This is my attempt at answering the April Fool's Challenge issued by Toby. I hope you like it Toby. I know it's well past April Fool's Day but this fic took much longer than I expected to write and it definitely ended up a lot longer than I thought it would. It was like the Energizer Bunny it kept going and going and going. Thanks again to Lumina~ and Antoinette for beta-reading my story. Any mistakes found in the fic are mine.

March 30 . . . Two days 'til April Fool's Day

"I don't know, Buck. Ezra can get pretty riled when you wake him up early, especially on the weekend. Plus we're all meeting up later that day and I, personally, prefer Ezra in a good mood."

"Come on, JD, get into the spirit of things. It's April Fool's Day. It'd be wrong not to pull a prank on Ezra."

"How do you figure that, Brother?" asked Josiah with a curious glance towards Buck.

"Well ya see, Josiah, it's like this. We all know Ez didn't have the greatest childhood; hell, his adult life hasn't been much better 'til joinin' Team 7, so he never really got the chance to appreciate the holidays."

"I didn't realize April Fool's Day qualified as a holiday," Chris interrupted with a smirk.

"I told you before, Chris, if it happens on a specific day every year then it's a holiday."

"So does that make Tax Day a holiday? And why don't we get a day off for them?" Nathan inquired.

"Nathan, Chris, you're disruptin' my flow here." Buck shot the two men a dirty look.

"Sorry."

"Yeah Buck, keep going. It's fascinating to watch your mind work."

"Bite me, Chris. Anyway, after gettin' to know Ez a little, I made a promise to myself that I'd make sure Ezra got to experience all those holidays he'd missed out on. Besides, since we're all a family, I qualify as a big brother to Ezra and, as such, it's my duty to torment him."

"That definitely explains Groundhog's Day."

"Now I've left him alone the last two April Fool's Days since I had the rest of you guys to work on," Buck continued ignoring the glares shot his way, "but I'm afraid that this year his time has come."

"Just don't go overboard, Buck. Ezra is not above getting even and I, for one, do not want to get caught in the crossfire."

"Sometimes, Nathan, you're just no fun."

"That's easy for you to say. You weren't the one covered in pumpkin pie."

"Alright Buck, have your fun but try not to go too far, and don't mention any of this to Vin. The last thing Ezra or the rest of us needs is to be the target of some warped prank war between the two of you." Chris sighed as he tilted his head back against the frame of his office doorway. "Thank God Vin went with Ezra to buy lunch and wasn't here to listen to your plan."

Buck turned to look at Chris with an expression of pure innocence on his face. "I have no idea what you're talkin' about Chris."

"Oh really? How soon we forget the Ski Weekend from Hell."

Buck had the decency to blush before responding. "Okay Chris, I won't say nothin' to Vin, but none of you all better say anything to either of them either about the phone call or anything I've got planned."

"Okay."

"Fine."

"Not a problem."

"I'm working on my 'I have no idea what's happening here Ezra' speech as we speak, Brother."

Buck ignored that last statement and said to himself, 'I can't wait for Sunday. Ezra won't know what hit him.'

March 31 . . . One day 'til April Fool's Day

"Vin, what are you doing?" a slightly slurred voice asked.

"I'm lookin' for the car, Ez," Vin answered in an exasperated tone.

"It's not here."

"What's not here?"

"The car."

"Why not?" Vin watched Ezra stare at the sky while waiting for an answer.

"Ez!" Vin shook Ezra's arm to get his attention.

"Huh?"

"Why not?"

Ezra looked at Vin with a puzzled expression on his face. "Why not what?"

"Why isn't the car here?"

"Because we didn't bring it." At Vin's frown, Ezra explained what he was pretty sure was the reason, his memory was a little fuzzy. "We decided to come to the club, and since we did not want to have to monitor our alcohol consumption in order to be able to drive home, we agreed to take a cab to and from."

"Oh yeah." Vin shot Ezra a big grin that he couldn't help but return.

"Excuse me, gentlemen."

Vin and Ezra turned around at the voice of one of the doormen from the club.

"I just wanted to let you know that I called a cab for you. It should be here in about ten minutes."

"Thanks," Vin smiled as he draped an arm over Ezra's shoulders.

"You're welcome." The doorman bit back a smile as he watched the longhaired man lean against the wall and rest his head on his partner's shoulder while they waited. 'They're well suited to one another,' he thought to himself before returning to his post by the door, 'At first glance they appear to have nothing in common, but when you watch them together you can see how well they complement one another.' He chuckled to himself ten minutes later when he saw the two men practically pour themselves into their cab. 'At least they were happy drunks.'

April 1 . . . April Fool's Day

Buck double-checked to make sure everything was set for his phone call to Ezra.

"You know, I don't see why I had to wake up early to listen to you make your prank call," JD grumbled. "I mean, you're recording it so I could just hear it later."

"And miss Ezra's reaction live? C'mon, JD, you know he does nothing halfway and behind Ezra' Southern gentleman demeanor is a man who can make a sailor blush. That's hard to do, trust me." Buck sat down in the recliner unable to wipe the smile off his face. "I can't wait to hear what he has to say."

"You're assuming he'll answer the phone, and if he does he'll probably just hang up on you when he finds out it's not important," JD pointed out from his prone position on the couch.

"Ez always answers the phone. It might take him twenty rings, but eventually he does," Buck stated confidently, "and if he hangs up, I'll just keep calling back 'til he doesn't. I'll definitely get a good reaction out of him then," Buck added with an evil grin.

