," Nathan admitted. "But we gotta get 'em to town, and soon."

"Okay?' Ezra questioned softly, obviously confused.

"Yeah, Ezra," Nathan promised. "Vin's alive. Now, let's see to you."

Ice, so recently thawed with Vin's first easy breath, now flowed through Chris' veins again at the faraway smile Ezra gave them. The gambler sagged sideways to be caught in Buck's strong arms.

"Then... I leave him to... your capable hands, Chris," Ezra said faintly.

"Ezra!" Buck cried as the sea-green eyes drifted shut.

Nathan's hand seemed darker than normal as he laid it against Ezra's blood-covered throat. "Aw, Ezra."

Eighteen

Vin stirred slowly, blinking and shifting in silence. Chris waited, a hand on the thin shoulder to hold his friend down in case he tried to flip over. The tracker was propped on his side, facing the other cot in the small room. Chris hoped his friend would be truly awake this time. Vin had been in and out of a high fever for nearly four days. It was only grim determination and superior strength that had allowed them to get enough water down the man to keep him alive.

Shifting a little to relieve the pain in his arm, Chris smiled as Vin's eyes opened. A few more blinks, and it seemed Vin was fully awake this time. Chris leaned down, holding his arm. "You with me, Vin?"

He waited for the one word question, for the name that Vin had cried out in his delirium, had pleaded for when the pain was too much. "Vin?"

Vin looked up at him, and relief flooded Chris' veins like sunlight. The eyes that had so often seen into his soul, were clear and knowing. "Chris?"

Automatically, Chris reached for the water glass. Vin opened his mouth to say something but Chris shook his head, held up the glass. From the way Vin licked his lips, it wouldn't take much to get him to drink. With his good hand under Vin's arm, Chris started to ease him up. The door opened behind him and a second later Nathan was helping hold Vin up.

Once they had the water down him, Chris helped Nathan shift Vin back into the protecting blankets. Vin smiled his thanks at them, then tried to look around.

"Ezra?" he asked quietly, fear making his voice shake a little.

Chris wiped a damp cloth over the too-pale skin, frowned at the weight the heat had burned off Vin. He shifted the chair back, letting Vin see the other cot.

"He's right there. He's a tough one, took three hits, but he's still here," Chris assured him.

A gentle, loving smile lifted Vin's dry lips. He watched Ezra for a minute, then turned his gaze back to Chris. "Everyone else?"

"Josiah took a shot to the head that's still making him cranky," Chris said lightly. "Buck must have picked up some luck from Ezra. He lost a chunk of hide off his side but he's okay. Nathan and JD are fine."

Now that the fever was receding, Vin noted his incomplete list. "You?"

Lifting the sling, Chris smiled. "This ain't nothing."

The searching blue eyes were starting to turn hazy again, but Vin managed to ask, "Ella?"

"Dead," Chris said. There was no disguising the satisfaction in his voice.

Vin only nodded, understanding. The blue eyes drifted closed but blinked open when Nathan touched his forehead. An uneasy chill snaked up Chris' back at the way Vin studied the healer.

After a minute, though, Vin just asked, "Where are we?"

"Apache Wells," Nathan answered. "Weren't no way you... y'all would'a made it back to Four Corners."

"No doctor 'round these parts, so Nathan's been fixing up folks in return for room and board for us no-accounts," Chris supplied.

Vin's eyes closed once more, and within seconds he had drifted to sleep. Chris sighed, relieved to see the easy breathing and healing rest. Nathan stood, stretching back, then touched Chris' shoulder. When Chris looked up, Nathan gestured toward the door.

They moved out into the dirt street, leaving the door open behind them. The place they had been granted was at the edge of town, a one room shed that apparently served as jail, hospital and sometimes storage room. The townspeople had been very helpful, supplying them with two beds, plenty of bandages and hot water. Several had mentioned liking Vin and Ezra when they had been to town earlier, and had been surprised to find out they were two of the famous seven from Four Corners.

JD came out of the chair he had been sleeping in, propped against the front wall. It was nearly noon on their fifth day of being in the town. Chris eased down into the other chair, clumsily lit a cigarillo with his left hand. He was surprised to find only JD standing watch. Most of the time, he couldn't move either in the cramped room or outside without bumping into the one of the others. It was only complete exhaustion that had driven them away in shifts.

"Buck and Josiah went to get some food," JD explained.

A heavy silence surrounded them for a minute, then Nathan asked, "How long we gonna lie to Vin?"

Chris didn't look up, merely stared at the red dust at his feet. "Didn't lie to him."

Harshly, Nathan said, "You told him Ezra was fine!"

Now Chris looked up, meeting the angry, sad eyes. "I told him Ezra was alive."

The fire in Nathan's dark eyes died and he sank into the chair next to Chris. "Chris, he needs to know that Ezra ain't gonna make it. He deserves a chance to say goodbye."

Anger and sorrow shook Chris' control. He flicked the smoking cheroot away. "What the hell do you care!? They're just a couple of nancy boys to you--"

"Chris!" JD cut him off.

