Setting: ATF AU
Disclaimer: The following is a work of fanfiction based on the CBS television series, The Magnificent Seven. It is in no way intended to infringe on the copyrights of CBS, MGM, The Trilogy Entertainment Group, The Mirisch Corp., or anyone else who may have legal rights to the characters, settings or song references. I don't own the characters. This story is strictly for entertainment. No monetary gain will be made from anything contained in this story.
NOTE: Big thanks, no HUGE thanks to Julie, for her invaluable, generous and wonderful medical assistance.
The fourth floor of the hospital was unusually quiet today. At the nurses station, two nurses were busy readying three patients for transfers. A doctor was on the phone with a colleague discussing the blocked arteries of a new arrival.
Meanwhile down the hall in room 416, two roommates prepared for very differnent days. One man hissed in distaste at the brown liquid masquarading as coffee and shoved the offensive mug away. He sighed in frustration, flinching as his wounded leg pulled. From within the bathroom, another man finished shaving, wiped his battered face with a towel and limped back into the room. He felt almost guilty, leaving his new friend behind. He knew how anxious he was to be with his still comatose partner.
"All set?" Chris set, eyeing the pale body within a dark blue jogging suit.
"Yeah, Cait and Seamus are on their way up. The house isn't far..." his voice trailed off.
"House?" Chris frowned, scratching his itchy hair, which was long overdue for shampoo. The last two days were a bit of a blur. The pain meds and fever had him sleeping most of the time. "You're not going home?"
"No way," Ryan limped to his bed and sat down, "The tangled up family tree roots, notwithstanding, you're family now, you and Vin both. Until he wakes up, we're staying close. Cait will be back this afternoon, as soon as we get settled. She's got a college friend who owns a real estate office here. She found us a rental, pulled some strings. Your other friends are moving in tonight too. I'd stay, but Brie put her foot down. I got a long lecture about rest and pills and relapses. You'd be surprised how much clout that size 8 foot has!"
Chris smiled and thought of the pretty doctor, "She's quite a lady..." he acknowledged. "Did she get any sleep last night?"
"Yeah, Cait forced her home about midnight. She came back this morning and relieved Josiah. She's worried..." He noted of the vigil Gabrielle had kept by Vin Tanner's side. The other members of the team took turns keeping her company in the ICU.
"She's not the only one," Chris commiserated, thinking of Vin Tanner's still form. He exhaled a long, shaky breath, thinking on the creole doctor's words. That despite all the tubes running into the slack body, and the respirator and chest tube, Vin's sedated state was not unusual. That once his body was ready, it would rouse and he'd wake up. He didn't feel the words penetrate his mind; he wanted to will those blue eyes to open, ready or not. " I wish he'd wake up..."
"I know," Ryan sympathized, eyeing the pain rimming the hollowed green eyes. Larabee's fever was one more thing nagging the frustrated agent. Also, the leader of Denver's finest ATF team had minor surgery the day before, to correct damage he'd one to his wounded arm during the fracas. Without any more unforseen complications, he'd be released the following day. He settled back in the chair to wait for his family to arrive. He glanced sideways and saw the pained eyes clenched shut. He spotted the open blinds, letting in the harsh sunlight. The warm, bright rays were trained right on Larabee's face. He rose stiffly, wincing as he limped slowly to the window and drew the blinds.
"Thanks..."
"Anytime, Partner!"
Chris didn't open his eyes, but smiled and extended his good hand, feeling the strong one grip it once.
"You ever decide to give up bartending... you call me," he offered, hearing a soft chuckle.
"I think I'll retire undefeated," Ryan tossed back of his brief crime-fighting stint, feeling every bit of the high praise, "Thanks, Chris."
He settled back in the chair, flipping through channels on the television, until ESPN came on. They were halfway through an interview with Kurt Warner, when the door opened. He put the 'mute' button on and dropped the remote, holding out his arms. He'd not seen her since before she was taken. The haunted image of Trent carrying her limp body from his home flashed into his subconscious. He shuddered, felt tears burning in his eyes and held the small girl close. She didn't say a word, but lifted her tiny face, kissing his cheek.
"All better?" She asked, kissing each 'boo-boo' carefully.
"Yeah..." he choked, hugging her and vowing never to let her go. "Hello Buttons..."
"Hello Uncle Wyun... I love you..."
"I love...." he paused, taking a deep breath and wiping his damp eyes. He kissed her tiny nose and caressed the glossy dark curls. "...you too, Sweetheart." He saw her peeking over his broad shoulder to the other bed.
"Is Mister Grizzly still sick?"
"He's got a fever and that IV bottle is bringing medicine into him, to make him better." He felt her slide off his lap. He watched as her head cocked and her face screwed up.
"Where's your mother?"
"She's with Poppy, talking to the nurse and gettin' your 'structions..."
"Go on, it's okay," he encouraged, giving her a little push. He smiled as she climbed on the chair, leaning over the rail and inspecting the damaged body carefully. He went back into the bathroom, realizing his watch was missing.
Chris was vaguely aware someone was in the room, the painkillers left him stuperous at times. He welcomed the cool shade the lack of light brought. He was wading through more troubled images of life without Vin, when a tiny pressure hit his cheek. He peeled an eye open and saw the small, pretty face.
"You got too many boo-boos, I can't get to all of 'em," Grace defended, "So that'll have to do it."
"Thanks," he grunted, wondering how traumatized the horrid event left her. He'd like to dig up Trent and beat the hell out of him for doing that to her.
"Miss Emily..." she wavered, holding up her beloved doll. Her chin quivered and she took several breaths, letting her large voilet eyes wander around the room. Finally, as the large hand came through the rail and took her small one, she got her words back. "...Miss... Emily... wanted to... say... she... she... thinks you and Vin are the... bravest... men... she... ever... saw. She... Miss Emily... was awful scared and you... and Vin kept her safe. She wanted to... to... say thank..."
The tears came then and Chris felt a parental rage, dormant but never dead, rise up and strike out. His anger hit the boiling point and he lifted his hand, using a finger to wipe the lone tear that ran down the rosy cheek. He ran his hand through her curls and stroked the side of her cheek.
"You tell Miss Emily, I think she's a hero... she saved both Vin and me out there."
