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.
It was just after noontime on Friday. Vin was dozing, the warm sun from the window and the lack of decent cartoons dulled his senses. He was alone in his room. Chris was visiting the doctor for his arm and Buck was taking Lily, Caitlin and Grace to lunch. He knew Chris would be up to see him soon. The doctor's office was in the next building. He told the blond to 'spring fer some grub'. He had his heart set on a doublecheeseburger and cajun fries. He was in the twilight area between 'awake' and 'asleep', when a soft voice interrupted.
"Mister Tanner?"
"Huh?" Vin croaked, coughed, sneezed and hiccuped.
"Oh My Goodness!"
"Sorry!" Vin blinked, hearing the soft chuckle. He fumbled with his tissues, but got himself cleaned up. "I'm losin' m'lung crud... didn't mean to hurl at ya..."
"That's okay," the stranger put a small gym bag down. "I'm Mary Gavin and I'm your therapist."
"Therapist?" Vin took the water from a plastic cup she handed him. "Thanks... ain't it a bit t'soon?"
"It's what we call 'passive range of motion' exercises. It's necessary to keep the joints from stiffening up and to keep fluid from building up. Your shoulder is made up of three bones." She paused and pulled out a colored illustration. "The scapula, or shoulder blade," she pointed, "Yours is broken, which is why it needs to remain immobile for another six weeks or so. Next is the humerus, or upper arm bone and lastly, the clavicle, or collarbone. Now, the scapula and humerus are connected by a rotator cuff, and there are several tendons in there too, attaching muscle to bone. In order for you to raise your arm, all of these must work together. So, we are going to start today, with passive range of motion exercises. This will help to keep them limber, for when your more vigerous therapy begins. I'll do all the work, stretching and pulling on the shoulder and arm. but it will be painful."
'How long?" Vin asked point blank, "before m'arm is right again?"
"Months, most likely..." She saw his face fall and his eyes dart. "That's common in a shoulder injury such as yours. There's no shortcuts... just lots of hard work and pain. But the end result is your arm being good as new again. Are you okay?"
"Yeah," Vin mumbled, the word 'months' banging into every corner of his brain.
"We will be using ice treatments, four times a day to keep the swelling down," She instructed, easing the immobilizer off. She heard the sharp hiss of air snaking through his clenched teeth and paused. "I know it hurts..."
"S'okay," Vin clenched, biting his lip. "Get it done."
"As the weeks go on, your mobility and range will increase. The exercises will progress in range and dexterity to gradually allow your shoulder to heal." She paused, lifting his arm outand gently bending it from a flat positing to a semi raised one. She held the arm at the elbow and wrist and slowly raised it towards his ear.
Chris paused just outside the door, bag in hand, when he heard Vin cry out in pain. He quickly moved into the room, then stopped, when he saw the therapist. He put the bag down, frowning at the sweat running down his best friend's face and the lines of pain creasing the Texan's brow. He watched as she held the injured right arm above the wrist and at the elbow, then gently turned the wrist, a move that send forced air and a short cry from Tanner's lips. He saw the slim body stiffen up, while the sharpshooter swallowed hard, eyes rimmed with moisture.
Through the haze of pain, he saw the unnatural white face of Chris Larabee. He took one look at that affected face and made decision.
"...C...h...ris... wait... out...side... 'kay..." he gasped, and saw the blond nod once, leave the bag on the table and exit.
Chris didn't stop until he was in the men's room, splashing his face with cold water. He eyed his reflection in the mirror, shaking his damp face.
"...damn raggedy-assed Texan..." He saw that the image agreed and headed for a towel. He made his way to the water fountain and got a drink. Then he took a seat, which lasted an entire minute. He began pacing next, walking the halls. Three times he 'politely' told the nurses watching his every move he was fine. He ended up at the large windows at the end of the hallway. He watched the visitors coming and going, the traffic on the highway and the signs of life in the bustling city. Then the 'what-if's resurfaced and bit him in the groin. What if Vin didn't get all of his range back? What if he couldn't be the elite sharpshooter they'd all come to rely on? What if he had to make a career move? What if all his guidance and open hand wasn't enough to lift the fallen spirit of his best friend?
"Mister Larabee?" She waited, almost feeling the pain in the wounded green eyes. She tapped his shoulder and he flinched, jumped and let out a pent-up breath. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to startle you. I'm Mary Gavin and while Vin is a patient here, I'll be working on his arm. When he returns to New Orleans, he'll get more extensive therapy. This is a copy of the outline of normal therapy for an injury of his extent. I laid it out for him, but he was very discouraged. It will be months before he's 100% and that is very unsettling. The nurses told me you spend a lot of time here; that you two are close. He'll need you... somebody... tough enough to kick his butt when he wants to quit. It will be a very painful process and extremly fatiguing."
"My boots are just the right size," Chris grinned, took the folder and shook the woman's hand. "Thanks. I'm Chris and he's upset. If you spoke with the doctor, you know that he might not get full use back. He's an ATF agent, a sniper, using that shoulder is his life."
"I know, I read his profile. " She hesitated, 'It's still very early, but I was encouraged by the range of motion I detected." She saw his head snap up and the green eyes become lasers. "I said it's early... but I've been doing this for twenty years and I'm pretty good at it. I won't give him false hope, but I think, with the right effort, he'll be fine."
