Magic Piper of Love
The soothing sounds of Vin Tanner's flute drifted through the nearly deserted saloon. It was early in the morning, and only die-hard drunks, travelers and Chris Larabee's friends frequented it at this time of day. It made a good spot to catch up, be it over Whiskey or a hearty breakfast.
However, right now only Vin, Ezra and JD were there, the latter two listening to Vin play his flute.
"That's beautiful, Vin," JD said dreamily when the Tracker set down the instrument.
Vin smiled at him. Then they both looked at Ezra's face. The gambler looked miles away, his eyes were glazed over and he had an especially peaceful look about him.
"How did you like it, Ezra?" JD asked eagerly.
Ezra didn't look at him, but he replied softly, "Lovely, Mr Dunne." Then he shook himself as if he'd just woken up. "What was that tune, Mr Tanner?"
Vin passed the flute across the table. "Some old Indian love song. But the interesting thing is the flute, Ezra," he began to explain while the gambler examined the delicate instrument.
Hanging eagerly on Vin's every word, Ezra and the young Sheriff listened to the Indian legend about the Courting Flute.
+ + + + + + +
Ezra and JD had been out of town for 2 days. Nobody had any idea where they'd gone, except Vin, who grinned broadly whenever anyone asked about them.
Even Chris, no matter how hard he tried, couldn't get any information out of his good friend. They were all sitting in the Saloon when he tried yet again. "What's the secret, Vin?"
"It ain't no secret anymore if I tell ya, Chris." Vin smiled some more.
Chris shook his head, muttering something about how it wasn't safe for them to split up, and then he looked at Buck, Josiah and Nathan. They shrugged in unison. Neither one of them had a clue as to their friends' whereabouts.
Buck frowned. "Sure hope they don't get in trouble. That kid picks up every shred of it goin' around and Ezra ain't much better." He was damn worried about them both, especially JD, whom he felt just a little too protective of.
Josiah downed some Whiskey. "They'll be alright," he said, astonishing everyone. He seemed to have more confidence in Ezra than the others. But of course he'd seen the gambler with that little girl, Olivia. Ezra had a wonderfully caring way about him, and Josiah felt certain he'd take good care of JD too.
Nathan just shook his head, unwilling to consider that Ezra might be willing to take responsibility for anyone or anything.
+ + + + + + +
Vin's Indian friend, White Sands, touched Ezra's arm and smiled at JD. "May kind spirits be with you on your quest," he said, presenting them with two small tube-like packages. They were made from the softest leather and contained objects which looked identical to anyone who didn't know better.
The two men thanked him and rode off towards home.
They made it back to Four Corners within a couple of days, eager to get back for a number of reasons. Exchanging a meaningful look and nodding understandingly, they both went to hide their new acquisitions in a safe place and met back at the Saloon where they rightly expected to find their friends.
Their welcome couldn't have been more heartfelt.
Buck jumped up the moment he saw them enter and walked straight towards Ezra, ignoring JD altogether. He smiled and just as Ezra was about to speak, a fist flew into his face, followed by a stream of accusations.
"What the hell were you thinkin', Standish? Of all the stupid, dangerous things to do! How dare you just run off with the kid when you know full well that I... that we'd be worried sick about him!?"
Ezra touched his cheek, feeling for the beginnings of the inevitable bruise. Then he replied calmly, "So nice to know I was missed also, Mr Wilmington."
Buck glared at him before reaching to grab JD by the collar. "And you! What do you have to say for yourself?"
If JD hadn't long since discovered that Buck was far too concerned for his safety to ever hurt him seriously, he would have gotten worried by the darkening of Buck's eyes and the anger in them. "Nice to see ya, Buck," he said, smiling broadly. It hadn't taken him long to realize that his smile always disarmed Buck in his angry outbursts.
This time was no different. Buck let go off JD's shirt and after another failed attempt at an angry glare, he resigned himself to quietly saying, "Yeah, kid."
Vin and Ezra exchanged a quick glance and Ezra nodded. Vin smiled and winked at him.
That was when Chris Larabee stepped forward and grabbed Ezra's arm, tightly. "Outside, Ezra! Now!"
"Oh dear!" Ezra let himself be hurled to the door, ignoring the pitying looks of the others. Once outside, Chris shot around and for the second time that day, Ezra was struck. Only this time, it really hurt, both when the bony fist connected with his jaw and when his well-dressed derriere hit the sandy ground.
Sitting there, holding his chin, Ezra said, "Where I come from, Mr Larabee, this kind of thing might be considered a challenge to a duel. Am I to understand that you are issuing such a challenge?"
Chris held out his right hand and Ezra took it, pulling himself up. Before he could so much as take a breath to speak, he found himself almost nose to nose with Larabee.
"You are to understand that if you ever do somethin' like that again, I will deal to you. And it won't be nothin' like this!" When he saw the slight quiver in Ezra's calm facade, he added in a growl, "In case you don't know, you have a responsibility here. You can't just ride off when you feel like it. That clear?"
Ezra was shaking, but not with fear. Certainly, Chris Larabee could freeze anyone's blood with a single glare, but he was equally adept at starting a fire. And right now, Ezra was roasting. Larabee's long fingers squeezing his wrist cruelly were the stick on which he was being slowly turned above the fire, those dark blue eyes were the flames lapping at him. He was nearly done. Ezra nodded, since he didn't trust his voice.
Chris Larabee let go of his wrist, turned and strode back inside, unaware of the small crowd which had gathered in the street, as well as the longing gaze following him.
"Sure hope it'll be worth it," Ezra sighed, flicking dust off his shirt and waistcoat.
+ + + + + + +
JD grinned as he unwrapped his package later that day. He picked up the tiny flute and turned it in his fingers. Looked so simple. He wondered if it really had all these magical abilities like the Indians claimed. "Only one way to find out," he encouraged himself. And he lifted the instrument to his lips, recalling the first few notes of the song he had been taught by the berdache White Sands had taken him and Ezra to see.
Buck stopped dead in his tracks. He was on his way to visit an "old friend" when he heard the sweetest music. Odd thing was, it came from the Sheriff's office. He wondered if JD had a girl there. For some reason, that thought didn't make him smile the way it used to. He decided he had to find out who was playing that tune.
Purposefully, he strode around the corner and was stopped by the most curious sight. There was JD, sitting peacefully in front of the jail, producing that beautiful music on a flute.
The most curious thing however was that Buck was convinced he had never heard anything so beautiful. It was as if JD was playing that melody just for him. Like a private message.
He sneaked up closer, unwilling to interrupt JD's playing, yet unable to keep away. Sitting on the ground just around the corner and out of sight, Buck kept listening, his eyes closed and his fingers playing absentmindedly with his hat.
+ + + + + + +
Ezra was far more hesitant about getting started. Deep down, he had his doubts about the whole thing. Despite Vin's and the berdache's enthusiastic reassurances, he was willing to bet a week's Poker winnings that the plan could never work, not in a hundred years. He sighed, mentally disassembling the intriguing idea. He turned the flute between his fingers, eyeing it suspiciously. What would be the point? He was about to return it to its place in his cabinet when he heard a knock on the door.
Ezra called out and Vin entered.
"How's it goin', pard?" The Tracker settled into one of the chairs by the window.
Ezra sighed. "I'm afraid that as far as I am concerned, Mr Tanner, this trip out of town has been a waste of time. I certainly hope JD has better luck."
"It didn't work?" Vin was honestly surprised.
"Well..." Ezra shifted uncomfortably. "I haven't exactly attempted to prove the theory yet." Before Vin could protest, he quickly added, "It was foolish of me to think it could work, when Mr Larabee is so clearly not interested."
Tanner shook his head. "White Sands explain to you how it works?" he asked.
Ezra nodded. "But truthfully, what are the odds in this case, Mr Tanner?" He continued without waiting for a response. "There comes a time, even for a gamblin' man, when one has to admit that the stakes are insurmountable. Such a time is upon me now."
Vin smiled. "So basically, you're givin' up before even tryin'?"
"Basically, yes I am."
"Then you're a fool!" Vin Tanner squinted at Ezra and quickly surveyed the room, as if he was making sure they were alone. "You know I tried it myself, don't ya?
Ezra raised his eyebrows. "Mr Larabee?"
Nodding, Vin admitted, "Yup. He said 'Nice tune, Vin' and walked away. Guess that means I'm outta the game, don't it?" A rueful smile darkened his face momentarily.