"She was... scared... she... the gun..."
"I know, Honey," he hushed, tilting her chin up to meet his gaze. "I was scared too. It's okay to talk about being scared. You tell your mother, your Poppy or Uncle Ryan whenever you get scared. It'll help that pain go away."
"You weren't scared..."
"Sure I was," he coached, watching her eyes widened in amazement. "When I get scared, I talk to Vin or Buck or..."
"...I keep seeing him... when I sleep..." She whispered, her chest constricting.
Chris bit his lip and tried not to let his anger show. That bastard was dead and still torturing this innocent child.
"Me too," he admitted, "but that'll go away. You got a lot of people who care about you. It's okay to tell them when you're frightened. Okay?" He saw her mulling over his words and then the tiny head nodded. "Good!"
Just then the door opened, and Caitlin and Seamus came inside.
"Ye look like ten miles of bad road, Lad!"
"Thanks Seamus," Chris grunted, nodding to the elderly man.
"Honey, Chris needs to rest..."
"It's okay, Caitlin, we were helping each other get better, right?"
"Right!" she nodded, hearing the toilet flush. "Don't forget to put the seat down!" Her face scrunched up when all of the adults chuckled. Sometimes she didn't understand grownups at all. She went to climb down from the chair, as her mother moved to assist.
"Hold it, Grace, Miss Emily is caught in the rail," Cait warned, trying to pry the antique doll's leg free.
"You broke her!" the unsteady child accused, hearing a tearing sound.
"It's only a seam, Sweetie, I can fix it..." Cait mused, peering underneath the doll's dress.
"Wait a minute, Cait, let me see that," Chris held out his good arm, lying the doll on his blanketed lap, he carefully moved his finger towards the slit. "I won't hurt her," he waited until Grace's head bobbed to proceed. "There's something hidden inside..." he felt around. "It's a velvet cloth... it's got something inside..." His hand froze, recalling Grace's story to him of how she got the doll. His head rose, meeting Ryan's gaze, then Cait's. "Did she tell you how she got the doll?"
"Well," Caitlin paused, "She said a pretty lady gave it to her..."
"Isabella," Chris filled in and saw them both nod.
"She's a creative child, she's always making up stories..."
"Not this time," Chris defended of the suddenly silent child. "It could be important."
"Grace," she turned the small girl towards her and eyed the worried face. "I promise I'll fix Miss Emily as good as new. We can take her to that doll hospital we saw in town. But I need to cut her open.."
"No!" She shrieked, trying to grab the doll.
"It might help Vin get better," Chris supplied and saw the hands freeze. Slowly the small head eyed all of the adults, then the beloved doll.
"Good as new?" She asked, and saw her mother nod. "Can she get a new dress?"
"All the dresses she wants," Ryan replied.
"Okay," She reluctantly handed the antique over, turning her face and pressing into Ryan's chest.
"I know how hard that was, Grace and I'm proud of you," he soothed, rubbing her back.
"It's a pouch," Caitlin drew out the tiny green velvet bag. Opening the pursed top, she pulled out an antique key and a folded piece of paper. "My God... it's a map of the grounds... the maze... look there's a spot indicated near the family crypt... the side wall."
"The key to the journals!" Chris exclaimed, eyeing the map, then toussling Grace's curls. "Look like Miss Emily solved the mystery."
"I'll be damned," Ryan shook his head.
"You said a bad word!"
"Sorry!" he replied to the muffled voice buried in his sweatshirt.
"She's still protecting her babies," Caitlin mused, "She led Grace to the doll... it's amazing." She carefully tucked the velvet pouch into her purse and returned the doll to her owner, who immediately kissed her and hugged her.
A loud burst of voices from the hall caused them all to turn.
"...get out of my way..."
"Visiting hours don't start until 12 p.m... Ma'am. You'll have to leave."
"Leave my ass," the irate voice replied, "Who do you think you're fooling with!"
"If you don't leave, I'll have to get security."
"You can call the National Guard for all the good that will do. Move out of my way!"
"It sounds like senior citizen is mixed up..." Caitlin eyed the door.
"That's no senior citizen," Chris grinned, the first true, genuine smile that graced his lips in days. "That's a Lady!" His voice contained equal measures of affection, admiration and pride.
"Are you going to get out of my way?" The voice continued as the door started to open. "My grandson's in there. The whole damn army won't stop me."
"I can't believe it!" Ryan's voice was shocked, as Caitlin backed up, hitting his side. He wrapped his free arm around her, tucking Grace against him with the other.
"My God!" Caitlin swayed, her voice choking.
"Hello Lily!" Chris exuded with a wide smile, of the indominable force, who looked beauty was unparalled.
He paused a moment in the doorway, shifting the hot container of coffee to his other hand. It was so unsettling, all the tubes running into unnatural holes in the slim man's body. A jungle of plastic tubes ran into his veins; a central line was in his neck and the chest tube was in his side. Coupled with the tube running down his throat, helping him breathe, it gave the tall man a frown. He never got used to it; seeing someone he cared for so fragile. He gathered his scattered emotions and walked to the bed.
"Hey, Darlin'" Buck sat the coffee down and rubbed the neck of the weary, but determined doctor. "How's our boy?"
"His fever's spiking... it's over 100. He's respirations are poor and his lungs..." She swallowed hard, lifted the limp hand she held and rested is against her face. Taking a steadying breath, she stood, leaned over and brushed his forehead with her lips. "I'll be right back, Baby..." Relunctantly, she placed the gentle hand back on the bed. Turning to Buck, she allowed the strong embrace, drawing on his strength. "I need... some... air... I'll... be... back..."
"Go on," he rubbed her neck, "We'll be fine. Gabrielle," he turned her around and drilled her aqua eyes. "They don't come any tougher than Vin Tanner. He's gonna be fine. Hell, he'll milk them busted up arms for all it's worth. You mark my words, he'll be usin' that damn blush of his and 'Ma'am'in' every nurse in this hospital. He'll be scorin' chocolate left and right..." he returned the warm smile she gave him. He tapped the tip of her nose and winked. "You two will have plenty of nights chasin' moonbeams... you got Buck Wilmington's word on that."
"I'll hold... you... to... that..." she smiled, gave his hand a squeeze and left.