"Thank you," Chris whispered, feeling his sinking hopes rising. "I'll take slim over none. "
"I told the nurse to give him a painkiller. She's checking with his doctor. It was nice meeting you, Chris."
"Same here, Mary."
His long strides took him back to the room easily. He paused in the doorway and winced. Vin's face was contorted in pain. Sweat covered every fine feature and the squared-off jaw was clenched beyond belief. He got a damp towel from the bathroom and waited.
"Vin?"
He didn't open his eyes, he heard the water running. He nodded once and relaxed as the blond's gentle touch revived him a bit. He felt a straw nudge his clam-like lips and parted them. Coke. He sighed in contentment and drank greedily, his senses emerging over a loud, wet burp. He heard the soft chuckle and opened his eyes.
"Nice..." Chris wrinkled his nose.
"Better t'burp it and taste it, then fart it and waste it..."
"Eloquent, Vin, very eloquent..." Larabee grinned, glad for a bit of light in the pained blue eyes. "The nurse is waiting for orders, they're gonna get you a painkiller." He saw the ice pack covering the injury. "That must feel good."
"It's startin' t'," Vin admitted, "I'll tell ya what, Chris." He took more soda from the offered hand. "When she started pullin' at me... iffen I'd had m'piece..."
Chris laughed at the veiled 'shoot to kill' threat. He unfolded the sandwich and dumped fries on the plate. He raised the patient up more and watched the casted left hand work clumsily.
"You're gettin' better..."
"Yeah, I'm a real fuckin' expert." Vin sighed, chomping on his sandwich.
"You up for company later? If you're not..." He paused seeing deeply etched lines of pain nestled onto the Texan's features. "...tomorrow might be better."
"The little one comin'?" Vin shut his eyes.
"Yeah, she's been pesterin' anybody that will listen since you talked to her." He laughed then, eating a large bite of his own burger. "Ryan caught her on the phone to a taxi cab company." He watched Vin laugh and relayed a few other funny moments. The tension seemed to ease up and the food went down easy. But still, the leader recognized that his friend might not be up to company this afternoon.
"Vin, I think it might be better if Caitlin brings Grace tomorrow."
"I... don't... wanna... upset... her..." he shifted in the bed and his arm exploded. His short string of curses was followed by a rise of nausea.
A nurse came in and gave Vin an injection. Within minutes, the Texan was asleep. It was an easy sleep, a chemical induced respite from the pain. But still, the words nagged at him. Months before you'll be fit, if the arm is 100%. Months... a gathering of endless days that merged into stifling weeks. While his friends were busy fighing crime, he'd be a handicapped bum.
It was almost three o'clock when Chris returned. He'd taken a long walk and cleared his head. He missed his normal exercise routine at the gym. He eyed the forlorn body in the bed and frowned. The sky eyes were dulled by clouds of sadness and pain. The features and body posture were stamped with melancholy. Vin Tanner was a blue as his eyes.
"You okay?"
"Yeah," Vin whispered, eyeing the television. "I dropped the... the... on... thing..."
"The remote?"
"Yeah," he nodded, squinting his eyes to the loud noise. "Turn it off fer me."
"Sure." He obeyed, took a chair and studied the lost face. "Talk to me, Cowboy."
"She said..." he paused, eyeing the concerned green gaze, "Months, Chris... months. Hell, ya might as well just cut m'heart out. Months... I can't do this..."
"Yes," Larabee leveled in a no-nonense tone, "You will!"
Vin heard the tone and noted his best friend didn't say 'can' he said 'will'. There was no mistake of the intent in the fierce green eyes. Sometimes, he wondered what he'd done to deserve such a friend. It seemed like those days when he rode alone were a faded memory. How many times had he stayed in hospitals alone. A dull ache magnified in his bruised chest. Alone. He couldn't do that anymore. He needed his friends — this new family- more than ever. That sense of wholeness,of a place in the sun, was due to this man. This special man who with one open hand extended had changed his whole life.
"Ya might as well git goin'," Vin yawned, "I'm fixin' on nappin' fer a spell. 'tween that Gavin gal torturin' me and them painkillers, I'm all fucked up."
"Okay," Chris rose, fixed the tissues and cup of water on the tray in front on Vin. "I'll be back."
"I know," Vin said, realizing that the promise went far beyond the limits of the hours of this day. Chris Larabee would always by his side. It was that comforting breeze that allowed him to surrender to the pain and sleep. He had somebody watching his back, somebody very special.
It was quiet and she peered around the light blue sofa. Smiling, she saw her path to freedom. With two violet eyes fired up, she ran for the pass. A loud growl and the claws of the beast stopped her progress.
Caitlin eyed the 'bear' from the doorway and smiled. Buck Wilmington could charm that ladies alright, it didn't matter how old or young. Grace was crazy about him. Her high pitched giggles rose through the air, as the 'bear' tickled his prey.
"...no... fair..." Grace gasped, trying to wiggle away. "you... cheated... you're dead. I shoted you twice..."
"A Wilmington doesn't cheat..." he frowned, as her laughter rained down on him. "Damn, I'm startin' to sound like Ezra."
"You said a curse!" She pulled her palm out "...don't be skimpy... I want to see the whites of Washington's eyes..."
"You're keepin' company with the wrong ATF agents," the mustached man dismayed, hearing one of J.D.'s favorite lines. "Here," he handed a dollar over.
"Good!" She tucked it in her pocket. "After Vin gets home, I'll have 'enuf to take everybody to Disney World."
