Rock A Bye Baby Chapter 4
Disclaimer: Don't own them. Even when they don't want them anymore they won't let me have them. (sigh)
A/N: As far as I am aware there is no independent department store named Hubbard's. But any similarities are purely coincidental.
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Ezra peered at the clock on his bedside table. The only good time to see the eighth hour was when it was followed by the letters pm. Unfortunately whoever was encouraging his phone to make that abominable noise was not of the same opinion. Also unfortunately given the possibility of emergencies arising due to his job he couldn't just ignore it.
"Hello, may Ah ask who is callin' me at this most unsocial time on a Saturday?"
"Mornin' Ez."
"Mistah Tannah, to what do Ah owe this disgustingly cheery greetin'? May Ah point out that there are any number of places in the world where it is still the middle of the night…And mah abode is one of them"
Vin smiled at the sound of the sleep thickened southern drawl.
"Sorry Ez." Vin was glad that Ezra couldn't see the smile which seemed to belie his words. He was genuinely sorry, but a cranky Ezra always made him laugh.
"If you are going to fake sincerity Mr Tanner, you are going to have to practice…I can practically see your unrepentant grin from mah feather bed."
Vin laughed at the obviously non - offended tone but gulped nervously as he added
"I may have to get my mother to give you lessons. If Ah remember correctly she was quite taken with you when last we met her."
"Y…ya wouldn't….would ya?" The horror didn't bear contemplation. Vin was one of the few of the seven to actually like the force of nature that was Maude Standish but she gave the expression man eater a whole new level of fear.
"Lord Vin, I could be connin' the devil himself and I wouldn't inflict my Mother on him. Now I do believe that there was a purpose to your call, and I am presuming that it does not involve harm or danger to our colleagues since you would have already ensured my rapid departure from this place. However since you have awoken me at this ungodly hour I am also presuming that it is of importance to you personally. You do not usually call me so early."
"You're right Ez, it's this damn baby bottle sterilizer; it's bust and it's not as if I can pop out to the shop for a replacement, what with these computer connections and all. I rang the helpline and they can get me a new one by tonight but I'm down to my last bottle here.. I've already tried the others but they seem to think a few fails on my record will help them in this competition that's sprung up."
"And Ah am your last hope?" Ezra couldn't help the hurt he felt from leaking out into his voice at being the last person Vin would consider asking for assistance. He felt the tension leave him rapidly, however, at the Texan's reply.
Vin could have kicked himself over the way his request had come out. No one knew better than he did how insecure the southerner could be. "Heck no Ez! You were my first choice; knew you'd understand and put the baby first, put our friendship first. Just didn't want to wake ya that's all."
"Well Mister Tanner you are, of course, correct. I would never abandon you in your hour of need. Please feel free to avail yourself of my equipment at your convenience."
Vin swore to himself, under pain of torture, or even worse, an evening with Maude, that he would never tell a living soul of the mental picture that sprang into his mind at that innocent statement.
"Are you still there Mister Tanner?…Vin?"
"Uh yeah Ez, sorry about that, I thought I heard the baby crying but I guess I was wrong." Vin dragged his brain back on track. "I could come over any time today, though I'll have to bring Alice as Chris is helping Miz Nettie round up some strays this morning."
On seeing the effort involved in caring for the simulacrums Orrin Travis had given his men extra days off to acclimatise themselves but unfortunately the needs of ranching doesn't play fair. Vin didn't think that his leader had to be so pleased about getting out of the house though.
"That will be fine Vin. If you come over in about half an hour I can provide breakfast and maybe we can take a little trip. I have to visit a friend and we are awarded extra points for socialising outside team circles." Ezra hoped that his desire for company didn't show through his normal even tone.
Vin didn't need to think long or hard about Ezra's proposition. He also didn't think it necessary to point out that he had already eaten his breakfast…it had been nearly two hours ago and he could always find room for more. Besides if he didn't know better he'd say that Ezra was being more than polite; that the self sufficient singleton sounded a little lonely…well couldn't have that.
