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: I want to thank the kind, generous and understanding editor, aka KET, for effortlessly going through this with her red pen. Thanks Pard, you got no idea how relieved I am to have my 'assets' covered. I am very very grateful, KET, thanks a million.
The spring was especially wondrous. He inhaled deeply, trying to capture the vitality and sheer breathtaking essence of the color and majesty around him. A blanket of wildflowers surrounded him on a hill that was lush and green. The water in the river nearby was calling to him, lending its own music to the birds that observed him from the aspens and pines. The sky... there was no way to describe the rich blue harmony that greeted his eyes. At the end of the glorious carpet was a path to a cabin. He felt a longing inside, moving him to that little piece of heaven. He lifted his face to the new Dawn, letting her kiss him and bathe him in her special light.
The low moan brought her to her feet. Kate put her book down and leaned over the railing. She smiled and brushed her fingers through his hair. A slip of pink tongue peeked out shyly before disappearing. The fine brows furrowed and then two blue eyes peeled open and confusion rained down.
"Welcome back, Vin. How do you feel?"
"Uh..." Vin whispered painfully, regarding the antiseptic environment with distaste. He needed that meadow, that wonderful magic by the cabin. His eyes took in the pale walls and IV lines that surrounded him. His heart sank and he sighed deeply and painfully.
"What?" she puzzled, turning his face by the chin. "You're out of ICU and I know Chris will be happy to have a new roommate."
"It's..." He paused, then looked at her face. He saw the deep concern in the pale green eyes and felt their warmth. "...silly..."
"Try me."
"I was ... been... havin' a dream." He moved his lips to accept the straw and cold water, draining the cup. "Thanks, I's drier than a buzzard's butt..."
She laughed and moved her hand, rubbing his shoulder in a soft group of circles. "You do have a way with words, Vin Tanner. What about that dream?"
"It's a beautiful place." His voice was faraway and full of wistful hope. "In the mountains by a river. The water's singin' and the bird's is keepin' harmony. The sky... it's a color I ain't never seen before. I'd like to drown in it..." He paused, taking a breath into his aching chest. "The sun's kissin' m'face and there's flowers, Kate, beautiful flowers in all kinds of colors. They got their little faces turned up, smilin' at me. There's a cabin... nothin' fancy, but... I want to get there so bad... it hurts. I need that place... I wake up before I get there..."
"You're healing," she said, eyeing the expressive eyes. "When you sleep, that beautiful place is becoming your safe haven. It chased those nightmares away."
"Yeah," he nodded. "Reckon it did." Then he tossed a shy smile at her. "Reckon yer hands and that smile helped. With all ya got t'do 'tween Chris and the General...." He paused, feeling a swell of emotion rising, causing his voice to crack. "... yer here... worryin' on a busted up Texan with scrambled brains..."
"That 'busted up Texan'," she said quietly, moving her hand to stroke his cheek, "tossed a lasso around this lady's heart." She smiled then, watching him struggle for control as his eyes filled up.
It took Vin several minutes to compose himself. He wiped the moisture from his eyes and thought on Kate Larabee. This was one very special woman whose capacity for caring and nurturing knew no bounds. What he knew of Chris Larabee through those dark days they shared and what he felt inside, he somehow traced back to the influence of this strong woman.
He closed his eyes for a moment, thinking on the word 'mother'. Several words and thoughts came to mind. The strongest of which was 'giver of life'. God bestowed his most precious miracle on women, not only of that wondrous gift to create and bear a child, but that special bond that their heart formed at the moment of birth.
His own mother's image appeared. He knew her face only by the single photo he had of an undersized five year old with lost blue eyes next to a frail woman in a bed. He couldn't remember her voice, but her song played in his heart every moment of his life. He sighed deeply, calling up that magic he felt inside, still fueled by her touch. Then the mist of time invaded his senses again and he smiled and welcomed her back.
"...cinnamon and soft flannel... lavender and a laugh ticklin' m'ear..." He opened his eyes and moved his fingers, taking Kate's hand. "She's here..." he choked, not bothering to brush the tears away. "I was only five... when she died. I don't know her voice, but her song fills m'heart every day. Now..." His voice cracked and he took a shuddering breath. "...fer the first t... t... time... since... I lost..."