"You got a good point there, Little Lady," He chuckled, ruffling the black curls. She bore a strong resemblence to Adam and roughhousing with her, like this, sure brought back memories. "How 'bout gettin' this wore out old bear a cold drink?"
"Okay," she scampered off.
"She sure is somethin' else," Buck marveled with a wink, "just like her Ma."
"How is it someone as charming as you isn't married?" She asked, returning his smile.
"...that would leave too many britches unconquered..."
"I heard that!" Buck shot through the screened window, where Chris Larabee's voice had come from.
"Go on," Caitlin nodded, "I'll bring you two a couple beers."
"Thanks, Darlin'" He made his way out to the porch and settled into a large wing chair. They were old fashioned, high-backed chairs settled around a white rattan table. Across from him, Chris was sprawled in the rattan love seat.
"Rough day?" Chris read the tired eyes.
"...squirin' around too many good lookin' women..." he mused, "...I'm damn near charmed out..."
"Never happen," Chris sent back with a wink.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Buck saw the pale green eyes flit to the horizon. They were a filled with apprehension and something else.
"Vin started therapy today. It's very painful and he's worn out. Plus, he's a little down. She told him it would take months until he's whole again."
"I can see them hound dog eyes from here..." Buck admitted with a deep sigh, "You okay?"
"No," Chris sighed, "But, I was thinking... maybe if we set up a pizza party tomorrow afternoon. Bring Lily and Grace... might do him good. He's wiped out and worried. Company tonight would be wasted. I don't want him upsetting that little girl. Trust me, you don't want to see that face of his."
"Okay," Buck said, an idea springing to mind. "I have to make a call... cement my plan for tonight..."
"Buck, whatever you got cooked up, forget it!" Chris hissed.
"Hey," the other man defended, hearing the fierce tone in the protective voice, "He's my friend too, Chris. Gimme a little credit, huh? I'd never hurt him..."
"Okay, but I'm warning you... he's really down... and in alot of pain..."
"...and he has an angel of mercy on her way..."
"Gabrielle," Chris noted, "I forgot... yeah, she might be just the right medicine."
"She's due at seven or so." Buck said, "Which means we'll head over to the hospital about six."
"We?" Chris shook his head. "No way... don't pull me into your mess. I have some long term investments I have to see produce dividends."
"Trust me?" Buck wagged his eyebrows and smiled at the loud groan.
"...and how many unsuspecting young women have you used that line on?" Caitlin chastised.
"You wound me!" the ladies man patted his heart.
Caitlin handed each of them a cold bottle of beer and smiled at Chris in a strange way.
Chris saw the odd look on the pretty woman's face and sat up. Just when he was about to inquire if anything was wrong, a small body appeared. The raven-haired moppet was bearing a plate covered with a napkin.
"I'm gonna go check on Seamus." She nodded to the park down the block. "He and Lily went for a walk and haven't come back."
"Lily can handle him," Buck predicted.
"It wasn't Lily I was worried about," Caitlin chuckled and walked down the porch steps.
"Hi, Chris!"
"Grace," he nodded, "Whatcha got?"
"They're for you," She decided, setting them down in front of him. "I made 'em myself. I figured you'd be real hungry." She wormed her small body into the spot next to him on the white rattan love seat.
"I'm sure..." Chris paused when he took the napkin.
Buck laughed outright, seeing the mixture of fear and horror on his oldest friend's face. There, in a small pile, were a trio of uneven pieces of sandwiches. Most of them bore fingerprints emblazoned on the front. Red jelly seeped out of the sides and the top, through a hole. Something else was inside, green and wet.
"Uh... they... uh..."Chris stammered, picking one up and peeling the nearly smashed top off.
"I pressed 'em down real good, so's they'd stick for you."
"You did a fine job, too, Halfpint!" Buck laughed, enjoying the hell out of Larabee's blanched face. "Whatcha got there, Pard? Hey, that looks like a pickle... one of them long fancy types..."
"It's got... hot... stuff in it and uh... garwic..." she said proudly. "They're green... like your eyes..." She added, cocking her curly head and staring at him, with large amethyst eyes. "Ain't you gonna eat any?"
"Of course he is, Halfpint,' Buck winked at the hot eyes that shot over to his side of the porch. "He loves hot pickles... ain't that right, Chris!"
"Well now I wouldn't be much of a gentlemen, if I didn't share," Chris pushed the plate towards the grinning jackel.
"Oh, we had a big lunch, I'm bustin'..."
"You was bustin' in the car too!" the small inquisitive child noted, turning to Chris. "He blew beans all the way home."
"Well, now I explained that was an accident," Buck defended.
"Buck!" Chris shook his head. "Did he eat cabbage?"
"No, he had a big old stinky sandwich with souredcats..."
"Saurkraut?" He asked of the food that gave Wilmington gas.
"Yeah, it was yucky!" She wrinkled up her nose.
"Buck's not supposed to eat that... it gives him a bellyache..."
"That how come he ain't got a wife?" She asked and saw the blond dip his head and laugh.
"That's about as good a reason as I've heard," Chris agreed over Buck's laugh.
"So you gonna eat them or what?" She tapped his shoulder. She knelt up and moved her face inches from his. Two small hands titled his chin to look at her. "I maded them 'special for you..."
"Aw, hell, Chris," Buck smirked, "She made 'em just for you..."
"Pleeeassseee..."
