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.
Lyrics and music to Truly by Lionel Ritchie. Magic supplied by Buck Wilmington! The role of Doctor Magee is played tongiht by the wise KET, whose talents are endless.
THANKS MUCH TO KET FOR PROVIDING A DUAL ROLE IN THIS PART, EDITOR AND GUEST STAR.
Warning: For those who've been asking about our favorite rogue, and his lady... well let's just say there's a romantic devil on the loose...
His eyes peeled open suddenly, almost expecting 'Old Blue Eyes' to be in the corner crooning 'In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning.' Young blue eyes adjusted to the near darkness before shifting to the next bed. He saw the sheets rising and falling in a steady rhythm and turned his head back.
What woke him up?
Before he could think any more on it, something took his breath away.
"What the hell's that?" he hissed as his legs twitched. His heart began to pound like a runaway jackhammer and his pulse imitated a race car at the Indy 500. "Shit... shit... " he rasped as the erratic jerking continued. "Call somebody..." he reminded himself, his nervous fingers fumbling on the sheet. "...fuckin' button..." He panicked as the odd sensations continued.
Then the need to find the call button became moot. A cry split his lips when a rippling pain began to shoot up and down his dormant limbs. His hands wrapped the bed sheets in a death grip, sweat pouring down his twisted face.
"Vin!"
A light flipped on over his head and his eyes jammed shut, not welcoming the harshness. He was gasping and fumbling, then a hand hit his shoulder. He heard his name called softer and cracked open an eye.
"...'spensive hair..." he panted, blinking his eyes into focus and seeing two concerned green ones under that chestnut cut. "It's... it's..." His mind faltered, only drawing up the word 'weasel'. "Uh... uh..." he fumbled badly despite the enormous relief coursing through him. He found his hand gripping the other man's in a vise-like hold. Then the pain ripped through his legs again, shooting up into his back.
"G..a....a...ah...ah.hhhh....dddd...." he screamed. "Elmer, git somebody..."
"Elmer?" The befuddled blond went on guard, then saw who Vin was talking to.
"Stay where you are!" Ezra commanded Chris Larabee who was sitting up, blinking in confusion and eyeing his best friend.
"Where the hell did you come from?" he asked.
"I happened to be in the neighborhood..." the southerner replied.
"At one a.m.?" Chris sent back, then eyed the rumpled shirt. Never on his worst day, even after being shot, did Ezra appear wrinkled. He saw the odd angle of the chair and frowned. "How'd you pull that off?"
"It's not important." He eyed the door. "Apparently the hired help is deaf!"
"Get a doctor!" Larabee ordered.
"We appear to have a slight problem."
Chris sighed when he saw the iron grip Vin had no intention of relinquishing. He saw the muscles in Vin's legs dancing with spasms and knew the younger man was frightened.
"Vin, let him go. Vin... he needs to..."
"Is there a problem?"
"Where the hell have you been?" Chris thundered at the two nurses while releasing his call button. "Get a doctor! Something's wrong with Vin. He's in pain and his legs are twitching."
"I'll page Magee," the brutish one noted of the resident on call and moved to the phone to page the doctor.
"Call Dr. Jacobs too," Annie noted of the neurosurgeon who attended her patient. "I know you're scared, Vin, but you need to calm down," she soothed, skirting the bed to get to the other side. She saw the late night visitor wincing under the white-knuckled hold Tanner had on his hand.
"How'd you get in here?" a stern voice addressed after hanging up the phone.
"That's not important," Ezra dismissed, not liking the short, clipped voice of the new nurse. "My place is here."
"Your place is at a hotel or home," she sent back tersely. "Visiting hours were over at 8 p.m. You leave now or I'll have security escort you out!"
"Connie, did you page Dr. Magee?" Anne interrupted her rude coworker.
"...and Jacobs. Doctor Magee should be here in a few moments." She moved closer, trying to worm out the immovable force. "Sir!" she said with disdain, "You have to go..."
"No!" Vin panicked, suddenly seeing too many bodies and feeling his air space invaded. He began to pant, unable to get enough air inside. "...t'many... o'ya... can't breathe..."
"Vin, look at me." Annie used a calm tone and turned his chin towards her. She met those telltale eyes and smiled. "That pain you're feeling is common in injuries such as yours. It's most likely the nerves waking back up. But you need to stay calm and breathe. Don't you dare faint on me."
"...faint?" Vin hissed, blinked and scowled. "...ain't no girl..." he insisted, then his hand was suddenly jerked free. His lifeline was cut and he twisted his head, only seeing a massive white uniform. Where was he?
"Chris!"
"Right here, Vin, calm down," Larabee called over, annoyed by the loutish nurse.
Vin wiggled and tried to move his arm. Where was he? Again the name didn't come, just the word 'weasel'.
"W..e...." He stopped. "Ephraim... where are ya?"
"He was just leaving!" The nurse eyed the bedside monitor, assessing his pulse and heart rate. "You need to calm down."
"Ya need t'move yer iron-girdled ass and git the hell out!" Vin spat in anger, gasping frantically. "...Chris... can't breathe..."
"Get out!" Larabee ordered, trying to stand, only to have Ezra appear at his side.
"Don't. Six weeks with no weight, remember?"
"Settle down!" the nurse ordered.
"Connie, I have it under control," Annie pressed, annoyed that the overbearing nurse was creating such a panic.
"Ephraim!" Vin hollered, hearing his voice arguing with Chris. "What's wrong? What ain't ya tellin' me?" He feared, thinking they were holding back.
"What's going on here?" A new voice broke into the chaos.
"Doctor Magee," Annie sighed in relief. "This is Vin Tanner. He's one of the federal agents admitted earlier this week."