"You listen to me you mangy-haired Texan," Buck boomed, leaning over the bed and lifting Vin's cold hand. "That is one fine woman, a real classy lady. You quit foolin' around and get them damn blue eyes open. You can't believe the hotel we're stuck in. I put J.D. in with Ezra, their drivin' each other nuts. You know Standish is neat freak and the Kid's a slob." He smiled, sat down and continued to talk, telling the unconscious man funny stories.
The color changed again. It was rosy before and now it was deep blue. He felt good here... it was warm and almost like being in a strong embrace. He felt strong and confident, not scared like when the colors left. The voice was deep and rich; he tried hard to find it... needing to meet the emotive tone. He wasn't frightened here, the blue colors and warm voice made him feel safe. He let the almost musical sound cradle him, as he healed.
"Never heard of such nonsense!" The matriarch huffed, walking into the room. At first she didn't notice the faces of the others. Then she did and stopped in her tracks, her gaze drawn on the face of the beautiful young girl before her. Buck warned her, when he picked her up at the airport, but she wasn't ready.
"Sar..." she bit her lip. "I'm sorry, you look so much like my granddaughter... I'm Lily Gavin, Caitlin. I'm so very glad to meet you."
"I'm... I can't... believe... it." Cait shook herself free and moved towards the immaculately dressed elderly woman. She was lovely, her eyes were bright and there was a bounch in her step. "You look just like my Grandmother. That's silly, of course you do, you're twins. This is my fiance, Ryan McKenna and my daughter, Grace."
"Hello there," she nodded to the pretty child, who stared at her curiously. The handsome man who held her moved, extending his hand.
"Lily, it's a real honor, I have two of your paintings. I've read a lot about you."
"Only what was printable," she teased, raising a cocky eyebrow. "I could tell you stories about Paris in the thirties that would curl your hair..." She paused when someone to her right cleared their throat.
"Excuse the Lad's poor manners, Dear Lady, to be sure I didn't raise a fool." He glared at his grandson. "Seamus McKenna, it's a breath of fresh air ye bring to the room."
"Oh, you Irishman do have a way with words," she smiled, then moved towards the bed. "You're just bound and determined to put me in an early grave."
"Never happen," Chris insisted, as she bent and kissed his cheek. "You'll bury all of us, Lily. How'd you get here? Did you come alone? I'll kill Buck... I told him..."
"I've been travelin' these blue skies long before you were born, Young Man," she sternly adressed the green glare. "Orrin saw me to the plane and Buck met me there. He's downstairs with Vin..."
"Lily?" Chris's hand shot up, grabbing for her when she swayed.
Ryan handed Grace to Cait and moved in, steadying her and easing her into a seat.
"Thank you," she managed. "I'm sorry..." she took Chris's hand and squeezed it, meeting the concerned eyes. "...but there is something special about that boy..."
Chris let one sandy arch raise, along with a wicked half-grin. "Yeah, as I recall you were quite overcome by his uh... assets..." he noted of the first time Lily met Vin, getting uncensored view of the lean Texan's posterior by accident.
"His assets aside," Lily countered, raking her fingers through the dirty blond hair. "I thought we'd go see him together. I tried to go in the room but... all those tubes..."
Chris didn't miss the rare crack in the strong force's shield. Her voice quivered and her hand shook. Those luminous ametheyst eyes filled with fear. Vin Tanner had worked his magic without trying; he now had a good hold on her heart.
"I like the way you think, Lady." He whispered, squeezing her hand in reassurance.
"Good," She stood up, turning to the others. She took Caitlin's face in both hands, shaking her head. "You look so much like my Sara... that same light shines through your eyes. You have a good heart, My Dear, I can sense that."
"Thank you, Mrs. Gavin..." Caitlin returned, only to be scolded.
"Mrs. Gavin was my mother, we're family now, child, I'm Aunt Lily and I couldn't be happier." She turned to the tall Irishman, with so many bruises on his handsome face. "You take care of her, Son or you'll feel the wrath of Lily Gavin!"
"Yes, Ma'am!" Ryan saluted with a smile, as Seamus took Grace outside.
"You get some rest and I'll get my grandson cleaned up. Tell that mouthy nurse we'll need a wheel chair. Where's the basin? The sooner you have you're bath..."
"Bath!" Chris's voice rose to an unnatural level that gave both McKennas a good laugh. He yanked the sheet up and glared. "They got nurses for that..."
"You haven't got anything I haven't seen before," Lily scolded from the bathroom, "Unless you have cause to beembarassed..." She bit her lip, peeking through the doorway. "Sara told me some stories..." She had no intention of bathing him, but the gentle teasing got his mind off his troubles. She'd already pushed the button for the nurse.
"What kind of stories?" Chris squinted his eyes, hearing the low chuckle. "Lily? Lily?"
Thirty minutes later, after a warm bath, a clean head and freshly shaven face gave him renewed strength. He was in a robe Lily brought with her, his IV poles attached to the carrier on the chair. The orderly pushed them as far as the doorway, leaving them alone.
Every muscle on his body tensed up, as soon as he heard the hissing of the respirator. The only image he could see, from the crack in the curtain covering the glass door, was Buck's profile. The rogue's mouth was moving, as he spoke to their injured friend. He tried to prepare himself for whatever was on the other side of the door. The tremor that formed in the shadows of the riverbank, when Vin's blood shot out of his mouth, now widened into a crack. A ripped, jagged slash in his soul. It was then he felt two small, but strong hands, rubbing the back of his neck. He closed his eyes, gripped one of the hands and kissed it.
"Thank you, Lady... for being here..."
"You know how I feel about that boy, Chris," she managed, feeling the fear rippling through him. She moved in front of the wheelchair, catching his eyes. Such magnificent eyes, she could easily feel how Sara drowned in their pale green depths. "He's lost, somewhere, in the dark, alone and cold. He needs you, Chris Larabee, as much as he's ever needed anything in his life. He needs to feel this," she tapped his chest through the deep green robe, "as much as he needs those IV lines and that dreadful breathing machine. You're the best medicine he can get. So suck it up, get the grit in your eye and get your ass in gear. I won't lose him!"