Buck ducked his head twice, covering his mouth as Chris gulped down each mushed up medly, not bothering to chew. They went in with a long swig of beer and right down. By the time he was done, his face matched his eyes and the pickles.
"Wow!" She eyed the empty plate and patted his cheek. "I knew you were hungry. I got plenty more... I'll be right back..." She took the plate and scampered off.
"Wonderful..." Chris grumbled, watching Buck fall out of the chair laughing. "Shut the hell up, Buck."
"Oh come on, Chris, it can't be any worse than that shit Adam made you eat..." He paused,"Remember the Monster Mash..."
"Oh Man," the blond finished his beer and smiled. "I forgot about them." He noted of the olives his son would put in mashed potatoes making a face. "...and soggy animal crackers..." he smiled, seeing his chubby toddler son in his mind's eye.
"Him and Vin would have been quite a team," Buck said of the sniper whose eating habits made them all cringe.
"Yeah," Chris said wistfully. "I wish he could have known Vin..."
His deep, dark, drug-induced sleep was interrupted. Muffled voices and strange sounds invaded his dreamspace. He wrinkled his brow and chuffed, trying to shift in the bed. That brought pain in his back and shoulder.
"Goddammit t'hell..." He peeled an eye open and was sorry he did. Looming over him, just inches away was a familiar mustache.
"Evenin' Slick!"
"Aw, hell," Vin tried to move away.
"'bout time you woke up. We got work to do and it's already after six."
"I miss supper?" He blinked, yawned, sneezed twice and coughed.
"Vin can't you get a handle on that?" Buck teased, waiting for the snapping tiger to reply.
"I'd like t'get a handle on that sorry ass o'yers... Git outta m'room... was havin' me a nice sleep..." Vin grumbled, eyeing a grinning blond by the door. "Shut the hell up, Larabee!"
"I didn't say anything." Chris replied.
"Ya was thinkin' it... heard ya clear as dirt."
"Clear as dirt, Pard," Buck laughed, pushing Vin's plate closer. "Hurry up and eat... we're losin' daylight."
"...ain't no 'we'," Vin picked up his sandwich and narrowed his eyes. "What the hell's this? This ain't supper. I ordered hot turkey and extra taters..."
"It's just something to hold you over," Wilmington winked and saw the blue eye narrow.
"Hold me over fer what?" He looked past the grinning jackel to his best friend. "What's he runnin' his mouth 'bout?"
"It's Friday," Chris said simply and then frowned. Instead of a smile or sigh of contenment, Vin looked like a rat caught in a trap. All the color left his face and he dropped the sandwich.
"Fri...day..." He stammered, shaking his head. "It can't be... ya gotta call 'er, Chris..."
"Vin?" Chris strode over, exchanged a worried look with Buck and leaned on the bed rail. "You've been waiting all week for this. You don't want to see Gabrielle?"
"Not like this..." His voice was shallow and wispy. He tried to look away, but everywhere where he turned were concerned faces. "Christ, I can't breathe..." he warned of the two large bodies. They each backed up a little.
"Vin, she's been working extra shifts all week to get the weekend off. She needs to see you... she missed you. You need her, Cowboy."
Vin turned his solemn face to the speaker and shook his head, "Not like this, Chris. I stink right good. M'hair looks like a pack o'rat tails what's been run through bacon grease... smell like a varmint what's been rollin' in manure downwind o'skunk party."
"Ow!" Buck wrinkled his nose and shook his head. "You sure do have a way with words, Slick."
"I don't want her seein' me like this..." Vin's voice dropped and his head followed.
"That's why we're here!" Buck boomed, watching Vin's head turn towards Chris's.
"...under protest..." Larabee replied to the silent inquiry. "...and to watch your back..."
"We got new threads..." Buck waved his hand to the clean set of surgical green pants hanging on a hook by the door. "and a nurse on the way. Let's go..."
"Go?" Vin blinked.
"Shower, shave and ..." Chris paused, lowering the rail. "Come on, Vin..." He saw the smaller man pull back, head down. "You know you'll feel better. You'll be clean... I'll feel better!" Still no movement. "It'll make her feel better..." He ducked his head as the shaggy mop came up. "Good."
Between the two of them, they got Vin stripped and into the bathroom. Once he was ready, they shaved his face and settled him into the shower chair. They waited outside while the nurse gave him a good bath. They helped him stand, got him toweled off and into the greens. The nurse gently eased his injured arm back into the immobilizer. Chris and Buck waited several minutes, the pain of the effort took all of their friend's strength.
"Here," Chris handed him a cold soda with a straw.
"Thanks..." Vin sucked greedily, "What about m'hair?"
"We're savin' that for last," Buck said, winking at Chris. "But first..." He left the room and moved to a small black bag. He took a bottle out and returned, unscrewing the cap. "Just what the doctor ordered."
"Don't... dammit t'hell, Buck... what is that?" Vin tried to squirm, his bound arms making him a prisoner.
"It's Pi by Givenchy," the ladies man slapped it on liberally, "Hush up, Greenhorn. It works great on first dates..."
"He's the expert," Chris nodded. "On first dates anyhow."
"Buck, if ya don't stop pawin' me," Vin threatened, "I slap ya s'hard yer clothes'll be outta style when yer head stops spinnin'..." He snarled, annoyed when the large man only laughed harder. "Whaddya doin'" He growled, when the rogue's and eased some of the woody scent with a dash of citrus just under his waistband. "I don't need none down there..."
