THIRTEEN
Buck walked into the hospital and headed for the elevator. He was glad it was Friday and that they wouldn't have to draw straws to see who came to the hospital. He was surprised he had been so lucky. Granted, Ezra hadn't gotten in when they drew the straws and he had won. The elevator opened, and he headed for ICU."Good morning, Buck," Sonya greeted him as he walked by.
"Hey Sonya," Buck said and stopped by the desk. "How's he doing?"
"Much better. The antibiotics have kicked in and his fever is down to 101."
"That's great."
"They're both still asleep. They unhooked Vin from the ventilator earlier this morning."
"Don't worry, darlin'. I'll be quiet."
Buck walked over to Vin's room and entered. Chris was asleep on the cot, and Buck moved over to the opposite side of Vin. Buck placed his palm on the sharpshooter's forehead. Vin stirred but didn't wake. Buck could feel he was much cooler. He brushed the hair from Vin's eyes and leaned down next to his ear.
"It's about time, Junior."
Buck settled in the chair next to the bed. He pulled out the paper he had brought and started to read. The sounds from the monitors soon had Buck snoring softly. He wasn't sure how long he had been asleep when he heard someone calling his name. He opened his eyes to be greeted by a smiling Vin.
"Hey, Buck," he said in a raspy voice.
"Shhhh, don't talk," Buck said as he took a seat on the bed.
"I'm..." Vin started.
"Fine," Buck finished. "Yeah you look fine."
"How's Chris?" he asked, ignoring Buck's look of concern.
"He's over there, sleeping."
Vin turned his head to look over by the wall. Buck could see that small amount of movement hurt the younger man. When that he saw Chris was still there, he relaxed. He turned back to Buck and tried to get comfortable. He hissed when he moved his shoulder.
"Do you need some of this?" Buck asked with his finger on the morphine pump.
"Yeah," Vin answered since it was hard for him to reach.
Buck hit the button once and watched as Vin relaxed. He asked what was going on in the office, and Buck gave him all the gossip. One of Buck's stories made Vin laugh, but he quickly regretted it, squeezing Buck's hand in pain.
"Easy there, Pard," Buck said soothingly. "I think I better just tell you sad stories."
"You could try saying nothing," Chris said with a smirk. Vin's hiss in pain had awakened him up.
"That would be the day," Vin gasped as the pain subsided.
"How are you doing Vin?" Chris asked.
"Fine," he said with a smile, and Buck laughed. "Has anyone checked my apartment lately?"
"Ezra went over there yesterday," Buck said.
"Ezra!" Chris said in surprise. "How'd you convince him?"
"We didn't. He said he'd be glad to go. He let everyone know what had happened, and Hector said he'd keep an eye on things."
"Damn," Vin sighed. "I've been gone too long. One of the other gangs will try something."
"Don't worry. We'll handle it," Buck said.
"Well, it's good to see you up and responsive, Mr. Tanner," Sonya said as she came into the room. "I'm afraid I have to drain that tube."
"I was wondering how long you were going to wait," Vin sighed.
"Chris, why don't you and Buck go get some lunch?" she suggested.
"No. I'll stay," Chris said.
"I'll stick around too," Buck offered.
"Is that alright with you Vin?"
"I reckon," he sighed. "I didn't really think they'd go."
"Neither did I," she laughed. "Thanks, Carla. I won't need your help since they're staying."
"Alright," she smiled and went out.
Sonya rearranged all the tubes and wires for the monitors so they were on the right side of the bed. She had Buck hit the morphine a couple of times before they sat Vin up. She waited a few minutes until the pain killer took effect, then sat Vin up on the side of the bed. He was used to the routine, and in no time they had him sitting up in the chair. He leaned against Chris with his eyes closed until the pain subsided. Sonya spread a blanket over him and hooked the bottle up to suction. Buck sat on the bed, out of the way. She waited until Vin caught his breath, then began her chest therapy. Chris stood behind Vin as he leaned back while she clapped her hands up and down his chest. Vin gasped and squeezed Chris's hand. When she was done, Chris walked in front of Vin so he could lean on him as she did his back. When she was finished, Vin was tired and just wanted to rest. They got him back in the bed, and he quickly fell asleep. Sonya ushered Chris and Buck out to get some lunch. Buck said he could take a hint and pulled Chris to the cafeteria with him. _____________
They came back an hour later to find Dr. Allen checking Vin. He was still asleep and oblivious to what she was doing. She was checking all the tubes to make sure they were alright. She was checking the catheter when she saw them.