"I fail to see your point." Ezra put the flute down, resting his hands on his thighs, and leaned back in his chair. "This does however further prove MY point. There is no use in even attempting this enterprise. You, Mr Tanner, share with only Mr Wilmington the distinction of being Chris Larabee's closest friend. I, however, feel privileged that he still considers me useful after my abhorrin' display at the Seminole village."
Vin was about to protest, but Ezra silenced him with a raised hand. "Today for example, after Mr Dunne and I returned, the gentleman in question made it quite clear how very much he disapproves of me."
"Has it occurred to you that he mighta been worried?"
"Certainly," Ezra admitted. "About our young Sheriff."
"I reckon Buck does all the worryin' in that department. And then some." Vin chuckled.
Ezra couldn't help a smile. "Yes, I do believe that Mr Dunne will find him quite easily won over. If the flute actually works, that is."
"Oh, it works," Vin assured. " White Sands used it himself. And he's been married for 10 years now."
Ezra laughed. "I appreciate your sense of humor, Mr Tanner."
Vin grinned. He stood and made his way to the door. Before he reached it, he turned once more and said, "You got nothin' to lose, Ezra. Everything to gain."
"I'll think about it." Ezra smiled.
+ + + + + + +
Nearly half an hour had passed and JD was beginning to get fed up. He had been playing the same tune over and over, the way he had been told. Unfortunately, Buck seemed nowhere around.
As soon as the music stopped, Buck snapped back to reality. He had been slumped against the outside wall of the building, listening spellbound. Slowly, he rose to his feet and put on his hat. Peeking around the corner, he saw JD entering the Sheriff's office. He smiled and followed him inside.
When JD heard footsteps right behind him, he turned around, drawing his Colt and aiming at the intruder.
"Whoa! It's me!" Buck smiled, and with a sigh, JD returned his gun to its holster. "Gettin' pretty fast with that thing there." Buck pulled his hat forward a little.
"Sorry, Buck. Had no idea it was you. What's up?" JD felt just a little elated as he wondered what had made Buck come and see him.
"Just passin' by, wonderin' if you'd wanna join me for a few drinks later on." Buck felt more than a little awkward, asking JD for a date like that. Just as well the kid couldn't possibly know that he was.
JD's heart jumped in his chest. "I'd love to, Buck. Meet you at the Saloon in an hour?" He put on his Bowler and made himself look busy.
Buck nodded, deeply satisfied. He still had the touch.
"Right now, I gotta get back to work, though," JD smiled and went to sit behind his desk, apparently quite happy to ignore his friend.
Buck's jaw dropped. "Uh... sure, JD. See ya later." And he left, feeling a little confused, and very excited at the same time.
JD however was left behind with an enormous grin, pondering the fact that they'd just had their first conversation without Buck calling him a kid.
+ + + + + + +
That night, Ezra entered the Saloon to find Chris and Vin already there. He hesitantly joined them at their table, earning a disinterested look from Chris. Trying not to be disturbed by that, Ezra ordered himself a drink.
Shortly after, Buck and JD entered. Together.
Vin and Ezra exchanged a look of amusement, one Chris Larabee did not miss. And none of them missed Buck's unprecedented gesture of leading JD to a different table, choosing to ignore their friends' presence. Buck clearly wanted to be alone with the young Sheriff, much to Chris' confusion and Vin's and Ezra's delight.
"My, my, that was certainly quick. I must say I am impressed, Mr Tanner." Ezra raised his glass in Vin's direction before downing a hearty dose of Whiskey.
"What was quick?" Chris asked, almost certain he wouldn't get an answer that was worth a damn.
"Secret." Vin grinned and Chris grew increasingly more frustrated. He'd had just about enough of Vin's secrets.
Ezra, meanwhile, spent a quiet evening observing the intimate seating arrangement and longing looks between JD and Buck, reconsidering his hasty decision from earlier on.
+ + + + + + +
Chris Larabee was walking down the main street the following afternoon when he was stopped in his tracks by a lovely melody. His keen hearing allowed him to pinpoint its origin quite accurately, so he continued towards the livery. He was stunned when he found himself tripping over Ezra's outstretched legs.
"Oh dear! I am sorry. Are you alright, Mr Larabee?" Ezra immediately set the flute down and rose off the chair he had set up for himself. This was not what was supposed to happen. Causing injury, let alone to Chris Larabee, was the last thing on his mind.
Chris groaned, but he took the helpful hand that was offered to him. "Ezra..." he murmured.
Shivering from the softness in the usually so serious voice, Ezra continued to hold Chris' hand a little longer as he helped him get steady on his feet. "Please, do accept my sincerest apologies, Mr Larabee. It was unforgivable of me to spread myself out in such a slovenly fashion."
Chris interrupted Ezra's stream of words with an unexpected and utterly charming smile. "Ezra, it's okay. Nothin' happened and I shoulda been lookin' where I was going."
Stunned into silence, Ezra merely stared at the object of his affection.
"What was that you were playin'?" Chris inquired.
Unable to suppress a smile, Ezra told him he had purchased a flute and was merely practicing a random tune.
"It's beautiful."
Ezra frowned. That was about as far as Vin Tanner had gotten. But before he had the time to grow frustrated, Chris Larabee surprised him yet again.
"Would you play it some more?"
"Why, I'd love to, Mr Larabee." And Ezra settled back in his easy-chair and lifted the flute to his lips, watching in astonishment as Chris settled in on the ground in front of him like a trusting child waiting to be told a story.
And did Ezra have a story to tell...
+ + + + + + +
JD couldn't wipe the grin off his face the entire day. To his utter amazement, Buck had never moved from his side all of last night. And every now and then, while they'd been talkin', JD had found Buck just staring at him with that predatory look he only ever donned when a pretty lady was around.
But it had gotten better. When JD's eyes finally kept drifting shut, Buck had offered to walk him home and when they'd arrived, he had wrapped his young friend in his arms and just held him for a bit. Once they separated, Buck smiled, a little embarrassed, and left.
It had been a wonderful evening and JD was in heaven! Now, he simply had to find out how Ezra was getting on. He put on his Bowler hat and went in search of his friend.
What he saw when he spotted Ezra made his eyes widen in astonishment. Truth be told, he had been a little unsure about Ezra's chances with Chris Larabee. It wasn't that he doubted Ezra's appeal or anything, but he had his doubts that Chris Larabee would allow anyone to appeal to him, let alone Ezra.
So it was no small surprise when JD found Chris Larabee sitting on the ground by Ezra's feet, obviously spellbound by the gambler's flute playing. It was a lovely melody, JD had to admit, and for an instant, he very nearly joined Chris. While his better judgment decided to give them some privacy, the lingering need to keep listening wouldn't leave JD for the rest of the day.
+ + + + + + +
That night, when JD entered the Saloon, he found Vin sitting with Nathan and Josiah. All three of them looked a little confused. No, JD reconsidered, they looked like they'd been struck by lightning.
"What's wrong?" JD asked cheerfully, settling down with them.
They were all quick to shake their heads, trying hard to look perfectly normal.
"Come on, guys, something's up." JD was not about to give in.
But before anyone could respond, the Saloon doors opened and Ezra entered.
Right then, JD would have gotten his answer, only he didn't see the way everyone's eyes darted straight to the gambler. He didn't see or hear Vin's glass drop on the floor, nor did he see Josiah clutching the cross around his neck, nor did he see Nathan moisten his suddenly very dry lips.
The reason JD didn't take note of any of those things was because he found himself unable to look at anything but Ezra. He was sure he'd never seen anything so beautiful - somehow, the gambler's eyes looked greener, his smile warmer, his red coat more elegant and his walk more graceful than ever before.
And then, all four men were stunned further when Ezra turned and made his way to their table, smiling a blinding smile.
"Gentlemen, how are you this fine evenin'?" he asked, his voice dripping honey.
No one was able to reply. JD smiled from ear to ear, his eyes hanging on Ezra's every word. Nathan and Josiah just stared, and Vin's mouth stood open in amazement.
"Well..." Ezra blinked self-consciously, wondering whether his friends were making some kind of joke at his expense. But before he could ask, the doors opened again and Chris Larabee entered, drifting straight across the room towards Ezra.
"Evenin' Ezra," he said breathlessly.
"Mr Larabee." Ezra tipped his hat, smiling. He was entirely satisfied with the way his day had been going. Wherever he had gone, Chris Larabee had been closeby as if by coincidence.
"Let's go sit over in the corner and have a drink," Chris suggested, eyeing his friends suspiciously. He didn't miss the hungry looks they were giving Ezra and he didn't like it at all.
"Why certainly, Chris." Ezra smiled at him warmly and followed him to the table, having forgotten about everyone else around.