"That sounds great Ezra. I'm starting to feel like a sardine in a very small can here, be nice to get out and about. And you know I never say no to a free feed."
Ezra's smile practically beamed from the phone's receiver as he confirmed Vin's time of arrival but couldn't resist teasing him with the promise of a nice bowl of muesli.
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Vin stared down at his bowl of muesli with trepidation. It didn't look like hamster cage sweepings. It actually looked rich and creamy with plenty of fruit in it…but it was, at the end of the day, still muesli. He took a deep breath, he was a brave federal agent after all ( and he'd been told that he wouldn't get his eggs and bacon till he'd eaten it), and dipped his spoon into the substance. He stared at the bowl in shock as he swallowed the (almost) heavenly concoction.
"Heck Ez, where'd you buy this it tastes almost like a dessert?"
"I obtained the recipe from a cookbook."
"You can cook!?"
"Well muesli is hardly cooking Mr Tanner but yes, I dabble in the culinary arts when I have the time."
After a much more substantial second breakfast than his first of toast and stale day old donuts Vin helped set up a second baby seat in the Jag and with moans of taking reality too far they set off for…well Vin didn't actually have any idea of their destination.
"Hey Ez, where are we going?"
Vin was surprised at how much he had enjoyed his visit to Hubbard's. It wasn't the type of store he would normally go to, seeming a little too posh for his comfort. But Georgio had been very welcoming and had seemed genuinely delighted to see Ezra and the babies. And, more importantly, he hadn't laughed at their situation. He doubted that anything would ever faze the ebullient and ultra efficient man. Nobody else ridiculed them either; and for nobody else read everybody else. Representatives from all four floors developed a sudden, and overwhelming, need to visit menswear as soon as word had gotten out, which, of course, it did…very quickly. It appeared that among his many other attributes Georgio was an Olympic standard gossip. But Vin could see that they all had a genuine fondness for his friend. The older women fussed over him like mother hens while the younger ones flirted outrageously…as did a few of the men. Vin wasn't so sure he liked the idea of that. No he didn't like that at all.
After a good hour of being treated like royalty and presenting Georgio with tickets for a luxury trip to Vegas for two in thanks for his help the two agents left Hubbard's with many good wishes, which was nice. Vin reflected that his Ma had worked in a department store when he was a baby and he could imagine her fitting in with the people here. They also left with several unexpected purchases including baby buggies, clothes and even pretty bedding.
'Now how did that happen' thought Vin. He hadn't spent so much money in ages. Not that he couldn't afford it, he was just naturally frugal. But he had to admit that shopping with Ezra had been fun. And knowing that the items would be going to a good home was the icing on the cake. And as a bonus people had signed their log books which would give them extra marks for socializing. The morning that had started out with all the indications of being a disaster in the making had turned out really well. And being with Ezra had been the best part of all. It made him wonder though. He knew why he felt the way he did about Alice and why he was determined to get as much out of the experience of fatherhood while he could. But what was Ezra's motivation? They were alike in so many ways although they seemed so different. But they couldn't be alike in this….could they? Could Ezra possibly be like him? And if he was….'
Vin veered sharply away from the idea. Dreams didn't come true for people like him, not in the real world….
'And when did Ezra become your dream?' asked a little voice inside his head.
'When wasn't he?' replied another from his heart.
'Aw hell!' he thought…'But what if…' He shivered at the possibility.
"Are you cold Mister Tanner?"
"W…what? Oh, no, no Ez , I'm fine."
"Oh. Because if you are this car has independent heating controls in the seats. I could adjust yours if you would like?"
Vin looked at the undercover agent and then at the seats in shock. 'Hot and cold running water was one thing…but car seats!'
"You're kidding! And Travis paid for that?"
"New for old and top of the range mah friend. He had no choice…..It was a beautiful moment."
Vin grinned at the smug expression on the handsome face.
"You're evil Ez."
Ezra dipped his head in false modesty and exposed the gleaming gold tooth in a wicked smile.
"Ah know."