"I hope he doesn't think I'm in on it. Nathan was right when he said Ezra could get downright nasty when he's dishing out payback."

"Quit your worryin', JD. Ez can take a joke."

"Since when?"

Buck ignored JD, jumped to his feet and walked towards the phone. "It's almost 8 o'clock. Let the games begin."

"Buck, it's 7:04."

"Close enough. JD get up off your butt and go listen in on the extension."

JD just shook his head. "Uh uh, Buck, count me out. I'll just wait for the rerun."

"C'mon JD, be a pal."

"Forget it, Buck. I'll listen to your side of the conversation, but there is no way I'm giving Ezra a reason to even think I'm in on this."

"Fine, have it your own way." Buck started the recorder then dialed Ezra's number and waited for him to answer his phone. He was a little surprised when the phone was picked up on the third ring and he heard a barely understandable hello, but figured that he just lucked out.

JD just rolled his eyes at Buck's goofy grin and God-awful attempt at disguising his voice. He watched Buck's face as he started in on his little prank. 'He already looks like he is going to burst out laughing,' JD thought. 'He's never going to be able to make it all the way through without busting a gut.' JD closed his eyes and felt himself begin to relax back into sleep. He floated in a light daze until he heard Buck croak out a shocked, "Vin?"

JD jumped up off the couch and stared at Buck. 'Vin?' JD raced to the phone in the kitchen and managed to pick it up just as Buck began speaking again.

"Vin, is that you?"

"Yeah, Buck." JD thought Vin sounded as if he was barely awake.

"Where are you?"

"In bed."

Buck and JD glanced at one another. JD covered the receiver of the phone and asked, "Are you sure you called Ezra's?" Buck nodded his head before a thoughtful look appeared on his face.

"Vin?"

"Hmm...."

"What's Ezra doing?"

"Sleepin'."

"Where's he at?"

"Right here...next to me. Why?"

"No reason. See ya later, okay?"

"'Kay."

Buck and JD both hung up their phones. JD walked over to Buck and watched as he turned off the recorder. Neither man said a word as they walked over and sat down on the couch. Five minutes later JD turned to Buck and asked, "What do you think?"

"I'm not sure, JD."

"What should we do?"

"We're going to Chris'."

Vin groaned when he heard the phone ring. He reached over to answer it only to discover it wasn't where it was supposed to be. Reluctantly, he opened his eyes and looked around the room squinting his unfocused eyes until he spotted the phone just as it rang for what he thought was the second time. Vin stretched himself over Ezra's sleeping form and grabbed the phone as it rang again and mumbled a barely coherent hello.

Vin lay there barely listening as a man complained that the sea monkeys he bought kept dying and he should get his money back for them. Vin figured he should be paying more attention but he could hardly manage to stay awake. Ever since he became involved with Ezra, he had learned to appreciate sleeping in a little on the weekends and relaxing in bed. Combine that with a slight hangover and the general feeling of contentment he always felt when he was with Ezra, and he couldn't bring himself to care less about this guy's problem. He finally roused himself enough to tell the man, "Sorry mister, but I think ya dialed the wrong number."

"Vin?"

Vin's mind registered someone speaking his name, and he thought he recognized the voice.

"Vin, is that you?"

"Yeah, Buck." Now that Vin's conscious mind identified Buck's voice, his subconscious dropped its protective barriers knowing that the person behind the voice was one of the few that could be trusted implicitly. So Vin answered Buck honestly without realizing exactly what he was saying.

"Where are you?"

"In bed." Vin felt himself drifting back into sleep when the silence stretched on.

"Vin?"

"Hmm...."

"What's Ezra doing?"

"Sleepin'."

"Where's he at?"

"Right here...next to me." Vin wondered absentmindedly why Buck would care where Ezra was sleeping, unless... "Why?" Vin asked feeling slight stirrings of jealousy and possessiveness work their way into his heart at the idea of Ezra with someone other than him.

"No reason. See ya later, okay?"

"'Kay." Vin hung up the phone and let it fall from his hand to the floor a little more awake than he had been. He pushed himself up and shifted a little in order to rest his head in the spot where Ezra's neck and shoulder met when he felt a hand stroke its way up and down his bare back. Vin sighed contentedly and thought to himself that Ezra definitely knew what he was talking about when it came to spending a few lazy hours in bed in the morning.

"Hey, Ez?"

"What?" Ezra murmured quietly.

"You awake?"

"No."

Vin laughed softly and began to nibble Ezra's neck while he lightly trailed his hand down Ezra's left arm until he reached his hand. He then pulled it up to rest on Ezra's chest so he could hold it more easily. He loved Ezra's hands.

"Who was calling at such an ungodly hour?" Ezra asked, not really caring while noticing, not for the first time, the fascination Vin seemed to have with his hands.

"Buck I think, but I couldn't tell at first. He was goin' on about his sea monkeys dyin', and he wanted his money back or somethin'."

"Sea monkeys? Why on earth would he call you about..." Ezra's voice trailed off as he opened his eyes and recognized the decor of his bedroom. 'Oh no, this is not good,' Ezra thought to himself.

"Vin, could you sit up for a moment please?" Ezra wondered exactly what Vin said to Buck.

"What's the matter, Ez?" Vin looked at Ezra's face and became concerned at the look of nervousness he could see there.