"Hello you two," she said as she finished with Vin. "He's doing just fine. Now all we have to do is wait for his lung to reinflate, and we're in business."
"When can he get out of ICU?" Chris asked.
"I'll keep him here for the rest of today," she said. "The Phenobarb seems to be controlling the seizures, so maybe tomorrow afternoon."
"I thought the seizures were from that antibiotic?" Buck asked confused.
"I want to rule everything out before we move him," she answered.
"You think it could be something else?" Chris asked.
"It's a possibility, but I doubt it," she assured him. "He has no medical history of seizures, so there isn't anything to worry about."
"How long will he have to stay on the medication?" Chris asked.
"At least four weeks," she answered. "If he has no symptoms in that time, he'll have to be weaned off it slowly over another two weeks."
"You mentioned some side effects," Chris said.
"Let's see, his vision will be blurred. He'll be irritable and sleepy, just to name a few. He won't be able to drive, let alone carry a gun."
"Shit," Buck cursed. "Vin's not going to like that."
"Vin's not going to like what?" asked AD Travis as he walked in the room. Buck and Chris were both surprised to find him here.
"May I ask who you are?" Dr. Allen said.
"I'm their boss," he answered with a smile.
"Oh, I see," she said. "Mr. Tanner won't be able to carry a gun for awhile because of the medication he's on."
"I see," Travis said raising his eyebrows. "Mr. Larabee, can I speak with you."
"Yes, sir," Chris said as he followed him out.
"What's going on Chris?" Travis asked in concern.
"Vin had an allergic reaction to the antibiotics," Chris answered. "He went into convulsions, and they had to put him on Phenobarbital. Dr. Allen just informed me that Vin will have to stay on the medication for four weeks, then two more for recovery."
"I see," he said with a frown. "How much sick leave does Vin have?"
"You know Vin's track record."
"In other words, not much," Travis smiled.
"I think he has a week," Chris said.
"Alright. I'll get the paperwork going for leave donation," Travis assured Chris. "He'll easily get six weeks from everyone in the office."
"Thank you, sir," Chris said.
"How did this happen?"
"His immune system was weakened from the leg wound. I guess he just pushed himself too hard."
Chris could hit himself as he was telling AD Travis what happened. Vin hadn't pushed himself too hard, Chris had. This was his fault. He had pushed Vin into this relationship and had worn the younger man out. He listened as Travis told him not to worry about anything, that he'd take care of everything. He shook Travis's hand, and he left. Chris went back into Vin's room.
"Everything OK, Chris?" Buck asked worried.
"Travis is going to put in the paperwork for leave donation for Vin."
"That's great. He'll easily get the leave," Buck said. "What's wrong?"
"Vin ain't going to like it," Chris commented.
"He won't have a choice. I think he'd rather be on sick leave then have to stay behind sitting a desk while we go off on a bust."
"You're probably right."
"Ain't I always?" Buck laughed. "Well, I'd better head out. Meeting the Kid over at the gym after work. Then we're all going to come back here and bring dinner."
"Sounds good," Chris said. "We'll see you later."
Good to their word, the guys all showed up for dinner. Chris knew Vin was feeling much better when he started trading barbs with Ezra. The wily undercover agent enjoyed the banter and asked if anyone wanted to play a game of poker. They had played a few hands, when they noticed Vin was starting to doze off.
"Well, I have to be going," JD said. "Told Casey I'd pick her up early tomorrow. I'll tell Nettie you're feeling better."
"Thanks, JD," Vin yawned.
"I guess we'd all better leave and let you get some rest," Nathan said.
"Chris, why don't you go with Buck and JD?" Vin said. "You haven't been out of here in four days."
"That is an excellent suggestion," Ezra agreed. "I will remain and keep Vin entertained."