Buck looked up when the door opened, expecting to see Brie, but the visitors brought him a wide smile. He saw Chris's horrified eyes raking in the tubes, lines and respirator. Then they locked on the reddish fluid in the foley bag, draining from the injured man's bruised kidneys.
"Well, looks like the Cavalry is here, Vin. I'm gonna stretch my legs." He stood, keeping hold of the cold hand, until the shaken team leader was next to the bed. Without a word, he handed the limp hand over, gave the slumped shoulder a good squeeze and moved aside. He embraced Lily, before leading her to the chair on the other side. "It's okay," he saw the paleness in her face and felt her trembling. "He can feel you... hear you. His vital signs improve when you touch him, talk to him. Go on, Lily, give 'im Hell!" He offered, leaving the two to their visit.
"Hello, Sugar," she leaned over, brushing the damp curls from his forehead. The breathing tube made her stomach turn. The hiss of the machines and the fluids running into him was unnerving. But it was the frailness in his slack features that gripped her heart. Those beautiful blue eyes should be open and shining with mischief. Those fine features on his handsome face should be tanned and healthy. She leaned over and kissed him, "Lily's here now, I'm gonna take good care of you" She took her seat, watching her grandson fight for control of his emotions.
"Hey, Cowboy," Chris managed, his whole body numb. He took the hand extended from the sling on Vin's left arm and held it. "You look like a fu... uh... mummy." he noted of the bound right arm, supporting the injured shoulder blade. He studied the pale face, looking way too young and the disturbing breathing tube. Maybe it was better Vin was sleeping, he'd be panicked with that damn tube stuck down his throat.
"Listen up, Tanner, it's like this," he commanded, his tone sharp. He kept his eyes on the stilled eyelids, willing them to open. "I thought I was doing fine. I worked too many hours and closed too many bars. But I got by... cashed my paychecks... caught the bad guys. Then some long-haired damn Texas river rat..." he paused, took a breath. "...came ridin' the hell into town. Dammit Tanner... I can't ride sole anymore." He leaned in closer, his mind forming images of that infectious laughter that the younger man possessed. "It's like that scene in the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy lands her house on that witch. Her life was black and white... then she opens the door and it's full fuckin' color. That's what you gave me... Vin... you colored my soul."
The blue color was gone, this was a new color. It was rich and gold, shimmering and glittering, nearly blinding him. He was drawn to the magnificent light, needing to bath in it's brilliance. The words were full of emotion and wrapped around him, filling him with a healing elixcir. He turned and swam in the glow, feeling an explosion of incredible power overtake him. He inhaled it, feeling the warmth course through his ravaged body. He felt almost giddy; he wasn't lost anymore. He knew where he was now; his compass was back. It was right there... right there... right there.
Not sure of what else to say, he leaned in, dropped his head and began to pray silently. A sharp exhalation from Lily, drew his head up.
"Vin!" He gasped at the two confused blue eyes that wavered from left to right. For a moment, there was no movement. Then the body began to shake; the eyes darted frantically. "Shit!" Chris stood, ignoring the injured leg. "He doesn't know where he is or what's going on..."
"Easy, Sweetheart," Lily stroked the confused face, wiping the fevered brow with a cold cloth. She locked onto him, leaning in and watching the fear screaming silently from the blue eyes.
"Lily... Lily?" Vin screamed, "What the hell... goin'... on? Shit... I can't breathe... I can't... where am I? My chest hurts... God it hurts... I can't...."
"I'll get the nurse!" She decided, making her way to the door.
"Cut that out, Vin!" Chris commanded, his eyes watching the vital signs jumping all over as the panicked man's body reacted. "Look at me!" He waited until the head turned and remained stern. "You're in the hospital in Baton Rouge. You're in ICU and that tube in your throat is helping you breathe." He saw the eyebrows cross and the fingers clawing at his hand. He took the fingers and remained strong. "Quit cussin', that tube is staying for awhile. "
"Shut the hell up, Larabee... it ain't your throat that's got a pipe shoved in it..." Vin sassed back, not happy. He tried to moved and relized his right arm was bound to his chest. The left was in a sling and unmovable. He was totally helpless. "Aw, hell... Chris I can't do this..." He pleaded with his eyes as the pain and pressure in his chest accelerated. "Chris... please..."
"I know it hurts like Hell, Vin." The concerned blond lowered his tone, seeing the fearful eyes catching the tightly wrapped arms and the chest tube. "Look at me, not that damn tube. Look at me... Vin... here..." He got the eyes to train on his own. He leaned in, feeling his leg roar in protest, as he drilled the terrified eyes. "We're gonna get through this together. You're busted up good. It's not going to be easy. It's gonna hurt like hell and you're gonna need every inch of them Tanner balls to gut it out." He waited, watched the eyes mezmerized now, drinking in his words. "We're all here for you, Vin. The whole team is here and we'll get through this together. You're not alone, Cowboy." He lifted the injured left hand, "I'm here, Vin, every step of the way. I won't let you fall. You can't shake me, Tanner ,we're a team, okay?"
Vin considered the words carefully and felt that golden light invade him again. The warmth coursed through him and he eyed the strong hand gripping his weak one. Every step... a shoulder to lean on... two strong arms to help support him. A brother. All the tension left his body and he relaxed. He kept his gaze fixed on those green beacons of hope, long after the nurses and doctor fussed over him. The examination brought a tidal wave of pain and it washed him away. His eyes slid shut and he rode out the storm. The first of many to come, but they wouldn't defeat him. He wasn't alone, he had a brother to lead the way.
The spectators in the lobby of the hospital all turned as the lean blond man limped across the polished floor. It was hard not to stare; his rugged good looks and clean-shaven appearance were hard to deny. If they'd looked beyond the initial clean clothes and hair, they'd have seen the fatigue stirring in the green eyes. Still recovering himself, his senses were dulled by painkillers and the lethargic arms of medicated sleep still gripped his sore body.
Sighing, he pushed the button impatiently, watching the colors descending on the numbered panel above his head. Finally, the slate colored doors parted and he gingerly eased himself past the clerk with a large cart of supplies. The ICU unit was quiet this morning. It was just past seven a.m. when he paused in front of Vin's cubicle. There were sixteen squared-off rooms, four to a side, with a large nurse's station in the middle. From there, the on duty personel could see every patient. He noted that the curtains were drawn on the clear glass walls. Smiling, he realized that Brie was still with Vin. The nurses allowed the curtains drawn when she was there, giving them privacy. He stuck his head through the door and made his eyes look through the tangle of tubes running into his best friend's body. The slim man was so pale and helpless; it pained him to see that vunerability splayed out so vividly. He moved silently, placing the large bag on the sideboard and opened his arms as she stood.
