+ + + + + + +
Chris came in the door later. He saw Vin dozing on the couch with Ezra lying on his lap, Vin’s arm was draped across Ezra’s chest, their hands clasp. Well, he thought, obviously more was going on than Vin or Ezra had mentioned.
“Hey Vin.”
Vin opened his eyes and looked toward the door. “Hey yourself.” He saw Chris look down at Ezra and then back up to him. Vin smiled and then gently moved so Ezra was lying on the couch. He followed Chris into the kitchen. Chris pulled a couple of steadk out of the freezer. He turned the grill on low and threw the steaks on. He grabbed a couple of beers and motioned for Vin to follow him. He handed a beer to Vin as he moved out on to the front porch and sat in one of the rockers.
Chris toyed with the label on his beer bottle. He’d noticed Vin and Ezra spending more time together but he’d started to pick up different vibes while Ezra had been in the hospital. But now….
“Something I should know about?”
Vin looked off across the yard. “Don’t know yet. If I have my way about it, but…” He paused.
“It’s not any of my business but I am your friend.” Chris looked at Vin and finally he met Chris’ eyes.
“We got feelings to work out. Planning on taking it slow, for now. What with work and all.”
Damn, Chris thought. He hadn’t really expected this. But hell he had asked hadn’t he?
“Sounds like a good idea. You don’t wanna get talked into something you ain’t sure about.”
Vin’s anger, which was usually slow to ignited, flared up.
“How the hell ya know it ain’t me doing the talkin’ in to? I don’t care what anyone says, even you. I’ll resign if I hafta.” He stood up and glared down at Chris.
“Hold on.” Chris held up a hand. “Let’s not jump the gun here.”
“I mean it Chris. You got a problem with me and Ezra and I’ll have my letter on your desk tomorrow.”
Shit, Chris thought. This was going down hill fast.
“I don’t have a problem if you’re sure about it. Long as it doesn’t interfer with work.”
“What does that mean? Ya don’t ask Buck who he dates?”
“No, but he isn’t dating someone on the team. By interfer I mean what if it doesn’t work out or what if y’all are having a fight?”
Vin sat quietly for a few minutes. “Can see your point on some of that. It won’t in interfer.”
Chris figured it best to keep his mouth shut for now.
“Gonna take Ez back to his place tonight.”
Chris glanced at him. “Ezra needs looking after.”
Vin nodded. “I plan on doing that.”
They sat drinking their beer until the door creaked open.
“Whut sadist is cookin steaks?”
+ + + + + + +
Vin pulled up outside fo Ezra’s condo around 8 pm. He got out and grabbed Ezra’s bag out of the back and then went around to help him to the door. Ezra’s depth perception was still off from having one eye closed and the other half open. He pointed to Vin which was the house key and Vin go the door open and Ezra settled on the couch. He went back to get the cooler JD had given him with what was left of the milkshakes. He tooke it into the kitchen and unloaded them. One he took out and brought it in to Ezra.
“I’ll be back aournd 8:30 int the morning to take ya to your doctor’s appointment. Need anything before I go?”
Ezra turned the milkshake around in his hands. He wanted Vin to stay and was scared to ask. What if he’d changed his mind. What if he stayed? He felt like he was on an emotional roller coaster. He knew he was being stupid.
“You could stay, if you want.” He mumbled.
Vin’s stomach lurched. Shit. He’d hoped Ezra would say that. He didn’t want to insist but he’d been hoping all night Ezra would let him stay. He didn’t want to give him a chance to change his mind.
“I can sleep on the couch.”
“No.” Ezra said. “Guest room.” He took a deep breath and got up. Vin followed him down the hall to the guest bedroom. Ezra turned on the light. Inside was a double bed, dresser and half bath. The bed was neatly made but there were no decorations or pictures.
“Not much.”
“It’s fine Ez. I got a gym bag in my jeep. I’ll go get it.” Vin usually carried a change of clothes and some toiletries with him. Never knew when you might have to go out on a case on short notice.
Ezra wandered back into the living room as Vin left. This all had to be a dream. A weird sick twisted dream that was going to come crashing to an end. But he figured he’d hang onto sleep until that rude awakening.
+ + + + + + +
“You look pretty good Mr. Standish, considering.” Ezra and Vin sat in the examination room. Vin had insisted in coming in with him. “The x-rays look promising. With luck and you taking care of yourself you may be released in less than 6 weeks.”
“Really?” Ezra smiled and glanced at Vin.
“That’s great doc.” Vin added.
“Make an appointment in 2 weeks and I’ll remove the stitches in your lip. The swelling and bruising should be much better by then. We still need to keep your ribs taped. Take it easy. No heavy lifting.”
Ezra and Vin both nodded.
“Okay, that’s it.”
“Thanks.” They both said as they got up to leave. Ezra went to make his appointment but Vin lagged behind.
“Doc can I speak with ya?”
+ + + + + + +
“Hey boys look what the cat drug in!” Buck yelled as Vin and Ezra got off the elevator.
“Interesting colors ya got there pard. But Junior must be taking good care of ya.”
“Plan to.” Vin said looking at Ezra and smiling. Ezra blushed which brought a laugh from Buck.
Nathan frowned as he came up the hall. “Ezra staying with you?”
