Disclaimer: Watson, Densham, Mirisch, Trilogy, MGM, CBS, TNN… anyone else? I don't own 'em, I don't get paid for this… not in money, anyway.

Pairing: Slash, established couple, Chris/Vin. Implied that the others are aware of the relationship.

Notes: I started this about 5 years ago, and it languished in my "WIP" stack until a few weeks ago when it started calling out to me. It's pretty straight H/C with enough story (I hope) to hold it together. The injury came from an accident that happened to someone where I was working at the time I started this. As for Vin's phobia, I got the idea one day after recounting some of the crazy stunts my mother and great-uncle performed, due to their phobia of snakes.

Chris Larabee looked up from his newspaper, staring curiously across the wide front porch of his house. His attention had been drawn from reading the sports page toward the barn. Vin Tanner was jogging toward the house, a string of angry words flowing from him as he pounded across the drive and onto the porch. His partner didn't break stride, simply bounding over his outstretched legs and flying onto the nearby porch swing. The Texan drew his long legs up onto the wooden seat, wrapping his arms around them as he glared toward the barn. Chris continued to stare at the younger man, watching as his blue eyes bulged, and flared with emotion. His gaze moved from his lover to the barn, half expecting it to burst into flame under the smoldering glare.

Looking back at the long-haired man, he asked curiously, "Problem?"

Eyes snapping toward the older man, Vin spewed forth a soliloquy that threatened to set the porch on fire. At least the other man assumed that none of it was good. He wasn't certain what language the volatile man was speaking.

"Vin? Pard, what the hell's wrong?"

Blinking, blue eyes seeming finally to focus on his partner, Tanner took a deep breath. He opened his mouth… closed it… opened it… closed it with a growl. Taking another breath, he tried again, and finally managed to say in a hoarse whisper, "Snake."

Pale eyes knitting together in a frown, Larabee repeated, "Snake?"

"Snake," Vin's head bobbed up and down in agreement.

"Where?"

Glaring as if his lover had suddenly sprouted another head, the Texan said, "Barn."

"Barn? Is it around the horses? What kind of snake is it, anyway?"

"It's a damn snake! I dunno what kind it is. Over at the hay bales."

"The bales Buck and JD brought in for us yesterday?"

Nodding, Tanner pinned the blond with another glare. "Go get it."

"Me? Why the hell," Chris broke off, suddenly realizing what was going on. Vin was terrified. Of a snake. The young man could stare down half a dozen men with semi-automatics without blinking. He scaled and bounded across buildings with the same ease most people walked down a sidewalk. And he was afraid of snakes.

"Ah, hell." Larabee unfolded his lean body from the chair and started toward the barn. His mind spun with a variety of thoughts, and few of them were good. If Buck and JD had an inkling of Vin's fear, they could very well have seized an opportunity to repay one of the latest string of practical jokes going on between his men.

Someday he hoped the entire lot would finally grow up. He wasn't holding his breath, though.

Entering the barn, Chris stood still for a minute, allowing his eyes to adjust to the dimmer light. There was just as much of a chance that it was a real snake, rather than the rubber one he suspected. As soon as he could see in the shadowy light, he strode toward the stacked bales of hay Buck and JD had delivered for them. He slowed, advancing warily as he saw the dark form atop one of the bales.

"God damn it, Buck," the agent growled under his breath as he realized that the snake was, indeed, rubber. Picking it up, he strode back to the house, the rubber toy dangling from his grasp. As he neared the porch, he saw Vin try to fold himself into the far corner of the swing.

Reaching the broad steps, he stopped. Holding the fake snake up, he said reassuringly, "it's just a toy, Junior. No need to worry."

"It's a snake!" Vin insisted, continuing to try and force himself through the links of the swing's chain.

"It's a toy," Larabee repeated. "Nothing that can hurt you."

"It's a fuckin' SNAKE!"

Chris took a step. "Vin, it's a toy, honest."

"Don't you get near me with that thing!" With a speed far greater than normal, the team's sharpshooter vaulted over the back of the porch swing and landed in a feral pounce at the edge of the porch. Between them, the swing jerked convulsively, the chains rattling like one of Dickens ghosts.

"Vin?" Larabee had no idea as to what to make of his partner's actions.

"Get… that… fucking… thing… away… from… me," Tanner enunciated each syllable precisely, with no trace of his usual drawl.

"Okay, okay," Chris said quietly, raising his hands in surrender. He quickly left the porch, glancing over his shoulder every few steps. Vin remained crouched on the edge of the porch. The blond could swear he could still make out the flashing blue of his partner's eyes. Once more cursing his oldest friend, he shoved the child's toy into glove compartment of his Ram. He would hand the damn thing over to Buck later, following it with one hell of a diatribe for the man's actions toward his lover. That done, he returned to the porch, only to find Tanner had yet to move.

Lifting his hands out and away from his body, Chris advanced on the painfully tense younger man as if he were approaching a wild stallion. As softly as he could, he said, "Vin, I took it away. It's gone now. It's okay. Vin, you don't have to worry about the snake any more, it's gone."

"Y' got rid of it?" His voice was trembling, blue eyes still smoldering.

"All gone. No more snake," Larabee stopped himself, feeling as if he were suddenly speaking to a three-year-old. "I got rid of the snake, pard, it's okay. You're safe."

Straightening slowly, the rangy Texan continued to watch his partner. Finally nodding, he advanced toward the blond. He continued to breathe heavily, a thin sheen of perspiration covering his finely chiseled features. His arms were wrapped tightly around himself, and his steps were uneven as he moved shakily across the porch.

As the younger man drew near, Larabee reached out a hand and gently brushed back the loose, chestnut curls. "You okay?"

Hesitating for a moment, Tanner finally said softly, "Sorry."

"Don't apologize. We all have things we're afraid of, and reasons to be afraid of them. Did you get bitten once or something?"

"Nope."

Frowning, the blond said, "But you've been attacked by one, or someone's used it to torment you?"

"Nope, just hate 'em, simple as that."