"Just sit up and look around you."

Vin did what Ezra asked and felt his jaw drop when he realized that he wasn't where he thought he was. He felt his heart start to pound and any desire to sleep drained from his body when he recalled what he had done.

"Oh my God, I answered your phone, Ez."

"I realize that."

"What the hell are we doin' at your condo?"

"I have no idea." Ezra looked at Vin with a small half-smile on his face. "I would have bet money before I opened my eyes that we were at your place. The last thing I remember from last night, before things become decidedly hazy, is our deciding to go to your apartment."

"I thought we did too; that's why I answered the phone. I can't believe we're here. Guess that explains why the phone wasn't where it was supposed to be. And of all the people to call it had to be Buck. I mean, what the hell's he doin' callin' ya so early anyway? Everyone knows ya don't get up 'til noon." Vin's voice had risen steadily while he was talking, as different emotions coursed through him...confusion, amusement, disappointment. He was a little confused at how they ended up in Ezra's bed instead of his since they had planned to go to his place but there was nothing he could do about that now so he decided not to worry about it. He was slightly amused that they were found out this way especially since he and Ezra were considered the best of the Seven at keeping their private lives private. They never let anything slip that they didn't want known and the first time one of them did it end up being the most important part of their lives, but once again Vin decided not to dwell on it since he couldn't change what happened. Vin mainly felt disappointment; it wouldn't be just the two of them anymore. He knew it couldn't last forever but he would miss having Ezra all to himself like he had.

Vin sighed, "I'm sorry Ez."

"It's ok Vin," Ezra whispered into Vin's ear before placing a kiss on the side of his neck. "Does it bother you that much if the rest of the team knows about our relationship?"

Vin turned around to face Ezra and stared straight into green eyes that showed a small amount of apprehension. Vin softly caressed Ezra's cheek before holding the face he treasured above all others in his hands.

"Don't bother me at all, Ez. I don't care who knows about us or what anyone else thinks. I ain't ashamed or embarrassed to be with ya if that's what you're worried about. I'm proud of ya, Ez, and I'm proud to love you. I thank God everyday that you love me and that I was lucky enough to find you."

That said Vin drew Ezra forward into a passionate kiss that seared both men to their souls and left them panting for breath. Vin rested his forehead against Ezra's while he gained control of his breathing. When he could speak normally again, Vin pulled away in order to look Ezra in the eye again.

A smile crossed Ezra's face as he spoke, "I love you too, Vin."

Vin gave Ezra a small smile before picking up one of his hands to hold in both of his while he continued with what he was saying. "It's just...I was hoping for it to just be us for a little while longer before we told the others. I mean, we've loved each other a long time, Ez, but we've only been together a few months, and we won't ever get this time back. Once the others know, that's it, we're at their mercy. I don't think they'll have a problem with it, but they'll definitely be on us about it. At least for awhile."

"I know what you mean, Vin. Once the rest of the team knows about our relationship, they become a part of it in a way. It won't be just the two of us any longer, and I must admit I enjoy having you all to myself without any of the others' good-natured kidding and well-meaning advice," Ezra smiled.

"How do ya think we should handle this?"

"I'm not sure, Vin. We'll think of something, but first tell me exactly what you said to Buck on the phone."

Ezra listened as Vin recounted the details of his conversation with Buck. When Vin finished, both men sat quietly thinking about their options.

Finally Ezra sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I'm afraid I'm at a loss here, Vin. Maybe we could get away with saying we were so drunk that we both passed out together after a night out on the town."

"Maybe, but then they'll probably just want to know where we were that we got so drunk in the first place since we're not usually heavy drinkers, and then get all bent out of shape that we didn't invite 'em along."

"I have a feeling you're right in your assumption of our friends' reactions. We could act as if we have no idea what they're talking about," Ezra offered. "No, they won't buy that either."

"Especially Buck," Vin said, nodding his head in agreement. "He's like a dog with a bone."

"I suppose we'll have to bite the bullet and tell the truth," Ezra said with a disgusted look on his face. He never liked being forced into doing something, even telling the truth.

"Looks like it," Vin agreed before cocking his head a little when a thought crossed his mind. "Ez, what's today's date?"

"April 1. Why?" Ezra asked confused by the abrupt subject change.

"I think I know a way we can get out of this jam. We'll just have to keep on our toes around the others," Vin said with a sly look on his face that became a huge grin at the wary look Ezra threw him.

"Trust me Ezra."

"Always."

Vin pulled Ezra in for a hard kiss amazed at the intensity of emotion that one word response created in him. It nearly overwhelmed him at times, the love he felt for Ezra, and the fact that Ezra loved him just as much. Vin smiled as Ezra maneuvered the two of them so that they were both laying down once again knowing that Ezra wanted to go back to sleep.

"C'mon, Ez, daylight's burnin'. It's time to get up," Vin said not bothering to hide the grin on his face.

"It's not even 7:30 yet," Ezra complained after glancing at the clock.

"I know, but if we get up, we can take a long shower and have a nice relaxin' breakfast together before we head on over to Chris's. I'll even let you make the coffee," Vin teased knowing that there was no way he was letting Ezra go back to sleep.

"How about you let me go to sleep, and I let you make the coffee the way you like it - strong enough to pave the road with."