He had to stop and swallow a sob. "Aw, hell..." he hissed weakly and his tears fell. He felt her fingers tighten on his hand and finally turned and stared up at her, not hiding his heart. "...I felt her touch... fer real... T..th...ank... ya, Kate... Larabee... fer... gracin' me..."
"Oh, honey," she sobbed, bending to kiss his forehead and let him embrace her weakly. "It's an honor and thank you for sharing that lovely memory with me." She waited a few moments until she felt his trembling stop and then pulled back, cupping his chin. "I see her too, Vin. She shines right through those eyes of yours."
The lobby was crowded with midday visitors. Chris shifted in his wheelchair, eyeing the sun in the distance through the large doors. Orrin and Buck had departed for the airport, catching a flight to New Mexico for McClendon's arraignment. The others went to his room to visit with Vin for awhile. His father sat next to him and they were waiting for his mother. He watched Maria talking with the waitress in the coffee shop in the lobby. He wanted his parents to meet her and since his dad was leaving, lunch together seemed like a fine idea.
With the buzz of fragmented conversation still ringing in his ears, he felt the miracle cloak him once again. That they survived the plane crash and brutal aftermath and found each other on that mountain was his proof that God existed. His fingers went to his throat and he turned to his father . "Dad?"
Adam turned and saw concern on the features he knew so well. "What's wrong?"
"I need a favor. Do you know what happened to my St. Christopher's medal? Can you see if somebody in the ER put it away?"
"Sure, I'll have your mother check before we leave."
"Thanks," he nodded as the doors opened and his mother came towards them. His eyes narrowed suspiciously at the evidence of her tears.
"What's wrong?"
"Are you okay?"
Kate smiled at the two Larabee men, one dark and one fair, whose identical features were masked with concern. She kissed her son on the cheek and took her husband's hand.
"Actually, no, I had a rather remarkable visit with a 'busted up Texan'," she choked, those lost blue eyes breaking her heart. She smiled then and turned to Chris. "I think I've been adopted!"
Chris chuckled and looked up as Maria approached.
"Speaking of remarkable, strong and beautiful women," he praised his mother, "I'd like you to meet someone very special."
The buzzing was back but not the same. It wasn't the soft voice, the new mother's voice. It was warm but stronger. He sighed and wished somebody would take the weight from his chest. It was so heavy and made it hard to breathe. Somebody was calling him and touching him. He scowled and tried to move away.
"You quit sassin' me, Vin Tanner!" Nate spoke loudly, gripping the square chin and lowering his own face. "Open them eyes... come on now, quit cussin' and look at me!"
"Hey, Vin!" J.D. hung over the opposite bedrail as two unfocused blue eyes blinked rapidly, adjusting to both light and new faces.
"I think we need to back away and let Mr. Tanner adjust. His senses are no doubt reeling," Ezra noted and moved back a little.
Slowly, his pained eyes adjusted to the harsh light. It hurt... it hurt a lot and he cried out and flinched. Then the bright light dimmed and he sighed.
"Better, Vin?" Nathan asked as Josiah adjusted the blinds, casting the room in shadows.
"Yeah..." Vin mumbled, his throat on fire. "...drink..."
"Hold on..." Josiah moved aside to allow Nathan to hold out the cup.
"Easy, now... don't rush it, or you'll get sick!" Jackson ordered.
"Thanks..." Vin gasped, eyeing each face again.
Blank.
His mind was blank. Not one feature or voice brought back a memory. These four men, two of whom had battered faces, were here to see him. Yet he didn't know them and that hurt. He frowned and continued to breathe heavily, then the dark-skinned man smiled and took his hand.
"I'm Nathan Jackson, Vin. I know that head of yours is a touch confused right now, but you'll get your memories back."
Vin stared at the handsome face and waited. The words rolled by... Nathan Jackson... Nathan... Chris's voice came back, from a faraway place. He vaguely recalled the blond man speaking of this other man... of several that they worked with.
Jackson... Jackson. He mulled it over until a single word exploded.
"Healer!" Vin blurted, startling himself and giving the others a laugh.
"You bet your ass!" Nathan teased. "See, you're already getting some memories back."
"J.D. Dunne... " the youth offered, tapping Vin's arm and taking the hand to shake it. "I sure did miss you, Vin!"