Larabee was still puzzled, but decided to let it drop. Instead he said, "Well, let's go get ready then. We're supposed to meet the others at the Saloon at eight."

Nodding once more, Vin headed for the door, Chris quick on his heels.

They walked through the house, Larabee still slightly behind Tanner. The older man noted the shortened steps made by stiffened legs, and knew that his lover was still upset. He couldn't understand the unbridled fear, but accepted it. He had known others, even among his own family, who would become irrational and panic-stricken at the mere mention of spiders, snakes or some other creature. The blond filed away this new bit of information on the man who had stolen his heart.

Catching up to the slender man just inside the bathroom door, he gently laid a hand on Vin's shoulder. He felt the tension knotting the muscles there and frowned once more. He was going to kick Buck and / or JD's ass. "Vin?"

"Chris, don't, okay?"

"But, I just want to know that you're all right."

"'M fine, just drop it."

Sliding his hand down to rest on the hard-muscled bicep, Larabee said softly, "It really is okay."

"Damn it, I know that, okay? So just let me be!"

Flinching at the angry words, Chris said, "Fine. So why are you pissed off at me?"

Dropping his head, Vin said, "Ain't. It's just… I don't… it's foolish."

Sliding around in front of the Texan, Larabee said, "What's foolish? Being afraid of snakes?"

Taking a deep, quivering breath, Vin said, "What else? Ain't a pretty sight, is it? Grown man actin' like a baby 'bout a damn toy."

"You weren't acting like a baby, and it wasn't about a toy." Tucking a hand beneath the square chin, Chris coaxed his partner's head up. Locking gazes with the younger man, he smiled gently, telling Vin that he was being truthful.

Taking another deep breath and returning the smile shakily, Tanner said, "It's just foolish, is all."

"No, what's foolish is Buck and JD doing something this stupid."

"Wasn't their fault."

"You know as well as I do that they planted the snake there yesterday."

"They didn't know… leastways they didn't know how scared I am of 'm."

"You told them about being afraid of snakes?"

Shaking his head, Tanner said, "Not exactly. Told 'em the other day that I hated the damn things is all."

Heaving a sigh, Chris pulled the other man into his arms, wrapping him in a secure hug. Then one hand strayed upward and he combed his fingers through the long hair. He brushed a feather light kiss across the shell of Vin's ear, nibbling at the earlobe. Tanner moaned softly in response.

Vin's head dropped to the other man's broad shoulder, his arms slipping around Chris' back. He felt the blond's fingers continue to brush through his hair, sending a shiver of excitement through him. Then the man's other hand slid gently down his back, rubbing at the tight muscles before moving down to the curve of his ass. He pressed against Larabee's narrow hips, groaning as he began to respond to the man's touch.

Feeling Vin's response to his ministrations, Chris smiled. Pulling back slightly, he whispered against the long neck, "Why don't we shed these clothes before we continue this?"

"Mm," was the only response Tanner could manage. Reluctantly he moved back, his head slowly coming up until he was gazing at his partner. With a growing grin, the lean Texan began to pull at his tee shirt, drawing it up over his head.

The two men were silent as they stripped, and a minute later they both stood, naked, in the middle of the bathroom. Chris reached over and turned on the shower, while Vin closed the door to keep the steam in, although he was pretty certain that the two of them would be making enough steam to keep it from dissipating any time soon. Larabee stepped inside the shower, turned and motioned Tanner in beside him. He leaned back against the "ice block" wall that looked out onto the broad expanse of his property and pulled Vin back into his arms.

The Texan went willingly, allowing himself to be wrapped in the strong embrace. He tilted his head up, meeting the hazel-eyed stare. Smiling broadly, he leaned forward, his lips pressing hard against Chris'. The two men lost themselves in the passion of the moment, lips nipping and tugging, tongues searching and probing. It wasn't long before they were both hard, throbbing cocks pressed against one another. Both men were breathless, panting as their bodies strained and ached in anticipation.

Vin dropped to his knees, hands wrapping around the man's hard thighs. He ran the very tip of his tongue along the thick cock, smiling when Chris responded with a passionate groan. He ran his mouth along the heated flesh next, ending at the bulging head. Pausing just long enough to feel Larabee's entire body tense, he opened his mouth wide, slowly enveloping his lover's sex.

"Oh… shit," Larabee moaned. While one hand reached out to brace him against the wall, the fingers of his other hand burying themselves in the thick hair. He urged Vin forward, hips canting toward his lover as his need stole conscious thought from him.

Tanner began to slide Chris' cock in and out of his mouth, with slow, sensual movements. He pressed the narrow hips back against the wall, intent on not rushing the moment. Then, keeping his lover still with one hand, the other slid downward along the thick-muscled thigh, searching blindly until his fingers wrapped around the bulging sac beneath the heavy cock.

"Oh… God… Vin," Chris breathed, barely able to form the words. "Oh… damn… shit… fuck!"

Vin slowly increased the pace, and within minutes he had the other man screaming in exquisite agony. Finally he delivered Larabee over the threshold, sending the man into a mind-numbing climax.

Chris bucked against Tanner, shoved backward against the wall, arched his back and threw back his head. With a final, ear-splitting cry, he felt his cock give a final, spastic jerk as his seed filled his lover's mouth. He leaned heavily against the thick glass, trembling and panting as Vin skillfully milked him empty.

Finally lifting his face upward, the younger man smiled as he watched his lover's body succumb to the heady love-making. Then he moved back as Chris relaxed, sliding down the wall to sprawl across the shower floor.

With a satisfied sigh, Larabee looked across the steamy shower at the spare frame of his partner. He smiled as he noticed the still erect cock rising from the thatch of curls. Licking his lips hungrily, the blond smiled wantonly. Without warning, he pulled Vin around until the other man was sprawled the length of the shower. Positioning himself between the long legs, he dove forward, his mouth devouring the long, thick cock.