JD, Nathan, Josiah and Vin kept looking, until JD realized what they were all doing. "Damn!" he exclaimed. "Vin?"
"Uh-huh?" Vin asked, not taking his eyes off Ezra.
"Vin!" JD said, louder.
"WHAT?" All three men looked at him as if he'd just woken them up at a really bad time.
JD shook his head. "What's goin' on here? I mean, it's like we're all, you know..."
Vin shrugged.
"What's going on with Ezra?" JD tried again.
"Ezra?" Vin asked dreamily.
"Yeah!" JD nodded. "Remember, Chris was supposed to fall for him, but I've been... I mean, I know I..." He looked from one to the other. "And you guys... I mean, this wasn't supposed to happen!"
Finally comprehending, Vin said, "Well, I'll be."
Nathan frowned. "What are y'all talkin' about?"
Josiah smiled. "Ezra been puttin' something in our Whiskey?" On that, he took a healthy dose from his glass and resumed staring at the man sitting at the far corner table.
JD and Vin looked at each other, feverishly trying to work out what had gone wrong.
"Well, it's workin' with Chris, too, at least." Vin turned his head back and forth, looking for something. "Anyone seen my drink?"
That somehow only made JD angry. "Dammit!" He was about to storm off and walk over to Ezra's and Chris's table, but Vin held him back by his sleeve.
"Hold on there, Sheriff!"
"Let me go, Vin." JD was fuming. All of a sudden, he couldn't stand watching Ezra and Chris flirting at the other end of the room.
"Calm down. It ain't supposed to work with anyone but him. Besides, you did it with Buck, remember?" Vin was quickly attempting to put his mind back together as best he could.
"What did he do with Buck?" Josiah inquired, fascinated. Yet not fascinated enough to take his eyes off the gambler.
"Nothin'." JD took a deep breath. What was wrong with him? Ezra wasn't the one he wanted. Right? He sat down again, "Still don't know what happened."
Vin had a sudden inspiration. "Any one of you fellas hear Ezra play his flute earlier?"
All three of them nodded.
"That man's a true artist!" Josiah nodded emphatically, watching the graceful movements of Ezra's hands on the table top.
"Real beautiful." Nathan's eyes had drifted back to Ezra and he was busy admiring the enticing shadow the weak oil lamp in the window threw over Ezra's face.
JD was silent. His lips had gone dry as he imagined resting his head on those broad shoulders.
"JD? Did you hear him?" Vin tried to snap him out of it.
"Yeah, did."
"We gotta do somethin'." Vin gulped down some of Josiah's Whiskey and stood.
The Preacher picked up his hat and joined him. "I agree. Let's go over and join those two."
"Hell, no!" Vin said.
They had quite a problem on their hands, that much was clear.
JD asked hesitantly, "Is there an antidote or somethin'?"
"Ezra ain't poison, JD." Vin shook his head.
"I know that." JD feasted his eyes once more and sighed. "But we gotta do somethin'. I mean, if Chris finds out..."
"We're dead." Vin, Nathan and Josiah agreed on that point.
+ + + + + + +
"Who's gonna tell him?" JD asked quietly of the other three men who had joined him at the jail.
Not surprisingly, everyone volunteered to take Ezra aside and have a heart to heart talk with him.
Vin shook his head. "We can't all do it. The poor fella's gonna be worried enough as it is without all of us comin' down on him."
Josiah whistled in response to Vin's choice of words and JD blushed. Nathan chuckled quietly.
"Well..." JD began hesitantly. "Since y'all think of me as a kid, I guess I'd be the least frightenin' to him."
"Oh, I don't know, JD." Josiah grinned broadly. "I've seen the way you looked at him before. If I was Ezra, I'd keep that Derringer handy for self-defense."
JD did his best impression of a glare. "What, you're gonna claim you want to pray with him now? Your intentions ain't all holy either, Preacher."
"No, they sure ain't," Josiah admitted. "But Ezra would understand. He's done some preachin' himself once."
"He has?" Nathan asked with interest. "Certainly wouldn't mind him tryin' to convert me."
"To what?" JD snapped.
"Hell, anything." Nathan and Josiah said it entirely in sync, chuckling.
Vin tried again. "One of us has to do it and carefully. Chris did look mighty possessive at the Saloon before."
"I'm not afraid of him!" JD stated, pulling out his Colt.
"You should be," Vin warned. "Chris is a hard man." He considered JD's eager volunteering briefly. "Well, guess it might as well be you. He probably wouldn't shoot you as quick as he'd shoot one of us."
JD grinned as if he'd won first prize in a contest and started towards the doorway.
Josiah called out to him, "Keep that youthful enthusiasm of yours in check, JD. It can get a man in a lot of trouble."
Ignoring the lighthearted warning, JD started towards the boarding house, hiding swiftly behind a post when he saw a man leaving down the outside staircase. It was Chris Larabee, JD realized angrily. Well, at least he hadn't stayed the night. And considering only 20 minutes had passed since JD and the others had left Ezra and Chris at the Saloon, nothing could have really happened.
Watching from his hiding place, JD saw Chris look up towards Ezra's room, adjusting his hat in a greeting. JD's eyes followed Chris' line of vision and he saw Ezra standing at the top of the stairs, smiling down at Chris.
For an instant, JD forgot entirely why he had come. Josiah's and his own words from before came back to him in a jumble and he felt that maybe he should be kneeling down, prayin'.
Chris Larabee smiled up at the man on the balcony, equally stunned by the way Ezra looked, surrounded by the soft glow of the moonlight. The gambler was no longer wearing his jacket and the white of his shirt was almost blinding. "Damn, I don't wanna be goin' home now..."
JD's spirits sank when he heard Chris mutter those words, but he was relieved that nonetheless, Larabee turned and left.
Waiting until he was out of sight, JD eventually made his way up the stairs and knocked on Ezra's door.
+ + + + + + +
"Mr Dunne, what brings you here at this late hour?" Ezra asked, looking a little flushed.
"Gotta talk to you, Ezra." JD was out of breath, but not from walking up the stairs.
"Certainly. Judging by your hurried demeanor, it must be a matter of extreme urgency? Please, come in."
JD tried to keep his mind on his job. He was here on a mission, and it did not include professin' his undying love for Ezra. He decided it was more prudent to sit down. Not on the bed, maybe.
"I have to talk to you, Ezra," he repeated, trying to avoid looking at the gambler's face.
Ezra smiled. "I do remember you mentioning something along those lines when you entered moments ago." When JD didn't reply immediately, he cocked his head. "JD?"
"Huh?" JD gulped. "Um... I don't know how to... Ezra..." he began.
"Would you like me to guess?" Ezra asked, bemused.
JD nodded. That would certainly make things easier.
"Alright then." Ezra sat down at the foot of the bed, right opposite JD. Wondering why the boy avoided looking at him, he suggested, "A gang of outlaws is descending upon this town as we speak, and our services are required to keep the peace?"
JD shook his head, examining his fingernails carefully.
"Someone's kitten has run away and we have to find it before it gets lost in the desert?"
Biting his lips, JD began to play with the buttons on his shirt.
"One of Mr Wilmington's lady friends has come to town and you require advice on how to regain his attentions?"
Now, JD looked up, and when his eyes locked with Ezra's, his heart nearly jumped from his chest, as he knew it would. "Oh god!" he exclaimed.
"What makes you think I can help?" Ezra inquired, entirely oblivious to the effect he was having on his young visitor.
"You're the only one who can," JD said huskily.
"I am certainly flattered, Mr Dunne, but..."
The rest of Ezra's speech was cut off when JD slipped off his chair and went down on his knees in front of him, reaching for Ezra's right hand to press a kiss on his palm.
Shrieking, Ezra jerked his hand away. "J D !!"
JD stared up at him, his eyes wide and full of shock at his own behavior. "I'm sorry, Ezra, I didn't mean to..." He stopped, expecting to be thrown out - and possibly down the staircase as well - for his display.
But Ezra swallowed down his surprise, because that was all it was after all, and seeing the fear in his young friend's face, he said softly, pointing to the chair JD had vacated so suddenly, "Please, sit down."
JD nodded and did as he was told.
"I think you'd better tell me what it is only I can help with," Ezra said calmly.
JD took a deep breath. "You were playin' the flute this afternoon."
Ezra nodded.
"We all heard you play, Ezra." JD's hands were intertwined and he seemed to be having a hard time sitting still.
"I do apologize for that." Ezra smiled. "I am not a musician by any stretch of the imagination." He tried to figure out what all this had to do with JD's earlier behavior.