Dunne... Dunne... more words... images... and Chris's voice again, tinged with pride.
"Whiz kid!" he gasped and got another round of wide grins.
"Josiah Sanchez, son," the preacher moved in, making the sign of the cross and giving a short blessing. "Lord, help him on his way back. Cradle him carefully in Your healing hands."
Those words along with the others in his fuzzy brain from Larabee brought an image quickly.
"Preacher!" he coughed, grabbing the large strong hand.
"Amen!" Josiah winked and moved aside as Ezra approached.
"Ezra P. Standish, at your service," he offered in a sincere voice.
"Yer kiddin'!" Vin blanched and the others laughed hard.
"I assure you, my mother has a wicked sense of humor," he sent back and saw the handsome face wrinkling up. "Please don't burn out the few brain cells you have left..."
"Weasel!" Vin croaked and gasped, trying to find air. It exploded from his lips with no warning at all, from a place he didn't know. More images came to his frazzled brain and he heard his own voice from a time in the past. "...slicker than snakes wrasslin' in a bucket of spit..."
"Charming!" Ezra managed over the riotous laughter.
"That's my boy!" Josiah bragged, smiling broadly.
Vin flushed eight shades of red and his chest constricted tightly. He turned away, hiding his eyes and wondering where that awful phrase came from.
"What the hell was that?" he whispered as his stomach acid rose in what felt like World War III. His lunch was threatening to return. "I'm sorry... Edgar... I don't know where that come from. Hell... I didn't mean..."
"Edgar?" Josiah ducked his head as his deep laughter boomed.
"Dammit" Vin rasped, turning his scarlet face away.
"Look at me!" Ezra commanded, moving close and offering his hand. Slowly, the shaggy head rose and two agonized blue beacons burned a hole right through his chest. "To hear that familiar drawl, complete with biting sarcasm and honed with an edge that only one Vincent Tanner can produce, is the best reward. Anything less would not have been acceptable. No apology is necessary." He paused, smiling warmly and shook the wavering hand. "Welcome home... my friend. I've missed you!"
"Aw, hell..." Vin rasped, suddenly overcome with emotion.
He blinked rapidly as his sore chest tightened and his heart began to swell. Fleeting images of other moments with these men, scored with deep and heartfelt laughter, assaulted his reeling senses. Coupled with the nearness of the cold hands of Death and the horrid ordeal he'd been through, it overpowered him. His emotions went into overdrive, exploding in a rush of anxiety and relief. His chin wavered and he felt the tears burning. He closed his eyes and turned his head on the pillow, his heavy chest heaving.
They formed a circle then, protecting their fallen comrade until he was strong enough to break through. Ezra gripped one shoulder, Nathan the other and Josiah's deep voice became a wave of comfort.
"You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrows that fly by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you," he quoted of the strong bond that came with brotherhood from Psalms 91:5-7.
J.D. moved past then, Vin's troubled cries luring him like a magnetic vortex. He picked up a cloth that was lying with some new linens on the bed stand. He used one hand to tip the emotionally overwrought man's face and the other to wipe the salty streaks of endurance away.
"You go ahead, Vin, get that mess out. We're right here... we'll always be right here. That's what brothers do..."
Like the jubilant sun after a dark storm, a beam of light engulfed him. He felt a powerful surge inside and his troubled soul steadied. He took several shallow breaths and felt such a wave of relief pouring over him that it forced his eyes to crack open halfway. He eyed each face carefully and wrapped in the blanket of brotherhood, he rejoiced.
"...ain't seen an uglier bunch o'varmits in quite some time..." His voice wavered and threatened to break. "...reckon I'm runnin' in the right pack... I'm h...h...home..." He forced it out and then let his eyes shut. The headache was overpowering and he felt a hand, whose it mattered not. It belonged to a brother; that was all that mattered. He let that strong grip carry him through the waves of pain until he slept.
Nathan smiled at the crack in the words when Vin fell silent. He, like the others, saw the two fists that had been gripping both the sheet and his own hand in a death hold finally let go. The long slender fingers relaxed. The collective force of their powerful shield had risen proudly yet again.