Vin heard the suspicion in Nathan’s voice. “No, I’m checkin’ in on him.”
“Conned you into taking care of him huh? Leave it to Ezra to play this up.” Nathan laughed but stopped at the look from Vin, Buck and JD.
“No”, Vin said taking a step in front of Ezra but before he finished Chris and Josiah came out of the break room.
“The prodigal son returns.” Josiah said beaming at Ezra. He went over and gave Ezra a big hug. Ezra blushed again but gave Josiah a hug back.
“You’re looking better.” Chris grinned at him. “Judge Travis wants you to stop by.” He smiled slyly at the look on Ezra’s face.
“Relax. He just wants to see for himself that you are okay.”
Ezra nodded and turned back toward the elevator. He glanced over at Vin and smiled as he left.
+ + + + + + +
“Chris, how’s it going?”
Chris looked up to see Tony Marconi leaning in the door.
“No complaints.” He grinned and motioned him in. “What can I do for you?”
“Heard Ezra was here. Wanted to say hi. He left yet?”
“No, he went up to see Travis. Should be back soon. Want some coffee?”
“Depends. Who made it?” The both laughed. Vin’s coffee was legendary in the ATF building.
“Josiah did.”
“Great.”
They were sitting in the office when Ezra returned. Vin was at his desk working on gun report and looked up to see who was getting off the elevator.
“Ez.”
Tony got up when he heard Vin. He started out of the office and froze when he saw Ezra. He had been looking at Vin and shifted his eyes to see who had come out of Chris’. He also froze at the look on Tony’s face. For a moment he was afraid. Tony stalked towards him and Ezra took a step back. Vin, who had been watching Ezra, saw the fear on his face and stood up. He crossed the room to Ezra’s side. He saw Tony moving towards them, glaring at Ezra and then his face changed.
“Ezra. I heard you’d been hurt. How are ya?”
Vin could hear the concern in his voice and was confused by what he’d seen a second ago.
Ezra was confused too. He blinked. “I’m fine Mr. Marconi.” He spoke slowly so he could be understood.
Ezra saw that look cross Tony’s face again before he spoke.
“Not so fine now Ezra but you will be.” And with that he turned and went back into Chris’ office and slammed the door. Loud voices began issuing from it.
Vin touched Ezra on the arm. “Ez, you ready to go?”
He looked at Vin, to the office and back. Vin shrugged. “Let’s go.”
They made their good-byes and left.
Vin was putting on his seat belt when Ezra handed him his pad.
Thought Tony was angry with me. Think he knows something?
“Don’t know. Want me to ask Chris?”
Ezra nodded.
“OK. I’ll talk to him when I get back. Oh, we need to stop at the store ‘fore I take ya home.”
+ + + + + + +
What are we getting? Ezra waved the pad at Vin as he pushed the cart.
“Talked to the doctor. He gave me some ideas for stuff for ya to eat and help ya heal quicker.”
Eat?
“Ya know what I mean.” Vin headed for the fruit section.
“What do ya like?”
Ezra raised an eyebrow.
“Smoothies.”
“Oh.”
The worked their way through the fruit section and then headed down another isle.
“Protein powder.” Vin said as he looked around. “And calcium supplements. And no complaints.” He looked pointedly at Ezra. Ezra held his hands up in surrender.
Vin carried the groceries in while Ezra protested.
“Doc said don’t carry nothing heavy. Now Ez,” he said as he put the bags on the kitchen counter. You take it easy today.”
Ezra waved his hand.
“How about we rent some movies tonight?” Vin was helping Ezra put stuff away.
“OK.”
“I’ll come get ya after work.”
+ + + + + + +
“Vin, you coming with us?” Nathan stood by Vin’s desk.
Nathan had been watching him all afternoon. Vin wasn’t sure what his problem was but he could tell something was up. He figured he’d go have a drink with them as usual.
“Right behind ya.”
Nathan nodded. Something was up with Vin. He didn’t know what but Vin had been acting strange lately. He didn’t understand why Vin kept biting his head off. And since when were he and Ezra such good friends?
“Ready cowboy?” Chris was heading for the elevator. Everyone else had already left. Vin was shutting off his computer.
“Yeah. Ezra wanted me ta ask ya something.”
Chris stopped and turned back.
“Does Tony know what happened ta Ezra?”
Chris paused considering. “He knows he was beaten up.”
“But does he know why?”
Well, Chris thought, I guess Ezra took my advice.
“Do you?”
“Yeah, Ez told me out at the ranch.”
Chris nodded. “Tony snooped around for me and found out some of the guys who did it.”
“So ya know who did this?” Vin rose from his chair and felt his anger doing so too.
“Not all of them. There were four. We know of two of them.”
“What are we doing about it?”
“Let’s go get a drink and talk about it. Don’t worry.” He saw the look of panic on Vin’s face. “No one else knows all the detail yet. Except Buck.”
+ + + + + + +
“We ready?”
Ezra nodded. They headed out of the kitchen. Ezra had a big smoothie in one hand and Vin’s beer in the other. Vin had a bowl of popcorn.
They sat the things on the coffee table. Ezra sitting on the left end of the couch so he could see.
“Did ya pick which one ya wanna see first?”
Ezra held up a hand. He wrote on his pad and handed it to Vin. Vin glanced at him. He could almost see Ezra’s entire green left eye now; the other one still swollen shut. He said down on the other end.
