Disclaimer: I don't own Magnificent Seven

A/N: The next part of Trinity, from the episode Obsession. Enjoy.


"Three years tomorrow since Sarah and Adam were killed."

Ezra glanced up from his game of solitaire at the anguish in his lover's voice. Buck was spinning his whisky glass on the tabletop, careful to not spill any of the expensive amber liquid. Knowing there was nothing he could say to make it better he settled for reaching out and squeezing Buck's hand, the sentiment behind the gesture clear.

The saloon was empty around them, like a ghost and Ezra scraped the cards back together, suddenly not in the mood to continue his game. He hadn't been with his lovers on the anniversary last year. They had gone out to Chris' shack, each armed with a bottle of cheap whisky. He had remained in town and held his own memorial.

It didn't matter that he had never met Sarah and Adam. Anyone that had been loved by Chris and Buck deserved to be remembered, even by a stranger.

"I don't blame Chris for his rather hectic dash from the vicinity this morning. If being away from this charming hamlet is what it takes to survive the day so be it." Ezra pocketed his cards, eyes focused on a spot over Buck's shoulder. He couldn't imagine what Buck and Chris in particular were going through. His only significant attachment growing up had been his mother. While their relationship was rocky at the best of times he knew he would be upset if anything were to happen to her.

As much as he loved his mother, the thought of losing her was nothing compared to the thought of losing Chris and Buck. Even the mere thought was enough to set his stomach roiling and he had to close his eyes, remembering the terror when Chris had nearly been lost to them in the prison. Or the time Buck had set out to defend Inez's honour despite the fact he had no idea how to use a rapier.

A warm hand cupped his cheek and he turned into the touch, kissing his lover's palm. "I'm fine Buck."

Thumb lightly touching Ezra's lower lip Buck frowned. "No you aren't but I'm not goin' to push. JD and I'll go round Chris up tomorrow. He had enough of a reputation in these parts before we ended up here. It's only gotten worse since then, and he shouldn't be alone on the worst day of his life when he's drunk."

Ezra nodded and got to his feet. "I'm for bed. Today has been more stressful than most."

Buck caught Ezra's hand and brushed a kiss across his knuckles. "You mind sharin' your feather bed with me? Not sure I wanna be alone tonight."

Sliding his hands into thick dark hair Ezra leaned down to kiss Buck, slow and sweet. "Anytime."

-----

Buck shifted his grip on Chris, pulling his lover closer. Riding double wasn't exactly his idea of a good time even when both participants were awake, but Chris was going to be miserable enough when he woke up without having been carried to Four Corners slung on his stomach over his saddle.

Getting Chris into even his undershirt had been an exercise in patience but luckily Maria was as competent getting her clients dressed as she was in undressing them. She had even held the horses as he and JD had struggled to get a limp Chris into the saddle. Chris' mount was tied to the back of his saddle as the black hated following any horse but his own, and only after years of familiarity.

JD was ahead of them, his jacket draped over his lap, sleeves bright in the sun. He hadn't looked back once and Buck could only assume it was because JD was trying to give them some privacy. Not that they needed any. Even if Chris hadn't been unconscious there wouldn't be touching. Chris was still intensely private and despite the fact JD had been privy to what was between them once he would never see it again.

Bowing his head Buck nuzzled his face into the fine hair at the nape of Chris' neck. He smelled of alcohol and sweat and Buck licked the tender skin, tasting salt. It should have been disgusting but the taste and warmth under his mouth meant Chris was still alive, was still with them physically even if at the moment he was gone from them emotionally and mentally.

"Ezra and I are here for you." Tightening his arm around the slim body he pressed another kiss to warm skin and closed his eyes, focusing on the warmth of Chris against him.

-----

Ezra drank his whisky, laughing with the others but he didn't feel any of the humour the others were obviously feeling. There was something about Ella that grated, something that didn't seem quite real about it. It seemed unbelievably convenient that she had shown up on the anniversary of Sarah and Adam's death, that she suddenly had need of Chris' help.