"Fu…uck!" Vin growled as he felt himself taken into the other man's mouth. Pressing his legs against the sides of the shower to brace himself, he allowed himself to be carried away by Larabee's actions. He grasped the broad shoulders, fingers digging into the taut flesh. He cried out again and again as the blond licked, sucked, and teased at his cock. Then he felt the older man's fingers wrap around his balls, and he bucked against the hard body.

Chris felt the man beneath him quiver and lurch, knowing that Vin wouldn't be able to last much longer. As the lean frame bowed, jerking with its need, he sucked long and hard, squeezing the heavy balls at the same time. Tanner cried out, his seed exploding inside the other man's greedy mouth.

Both men collapsed in a tangle of long arms and legs, on the shower floor. For several minutes they could do nothing but tremble and pant. Finally Chris pushed himself to his hands and knees, gazing lovingly into the wide, blue eyes. With a lopsided grin, he leaned down and kissed the wide mouth lovingly.

~o~

Less than an hour later, the two men were dressed and in the blond's Ram, heading for their rendezvous at Inez Recillos' bar, The Saloon. Chris was behind the wheel, feeling more relaxed than he had all day. Looking across the broad seat, he smiled as he saw Vin leaning back, head on the backrest and eyes closed.

"Sure you don't want to just turn around and go back home?"

Not opening his eyes, the other man shook his head. "Told the others we'd be there. 'Sides, reckon I owe Bucklin 'n JD a little somethin' for today."

Eyes taking on a hard glint, Chris replied, "I'll take care of that debt."

Slanting a look at his lover, Vin frowned at the cold look that had settled on the handsome features. "They didn't know."

Shaking his head, knuckles growing white as he gripped the wheel, Larabee growled low. "Doesn't matter. They won't do it again."

With a sigh, Tanner realized that the older man would need a little time to calm down. And, now that the memories had been stirred up, he needed a distraction. Drumming his fingers on his jean-clad leg, he pondered for a minute, then grinned when he remembered his GameBoy. Leaning forward, he popped open the glove box.

Chris had been too wrapped up in thoughts of retribution to realize what Vin was doing until it was too late. Suddenly the cab was filled with an earth-shattering scream. Shocked, he convulsively jerked the wheel. The big, black vehicle flew sideways, brakes squealing as Larabee fought to get the truck back under control. Finally they came to rest at the side of the road, half on and half off the shoulder, horns blowing as cars fought to avoid a collision. Carefully, the blond guided the truck off the road, shoving the gearshift into park. He looked across to where his partner sat sideways in the seat, feet drawn up before him.

Cursing both himself and the other men for their foolishness, Chris leaned over and retrieved the rubber toy from the open glove compartment. Rolling down his window, he threw the snake as hard as he could; sending it sailing over the roof to disappear over the ravine's edge that lay just beyond the road. Slamming the little door back into the dash, he looked to see that Vin was only now beginning to breathe. Running his hand along the pale face, he said, "Are you okay?"

"Think... I think so," he stuttered.

He squeezed a trembling shoulder before returning to his side of the cab. Rolling up the window, he carefully pulled back onto the road. They would be at the Saloon soon.

Buck Wilmington and JD Dunne were not going to be happy to see them.

~o~

The self-proclaimed ladies man, oblivious to impending doom, was hard at work. He leaned over the wide bar, grinning devilishly at the object of his conquest.

"Inez, darlin', you're lookin' mighty fine tonight," he was practically drooling. The young Hispanic woman wore tight jeans and a deep red blouse that accentuated her figure just right. He felt his own jeans becoming decidedly snug in the crotch, and hoped to win the bar owner over this time.

"Well, thank you, senor," the dark haired beauty said in a breathy voice. She moved in such a way that her cleavage was directly in his line of sight.

Wilmington groaned softly, feeling his cock strain against his jeans and the silk boxers beneath. "You know darlin', me and you could sneak upstairs for some private fun. Ain't no one here but the boys, and they 'll understand."

"Why, senor, that does sound like an… interesting proposition." The woman cooed, running a hand – damp from washing glasses – along her round, firm breast.

"Oh lord, girl, don't tease me now," the big man groaned, expecting to feel his heavy cock rip through the restrictive clothing at any second.

"But, I do not tease," she walked around the bar, hips swaying as she approached the mustached lothario. Coming to stand right in front of him, she ran a finger down his chest, stopping just at the top of his jeans. "I am…always… a serious woman."

He was trembling as she punctuated her words by running her finger along his waistband. If he didn't make it to home base this time, he figured he'd probably go blind. "Inez," he whispered, his voice thick with desire.

Smiling, the young woman looked over at the single, occupied table. "Can I get you men anything?"

Nathan, Josiah, JD and Ezra simply watched, open mouthed, at her surrender and acceptance of the big man's ham-handed attempts at seduction. Josiah recovered enough to shake his head no, while the others simply sat there, dumbfounded.

"Well, you know where everything is if you do. Senor Wilmington is going to go with me… to check on my inventory." She took one big hand in hers, and led him toward the back. They all knew that the staircase there led up to her apartment.

The two people were just entering the stairwell when the front door swung opened.

"BUCK WILMINGTON!"

Flinching at the familiar voice and its too familiar tone, the ladies man felt himself wilt. Cursing the evil humor of the cosmos, he dropped the young woman's hand and turned to face his friend and boss. "Damn it Larabee, do y' know what y' just did?"

"Do you know what you did?" Chris didn't care who was in the bar, didn't care who heard him. He was angry. Stone, cold, angry. "You and your fucking jokes! They damn near got me and Vin killed not half an hour ago!"

"Chris, what the hell are you talking about? What joke?" He, Vin and JD were always playing practical jokes, and were just as often the recipient of some prank or other. But he was clearly puzzled by Larabee's words.

"Cowboy, calm down," Vin had come up behind his partner, grabbing hold of the man's black leather jacket. "I told y', Buck 'n JD didn't know. Now, c'mon, let's just get a drink."

Shaking off the restraining hand, Larabee continued to vent his anger. "That fucking snake damn near sent us off the road, you fucking moron. A joke stops being a joke when it almost gets someone killed!"

"CHRIS!"