The television was dimmed to low volume allowing the injured agent to rest. Sprawled around the room in a semi-protective circle were four of the brotherhood. Josiah was working a crossword puzzle. J.D. was talking to Casey on the phone. Nathan was watching the movie and Ezra was watching Vin. They all looked up when the door opened.
"Hey, Boss." Josiah flipped his paper shut.
Nathan turned the television off and moved around the bed to see to Chris. He lowered the guardrail and pulled back the blankets. He took one side of the injured man and the escort took the other.
"Thanks," Chris nodded to the orderly who assisted him then left.
The others exchanged small grins as the intense green eyes studied the figure in the other bed. The gaze swept from head to toe then back up to the relaxed profile. Finally, satisfied that Vin was resting, he allowed himself to relax.
"He's been sleeping for a couple hours now," J.D. spoke up having completed his phone call.
"He didn't know us at first, but he worked on it and some stuff came back." Nathan helped Chris get into a comfortable position in the bed and pulled the blanket up.
"Thanks, Nate," Chris grunted, his body aching and his head throbbing.
What he needed was some sleep. He'd not admit it, but having Vin trapped in ICU without his memory and nightmares invading his injured mind had created uneasy rest for him as well. Now, with the Texan close by, he'd be able to relax. His yawn brought movement.
"I'm okay, Nate," he reassured. "...just tired. So it went okay? Vin didn't get upset?"
"Well," J.D. noted, hazel eyes twinkling, "he studied us hard, one by one, and we introduced ourselves."
"Then descriptor words popped up in his head," Josiah finished, tapping his chest. "Preacher."
"Healer," Nathan smiled, nodding to J.D.
"Whiz kid," the youth beamed, then snorted and winked at Ezra who rolled his eyes and cleared his throat.
"What?" Chris grinned, seeing the others smirking.
"A small, flesh eating mammal of the unsavory variety," the southerner announced over the chuckles.
Chris frowned, his eyes narrowing as his brain worked. He cocked his head, cast a gaze at the innocent, almost cherubic Tanner features, then at the smug undercover agent.
"Rat?"
"Certainly not!" Ezra shot back over the laughter.
"Ferret?" the blond guessed with a sly grin.
"Close but no cigar," Dunne noted with a small raspberry-like sound.
"Hmmm...."
"Allow me to relieve your weary brain," Ezra replied, remaining by Vin's side. "Weasel." He watched in amusement as Chris ducked his head and laughed while covering his mouth.
"Buck always says that boy has a way with words," Josiah noted.
"Speaking of which, anything yet?"
"They're still in court. Buck's gonna call back," J.D. answered Chris's question.
"You look beat, Chris, we can come back later," Nathan advised as yet another yawn was born.
"Besides, we didn't have lunch yet." J.D. stood. "And I'm hungry."
"You're always hungry," Jackson tossed back.
"Come on, Edgar, we'll let you free those moths in your wallet." Sanchez tapped the southerner's back.
"Edgar?" Chris's head came up and he heard snorted laughter.
"Mister Tanner had some difficulty with my name," Ezra huffed, rising and peering down at the bed.
"Edgar?" Chris repeated then chuckled.
"What's the word on when you two will be released?" J.D. asked.
"I'm not sure, kid." Chris yawned again and rubbed his eyes. "I know that one of the doctors wants Vin on his feet first. He said something about getting him in therapy."
"He's gonna walk again? They're sure?"
Chris studied the concerned youth's features. J.D. and Vin, as the two youngest on the team, had forged an active friendship. They played on the same adult hockey team and a half dozen other sports, the more rigorous the better. J.D. introduced Vin to dirt biking and the Texan returned the favor by showing the Bostonian white river rafting, kayaking and rock climbing. There weren't too many Sundays when the two didn't disappear into the mountains to cut loose.
"Yeah, he's gonna be fine, J.D. He'll be collecting cuts and bruises with you in no time," Chris assured with a wink.
"We'll be back later," Nathan said. "Your mom coming back?"
"Yeah, she wants to get my dad settled in and make him dinner." He flushed in color when they began to whistle. "Just dinner... give me a break, will you?"
"That ain't nothing to be ashamed of," Nathan teased. "Your mother is a beautiful lady. Can't blame the general one bit for..."
