There had been debate on the drive over about the best way to handle things, but one look from Chris in the parking lot told the team all that needed to be said. They took their place off to the side as their leader downheartedly started to walk to the building. He looked up to see Vin walking beside him.

"You're not stopping me Chris. I'm gonna be there."

Chris just nodded. In his heart he knew Vin would likely be better for Ezra right now than he'd be, but wouldn't duck his obligation both as team leader and friend to be there himself. Flashing their ATF IDs at the front desk, the duo walked toward the morgue. They had almost reached the doors when they opened to reveal Ezra walking toward them, poker face firmly entrenched.

"My apologies for leaving without notifying you of my plan. I really did not feel it was necessary for you to accompany me on what I believed to be a fool's errand. And as it transpired that is exactly what it was, with me once again being the fool."

"Ezra?"

"What I do not understand Vin, is how I could so easily be convinced that simply because she had successfully duped me so often in the past that somehow equated to the impression she never could really die. As I say, clearly I was a fool."

Chris took a step forward to offer comfort, but stopped on seeing a slight shake of the head from Vin. Ezra would not take sympathy well at this moment, and getting it from Chris would be most awkward. So if he couldn't provide physical support, he'd try another approach.

"What needs to be done Ezra? I can make any calls or arrangements you need. The Judge can help with any kind of legal formalities."

"Thank you, but he has already prepared most of that in order to arrange to have moth – to have the body sent here. I shall have to do a bit of digging to determine her legal status, and representative at this point. I'm not ever sure if she has a will. Isn't that dreadful? A son should know such things."

Vin nodded his head to Chris, trying to send him the message to leave them alone. Chris tersely shook his head in response. He didn't want to leave Ezra sounding and looking so vulnerable. He had never seen the man look so uncertain, so lost. Vin glared again, and was startled to hear a laugh from Ezra.

"Honestly, I have never perceived such loud efforts at silent communication in my life. I am fine gentlemen. A little at a loss for what my next course of action should be, but I assure you I am not about to fall apart in your presence." He proved himself to be a liar just seconds later as he took a step forward and stumbled in front of them.

They both grabbed for him, catching him before he hit the floor, and guided him to the bench. Ezra regained control of himself as he was seated. "Well that was genuinely mortifying. I cannot begin to apologize-"

"Well then don't. Damn it Ezra, you had one hell of a shock. You are allowed to be human you know. Kind of scare me if you weren't off your game from all of this." Chris looked at the younger man, trying to determine if he'd remain upright left on his own. When he convinced himself of that, he let go of his elbow.

"I think if I might be allowed a moment to gather my thoughts I shall be fine to reconvene with you both outside."

"Nope. Last time I left you alone you took off on me and came here. Not leaving you alone again for a while so get used to it. Now, do you want me or Vin to take you home?" Chris's tone was gruff, but the compassion on his face was almost Ezra's undoing.

"I have no intention of leaving –". He was silenced by the patented Larabee glare. "Fine, I no longer have any intention of leaving on my own. But I do not wish to go home. No Chris, I mean that. I don't want to be at home right now. I would prefer to go back to the office to make the calls and arrangements I need to. Most of the information I require is on the computer there and it will speed the process."

"JD can get you the stuff from your computer and send it to you. Or I can make calls for you. Ezra, you don't have to come back to the office."

Ezra spoke softly, almost shyly. "I would be more comfortable there."

Chris mentally kicked himself around the block. Even if he would never admit it, even to himself, Ezra wanted – needed – the companionship of his team. It wasn't a matter of not wanting to be home, it was not wanting to be alone.

"Everybody is outside waiting. Want me to clear them out for you?" Chris asked. Ezra shook his head wearily. "No, that is quite alright."

It was only then Chris noted Vin hadn't taken his hand from Ezra's arm. Now, as he did stand and disconnect, it was almost as if someone had pulled a plug, and Ezra sank back further into the bench. Vin reached down to help him to his feet, recharging him with the contact. "Let's go Ez. I'll drive you back."

Ezra did little more than nod to acknowledge the presence of the others as Vin led him slowly to his car. Ezra handed over the keys without a thought, which alone indicated how rattled he was. No one else drove his Jag, and to give the keys to Vin of all people. Only handing them to Chris would have been more unthinkable. And maybe Buck.

As they watched the pair drive off JD found himself fighting tears, and genuinely angry with himself for the fact.

"I ain't mourning her. I won't. I'm not crying."

"Sure you are kid, and it's not for her. You're upset cause your friend is hurting and you don't know what to do for him. No shame in that."

"Just so as you know it's not for her."

"It should be you know." They looked to Josiah, ready to attack him for allowing his past feelings for the woman to surface now. "I feel deep sorrow for the woman. Can you imagine having had such an amazing son and never having been able to appreciate him? Never knowing what was right under your eyes. Yes, I feel genuinely sorry for her and what she lost."

"Looking at it that way," Nathan agreed, "you kinda can't help but feel sorry for her. Can't say in some ways, at some times, we haven't been almost as bad. At least I have."

"We've all had our moments with him. He can be trying at times. Guess now we can see why a bit better. Well, we can't change the past boys, but we damn sure can change the future." They nodded at Chris's words as they headed back to their friend.

M7-M7-M7-M7-M7-M7-M7

TBC