"You can't be too careful!" He winked and saw the blush come up. "Just lean back..." he eased Vin's head into the deep plastic tub. A hose was attached to the sink, bringing water. "Shut them eyes now... go on..." He instructed, turning on the warm water and easing it through the tangled, greasy locks. "Now, don't that feel good?"
"...mmmmm..." Vin sighed, the heat of the water and Buck's fingers did feel good.
"Keep them eyes closed, don't want shampoo runnin' in there..." Buck added, elbowing Chris and backing away.
She put her bag down and waited, a smile playing on her tired features. She watched the whole episode and drank in every cranky, Tanner complaint. Just hearing his drawl made her tingle. She had spoken with the head nurse and knew it had been a hard day for him. She smiled again and Buck chastised the protesting patient. Then both he and Chris left the bathroom.
"You sure you can handle him?" Chris whispered, as he gave her a brief hug.
"I've been waiting all week for the opportunity," she whispered back, kissing his cheek, "Thank you..."
"He's all yours, Darlin'" Buck hugged her as well and winked. "You wear his onry butt out but good, you hear?"
She eyed the large caterer's tables on wheels that was waiting. Underneath the domed lids were an array of sensual and tasty finger foods. A bottle of wine was chilling and a bottle of sparkling cider as well. A CD player was plugged in a stack of 'mood' music was waiting. She took a deep breath, tears welling in her aqua eye. She took both of her hands and surrounded the handsome man's face. "Thank..." she swallowed hard and smiled. "...you, Buck Wilmington..."
"My pleasure, Doctor Marquette," he said with a 'Buck' smile. "I put the 'Do not disturb' sign out there and updated the nurses. You got that boy all to yourself." With a sly wink, he tapped Chris's shoulder and they left.
"Where the hell are ya?" Vin hissed, "Yer slower than toads in molasses... Seen corpses move faster... Buck?" He relaxed again as the shampoo was applied and fingers massaged his head and neck. "Damn... yer good... " Vin inhaled deeply, the expert caresses were giving him a tingle from had to toe. Then he sniffed the air again and frowned. It was a musky, sweet smell... and decidedly unmale. "Yer a girl!" he sputtered, alarmed and unable to open his eyes, as shampoo ran down his face.
"Last time I checked," Gabrielle whispered in his soapy ear, biting the edge. "Hello, Cowboy..."
"Damn... aw... Goddammit... Brielle..." He inhaled sharply, feeling helpless and trapped. His breath came in short, labored pants and he moaned again, as the combination of her fingers on his head and her heady aroma left him dizzy.
"I missed you too!" She murmured, kissing him deeply."You smell great..." She inhaled the sensual scent clinging to him.
"Buck's doin'," Vin murmured, "Damn, interferin' Yankee jackass..."
She smiled at the catch in his voice. He was crazy about Buck and it showed. Then, she felt him pull away and wiped the suds from his eyes. "What?" She saw him flush with shame.
"I wanted... it... this... t'be special..." Vin's eyes opened wide and his soul poured through. "I want t'feel ya... touch ya... hold ya... caress ya..." he choked, absolutely mezmerized by her beauty. "Yer the most beautiful thing I've ever seen..." He swallowed hard and dropped his head. "...can't do nutin'... trussed up like a turkey... stuck in the hospital." He closed his eyes and felt his head eased back. She left the room and he heard a clicking sound. Then the sultry voice of Carly Simon filled the room. Two hands ran through the warm rinse water, easing the suds out. The combination of the skilled fingers was then enhance, by a low, husky voice.
"My romance doesn't have a moon in the sky.
My romance doesn't need blue lagoons standing by..."
Her voice blended easy with the singer's; her hot breath scorched his ear, neck and back. He swallowed hard, his throat went dry and his heart began to pump wildly. Finally, the soap was done and he was gently sat up in the chair. A warm towel massaged his head, as the sultry song continued.
"...no month of May, no twinkling stars.
No hideaway, no soft guitars."
The comb went through easy, giving the damp locks a shaped. She cupped his chin and kissed him again, deeper and longer. She rested her face on his neck, enjoying the sensation of his breath on her cheek. She helped him stand and led him to the bed, settling him over to one side. She moved the tray in front of him and placed several bowls on it. Then she poured them each a drink and settled in next o him. She hit reply and the song came on again. She dipped a strawberry in melted dark chocolate and slid it into his open lips. Her breath caught when he sucked the fingers and nipped them.
"My romance doesn't need a castle rising in Spain." She whispered, feeding him another strawberry oozing white chocolate. She licked the excess off his bottom lip and kissed him again, giving him a solid groan. "Nor a dance to a constantely surprising refrain..." she lifted the next strawberry, dipped it in both white and dark chocolate. "Wide awake, I can make the most fantastic dreams come true." She vowed, capturing his soul with her eyes. She saw the raw emotion pouring out and smiled, then held the sweet treat in her teeth.
Vin took the tantalizing fruit and the tongue with it. The kiss was long and wet and wild; her hands explored his chest, and with a naughty smile, her teeth followed. He sucked in air; feeling the room spin and his head explode in a rain of color. She grinned up at him, resting her cheek on his waist. She lifted his casted arm and let it rest against her cheek. Her voice broke then, when the swollen fingers awkwardly explored her neck, hair and cheek. She moved again, kissing those skilled fingers.
"My romance doesn't need anything but you..." She whipered, nuzzling into his hand.