"Enough!" Chris put his hand up. "Edgar, before you leave, make yourself useful..." He recovered and handed his empty pitcher to the smug conman.
"My station in life has been diminished," Standish clipped, taking the yellow plastic pitcher and heading for the door.
"I don't know, Ez," J.D. announced from where he stood next to Josiah. "This could be a new career for you. You have the legs for it."
"The boy's got a point, Ezra," Sanchez announced, casting a 'brotherly' arm on the stiff Southerner's shoulder. "You looked downright fetchin' in that red dress you wore workin' the Koslowski case," he teased of the undercover assignment.
"Fetching?" Ezra harrumphed, shaking his chestnut head.
"Yeah," J.D. rubbed it in. "That old guy at the bar sure thought so!"
"I fail to see the humor in that!" the chagrined southerner paused.
"You must be blind, it was fuckin' hilarious," Chris laughed, recalling quite well his spot across the large after-hours club. "He had his hand halfway up your ass before he grabbed a peak instead of a valley."
"I think Buck's got photos of your face somewhere..." Josiah recalled. "Vin laughed so hard he damn near choked."
"It would have served him right. He was three feet away and did nothing to intercept that vile creature." He paused, hand on the doorframe and tilted his nose in the air, recalling the 'grope'. "I bruise easily..."
"Then you best get your ass in gear," the blond growled playfully, "before I die of thirst."
Later, although the room was empty, the energy in the air remained. Chris knew Vin had taken the first shaky step towards his recovery. Now, with his friends to lend a hand, the road would be shorter. He yawned and let his eyes slide shut, confident that the days ahead would be as bright as the afternoon sun that cast an almost golden glow on his face.
"Magnificent!" Adam Larabee proclaimed while sitting outside the base house they'd been assigned.
The deep blue sky was bleeding orange and red over a golden sunset. Kate stared in awe as well, drinking in Mother Nature's beautiful display. They were sitting on a bench outside the house waiting for dinner to get done.
"There is something magical about a sunset..."
"I wasn't talking about the sunset."
She smiled at the raspy voice and felt her small hand tighten in his grip. Then his free hand moved and cupped her chin, tipping her face up. The kiss was deep and prolonged, evoking a rush of heat inside her. Finally, she broke away, tracing his cheek with one finger and gasping as he caught it in his teeth when she brushed his lips.
"Show you a good time, soldier?" she teased and saw the dark eyes crinkle in mirth.
"I'm a married man..."
"I like a challenge..."
"I like blond coeds..." he murmured, burying his face in her neck and then yelping when a hand thwacked him. "Ouch!"
"You'll pay for that," she warned as his tender ministrations continued. "...later..." she baited, waiting for his caresses to grow in ardor, then she stood up.
"Dammit, Kate!" he growled when she rose. "You're a tease!"
"Cry on the shoulder of your 'blond coed'," she sent back with a grin before going in to check on the lasagna.
It was a warm summer day and the small blond boy sat proudly next to his father. Surrounded by the trees and with the river under his toes, he was glowing. He didn't think a boy could be much happier. His green eyes shot sideways at his father who was showing him how to cast his fishing line. He eyed the tall, strong man and wondered if he'd ever be so tall and powerful. Then the dark eyes turned to him, full of love and affection. He pressed closer when that hand ruffled his golden hair.
"Having a good time, son?"
"Yessir!"
"Adam, Christopher," a voice beckoned from the campsite. "Dinner's ready..."
The seven year old turned and ran towards his mother who was frying the fish they'd caught overa campfire. He was starving and his stomach growled hungrily as the aroma attacked him as he drew closer.
Chris groaned as the dream faded and the sounds and smell of the hospital returned. He didn't open his eyes right away. He was savoring the rich dream. It basked him in the same golden light he'd been raised with. Sometimes he wondered if he thanked God enough for giving him such wonderful parents. He inhaled again and then frowned. He wasn't asleep anymore but he still smelled something fishy. He peeled an eye open and turned, slowly watching a fork rising to a pair of unsuspecting lips.
"Noooo!"
"Jesus!" Vin choked, dropping the fork as the bellow caused his whole body to jerk. He saw the shocked face of his roommate. "What the hell's wrong with ya? Ya damn near gave me a heart attack."
"What is that?" Chris demanded, sniffing the air.