"Fine," Vin sighed, "have it your own way. Guess I'll have to take a long hot shower by myself. Too bad. I was hopin' someone would scrub my back for me...and all those other hard-to-reach spots."

With that, Vin jumped out of bed, stood and stretched making sure that Ezra got a good look. He then walked into the bathroom to start the shower laughing at the curse Ezra let loose before following him.

JD looked at the other men sitting in various spots around Chris' living room. They had just finished listening to the recording of Buck's "prank." Buck still looked a little shell shocked at the revelation his April Fool's joke apparently uncovered. Nathan and Josiah had identical pairs of amazed expressions on their faces. Chris just looked thoughtful. JD was curious what the others thought and, since no one was speaking, he decided to get the ball rolling.

"So what do you guys think? Do you think Vin and Ezra are a couple?"

It was the first thing that popped into JD's head after listening to Vin on the phone. When still no one said anything, JD became a little concerned. He hoped this didn't mean that if Vin and Ez were a couple the other guys would have a problem with it. Personally, JD didn't have an issue with it. He'd had friends who were gay back in college and didn't see what the big deal was. If two people loved one another and made each other happy then who cared if they happened to be two men or two women. If Vin and Ezra were a couple then more power to them. As long as they didn't hurt each other, JD didn't have a problem. In fact, he was a little surprised at how much he liked the idea of the two of them together. They'd be good for each other; they understood each other's strengths and weaknesses in a way the rest of the team couldn't. He was just curious as to how he missed it.

"Well?"

"Well, it certainly sounds as if they could possibly be a couple," Nathan volunteered.

"No way, you guys! We'd know if they were seein' each other," Buck stated confidently.

"Are you sure about that, Buck?" asked Nathan. "We haven't exactly seen them dating anyone lately."

"Absolutely, Nate. Sure, they haven't been seeing anyone the past couple of months, but that's because Ezra hasn't had the chance with the workload lately and Vin's still gettin' over that disaster with Charlotte."

"It's been over six months since Vin ended his relationship with Charlotte," Josiah pointed out, "and Ezra hasn't worked any more than the rest of us."

"I'm telling you, Josiah, there's no way. We see them everyday; we would have noticed something."

"Not necessarily. Ezra's not as closed off as he used to be, but it's still damn hard to figure out what he's feeling if he doesn't want you to know," Nathan stated. "Vin's easier to read than Ezra but not by much. If those two don't want you to find something out about them then odds are you won't."

"Yeah, but you guys, this is somethin' major, and even Ez will tell us now when somethin' major is happenin' in his life. But there's been nothin', nada, zilch. There hasn't been one iota of evidence of any relationship between the two of 'em. I mean, have any of you seen anything that would lead you to believe they were involved?" asked Buck.

"I don't believe that I have," Josiah said, "although I haven't exactly been looking for anything like that. I have seen how they have grown closer over the last year, but then we all have, especially to Ezra now that he's started lowering his guard."

"Ezra's always been closer to Vin than anyone else, except maybe JD," Nathan threw in, "but then Ezra told me once that he felt that Vin was something of a kindred spirit. He could understand things about him that we couldn't. He appreciated how JD gave him the benefit of the doubt when he joined the team and didn't judge him based on the rumors from the FBI, but instead formed his own opinion of Ezra from his actions with the team."

"When did he say all that?" JD asked as a warm glow spread through him. He didn't know Ezra had felt that way. JD was proud that he hadn't listened to the rumors. He'd always known Ezra wasn't dirty. He'd felt it in his gut, and he'd take on anyone who said otherwise.

"He told me that time we were trapped in the elevator together for two hours during the middle of that god awful heatwave last summer when all the power went out," Nathan said smiling at the look of pride that had appeared on JD's face at his words. JD had always believed in Ezra and, in return, Ezra always treated JD as a respected colleague, not an inexperienced rookie that some of the others sometimes did. 'Myself included,' Nathan thought.

JD nodded his head in acknowledgement. He remembered that incident; it had marked a turning point in Nathan's and Ezra's relationship. No one knew what they talked about, but they seemed to have worked out whatever issues they had with each other and were now much more relaxed around each other. They still argued on occasion, but it was without the underlying tension that was always there before.

"What do you think, Chris?" Buck asked trying to steer the conversation back to the original subject. "You ain't said nothin' yet. Care to share with the class?"

"Well, like Nathan said, it's possible based on the conversation, but it's hard to tell," Chris began trying to get his thoughts in order. He was definitely leaning towards Vin and Ezra not being involved but there was a small part of him that wondered. If they were a couple Chris knew they would not like how their relationship had been discovered. Both men guarded their privacy fiercely, as such, their teammates have been known to hound them, good-naturedly for the most part, on whatever piece of information they let be known. Normally, Chris didn't interfere, he'd even joined in on occasion, but this situation was different, especially if it was true, and he would do whatever it took to protect Vin and Ezra even from the other members of their family. He would not allow them to be hurt, even unintentionally, so he decided he would try and take the heat off the two men.

"I haven't seen anything to indicate they're involved," Chris continued, "but that doesn't mean they're not. I'm tempted to just flat out ask them both if they are or aren't when they get here, but I won't because I'm with Buck on this one. I can't believe that not one of the five of us would have noticed something. Other people maybe, but us, no way. Besides, our finding out today of all days is just a little too coincidental to me."

"What do you mean?"

"Buck, what day is it?" asked Chris with a smirk.