The blond's head snapped around at the call to zero in on JD Dunne. The youngest member of their team stood away from the table, looking paler than ever. "Don't worry, JD, you're next."

"No. Buck didn't have a thing to do with it. The snake was my idea." He turned to look at Tanner. "I'm really sorry, Vin. I didn't realize – "

Holding up a hand, the Texan said, "Forget it, JD. I know you didn't know."

Turning back to their boss, the computer expert said, "Chris, I swear, Buck didn't know anything about it. This is all my fault. If you want to yell at someone, yell at me."

Larabee stepped away from his oldest friend and moved toward the young brunet. He shook off the restraining hands, one belonging to Vin, the other to Buck. Stalking toward Dunne, he didn't stop until he was toe to toe with the smaller man. "Of all the stupid, moronic, foolish – "

"Chris!"

Once more the agent turned to the call of his name. He saw that, while Wilmington was still there, Tanner had disappeared. "What?"

"Maybe if you'd stop a minute, you'd see that Junior ran off. Maybe you thought he wanted to have the shit embarrassed out of him?"

"Ah, hell," Larabee growled. Looking back at the shaken young man, he said in a low voice, "This isn't over, JD."

The other five men watched as their team leader strode from the bar, his back rigid with anger. In his wake was the evening's destruction. Buck turned to find that Inez had retreated behind the bar, sighing when he realized that he had lost the opportunity as well as the desire. JD looked ready to toss his cookies; he stumbled back to the table, dropping, shaken and weak, to his chair. The other three looked decidedly uncomfortable at being subjected to the wrath of Larabee even though they had no part in the situation. So much for the evening.

~o~

Chris left the Saloon, looking up and down the street as he reached the sidewalk. No Vin. "Damn it!" If his cagey partner wanted to disappear, he could do so without any trouble.

He climbed into the Ram, deciding that he would drive around to see if he could see Vin on foot. He didn't have much hope that he'd find the slender young Texan, but he would give it a try. The Saloon was just at the edge of the Purgatorio community, and if anyone knew the short-cuts and hide-aways of the area, Tanner did.

~o~

He wasn't certain where he was walking, but he was getting there quickly. The ATF sharpshooter was moving at a near run, gliding down street after street without really seeing his surroundings. He had lived in the area for years, and knew every crack in the sidewalks beneath his boots by heart.

He was vaguely aware of passing people here and there, aware of the traffic sounds on some level. But most of his mind was on what had happened at the Saloon. He wasn't certain if he was hurt, or angry, or just what he was feeling. Embarrassed, that was a certainty. He knew that Larabee had only been concerned for his well-being, but sometimes having the protective and volatile man as a life partner was damned frustrating.

Wrapped up in his thoughts, Tanner wasn't aware of what he was doing as he stepped out in front of an older model Ford. The big vehicle was covered in spots of primer and the heavy bass of rap music rattled the half opened windows. The growl of an accelerating engine could be heard beneath the music, as the driver pushed harder on the gas. Shouts and cries of excitement and raw, perverse joy poured from the windows along with the music. The vehicle changed course, bearing down on the distracted young man.

Too late, Tanner realized that there was something wrong. He looked up just in time to see the perverse grin of the driver reflected in the street light as the big car struck him. Then his perspective changed as he spun through the air to land hard on the concrete, at the curb. He tried to cry out as pain coursed through his body, but could only wheeze as he tried desperately to draw air into his aching lungs. He was vaguely aware of laughter, as the car stopped. Whoever was inside, they were coming to admire their handiwork.

"Think he's dead?"

"If he ain't, he will be. C'mon, let's see if he's got anything worth takin'."

"Don't look like much, and anyone stupid enough t' be walkin' around here this time a night pro'ly ain't too smart."

He felt them going through his pockets, pulling things out to look them over. Then –

"Shit! He's a Fed!"

"Ah fuck, c'mon, let's get outta here!"

The sound of squealing tires pulled Vin out of his stupor. He managed to open his eyes, waiting for the sky above him to stop spinning. As it righted itself, he pulled himself up to a sitting position, leaning heavily against the broken curb. With a distracted air, the ATF sharpshooter gathered up his billfold and ID, shoving them into his jacket pocket. He pushed himself to his feet, groaning softly as pain sent sparks from several areas of his body at once. He stumbled across the sidewalk to the nearest building, leaning heavily against the cool brick and sliding down to sit on the uneven and broken sidewalk. His mind was slow in processing his predicament, and it was several minutes before he thought to reach into his pocket for his cell phone. It was gone.

"Damn," he wheezed, coughing as his chest convulsed with pain. Leaning his head back against the building, he tried to decide what to do. Blurry images passed by from time to time, people who gave him little attention or passed quickly for fear of being accosted by the disheveled man sprawled on the sidewalk. He knew he should call out and ask for help, but also knew the people of Purgatorio. They would either be too afraid or too uncaring that he was injured. His only hope was that one of his team members would find him.

~o~

JD watched the sidewalks on either side of the side street he was driving down. The young computer expert hoped he would be the one to find their missing teammate, but at the same time he hoped he wouldn't. He didn't know what he would say to the other man, or how he would apologize. He hadn't meant to do anything more than play a harmless practical joke, and certainly hadn't meant to cause the problems that the little rubber snake had caused.

Vowing not to play another practical joke for as long as he lived, the brunet continued slowly down the street.

"Vin!" He pulled in at the curb, slamming the car into park and jumping out the door. He jogged over to where the long-haired Texan sat slumped against the wall. Dropping to his knees beside Tanner, he reached out to touch one jacketed arm. "Vin?"

Slowly the injured man turned his head. Managing a weak smile, he drawled heavily, "hey, JD."

"What happened?"

"What? Oh… I'm okay," the injured man said softly. "Couple punks… help me up, Kid."

"We need to get you to a hospital, have a doctor look at you."

"I'm okay… just help me up. Let's go back t' the S… Saloon."

"Vin – "

"C'mon Kid… I need… need t' go talk t' Chris."

"He's not there. He's out looking for you, along with all the others."

