Part 2

Chris came up alongside Buck and JD, Nathan and Josiah right behind him, as they followed Ezra and the children. "Where's he going? Have you found Vin yet?"

"No, we haven't found Vin yet. We just got here too, but I suspect they know where he is," Buck gestured at the children.

"Is Ezra crying?" Nathan asked with a frown, craning his neck for a better look.

"What's up with him?" Chris asked.

"I don't know," Buck shrugged. "He seemed fine on the way, but as soon as we pulled over he was outta the truck like a shot. Calling Vin's name like," Buck paused as suddenly the pieces fit. "Aw hell. Vin better be alive or I'm gonna kick his scrawny ass."

Buck took off at a run, the others close behind him. They rounded the side of an ambulance in time to see Ezra and Vin catch sight of each other.

With each step closer to the ambulance Ezra felt as if a fist was closing tighter and tighter around his heart. He wanted to turn and run. He wanted to dig in his heels and refused to be led any further. But he didn't. He needed to know one way or another. Then they were turning the corner and he caught sight of his beloved. Vin was leaning against a gurney while and EMT examined his arm.

Everything else dropped away. All Ezra could see was Vin, and he was alive. Suddenly he couldn't seem to take another step forward. His legs simply wouldn't obey him. "Vin!"

Vin winced when the EMT poked a particularly sore spot, but didn't say anything. His pain meant little in the face of the drive-by shooting. Five kids were dead. He'd known all of them, as had Ezra. He didn't know how he was going to break the news to his beloved. This was going to hit the softhearted Southerner hard.

The sound of his name being called by a familiar desperate voice snapped his head up. Ezra was standing a few feet away, surrounded by some of the kids who'd survived uninjured. Ignoring the protests of the EMT, Vin surged to his feet and strode towards his beloved. He reached him in four strides, his arms wrapping around the smaller man. Vin held tight as sobs began to wrack the man in his arms. "It's alright. I'm here, babe. I'm here. Shh, it's alright."

"Oh God, Vin," Ezra cried, lifting his head so he could meet Vin's gaze. "I thought I'd lost you. I thought... I was so afraid."

"You didn't lose me, Ezra. I'm right here and I ain't going anywhere. It's alright."

"No, it's not," Ezra insisted. "I thought I'd lost you and I...and I never told you how much I love you. I love you so much, Vin. Please don't leave me. Don't ever leave me."

Vin held him even tighter as Ezra began to sob anew. "I love you too, Ezra. I promise I won't leave you. Not ever. I'll always be with you."

Looking over Ezra's shoulder, Vin saw the stunned expressions on their friends' faces. Locking eyes with Chris, he made sure the older man understood the message in his eyes. If any of them had a problem with their relationship they would deal with him, not Ezra. He would protect his mate, even from them if need be.

Chris nodded. He got the message loud and clear, and he would make sure the others did. Turning, he caught Buck's eye and saw that he understood the warning as well. "Buck, you, JD and Josiah go see what you can find out about what happened. Nathan?"

The dark-skinned medic looked from the embracing couple to their leader. He saw the question in Chris's eyes. "I can deal with it."

Chris approached Ezra and Vin while Nathan went to talk to the EMT. Watching the two men cling to each other, Chris wondered how he'd never seen this between them. How had he missed it? He smiled ruefully as the answer came to him. These were his two most close-mouthed agents; did he really think he would have seen it if they didn't want him to? They were masters at only letting a person see what they wanted them to.

"Vin? You alright, cowboy?"

"Yeah. It's just a crease."

"You alright, Ezra?"

"Yes, Mr...." Ezra's voice trailed off as he realized he'd just declared his love for Vin in front of several witnesses including his boss and co-workers. "Oh, dear Lord."

"Ezra?!" Vin panicked when Ezra suddenly collapsed in his arms. "Nathan!"

"I'm right here, Vin," Nathan said reassuringly, as he had the EMT took Ezra and lifted him onto the gurney. "Let's just get him up here and we'll take a look at him. I'm sure he's fine."

"Pulse is a little fast," the EMT commented, his fingers pressed to the pulse point on Ezra's neck. "Breathing is good. Looks a little pale though, Has he been eating regularly? Sleeping?"

Vin shook his head. "He's only been pickin' at his food lately when he eats an' he's been having some nightmares."

"When did that start? And why didn't you say anything?" Chris demanded.

"It weren't none of your concern," Vin growled back. "He's been getting better. It started during that case with the FBI. They didn't make things easy on him. Between that and Maude being in that car accident a couple of weeks back he's been feelin' poorly."

