Sequel to: Triptych: Vin (2 of 3)

Chris stared at the ceiling, watching shadows shrink from the weak dawn light. He estimated it was a little after seven. The pleasant drug-induced haze was fading but he was reluctant to trade relief from the nagging pain for the ability to think clearly. One of the team would be arriving soon and if he was dozing, they'd leave him here. He didn't want that. He needed to get out of hospital.

He needed to see Ezra himself. To assure himself their conman was still theirs. It hurt that Ezra had left without seeing him, however he mostly worried as to why Ezra had left. The cool, collected undercover agent he knew, would never have drawn attention to himself in such a manner. The lover he thought he knew, wouldn't have disappeared. What was Ezra thinking? Chris desperately hoped this withdrawal did not signal a larger one. He didn't know what they would do without Ezra.

He loved Vin and he knew Vin loved him but unless Ezra joined them, something would always be missing. Similarly he and Ezra needed Vin to be complete. In fact, without Vin, he and Ezra would undoubtedly end up killing each other. Not that Vin did anything to actively keep the peace; it just didn't seem to need keeping if he was with them.

Of course Ezra and Vin might be able to happy together, without him. Chris preferred not to think too hard about that. Selfish? He had never denied it.

Forcibly concentrating on the creeping daylight, he flexed and stretched his right arm, using the pain to obliterate all thought.

"What the hell are you playing at?" demanded an angry voice.

Attention snapping to the door, he tried to sit up. Nathan strode quickly into the room.

"Stay still." He pressed one large hand flat across Chris' chest. Chris twitched but gave in. Nathan huffed, resting his other hand across Chris' forehead to check for temperature.

"I'm fine Nathan."

"Well you won't stay fine if you keep moving that arm." He checked the bandage for blood. "No, you're lucky, you didn't bust the stitches. Buck and JD've gone to get the doctor. I'm gonna get him to strap that arm up before you leave. You're as bad as Vin an' that pain in the neck southerner."

It was unfortunate for Nathan that Chris took that as compliment.

Eventually the doctor turned up, JD and Buck herding him like anxious sheep dogs. He immediately began to check for impairment by bending and flexing Chris' arm. Chris tried to glare and tell him they'd been through that. Nathan, regaling the doctor with his iniquities as a patient, shushed him. He pouted. Ezra was right, being in hospital was damn undignified.

Finally the doctor strapped his arm across his chest and declared him done with. Chris immediately sat up and held out an imperative hand for his clothes.

"Now Stud," said Buck in his soothe the savage beast tone, "You aint gonna be able to get a shirt on over that." He poked the bandage.

"Well there's a simple solution." Chris stretched his left hand behind the back of his neck to tug at the knot.

"It stays," growled Nathan. "You can fit a jacket over the bandage."

"Here, let me give you a hand," said Buck quickly. He pulled a jacket, jeans and boxers out of the sports bag JD had been carrying. "You should appreciate this, we drove all the way to ranch so you could have clean clothes."

"Thanks Buck," Chris rested on hand on his friends shoulder. Buck slid the jacket over his good arm, gently pulled it over his bad, and started to do up the zipper.

"Yeah," interjected Nathan, "Vin said you're going to be staying at Standish's. It was a good plan of his to keep you away from the ranch. And serve Ezra right for abandoning you. But I'm worried he'll keep you all stirred up. You need peace and quiet and you won't get that at Ezra's."

Buck spoke up, "Leave it Nate. Vin'll be there, he's a good referee."

This was so close to what Chris had thought earlier that he couldn't help a snort of laughter. Nathan seemed to take heart from his amusement and said,

"Yeah, rather Ezra than me. After you've run him ragged I 'spect he'll think twice about deserting us again."

Chris took a deep breath because Nathan had been right about one thing, the residual ache in his head wouldn't allow him to shout. He took an another breath, preparing to defend Ezra because he had done nothing wrong; when JD had grabbed him to keep him balanced as Buck slid the pants up his legs. In his eagerness to help JD caught his shoulder and it was all Chris could do to stay upright.

The world slowly stopped swirling about him allowing him to see Buck was watching him concernedly.

"You okay Chris?"

"Yeah, gimme a minute."

"Nate got you a wheelchair."

Chris sighed but didn't argue. He wouldn't admit it but he wasn't sure he could manage the trek out of the hospital. The others had the sense not to comment on his capitulation and they made the way to Buck's truck in silence.