“Yeah I talked to Chris. He got Tony to do some poking around. He found two of the fellas that beat you up. The first names of the other two. He also found out why they did it and that they threatened me.”
Ezra let out the breath he had been holding. He rubbed a hand over his face.
“Nothing to worry about. No one else knows but Buck.”
“Josiah.” Ezra said.
“Josiah?”
“Told him in hospital.”
Vin nodded. “I talked to him myself.”
Ezra looked puzzled.
Vin blushed. He picked up his beer and started to peel the label off. “Not about us exactly. Asked him about – love.”
Ezra blushed himself. “Me too.”
“Ya did?” Vin looked over at him and laughed. “Guess we should compare notes sometime. Got that movie ready?”
Ezra shuffled through the DVDs they had picked up and handed him one.
“Finding Nemo?” Vin said reading the case. He grinned at Ezra.
Ezra shrugged one shoulder. Vin chuckled as he put the movie in. He sat back down on the couch and patted the seat beside him.
“Ez why don’t you sit over here. Prop your feet up.”
Vin put his feet on the coffee table. Ezra eyes his feet. Up on the coffee table. The he looked at the spot on the couch beside Vin. It looked inviting. But close. He wasn’t use to closeness. Vin smiled his little half smile. Well that settled it. Ezra picked up his smoothie and slid over by Vin. He groaned a little as he propped his feet up too. His stomach muscles were still sore from the pounding he had taken. Vin put his left arm around Ezra’s shoulders and leaned his back against him. Ezra sighed and Vin pushed play.
+ + + + + + +
Ezra looked wistfully at the banana pudding he and Vin had made. Food. Was he ever going to get to eat again? He was making a list in his head of everything he wanted to eat as soon as his damn jaws were free. He took a long, deep breath; inhaling the wonderful scent.
“Ya gonna marry that?” Vin snickered as he came into the kitchen.
“Thinking about it.”
“Well don’t be drooling on it. Don’t think Chris would appreciate it.”
Ezra snorted. What did he care? All he could thing about was food! He watched Vin cover the pudding and pack up a bag of stuff to take to the ranch. Maybe food wasn’t the only thing on his mind. He thought about the other night and several since. Vin had been stopping by after work to watch movies with him. Stretched out on the couch with Vin had become one of his favorite things. He hadn’t known closeness like that before. Feeling the warmth of another person, lying so close but not sexual. This was much more than sex. This was comfortable, intimate in a way that went deeper. Lying next to Vin, hearing his heart beating beneath his ear, feeling the rumble in his chest when he laughed.
Snap, snap. Vin was clicking his fingers under Ezra’s nose. “You ready? Where’d ya go?”
Ezra gave Vin a little smirk and headed to the door.
+ + + + + + +
If I can’t eat, I’m drinking. Ezra waved the pad at Vin.
“Okay, okay! But watch it with the pain meds.”
Ezra waved a hand as he left the kitchen, beer clutched in his hand.
“Ya better hear me!” Vin yelled after him.
Ezra was on his second beer when everyone else came into the living room. He was sitting on the love seat, feet propped on a hassock. He was feeling pretty good. No food, some pain meds and alcohol. Great combo. He chuckled to himself.
Vin came in with a TV tray. He set it by the love seat and then went back to get his food. He sat down by Ezra and propped his own feet up. Ezra patted his leg as he leaned over to move his tray.
Vin looked over at him. Ezra’s one green eye was slightly dilated, a grin on his still puffy mouth.
“Feelin’ good huh?”
Ezra nodded. Vin shook his head smiling.
Nathan wasn’t smiling. He saw Ezra put his hand on Vin’s leg and Vin smiling back at him. He’d noticed they were spending more time together and the strange way Vin had been acting.
“So Ezra, you ready to start back to work Monday?”
“Monday?” Vin choked on his beer.
Yeah Vin. If the doctor says okay. Ezra has an appointment Monday morning, remember?” Chris said.
Actually he hadn’t. He had been enjoying spending time with Ezra so much he’d lost track of time.
“I’m fine.” Ezra said. Vin rolled his eyes. “I am!”
+ + + + + + +
“Ez!” Vin grabbed Ezra’s hand from his thigh. “Will you behave?” He whispered to him.
Ezra grinned at him, dimples showing.
“How much have you had to drink?”
Ezra held up 4 fingers.
“Damn.” He reached behind him and grabbed the afghan off the back of the love seat. He spread it over Ezra and covered part of his lap too. Under the afghan he took hold of Ezra’s hand. Ezra drained the last of his beer. He tried to yawn, which was hard to do. He leaned his head on Vin’s shoulder and was asleep in a few minutes.
Chris glanced over from the game to Vin. He smiled at the site of Ezra asleep.
“Pain meds and beer. Bad mix.”
Vin looked at Chris and laughed. “Yeah, he insisted if he couldn’t eat, he was gonna drink. Finally caught up with him.” He smiled at Ezra dozing on his shoulder. Under the afghan he still held his hand, Ezra’s other hand was on Vin’s arm.
As Vin turned back to Chris he caught Nathan looking at him and he didn’t like what he saw. Vin’s eyes flicked to Chris, held and flicked back to Nathan. Chris looked at Nathan and frowned.