He glanced at Buck, seeing the same thing in his lover. Buck was smiling but there was a brittle look in his eyes, like he was worried about something. Slumping down Ezra nudged Buck's foot with his own, needing the contact even in such an abbreviated form. Buck's eyes softened and he shifted, tangling his feet with Ezra's. They would manage some how.

-----

"All right. You should all know, after this job's finished, I'll be staying on here."

Vin glanced at Ezra and Buck seeing the shock they were both feeling. His gaze darted back to Chris who seemed suddenly incapable of meeting Buck and Ezra's square on. "Good luck to you."

JD looked to Vin and followed his gaze to Buck and Ezra. Ezra had gone pale and seemed unsure of what exactly was happening. Buck's jaw was clenched tight and it looked like he was seriously considering grabbing Chris in an attempt to shake some kind of sense into him.

He looked back to Vin, needing some kind of explanation. And since Vin was the only other person who knew about the three men is was he had to have the answer. When the man shook his head JD glanced back at his friends, heart going out to them.

-----

Buck wasn't sure what woke him and he rolled over, listening hard. Josiah's sonorous snores were loud in the silence of the bunkhouse, underscored by Nathan's softer snores. He could hear JD's soft sleep talking from the bunk above him. But the soft breathy exhale that Ezra made was missing. Straining his eyes he could barely see that Ezra was missing.

Tossing his blanket back he slid his boots on and grabbed his gun belt from where it was curled on the floor before slipping out. In the tree line off to the left he could see a small campfire glimmering through the tall grass and figured that was the best place to look.

Sure enough Ezra was sitting with Vin near the small fire, wearing his tan trail jacket against the slight chill in the air. Nodding to Vin Buck sat next to Ezra and accepted the proffered flask. He took a drink before handing it back. "I'm surprised you're out here Ez. I thought stayin' in the bunkhouse was all the indignity you were willin' to handle."

The jab was enough to earn a ghost of a smile from his lover before it faded away. "I couldn't sleep. Every time I close my eyes I can hear Chris saying he's staying here once this fiasco is done."

Vin looked between the two men, seeing the anguish writ large against those familiar faces and he could only imagine how they were feeling, knowing they were losing someone they loved. He had only the barest memories of his mother but what he did remember was enough for him to wish they'd had more time together. Imagining losing a lover he had been with for years was nearly impossible. "Chris tell either of you why he's doing this?"

Both men shook their heads and Vin watched as Buck curled his arm around Ezra's shoulder and pulled him closer, kissing the crown of his head. Despite the fact he had known about them from almost the beginning, beyond the one time he had caught them together and even the odd times it had been the four of them on the trail together, they were never openly affectionate around him. Now, in light of losing Chris it seemed their inhibitions were gone, but Buck had always been more affectionate than any of the rest of them.

Buck buried his face in Ezra's hair, hand rubbing at his lover's shoulder. "He didn't say why he was stayin' but he didn't have to. I know why."

Feeling Ezra stiffen Buck released him, though he rested his hand on Ezra's thigh. "Chris is trying to rebuild his life with something that isn't good for him. We met not long after Ella first left the picture. The first time we were together he still had scratches and bites all over his body from her. He admitted not much later it had only been a matter of time before one of them got seriously hurt and he figured it would be him. Ella's never been real big on control when it comes to sex."

"She knew horse breeding is what Chris wanted to do. She couldn't care less about it, other than the fact Chris loves it. Bitch set this up this ranch in hopes that if she found him it would be enough to keep him here with her. The anniversary this year was hard for him and she showed up at the worst time, when he's at a low spot in his life. She's got her claws in him and I got the feeling it isn't going to end well this time."

Buck drew Ezra back against his side, urging his head down. He brushed his lips over the soft curve of Ezra's ear, his voice pitched low enough that Vin couldn't hear him. "Close your eyes darlin' and get at least a little rest." Raising his voice he grinned at their companion. "Vin won't mind if we cuddle a little."

Smiling Vin tossed another log on the fire, watching it flare up.