The lift at Ezra's had smoothly deposited them on the fourth floor. A pleasant change from the cranky wire cage at Vin's. Buck and JD hovered behind him as Chris walked to Ezra's door. He grinned at his key ring; it'd grown the last six months, Ezra and Vin's house keys joining his own. Ezra had taken some convincing but eventually agreed that it was a useful precaution to have spare sets of keys, had even seemed pleased to receive his and Vin's in return. They had thought they were finally making progress, Chris nodded, they had made progress. They'd catch the sneaky southerner yet.

"Chris? You in there, Pard?"

Chris jumped at Buck's voice and realised he'd been dithering in front of Ezra's door.

"Buck, why don't you and JD head off now. You got me here just fine."

Buck nodded, "Sure we'll leave you in peace. But go easy on Ez, ya hear, you know he don't like hospitals."

Chris smiled his agreement and turned back to door. He knocked hopefully but on receiving no answer, began to fumble with key. Although he didn't want to wake them, he was a little miffed Vin, at least, hadn't got up anyway. Finally his left hand co-operated sufficiently to get the door open.

He walked inside, stepped straight through the tiny hall, into the lounge, and froze.

Ezra and Vin were wrapped around each other. Their blanket had ridden down to tangle around their legs and, except for Ezra's open shirt, they were naked. Vin's head tucked against Ezra's neck, one arm rested across Ezra's chest and his body curled around Ezra's like a substitute blanket. One of Ezra hands was buried in Vin's hair, the other wrapped around Vin's waist and his face had a look of utter peace.

Pain flashed through Chris like an electric current. Snuggled up on the floor, Ezra and Vin looked so right together. They belonged together. And he knew he should back up, leave, retreat to the ranch, give the pair their freedom... but couldn't quite get his feet to move.

He must have made some sound then because, suddenly, they both sat up.

"Chris!" The shout was full of the joy that lit up their eyes. And his heart started beating again.

And as he stood there, grinning at their silly grins, he felt everything click ever more firmly in place. They truly needed him as much as he needed them. Life was going to be just fine. He swayed under waves of exhaustion, relief and delight.

Vin leapt to his feet, grabbing his good arm to steady him. Ezra had made to stand up but immediately collapsed back, clutching his head.

"Oooow."

Chris pulled away from Vin, hurrying towards Ezra. "Whatever's the matter?" Vin caught him before he could crouch down.

"'Sokay Cowboy. He just has a hangover."

"It is not a hangover, it is a visitation from the infernal regions."

"Whatever you say Ez. Let me get Chris settled and then I'll find you some aspirin."

"You could use clothes at some point," added Chris.

Vin looked down at himself and blushed. Ezra looked up with a faintly puzzled smile that slowly curdled into a frown. He rolled onto his hands and knees before staggering up and into his bedroom. Vin's restraining hand stopped Chris from following.

"You need to sit down Chris. And judging by these," Vin reached up and gently smoothed the harsh lines from Chris' forehead, "You need some of your fancy painkillers."

"Coat pocket, but later."

"Chri-is." Vin complained.

"I just want to talk to Ez for a bit."

"You can try but maybe you should wait. He was as drunk as a skunk."

"Bad?"

"Ah-huh. Reckon you scared him good. Sure scared me."

"Sorry."

"S'okay but would you do something for me?"

"Anything."

"Sit. Down."

"Okay, okay, no need to get tetchy."

"Chris I got you hurt an' I got Ez with the hangover from hell. Today is not looking pleasant. Please sit down." Vin crowded him back until his legs hit the sofa and then pulled on his good arm. Chris sat down.

"You stay there while I get sorted."

"Sorry," said Chris. He hadn't meant to be difficult but being injured was unbelievably frustrating. He wanted to see to Ezra, but he had to admit collapsing on the man wouldn't help. On the other hand it would stop Ez brooding.

Vin obviously took his silence for acquiescence because he started to gather up his clothes.

"See ya Cowboy."

"Be seeing you," Chris grinned and grasped Vin's wrist, tugging him down for a kiss. Vin pulled back before it could become more than a soft press of lips. Chris retaliated by slapping the bare thigh. "Now go get dressed. It aint fair wandering around like that when I can't do anything about it."

Vin laughed. "See you." He vanished into the guest room.