“Maybe you should take Ezra home. He won’t be able to rest here.”
“Uh oh. Mother hen Larabee has spoken.” Buck snickered. Chris shot Buck a look, which he ignored.
“Yeah.” JD piped up. “Chris will kick your ass if you don’t.”
Everyone laughed.
+ + + + + + +
Ezra dozed most of the way home but woke up a few blocks away. He was leaning on the passenger side window. The glass felt cool against his face. He still felt drunk.
“You awake?”
Ezra smiled as he slid across the seat. Damn bucket seats. He was belted in. He reached his hand across and rubbed Vin’s thigh. Vin sucked in a breath.
“Ez!”
“Hmmmm?” Ezra ran his hand between Vin’s legs. As his hand went closer to Vin’s crotch, Vin grabbed his hand.
“Do ya wanna make me wreck?” Vin’s voice rose higher.
Ezra chuckled and intertwined his fingers with Vin’s. He pulled Vin’s hand to his mouth and kissed his knuckles.
Vin groaned. “No more alcohol for you.”
Vin managed to get Ezra into the condo without too much trouble. Though Ezra seemed to have grown a few extra arms. Ezra pinned him to the front door as soon as Vin closed it. Ezra kissed him and roamed his hands over him. He had one hand under Vin’s shirt and the other kneaded his ass.
“Ez.” Vin tried to speak while gasping for air.
Ezra was trying to nibble his neck, which was difficult without teeth.
“Ezra!” Vin pushed him back when Ezra reached a hand to rub his crotch.
“Vun.” Ezra moaned.
“NO!” Vin moved away towards the kitchen.
“We said we would wait until you are better.” He got a spoon and measured some pain medicine. “Here, ya probably need this.”
Ezra took the medicine without complaint. Vin eyed him warily. Ezra slumped down on the couch and put his head back. He wouldn’t admit it but he ached. The nice buzz he had, had worn off. But his hands and lips tingled from touching Vin. Damn if he hadn’t been wired up. He sighed.
“Ya okay?”
He opened his eyes to see Vin’s concerned gaze on him. He smiled a little and nodded. He patted the couch beside him.
Vin picked up a DVD and put it in. He grabbed the remote and headed back to the couch. He lifted up Ezra’s legs and put them on the couch. Ezra scowled at him. Vin chuckled and sat down beside him. He shifted so Ezra’s back leaned against his chest. He could see Ezra was in pain. He lightly rubbed Ezra’s neck and shoulders, waiting for the medicine to take effect. Ezra sighed loudly again and Vin could feel him relaxing. He started the movie and wrapped an arm around Ezra’s waist. He couldn’t think of a better way to spend an evening.
+ + + + + + +
“Something ain’t right Josiah”
“What are you talking about Nate?”
“Vin has been acting strange. He’s been hovering around Ezra, acting like..” Nathan paused and paced the break room.
Josiah held his breath. From the way Nathan was acting he was guessing Nathan suspected Ezra and Vin were more than friend. And it didn’t look like he was too supportive.
Nathan lowered his voice to a whisper. “Like a boyfriend or something.”
“And?”
“Whadda ya mean “and”? It’s not right.” Nathan’s voice got louder.
“I don’t think it is any of our business, if it was true.”
“Well, I think it is.” Nathan resumed his pacing. “We depend on each other, and the ATF wouldn’t be too happy about it.”
“What does that have to do with anything?” Josiah didn’t like how this was going. “That wouldn’t change the fact that we rely on each other.”
“It’s not right.” Nathan went back to his original argument. “You should know what the bible says about that kind of stuff. And if it got out..” He paused.
Josiah moved closer to Nathan. Nathan who had been leaning on the counter looked up. Josiah was a big man and now towered over Nathan, his face grim.
“I think you should talk to Chris if you have a problem with anyone on this team.” His voice was low and menacing
If Nathan could have stepped back he would. Josiah had him cornered against the counter. For a moment he felt fear. He was glad Josiah was his friend though at the moment it didn’t feel like that.
Nathan didn’t hold Josiah’s gaze. He looked down and mumbled, “Maybe I will.”
Ezra had been back almost a week. Chris had given him deskwork to do. Until his jaw and bruised healed he couldn’t very well go undercover. Ezra didn’t complain – much, which let Chris know he still wasn’t feeling well. Chris also knew something was up with Nathan. Nathan had been keeping an awful close eye on Ezra. And he also noticed angry looks on Josiah and Nathan as they came out of the break room.
He leaned back in his chair and started twirling the spur he kept on his desk. He hoped Nathan didn’t have a problem with Vin and Ezra. He didn’t. He knew the ATF wasn’t too tolerant on same sex relationships but there wasn’t any problem he could see and he didn’t see where anyone would find out. He knew Vin and Ezra would be discrete. Sure Vin was a little over protective right now but they all were. He hoped Nathan would adjust.
Finally it was Friday. Ezra would never admit it but he was worn out. Not that he had done anything more strenuous than type. His job had been to type up everyone’s report and help with research on some upcoming cases, much to Buck’s delight. Ezra thought Buck had deliberately made his handwriting illegible. Buck barely contained his grin each time Ezra tried to ask him what some squiggle meant.