"Probably just anemic then and with today," the EMT shook his head as he set up an IV. "I'll get some fluids and nutrients into him. If he doesn't come around by himself we'll run him into the hospital."

"No," came a muffled groan. "No hospital."

"Ezra? How're you feeling? You scared the hell outta me." Vin leaned over Ezra, one hand gently caressing the side of Ezra's face.

"Please tell me I didn't do what I think I just did?" he mumbled.

"Ya mean announce to the whole world, including our friends, that ya love me and then pass out?"

"Uhm, yes."

"Yep."

"Oh, good Lord," Ezra moaned, lifting a hand to rub his forehead. He stopped moving when he felt something pinch. He raised his head and glared at the offending IV. "What is that doing there?"

"You passed out because you're anemic, Ezra," Nathan answered. "That IV is giving you nutrients you haven't been replacing naturally."

"I'm fine. I do not need a needle sticking into me." Ezra sat up moving to pull out the needle. A wave of dizziness washed over him, forcing him to lay back down.

"Leave it alone, Ezra," Nathan admonished. "Look, finish half the bag and we'll see how you feel. Alright?"

"Fine," he acquiesced. Looking over at Vin, he lifted his free hand to finger the rather large crimson stain on Vin's blue t-shirt. "Vin?"

"It's not mine, Ez. I promise."

"I saw the... Who?"

"We can talk about it later," Vin answered evasively. "You just lie back and get some rest."

"Vin, who?" Ezra demanded, grabbing his arm to stop his movements.

Vin sighed, rubbing a hand against the back of his neck. "Carlos, Anna, Diego, and Robby were killed. They took two others to the hospital in serious condition."

"And the fifth?"

"Fifth what?" Vin asked, trying to pretend he didn't know what Ezra was talking about.

"I saw the fifth... There was a fifth. Who was it, Vin."

Swallowing hard, Vin couldn't hold Ezra's gaze. "It was Rosa, Ez. I... Everything happened so fast. There was nothing I could do. I'm so sorry, Ez. I'm so sorry."

Ezra closed his eyes, tears slipping down his cheeks as he curled up on his side.

Vin held him tightly, his own tears falling. He'd been carrying her in his arms, so proud of her for impressing the art students, when the shooting started. He'd immediately dropped to the ground, curling protectively around her as he shouted for the other kids to get down. When he'd finally felt it safe to get up he'd been shocked to find her limp in his arms. Then he'd seen the crimson stain on her clothes, he'd felt where the bullet that had passed through her tiny body and creased his own arm. He'd stared down into her lifeless eyes unable, unwilling, to comprehend what he was seeing. Only when the cries of the other children and the wailing police sirens penetrated his shock had it finally penetrated. Vin sank to his knees beside the gurney, his arms still wrapped around Ezra as they grieved together.

Nathan and Chris looked at each other uncertainly, neither knowing who Rosa was or why Ezra and Vin would take her death so hard. Seeing the others approaching, Chris left Nathan with Ezra and Vin.

"What can you tell me, boys?"

"Definitely gang related," Buck said.

"Yeah. Some of the kids saw the shooter wearing a blue armband. That's the color of a gang called the Wardogs," JD added.

"The Wardogs? Their territory is a couple of blocks from here," Chris frowned. "El Coyotes controls the area around here. Think the Dogs are trying to takeover?"

"Doubtful," Josiah answered. "None of the victims were gang members or even closely affiliated. Plus, I found out one of the boys who died was seen arguing with another boy in school this past week."

"And that kid was a member of the Wardogs," Chris stated. Josiah nodded. "All this over some argument. What a damned waste."

"Is that Ezra on that gurney?" Buck asked, looking past Chris to where Nathan, Ezra and Vin were.

"Yeah. He's anemic. Hasn't been sleeping or eating. Long story," Chris said, holding up a hand to forestall any questions. "Vin just told Ezra the list of who was killed. Apparently a girl named Rosa was one of them and Ezra's taking it hard."

"She was killed?" JD asked.

"Yeah. You know her?"

"I only met her the once," he answered. "Remember that weekend Ezra brought that little girl out to the ranch? To draw the horses and the mountains?"

"Vaguely, I guess."

"That's Rosa. Ezra was telling me how he talked some art students from UD to come down to the Youth Center today. He was hoping they'd be impressed and tell their teacher about her and maybe get her enrolled in some classes. That drawing of Spade on his computer was drawn by her." JD paused swallowing past the sudden lump in his throat. "Ezra told me if he...If he ever had a daughter he hoped she would be like Rosa."