"Huh?" Vin's face wrinkled, then he followed the green eyes gazing intently at his plate. "Supper..."
"No shit, Sherlock!" Larabee growled. "What is it?"
"I dunno... mushed up macaroni and cheese, some green beans and a crab cake or lumpy fish cake... why?"
"Goddammit!" the blond shouted, pressing the nurse call button frantically. Then he saw the hand move again, towards the fork. "Put that fuckin' fork down!"
"Why?" Tanner demanded, now getting annoyed. "I'm starved. I been waitin' all afternoon."
"You take one bite of that crab and you'll find out why," he vented as the door opened. "You can't eat shellfish, you're allergic."
"Aw, hell," Vin pouted, dropping the fork.
"How the hell did this happen?" Chris stormed at the nurse, then pointed to the tray. "I told them in the ER and the chart nurse again this morning to be careful. HE CAN'T EAT SHELLFISH! Is that too difficult a concept for you people to understand?"
"Chris, take it easy," Vin tried to soothe.
"I'm sorry." The nurse turned to a second nurse in the hall. "Get dietary, find out what happened."
"Do you know what would have happened if I hadn't woken up and smelled that crab cake? He would have gone into anaphylactic shock!" Chris's irate voice shook the room just as the clerk from dietary who delivered the tray appeared. "How could you make a mistake like that!"
"Chris..." Vin tried, flushing in embarrassment as the poor kid in the doorway matched him for color. "Chris..." He tried again over the Larabee roar. Then he got angry and gripped the rail hard. "Chris, shut up!"
Chris turned, still wearing the mask of anger. The hot blue eyes burned a hole in him and he saw the thin chest heaving in anger.
"She's a kid... what the hell's wrong with you? I'm fine... I didn't eat any and I ain't in no prophylactic shock..." he hissed. "So shut the hell up..."
"Anaphylactic shock, Vin!" Chris rolled his eyes and saw Vin scowl, then flush a shade of red yet unknown to Tanner.
"'scuse me," Vin managed, nodding to the amused nurse and the confused clerk. "I didn't mean to offend ya..."
"None taken." The nurse eyed the chart handed to her by the clerk. "Heather, this is bed A, that is B. The crab cake was supposed to be Mister Larabee's. Mister Tanner gets the chicken parmesan and spaghetti."
"Oh!" She dropped her head and bit her lip. "I'm so... sorry..."
"Aw, hell," Vin hissed, seeing the tears splashing on the teenage girl's cheeks. He scowled again, turning to his roommate. "Proud of yerself? Look what ya done!"
"I'm sorry, kid. I didn't mean to upset you," Chris managed, still angry.
"Heather?" Vin said softly, watching the girl's head rise. "That's a beautiful name, jest like them little purple flowers over in Scotland. It suits ya... yer a real pretty young lady." He paused and then a small smile formed and her head finally came up. "Ain't no harm done, no call fer ya t'hang yer head."
"I just started this week. I guess Igot mixed up." She moved closer to the bed where the handsome blue eyed man smiled. "I'm really sorry, Mister Tanner. I promise I'll be more careful."
"Mister?" Vin smiled broader, extending his hand. "Ain't no 'Misters' here. I'm Vin." He shook her small hand. "I got a favor, Heather, if it ain't too much trouble. My stomach ain't upta spaghetti... I was wonderin' if ya could scare up something else that won't fire up my innards."
"Sure I could!" she gushed, eager to make amends. "Hey, they have omelettes tonight too..."
"That'd be fine and maybe some soup, extra crackers?"
"I'll take care of it, Mis... uh... Vin," she beamed before exiting.
"I'm very sorry, Mister Tanner," the nurse apologized. "It won't happen again. Do you need something for your stomach?"
"Nah." Vin laid back as the nurse moved the tray to the other man's bed. "Stomach's fine."
"But you said..." Chris started and saw Vin smile, then he smiled back. "Cowboy, you ever hang up your guns and you could do public relations."
"Nicely done," the nurse agreed. "You're a good guy..."
"Wasn't nuthin' special," he shrugged. "Ya get more bees from sugar than vinegar..."
"Flies, Vin," Chris corrected.
"Them too," Vin decided, missing the correction.
"If you need anything..." the nurse noted, then left.