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"Don't worry Nathan; I can take Michael with me to the church. My meeting with Pastor Douglas shouldn't last long and then I can take it to the mission. They will get quite a kick out of it."
"You sure 'Siah? I know it's my turn to look after it but I don't think that the EMT instructor will look too fondly on it. Besides, he's ex FBI."
Nathan didn't need to elaborate further. There was no love lost between the ATF and the FBI at the best of times; but when they'd taken Ezra on board and found out how badly he had been treated by his former colleagues it had intensified their animosity. Josiah just nodded his understanding and set off for the church.
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"Hey kid, what are you doing tonight?" 'Say you're doing nothing…please say it'
"Seeing Casey of course."
"Ah…It's just that Mandy has a lay-over to…"
"No."
"Aw, c'mon JD; you've got forever to be with your girl while mine will only be in town until lunchtime tomorrow." Buck wished he could do the 'puppy dog eyes' thing like JD did.
"Your girl! You mean girl number….how many are you seeing at the moment?" Buck had the good grace to blush a little. Not expecting an answer JD carried on. "Anyway Mandy will be back in a few days and tomorrow is..um…Lizzie?"
Buck nodded with a wistful expression. It came across as a leer but he would assure the Pope himself that wistful was his intention. "Ahh Lizzie!"
"So you can wait till tomorrow. I'm sure that 'little Buck' could do with the rest."
Buck looked hurt at the slight on his favourite appendage…'and not so much of the little if you don't mind' he thought indignantly but then he, almost instantly, brightened. 'Didn't they say that babies were chick magnets?!'
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Having decided that since breakfast had been such a roaring success and since Vin needed to pick up the now clean bottles they should have lunch at Ezra's. Vin was certain that Chris would stay at Miz Nettie's for lunch. They would probably have a fine old time agreeing that the whole fake baby thing was a waste of tax payers hard earned money.
He couldn't help but be a little disappointed in the elderly woman's less than supportive reaction but he figured that it had something to do with having experienced real parenthood; which was okay. They all knew that this didn't compare with holding a warm and breathing part of yourself but did they have to be so dismissive of their friend's….of his…and Ezra's… feelings. Couldn't they see that this meant something to them?
Vin pushed the sudden maudlin thought away as he stepped out of the car. He stretched blissfully; The heated seat had felt wonderful on his aching back!
Lunch had been just as delicious as breakfast with a cold meat selection from the deli down the road and some of Ezra's homemade vegetable soup, which he claimed to keep in the freezer because he never knew when he would return from an assignment and needed something quick and easy to prepare. Vin knew that this was true but he also knew that working undercover exhausted the man so much that putting soup in a microwave was just about his limit and he probably seldom bothered even with that.
'Need someone to take care of ya Ez' he thought silently.
After their meal was finished and the babies changed and fussed over a little bit more than the manual deemed necessary they retired to the large and almost too comfortable couch.
"Ez, can I ask ya something; something personal?"
"As long as you are not offended if I choose to decline to give you an answer."
Vin smiled. It was exactly the reply to that question that he would have given himself if anyone had asked. They were, indeed, alike. But just how alike was a question that was burning a hole in his brain.
"Well, I just wondered….why?"
"Why what?"
"Why are you taking this baby thing so seriously, like me. I mean, I know why I'm doing it but I just can't see us having the same reason…so I wondered why?"
Ezra's stomach was in freefall and met his heart as it made a return journey having plummeted straight to his toes.
'Lord what a question to ask! I cannot lie to a man who has never been anything less than honest with me yet if Ah tell him the truth….'
'What?….he would hate you?'
'No, but…'
'He'd betray your confidence?'
'Of course not!…Vin would never…'
'Then why not tell him the truth? After all being gay is hardly a crime these days.'
'Because!…because Ah…Ah like him! Because he can read me and if he finds out then…then things will change…And this is more than I ever thought I would have. More than I have ever had before…..a friend....A real friend. Ah just can't risk that.'
'But you can't lie?'
'No.'
'So you'd rather be a coward and…'
"Oh shut up!"