"Heavenly Father," Josiah breathed, gazing sadly at the two men. Movement in his peripheral vision caught his eye. "Unless they intend to run Ezra or Vin into the hospital, might I suggest we spirit our poor brothers away before the vultures descend?"

Chris swore at the sight of a reporter and camera crew homing in on Vin and Ezra. "Josiah, JD, help Nathan get Ezra and Vin into my truck," he said tossing Josiah his keys. "We'll take them out to the ranch. You're with me, Buck."

Chris and Buck intercepted the reporter before they got any closer to their friends.

"Can I help you with something?" Chris asked though his tone was definitely less than friendly.

"We're just interviewing people who saw what happened, Mr.?" said the reporter.

"Agent Larabee," Chris replied flashing his badge. "These people are not to be interviewed. I suggest you go find someone else to annoy."

"Agent? Was that an ATF badge? Why is the ATF involved in a drive-by shooting investigation? Were the weapons reported stolen?"

"All I'm gonna say is, no comment, and leave."

"What's going on, Agent Larabee? What are you trying to cover up? The people have a right to know."

"And these people have the right to grieve in private. I said, leave."

"You heard the man," growled Buck, arms folded over his chest. "Now skedaddle."

Looking from Chris to Buck and back again, the reporter swallowed nervously and finally said, "Come on. We'll go interview that group over there."

"Damn bloodsuckers," Buck muttered as the reporter and his camera crew walked away. Chris just nodded in agreement as he turned to head back to the others.

*******

Certain Ezra was asleep, Vin left the guestroom, closing the door firmly behind him. The conversation in the living room died when he turned to face them. JD scooted over on the couch giving Vin a place to sit, but he chose to stand by the fireplace leaning against the mantle.

"How is he?" Nathan asked.

"Fine. He's sleeping. This on top a everything else has left him outta sorts. He'll be fine."

"How's your arm? You feel dizzy or anything?"

"I'm fine, Nathan. Just ask what's on your minds, boys. It's the only way you're goin' ta get answers."

"How long?" Chris asked.

Vin sighed and looked up at the ceiling like he usually did when he was figuring. "Middle a January. It were that night Bucklin showed that guy the error of his ways for hitting his girlfriend. So, 'bout six months now."

"Six months? You never said anything," JD blurted out.

"We had our reasons."

"What kind of reasons?" Buck demanded. "How do you not tell your friends that you're a...that you're..."

"A fag? Queer? A freak?" Vin supplied.

"I was gonna say gay," Buck huffed.

"Right," Vin drawled sarcastically. "Don't worry 'bout bein' polite, Bucklin. I've heard worse than you can dish out but you say one word to Ezra and you won't be happy."

"Is that a threat?" Buck growled rising to his feet. JD immediately sprang up, putting himself between them.

"Buck, don't."

"It can be."

"Were you boys even planning on telling us you were...together?" Buck demanded.

"Don't rightly know," Vin answered with a tense shrug. "Ezra's been afraid that if people knew we were together it'd ruin *my* career. I couldn't give two shits about that. Makes no difference to me if I go back to bounty hunting. Me? I'm more worried about 'friendly fire' from those that don't like people like me an' Ez."

"You don't think we'd ever do something like that, do you, Vin?" JD asked, his eyes wide at the thought.

"No, JD, I don't reckon you would," Vin shook his head. "Just, the fewer people who know the less likely it is ta be a problem. There's also the fact that the brass ain't too keen on agents dating each other, particularly if they're both male."

There was a moment of silence then JD asked, "What happens now?"

"Guess that depends on you all," Vin answered. "Can you guys handle me an' Ezra being together? 'Cause if you can't I'd like to know now. I'm not giving him up."

"Nor am I willing to give you up either, Vin," Ezra said quietly from the doorway. Vin was by his side in a few quick strides.

"What are you doing up? You're supposed to be restin'," Vin fussed at him, pressing a hand to his forehead to check for a temp.

"I'm fine, Vin," Ezra said, catching a hold of Vin's hand. "I'm fine. I'm not the one who was injured today."

"I'm fine, I just... I wanted to..."

"Protect me. I know, but I'm not made of glass. We've been over this before."

"Ez..."

"Vin?" Ezra held his gaze for a long moment until Vin nodded. Without another word Ezra walked to the armchair that Nathan vacated for him. Vin trailed behind him, sitting on the armrest once Ezra was settled. "I beg your indulgences, gentlemen, for my earlier behavior. I was momentarily hysterical. It was quite unprofessional of me."

"It's alright, Ezra," Chris said gently. "Most people react the same way when they lose someone they care for or think they've lost a loved one."

"Thank you, Mr. ...Chris," Ezra replied, a light blush staining his cheeks. "So, what do you gentlemen wish to know?"