-----

Chris slipped out of the bed and crossed to the window, pushing the lacey curtains back. The flickering light of a fire was barely visible from the house and he smiled, knowing it was Vin enjoying sleeping outside like he rarely got to in Four Corners. The moment he'd snapped at Vin he had regretted his harsh words. He shifted, eyes drawn to the bunkhouse, smile dropping away. It seemed like he was trying to drive away everyone he cared for.

He had never really considered himself a coward before, but he knew that's what he had been earlier. It had been damn near impossible not to look at his lovers when he had announced he was going to stay with Ella. He had wanted to, had wanted them to understand why he was doing it, but he hadn't been able to. He hadn't wanted to see the betrayal in Ezra's pale eyes, to see how upset Buck would be.

Hand brushing over the glass Chris glanced back at the bed and the slope of Ella's back under the blankets. Buck and Ezra would be okay without him. They loved each other and were good together, had been from the moment they had met. Their relationship would survive his abandoning it.

-----

"Bitch!"

Chris wrapped his hands around Ella's slim throat, fingers digging in to her windpipe. It didn't matter that she was a woman and that he had loved her at one point in time. Avenging Sarah and Adam's unfair, untimely deaths was all that mattered.

"They're in the bunk house boys!"

The sound of shots from outside snapped Chris from his murderous rage and he shoved Ella away from him, channeling his anger into a sharp point of focused hatred. She had brutally murdered his wife and child in the name of a relationship that hadn't existed for years. And now she was trying to have his lovers and the men he called family killed.

Ignoring Ella yelling at him Chris ducked back into the bedroom, fastening his gun belt around his waist before grabbing his rifle. He nearly fell going down the stairs, bare feet sliding on the short carpet on the stairs. Throwing the door open he stepped out onto the porch.

He was vaguely aware of Vin vaulting on to the porch behind him, covering his back. All that mattered was defending the men he loved, like he hadn't been able to save Sarah and Adam.

Tossing his rifle aside he stepped off the porch and drew his Colt. He heard Vin yelling at him to get down but the sound of Ella calling his name caught his attention and whirled around, gun raised.

He wanted to pull the trigger; his finger itched with the need to but for some reason he couldn't. Pain erupted like burning fire across his right side and all he was aware of for long minutes was the pain and Vin's hands on his skin as he yelled for Nathan.

-----

"Where's Chris?"

Vin tipped his head in the direction of Chris' cabin. "Got a letter that upset him and he headed out. Not sure he didn't pull his stitches gettin' mounted up."

Buck glanced at Ezra who nodded. "We're gonna head out there. Cover for us?"

"Yeah. We'll get things covered with the four of us." Vin leaned back in the chair, legs crossed. He watched as they parted ways, Ezra disappearing into the Saloon as Buck made his way to the livery. Minutes later Ezra was back with his saddlebags and Buck had both of their horses saddled and they were out of town.

-----

Ezra dismounted and set about stripping his mount of the tack, casting looks toward the porch. Chris was in the chair, eyes closed, head tilted back. He had his shirt on, though it was unbuttoned, hanging off his right shoulder. The part of the bandage he could see was slightly dark with blood and Ezra was suddenly glad Nathan had insisted they all carry some rudimentary first aid supplies.

Setting his saddlebags near the corral fence Ezra carried his gear to the lean to. Buck's saddle was already on one of the rough stands and Chris' bridle hung from one of pegs but his saddle was missing. Settling his saddle and hanging up his bridle he went back outside where Buck was just coming towards the lean-to with Chris' saddle over his shoulder.

Ezra glanced to the porch again not surprised when Buck shook his head.

"Hasn't so much as twitched since we've been here." Buck cupped Ezra's cheek and kissed him. "See if you can't entice him with some of that fine whisky you brought. I'll finish gettin' the animals settled."

By the time Buck got inside in the shack Chris had a glass of whisky in hand and was surprisingly docile as Ezra checked the stitches in his chest. "How is it?"

Ezra straightened up, hand rubbing circles on Chris' shoulder. "A little strained and there was some blood but I doubt Nathan would say he did any damage to it."