"I talked to Maddie Fisher today," Kate updated Adam as she pushed him through the lobby towards the elevators.
"Fisher?" he muffled, eyeing the contents of the tin container he held.
"From the base back home. She runs the rehabilitation facility. She spoke with the staff here and got the paperwork started. You, Chris and Vin can do your rehab there. She said..." The blonde paused, sniffed and lowered her face, then slapped her husband's hand. "Stay out of there. They're for Vin, I made them special. Buck says he loves chocolate."
"There's plenty here," he growled. "Hell, Kate that's fightin' dirty. They're still warm..."
"There's another tin at the house." She popped the lid back on. "For later..."
"Later?" He sat up, eyes alert. "I might not be up to it, being weak and all..."
"Good thing you have an all night nurse who's skilled in hand feeding," she teased, kissing his cheek. "Anyway, once they get Vin on his feet here and he takes some steps, gets his legs back so to speak, they'll release him to travel home. Maddie said that they told her they hoped by Friday..." She paused as the doors opened to their floor. She pushed the chair out, watching the numbers on the door carefully. "I certainly hope he's able to complete the tests here. I want all my boys home..."
"Kate?" He turned, hearing the catch in her voice. Then he saw the tears in her eyes and took her hand. "What?"
"This morning... he was having a dream about a beautiful place in the mountains... he told me when I touched him... he felt his own mother. He called it 'her grace'..."
"Chris said he was a smart one," Adam smiled, lifting his fingers to brush away the tears. "...and he's right, Lady Grace..."
She kissed him and got herself together before preparing to enter.
"You have it?" She asked and saw her husband's head bob as he patted his chest pocket. "Okay." She pushed the door open and held it wide so Adam could enter. "Hello?"
"Mom!" Chris smiled, tossing the magazine aside.
"Hey, Kate!" Vin's voice rose as he drank in the sight of the special woman, already scenting the delicate perfume she wore. "I missed ya! Ya sure smell better than Chris."
"I hope so," she grinned, making her way to her son. "How are you, son?"
"Good. Dad?"
"Chris," he nodded and moved the chair towards the other man. "Son, I'm Adam Larabee. I don't know if you remember me from the rescue."
"No, sir." Vin shook his head, startled by the strong resemblance the man had to Chris Larabee. "How's yer foot?"
"Ah," he shrugged, "piece of cake. I'll be up in no time." Then his dark eyes turned serious as he watched the expressive face. "Son, I've spent my whole life serving this country. What that flag represents weighs heavy in my book in all walks of life, not just the armed services."
Vin's brows furrowed as he felt a tingling begin in his chest as the commanding man's rich tone invaded him. He couldn't take his eyes from those intense dark ones no matter how hard he tried.
"Yes, sir," he managed to squeak. "Them colors flyin' in the breeze gets my gut in a bunch too."
"I'm not surprised," he smiled. "Chris told me what you did on that mountain. How at the risk of your own life, you saved his."
"He talks t'much..." Vin mumbled, suddenly uncomfortable.
"He spoke the truth," Adam sent back along with his hand. "It would mean a lot to me, Vincent Tanner, if you let me shake the hand of a man with ideals that fine."
Vin's jaw worked but no words came out. He felt his face flush with color and tears prick at his eyes. He shot a look to the other bed where Kate beamed and Chris glowed, sending a wink his way.
"That's my cowboy!" Chris exuded, full of pride.
"It's my honor, sir," Vin whispered, taking the strong hand and wincing at the grip. "Helluva grip..."
"Don't ever challenge him to arm wrestling," Chris warned with a sloppy grin.
"I have something for you, Vin, from his mother and me with our deepest gratitude." He paused, turning to his wife. "Kate?" The General took the silver disc and handed it to his wife. She put it around the stunned young man's neck. He moved the chair back slightly, totally captivated by the explosion of emotions on the startled man's face. His wife moved in, kissing the shocked man's cheek and fixing the chain properly.
Vin felt like a bullet tore a hole in his already shell-shocked frame. He couldn't speak or move; it was all he could do to breathe. He gasped audibly, seeking air and not caring about the pain in his healing ribs. His fingers wrapped around the St. Christopher medal and a rush of emotions exploded and took his breath away.