"Spinal contusion... head injury..." Teresa Magee flipped through his chart, scanning the notes. "You called Dr. Jacobs?"
"Yes," Connie nodded. "And I'm calling security to escort this intruder out."
"Intruder!" Chris growled, having seen firsthand how effective Ezra's presence had been to the panicked Texan. "Lady, and I use that term very loosely, you know what your problem is? You need a good..."
"I think we all need to calm down." The medical resident hid a smile and winked at the handsome blond whose feathers were obviously ruffled. "Connie, your presence is not required. Mister ...uh...?"
"Standish," Ezra replied, his face masked in anger as the bullish nurse went by him.
"I will notify security," she hissed.
"That's not required!" the doctor shot back. "We don't need this patient any more upset. Can we agree on that?"
"Yes, doctor," the beast managed, retreating.
"I'm very sorry." The resident moved to the stricken man's side, reading every bit of his anxiety. She saw the other nurse stroking his hair and watched his breathing slow. "Good. Can you some water? I think a drink and cool cloth on his face will help."
"Elroy? Where are ya?"
"Elroy?" Chris shook his head, finding a thin smile. "Go on, uh, Elroy, I'm okay."
Ezra nodded and moved next to the bed, grabbing the wayward hand.
"Plant yerself..." Vin whispered, feeling dizzy and sick.
"As it turns out, my evening is free," Ezra soothed, moving slightly so Annie could get next to him.
"That's better, huh?" she asked, wiping his face and seeing him nod. "Thirsty?" She offered a cup with a straw. She handed it to the bedside visitor and turned to check his vital signs.
"Yeah..." Vin croaked, lifting his head slightly to accommodate the straw. All the actions and unnecessary movement caused his healing ribs to scream in protest, dueling with the pain in his head. He was decidedly lightheaded and nauseous. Feeling the steadfast body by his side was the light he needed. "Thanks... Emory.."
"My pleasure," Ezra returned, placing the cup down and remaining steadfast. "Doctor?"
"Now, what seems to be the problem?" Magee inquired pleasantly.
She listened patiently as the distraught blue-eyed man described the symptoms that had awoken him from sleep. Nodding her head sagely, she moved over to his bed and did a quick neurological exam of Vin's lower extremities. Pleased by his responses and her own findings, she gave him her most professional smile and reassuring gaze.
"I know how distressing this must seem to you, but in actuality, I believe the pain and shooting sensations you described are a good sign."
"Good how?" Chris pressed, cued by the doctor's voice and actions that Vin was in no danger.
The resident turned so that she was able to address both patients. "We'll have to wait for Dr. Jacobs' opinion, but I believe the symptoms are a result of decreased swelling around the spinal cord."
"So that reduction will create a passage in which the circulation will be restored?" Erza guessed.
A broad grin crossed Teresa Magee's face. She loved to be the bearer of good news. "It means that the swelling around the nerves is going down to the point that the nerve fibers are starting to fire." Catching the bewildered look on Vin's face, she added, "It means you'll be walking again before you know it!"
Seeing the relief that flooded the faces of the three men gathered there, the resident felt her heart swell and her chest flood with warmth. It was times like these that made all her long years of education and work seem worth it. "I'm going to order some medicine to help ease those muscle spasms and see if we can't get your pain under control. Try and get some rest tonight and I'll be back by with Dr. Jacobs first thing in the morning."
"Doc..." Vin's arm fumbled, until his hand met her's. "Thanks... I feel like a hunert butterflies is flappin' like hell in my gut."
She laughed and took his hand in both of her's.
"Vin, that's about as apt a description of getting good news as I ever heard!"
She turned to the door, already writing in Tanner's chart with the low murmur of voices sounding from behind her. Anne followed her out a moment later, taking the chart from the resident's hands and sending the orders down to pharmacy to be filled. Returning as quickly as possible, the nurse administered the medications and left the three men with a final warm smile.
At last the room was quiet again. Ezra remained long enough for Vin to fall into a deep, sedative-induced sleep. With a final glance of inspection, he started to leave. A voice caught him by the door. He peered into the dark room, seeing a warm light reflected in the green eyes.
"Emory?" Chris's whispered guess to the last misnomer Vin produced.
"At your service," Ezra nodded his head.
"You pick up a bottle of that imported rot-gut you swill," Larabee's voice directed in gratitude. He knew Ezra had stayed because of the possibility of nightmares. The bad leg made it impossible for Chris to reach the troubled sleeper. "Send me the bill."
"As it turns out, I've a good supply already on hand," Standish declined, then released a glint of gold tooth at the surly reply.
"Then I'd suggest you find some room on your shelf."
"Duly noted," he nodded, slipping out the door.
The next several days slipped by quickly, filled with visitors, phone calls from home and for Vin Tanner, physical therapy. With each day that passed, he got more sensation in his limbs and his coordination and strength continued to improve. It was after lunch and he was in the elevator, anxiously eyeing the moving numbers.
"You okay?" the orderly asked.
"Jest itchy..." Vin replied. "Can't this damn thing move faster?"
"We're almost there..."
At last the floor came and the doors slid open. Vin beamed on the way past the nurse's counter, holding up his hand.
"Hold on..." He turned and sat up straight in the wheelchair, grinning from ear to ear. "Hey, girls..."
"Vin!"
"How are you, blue eyes?"
"Congrats, handsome!"
"Y'all heard?" His brows furrowed as one smiling face leaned over the counter and the two in the aisle bent over his chair. "Aw, hell, wanted t'surprise ya..."
J.D heard the drawl and stuck his head out the door, then laughed. He retreated to the bed stand near Tanner's bed and wiggled his fingers for the phone.
"Hold on, Buck." Josiah handed the phone over.
"Buck?" the youth grinned. "He's back. He's out in the hall getting fondled by two pretty nurses."