With a sigh, Tanner said, "Let's get back there, 'n give 'm a call."

Deciding that he would have a better chance at getting Vin to go to the hospital if Larabee were around, the younger man nodded. Holding out a hand to help his friend to his feet, he said, "Alright then, let's go."

The Texan managed to get to his feet with the other man's help and then shuffled the few feet to drop into the passenger seat. He was only marginally aware of JD climbing behind the wheel and pulling away from the curb.

They traveled in silence, Dunne unaware of exactly how badly Tanner was injured. There was little visible in the dim street lights, and Vin seemed to be coherent. The fact that he slumped in the seat and said nothing wasn't unusual, that was simply the Texan's usual stance when he was upset or thinking about something. JD pulled his cell phone from his jacket and began calling the others. He let them know that Vin had been jumped by a couple of street punks, and that they were on their way to the Saloon.

A short time later they arrived at the bar, Vin pulling himself stiffly from the passenger seat. He was grateful for the steadying hand on his elbow as he moved slowly into the bar. There were a few people inside, but none of the other ATF members had arrived yet.

Both men found themselves the center of attention as JD maneuvered the lanky Texan to the back and into a seat at their regular table. Inez was there just as Vin took a seat, a clean towel and a glass of water in her hands.

"JD, what happened?"

"Vin said it was a couple of street hoods. I think he needs to get checked out, but he's being stubborn."

"Y' know, I'm sittin' right here," the object of their conversation complained.

Squatting down in front of Tanner, the bar owner gently wiped at the blood on his face. "Yes, you are right here. Scaring my customers. You look awful, Vin. JD is right; you should go to the hospital."

Listening to her clipped tones, the injured man realized she was upset, but misunderstood the reason behind her tone. "Sorry Inez. Me 'n JD can go wait outside –"

"You'll do no such thing! Now, you sit here and rest, I'm sure the others will be here quickly." She handed him the glass of water, noting the tremble of the usually steady hands.

Sitting in the chair next to him, JD looked into the sharpshooter's face. He saw the dazed expression and pale features, noted the scrapes and cuts, and the labored breathing. "Ah, Jesus Vin. Please, let's get you to the hospital. I'll call – "

His words were cut off as the sound of footsteps hurrying across the room was accompanied by the voice of doom. Chris Larabee.

"Vin! JD what happened to him?"

"I… I don't know. He told me it was… a couple of street punks. I – "

"Jesus Christ, can't you tell the difference between a beating and… and something worse?" Larabee dropped to his knees in front of the other man, calling to Inez, "Can you call for an ambulance?"

"Si."

Nearby, Dunne slumped in his chair with a groan. When in the hell would he ever do something right?

As for Chris, his mind was completely focused on his injured partner. He tenderly brushed back a tangle of chestnut curls. "What happened?"

Frowning, Tanner said, Ain't fer… certain. 'Member walkin'… started t' cross the street… then… I… I ain't sure, Chris. Just… just don't blame the Kid, okay? Weren't his fault. I… I tol' 'm… tol' 'm…" finally the pain and injury won out, and Vin slumped forward, unconscious.

"Vin? Vin! Come on, stay with me, pard… come on."

"Chris?"

Larabee looked up to see Nathan Jackson standing nearby. His eyes pleading, even though his voice held little emotion, the blond said, "Nathan, something's wrong. He was talking to me, then suddenly he just passed out."

"Let me take a look," the medically trained agent ordered, motioning his boss to move.

Standing aside, the ATF team leader watched as the bigger man examined his partner. Then the sound of a siren came to them, and they all knew that even more help was on the way.

~o~

The hours that followed were a blur. Chris remembered climbing into the ambulance with Vin, ignoring the EMT's statement that there really wasn't room. He remembered holding Tanner's hand all the way to the hospital, not caring what the other men in the vehicle thought. He remembered going to the door of the examination room, and only stopping because two orderlies blocked his path. The ATF agent waited just outside, slumping against the wall as he watched the emergency room staff passing in one direction or another as they carried out their duties. Organized chaos ruled the wing of the hospital as other injured individuals came and went through the big doors.

It seemed like days before the doctor came into the hallway. "You're with Mr. Tanner?"

"Yeah."

"He's going into surgery. We've discovered that he's got a closed head injury."

"Meaning?"

"He's bleeding into his brain, and we need to get it stopped now if he's going to survive."

"I want to see him."

"He's not really coherent."

"Doesn't matter."

"All right, for just a minute."

Nodding, the blond pushed away from the wall and strode across the hall and into the little cubicle. Tanner lay on the narrow cot, eyes closed. Monitors surrounded him, tubes and wires connecting the lean frame to them. He made his way around and between the equipment and stood right beside the bed. Reaching out a trembling hand, he carefully stroked the pale face. Blue eyes fluttered open, struggled to stay that way, and managed to focus on him. "Hey, there."

Managing a weak smile, the Texan said, "Hey. Where… hospital?"

"Where else? Why didn't you tell us you were hurt so badly?"

"Didn't? I… I don't 'member… what ha… happened."

Recalling the doctor's words that his partner would be disoriented, Chris said, "It's not important. We'll sort it out later. They're gonna fix you up, so I can only stay a minute. I'll be waiting when you get to your room."

"'Kay." He found it impossible to keep his eyes open any longer, and allowed them to slide shut.

Taking a deep breath in an effort to calm himself, Larabee ached to reach down and plant a kiss on the pallid forehead. Then a sound at the door caused him to move back. He watched as they readied his partner for surgery, wheeling the narrow bed out of the room.

He remembered walking on wooden legs from the room, leaving the ER and finding Josiah and Ezra waiting for him. They flanked him, escorting him to the surgery waiting room. He sat between them on one of the couches, neither acknowledging nor ignoring them. Larabee drew comfort from their presence, and knew that they would understand his silence.

Time at once flew by and stood still, and finally the doctor came to find them. Chris caught bits and pieces of the conversation, trusting that his friends would gather the information for him and explain it all later. All he cared about was the fact Vin was alive, and that the chances for his complete recovery were excellent.