Chris rested back against the sofa, rolling his head back to study Ezra's ceiling. It was quite a fancy ceiling, as ceilings went, much better than the hospital's. God, his shoulder was really beginning to hurt, if someone were take pity and offer him some of his pain pills he wouldn't put up too much of a fight.

He ignored the twinge his shoulder to move his head, only when he heard a door click open. Ezra emerged, looking amazingly smart for a man who had such an obvious hangover. He was wearing a suit, complete with tie and his blankest poker face. Fortunately Chris was getting better at reading his near invisible tells. The slight slump to his shoulders meant he felt he was in the wrong and expected to be chastised.

Chris bit down a familiar surge of anger, knowing it had never helped. Instead he smiled and said lightly,

"Hey Ez."

"Mr Larabee. I - that is, why are you here?"

"Didn't Vin tell you? We are staying here while my shoulder heals."

"Uh?" Ezra raised one hand to rub his aching head.

"Don't you want us here?"

Several expressions flashed across his face before it reformed into a flat mask. "You are always welcome in my humble abode, Mr Larabee."

"Good, that's settled then."

"But..."

Thankfully, as Chris really didn't feel up to an extended argument, Vin appeared.

"You okay Ez?"

Ezra's eyes widened and now he definitely looked nervous. "I should be asking you that Mr Tanner."

Chris knew he was missing something but Vin didn't seem concerned. He crossed the room, closing on Ezra, who hunched his shoulders as if to ride out a blow. Merely placing an arm around his shoulders giving him a light hug, Vin said,

"'M fine Ez, was nice last night."

Ezra looked surprised but carefully returned the embrace. Chris was going to whinge about them having fun without him but Vin gave him a quick glare, informing him it wasn't a good idea.

"You don't mind us staying with you, do you Ez?"

"I guess not." Ezra massaged his temple with fingertips. "I need rehydration and then my bed. You know were everything is stored so I will leave in peace." He turned to leave.

"But Ez-." "Ezra-" Vin's objection ran into Chris'. He fell silent and gestured for Chris to speak.

"I thought you were going to sleep with us?"

"Mr Larabee, you are not up for activity, you need decent rest and sleep."

"I only meant sleep, Ezra. I know my shoulder won't allow anything else. But we can still share a bed.

"But your privacy..."

"We want you with us Ez," begged Vin.

Ezra looked undecided. Chris decided to add the clincher,

"I need you to protect me from Vin's wriggling. You know how he tosses and turns, without you he'll be jarring my shoulder every half hour."

Ezra considered that for a minute, looked as if he would say something, and then waved a gracious hand.

"If that is what you wish?"

"It is," said Vin firmly. "Did you find some aspirin?"

"Yes."

"Okay. I'll get you and Chris some water. Can you help Chris out his jacket and find his medication?"

"Okay," said Ezra. He still looked a little unsure but obediently did as he was told. Vin returned with two tall glasses of water and handed one to Ezra, accepting three bright green pills in exchange.

Chris took the pills eagerly which made Vin and Ezra frown.

"I think Mr Larabee should be in bed."

"Yeah, I agree. We should all be in bed. Can you get up Cowboy?"

"Wouldn't mind a hand," admitted Chris and then wished he hadn't because he lovers looked almost panicked. They hurried him into the bedroom, stripped him and were tucking the covers over him before he could catch up with events.

"You two are joining me?" He wiould have made his eyes beg but had never managed the puppy dog look. Instead he glared, which usually worked, and did now.

"Certainly," said Ezra, still too deeply in worry mode to argue.

Chris truly relaxed for the first time since the bust when Ezra and Vin slid into bed beside him. He wrapped his arm around Ezra and snuggled him close, kissing him to muffle the concern for his injury. Vin pressed close to Ezra's other side and leant over to kiss first Chris and then Ezra.

"See ya tomorrow, Cowboy; see ya, Ez."

"Indeed," said Ezra and appeared to fall straight to sleep.

"See you, Ezra," said Chris softly. He grinned at Vin over Ezra's head, "See you, Vin."

"You too." Vin rested his head against Ezra's and closed his eyes.

The medication kept Chris halfway between sleep and wakefulness so, sometime later, he heard Ezra moving. There was a faint sound and then he said,

"Love you, Vin."

Ezra shuffled and twisted. Chris felt gentle lips kiss his cheek.

"Love you, Chris," whispered Ezra. Then he laid his head against Chris' shoulder and seemed to fall truly asleep.

Chris smiled and drifted deeper into sleep.