"Fondled?" Nate's dark eyes narrowed.
"Well, kissed anyhow."
"Damn!" Buck grinned, leaning back in the chair of his condo in Denver. "Even with amnesia that boy still has it..." His smile broadened when warm greetings were issued and he heard Vin's voice.
"Hey, yer all here!" the returnee boomed, eyeing the bodies sprawled in various places in the sunny room.
"How'd it go?" Nathan asked, seeing a hint of something flashing in the blue eyes.
"Ready?" the orderly asked, moving the chair closer.
"Where's the other guy?" Chris turned from his bed, watching the solo escort put brakes on the chair right next to Vin's bed. Normally, two men brought Vin back and got him settled.
The room was then filled with cheers and clapping when the escort got the young man on his feet. He remained in place as they offered encouragement. Then he let the sound die away, concentrating hard on the task at hand. With the strong arms supporting him, Vin took two small steps before sitting on the bed. He heard the clapping, but his eyes only saw one thing. A face across the room, a drunken grin and a blinding light from those green eyes he'd come to depend on.
"You all set, Vin?" the orderly asked, easing Tanner's legs up and pulling a blanket over him.
"Yeah, thanks Mike," he nodded as the other man left.
"Every journey starts with one step," Josiah praised.
"Looks like you're on the road home," Ezra offered warmly with a wink. "Well done, sir!"
"Thanks, Zeke..."
"Zeke?"
"Ezekiel," Vin answered the chorus. "What's wrong with all o'ya? Like ya never heard his name."
"Ezra?" the southerner offered, amused.
"Naw, Vin Tanner," the blue-eyed culprit frowned, pointing to the spot above his head behind him. "Ain't it wrote up there?"
"It is," Ezra sighed amidst the laughter. "My pardon, it was an oversight."
"S'okay," Vin decided. "Reckon yer hive ain't quite buzzin' yet," he said of the tired visitor's brain. "Seein' s'how ya been campin' out over here." He lifted his head so Nathan could put another pillow behind him. "Thanks, Nate." He frowned and picked up the tan phone receiver that was on the bed. "What's this?"
"Oh, I forgot!" J.D. gushed.
"Hello? Anybody there?"
"Hey, Bucklin!" Vin smiled as the voice came through. "How's yer arm?"
"I don't get it," J.D. asked Josiah and Nathan. "How come it's only Ezra's name he can't remember?"
"He's bound to hit it eventually," Jackson replied. "He's gonna run out of names soon."
"You know, it's rather amazing that he is able to come up with so many unusual ones," Ezra noted.
"You're a good sport, Brother Standish," the preacher proclaimed, watching Vin hang up the phone.
"Somethin' wrong, Vin?" Nathan asked, watching the blue eyes skirt the room.
"Didn't none of ya bring food?" Vin chirped.
"Chris said you ate a good lunch," Josiah noted.
"Yeah, Vin," J.D. tossed in. "He said you ate his too..."
"Woudda gone t'waste..." Vin defended, rubbing his flat abdomen. "I'm down a few anyhows..and he's t'damn fussy."
"Up yours, Tanner!" Chris snarled. "...and you got balls calling me fussy. At least I'm honest. I don't hide the vegetables in napkins and throw them in the trash."
"Vin!" Nathan ducked his head and chuckled.
"Them mushed up green stuff ain't worth eatin' .'sides, I don't wanna upset that little girl none. Ya already scared 'bout five years offa her," Vin decided, eyeing the shelf in the closet.
"No."
"Ain't yer call," Vin snapped to the blond who was reading the New York Times.
"No."
"Kate brung 'em fer me..."
"...and I'm the one who has to suffer through your moaning and groaning when you do a Hoover," the blond tossed back, scanning the stock market.
"Hoover!" Nate grinned. "That's good."
"That's Vin," Josiah agreed of the bottomless Texas pit.
"What?" J.D. interrupted.
"Brownies with little bitty peanut butter chips inside 'em and fluff icin'..."
"Good Lord," Ezra repelled.
"Awesome!" J.D. bounced across the room.
"One moan, Vin, even a hint of discomfort and I'm changing rooms. You puked in my air space for the last time," Larabee threatened, recalling the night before too readily.
"Like rats huddled in the bowels of a ship," Ezra noted of the two youngest, hovering over the tin.
"Some cold milk sure would taste good," Vin announced, scanning the group before settling on his would-be guardian. "I'd hate t'choke... seein's how I worked up a good thirst whilst I was doin' m'therapy." He paused and saw the green eyes narrow. "I think I seen a machine downstairs that's got them milk cartons." He saw the southern man's lips fighting hard not to grin. He pressed on, wearing a pious face. "'Course, I was all twisted in pain and all wore out from them fella's wrasslin m'legs..."
"Before the violin chorus begins," Ezra moved from his spot, drinking in the impish grin sitting slyly under a fluff mustache, "I'll go on a milk run. Mister Dunne?"
"Yeah, thanks!" J.D. muffled.
"Scare up a few, Elvis..." He paused, drowned out by loud laughter. "Elvis... Earl?" That only brought more laughter as the milkman left.
Vin waited patiently, eyeing the half brownie sitting in front of him. Nathan put the tin away after giving him a lecture. He was thirsty now and needed that milk. Then the door opened and in walked salvation.
"Took ya long enuf!" Vin eyed the half dozen small containers. "I can't drink them pink ones..." he decided. "S'worse than water..."
"Skim," Ezra put them down. "I got all they had, four whole, two skim."
"Thanks, Ethan." Vin took the container offered and drained it. "Nectar of the Gods..." He eyed the smirking faces. "What?" He punctuated with a wet burp under his snappy white mustache.