Both the older men looked up at him in surprise. He stared them down. "We came after you because... because sometimes... there are things bigger than just one or two of us." JD shook his head, struggling to find the words to describe what had caused him to change his mind. "What Ezra and Vin do may not be something most people want to know about, but we belong together, no matter what."

It wasn't much of an explanation, but Chris understood it. He realized then that much of JD's anger when Ezra had been discovered was not over what he was, but over what his being different would do to the rest of them. Chris switched his cold gaze to Nathan.

"Reckon I done been guilty of judging by what other people said without knowing what they was talking 'bout. I was wrong...." For a reason Chris didn't understand, Nathan choked, swallowing hard. "I was wrong and I should'a said something sooner, soon as I knew. Guess I can be stubborn as Ezra." He blinked and added with a forced laugh. "Ezra and Vin are good men, even if I do wanna kill Ezra sometimes."

Nodding, Chris said, "Reckon we all want to kill Ezra sometimes."

"Except Vin," JD returned with a blushing smile.

"Nah, Vin too," Chris confirmed.

The silence was long and sad, seemed to grow colder around them. Finally, Chris sighed, glancing into the distance. "When Vin comes around, I'll tell him."

"You want me to do it?" Nathan asked solemnly.

"No."

+ + + + + + +

He was lying belly down on something warm and soft that smelled of lye soap and alcohol. There were hands on his back, on his shoulders, wiping the sweat away from his eyes. The touch was gentle and Vin sighed with the comfort it gave. But reality couldn't be denied for long, and with a soft cry Vin came fully awake to the pain and the memories.

"Ezra?" The call came out hoarse and weak.

"Easy, Vin," Chris said quietly.

Opening his eyes he found Chris sitting beside him. He looked across the room, turned his eyes to the window. It was dark out. It bothered him that he didn't know what time of day it was. With a touch of a smile, Vin realized that it was only the second time he had been aware enough to care. Chris' hand slipped under his cheek, and they went through the painful process of getting him up enough to get the water. Vin didn't mind the pain; the cool water was a balm on his dry throat. When Chris laid him back down, he looked up at his friend.

"You look like shit," Vin croaked.

A lopsided smile touched the gunslinger's pale face. "Reckon I'm in good company then."

Pain raced down Vin's back and he closed his eyes with a small gasp. Chris' hand touched his shoulder again. "Should I get Nathan to give you some laudanum?"

Vin took several shallow breaths. "Nah, ain't all that bad."

After a minute the spasms faded, letting Vin relax. He looked toward the other cot, but Chris was in his way. "Ezra awake?"

There was no answer. Vin took a sharp breath. Hadn't Chris answered him before, assured him that Ezra was alive. Was? He looked up at Chris. The green eyes, so different from Ezra's, met his for a moment, then Chris looked away--and Vin knew.

"No," he pleaded. "You said...."

"He's alive, Vin," Chris said, but Vin heard the rest of it, heard the silence, felt the loss. A hand on his shoulder, holding him down. "The head wound, Nathan says it may have fractured his skull, may have just.... done something.... Vin, he ain't been... with us since we got to town. First day, he kinda woke up and we got some water down him but nothing since then. His breathing's getting bad and ...."

Vin wasn't hearing the words; he was staring across the tiny room at the complicated man who was his world. Ezra looked pale in the light from the small lantern and far too still. The gambler liked to move, to play with his cards, to slap Vin on the back and run, to....

"Vin?" Chris asked quietly. "Did you hear what I said?"

"You said...." He closed his eyes, choked back the tears. "You said Ezra's dying."

"Vin, he's already gone." A hand touched his head, rubbed gently. "I'm sorry."

Somehow he got his eyes open, looked up at Chris. He wasn't really surprised to see the mist in Chris' eyes. There was no way he could speak, so he merely nodded.

Chris looked away. "My fault," he said so softly that Vin wasn't sure he heard him.

"No," Vin whispered. "Only one to blame is Ella."

"If I had believed you at the ranch--"

"Chris," Vin cut him off. The sad eyes looked down at him. "Cain't live on ‘ifs'."

His friend took a deep, shaky breath and nodded. Vin turned to look at Ezra again. "Favor, cowboy?"

"Anything, Vin, you know that."

"I need to be with him," Vin said softly.

"You need to rest," Chris corrected.

Vin just looked up again, letting everything he felt show in his eyes, just as he always had with Chris. Chris lowered his head, then nodded. When Vin went to move, though, Chris held him down. Before he could ask, Chris grabbed an edge of the cot and dragged it across the room, putting it right up against Ezra's bed so that Vin was only inches away from the man he loved.

Once more words were unneeded. Chris straightened, cleared his throat. "I'll keep everyone out for tonight, leave y'all alone."

Now that he was so close, Vin couldn't take his eyes off Ezra's peaceful face. He heard Chris' boots on the rough wooden floor.

"Thanks, pard," he said hoarsely.