She sighed deeply, feeling the raw power oozing from his strong arms. She laid her weary head against the musculed chest and felt the reassuring thumping of his heart against her cheek. It had been a rough night; Vin was not able to rest. The intubation was getting to him. He gagged almost constantely in panic, not able to get air. Despite her reassuring voice and rhythmic touch, his wide-eyed blue fear still haunted the room.
"How's our boy?" Chris said, sliding past her, not missing her slight tremble.
"Not good... he can't get used to the tube and his lungs are worse. I'm worried, Chris..." She picked up the limp hand and rested the cold fingers against her pale cocoa cheek.
"We knew he'd be in for a rough road, Brie," Chris eased himself in to the vacated seat and lifted his leg. She used her foot to shove the upturned trash can under it, giving him support. "Thanks. He's a Tanner."
She studied the conviction in the pain-clouded eyes and felt an ocean of power. He had been a tower of strength these past five days. His voice alone seemed to calm the worse of Vin's storms. She knew when those eyes bolted open during a nightmare, whose face he longed to see. Chris was good medicine for her man and that was enough.
"Go home... get some sleep, you've earned it." He ordered, lifting his cheek as she brushed it with her lips.
"Chris is here, Baby," she whispered in the unconscious man's ear. Her long fingers went through the limp hair, then moved to his cheek. She rested her face against his, before kissing him. "I'll be back, later. I love you." She gently laid his hand down and pulled the blankets up to his shoulders.
Alone with his best friend, Chris opened the bag and took out a large coffee. He winced and rubbed his injured arm. It was his first day without the sling. He eyed the bagel and decided to wait awhile. He took out the newspaper and began to read. The mini-earthquake in the bed told him the patient was awake. Sighing, he calmly folded his paper and let it rest on the bedstand. He pulled his injured leg off the trashcan and stood, leaning over the rails. Sure enough, the blue eyes were wide and frantic. One was still healing; it's swollen and discolored state only added to the misery. The horrible throat bruises were mottled yellow and green, well on the way to healing. The raw wrist burns were still getting wet saline gauze treatments and the injured kidneys were still being flushed. Pneumonia had set in and the sharpshooter's lungs full of crud. A persistant fever and chills wracked the critically ill man's body. He drew his brows together, leaned his healthy arm on the rail and glared down at the shaking body. Finally the frantic blue eyes settled on his face. Relief poured freely from the wide, wet gaze onto his own.
"You're a mess, Cowboy!" He grunted, shaking his head. "Quit fighting that tube. I'm getting tired of this lecture. It's helping you breathe. You got pneumonia and one lung is healing from a bullet tear."
"...big talk... ya wanna trade places?" Vin glared at the smug blond, trying to shove his hand through a heavy wall of resistance. His eyes never left the placid features on the face above him. He scowled, unable to move. He didn't want to hear about being 'calm'. They all said it, the doctors, nurses and visitors. "...bullshit..." they weren't the ones mummified with a tubes running in an out of every hole. His scowl deepened when the blond above him laughed. "...fuck yer sorry ass to Hell, Larabee..."
"A day with that mouth of yours cursing is like a day without sunshine!" Chris goaded, seeing the anger dispelled over the fair-man's fine features. Mini-sparks of heated silent words sprang from the livid blue eyes. He saw the bump moving frantically and pulled the blanket down. The smile left his face, when he saw how bound up Vin was. His right arm was strapped down, protecting the injured shoulder blade. His left arm was in a cast, protecting the broken wrist. The chest tube was one of several, coming from just about every Tanner oriface. No, he wouldn't want to be in the Texan's shoes now. Vin couldn't stand riding in an elevator, due to the brief confinement. Now, he was riding into Hell. During his sleep, the nightmares plagued him. When he woke up, he was unable to move, speak or do anything on his own. He sighed, took the jumping hand into his own and leaned over. He felt the shivering body, a combination of fever chills and fear, immediately start to rest.
"I'm not leaving, Vin."
The fear scooted out of the lost blue eyes that burned into his own. He felt a giddy satisification at that; it still awed him. That his voice, his presence and his words could do as much as all the damn tubes invading the weak body could. The sky eyes weren't angry now, they were full of gratitude. Combined with the weak squeeze of the grip in his own, it shouted gratitude more powerfully that the loudest choir. He smiled and nodded, sending his strength down onto the bed. The troubled eyes slid shut, the hand continued to grip his own. That was Tanner's lifeline, he needed to 'feel' that. So, the visitor sat, still holding that injured hand. He used his free hand to get his coffee, exuding at the warmth as it travelled down his throat. Suddenly, the eyes shot open again. This time, the fear was raw and naked. The hand left his own and travelled to the tube.
"What?" He jumped up, then read the eyes clearly.
"...I can't breathe... Chris... somethin's wrong... Aw, hell... it hurts... Chris.... I can't.... I..."
"Shit!" He hissed, running for the door. He saw the medical resident on duty, a distant glimmmer of recognition from a prior meeting. "Doctor Shaw!" He saw the newly arrived medic turn, his auburn head rising sharply at the tone. "Something's wrong... he can't breathe!" He moved aside as they ran past, then his heart sank when the body on the bed wasn't moving. "Vin..." his voice faded under the loud tones of the medical staff. The doctor pulled on a protective mask and donned gloves, before touching the infirmed man
"His tube's blocked!" the intern barked, disconnecting the long tube from the mouth portion. "Get me some suction, now!" He commanded, grabbing a suctioning catheter. Using his thumb and fingers with practiced touches, he manuevered the device skillfully. With intermittent suctioning and catheter rotation, he successfully cleared the blockage. The catheter and connecting tubing were then rinsed with saline solution. Once the lower airway had been succesfully cleared of fluids, he turned his attention to the victim's nasal and oral passages. He gently removed the mucus building in there as well.