"My mother named me after a great figure in history." Standish waited, seeing the face scrunch up.
"The guy who invented paint?"
"NO!" Ezra hollered over the riotous laughter filling the room. "Of course he didn't invent paint."
"Well, he invented somethin' with paint... the cans?" He thought of the television commercials for Ethan Allan paint.
"Ezra?" Standish pleaded, plopping another container down.
"Naw, it's Vin, remember?" Tanner rolled his eyes. "Yer brain ain't worth shit today."
"I think I saw this on a Twilight Zone episode once," Josiah said with a straight face, resting a brotherly arm on Ezra's shoulders.
"I think I was in it." Standish shook his head and gave up, laughing, as the contented cow rested. The weary head went back and the blue eyes were fading fast.
"Ya can toss them dead soldiers," Vin waved at the three empty cartons, letting his eyes slide shut over a long yawn. "...'preciate it, E...E...Elmo."
Ezra ignored the snickering Dunne and made his way to the bed. He eyed the placid face, noting the relaxed features. The lips fell open and the soft breathing began, lifting the injured man's chest in a steady rhythm. He hoped these restful naps would soon take over at night as well, replacing the nightmares. The road ahead would be hard enough and until his friend was mentally sound, his vigil would continue.
The handsome man sent his blue eyes skyward, amazed at how much more alive that star field seemed this last week. He'd probably gazed at it thousands of times in his life, but never had it been so real. Every glittering star seemed like a diamond and that silver moon was mesmerizing. Or was it seeing it through the eyes of the beautiful woman at his side that created the night magic?
He exhaled deeply and she nestled closer. He wrapped his free arm around her and kissed the top of her head. He used his good leg to move the large swing to and fro, creating a steady rhythm. The soft body pressed against him under the blanket felt so good... so real and so right it scared him. He never wanted to lose this feeling or the tingles it left in his heart.
What a week it had been!
From the look on Eric McClendon's face as the charges were read, to the sound of the jubilant cheering when Vin Tanner took those first steps and to the explosion of sensation in his body when Inez spotted him in the doorway of the Saloon.
Sometimes, life was damn good!
The last six days were a blur. Because of his suspension and the requisite medical leave, Buck wasn't due to report back for duty for a month. He'd checked on Ezra's and Josiah's places, seeing to the mail, plants and Miss Euphemia, Josiah's sassy large gray cat. He'd spent a good part of every day with the beautiful brunette who now lay so contented in his arms. She was magnificent; there was no other word for it. He loved the smell of the soap that lingered on her silken skin. Her musical laughter caressed his ears and he loved the naughty scolding tone she used when he pushed himself too hard. Her beauty was blinding, without the need for any false paint or polish. Kissing her was like drinking in the nectar spun by Zeus himself. He couldn't get enough of her kisses and soft caresses.
From the casual strolls in the park in downtown Denver, to eating hot dogs, to the large Caesar salads at Cafe Italia, through the picnic lunch at a private spot in the park where he first tasted those lips through the romantic dinner she'd made the night before, it was like living in heaven.
He'd rented this cabin in the mountains under the stars for a special reason. He wanted to love her the way she deserved, worshipping every inch of her. This weekend was something they both needed. Nearly being killed changed the way a man thought. He didn't want to waste anymore time; there was no need.
She shivered despite the blanket and snuggled closer. She loved this very special, handsome man so much it made her heart ache. His smile was so powerful it rendered her speechless. His laughter and animated stories gave her the sun to hold inside. Then there was the beautiful super nova that exploded every time they kissed. She wanted to share his life, to always feel that magic.
"It's gettin' cold," Buck said, stopping the swing and rising. He turned and stood before her, offering his naked soul. He held out his hand and smiled softly. "I need you, sweet lady, to keep me warm. Tonight and always..."
Tears crested in her eyes and she drew them away from that magnetic smile long enough to look at the open hand. She nodded, lifting her own hand up and feeling the electric-like jolt when his palm touched hers. He drew her up and close, kissing her tenderly.
The fire was snapping, sending a wonderful scent into the room and filling it with a special glow. She picked up the bottle of wine that was chilling in a clay wine cooler and walked towards the hearth. An old quilt was spread before the orange and amber lights where he laid waiting. Adonis never looked so fine, of that she was certain. The shifting shadows of the flames danced across his bronzed and lean body and she felt herself melting.
She dropped her robe, kicked it back and knelt before him, gasping as his hand touched her cheek. She poured a single glass of wine and set it down on the tiny table near his head. The strong arm guided her down by his side and his lips nuzzled her ear causing her to shiver.
"Close your eyes..." Buck whispered, his senses heating up like the flames nearby. He pulled the rose out, a perfect coral queen like the vision before him. He started at her ear, letting the silken petals begin their parade.
She gasped audibly and shivered again as his rich voice followed the path of the flower.
"Girl, tell me only this, that I'll have your heart, for always. And you want me by your side, whispering the words 'I'll always love you'..."
He sang softly, moving the flower of love over her eyelids and under her nose. He smiled at her tears and the soft cry that came from her lips as he moved the flower lower, caressing her neck.
"...and forever, I will be your lover... and I know if you really care... I will always be there..."
It was all she could do to control herself as the words circled her and his lips followed the path of the rose that softly caressed her own buds. The trail that he traced left her skin ablaze and a small roar filled her head.
"...Now I need to tell you this... there's no other love like your love... and I, as long as I live... I'll give you all the joy... my heart and soul can give..."
Buck paused long enough to rest his face against her soft and supple abdomen. He felt her hand move over his cheek and heard her weeping. He smiled, nuzzled the lean tender spot and resumed his love path. His words, lips and that special flower moved again as her thighs parted.
"Let me hold you... I need to have you near me... And I feel with you in my arms... This love will last forever.."