There was no answer, just the soft shutting of the door.

For a minute, Vin just looked. Under the sheet he could see two bandages, one on Ezra's right calf and one on his upper arm. A third white wrap hid the wound from the derringer, the fatal crease that ran from his eyebrow up into the soft brown hair. Ezra's cheeks were gaunt from lack of water; dark circles were visible under one eye, the other was swollen shut from the wound.

Vin reached out, brushing Ezra's hand lightly, as if he were afraid his lover would vanish at the touch. The skin was cool under his fingers. He moved his hand to cup Ezra's cheek. One of the others had shaved him and Vin smiled at that. Ezra would appreciate it. Tears threatened, but he refused to let them fall. Something in him suddenly rebelled at his too-easy acceptance of Ezra's approaching death.

Pulling himself up closer was agony but he endured it in silence. Finally, when he was stretched out in the same bed, body pressed tight against the smaller one, Vin touched Ezra's hand.

"I think you ought pull outa this con now, Ezra," Vin said with forced lightness. "If you wanted to get back in good with the others.... Well, hell, I ain't seen so many grown men cry in... well, never."

Vin choked on his own tears, feeling that if he cried, it would be a sign of surrender, a sign he was accepting Ezra's approaching death. "JD was bawling like a baby. And you know how sentimental ol' Buck is.... You ain't gonna believe this, but even Chris was looking a tad blurry. Josiah's...." It was no use. The pain and loss and fear overrode his control; hot tears ran down his cheeks, dropping on the white sheet that covered Ezra's chest. He took Ezra's smooth hand in his, brought it to his lips and kissed the palm. The crying was making him dizzy and bringing blackness to the edge of his vision. Trying to quiet the sobs in his chest, Vin took several quick breaths, felt his strength fading.

"Nathan says that you're already gone," Vin whispered brokenly. "But he's wrong, 'cause I'd know.... I'd know." Vin put their hands to his chest. "I can still feel you here, Ezra. Stay, please. I love you."

Slowly he tilted forward, the darkness claiming him just as his head came to rest on Ezra's chest.

+ + + + + + +

Nathan was not happy. Chris didn't care. He had promised Vin some time, and no one was going to take that away from them. After he'd informed Nathan of what he'd done, he thought he'd have to tie the healer down. Fortunately for them both, Nathan's exhaustion caught up with him and he had fallen asleep immediately after supper. Chris had made a point of being up before him.

Now he followed Nathan up the street, knowing they were both afraid of what they would find. The day before, Ezra's breathing and heartbeat had become uneven. Nathan had looked grim when he broke the news.

As he reached for the door latch, Nathan stopped. He glanced at Chris, steeling himself for what they might find. Chris took a deep breath, and nodded. Easing the door open, Nathan stepped inside.

"Aw, Vin," Nathan breathed softly.

Vin had managed to crawl into bed with Ezra and was wrapped protectively around the other man, head on his chest. Chris' heart ached at the love and sorrow so evident in the embrace. The dried tear tracks were clearly visible on Vin cheeks. It seemed to Chris, that in the bright morning light, Ezra looked peaceful, content. Maybe he had known that Vin was with him. Chris hoped so. He looked over at Nathan, daring him to say anything.

Nathan's face was filled with sorrow. They stood there in silence, afraid to get any closer, afraid to confirm that they were now six. Chris went to step around Nathan, only to have his arm grabbed. He glared at Nathan, not wanting to put this off any longer. But Nathan's head was cocked as he stared thoughtfully at the two men in the bed.

"Chris," he asked, "how'd Ezra's arm get there?"

"What?" Chris' head snapped up.

Ezra's arm was draped over Vin's back, the position so natural that Chris had not even noticed it. He looked again. Could Vin have slipped under Ezra's arm? No.

"Damn," Chris breathed.

They both moved; Nathan toward Ezra, Chris to Vin. Now that they were closer they could see the even rise and fall of Ezra's chest. Hope flared in Chris' heart, though he refused to acknowledge it until Nathan said something. The healer touched Ezra's throat and for the first time since they had known Vin would live, he smiled.

"Guess that hard head wasn't as broke as I thought," Nathan grinned.

As Nathan made to lift one eyelid, Ezra rolled his head away. "Ezra?" Nathan asked softly, not wanting to wake Vin.

Ezra took a sharp breath, blinked and closed his good eye again.

"Ezra," Chris tried. Ezra turned toward him, opening his eye. There was a frightening blankness in the gaze. Swallowing, Chris asked, "Ezra, do you know who I am?"

Gradually the haze cleared. Ezra nodded and whispered, "Water."

"Right here, Ezra," Nathan said happily. "All you want, little at a time though."

Their wounded friend took half a glass, the simple task bringing smiles to Chris and Nathan.

When the healer lowered the glass, Ezra looked around, and panic darkened the green eyes. "Vin!" he croaked.

"What?"