Chris watched the doctor and nurses work quickly with precise movements. The whole episode didn't take more than a minute. The most difficult part was watching Vin's prone body gagging violently. Now, the clean tube had been reconnected and they righted Vin, easing his battered body into a better position. He blinked and moved closer, allowing himself to breathe again, when the pale head on the pillow moved.
"Mister Tanner? Can you hear me?" Shaw asked, as the man stirred. Two confused eyes opened and panic set in immediately. "It's okay, relax now. Your tube was clogged. I know it's uncomfortable and once your ABG's improve, we'll take you off of it." He saw the brows huddle together and the eyes cross in puzzlement. "ABG's are arterial blood gases, they measure if the oxygen is getting in your blood and the carbon dioxide getting out." He turned then, with a smile as the body in the bed relaxed and a hand shot out. Chris Larabee's presence was vital. "I should have the results back soon. If everything looks okay, we'll start to wean him off that tube. We'll adjust the settings, until he's breathing on his own, then we'll pull it out."
"How long?" Chris asked the question that Vin beckoned silently.
"Let's see what the tests show," He supplied, "I should know very soon. Then we'll replace that tube with a CPAP, it's a mask that supplies oxygen at a certain base pressure. If he does well on that, we'll put him on a regular face mask or nasal cannula."
"Thanks," Chris nodded, waiting for the nurse to finish bathing Vin and then taking up his position. He pulled the blanket up and watched the large blue eyes trained on his own. He patted the free shoulder, and cast a sad smile. "You keep scarin' me like that, Tanner and I'll go bald." For the first time in several days, since Vin rejoined the world of the living, he saw a brief light in the eyes. "You think that's funny?"
"...losin' them yella sprouts ya got? Hell yeah!..." He nodded to the coffee cup and the chair. "...sit down 'afore ya keel over on me. Don't need no more bruises..."
He saw the head turn weakly and indicate the cup. Nodding, he took a seat and propped up his bad leg, before lifting the coffee. After several sips, he saw the eyes fading. The hand bobbed under the blankets and he cocked his head, listening to the silence.
"...thanks, Chris. Ya got no idea how much I need t'see ya squatted there..."
"You're welcome," he whispered with a quiet smile. "Go to sleep. I'll be right here."
"...ya always are, Cowboy..." Vin assured himself sleepily and closed his eyes.
"Now that's what I call lunch!" Buck Wilmington exuded, entering the large dining room of the rental home. It was nearly one p.m. and Josiah and Nathan were over at the hospital. Ezra and J.D. just returned, having spent three hours there with Chris and Vin. The ladies man was taking Gabrielle back at four o'clock. The exhausted woman was still sleeping, having spent nearly all her waking hours for the last five days at Vin's side.
"I'm starving!" Dunne picked up a plate, eyeing the buffet full of food. A large basket of rolls and bread greeted him. Two crockpots simmered nearby. One had roast beef withgarlic and onions in a rich brown gravy. The other had all kinds of sausage chunks in a variety of peppers. A large cassarole of macaroni and cheese was resting on trivet, a tray of several kinds of lunch meat and cheeses was next. A tureen of seafood gumbo was at the end, next to a large bowl of jumbo shrimp, nestle next to a dish of cocktail sauce.
"You were born hungry!" Buck complained, swatting the youth.
"Leave the lad, be," Seamus scolded from the table, picking up a glass of ice tea. "It's good fer 'im to eat hearty."
"Yeah, Buck, leave the lad be,!" the team's youngest boasted, with a wink to his new friend. The old man was great company and they'd gotten on well since arriving. He reminded the youth of his own grandfather, the same rich brogue had fallen from Daniel Dunne's lips. He'd died when J.D. was sixteen, but he still heard the old man's words. Upon mentioning his grandfather was from County Dongeal, he'd made a friend for life in Seamus McKenna.
"I think we should notify the people at Guinness," Standish took a plate full of shrimp and a bowl of gumbo. "There must a record for how much food can be consumed in such a short span of time."
"He ate?" Buck guessed, piling roast beef high onto a large roll with cheese.
"He did, several times. Breakfast on the way over..."
"Breakfast?" Buck frowned, shaking his dark head, "J.D. you got no shame. You ate here before you left."
"I got hungry!" he defended, making room next to his roast beef sandwich for some sausage and peppers.
"...then he scoffed down several doughnuts and a quart of milk after we arrived." the gambler concluded.
"Look, somebody's got to eat Vin's share..." The youth shoved a ladle full of macaroni and cheese onto the plate. "Hey, did Lily make this? Her macaroni and cheese rules!"
"She did indeed," Seamus noted, of the single homemade dish on the buffet. "She's quite a woman."
"You won't get any arguments from us," Buck took his seat and a glass of ice tea from Caitlin. "Thanks Darlin'. Hey, where's half-pint?"
"She's working on a card for Vin," the mother replied, handing a glass of tea to Ezra Standish, how nodded.
"Where's me lunch?:" Seamus roared, shoving a plate away. "What the hell is that?"
"That's your lunch!" Ryan shoved the plate back. "It's flounder stuffed with spinach and some wild rice. You have a nice salad and..."
"Ye can stick that salad up yer arse, Boy-o!" He boomed, "I'll have a beef sandwich and..."
"You'll eat his and be happy," the younger McKenna supplied, blue eyes shining. "I have a list of nursing homes in New Orleans. Yup, I just might start calling a few. They'd put you on a nice pureed diet..." He goaded , watching the old man's face scowl. He leaned over, raising one rakish eyebrow. "Lily made it..."
"Did she now?" Seamus suddenly saw the plate in a whole new light. "and a might fine job she did at that." He took a tentative bit of the fish and smiled. "It's lovely, Lass," he called out to the pretty woman who entered the room.
"Don't be wastin' any sweet talk on me, Seamus McKenna," She warned with a saucy smile, "You can't afford me."
"Besides, I thought you were marryin' me, Darlin'?" Buck beguiled, wagging his amused eyes.
"You're too old, Buck," she regarded Ryan's well shaped hindquarters as he walked away.
"Aunt Lily!" Caitlin laughed, nearly choking.