For several moments, she was rendered speechless. She'd never felt anything so powerful as the fire inside her body created by his touch. As his lips and fingers gently removed her last defenses, a whole new world appeared. Then his magic pressed closer and she gasped, raking her hands through his hair and shuddering all over.
"Buck... Oh, God...!"she hissed, melting in the heat.
Then his face appeared over hers, the soft rose tracing a trail over the tears on her cheek. He took the wine and sipped it before offering the glass to her. As she sipped the fruit of the vine, he finished his heart's pledge.
"Because I'm truly... Truly in love with you, girl... I'm truly head over heels with your love... I need you, and with your love I'm free..."
She silenced the last line, taking that face and kissing him with a passion she didn't know she possessed. She heard him growl and felt his growing need. She pushed him on his back, letting her hands move on him and pressed her own body over his, joining him in exhilaration.
The wine spilled over his neck and chest and she licked it up, then grinned naughtily and picked up the bottle, her eyes wicked.
"Inez?" Buck gasped, overcome with desire.
"Lil' Bucklin is thirsty, no?" She raised an eyebrow saucily and moved again, tipping the bottle.
"No... don't... Jesus...!" Buck clenched, then slapped her backside lightly as she moved. "You're a bad girl..."
"Yes," she snuck a backwards glance and wagged her eyebrows. "I am very naughty... you will see..."
Outside the magical cabin, the stars kept their vigil beside the sultry moon, all of the heavenly bodies enraptured by the lovers who played so well to their music of the night..
Twice, the X-ray technician looked up from the nurse's station. She peered down the hall in the direction of the visitor's lounge. The unmistakable sounds of male voices and laughter punctuated the air.
"What's going on?"
"Farewell party..." the nurse answered the curious technician.
Chris leaned back in his wheelchair and eyed the group gathered in the room. Save Buck, who was back in Denver, they were all here. The rest of the group would be leaving in the morning for home. Duty called with three new cases that needed their skills. They would be working for Mike Ryan, a peer of Larabee's and very well respected by all. But tonight, they weren't on duty; they were brothers, laughing and swapping stories over pizza and root beer.
He'd savor this moment for the next month or more. In a few more days, once Vin was stronger, they'd be leaving for Virginia. He eyed the profile of his best friend and smiled. The blue eyes were crinkled in mirth as Nathan continued to torment Ezra. Vin didn't know it yet, but the time spent on the beautiful grounds of the Larabee estate would be the best medicine for him. The younger man thrived on green grass, blue skies and fresh air. Add the horses and rustic charm and he might lose the Texan to his folks permanently.
Truth be told, he needed this time as well. He thought on the strong man who'd raised him up and frowned. They each risked their lives as a chosen career path and nobody exemplified integrity better then Adam J. Larabee. The few stolen moments at holidays were all they seemed to have over the last few years. He was looking forward to spending some quality time with his father.
Then there was Vin. He knew his mother well enough to know she would be the loving force he needed to provide some light into the dark world where his memory should be. He also knew Kate was tough and wouldn't let Vin feel sorry for himself. Yes, he needed to go home to that magical place where he'd been born and raised.
"Hey... you okay?"
"Yeah." Chris took a can of soda from J.D. and studied the youth's face. The bruises were fading but he'd never forget. "So how's this compare to sharing a blanket and an old movie with the lovely Miss Wells?"
Ezra smiled at the groan and lost puppy look that appeared on Dunne's face. He draped a brotherly arm on the younger man's shoulder and winked at the blond in the chair.
"Ah... the painful longing of a lost love..."
"You sayin' we ain't fit to cuddle with?" Nate winked.
"You're married to a beautiful woman..." J.D. sent back. "How can you even ask that?"
"She's fine!" the dark-eyed man agreed, then slid a glance to their injured sharpshooter. "But she don't have a Tanner ass..."
"Aw, hell..." Vin wrinkled his nose and shook his head. "Ain't figgered out yet why yer all so fond of peekin' under m'britches."
"Hey there!" Josiah put both hands up. "I draw the line at britch peekin'..." He paused, then with a serious face, ".'course for you, I'd make an exception..."
"Smart ass!" Vin tossed a napkin and moved back in his chair, wheeling himself over to the far side of the room.
A small breeze was floating in from the vent and he welcomed it. He didn't want to spoil the fun, but his headache was building to a potentially explosive crescendo. His legs were aching as well and that lumpy hospital bed and his night meds suddenly looked good. He jammed his eyes shut and white-knuckled the chair. A gentle touch to his shoulder caused a hiss to escape.
"I was thinking about stretching my legs. Perhaps I could drop you off somewhere?"
Vin looked up at the bearer of the southern drawl and sighed in relief. The jade eyes showed nothing but concern. He still hadn't quite figured out why this man was so compelled to stand by him, but his gut told him it was safe, so he relaxed.
"Why didn't you say something?" Ezra pressed, eyeing the pain-laced face.
"Didn't wanna spoil the fun."
Ezra noticed that Chris had turned away from his conversation with Nathan and was staring at Vin. Nathan started to rise and Standish's hand went up. He motioned to the chair and the door, indicating he'd take Vin back to his room. He saw Chris Larabee's nod, then the leader's eyes slid sideways, meeting the squinting blue ones.
"I'm fine," Vin hissed of the intense green stare. "Turn yer damn lights down!"
"Shall we?" Erza turned the chair around.
"My ride's here," Vin announced and waited for the others to turn and face him. He studied each face, tucking away those warm smiles to a place inside. He'd need them in the days to come. "Thanks fer the pies..." he managed of the pizza feast. "...and fer everythin'. I wanted t'say somethin' special... but all the words is fallin' apart."