"April- Oh man!" Buck jumped to his feet with a disgusted look on his face. "I can't believe I forgot that. Those two little snots played me."

"Buck, you were attempting a prank yourself," Josiah said laughing at the insulted look on Buck's face.

"That's different."

"Okay Buck, sit down." Chris stifled his own laugh while he waited until Buck reclaimed his spot on the sofa before continuing. "Like I was saying, the fact that this all happened on April Fool's Day leads me to believe that it's just a joke for one of two reasons. One, it's not uncommon for me to call Ezra, before he leaves to come over here, about picking up some things from the store that I've ran out of due to the rest of you guys."

"What's that supposed to mean, and why do you always ask Ezra to do it?" asked Buck.

"It means that when it comes to food, Brother, we're pigs."

"Exactly, and I ask Ez because he's the only one I trust to buy exactly what's on the list and not waste my money on unnecessary items. Anyway, it stands to reason that Ezra expected me to call since I've had to the last three times you all came over," Chris said with a good natured glare. "So he and Vin came up with an April Fool's joke."

"I don't know, Chris," JD said doubtfully, "there was no way Ezra and Vin could know that you would call for sure."

"I know, JD," Chris agreed, "and the fact that Vin was there so early makes me believe that the joke wasn't for me. Which leads us to possible reason two. Either Vin or Ezra found out about Buck's prank, and they decided to turn the tables."

"The only way they could have found out is if one you guys told 'em," Buck said while looking accusingly at his friends.

"We gave you our word we wouldn't say anything Buck," Josiah said speaking for the group, "but that still doesn't mean they didn't discover it on their own."

"How?"

"Well, don't take this the wrong way Buck, but you're not exactly known for being subtle," Nathan explained. "Sometimes the look on your face gives away that you're planning something. And you did keep looking at Ezra all afternoon."

"Or they could have just overheard something without any of us realizing it," offered Josiah.

"I guess you have a point," Buck conceded. "You know, they did show up with lunch not too long after I told you all about my April Fool's joke. They probably heard enough to figure things out right then."

"I think you're right Buck, and we all know Vin will never pass up the chance to play a practical joke on one of us. The fact that Ezra was in on it isn't too surprising either since Vin can talk him into doing practically anything. Plus it'd be just like Ezra to turn the tables on you, Buck," said Chris.

"Ah hell, and I nearly fell for it too," Buck groaned. "I actually believed them for awhile. I can't believe it."

"Don't feel too bad. I nearly fell for it myself until I remembered the date," Chris admitted seeing Josiah and Nathan nod in agreement.

"So how do we handle things when they get here?" inquired Nathan.

"Well, I for one am sure as hell not going to let them know they almost fooled me," Buck stated. "I'd never hear the end of it."

"I think we should just acknowledge the joke and then move on," Josiah suggested.

"I agree. If we make a big deal out of it or ignore it, then we'll just give them the satisfaction of knowing they got to all of us."

"You're right, Nathan. I say we go with Josiah's suggestion and tip our hats to them, then enjoy the rest of the day together. Agreed?"

"Sure thing, Chris. What'd ya say JD?" asked Buck. He'd noticed that JD had been uncharacteristically quiet throughout most of the conversation.

"Yeah sure, sounds good," JD said with a small smile.

Buck slapped JD on the shoulder then turned to talk with the other men now that they had gotten things settled. JD tuned out his friends' voices and went over the previous conversation in his head.

He thought the other guys were just a little too quick in dismissing the idea that Ezra and Vin could be involved. In his opinion, they didn't want to believe it because then they would have to admit that they had been completely clueless about what was going on and had missed all the signs. Well, JD had no problem admitting that he had seen no evidence of a relationship. Knowing Vin and Ezra, they didn't leave a clue, but that didn't mean there wasn't one. Both Vin and Ezra had taught him to trust his instincts and right now they were screaming at him that what Vin had said on the phone was no joke.

Someone calling his name snapped him back to reality. He joined the conversation having decided to keep his opinion to himself for now. He would just keep his eyes and ears open once Vin and Ezra arrived and let the day play out naturally.

Ezra looked over at Vin after parking his car next to Josiah's in front of Chris' house.

"Ready Ez?"

"As I'll ever be."

"Don't worry, Ez, it'll be a piece of cake. After all, I've been gettin' lessons from the best undercover agent in the business," Vin smiled even though he was a little uneasy himself. He wished they could have just skipped out on the whole afternoon with the guys, but after this morning he knew it was impossible. They'd get way too many questions, and he'd rather the guys found out about the two of them in a less accidental way.

"So true," Ezra replied in a mock arrogant tone that had Vin laughing.

"Guess we should head on in," Vin suggested noticing the way Ezra kept tapping the fingers of his left hand on the steering wheel while his right clenched and unclenched on the emergency brake, a sure sign that he was nervous. Vin barely managed to stifle a groan as he watched Ezra. He knew he really had to have it bad if the sight of Ezra's hand moving along the emergency brake turned him on. 'Shit, what those hands can do.'

Ezra saw Vin look at his hands and watched as his face filled with desire. Deciding to have a little fun with his lover, Ezra slowly squeezed his hand and moved it back and forth over the parking brake. He watched as the handsome sharpshooter's blue eyes dilated to almost totally black and his jaw clenched. Ezra knew he had gotten to Vin; he only clenched his jaw like that when he was trying to keep himself from acting on an urge. The only problem was Vin's response sparked one in Ezra as well. Clearing his throat, Ezra looked away from Vin and said huskily, "Let's go Vin," before getting out of the car.