"No, don't apologize. It was..." JD dared another look at Ezra's face. "...beautiful." After an uncomfortable pause, he added, "But I don't think we were supposed to hear you play, cause now we're all... Damn, this is hard to say!"
"It would certainly appear so." Ezra raised his eyebrows. He tried to make sense of the jumble of JD's words and actions and suddenly, he knew what the boy was talking about. "Oh dear!"
Nodding, JD confirmed the gambler's guess.
"You mean to tell me that this is why you... you kissed me before?"
The mention of a kiss, rather than that pitiful attempt at a hand kiss, made JD's stomach tighten. For a moment, he was too distracted by the vision of Ezra's beautifully chiseled lips devouring his own to be able to speak.
"JD?"
And that voice saying his name... JD tried real hard to focus. "Yes," was all he managed.
Ezra went white. "Am I to understand that you are not the only one who... feels this way about me?"
JD shook his head. "Vin, Josiah and Nathan heard you too."
If that was at all possible, Ezra went even whiter. "Goodness gracious." He paused, thinking hard about something. "It would appear then that I am a prisoner in this room for the time being. I suppose I would have to expect similar..." He tried to find words that wouldn't be hurtful to JD. "... similar 'shows of affection' from the other gentlemen?"
Blushing, JD nodded. "We're all awful smitten with you, Ezra."
Taking a deep breath, Ezra asked, "Is there anything that can be done about this? Because I certainly don't wish to remain ensconced in this room of mine for eternity."
"I hope so." Oddly enough, that was the moment it briefly occurred to JD that he should congratulate Ezra on his success with Chris, only he really didn't feel like doing that.
For once, the gambler was speechless. He was trapped by - of all things - his own irresistible allure. If it wasn't so bizarre, it would actually be funny. He had a thought. "What about White Sands? Would he possibly know of something to do in a case such as this?"
JD's eyes widened. "Damn, Ezra! We never thought of that. But then... we're all kinda preoccupied." He grinned sheepishly, watching Ezra blush. Then he just kept sitting there quietly, waiting, and looking at Ezra.
"Maybe you should go and discuss this option with the others?" Ezra suggested, not wanting to be rude and actually throw the young Sheriff out. But it appeared JD was having a very hard time distinguishing when it was appropriate to leave.
"Can I ask you something, Ezra?" JD bit his lower lip. He had to know.
Entirely not certain whether he'd want to answer whatever question was on his friend's mind, Ezra nodded hesitantly.
"Did you and Chris... did anything happen? Tonight?" JD couldn't believe he was actually asking this. Fully expecting to be thrown out on his behind, he was surprised to see Ezra smile.
"No. It is generally advisable to play a little hard to get, JD."
JD nodded, hoping he would remember the advice once Buck got back into his mind.
As if reading JD's thoughts, Ezra suddenly asked. "What about Mr Wilmington?"
Not quite understanding, JD raised his eyebrows in a silent question.
"Is he also... I mean, did he hear me play?"
Feeling guilty for only now realizing that he hadn't seen Buck all evening, JD shook his head. "No. He wasn't even around tonight."
Ezra's eyes lit up. "Well then, I believe that the safest bet would be for me to stick to Mr Wilmington's company, should I have to leave my room, until a solution has been found."
From his tone of voice, JD knew that Ezra demanded a solution as soon as possible. "I'll talk to the others. And to Buck."
"Thank you. And please, keep me informed about your progress." Waiting for JD to leave, Ezra finally decided he had to take the initiative. "Good night, JD."
"Oh."
Stumbling to his feet, JD headed for the door. Before he opened it, he turned and took another look at Ezra. "Good night. And sweet dreams."
Smiling, Ezra replied. "I wish you the same, JD."
"Oh don't worry," JD said with a mischievous smile. "I'll be havin' the sweetest dreams tonight."
Blushing furiously, Ezra said, "I would appreciate it if you didn't tell me about them. I embarrass easily."
JD sighed. He just couldn't help himself. He leaned forward and quickly kissed Ezra on the cheek, before hurriedly making his exit through the outside door and down the staircase.
Ezra stood, too shocked to move. Then he decided it would be prudent to lock the door.
+ + + + + + +
"This has gotta be another one of your jokes, JD! Only this one's actually funny." Buck Wilmington was close to hysterics, looking as if he was about to fall off his perch on JD's desk.
JD had just told him all about the Ezra problem, with Vin throwing in a few comments for good measure, and it appeared Buck wasn't quite taking him seriously.
"This is no joke, Buck!" JD was furiously that Buck should be laughing at him.
"Oh, I think it is. So tell me..." Buck said, looking deep into JD's eyes. "You have a crush on him, too?"
"I can't help it, Buck, any more than Vin or Nathan or Josiah." JD was concerned about hurting Buck's feelings. Besides, when Ezra wasn't around, he was all JD was interested in.
But Buck was far from being hurt, offended or angry. He smiled from ear to ear as if the whole thing was the funniest story he'd ever heard. "And you want me to be his body guard?"
Vin entered into the conversation. "It's only 'til we work out what to do. Gonna take him to White Sands just as soon as we know how to tell Chris."
"Oh, he's gonna LOVE this!" Buck chuckled. "I still can't believe that Chris and Ezra... but damn, if that's true, he's gonna be madder than a coyote in heat!"
"He'll probably wanna be comin' along to the reservation," Vin said.
"I bet he will. Just Chris and me to protect Ezra from you love-crazed fellas?" Buck shook his head, laughing.
"You better go tell Ezra. He doesn't dare come out of his room. I'll go find Chris." With those words, Vin picked up his hat and left, heading straight for the Saloon.
JD looked at Buck helplessly, unable to think of anything clever to say. And Buck just grinned, going off to see Ezra.
+ + + + + + +
"Ah, Mr Wilmington. I take it you've come to escort me to the restaurant so that I may have breakfast?" Ezra was all dressed to go out. Apparently he'd only been waiting for Buck to come and get him.
"Sure looks that way. Can't believe I'm a chaperon now. For you no less!" Buck grinned.
"I'm glad you find this whole thing amusing. If you were in my place, you might see it differently."
Buck thought about that. Then he shook his head. "No. I think I'd be a mite flattered."
"I suppose YOU would be!" Ezra exclaimed, before making his way past the figure in his doorway and walking down the stairs to the street.
Laughing, Buck followed closely behind.
They walked towards the restaurant in companionable silence. Then something occurred to Buck. "Vin's gone to tell Chris. We'll be taking you back to the Indians to sort out this mess."
Ezra stopped, looking at Buck. "I already talked to him early this morning."
"Oh. Well, good." Buck nodded. "In that case, you might wanna get your things together after breakfast. We'll be leavin' later today, I imagine."
"Certainly. The sooner the better."
Buck had to ask. "How did he take it?"
"He wasn't pleased." Ezra chose not to reveal that aside from the obvious, Chris wasn't at all pleased to discover that he had been *tricked* by Ezra. But he had eventually seen that they might otherwise never have gotten together.
"Well, don't worry. We'll get it all sorted out." Buck tried to sound comforting, but he couldn't help the note of amusement that crept into his voice.
Ezra threw him a disapproving glance from fiery green eyes. "Let's just go and have breakfast," he said.
+ + + + + + +
"We can't all go," Chris pointed out when all of the Seven had assembled at the Livery.
Vin scratched his forehead. "Buck doesn't have to, and I guess you don't. But maybe everyone *affected* by mistake has to."
Chris smiled dangerously. "If you think I'm lettin' Ezra go with the four of you, you don't know me at all, Vin!"
"Didn't think ya would." Vin mounted his horse and waited for the others to get ready.
JD, Nathan and Josiah had been on their horses for a good ten minutes before Ezra had even appeared.
Buck was adjusting his saddle, chuckling. "I think Chris can do with all the help he can get, keepin' Ezra safe."
"Gentlemen, I would appreciate it if you didn't discuss this embarrassing matter as though I was not even present." Ezra shifted uncomfortably on his horse.
"Sorry." Chris came up by his side, briefly squeezing his arm soothingly.
Ezra smiled at him, very glad he was along for the ride.
The others were wishing sincerely that he wasn't.
+ + + + + + +
By the end of the day, Ezra had come to the conclusion that dodging bullets was a far easier undertaking than dodging fervent wanna-be lovers.
At any given point of time, one of the men was riding closely alongside him, devouring him with his eyes and trying to involve him in a personal conversation. It usually lasted until Chris or Buck threw an angry glare at the offender, putting him back in his place. His place, it appeared to Ezra, tended to be close behind him and with a good view.