Nathan smiled at the wavering rasp and the fidgeting fingers on the injured man. He moved closer, resting a hand on the cotton-robed shoulder and waited for those telltale eyes to rise up.
"You keep that scrawny ass of yours out of trouble. We'll keep your desk warm."
"Thanks, Nate," Vin whispered of the offer. His still missing memory had him worried about his job. This man, along with the others forming the circle, was offering more than he could give thanks for.
"Yeah, I won't add any interest onto that forty dollars you still owe me!" J.D. teased and saw Vin frown, then slide a peek to Chris who shook his head.
"I was only kidding, Vin!" Dunne chuckled.
"I knew that!" Vin mumbled.
"The Lord's always home, son. You remember that when you hit those long nights."
"I will preacher." Vin took the strong hand and smiled. "Ya have a safe trip home." He paused, cocking his aching head. "I don't rightly know where that is... but I know it ain't a city as much as it's wherever y'all will be. Reckon that's a good place t'park m'boots."
"We'll be waitin', Brother!" Josiah patted the younger man's back and winked.
"You bet!" J.D. added. "The seven will ride again!"
"Don't you overdo it," Nate warned, gripping the extended hand. "You done good, Vin Tanner. Home is where the heart is... you've already found it..."
"Thanks, Nate!" Vin managed, eyeing them all again. He felt a hand on his back and another shaking his hand. He swallowed hard, drinking in the warm wishes. "Let's go, Elton... sandman's 'bout ready t'drown me."
"He's gettin' closer." Josiah smirked at the southerner who always dressed in the most current fashion. "You do dress the part."
By the time Ezra got Vin back into his room, the fine features were locked in agony. He set the brakes on the chair and assisted the ailing body. He carefully pulled the sheet up and leaned over, inspecting the white knuckles gripping the linens.
"You're overdue for your happy juice."
"...need a double... straight up..." Vin hissed. "Put it on m'tab... Emilio..."
"My treat."
Ezra shook the empty pitcher that was beside the bed and left the room. When he returned, he poured a mug full of ice water and popped the straw inside. He saw a single eye open halfway, bruised a deep shade of Tanner blue. The desire for the water was there but the hand gripping the side rail was having difficulty.
"Allow me," Standish offered, holding the mug closer. He saw the eye regarding him and frowned. "An exercise in futility. Stop burning those few brain cells you do have. I wouldn't be here if I didn't choose to be."
"I'm sorry... m'eyes must be wore out... that's not what I meant." Vin paused to drain the cup and then took several seconds to reclaim his breath. "Listen, Emmett, I wanted ya t'know how much ya bein' here means t'me. Yer face was the first I seen, leastwise I think it was yers. I was in ICU and mostly kinda out of it. I heard a voice, soft and warm, like honey. I felt ya... yer voice... yer words... they was all I had t'hold onta."
"Vin, you don't have to..."
"Shut the hell up and let me finish!" Vin shouted and winced, rubbing his temples. "Dammit. Where was I?"
"Hovering between life and death..."
"Oh... right..." Vin laid his head back on the bank of pillows. "Ya know I ain't got my box open yet," he noted of his memories. "But every now and again, it's like I can see inside... sorta like a winda. Sometimes I can snatch feelin's from there, but no pictures. When I heard ya... that first time.... one of them feelin's got loose and shot out. It settled good right here." He tapped his heart and saw the jade eyes becoming overly emotional. "I jest wanted ya t'know... without that voice of yers and them hands... I'd still be lost."
"You're..." Ezra cleared his throat which was as tight as his chest. "...more than welcome... Vincent."
"I like that..." Vin grinned. "Makes me sound real important."
"You... my friend..." the southerner managed, drilling the blue eyes. "...are most decidedly important."
"That ratty bag over yonder is yers..."
While Ezra crossed the room to the closet where a tattered brown bag laid on the shelf, the nurse appeared. He picked up the bag and turned back, then smiled as Vin sighed deeply.
"Damn yer hands is soft, Elgin," Vin whispered of the hand lifting his neck and raising his head up. "Jest like a girl's." He reached up to where he thought the side rail was only to encounter something equally soft and round. "Aw, hell!"
"Good evening, Vin." Annie grinned at the handsome face wearing a scarlet hue.
"Sorry, Annie!"
"That's okay, sugar." She held out her palm. "These will put you in LaLa land — got 'em?"
"Yep." Vin took the pills and then stuck his tongue out to accept the straw. "Thanks. In case I ain't awake yet when ya leave in the mornin', I want ya t'know how grateful I am. Yer an angel. I reckon it ain't easy totin' them wings around, but ya make it look that way."
"Honey," she cupped his chin and bent to kiss his cheek, "if all my patients were as sweet as you, I'd work 24/7. It's been a pleasure and I'll be in before breakfast to help you into the bath."
"Okay," Vin yawned, settling back onto the pillows.
"Goodnight!" She nodded to the two men and departed.
"Damn... this is... good shit..."
Ezra made his way to the bedside and eyed the wrinkled bag.
"It would appear this package went through the war."
"Naw..." Vin mumbled, trying to get his thick tongue to work. "...was nervous... kept fussin' with it. Like it?"
Ezra peered into the bag and pulled out a small carving in varying shades of gray granite. It was of two wolves. One was injured, lying on its side. The other was standing guard, protectively.
"...I... seen... it... in... the store... winda... lobby... af...ter... ther...ap...y."
"It's exceptional!" Ezra grinned, running his hands over the fine detail on the small sculpture. "It will have a place of honor on my desk."
"...time..." Vin whispered, barely audible. "El...li..ot..."
"ET?" the conman replied in turn and saw the sandy brows furrow in confusion. "Never mind. It's almost seven thirty," Ezra said, watching the slack jaw fall and the lips part. Vin's eyes were closed and he was nearly gone. "Why?"