It looked like he'd gone too far. Vin knew that it had been a risk but he was hurting his friend. He could see the distress on the tired but beautiful face.
"Sorry Ez…I didn't mean to…"
Ezra snapped back into the moment at the anguish in Vin's soft Texan drawl.
"What! No!. Sorry Vin, Ah was just thinking out loud. My intended target was mahself, not you."
"It's okay Ez." Vin was relieved but still concerned that he had stirred up bad thoughts or memories. He knew that there was a sound reason he tended to say very little. Because every time he did he put his foot straight in it.
Ezra smiled reassuringly at the concerned sharpshooter. "I must admit that I find the question difficult to answer." He held up a hand to forestall the inevitable apology. "But it is a valid question, and one I have thought of asking you, for, as you say, we are both rather caught up in this experiment. And I know that, as a friend, you would respect mah privacy. It's just that Ah have several reasons for mah actions and they…"
Vin could hear the accent thicken again, a sure sign of excitement or distress…and he was sure it wasn't excitement.
"Ez, really, it's okay. Just because there are things in your life you can't easily talk about don't mean I think you see me as less of a friend. I've got reasons that I know you'd understand but I'm still afraid it'd change things…and it's not often in my life that things go this well. Don't want to risk what I've got even if what I could have may be better…if that makes any sort of sense?"
"Perfect sense actually." Ezra was always amazed at his friend's perceptiveness; but that they had both been thinking along the same lines…and that it was his normally silent companion that had managed to put into words what he himself had only dared contemplate inside his own head…that gave him a warm glow of pride at his friend's courage.
'And if you were both thinking along the same lines what if you were both also thinking those thoughts for the same reason. What if you weren't the only one with more than friendly feelings?'
The thought hit Ezra like a sledgehammer but before he could take it any further; and before he could connect it with the soft and caring expression on Vin's face…the phone rang.
'Dammit!' came the twin thoughts as both men released breaths that they hadn't realised they had been holding.
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"So how did your meeting with Pastor Douglas go?" Nathan asked Josiah, who was sitting at the dining table hunched over plans and brochures for…bathrooms?"
"Hmmm?" Josiah dragged himself out of his concentrated perusal of various shower stalls to see his partner flop into the chair opposite. "Oh fine, just fine" his enthusiasm for his obviously successful day coming to the fore. "We had a fascinating discussion and the Pastor has invited me to give a guest talk to the Sunday school children on stranger safety. And the sisters at the mission informed me that we have received a substantial donation. Enough to re-furbish the bathrooms at the mission house" He indicated his brochures, their presence making sense now.
Nathan smiled at his friend's enthusiasm. At least one of them had had a good day. FBI certainly stood for Feeble Brained Idiots. No wonder Ez hadn't fitted in.
"How did the Pastor like the baby?"
Josiah laughed although he had a sudden odd feeling in the pit of his stomach that he couldn't explain. He shrugged it off. "He thought it was a wonderful idea. Liked the thought of cops who were in touch with their feminine side. I told him that there wasn't anything feminine about the language used at three o'clock in the morning when it started screaming."
"And how did the sisters react?"
Josiah frowned and that feeling increased. Nathan's look went from jovial to concerned.
"Josiah?"
Josiah felt his heart rate increase. Why couldn't he remember what the sister's had thought? He mentally retraced his steps from leaving the church to his arrival at the mission. He remembered being greeted with the exciting news and having a stack of leaflets pressed into his hands….
His hands
His empty hands.
"Oh Lord!"
"What is it Josiah? What's wrong? Nathan's concern was ratcheted up a notch as the colour faded from Josiah's skin and he put a hand to his mouth in horror.
"The baby! I left the church but I forgot the baby!"
TBC
Hope you enjoyed. Looks like Vin and Ezra are beginning to get a clue, further progress next chapter - or so my crystal ball tells me.
A/N: Also I would like to thank Sivan Shemesh2 for the idea of the mislaid baby. Hope she likes what I'm planning to do with it next chapter. Till then thanks for all the reviews and happy reading.