When the sun began to set, they made camp for the night. Chris made sure that Ezra's bedroll was positioned extremely close to his own and Buck's, and well away from the others'.
Josiah had volunteered to do the cooking, and considering he was the best cook among them, no one minded.
JD, meanwhile, was fussing over Ezra, rushing off to refill his canteen at the nearby stream and taking care of his horse as if it was his own.
Under normal circumstances, Ezra might have enjoyed so much attention, but embarrassment won out over him. He leant towards Chris and whispered something in his ear.
Chris nodded.
Once they'd eaten Josiah's chilli and spent some time discussing meaningless Four Corners business, Chris announced, "Buck and I are gonna be taking shifts tonight. The rest of you can go to sleep whenever you want."
"Don't be ridiculous, Chris." Josiah grinned. "We're not gonna touch Ezra."
"Good." Turning to Buck, Chris said, "You'd better get some sleep. Second shift is yours."
Buck nodded and went to get his bedroll set up.
+ + + + + + +
While he sat awake, Chris thought about whether or not he was being paranoid. Surely, none of his friends would actually try and ravish Ezra in the middle of the night? Especially while he and Buck were around.
He watched Ezra sleep, wishing desperately that the other five would just disappear. To be alone with him, out here under the nearly full moon, the low fire crackling nearby... he shook himself. Then he thought of something. "Ezra," he whispered right by the gambler's ear.
Slowly waking, Ezra smiled up into Chris' face. "Well hello," he said seductively, realizing it was still dark and certainly not yet time to get up.
"Come with me." Chris stood, reaching out for Ezra's hand.
The gambler took it and disentangled himself from his blanket. He felt his cheeks flush as Chris pulled him away from camp and towards the stream. "Where are we going?" he asked breathlessly.
Chris merely smiled.
As soon as they were well out of sight of the other five and found themselves amongst a group of trees, Chris stopped and pulled Ezra against him. "Where are we going?" he repeated. "Anywhere you're willin' to go with me." And without waiting for a response, he roughly took that sweet mouth he'd been longing to kiss since the previous night.
Ezra decided there were better ways to answer a question than talking. He let himself go limp in Chris' arms, allowing him to part his lips and push his tongue through them. It wasn't a tender kiss by anyone's definition, but Ezra certainly didn't care. This was how he had dreamt their first kiss would be - passionate, urgent and hard.
When their lips parted, Chris loosened his grip on Ezra's shirt slightly, but held him close enough to watch the flush their kiss had sent into his handsome face. "I can't believe it took me this long," he breathed.
"Better late than never, Mr Larabee." Ezra smiled, reaching to touch Chris' cheek.
Chris stopped the movement with his right hand. "Keep calling me Mr Larabee, and you won't be able to ride on tomorrow."
"Is that a threat or a promise?" Ezra's eyes twinkled mischievously.
"That depends on your point of view." And to make his intentions clearer, Chris pulled Ezra close again, this time with one hand possessively on the other man's behind. He looked at him seriously for a moment, but he couldn't keep up the act and leant down to kiss Ezra again.
If it hadn't been for their friends being asleep so closeby, they would have spent the rest of the night in each other's arms. But to be cautious, Chris suggested they go back to the fire. "Anytime soon, one of the others is gonna wake up and who knows what they'll do if you're not around."
Laughing softly, Ezra followed Chris back, his heart beating like a drum.
"You're not tempted, are you?" Chris inquired, just before they arrived back at their deserted bedrolls.
"Tempted by what, dearest?" Ezra asked jokingly, knowing exactly what Chris was referring to.
"By all those lovesick men, waitin' desperately for a rattlesnake or a scorpion to get me."
Ezra gave him a quick kiss. "Certainly not. I've won the jackpot, Mr Larabee."
"I'm relieved to hear it." Chris took Ezra's hand and lead him back the rest of the way. "Sleep tight," he whispered in his ear, before walking over to wake Buck.
Ezra smiled and got settled in, wondering whether he'd be able to sleep after those kisses. He barely took notice of Buck Wilmington taking his position by his side.
A long time seemed to have passed and sleep still wouldn't come. Something wasn't right, Ezra thought. Thoughts of Chris Larabee's arms around him were distracting enough, but now he noted something else. He had lost his favorite ring. "Oh, darn it," he mumbled.
"Somethin' wrong?" Buck inquired softly, careful not to wake anyone else.
Ezra sat up. "It appears I have lost my ring." He got up and pulled on his jacket. It had gotten a little chillier, but he decided to go searching anyway. He had to have dropped it back where he and Chris had been over an hour ago.
Buck followed him, his rifle at the ready. "I'm right behind you," he stated.
Ezra was a little surprised. "That is hardly necessary, Mr Wilmington. I assure you, I'm perfectly capable of finding my lost property on my own."
"I'm supposed to guard you, remember? Besides, four eyes see more than two."
Ezra sighed. "Alright. I believe I lost it right about... here!" He saw something green sparkling on the ground, but before he had the chance to bend down and pick it up, Buck had reached for it.
"Got it," he declared triumphantly. When he held it out, looking at Ezra, his self-control finally deserted him. "Damn, Ezra!" he exclaimed, dropping his rifle on the ground and sliding his arms under Ezra's jacket and around his waist, kissing him hard.
Ezra was in too much of a shock to fight. Besides, Buck's technique was astonishing! His hands were everywhere, moving up and down Ezra's back, while his lips had parted his victim's and his tongue was taking possession of Ezra's mouth, not allowing him to breathe, let alone come to his senses long enough to fight.
Just as Ezra felt his legs begin to weaken, he realized what he was doing, or rather allowing Wilmington to do. He used his hands which had somehow wound up on the other's shoulders, and pushed his assailant back hard.
"How dare you?" he chided, at a loss for any further words because he was only barely able to take a breath.
Buck smiled triumphantly. "Do you know your eyes are even greener when you get angry?" Before Ezra could protest, he continued, "Not that I know what you got to be angry about. I know you enjoyed it and boy, did I ever!"
"Well great!" Ezra gasped. "You attack me like a wild animal, paw me like I'm one of your all too willing courtesans and then you have the audacity to assume my state of shock to mean consent. Mr Wilmington, you are lucky I did not decide to put your overactive libido to rest permanently."
None of all that discouraged Buck in the slightest. "You make me crazy when you use those big words o' yours, Ezra Honey!"
"Honey??" Ezra's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Ooh!" Buck laughed, wondering when the inevitable question would come. And there it was.
"You were supposed to be 'unaffected'. What is going on, Wilmington?" Ezra had taken a step back, just to be sure.
Smiling, Buck explained. "Would you be here with me now if you'd known I heard you play? Would I have this adorable job of protectin' your sweet behind if I wasn't supposed to be 'safe'?"
Speechless in the face of such deception, Ezra huffed and after reaching to tear his ring from Buck's fingers, he stormed off back towards the camp, hearing Buck's soft laughter not too far behind him.
Now there was no possible way he was going to get any sleep.
+ + + + + + +
All the remainder of the way to White Sands' camp, Ezra kept wondering what to say to Chris. He knew he should tell him about Buck, yet he really was too embarrassed about the whole thing, not to mention his own reaction, to put it all into words. So he decided to avoid talking at all. He just hoped sincerely the whole thing would be resolved soon.
They arrived at midday, just as the sun was at its highest point.
Dizzy from the heat, the seven men dismounted their horses, to find the young Chief White Sands coming towards them.
"Vin!" he called out, pulling the Tracker into his arms and patting his back. He withdrew, smiling. "I have not seen you for many moons, my brother."
Vin Tanner returned the smile. "It's good to see you too." When he noticed his friend's surprised look at seeing Ezra and JD again, not to mention four other men he didn't know, he decided there was no reason to delay the explanation.
White Sands listened attentively without interruption. Once Vin had finished, he sighed. "I have to talk to the berdache. This was not meant to happen."
Ezra was tired. Tired of losing sleep, tired of being chased like the only skirt in town, and tired of having to watch his back every moment of the day - and night as it had turned out. He stepped forward. "No Sir, it certainly was not. I would appreciate it if you found a solution to my predicament as soon as possible."
With a stream of apologies, White Sands lead Ezra to his teepee and ordered one of the women of his tribe to bring some water. The others waited outside, while White Sands allowed Ezra to freshen up and get settled.
"My friend, you must believe me when I tell you that this has never happened before. But I promise you, we will find a solution."
"Good." Ezra eagerly drank another glass of water and leant forward to support his weary head in his palms.