"Just proves I still have a pulse, Dear," She smiled, sitting next to the charming young woman. She took the slim girl's hand and squeezed it, resting a wrinkled one against the beautiful face. "These last few days, being here with you... you're so much like my beloved Sarah... Thank you..." she kissed the girl's cheek and saw the blue eyes pooling. "No, tears, Dear...I've found my family... you have no idea how much it means to me... being here with all of you. Almost all... of my family..." she looked away.
"He'll be here soon, too, Lily," Buck said, rising and moving over to the upset woman's side Tanner had worked his way well into her heart. "You know how stubborn that boy is... he's just too onry to die." He gave her shoulders a good squeeze and bent and kissed her cheek. "Marry me?"
"Not a chance, Stud," She choked, squeezing his hand. "But I'm not beneath living in sin for awhile."
Buck laughed hard, joining the others around the long table. He gave her a solid hug and took the seat next to her. J.D. brought his plate over and his ice tea.
"Ah, there's me jewel!" Seamus exclaimed, as his precious great-granddaughter ran into the room. She stopped long enough to kiss her Uncle Ryan, before settling onto his lap.
"Look Poppy! Look what I did... it's for Vin... ya think he'll like it?"
"It's grand, Poppet!" He eyed the colorful picture. "Mountains?" He noted of the triangular shapes rising, they had white snow on the top. The sky was blue and there were horses and a lot of green grass, dotted with colorful flowers.
"Yeah, he told me about where his favorite place is... when that bad man hurted me." She paused, her tiny face darkening. "He talks real nice, I like how his voice sounds. He... he... talked that night and my belly pain went away. So I thought I could draw a picture of it. We can put it by his bed in the hospital. That way, he can see it and it might make him smile. Right?"
"Right!" Seamus agreed, showing the prized work, "Didn't me jewel do a grand job?"
"That's awesome, Grace," J.D. agreed.
"It's beautiful, Sweetheart." Caitlin smiled.
"You did a great job, Buttons," Ryan prided.
"I think she inherited my talent!" Lily exclaimed, eyeing the fine lines and colors. "No, I mean it," She edited of the chuckles. "I know art... it's my world. That child has talent. I can work with her..."
"I'd like that," Caitlin smiled, a little in awe. Lily Gavin's talent was known around the world. Her paintings and sculptures graced many art galleries. For her to assess Grace in such adament terms, was a real compliment. She exchanged a secret smile with Ryan and Ezra. Little did the old woman know the surprise that was in store for her in a few days.
"Do you think Vin will like it?" Grace asked, wiggling off her grandfather's lap and going to Buck.
"He'll love it, Half-pint!" He tapped the top of her head, "Now how about you showing old Buck how good you can eat?"
"Can I take it to him?" She asked her mother, peeking around Buck Wilmington.
"We'll see, Honey. I don't know what the hospital rules are for little children."
"Blast the hospital rules!" She pursed her face up in anger, stomping her small foot.
"Now I wonder where she picked up that charming expression?" Ryan glared as his grandfather, who beamed in pride.
"How is he?" Caitlin asked Ezra, who was eating the delicious soup. She had been surprised when the catering company arrived several days prior. They had been providing food ever since, courtesy of the southerner.
"He's been taken of the venilator. He's taking oxygen, measured and through a mask. If all goes well, that will be removed tonight and he'll be upgraded to a nasal cannula."
"That's great!" Ryan exuded.
"Yes, he was extremely relieved when it was taken out." He smiled, thinking on the younger man's face. "Chris provided ice chips and I doubt if the finest champagne would have tasted sweeter."
"How is Chris?"
"Pissed off," J.D. thought aloud. "He don't say much, but just the looks he gives Vin have steam on them. I never realized how Vin could say so much without opening his mouth."
"He does have many colorful expressions," Standish thought on the vivid images that crossed the Texan's face. "Especially when Chris scolds him."
"That's the best medicine he'll get," Lily defended her beloved grandson.
The talk was light and lively, punctuated with laughter. It was the warm, loving and teasing tones that often surround a close family. That's what they'd become, bound by blood , sweat and tears. For Vin Tanner, being embraced by this varied assortment of relatives, brothers and friends, it would be the healing force he needed.
"Bob!" Vin croaked painfully, upon awakening. The five days of that tube in his throat left the inside torn up, raw and painful. The doctor warned him not to speak. He'd progressed from ice chips, spooned faithfully by Chris Larabee, to a 'clear' tray, also slowly spooned to him by his best friend. The apple juice and broth went down easily. Then he'd drifted to sleep, glad for the air coming through the nasal cannula. Being freed from the tube was the greatest feeling. He could endure the pain that ravished his battered boy. He could tolerate the throbbing in his injured limbs. He could even manage the helpless feeling, having no use of either arm. But that tube had put the fear of God in him. Not being able to breathe... she shuddered and pushed that away. Now in front of his half-mast eyes, on the tray in front of him, sat a large yellow square pillow. It's eyes and 'squared' pants were all too familiar. It was no secret he and J.D. were huge fans of the cartoon, 'Spongebob Square pants'. Now a huge plush figure was inches away. He drew a painful breath, coughed several times and watched for the arm to shoot out. He expelled dutilfully into the tissue and let Chris wipe his mouth. He kept his eyes on the face, until the green eyes scowled.
"You're delirous, Tanner!" Larabee denied claim on the bright yellow gift.
Vin frowned and used what little strenght he could muster, to move his head painfully to the other direction. He blinked, wheezing heavily through both congested lungs and tried to focus on the hand gripping the cup offered. He took a sip of water and nodded, then saw the ring. A dark blue stone... a college ring. He took his heavy eyes upwards, seeing a smile hovering under a dark mustache. "...cklin..."
"Sorry, Slick, I'd love to have thought of it," the charmer denied, giving Vin's mouth a swipe. "Let that be a lesson to you. Never deny the power of this smile again," he teased of Vin's drooling.
Vin kept gasping, not caring if the spit ran out. His lungs were so full of muck, it came in a constant steam. He eyed the smiling man and felt his heavy chest constrict even further. How was it Buck was always there? He saw the glint and squared off his chin, waiting.
"You look like shit, Tanner," Buck answered the silent call and waited.
"...f..f...f...f...uck... yer... s...s...sorry ass... t'Hell... B...B...Buc...k...."