Ezra had also noticed Nathan kept a close eye on him. At first he thought Nathan was just concerned for his health, which he was in part. But he also noticed Nathan scowling at him whenever Vin was near him. He had tried to talk to Vin about it but Vin had looked angry and told Ezra to ignore him.
“Larabee.”
“Pizan! Got some news for you”
“Whatcha got Tony?” Chris thought Tony watched The Sopranos a little too much.
“Seems like our buddies are going to be at Inez’s tonight. Thought we should pay them a visit.”
“Sounds like a plan. Let me get back to you.”
“Ciao baby.”
Or maybe Chris was thinking of Kojak. He shook his head.
“Ezra, can you come here a minute?”
Chris closed the door after Ezra sat down. “Tony says those guys are going to be at Inez’s.” He noticed Ezra paled slightly. “Thought we might check it out. You don’t have to go. Buck, Vin and I can handle it.”
Ezra took a shaky deep breath. He surprised himself with the initial stab of fear he felt. Part for him, part for being seen with Vin. But he knew he needed to face this fear. It’s not like he’d be alone this time.
“Do you have a plan?” Ezra spoke slowly.
“Well let’s get Buck and Vin in here.” He moved from the sitting on the edge of the desk and called Buck and Vin.
He brought them up to date on what Tony had said. “So what should our plan be?” He looked at them. Buck was leaning on the door and Vin paced.
“I don’t know cowboy. I don’t think we should have Ez there.”
“What?” Ezra protested.
“I think Junior’s right Chris. The rest of the guys don’t know why Ezra was beat up. What if one of those yahoos say something?”
Ezra hadn’t thought of that. But he refused to be left out. “I’m going.”
Chris held up a hand. “How about we tell the others? It isn’t like those jackasses’ opinions mean anything. That way there are no surprises.”
Vin and Ezra exchanged looks. What Chris said was right. It wasn’t like they were admitting anything. Ezra raised an eyebrow and Vin nodded.
“Okay. We tell them what happened. That’s all.”
“Okay. Let’s call a meeting and plan how we want to handle this.”
+ + + + + + +
Nathan was drinking beer and not saying much. Josiah kept an eye on him. The plan was for Vin and Ezra to come in separately and play pool. The rest would keep an eye on them and then after an hour they would leave and see if the four rednecks followed them. The rest of Team Seven and Tony had already arrived. Tony sat at the bar, Team Seven at their table.
Vin and Ezra came in right at 6:30pm as planned. They had a pool table to themselves. From the moment they arrived the four suspects went on point. Bubba, whom Tony had never met, was staring at them and muttering to his buddies. Tony had started a game with them earlier.
“Problem?” Tony asked casually.
“That’s them fairies we told you about.” Jimmy said. He was one that Tony had met earlier. Bubba gave him a look.
“He’s okay Bubba. We know him.”
“That fancy fella don’t look so fancy now does he.” Bubba laughed and the rest joined in. “Guess he don’t hear so well though. Him and his butt buddy back in here prissing around.” This brought more laughs from the other three and Tony tried to smile.
Team Seven kept an eye on them. JD had been outraged over the reason Ezra had been beaten up. Buck had a hard time keeping him in his seat once they got there.
“Why don’t we just go over there? Bet they ain’t so brave now.” JD glared at them.
“Calm down kid. We don’t want them to know what’s what yet.” Buck placed a hand on his arm.
“Who cares if they were gay or not. Why do people get so worked up over something that ain’t none of their concern?” JD was on a roll.
Josiah looked over at Nathan who was gripping his beer and not looking up.
“I don’t know son. Some people just aren’t very tolerant or things they don’t understand.”
Nathan knew that was directed at him but he refused to rise to the bait.
“Show about to start.” Chris said quietly.
Vin and Ezra had put up their pool sticks and Vin was paying the tab. Ezra headed out first and Vin placed a hand on his back as they headed out the door. Bubba and crew exchanged looks. Bubba nodded and smiled.
“Be right back.” He said to Tony and they followed out the door.
The plan had been for Vin to park exactly where Ezra had parked. Chris and the guys headed out the back door.
“Hey Tinkerbell.” Bubba yelled across the parking lot.
Vin and Ezra hesitated.
“Yeah, I’m talking to you. Don’t you remember me Tinkerbell? Or did we scramble a few brain cells?” The guys laughed as they spread out.
“You talking to us?” Vin said softly.
“Yeah honey, we’re talking to you and your boyfriend. Told him we wanted to meet ya if he brought you back. Guess this is your lucky night. Don’t think we are gonna leave you as purty as we left him. ”
“You beat up Ezra?” Vin clenched his hands, open and closed.
“Guess you don’t hear any better than your boyfriend there. Yeah we kicked the shit out of his pansy ass. But we are gonna have a little more fun with you.”
“I wouldn’t count on that.” Chris said from behind them.
They turned and saw the other five members of Team Seven surrounding them.
“We don’t take kindly to someone beating up a friend of ours.” Buck said moving a little closer.
“Yeah,” Vin said taking a step forward. “We felt the need to explain how things were.”
“You can either leave here now and never come back to this bar again.” Chris said quietly. “Or we can take you out back and show you our, displeasure.”
Bubba glanced around at the seven men. He didn’t like these odds one bit. He looked at his friends and they shook their heads. They didn’t like them any better. Maybe this was time to get out in one piece.