Josiah took a deep breath meeting Ezra's gaze squarely. "Are you happy, son?"

"Yes," Ezra replied with a smile. "A most decidedly unequivocal yes. For the first time in my life I know I am loved because of who I am, not because of what someone thinks I am or because of what I can do for them."

"Good," Josiah nodded, satisfied.

Buck shook his head, having resumed his seat on the couch. "I don't get it. All this time that we've been working together you two have been gay?"

"Quiet, Vin," Ezra said when he heard Vin begin to growl. "No, Mr. Wilmington, not quite. Vin is gay. I am bisexual, and even then Vin is really the only man I have ever had a sexual desire for. We did not keep this secret to hurt you, any of you. If anything it was done to protect the team from any possible backlash. I will also admit," Ezra said, his gaze dropping to the ragged arm of the chair he was picking at, "that I was still uncertain in and of this relationship that I was afraid its revelation would force it to another level I was not ready for."

"Ezra?" Vin questioned softly, looking down at the bent head.

Ezra raised his gaze to meet Vin's, smiling tenderly. "I told you in the beginning I had things I needed to work out and I have. I know now that we will face anything together. Nothing else matters, but that we're together and I love you."

"I love you too, Ezra, with every little bit of my heart and soul. There ain't nothing in this world that could take my love from you."

Watching the two men together, Chris realized that the subtle changes he'd been seeing in Ezra, the openness, the sense of brittleness replaced with a deep strength and stability, were due to his relationship with Vin. It reminded him of his relationship with Sarah, of the way they had supported each other. He still remembered the night his father had died, finally giving into the cancer. Sarah had cradled him in her arms while he sobbed into her shoulder. Chris wished Ezra and Vin all the happiness in the world and he would do whatever he could to protect them. Which brought him to Vin's current living arrangements.

"There's something else we need to talk about," Chris started, getting everyone's attention. "We've talked about this before, Vin. I think it's time you moved out of Purgatorio. It's never been a safe place, and today has really proved it."

"It's my home, Chris. I'm not gonna let some gang-banger run me out."

"And I'm not saying you should, but think about it, Vin. You have a better than average chance of being shot in that neighborhood than anywhere else in the city."

"We're ATF agents, cowboy. We're liable to be shot anywhere. I'm not moving. I'm not going to abandon those kids."

"No one's saying you should, brother," Josiah said gently, having an idea as to where Chris was heading.

"Josiah's right. I'm not telling you to abandon them. You can still volunteer at the center, you can still go down there to visit."

"It ain't the same."

"No, it's not," Buck agreed causing everyone to look at him. "You're right, Vin. Visitin' ain't the same as livin' there, but think about this. What happens if you do get shot or killed down there? What about those kids then? And what about Ezra?"

"What about Ezra?" Vin demanded, turning to look at Ezra who was staring wide-eyed at Buck.

"You talk about abandoning those kids, but have you stopped to think about how you staying in Purgatorio, risking your neck every time you walk from your car to your building, will affect Ezra? What happens to him if you get hurt?" Buck met Vin's gaze squarely, not backing down an inch. "You can't do it just because of Ezra. Don't make him the cause of your regret. But you do have to look at this from all sides. It ain't just you anymore." Done saying his piece, Buck settled back into the couch, draping his arm over the back.

Vin gazed down at the floor for several minutes, not meeting anyone's eyes. Finally he sighed. "So I move out. Then where am I supposed to live?"

Chris shrugged. "Wherever you want to. It's entirely up to you."

"If it were..." Vin started, but stopped when Ezra slipped his hand into his.

"I would be delighted, that is, I would be honored if you were to possibly, and you can say no, maybe consider moving, sharing my home with me?"

Gently cupping Ezra's face with his hands Vin smiled at him, at the man who'd won his heart so long ago and still managed to do things that made him love him more with each day that passed. "It would be my pleasure to live with you, Ezra. Nothing would make me happier than to go to sleep each night with you in my arms and the first thing I see each morning would be your beautiful face. I love you more than I can ever say."

"I love you too," Ezra whispered in reply. They leaned forward to kiss, but remembered at the last moment they were not alone. Instead they rested their foreheads against one another, their eyes closed.

That simple gesture of affection was more sweet and tender than any kiss the others had ever seen. To kiss without kissing seemed wholly romantic to them. Josiah and Chris smiled paternally at the pair. Nathan and JD blushed and ducked their heads a little while Buck wiped at the bit of moisture in the corner of his eye.

The pair might be secret no more, but their love looked to last forever.

~Fini~

Until the next one that is. <BG>