Chris jumped at the unexpected voice next to his arm. He looked down to find Vin wearing the biggest grin he had ever seen on his friend. Vin tried to move into Ezra's vision, but he had stiffened up during the night. Chris reached out and turned Ezra's head so that he could see Vin. Ezra smiled weakly.

"Good morning." Vin said, his voice cracking.

"Hate mornings," Ezra whispered.

"Chris?" Josiah's voice came from behind them.

Turning, Chris found the last three of their company standing in the doorway, looking tired and worn and ready for the bad news.

"Seems Ezra has decided to rejoin the living," Chris said, not even trying to hide his own wide smile.

"Course he has," Vin cut in, voice scratchy but stronger than it had been the day before. "I told him he couldn't go."

There was a moment of stunned silence, then a roar of happiness that turned into bear hugs and slaps on the back, just a few tears, and Buck knocking JD's hat off. Chris stood in the middle of the celebration, slowly coming to the realization that it was truly, finally over.

No one noticed the two men in the bed drift back to sleep.

+ + + + + + +

"Whoa there, Ezra!" Buck chastised as he came into the room.

Ezra looked up from where he had fallen back on the bed. Frustration coursed through him. He was feeling stronger, was eating as Nathan had told him, but his vision still blurred and his balance was nonexistent. Looking up at Buck, he found the man shaking his head and smiling patiently.

"Mister Wilmington, I'm glad my condition is a source of amusement for you," Ezra said through clenched teeth.

Buck's smile faded as he sat down. "Wasn't your condition I was a- laughing at, it was that hard head of your'n."

"I am capable of walking," Ezra argued.

"Ezra," Buck said gently, "don't be in such a gol-durned hurry. Hell, it was only ten days ago that you nearly died in this bed."

He had never been able to stay mad at Buck. Ducking his head slightly, Ezra said, "I wanted to bid everyone goodbye from other than enforced repose."

Silence claimed the room for a minute, then Buck cleared his throat and asked, "Is it goodbye?"

The question made Ezra take a quick breath. He had avoided thinking about the future, though that hadn't been difficult since most of the past ten days had been spent sleeping. It was still all very confused. They had come for him and Vin, all of them. Yet, JD was still uncomfortable around them and Nathan seemed to pause sometimes to regard them with narrowed, suspicious eyes, as if expecting something. And there was still the townsfolk to consider.

Looking up into Buck's understanding blue eyes, Ezra said, "I don't know. Our decision will depend on what occurs upon your return to town."

Buck slapped his knee. "Well, hell then, y'all 'll be home in no time. We got it all figured out."

"What's that, Buck?" Vin asked from the doorway.

Ezra smiled up at his friend and saw the others standing behind him, tightening cinches and checking equipment. Casting a quick glance at Buck, Ezra silently asked for help. Shaking his head again, Buck slipped an arm around Ezra's waist and hauled him to his feet.

"I was just saying that we got it all figured out once we get home." Buck ignored the scowl Vin gave them as they squeezed by and out into the sunshine.

"And what tale do you intend to spin, Mister Wilmington?" Ezra asked, concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other.

"No tale," Chris cut in. He stepped away from his horse, leaned over the hitching rail. "Just the truth. The list was a plot of Ella's to split us up. That's what Missus Travis will report. What the townsfolk make of it is up to them."

Their leader turned and mounted up. "They don't want you two back--they look for some more hired guns."

Ezra looked at JD and Nathan. JD gave him a firm nod, though Nathan looked uncertain. Vin stepped to Chris' side, offered his good hand.

"Good luck," he said with a smile.

Taking his hand, Chris said, "Nathan says y'all can travel in two weeks. You'll hear 'fore then."

Josiah came over to Ezra, offered his hand. "Either way, here or Four Corners, we'll see you."

"Here, Vin," Buck said. "Reckon he's all yours."

Ezra watched a blush start up Vin's cheeks over the double meaning in those words. Ezra gave the charming rogue a glare. Buck's answer was a wink that told him he knew exactly what he had said. Vin slipped into Buck's supporting position without a word.

It was only as JD mounted that Ezra noticed something. "Mister Jackson, where is your horse?" he asked suspiciously.

"Nathan's staying," Chris said. Grinning, he added, "To make sure you two behave."

"But...." ; Ezra started to protest.

"Bye, boys," Buck said with a wave.

As the others trotted out of town, Vin and Ezra exchanged a look of disbelief. Nathan only smiled pleasantly at them.

+ + + + + + +

"Whaddya think?" Vin asked.

Ezra looked up at him from where he was sitting on the bed. "I think Missus Travis is an excellent chronicler of news."

Vin nodded as he walked over to the window. Ezra knew what his friend was really asking. Whether they were going back. He didn't have an answer, didn't really want to think about it anymore. Vin deserved an answer, though, so Ezra once more looked at the paper.

The article covered just about everything: how the list was a ploy by Ella to split the group; how McGurter had been passing fake telegrams or not passing real ones; how he'd kept her informed of their activities. Concerning the truthfulness of the list, it made no mention, leaving it up to the reader to decide. Ezra picked up the stack of papers that had come with the Clarion. The judge, several shopkeepers, the town council and even the Ladies' Society had sent one, though Ezra suspected Chris had something to do with that last one. They all expressed prayers for them to get well and hope for a rapid return.