"You're sure?" Chris asked.
"You need to get out of here for awhile, Chris," Vin smiled.
"Alright," Chris agreed. "But I get JD's bed."
"Hey, wait a minute!" JD protested, and they laughed.
Buck grabbed the kid in a head lock as they walked out. Josiah and Nathan reminded them that this was a hospital and that they had to keep their voices down. Chris walked out last and turned back to Vin. The younger man smiled and said he'd see him in the morning. Ezra assured Chris that they would be fine. He reluctantly left Vin with Ezra.
"I think I hurt his feelings," Vin said.
"I believe Mr. Larabee will survive," Ezra observed smiling.
"Ain't never had someone care for me so much," Vin said. "Not sure what to make of it."
"I believe you will make the best of it, Mr. Tanner," Ezra answered.
He knew Vin was trying to feel him out about what was going on. Ezra had promised Chris he wouldn't tell Vin he knew, but he would be there if he ever needed to confide in someone.
"You don't have to stay," Vin stated as he eyes began to drift shut.
"I know I don't have to," Ezra said. "I want to."
"Thanks, Ez," Vin said as he lost the battle and fell asleep.
"It's my pleasure," Ezra said.
He pulled up a chair next to the bed and got comfortable. Ezra watched Vin as he shifted in his sleep to try to get comfortable. You're a lucky man, Chris Larabee, Ezra thought as he leaned back in his chair.
____________________
Over the next couple of days, Vin's health improved considerably. His fever had fallen to 99 degrees and had stubbornly remained there. He had been moved out of ICU and down to a private room. The nurses had been holding on to the bag that Buck had left behind when Vin was rushed to ICU. When Vin was placed on the floor, Nancy had brought in the bag and given it to Vin. The room now had various toys on the table next to the bed.
Chris walked into the hospital and headed for Vin's room. He carried a bag from the bakery down the street. The nurses all greeted him as he went by. He opened the door and found Nancy giving him a bath. She said hello and continued with what she was doing. Chris smiled as he watched Vin try to ignore her. All the tubes had finally been removed, and Vin was resting easier.
"How's he doing?" he asked.
"He's doing fine," she said. "Except his fever is being stubborn and won't go below 99 degrees."
"It's not your fault," Chris smiled. "Vin just likes to be stubborn."
"Like I have a choice in this," Vin protested.
"Well, I have other rounds to make," she said. "I'll see you later."
Chris walked over to the bed and took a seat next to Vin. When he that saw Nancy was gone and the door was closed, he leaned over and kissed Vin on the cheek.
"I bet you wouldn't have minded if I had given you that bath," Chris teased.
"I reckon I wouldn't have complained," he smiled.
"I brought you a couple of those glazed donuts you like," he said as he went to get up.
"Don't need 'em right now," Vin said as he reached under Chris's shirt and ran his hand along his chest.
"Are you having fun?" Chris asked, trying not to react to Vin's exploring hand.
"I know you are," Vin chuckled as he ran his hand down Chris's thigh and he jumped.
"Damn it, Vin, you're enough to drive me crazy."
Chris had missed the touch of the Vin's long fingers caressing his skin. From the way Vin was acting, he must have missed it also. Chris leaned down and kissed him behind the ear and slowly kissed along his neck. When he got to the spot where his neck met his shoulder, Chris gave it a nip, and Vin gasped in pleasure. Then he started coughing. Chris instantly sat up. God, how can I be so stupid? he thought. He's barely healed, and I can't keep my hands off him.
"It's not your fault, Chris," Vin said knowing what Chris was thinking. "Besides, I started it."
"Yeah, but I should have know better," he said.
"You didn't like it?" Vin asked with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Damn, Tanner, you're going to drive me crazy!" Chris snarled as he kissed him.
Chris and Vin could hear Buck and JD coming down the hall. Chris got off the bed and took a seat in one of the chairs. Buck burst in the door followed by JD.
"Hey, Junior, how do you feel?" he asked.
"With my hands," Vin and JD answered together. Chris just rolled his eyes.
"Hey, we brought you some of those glazed donuts you like," JD said holding up the bag.