He sat back down, collapsing as if he were a balloon losing air. Josiah wrapped a big arm around his shoulder, not pulling him closer, but simply letting him know he was there. He leaned back against the heavy bicep, scrubbing his hand across his tired face. He suddenly felt very, very old and very, very worn down.

Dropping his hand, he stared at the ceiling, not caring that tears streamed down his face. If the other men didn't understand, then that was their problem. All that mattered was that Vin was all right.

"I'll go and deliver the news to the others," Ezra said quietly.

Larabee frowned, sitting up to look around the room. "Where are they?"

"Considering the current hard feelings, Buck and JD felt it prudent to wait elsewhere. They are in the general waiting room. Nathan stayed with them." With that explanation, the undercover agent left on his errand.

"JD feels pretty low about this," Josiah began.

"He should feel low… hell, he should feel more than low. The stupid stunt he pulled could have gotten both Vin and me killed. And then what does he do when he finds Vin? He lets the stubborn fool sit around, when he needed to be in the hospital. At least he did one thing right, staying away from me. I don't want him anywhere near me right now, Josiah."

Sighing, the profiler said, "Maybe when you see Vin, know that he's all right, and calm down a little, we can sit down and sort this all out."

"What's to sort out?" Chris was growing angry just thinking about the young computer expert.

"Chris, I know you're upset, but none of it was intentional. You know as well as I do that JD would never do anything to hurt Vin. As for not taking him to the hospital, we all know how stubborn that man can be, and how persuasive he can be when he doesn't want to get medical attention. You're worried Chris, but don't let it blind you to the truth."

Larabee wasn't ready to let go of his anger. Pushing himself up from the couch, he began pacing around the little room.

It was then that the other members of ATF Team Seven made the unfortunate choice of entering the waiting room. Chris looked up to see Dunne walking in, and reacted before he thought, or before the others could respond. Taking two long strides, he swung and hit the smaller man in the face. JD dropped like a sack of flour to the floor.

"Chris!" Buck stood between his oldest friend, and his youngest friend, glaring hard at one as he tried to protect the other.

The blond was unfazed, and simply took a swing at Wilmington. Buck blocked it and, by that time, the others had time to intervene. Josiah and Nathan pinned the angry man's arms behind his back, while Ezra helped Buck lift a semi-conscious JD up and sit him in a chair. Josiah and Nathan pushed their boss into a chair, Sanchez standing over him, while Jackson went to check on JD.

The other occupants of the room had either huddled in one corner, or scurried out the door when the altercation began. Two large orderlies entered the room, one going to each cluster of men. The doctor who had taken care of Vin came in right behind them, going straight to Chris.

"I realize you're concerned about your friend, but I won't have people beating the hell out of one another in my hospital. Now, either knock it off or get out."

"He can stay, doc, we'll be leavin'." Buck spoke from the other side of the room. Not looking at his friend and supervisor, he said, "We'll check in later."

Buck and Nathan helped a still groggy Dunne from the room, while Ezra and Josiah remained behind with Chris. Both men looked down at their leader, taken aback at the look of anger that filled the handsome face.

"Chris," Josiah began.

"Not right now, preacher," Larabee said, growling out the profiler's nickname. He turned to the doctor. "How is he?"

"He came through the surgery fine, and he's in recovery at the moment. We'll be moving him into ICU after that." Holding up a hand he said, "You can't stay with him, but you can see him for a few minutes as soon as we have him in the room and settled. I'll send a nurse for you."

"Thanks, Doc," Josiah said when he saw that Larabee's mind had left the room, taking his manners with him. He watched as the blond strode off, going to stare out the window. Sanchez knew that his friend wasn't even aware of what was beyond the glass; he simply needed time and space to gather himself back under that cool exterior that was his most of the time. Except when someone he loved was in danger.

Loved. Josiah had once told his friends and colleagues that he wasn't bothered by their relationship. He wasn't, really, although he worried about them. Theirs was not a relationship that most people were comfortable with.

"Josiah?"

The big man looked to see the smaller agent staring at him. "Yeah?"

"Should we…" Standish canted his head toward their boss' back.

Shaking his head, Sanchez said, "Let's go get some coffee, brother, I'm buying."

Flashing a golden grin that didn't quite reach his eyes, the Southerner said, "In that case, I'll have a double latte."

"Yeah, and I'll be peeling you off the ceiling. I've seen what those do to you, Ezra." Calling across the room, the big man said, "Chris, we're gonna get some coffee. Do you want anything?"

Not looking at the other men, Chris simply shook his head. All he wanted was to be alone with his thoughts.

Casting a final look at the blond, the other two men left the room quietly.

Sensing their departure, Larabee continued to stare out the window. On some level he knew that the room was empty now, the other people having left for safer places to wait for news of their loved ones. He knew he should feel badly about that, but the truth was, he didn't. There was only one thing in the world that mattered right now. Vin.

"You're bein' a pain in the ass… y' know that?"

Chris jumped, turning in expectation of seeing his partner standing behind him. Then he realized that the man's raspy drawl was only in his mind, his lover's voice chastising him nonetheless. With a sigh, he turned back to stare out the window, his head pressed against the cool glass. In a near silent whisper, he said, "yeah, I know."

"Wasn't a thing JD could 'a done different. You know better than anyone how stubborn I can be."

He couldn't help but smile at that. "Yeah, that's for damn certain."

"You're gonna have t' make it right."

"Not yet."

"Soon, then."

"Yeah… soon."

~o~

The next couple of days blurred together in a routine that consisted of standing beside Vin's bedside, working from a laptop in the waiting room, and dozing in one of the lounge chairs in the ICU waiting room. Josiah, Nathan and Ezra stopped in to check on him, called him from the office, and brought him changes of clothing. No one argued with him, trying to get him to leave, and he was fine with that. He'd leave when his partner was well enough to understand where he was, and not before. And, if he was being honest, he couldn't conceive of not being in the room each time the younger man woke.