“We ain’t got no problem with you.” Bubba tried to sound like he wasn’t afraid. “Ain’t no call for you getting riled up.”
“Fine, then I guess you’ll be leaving.” Chris took another step forward.
Bubba and his friends slowly walked back to their cars and left.
+ + + + + + +
“Did you see them run?” JD was in high spirits back inside the bar. “We could have whipped them easy.”
“Yeah JD, but they would have pissed their pants first if Team Two had been here.” Tony raised his mug. “To the combined efforts of the ATF’s finest!”
“Here, here!” They all said.
Josiah noticed that Nathan was still being quiet. He had come out to join them in the parking lot but was joining in the celebration. He hoped that things would work out.
Ezra patted Tony on the back. “Thanks.” He slurred. He had had several beers in celebration. He got up from the table, Vin looked over at him.
“Bafroom.” He slurred. Vin smiled and nodded.
Nathan got up a few seconds after he did and followed him.
“Na-thun.” Ezra said when he saw him come in the bathroom. Ezra was at one of the urinals.
Nathan was scowling again he saw. “Somethin wrong?” He asked.
“As a matter of fact there is. I see I was right. I told you before it was good that Vin wasn’t with you, trouble seems to follow you around. Now you got Vin buying into this con you got going, this perversion. You care that you could ruin his career? You don’t care ‘bout nothing but yourself. Don’t matter if you got unnatural ways but to brain wash Vin into it, playing on his kindness cause you got what you deserved. Made him feel sorry for you. Do us all a favor and leave him the hell alone Ezra. He ain’t like you!”
And with that Nathan stormed out of the bathroom.
Ezra felt like someone had sucker punched him. He couldn’t breath. He went to the sink and splashed water on his face. Did they all feel this way? It was his fault wasn’t it? If he had never asked Vin to the movies none of this would have happened. What about Vin? Vin cared for him, didn’t he? It wasn’t pity, was it? Vin had pushed him away when he kissed him. Told him to stop. Ezra was the one who held his hand first. Maybe he did feel sorry for him. Shit. He was so stupid. Now they all knew. SHIT. They had probably seen him making an ass of himself at Chris’. Acting like some drunken … what was the word? Hell, he didn’t even know what he was! Homo? Fairy? Fag?
He splashed some more water on his face. Now what was he gonna do? Go out there and face them knowing how they felt? Maybe they had sent Nathan in as their spokesman. Damn it, Vin had driven him!
+ + + + + + +
“Where the hell is Ezra?” Vin looked around. He and Chris had started playing doubles with Buck and JD after Ezra went to the restroom.
“He was in the bathroom when I came out.” Nathan said, drinking his beer.
“He say anything?” Josiah gave him a hard look.
“Nope.”
“I’d better go look.” Vin laid down his stick.
“Vin, he’s a big boy. I think he can go to the bathroom by himself.” Nathan said testily.
“He’s been drinking Nate. You know his pain medicine makes it worse.” Why was he explaining this to Nathan?
“You ain’t his mother Vin. Why don’t you let him alone?” Nathan was getting sick of seeing Vin act like, like some lovesick girl.
“He’s my friend Nathan. And I’m going to make sure he is okay.” Vin shot Nathan a hard look and left.
Vin found Ezra sitting in one of the stalls.
“You alright?”
Ezra shook his head.
“What’s the matter Ez?” Vin knelt down in front of Ezra.
“Nothing.”
“I think I can tell something is wrong. Ya feel all right? “
No reply.
Vin knelt there trying to think. Things had been great a few minutes ago. Everyone was celebrating finding those rednecks that had hurt Ezra. Then Ezra had come in here.
Wait a minute. Vin frowned. Nathan had followed Ezra in here. Nathan who had been giving them strange looks, and putting down Ezra whenever he had the opportunity.
“Nathan say somethin’ to ya?”
Ezra stood up suddenly. “No.” He tried to get past Vin, but he wouldn’t move.
“What did he say?” Vin demanded.
“Want to leave.” Ezra stated slowly. “Now.”
“Okay.” Vin didn’t argue. He figured once he got Ezra home he could get him to tell him what had happened. “Let’s go get our stuff.”
“NO.” Ezra paused. “I, mean…” He trailed off.
Vin led the way to the door. “I’ll get our stuff. You can go out the back, wait for me at the jeep.”
Ezra nodded, he down. Once Vin had opened the bathroom door, Ezra turned toward the back exit and was out the back.
+ + + + + + +
“Where’s Ezra?” JD asked as soon as Vin returned.
“We’re leaving.” Vin said angrily and grabbed his and Ezra’s coats.
“What’s wrong Vin?” Chris who had been at the nearby pool table came over when he heard JD.
Vin turned and glared at Nathan.
“Ask him.”
He came up close to Nathan, leaning down in his face. “And if you have anything else to say, you better say it to my face.”
With that he turned on his heel and stormed out.
Every eye turned to Nathan, who was busy studying his beer.
“Did you say something to Ezra?” Josiah said.
“What makes you say that?” Nathan wouldn’t look at the other men at the table.
“Let’s see. You follow Ezra to the bathroom and now he is leaving. Makes sense to me.”
“How did Ezra’s mess get to be my fault?” Nathan glowered at him.
“Ezra’s mess? And just what is that?” Chris said slowly.