"My... romance... doesn't... need... anything... but... but..." Vin stammered, as her lips and teeth explored again. He pressed his head back into the pillow, letting the exhileration wash over his battered but pulsating body. He throbbed all over as her skill grew. He shut his eyes, keeping his fumbling fingers in her hair. Then, he felt a cold glass and opened his lips, letting the sweet cider enter. Gasping for breath, he opened his eyes and took a glass. He bit his tongue in effort, painfully pulling it over towards her mouth.
She sipped the wine and dipped another strawberry, snaking it into his mouth. She ran her fingers through his hair and over his eyelids, cheeks and the plains of his face. She curled up then, resting her head against his neck. She felt the cast thump, as he forced his left arm over her neck.
"...you..." She sighed, floating on a cloud.
Cradled in the violet glow of the fleeting remembrances of the wonders of the night before, he rested in pasteled rapture. The soft touch of her lips and hands still haunted his tender skin. He sighed deeply, nearly overcome by the ghost of her scent.
"Hey, Chris, you better check for a pulse," Buck Wilmington grinned as he strode into the hospital room. He chuckled at the supine body, with gaping lips emitting a soft snore. He lifted the lid on the untouched tray of food and shook his dark head. "He must be wasted, he missed a meal."
"He had therapy this morning," the leader advised, flipping open Vin's therapy folder.
Buck spotted a spray of flowers in the window and got inspired. He plucked a rose from the bouquet and traced a path down the sleeping sniper's head, cheek and under his nose. The brow furrowed, the nose twitched and body shifted. A snorted cough emerged as the prankster continued his play. Again the rose's velvet petals caressed the Texan's forehead, cheeks and lips. Three sneezes followed a scowl and a face twitch.
"Buck, you're incorrigible," Chris closed the folder, shaking his head at the antics.
"That's what Sister Regina Celeste told me in sixth grade!" the rogue concluded, beginning another assault.
'Smart nun," the leader conceded, "but you're not carrying enough rosary bead scars."
Buck chuckled and traced the rose over Vin's face and under his nose.
"Buck, if ya come near me again with that fuckin' flower, I'm gonna bite yer finger!"
"Well now, looks like Lazarus is waking up," the womanizer eyed the pale face,still with closed eyelids.
"Hey," Vin croaked, peeling a single eye open and directing it his best friend.
"Hey yourself, " Larabee replied, filling a cup with ice and water. He snapped a lid on and shoved the angled straw in deep. "Here... I'm buyin'..."
"Snow fer sure..." Vin rasped, blinking hard.
"Somethin' wrong with your eyes, Slick?" Buck watched the sky blues narrow and widen.
"....seems t'be they got lead weights on 'em... and yer under water..." the casted man replied, then nodded at the cup.
"Easy... I don't need Tanner puke flying all over."
"Now that is worse that both arms being in slings!" Buck laughed at Vin's inability to give Chris the finger.
"How'd it go..." Chris asked of the therapy.
"I swear, Chris, I think that woman has a side job torturin' political prisoners." The weak man thought aloud.
"Must have been quite a workout, you missed a meal..." Buck lifted the tray. "Mmmm... mmmm... congealed turkey and gravy..."
"Don't be playin' with m'food!" Vin snapped. "Don't recall it comin'... after Mary left, some nurse shot me the hell up with good shit." He took another long drink. "Idda sold m'soul fer that needle." He rested his head and closed his heavy eyes. He didn't see the worried look the two men exchanged. They knew for Vin to even admit he was in pain, he must have been suffering.
"You can't eat that," Larabee frowned, "...the jello survived..."
"Ain't I the lucky one!" Vin snorted, without looking.
"I'll get them to send you up something, Vin," Chris suggested of the dietary department.
"'s'okay, Chris," Vin whispered, finding it hard to stay awake. "Don't want to ruin m'appetite fer the party..."
"Party!"
Vin unpried a single eye, hearing the dual refrain. "Yeah... seems I recall the words pizza and fixin's mentioned... it's a little fuzzy but..."
"Speaking of parties," Buck tapped the blanketed leg. "How was your tango last night? I bet the 'boys' got a buzz on."
"...they's fine!" Vin squinted briefly, then decided to have some fun. He closed his eyes and let a slow smile grow. "...course they was all fired up this mornin'... they ain't used to such a workout..."
"Yeah?" Buck leaned in, as a low chuckle slipped out of the tracker's lips. "Damn... I've seen those lips... I bet she's a great kisser," he baited, and grinned as one bold, angry blue eye peeled open.
"Ya steer clear o' any o' her movin' parts!" he warned, "'sides, could be I'm a good kisser..."
"Aw hell, Vin," the rogue's nose wrinkled in distaste. "Who the hell cares about them sorry-assed lips of yours."
"Brielle does..." Vin goaded with a grin. "...gets her all shivery... and she makes this sound..."
"She'll be howlin' at the moon after I take her out," Buck winked at Chris.
"Reckon that'll be right after pigs fly..." Vin murmured, unable to remain conscious. "So... when's the party? I got... got... a hankerin' fer... pizza and choc..."
"Vin?" Buck leaned in as the lips parted and the snoring began. "How's he do that? He fell asleep in the middle of a word."
"He's got all kinds of unknown talents," Larabee replied, smacking the rogue's arm. "Come on, Romeo, you can oggle the girls while I finish up my therapy."
"Ezra, hurry up will you!"