Well, 'woke' wasn't the best description. Every time Tanner's eyes opened, they were confused and glassy. He wasn't able to remember from one time to the next – and sometimes from one second to the next – where he was or what had happened. And, as long as that was the case, Chris was bound and determined to be the one that answered his questions.

So, any time it seemed that the Texan was waking, someone would alert him and he would return to the little cubicle and slip up beside the narrow bed, which was raised high enough that there was no way to talk to his partner other than standing beside him and reaching over the guard rails. He supposed that the bed's height had something to do with making it easier for the medical staff to care for him, but it certainly didn't lend itself to an intimate moment.

"Chris?" The voice was soft, sounded scratchy.

The blond was drawn from his musings, smiling as he greeted his life partner. "Hey there. How're you feeling?"

"T'red… numb… fuzzy…" Vin was trying to focus his eyes with little luck, then made the mistake of trying to move his head.

All of the signs pointed toward disaster, and Chris had a very small window to avert it. With one hand he grabbed the little container nearby while he gently supported the other man's head with the other. He grimaced sympathetically while Tanner vomited; knowing how much pain the action caused the other man.

As soon as things seemed to have subsided, Larabee eased Vin back onto the pillow. The usually tanned face was bled white, the lines of pain standing out starkly on the handsome face. As gently as possible he fed his partner a few ice chips and wiped his face. At a loss to say anything else, he offered a lame, "Okay?"

"Peachy," was the response in a hoarse tone.

With a sympathetic grin, Chris returned with, "Yeah, it was a stupid question."

Managing a weak smile, Vin murmured, "Yeah… s'okay."

"Doctor was in earlier. He said your vitals are all improving. They think you'll be in a regular room, probably tomorrow."

"Y' ain't stayin' the whole time." It was a statement, not a question, delivered in a tone as firm as Tanner could manage.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. Know y' been here… the whole time."

"Don't like you waking up alone," Larabee returned softly as he softly rubbed the other man's arm.

"Me either," Tanner admitted with another smile, this one a little bigger. "But… ain't gonna let'cha wear yourself out." Blue eyes drifted shut.

"I'm fine… it's better staying than not," he whispered, thinking the other man had gone back to sleep.

"Love you, too."

The blond chuckled, leaning over the bed and gently kissing one pale cheek. "I'll be back later." There was no answer, and he left quietly, satisfied that Tanner was sleeping again.

Stepping into the ICU waiting room a few moments later, he was greeted by someone he hadn't expected to see. "Hi, Inez."

"Buenos diaz. How is Vin?"

"Better. They'll be transferring him to a regular room, probably tomorrow. Would you like to go see him?"

"Sí, but later. I brought you lunch." She motioned toward one of the tables set up at one end of the room, where a meal for two was waiting.

As he led the way toward the table, he said, "I thought I smelled something good. Gracias."

"De nada. May I join you?"

"Please." He held out a chair for her, and then took the seat across the table. They engaged in small talk for a few moments, as the Latina filled both plates with his favorites and he poured sweet tea into the two glasses beside them. The conversation remained light while they ate, but Larabee could tell there was more to her visit than simply providing him with a decent meal. He would wait for her to begin, though; he was content to simply enjoy the moment.

A short time later the table was cleared, and they lingered over his favorite coffee that she had brought in a thermos. Choosing her time Inez said, "You know I have an ulterior motive, I think."

Chris smiled over his cup but didn't say anything.

"JD has been coming to the Saloon every night, since the accident. While it would not be unusual for the rest of you, he has never come in alone before."

The blond's expression darkened slightly. "It's only been a couple of days. Maybe he just feels like…" he shrugged, "getting out."

"You know that this is not the case, Chris. Now, you may tell me to but out, tell me to mind my own business, or even kick me out of here. But we both know that it will not change anything. JD has been coming in, drinking more than he should, not talking and looking as if his world has ended. Casey has had to come get him both nights."

Heaving a sigh, Larabee said, "Inez, what do you want me to say?"

"Nothing, Señor. I only want you to think about what is going on."

"JD did something stupid – "

"Sí, as did Vin when he super glued JD's cell phone closed. As did Buck when he sprinkled catnip in Vin's jeep and sent Cuervo loco. As did all three of them did when – "

Holding up both hands in defeat, Chris said, "All right, all right. I get your point. But, Inez, this time – "

"This time it went too far. I understand that, and so does everyone else. Especially JD. Do you really think he would have hidden that snake in the barn if he had the slightest idea as to Vin's reaction?"

Dropping his head, the blond said, "I know… of course he wouldn't have. I know that, but… damn it!"

"This time it almost cost you the loss of the man you love more than anything. Sí. But Vin was not injured because of the prank."

The first response to her words was a glare, but it quickly lost its heat. Leaning forward, arms crossed on the table, Larabee said, "No, he nearly died because of me. I know that. But…" he had no way to finish that sentence.

Inez did, however. "But, you need to be angry at someone." With that, she rose; picked up the things she had brought, and leaned over to kiss him on the cheek. Before she left, she said softly, "Just don't let that anger destroy more than you… any of you… can afford to lose."

Watching as the young woman left the waiting room; Chris groaned softly and scrubbed his hands over his face. She was right. He had to make his peace with what had happened if things were ever going to return to what passed for 'normal' amongst he and his friends.

~o~

He sat beside the narrow bed, relieved that Vin was in a regular room now, ignoring all the machines surrounding them and concentrating on the figure laying there. As he had so often in the last four days, he was mapping every inch, surveying even the smallest hurt. Damn the people who hurt him. And damn him for creating the situation that put his partner in jeopardy.

And he had taken it all out on JD.

Vin muttered, something unintelligible, but the tone was sad and lost. Reaching out, Larabee stroked his fingers through the tangled, somewhat stiff hair, being careful to stay away from the injury site. "It's okay. Just go on back to sleep." With a sigh, Tanner did just that.

Settling into the chair next to the bed, Chris prepared to wait for the next time his injured lover awoke.

"Chris?"