It also mentioned that Mister McGurter had not been charged by Judge Travis, provided he leave the territory. Four Corners now needed a telegraph operator. Travis had also arranged for the thousand-dollar reward on Gaines to be granted to the town, and the town in turn had given all the lawmen a bonus of three hundred dollars each. There had been no strings attached to the money; they could collect without returning, but Ezra knew it was a bribe to urge them to return. He couldn't deny the jolt of lust at the mention of the money. With six hundred dollars between them, he and Vin could purchase a spread and have enough left to build on it.

Laying the letters down, he rubbed at his forehead. The dizzy spells and headaches were fading but not fast enough. Ezra was tired of them, tired of trying to decide what to do, tired of thinking. He just wanted a few hours of quiet alone with Vin. Looking toward where Vin was leaning against the window, a surge of desire went down Ezra's back.

Rising slowly, making sure his balance was acceptable, he stepped to the other man and wrapped his arms around the narrow waist. "I think that it's been far too long since we attempted more in bed than recovery."

Turning slowly, Vin stared down at him. "You sure, Ezra? It's daylight, someone--"

"Mister Jackson promised to keep everyone at bay to give us a reasonable amount of time to formulate our decision," he returned. Ezra's lips moved along Vin's chin, felt the resistance fade.

"You up to it?" Vin asked, still concerned over Ezra's frequent dizzy spells and shaky balance. "That arm's still troubling you."

"I could pose the same question to you," Ezra said. His left hand started undoing the buttons on Vin's striped blue shirt. "I am, at least, able to use either hand."

In answer, Vin raised his still sore arm slowly, stroked through Ezra's hair. The heat was building in both of them with incredible speed, fueled by the long abstinence and the reality of their survival. Vin pulled Ezra in close, started to kiss him.

"Shall we step away from the window?" Ezra suggested. "In case the local inhabitants ignore our good healer's words."

"Yeah," Vin breathed. "I'll close the curtain and latch the door."

As Vin lowered the blanket cover over the window, Ezra shed the striped shirt he was wearing. Vin frowned at him as he stepped away from the door. "I wanted to do that," he complained.

Ezra dropped his shirt to the bed. "I don't believe either of us is in a condition that will allow for rapid movement or prolonged engagement."

"That mean it's gotta be short and sweet?" Vin joked.

Giving him a little frown, Ezra amended, "Well, perhaps not so short."

Despite undressing themselves this time, it still took longer than expected because of the slow and frequent kisses they shared. When they were standing in the shaded daylight, Vin stood back to admire his lover.

"Yep, prettiest thing I've ever seen," Vin said, smiling.

"Pretty?" Ezra's voice rose in mock outrage. "No, no." He took a step closer, kissed along Vin's shoulder, down over a hard nipple.

"Handsome, dashing, debonair, not pretty."

"You left out suave," Vin whispered.

Ezra straightened so quickly that only Vin grabbing his arm kept him from falling. "Suave?" Ezra came very close to squeaking.

Vin frowned a little, seemed suddenly doubtful. "Yeah, suave, sophisticated, charismatic."

Ezra knew a bluff when he heard one, but laughed at the tracker's words. "Where did you learn those very apt descriptions?"

Smiling, Vin admitted, "Asked Josiah for some fancy words to use."

"I am thankful you choose to not use them while I was engaged in eating; I might have choked." He kissed Vin's hand. "You need never borrow words for me, Vin; your own are more than I will even need."

Closing the slight distance between them, Ezra claimed Vin's mouth, eased his tongue slowly inside, moaning as the lust etched along his nerves. It seemed like forever since he'd held Vin close, felt the smooth skin over hard muscles. There was a slight flinch from his lover as Vin tried to raise his hand higher into Ezra's hair.

Ezra pulled back, giving him a wry grin. "What was it you said about one day us getting to be amorous without being ‘banged and bruised?'"

"Well, we did get one day," Vin observed.

Trailing the back of his hand along Vin's cock, Ezra smiled at the way Vin bit his lip to keep from crying out. Ezra stepped back toward the bed. When Vin made to follow him, though, Ezra put a hand to the center of his chest.

"That torture device passing as a bed is not our best option at this juncture."

Frowning, Vin said, "You cain't stand up for long and leaning on that arm and leg ain't gonna work neither."

"Trust me, I have a plan."

Ezra sat down on the bed and pulled the heavy chair around so that the back was to him and a couple feet away. With a wicked smile, Ezra crooked his finger at Vin, urging him over. Vin stepped between him and the chair, putting his shaft within easy reach of Ezra's mouth.

"Not in the original plan," Ezra admitted. "But one has to be adaptable."

The large cock was full and ready. Ezra smiled, sighing in bliss as he gave a lick to the taut head. Vin's good hand tangled in Ezra's hair for a minute before skimming down and over Ezra's cheek. Sealing his lips around the shaft, Ezra started to suck, tongue swirling around the hard flesh.