“This!” Nathan waved his hands.
“You trying to blame Ezra for what happened to him?” Buck looked at him incredulously.
“And who else’s fault is it? You know the man can’t keep out of trouble, now he’s got Vin….” He stopped.
“Go on.” Chris urged. “What about Vin?”
Nathan was getting angry. Why were they making this out to be his fault?
“He’s got Vin conned, as usual. I’ve seen the way he looks at Vin, some unnaturalness going on. Now he’s got Vin following him around like some sick puppy. It ain’t right. I just said what needed to be said.”
Josiah stood up, knocking his chair back. “If you hurt him, if you said some asinine thing to make him feel worse than he does, then you’ll have me to answer to.” Josiah poked Nathan in the chest and stormed out.
“If I see any problems with my team, I will be the one to handle them, not you.” Chris stood also. “We will finish this conversation later.” Chris downed the last of his beer and left.
Buck and JD exchanged looks.
“Come on kid. Let’s go home.”
Neither man spoke as they left.
+ + + + + + +
Ezra was quite the entire ride back and Vin didn’t try and question him, yet. Ezra opened the door and headed straight for the kitchen. Vin could hear him in the refrigerator as he closed the door and followed him in. He moved aside as Ezra came back into the living room, glass and whiskey bottle in hand. He sat in the recliner and poured a drink, sitting the bottle on the floor beside the chair. Vin went and got another glass of ice and sat on the couch. He leaned over and picked up the bottle. He poured a small amount and put the bottle on the table near him. He let a few minutes pass as they sipped their drinks.
“So, ya gonna tell me what he said?”
Ezra swirled his drink, clinking the ice cubes. What should he say? Are we a perversion? Are you brainwashed? Do you feel pity for me? Am I ruining your life? He could see Vin looking at him. Waiting for an answer. But he didn’t have any. All he had was questions. So he might as well start there.
“Do you feel pity for me?”
Whatever Vin expected him to say, it wasn’t that.
“Pity? What are ya talking about? I don’t pity ya.”
“Do you, do you think….what is between us, is an abomination?”
Ezra never looked up at Vin as he asked these questions. He kept his eyes fixed on his glass. He spoke deliberately so Vin would understand him.
But Vin didn’t understand. Oh he knew what Ezra was saying, though at first he had to sound out abomination due to Ezra’s jaws. But where the hell was this coming from?
“Ezra. I don’t know what the hell you are talking about. Where is this all coming from?”
He stopped, it suddenly dawned on him. He moved and knelt down by the chair.
“Ez, look at me. Is this what Nathan said to ya? He said….that I pitied ya and we were perverts?”
Ezra barely nodded his head but he refused to look at him.
“Gawd damn it!” Vin got to his feet, running his hands through his hair. “That man had no right to say those things.”
He sat on the edge of the chair and gently tilted Ezra’s chin up.
“I love ya Ez. Don’t feel sorry for ya. I am sorry all this happened. We got something wonderful between us. Don’t you let that man’s poison spoil it.”
Ezra glanced at him but looked away.
“I don’t want to ruin your life.”
Vin closed his eyes briefly. It Nathan Jackson was there at that moment he swore he would have strangled him.
“Only thing that would do that is if ya left me. And if you’re talking about my job, I don’t give a shit about that. I can do anything, anywhere. You and me Ez, we can do anything as long as we’re together.”
Ezra swirled his drink again. Maybe what Vin was saying was true. Did he want to risk pushing him away if he meant it? No. He’d had enough of being alone. He figured it was time to fight for what he wanted, and to hell what anyone else said. He leaned to the right and sat his glass on the floor. As he straightened back up, slowly as his ribs still hurt, moved his left hand and grabbed Vin by the waist. He tilted him back until Vin had sprawled backwards into his lap. He pushed back so the chair reclined. He wrapped his arms around Vin and pulled him close.
“I agree.”
Vin shifted so more of his weight was off Ezra, who grunted and groaned as Vin hit sore spots.
“Sorry Ez.” He laughed quietly as he cuddled up to Ez. “Don’t wanna damage ya anymore.”
And they sat that way for awhile, drinks and Nathan forgotten.
+ + + + + + +
Nathan couldn’t sleep. Why was everyone mad at him? He’d only told the truth – right?
He decided maybe he should look at it another way. Why did he feel the way he did and the others didn’t? He didn’t know. Maybe, he thought, that was the way he imagined he was expected, as a man, to think. And with that idea he began to pace.
Josiah enjoyed getting up early. He loved sitting on his porch, drinking coffee and watching the sunrise. He had purchased a porch swing for just that reason. He was surprised when he saw Nathan’s car coming down the road towards his house. Not that he was visiting, but that he was there so early. Maybe it’s about last night.
“Morning Nate. Want some coffee?”
Nathan got out of this car and headed for the porch.
“Yeah, I could use a cup. Didn’t get much sleep last night.”
“Have a seat.”
Josiah went inside and brought out another cup. He handed it to Nathan and nodded to the carafe on the small table by the door. Nathan poured some and sat in one of the rockers. They sat gazing at the sunrise until Nathan spoke.
“Been doing some thinking Josiah. Tried to figure why y’all didn’t have a problem with Ezra and Vin and I did. Never thought of myself as being prejudice. But I realized people I grew up with felt that way and I figured they must be right. When I tried looking at it differently, I…I realized I was wrong. You were right, ain’t none of my business and it doesn’t change who they are. Or that they are my friends.”