"Tell me, for which one does your heart beat?" the Indian inquired.
"Chris." Ezra realized that wouldn't tell him anything and explained, "The gentleman in black."
Smiling, White Sands stated, "That is what I thought." More seriously he added, "There is no other?"
Ezra didn't need to think about that. Buck had overwhelmed him last night and he was sorry he'd let it happen. He had feelings for JD, but they were those of an older brother, he reassured himself. "No," he said. "Chris is the only one I want."
"Then we must reveal if you are the one he wants."
Ezra looked up, worry creasing his forehead. "If?" He realized what this could mean, for the first time. "You mean he may not be the right one? Because the others reacted the same way?"
White Sands nodded. "I fear that may be so. But don't worry yourself, my friend. We will know before the night begins."
Ezra sighed, growing increasingly more concerned.
+ + + + + + +
Chris Larabee was pacing up and down behind White Sands' teepee. People had gone in and out and Ezra had been in there for hours. Apparently, none of his friends were allowed to see him.
The others were in a similar state of unrest, each and every one of them too preoccupied with his own emotions to pay much mind to the others. Once they had been given water and food, there was nothing to do but wait.
Finally, White Sands peeked through the folds of his teepee and nodded towards Chris, who quickly approached him, hoping he'd be able to see Ezra now.
But White Sands stopped him with a raised hand, just before he could slip inside. "No! He is being prepared for a ritual. The berdache who taught him the melody is going to reverse what has been done."
"Reverse?" Chris didn't like what he was hearing. Leaning close, he hissed at White Sands. "I don't want my feelings for him reversed. I was blind and I misjudged him based on one single incident. I don't want to lose him again, do you understand?"
White Sands sighed. "If your feelings for him are genuine, you have nothing to worry about."
Chris stood back. He felt helpless and angry. And he hated feeling either way.
"What's goin' on?" Vin came up to him.
"There'll be some kind of ritual," Chris explained impatiently. "It's gonna put everything back the way it was."
"Oh." Vin searched his friend's face. "Maybe that's a good thing."
Chris didn't reply. He gave Vin a strange look and walked away.
+ + + + + + +
Ezra, meanwhile couldn't believe what he was going through. It wasn't that he minded getting cleaned up after that hot trek through the desert, but he was being bathed and dressed by a couple of Indian girls who couldn't stop giggling. He didn't usually feel self-conscious, but he couldn't decide whether or not they were laughing at him or his predicament.
White Sands had told him he was going to be "cleansed", and apparently that was to be taken literally. The berdache who had taught him the song which had gotten him into all this trouble was waiting for him to be dried and clothed again - this time, in traditional Indian ceremonial clothes.
Finally, the preparations were done and he was inspected by everyone present. They must have approved of what they saw because after a short conference among themselves, they gently directed him to go outside.
He did so not without concern. Knowing every one of his friends, and at present admirers, were waiting for him, he was a little apprehensive of what this ritual would entail. Truth be told, he had hoped it would occur in the privacy of the Indian's teepee. But no such luck!
The first one to spot him was Chris, who looked worn out enough to have been pacing for hours. Ezra smiled hesitantly at him and his smile was returned.
Not waiting for permission from the berdache, Chris walked up to him and said encouragingly, "You look incredible, Ezra."
Ezra blushed deeply. "Thank you."
And he did look incredible, even if most of those present hadn't been predisposed to think so anyway. He was wearing very loose, brilliant white pants and a long white tunic with ornate images all over it - eagles, wolves and an archer who recurred in many different forms within the design. The stitching on his tunic was gold, green and red predominantly. His feet were dressed in infinitely soft white moccasins and in addition to his green ring, he wore a long beaded necklace and a hairband to match his tunic.
Noting Josiah and Nathan whispering to one another while watching his every move, Ezra tried hard to ignore being the center of attention.
JD and Buck stood closely together, but both of them were looking at Ezra - JD as if he was having a vision, Buck with such hunger that Ezra felt naked despite all the clothing he was wearing. Vin just kept blinking, smiling shyly whenever his eyes met Ezra's.
'This can't be over soon enough,' Ezra thought with exasperation.
And as if on cue, White Sands stepped forward and announced, "Let us begin."
+ + + + + + +
Some of White Sands' braves lit the fire in the center of the reservation and others begun to play drums, establishing a monotonous yet haunting rhythm.
The berdache and White Sands led Ezra to the fire. They motioned for him to sit and he followed orders, rather unsure about the whole thing.
His friends began to move closer to him as if drawn in by the beat of the drums. The berdache however stepped beside Ezra and held up a hand, leaving no doubt that they were not to come closer.
Chris Larabee stood off to one side, his eyes never breaking contact with Ezra's. He saw the fear in them, so he smiled reassuringly. He didn't feel like smiling at all. His fear of losing his feelings for Ezra again was like a heavy weight on his chest. He just wished sincerely that the whole ritual would be over soon.
Ezra was scared of breaking eye contact with Chris for even a moment. He didn't know what was to be done to him and how it would affect what they'd finally discovered in each other. Deeply grateful for the steadying gaze from those beloved blue eyes, he simply waited.
White Sands raised a hand, which stopped the playing of the drums and brought about an almost unreal silence. Even the birds, the wind and the previously rustling leaves of the surrounding trees seemed to stop still.
The berdache, who had been standing in the background came up to the fire and held a small bowl into the flames, apparently oblivious to the heat. An instant later, he turned around and - chanting something in his native tongue - held up the bowl and nodded, which started the playing of the drums again. Then he held out the bowl to Ezra, making clear he wanted him to drink the contents.
Pulling a face, Ezra sniffed at the brown liquid, but he reached for it and drank. Unwilling to disturb the ritual, he courageously fought down the urge to scream in disgust and pain as the vile liquid burned his throat. He swore to himself that he'd never be foolish enough to ask what it was he'd been made to drink.
Chris didn't miss the suppressed reaction and was about to go and interfere when he felt a hand on his arm, holding him back.
"Don't." Vin smiled crookedly. "They know what they're doing."
Chris squinted at him. "Yeah? Well, I wish they'd let the rest of us in on it. I hate not knowing what's happenin'. Besides, Ezra is scared."
Vin nodded understandingly, squeezing his arm for a moment. He stayed by his friend's side, feeling Chris' unease reverberate through his own body. Or maybe it was his own concern for Ezra.
JD had scooted closer to Buck, murmuring, "This is crazy. What the hell are they doin' to him?"
"Don't know," Buck admitted. He was having a hard time himself simply watching this.
Josiah bit his lip, trying to keep from asking a lot of question and voicing his concerns. After all, White Sands had said that this situation had never come up before.
Nathan just watched, curiosity quickly gaining the upper hand over his concern for Ezra.
The berdache had taken the bowl from Ezra's hand and thrown it into the fire. Ezra was wishing sincerely he'd done that before making him drink the repulsive contents. Watching the wooden bowl burn, Ezra hadn't noticed that White Sands had asked his friends to come closer to the fire.
Only when Ezra found Chris standing right by his side, looking down at him, did he realize his friends were about to be involved.
"What...?" he started, but was silenced by Chris shaking his head.
"It's okay," the gunslinger murmured softly.
Nodding, Ezra watched as the berdache and White Sands took the left hand of each of his friends one at a time and held them over the fire. Instructions were given to Vin in the Indians' native tongue which he translated to the others. They all placed their hands one on top of the other, continuing to hold them over the flames for some time.
Ezra watched with curiosity and concern, being the only one left out. It stood to reason, he told himself.
The drums and the chanting grew louder and more rhythmic as the six men stood over the fire, their hands joined and their eyes locked. It seemed like hours had passed when only minutes later, their hands were separated by the berdache and all of them were told to sit in a circle around the fire.
A few of White Sands' people began to rush around in the background, carrying rocks, buckets of water and logs into one of the larger teepees. Some of the women brought small bunches of herbs. Not long after, smoke began to rise out of the top and side opening of the teepee and JD was the first to realize what was happening. A rather embarrassing memory was still fresh in his mind.
"Oh no..." he muttered, shaking his head. Buck and Josiah, who were seated on either side of him, looked at his pale face. His eyes were so wide they nearly popped out as he stammered, "Josiah, they're not... we don't have to..."
Smiling, Josiah said, "I believe you're right, JD. Of course, that makes perfect sense!"
"Sense? You think THAT makes sense?" JD groaned, pointing at the smoking teepee.
"What's goin' on?" Buck asked, very confused.
"Sweat lodge!" JD gasped, preparing to run and hide somewhere 'til it was all over.