"Oh, yeah...." Vin gasped.

Ezra put his hand on Vin's hip, gripping hard to keep him from moving. Vin moaned in need, his muscles tightening as he forced himself to hold still. When Ezra was convinced that Vin was in control, he moved his hand off the bony hip and reached under the swollen shaft to tease lightly at the entrance to Vin's body. The soft moans from Vin turned into whimpers as he had to fight the need to fuck the willing mouth that was so lovingly pleasuring him.

With a final, hard slow suction, Ezra eased off. Touching Vin's hip, he said, "Turn around and grip the chair."

Taking a couple deep breaths, Vin did as told, turning around and leaning forward slightly to hold onto the sturdy chair. Ezra smiled; a touch of lightheadedness made him pause to enjoy the eager body in front of him. Vin was waiting, every muscle tight with need, desperate to feel Ezra's touch, whether it was his hands or his cock. Leaning forward, Ezra kissed lightly along Vin's lower back then started a slow, wet track down his spine to the dark crevice of his ass. Vin's response was to slide his legs apart and thrust back.

A shiver of heat went down Ezra's nerves at the wordless display of lust. Using both hands on the firm ass, Ezra urged him back another few inches, then tongued across the tight muscle.

Vin gasped. "Ezra..."

The soft word caused the flash of heat to intensify, driven to his cock by weeks of wanting. Moaning in answer to Vin's quiet pleas, Ezra pushed his tongue through the muscle. Vin arched back with a cry, one hand going to his cock, pumping. The cry turned molten, transferred directly into Ezra's blood. His cock was hard and ready, echoing the need he could feel in Vin's body. He thrust in and out, rimming, letting the saliva run down the taut skin and trickle over Vin's balls.

"Ezra... close..."

It was too soon. Ezra pulled away with a groan, came to his feet and turned Vin around. Vin started to protest but it was cut off by Ezra's tongue driving into his mouth. Ezra's hand wrapped around Vin's cock, pulling his hand away.

"Not yet," Ezra ordered.

"Damn," Vin breathed quietly, trying to control the tightness that was demanding release.

Ezra stepped around him to their gear in the corner. When Ezra turned he was holding the nearly empty vial of oil. The sight of Vin watching, long fingers giving his cock idle strokes, was nearly too much and Ezra took several deep breaths, taming the raging need to thrust into Vin's smooth ass or demand his love to take him. Moving to the chair, Ezra turned it around, tossed a folded blanket against the back, sat down and brought his legs together. His cock stood out straight and ready from the muscled thighs.

Vin groaned at the sight. He leaned over carefully, kissing the full cock. "Love the way that looks," he whispered. "The light kinda colors the differences 'tween the lighter scars and that dark hair."

"Vin," Ezra whispered.

The sapphire eyes looked up, sparkling with love and lust, looks that Ezra knew were only for him. Ezra held the look for a moment, then glanced down, inviting Vin to watch him spread the oil over his cock, to enjoy the way it darkened and glistened. They looked back at the same time and Ezra smiled.

"Turn around," Ezra said again. He held up two fingers ready to prepare Vin to be taken.

But Vin shook his head. "Way beyond waiting, pard."

Taking a step forward, he straddled the chair and Ezra's legs. Leaning down, he kissed Ezra, letting his tongue fill the gambler's hot mouth. Ezra savored the tongue twining with his. He felt Vin shift, broke the kiss as Vin reached behind himself and gripped Ezra's shaft, the other hand steadying him on the back of the chair.

"Vin?" Ezra was a little concerned.

"Shush, let me," Vin whispered against Ezra's lips.

Ezra gasped, as Vin's weight settled slowly, forcing his cock through the hard muscle. He watched, entranced by the brief, pleasurable flicker of pain that colored Vin's face. Then he was lost to the incredible sensation of the heavy, hot body slowly surrounding his cock, to the joy of joining with the man he loved more than even thoughts could convey. He kept his eyes open, watched the flush of desire color Vin's face, watched the way the light hair fell around his cheeks. The muted sunlight limned shadows along his cheeks and highlighted the long lashes as the blue eyes drifted closed. Ezra moaned at the sheer beauty in front of him.

Vin's eyes opened and he smiled, kissing the side of Ezra's mouth as he eased down. "One... two...."

Ezra stared at him, confused at the counting, then remembrance hit him and he smiled, swamped with amusement and amazement.

"Three. Told you I'd feel 'em," Vin confirmed, as the last ridge of scar tissue slid through the tight muscle.

The smile on Vin's face settled in Ezra's heart. The full weight settled, Vin's balls resting on Ezra's thighs, Ezra's cock buried as deep as it could go into the firm body.

"Vin... by God... that's so....." He gasped as the muscles around him tightened. "I could stay this way forever."