Josiah felt like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He was afraid this would tear their team, hell their family apart. He got up and patted Nathan on the back.
“I’m proud of you Nathan. It takes courage to question your ideas, to see if they are yours or if they are outdated.”
Nathan smiled. He and Josiah were old friends and he valued his opinion and friendship. He didn’t like it when they argued.
“Guess I need to talk to Chris. And apologize to Ezra and Vin.”
Josiah smiled.
“Yeah I think that is a good idea.”
+ + + + + + +
The talk went well with Chris. Nathan had a feeling that if he hadn’t had a change of heart that Chris might beat one into him. He grinned at that thought. He’d hate to be on the wrong end of an angry Chris. He’d called Ezra’s condo when he was leaving the ranch and asked if he could come out. Vin had answered and curtly replied okay.
Vin and Ezra sat on the couch when Nathan came in. He could tell from their identical expressions that they were pissed with him and he didn’t blame them.
“Wanted to come apologize Ezra. To you and Vin. I had no right to say what I did. Ain’t got no excuse, none that justifies what I said. Just wanted to come say it and hope you’ll forgive me. I’d hate to lose your friendship.”
Vin and Ezra exchanged glances. This was not what they expected. But they were delighted.
“Sure pard. No hard feelings. But I won’t be forgiving if ya hurt Ez again.” Vin looked at him sternly.
“Don’t worry Vin. “
+ + + + + + +
“Are ya nervous Ez? Today’s the big day.”
A week had passed since Nathan’s apology and Ezra and Vin were on the way to the doctor’s. If everything looked good, Ezra would finally be free.
Ezra shrugged. He didn’t want to get his hopes up. He was having a problem deciding what he wanted to do first. Kiss Vin or eat something. Maybe he could do both at the same time?
+ + + + + + +
“Come on Ez. We won’t stay long. The fellas just wanna help celebrate ya got unwired.”
Vin smiled at Ezra’s grumpy face. They were headed to Inez’s where the rest of the team was gathered. There were shouts of welcome as they entered.
“Hey Ez. Let’s see ya open wide!” Buck yelled as they walked in.
“Yeah, we haven’t seen that gold tooth in awhile.” Chris said waving them over.
Ezra’s bad mood lifted partially. He had wanted to take Vin straight home when the doctor had released him. He had been planning just what he intended to with Vin once he had his mouth back.
They all sat drinking and laughing, some time later Vin leaned over.
“Dance with me Ez.”
“What?”
“Dance with me. Let me put on a song.”
Vin went to the jukebox and made his selection. Santana’s Smooth came on. Vin started dancing back to the table, holding out a hand to Ezra. Ezra shook his head.
Man it’s a hot one
Live seven inches from the midday sunVin danced up behind Ezra’s chair and leaned close.
I hear you whisper and the words melt everyone
But you stay so cool
My munequita, my Spanish Harlem Mona Lisa
You’re my reason for reason
The step in my grooveEzra waved him away as Vin nibbled Ezra’s ear, moving against the back of Ezra’s chair. Vin motioned to Buck and JD, who joined him in his dance.
And if you say this life ain’t good enough
I would give my world to lift you up
I could change my life to better suit your mood
Cause you’re so smoothVin went and tugged on Josiah’s arm. He and Nathan got up and joined in.
And it’s just like the ocean under the moon
Well that’s the same emotion that I get from you
You got the kind of lovin that can be so smooth
Gimme your heart, make it real
Or else forget about itVin tried to get Chris to stand but he shook his head. Ezra laughed at the thought of Chris dancing.
I’ll tell you one thing
If you would leave it would be a crying shame
In every breath and every word
I hear your name calling me out
Out from the barrio, you hear my rhythm from your radio
You feel the turning of the world so soft and slow
Turning you round and round
And if you say this life ain’t good enough
I would give my world to lift you up
I could change my life to better suit your mood
Cause you’re so smoothBuck grabbed Chris’ arm and pulled him up. He held Chris by the hips and moved him around the table. Ezra could help laughing as Chris shimmied about. Well hell if Chris could do it. Ezra got up and Vin placed his arms around his waist, pulling him close.
And it’s just like the ocean under the moon
Well that’s the same emotion that I get from you
You got the kind of lovin that can be so smooth
Gimme your heart, make it real
Or else forget about itChris couldn’t believe he was dancing with the guys from his team. He noticed how nice Buck’s butt looked in his jeans as he gyrated across the room. Wait a minute. He wasn’t gay was he? But man, he had a fine ass.
Ezra moved closer to Vin until there wasn’t a space between them. He placed his hands firmly on Vin’s butt.
“Mr. Tanner I think it’s about time we went home.”
“Yeah Ez, I was thinkin’ the same thing. Got a few ideas on stuff we could do.”
“No movie?”
“No Ez.” He bent down and kissed Ezra’s neck lightly. “Got anything else ya wanna do?”
“Why yes Mr. Tanner, I believe I do.”
And it’s just like the ocean under the moon
Well that’s the same emotion that I get from you
You got the kind of lovin that can be so smooth
Gimme your heart, make it real
Or else forget about itTHE END
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