Vin took a few deep breaths trying to get his body under control. 'Damn him,' he thought fondly, 'he knows exactly what buttons to push to get me goin'.' He stepped out of the car and began walking with Ezra towards the front door of the house.

"I'll get you for that, Ez," Vin growled.

"I look forward to it," Ezra said with a devilish grin. "Perhaps we could go parking sometime."

Vin shoved his hands into his coat pockets to keep from grabbing Ezra and giving him a taste of what he wanted to do to him. He would have done it except for the fact that their teammates were watching them through the windows.

"Behave Ezra. It's showtime," Vin winked before opening the door so the two men could enter the house.

JD was the first to realize that Ezra and Vin had arrived. The others were too engrossed in the game they were watching to notice. He didn't say anything; he just watched as the two men sat in the Jag for a few minutes before getting out. 'Ezra's tapping his fingers,' JD said to himself. 'He's either concentrating or he's nervous.' Finally the two men got out of the car and began walking towards the house.

"Whatcha lookin' at JD?" asked Buck.

"Vin and Ezra are here."

"It's about time they showed up. I'm starvin'."

Any comment to Buck's statement by one of the others was cut off by Vin and Ezra entering the living room.

"Hey guys."

"Good afternoon, gentlemen."

"Hi Ez, Vin. You guys want something to drink?" JD asked while the two men removed and hung up their coats.

"Sure JD."

"A drink would be most welcome, thank you, Mr. Dunne. Well Mr. Larabee, it appears that for the first time in a month, the starving masses did not devour every scrap of food in your home before I arrived. To what do you attribute this miracle?"

"Probably the fact that Vin and his bottomless stomach wasn't here," Chris said returning Ezra's smile.

"What can I say? I'm a growin' boy," Vin said with an unapologetic grin.

"Yeah, but you're not growing up anymore, Vin. If you're not careful, you're going to start growing out," Chris shot back.

JD returned to the living room and handed Ezra and Vin their drinks. He couldn't help but notice the smirk Buck was shooting the two men and knew that he was about to bring up the phone call.

"That was a pretty interesting conversation we had this morning, Junior," Buck said with a knowing grin.

"What do ya mean, Bucklin?" asked Vin with an expression of total innocence that would have been believable had they all not known the truth.

The seven friends all found a spot to sit or stand in Chris' living room figuring that they might as well be as comfortable as possible for this conversation. Buck, Josiah and Nathan all claimed places on the couch while Chris sat in the recliner and JD took a spot on the loveseat. Ezra opted to lean back against the wall near the fireplace wanting to maintain some freedom of movement. Vin, the last one to take a seat, chose to sit on the arm of the loveseat near JD. JD noted that Vin had positioned himself as close to Ezra as he could without actually standing right next to him.

"You know what I mean, Vin. Did the two of you really think you could fool all of us?" Buck inquired smugly.

All eyes were on the two men, and Ezra had to beat back the urge to squirm in the face of all the direct looks.

Vin felt his heart start pounding in his chest but was determined not to lose his cool in front of the others no matter how long they stared at him.

"Actually, Mr. Wilmington, we did think we could fool you," Ezra answered. "If we didn't, we wouldn't have tried."

"Well, it didn't work boys."

"It didn't?"

"Nope, we all figured out your plan."

"Did you?"

"Yes, Ezra, we did. I can't believe the two of you actually thought we'd fall for it, and on April Fool's Day of all days," Buck stated incredulously.

"It was worth a shot, but I guess you guys are just too smart for us," Vin said with an expression of mock regret that had everyone laughing.

"Don't feel too bad, Brothers. Had it been any other day, your joke might have worked," Josiah offered.

"You certainly gave a good performance," Nathan agreed with a smile.

"Not good enough obviously," Vin said surprised that he and Ezra were apparently not going to have to work too hard to convince the guys that this morning's phone call was a prank.

"You guys never gave any hint at actually being a couple ever," Chris explained, "so what made you think that we'd buy it now, completely out of the blue?"

"Well, Mr. Larabee, like Mr. Tanner said, it was worth a shot," Ezra explained. "It was all in the spirit of fun and, I must admit, it was all put together at the last minute. There wasn't much time for elaborate planning."

Ezra was amazed at the conversation taking place. It was obvious that the idea that he and Vin were involved was totally inconceivable to the other men. He didn't quite know how to feel about that.

Vin was experiencing a similar state of emotions. The guys assumed the phone call was all a joke simply because they didn't believe he and Ezra could be together. He wondered why. He hoped it didn't mean the others would have a problem with them. 'Too bad if they do,' Vin thought. 'There's no way in hell I'm lettin' Ez go.'

"Thank God for that," Chris said snapping Vin back to attention. "There's no telling what you two would have come up with had you had time to plan."

"Now there's a frightening thought," teased Josiah.

"Ain't that the truth," Buck laughed, "but, all kidding aside guys, how did you know I was gonna call? I thought I had all my angles covered, it was a sure-fire plan. What tipped you off?"

Vin and Ezra looked at one another; both stuck on how to answer Buck. Thoughts raced through both men's minds as they each tried to come up with something to say. It seemed as if minutes passed to both men as they attempted to formulate a response that would be believable to the others but, in reality, only a few seconds went by before Ezra spoke.