"...hurry... ass... up... store... close... eight... told... her... ya'd be... by... pay... fer... it..."
He laughed then, leaning over the rails and shaking his chestnut head. He wondered if Vin Tanner knew just how much his friendship meant.
"Spoken like a true Tanner." He slid the tiny sculpture into the bag and into his pocket. "Good night, Vincent, and thank you."
He was several feet into the hall and approaching the elevator when he swore a drawl sailed by.
"...night... Ez..."
He retraced his steps and peered into the dark room. The face was totally relaxed and the breathing deep and sound. He narrowed his gaze and stared intently, but there was no sound or facial movement. He turned and stepped aside, then cast one last gaze into the room. The lips were turned up into a smile and the head popped up briefly and winked, then flopped back.
"Well done, Mister Tanner!" he saluted and laughed. He kept chuckling all the way back to the room where his friends were waiting.
Daybreak would come soon. He could see the first signs of Dawn's embrace approaching. The sky was turning to serene blue. Sleep had been fitful but not because of nightmares. He sighed and scratched at the itching spot on his healing leg.
It was coming and he couldn't avoid it.
Today was the day.
In about five hours, he'd be leaving the cocoon for the real world. From the moment he'd roused from his coma, this place had been his safety net. People taking care of him around the clock. Gentle touches and reassuring smiles during his treatment. No harsh realities, just a healing place.
Healing.
He thought on the men who had been so much a part of that. Oh, he was very grateful to the doctors, nurses, orderlies and therapists. He thanked them so much he was getting on their nerves. But the men who stood by him, surrounding the bed like sentinels, meant more than words could say. Their laughter, warm voices and solid reassurance were overwhelming. Since they'd flown home to Denver, it seemed colder in the room. He missed them; the days seemed endless, especially when Chris was out of the room.
He sighed and tossed one arm behind his head, wiggling his toes. That brought a smile and he fingered the medal on the chain suspended around his neck. He said a silent prayer of thanks for the return of sensation to his lower extremities.
He turned his face to the other side of the room to where his lifeline was sleeping. That was what Chris Larabee had become. The only connection to his blank past and his unknown future. He so needed that voice, he couldn't imagine not hearing it. The tone was one he heard in his sleep. It broke through nightmares and brought him to safe harbor. But Chris had his own injuries to recover from. He had two months of grueling work ahead to rehab his injured knee. Was it fair to put that much responsibility on the blond?
He frowned, watching the placid features sleeping. Chris had yet to utter one word about his own fears. What if his leg didn't heal right? What about his nightmares? Wasn't he tortured and abused too? Guilt washed over him, forcing his head away. He'd been selfish, pulling too much from the stronger man. Chris needed to heal too.
He sighed again, shifted in the bed gingerly and cast his eyes to the light coming into the sky. Today was not just any new day. It was day one for Vin Tanner. He'd learned all over again how to walk on his own feet, so to speak. Now, he had to stop depending on Chris so much. He'd have to try to battle the inner fears that plagued him.
What if he never got his memory back?
The sound of Larabee's harsh shriek the day he nearly ate the crab cake revisited. What if Chris hadn't been there? How would he have known? Without knowledge of his past, how could he avoid such pitfalls? What about enemies?
"Damn..." he rasped, thinking on Chris telling him that he'd been a bounty hunter for several years.
It would be like walking through a dark place without a flashlight. How would he know if an approaching stranger was one of those demons from his past?
"Spit it out, Vin."
"Sorry... didn't mean t'disturb ya..."
"You didn't, my full bladder did."
Chris sat up, eyed his crutches and flipped the light on.
"Shit!"
"What the hell did ya turn it on fer?" Vin growled and squinted, turning away.
"So I'd piss in the toilet and not on your face!"
"Yer a grouch in the mornin'..." Vin decided, watching the disgruntled face head towards the bathroom. "Don't be gettin' any idea o'leavin' anythin' 'sides piss in that bowl. Annie's comin' in t'give me a bath. Ya wrassle them crutches down the hall t' some other bathroom iffen ya gotta make a deposit."
It took some extra energy and more than a few careful moves, but the smirking blond maneuvered over to the door.
Vin's eyebrows furrowed as twice a hand appeared on the bathroom doorframe, then disappeared. He grinned then, which gave birth to a giggle.
"Hell, Lar'bee, ya must be half asleep, yer trigger finger ain't workin'..."
No sooner had the words left his lips when a single-fingered salute appeared on the doorjamb. That brought a genuine laugh and the Texan happily settled his head back on the pillow. He was content for a few minutes, until the door shut.
"That ain't funny, Chris...." He paused, cocking his head. "Chris....?"
On the other side of the door, leaning against the jamb, the blond smirked, biting back a laugh. He could imagine the cranky Tanner face bearing down on the other side. He waited several moments, then used the end of the crutch to push the toilet flusher. He moved back, opened the door and exited, shutting the door behind him.
"Thought ya was my friend! I been waitin' all mornin' fer m'bath. Now ya went and..."
"Ahhhh!" Chris exaggerated a deep sigh of satisfaction.
"Good morning, fellas..." Annie bustled into the room, arms full of towels. She headed right for the bathroom door and went inside.
"Nooo""! Vin squealed, gingerly sitting up and easing his legs over the side.
"Something wrong, Vin?" Annie reappeared looking perplexed.
"That ain't a damn bit funny, ya glare happy jackass. Ya got no sense of humor!" Vin soured, only adding to Chris's contented grin.
Chris watched the cranky face disappear when the nurse approached. The features melted into an angelic smile that beamed up at her. He rolled his green eyes and groaned as the drawl escaped.