J.D paused in the doorway. They were on their way to relieve Josiah and Nathan who were staking out a suspected warehouse targeted by an arsonist. The youth frowned, when the Southerner did not appear from the conference room where he was gathering notes. A ringing phone sent the team's youngest across the room to the conman's desk. He paused, when he realized the visible phone wasn't ringing.
"Cool!"
He flopped in the leather chair and spun it, pulling the bottom drawer of the desk open. "Ezra the batphone 's ringing. Can I get it?" He picked the phone up as the distinct and loud 'No' reverberated through the empty office.
"Hello..."
"Where are my underpants?"
"Excuse me?" J.D. choked, feeling warm all over at the seductive voice. He pressed his ear closer, trying to hear over the music and laughter.
"Is that you Sugar daddy?" The breathless, sultry voice inquired. "I miss you..."
"Huh?" Dunne supressed a giggle, then stood up, handing the phone off. "It's for you... Sugar Daddy?"
"What?" Ezra took the phone and glared at the giggling youth. It was the line he kept open for calls for Etienne Auberge, his alter ego. It was a persona he'd created in his early days as a government operative in New Orleans.
"Hello?" He rolled his eyes, as a deep and masculine laugh sauntered into his ear.
"Hey, Ace!" Buck boomed, "How are you? You keepin' the kid honest? Hold on..."
Ezra strained to hear the muffled voice and narrowed his eyes.
"What are you doing in my home?" He roared, then heard the distinct sound of females and water splashing. "Are you bathing?"
"Yeah, I stopped in to make sure we didn't need anything for the party."
"We?" Standish swatted the chuckling youth. "Am I to understand you are entertaining females in my bathtub?"
"Hell, yeah," Buck chortled, leaning forward. "A little lower, Darlin'... use that fussy Loofa in the drawer there... "What's the point in takin' a bath by yourself. Hey... this is a great setup," he said of the large, sunken, pale green marble tub. "How much does somethin' like this set you back?"
"More than you can afford as a government drone," Standish sniffed, rolling his eyes at the giggling women cooeing and fawning over Wilmington. "What party?"
"Party?" Buck sighed, "Caresse, darlin' you got the finest set of..."
"Is there a reason I am being forced to witness your debauchery?"
"Oh, sorry, Ace!" The rogue gushed, "Damn shame you're not here... more than enough to go around. Ain't that right, ladies!"
Ezra winced at the mutliple voices and his stomach churned.
"Oh... yeah... Vin's gettin' out next Friday. We're throwin' him a 'welcome back to the world of the living' party. Orrin cleared it so you all can fly down on Friday midday and surprise him. I need another number of that French guy with the sissy walk you use..."
"André St Jacques?" the southerner noted of his caterer.
"Yeah, that's the fussy dude!" Buck exclaimed. "I tried callin' him but he keeps screamin' at me in French and hanging up."
"Small wonder, it was his wife you were playing Twister with in the buff on New Year's Eve..."
"Yeah," Buck wrinkled his brow. "It's a blur... oh... wait a minute... it's comin' back now. Hey, she picked me up... pinched my ass and started babblin' somethin' about stawberry oil..."
"Spare me the sordid details..." Ezra groaned. "I'll call Andre and make the arrangement for Friday afternoon. How is Mister Tanner?"
"Well, as good as an onry, cussin' Texan can be with two arms busted up. They started therapy and it's pretty rough... they got him doped up pretty good. Gabrielle came last night... they had a nice little private visit."
"She's a stunning creature and possibly the best medicine for him."
"Hell, if I knew something that fine was working in the hospital here, I'd have gotten busted up last time we worked together. We make a helluva team." He boasted of their undercover assignments.
"The bees knees..." Ezra winced again as the other man groaned. "Much as I'd like to linger, some of us are really working. I'll be in touch."
"See ya, Ace! Give the kid my best... Colette, pop open that dusty bottle of wine." Buck teased, knowing it would upset the gambler. "Ezra you gotta clean your cellar more. These bottles of wine were all hidden away."
"W...w....w...hat?" Ezra stammered, visions of his expensive and world famous wine collection disappearing in the would be Bacchus gut. "What have you done!"
"Gotcha!" Buck laughed, "I bet your blood pressure shot off the scale."
"Your humor leaves a lot to be desired." Ezra huffed. "...and Buck, burn the sheets." The sound of laughter followed his hand until he hung the phone up.
"Are you dead?"
Vin frowned and coughed as a tiny hand pried his eye open.
"Vin... are you in there?"
"...most o'me... hey, Sugar..."
"I missed you so much and it took all day for it to be time to come here and I got a new outfit just for the party and we're having pizza and extra big chocolate cake and..."
"Slow down!" Vin laughed, sighing in contentment as the tiny face kissed him. She was sitting on the edge of the bed. "Let me get a look atcha..." he eyed the pretty moppet , whose face had captured his heart. He wiggled his swollen fingers, finding her tiny hand."I missed ya..."
"When you come home, we can watch cartoons all day and have snacks and bug juice and wait until Justine, Cristin, Jasmine and Danielle meet you." She rattled off the friends from kindergarten.
"Honey, why don't we give Vin a chance to catch his breath," Caitlin ruffled the dark locks, then leaned over the bedrail. "How are you feeling?"
"...okay..." Vin managed, despite the pain throbbing in his chest. All the moving around for therapy and the doctor's orders for him to walk a little and sit up in a chair, left him sore and worn.