"Easy, son," Adam frowned at the ragged coughing.
He felt her hand on his face and nuzzled against her when she bent to hug him. He bit his lip in a desperate attempt to quell the tears that burned. It was right here in his hand, next to his heart. He couldn't believe it. He didn't fully understand the power it held or why he needed it so badly. He trusted his gut and it told him to hang onto the silver medal for all it was worth.
"Ya... got... ya..." he stammered, hiccupped and sent his chest heaving. "Ya... got... no... i..idea... "
"You're wrong, son," Adam smiled, watching the slim fingers holding the medal in a death grip. Chris was right. Vin needed that medal. It was written on every stunned feature, especially those telltale emotive blue eyes thatwere now burning a hole in him. "I don't know when I've seen a stronger exhibition of gratitude."
"It's alright, Vin." Kate held the trembling body, stroking his hair and smiling at the warm tears that splashed onto her.
"I'm s... s... sorry..." Vin whispered, trying to fight the uncontrollable emotions. "It ain't like me t'spring a leak..."
"I'd say you're more than entitled." Adam moved away, giving the struggling man some room. He left the tin on the side of the bed and went to his son's side.
"Thanks, Dad." Chris's voice was tight. "I think we both needed that medal."
"Here," Kate handed Vin a tissue and reached for a mug of water. "Better?"
"Yes, ma'am," he nodded, wiping his eyes and drinking the water. Then his eyes caught sight of the silver tin with American eagles and flags on it. His keen nose twitched and his still damp eyes widened.
"Chocolate!" he announced, eyeing the tin.
"I made some brownies..." Kate began and watched the blue eyes light up.
"Ya brung 'em fer me! Damn... them's m' favorites..." He inched the metal tin to his side and popped the lid, nearly passing out from the wonderful aroma. "Oh, God, I'm gonna die right here."
"You sure you're up to it?" Chris warned. "Your dinner didn't sit too well."
"Were you sick?" Kate moved her hand over the tiny brown squares, causing him to scowl. "Maybe you should wait until..."
"I'm fine!" he growled at Chris. "Shut the hell up! Who asked ya? Weren't m'fault them runny eggs didn't have the sense t'stay put. My insides is used t'chocolate. Was raised on it... wouldn't never send it back..."
"I don't know, honey. If you threw up, it might be better to wait until tomorrow," Kate advised, moving the tin away.
"No!" he pouted, then threw an irate glare to the other bed. "Look what ya done. Damn interferin' blond varmint."
"I'm doing this for both of us, Vin," Chris sent back past his amused parents who were enjoying the 'brotherly' spat. "You're a mess when you're sick, moanin' and groanin' and cussin'. I intend to sleep tonight, all night, without hearing 'Chris... m'belly's fired up... best buzz that nurse fer a pan'!"
He paused, seeing guilt splashed on the other man's features. "Then I have to suffer through a parade of nurses all breaking their necks to be the one to bathe you and clean you up. Then Huckleberry Vin shows up. 'Aw, hell, ma'am, don't go t'no trouble fer me. I'm sorry... didn't mean t'cause a fuss. Yer like little angels... them hands feel real good''
"I ain't hardly that bad," Vin defended weakly but was already chuckling. "Yer jest jealous and I can't help it if women like t'fuss over me."
"Jealous?" Chris scoffed, taking the soda his mother offered from the tote bag she brought. "Of what?"
"Jealous," Vin sent back, smiling angelically for Kate who gave him a coke with a straw. "Thanks, Kate."
"You looked drier than a buzzard's butt," she proclaimed.
"Not you too!" Chris groaned. "Please, Mom, one Texas philosopher is enough."
"Jealous!" Vin repeated, sucking his soda. "It's as clear as dirt!"
"Clear as dirt!" Kate repeated, thoroughly charmed.
Chris groaned and rolled his eyes as his mother and father laughed.
Kate didn't only see the magic in the room, she felt it. Chris and Vin did belong together. It was if Fate did what Mother Nature didn't; bringing them together in a torrid world that needed heroes. Vin was good for herson. To hear Chris laugh and see that handsome face shine was what she'd prayed for since Sara and Adam died. Yes, she couldn't wait to get her boys home.To a place full of love that both of them needed to heal from their ordeal.
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