Sliding his hand up into the soft hair, Ezra urged Vin down into a searing kiss, shoving his tongue deep. They both moaned, joined, pressed together as close as two bodies could get. Vin shifted, putting his feet flat on the solid floor. Pushing up, Vin dragged Ezra's cock slowly out of his body, then lowered himself back down. Slanting forward, he rubbed his cock against Ezra's hard stomach. Each slight move built the fire that was consuming Ezra.

Vin sank down again, and Ezra broke the kiss, throwing his head back, panting. He could feel the need building, could see it reflected in Vin's blue eyes. "Yes, perfect... always so good...."

"Yeah." Vin nipped at Ezra's throat, raising and lowering faster, driving Ezra's shaft deep into his body.

Ezra felt the tremors starting in the body around him. The reality, the sharing shook his soul. Vin was in his arms, alive and moving in wonderful harmony. Whispered words of love caught in his throat at the wealth of emotions.

Kissing Vin again, Ezra let all the love that didn't need words reach through the joining. It was too perfect, too needed to last long. His cock swelled, even as he felt the body in his arms stiffen. He shoved up hard, driving into Vin. Pressing down, Vin cried out at the same time as Ezra gave into the need. Vin's cock jumped against his stomach, pumping his offering between their bodies. Ezra cried out in the same instant, flooding Van's tight passage with heat.

There was a single moment of peace, a heartbeat of crystal perfection, then they were moving, touching, laying light kisses on each other's faces, necks, chests. Ezra wiped the single tear off Vin's face while Vin's rough hand brushed his cheeks, cupped his chin. They drew together for another gentle kiss. Ezra wrapped both arms around Vin, felt a similar hold go around his waist, both of them unmindful of the slight pain. They sat there a long time, until Ezra's softening cock slipped from Vin's body. Vin moaned at the loss.

"There will be more," Ezra promised, holding him tighter. "Many, many more. Years more."

Vin started to answer. A sudden wave of dizziness hit Ezra and he snapped his eyes closed. Soft lips brushed his. "Come on, let's get you to bed," Vin said.

Ezra's only answer was to nod, too content to argue. A few minutes later they were stretched out together, Vin spooned around Ezra's back. Ezra could feel the fierce protectiveness in the hold around him, knew it would be a long time before they could forget the blood and near loss.

He stroked the arm over his chest. "We made it, Vin."

Vin answered with a kiss, hands stroking through Ezra's hair.

"Now, sing me a song of forever, with words of parting never," Vin whispered. "Of light and dark, of danger and friendship, of staying or going together."

Ezra had his answer. Rolling over, he stared into the azure eyes. "Let's go home, Vin."

Epilogue

"What do you suppose they're going on about?" Vin asked as he settled into the chair next to Ezra.

Ezra tilted his black Stetson away from his eyes, squinted a little against the bright fall sun. The light still bothered him, even after a month. He followed Vin's gaze across the street to where Chris and Mary were sitting in front of the Clarion. They each had a piece of paper spread out in on their laps, examining each in turn.

Lowering his legs from where they were propped on the railing, Ezra said, "I believe--"

"Ezra!" JD's horse came to a sliding stop in front of them and the young sheriff vaulted off. "Ezra, you gotta help me. Buck says I don't give my horse a name soon, he's gonna. I told him I was gonna ask you since you helped me get her."

The short burst of conversation took Ezra by surprise. While JD had not been rude, he had not been his normal outgoing self toward him and Vin--until now.

Glancing toward the smiling young man and the leggy bay, Ezra said seriously, "Well, Mister Dunne, a fine horse deserves an equally fine name, but I feel it would be more apropos for you to choose that name considering she is your mount."

JD pursed his lips. "Well, she's awful smart. What's a fancy name for someone who's smart?"

Ezra tilted his head. "Athena."

"Athena?" JD questioned, sounding the name out. "I remember reading about her. She was a god or something."

"She was the Greek goddess of war, wisdom and justice," Ezra supplied.

Brightening, JD swung back in the saddle without touching the stirrups. "I gotta tell Buck," he said. "Thanks, Ezra. Let's go, Athena," he encouraged, patting the horse's neck.

There was a moment of silence, then Vin said, "What was that 'bout?"

Smiling a little, Ezra said, "I think that was Mister Dunne's way of letting us know that, for him, life has returned to normal."

Vin snorted. "Yeah, like it was ever normal 'round here."

"Ezra!"

Ezra grimaced at the stern tones of Nathan behind him. He quickly made a grab for the blanket that he had pushed off his chest to the arm of the chair. "Yes, Mister Jackson?"

Nathan glared at him but didn't say anything, merely pulled up another chair. The three sat in companionable silence for a minute. "Wonder what those two are being so serious 'bout?" Nathan wondered, gesturing toward Chris and Mary.

"They have been--" Erza tried.

"Here you go, Ezra," Josiah interrupted.

Ezra gave him a quick glance as he leaned a sturdy maple cane against Ezra's chair. "I took two inches from the bottom and spiked it a little so's you can use in it the dirt."