"Now, Mr. Wilmington, if I told you how I discovered your planned ruse then I would have to derive new ways to uncover the various schemes and pranks you enjoy playing on me," Ezra responded with his face betraying nothing despite the knot that had formed in his stomach.

"Aw hell, Ez, that ain't fair," groaned Buck.

"Well Buck, you know the old saying: Life isn't always fair," Ezra said with a huge grin.

Buck rolled his eyes while his teammates laughed. He knew there was no way either Ezra or Vin would actually tell him how they found out about his joke, but it never hurt to ask. The two men had an incredible knack for sniffing out any practical joke someone tried to play on them. The only way to fool them was to catch them totally off guard and without any warning. 'Oh well,' Buck thought, 'that's what made a successful practical joke on either of them so much fun.'

"Okay, since all that's straightened away, let's eat," Nathan suggested. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm hungry."

The rest of the men agreed with Nathan, and they all stood up and began working their way into the kitchen to get something to eat. Vin was drawn into a conversation with Josiah about an upcoming project at the Community Center in Purgatory but noticed that Ezra lagged behind to speak to JD.

"Everything all right JD?" Ezra asked having noticed that the young computer expert had not uttered a single word since asking if he and Vin would like a drink earlier.

"Yeah, Ez, everything's fine."

"Are you sure?" Ezra asked again. He knew that it was unusual for JD to be so quiet and hoped the young man was all right.

"I'm sure. I've just got something on my mind. Don't worry about it," JD reassured Ezra.

"Okay," Ezra said dropping the subject. He knew JD would talk about it when he was ready and pushing him on it would only make him angry.

"JD, Ezra, you'd better get in here before there's nothing left," Chris yelled from the kitchen.

"We'd better move, Ez, unless you want to go on a food run," JD laughed as Ezra groaned dramatically at the thought and proceeded to drag the undercover agent to the kitchen.

The remainder of the afternoon went off without a hitch with everyone enjoying himself. The formidable Denver ATF Team 7 spent the evening relaxing and talking in front of a fire Chris lit in the fireplace of his living room to ward off the chill. Josiah, Ezra and Nathan played a few games of gin rummy while discussing the historical accuracies and inaccuracies of the movie "Gladiator", Buck's choice at their most recent bimonthly video night. Vin and JD practiced their newly acquired chess skills on one another in front of the fireplace. Chris and Buck spent their time reminiscing on their early years together in the Navy. All the men forgot, for the most part, the early morning phone conversation between Buck and Vin. Except for three.

Vin and Ezra were surprised by the response of their friends. They were also relieved that their relationship was still under wraps. Vin was glad that he still had Ezra to himself for awhile more, but he knew that they'd have to tell the others sometime soon.

Ezra's thoughts were running along similar lines as Vin's. He was glad the others hadn't found out about them by accident knowing it would hurt the other men to think that he and Vin did not trust them. They did trust them which was why they wanted to tell their teammates to their faces about the shift in their relationship when they were ready.

JD never said a word about the phone call or the resulting discussion the rest of the day. A practical joke concocted by the two men to play on Buck made sense and was totally believable, but JD still couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to it than that. He'd watched Vin and Ezra as covertly as he could throughout the day but saw nothing to indicate that the two men were anything more than friends. They acted the same as they always did with each other. JD wondered if maybe he was reading more into the situation than was actually there because he wanted his two friends to be together. They both gave off an air of loneliness sometimes that seemed to disappear whenever they were with one another, JD had noticed. JD just wanted all of his friends to be happy, and he felt that Vin and Ezra could make each other happy. He didn't know if his feeling came from his reaction to the phone call, or if it had always been there and he just hadn't realize it, but, whatever the reason, the more he thought of his two friends as a couple the more he liked it. JD hoped that they were; both Vin and Ezra had been alone for too long.

The evening finally came to an end around 10pm since they had to work the next day. Chris walked his friends to the door and watched as they climbed into their respective vehicles and drove away. Chris smiled and shook his head as he finished cleaning up. 'Vin and Ezra a couple.' His first reaction to that idea had been 'no way' but that small voice inside him that said 'maybe they are' was not going away no matter what argument he used against it.

Chris thought back to when he was with Sarah, there was no doubt to anyone that they were together and in love. With Ezra and Vin though, Chris admitted to himself, you'd be hard-pressed to figure out they were with anyone let alone each other. Chris paused for a second at that thought. Vin and Ezra could keep a secret like nobody's business and were both notoriously tightlipped about their private lives. Chris' main reason for accepting the phone call as a prank was the fact that he had seen no evidence prior to it that would make it true, but Vin and Ezra would not have left any... they were to careful for that. When it came to Vin and Ez, Chris realized a lack of evidence was evidence in itself, but could he have really been so blind as to have not noticed even a look shared between his two friends. 'Maybe,' he thought before smiling to himself. If those two were really together then things would definitely become interesting. He didn't believe they were involved, but if they were things would definitely become interesting. Chris decided that he'd just wait and see. If they were actually together, they'd tell the rest of the team when they were ready. He would just keep a close eye on his undercover agent and sharpshooter for the time being until he knew for sure either way.

April 2 . . . The day after April Fool's Day

It was business as usual at the offices of Team 7 that morning. Chris and Vin were the first to arrive followed by Nathan, Josiah, Buck and JD. Ezra usually arrived for work by 9am. When 9 o'clock came and went with no sign of Ezra, Buck being Buck decided to have a little fun with Vin.