"We got a billion pizzas!" Grace proclaimed, moving too fast and inadvertantly hitting Vin's broken ribs.
His sharp cry of pain and clenched teeth, caused the small girls head to dip down. The bottom lip quivered and she finally peeked up at him with doe eyes.
"I'm sorry."
Despite the throb in his side and the colors dancing in front of his dazed eyes, the raspy voice caused him to wince.
"Hey," he said quietly, raising his cast and making a space. "Know what would make me feel better?" He saw the dark head shake no. "A Sugar kiss... real careful-like..."
Caitlin smiled as her child slowly moved up the bed and kissed Vin's cheek. The large amethyst eyes of the five-year old studied the Texan's face, before snuggling into his neck.
"I love you, Vin..."
"...love ya too Sugar..." he smiled.
"Somebody order a taxi?" Buck boomed, pushing the wheelchair in. "Well, let's go, Vin, pizza's gettin' cold!"
Caitlin moved Grace out of the way and into the hall. She knew Buck was going to help Vin get into a robe. Several minutes later, the blanketed legs appeared and the smiling, but pale patient was wheeled through the door.
"Be careful! He's got enough boo-boos!" Grace admonished. "I better drive... you're gonna watch the nurses and crash Vin."
"Ya tell him, Sugar!" Vin chuckled at the stern little face.
"You got an answer for everything," Buck grinned, letting the little girl help him push. The staff was letting them use an empty conference room. Caitlin held the door and drank in the blushing face, as the others greeted the injured man.
"Hey ya'll!" Vin called out, nodding to Ryan and Seamus.
"It's good to see ye, Lad. I've just the thing to put some color in yer cheeks." He tapped his 'loaded 'cane.
"No!" Ryan wagged his finger.
"Thanks, Seamus, I'll take a raincheck,' Vin grinned, then extended his casted left arm to Ryan McKenna. "I ain't had time to thank ya proper, Ryan. What ya done out there... savin' me and Chris... I'm mighty grateful."
The handsome Irishman took the swollen fingers and shook lightly.
"What you did, Vin Tanner," his voice was full of emotion. "I can never repay." He put one arm around Caitlin and the other around Grace. "You gave me my life... back. Thank you."
"Are you gonna cry?" Grace wrinkled her face up at the emotional Texan.
"No I ain't gonna cry!" Vin sassed, then his voice caught as he saw the beautiful cocoa vision. "Hey ... Doc..." His throat choked as she bent over and kissed him.
"You better be careful, Aunt Brie," Grace warned, pushing her little body between them. "He could sneeze..."
"Thanks, Grace," the pretty doctor hugged her.
"Where's Chris?" Vin asked, as Buck wheeled him to the table. His blue eyes went around room. "He's okay, ain't he?"
"Ask him yourself," Caitlin nodded to the doorway.
"Aw, hell..." Vin's voice died in his throat and tears pooled in his eyes. The room was bathed in hushed silence, as the elderly woman let her beloved nephew lead her to the injured man.
Vin didn't say anything, but buried his face in her embrace. He took several shuddering breaths, as Lily stroked his back and then kissed his forehead.
"So," She cupped his face and drank in the shimmering eyes. "How's the sexiest thing east of the Rio Grande."
"Never better, Lily," Buck answered, letting them all laugh.
"Yer here..." Vin whispered, watching the beautiful eyes lite up. "Ya come... all ... this... way... fer... me?"
"Honey, I'd have walked in barefeet..." she stroked his face. "You're going to be fine."
"Can we eat now?" Grace asked, breaking the moving silence.
"Sounds like a plan, Half-pint!" Buck began handing out pizza and soda.
Vin's eyes met Chris's over the clamor and he nodded once, gaining a rakish grin and a wink. He saw Gabrielle heading toward him with a plate. But before she could sit down, another female appeared.
"You just sit still and I'll take care of you, 'kay Vin?" Grace placed two plates down and Ryan set the sodas down.
"Get me up!" She demanded of her uncle, who placed her carefully sideways on Vin's lap.
The amused sharpshooter cast an apologetic look to his lady love. Brie smiled and sat across from him, watching Grace carefully feed him pizza.
"I made sure to get the ones with no green junk..." She said.
"That was right smart o'ya... Sugar." Vin smiled, opening his mouth as she held out a piece of pizza. After a week of hospital food, his favorite meal tasted like Heaven.
"Good, Cowboy?" Chris saw the enraptured face and smiled.
"Does worms yawn?" Vin crowed, taking another bit from his little hostess.
Buck laughed and choked, when he saw Ryan's puzzled face.
"You'll catch on to them Vinisms..." the rogue warned. "Scary part is when they make sense."
For three hours, they dined on pizza and cake. They laughed and celebrated the very miracle that brought them together. The nurse came twice, tapping her watch. CHris nodded, seeing Vin's pinched features. He was overdo for his painkillers.
"Last call!" he whispered to Vin , who nodded gratefully. His throbbing body needed the soft bed and painkillers.
"Here Vin!" Grace handed him a plastic cup of root beer.
"Thanks, Sugar," Vin held the cup up, letting his overdrawn eyes rest on each face. They been through so much together. He shivered, feeling the birth of something special, as he drank in Gabrielle's alluring eyes. He awkwardly raised the cup and let his eyes meet he blond's.
"T'family!"
"To family..." they agreed, ending what would be the first in a lifetime of celebrations.
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