Slipping his hand over the silver-handled cane, Ezra looked up a little defiantly at Vin. His friend had disapproved of his moving around town so much. In the two weeks they had been back, he had been saved from falling several times by the timely intervention of either a townsperson or a convenient building. The blue eyes flickered from the cane to Ezra and with a sigh, Vin nodded his reluctant permission.

Clearing his throat, Ezra picked up, "Now, as I was saying, Mister Larabee--"

"Mister Jackson!" Billy came running up from the alley. "Jesse fell down and put a nail into his hand."

All four men made to move; Nathan shoved Vin and Ezra back down into their chairs. "Sit! One kid with a nail hole don't need the whole town. Josiah, you fetch his ma."

Just as suddenly as they had gained company, Vin and Ezra were alone again. A minute passed, then Vin said, "You was gonna tell me 'bout those two."

"I was merely taking a minute to give our next round of interruptions a chance to gather forces," Ezra said.

After a minute, when no one else appeared, Ezra said, "Mister Larabee and Missus Travis are discussing which of their respective places to sell after their pending nuptials." Watching the two, Ezra smiled, and started narrating the action. "Chris believes her place is closer and therefore better for Billy to get to school. Mary returns that his has better water supplies. Chris agrees, but she has a barn already. Mary agrees...."

Vin started laughing. "How you know all that?"

Ezra turned and smiled at him very briefly. "They have, in separate conversations, asked my humble opinion of the respective ranches."

"Which one is better?" Vin asked.

"Mister Larabee's. While farther away, it holds the best timber for building as well as the best water."

Their contemplation of Chris and Mary was cut off by Buck's horse cutting in front of them. The bigger man glared down at Ezra. "Athena? What the hell kind of name is that for a horse? She needs something simple and sweet, like Daisy or Ruby."

"I think Athena a very noble name, Mister Wilmington," Mary said as she walked around the gray horse to join them on the sidewalk.

Ezra's only answer was a wide smile that showed his gold tooth and dimpled his cheeks.

Buck nodded to Mary, giving her his winning grin. "I reckon if you like it, Missus Travis, it cain't be bad."

"Get out of here, Buck," Chris warned with a big smile.

"Meet you in an hour, Vin," Buck reminded the tracker.

"I'll be there," Vin answered lazily.

"Gentlemen." Mary nodded and moved off toward the Clarion.

Chris sat down next to Ezra. "You okay to ride, Vin?"

"Hell yes," Vin said firmly.

"That your opinion too, Ezra?"

"Mister Tanner is in fine health, as am I."

Chris snickered at little. "Reckon that's why I found you hanging off that barber pole yesterday."

Vin laughed and Ezra felt the heat rise in his cheeks. "A mere misstep, I assure you."

"Yeah," was all Chris said.

They spent most of the hour in companionable silence. A few folks wandered by, asking about their health; a few changed sides of the street to avoid them, though Ezra got the feeling it was more out of embarrassment than dislike. Miss Nettie and Casey were among those that avoided them. Ezra gave a sympathetic glance at Vin, but the other man only shrugged. Ezra recognized a few of the mob that had attacked him and made a point of tipping his hat in their direction. Chris and Vin both smiled at his nerve.

Chris stood up. "I'd better get some sleep 'fore I take night patrol with JD." The ice-green eyes met his and Ezra could see a new look in their depths, something he had never thought to see there, contentment. "I'm looking forward to when you're back on duty."

Ezra squinted at him. "Mister Larabee, while I am more than willing to resume my duties of peacekeeper, I am having a little trouble with--"

"Shut up, Ezra," Chris growled as he walked off.

"Hey, Chris," Vin called. "Which one you keeping?"

Not even bothering to ask, Chris said, "Mine."

Vin's soft chuckle touched Ezra, and even though he didn't dare turn toward him, he gave a soft smile. Ezra leaned further back, letting the warm sun and cool breeze soothe the last of his aches. He could feel Vin beside him, even though they weren't touching, and knew that he would always feel him there, even if they were miles apart.

It hit Ezra then--a realization, an understanding so strong that it made him draw a quick breath.

"Ezra?" Vin's hand touched his arm.

Ezra turned toward Vin. Unmindful of what anyone might think, he smiled, letting all the love and wonder show in his eyes. "Vin," he said in near awe, "I'm not scared anymore."

For a minute Vin only stared at him, as if judging the statement, then a soft smiled touched the handsome face. "Damn, I wish we were somewhere I could kiss you."

Turning away, trying to control his grin, Ezra said, "Me too."

Vin patted Ezra's arm, let his hand linger a minute longer than was proper. "See you tonight."

"Be careful." Ezra watched Vin walked away. Making sure the tracker was out of sight, he stood, carefully tested his balance with the new cane, then walked across to the Clarion office.

The door bell jingled loudly as he walked in. Mary smiled at him from the back of the printing press. "Mister Standish, what can I do for you this fine afternoon?"

"Missus Travis," Ezra said, barely controlling his smile. "I would like to speak to you about the possible purchase of your homestead."

End

Comments