"Sweat lodge?" Buck's jaw dropped. "What are you talkin' about, JD?"
Leaning over, Josiah murmured, "They'll have us strip naked and sit in there for a few hours, sweating and meditating."
"Oh." Buck grinned.
Incensed, JD stared at him. "Oh? That 's all you can say to that?"
Buck grinned even more broadly. "Might be kinda fun."
"Fun?? Look, I know you're in the habit of takin' your clothes off a lot, but I ain't... damn, this is no joke, Buck!" JD seemed almost hysterical, moving to get up and leave. Hurriedly.
Buck and Josiah guessed his intention and grabbed a hold of his arms, yanking him back down just as he began to stand up. He fell on his behind with a thud.
"Ow!" JD complained, earning disapproving glances from everyone present.
"What are you worried about, JD?" Josiah grinned. "Got somethin' to hide?"
JD was about to protest but his eyes caught on Ezra's and seeing the plea in the lovely green pools, he decided that his pride was a small prize to pay to get Ezra's life - and everyone else's for that matter - back to normal. "No," he said to Josiah, who nodded in satisfaction.
"Didn't think so."
Buck grinned at JD in his most lecherous manner, causing a flush to creep up the boy's pale cheeks. "I'm sure you don't have a thing to be ashamed of, JD."
Chris and Vin gave their three talkative friends a disapproving look, quietening them down.
And then, White Sands walked over to Vin and explained what was to be done.
Vin and Chris nodded and gathered the other four, all except Ezra, to go to the prepared teepee.
"Shame Ezra ain't comin' with us," Vin murmured, earning a chuckle from Buck.
"I second that, brother." Josiah was silenced by a reproachful look from Chris. "Sorry," he said, grinning.
JD turned around, just before they entered the steam-filled hut. "He looks concerned," he said, his eyes locking with Ezra's again.
"He'll be okay, JD." Chris pulled the boy along. "Come on, let's get this over with."
+ + + + + + +
"Need any help with that, JD?" Buck inquired, smiling at JD's nervous attempts at undoing his pants.
"No, Buck!" JD turned away, yanking down his pants and trying to ignore the once-over he simply knew Buck was giving his now bare behind.
"Stop fooling around and sit down," Chris chided, stuffing his rolled up clothes into the far corner of the teepee and settling in by the fire pit in the center of the enclosure.
The others followed his example and sat down in the same cross-legged positions.
The berdache entered and brought in some more of the herbs and thin branches used to "cleanse" the skin as well as keep the fire going. Then he left hurriedly.
"Now what are we s'posed to do?" JD asked, wiping at the beads of sweat running down his neck.
Josiah looked at him. "Now we're supposed to sit quietly, meditate, and let the spirits tell us what's what."
Chuckling, Buck straightened up and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. There was no way he was gonna be able to enter that spirit world with those carnal thoughts on his mind. Hell, JD was sittin' right next to him, stark-naked!
Chris, Vin and Josiah were the first to actually feel calmer. Nathan was suspicious of the whole thing and felt rather awkward.
Buck thought about JD, trying hard not to. JD thought about Buck, trying equally hard not to.
And in the back of all their minds, they were thinking about Ezra, hoping he'd be okay.
+ + + + + + +
In the center of the Reservation, Ezra had begun to stoke the campfire absentmindedly, contemplating what he should do or say to Chris or, for that matter, to any of them once they came out of that sweat lodge. He felt like an idiot to ever have been desperate enough to get all this magic stuff started.
When White Sands placed a hand on his shoulder, he jumped. "What?"
"They are almost ready. You need to leave now."
"Leave?" Ezra frowned. "What are you talkin' about?"
"You must make your own way home, and so must your friends." White Sands helped Ezra up by his forearm. "Come. Wait inside my teepee until they have left. They will need to deal with their feelings alone."
"Great!" Ezra complained, but did as he was told.
White Sands had some herbal tea boiled up for his guest and not long after sipping some of it, Ezra began to feel pleasantly drowsy and dozed off, supported by rugs and blankets on the ground.
When White Sands woke him, it was late afternoon. Ezra blinked, disoriented by the light shining straight into his eyes through the gap in the teepee's opening. "Where are my friends?"
"They have left hours ago," White Sands informed him.
"Without me? Just like that..." Ezra was disappointed, and for the first time in a very long while, he felt lonely. He'd never realized how much he'd come to depend on the friendship and support of the men he'd been riding with. And then, he thought of Chris...
White Sands nodded, feeling for the other man. "They had to go alone. They have much to think about, now that the spell is broken. By the time you will see them again, they will know. And so will you."
"I know already." Ezra began to gather his things. "Can I leave now?"
White Sands nodded.
Ezra was given supplies and his horse was saddled for him. By the time he'd gotten changed, his mood had lifted a little. 'Now that the spell is broken...' White Sands had said. It was time for the truth.
He thought about that short time he'd had with Chris, that other side of their solemn leader he'd never dared hope to see. He remembered his kisses, his arms around him, and how he had felt like he belonged. A smile played around Ezra's lips. Those were memories no one could ever take from him again.
+ + + + + + +
Riding back towards Four Corners, Ezra missed his friends' company. It was almost night time and he was just beginning to grow a little sad again, when he heard a flute.
"Standish," he told himself. "You are going insane, and it's no wonder." Deciding that he would never listen to another flute, be it real or in his imagination, he rode on, until he found his way blocked by a familiar figure.
Ezra stared down at the man who was taking the reigns of his horse. Their eyes met and for a moment, their heartbeats were louder than the distant birds, the rustle of the sagebrush in the evening wind, and the gurgle of the little river nearby. The same river where they had camped the night before. The river where they had almost been... together.
A hand was extended to Ezra and he took it, just holding it tight for a moment. So this was the man whose heart beat for him, and only him. This was the one who truly loved him.
Ezra shifted sideways and slid from the saddle, straight into the waiting arms of the man on the ground.
They stood still, holding each other, as if they were reassuring themselves that the other one was real.
Hands made their way to the side of Ezra's face, pushing back his hat until it slipped to the ground. Then he was kissed, so tenderly, so... differently from the kisses the night before.
They kissed forever - gently communicating their feelings. Their true feelings.
"I love you."
Ezra opened his eyes to look into the bright blue depths of the man who had just revealed his soul to him. Trying to speak, Ezra opened his mouth, managing no more than a gasp.
"I know." Chris Larabee took his hand and pulled him along, towards the river and the fire he had waiting there for them.
When they got there, Chris stopped and pulled the flute - that damn flute - from his duster's pocket and smiled. "Promise me something," he said to Ezra.
"Anything, Mr Larabee." Ezra smiled.
Chris held up the troublesome instrument. "Don't ever, EVER play another flute! Don't play a piano, a harp, or bagpipes. Don't ever play with fire again, Ezra, 'cause you can't be sure you'll ever be able to put it out again."
"Some fires I'd like to keep burning indefinitely." Ezra took Chris' hand and lifted it to his lips, kissing it tenderly, before taking the flute from his fingers and dropping it into the flames.
"Come here!" Chris said huskily, sinking to the ground and pulling Ezra with him until the other man's warm body covered his own.
Ezra looked into his eyes, and knowing what he saw there was real, he kissed him. This time, their kiss was hot and desperate, only the beginning of much, much more.
Chris' hands were in Ezra's hair, gently holding him close, not allowing him to withdraw even a breath's distance from him. Feeling Ezra's arms around his waist, he rolled sideways, pinning Ezra underneath him.
Ezra pulled him tighter against himself, his hands against his narrow waist, feeling how thin and bony Chris was under all those clothes. Overcome by tenderness, he felt a tear escape from the corner of his eye, and he held Chris more gently, almost afraid to break him.
Chris had noticed the change in Ezra and determined to show him that he was a lot stronger than he felt. Raising himself up, Chris knelt over Ezra's body, hooking his boots over the other man's ankles. Then he took his hands and pinned them down heavily at Ezra's sides.
"You're all mine now, Ezra." His already painful arousal twitched when he saw the gleam in those incredible jade eyes. "I own you now. No one will EVER lay a hand on you again."
"That's how I want it." Ezra smiled, trying to move towards Chris, but he was pinned down very effectively and unable to shift at all. "God, Chris! I need you... please..." he moaned.
And Chris lowered himself, taking care to let Ezra feel exactly what he was doing to him. He pressed his groin against the other man's, grinding and gyrating, until he thought one of them was bound to pass out with wanting.
"Chris..." Ezra murmured, his eyes closed. His hips had begun to rotate ever so slightly, moving against Chris. He couldn't take much more of this, but he sure as hell couldn't stop.