Buck poured some whisky into two more glasses and took the seat across from Chris. Reaching out he curled his fingers around Chris' wrist, feeling the blond's heartbeat strong against his fingers. He waited until Ezra had taken a seat between them before asking the question plaguing them both. "What was in the letter Vin said you got?"

Chris drank his shot, holding the whisky in his mouth for a second before swallowing.

"It was from Ella. She forgave me for not appreciating what she did for us." He closed his eyes, not wanting to see the emotion in Buck and Ezra's eyes. "She signed it Ella Gaines Larabee."

He wasn't sure who moved first, but he was jerked away from the table and Buck was kneeling between his legs, arms tight around his waist, hands warm on his skin. Ezra was behind him, thumbs stroking up and down his neck. Lips brushed over his temple, a feather light kiss and he swallowed hard against the tight ball of emotion in his throat.

He had been a fool to think he could live without these two men. For years they had supported him and dealt with his anger and guilt, never pushing for more, knowing he would support them and defend them with everything he was. "I'm sorry."

The words weren't enough, and never would be, something he knew. He wouldn't blame them if they hated him. If the roles had been reversed he wasn't so sure he would be showing as much forgiveness as his lovers were. He'd always had problems forgiving other people

The arms around his waist tightened and he felt Buck shift between his legs. He smiled slightly, imaging the shock of surprise on his lover's face. Twelve years they'd known each other and he couldn't think of a single time he'd apologized to Buck, not even after all the fights in the days and months following Sarah and Adam's deaths.

Warm lips touched his temple again and then he felt Ezra's breath against his ear. "There's nothing to apologize for Christopher. Temptation has led many men astray."

Ezra's voice, low and husky caused the knot of tension in his chest to ease and he leaned forward, left arm curling around Buck's shoulders. A prickle of Buck's moustache against his cheek was the only warning before warm lips settled over his, tongue licking into his mouth, sweet and deep and loving, a reflection of everything Buck was.

He felt Buck move away and Ezra was taking his place, fingers soft against his cheek and chin. Ezra's kiss was slow and drugging in its intensity as nimble fingers lovingly combed through his hair, soothing some of his pain.

Chris got to his feet when urged, though he kept his eyes closed. He trusted his lovers to keep him from getting hurt.

Warm hands dropped to his waist, undoing the fastenings to his pants. The hands slid around his hips to his back, sliding under the waistband of his pants, fingers spread in a possessive gesture. He felt Ezra rock against his body and he dipped his head for another kiss.

Buck smiled as he kicked his pants off, eyes riveted on his lovers. The only light in the cabin was from two lanterns Ezra had lit, both of them near the table. Flickering flames picked out the gold in Chris' hair and the red in Ezra's, giving both of the men an almost ethereal appearance.

Rejoining them he stood behind Chris, sliding his hands, turned inwards, under the black pants with Ezra. Fingers brushing over Ezra's he moved his hands lower, cupping the warm swell of Chris' buttocks. He squeezed, laughing when Chris jerked. In apology he nuzzled at his lover's neck. "Come on darlin'. Into bed before you end up on the floor. Nathan said rest would be your best friend right now."

It was a moments work to get Chris settled in the middle of their big bed on his right side. Buck spooned up tight behind him, an arm under the pillow they were sharing. With half lidded eyes he watched as Ezra stripped and neatly folded all his clothing before setting them all on the chair. The lights were blown out and the bed shifted at Ezra climbed in.

Ezra curled against Chris's chest, wary of bumping into the bandage. He slid his arm over his lover, hand resting against Buck's stomach even as he pressed his leg between Chris and Buck's wanting as close as possible.

Chris managed to lift his arm just enough to settle it across Ezra's shoulders, head tilting down to press a kiss to soft curls.

Buck rested his hand on Ezra's hip before dragging it lower, fingers hooking into the crook of his lover's knee where it went between Chris's legs. He pressed his face into the soft silk of Chris' hair knowing it would be a long time before any of them actually slept.