"Mornin', Annie. The sun don't shine until ya smile."
"Annie, you might want to wait on that bath. I think I'm gonna be sick!" Chris groaned. He turned somber when the shaky body rose, heavily aided by the nurse. "Vin, use the chair... it's too far."
"Leave me be..." Vin hissed, concentrating hard on every painful small step. It seemed like ten miles until he got to the edge of Chris's bed. Annie disappeared into the bathroom.
"Sit!"
"Ain't no damn dog..." Vin mumbled but did rest on the edge of the bed.
"I'm not so sure, you smell like one," Chris sent back, eyeing the fine line of perspiration on the sharpshooter's face. "You okay?" A single nod was the reply. He heard Annie running the water and then she reappeared.
"Come on, sugar... water's just right."
"Don't be a hog in there, Tanner. I got my eye on a bath too..."
Vin paused as Annie got him on his feet.
"I thought ya was m'girl? Ya cheatin' on me?" he rasped, using tiny steps.
"Never!" Annie sauced. "We have a new girl startin' this morning. She's from Canada, just moved a couple months ago. Her name's Winnie. She's doing Chris's bath."
"Canada, huh?" Chris called after them. "Just might be the right touch for this cramp in my leg."
"Any chance she's about seventy, a hunnert pounds overweight and sportin' a bunch o'hairy moles?" Vin hoped and heard Annie laugh.
"No... sorry, Vin."
Later, after both men were washed, dressed and had finished breakfast, they were waiting for the doctor to sign their release orders. Twice, Chris looked up from his paper, noting Vin was still staring at the same spot on the page in the magazine in his lap. The younger man was sitting in the chair by the window. Chris tossed his paper down and noticed the blue eyes were far away.
"You okay, cowboy?"
"What if...?"
Chris waited but no more words came. Vin's mouth formed a grim line and his shoulders hunched. Larabee sighed and raked a hand through his short blond hair. It was still damp and the scent of a spring breeze surrounded him, courtesy of the shampoo.
"I'll find you."
"What?" Vin looked over at the quiet soldier and felt the power.
"You can't hide... not from me. What's eatin' at you, Tanner?" Chris was perplexed. "This is the day we've been waiting for. We're going home and..." His sentence halted when clouds drifted over the handsome Texan's features. "That's it? Going home has you rattled?"
"I don't know where home is..." Vin hushed, dropping his face.
"The doctor said your memory could come back at any time. One song, one picture, any trigger might..."
"Yeah... yeah... yeah..." Vin dismissed, waving his hand. "Easy fer him t'say. He can remember his house, his car, his job. I got folks dependin' on me t'watch their backs. Ya said I was yer sharpshooter."
"Not 'was', Vin. You are my sharpshooter and one trip to the firing range will take that doubt away. Now quit fooling around and tell me what's wrong."
"It's been t'long... I'm afraid..." Vin paused, swallowed and brought his face up. "...afraid... I won't never get m'box open. I want m'pictures, Chris."
"I know, Vin. I wish I could open that fuckin' box for you." He paused and extended his right hand, palm up. "Every journey starts with one step, Tanner. How 'bout I give you what you gave me the first time we met. I'd say that's a good place to start."
Vin eyed that hand and all that came with it. He knew the next several weeks would be rough. Between his healing body and soul, he would need a light to guide him through the dark times. Suddenly, that healing light was radiating right on him, in an omnipotent shade of green. He slowly stood, took several small steps and they locked forearms. The force of that bond stole his breath away.
But he smiled and nodded, not soiling the moment with words.
"I'll be there when you fall. I'll carry you if I have to. But you'll find that road home, Vin. You got my word."
Chris released him then, seeing the azure eyes brimming. He settled back and rested his own eyes, letting Vin compose himself. He was dozing when a soft kiss graced his cheek. He knew by the wonderful light Oriental musk who it was.
"Good morning, sweetheart."
"Hey, mom!" He yawned and watched her move to the chair where Vin was huddled.
"Are my boys ready to go home?"
She watched in amazement as a myriad of emotions swept over the quiet young man's face. He struggled to remain composed. He took several breaths and his hands were trembling. She took each of them in hers and squatted down, squeezing them in reassurance. Then she released the slim fingers. Taking the troubled face in both hands, she found her mother's voice.
"I've been so very blessed in my life, Vin. I found a special man to share my life with. God blessed us with a golden child. My husband's given me many fine things over the years. But the finest gift, the most powerful and the one that gives me life..." She paused. ".that gift, the very finest thing a father can do for his child, is to love and honor his mother. I didn't have the pleasure of meeting your father, Vin, but I see by the fine man before me, the shining example of that gift he gave to your mother. Adam and I don't have a house in Virginia, sweetheart, we have a home. What holds those walls up is love, that's the mortar. So with these hands, you let me cradle your mother's son until he finds his light again. I'd be so honored."
Vin was too stunned to speak but two tears slid down his cheeks and he lifted his arms, accepting her embrace. He felt those hands rubbing his back and felt her kiss his cheek. He took several breaths, but it didn't seem to help.
"Do you need a minute to compose yourself?" Kate asked and felt the head bob against her shoulder. "Okay." She moved back and helped him stand. She watched his lips open and close without the benefit of a word issued. Then his hand came up and touched her cheek.
"I...." Vin began, his voice cracking severely. "...see her... in yer eyes... feel her... here..." he choked, tapping his chest. "Thank..." He had to turn away then, shuffling to the bathroom when his voice failed.
"I ever tell you how much I love you?" Chris smiled at the wonderful woman who'd cherished him. "Every time you smile, sweetheart." She hugged him and eyed the closed door. "He's still so fragile..."
"He's a Tanner," Chris predicted with confidence, then reached for his crutches. "Let's go home."
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