Then Chris stopped moving, and settled over Ezra's middle. He reached for the other's immaculate white collar and began to unbutton it. He was going to take his time, even if it killed him. He wanted to reveal that man to his eyes an inch at a time, button by button. "I'm going to make you need me so bad, Ezra..."
"Oh hell, I do... trust me!" Ezra reached up, trying to get at Chris' shirt, trying to get something off him. Anything. But Chris merely smiled that crazy smile which had been driving Ezra mad since the very beginning. And he gave up, knowing that Chris wouldn't let him do a thing before he himself was good and ready.
When the heat from the nearby fire touched the bare skin of Ezra's chest, he sucked in a breath. Chris sat there, crouching over him, looking at him as if he was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. His hands moved to touch Ezra ever so gently, tracing every curve, every rib, every indentation. And his eyes... his incredible blue eyes locked with Ezra's, making him gasp by their sheer intensity.
"All mine..." Chris said, his voice low and rumbly, his eyes raking over Ezra's body.
"Then why don't you take it," Ezra challenged him, reaching up again and this time, he was allowed to undo the buttons of Chris' black shirt, until he was able to reach underneath it and pull him on top of him.
Chris sought out Ezra's mouth, kissing him wildly, his hands roaming over his chest, down his sides, around his back, and back to his stomach. He rose slightly, pushing the fabric away from Ezra's upper body, impatiently tugging at the shirt tails still inside his pants.
Ezra helped, desperate now to feel Chris against him. He pulled his shirt from his trousers and took it off. Then his hands went around Chris' middle and he worked on removing his shirt all the way as well.
When they were both half-naked, Ezra reached around Chris and pulled himself up, his lips moving desperately from his mouth to his jawline, and down his neck.
Hissing, Chris allowed the hungry exploration, his hands in Ezra's soft hair, clutching at it desperately. His head was thrown back, and he let Ezra trail a line up his exposed neck, squeezing his eyes shut tight. When he felt a tongue against the base of his neck, licking at the hollow there, he jolted, pushing his groin hard against the other man's.
Ezra paused, trying to catch his breath. "Keep doin' that, and I won't be held responsible for my actions!" he rasped, continuing with his exploration, licking over Chris' smooth chest, touching the tip of his tongue briefly to first one nipple, then the other, causing his lover to gasp every time.
Ezra looked up, smiling. Oh yes, this was what he wanted to see - the vulnerable Chris Larabee. The way only a lover could ever see a man. Even this man couldn't hide his soul when it was set on fire.
"Ezra!" came a desperate growl, and Chris Larabee opened his eyes, staring at Ezra as if he'd read his thoughts. He pushed him, until his bare back touched the soft ground, and then he went to work on him.
Chris' mouth was on Ezra's while his hands were all over his chest, stroking the plane of his stomach, reaching up to his shoulders, moving over his biceps, down his arms, intertwining with his hands, and eventually, they began to tear at the closure of Ezra's pants, pulling and tearing when it didn't give in immediately.
For once, the very last thing on Ezra's mind were his clothes, as he felt the fabric replaced by Chris' burning hands, moving in a hot trail over and around his hips and to his thighs. He pushed upwards, needing the attentions of his lover, needing to be touched and kissed and licked and...
"God Ezra, I want you!" Chris growled. He shifted, until he was crouched over Ezra's knees, allowing him to see and touch the other's arousal, trailing his fingers along the juncture of his legs, to move anywhere they wanted. He parted Ezra's thighs, stroking the insides and moving up to cup his balls.
Groaning, Ezra moved into the touch. He needed Chris to touch his arousal, to take him in his mouth... God, he was so desperate for his touch! "Please..." he begged.
And Chris fulfilled his wishes, leaning down to kiss along Ezra's hips, moving closer and closer to his now weeping erection. He let his hands follow his lips, until he reached underneath Ezra's thighs and clasped his backside, lifting him to his mouth.
Ezra gasped when he felt Chris' lips close around him. His lover was holding him suspended at such an angle that it felt as if he was all the way down Chris' throat. He didn't dare to move for fear of suffocating him, but Chris began to slide up and down his length, letting his tongue flick out, lapping at the underside of Ezra's cock, pulling him all the way in again, only to repeat the delicious torture.
"Chris... Oh... God, Chris..." Ezra began to thrash about, his hands reaching for Chris' shoulders and eventually settling for sliding into his hair. But then he lost that contact again when Chris set him down gently to take his erection in his hand, grasping it firmly to lap at the tip. He pushed his tongue against the tiny opening, letting a thin trail of Ezra's essence cling to it and pulled back to lick it from his own lips.
He looked up at Ezra, whose eyes were wide with arousal and shock, and he closed his lips around him again, watching his face, locking his eyes with Ezra's, and then he sucked him until he begged for release, and when he finally felt Ezra's spasms, he closed his eyes blissfully, letting Ezra's hot seed fill his mouth and run down the back of his throat.
Chris swallowed and smiled, moving to take Ezra into his arms. "Hey..." he said softly, wrapping his arms around his lover's warm, inviting body, and kissed him tenderly.
Sighing, Ezra moved against him. "I hope you don't think I'll let you go to sleep after that?" he asked, smiling.
Chris looked at him in surprise. "Of course not. But if you need a break..."
The rest of his words were cut off when Ezra's hand moved to cup his insistent arousal, starting a slow and even rhythm of stroking and squeezing. "Do YOU need a rest?" Ezra asked teasingly.
"Do you think I do?" Chris retorted, his lips seeking his lover's. He pushed against Ezra's touch, his tongue sliding into his mouth, playing with Ezra's like an invitation to something different altogether.
Gasping, Ezra said, "I don't believe you do." He pulled Chris close, rubbing against him. Then he whispered in his ear, "You know what I really want?"
Chris smiled. "I wouldn't know, Ezra."
Ezra nibbled at his earlobe. "Take me, Chris. Please..."
Shuddering with the pleasure the thought alone sent through his body, Chris moved to cover Ezra again, parting his thighs. He'd had no idea how starved his body had been for love and tenderness. "Are you sure?" he asked carefully.
Nodding, Ezra reached for the saddlebag closest to them. As he had hoped, it contained the cooking utensils. Smiling, he produced the small container of oil.
Chris took it from him and knelt to apply the oil to himself and then, to Ezra. When his fingers slipped inside his lover, he swallowed the gasp with a kiss, moving in deeper. He took it slowly. Carefully. But Ezra moved against his hand, urging him to go deeper.
"Now?" Chris rasped.
"Uh-huh..." Ezra looked up at him, wanting to see him, watch the pleasure on his face as he drove into him.
Chris moved into his lover slow and steady, his arms around him and his eyes locked on Ezra's face, his parted lips, his wide-open eyes flickering silver-green in the fire light. "You're so beautiful," he said, pushing in.
"Aaaah..." Ezra moaned, ignoring the pain and feeling only the pleasure slowly taking over. He moved a little, and so did Chris, sliding deeper. He watched the concentration on his lover's face, saw the last remnants of his mask fade away, as Chris made love to him, hard and soft and wild and tender all at once.
When Chris came, Ezra was pulled over the edge with him by the sheer unguarded love on that usually so hard and solemn face.
This time, they both fell asleep not long afterwards, their arms wrapped tight around each others' bodies.
+ + + + + + +
When Ezra woke the next morning, greeted by a bright blue sky, his first thought was that he'd had the most wonderful dream. But then he realized that Chris was still in his arms, his head actually tucked under Ezra's chin. Stroking the blond hair of his lover tenderly, Ezra waited for him to wake up.
When Chris opened his eyes, he smiled. He couldn't remember when he'd last greeted a day with a smile. He hadn't thought he ever would again. "Love you," he said, instead of 'Good morning'.
"Love you too." Ezra said for the first time in his life, kissing him, and they lay back, looking up at the sky.
Something occurred to Ezra. "Where are the others?"
A smile was in Chris' voice when he replied, "By now, probably in Four Corners. Vin and Josiah spent the whole time since we left the reservation discussing Indian rituals. Nathan kept denying that he was ever interested in you. As for JD and Buck..." He chuckled.
"Yeah?" Ezra turned in his lover's arms and looked into his eyes.
"We'd barely left when Buck informed me that he and JD had urgent business back home." He laughed, one of those rare, beautiful laughs Ezra was determined to hear much more often. "All we saw was the dust their horses whirled up. I doubt they even made it halfway back."
"Good," Ezra stated, smiling.
"Yes. Just as you are for me." And Chris kissed him again.
END