Vin starting laughing, but stopped because it hurt his broken ribs. He started coughing again, and Chris piled the pillows behind him so he could sit up straighter.
"Sorry, Vin," JD said. "What's so funny?"
"Not your fault, JD," he smiled. "Chris brought me some, too. You wouldn't happen to have a coffee in there would you?"
"No!" the three of them yelled.
"Alright. I was just asking," Vin grumbled.
They all took seats around the bed, and Buck passed out the donuts. He reached in the bag and pulled out two coffees.
"Hey, I thought you said there wasn't any coffee." Vin accused.
"Didn't say there wasn't any for us," Buck smiled. "Just none for you."
"Just remember, Wilmington, paybacks are hell," Vin warned.
Chris and JD laughed at Buck's expression. Buck just laughed and said he could take it. They spent the rest of the morning listening to Buck tell them about his date from hell this weekend. They stayed until JD noticed Vin was falling asleep. Buck and JD went out first and said they'd wait for Chris. Once they were gone, Chris took some of the pillows from behind Vin so he could get comfortable. He leaned down and gave him a kiss and said he'd see him later. Chris turned back when he got to the door and could see Vin had his eyes closed. He turned out the light and went to find Buck and JD.
+ + + + + + +
Dr. Allen made her rounds, leaving Vin for last. She walked into his room to find him using the Gameboy. They had put his dislocated shoulder in a normal sling with straps holding his arm to his chest. It left his hand free so that he was holding the game with that hand and working the controls with his right hand.
"So, are you any good?" she asked as she walked to the bed.
"Not as good as JD," he confessed. "Except I'm not usually this bad."
"Well, let's check you out," she said
She listened to his breathing with the stethoscope. He was still a little congested, but that was to be expected. She checked his temperature and sighed when it was still 99 degrees. She checked his reflexes, and they were a little slow. She wasn't too surprised because of the Phenobarb. The cut on his leg was healing nicely, but she could tell it was starting to itch. She picked up his chart and made a note for the nurses to put some moisturizer on it. She checked his last round of blood work, and everything was fine. The Phenobarbital was at the level she wanted it.
"So, how are you feeling?"
"All I want to do is sleep," he said. "Also, my vision is blurry."
"That's to be expected from the medication," she assured him.
"Which medication?" he asked confused.
"Chris hasn't told you, has he?" she guessed.
"Told me what?"
"Well, you know you went into seizures because of the antibiotic," she started to explain. When Vin nodded, she continued. "I placed you on an anti-seizure medication called Phenobarbital. It has a few side effects."
"Let me guess, blurred vision is one of them."
"Yes. It also acts as a mild sedative. You'll be unsteady on your feet, and you won't be able to drive or carry a gun."
"What?" Vin yelled. "How long do I have to stay on this stuff?"
"At least four weeks," she answered. "We have to be sure the seizures were from the antibiotics and not something else. After four weeks, the dosage will be lowered to wean you off the pills."
"When will I be able to carry my gun again?" he demanded.
"After you stop taking the pills and are off the Phenobarb I guess another two weeks," she explained. "If you don't have any seizures off the medication, you will get your gun back."
"Almost two months!" he said angrily. "I won't take it."
"I'm sorry, Vin, you don't have a choice." She said in a calming voice. "And don't give me that look. I will know if you aren't taking the medication and so will Chris. It's dangerous to stop taking it abruptly. Do you understand me?"
"Yes," he sulked. "What the hell am I supposed to do? I can't do my job without a gun."
"Chris said arrangements were being made. I don't know all the details."
"How long has he known?"
"For a few days now," she answered.
"I'm tired," he said defeated. "I want to be left alone."
She knew he was lying and went to leave the room. She turned back when she got to the door and she saw him wipe his eyes. This hadn't gone the way she'd wanted it. She continued out the door and to her office.
Vin closed his eyes to try to stop the tears. He was going to loose his job, he just knew it. He knew they wouldn't hold it for two months and sighed, thinking he could always go back to being a bounty hunter. Why hadn't Chris told him? That's what hurt the most. He drifted off to sleep feeling betrayed.