"Now I have missed my traditional greeting," the rogue thumped his chest and winked, seeing the head offered. He responded, wincing slightly as the usual immaculate Tanner locks were dull, dirty and matted.
"...quit... foolin'... with... hair..." Vin rasped with a weary smile, which turned into a messy cough. "aw, hell..." he tried to turn away, but Chris's tissue found him. After two minor glares, he turned back to Buck. "Who?" he asked of the gift.
"Grace," the mustached man replied, watching the large blue eyes widened. "She took it right off her bed. The kid bought it for her and she's been cartin' around all week. She wanted you to have it."
"Aw, hell," Vin whispered, swallowing hard thinking of his young friend. "...somethin' special..."
"She sure is," Chris agreed, "Saved my ass out there. As a matter of fact, she's quite a shot," He winked to Buck across the bed. "I'm thinking of replacing you on the team. She'd eat a lot less, too. Just think of the money I can save."
"She's a whole lot prettier too!" Buck winked back.
"...jackasses..." Vin managed with a harsh cough. This time his smile faded and he nearly passed out. He felt both sets of hands helping him. Someone lifted and supported, the other held a basin under his mouth. A lot of phlegm and water came out and the effort left him crying in pain. His broken ribs couldn't take this much agony. As much as it was good the secretions were being expelled, it took all the strength from him. The dizziness finally passed and he peeled his eyes open.
"You okay?" Chris asked and saw the head nod. His eyes went to the clock, approaching seven p.m. He'd been there for twelve hours and his own healing body needed food and sleep. As if sensing the hour, a slim body appeared in the doorway. "Change of shift." He stood, stretched and yawned. "My ass is numb."
"...else... new..." Vin sassed weakly, turning to Buck. "...home... sleep... gun..."
"I don't he'll gimme a hard time, Vin," Buck traslated the clues. "I won't need a gun to keep him in bed. He's wiped out. You get some shuteye, Son, I'll see you tomorrow." He gave the cotton gown a hitch, it constantely slid down the tracker's shoulder. "Hello, Darlin'," He moved around the bed and gave the pretty doctor a hug.
"Hi Buck!" She smiled, making her way to where Chris stood.
"You're on spit rag detail, Doc," he teased, tapping the tissues, before turning to the unamused face in the bed. "Don't give her any shit, Vin!" He smiled at the cranky glare, the saw the word f forming, "I wouldn't... there's a lady here." He took the hand that shot up, giving a good, solid tug. "I'll see you at sunup, Cowboy." He vowed, knowing the other would sleep easier with that thought. He was at the door when the voice went airborne.
"Chris..." Vin whispered, wincing at the razors that slashed his tender throat. "I'm grateful..." he sent out, with an emotive stare.
"I know you are," Chris sent back, "I'm counting on that generosity. I figure it's good for mucking out my stalls for a year or so," he grinned, watching the letter f fighing to become airborne. "Vin..." He warned wagging his index finger. Then he saw the sharpshooter's middle finger tapping the bedsheet beyond where Gabrielle could see. He laughed and felt Buck's hand on his back, as the other laughed as well.
He didn't recall falling asleep. He began to stir as the warm cloth was working over his face. When his head was lifted and the linen gently took the sweat and grime from his neck, he opened an eye. She was so beautiful, it took his breath away. The dusty complexion and perfect features, set off by those large magnificent nearly aqua eyes. He shuddered as her hand traced a path down his cheek.
"...stealin' m'air... sweet... lady..." he warned of her powerful effect.
"Thank you, kind Knight!" She smiled, kissing him deeply, before resting her face next to his. "I've missed you." She sat on the edge of the bed, entwining her fingers through his. She saw a single tear snake a crooked path down his cheek. She wiped it away with a finger, then caressed that strong jaw. She ran her fingers over his lips and he kissed them, gently suckling on one. She watched his head turn, thinking he wanted water, reached for it.
"..up... radio..." he vented, coughing soundly and waiting for her to take the spit away. It didn't embarass him. Not because she was a trained professional, and had seen every part of him. But because she cared for him and he for her. When you care about someone, you let them help you. It makes your path to healing a lot shorter. He closed his eyes as the words spilled from the radio. It was an old song, but the words were timeless.
"You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off of you.
You'd be like heaven to touch.
I wanna hold you so much.
At long last love has arrived and I thank God I'm alive.
You're just to good to be true...
Can't take my eyes off of you."
"...heart's full up... ya put... them... there..." he gasped of the beautiful words.
"Funny thing," she smiled, touched by the beautiful words and his emotional eyes. "I was just thinking that myself." She kissed him again, deeper this time and felt him groan. The room filled again, colored by the classic tune.
"Pardon the way that I stare.
There's nothing else to compare.
The sight of you leaves me weak.
There are no words left to speak.
But if you feel like I feel.
Please let me know that it's real.
You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off of you."
She broke away, wincing as he began to cough hard. After she cleaned him up, she saw him flushing. Thinking it was because he was helpless, tied down by two injured arms and a broken body, she caressed his face. The eyes left her weak. "I could drown in the those eyes of yours... don't, Vin. I want to take care of you."
"Huh..." Vin blinked, then realized what she tought. "...no... not that... them lips and teeth... of yers... dangerous... s'hot in here.."
She laughed then, charmed by the soft drawl and generous heart. Hearing the chorus kick in, she cupped his face, kissing his forehead and closed eyelids.
"I love you baby, and if it's quite alright," she paused to kiss his cheek, "I need you baby, to warm a lonely night, trust in me when I say..." The words were lost when she kissed him, devouring his heart. She rested then, breathless from the heat in the room and the body next to her. She left her head nestled under his chin, wary of his injured limb. She felt his breath on her cheek, when he finally spoke.
"Yer jes' t'good t'be true..." Vin managed, suppressing a cough, as the song continued. "...ye'd be like heaven t'touch... need t'hold ya... s'much... thank God I'm... alive..." He whispered, the medication and expelled energy sending him to dreamland. He felt the feathery touch of her hands caress his and the gentle kiss. Then her lips nuzzled his next, as her sweet voice cradled him.
"You're just too good to be true, can't take my eyes off of you." She finished, then lifted her head. He was sleeping, this special man. "Fairytales can come true," she whispered, taking the damp hair from his forehead. "I found you, Knight, and I won't let you go..."
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