Frowning, Larabee looked up, expecting to see Vin awake again. Then his tired mind registered the fact that it wasn't the right voice. Turning toward the door, he saw JD standing there. As they had almost constantly, the events of the last several days tumbled through his mind, reminding him of what he had done; the damage caused by his own anger. Then, when he registered the bruising on the brunet's face, he cursed softly.

"I'm… I'll go, I…" Dunne stammered.

"No! JD… come in." The time had come and he had to make things right.

Hesitantly the team's electronics man entered the room. If anything he grew paler at his first view of Tanner. "Oh… my God… Chris, I didn't mean to…"

"You didn't, JD. Some bastard did this. The doctor said that there's evidence that it was a hit and run."

"But, if he hadn't gotten upset – "

"He got upset because of me, JD. Because of my anger."

"You were angry at me. I deserved it. I didn't know… I swear, Chris, I didn't know that he'd react like that."

"No one did, Kid."

"Yeah, but – "

Chris pushed himself out of the chair and came to stand next to the smaller man. Reaching out, placed a hand on the other man's shoulder. "JD, no buts. You didn't know. I'm sorry, okay? I was angry… I was scared… and I took it all out on you. You didn't deserve that. I mean, hell, we all know how stubborn the Texan is. What chance did you have against that?"

"Hey… ya got no right talkin'… 'bout me… when I ain't… around…"

Smiling, the two men turned to regard the third. Tanner was staring at them, still glassy eyed but glaring. With a chuckle, Larabee said, "You are around, pard."

"Sez you." Tanner muttered, blue eyes drifting closed and then struggling to open again.

"Go back to sleep."

"Bossy."

"I know. That's why I'm in charge. Now, go on back to sleep."

"Ya gonna play nice?" Vin asked, unfocused gaze going from his partner to their friend and co-worker.

Moving toward the prone figure, Chris said, "Yes, I'm going to play nice. Now… go… to… sleep."

"Bossy…" Tanner repeated, asleep once again before the last syllable left his mouth.

Turning toward the other man, Larabee said, "See? Stubborn." The sound of Dunne's soft, relieved laugh broadened his smile. Maybe it wasn't too late to set things right.

~o~

Three weeks later, the members of ATF Team Seven were gathered at Larabee's ranch for a barbeque. Vin, still suffering the effects of being hit by the car, was stretched out on a lounge chair on the deck, fading cuts and bruises and a bandage on his head the most obvious physical reminders of what had happened to him. Beneath the layers of clothes, however, his right leg and arm were both wrapped in gauze and elastic wraps. His ribs had been cracked, one of them broken, but he was healing and would make a full recovery.

He had no memory of being hit; only vague flashes of most of that day. There were no leads on who had hit him; the DPD had investigated, but found nothing more than the shattered remains of Tanner's cell phone a few yards from where JD informed them he had found the other man. It didn't sit well with any of the team members that the chances of finding the people who had injured Vin were slim and none, but there didn't seem to be much they could do other than to move forward.

Chris and Buck had had a few words, both men in full blown protective mode; Buck for JD and Chris for Vin. But at least it hadn't come to blows, and they had managed to make their peace. Tanner and Dunne had been much quicker to pick their relationship back up. JD had been only too eager to help out when his friend had been released from the hospital the week before. Even now Vin was plagued by horrendous migraines when he did too much. His vision was so blurry that he found himself relying more on his other senses a lot of the time, but Dunne had happily stepped in to be his unofficial chauffer, taking Vin to his doctor's appointments, and bringing him in to town for other errands. Tanner was on the mend, though, and would be returned to light duty in another two or three weeks. It was time to celebrate.

"You're crazy, Buck, that was out!" JD's voice rang out from the broad back yard. The rest of the team watched as he threw the football, spiking it several yards away.

"It was in, boy! You need glasses?"

"No, but you do!"

Chris, his voice filled with laughter, joined in on the argument. "He has them, Kid, he just won't wear them because he's afraid they'll spoil his looks."

"Well, hell, how can they spoil his looks, considering the face he was born with?" Dunne quipped, then yelped and took off running as Wilmington charged him.

Deciding that this ended the game, Larabee sprinted from the impromptu playing field and up onto the porch. Coming to where his lover was stretched out, he dropped onto the foot of the lounge.

"Hey, get off my feet!" Tanner yelped. Then he wrinkled his nose and added, "Damn, you stink, Cowboy."

Taking off his perspiration soaked tee shirt and tossing it into the other man's lap, Chris said, "I do? Really?"

Rolling his eyes at the other man's lecherous grin, Vin picked up the musky smelling shirt with two fingers and dropped it onto the deck floor. "Ya do. Really. And don't be givin' me that look, Larabee. Ya know what the doc said."

Heaving a sigh, the blond grumbled dramatically, "Not sure I can wait much longer." The other man's steady recovery was encouraging, but he was hungry to resume the physical side of their relationship. He was worried, as well, though. Vin had seemed so fragile since the accident; even now he tired easily and, between the migraines and bouts of nausea and dizziness, he could barely eat or even stand without help sometimes. Two nights ago he had held his lover for hours when an especially painful migraine had left him bathed in a cold sweat, barely able to see, and unable to even turn on the bed without the pain exploding through his head.

Brushing away the negative thoughts, Larabee asked, "You feeling okay?"

"Yeah, so far, so good," which was Vin-speak for only a headache so far, no migraine.

"Feel like eating?"

"You kiddin'? I've been smellin' those ribs cooking for hours now, it's all I can do not to go grab 'em off the fire and eat 'em as is."

Both men stopped and turned their attention toward the yard when an ear-splitting screech cut through the air. Buck had almost tackled JD, but ended up sprawled face down in the grass. Triumphantly, though, he held up the back pocket of Dunne's jeans. Nearby, the other man was twisting and turning, trying to see the damage to his pants.

The others, however, saw only too clearly the red hearts on the white background of his boxers.

"Well," Larabee said as he reached out a hand to help his partner to his feet, "at least he wasn't going commando."

"Oh, gee, thanks, Cowboy," Tanner lamented. "Now I've lost my appetite."

The End

August 29, 2008

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