"Hey Vin. Ezra's late," Buck said with a mischievous grin on his face.

"Ezra's always late, Buck," Vin responded without looking up from the file he was reading.

"Not this late, Junior. What'd you do, keep him up all night?"

"BUCK," JD, Josiah and Nathan shouted while throwing the ladies man a dirty look.

Buck looked innocently at the three men while ignoring Chris who had walked up behind him, arms crossed.

"Buck, I thought we all agreed yesterday to let that subject drop," Chris scowled not wanting anything to get started between his two best friends.

Buck continued to ignore Chris as he switched his attention back to Vin who was sitting back in his chair with his long legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles. He wondered idly how the Texan managed to keep from sliding right off of his chair onto the floor.

"What's the matter, Bucklin?" Vin looked up with a smirk on his face. "Jealous?"

Everyone began laughing when Buck started sputtering, unable to give a response. Josiah had tears running down his face at Buck's expression, and Chris had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from losing it completely. It was into this atmosphere that Ezra walked in stopping just inside the door to try and determine what was so funny.

"Good morning, gentlemen. Would someone care to enlighten me as to what you all find so amusing?" Ezra asked with a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"Well, Ez, it seems that Buck here is jealous that Vin kept 'you' up all night last night instead of 'him'," Nathan explained with a laugh.

Ezra raised an eyebrow at that and looked towards Vin to gauge the seriousness of the situation. Vin threw Ezra a wink indicating it was all in fun, so he decided to play along.

"Really? Well, I must admit Mr. Wilmington that you should be jealous. Mr. Tanner is an animal in bed," Ezra tossed over his shoulder with a smug grin while he strolled over to his desk and sat down.

"I hope that's a good thing, Ez."

"Oh, it's definitely a good thing, Vin."

By now, the other five men had completely lost it. JD was laughing so hard no sound came out, and it took everything Chris had not to spit out the mouthful of coffee he had drunk right before Ezra spoke. Josiah had laid his head down on his arms, but his shoulders were visibly shaking with laughter, and Nathan was wiping tears from his eyes with one hand while holding his stomach with the other. Even Buck was laughing. He was never one to pass up a good laugh, even one at his own expense. Ezra and Vin merely looked at their friends with satisfied smiles on their faces.

"Alright everybody," Chris said once he got himself under control, "let's try and get some work done."

Everyone did what Chris said and went back to his work. An occasional chuckle or giggle could be heard now and then but, for the most part, there was silence for about a half-hour before another conversation was started.

"Excuse me, Buck."

"Yeah Ez?"

"I just wanted to inform you, since it appears to have become your mission in life to fill me with the current holiday spirit, that when you make up my Easter basket, I would appreciate receiving some Jolly Ranchers, Three Musketeers and Peppermint Patties."

"'Jolly Ranchers, Three Musketeers and Peppermint Patties,'" Buck repeated surprised.

"Yes. Oh, I also wouldn't mind trying one of those Cadbury Eggs," Ezra responded with a smile.

"Ooh, I like those," Vin piped in, "but I also want Peanut M&Ms, Twix bars and Skittles."

"Now wait a minute-" Buck started before being interrupted.

"I want Whoppers, Hershey's Kisses with Almonds and Red Vines."

"Red Vines?" Buck threw JD a questioning look.

"I like Red Vines," JD smiled.

"Well, Brother Buck, I would like some jelly beans, Nestle's Crunch and Symphony bars," Josiah added his two cents with a large grin. "The blue Symphony bars."

"I want Snickers, Butterfingers and Starbursts," Nathan said before Buck could get a word in.

Buck looked around the room totally nonplussed at the Easter order his friends had just placed. He knew he'd have to do it, or he would never hear the end of it.

"Okay boys, I don't see any finished reports on my desk, so quit yappin' and get back to work," ordered Chris from his office. "Oh, and Buck, I want Tootsie Rolls, Kit Kat bars and Now and Laters."

"Fine, you guys, I'll do it, but," Buck shot all his friends a look and even turned to look in Chris's direction, "I'd better get somethin' from every single one of you too."

Buck turned back to his computer once he had gotten an acknowledgment from the others. He muttered to himself under his breath about the situation he had gotten himself into.

JD shook his head at Buck's grumbling and bit back a smile. He glanced over and saw both Ezra and Vin concentrating on their work. JD thought back on the events of the last few days and wondered if he should just ask them outright about their possible relationship. JD looked up and caught Chris watching the two men as well. JD decided not to confront his friends; he figured he'd find out soon enough.

Vin knew that JD and Chris were watching him and Ezra. He figured that if anyone was going to catch on to them it would be either JD or Chris. Ezra was JD's closest friend after Buck and, as a consequence, JD could read Ez better than all the others could, except for Vin. Add to that the fact that Ezra never lied to JD, and he had a good chance at figuring things out. As for Vin, the only person who knew him better than Ez was Chris, and once Chris was tipped off to something, he didn't give up until he discovered the whole truth. Vin and Ezra had discussed the situation the night before. They knew they would have to tell the others soon, and they would in a few weeks or a month. Vin didn't mind; he'd just enjoy having Ezra all to himself for a little while longer.

Ezra suddenly looked up and smiled at Vin. Vin smiled back returning with his own eyes the love he saw in Ezra's green ones.